A $1.7 million no-bid contract awarded to Greenwater Services, a firm tied to Donald Trump donor John J. Cafaro, to install a water purification system at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is under scrutiny. Algae bloomed days after a multi-million dollar refurbishment, raising questions about the contract and the refurbishment itself.
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate at 5.25% with a neutral stance. External member Saugata Bhattacharya cited rising inflation risks from supply shocks, weather, and energy prices, but favored maintaining the status quo due to tight domestic financial conditions and prevailing uncertainties.
The Supreme Court released a list of 28 candidates to succeed Justice Lee Heung-gu, who will retire on September 7. Among the 87 candidates recommended from inside and outside the court, 27 judges and 1 professor agreed to screening by the Supreme Court Justice Recommendation Committee. Two women are among the candidates.
A UK parliamentary committee is urging Japanese tech firm Fujitsu to make an immediate payment towards the compensation bill for victims of the Post Office IT scandal. The company supplied the faulty Horizon software, leading to wrongful prosecutions of branch operators. Thousands await redress, with calls for Fujitsu to commit to its full liability.
South Korea's National Election Commission's fact-finding committee recommended a criminal probe into its former chief and other officials over systemic failures causing ballot shortages in recent local elections. The committee called for a sweeping overhaul of the NEC.
Seoul: A fact-finding committee investigating ballot shortages in recent local elections has called for a criminal probe into the former chief of the National Election Commission (NEC), citing a "total failure" in election management. The committee also recommended a sweeping overhaul of the NEC.
The FDA's vaccine advisory committee unanimously recommended Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, mFlusiva, for adults 50 and over. This marks a significant step, potentially being the first vaccine approved under the second Trump administration despite past vaccine criticism from President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Stephen Feinberg, deputy undersecretary of defense, wields significant power in Trump's Pentagon, overshadowing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Feinberg, founder of Cerberus Capital Management, has unprecedented control over procurement and invests taxpayer dollars in defense companies, raising conflict of interest concerns.
The Bombay High Court has overturned an SBI internal committee's findings against an employee accused of sexual harassment. The court ruled that a shared autorickshaw, not provided by the employer, does not constitute a 'workplace' under the POSH Act, thus the committee lacked jurisdiction.
US health advisers are reviewing Moderna's new mRNA flu vaccine, mFlusiva, for individuals 50 and older. The vaccine, similar to those used for COVID-19, showed a 27% reduction in flu cases in a study. The FDA is assessing its safety and efficacy, with a decision expected before the winter flu season.
Hong Kong's Housing Authority will introduce two schemes in September to optimize subsidised housing use: allowing 10+ year owners to lease without premium and encouraging elderly owners to swap for smaller/remote flats.
Hong Kong's Housing Authority will introduce two schemes in September to boost the use of subsidised homes. One allows owners to lease properties without a premium after 10 years, while another encourages elderly owners to swap for smaller or remote flats, aiming to increase rental options and housing turnover.
A U.S. Senate committee supports cooperation with South Korea on submarine manufacturing and has requested assessments on Seoul's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines, citing potential positive security implications for the Indo-Pacific region.
국회는 제9회 전국동시지방선거 투표용지 부족 사태 진상 규명 및 선거관리 개혁을 위한 국정조사 특별위원회를 18일 출범시키고 45일간의 활동에 돌입했다. 여야는 선관위의 총체적 부실과 국민 참정권 침해에 대한 철저한 진상 규명과 제도 개혁을 촉구했다.
부산 북구청장직 인수위원회가 신청사 건립 과정의 절차적 문제를 제기하며 사업 중단을 요구했습니다. 기부 무산 토지에 대한 수용 절차 중단과 함께, 신청사 입지 선정 여론조사의 부적절성과 부동산 투기 의혹도 제기했습니다.
Staff from the House oversight and judiciary committees visited the Texas prison where Ghislaine Maxwell is serving her sentence. Democrats claim prison leadership obstructed their questioning about Maxwell's transfer and alleged preferential treatment.
Karnataka government will soon issue guidelines for medical students on appropriate behavior and respect towards donated bodies. This follows viral clips of students disrespecting cadavers, sparking a debate on ethics. The state has 72 medical colleges with 13,000 students.
The Senate Armed Services Committee approved a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act that could bar defense contractors from stock buybacks or dividends without Pentagon approval. The measure, supported by both parties, aims to increase discipline among contractors and faces opposition from industry groups.
FOMC members' forecasts reveal a significant shift, with nine now predicting rate hikes in 2026, compared to none in March. The median dot plot also shows an upward revision for 2026 and 2027, indicating a more hawkish outlook.
US stock markets fell Wednesday after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged but signaled a possible hike by year-end. The Fed cited economic expansion despite Middle East conflict uncertainty and elevated inflation, with nine members projecting at least one rate increase.
Consumer advocacy groups in India are pushing back against the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (Trai) proposal to eliminate the advisory committee for complaint appeals, arguing it removes a vital consumer safeguard. Telecom operators support the move, citing inefficiency, while consumer groups propose modernization instead.
The Federal Reserve's FOMC statement has been significantly shortened under new Chair Kevin Warsh, with the latest release containing around 130 words compared to over 300 in previous meetings. Warsh stated the change aims for a simpler, fact-based communication, removing forward guidance.
The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged for the fourth time this year, maintaining the range at 3.5% to 3.75%. New Chair Kevin Warsh presides over the decision amid elevated inflation and Middle East conflict uncertainty. Projections show a shift, with nine members now anticipating a rate hike this year, contrasting with earlier expectations of cuts.
Volkswagen's executive committee members perceive the company's situation as a threat to its existence, citing weak sales, particularly in China and the US, and a significant drop in net income. A strategic overhaul is deemed necessary.
