International

US States Challenge H-1B Visa Fee Hike in Court

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

A group of 20 US states has filed a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration over a steep increase in H-1B visa fees, arguing that the move will hurt American businesses and undermine the country’s ability to attract skilled foreign talent. The states have described the fee hike as excessive and unlawful, saying it goes […]

Business Finance

PF Contribution on Wages Above ₹15,000 Remains Voluntary

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

The Labour Ministry has clarified that provident fund contributions on wages exceeding ₹15,000 per month will continue to be voluntary and are not mandatory under existing or proposed labour regulations. The clarification was issued amid concerns among salaried employees that changes in labour laws could lead to higher compulsory PF deductions and reduced take-home pay.

North India State News

Delhi to Implement School Fee Regulation Act Soon

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

The Delhi government is set to implement the Delhi School Education (Transparency in Fixation and Regulation of Fees) Act in the coming months, aiming to regulate fees charged by private unaided schools and curb arbitrary hikes. Officials said the law, which was passed earlier this year, will soon be operational after the finalisation of rules […]

State News West India

Goa Police Say Birch Club Operated Without Valid Licences

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

Goa Police have stated that the nightclub Birch by Romeo Lane in North Goa was operating without valid licences and mandatory approvals for nearly 18 months before a deadly fire incident brought it under scrutiny. Investigators said key permissions required to run the establishment had either expired or were never obtained during this period. Findings […]

International

Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Fresh Airstrikes

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

Cambodia has accused Thailand of carrying out fresh airstrikes along their shared border despite calls for restraint following an appeal by US President Donald Trump. The Cambodian government said Thai fighter jets struck areas inside Cambodian territory, escalating tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. Claims After Truce Appeal The allegations came hours

International

US Lawmakers Seek to Roll Back Trump’s India Tariffs

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

A group of US lawmakers has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking to end tariffs imposed on Indian goods under President Donald Trump’s administration. The move reflects growing concern within the US Congress that the duties are increasing costs for American consumers and businesses while straining trade ties with India. Details of […]

North India State News

Delhi Smog Deepens as Air Quality Nears Severe Levels

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region witnessed a sharp deterioration in air quality as dense smog blanketed the city, pushing pollution levels close to the severe category. The worsening conditions were recorded amid cold winter temperatures and low wind speeds, which prevented the dispersion of pollutants and led to a visible haze across […]

Business Finance

Cabinet Approves Bill to Raise Insurance FDI to 100%

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

The Union Cabinet has approved a bill to raise the foreign direct investment limit in the insurance sector to 100 percent, marking a significant shift in India’s policy framework for the industry. The proposal seeks to amend existing insurance laws to allow complete foreign ownership of insurance companies operating in India, subject to regulatory safeguards. […]

National Politics

BJP to Announce New UP President by December 16

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

The Bharatiya Janata Party is set to announce its new Uttar Pradesh state president by December 16 as part of its ongoing organisational reshuffle. The move comes as the party looks to strengthen its state unit ahead of future electoral battles, including the 2027 Assembly elections. Election Process and Timeline According to party sources, the […]

National

Cabinet Approves Census of India 2027 Scheme

By BPN News Desk December 12, 2025

The Union Cabinet has approved the scheme for conducting the Census of India 2027, clearing the way for the country’s next nationwide population count. The decision marks a key step in restarting the decennial census exercise, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has approved an overall expenditure of ₹11,718.24 crore for […]