Business Finance

PCI Proposes MDR on UPI and RuPay Transactions

By BPN News Desk March 25, 2025

The Payments Council of India (PCI), a representative body of digital payment service providers, has proposed the introduction of a 0.30% Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions conducted by large merchants. MDR refers to the fee paid by merchants to banks and payment facilitators for processing digital transactions. This

State News West India

Maharashtra Assembly Backs Bharat Ratna for Phule Couple

By BPN News Desk March 25, 2025

The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution urging the central government to confer the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, on renowned social reformers Jyotirao Phule and Savitribai Phule. The resolution garnered support from all parties in the House and was moved with the intent of recognizing the couple’s lasting

Bollywood Entertainment

Parliament to Host ‘Chhaava’ Screening with PM Modi and Union Ministers

By BPN News Desk March 24, 2025

A special screening of the historical drama film Chhaava will be held at the Balayogi Auditorium within the Parliament library building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers, and Members of Parliament are expected to attend the screening, which will also host the film’s lead actor Vicky Kaushal and other members of the cast and […]

International

U.S. Envoy Optimistic About Ukraine Ceasefire Amidst Ongoing Negotiations

By BPN News Desk March 24, 2025

High-level discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives took place in Saudi Arabia to explore the prospects of a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. These diplomatic efforts reflect a renewed push to de-escalate the ongoing war with Russia. The negotiations are being approached cautiously, with Washington expressing optimism about the potential outcomes, while Moscow

International

U.S. Vice President Criticizes Denmark Amid Renewed Interest in Greenland

By BPN News Desk March 24, 2025

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has strongly emphasized Greenland’s strategic value, particularly in terms of national security. “It’s really important to our national security.” He explained that sea routes surrounding Greenland are increasingly being used by Russia and China, adding, “The Russians and Chinese use sea lanes that encircle Greenland.” Criticism of

North India State News

Delhi Faces Potential Electricity Tariff Hike Amidst ₹27,000 Crore Debt

By BPN News Desk March 24, 2025

Delhi’s Power Minister, Ashish Sood, has indicated that electricity tariffs in the capital are likely to increase. “Delhiites may soon have to pay more for electricity as the Discoms have been given the liberty to recover the amount from the public.” He attributes this potential hike to a substantial ₹27,000 crore debt left by the […]

International

India and US to Finalize Bilateral Trade Agreement Framework

By BPN News Desk March 24, 2025

India and the United States are poised to finalize the framework and terms of reference for a proposed bilateral trade agreement (BTA) during a series of discussions commencing this week. The negotiations, spanning three days, aim to outline the structure and schedule for the agreement, which is anticipated to unfold in two phases, with the […]

North India State News

Supreme Court Criticizes Uttar Pradesh Government Over Rapid Demolitions

By BPN News Desk March 24, 2025

In a significant ruling on March 24, 2025, the Supreme Court addressed the demolition of residences in Prayagraj by Uttar Pradesh authorities, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to due process. The bench, comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, expressed astonishment at the swift demolitions executed merely 24 hours after issuing notices, depriving homeowners

South India State News

Rajeev Chandrasekhar Takes Charge as BJP’s Kerala Unit Chief

By BPN News Desk March 24, 2025

Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar has officially assumed charge as the new president of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Kerala unit. The announcement was made during the party’s state council meeting in Thiruvananthapuram, where his name was the sole nomination for the position. His appointment marks a significant shift in the BJP’s political strategy in […]

Editorials Opinion

Karma for Kamra: When Free Speech Becomes a Convenient Cause

By BPN News Desk March 24, 2025

Kunal Kamra is hurt. Not physically—though a vandalized comedy venue can certainly bruise the ego—but morally, philosophically, democratically. The comedian is now the poster child for free speech, surrounded by the usual sound bites: “intolerance,” “fascism,” “muzzling dissent.” And right behind him, waving the same banner, is the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction, suddenly