Government Policies National

Cabinet Approves Caste Census in 2025 Enumeration

By BPN News Desk April 30, 2025

In a landmark policy decision, the Union Cabinet has approved the inclusion of caste enumeration in the upcoming national census. The announcement, made by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, marks a significant shift in India’s data collection strategy, with long-term implications for governance, welfare policies, and political discourse. “Cabinet Committee on Political

Government Policies National

Finance Ministry to Launch Unified Portal for Government Schemes

By BPN News Desk April 25, 2025

The Union Finance Ministry is preparing to roll out a centralized digital platform that will integrate all government-sponsored schemes related to loan sanctions, disbursements, interest subsidies, and claims. This move is aimed at simplifying access, improving transparency, and enhancing coordination across multiple departments and banking institutions. Streamlining

Government Policies National

India’s DBT System Saves ₹3.48 Lakh Crore Since 2013, Slashes Subsidy Leakages by Half

By BPN News Desk April 19, 2025

India’s Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has saved the exchequer a staggering ₹3.48 lakh crore since its inception in 2013, according to official data released this week. By replacing traditional welfare disbursement models with a digitally monitored, Aadhaar-linked transfer mechanism, the government has significantly curtailed subsidy leakages and improved the

Government Policies National

GST on Insurance Premiums May Be Reduced to 5% with Input Tax Credit

By BPN News Desk April 18, 2025

The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is contemplating a significant reduction in the GST rate on health and life insurance premiums from the current 18% to 5%, while retaining the benefit of input tax credit (ITC). This proposal aims to make insurance more affordable for consumers, particularly middle- and lower-income households, without compromising the […]

Government Policies National

Government Warns Exporters Against Diverting Third-Country Goods to U.S. Amid Intensifying Trade War

By BPN News Desk April 10, 2025

Amid rising global trade tensions and steep U.S. tariff hikes on Chinese goods, the Indian government has issued a clear warning to exporters not to reroute third-country goods through India to the United States. The move comes amid growing concerns that such diversions could draw negative scrutiny from the U.S. administration and undermine India’s standing […]

Government Policies

Waqf (Amendment) Bill Passed in Lok Sabha Amid Strong Opposition

By BPN News Desk April 3, 2025

The Lok Sabha passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025 with 288 votes in favour and 232 against after a heated and extended debate. The bill, introduced by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, seeks to make significant changes to the Waqf Act of 1995, with the stated objective of improving transparency, governance, and accountability in the administration […]

Government Policies National

CNG Prices Set to Rise Following Government’s 4% Increase in APM Gas Rates

By BPN News Desk April 1, 2025

The price of compressed natural gas (CNG) is expected to go up starting April 1 after the government raised the rate of natural gas supplied from old fields under the Administered Price Mechanism (APM). The APM gas price has been increased by 4%, moving from $6.50 to $6.75 per million British thermal units (MMBtu). CNG […]

Government Policies National

India Passes Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025

By BPN News Desk March 28, 2025

The Lok Sabha has passed the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, introducing a new legal framework aimed at regulating the entry, stay, and monitoring of foreigners in India. The legislation is positioned as a key step toward strengthening national security and overhauling outdated immigration laws. “India is Not a Dharamshala,” Says Amit Shah Union Home […]

Government Policies National

Centre Approves 24% Salary Hike for MPs, Monthly Income Now ₹2.81 Lakh

By BPN News Desk March 27, 2025

The Indian government has approved a 24% increase in the salaries, pensions, and allowances of Members of Parliament (MPs), effective from April 1, 2023. This revision raises the base salary of MPs from ₹1 lakh to ₹1.24 lakh per month, while constituency allowances increase from ₹70,000 to ₹87,000, and office expenses rise from ₹60,000 to […]

Government Policies

CEC Convenes High-Level Meeting to Discuss Linking Voter ID with Aadhaar

By BPN News Desk March 16, 2025

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar has scheduled a high-level meeting on March 18 to discuss the integration of Voter ID cards with Aadhaar numbers. The meeting will involve key officials, including Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, Legislative Department Secretary Rajiv Mani, and UIDAI CEO Bhuvnesh Kumar. This initiative aims to eliminate duplicate and bogus