Australia has announced its 2035 emissions reduction target, aiming to cut emissions by 62%-70% from 2005 levels. However, this figure has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups, who argue it lacks ambition and prioritizes industry over vulnerable communities. The target falls below the 65%-75% range initially suggested by the Climate Change Authority, an independent advisory body. Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen defended the decision, stating that the target must be both ambitious and achievable, with a reduction beyond 70% deemed unrealistic. Greenpeace Australia Pacific’s Shiva Gounden condemned the plan, accusing the government of favoring coal and gas profits over the safety of Pacific and Australian communities. WWF-Australia CEO Dermot O’Gorman echoed these concerns, labeling the target as ‘dangerously short of what the science demands.’ Despite the backlash, the Labor government has committed billions of dollars to clean energy initiatives, including A$5 billion for industrial decarbonization and A$2 billion for the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. The government also aims to host the 2026 COP31 summit in partnership with Pacific nations. However, tensions remain over Australia’s decision to extend the life of a major natural gas project and its reluctance to phase out aging coal power plants, which critics argue hinders renewable energy adoption. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized Australia’s commitment to climate action, stating it is crucial for the nation’s neighbors, economy, and future generations.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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India’s net direct tax collections rise over 9% y/y in April-Sep
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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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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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.
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India’s Chopra says back injury derailed javelin world title defence
In a disappointing turn of events, Neeraj Chopra, India’s celebrated javelin thrower, finished eighth in the men’s javelin event at the World Athletics Championships held in Tokyo on September 18, 2025. Competing at the National Stadium, the same venue where he secured India’s first Olympic athletics gold in 2021, Chopra managed a best throw of 84.03 meters, falling short of his qualifying mark from the previous day. This performance marked a stark contrast to his usual dominance in the sport.
Chopra revealed that he had been secretly battling a back injury for weeks, which significantly impacted his performance. ‘I don’t understand what happened today. This has not happened for a long time. I had some problems before coming to Tokyo,’ he admitted. The injury, sustained on September 4, forced him to undergo an MRI scan, and he acknowledged that he was not at full fitness. ‘Two weeks ago I had some back issues but I didn’t want to tell anyone. I was thinking I would still manage to get through it. But javelin is really tough. If you are not in good shape, you’re out,’ he added.
Despite the setback, Chopra remained optimistic about his future in the sport. ‘Normally it doesn’t happen with me because for a long time, I was always in the top two positions. After a long time, I’m not in the position, but it’s okay. I will learn from today and try to stay healthy and focus on my technique,’ he said. He also emphasized the need for more training and technical improvements to regain his form.
Meanwhile, Trinidad and Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott clinched his first global title since his teenage Olympic triumph in 2012, with a throw of 88.16 meters. Grenada’s Anderson Peters and American Curtis Thompson completed the podium, securing second and third places, respectively.
Chopra’s performance serves as a reminder of the physical and mental challenges athletes face, even at the highest levels of competition. His resilience and determination to bounce back from this setback will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
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US Supreme Court to hear Trump’s tariffs case on November 5
The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled oral arguments for November 5, 2025, to examine the legality of former President Donald Trump’s expansive global tariffs. This case represents a pivotal moment in assessing the extent of executive power, a cornerstone of Trump’s economic and trade policies. The decision to hear the case follows a ruling by a lower court that Trump exceeded his authority in implementing most of these tariffs under a federal law designed for emergency situations. The Supreme Court, which commences its next term on October 6, will also concurrently address a separate challenge to Trump’s tariffs brought by Learning Resources, a family-owned toy company. This dual examination underscores the significant legal and economic implications of Trump’s tariff policies, which have been a subject of intense debate and litigation.
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Trump says US may extend deadline on TikTok sale
In a significant development regarding the future of TikTok, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States is nearing an agreement with China to transfer ownership of the popular social media platform to U.S. companies. Speaking at a joint press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, Trump hinted at a possible extension of the deadline for the divestiture of Chinese ownership, emphasizing that the terms of the deal remain favorable. ‘We’re pretty close to a deal. We may do an extension with China, but it’s an extension based on the same terms that we have right now, which are pretty good terms,’ Trump stated. The President also revealed plans to discuss the matter further with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday. This announcement follows Trump’s executive order issued on Tuesday, which delayed the enforcement of a 2024 law mandating the divestiture of Chinese ownership of TikTok until December 16. The ongoing negotiations underscore the complex geopolitical and economic dynamics surrounding TikTok, which has been at the center of debates over data privacy and national security. The potential deal could reshape the global social media landscape and set a precedent for future cross-border tech acquisitions.
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India’s SEBI dismisses Hindenburg allegations against Adani group
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has officially dismissed allegations of stock manipulation against billionaire Gautam Adani and his conglomerate, the Adani Group. The claims were initially made by U.S.-based short-seller Hindenburg Research in January 2023, accusing the group of using tax havens and failing to disclose related-party transactions. These allegations triggered a massive $150 billion sell-off of Adani Group stocks, though the shares have since rebounded. SEBI conducted an extensive investigation into the group, including Adani Ports, Adani Power, and Adani Enterprises, examining 24 separate sets of violations such as insider trading and stock price manipulation. The regulator concluded that the transactions flagged by Hindenburg did not qualify as related-party transactions under SEBI rules and thus did not violate disclosure norms or constitute market manipulation. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, welcomed the decision, stating on X that it reaffirms the group’s commitment to transparency and integrity. Hindenburg Research founder Nathan Anderson announced earlier this year that he would disband the firm, citing the immense toll of his work. SEBI also noted that its expanded disclosure rules, introduced in 2022, cannot be applied retroactively to transactions occurring between 2012 and 2021.
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Trump’s TikTok deal may be close. But what’s in it for China?
A landmark agreement over TikTok’s US operations is on the horizon, with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping poised to discuss final terms this Friday. This follows a framework agreement reached by top officials from both nations earlier this week, which could see TikTok’s US operations acquired by a consortium of American firms, including tech giant Oracle and investment firms Andreessen Horowitz and Silver Lake. The deal, described by experts as a “rare breakthrough” in US-China trade relations, aims to resolve a long-standing issue that has dominated headlines for years. Chinese state media has hailed the potential agreement as a “win-win” for both countries, while Trump has emphasized its importance for younger users. However, critical details remain unclear, particularly regarding TikTok’s algorithm—the core technology driving its success. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, has been reluctant to part with its prized algorithm, but Beijing has signaled a willingness to allow licensing rather than outright transfer. This marks a significant shift from China’s previous hardline stance. Experts warn that a “stripped-down” version of the app in the US could impact user experience, though it would allow ByteDance to retain its competitive edge. The deal must still navigate political hurdles in the US, with lawmakers expressing concerns over Chinese influence. Despite these challenges, the agreement could set a precedent for other Chinese tech companies seeking to enter the US market, potentially easing broader trade tensions between the two nations.
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S.Korea c.bank to expand forward guidance on policy rate path
The Bank of Korea (BOK) is set to revolutionize its monetary policy communication strategy by introducing a dot plot system to illustrate the projected path of future interest rates. Governor Rhee Chang-yong announced this initiative during a speech at the International Monetary Fund’s Camdessus Central Banking Lecture on Thursday. The new system will expand on the current forward guidance framework, where Rhee verbally shares the conditional views of the six Monetary Policy Board members over a three-month horizon during post-policy review press conferences. The dot plot, currently in pilot testing, will graphically represent each board member’s rate projections for the upcoming year, offering a clearer and more transparent outlook for market participants. While the system is currently for internal use, Rhee emphasized plans to refine it into an effective communication tool to enhance public understanding of the BOK’s policy decisions. This move aligns with the bank’s broader efforts to improve transparency. Notably, the BOK maintained its benchmark interest rate at 2.50% during its August 28 meeting, a decision that was widely anticipated. The pilot system also allows board members to plot two to three dots per horizon to indicate probabilistic rate views, further enriching the data available for policy analysis.