India’s direct tax collections have shown a robust growth trajectory in the first half of the fiscal year, according to a government statement released on Thursday. From April 1 to September 17, net direct tax revenues surged by over 9% year-on-year, reaching 10.8 trillion rupees. On a gross basis, which includes both corporate and personal taxes, collections climbed by more than 3% to 12.4 trillion rupees during the same period. The income tax department highlighted that this growth reflects the country’s economic resilience and improved tax compliance. Additionally, the government issued tax refunds amounting to 1.6 trillion rupees, marking a 24% decline compared to the previous year. This reduction in refunds suggests a more efficient tax administration and tighter fiscal management. The data underscores India’s ongoing economic recovery and its ability to sustain revenue growth despite global uncertainties.
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Trump asks US Supreme Court to allow firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook
In an unprecedented move, former President Donald Trump’s administration has sought the U.S. Supreme Court’s approval to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, a decision that threatens the long-standing independence of the central bank. The legal battle, initiated on September 18, marks the first time a sitting president has attempted to remove a Fed official since its establishment in 1913. The Justice Department filed a request to overturn a September 9 ruling by U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb, which temporarily blocked Trump from firing Cook. Cobb determined that Trump’s allegations of mortgage fraud against Cook, which she denies, were insufficient grounds for removal under the Federal Reserve Act. Cook, appointed by President Joe Biden, participated in the Fed’s recent decision to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point, a move aimed at addressing job market concerns. The legal dispute raises significant questions about the Fed’s autonomy in setting monetary policy, a cornerstone of its operational independence. Trump’s administration has argued that the president has ‘unreviewable discretion’ to remove Fed governors ‘for cause,’ though the law does not define what constitutes such cause. Cook, the first Black woman to serve as a Fed governor, has countered that Trump’s actions are politically motivated, stemming from her monetary policy stance. The case has broader implications for the global economy, as concerns over the Fed’s independence could undermine confidence in its ability to manage inflation and stabilize financial markets. The Supreme Court, with a 6-3 conservative majority, has previously sided with Trump in similar cases, but its stance on the Fed’s unique structure remains uncertain. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for presidential authority over independent federal agencies.
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New US global health plan prioritizes drugs, recipients’ self-reliance
The Trump administration has unveiled a new global health strategy, titled ‘America First Global Health Strategy,’ which marks a significant shift in how the United States approaches international health aid. Released on Thursday, the strategy emphasizes direct collaboration with recipient countries, prioritizing frontline health supplies, staff, and country-to-country agreements over traditional contractor-based models. This move comes after months of uncertainty following sweeping cuts to foreign aid earlier this year.
The plan requires recipient nations to co-invest in global health goals, particularly in combating diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and polio. It also outlines a transition from aid dependency to self-reliance over the next few years. Notably, the strategy does not address several areas previously prioritized, including maternal and child health, cholera, and vaccine-preventable diseases like measles.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the need to retain effective aspects of U.S. health foreign assistance while addressing inefficiencies. The strategy, however, lacks specific budget details, leaving questions about its financial feasibility. This announcement follows the dismantling of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which was integrated into the State Department as part of President Trump’s broader plan to reduce foreign aid.
The strategy also proposes changes to the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program previously lauded for its success. The new approach aims to allocate more funding directly to purchasing drugs and supporting health workers, reducing programmatic overheads that previously consumed up to 60% of funds. Additionally, the U.S. plans to promote its health innovations and products globally.
Critics, however, argue that an effective response to infectious diseases requires more than just products. Asia Russell, director of Health GAP, an HIV advocacy group, emphasized the importance of outreach to ensure patients access healthcare systems. She expressed concern that the U.S. is retreating from its leadership role in global health, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The strategy also commits to a 72-hour U.S. response to disease outbreaks threatening Americans but notably omits any mention of climate change, which experts link to the increasing frequency of global outbreaks. Senior administration officials indicated that the U.S. will use next week’s U.N. General Assembly meetings in New York to engage in bilateral discussions with countries, aiming to finalize transition plans by March 2025.
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India’s federal investigator charges Anil Ambani, former Yes Bank CEO in alleged loan fraud
India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally filed chargesheets in a high-profile case involving alleged fraudulent transactions between Yes Bank, companies owned by billionaire Anil Ambani, and entities linked to the bank’s former CEO, Rana Kapoor. The investigation reveals that in 2017, Yes Bank invested over 50 billion rupees ($567.21 million) in two Ambani-controlled firms, despite warnings from rating agencies about financial risks. The funds were reportedly siphoned off, leading to a systematic diversion of public money. CBI alleges that Kapoor misused his position to channel bank funds into financially troubled Ambani group companies, which in turn provided concessional loans to businesses associated with Kapoor’s family. This arrangement allegedly caused a loss of 27.97 billion rupees ($317.29 million) to Yes Bank while benefiting Ambani’s firms and Kapoor’s family-linked companies. Neither Anil Ambani’s spokesperson nor Rana Kapoor has responded to requests for comment. The case highlights significant governance lapses and financial misconduct in India’s banking sector.
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Trump administration may not end Venezuelan migrants’ protections, court rules
In a significant legal development, a federal appeals court has upheld protections for Venezuelan immigrants residing in the United States, despite efforts by the Trump administration to revoke their Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, based in San Francisco, declined to halt a lower court’s ruling that deemed the administration’s attempt to end TPS for 600,000 Venezuelans unlawful. The three-judge panel emphasized that terminating TPS would expose these individuals to wrongful deportation, family separation, and job loss, outcomes Congress never intended. The Department of Justice has indicated plans to appeal the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, which previously sided with the administration in a related case. The TPS program, established in 1991, offers temporary work authorization and deportation relief to migrants from countries facing crises such as natural disasters or armed conflict. The Biden administration had extended TPS to Venezuelans and Haitians, but Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem reversed these extensions in February 2025, claiming they were no longer justified. The recent ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by affected migrants and the National TPS Alliance, challenging Noem’s actions. While the decision primarily impacts Venezuelans, it also indirectly supports Haitian immigrants, whose TPS status was similarly revoked. The legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between immigration policies and humanitarian protections in the U.S.
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UN sanctions on Iran to be reimposed, France’s Macron says
French President Emmanuel Macron has confirmed that United Nations sanctions on Iran will be reinstated by the end of September, citing Tehran’s lack of seriousness in negotiations with European powers. Macron made the announcement during an interview with Israel’s Channel 12, where he addressed the so-called snapback mechanism designed to reimpose sanctions if Iran violates the 2015 nuclear deal. ‘Yes. I think so because the latest news from the Iranians is not serious,’ Macron stated. The decision comes ahead of a critical meeting at the U.N. General Assembly, where France and Saudi Arabia will co-host discussions on a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. Macron’s remarks underscore growing frustration among European leaders over Iran’s reluctance to engage constructively in diplomatic efforts to salvage the nuclear agreement. The reimposition of sanctions is expected to escalate tensions in the Middle East, further complicating regional stability.
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EU looks to accelerate ban on Russian LNG in 19th package of sanctions, EU official says
The European Commission is actively deliberating a proposal to expedite a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) as part of its 19th sanctions package against Moscow, according to an EU official. This move comes in response to heightened pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged European nations to take more aggressive measures to undermine Russia’s energy revenues and weaken its war economy. During a recent call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump emphasized the need for Europe to halt all Russian oil purchases and impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian fossil fuels, such as China and India. The EU is already in the process of negotiating proposals to phase out Russian oil and gas imports entirely by January 1, 2028, with an immediate ban on short-term contracts set to take effect next year. The new sanctions package is expected to be presented to EU member states on Friday, marking a significant step in the bloc’s ongoing efforts to curtail Russia’s financial resources amid the Ukraine conflict.
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UK’s Starmer says free speech must be protected, but there is a limit
At a press conference held at Chequers on September 18, 2025, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the nation’s unwavering commitment to free speech while addressing the need to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly children, from harmful online content. The event marked the conclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom. Starmer stated, ‘Free speech is one of the founding values of the United Kingdom, and we protect it jealously and fiercely and always will.’ However, he drew a clear line when it comes to content that promotes paedophilia or encourages self-harm, particularly on social media platforms. ‘I’m all for free speech, but I’m also for protecting children from things that will harm them,’ he added. The UK’s Online Safety Law mandates social media companies to remove illegal content, with encouraging self-harm now classified as a criminal offense. While the previous government’s attempt to ban ‘harmful but legal’ content was abandoned due to concerns over free speech restrictions, recent police actions, such as the arrest of Irish comedian Graham Linehan for comments on transgender issues, have sparked debates on the application of existing laws in the digital space. The police defended their actions but acknowledged the challenges in balancing free speech and criminal content moderation.
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Nigeria leads continent-wide push for unified oil regulations
In a landmark move to revitalize Africa’s energy sector, petroleum regulators from across the continent, spearheaded by Nigeria, have established the African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF). The initiative, unveiled during Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana, aims to create a unified regulatory framework to attract much-needed investment and foster sustainable growth in the region’s oil and gas industry. Sixteen nations participated in the signing ceremony, with eight countries—Nigeria, Ghana, Somalia, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, and Togo—formally endorsing the charter. Seven others have pledged support pending domestic consultations. AFRIPERF’s mission is to standardize regulations, enhance transparency, and address cross-border challenges such as gas trade, emissions, and digitalization. Gbenga Komolafe, head of Nigeria’s upstream regulator and interim chairman of AFRIPERF, emphasized the forum’s role in ensuring Africa’s hydrocarbon resources are managed with “innovation, responsibility, and foresight.” The forum will be governed by an executive committee of regulatory heads, supported by a technical committee of experts and a rotating secretariat. Elections for the chairperson and headquarters location are expected in the coming months. This initiative underscores Africa’s commitment to aligning its energy governance with global standards while asserting a stronger voice in international energy policy.
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Taliban ban books written by women from Afghan universities
In a significant move, the Taliban government has mandated the removal of books authored by women from university curricula across Afghanistan. This decision is part of a broader ban that also prohibits the teaching of human rights and sexual harassment. A total of 680 books, including 140 written by women, have been flagged as ‘problematic’ due to their perceived opposition to Sharia law and Taliban policies. Additionally, universities have been instructed to cease teaching 18 specific subjects, which the Taliban claims conflict with Islamic principles and their governance policies. Among the banned subjects are Gender and Development, The Role of Women in Communication, and Women’s Sociology. This decree is the latest in a series of restrictive measures implemented by the Taliban since their return to power four years ago. Women and girls have been disproportionately affected, with access to education beyond the sixth grade already barred. The recent closure of midwifery courses in late 2024 further limited their educational opportunities. The Taliban asserts that their policies align with Afghan culture and Islamic law, but critics argue these measures are deeply misogynistic. Zakia Adeli, a former deputy minister of justice and one of the authors whose books were banned, expressed little surprise, stating that the Taliban’s actions over the past four years made such decisions predictable. The new guidelines, issued in late August, were reportedly formulated by a panel of religious scholars and experts. The ban also targets books by Iranian authors and publishers, with officials citing concerns over the ‘infiltration of Iranian content’ into Afghan education. A professor at Kabul University revealed that faculty members are now forced to create their own textbook chapters, raising questions about the quality and global standards of these materials. The BBC has reached out to the Taliban’s Ministry of Education for further comment.