Latest news for 4 September 2025

INDIA

Tax time?

Tax authorities have approved PM Modi’s sweeping reforms, simplifying the structure into two slabs which aim to both a) spur consumption by cutting taxes on everyday goods like clothes, while b) discouraging the use of ‘sin’ and luxury goods (tobacco, luxury cars), generating extra revenue via a 40% tax. (Economic Times)

ISRAEL

What nukes?

New satellite imagery suggests Israel is building a new structure at the Negev facility widely believed to house its nuclear weapons program. Word is it could be a new reactor or an assembly facility. (SCMP)

Comment: While Israel has never officially acknowledged its nukes, it’s an open secret it has ~90 warheads as a presumed insurance policy against a hostile region.

TAJIKISTAN

Love thy neighbour.

Tajik and Taliban border guards have exchanged fire, reportedly leaving one dead. Although the immediate trigger isn’t clear, tensions have escalated since a China-owned gold operation started on the Afghan side of their shared Panj River three years ago. (Times of Central Asia)

FRANCE

Better safe than sorry.

A leaked letter suggests the French government has told its hospitals to prepare for a potential “military engagement” by next year, involving up to 50,000 men hospitalised over a period of 10 to 180 days. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin later explained it’s about “anticipating crises”. (Independent)

VIETNAM

Anotha’ one.

China wasn’t the only power hosting a big parade this week: a day earlier, Vietnam held its biggest-yet celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of its independence from France, releasing 14,000 prisoners to mark the occasion. (AA)

JAMAICA

To the polls.

Jamaicans have re-elected Labour’s Andrew Holness to a rare third term as prime minister, rewarding him for this year’s historic drop in violent crime, though the close result reflects concerns around corruption and inequality. (Guardian)Comment: Another incumbent in the region, Guyana’s Irfaan Ali, has also claimed victory this week, pledging to continue developing the country’s vast oil reserves.

MOROCCO

To court.

Morocco will apparently set up small legal courts inside football stadiums to deal with minor offences during the 2030 World Cup, co-hosted alongside Spain and Portugal. (Reuters)