Hindustan Times
중도 성향
기타
New CDS, navy chief to take charge today
General NS Raja Subramani becomes India's new chief of defence staff, while Admiral Krishna Swaminathan takes over as navy chief amid military reforms.
"REFORMS" · 총 283건
필터 보기현재 지수
50.3
0 = 부정 우세
50 = 중립
100 = 긍정 우세
최근 7일 기준 87,811건을 분석한 결과, 뉴스 심리지수는 50.2(균형)입니다. 긍정 4,501건(5.1%)·중립 81,118건(92.4%)·부정 2,192건(2.5%)이며, 중립 비중이 뚜렷하게 높습니다. 성향 지수는 종합 15.3(중도 균형)입니다.
General NS Raja Subramani becomes India's new chief of defence staff, while Admiral Krishna Swaminathan takes over as navy chief amid military reforms.
Mr Makinde promised practical economic reforms centred on honesty, discipline, and transparency, if elected. The post 2027: Makinde emerges APM presidential candidate, pledges to reform national security appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to fast-track colossal clean energy projects using new powers that curb community scrutiny.
The EU has unlocked 16.4 billion euros in funds for Hungary after new Prime Minister Peter Magyar enacted reforms to weed out corruption. It caps off weeks of negotiations between his government and the EU to release funding crucial to Hungary's slumping economy. Details by Camille Knight.
The German government Friday dismissed rumours that Chancellor Friedrich Merz's rivals were laying the groundwork to oust him as his popularity craters, reforms stall and the far right gains in strength.
Rahul Gandhi sharply criticized Prime Minister Modi over the NEET UG paper leak, accusing him of personally supervising the exam's integrity. This follows the Centre's assurance to the Supreme Court about the upcoming re-examination. The apex court expressed concern for students, while the NTA detailed extensive security reforms and new safeguards implemented to prevent future irregularities.
The president of Cuba, in Raúl Castro’s shadow, has barely been able to push through reforms on the island, which is bordering on collapse
AFGHANISTAN, Iran and Pakistan are among the few states that formally identify themselves as Islamic republics or emirates. This article examines the extent to which they have adhered to the Islamic principles of efficiency, equity and social justice and how successfully they have promoted inclusive growth, human welfare and shared prosperity in keeping with Islam’s ethical foundations. Afghanistan: Afghanistan has undergone political transitions — from monarchy to communist rule, from the mujahideen to Taliban control, then to Western-backed governments, and finally back to the Taliban. Ironically, the regimes claiming to establish an Islamic emirate and enforce Islamic governance have inflicted greater damage on Afghanistan’s socioeconomic development than many previous governments. Large-scale migration of educated professionals, managers, academics and entrepreneurs has deprived Afghanistan of the human capital needed to run a modern economy. Equally harmful is the ban on girls’ education and restrictions on women’s labour participation, entrenching deep inequities and undermining long-term development prospects. Such policies project a distorted image of Islam to the world and reinforce Islamophobic narratives that contradict Islam’s stress on knowledge, justice and human dignity. Afghanistan’s per capita income is around $420, placing it among the world’s poorest countries. Poverty and food insecurity are widespread. Gains achieved between 2002 and 2021 in literacy, school enrolment and health indicators have stagnated or been reversed. The literacy rate is only 37 per cent — female literacy is around 27pc. Fertility remains high — nearly five children per woman. The economy depends heavily on imports financed through humanitarian aid and donor support. Although there’s better security, this hasn’t translated into sustained economic activity or investment. Pakistan was once Afghanistan’s principal trading partner for transit trade and bilateral commerce. However, tensions and border closures have disrupted trade and damaged livelihoods for thousands of Afghans in transport, retail and cross-border business. Safe havens allegedly provided to the TTP despite talks and mediation efforts have weakened Islamic solidarity and regional cooperation. Iran: The 1979 Revolution overthrew the monarchy and established a revolutionary Islamic state. The subsequent hostage crisis and US-Iran tensions led to extensive sanctions that have persisted for decades. Iran endured an eight-year war with Iraq and more recently military confrontations with both Israel and the US. Despite these pressures, it has shown remarkable resilience in economic and social development. Though all this has imposed hardship on its people, Iran has invested heavily in human capital, scientific research and technological innovation. Adult literacy has risen to around 93pc; youth literacy is nearly universal. The gender gap in basic education has effectively disappeared. Women constitute nearly 60pc of university entrants and dominate enrolment in medical, health and STEM disciplines. Iran’s capabilities in nanotechnology, aerospace, biotechnology, AI and stem cell research are now globally recognised and Iran is among the leading developing states in scientific publications and research output. Sustained investment in research, development and higher education has led to the development of indigenous capabilities in reverse-engineering and manufacturing of advanced industrial and defence technologies. Iran produces far more scientists and PhDs per capita than Pakistan and has a diversified industrial base. The experiences of three Islamic republics — Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan — diverge sharply. Iran’s per capita income has risen from around $2,500 in 1980 to nearly $5,000. Poverty has declined, while non-oil sectors account for almost 90pc of GDP. Industry contributes strongly to national income. Iran exports pharmaceuticals, steel, cement and agricultural products. Social indicators have improved considerably. Fertility rates have fallen from over six children per woman in the 1980s to below replacement level, while life expectancy has increased from around 50 to nearly 78 years due to improved healthcare, electrification and access to potable water. Iran’s experience shows that a country can build indigenous technological capability and improve human development through sustained investment in education, science and industrialisation. But inflation, currency depreciation and political restrictions still generate public dissatisfaction and protests. Pakistan: Despite inheriting a weak economic base in 1947, Pakistan had emerged by 1990 as one of the more successful developing economies, achieving an average annual GDP growth of about 6pc for four decades, significantly outperforming India. Since the 1990s, however, the momentum has weakened; the growth rate has fallen to around 3-4pc, while India’s has accelerated to 6-7pc. Pakistan’s reversal is due to weak governance, policy inconsistency, institutional decay and an elitist growth model that benefits narrow segments of society. With an economy of some $400 billion and per capita income near $1,600, future prospects are uncertain unless reforms are undertaken to promote inclusion and broad-based opportunity. Structural challenges impede progress. Population growth remains high at about 2.5pc, fertility rates are still around 3.5 births per woman, and poverty has risen, affecting nearly 30pc of the people. Pakistan also ranks among countries most vulnerable to climate change, especially in water, food and energy security. Adult literacy is around 60pc; female literacy is slightly above 50pc. Graduate unemployment is high, reflecting the disconnect between education and labour market needs. Rural-urban, regional and gender disparities continue to widen. Pakistan’s HDI ranking has declined, and its position on the Global Gender Gap Index remains among the world’s lowest. Without adequate investment in research, higher education and scientific capability, it performs poorly on innovation and technological adoption. Divergent outcomes: The experiences of the three Islamic republics reveal striking contrasts. Iran, despite sanctions and international isolation, has invested heavily in human development, science and industrial capability, creating a foundation for self-reliance and technological advancement. Its successes in female education and scientific progress contradict the ideological assumptions underlying Taliban policies in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s earlier history shows that substantial progress is possible when governance and economic management are sound. Yet a persisting elitist growth structure has prevented it from realising its potential. Afghanistan, meanwhile, has moved into reverse gear. Excessive dependence on foreign aid, suppression of women’s education and employment, and economic isolation have undermined efficiency and social justice — the very principles Islam seeks to promote. Ultimately, an Islamic republic’s legitimacy doesn’t rest merely on constitutional titles or religious slogans. It must be judged by its ability to deliver justice, reduce poverty, expand opportunities and ensure dignity and inclusion for all citizens. The writer is a former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan. Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026
• 1pc advance tax removal may bring a meagre Rs100bn relief • Textile sector pushes for broader reforms, refunds, and lower energy costs • 68pc tax burden eroding competitiveness; industry demands restoration of Final Tax Regime SLAMABAD: The government is considering abolishing the one per cent advance tax on exporters in the upcoming federal budget, a move that could provide relief of around Rs100 billion. However, no broader fiscal support for the struggling sector is currently on the table. Officials familiar with the budget discussions told Dawn on Friday that the proposal is under active consideration as part of limited, targeted measures for the export industry, particularly the textile sector, which has been pressing for wide-ranging reforms. The 1pc advance tax, charged on export proceeds, has long been criticised by exporters as a liquidity-draining measure that ties up working capital despite thin margins and delayed refunds. Industry data showed that exporters alone had paid nearly Rs200bn in excess on account of 1pc advance income tax during FY25 and FY26. “This is essentially returning a fraction of what has already been collected,” said a leading exporter, pointing to the cumulative burden of taxes, high energy costs, and blocked refunds that continue to constrain operations. The textile sector, which accounts for the bulk of Pakistan’s exports, submitted a comprehensive set of proposals ahead of the budget, including the restoration of the Final Tax Regime (FTR), a reduction in energy tariffs, clearance of over Rs327bn in pending refunds, and the revival of export incentives. However, sources indicated that most of these demands are unlikely to be accommodated in the upcoming budget, which remains constrained by revenue targets and ongoing stabilisation commitments. Industry data place Pakistan at a significant disadvantage in terms of effective taxation. Exporters face an estimated burden of over 68.27pc, exceeding regional competitors. By contrast, Vietnam maintains a corporate tax rate of around 20pc, Bangladesh ranges from 22.5 to 27.5pc, and India applies a graduated structure from 26 to 34pc. These comparatively lower and more predictable regimes enable exporters in competing countries to retain margins and reinvest in capacity expansion. The gap indicates that Pakistan’s taxation framework is not only higher but also more complex, with multiple levies contributing to the cumulative burden. Exporters pointed out that the advance tax is particularly burdensome because it is applied at the point of transaction, regardless of profitability, effectively increasing the cost of doing business in an already high-tax environment. The proposed relief of Rs100bn, while significant in absolute terms, is modest when viewed against the sector’s liquidity requirements and accumulated tax payments. Energy pricing emerges as one of the most critical constraints. Industrial electricity tariffs in Pakistan stand at approximately 11.5 cents per kilowatt-hour, compared to 6.3 cents in India, 8 cents in Vietnam, and as low as 5 cents in Uzbekistan. Gas prices show an even sharper divergence, with Pakistan at about $13.5 per mmBtu versus $6 to $7 in India and Vietnam and around $3 in Uzbekistan. In addition to higher tariffs, Pakistan faces supply reliability issues, whereas countries such as China and Vietnam offer stable supply along with preferential industrial tariffs. The combined effect is a substantial increase in production costs, directly affecting export competitiveness. Indirect taxation Pakistan’s indirect tax regime is characterised by a uniform 18pc GST on both inputs and finished goods, with refund delays extending from months to several years. In contrast, regional competitors apply differentiated rates and efficient refund systems. Bangladesh applies reduced or zero-rated value-added tax (VAT) on export inputs, India operates a structured GST system with refunds typically processed within two to four weeks, while Vietnam and China offer near-immediate or automated refund mechanisms. This divergence creates a liquidity disadvantage for Pakistani exporters, as working capital remains tied up in delayed refunds. Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) Patron-in-Chief Khurram Mukhtar, in a statement, said Pakistan’s export sector and the entire textile value chain are unfortunately fighting against a mindset that appears bent on penalising the very ecosystem that earns foreign exchange, creates jobs and sustains documented economic activity. The harsh reality today is that the more exporters grow, the more they are burdened. In many cases, the more you export, the more you lose, he said. The government’s own documented figures reveal that the shift from the FTR to the Normal Tax Regime (NTR) has resulted in an estimated additional revenue extraction of approximately Rs90bn. Exporters should have the option to remain under FTR or to voluntarily opt for NTR. This was perhaps one of the rare moments in Pakistan’s history when the entire textile chain converged on a concrete and balanced proposal. Unfortunately, even this unified recommendation does not appear to be receiving serious consideration, he added. The Export Facilitation Scheme (EFS) was one of the few excellent reforms introduced in recent years. It was fully digitalised, bringing transparency and efficiency to the system. However, the exclusion of domestic commerce from EFS significantly increased the burden on exporters and disrupted the integrated textile value chain, he remarked. “We have repeatedly stressed that the super tax should be abolished in a phased manner along with Minimum Turnover Tax (MTR), inter-company dividend taxation and taxation on bonus shares, particularly when bonus shares are a non-cash item and do not represent actual income generation”, he said. Similarly, exporters proposed a progressive GST framework: raw materials may be taxed at 5pc, fabrics at 10pc, and finished products at the standard GST rate, thereby ensuring that primary revenue collection occurs at the finished product stage rather than trapping capital throughout the manufacturing chain. Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2026
KATHMANDU, May 30 — Nepal’s government unveiled yesterday its first budget since sweeping to power after a y...
Country: Ukraine Source: World Bank WASHINGTON, May 29, 2026—The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a social protectionproject for Ukraine that will provide assistance to more than one million people. Specifically, the project will support Ukraine's government in implementing a comprehensive package of reforms to modernize social assistance through a new system that links cash beneficiaries to employment and social service support, helping them to have greater access to jobs. The project will help transform social services financing and delivery and introduce a modern disability support system aligned with European Union standards. Implemented by Ukraine's Ministry of Social Policy, Family, and Unity, the $880 million Social Protection Project for Inclusion, Resilience, Innovation, and Transformation (SPIRIT) project will finance several social assistance programs for low-income households, vulnerable families with children, persons with disabilities, older persons, and caregivers. The project will also advance structural reforms to help reshape Ukraine's social protection architecture for the long-term, while strengthening the capacity of social service providers at the national and local levels. The SPIRIT project is comprised of a $860 million World Bank loan, supported by a $360 million credit enhancement from the Advancing Needed Credit Enhancement for Ukraine (ADVANCE Ukraine Trust Fund, supported by the Government of Japan), and a $500 million bilateral guarantee from the Government of the United Kingdom. The project also anticipates co-financing from Germany and the UK through a $20 million grant from the Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction, and Reform Trust Fund (URTF). The SPIRIT project is an integral part of the international support package for Ukraine and the project’s structural reforms will directly advance Ukraine's EU accession agenda by fulfilling critical alignment requirements in social policy, disability rights, and labor market inclusion. One reform consolidates the fragmented benefit programs into a single Basic Social Assistance program — creating a one-stop-shop for vulnerable families that connects income support to jobs and social services through an integrated case management system. Another reform aims to transform social services financing into a model by which the government will fund social services based on people’s needs, allowing clients to access services from a mix of community, nonprofit, and private providers. A third reform aims to transition disability support from a medical certification model to a person-centered system that assesses what people can do and what they need, and includes rehabilitation, assistive technologies, and employment support. “Ukraine continues to experience a severe humanitarian and economic toll. Vulnerable households, especially those whose livelihoods have been significantly affected, require adequate support to mitigate the crisis' impacts, meet basic needs, and avoid falling further into poverty. This project supports reforms designed to reduce poverty, improve access to benefits, and ensure that support reaches those who need it most, even in times of crisis,” said Bob Saum, World Bank Division Director for Eastern Europe. In the last four years, World Bank-mobilized support, which includes strong protections and oversight measures, including audits to help ensure financing reaches its intended recipients, has enabled the Government of Ukraine to provide essential services reaching more than 20 million Ukrainians — including operations for health, education, energy, housing, agriculture, and small and medium enterprises. PRESS RELEASE NO: 2026/ECA/055 Contacts **In Kyiv:**Viktor Zablotskyi vzablotskyi@worldbank.org **In Washington, DC:**World Bank Media Relations press@worldbank.org
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