The Serbian Tax Administration has announced that the period for freelancers to submit their tax returns began on April 1, with a final deadline of April 30, 2026. This marks the official start of the tax filing process for independent contractors.

The Cyprus construction industry is seeking closer collaboration with the government, following a working meeting organized by the Federation of Building Contractors Associations of Cyprus.

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu ordered expedited project work in Amaravati, addressing delays and safety concerns, and urged better coordination among contractors.

Forbes Serbia published its weekly review, featuring the most-read stories on its portal, including topics such as new contractors, undeclared workers, and old debts.

South Korean labor groups have welcomed a landmark ruling by a regional labor relations commission that recognizes contractors' obligation to negotiate with subcontracted workers. This decision is expected to accelerate similar union demands across various industries.

A South Korean labor relations board has for the first time recognized the 'employer status' of principal contractors since the enactment of a new labor law, the Yellow Envelope Act, aimed at expanding workers' bargaining rights.

Some Polish companies have not yet implemented the KSeF (National e-Invoicing System) as required by law, but they will not face penalties for now, and their contractors will still be able to deduct VAT and settle costs from traditional invoices.

Hauliers and contractors, supported by an MEP, express dissatisfaction with the government's efforts to reduce fuel costs, prompting calls for further action.

Federal Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić announced that funds would be paid to contractors by the end of the week to resume work on Corridor Vc, which has been stalled due to funding issues.

Heath Goldfields Ltd. announced a $135 million investment for its first year of operations at the Bogoso-Prestea Gold Mine in Ghana, aiming to reposition it as a world-class operation, a move now strongly supported by local mining service providers who reject calls for the company's removal.

Small construction firms are reportedly awaiting payments from large contractor Implenia on one of its building sites, with Implenia acknowledging delays but attributing them to substandard work.

Razak Kojo Opoku has lauded the initiative to allocate 44% of "big push" projects to empower local contractors in Ghana, while also raising questions about the procurement processes involved.

Contractors in Nigeria are planning a protest at the upcoming APC convention to voice their grievances over delayed payments for their services.

A boom in the real estate sector's interior finishes market is driving a significant surge in supply across multiple counties, as contractors demand a wider range of fixtures.

A lawyer representing a couple involved in a legal dispute over their home, which was built without planning permission in Co Meath, has stated that they are not connected to allegations of threats made against sub-contractors carrying out demolition work.

A community of property owners in Frankfurt is struggling with their property management company, citing unpaid contractors, flawed meeting minutes, and unresponsiveness, leading them to seek a replacement.

Anxiety is growing in Nigeria's House of Representatives regarding the Federal Government’s debt to contractors, with lawmakers' re-election prospects reportedly threatened by stalled constituency projects.

Warsaw's road authorities are gearing up for the annual spring renovation season and are currently in the process of selecting contractors for upcoming work on eight city streets.

Reports indicate widespread fraud among subcontractors at some of Sweden's largest construction sites, threatening the country's economic model.

More than 200 American contractors at the Balad site in Iraq report being stranded without an evacuation plan, expressing fears of an imminent attack amidst growing regional tensions.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano urged that graft and conflict of interest charges be filed against lawmakers who are also contractors involved in controversial flood control projects.

By Jeff Agbodo, Abakaliki The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has commended indigenous contractors handling federal highway projects for the pace and quality of work, describing their performance as proof of Nigeria’s growing local engineering capacity. Umahi made the remarks during an inspection of ongoing construction along a section of the Calabar corridor of the […] The post Umahi commends indigenous contractors, inspects Ndibe bridge linking Ebonyi and Cross River appeared first on Vangu...

Construction work has recommenced at the Höfða Lodge luxury hotel in Grenivík, Iceland, following the full acquisition of the property by British investor Russ DeLeon, with contractors currently completing the final stages.

Singapore’s active hoarding cases almost doubled in less than four years, based on figures from June 2025.

Edo Governor Okpebholo has instructed contractors on road projects to work around the clock to ensure timely completion before the rainy season.

Wojciech Hartung states that agreements between contractors belonging to the same capital group do not constitute anti-competitive practices, as this would contradict the very idea of a group where the dominant company sets the strategy.

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has said the Government is hoping contractors BAM will deliver a key area of the National Children's Hospital in the coming weeks.

The government has raised over P100 million from the public auctions of luxury vehicles seized in the high-profile smuggling case involving private contractors Pacifico Discaya II and his wife, Sarah. The proceeds, which will be used to fund infrastructure and social service projects, were turned over to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) by the

Drones operated by Haitian security forces and private contractors have killed at least 1,243 people and injured 738 others in less than a year, Human Rights Watch said Tuesday.

A revised labor law, known as the 'yellow envelope act,' aimed at broadening workers' bargaining rights and allowing subcontractors to negotiate directly with contractors, took effect Tuesday amid mixed views on potential business disruptions.

Dr. Charles Nyaaba, former Director of Peasant Farmers of Ghana, alleges that contractors for the School Feeding Programme are importing foreign rice instead of purchasing from local farmers as intended.

An analysis discusses the role of subcontractors in public procurement, highlighting that while they bring specialized expertise, their involvement can sometimes lead to more harm than benefit.

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has inspected major road projects in the Central Senatorial District, urging contractors to ensure high-quality delivery.

In Poland, contractors can now participate in Employee Capital Plans (PPK), with periods of mandatory pension and disability insurance from their contracts counting towards the required employment period.

The White House is scheduled to meet with defense contractors to discuss strategies for increasing weapons production.

Contractors who worked on OpenAI projects through Handshake AI claim the company abruptly cut off project access and withheld thousands of dollars in pay, alleging contract violations.

Romania's National Road Investment Company (CNIR) has handed over the sites for lots 1D Joseni-Ditrău and 2A Ditrău-Grințieș of the A8 Târgu Mureș-Târgu Neamț Highway to contractors, marking the start of construction work.

Boeing's stock is noted for its strong performance and high projected sales growth rate within the aerospace and defense investment sector, standing out among major contractors.

Employees say they have heard little from major defense contractor V2X Inc about safety and evacuation protocols Employees of major defense contractor V2X Inc on US military bases in Kuwait say they lack adequate bunker facilities and have had their pay reduced amid Iranian missile attacks across the Persian Gulf region, while receiving limited communication from their employer about safety and evacuation procedures. The Guardian interviewed three V2X employees on the US bases Camp Arifjan a...

The CEO of Strætó bs. sees no issue with requiring contractors to return the majority of state subsidies received for purchasing 'clean energy buses,' deeming the practice fully legal.

The Greek Development Bank (EAT) and the Fund for Engineers and Public Works Contractors (TMEDE) have renewed their financing agreement, aiming to continue their collaboration.

Icelandic public transport company Strætó bs. is requiring contractors to return 75% of government subsidies received for purchasing 'clean energy buses', a move impacting the Energy Fund's support for such vehicles.

The Nigerian Senate is questioning delays in contractor payments and is advocating for the Federal Government to revert to a system where Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) directly pay contractors.

The Trump administration is reportedly taking steps to reverse a Biden-era regulation concerning independent contractors.

As the fate of Berlinale chief Tricia Tuttle is being debated at an extraordinary meeting convened by Germany’s culture minister Wolfram Weimer, staffers of the festival have penned an open letter to…

The alleged recordings were found in a Samsung phone, which was seized from the former minister when she was arrested in London in 2015.The alleged recordings were found in a Samsung phone, which was seized from the former minister when she was arrested in London in 2015. The post Court hears recording of Diezani Alison-Madueke’s heated exchanges with oil contractors who bribed her appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

A bench of justice Swarana Kanta Sharma refused to grant pre-arrest bail to the two contractors– Himanshu Gupta and Kavish Gupta, noting that the incident in question was a “preventable accident”

The House of Representatives has summoned contractors handling renewable energy projects under the Rural Electrification Agency (REA)’s Energising Education Programme (EEP) Phases I–III, as part of an ongoing probe into the implementation of green energy initiatives across federal institutions. The post Reps summon REA contractors over energising education projects appeared first on Vanguard News.

He urges Govt. to release pending bills immediately to save small contractors

MANILA, Philippines — The organizer of the Trillion Peso March remained optimistic amid the perceived “protest fatigue” following massive demonstrations against the multibillion-peso corruption scandal involving flood control projects. Massive protests erupted last year after revelations that several flood control projects were either overpriced or non-existent due to the alleged collusion of lawmakers, private contractors,

With construction overwhelmingly male, Refuge says tradeswomen help survivors of abuse feel safer One of the main challenges in maintaining the 64 homes for domestic abuse survivors run by Refuge is the reliance on a male-dominated workforce of electricians, plumbers and decorators. “The presence of men can be distressing and could trigger past traumas for our survivors,” said Lisa Cantwell-Hope, the head of property services at the charity. “Male contractors need an escort to make our surviv...

The bureau also reported reduced contract approval timelines, additional cost savings, and tougher sanctions imposed on erring contractors and non-compliant government officials. The post BPP records N1.1 trillion savings from procurement reforms in 2025 – DG appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.

“Why did you start driving inDrive?” It’s my go-to icebreaker with drivers in Pakistan. Lately, the answers have been unsettlingly similar. “I used to work in the development sector,” one man told me. “Then I lost my job.” I’ve heard that line — or a version of it — too many times to dismiss as coincidence. Since the United States pulled the plug on its aid apparatus, the fallout has been immediate. On the surface, the shutdown of USAID is being framed as just another abrupt policy reversal — a bureaucratic casualty in an era of disruption. But look closer, and it reveals something far more profound: the cumulative weight of domestic and international tensions that have been simmering, both within and beyond the US for decades. Cycles of aid, cycles of distrust The first source of strain lies beyond US borders. From its inception as a Cold War instrument, American foreign aid has been shaped by an enduring tension between its declared objectives of development and altruism and its underlying strategic and political calculations. This duality has long been apparent to the recipient elites and the broader public alike. During the Cold War, many governments acquiesced, in part because Western donors faced little competition and alternative sources of assistance were scarce. That landscape has since changed. As non-traditional donors, most notably China and the Gulf states, have expanded their presence, and as domestic political incentives within recipient countries have shifted, scepticism toward USAID has become more explicit and politically salient. In countries such as Pakistan, where mistrust of American intentions runs deep, US assistance is often perceived less as generosity than as intrusion. What is now framed as a backlash against American aid is better understood as the culmination of a long-simmering tension and a legacy of mutual misperceptions between donor and recipient. Pakistan’s experience with US foreign aid agency illustrates this dynamic with particular clarity. American assistance to Pakistan has never been linear or predictable; instead, it has unfolded in cycles closely attuned to Washington’s shifting strategic priorities. During the Cold War, aid was channelled primarily through a security-alliance framework aimed at containing the Soviet bloc, with economic assistance tightly coupled to military cooperation. These flows declined sharply after the 1965 war, reinforcing perceptions of US aid as conditional, transactional, and reversible. Another peak in this equation followed in the 1980s, when General Ziaul Haq aligned Pakistan with the US in opposing Soviet expansion in Afghanistan. Yet with the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the subsequent imposition of US sanctions on Pakistan’s nuclear programme under the Pressler Amendment, assistance once again contracted. It was only after 9/11 that the aid surged anew, this time framed around counterterrorism and stabilisation. Even at its height, however, much of this assistance remained shaped by security imperatives, short funding horizons, and heavy reliance on contractors, rather than long-term institution-building. For many Pakistanis, therefore, the shutdown of USAID feels less like an abrupt rupture than the latest turn in a familiar cycle of engagement and disengagement. The second factor is bureaucratic pathologisation. Like many large organisations, aid agencies are susceptible to institutional dysfunction, and USAID has been no exception. In practice, particularly in contexts such as Pakistan, as commissioner on the Afghanistan War Commission Andrew Wilder has noted, its programmes increasingly came to be structured through a security lens rather than a development one. Key decisions were made in Washington, filtered through multiple layers of contractors, and ultimately deployed on the ground with limited scope for local input. At the same time, bureaucratic incentives privileged projects with easily quantifiable indicators, favouring what could be measured over what was substantively effective. These patterns were neither accidental nor new, nor are they unique to the US. Over time, however, they eroded both the legitimacy and the perceived effectiveness of USAID, among recipients abroad and critics at home. These institutional dynamics had tangible consequences on the ground. In Pakistan, USAID funding became heavily concentrated in sectors aligned with stabilisation and security objectives — such as service delivery in so-called “fragile” districts or rapid-impact infrastructure — often at the expense of slower, politically unglamorous investments in local institutional capacity. NGOs and development professionals structured entire career paths around USAID project cycles, only to see those opportunities vanish when priorities shifted or funding was abruptly frozen. The result was a hollowing out of local expertise and institutional memory. When aid was withdrawn, it left behind far fewer durable institutions than its scale and visibility might have led one to expect. The mismatch between stated development objectives and the underlying security logic was further compounded by an overreliance on quantifiable metrics to demonstrate impact. This tendency was reinforced by a development ecosystem shaped by the overproduction of economists and political scientists trained as methodological specialists rather than regional experts. Programmes designed in Washington often prioritised what could be easily counted — number of schools built, clinics refurbished, trainings delivered, or kilometres of roads completed — over whether such interventions meaningfully strengthened local institutions. In Pakistan, this logic was especially evident in sectors such as education, health, and local governance, where projects were assessed primarily through output indicators rather than sustainability or local ownership. Multiple layers of contractors further diluted accountability and blurred responsibility once funding cycles ended. Over time, this produced a paradox: USAID became both omnipresent and poorly understood — associated with large budgets and extensive reporting, but yielding limited and uneven institutional impact. That credibility gap left the agency especially exposed when domestic political support in the US began to erode. The third major factor behind the dismantling of the aid lies in the domestic backlash within the US against international cooperation. Opposition to foreign aid, multilateralism, and international institutions long predates Donald Trump, reflecting decades of polarisation over globalisation and America’s role in the world. By the time Trump entered office, hostility toward international engagement was already deeply embedded in US politics. In this context, shuttering a highly visible aid agency became a potent domestic signal; it becomes a way to demonstrate responsiveness to voters who view global commitments as costly, wasteful, or illegitimate. Dismantling USAID was therefore less a recalibration of foreign policy than an act of domestic political theatre. The US government’s official justification for shutting down USAID frames the move as a response to “China’s exploitative aid model” and a means of advancing American “strategic interests in key regions around the world”. It is true that China has dramatically expanded its development footprint and largely operates outside the traditional Western aid framework. But that explanation doesn’t hold up to deeper scrutiny. If Washington were genuinely seeking to compete with Beijing in the development arena, the more coherent response would have been reform and reinvestment, not withdrawal. Moreover, Chinese and US aid are not direct substitutes. They target different sectors, rely on distinct instruments, and frequently operate alongside one another in the same countries — Pakistan among them — without displacing each other. In Pakistan, Chinese assistance has concentrated on large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, while USAID has focused primarily on education and health. Chinese aid typically flows through bilateral, government-to-government channels, whereas US assistance has often bypassed the Pakistani state, working instead through NGOs and contractors. China’s rise may well be sharpening anxieties in Washington, but it does not, on its own, explain why the US would choose to erode its own institutional capacity in response. A looming domino effect The shutdown of USAID, then, should not be understood as a one-off policy blunder or an idiosyncratic choice tied to a single administration. Rather, it reflects the convergence of long-accumulating tensions: between the professed ideals and strategic deployment of aid abroad; between development objectives and bureaucratic practices within aid agencies; between international commitments and domestic political incentives at home. USAID’s collapse is best understood not as the cause of these pressures, but as their most visible manifestation. The consequences of this decision extend well beyond the fate of a single agency. They reveal the fragility of the broader international aid regime, which ultimately depends on the willingness of a small number of leading powers to absorb the political and financial costs of institutionalised cooperation. When that willingness erodes, institutions lose both credibility and purpose and eventually collapse. Signs of this erosion are already evident, as other major donors, including the United Kingdom and Germany, begin to scale back their own aid commitments. What is at stake, then, is not merely the dismantling of USAID, but the gradual unravelling of an international aid regime built on mutual trust and a sustained commitment to lifting the world’s poorest out of poverty.

The Nicosia municipality has signed a €3.44 million contract for restoration works within its old town, with the project assigned to AM Andronikou contractors.

As Americans struggle amid the threat of higher inflation, Lockheed Martin, Shell and other companies are experiencing gains Two weeks into the US-Israel war with Iran, the White House was fielding…

Authorities report that the former home of Kinahan Cartel lieutenant Sean McGovern in Dublin remains empty, with refurbishment efforts stalled due to 'constant intimidation' of contractors by criminals.

The Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has issued a stern warning to contractors to prioritize quality and value for money in their projects or face penalties.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has accused government-linked school feeding contractors of undermining Ghana's agriculture by importing rice despite presidential orders to support local farmers.

RH stock experienced a significant drop, while defense contractors Boeing and Lockheed Martin secured new deals with the Pentagon, indicating varied performances in the market.

Ghana's Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, announced that all contractors involved in the government’s “Big Push” infrastructure program who have submitted work certificates have received full payment, indicating projects are on track.

A report saying an advisor to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth tried to buy a fund investing in defense companies highlights just how poorly the sector has traded since the Iran conflict began.

An MEP warns that frustration among Irish hauliers and contractors over rising fuel costs is reaching a critical point, leading to calls for potential road blockades, including at Dublin Airport and along the M50.

A luxury five-bedroom home in Faughan Hill, Bohermeen, Co Meath, was demolished by private security and contractors, as Ireland reached a record 17,000 homeless individuals.

At 20 airports around the U.S., security screeners are getting paid as usual despite the ongoing DHS shutdown — because they're private contractors. Will more airports look at privatizing security?

Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) have introduced a new bill aimed at codifying a Trump-era executive order, which seeks to crack down on stock buybacks and executive compensation for underperforming defense contractors.

The Pentagon has finalized agreements with several defense contractors to significantly increase the production of munitions, aiming to bolster military supplies.

Moldova's Prime Minister and Energy Minister provided details on the potential duration and contractors for the repair of the Isaccea-Vulcănești overhead power line, which is owned by Moldelectrica.

Snow removal efforts have been progressing well in an Icelandic city, with contractors working since early morning and expected to continue throughout the day to clear accumulated snow.

JU OŠ „Jagoš Kontić“ Nikšić in Montenegro has issued a tender for contractors to adapt its gymnasium and sanitary facilities, with an estimated investment value of over 247,000 euros.

President John Dramani Mahama announced that construction of the long-awaited bridge over the River Afram in Ghana is set to begin, with contractors expected on site in the coming weeks.

Construction of the 'Smile of Vojvodina' expressway from Bački Breg to Srpska Crnja is finally set to resume, raising questions about the disappearance of Chinese contractors and the new involvement of Azerbaijani firm Azvirt, which some critics allege is a pre-election maneuver.

Infini has successfully locked in key contractors to advance its uranium exploration and development push in Canada, signaling progress for the mining company.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced that suppliers and contractors will be granted access to foreign exchange.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ben Okoh, announced that contractors bidding for infrastructural projects must possess valid professional licences, a requirement disclosed during a recent bid opening session.

Beyond well-known defense contractors like Rheinmetall, two smaller, less-scrutinized defense companies are identified as attractive investment opportunities, with one offering strong growth, particularly a drone manufacturer.

An opinion piece details a new homeowner's negative experiences, highlighting the importance of careful oversight with realtors and contractors.

The NGO Breznica has announced criminal charges against contractors and subcontractors for the complete devastation of the Tara River and its surrounding area during construction work in Sokolovina. The Public Enterprise for National Parks will also be reported for damages.

Haiti continues to lose control in its fight against gangs, with the potential use of armed drones and private military contractors highlighting the helplessness of a collapsing state.

The Zimbabwean government is increasing its scrutiny of contractors involved in the critical Byo–Maphisa road project to ensure proper execution.

Crematoria in Ambattur are struggling with LPG shortages, affecting daily operations, while small restaurants are resorting to wood-fired stoves as commercial LPG cylinder supplies remain dismal.

The ongoing government shutdown has led to significant delays at airport security checkpoints across the U.S., prompting some states to explore solutions involving private contractors to maintain operations.

An audit of Ghana's Agenda 111 initiative has found that 35 contractors received advance payments totaling $7.9 million but either failed to mobilize to their sites or performed work that did not match the payments received.

The NSCDC has warned contractors in Abuja to stop damaging fibre-optic cables during construction or face prosecution under new critical infrastructure law Read More: https://punchng.com/nscdc-warns-contractors-against-damaging-fibre-optic-cables-in-abuja/

The installation of rooftop solar power plants in Brno faces delays as the city's solar company has struggled to find reliable contractors, with two previous firms failing to fulfill their obligations, leading to an insolvency proposal against the second.

Fifteen years after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, securing approximately 5,000 workers daily for decommissioning work has become a challenge for TEPCO and its contractors, due to the difficulty in forecasting long-term work content and order volumes.

Meta's AI smart glasses are under scrutiny due to growing privacy concerns, following allegations that intimate footage was exposed to contractors in Kenya, leading to potential legal action.

There is a real possibility of work stoppage on sections of Corridor 5C highway in Bosnia and Herzegovina near Tešanj and Žepče due to unpaid debts to contractors and suppliers.

Elixir Energy is moving forward with its Diona-1 project, lining up contractors in anticipation of stimulation and flow testing operations.

With U.S. weapons stockpiles reportedly strained, defense contractors Lockheed and RTX are scheduled to meet at the White House.

Cracks have appeared on the concrete pillars of the Pelješac Bridge in Croatia, which opened in July 2022. Croatian Roads claims the damage is not serious and will be repaired by the Chinese contractors.

The Trump administration plans to meet with major US defense contractors to accelerate weapons production and replenish supplies following strikes on Iran and other military efforts.

A Polish legal expert highlights issues with the deadline for excluding unreliable contractors, particularly how the period extends when contractors exercise their right to appeal.

Samsung is reportedly withdrawing from the Slovak industry, leading to nearly a thousand job losses at its Galanta TV factory and threatening an additional 2,000 jobs at subcontractors.

South Korea is moving to phase out traditional formal school uniforms, amid growing concerns over high costs. The Education Ministry said Thursday it will conduct a nationwide survey of middle and high school uniform prices and push to replace formal-style uniforms with more practical attire. The ministry plans to inspect about 5,700 middle and high schools through March 16. Officials will review uniform prices, bidding methods, selected contractors and contract amounts to assess whether prices

A new rule is being hailed as a victory for 11.9 million independent contractors, addressing their desire for flexibility which is often lost when transitioning to direct employment.

Reykjavík City Council has made changes to the group of contractors involved in the construction work at Ölduselsskóli school.

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 27 — Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) has imposed a ‘Liquidated and Ascertained Damag...

By Henry Umoru, Abuja The Nigerian Senate has directed the Federal Government to return to the old payment system for contractors, citing delays and unpaid obligations under the current centralized system that have left many contractors owed for projects executed in 2024 and 2025. The Upper Chamber also called for the replacement of the Envelope […] The post Senate urges FG to revert to old contractor payment system, replace envelope budgeting appeared first on Vanguard News.

The Icelandic Road Administration is investigating and considering changes to its winter service procedures after heavy snow ploughed by contractors damaged several vehicles yesterday.

The construction of an aquarium at Ušće in Belgrade is projected to cost 90 million euros, with Turkish company Ronesans holding and its Dutch subsidiary Balast i Nedam as the planned contractors.

Established contractors have struggled to innovate and expand quickly to meet demand since Ukraine war

The Polish Gas Company (PSG) states that over 96% of its contractors have Polish capital, and over 90% have exclusive Polish capital, emphasizing that local biomethane production enhances economic security.

Contractors for Reykjavik City were called out in the early hours of the morning to address snow-related tasks, with about 30 pieces of equipment already in use and more available.

Home Depot's focus on contractors is proving successful, helping the company navigate a soft U.S. housing market and maintain strong performance.

The Himachal Pradesh government has launched its first-ever e-auction of liquor vends, aiming to break the monopoly of contractors in the state's liquor trade.

Polish tax authorities have clarified that promotional campaigns targeting contractors' employees are not considered promotional sales, and bonuses granted to individuals other than direct buyers are not exempt from Personal Income Tax (PIT).

The FCC has upheld the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) sales tax on construction services, ruling that the provincial levy aligns with the constitutional division of powers and validating the 2% tax on contractors, developers, and infrastructure projects.

Just When You Thought Obama's Tower Of Doom Couldn't Get Any More Ugly... Authored by Steve Watson via Modernity.news, Barack Obama’s infamous Presidential Center in Chicago, already slammed as a dystopian “prison-like” monstrosity, has just received a bizarre new update that’s ignited widespread mockery online. The addition of disjointed words from one of Obama’s speeches has been dubbed “headache-inducing,” amplifying the backlash against this $830 million behemoth that’s overrun budgets, displaced locals, and turned a public park into a narcissistic shrine. As construction drags on toward a June 2026 opening, the former president’s ego-driven tweaks have only fueled the fire, with X users unleashing savage roasts and memes comparing the structure to everything from a Soviet-era bunker to a “concrete porta potty.” The latest fiasco stems from Obama’s decision to etch excerpts from his 2015 Selma speech onto the building’s facade. But instead of inspiring awe, the disjointed lettering has sparked hilarity and disgust. They somehow managed to make the Obama presidential library even uglier. My gosh. ? pic.twitter.com/lmZnyJ4FSs February 17, 2026 One X user highlighted how the words appear chopped and unreadable, calling it a “headache-inducing” mess that perfectly encapsulates the project’s overall failure. I's indistinguishable from L's and T's. E's indistinguishable from F's. Multiple words get disjointed–not just on one plane but two. pic.twitter.com/hohr6Whusy February 17, 2026 what don’t you understand about YOU ARE AMERICA https://t.co/kmHawlABHO February 16, 2026 Fixed it for Obama. pic.twitter.com/BJU5eA6vIx February 18, 2026 This is what the text should read… pic.twitter.com/YaZ2iSJQuY February 18, 2026 pic.twitter.com/N60Kwjw9Q5 February 18, 2026 As we previously reported, the Obama Presidential Center has ballooned to nearly $1 billion in costs, resembling a “Tower of Doom” that’s sucking the life out of Chicago’s South Side. Locals have decried it as a “totalitarian command center dropped straight out of 1984,” with property values skyrocketing and forcing out longtime residents. Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor warned that such developments “displace the very people they say they want to improve it for,” as rents for two-bedroom apartments jumped from $800 to over $1,800 per month. The project’s DEI-focused hiring of diverse contractors has backfired spectacularly, leading to lawsuits over “racial discrimination” and claims of poor performance, proving once again that woke policies lead to broke outcomes. President Trump didn’t hold back when mocking the stalled eyesore. “He needs help,” Trump quipped, noting how the library-museum hybrid is “not too pretty” and has “run out of money” despite Obama’s insistence on DEI builders. Trump contrasted this with his own push for classical architecture, like the grand Arch near Arlington Memorial Bridge, symbolizing a return to American greatness. The center’s foundation is now scrambling with only $116 million in reserves against $230 million in remaining costs, not including staff salaries. Scheduled tours have started, but critics question who’d visit this overpriced ode to Obama’s ego amid Chicago’s economic woes. Obama’s defenders claim it’ll be an “economic catalyst” for the black community, but the reality is displacement and fiscal chaos. This project exemplifies the hypocrisy of elite liberals: preaching equity while building vast ego towers that burden the working class. In the end, as Trump restores beauty and dignity to American landmarks, Obama’s legacy crumbles under the weight of its own pretension— a fitting monument to an era of division and decline. Your support is crucial in helping us defeat mass censorship. Please consider donating via Locals or check out our unique merch. Follow us on X @ModernityNews. Tyler Durden Thu, 02/19/2026 - 15:40

The United States plans to construct 11 new icebreakers, with contracts not awarded to any major defense contractors.

Two Port Harcourt-based oil firms, ELC Oil and Gas Services and Chiefest Nigeria Limited, have threatened to protest over the alleged nonpayment of over N1 billion debt for contracts executed years ago.

The Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Paul Adjei, has issued a stern warning to contractors working on projects funded by the scheme, urging them to ensure quality delivery and value for money or face sanctions.

An analysis compares the financial performance and investment potential of two major defense contractors, Lockheed Martin and RTX, for investors interested in the defense sector.

Thai contractors warn of wave of abandoned projects amid rising costs of raw materials, fuel  The Straits Times

Contractors in Maharashtra, India, are warning of a statewide strike to protest Rs 96,000 crore in unpaid dues, potentially halting various development projects across the state.

Sweden has announced the purchase of new air defence and counter-drone systems from defense contractors Saab and BAE, bolstering its national security capabilities.

Labor inspection at the Expo 2027 construction site in Serbia identified violations at 16 contractors and companies, uncovering over 50 undeclared workers and three cases of injuries.

Ghana's Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, stated that the government's 'Big Push' infrastructure program aims to develop local contractors and goes beyond just road construction.

A lawsuit alleges that three American security contractors were paid by the United Arab Emirates to carry out targeted political killings in Yemen, with one of their alleged targets now suing them in a U.S. federal court.

Yiannis Mylopoulos criticized the Greek government, stating that 'money exists, but only for... large contractors,' in response to the distribution of 600 million euros in compensation after 2019, noting that the total compensation bill is constantly increasing.

Waste collection in Bengaluru, India, has resumed following a day of disruption caused by new segregation rules, with legal actions initiated against contractors highlighting ongoing operational tensions.

Nigerian contractors are threatening a massive protest at the upcoming APC convention, demanding the immediate payment of N150bn in unpaid government debts.

The Greek government is accused of undermining the public sector by integrating an 'army of certified private individuals' into state administration, a move critics describe as an expropriation and transformation of the public service's character.

Construction work on a section of the Corridor 5C highway in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has been suspended by Turkish company Cengiz Insaat and Bosnian company Euro-Asfalt due to significant debts owed by the public enterprise Autoceste FBiH.

Hyundai and Kia are actively seeking alternative suppliers following a fire at one of their parts contractors, which has disrupted their supply chain.

Last year, state road manager 'Via Lietuva' conducted 2,400 inspections on nearly 1,600 objects under warranty, identifying quality non-conformities in 248 objects, with preliminary defect removal costs reaching €1.4 million for contractors.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines has scheduled a re-auction of 11 luxury vehicles seized from public works contractors Pacifico and Sarah Discaya for March 27.

Heavy road construction equipment was submerged in floodwaters in the Kėdainiai district of Lithuania after the Šušvė river's water level rose. Local residents are expressing anger over the contractors' perceived irresponsibility.

The Edo State government has issued a stern warning to contractors working on state projects, mandating them to adhere to quality standards or face the consequence of reconstructing projects at their own expense.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has announced that suppliers and contractors will now have access to foreign exchange. This measure is intended to ease business operations and improve the availability of goods and services within the country.

Prices of some construction materials have risen by about 20 per cent and are expected to remain high, says the Singapore Contractors Association Limited.

An opinion piece argues that companies developing AI for military applications are effectively defense contractors and should not be allowed to obscure their role in AI warfare, citing examples from conflicts in Gaza and Iran.

More than half of workers in South Korea said they have experienced or witnessed abusive practices by principal contractors, a recent survey showed. According to a study released Sunday by Workplace Gapjil 119, a South Korean civic group advocating for workers’ rights, 55 percent of respondents said they had experienced such practices, including discrimination in wages, leave, work equipment and access to welfare facilities. The survey was conducted among 1,000 workers aged 19 and older between

Dell has asserted that government contractors do not have the authority to dictate how their technology is used by customers.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has stated it no longer provides upfront mobilisation funds to contractors. This change is due to past experiences where some contractors allegedly diverted funds and failed to complete projects.

Contractors working for Meta in Kenya reportedly have access to unredacted raw footage from Ray-Ban smart glasses users, including instances of users undressing, according to a joint report by Svenska Dagbladet and Göteborgs-Posten.

The Ghanaian government has confirmed that legal action is being taken against contractors who received payments for the Agenda 111 hospital projects but failed to complete the work.

The Philippine Bureau of Customs (BOC) has turned over P102.46 million to the Treasury, representing the proceeds from the successful public auctions of nine luxury cars. These vehicles were seized from controversial government contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya.

Via Lietuva, the state road administrator, has signed contracts with three contractors for the capital repair of the Dusetos–Degučiai–Dūkštas road.

As the US space agency misses its launch window for the second month, smaller firms continue work on their parts It was shaping up into another ordinary day at the Colorado headquarters of the small…

Waste Of The Day: DEI Contractors Remain In Military's K-12 Schools Authored by Jeremy Portnoy via RealClearInvestigations, Topline: Controversial education firms that helped embed diversity, equity and inclusion principles in K-12 military schools during President Joe Biden’s administration are still working with the Department of Defense Education Activity, or DoDEA, and received a total of $171,175 in 2025. Key facts: Thomas M. Brady, the director of DoDEA from 2014 to 202...

A tender procedure is ongoing for the selection of contractors for the reconstruction of an existing bridge and the construction of a new bridge on the Morača River, near Bulevar Vojislavljevića in Zabjelo, with an estimated value of around seven million euros.

The United States Department of Defense officially declared the technology company Anthropic a supply chain risk on Thursday, effective immediately, prohibiting government contractors from using Anthropic's technologies for contracts.

Nearly a dozen homes in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, have been left dangling precariously 10 meters above a highway after contractors lowered the roadbed for widening.

The project, which was initially awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, was terminated owing to a cost and completion date dispute and re-awarded to Infouest under a fresh contract involving the use of reinforced concrete pavement instead of asphalt. The post N777bn Abuja-Kano Road: FG, contractors reiterate commitment to April completion date appeared first on Vanguard News.

Defence contractors, including Lockheed, are reportedly removing Anthropic's AI after the Pentagon's ban, due to the significant government contracts at stake.

A new ad from a progressive challenger, Nida Allam, attacks Representative Valerie Foushee over financial backing she has received from defense contractors and the A.I. industry.

A curious situation has emerged involving The Wave contractors and a newly established consulting firm.

The CEO of Strætó, the transport service provider for the Reykjavik and the capital region, has defended the company’s requirement that contractors pass on a significant portion of government subsidies for “clean energy buses.” According to Morgunblaðið, Strætó has already received 72 million krónur from contractors involved in public transport services. What’s This Story? Strætó […] The post Strætó CEO Defends Controversial Subsidy Policy for Clean Energy Buses appeared first on Iceland Review.

Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) announced that contractors of Energoatom who paid kickbacks in the Midas case may avoid criminal liability if they voluntarily report the bribes before detectives establish the facts.

A senior manager at Gazpromneft was arrested for allegedly taking millions in bribes from subcontractors, which he used to purchase luxury apartments and a yacht.

Bucharest General Mayor Ciprian Ciucu and contractors have finalized details for securing the Basarab Overpass, which has been in an 'uncertain situation for almost 15 years,' with the City Hall estimating the duration of the works.

A thinktank proposes that English councils should train their own workers to install home insulation and offer upgrades street by street, moving away from private contractors to improve quality and spending.

The High Court denied pre-arrest bail to two contractors involved in a biker's death, stating they chose self-interest over saving a life.

Three additional luxury vehicles linked to contractors Sarah and Pacifico Discaya were sold at a Bureau of Customs public auction, generating P25.7 million.

Delivery company Wolt in Norway was acquitted by the Borgarting Court of Appeal in a case brought by three couriers, with the court ruling the couriers were contractors, not permanent employees.

Members of the Croatian Army are present at the Vjesnik skyscraper, along with contractors, as preparations begin to officially turn the complex into a construction site for stability testing and eventual demolition.

The investigation into the Crans Montana tragedy is focusing on construction companies and engineers, with prosecutors in Valais canton meticulously reconstructing renovations to determine the cause.

In a letter to parents, Northcote College said it had been told to close by the Ministry of Education and specialist contractors

Karnataka's public works minister admits to ongoing corruption in governance as contractors protest unpaid dues of ₹37,370 crore, threatening infrastructure projects.

Rise Of Europe's "War Unicorns" As Goldman Maps The Defense-Startup Ecosystem The "war unicorn" startup boom we pointed out the other week isn't just an American story. It's happening across the West, as defense startups built around dual-use technology could become the next hot bubble. Goldman analysts, led by Sam Burgess, told clients on Tuesday that European defense is seeing a "rise of the startups," which could reshape an industry long dominated by major defense contractors. Burgess said there are more than 380 defense tech startups across Europe, and these companies have raised over $3 billion, heavily focused on dual-use areas like AI analytics, autonomy, sensing, cyber resilience, and next-generation communications. He said these startups are clustered around major innovation hubs in London, Munich, Stockholm, Paris, and Helsinki, backed by early-stage investors and public programs, including the NATO Innovation Fund and the EIF Defense Equity Facility. Here's a visual breakdown of the EU defense startups ecosystem: "Recent conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine, have underscored the need for rapid technological iteration, multi-domain integration, and a digitally enabled battlefield," Burgess said. Burgess' note is exactly on point and follows our view of the rise of war unicorn startups as big defense primes face an "adapt or die" moment, as the war in Ukraine and a surge in dual-use technologies (drones, ground bots, and AI kill chains) have pushed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to recently announce a move to accelerate the fielding of this new technology. Translation: The DoW under Hegseth and the rest of the procurement process are moving away from bloated legacy defense primes toward defense tech startups, creating a boom as we've characterized by the rise of war unicorns like Palmer Luckey's Anduril Industries. The shift away from big defense primes in the DoW's procurement process comes as the war in Ukraine has given military planners and strategists an uncomfortable preview of what conflict in the 2030s could look like. It's not just about expensive stealth jets, bombers, and big, fancy missiles and cannons. It's about ground robots, drones, and consumer-grade products that can easily be weaponized. Professional subscribers can read the full note on Europe's rise of defense startups on our new Marketdesk.ai portal​​​​. Tyler Durden Wed, 02/18/2026 - 05:45