August 12, 2025
US-China Trade Truce Extended 90 Days, Halting Tariff Hikes and Supporting Ongoing Negotiations
The United States and China have extended their trade truce for an additional 90 days, postponing potential tariff increases and easing tensions between the two largest economies. The extension maintains existing terms, preventing the US from raising tariffs beyond 30 percent on Chinese imports and halting retaliatory measures by China. This pause allows further negotiations aimed at resolving disputes over market access, intellectual property rights, and industrial subsidies. Despite previous high tariffs and retaliatory levies that threatened bilateral trade, both countries have agreed to reduce some tariffs and ease export restrictions, including on rare earth minerals and technology. While limited agreements on agricultural purchases and fentanyl-related chemical controls are anticipated, significant issues remain unresolved, suggesting ongoing trade tensions and negotiations will persist in the foreseeable future.
August 12, 2025
President Nominates Conservative Economist to Lead Federal Employment and Inflation Data Agency Under Section 4
The President has nominated a conservative economist to lead the federal agency responsible for compiling employment and inflation statistics. The nominee, currently chief economist at a conservative think tank, would replace the previous commissioner who was appointed by the prior administration and was recently dismissed following revised job growth figures that showed slower hiring. The President accused the former commissioner of manipulating data for political purposes without providing evidence. The nomination requires Senate approval and coincides with the imminent release of inflation data expected to show continued price increases influenced by tariffs.
August 12, 2025
Trump Administration Violated Posse Comitatus Act by Deploying Troops for Immigration Raids, Exceeding Authority
A trial began over whether the Trump administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act by deploying federalized National Guard troops and Marines to Los Angeles to assist with immigration raids and protests. The administration argued the deployment was lawful under a statute allowing federalization during rebellion or inability to enforce federal laws, but the court found the protests did not constitute rebellion and ruled the administration exceeded its authority, violating the 10th Amendment. The state seeks to regain control of remaining troops and prevent military involvement in civilian law enforcement. The administration appealed and obtained a temporary stay, maintaining federal control during litigation. Testimony confirmed troops protected federal property and personnel and could take limited law enforcement actions when commanders felt unsafe. The case may set precedent on federal use of military forces in domestic law enforcement within states.
August 12, 2025
Government Mandates Aadhaar-Based Facial Recognition for Nutrition Program Under New Verification Rules
A government ministry has implemented a facial recognition system for a national nutrition program to prevent duplication and ensure benefits reach legitimate recipients. The system requires beneficiaries to complete a one-time Aadhaar-based eKYC and live photo capture, with monthly facial verification during ration distribution. Children without biometric Aadhaar are verified through guardians. The technology integrates with a real-time monitoring tracker and has been mandatory for take-home ration delivery since July 1, with full beneficiary registration required from August 1. The system aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency, ensuring physical presence at distribution centers and promoting better engagement with service providers.
August 12, 2025
Parliamentary Panel Urges Ministry to Enforce National Water Policy and Strengthen Dam Safety Act Compliance
A parliamentary committee has directed the Ministry responsible for water resources to urgently implement the new National Water Policy within three months to address declining water availability, quality, and efficiency. The panel expressed concern over staffing shortages in State Dam Safety Organisations, urging prompt corrective measures to uphold the Dam Safety Act, 2021. It emphasized rigorous, time-bound action on flood management plans in the Northeast to prevent recurring floods and erosion. The committee recommended dedicated financial grants for rainwater harvesting, criticized the ministry's opposition to such funding, and highlighted the lack of maintenance plans for related infrastructure. Additional recommendations included involving local legislators in river conservation bodies, increasing budgets for pollution control in non-Ganga basins, and enhancing inter-ministerial coordination for water management in protected forest areas. The panel noted persistent gaps in policy implementation, institutional capacity, and funding, seeking progress updates within three months.
August 12, 2025
Government Pushes Alternative Fuels to Boost Auto Industry, Agriculture, and Reduce Fossil Fuel Dependence
The government anticipates that advancements in alternative fuels such as ethanol, methanol, bio-diesel, LNG, CNG, electric, and hydrogen will enable the country to become the global leader in the automobile sector, currently ranked third. This transition aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports, which are economically burdensome and environmentally harmful. The policy promotes diversification of agriculture towards energy production, intending to increase agriculture's GDP contribution and improve farmers' incomes through biofuel production. The ethanol policy has positively impacted crop prices and timely payments in the sugar industry, preventing closures and supporting rural livelihoods. These measures are expected to generate employment, reduce pollution, and contribute to economic self-reliance and growth.
August 11, 2025
Power Minister Urges End to Strike After Meeting Employee Demands for Allowances and Pension Scheme
The state power minister urged employees of the state-owned power utility to end their three-day strike and resume work immediately, citing public interest and the importance of uninterrupted power supply. The strike was called to demand release of pending allowances, restoration of the old pension scheme, creation of new posts, filling vacancies, increased ex gratia payments, cashless medical facilities, and clearance of overdue payments. The government held a meeting with employee representatives, agreeing to most key demands and promising improved maintenance of utility infrastructure. The minister emphasized that with the majority of demands addressed, continuing the strike is unjustified and could cause significant hardship to consumers across households, agriculture, and industry.
August 11, 2025
Minister urges film workers and producers to negotiate amid strike over 30% wage hike demands
A state minister urged both film workers and producers to show flexibility to resolve a strike that has halted film shootings for about a week. The workers demand a 30 percent wage increase, while producers, especially those of small-budget films, cite financial difficulties. The minister held separate meetings with both parties and announced the formation of a government committee to address workers' issues, with support from the Chief Minister for improving workers' living conditions. Workers claim the wage hike is overdue and should be implemented gradually, while producers argue wages are already higher than in other states. The minister expressed hope for a resolution soon and reiterated the government's goal to develop the region into a global film hub. Talks involving the labor department are ongoing to reach an agreement.
August 11, 2025
Passenger detained for smuggling 100 exotic animals under Wildlife Protection Act rules, animals safely returned to origin
A passenger arriving from an international flight was detained at a Mumbai airport for illegally transporting approximately 100 spiders and various exotic reptiles and mammals concealed in luggage. The seized wildlife included tarantulas, iguanas, meerkats, turtles, skinks, and other lizards. Wildlife authorities, assisted by a specialized animal welfare organization, ensured the safe handling and medical care of the animals. The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau ordered the deportation of the animals to their country of origin under the Wildlife Protection Act and international agreements regulating endangered species trade. This incident follows a similar case days earlier involving the smuggling of 54 exotic animals, highlighting ongoing illegal wildlife trafficking concerns at the airport.
August 11, 2025
US Imposes 50% Tariff on Asian Country's Russian Oil Imports to Pressure Russia's Economy
The US administration has imposed a total 50% tariff on an Asian country's imports of Russian oil, combining a 25% reciprocal tariff with an additional 25% levy specifically targeting Russian oil purchases. This move is intended to disrupt Russia's economy, which the US President described as significantly weakened by global pressures and these tariffs. The targeted country is identified as one of Russia's largest oil buyers. The US President also announced upcoming diplomatic meetings with the Russian and Ukrainian leaders to discuss conflict resolution, asserting involvement in mediating regional disputes, including one between two South Asian neighbors. Additionally, the US maintains ongoing trade relations with China, noting substantial tariffs paid by China to the US. The tariffs and diplomatic efforts reflect the US strategy to influence international energy trade and geopolitical conflicts.
August 11, 2025
Karnataka Govt Withdraws Leave of Senior IPS Officer Amid Gold Smuggling Probe Under Rule 3
The Karnataka government withdrew the compulsory leave imposed on a senior IPS officer following the arrest of his stepdaughter in a gold smuggling case. The officer was appointed as Director General of Police for the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement, a post equivalent to other senior police roles under IPS pay rules. The stepdaughter was arrested with gold bars and valuables worth over Rs 12 crore, accused of misusing police escorts to evade customs checks. A government committee had investigated the officer's involvement, and he cooperated with the inquiry. The withdrawal of leave and new posting indicate no adverse findings against the officer in connection with the smuggling allegations.
August 11, 2025
West Bengal Cabinet Approves Durga Angan Trust, Power Plants, Relaxed Home Rules, and 627 New Recruits
The West Bengal Cabinet approved the establishment of a "Durga Angan," a courtyard dedicated to goddess Durga, with a Trust to be formed for its management, involving the state housing and tourism departments. The government will provide land, with the budget to be decided later. Additionally, the Cabinet authorized the construction of two 800 MW power plants in Salboni to meet rising energy demands. A significant relaxation in home construction rules was also approved, allowing building on plots as small as 500 square feet without a minimum size requirement, subject to eligibility and road size criteria, with the approval process to be completed online within 15 days. The Cabinet further sanctioned the recruitment of 627 personnel across various departments, including 22 judicial posts and 122 permanent plus 464 contractual health positions to support mobile medical services.
August 11, 2025
India bans jute product imports via land borders, allowing only Nhava Sheva seaport entry under new trade rules
India has expanded its ban on imports of certain jute products from Bangladesh via all land border points, permitting such imports only through the Nhava Sheva seaport. The prohibited items now include bleached and unbleached woven fabrics of jute or other bast fibers, twine, cordage, rope, sacks, and bags of jute. This follows earlier restrictions imposed since June on similar products and other goods, reflecting escalating trade tensions linked to political disagreements between the two countries. Additional measures include restrictions on ready-made garments, processed foods, and withdrawal of transshipment facilities for exports to third countries. These trade barriers have been implemented in response to controversial statements by Bangladesh's interim government leader and concerns over minority attacks, significantly impacting bilateral trade relations and competition in the textile sector.
August 11, 2025
Protesters oppose US tariff hike doubling duties on Indian exports, call for boycott of American goods
Local political leaders and citizens in a town in Gujarat organized a protest against the US government's decision to increase tariffs on Indian exports from 25% to 50%. The protest involved a march and the symbolic burning of American goods to express opposition to the tariffs, which were described as an attempt to weaken the Indian economy. Organizers called for a boycott of American products and framed the tariffs as part of a broader pattern of economic pressure linked to India's growing self-reliance and economic strength. The protestors warned of potential escalations if the tariffs persist and expressed support for the Indian government's stance against the US measures.
August 11, 2025
India restricts jute product imports from Bangladesh to Nhava Sheva seaport only, citing security concerns
India has banned the import of certain jute products and related items from Bangladesh via all land routes with immediate effect, allowing such imports only through the Nhava Sheva seaport. The restrictions cover bleached and unbleached woven fabrics of jute, twine, ropes, sacks, and bags made of jute. This follows earlier prohibitions on similar goods and other items, including ready-made garments and processed foods, imposed amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries. The measures respond to controversial statements by Bangladesh's interim government head and concerns over minority attacks. Trade between the countries remains significant, with India importing approximately USD 2 billion worth of goods from Bangladesh in 2024-25.
August 11, 2025
Federal Deploys National Guard Under DC Home Rule Act to Manage City Police and Public Safety
The federal government announced the deployment of the National Guard and approximately 500 federal law enforcement officers to assume control over the police department of a major U.S. city, citing public safety concerns and invoking a provision of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The administration aims to reduce crime and remove homeless encampments from public parks, despite local officials reporting a decline in violent crime and questioning the effectiveness of the federal intervention. The city's mayor expressed concerns about resource allocation and emphasized the need for prosecutorial support and court staffing rather than increased Guard presence. The federal takeover raises legal and jurisdictional issues regarding the balance of authority between federal and local governments, particularly in a federally governed district. The initiative includes agents from multiple federal agencies and reflects a broader federal law enforcement agenda.
August 11, 2025
Lok Sabha swiftly passes new Income Tax Bill replacing 63-year-old law; SC rejects challenge on PMLA Section provisions
The Lok Sabha passed a new Income Tax Bill in three minutes, replacing the 63-year-old income tax law for individuals and corporations without debate. The Supreme Court declined to hear a former state chief minister's challenge to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act provision allowing the Enforcement Directorate to file supplementary chargesheets, stating the issue lies in misuse rather than the law itself. The Court also refused to expunge remarks against a former state minister related to a cash-for-job case, affirming no impact on the ongoing trial. Meanwhile, Parliament approved eight bills after opposition disruptions, with the government proceeding despite opposition boycott. Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered permanent relocation of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR streets to shelters due to public health concerns.
August 11, 2025
India counters US tariffs with export diversification and firm trade negotiation stances under key trade rules
The government is actively addressing the adverse effects of high US tariffs imposed on Indian goods by pursuing an export diversification strategy and leveraging existing and new free trade agreements. Trade negotiations with the US remain challenging, with India maintaining firm "red lines," particularly opposing US demands to open its agricultural and dairy sectors. The US has imposed a 25% tariff on most Indian goods, excluding select sectors, as a penalty linked to India's continued purchase of Russian oil. The government emphasized the enduring strategic partnership between the two countries despite current trade tensions. Additionally, India plans to raise concerns with the US about the use of US territory by a foreign military official to issue nuclear threats. Efforts continue to conclude ongoing trade negotiations with other partners, while safeguarding the interests of farmers, exporters, and MSMEs.
August 11, 2025
Income Tax (No.2) Bill Updates Exemptions, TDS Rules, and Payment Modes Under Section 187
The new Income Tax (No.2) Bill, passed by the Lok Sabha, reinstates exemptions for anonymous donations to religious-cum-charitable trusts, aligning with the Income Tax Act, 1961, and removes the earlier proposed 30% tax on such donations to mixed-object non-profits. It restores flexibility for individuals to claim TDS refunds without mandatory timely filing of income tax returns. The bill adds "profession" in clause 187 to enable professionals with receipts over Rs 50 crore to use prescribed electronic payment modes, shortens the TDS correction statement filing period from six to two years, and revises loss carry-forward provisions for clarity. It also incorporates amendments related to Unified Pension Scheme tax exemptions, block assessments in search cases, and tax benefits for certain foreign public investment funds. These changes reflect Select Committee recommendations aiming to reduce taxpayer grievances and ensure taxation aligns with net income principles for non-profit organizations.
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