Business Trade

Switzerland Eases Rules for India-EFTA FTA Rollout

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

Switzerland has streamlined its regulations to activate the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India, effective from 1 October 2025. The move clears the way for the pact to come into force as scheduled. Regulatory Changes Enable Entry Into Force Switzerland, the largest economy within the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA), has completed

Business Finance

GST Council Rolls Out Two-Slab Tax, Adds 40% ‘Sin’ Tier

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

The GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has approved sweeping reforms to India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST), effective from 22 September 2025, coinciding with the Navratri festival. New GST Structure Under the new framework, the existing four tax slabs—5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%—are replaced by a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and […]

Business Finance

GST Council Meets to Discuss Major Rate Changes

By BPN News Desk September 3, 2025

The 56th GST Council, chaired by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, began a two-day meeting in New Delhi on September 3. The meeting includes representatives from the Centre and states to discuss major reforms in India’s indirect tax system. Simplifying the Tax Structure One of the key proposals is to replace the current four-tier GST system […]

Business Industry

India Unveils First Indigenous Chip at Semicon India 2025

By BPN News Desk September 2, 2025

At the Semicon India 2025 summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described semiconductors as the “digital diamonds” of the 21st century. He said these chips, though small, are powerful engines of global innovation and economic growth. Modi added that “India’s smallest chip will drive the world’s biggest change,” underscoring India’s rising role in […]

Business Trade

India Pushes Rice Exports to the Philippines

By BPN News Desk August 31, 2025

India is stepping up efforts to expand rice exports to the Philippines, the world’s largest rice importer. In 2024, the Philippines imported rice worth about USD 2.52 billion, while India’s share stood at just USD 48.91 million, reflecting a vast untapped potential for Indian exporters. Export Promotion Mission A delegation of Indian rice exporters will […]

Business

Jio IPO Set for First Half of 2026

By BPN News Desk August 30, 2025

Reliance Industries has confirmed that its digital arm, Jio Platforms, is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the first half of 2026. Chairman Mukesh Ambani told shareholders that the IPO would be a “very attractive opportunity” for investors and a major milestone for the company. Market Significance The listing is expected to be […]

Business Industry

India to Bridge Semiconductor Talent Gap

By BPN News Desk August 30, 2025

Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has warned that the world may face a shortage of one million semiconductor professionals by 2030. He said India’s Semiconductor Mission offers a major opportunity to fill a large share of this talent gap. Pilot Line Opens in Gujarat Speaking at the inauguration of CG Power’s OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor […]

Business

Ambani Launches AI Subsidiary with Google & Meta

By BPN News Desk August 30, 2025

At the 48th Annual General Meeting of Reliance Industries, Chairman Mukesh Ambani announced the launch of Reliance Intelligence, a wholly-owned subsidiary aimed at establishing India’s national-scale AI infrastructure. Strategic Tech Partnerships Reliance Intelligence will partner with Google to build an AI-focused cloud region in Jamnagar, powered by Jio’s network

Business

IndiGo’s Turkish Jet Lease Extended Six Months

By BPN News Desk August 30, 2025

India’s civil aviation regulator, the DGCA, has granted a six-month extension for IndiGo to operate two Boeing 777 aircraft leased from Turkish Airlines. The lease, which was set to expire on August 31, will now run until February 28, 2026. Reason for Reversal This move reverses an earlier directive issued in May, when the DGCA […]

Business

Japan to Shift Legacy Tech Production to India

By BPN News Desk August 29, 2025

Japan and India are preparing to relocate production of legacy semiconductor chips, LCD panels, and battery technologies from Japan to India. The initiative is designed to strengthen economic security and reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing, especially in sectors critical for consumer electronics and electric vehicles. The move focuses on “legacy” technologies, which