Government Policies National

Washington Can’t Match Moscow’s Oil Bargain for India

By BPN News Desk September 15, 2025

For weeks, Washington has been trying to strong-arm New Delhi into abandoning cheap Russian crude and turning instead to American barrels. Sergio Gor, Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to India, openly declared that India should open its market to U.S. crude, petroleum, and LNG. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick went further, threatening India with higher tariffs […]

Government Policies National

India Proposes 20-Year Tax Holiday for Data Centres

By BPN News Desk September 15, 2025

The government has drafted a National Data Centre Policy that includes a tax holiday of up to 20 years for developers. The move aims to attract large-scale investments while boosting capacity, energy efficiency, and employment. Incentives Under the Policy The draft policy proposes GST input tax credits on capital assets such as construction material, electrical […]

Government Policies National

GoM Backs Scrapping 12% and 28% GST Slabs

By BPN News Desk August 21, 2025

The Group of Ministers (GoM) on GST rate rationalisation has approved the Centre’s proposal to simplify the goods and services tax system. The panel has recommended scrapping the 12% and 28% slabs and consolidating the structure into just two major rates — 5% for essential and merit goods and 18% for standard items. Shift of […]

Government Policies National

Government Withdraws Income Tax Bill, Planning Fresh Version

By BPN News Desk August 8, 2025

The Indian government has formally withdrawn the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which was introduced in the Lok Sabha on February 13. The decision follows a detailed review and feedback from a parliamentary select committee that identified several provisions needing revision. Why Was the Bill Pulled Back? Key areas flagged for changes include provisions related to […]

Government Policies National

UIDAI Deactivates 1.2 Cr Aadhaar of Deceased

By BPN News Desk July 17, 2025

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has deactivated around 1.2 crore Aadhaar numbers belonging to deceased individuals as part of a nationwide effort to prevent misuse of digital identities after death. The move is based on verified death data shared by various state and Union Territory governments through the Civil Registration System (CRS). Out […]

Government Policies National

Chouhan Orders End To Nano‑Fertiliser Tagging

By BPN News Desk July 14, 2025

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has directed all state governments to immediately stop the forced tagging of nano-fertilisers and biostimulants with subsidised fertilisers such as urea and DAP. The move is aimed at protecting farmers from being coerced into buying additional products that are not essential to their needs. Chouhan stated that retailers

Government Policies National

Centre Relaxes Sulphur Norms for Coal Power Plants

By BPN News Desk July 13, 2025

In a major policy shift, the Indian government has relaxed sulphur dioxide emission regulations for coal-fired power plants, rolling back a mandate issued nearly a decade ago. The change comes amid concerns over the high cost and operational burden of installing Flue-Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units across the country’s ageing coal fleet. Majority of Plants Exempted […]

Government Policies National

PM Gives 51,000 Job Letters in Rozgar Mela

By BPN News Desk July 13, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi distributed 51,000 appointment letters to newly recruited candidates across various central government departments during the latest edition of Rozgar Mela. The event was conducted simultaneously across 47 locations in the country through video conferencing. Over 10 Lakh Appointments Since 2022 With this round of job distribution, the total

Government Policies National

Government Says No New Legal Order After Reuters’ X Account Blocked in India

By BPN News Desk July 6, 2025

India has temporarily restricted access to the main X (formerly Twitter) account of the international news agency Reuters, following what the platform says is a legal requirement. The Indian government, however, clarified that no fresh legal directive prompted the action and that it is collaborating with X to restore access. Account Withheld on X Users […]

Government Policies National

Toll Cut Up to 50% on Elevated NH Sections for Commercial Vehicles

By BPN News Desk July 5, 2025

India’s Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has introduced a transformative toll policy, reducing charges on elevated stretches of National Highways by up to 50% for commercial vehicles. The change applies to toll plazas on bridges, flyovers, tunnels, and other elevated infrastructure, aiming to rationalize fees and boost freight efficiency. Toll Reduction Mechanism