Law & Order

Supreme Court Rules Against Central Service Tax on Lottery Sales

By BPN News Desk February 12, 2025

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has declared that the central government lacks the authority to levy service tax on the sale of lottery tickets, affirming that this domain falls exclusively under state jurisdiction. Lottery Sales Classified Under State Jurisdiction The Supreme Court’s ruling emphasizes that all activities related to lotteries—from ticket

Business Industry

Rado CEO Highlights India’s Emergence as Leading Market

By BPN News Desk February 12, 2025

In a recent interview, Adrian Bosshard, CEO of Swiss luxury watch brand Rado, emphasized India’s significant position as a leading market for the company. He highlighted the country’s growing appreciation for luxury timepieces and its contribution to Rado’s global sales. India’s Growing Affinity for Luxury Watches Bosshard noted that India’s

Science Space & Astronomy

NASA Extends ISS Mission for Astronauts Due to Starliner Issues

By BPN News Desk February 12, 2025

NASA has extended the mission of two astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to ongoing technical issues with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The astronauts, Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita “Suni” Williams, were originally scheduled for an eight-day mission in June 2024, but their stay has now been prolonged significantly.

National

India Blocks 805 Apps and 3,266 Websites for National Security

By BPN News Desk February 12, 2025

In a decisive move to strengthen national security, the Indian government has blocked 805 mobile applications and 3,266 websites, citing potential threats to the country’s cybersecurity and digital infrastructure. The announcement was made by Home Minister Amit Shah, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding India’s cyberspace. Government’s Cybersecurity

Business Industry

Lam Research Commits ₹10,000 Crore to Semiconductor Manufacturing in Karnataka

By BPN News Desk February 12, 2025

In a significant boost to India’s semiconductor industry, U.S.-based Lam Research has announced an investment exceeding ₹10,000 crore (approximately $1.2 billion) to establish semiconductor equipment manufacturing facilities in Karnataka. This strategic move aligns with India’s vision to become a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing. Investment Details

Economy National

India’s Net Direct Tax Collection Rises 15% to ₹17.78 Lakh Crore in FY25

By BPN News Desk February 12, 2025

India’s net direct tax collection has seen a significant increase of 15%, reaching ₹17.78 lakh crore in the current fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25), according to data released by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT). Breakdown of Tax Collections The CBDT’s data indicates that net non-corporate taxes, primarily comprising personal income tax, have grown by […]

Business Industry

L&T Chief Highlights Labor Reluctance to Relocate

By BPN News Desk February 12, 2025

At a recent industry summit in Chennai, SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), expressed concerns over the growing reluctance among construction laborers to relocate for work. He attributed this trend to the availability of welfare schemes and a preference for comfort, which pose significant challenges to India’s

Law & Order

CBI Charges Former Coast Guard Chief with Forgery, Cheating

By BPN News Desk February 11, 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against former Director General of the Indian Coast Guard, K. Natarajan, on allegations of forgery and cheating. The charges relate to alleged tampering of official records concerning senior officers during his tenure. Allegations of Document Tampering The investigation focuses on claims that confidential

Environment Green Energy

BHEL Wins ₹8,000 Crore Order for Koradi Thermal Power Project

By BPN News Desk February 11, 2025

Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd (BHEL) has secured a significant contract valued at approximately ₹8,000 crore from the Maharashtra State Power Generation Company Ltd (Mahagenco). The order entails the supply of the Boiler, Turbine, and Generator (BTG) package for two 660-MW units at the Koradi Thermal Power Station in Nagpur district, Maharashtra. Details of the Koradi […]

Defence National

Rafale Competes with Su-57 for Indian Air Force Deal

By BPN News Desk February 11, 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is evaluating advanced fighter jets to strengthen its aerial combat capabilities, with the French Rafale and Russian Su-57 emerging as leading contenders. This acquisition is a crucial step in modernizing India’s air fleet as the IAF seeks to enhance its operational readiness. IAF’s Fighter Jet Procurement Program The IAF’s search […]