
ADB, World Bank approve loans worth USD 1.5 billion to Bangladesh
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a USD 900 million loan, of which USD 500 million will support efforts to stabilise and reform the country's banking sector, while the remaining USD 400 million will promote climate-resilient and inclusive development initiatives, The Daily Star newspaper reported.
The USD 500 million policy-based loan aims to strengthen governance, asset quality and stability within Bangladesh's banking system, the ADB said in a statement on Thursday.
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Separately, the ADB also approved a USD 400 million loan for the second phase of the
Climate-Resilient Inclusive Development Programme
(CRIDP) aimed at supporting Bangladesh's efforts to adapt to climate change, cut emissions and foster inclusive economic growth.
Also on Thursday, the World Bank (WB) approved USD 640 million for two projects aimed at enhancing gas supply and improving air quality in Bangladesh.
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With the ADB and WB approvals, Bangladesh is set to receive more than USD 1.5 billion -- a development that will ease the continued strain on its foreign currency reserves.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Texas tax-free weekend 2025 is here — what you can buy tax-free from Aug 8–10 will surprise you
Texas tax-free weekend 2025 is officially here — and if you're a parent, student, or savvy shopper, you'll want to mark your calendar and get your shopping lists ready. From Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10 , Texans can save big by avoiding sales tax on a wide range of items. While many expect discounts on school supplies and kids' clothing, this year's list includes a few surprising tax-free items that could help families save even more. What qualifies as tax-free during Texas sales tax holiday 2025? From August 8 to August 10, you'll get a break from the state's 6.25% sales tax — and possibly even local taxes — on many common back-to-school and everyday essentials. Here's what's covered: Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Design Thinking MCA Digital Marketing Others PGDM Management CXO Product Management Leadership Finance healthcare Project Management Healthcare Data Science Technology Data Science others Artificial Intelligence Degree Public Policy Operations Management MBA Data Analytics Cybersecurity Skills you'll gain: Duration: 25 Weeks IIM Kozhikode CERT-IIMK PCP DTIM Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Skills you'll gain: Duration: 22 Weeks IIM Indore CERT-IIMI DTAI Async India Starts on undefined Get Details Most clothing and footwear under $100 per item – includes school uniforms, casual wear, sneakers, sandals, and everyday kids' clothing. School supplies under $100 per item – eligible items include notebooks, binders, pens, crayons, scissors, calculators, and even some art and drawing pads. Backpacks priced under $100 each – includes wheeled backpacks, messenger bags, and traditional book bags. Shoppers can buy up to 10 backpacks tax-free at once. 🔹 All purchases — whether in-store, online, by phone, or by mail — must be made during the three-day tax-free window to qualify. Surprising tax-free items you probably didn't expect While school supplies and kids' clothes are expected, Texas's tax-free weekend 2025 includes some surprising eligible items you might not know about. Here are a few standout tax-free categories: by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Face masks — both cloth and disposable are included With health-conscious shopping still trending, the state continues to consider face masks as qualifying clothing. Both cloth and disposable masks are tax-free — as long as they're not medical-grade N95 or surgical respirators. Baby and adult diapers are tax-free too This is a big win for parents and caregivers. Both baby diapers and adult incontinence products fall under the tax-free clothing category — as long as each package is priced under $100. Live Events Kitchen aprons and home-use garments Simple household aprons, oven mitts, and other utility garments are eligible — as long as they're not classified as industrial or specialized gear like welder's aprons. Pajamas, tie-dye tees, and even Halloween costumes Yes, you read that right. Clothing meant for lounging or even light costumes worn for fun (not performance) are tax-free if under $100. So are robes, pajamas, hair turbans, and everyday athletic wear like joggers and sweatshirts. Basic athletic wear makes the cut Leggings, tennis shoes, sweatpants, and workout tops count as long as they can be worn in everyday life — but professional sports gear like football pads, ballet shoes, or cleats are not covered. Common items that do not qualify during the tax-free weekend It's important to know what's not tax-free , even if the price is under $100. Avoid assuming everything is covered. Here are common items still taxed during the weekend: Jewelry, wallets, purses, and handbags Luggage, duffle bags, and laptop cases Hair accessories, watches, umbrellas, and cosmetic bags Clothing rental fees, alterations, and repairs Specialty or protective sports equipment Sewing items like fabric, buttons, thread, and zippers Don't forget about online orders, shipping, and layaways All qualifying items are tax-free as long as the purchase is paid for during the holiday period — regardless of when they're delivered or picked up. Here's how it works: Online purchases made between Aug 8–10 qualify, even if they're shipped later. Layaway items count if placed or paid off during the tax-free window. Shipping and handling charges count toward the $100 cap. For example, a $96 item with $8 shipping will be taxed, because the total exceeds $100. Business and school bulk orders need special paperwork If you're buying school supplies for a business or organization, you'll need to provide the retailer with a tax exemption certificate (Form 01-339). For personal purchases, no extra forms or documentation are needed. How to get a refund if you're charged sales tax in error If a retailer accidentally charges tax on an eligible item, you can: Request a refund directly from the store. If the store can't process it, ask for Form 00-985 and submit it to the Texas Comptroller's office to claim your refund. Key ways to save more during Texas tax-free weekend Check big-box store ads (like Walmart, Target, and H-E-B) — they often highlight tax-free eligible items. Separate your purchases to avoid bundling items that push the price above $100. Pay attention to online checkout totals — shipping fees can sneakily push an item over the cap. Stick to essentials and focus on items your family actually needs for the school year. Quick cheat sheet: What's tax-free and what's not? Item Tax-Free? Limit Kids' and adults' clothing Yes <$100/item School supplies Yes <$100/item Face masks Yes <$100/item Diapers (baby and adult) Yes <$100/item Pajamas and robes Yes <$100/item Backpacks Yes <$100/item (up to 10) Jewelry and handbags No — Laptop bags and luggage No — Athletic gear and cleats No — A rare chance to save big on essentials Texas tax-free weekend 2025 isn't just for school shopping — it's your opportunity to stock up on a wide range of clothing, supplies, and home essentials without paying a cent in sales tax. With surprising items like face masks, aprons, and diapers on the exempt list, there's more value than most people expect. Just remember: the savings only apply from August 8 through August 10, so make your list, plan your trip — or fill that cart online — and take advantage of one of Texas's best back-to-school deals. FAQs: Q1: What can I buy tax-free during Texas tax-free weekend 2025? You can buy clothing, school supplies, backpacks, diapers, and more — all under $100. Q2: When is the 2025 Texas sales tax holiday? It runs from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, 2025.


News18
an hour ago
- News18
Iranian President Pezeshkian in Pakistan to strengthen bilateral ties
Islamabad, Aug 2 (PTI) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on Saturday on a two-day state visit aimed at strengthening ties and increasing bilateral trade volume to USD 10 billion annually. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and other high-ranking government officials warmly received the Iranian President at Noor Khan Air Base. A 21-gun salute was also presented to the visiting dignitary. President Pezeshkian is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, senior ministers, and other high-ranking officials. Speaking before departure from Tehran, Pezeshkian said Iran and Pakistan have always maintained 'good, sincere, and deep relations" and plan to increase bilateral trade volume to USD 10 billion annually, Iran's state-run Press TV reported. 'Through Pakistan, we can connect to the Silk Road between China and Pakistan, and this road can connect to Europe through Iran," he said. In Islamabad, Dar, who is also the foreign minister, met his Iranian counterpart Araghchi and the two leaders discussed various issues, state-run PTV said. 'The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Iran ties, with a focus on expanding cooperation in regional stability, trade, and economic collaboration. They also discussed enhancing bilateral engagement across key areas of mutual interest," the Foreign Office (FO) said in a post on X. Main meetings of the Iranian president are scheduled for Sunday. President Pezeshkian will meet with Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari and hold delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Sharif. Earlier in the morning, former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Housing Minister Raiz Hussain Pirzada received Pezeshkian on arrival in Lahore, the Foreign Office said. During his brief stay in Lahore, he had a meeting with Nawaz Sharif. President Pezeshkian also visited the mausoleum of poet Allama Iqbal, who is still popular in Iran due to his Persian poetry. This marks Pezeshkian's first official visit to Pakistan as President of Iran. 'The visit is expected to further strengthen the brotherly relations between Pakistan and Iran," the FO added. Prime Minister Sharif had visited Iran on May 26. PTI SH RD NPK GSP view comments First Published: August 02, 2025, 23:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


The Print
an hour ago
- The Print
No duty concessions to US on agri, dairy, GM foods: An explainer
Earlier, this duty was to be imposed from August 1. The President has also not specified the penalty which he has announced on India for buying crude oil and military equipment from Russia. With the US not able to finalise a deal with India so far, US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced imposition of an additional 25 per cent import duty on Indian goods entering American markets from August 7. New Delhi, Aug 2 (PTI) India has toughened its stance on extending duty concessions on agri products, dairy and GM foods in the proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) with the US. Here is a list of Q&A (questions and answers) to explain reasons behind India's stand and impact of US tariffs on labour-intensive sectors: * What is the India-US bilateral trade agreement (BTA)? – India and the US entered into negotiations for a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial BTA in March 2025 with a target to complete the first tranche/phase of the pact by fall (October-November) of 2025. So far, five rounds of talks have been completed. For the next round, the US team, headed by Assistant US Trade Representative for South and Central Asia Brendan Lynch, is visiting India from August 25. * What is the aim of the BTA? – Normally in a trade agreement, two trading partners either significantly reduce or eliminate import duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. Besides, they ease norms to promote trade in services and increase two-way investments. The India-US BTA is aimed at more than doubling the bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 from the present USD 191 billion. *What are the major demands of the two countries from each other in the BTA? – The US wants duty concessions on certain industrial goods, automobiles, especially electric vehicles, wines, petrochemical products, agri goods, dairy items, apples, tree nuts, and genetically-modified crops. India is seeking the removal of this additional tariff (25 per cent now) and cut in tariffs on steel and aluminium (50 per cent), auto sector (25 per cent), labour-intensive sectors, such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather goods, garments, plastics, chemicals, shrimp, oil seeds, grapes, and bananas. *How much tariff is imposed by the US on Indian goods at present? – India's average import duty is about 17 per cent, while the US' is 3.3 per cent. On April 2, the US announced to impose 26 per cent duty (16 per cent reciprocal tariff and 10 per cent baseline tariff). At present, only the baseline tariff is in force. It is over and above the existing import duty on Indian goods. For example, before April 2, the Indian textiles were attracting a 6-9 per cent tariff in America. With the baseline tariff, it rose to 16-19 per cent. But from August 7, the sector will attract a 31-34 per cent duty. The baseline tariff will be replaced by 25 per cent duty notified on July 31 by the White House. However, certain products are exempted from these tariffs such as pharmaceutical, electronics and energy products. * From when the 25 per cent duty will come into force? – The duty, announced this week, will come into force from August 7 (9.30 am IST). The executive order has also clarified that goods in transit until October 5, 12:01 am eastern daylight time (EDT), or 09:30 am IST, will be subject to a 10 per cent tariff, provided that such goods have entered into transit before August 7 12:01 am EDT. *Why India is not ready to provide duty concessions on dairy, agri and GM foods? – Agri: Farm livelihoods are at stake. This is a politically and economically sensitive area as over 700 million people in India's rural economy are dependent on the sector. If India removes tariffs, cheap, subsidised US grains could flood Indian markets during global price crashes. Unlike the US, where agriculture is corporatised, Indian farming is a livelihood issue. Tariffs are essential to protect small farmers, manage price volatility, and ensure food security. Dairy: India wants to safeguard its small farmers. GTRI stated that the US argues that India's GM-free feed certification and facility registration protocols effectively bar American dairy imports. 'Indian rules prohibit imports from animals fed with animal-derived feed'for example, butter from a cow fed meat'due to religious sensitivities. India considers this policy non-negotiable,' GTRI has said. GM Food: These are created by inserting specific genes, often from bacteria, viruses, other plants, or occasionally animals, into a plant's DNA to introduce new traits, such as pest resistance or herbicide tolerance. Allowing the import of GM products such as soybean meal and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) for animal feed would affect India's agricultural exports to the EU, a key destination for Indian exporters. PTI RR ANU ANU This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.