National Politics

Government Acknowledges 75% of Ministerial Assurances from 2024 Unfulfilled

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

In a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, the Indian government disclosed that approximately 75% of assurances made by Union Ministers in Parliament during 2024 have yet to be fulfilled. This revelation has raised concerns about the accountability and efficiency of ministerial commitments.​ Details of Unfulfilled Assurances The government reported that out of 1,291

National

Parliament Approves ₹51,463 Crore Additional Spending for FY25

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

In a recent parliamentary session, the Indian government secured approval for an additional expenditure of ₹51,463 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25). This supplementary budget aims to address various financial requirements, including increased funding for subsidies and other essential allocations.​ Breakdown of Additional Expenditure The supplementary budget

International

China Welcomes PM Modi’s Positive Remarks on Sino-India Relations

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

China has welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent positive remarks on strengthening Sino-India relations, signaling a possible improvement in diplomatic ties between the two neighboring nations. The acknowledgment from China suggests a willingness to foster cooperation and resolve longstanding tensions. China’s Response to Modi’s Remarks Chinese officials

National Politics

Shashi Tharoor Admits Misjudgment on India’s Russia-Ukraine Stance

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has acknowledged that his initial opposition to India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict was a misjudgment. Speaking at a recent event, Tharoor admitted that India’s balanced approach has strengthened its global diplomatic position, allowing it to engage with both Russia and Ukraine. Tharoor’s Initial Criticism In February

Infrastructure National

India’s Railway Fares Among Lowest in Region, Unchanged Since 2020

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

India’s railway fares have remained unchanged since 2020 and are among the lowest in the region compared to neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that despite offering a 47% subsidy on passenger fares, Indian Railways continues to manage its financial obligations through internal revenues.

Economy National

India’s Net Direct Tax Collections Reach ₹21.26 Trillion in FY25

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

India’s net direct tax collections have surged to ₹21.26 trillion as of March 16, 2025, marking a 13.13% increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. This substantial growth indicates strong economic activity and enhanced tax compliance across the country. Breakdown of Tax Collections The net corporate tax collection between April 1, […]

Business Industry

India Imposes Provisional Anti-Dumping Duty on Chinese Aluminum Foil

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

In a move to protect domestic industries, India has imposed provisional anti-dumping duties on aluminium foil imports from China. The Finance Ministry has announced that the duties will range between $619 and $873 per metric tonne and will remain in effect for six months. The measure aims to safeguard local manufacturers from underpriced imports that […]

External Affairs

S. Jaishankar Criticizes UN’s Handling of Kashmir, Advocates for Reformed Global Order

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, criticized the United Nations’ handling of the Kashmir issue, labeling it a significant misstep. He argued that the UN mischaracterized Pakistan’s 1947 invasion of Jammu and Kashmir as a mere “dispute,” thereby equating the aggressor with the victim. Jaishankar

Trade

Reliance Industries Exports €724 Million Worth of Fuel Refined from Russian Crude to U.S.

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

Reliance Industries Ltd, led by Mukesh Ambani, reportedly exported fuel worth approximately €724 million (₹6,850 crore) to the United States over a one-year period, with the fuel refined from Russian crude oil. According to a report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), from January 2024 to January 2025, the U.S. […]

National

ED Raids Bengaluru Entities Linked to George Soros’s Open Society Foundations

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at eight locations in Bengaluru associated with the Open Society Foundations (OSF), founded by U.S. billionaire George Soros, and its investment arm, Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF), on March 18, 2025. The raids targeted entities including Aspada Investments Pvt. Ltd., which serves as the investment advisor for