July 16, 2025
Competition Commission approves consortium acquisition of wind turbine manufacturing and maintenance businesses from renewable energy companies
The Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of wind turbine manufacturing and maintenance businesses from two renewable energy companies by a consortium of five entities. The target business involves manufacturing and assembling onshore wind turbine generators and providing operation and maintenance services for wind power projects in India and Sri Lanka. The acquiring consortium includes entities controlled by a global investment firm, a newly formed private company, a partnership firm, and a subsidiary of an energy conglomerate. The transaction transfers the renewable energy operations from the current operators to the new ownership group.
July 16, 2025
Private company acquires 100% shareholding in power generation firm manufacturing steel products and ferro alloys
The Competition Commission of India approved the acquisition of 100% shareholding in a power generation company by a private limited company. The acquiring entity operates in iron ore and manganese ore mining and ferro alloy manufacturing. The target company manufactures and sells sponge iron, steel billets, TMT bars, pig iron, and ferro alloys including silico manganese. The transaction involves complete acquisition of shareholding in the target entity, with a detailed commission order to follow.
July 16, 2025
Department launches nationwide financial inclusion campaign creating 140,000 new bank accounts and 540,000 social security enrollments
The Department of Financial Services launched a three-month nationwide financial inclusion campaign from July to September 2025 to expand coverage of flagship schemes including banking, insurance, and pension programs. Within two weeks, 43,447 camps were organized across districts, resulting in approximately 140,000 new bank accounts, over 540,000 enrollments in social security schemes, and 1,665 settled claims. The campaign targets comprehensive coverage of all local government bodies to ensure eligible citizens access transformative financial services and promote digital fraud awareness.
July 16, 2025
Senate passes $9 billion spending cuts in tie-breaking vote targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting
The Senate advanced a presidential request to cancel $9 billion in previously approved spending through a 50-50 vote, with the Vice President breaking the tie. The measure targets foreign aid programs and public broadcasting funding, though a $400 million cut to an HIV/AIDS program was removed to increase passage prospects. Republican leadership cited the need to control spending given the $36 trillion national debt. Several Republican senators expressed concerns about lack of specifics from the administration, while Democrats warned the cuts would harm public radio and television stations that provide emergency alerts and educational programming. The bill faces potential amendments before returning to the House for final passage.
July 16, 2025
University professor challenges arrest for social media posts as Supreme Court reviews constitutional rights
The Supreme Court will hear several significant matters including a university professor's challenge to arrest for social media posts, accused persons opposing film release about a murder case, issues related to a cinema hall fire tragedy, a former state minister's money laundering case, and a defendant accused of involvement in caste violence. These cases span constitutional rights, media regulation, public safety, corruption, and communal violence issues scheduled for judicial review.
July 16, 2025
Immigration agency expands detention authority under 1996 law, eliminates bond hearings for illegal border crossers
Immigration enforcement agency has expanded detention authority by invoking a 1996 law to hold individuals who entered the country illegally without allowing bond hearings. The acting director issued a directive making such individuals ineligible for bond hearings before immigration judges, requiring Homeland Security Department exceptions for release. This represents broader use of existing legal authority to detain people previously allowed to remain free during immigration proceedings. The policy affects anyone who crossed borders illegally, potentially impacting long-term residents. Legal challenges are anticipated, with immigration attorneys reporting increased client detentions nationwide.
July 16, 2025
President announces tariffs exceeding 10% on over 100 smaller nations effective August 1
The President announced plans to impose tariffs exceeding 10% on over 100 smaller nations, primarily in Africa and the Caribbean. A uniform tariff rate will likely apply to all these countries, despite their relatively modest trade volumes with the US. The Commerce Secretary noted these nations would have minimal impact on addressing trade imbalances. The administration has been issuing tariff letters to approximately two dozen countries and the European Union, with rates effective August 1. Additional tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs may be announced by month's end. For certain sectors like pharmaceuticals and computer chips, companies will receive a one-year grace period at lower rates to establish domestic manufacturing before facing higher import taxes.
July 16, 2025
Global survey reveals declining US favorability while China's international image improves across multiple nations
A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre across 24 countries shows improving global views of China and its leader while opinions of the US and its president have declined. The US was viewed more favorably than China in eight countries, China in seven, with the remainder viewing them equally. Among 10 high-income countries, favorable US opinions dropped from 51% to 35%, while China's rose from 23% to 32%. Confidence in the current US president fell from 53% to 24%, while China's leader saw a slight increase from 17% to 22%. The survey suggests shifting superpower perceptions may influence these changes.
July 16, 2025
President sets 50-day deadline for Russia to end Ukraine conflict, threatens 100% tariffs but won't provide long-range weapons
The President downplayed sending long-range weapons to Ukraine despite the country's requests for enhanced military capabilities to counter Russian air offensives. While threatening Russia with steep tariffs and announcing plans for NATO allies to supply Ukraine with American weapons, the administration stated it's "not looking" to provide long-range weaponry that could strike deeper into Russian territory. The President set a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the conflict, threatening 100% tariffs on trading partners if negotiations don't begin. Some lawmakers expressed concern this timeline gives Russia additional time to gain territorial advantages. Ukraine continues requesting air defense systems, missiles, and artillery through existing channels.
July 16, 2025
Administration fires 17 immigration judges without cause amid enforcement crackdown, worsening 3.5 million case backlog
The current administration terminated 17 immigration court judges across 10 states, with 15 dismissed on Friday and two on Monday, according to their union. The union characterized these as firings "without cause" occurring in California, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Virginia. This action coincides with increased immigration enforcement efforts and arrests at courthouses. The union reports over 103 judges have been fired or voluntarily departed since the administration began, potentially worsening the existing 3.5 million case backlog despite congressional authorization for 800 judges and increased funding.
July 16, 2025
Chief prosecutor seeks guilty verdict against former president for coup plot and armed criminal organization charges
Brazil's chief prosecutor has called for a guilty verdict against a far-right former president accused of leading a coup plot to overturn the 2022 election. The defendant faces charges including leading an armed criminal organization, attempting to stage a coup, and violently abolishing democratic rule of law. The prosecution alleges systematic actions to incite insurrection and destabilize democracy. The former president denies all allegations, calling the trial a "witch hunt." A conviction could result in decades in prison. The Supreme Court panel will vote on conviction or acquittal later this year.
July 16, 2025
Former Nigerian President Buried in Hometown as Thousands Gather to Pay Final Respects
A former Nigerian president was buried in his northern hometown as thousands gathered to pay respects. The 82-year-old leader died in London following an undisclosed illness that kept him from public life since leaving office in 2023. The current president and regional leaders attended the funeral, with one describing the deceased as a leading figure in Nigerian and African politics. The former president ruled twice - first as military dictator after a 1983 coup until being ousted in 1985, then as democratically elected president from 2015-2023, making him Nigeria's second-longest serving leader. His tenure was marked by health crises requiring medical trips abroad, human rights restrictions, isolationist economic policies, and rising insecurity.
July 16, 2025
Punjab Assembly chaos erupts over anti-drug debate as opposition member found guilty of abusive language
The Punjab Assembly descended into chaos during a special session debate on anti-drug initiatives. The Finance Minister criticized previous governments for failing to combat drug issues while praising current efforts including job creation and sports programs. Tensions escalated when the Minister sought to play old videos of opposition leaders, prompting objections about parliamentary procedures. A separate confrontation occurred when an opposition member allegedly used abusive language against another legislator, leading to demands for action. The Speaker found the member guilty of using objectionable language and suggested a resolution against them. The opposition leader apologized on behalf of the member before the House was adjourned.
July 16, 2025
UN rapporteur calls for global action to suspend ties with Israel over Gaza genocide allegations
A UN rapporteur addressed delegates from 30 countries in Colombia, calling for global action to stop what she termed "genocide" in Gaza. The official urged nations to suspend ties with Israel and ensure private sectors do likewise, stating the Israeli economy sustains occupation that has become genocidal. The two-day conference, organized by Colombia and South Africa, included mostly developing nations plus Spain, Ireland, and China. Israel has rejected genocide allegations as antisemitic. Over 58,000 people have died in Israeli military operations following a Hamas attack in 2023. The gathering discussed diplomatic and judicial measures to pressure Israel, with the EU considering various sanctions including settlement import bans and arms embargoes.
July 16, 2025
America's rare earth producer lands $900M in deals from tech giant and Defense Department
America's sole rare earth producer secured two major agreements totaling $900 million. A tech giant committed $500 million for magnet production used in smartphones and electric vehicles, while the Defense Department invested $400 million, becoming the largest shareholder. The Pentagon's 10-year price guarantee for key elements provides revenue stability against subsidized competitors. These deals support domestic production expansion amid ongoing trade tensions and export restrictions. The company operates the nation's only rare earth mine but cannot meet full domestic demand. Recent bilateral agreements include eased export controls and permits for rare earth magnets.
July 15, 2025
Senate Republicans weigh changes to $9.4 billion spending cancellation targeting public broadcasting and foreign aid programs
Senate Republicans are considering modifications to the President's request to cancel $9.4 billion in previously approved spending, including $1.1 billion from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and $8.3 billion from foreign aid programs. The Senate Majority Leader needs nearly all Republican votes for approval, but some senators question cuts to public media and global health programs. Democrats unanimously oppose the package, viewing it as undermining the appropriations process. The House previously approved the measure with a narrow party-line vote. Congress has until Friday to pass the bill or the original spending remains intact.
July 15, 2025
Agricultural groups plan July 29 protest against forest eviction drive targeting apple orchards
Two agricultural organizations announced plans to protest outside the state secretariat on July 29 against an ongoing eviction drive in forest areas that involves felling apple trees. The protest follows a high court order expressing concern over re-emerging encroachments in previously cleared forest areas. The forest department has begun cutting down hundreds of apple trees on encroached land. Agricultural leaders argue that apple farming sustains the state's economy and provides employment to numerous families, questioning where displaced orchardists will go given that only 12.7% of the state's land is cultivable. The organizations demand government intervention through legal petition until all legal questions are addressed.
July 15, 2025
Former Air India employees lose appeal against eviction from residential quarters after airline disinvestment
The Bombay High Court dismissed appeals by former Air India employees challenging eviction from residential quarters at AI Colony in Kalina. The court upheld the Eviction Officer's order under the Airports Authority of India Act, ruling the quarters constitute "airport premises." The land belonged to AAI since 1952 and was leased to Air India. Following Air India's disinvestment to Tata Group in 2022, leasehold rights transferred to Mumbai International Airport Ltd, which initiated eviction proceedings. The court granted a six-week stay for Supreme Court appeal while noting Air India had already withdrawn housing facilities and terminated licence agreements.
July 15, 2025
State telecom company defaults on Rs 8,585 crore bank loans from seven public sector banks
A state-run telecom company defaulted on bank loans totaling Rs 8,585 crore from seven public sector banks, according to a regulatory filing. The company's total debt obligations reached Rs 34,484 crore as of June 30, 2025, comprising bank loans, sovereign guarantee bonds worth Rs 24,071 crore, and additional loans. The defaults occurred between August 2024 and February 2025, with the largest amount owed to one major public sector bank at Rs 3,733.22 crore, followed by other significant amounts to various public sector banks.