Business Finance

UPI‑PayNow Links 19 Banks for SG Transfers

By BPN News Desk July 17, 2025

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has expanded the UPI‑PayNow facility by adding 13 more Indian banks to its international remittance network. With this update, a total of 19 Indian banks can now facilitate real-time cross-border fund transfers between India and Singapore. Real-Time Transfers Made Easier The UPI‑PayNow integration allows Indian residents to

Business Markets

Asian Markets Slide Amid US Inflation Worries

By BPN News Desk July 16, 2025

Asian stock markets declined on Wednesday following the release of stronger-than-expected US inflation data, which dampened hopes of an early interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve. Japan’s Nikkei 225 slipped 0.3%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index also lost 0.3%. Markets in South Korea, Australia, and China saw marginal losses. The US dollar strengthened, […]

Business

Mumbai’s BSE Building Receives Hoax Bomb Threat

By BPN News Desk July 15, 2025

Mumbai’s Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) building, located at the iconic Phiroze Jeejeebhoy Towers on Dalal Street, received a bomb threat via email on July 13. The message claimed that four explosives had been planted within the premises and warned of a blast scheduled for 3 PM the same day. Immediate Police Action Soon after the […]

Business Finance

I‑T Dept Raids 200+ Premises Over Fake Deductions

By BPN News Desk July 14, 2025

The Income Tax Department has launched a large-scale crackdown on bogus claims made in income tax returns by individuals across India. On July 14, over 200 premises were searched as part of an operation targeting fraudulent deductions claimed under sections like 80G (donations), 80E (education loans), medical reimbursements, and other exemptions. Bogus Refund Rackets

Business Finance

PSBs’ Sub‑Prime Lending Rises With Govt Backing

By BPN News Desk July 14, 2025

Public sector banks (PSBs) in India are seeing a steady rise in sub‑prime lending, driven by increased reliance on government-backed credit guarantee schemes. These loans are primarily extended to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and low-income individual borrowers who typically lack sufficient collateral or formal credit history. Credit Confidence

Business Finance

Bitcoin Surpasses $120K Amid Crypto Regulatory Push

By BPN News Desk July 14, 2025

Bitcoin crossed the $120,000 mark for the first time on July 14, reaching an intraday high of around $122,600. The leading cryptocurrency has gained nearly 29% since the beginning of the year, driven by renewed investor confidence and increasing interest from global institutions. This surge marks a major milestone in Bitcoin’s history and reflects growing […]

Business

Pune’s Cafe Goodluck Licence Suspended

By BPN News Desk July 14, 2025

Pune’s iconic Cafe Goodluck has had its food licence temporarily suspended by the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following a viral video in which a plastic or glass piece was found in a bun maska. The clip, shared online by a customer, prompted immediate health inspections. Inspection Uncovers Hygiene Violations FDA inspectors visited the […]

Business

Intel to Lay Off 4,000 Workers in July Restructuring

By BPN News Desk July 13, 2025

Leading chipmaker Intel is set to lay off approximately 4,000 employees across the United States, with around 2,400 jobs being cut in Oregon alone. The layoffs are part of a major restructuring effort aimed at reducing costs and improving operational efficiency. Oregon Hit Hardest by Cuts The majority of the job losses are concentrated at […]

Business Trade

Switzerland Ratifies EFTA‑India Trade Pact, Set for September

By BPN News Desk July 12, 2025

Switzerland has formally completed approval of the Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with India and the other European Free Trade Association (EFTA) members—Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein—bringing to a close nearly 16 years of negotiation. India’s Commerce Minister has announced the pact is set to enter into force in September 2025, ushering in new

Business Finance

RBI OKs Voluntary Gold/Silver for Small Loans

By BPN News Desk July 11, 2025

The Reserve Bank of India has clarified that banks and NBFCs can accept voluntary pledges of gold or silver as collateral for small loans—without violating existing rules. This applies when such loans fall within the “collateral-free” limits set by RBI. The central bank emphasised that the pledge must be fully voluntary and not coerced. How […]