Amid protests from the opposition, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented a revised version of the Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on Monday. It included the majority of the suggestions put up by the Parliamentary Select Committee, which was led by BJP politician Baijayant Panda.

According to FM Sitharaman, who tabled the bill in the Lok Sabha, recommendations have been received and must be taken into consideration in order to accurately express the legislative content.

She said that the previous Bill was withdrawn to prevent misunderstandings. “There are corrections in the nature of drafting, alignment of phrases, consequential changes, and cross-referencing,” she stated.

She noted that the updated Bill would bring the law into compliance with current provisions and enhance justice and clarity.

The goal of the updated draft is to give lawmakers a single, comprehensive version that incorporates all recommended modifications.

The Parliamentary Select Committee’s 285 recommendations are incorporated into the revised Income Tax Bill 2025. The new law seeks to rectify past inadequacies and streamline tax procedures, which could change the nation’s income tax environment.

The government formally withdrew the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha on February 13 to replace the current Income Tax Act, 1961, last week.

When the new law is passed, it would streamline India’s decades-old tax system, eliminate legal ambiguity, and assist individual taxpayers and MSMEs in avoiding needless litigation, according to Panda, who chaired the Parliamentary Select Committee tasked with studying the proposal.

The current Income Tax Act of 1961 is nearly five lakh words long and has undergone over 4,000 modifications. It’s gotten too complicated. Panda claims that the new measure streamlines that by almost 50%, making it more simpler for regular taxpayers to read and comprehend. The parliamentary panel pointed out several drafting mistakes and recommended changes to clear up any confusion.

To the benefit of all taxpayers, slabs and rates have been altered throughout the updated Bill. The government claims that the new structure increases household consumption, savings, and investment by significantly lowering middle-class taxes and giving them more money.

A Lankan Member of Parliament has called on his fellow citizens to support New Delhi’s stance against what he described as US President Donald Trump’s “selective and unfair trade” policies, adding that “India’s courage inspires Asia” in reference to India’s enormous assistance during Sri Lanka’s historic economic crisis.

In light of India’s continuing concerns with the US over the new tariffs on Indian imports, prominent economist and Colombo MP Harsha de Silva asked fellow parliamentarians to show respect for India. He recounted how, amid Sri Lanka’s economic crisis, India was the sole country to provide vital aid.

“Don’t make fun of India. They were the only ones who helped us when we needed it, so don’t make fun of them when they’re struggling. Until the obese woman sings, it won’t be over. We saw you giggling. Avoid laughing. India and we both anticipated that the tariffs will drop to 15%,” the Member of Parliament was quoted as saying by the Daily Mirror on Monday.

Silva supported New Delhi’s stance on US tariffs and emphasized the close ties between India and Sri Lanka in his speech to the Lankan Parliament.

“Call out the Govt in Sri Lankan Parliament for mocking India’s bold stand against Trump’s trade tariffs,” the politician from Sri Lanka wrote with a video of his address in parliament on X. Our real ally, India, supported us during our worst moments. Instead of laughing, we ought to respect their struggle. Asia is inspired by India’s bravery.

Strong people-to-people relationships, shared history, religion, and culture, as well as civilizational ties, form the foundation of the relationship between India and Sri Lanka. It has developed into a tight technical, cultural, and economic collaboration in the modern era. Being a key component of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Sri Lanka and India have a long-standing relationship based on mutual trust and goodwill.

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has referred to India as “a trusted partner” and acknowledged the role that New Delhi has played over the years, including helping the island nation get through the recent economic crisis and supporting it in times of need.

India’s digital governance ecosystem has increased individuals’ independence in accessing services and taking part in governance as the country gets ready for its 79th Independence Day this week.

The empowerment of citizens and inclusive growth are the results of tech-enabled citizen-centric governance.

Launched in 2015, the Digital India program made India a knowledge economy and society with digital capabilities. Service delivery has been transformed by Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) platforms like as Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker.

Around 19.5 billion transactions totaling more than Rs 25 lakh crore were registered by UPI in the past month. This amounts to over 650 million transactions daily on average, with a daily value of approximately Rs 83,000 crore.

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), which decreased corruption and guaranteed the prompt distribution of welfare benefits, was first widely implemented in India. Predictive analytics in healthcare and agriculture, as well as grievance redressal systems, are further examples of how AI is being integrated into governance to provide services that are personalized to the requirements of citizens.

Notable government-led initiatives included Chic-CAD Plus, the MyGov.in platform, and the National AI Portal (INDIAai). A smartphone app called POSHAN Tracker was created for Anganwadi employees to give them up-to-date information on the provision of childcare and nutrition services.

Other noteworthy projects included the Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA), a national platform for school instruction, and the AYUSH Information Hub (AIH), which offers reliable and verified information on conventional medical systems.

More than 1,200 central and state government services, such as Aadhaar, DigiLocker, Bharat Bill Payment System, PAN, EPFO, and others, are available in several languages thanks to UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance).

Platforms for e-governance improved public trust while decreasing bureaucratic opacity. To guarantee that services reach underserved groups, the nation is currently creating multilingual platforms and AI-driven solutions.

A government initiative called the IndiaAI Mission established ‘AI Kosh’, a data repository with more than 400 datasets, to help researchers and businesspeople construct multilingual AI solutions.

India is prepared to share technology, knowledge, and expertise gained in tech-enabled governance with the Global South, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated numerous times.

On Saturday, the charming romantic first single from Selvamani Selvaraj’s highly awaited period drama “Kaantha,” which stars Dulquer Salmaan and Bhagyashri Borse, was released by the film’s producers.

Actor Dulquer Salmaan posted a link to the just released first track on his social media timelines, writing, “A love that echoes through time.” We have released our first single! #PASIMANASE #PAANIMALARE. Join us as we turn the town red with our debut song from @kaanthafilm, and groove to this enthralling beat. See their story in theaters around the world on September 12.A project by @thespiritmedia and @dqswayfarerfilms.

Jhanu Chanthar and Sivam have set the tune for the nostalgic, catchy song that was filmed on Dulquer and Bhagyashri. Kutti Revathi wrote the lyrics, and Sivam and Deepika Karthik Kumar contributed additional lyrics. Priyanka NK and Pradeep Kumar have performed the song.

Fans and viewers are really interested in the movie, especially since the producers just published a teaser.

Modern Studios’ ‘Saantha’ is the first horror film in Tamil cinema, according to the teaser that was just published. The film’s writer and director is Ayya (Samuthirakani), and its protagonist is Dulquer Salmaan.

It is clear that the film’s protagonist and director are no longer on speaking terms and are at odds with one another. Dulquer wants a happy scene to be shot first, while Ayya wants a moment where a character named Chandran is frightened after meeting a spirit named Neeli.

Before becoming enemies, the hero and the director were once lovers and respected one another. They are now terrible enemies. According to the teaser, Dulquer was trained by Ayya, who helped shape him into the hero he is today.

All of it, though, is now history. Dulquer keeps making adjustments while Ayya aims to make the heroine the main character of the movie. Ultimately, the teaser reveals Dulquer renaming the movie from “Saantha” to “Kaantha.”

Additionally, the film’s producers have stated unequivocally that it will be released on September 12 of this year.

‘Kaantha’ is a compelling period dramatic thriller that takes place in Madras in the 1950s and aims to immerse the audience in the spirit of the time. It depicts a point in time when tradition and modernity converged, creating very meaningful and intimate tales.

The picture, which has been supported by strong performances, is a fully complex story with amazing cinematography, according to sources close to the unit.

Spirit Media and Dulquer Salmaan’s Wayfarer Films are co-producing the movie, which features music by Jhanu Chanthar and cinematography by renowned cameraman Dani Sanchez Lopaz. Tha. Ramalingam is the film’s art director, and Llewellyn Anthony Gonsalves is its editor.

At the Queens Sports Club here on Saturday, New Zealand crushed Zimbabwe by an innings and 359 runs to completing a 2-0 series sweep, recording their biggest-ever Test triumph. In the lengthier version, the crushing loss is also Zimbabwe’s most significant loss.

Zakary Foulkes, a debutant pacer, took five wickets and now owns the record for the most figures by a New Zealand bowler on Test debut after New Zealand declared their first innings at 601/3 in 130 overs at the beginning of the third day of play.

In their second innings, Zimbabwe was bowled out for 117, with wickets from senior seamer Matt Henry, Jacob Duffy, and Matt Fisher. Henry finished a fantastic series with 16 wickets and will now play for Welsh Fire in The Hundred.

Nick Welch, who entered the game during the first over of Zimbabwe’s second innings and had to score all by himself while watching wickets fall all around him, provided the only opposition for the country by staying undefeated at 47.

Brendan Taylor was removed from the pacer by an outswinger, while Henry castled Brian Bennett with an inswinger in the opening over. Craig Ervine nicked off in the cordon off Fisher, while Sean Williams received a leading edge from Duffy, who finished with a straightforward caught and bowled dismissal.

The short ball once again caused problems for all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who gifted a catch to Gully off Foulkes. The fact that none of Zimbabwe’s lower-order hitters reached double figures further hurt their chances.

Duffy overstepped at the crease and was given a no-ball, which prevented him from securing the victory for New Zealand early. However, the finish came quickly after, when Duffy had Tanaka Chivanga caught at gully to give New Zealand a decisive victory.

With South Africa as the third team, the Mitchell Santner-led Black Caps, who had won the previous T20I Tri-series, completed a great tour with the decisive victory in the Test match.

Brief scores:

Zimbabwe 125 and 117 in 28.1 overs (Nick Welch 47, Craig Ervine 17; Zakary Foulkes 5-37, Matt Henry 2-16) lost to New Zealand 601/3 dec in 130 overs (Rachin Ravindra 165 not out, Devon Conway 153, Henry Nicholls 150 not out; Blessing Muzarabani 1-101) by an innings and 359 runs

According to a report released on Friday, there are early indications that India may reassess its strategic posture, and investors should keep a close eye on the change in geopolitical alignment as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to return to China after a six-year absence and National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval is negotiating important defense agreements with Russia.

More than 20 years of bipartisan progress could be undone by recent actions by the Trump administration that represent a dramatic change in US-India trade and geopolitical dynamics.

“The US has extended more favorable terms to China and Pakistan, halted trade negotiations, and announced 50% taxes. India’s rising membership in BRICS and its ongoing oil imports from Russia are the US’s justifications for this action.

According to M Financial Institutional Securities’ research, “these actions, along with criticism of manufacturing in India by US companies, seem like a significant policy reversal by the US.”

Thanks to the global trend towards a ‘China+1’ supply chain strategy, India’s commercial relationship with the US has significantly improved since COVID-19.

With 23% of all exports, the US is currently India’s top export destination and the only area that makes a positive contribution to India’s trade surplus.

Exports to the United States totaled $91 billion in 2024, with electronics ($14 billion, increasing iPhone sales), pharmaceuticals, and gems and jewelry leading the way. The United States brought in $43 billion worth of goods, including industrial equipment and minerals.

“Prima facie, it appears that India’s chemical, textile and auto components sectors are most susceptible to US President Donald Trump’s tariff actions, and exports of companies herein could be directly impacted,” stated the research.

“We understand that the electronics and pharmaceutical industries, which are now excluded from Section 232 inquiries, are next in line. There will probably be further action on this soon. With the help of a declining rupee, IT services could surprisingly benefit,” it continued.

Given that the trade surplus with the US (1 percent of GDP) will be difficult to offset in the medium term through geographic diversification, tariffs of the size of 50% will restrain India’s GDP development.

“In order to relieve the pressure from the recent FII selling, we think the RBI would probably let the INR decline. The analysis pointed out that high US tariffs might have an effect on US inflation, growth, and the US dollar in that order, which would somewhat protect emerging market EM currencies like INR.

Trump’s 21-day timeframe for negotiations is still vital even if the first round of 25% tariffs is now in effect.

As part of their growing energy collaboration, India has signed a 10-year supply agreement with state-owned ADNOC Gas and increased its liquefied natural gas (LNG) sourcing from the United Arab Emirates through public sector oil behemoth Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL).

The agreement states that beginning in 2026, ADNOC Gas will provide HPCL with 500,000 metric tons of LNG annually (mtpa). The Das Island liquefaction facility of ADNOC Gas, which has a production capacity of 6 mtpa and is among the longest-running LNG plants in the world, will supply the LNG. Since its founding in 1977, the facility has transported more than 3,500 cargoes worldwide.

The newly opened Chhara LNG Terminal in Gujarat will supply HPCL with LNG to suit the needs of its refineries, the City Gas Distribution Network, and downstream consumers. Through this endeavor, HPCL is also able to obtain LNG and fulfill the increasing energy demand in the Indian market, as well as develop a diversified portfolio that includes both short-term and long-term LNG contracts.

After agreements with Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) and GAIL India, this is ADNOC Gas’ third LNG supply arrangement with an Indian energy company in the last 12 months. ADNOC Gas is committed to providing up to 1.2 mtpa of LNG under the terms of the 14-year, $7–9 billion IOCL deal, but the GAIL arrangement calls for 0.52 mtpa over 10 years, also starting in 2026.

The UAE-India energy collaboration is a geopolitical statement in addition to an economic one. India now has a trustworthy energy partner in the UAE, especially as the battle for LNG around the world heats up after setbacks like the Russia-Ukraine war. India’s increasing energy links with the UAE help it overcome obstacles like possible US taxes on Indian exports because of its imports of Russian oil and balance off its reliance on other suppliers.

Driven by industrial expansion, oil refining, and the demand for cleaner energy alternatives to coal, India, the fourth-largest LNG importer in the world, wants to raise the proportion of natural gas in its primary energy mix from 6.2% to 15% by 2030.

By 2050, the nation’s natural gas consumption is expected to triple due to expansion in industries including steel, construction, and fertilizers. Long-term import agreements like the one with ADNOC Gas are essential for energy security because domestic production cannot keep up with this growing demand.

The agreement with HPCL is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s overall energy plan, which has placed a strong focus on moving away from coal in order to lower carbon emissions.

Furthermore, by removing a 2.5% LNG import tax, the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which was signed in 2022, makes such agreements easier and increases the competitiveness of UAE gas in the Indian market. In the first year following the adoption of CEPA, non-oil commerce between the two countries totaled $50.5 billion, with plans to reach $100 billion by 2030.

This deal is a component of ADNOC Gas’s bigger plan to increase its market share in the worldwide LNG industry, which is anticipated to expand by 15% over the next ten years due to demand in Asia. The company serves clients in more than 20 countries and provides over 60% of the UAE’s domestic gas demand as a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).

The transaction takes place as ADNOC is growing its global footprint, particularly in the US, where it has purchased shares in green energy and LNG projects. ADNOC’s goal to play a significant role in the energy transformation is highlighted by this international drive as well as home investments like the $13 billion slated for LNG capacity development by 2029.

Although US President Donald Trump has declared that he will impose 50% tariffs on India’s exports, official estimates indicate that this will only affect 4.8% of India’s overall exports of goods and services globally, which reached a record $820 billion in 2024–2025.

According to a senior official, the Trump administration’s 50% duty will only be applied to shipments to the US that total $40 billion.

Additionally, over $30 billion worth of exports, including pharmaceuticals and other technological goods like smartphones, semiconductors, and energy, are still immune from additional levies since they are still on an exemption list.

In FY25, India exported $10.5 billion worth of pharmaceuticals and medications, as well as $14.6 billion worth of electronics (mainly smartphones), which accounted for 29% of its total outbound shipments to the United States.

Energy’s inclusion on the exemption list also protects petroleum exports, which are valued at $4.09 billion in FY25, from Trump’s new tariffs. In FY25, Indian exports to the US totaled $86.51 billion.

These important industries are not yet included by Trump’s new tariffs, which are set to take effect in 21 days.

Due to this exception, which eliminates tariffs on some commodities, India’s exports to the US have grown since January of this year. The US’s share in India’s merchandise exports rose from 17–18% to above 20% between January and June 2025.

Industry experts say that this surge is a result of exporters frontloading before the tariff hike in August and the tariff exemptions on pharmaceuticals and smartphones that were free from the 10% baseline duty that was implemented in April.

According to data from the Commerce Ministry, exports to the US accounted for almost 23% of India’s total shipments in the June quarter of FY26 and the first quarter of FY25, despite the fact that the country’s total exports increased less than 2% in Q1 FY26 and decreased more than 4% in Q4 FY25.

Trump has promised to levy tariffs of up to 200 percent on medications manufactured abroad, so there are still concerns. Additionally, smartphone exemptions may be eliminated based on future US choices.

In Q1 FY26, India’s exports to the US reached $25.52 billion, up nearly 23% from the year before. According to data from the Commerce Ministry, total trade was $32.41 billion for the quarter and above $86 billion for FY25.

Following a historic victory over Thailand, the Indian women’s football team jumped seven spots to 63rd place in the most recent FIFA rankings.

In addition to improving their reputation internationally, the victory guaranteed them a coveted berth in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, making it a historic qualifying on merit.

The Blue Tigresses were last ranked 61st on August 21, 2023, making this India’s highest position in almost two years. With a resolute 2-1 victory over a higher-ranked Thai team in the pivotal final qualifier, the ascent shows a return to form and confidence.

India had a really outstanding qualification performance. The team began with their largest victory in recent memory, a record-breaking 13-0 thumping of Mongolia. After defeating Timor-Leste 4-0 and Iraq 5-0, that momentum persisted, resulting in a high-stakes matchup against Thailand, where both teams are tied on points.

India performed well under duress and in danger of being eliminated. With a brace, midfielder Sangita Basfore stepped up to lead her team to a 2-1 victory and, based on performance, guarantee their spot in the continental tournament for the first time.

The accomplishment is particularly noteworthy because India was forced to skip the last Asian Cup, which was held in their own country, because of a COVID-19 epidemic in the team.

The qualifying, which demonstrates depth, resiliency, and tactical maturity, is a significant milestone for Indian women’s football. Additionally, it coincides with the sport’s efforts to get more national recognition and support.

In their first Group D match of the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Indonesia held the India U20 women’s team to a goalless draw at Thuwunna Stadium on Wednesday.

In the meantime, Uzbekistan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and the Indian U17 girls’ team have been selected to play in Group G of the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. From October 13 to October 17, 2025, their games will be played in Bishkek. On October 13, the Young Tigresses will play the Kyrgyz Republic, and on October 17, they will play Uzbekistan in a match that could be crucial.

Eight groups of 27 teams compete in the women’s division. DPR Korea, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and hosts China PR will join the eight champions to form a 12-team final tournament in the AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup 2026 in China.

Citing India’s ongoing purchases of Russian oil, US President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that he had signed an executive order imposing an additional 25% tariff on imports from the country.

The decision, according to the White House, is intended to reinforce actions taken against Russia in response to its activities in Ukraine under previous sanctions. Last week, the US president declared a 25% tariff on India.

According to the order, India is receiving oil from Russia either directly or indirectly, which the US views as a danger to its foreign policy and national security.

“Accordingly, and as consistent with applicable law, articles of India imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 25 per cent,” the order states.

All qualifying Indian goods entering the US would be subject to the additional duties 21 days after the order is signed, with the exception of shipments that are already in route and cleared before September 17.

“Subject to section 3 of this order, this rate of duty shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time 21 days after the date of this order, except for goods that (1) were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit prior to entry into the United States before 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time 21 days after the date of this order; and (2) are entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, before 12.01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on September 17,” the order that was added.

Unless the items are exempt, such as in certain categories specified in previous trade executive orders, these charges will be in addition to current tariffs.

Additionally, goods covered by this order must adhere to stringent customs regulations, such as being granted “privileged foreign status” for entry into US foreign trade zones.

Trump still retains the power to change the order in response to evolving events, retaliation from impacted nations, or notable changes in Russian or Indian policy.

The directive also instructs the US Treasury, State, Commerce, and other departments to keep an eye on the oil trade between Russia and other nations and, if need, suggest comparable measures.