RBI OKs Voluntary Gold/Silver for Small Loans

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

Business Finance

The Reserve Bank of India has clarified that banks and NBFCs can accept voluntary pledges of gold or silver as collateral for small loans—without violating existing rules. This applies when such loans fall within the “collateral-free” limits set by RBI. The central bank emphasised that the

Business Industry

Adani Announces Two 1,000‑Bed AI Hospitals

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

The Adani Group has announced plans to enter the healthcare sector by building two advanced, 1,000‑bed hospitals in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Chairman Gautam Adani revealed this initiative at a medical conference, aiming to combine cutting-edge technology with affordable care under the theme “Adani Healthcare Temples”. ₹60,000 crore Commitment Adani confirmed that the Adani

Business Finance

RBI: ₹2,000 Notes No Longer Circulating, But Still Valid

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra informed Parliament’s Finance Committee that ₹2,000 notes are no longer being issued or found in everyday transactions, but remain fully legal tender. The notes were officially withdrawn from circulation in May 2023. Why They Still Count Despite being phased out, approximately ₹6,100 crore worth of ₹2,000 notes remain with the public […]

International

US State Department to Cut Over 1,300 Jobs

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

The United States State Department is preparing to lay off more than 1,300 employees as part of a restructuring plan introduced under the Trump administration. This includes around 1,107 civil servants and 246 Foreign Service officers, who are expected to be placed on administrative leave for up to 120 days before formal termination procedures begin. […]

International

US Warns Citizens to Avoid Travel to Iran

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

The United States has issued a renewed Level‑4 “Do Not Travel” advisory for Iran, strongly urging all American citizens to avoid visiting the country. The advisory specifically warns that dual US‑Iran nationals face an increased risk of arbitrary arrest, wrongful detention, and limited consular support. Iran does not recognise dual nationality, which complicates the

State News West India

Vadodara Bridge Collapse Due to Structural Failure Confirms Gujarat Minister

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

A section of the Gambhira bridge in Vadodara district collapsed on July 9, leading to the deaths of 19 people and injuries to several others. Gujarat’s Roads and Buildings Minister confirmed that a preliminary technical report pointed to structural failure as the cause of the collapse. The report highlighted the crushing of the pedestal and […]

Business Finance

Nirmala Sitharaman Urges Respectful NBFC Recoveries

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has called on non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) to follow respectful and fair practices while recovering loans. Speaking at a financial sector event in New Delhi, she stressed that while financial institutions have every right to recover dues, the methods must never compromise the dignity of borrowers. She cited instances

Business Industry

Reliance Urges India to Ramp Up Petchem Output

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

A senior executive at Reliance Industries has urged India to boost its petrochemical production urgently. At a recent industry conference, Vikram Sampat, Reliance’s strategy chief, warned that China controls nearly 40–50% of global petrochemical output, while India’s figure remains around 20%. Why It Matters China’s rapid capacity expansion has created a global

International

Rubio Meets China’s Wang Yi, Calls Talks Positive

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on July 11 in Kuala Lumpur during the East Asia Summit and ASEAN Regional Forum. This was their first in-person meeting since Rubio took office earlier this year, marking a key step in resuming diplomatic communication amid growing tensions between the two nations. […]

National Politics

Bhagwant Mann Questions PM’s Foreign Tours

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has defended his recent criticism of Prime Minister Modi’s international visits, stating that as a citizen and elected leader, “don’t we have the right to ask the PM what foreign policy is?” He emphasised that scrutiny is part of democracy and vowed to continue raising questions. Visits to ‘Small’ Nations […]