International

US Rice Found High in Arsenic, Indian Basmati Among Safest: Report

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

A new food safety report has raised serious concerns over the arsenic content in rice consumed in the United States. According to independent testing by consumer health groups, rice grown in the US contains significantly higher levels of inorganic arsenic, a toxic heavy metal linked to cancer and developmental issues. In contrast, Indian basmati and […]

National Politics

Disruptions in Parliament ‘Significantly Reduced,’ Says Speaker Birla

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has asserted that parliamentary disruptions have “significantly reduced” in recent sessions, reflecting a more disciplined and mature legislative environment. Speaking at a national conference of Urban Local Body (ULB) chairpersons in Manesar, Haryana, Birla praised the evolving decorum of the 18th Lok Sabha and called for similar democratic

Law & Order National

SC Collegium Recommends 33 Judges for Six High Courts in Major Push

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

In a significant move aimed at strengthening the judiciary, the Supreme Court collegium has recommended the appointment of 33 judges to six High Courts across the country. This latest round of proposals is part of an ongoing effort to fill judicial vacancies and address long-standing concerns about bench strength and pendency of cases. Addressing Judicial […]

Business Finance

Banking System Liquidity Hits ₹3.74 Trillion, RBI Responds

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

India’s banking system has recorded a surplus liquidity of ₹3.74 trillion as of July 2, marking the highest level seen since June 2022. According to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) data, the surplus is the result of a combination of government spending patterns and weak Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections, creating a temporary flush […]

National Politics

Pune Court Upholds Rahul Gandhi’s Right Against Self-Incrimination

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

A Pune court has ruled in favor of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, stating that he cannot be compelled to produce a book he cited when making remarks about Veer Savarkar. The decision comes in response to a defamation complaint filed by Satyaki Savarkar, the grand‑nephew of VD Savarkar, in relation to a speech Gandhi delivered […]

Business Trade

India-US Mini Trade Deal to Skip Sensitive Sectors for Now

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

India and the United States are nearing a phased mini trade agreement, with the first round of concessions likely to sidestep politically contentious sectors such as agriculture, dairy, and genetically modified food imports. According to Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) President Rajiv Memani, the strategy is to focus on areas of early consensus while deferring […]

National

UK’s F‑35B Fighter Grounded in Kerala to Be Dismantled and Airlifted

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

A British Royal Navy F‑35B Lightning II fighter jet, stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala since June 14, has been declared beyond on-site repair. The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the aircraft will be dismantled and transported back to the UK via military cargo aircraft for full repairs, bringing to an end […]

International

Vietnam Slaps 20% Tariff, US Offers Duty-Free Access in Trade Deal

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

In a major shift aimed at recalibrating trade ties, Vietnam and the United States have finalized a new trade deal wherein Vietnam will impose a minimum 20% tariff on US exports, while the US will allow duty-free access to Vietnamese goods. The move comes as part of efforts to rebalance trade relations and prevent misuse […]

Business Trade

India May Allow GM Animal-Feed Imports in US Trade Deal

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

India is considering a significant trade policy shift by allowing the import of genetically modified (GM) animal-feed products from the United States as part of a broader mini trade agreement. With a July 9 deadline looming, the move is aimed at averting higher tariffs from Washington and concluding talks that have been in the works […]

Defence National

DAC Clears ₹1.05 Trillion Defence Purchases for Indian Forces

By BPN News Desk July 4, 2025

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved capital acquisition proposals worth ₹1.05 trillion (₹1.05 lakh crore) to modernize and strengthen India’s armed forces. All ten proposals were cleared under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, reaffirming the government’s push towards defence self-reliance through the