Law & Order National

Lok Sabha Bans Real-Money Gaming, Boosts Esports

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

The Lok Sabha on August 20, 2025, passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025. The legislation bans all real-money online gaming, including those based on skill, chance, or a mix of both. At the same time, it formally recognizes and promotes esports, separating it from gambling-related activities. Key Provisions of the Bill […]

Business

TCS Denies Union’s Claim of 30,000 Layoffs Amid Protests

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

The Union of IT & ITES Employees (UNITE) organized demonstrations across Indian cities to protest Tata Consultancy Services’ (TCS) decision to lay off staff. The union alleged that job cuts could affect up to 30,000 employees, calling the scale of retrenchment excessive and demanding government intervention and swift resolution. Supported by CITU, UNITE warned that

International

China to Showcase High-Tech Weapons in Victory Parade

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

China will hold a massive military parade in Beijing on September 3, 2025, to mark 80 years since Japan’s surrender in World War II. The “Victory Day” parade—only the second since 2015—will be staged at Tiananmen Square with international leaders expected to attend, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Xi Jinping will oversee the ceremony. […]

International

White House Launches TikTok Account Featuring Trump’s “I Am Your Voice” Message

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

The White House has officially launched an account on the popular video platform TikTok, despite ongoing legal and security concerns surrounding the app. In its first post, President Trump’s voice-over declares, “I am your voice,” with the caption, “America, we are BACK! What’s up TikTok?” The launch reflects a strategic shift toward engaging more directly […]

International

China Buys 15 Russian Oil Cargoes as India Steps Back

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

China has secured 15 shipments of Russian Urals crude for delivery in October and November 2025. Each cargo is estimated to hold between 700,000 and 1 million barrels. The move comes as Indian refiners reduce their imports of Russian oil, leaving an opening for Chinese buyers to take advantage of discounted rates. India’s Import Decline […]

Business

Meta Splits AI Division in Major Restructure Amid Tensions

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Meta Platforms is reorganizing its artificial intelligence operations, splitting its Meta Superintelligence Labs into four distinct units: infrastructure, long-term AI research (FAIR), product-focused innovation (including Meta AI assistant), and a new frontier lab (TBD Lab). The move aims to streamline efforts toward achieving “superintelligence”—AI that

Business

Kotak Urges Support for SMEs Amid U.S. Tariff Shock

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Billionaire banker Uday Kotak has warned that the latest U.S. tariffs on Indian exports amounting to nearly 50% have created a “major shock” for the economy. The tariffs come in response to India’s continued trade ties with Russia, particularly discounted crude oil purchases. Kotak said the development highlights India’s vulnerability and the urgent need to […]

International

Netanyahu Scorns Australian PM as “Weak” Amid Strained Ties

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling him “a weak politician” who “betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.” The remarks came after Canberra announced it would formally recognize a Palestinian state and withdrew the visa of an Israeli lawmaker. In retaliation, Israel revoked visas of Australian

International

Russia Assures India Amid U.S. Tariff Pressure

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Russia has assured India that it will help absorb Indian exports struggling to enter the United States after Washington imposed steep tariffs on a wide range of goods. The move comes at a time when New Delhi faces pressure due to its continued imports of Russian oil, which has triggered trade tensions with Washington. Alternative […]

International

Switzerland and Austria Offer to Host Peace Talks Between Putin and Zelenskyy

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Switzerland and Austria have both expressed readiness to host peace negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis confirmed that, in exceptional circumstances such as a peace summit, Switzerland may set aside its obligations under an arrest warrant issued by the International