Fragile progress in Syria, at risk from exclusion and foreign interference, UN warns

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They warned that foreign military action, political exclusion and dwindling resources threaten to undo fragile gains.

UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen – who announced that he will be stepping down from his role during the meeting – told ambassadors that interim authorities in Damascus have inherited “not just the ruins of shattered buildings, but the deeper wreckage of a battered social fabric, decayed institutions and a hollowed-out economy.”

He stressed that the success of Syria’s transition will depend on political stability, inclusivity and international support at a scale commensurate with the country’s needs.

“The international community must support Syria and robustly stand against foreign intervention,” he said. “But equally: the success of the transition will above all rest on the State acting as a State for all, not just in word but also in deed.”

Geir Pedersen, Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Syria, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in the country.

Call to bar interlopers

Mr. Pedersen urged respect for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity amid ongoing external military action, including further reported Israeli strikes this month.

Any security concerns, he said, must be addressed through diplomacy, warning that mishandling them could leave Syria “indefinitely gridlocked, unable to heal or rebuild – and at worst, slipping into fresh waves of strife and external intervention.”

He pointed to the Druze-minority region of Sweida – where a ceasefire following brutal clashes has largely held since July – and welcomed a roadmap agreed last week by Syria, Jordan and the United States to address accountability, humanitarian access and reconciliation.

But he cautioned that fears within the Druze community must be addressed through dialogue and confidence-building.

He also highlighted reports of abuses in Damascus neighbourhoods and calls for accountability in Sweida – and along the coast following sectarian violence there.

“The Syrian public needs to see that abuses are both acknowledged and addressed in accordance with international standards,” he said.

Humanitarian emergency continues

Speaking alongside Mr. Pedersen, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher described Syria as “one of the largest humanitarian emergencies globally.”

More than 70 per cent of the population requires some form of aid, nine million are acutely food insecure seven million remain displaced inside the country and four million refugees abroad.

Despite these figures, he highlighted signs of progress. Thanks to more practical engagement with the interim authorities, aid is now reaching communities inaccessible a year ago.

“Movements that last year would have required lengthy navigation of frontlines are happening routinely,” Mr. Fletcher said, citing food assistance for one million people each month and subsidized bread for two million more.

Nearly 900,000 refugees and 1.9 million internally displaced people have returned to their communities since December, though many face destroyed housing, lack of jobs and insecurity.

Funding gaps remain

Funding gaps however threaten these gains, with the UN’s humanitarian appeal for Syria only 18 per cent funded. The shortfall has forced closures of hospitals, safe spaces for women and community centres.

“Just when organizations are seeking to expand their operations and have the opportunity to work more efficiently, they are instead forced to cut programmes, reduce support, lose staff,” Mr. Fletcher warned.

The UN Security Council meets to discuss the situation in Syria.

‘Unity is within reach’

Both officials warned that Syria’s fragile moment of progress could easily unravel.

“If this central challenge is mishandled, the consequences could be dire,” Mr. Pedersen cautioned. “But if met with genuine negotiation and bold compromise, unity is within reach and success against the odds is possible.”

Mr. Fletcher echoed that message, urging Member States to “preserve stability, fund the humanitarian response and enable Syrian-led recovery.”

“This time next year,” he added, “I want to report that we are substantially scaling down our emergency humanitarian operations in Syria – not because funding cuts have forced our hand, but because the international community has made the necessary investments in Syria’s future.”

Healing the ozone layer: ‘Guided by science, united in action’

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Last century, scientists confirmed the alarming reality of a significant depletion in the ozone layer – an invisible shield of gas which surrounds the earth and protects it from the sun’s UV rays.

The collection of ozone-depleting substances included CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, which in the mid-1980s were commonly found in everyday products such as air conditioners, fridges and aerosol cans.

Science led to global action. Realising that harmful UV radiation was entering the atmosphere through what was potentially a damaged ozone layer, countries made a commitment under the Vienna Convention in 1985, to do what was needed for the protection of the people and the planet.

“The Vienna Convention and its Montreal Protocol became a landmark of multilateral success,” said the UN Secretary General António Guterres in a message for this year’s World Ozone Day.

“Today, the ozone layer is healing,” he said.

What is the Vienna Convention?

Forty years ago, countries came together to take the first step in protecting the ozone layer, “guided by science, united in action,” the UN chief continued.

The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, adopted and signed by 28 countries on 22 March 1985, formalised universal cooperation over the protection of the fragile ozone layer.

It is the first treaty to be signed by every country in the world and the precursor to the Montreal Protocol.

The objective of the Montreal Protocol is to monitor the global production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer – and eventually eliminate them.

Multilateralism at its best

In a video message, Inger Andersen, Executive Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), highlighted that through action under the conventions “ozone depleting substances have now been virtually eradicated and the hole in ozone layer is closing.”

After scientists sounded the alarm, countries, nations, and businesses came together and took action for the planet.

“That is multilateralism at its very, very best,” she added.

The Montreal Protocol has been progressing well in both developed and developing countries with most phase-out schedules – the time given for each country to gradually stop the production of harmful substances – adhered to or even surpassed.

“This achievement reminds us that when nations heed the warnings of science, progress is possible,” remarked Mr. Guterres.

Next in line, the Kigali Amendment

In his message, Mr. Guterres urged governments to ratify and implement the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which commits to phase down, or reduce, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), greenhouse gases used mainly in cooling technologies.

“Implementing the Kigali Amendment could avoid up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of warming by the end of the century,” he said. “Paired with energy-efficient cooling, we could double these gains.”

As outlined in the Paris Agreement, countries have agreed to try and limit the rise of global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“On this World Ozone Day, let’s recommit to preserving our ozone layer and to protecting people and planet for generations to come,” the UN chief said. 

Thirsty and starving, Gazans face ‘inhumane’ evacuation; UNICEF

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The development followed reports that the Israeli military has stepped up its ground offensive in Gaza City, ordering residents to leave the area.

Speaking from the south of the enclave, UNICEF’s Tess Ingram described the forced mass displacement of families as a “deadly threat for the most vulnerable”.

“It is inhumane to expect nearly half a million children battered and traumatized by over 700 days of unrelenting conflict to flee one hellscape to end up in another,” she insisted.

150,000 go south in a month

According to the UN’s humanitarian affairs coordination office, OCHA, over the past few days, partners monitoring the movement of people in Gaza counted almost 70,000 displacements heading south, and about 150,000 over the past month. The only available route, Al Rashid Road, was “very busy” when Ms. Ingram was there on Monday, she said.

The UNICEF spokesperson described meeting a mother who had walked for more than six hours from Gaza City to the South with her five children, “all dirty, thirsty and starving”, two of them with no shoes.

They are being pushed along with tens of thousands of others to “a so-called humanitarian zone” encompassing Al-Mawasi and surrounding areas, she said.

Sea of despair

Ms. Ingram described their destination as “a sea of makeshift tents, human despair” and services which are “insufficient” to support the hundreds of thousands already living there.

Child malnutrition in Gaza is “spiralling”, Ms. Ingram continued, pointing out that according to UNICEF estimates, some 26,000 children in the enclave currently require treatment for acute malnutrition – more than 10,000 in Gaza City alone.

Famine was confirmed late last month in Gaza City by UN-backed food insecurity experts.

Feeding centres closed

UNICEF’s Ms. Ingram said that owing to evacuation orders and military escalation more nutrition centres in Gaza City have been forced to shut this week, “cutting off children from a third of the remaining treatment sites that can save their lives”.

While humanitarians remain on site and continue responding to the crisis, “it is becoming harder with every bombardment and every denial”, she stressed.

According to OCHA, last Sunday out of 17 missions that humanitarian teams coordinated with the Israeli authorities, only four were facilitated, while seven missions were denied and others were impeded on the ground or had to be cancelled.

Ms. Ingram spoke of the dilemma desperate Gazans face: “stay in danger or flee to a place that they also know is dangerous.” She recalled that Al-Mawasi came under attack some two weeks ago, when eight children were killed while lining up for water; the youngest victim was three years old.

More to follow…

Asteroid 2025 FA22 Set for Close Flyby on September 18

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The night sky often brings a sense of awe, but every so often, a rocky visitor from deep space captures global attention. This week, astronomers are tracking asteroid 2025 FA22, which will sweep past Earth on Thursday, 18 September, 2025, in one of the year’s most closely monitored celestial events.

According to NASA, FA22 is about 520 feet (160 metres) wide and hurtles through space at over 24,000 miles per hour. On its closest approach, it will pass at a distance of 523,000 miles (841,900 km), tht is slightly farther than the Moon. While that might not sound close, in astronomical terms, it qualifies as a near miss.

The asteroid is part of the Aten group, a class of Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) whose orbits cross Earth’s path. Because of their trajectories, they are among the most carefully tracked objects in the solar system.

Despite its size, experts stress that FA22 poses no risk. NASA designates an asteroid as hazardous if it comes within 7.4 million kilometres of Earth and measures more than 85 metres across. Although FA22 fits the size category, its trajectory keeps it well outside the danger zone.

Still, scientists emphasise that close monitoring is essential. Even small shifts in an asteroid’s orbit, caused by gravitational nudges or solar radiation effects, can change its future path dramatically.

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NASA noted that shortly after its discovery in March 2025, FA22 briefly reached Torino Scale 1, a category that flags objects worth monitoring, though unlikely to impact Earth. Further observations quickly ruled out any threat.

2025 – A Busy Year for Sky Watchers

The September encounter comes during a year filled with notable asteroid activity.

  • January 2025: Asteroid 2025 AB10, a 200-foot rock, passed at 1.2 million kilometres, offering astronomers early tracking practice for the year.

  • March 29, 2025: FA22 was first spotted by the Pan-STARRS 2 telescope in Hawaii, triggering the global observing campaign now underway.

  • July 2025: A smaller asteroid, 2025 JX3, skimmed within 400,000 kilometres, just inside the Moon’s orbit, sparking public interest.

  • September 2025: FA22 now headlines as the largest close-approaching asteroid of the year.

  • Later in 2025: Astronomers also anticipate the flyby of 2025 QH5 in December, which, while smaller, will pass even closer than FA22.

These encounters remind us that the Blue Planet shares a dynamic neighbourhood with thousands of NEOs, most harmless, but all worth studying.

Why Should We Care About Every Flyby?

Even when no danger exists, each asteroid provides a chance to refine tracking systems and test planetary defense protocols. The International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) has organised a worldwide observing campaign around FA22. Telescopes across the globe will collect data on its orbit, size, spin, and surface features.

IAWN explained: “For the purpose of the exercise, we will treat this object as a current virtual impactor with a hypothetical impact on September 19, 2089.” In reality, updated orbital calculations show no risk of impact.

Beyond FA22, attention is building toward Apophis, a much larger asteroid due in 2029. In fact, ISRO chief S. Somanath recently outlined India’s plans to join NASA, ESA, and JAXA in asteroid exploration, including potential landing missions. The goal is to understand their makeup, test resource extraction technologies, and sharpen defense strategies.

Past close approaches, such as 2019 OK, which flew within 73,000 kilometres, and 2020 QG, which zipped by at just 3,000 kilometres—show how unexpectedly close asteroids can appear. While FA22 will pass at a safe distance, its visit underscores why constant vigilance is critical.

For amateur astronomers, the event is also a spectacle. On September 18–19, FA22 is expected to reach magnitude 13, visible through small backyard telescopes. The Virtual Telescope Project will livestream the passage for global audiences.

Though harmless, FA22’s arrival highlights a core truth about our place in the cosmos: the skies above are far from static. Each asteroid encounter is both a reminder of Earth’s vulnerability and a chance to sharpen humanity’s readiness for the unexpected.

Trump’s $15 billion Clash With NYT Sets Off Another Legal Campaign For Newsrooms

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When a sitting or former president elects to seek $15 billion in damages from a single news organisation, the action reads less like a conventional libel suit than like a strategic campaign play writ in legal form. On Sept. 15–16, 2025, Donald Trump announced and filed such a complaint against The New York Times, several Times journalists and associated publishers, saying the outlet had run a “decades-long campaign of lies” and calling it “one of the worst and most degenerate newspapers in the history of our country.”

He added that the paper had become a “virtual mouthpiece for the radical Left Democrat Party.” There are three discrete frames in which to judge this case: constitutional law, newsroom practice and political theatre. Each offers a different prediction about whether the suit is likely to prevail, and each suggests distinct consequences for the institutions at stake.

On paper, American defamation Law establishes a steep hill for public figures. Since New York Times Co. v. Sullivan (1964), plaintiffs who are public officials or public figures must prove “actual malice” — that the defendant published a falsehood knowing it was false, or with reckless disregard for the truth. That standard protects all but the most egregious reporting failures and demands evidence about a reporter’s state of mind at publication, not merely proof of factual error. Courts have repeatedly emphasised the difficulty of meeting that bar.

That legal wall is why suits by powerful plaintiffs often operate as instruments of leverage rather than purely as mechanisms to vindicate reputations. Consider the recent settlements Trump highlights: ABC agreed to make a $15 million contribution to a planned Trump library to resolve a dispute tied to inaccurate on-air comments, and Paramount/ CBS reached a $16 million settlement in another high-profile dispute.

Those outcomes do not equate to judicial findings of malice; they reflect the complex calculus that companies make when weighing the costs of protracted discovery, reputational risk, and the distraction of litigation. In the commercial realpolitik of media companies, settlement can be damage control rather than an admission of journalistic failure.

From a newsroom vantage, the stakes are stark. Big-budget investigative journalism depends on an institutional ability to accept legal risk, to check sources, document reporting decisions, and defend editorial judgement in court if necessary. The threat of repeated, high-value suits imposes a chilling tax: even if most claims fail, the process of discovery, private depositions, the cost of legal defence, the drain on editors’ time,  can incentivise self-censorship or encourage settlements that leave public records unexplored.

As one experienced newsroom lawyer put it in recent commentary about litigation pressure, the pattern of “rhetoric and actions” from political leaders can be mirrored across the information ecosystem, prompting smaller outlets to mimic defensive strategies long before a case reaches a judge.

NYT Building

Yet it would be a mistake to view this litigation as an empty bluff. Courts are not wholly captive to First Amendment concerns; they adjudicate harms and damages on the basis of evidence. The complaint against the Times, as reported, identifies specific articles and a book project and alleges that their claims were published with knowledge of falsity or reckless disregard.

If Trump’s legal team can produce contemporaneous internal communications, contradictory witness testimony, or other documentary proof that reporters knew key claims were false, the suit could survive early motions. But that is a high evidentiary bar, and historically judges have dismissed similar high-stakes suits at early procedural stages when plaintiffs fail to plead facts that plausibly demonstrate actual malice.

The litigation is also a political communication. Publicising a multi-billion dollar suit amplifies a message: that major institutions are corrupt, that the plaintiff is under siege, and that legal action is evidence of fighting back. This is a form of signalling to a base that prizes grievance and retribution. As one commentator put it in an earlier Trump-era legal contest, some suits are “cartoonishly vexatious,” — not because they cannot be argued, but because their primary utility is to shift the news cycle and impose costs on opponents.

The lesson is twofold: litigation can be weaponised by the powerful, and legal doctrine (even a robust Sullivan standard) does not eliminate the practical asymmetry that comes with litigation’s cost and duration. Two other practical anchors should guide readers watching this case. First, the forum selection, filing in Florida, and it matters. Plaintiffs sometimes choose jurisdictions they perceive as more favorable or predictable; venue can affect pretrial orders and scheduling. Second, discovery will be decisive.

If the Times shows meticulous sourcing, contemporaneous notes, and editorial review that produced its stories, it strengthens its defence. Conversely, if the plaintiff can point to internal inconsistencies at the Times or to documentary proof of knowing falsehoods, the case could survive motions to dismiss.

ALSO READ: Trump Slaps $15 Billion Suit on NYT, Calls Daily ‘Degenerative’

However, there are immediate consequences. If courts reject overreaching suits and insist on the actual-malice standard, that outcome will protect the breathing room journalists need to pursue investigations. Instead, if high-value suits proceed on amorphous proofs and culminate in settlements, the result will be a more cautionary press, especially among mid-sized outlets without the Times’ legal resources.

Finally, Mr. Trump’s Truth Social post supplies the rhetorical raw material for the complaint. “The New York Times has been allowed to freely lie, smear, and defame me for far too long,” he wrote in his social media platform but rhetoric does not equal evidence. The coming months of motions, discovery and possible appeals will test whether the complaint is primarily performative or backed by the documentary and testimonial proof that the American law requires.

For now, newsrooms should do what they have always done when under legal pressure: document rigorously, be transparent about sourcing where possible, and explain to readers how and why reporting decisions were made. Courts will determine whether a legal line has been crossed or not. Editors must defend the sturdier, day-to-day work of truth-seeking journey that makes their determination possible.

Trump Slaps $15 Billion Suit on NYT, Calls Daily ‘Degenerative’

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US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping $15 billion defamation and libel suit against The New York Times, accusing the paper of running a “decades-long campaign of lies” and smearing him, his family, businesses, and political movement.

Posting on his Truth Social platform, Trump branded the newspaper “one of the most degenerative” in American history, alleging it had effectively become a “mouthpiece for the radical Left Democrat Party.” He also claimed its coverage of Democratic rival Kamala Harris amounted to “the single largest illegal campaign contribution ever.”

Trump said the suit, filed in Florida, aims to hold The Times accountable in the same way he had “successfully litigated” against other outlets. He cited earlier settlements with ABC/Disney and CBS/Paramount, which reportedly paid multimillion-dollar sums to the Trump Library project following disputes over their coverage.

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This is not Trump’s first legal confrontation with the media. He has long branded critical coverage as “fake news,” but in recent years has escalated to high-value lawsuits. Earlier settlements, though not publicly verified by courts, have been presented by Trump as victories, strengthening his narrative of being unfairly targeted by mainstream outlets.

Legal experts, however, note that US defamation law sets a high bar for public figures, requiring proof of “actual malice.” Historically, similar suits, including Trump’s own 2020 case against The New York Times over Russia probe coverage, were dismissed. Analysts suggest the current lawsuit may be as much a political move to energize his base as a legal strategy.

Indian Context

Comparisons can be drawn to Indian political and media tussles, where defamation suits are also wielded as tools to counter negative coverage. In 2016, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faced a string of defamation cases filed by political rivals, many of which were later withdrawn after publicised apologies, underscoring how such legal battles often play out more in the court of public opinion than in law.

As the US heads deeper into the election season, Trump’s litigation blitz against media outlets signals an aggressive campaign tactic — one that blurs the lines between courtroom strategy and political messaging.

United Nations Revises 2026 Budget, Pairing Cost Reductions With Reforms

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UN Budget Cuts and Reform Proposals Sent to ACABQ for Review

The United Nations has submitted revised budget estimates to the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), proposing a 15.1 per cent reduction in resources and an 18.8 per cent cut in posts in the regular budget compared with 2025. The support account for peacekeeping operations, which underpins missions worldwide, would also see reductions in the 2025/26 period.

The ACABQ, a subsidiary body advising the General Assembly, will assess the proposals before forwarding its recommendations to the Fifth Committee, where all 193 Member States decide on administrative and budgetary matters.

Targeted Reductions

In a letter to Member States, Secretary-General António Guterres explained that the cuts followed an extensive review of mandate delivery and resource allocation. Stressing that reductions were “targeted, not across the board,” he said they had been carefully calibrated to maintain balance across the UN’s three pillars—peace and security, human rights, and sustainable development.

Programmes that directly support Member States—particularly least developed, landlocked, and small island developing States—along with Africa’s development advocacy, the Peacebuilding Fund, and the Resident Coordinator system, will be shielded from reductions. Regional economic commissions will see only modest adjustments, while the Regular Programme for Technical Cooperation will continue to expand to strengthen capacity-building for developing countries.

“Reductions of this magnitude will entail trade-offs,” Guterres wrote, noting possible impacts such as narrowed scope, longer timelines, or reduced frequency of outputs. Mitigation measures will include prioritising high-impact work, pooling expertise, and relying more on virtual platforms and automation.

Reform Measures Under the UN80 Initiative

The budget revision is closely tied to the UN80 Initiative, launched in March 2025 to strengthen the Organisation amid rising global political and financial uncertainty. Alongside the cuts, the revised estimates introduce the first set of proposals under Workstream 1, focused on management and operations.

Key measures include:

  • Establishing administrative hubs in New York and Bangkok.

  • Consolidating payroll into a single global team across New York, Entebbe, and Nairobi.

  • Relocating some functions from high-cost duty stations (New York and Geneva) to lower-cost locations.

  • Vacating two leased New York buildings by 2027, with projected annual savings from 2028.

Collectively, these reforms aim to cut duplication, enhance quality, and protect mandate delivery while improving efficiency.

Three Workstreams of Reform

The UN80 Initiative is structured around three workstreams:

  1. Efficiencies and management improvements – now reflected in the revised estimates, with further measures to come.

  2. Mandate Implementation Review – a report submitted in August is under review by a new Informal Ad Hoc Working Group, meeting on 16 September.

  3. System-wide realignments – proposals on structural and programmatic clusters will be presented later this week.

Together, the workstreams signal a major reorientation of UN operations, aimed at ensuring effectiveness, credibility, and sustainability.

Next Steps and Staff Engagement

The ACABQ will begin hearings this week before passing its recommendations to the Fifth Committee, with a final General Assembly decision expected by December. If approved, changes would be phased in starting 2026, with future budget cycles reflecting additional reforms from the UN80 workstreams.

In a separate letter to UN staff, Guterres acknowledged that the changes will affect daily work and professional life but pledged full support throughout the transition. “You will be fully engaged and supported throughout the process,” he assured, promising regular communication, consultation opportunities, and practical guidance.

Acknowledging the difficulty of the decisions, the Secretary-General emphasised accountability—beginning with him, but also extending to managers and staff. He urged that reforms be carried out with fairness, empathy, and professionalism, underscoring the shared responsibility of upholding UN values during the transition.

 

Deadly Attacks, Trembling Services Push Sudan Closer to Catastrophe

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According to local reports, heavy shelling and assaults late last week in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, killed at least six civilians and injured scores more, triggering fresh displacement from the already besieged city.

Sudan has been roiled in a brutal civil war between rival militaries – the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and affiliated militias. Thousands of civilians have been killed, villages and farmlands destroyed, and nearly 12 million people driven from their homes – over four million as refugees into neighbouring countries.

The country also risks becoming the world’s largest hunger crisis in recent history as infrastructure, trade routes and supply chains lie in ruins. Famine has already been confirmed in the Zamzam camp, which once sheltered hundreds of thousands of civilians – and many more areas are at risk.

Humanitarians warn that essential services are breaking down. Water trucking to the only functioning hospital was suspended over the weekend and community kitchens shut down after running out of food.

Without urgent support, they warn that the most vulnerable people could face severe hunger within days. Across Darfur, hospitals remain under immense strain.

Nearly 100 wounded people, including women and children, were admitted to medical facilities in a single day last week, with several pronounced dead on arrival, according to reports from the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF – Doctors Without Borders).

Survivors who managed to escape El Fasher described “unbearable” conditions in the city, which has endured more than a year of siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied groups.

Children sit beside makeshift tents in El Fasher, North Darfur, where intensified fighting has left thousands trapped.

Drone strikes on 10 September hit multiple locations across Darfur, injuring scores. A strike landed just four kilometres (about 2.5 miles) from an MSF-supported hospital in Central Darfur, forcing staff to activate a mass casualty plan. The following day, two more strikes struck Nyala in South Darfur, reportedly killing at least four people, including a child.

The fighting is not confined to Darfur. In Khartoum, RSF airstrikes on 9 September damaged a power station, causing a blackout in parts of the capital and disrupting critical hospital equipment and services.

Disasters add to misery

Meanwhile, Sudan is grappling with natural disasters on top of conflict. A landslide triggered by heavy rains on 31 August in Sharg Aj Jabal, near the Central and South Darfur border, killed an estimated 400 people, half of them children, according to local reports.

Furthermore, over 4,000 people were displaced and 550 homes destroyed in Aj Jazirah state in flash floods last week.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of people in Sudan are affected by heavy rains, flash floods and landslides.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stressed that civilians remain at the epicentre of the violence. “[We] once again call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, and increased international support to sustain life-saving operations across Sudan,” the Office said.

In Khartoum, OCHA reported some improvements in restoring basic services and security. Yet more than 800,000 people who have returned to the capital in recent months still urgently need assistance to rebuild their lives.

On the political front, the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, is currently in Port Sudan after concluding consultations in Nairobi.

According to UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, Mr. Lamamra has held “very constructive engagements” with Sudanese stakeholders across the spectrum as well as key international interlocutors.

“These discussions will help lay the groundwork necessary to support an inclusive process that can deliver a sustainable solution that preserves Sudan’s sovereignty, its unity and its territorial integrity,” Mr. Dujarric said.

He added that the UN also looks forward to working closely with regional partners, including the African Union, the east African regional bloc Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the League of Arab States, to restart efforts toward an intra-Sudanese dialogue.

World News in Brief: Pandemic Treaty Update, DR Congo Ebola Response, More Casualties in Ukraine

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Pandemic Treaty

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called the world’s first pandemic trety “a generational accomplishment”, while speaking at the start of a meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group on the WHO Pandemic Agreement, taking place in Geneva through Friday. It comes four months after countries adopted the pact.

Tedros said the next step “is to bring this historic achievement to fruition” by finalizing the Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) system. He urged countries to use this week to pave the way to developing the platform, with the ultimate goal of adoption next year.

“It is in every country’s interest that this process is not delayed any further. Because, as we are all aware, the next pandemic or major global health emergency is not a question of if, but when,” he said.

DR Congo: UN and partners support Ebola response in Kasai province

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing an Ebola outbreak in Kasai province, located in the southwest, with 35 confirmed cases including 27 deaths.

The UN and partners are supporting the Government in the response, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General said on Monday in New York. Stéphane Dujarric told reporters that partners working in health have facilitated the delivery of over 350 doses of the Ebola vaccine to the Bulape health zone, the epicentre of the outbreak.

“We have also mobilized rapid response teams focusing on case detection and surveillance, clinical case management, infection and prevention control, and risk communication and community engagement,” he added.

Meanwhile, health partners are mobilizing to contain the outbreak. He warned, however, that gaps in medical supplies and logistical capacity are hindering the response, and urgent funding is needed.

Ukraine: Dozens of casualties reported in weekend hostilities

Hostilities continued over the weekend in Ukraine, with the Donetsk region particularly affected, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Monday.

Several civilians have been killed and 40 injured in the region since Friday, while local authorities also documented damage to nearly 190 civilian facilities, including homes, schools, a hospital and a pharmacy.

Other parts of Ukraine also experienced hostilities which damaged homes, farmland and other civilian infrastructure. Nearly 5,000 people remain without electricity in the Zaporizhzhia region.

OCHA said the continuing violence has forced more than 2,700 people, including roughly 340 children, to flee their homes between 12 and 14 September.

IAEA Chief Urges Countries to Recommit to Nuclear Non-Proliferation

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He stressed that their support for the non-proliferation regime, the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT), and the IAEA, is crucial.

“I urge Member States to recommit to a system that has been one of the most important foundations for international peace, even during the tensest decades of our generation,” he said.

He noted that the conference comes at a time when “acts of terrorism, multiple military conflicts, and the erosion of nuclear norms are all happening against a growing gap between poverty and prosperity.”

Mr. Grossi went on to speak about the ways in which the IAEA is working to stop the spread of nuclear weapons and is putting nuclear science to good use, including for cancer treatment, food security, plastic pollution monitoring, disease detection, and artificial intelligence.

Nuclear safety around the world

Earlier this year, Syria agreed to cooperate with the IAEA, and just last week, the agency reached an agreement with Iran to resume the implementation of nuclear safeguards – technical measures used by the IAEA to ensure that if countries make advancements in nuclear technology, they do so for peaceful purposes.

“When the IAEA confirms the peaceful use of a State’s nuclear material, confidence over nuclear activities is established,” said Mr. Grossi.

Meanwhile, in Ukraine, where nuclear power plants are at risk from conflict, the IAEA has sent over 200 missions and is “present on the ground at all the sites.”

But more challenges remain. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) continues its nuclear weapons programme, while even countries abiding by the NPT, the landmark international agreement meant to abolish nuclear weapons, are debating adding them.

“Think for a minute about a world where instead of a few, we would have 20 or 25 countries armed with nuclear weapons,” he warned.

Peaceful uses of nuclear science

Three years ago, the IAEA launched its flagship programme, Rays of Hope, becoming a “catalyst for real, substantial progress in cancer care.” Through the initiative, concrete actions have been taken in 40 countries: hospitals have been built, radiotherapy machines procured, and physicists trained.

Additionally, the IAEA’s joint programme with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Atoms4Food, is helping boost food security and reduce the environmental strain arising from agriculture.

“In a world of abundance, 700 million people should not have to go to bed hungry every night,” he said.

Mr. Grossi highlighted more ways in which the agency is benefiting the people and the planet, including through its initiative supporting many countries in addressing plastic pollution and waste, and another on improving global preparedness for diseases.

An optimistic outlook

With powerful tools like artificial intelligence and machine learning, “the future is too exciting to miss.”

Nuclear energy can power artificial intelligence infrastructure, while artificial intelligence can improve nuclear technology. To further explore this mutually beneficial relationship, the IAEA will organise the first ever symposium dedicated to the topic in December this year.

Fusion energy, which has been progressing thanks to public and private capital, is another technological development soon expected to take off.

“Every challenge is an opportunity,” concluded Mr. Grossi. “Peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is dynamic, hopeful striving that I see in what we do all around the world.”

The 69th IAEA General Conference will take place from 15-19 September in Vienna, Austria, where over 3,000 participants are registered to attend.

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UN Condemns ‘Deadly Escalation’ of Fight in Gaza City

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The situation “is having an appalling impact on civilians enduring suffering and starvation,” he told journalists in New York.

“The United Nations condemns the deadly escalation of the Israeli military offensive which took place over the weekend across Gaza City, with scores of people reportedly killed or injured,” he said.

“We reiterate our call for the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel and full respect for international law.” 

70,000 more uprooted

In a post on X on Sunday, the head of the UN agency for Palestine refugees, UNRWA, said that 10 of its buildings in Gaza City had been hit in the past four days alone, including seven schools and two clinics which were being used as shelters.

Almost 70,000 displaced people have headed south in the past few days, while UN partners counted 150,000 movements from north to south this past month.

Partners further reported that one third of malnutrition treatment facilities in Gaza City have shut down due to forced displacement orders, while the Ministry of Health today reported 425 deaths overall due to malnutrition and starvation in Gaza, about a third of which were children.

A call for ‘unimpeded humanitarian access’

Over the past few days, UN partners have managed to distribute 40,000 additional meals each day. As of Saturday, 558,000 daily meals were prepared and distributed by 20 UN partners to 116 kitchens.

“However, health services continue to be heavily constrained, since clinics have suspended their services due to insecurity and displacement orders,” warned Mr. Dujarric, adding that in Deir Al-Balah, only a few ambulances remain in order and are able to serve the thousands of people in need.

Additionally, 77 per cent of the road networks in Gaza have been damaged and according to UN aid coordination office OCHA, humanitarian aid continues to be obstructed.

On Sunday, only four of the 17 missions that the UN coordinated with the Israeli authorities were facilitated. Seven missions were denied, one of which was meant to deliver water tanks to the north, while another four were impeded in the field, and two were cancelled by the organisers.

Nevertheless, three humanitarian missions were accomplished, including the collection of fuel and food cargo from the Kerem Shalom/Karem Abu Salem crossing.

“Our humanitarian colleagues continue to call for unimpeded humanitarian access,” stressed Mr. Dujarric. “Aid should flow at scale through multiple crossings into and within Gaza, including the north.”

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Gender Equality: UN Women Body Calls For Political Will and Accelerated Global Action

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The world is retreating from gender equality, and the cost is being counted in lives, rights, and opportunities. Five years from the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) deadline in 2030, none of the gender equality targets are on track.

That’s according to this year’s SDG Gender Snapshot report launched on Monday by UN Women and the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, which draws on more than 100 data sources to track progress across all 17 Goals.

2025 marks three major milestones for women and girls: the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace and security, and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, but with the new sobering data, it is urgent to accelerate action and investment.

Other findings in the report reveal that female poverty has barely shifted in half a decade, stuck at around 10 per cent since 2020. Most of those affected live in sub-Saharan Africa and Central and Southern Asia.

A two-year-old girl suffering from malnutrition is fed by her mother at their shelter in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh / © UNICEF/Ilvy Njiokiktjien

In 2024 alone, 676 million women and girls lived within reach of deadly conflict, the highest number since the 1990s. For those caught in war zones, the consequences extend far beyond displacement. Food insecurity, health risks, and violence rise sharply, the report notes.

Violence against women and girls remains one of the most pervasive threats. More than one in eight women worldwide experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of a partner in the past year, while nearly one in five young women was married before the age of 18. Each year, an estimated four million girls undergo female genital mutilation, with over half cut before their fifth birthday.

Prioritizing gender equality

Yet, amid the grim statistics, the report highlights what is possible when countries prioritize gender equality. Maternal mortality has dropped nearly 40 per cent since 2000, and girls are now more likely than ever to finish school.

Speaking to UN News, Sarah Hendriks, Director of the Policy Division at UN Women, said that when she first moved to Zimbabwe in 1997, “giving birth was actually a matter of life and death”.

“Today, that’s no longer the reality. And that’s an incredible level of progress in a short 25, 30 years”, she added.

Technology, too, holds promise. Today, 70 per cent of men are online compared to 65 per cent of women. Closing that gap, the report estimates, could benefit 343.5 million women and girls by 2050, lifting 30 million out of poverty and adding $1.5 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

“Where gender equality has been prioritized, it has propelled societies and economies forward,” said Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. “Targeted investments in gender equality have the power to transform societies and economies.”

At the same time, an unprecedented backlash on women’s rights, shrinking civic space, and growing defunding of gender equality initiatives is threatening hard-won gains.

According to UN Women, without action women remain “invisible” in data and policymaking, with 25 per cent less gender data available now due to survey funding cuts.

A girl uses a tablet during class at her school in Safi, South Niger.

“The Gender Snapshot 2025 shows that the costs of failure are immense but so are the gains from gender equality,” said Li Junhua, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs.

“Accelerated action and interventions focused on care, education, the green economy, labour markets and social protection could reduce the number of women and girls in extreme poverty by 110 million by 2050, unlocking an estimated $342 trillion in cumulative economic returns.”

But progress remains uneven, and often painfully slow.  Women hold just 27.2 per cent of parliamentary seats worldwide, and their representation in local governments has stalled at 35.5 per cent. In management, women occupy only 30 per cent of roles, and at this pace, true parity is nearly a century away.

Marking 30 years since the Beijing Platform for Action, the report frames 2025 as a moment of reckoning. “Gender equality is not an ideology,” it warns. “It is foundational for peace, development, and human rights.” Ahead of the UN high-level week, the Gender Snapshot report makes clear that the choice is urgent: invest in women and girls now, or risk losing another generation of progress.

Ms. Hendriks shared UN Women’s message for world leaders: “Change is absolutely possible, and a different pathway is before us, but it is not inevitable, and it requires the political will, as well as the determined resolve of governments right around the world to make gender equality, women’s rights and their empowerment a reality once and for all”.

Anchored in the Beijing+30 Action Agenda, the report identifies six priority areas where urgent, accelerated action is needed to achieve gender equality for all women and girls by 2030, which include a digital revolution, freedom from poverty, zero violence, full and equal decision-making power, peace and security and climate justice.

 

Yemen: UN Sounds Alarm as Famine, Fighting, Detentions Exacerbate Crisis

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UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg told the Security Council on Monday that the turmoil in Yemen cannot be seen in isolation.

“Yemen is both a mirror and a magnifier of the region’s volatility,” he said, noting that progress toward peace is hampered by regional rivalries, cross-border dynamics, and internal divisions.

Mr. Grundberg highlighted a dangerous escalation in hostilities, noting repeated attacks on civilians and critical infrastructure. Military clashes in Al Dhale’, Ma’rib, and Ta’iz underscore the risk that miscalculations could trigger a return to full-scale conflict.

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, have been fighting Yemeni Government forces, backed by a Saudi-led coalition, for control of the country for over a decade.

Hans Grundberg, UN Special Envoy for Yemen, briefs the Security Council on the situation in Yemen. He warned that Yemen’s conflict is unravelling within an already volatile regional landscape.

© UNICEF/Ahmed Al-Basha A girl and her brother walk home after attending classes at a UNICEF-supported educational tent. Millions of children in Yemen are out of school due to displacement and conflict-damaged schools. (file photo)

“Against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, we are seeing an alarming and dangerous intensification of hostilities between Ansar Allah and Israel,” he said, noting that a number of civilians were reportedly killed and injured, and critical infrastructure struck.

The Special Envoy warned that the current cycle of violence is dragging Yemen further from a peace process that could deliver sustainable, long-term peace and economic growth.

“This escalatory cycle must end…we need to get the focus back on Yemen – focus on both its internal challenges and on unlocking its great potential,” he stressed.

Spiralling humanitarian situation

The humanitarian situation is equally dire. UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher told the Council that Yemen remains the third most food-insecure country in the world, with 17 million people already struggling to eat and an additional one million expected to face extreme hunger before February next year.

“Seventy per cent of households do not have enough food to meet daily needs – this is the highest rate ever recorded,” he said.

Mr. Fletcher highlighted that one in five households goes a full day without any food, while two million women and girls have lost access to reproductive health services amid funding shortfalls.

Despite funding gaps and a challenging operating environment, humanitarians continue to deliver aid where possible. In Hajjah, Amran, and Ma’rib, organizations have provided food, water, health, and nutrition services to tens of thousands.

More than 172,000 people affected by flooding received non-food items, shelter, hygiene kits, and clean water.

But Mr. Fletcher warned that ongoing hostilities, infrastructure damage, and the detention of UN staff severely hamper operations.

Twenty-two UN personnel have been recently arbitrarily detained by Ansar Allah; though one staff member was released, over 40 remain in detention, including a colleague who died while in custody.

Both top UN officials emphasised the urgent need for dialogue and adherence to international law. Special Envoy Grundberg urged Yemeni leaders to step back from unilateral actions and pursue a nationwide ceasefire, economic reforms, and inclusive political engagement.

Mr. Fletcher called for the immediate release of all detained aid workers and a secure operating environment, warning that funding cuts and conflict-related obstacles are costing lives.

“Detaining humanitarian staff does not help the people of Yemen. It does not feed the hungry, heal the sick, nor protect those displaced by floods or fighting,” he said.

“The people of Yemen, wherever they may live, must receive the humanitarian aid that they need. They deserve a future of greater security, justice and opportunity.”

Ukraine Records Highest Toll From Cluster Munitions for Third Year Running

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The latest Cluster Munitions Monitor reports that over 1,200 people have been killed or injured in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. The actual toll is likely far higher, but it may take years to establish, said Loren Persi, team lead for the report.

Drawing parallels with conflicts in Syria and Yemen, where casualty figures emerged only years later, Persi told journalists in Geneva that a similar pattern could unfold in Ukraine.

Lao legacy

Equally, in Lao People’s Democratic Republic, which Mr. Persi described as the most contaminated country by cluster munitions, “it took decades” before surveys confirmed estimates that many thousands of people had been killed or injured by strikes from cluster munitions, which are generally understood to be a container from which submunitions are scattered.

The civil society publication, backed by UN disarmament research agency UNIDIR, notes Israeli allegations that cluster munitions were used in a ballistic missile attack by Iran in June 2025, and of reported but unverified use of the weapons in Gaza and southern Lebanon.

The report’s other findings note that the de facto forces in Myanmar have used “domestically produced”, air-delivered cluster bombs since around 2022, amid the ongoing civil war.

“Schools have been among the targets in rebel-held areas,” said the Monitor research specialist Michael Hart, highlighting their use in Chin state, Rakhine state, the Saigon region and Kachin state, among others.

Mistaken for toys

Submunitions – or bomblets, as they are also known – cause casualties and damage through blast impact, their incendiary effect and fragmentation. According to UNIDIR, a single attack can involve thousands of individual explosive units which are usually spread over hundreds of square metres.

“These munitions can be air-delivered or surface-launched, and can be used against armour, materiel and personnel,” UNIDIR explained, although it is “very clear…that civilians continue to bear the brunt” of suffering from the cluster emission remnants, Mr. Persi insisted.

As in previous years, children accounted for a high proportion (42 per cent) of casualties from the weapons in 2024, “which they often find interesting, think are toys or come across in play or on the way to school or when working in fields”, Mr. Persi continued.

Funding cuts impact

Funding cuts for humanitarian work have had a negative impact on countries impacted by the explosive weapons.

These include Afghanistan, Iraq and Lebanon, which had “made good progress” in clearing contaminated land, but who now “really struggle with funding…to get the clearance done, hence they slow down”, said Katrin Atkins, senior researcher at Cluster Munitions Monitor.

“Whole programmes” supported by USAID in the past including one in Lau have been discontinued, Mr. Persi noted.

“For decades, [the programme] was essential in providing both first aid in remote areas where there are cluster mine victims, which was clearly there to address the legacy of the bombings of the 60s and 70s,” he explained. “But also, the entire rehabilitation programme, including prosthetics… that was cut and as far as we know, not reestablished in any way.”

In the last 15 years since the Convention on Cluster Munitions, just 10 countries have used the weapons and “all of those are States not party to the international accord”, the Cluster Munition Monitor states.

A total of 18 countries have now ceased production of cluster munitions. All former producers are now States Parties to the Convention, aside from Argentina.

The report notes that 17 countries still produce cluster munitions or reserve the right to do so and none is a State Party to the Convention. They are: Brazil, China, Egypt, Greece, India, Iran, Israel, Myanmar, North Korea, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Türkiye and the United States.

SC Declines Blanket Stay on Waqf Amendment Act, Grants Limited Relief

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The Supreme Court on Monday declined to impose a blanket stay on the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, while granting limited interim relief on contentious provisions. A bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, along with Justice A.G. Masih, stressed that courts must exercise restraint when asked to suspend laws passed by Parliament.

“By now, it is a settled principle of law that the courts should be very slow in granting interim relief by way of staying the provisions of an enactment,” the bench observed, underlining that such orders can only be issued in “rare and exceptional cases.” The court, therefore, rejected the plea seeking a blanket stay on the Act’s implementation.

Limited Relief on Select Clauses

Among its interim directions, the court stayed the requirement that only a person “professing Islam for at least five years” could create a waqf, until state governments frame rules to determine the criteria. The bench also restricted the powers of designated officers under Section 3C, directing that no third-party rights can be created over disputed properties until their status is finally determined by tribunals.

On the issue of representation, the bench capped non-Muslim membership in the Central Waqf Council at four out of 22 members and in State Waqf Boards at three out of 11. It also advised, though without mandating, that Chief Executive Officers of Waqf Boards should, “as far as possible,” be appointed from within the Muslim community.

The court, however, refrained from intervening in the controversial deletion of the “waqf by user” provision, noting that custodians (mutawallis) who failed to register waqf properties for over a century cannot now demand exemptions. “If the legislature… finds that on account of the concept of ‘Waqf by User’, huge government properties have been encroached upon and to stop the said menace it takes steps for deletion, the said amendment prima facie cannot be said to be arbitrary,” the bench said.

Key Provisions Upheld

The Supreme Court also declined to stay Section 3D, which nullifies claims declaring protected monuments as waqf properties. The provision was enacted after the Archaeological Survey of India flagged difficulties in preserving monuments due to overlapping claims. The bench pointed out that the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, already safeguards customary religious practices at such monuments.

Similarly, Section 3E, which bars declaring land in Scheduled or Tribal areas as waqf property, was upheld. The bench said the provision has a “clear nexus” with its objective of safeguarding the interests of tribal communities, describing them as “one of the most marginalised and vulnerable sections of our country.”

The court clarified that its observations were made only for the limited purpose of deciding interim relief and will not prejudice final arguments on the Act’s constitutional validity.

Challenge to the Law

The petitions, filed by several organisations and individuals, had argued that the amendments were unconstitutional and violative of Articles 14, 15, 25, 26, 29 and 30, alleging that the law’s real intent was to “expropriate waqf properties” under the guise of regulation. The Union government, however, defended the amendments, insisting they were designed to prevent misuse, protect waqf assets, and bring greater transparency in management.

After hearing arguments over three sittings, the Supreme Court reserved its order before issuing Monday’s ruling, which marks a setback for petitioners seeking an immediate halt to the law.

Over 7 Crore ITRs Filed As Deadline Ends Mid-Night; I-T Dept Debunks Extension, Offers 24×7 Help

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India’s Income Tax Department on Monday announced that over seven crore income tax returns (ITRs) have been filed for the Assessment Year 2025-26, as the deadline of September 15 drew to a close. Officials described the surge in filings as a reflection of growing compliance and the expanding taxpayer base.

In a post on X, the department thanked citizens and tax professionals for helping it reach the milestone. “More than 7 crore ITRs have been filed so far and still counting. We extend our gratitude to taxpayers and tax professionals for helping us reach this milestone, and urge all those who haven’t filed ITR for AY 2025-26, to file their ITR,” the department said.

To ease the pressure of last-minute submissions, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) said its helpdesk is functional round-the-clock, providing assistance through calls, live chats, WebEx sessions and social media handles. “Our helpdesk is functioning on a 24×7 basis, and we are providing support,” the post added.

Department Dismisses Extension Buzz

The strong advisory came a day after rumours circulated online suggesting the deadline had been extended to September 30. The department was quick to dismiss the reports. “A fake news is in circulation stating that the due of filing ITRs (originally due on 31.07.2025, and extended to 15.09.2025) has been further extended to 30.09.2025. The due date for filing ITRs remains 15.09.2025. Taxpayers are advised to rely only on official @IncomeTaxIndia updates,” it clarified.

The original due date of July 31 had been pushed to September 15 for non-audit cases after revisions in ITR forms and system upgrades earlier this year. The current deadline, the department underlined, would not be moved further.

Heavy Traffic, Glitches Reported

While officials celebrated record compliance, practitioners flagged issues of portal slowdowns as lakhs rushed to meet the deadline. Tax consultants reported intermittent delays, though filings eventually went through. Authorities acknowledged the heavier-than-usual traffic but stressed that the portal remained operational, supplemented by helpdesk support.

“Every September, the system faces a surge. This year is no different, though overall, the portal is holding up better than previous cycles,” said a Delhi-based tax advisor.

Missing Deadline Comes at a Cost

Experts reminded taxpayers that failure to file on time could prove expensive. Under Section 234F of the Income Tax Act, late filers may have to pay a penalty, ₹1,000 for incomes up to ₹5 lakh and ₹5,000 for higher incomes. In addition, delayed returns attract interest on unpaid taxes and may bar taxpayers from carrying forward certain losses.

“Even if you are unable to finalise every detail, it is wiser to file a return now and revise later. Waiting for an extension that never comes can lead to unnecessary penalties,” warned another practitioner.

The Income Tax Department echoed that view, urging taxpayers to complete the process without delay. Officials noted that the sharp rise in filings reflects improved compliance, digitisation and a growing culture of timely reporting.

Compliance Rising

From fewer than six crore returns a few years ago to more than seven crore this year, India’s tax base is expanding steadily. Analysts say rising awareness, stricter enforcement and smoother digital systems are driving the numbers. Still, the department’s challenge is to keep its infrastructure resilient enough to handle the annual last-minute rush.

As the clock ticks down to the midnight deadline, millions of taxpayers are expected to complete their filings. The Department has once again cautioned citizens to rely only on official notifications and avoid misinformation circulating on social media.

The achievement of crossing 7 crore filings before the cut-off has been hailed as a sign of deepening compliance culture in India’s economy. With the ITR deadline fixed at September 15 and no further extension on the cards, the message from the government is clear: timely filing is not optional but essential.

Emmy Awards 2025: Colbert Gets Emotional Farewell; Adolescence, The Studio, The Pitt Dominate

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Los Angeles, Sept 14: The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards turned into a night of surprises, historic wins and emotional moments as Adolescence, The Studio, The Pitt, and The Late Show With Stephen Colbert emerged as the biggest winners.

The limited series Adolescence led the tally with six awards, including Best Limited or Anthology Series. Stephen Graham won Best Actor, while young star Owen Cooper made history as the youngest-ever male Emmy winner with his supporting role. Erin Doherty also bagged Best Supporting Actress, with Philip Barantini and Graham-Jack Thorne duo recognized for directing and writing respectively.

Comedy belonged to Seth Rogen’s The Studio, which won Best Comedy Series, alongside trophies for Best Actor, Best Directing, and Best Writing. Jean Smart further solidified her legacy with Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Hacks, while her co-star Hannah Einbinder earned Best Supporting Actress. In a major upset, Jeff Hiller claimed Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy for Somebody Somewhere, beating veteran nominee Harrison Ford.

Drama gold went to The Pitt, crowned Best Drama Series, with Noah Wyle winning Best Actor and Katherine LaNasa scoring a surprise victory for Best Supporting Actress. Severance also celebrated, with Britt Lower taking Best Actress and Tramell Tillman making history as the first Black man to win Supporting Actor in a Drama. Adam Randall won directing honors for Slow Horses.

In variety and talk categories, Stephen Colbert’s recently canceled The Late Show won Best Talk Series, receiving a thunderous standing ovation. John Oliver’s Last Week Tonight outshone SNL to claim Best Scripted Variety Series and Best Writing for a Variety Series, though SNL50: The Anniversary Special secured the Best Live Variety Special.

Cristin Milioti won Best Actress in a Limited Series for The Penguin, while The Traitors triumphed as Best Reality Competition Program. The ceremony also featured reunions, tributes, and an In Memoriam led by Phylicia Rashad.

Hosted by Nate Bargatze at LA’s Peacock Theater, the show celebrated both fresh talent and industry veterans, leaving audiences with memorable firsts and farewells in Emmy history.

Emmy Awards 2025- Complete List of Winners:

Best Drama Series – The Pitt
Best Comedy Series – The Studio
Best Limited or Anthology Series – Adolescence
Best Reality Competition Program – The Traitors
Best Talk Series – The Late Show With Stephen Colbert
Best Scripted Variety Series – Last Week Tonight With John Oliver
Best Variety Special (Live) – SNL50: The Anniversary Special

Best Actor in a Drama Series – Noah Wyle, The Pitt
Best Actress in a Drama Series – Britt Lower, Severance
Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series – Tramell Tillman, Severance
Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series – Katherine LaNasa, The Pitt

Best Actor in a Comedy Series – Seth Rogen, The Studio
Best Actress in a Comedy Series – Jean Smart, Hacks
Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series – Jeff Hiller, Somebody Somewhere
Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series – Hannah Einbinder, Hacks

Best Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Best Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Cristin Milioti, The Penguin
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Owen Cooper, Adolescence
Best Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Erin Doherty, Adolescence

Best Writing for a Drama Series – Dan Gilroy, Andor
Best Writing for a Comedy Series – Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg & team, The Studio
Best Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Jack Thorne & Stephen Graham, Adolescence
Best Writing for a Variety Series – Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

Best Directing for a Drama Series – Adam Randall, Slow Horses
Best Directing for a Comedy Series – Seth Rogen, The Studio
Best Directing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie – Philip Barantini, Adolescence

Asia Cup: Kuldeep, Axar And Suryakumar Shine As India Outclass Pakistan In Dubai

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Dubai, Sep 14:  India marked their biggest Asia Cup statement yet with a commanding seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, as skipper Suryakumar Yadav starred with an unbeaten 47 on his 35th birthday. Chasing a modest 128, India romped home with 25 balls to spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, underscoring their supremacy with bat and ball.

Leading from the front, Suryakumar anchored the chase with characteristic composure, finishing unbeaten alongside Shivam Dube (10*). Earlier, openers Abhishek Sharma (31) and Tilak Varma (31) laid a solid foundation, attacking Pakistan’s bowlers with freedom. The clinical batting ensured India never looked under pressure, despite Saim Ayub’s triple strikes providing brief resistance.

The post-match atmosphere reflected the wider diplomatic frost between the neighbours. Once again, there were no handshakes exchanged between players, a symbolic reminder that this was more than just a sporting contest. The political shadow has turned cricket into yet another arena of silent hostility, even in Dubai’s neutral setting.

Spin dictates Pakistan’s struggle

Earlier in the evening, India’s spinners continued their dominance. Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Axar Patel (2/18) dismantled Pakistan’s middle order, while Varun Chakaravarthy (1/24) maintained pressure on a sluggish surface. Pakistan never recovered after early blows, with only Sahibzada Farhan (40) showing resistance before Shaheen Shah Afridi’s late fireworks (33* off 16) salvaged some respectability.

The match reinforced India’s tactical gamble of fielding just one frontline pacer, trusting their spinners to dictate terms. The move has worked in back-to-back games, highlighting a fresh blueprint ahead of the T20 World Cup year. By contrast, Pakistan’s batting once again appeared fragile against wrist-spin, exposing a recurring weakness in high-stakes encounters.

India in cruise control

This contest, often billed as cricket’s fiercest rivalry, proved one-sided. India’s superior depth, discipline and adaptability stood out, while Pakistan’s overreliance on cameos was ruthlessly exposed. For India, the ease of the win, without major contributions from Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli, will be especially reassuring. For Pakistan, the defeat will raise questions about squad balance and their ability to handle spin-heavy attacks.

Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 127/9 in 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 40, Shaheen Afridi 33*; Kuldeep Yadav 3/18, Axar Patel 2/18)
India: 131/3 in 15.5 overs (Suryakumar Yadav 47*, Abhishek Sharma 31, Tilak Varma 31; Saim Ayub 3/22)

India won by 7 wickets.

Asia Cup: Kuldeep Spins Web As India Restrict Pakistan To 127/9 In Dubai

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Dubai, Sep 14 — India’s reliance on spinners once again proved decisive in their Asia Cup Group A clash against Pakistan, as Kuldeep Yadav led a disciplined bowling effort to restrict their arch-rivals to a modest 127/9 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

India fielded just one frontline seamer, banking on a three-pronged spin attack. The sluggish surface validated the strategy as Kuldeep (3/18), Axar Patel (2/18) and Varun Chakaravarthy (1/24) choked the run flow and shared six wickets between them. Their combined economy rate stayed under five, leaving Pakistan struggling for momentum throughout the innings.

India struck early when Hardik Pandya dismissed Saim Ayub for a golden duck, followed by Jasprit Bumrah removing Mohammad Haris. Pakistan reached 41/2 in the powerplay, with Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan showing brief resistance. But the introduction of spin turned the tide.

Axar dismissed Zaman and Salman Agha, before Kuldeep tightened the noose further. He outfoxed Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Nawaz with sharp variations, then lured Farhan into holing out for 40. By the 15th over, Pakistan’s innings was in tatters, reduced to desperate hitting.

The lone spark came from Shaheen Shah Afridi, who smashed an unbeaten 33 off 16 balls, including a flurry of sixes that lifted Pakistan beyond 120. His counterattack, along with Sufiyan Muqeem’s brief support, ensured the innings avoided complete collapse.

India’s spin-first approach vindicated

The match reinforced India’s growing confidence in spin dominance, even in high-pressure fixtures. With Bumrah and Pandya offering control, the spinners operated with freedom, exploiting Pakistan’s long-standing discomfort against quality wrist spin. Pakistan, by contrast, leaned heavily on individual cameos, underlining a fragile middle order.

India’s chase of 128 should be straightforward, but the tactical win already lies in how Rohit Sharma’s side executed their spin blueprint — an approach that could shape their campaign ahead.

Empty Stands Mar India – Pakistan Asia Cup Clash As Politics Overshadow Cricket

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Dubai, Sep 14: Cricket’s most anticipated rivalry delivered an unusual sight on Sunday as the India–Pakistan Asia Cup clash in Dubai was played before swathes of empty seats. The 25,000-capacity stadium, which usually sells out in minutes for this fixture, saw hundreds of unsold tickets, with terraces visibly sparse despite months of hype.

Local media estimated that attendance fell far short of expectations, leaving broadcasters and sponsors struggling with optics. The muted crowd contrasted with the history of electrifying atmospheres surrounding India–Pakistan matches, long considered the “Super Bowl” of cricket.

The emptiness was not due to lack of interest in cricket but rather the political climate. The match came just months after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed civilians and intensified anti-Pakistan sentiment in India. Calls for boycotts trended widely on social media, with sections of fans urging compatriots not to attend or even watch the game.

Streaming platforms like Hotstar and JioCinema reported heavy traffic, suggesting that fans chose the comfort of digital viewing over stadium attendance. But some analysts noted dips in early TV ratings, indicating that boycott campaigns had some impact. For advertisers, the absence of packed stands diminished brand visibility, even if online eyeballs remained robust.

For cricket administrators, staging the match in Dubai was meant to ensure neutrality and avoid direct political sensitivities. Yet, the optics of empty terraces underscored the limits of “cricket diplomacy.” Organisers balanced commitments to broadcasters and sponsors against public sentiment at home, but the subdued turnout shows how fragile this balance has become.

Sport caught in geopolitics

Sunday’s clash underlined a reality: marquee sporting events involving India and Pakistan no longer exist in isolation. Political violence, social media mobilisation and national mood can directly shape the economics of sport. Empty stands not only hurt revenues but also dent the rivalry’s global aura, once seen as cricket’s most compelling spectacle.

The incident is likely to influence future scheduling, with boards expected to rethink neutral venues, ticketing strategies and even whether such high-stakes matches can continue without explicit political endorsement. Commercial partners will also demand safeguards, recognising that politics is now as crucial a risk factor as on-field performance.