Voici la Une du News on Sunday de ce vendredi 25 janvier 2019

Metro Express

Firmly on Track?

The year 2019 is undoubtedly the year of the Metro. If planned works go according to schedule, Mauritians will have the opportunity to enjoy travelling in the local metro in less than eight months. About 55% of the works of the first phase, which concerns the Rose Hill to Port Louis corridor, have already been completed. The authorities remain highly optimistic that the maiden journey will definitely take place in September this year.

Minimum wage

Impact on productivity

Did the advent of the minimum wage one year ago have a positive impact on overall productivity? It was in January 2018 that the minimum wage took effect. About 165,000 workers thus saw their basic salary rose to Rs 9,000. The next salary adjustment will take place in 2020 and subsequently every five years.

HSC intake

The SC Credit Controversy

- Only 50% of candidates obtain credits in core subjects

- Only 60% of candidates obtain credits in Science 

- Worst performance in Commerce: Only 15% students obtain credits

The recent announcement for SC students to get four credits to have access to A level (H.S.C) classes has created a stir. While some parents are wholeheartedly welcoming the idea of 5 credits, other parents whose children are below average would like the three-credit system to be maintained.  Three credits, four credits or five credits play a major role in our system. Statistics from Mauritius Examination Syndicate (MES) shows that the number of students getting credits in different subjects is a matter of high concern. 

Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas 2019

Pravind Jugnauth: “If India is unique, Indianness is universal” 

The 15th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas was organized in Varanasi in the State of Uttar Pradesh of India. Around 5,000 delegates from around the world participated in the inaugural function, where the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, was the Chief Guest along with the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi. 

Dr Devina Lobine: A Scientist Delving into World of Plants to Cure Alzheimer

In her short career span, young and dynamic scientist Dr Devina Lobine, also known as Meenakshi Lobine, has authored 19 publications as well as attended several international conferences. Country Ambassador of Southern Africa Network for Biosciences, this inspiring lady is in the saddle to revolutionise the scientific field among the younger generation. Another achievement to be unlocked is her investigation about Alzheimer disease. 

Young Professionals

Politics: Mauritian Youth Less Interested in Voting

The number of youth getting involved in politics shows a decline; this was confirmed by the electoral commissioner Irfan Rahman recently. While political experts as well as some leaders are talking about rejuvenation in the political system, the reality looks totally different. Why is this the case? The young blood provides answers to this pertinent question.