Business Finance

GST Council Plans to Scrap 12% Slab, Shift Items to 5% or 18%

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is actively considering eliminating the 12% tax slab from India’s four-tier GST rate structure. The current system includes 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28% slabs. If implemented, the proposal would move all goods and services currently taxed at 12% into either the 5% or 18% brackets. This rationalisation is […]

International

India Raises Concerns Over ADB’s $800 Million Aid to Pakistan

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

India has formally objected to the Asian Development Bank’s recent approval of an $800 million financial aid package to Pakistan, raising alarms over how the funds might be used. According to Indian officials, there is a growing fear that the aid will not contribute to genuine economic recovery but will instead be diverted to non-developmental […]

Technology Telecom

Tata Communications Unveils TGN-IA2 Subsea Cable to Boost Asia Connectivity

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

Tata Communications has launched the TGN-IA2 submarine cable system to enhance digital connectivity across Asia. The new subsea cable links three critical business hubs—Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan—forming a key part of the company’s strategy to support growing data demands and strengthen intra-Asia network resilience. This state-of-the-art infrastructure is

State News West India

Maharashtra Raises Daily Wages for Beggars After 61 Years

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

In a long-overdue decision, the Maharashtra government has increased the wages paid to residents of state-run beggars’ homes from a token ₹5 per month to a more substantial ₹40 per day. This wage hike comes 61 years after the last revision, signaling a renewed commitment to rehabilitating and empowering marginalized individuals. The previous compensation, unchanged […]

South India State News

RCB Victory Parade Turns Tragic: 11 Dead, Dozens Injured

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

On June 4, 2025, a massive crowd gathered outside Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium to celebrate Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden IPL title win. What began as a festive homecoming quickly turned into tragedy when a stampede erupted, killing 11 people and injuring more than 50. The incident occurred near Gate 3 as thousands surged toward the […]

National

Malaysia Rejects Pakistan’s Plea to Cancel India’s Operation Sindoor Outreach

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

In a recent diplomatic development, Malaysia declined Pakistan’s request to cancel India’s Operation Sindoor outreach programs. Pakistan’s appeal was grounded in the notion of Islamic solidarity, urging Malaysia to consider their shared religious ties. The Pakistani embassy reportedly stated, “We are an Islamic country, you are an Islamic

Business

IBM Automates HR, Lays Off 8,000 Employees

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

IBM has implemented a sweeping workforce realignment, resulting in the termination of around 8,000 employees, predominantly from its Human Resources (HR) division. This decision is rooted in the company’s aggressive move toward automating routine HR functions through artificial intelligence. Tasks such as recruitment filtering, employee record management, internal

National

India to Conduct First Caste Census Since 1931 in 2026

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

The Government of India has announced that the next nationwide population census will commence on April 1, 2026, and, for the first time in over nine decades, will include comprehensive caste enumeration. The census will be conducted in two phases under the Census Act of 1948 and the Census Rules of 1990, with the reference […]

International

Trump-Putin Call Yields No Immediate Peace in Ukraine

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump revealed that he recently held a 75-minute phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, primarily centered on the Ukraine conflict and the increasing severity of drone strikes targeting Russian military airfields. While Trump described the conversation as positive in tone, he admitted it would not immediately lead to a resolution in

International

South Korea’s Lee Pledges Stronger US-Japan Ties, North Talks

By BPN News Desk June 5, 2025

South Korea’s newly elected President Lee Jae-myung took office this week after a snap election that followed the impeachment of his predecessor. In a solemn oath ceremony held at the National Assembly, Lee emphasized his vision of restoring democratic integrity, national unity, and policy stability after months of political turmoil. Lee’s ascension to power marks […]