Business Finance

New GST Rates Likely by Dussehra as Revenue Shortfall Looms

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

The government is preparing to revamp the Goods and Services Tax (GST) structure by Dussehra. The new plan includes two primary slabs of 5% and 18%, along with a 40% levy on luxury and sin goods. The proposal will be discussed in the upcoming GST Council meeting in early September, with implementation likely around the […]

Op-Eds Opinion

GE’s 80%, Safran’s 100%: Why New Delhi Is Done Playing Apprentice

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

India’s defence ambitions are no longer content with cosmetic “Make in India” tags or token technology transfers. The latest signal is New Delhi’s blunt demand that French aerospace giant Safran not only co-develop a fighter jet engine for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) but also hand over complete technology and intellectual property rights (IPR). […]

Cricket Sports

Afghanistan to Host Bangladesh for White-Ball Series in UAE

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

Afghanistan will host Bangladesh for a six-match white-ball series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from October 2 to 14. The tour will feature three T20 Internationals (T20Is) followed by three One-Day Internationals (ODIs). Match Schedule and Venues The T20I series will be played in Sharjah on October 2, 3, and 5. The ODI matches […]

Cricket Sports

Wasim Akram Urges Fans and Players: “Do Not Cross the Line”

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has appealed for calm and discipline ahead of the high-voltage India vs Pakistan Asia Cup encounter. He acknowledged the emotions attached to the rivalry but stressed that the game should be enjoyed within the spirit of cricket. Emotions Must Stay in Check Akram urged both players and fans to avoid […]

International

South Korea Moves to Normalize Relations with China

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

South Korea has expressed its intent to normalize ties with China and strengthen economic cooperation. A delegation led by former parliament speaker Park Byeong-seug delivered a personal message from President Lee Jae-myung to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The letter included an invitation for President Xi Jinping to attend the APEC summit in October. Strategic […]

International

Zelensky Vows to Keep Fighting as Ukraine Marks Independence Day

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vowed that Ukraine will continue to fight for its freedom and independence as the country marked its 34th Independence Day. He said Ukraine is “not a victim, it is a fighter,” underlining the nation’s determination to resist Russia’s invasion. Push for Peace and Sovereignty Zelensky called for a “just peace” based […]

International

South Korea’s Lee Meets Trump with Trade and Security on Agenda

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington for his first bilateral summit. The meeting comes after Lee’s election victory in June and follows a trade deal that eased tariff tensions between the two countries. Trade Agreement and Investments In July, both nations agreed to reduce U.S. tariffs on South […]

International

Bangladesh Rejects Pakistan Claim on 1971 War Settlements

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

Bangladesh formally rejected a statement by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister who claimed that the unresolved issues from the 1971 war had been settled twice. The claim was made during a recent diplomatic meeting but prompted strong pushback from Bangladeshi officials. Dhaka’s Stance on Unresolved History Bangladesh insisted several core matters remain unresolved, including

International

West Accused of Blocking Peace Talks, Lavrov Denies Civilian Targeting

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Western nations are blocking peace efforts in Ukraine. Speaking in an interview, he alleged that European leaders were undermining negotiations and “searching for reasons to prevent talks.” He contrasted their approach with what he described as Donald Trump’s openness to diplomacy. Denial of Civilian Attacks Lavrov rejected

Business

Oil Prices Rise After Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Energy

By BPN News Desk August 25, 2025

Oil prices inched higher after Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy facilities sparked supply concerns. Brent crude was trading near $67.76 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) reached about $63.73. Damage to Russian Facilities The strikes targeted major infrastructure, including a reactor at a Russian nuclear plant, the Ust-Luga fuel export terminal,