Our editors will be looking ahead today to these developing stories... Public comment closes on tax changes The public consultation on controversial proposed amendments to the mainland's personal income tax law ends today. Among other measures, the draft proposes increasing the taxable salary threshold from 2,000 yuan (HK$2,393) to 3,000 a month. Some critics argue that the proposed threshold is still too low, and some suggest the income tax system is obsolete and requires a complete overhaul. A central bank adviser even publicly described the existing personal income tax system as 'idiotic'. Tablets on tap in Taipei Computex opens in Taipei today, with analysts predicting that the world's second-biggest computer show will be dominated by tablet computers seeking to break into the market created by Apple and its revolutionary iPad. Organisers say the five-day fair will feature 50 tablet models, with big names, including Lenovo Group and Toshiba Corp, presenting their latest products for display. Exco to consider airport blueprint The Executive Council is expected to discuss and approve today a blueprint for the development of Chek Lap Kok airport up to 2030 - including a proposal for a controversial third runway. The expansion is said to be crucial for maintaining Hong Kong's edge in global aviation. Officials have been warned that air traffic may be unable to grow beyond 2020, or even earlier, when the capacity of the existing two runways reaches saturation. Berlusconi trial reconvenes The trial of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is set to resume in Milan after a long pause. The embattled leader is accused of having sex with then 17-year-old Karima el-Mahroug, popularly known as 'Ruby the heart stealer' (right). The 74-year-old also faces charges of abuse of power for allegedly getting Moroccan-born Mahroug out of police custody so she could not reveal their liaison. Archives body to address public The State Archives Administration will host a press conference today. The agency's Central Archive keeps the records of the 90-year-old Communist Party of China as well as those of the May Fourth Movement of 1919. The party is celebrating its 90th anniversary in July. Security Council meets on Libya The UN Security Council is scheduled to discuss the civil war in Libya. Muammar Gaddafi faces stepped-up bombardments and the threat of strikes by attack helicopters, but seems determined to maintain his grip on power - in part by rallying a diminished roster of allies to counter his regime's isolation. Greece's money woes under review European Union and International Monetary Fund officials are reviewing Greece's faltering drive to bring its budget deficit under control, with a view to reaching an urgent solution.
