A Defense Department estimate reveals extending the National Guard's deployment in Washington, D.C., until January 2029 will cost $1.4 billion, drawing sharp criticism from local officials and Democrats over militarization and taxpayer expense.
The US Defense Department estimates extending the National Guard deployment in Washington, DC, until January 2029 will cost $1.4 billion, covering 2,500 Guard members. The move, criticized for infringing on the city's autonomy and militarizing its streets, was extended despite local and Democratic lawmakers' objections, highlighting concerns over the $1.4 billion cost amid rising public expenses.
UK ministers are scrapping requirements for companies to prove green values to win £90bn in government contracts, doubling the weight given to job creation and youth employment instead.
Sydney's largest toll road operator, Transurban, will continue annual toll increases of at least 4% despite the NSW government's $850m deal for limited toll cuts on a few motorways, with the premier citing Transurban's resistance to broader reforms.
Russian Foreign Ministry's Ambassador-at-Large Rodion Miroshnik stated that US President Donald Trump acts in his country's interests regarding defense spending with Europe, while European leaders, like Ursula von der Leyen, prioritize personal gains and national military-industrial complexes, deceiving taxpayers.
A NSW charity tasked with finding foster homes for children allegedly misused over $40,000 in taxpayer funds for its CEO's US/Europe sabbatical and awarded a $120,000 pay rise without approval. A confidential audit flagged $1.6M unrecorded funds and other non-compliant expenses, prompting the DCJ to investigate this and five other foster care providers.
UK Government Investments (UKGI) experienced a data breach, exposing "high-level management information" and personal details of 51 government officials for 40 hours. The breach was blamed on a staff member failing to follow security rules, prompting an external review and protocol improvements.
The Gujarat High Court ruled in favor of the family of late Smt Trivedi, who faced a tax dispute over the valuation of land sold in 2009. The court found the Income Tax Department's reassessment invalid, citing the pre-2012 Section 55A(a) which did not permit questioning a taxpayer's higher valuation.
The July 31, 2026, income tax return filing deadline for salaried taxpayers, pensioners, and students was not extended, leading to late fees of up to Rs 5,000 for those who missed it. Taxpayers with business income or requiring a tax audit have later deadlines, with the CBDT reporting over 5.5 crore ITRs filed by July 30.
Taxpayers who missed the July 31, 2026 income tax return deadline have options: file a belated ITR by December 31, 2026, with a late fee (Rs 1,000 or Rs 5,000), or submit a condonation of delay application. Missing the deadline incurs interest on unpaid taxes, loss of carry-forward benefits, and potential increased scrutiny.
US President Donald Trump threatens EU with tariffs in retaliation for $1 billion fine on Google, citing need for trade investigation under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
UK football clubs are urged to contribute more to match policing costs, currently shouldered by taxpayers at £70m annually, as incidents at games reached a seven-year high. While "high severity" incidents increased, overall arrests for football-related offences decreased, indicating effective police work.
Glasgow is hosting a scaled-back Commonwealth Games in 2026 after Victoria withdrew due to financial concerns. Despite organisers' optimism, challenges like low ticket sales, limited free-to-air TV coverage, and star athlete absentees raise questions about the event's long-term viability and relevance.
Taxpayers receiving Section 143(1) intimations from the Income Tax Department with tax demands must respond within 30 days. Failure to do so can lead to 1% monthly interest penalties, classification as an 'assessee in default,' and initiation of recovery proceedings, even if the demand is disputed.
South Korea's customs service and national tax agency jointly collected 1.3 billion won (US$880,000) from delinquent taxpayers by sharing databases and conducting investigations, uncovering concealed assets and fraudulent activities like staged divorces.
Taxpayers in India can now e-verify their Income Tax Returns using various online methods, including Aadhaar OTP, Electronic Verification Code (EVC) via bank or Demat accounts, and net banking. The Income Tax Department outlines clear steps for each method, emphasizing that verification within the deadline is crucial for ITR completion.
The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) Bengaluru ruled in favor of Mr. Joshi, allowing him to carry forward a Rs 2.99 lakh capital loss in his revised income tax return, overturning the Income Tax Department's denial based on the original ITR being filed on time.
Indian Resident and Ordinarily Resident (ROR) taxpayers earning global income face potential double taxation. India's Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) offer relief through tax credits or exclusive taxing rights, but accurate reporting of foreign income and assets is crucial for compliance and avoiding unnecessary tax burdens.
Indian taxpayers must report foreign assets in their Income Tax Return (ITR) for AY 2026-27, converting foreign currency to Indian Rupees using the State Bank of India's (SBI) Telegraphic Transfer Buying Rate (TTBR). This specific rate is mandated by Income-tax Rules, requiring taxpayers to use the TTBR applicable on the relevant date and retain records for compliance.
Indian taxpayers face new foreign asset reporting rules for AY 2026-2027, driven by CBDT orders and international information exchange. Schedule FA requires detailed disclosures for foreign shares, ESOPs, cryptocurrencies, and jointly held overseas bank accounts, with accurate reporting crucial to avoid penalties under the Black Money Act.
Spain secured their first FIFA World Cup title since 2010 by defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal. Argentina played with 10 men after Enzo Fernández was sent off, while a controversial half-time show and a post-game incident involving Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino also occurred.
Australian taxpayers may cover up to $65M in payouts to 930 child abuse victims as the Christian Brothers, a Catholic order, declares bankruptcy. Court documents reveal the order's inability to pay, forcing the federal government to act as "funder of last resort" for the National Redress Scheme.
Pauline Hanson, One Nation leader, spoke at a CPAC conference in London, criticizing mass immigration, multiculturalism, Islam, net zero policies, and "woke" ideology, warning Australia is 5-10 years behind the UK in cultural decline.
Texas Democratic AG candidate Nathan Johnson pledges to investigate Elon Musk's SpaceX if elected, citing potential corruption in a deal awarding the company $110m in state grants. Johnson criticized the lopsided award and promised greater scrutiny of government contracts.
