Business Trade

Switzerland Eases Rules for India-EFTA FTA Rollout

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

Switzerland has streamlined its regulations to activate the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India, effective from 1 October 2025. The move clears the way for the pact to come into force as scheduled. Regulatory Changes Enable Entry Into Force Switzerland, the largest economy within the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), has completed

International

India, Germany Stress Predictability Amid Volatility

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

In a clear message to Washington, India and Germany paired up to underscore the importance of predictability and reliability in global politics. The comments followed a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in New Delhi. Predictability Gains Value Jaishankar said that “predictability today has a huge premium in

International

India Sends 21 Tonnes Aid to Quake-Hit Afghanistan

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

India has sent 21 tonnes of humanitarian relief materials to Kabul after a deadly earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, leaving widespread destruction and heavy casualties. India’s Relief Shipment External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed the aid delivery, which included blankets, tents, hygiene kits, water tanks, generators, portable purifiers, kitchen utensils,

International

Putin Seeks Peace, Warns Ukraine He Will Use Force

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would prefer to end the war in Ukraine through talks but warned that if diplomacy fails, he will end it “by force.” His remarks came during his visit to Beijing, where he also announced progress on a new gas pipeline agreement with China. Putin Signals Talks Possible Putin stated […]

International

Trump Grant Cuts to Harvard Blocked, $2B Restored

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration acted unlawfully in canceling over $2.2 billion in research grants to Harvard University, ordering that the funds be reinstated. Judge Declares Cuts Illegal U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs held that the administration’s move violated the First Amendment and amounted to “illegal retaliation.” The court stated

International

U.S. Role Overlooked at Beijing WWII Parade, Says Trump

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

President Donald Trump has criticized China for failing to acknowledge the role of the United States in World War II during a large commemorative ceremony in Beijing. While he praised the event as “beautiful” and “very, very impressive,” he said the omission was disappointing. Trump’s Remarks on the Ceremony Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump […]

National

Minority Refugees Can Stay in India Without Passports

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

The Indian government has issued a new exemption under the Immigration and Foreigners (Exemption) Order, 2025. Members of six minority communities—Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians—from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan who entered India on or before 31 December 2024 can stay in the country without valid passports or travel documents. They will

Law & Order National

Human Dignity Called “Soul of Constitution” by CJI

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

Chief Justice of India B. R. Gavai has underlined that human dignity is the soul of the Indian Constitution, describing it as the guiding principle that holds together the values enshrined in the Preamble. CJI’s Lecture on Core Principles Speaking at the 11th Dr. L. M. Singhvi Memorial Lecture, themed “Human Dignity as the Soul […]

International

Putin Says US Can’t Bulldog India and China with Tariffs

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin has sharply criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures, warning that economic coercion against India and China reflects an outdated mindset. Putin Warns Against “Colonial Era” Tactics Speaking at a press conference following the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit and a military parade in Beijing, Putin declared,

Expert Opinions Opinion

Cheaper Essentials, Tax-Free Insurance, Affordable Appliances and Cars: Inside India’s GST Overhaul

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

India’s Goods and Services Tax has finally undergone the kind of overhaul that touches every citizen’s wallet. The government’s latest reform order, unveiled as a Diwali gift, slashes rates across a wide span of categories — from soaps and shampoos to tractors and three-wheelers. Essentials drop to 5%, health and life insurance premiums are freed […]