Used electric vehicles are suddenly one of the hottest segments in the car market, even as sales of new EVs struggle to gain traction.
Used electric vehicle sales are surging, with almost 40 percent of recent used EV transactions priced below 25,000 dollars, making them much more affordable than new models.

Tax Credits Helped Boost Second-hand EV Interest

India's Budget 2026 is just days away now. As we countdown to the big day we look at how India raises revenue from taxing sin products. The spotlight of today's story is the revised sin tax on cigarettes and tobacco products. Can such moves actually raise government revenue? 


Are Cigarette Taxes Pushing Smokers Underground in India? | World Business Watch

A proposed billionaire tax in California is sending shockwaves through Silicon Valley and reigniting fears of a wealth exodus from the United States’ largest state economy. The plan would impose a one time levy on the accumulated assets of billionaires, becoming a flashpoint for business leaders already concerned about high taxes, strict regulation and rising living costs.


California’s Proposed Billionaire Tax Sparks Silicon Valley Backlash

Beijing has imposed tax on Condoms. People in China will have to pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt. After imposing a strict one-child policy for more than 30 years, China has over the past decade been introducing a range of attractive offers to induce people to have more children in a bid to boost the falling birthrate.


Tax on contraceptives draws ridicule & concern inside China

Bulgaria’s government has withdrawn its 2026 draft budget following large-scale protests across Sofia and other cities. The plan—its first prepared in euros ahead of Bulgaria’s expected currency adoption—faced public backlash over proposed tax and social security hikes. Opposition groups also accused the government of corruption and demanded greater accountability. With the budget now scrapped, officials warn that the new drafting process will be difficult and could intensify social tensions.

Bulgaria Protests: Outrage Over Proposed Tax Hikes

Switzerland has delivered a decisive verdict on a landmark proposal to tax the super-rich. In a nationwide referendum, 78 percent of voters rejected a 50 percent federal inheritance tax on fortunes above 50 million francs.


Switzerland Protects Low-tax Model, Rejects 50% 'Rich Tax'

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday (Sep 3) addressed the media and announced that the GST Council, in its meeting, approved a two-tier structure of 5 per cent and 18 per cent, and a special tax of 40 per cent for luxury and sin goods. Sitharaman said the decision was taken unanimously and will come into effect from September 22, 2025, with the exception of tobacco products, based on certain conditions. The Council will also meet on Thursday (Sep 4). Calling it a ‘historic Diwali gift for the nation’, Sitharaman said that these next-generation GST reforms are for ease of living and to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat.


How will India ensure GST cut benefits pass on to consumers?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a major GST rate cut, approving a two-tier structure of 5% and 18%. The reform, set to be implemented from September 22, is aimed at easing the tax burden on the common man.

India's tax makeover: What gets cheaper and costlier?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a major GST rate cut, approving a two-tier structure of 5% and 18%. The reform, set to be implemented from September 22, is aimed at easing the tax burden on the common man.


Big GST Reforms:  Nirmala Sitharaman Announces Reduced GST Rates For These Items

India’s GST panel has proposed a major relief for citizens — exempting health and life insurance premiums from the current 18% tax. The recommendation comes soon after Prime Minister Modi announced sweeping GST cuts to revive economic momentum amid trade tensions with the U.S. If approved by the GST Council in the upcoming meeting before Diwali, the move could lead to a revenue loss of ₹9,700 crore but ease financial burdens on millions of Indian families.

India’s GST 2.0 reforms push gains momentum

The Indian government expects this festive season to see bumper diwali spending triggering the market and the economy.
Those expectations are driven by the government's decision to lower goods and services tax (gst) rates to come before Diwali.

Government expects demand boost from tax cuts

Indian stock markets surged after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced tax cuts, helping to offset fears stemming from ongoing trade tensions. Investors reacted positively, boosting market confidence and economic optimism.


PM Modi's tax cut plan offsets trade tension-led sell-off

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his speech about GST reforms, said, "This Diwali, I am going to make it a double Diwali for you... Over the past eight years, we have undertaken a major reform in GST... We are bringing next-generation GST reforms. This will reduce the tax burden across the country"


Is India's latest GST reform better than the older one? | What got cheaper? 

Hawaii lawmakers have approved groundbreaking legislation aimed at protecting the environment and boosting climate resilience, and it’s coming straight from the pockets of tourists.

Hawaii: Lodging tax for climate action

US President Trump has been wanting to take away Harvard's tax exempt status ever since it refused to comply with his administration's demands. WORLD

Trump to strip Harvard's 'tax exempt status'| What does it mean for Ivy League?

This comes after Trump announced to freeze more than $2 billion in grants to Harvard University after the Ivy League rejected the Trump administration's demands. WORLD

Trump vs Harvard: US president warns Ivy league will be 'taxed' if it continues to support 'terrorist inspired sickness'

World, india news: The measure passed after a week of intense negotiations at the IMO. The tax is expected to be formally adopted in October 2025, according to a report.

India and 62 other countries adopt world's first-ever global carbon tax on shipping - What is it and why is it important?

South Africa is facing a potential constitutional crisis with the top governing body of the ruling African National Congress calling for a fresh look at its coalition alliance. This comes after snap divisions emerged with its main alliance partner, Democratic Alliance, during a crucial vote on the national budget. The ANC wants to review its coalition deal within 5 days to conclude the budget negotiations. The DA, which is now in alliance with the ANC, has been a traditional rival of the ANC. It only voted against an increase in value-added tax that was a key part of the budget but is also seeking a cut in government spending across all departments. Watch to know more!

South Africa: ANC set 5-day deadline to conclude negotiations on budget

South Africa's government has passed a contentious budget, but key coalition partners, including the EFF and MK, have rejected the fiscal framework. Tensions rise as the proposed VAT increase sparks dissent. Meanwhile, the nation faces a $3.3 billion fiscal gap after the U.S., under President Trump, halted HIV/AIDS funding. Watch to know more!

South African budget vote passes but key coalition partner dissents

South Africa passes controversial budget amid coalition rift

Steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal is reportedly weighing the option of leaving the UK in response to the Labour government’s decision to abolish the “non-dom" tax regime. Watch this report for more details!

Lakshmi Mittal considers leaving UK over 'non-dom' tax crackdown

India’s wealthiest are packing their bags—not for vacation, but for good. As Dubai’s golden visa boom fuels wealth migration, billions in tax revenue are slipping. With high rental yields, zero capital gains tax, and long-term residency perks, is India losing its best and brightest to a tax-friendly haven in the region? That's what this report decodes...

Tax perks drive India’s wealth to Dubai

South Africa’s finance minister proposed scaling back tax increases and curbing spending in a bid to resolve a standoff over the budget in the nation’s fractious governing alliance. Watch this report for more details!

South Africa Budget: South Africa's VAT hike plan faces strong opposition, budget remains stuck

Hungary has announced a sweeping tax exemption for mothers of 2 or more children, just over a year ahead of the 2026 elections. Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared that mothers with three children will be exempt from income tax starting October, while the exemption for mothers with two will be phased in from January.

Hungary exempts mothers of 2 or more from income tax

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