International

Indonesia Joins BRICS as a Full Member, Announces Brazil

By BPN News Desk January 7, 2025

Brazil has officially announced Indonesia’s induction as a full member of the BRICS group, a major milestone in the expansion of this influential economic and political alliance. With this announcement, Indonesia joins the ranks of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, marking a significant step in the bloc’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its global […]

National

India Achieves Third-Largest Metro Network Status Globally

By BPN News Desk January 7, 2025

India has reached a significant milestone by becoming the world’s third-largest metro rail network, boasting an impressive operational length of over 1,000 kilometers. This achievement underscores the nation’s commitment to urban transportation infrastructure, placing it alongside countries like China and the United States, which have extensive metro systems. A

State News

MP Govt Gets 6 Weeks for Union Carbide Waste Disposal

By BPN News Desk January 7, 2025

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has issued a directive to the state government, granting it six weeks to initiate the safe disposal of toxic waste left behind at the Union Carbide plant in Bhopal. The court emphasized compliance with strict safety norms, addressing a long-standing environmental and public health issue linked to the 1984 Bhopal […]

Editorials

“Panipuri Profits vs Middle-Class Taxes: The Bitter Taste of Inequality”

By BPN News Desk January 7, 2025

Ah, the life of a middle-class, tax-paying citizen in India! If there’s one thing that brings tears to my eyes, it’s not onions at ₹100/kg, but my paycheck. My monthly salary, meticulously chopped and sautéed by income tax, professional tax, and cess, barely lasts me till the 20th of the month. And then, just as […]

Cricket Sports

ICC Considers Two-Tier Test Cricket System

By BPN News Desk January 6, 2025

In a bid to rejuvenate Test cricket and increase global competitiveness, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has initiated discussions on implementing a two-tier Test cricket system. The idea, supported by key cricket boards including the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Cricket Australia (CA), and England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), aims to […]

Finance

HMPV Scare in Bengaluru Sends Sensex Plummeting 800 Points

By BPN News Desk January 6, 2025

Investor sentiment took a hit as news of a detected case of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in Bengaluru led to heightened concerns about potential health crises and their economic fallout. The benchmark Sensex plunged 800 points in response, reflecting growing unease among market participants. HMPV Detection Sparks Fear The Human Metapneumovirus, which has been making

Op-Eds Opinion

Op-Ed: Fool Me Once, Shame on You. Fool Me Twice? Not This Time, China

By BPN News Desk January 6, 2025

When it comes to global health crises, there’s an adage that goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If COVID-19 was the world’s two-ton wake-up call, the recent surge in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections in China feels eerily like déjà vu. Except this time, the world isn’t inclined to play the […]

National

NHAI Slashes Debt by ₹56,000 Crore to Cut Interest Costs

By BPN News Desk January 6, 2025

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has taken a significant step toward financial prudence by prepaying ₹56,000 crore to lenders during the financial year 2024–25. This strategic move is expected to save the authority an estimated ₹1,200 crore in interest payments, marking a milestone in its efforts to enhance fiscal discipline. Debt Prepayment Strategy […]

International

New Zealand Relaxes Visa Regulations to Address Labor Crisis

By BPN News Desk January 6, 2025

In response to a growing labor shortage across key sectors, New Zealand has introduced relaxed visa regulations, signaling a significant shift in its immigration policies. The new measures aim to attract skilled workers from abroad, including a potential influx of migrants from India, to address critical gaps in its workforce. Easing Restrictions to Bolster Workforce […]

International

Pakistan’s Economy Struggles Amid Escalating Inflation

By BPN News Desk January 6, 2025

Pakistan is grappling with a deepening economic crisis as inflation continues to soar, impacting households and businesses alike. Recent data reveals that the inflation rate has reached record highs, further burdening a populace already struggling with high living costs. The country’s economic challenges are raising concerns over its commitments to the International