Government Policies National

India Begins 5-Year Appraisal of Govt Schemes

By BPN News Desk May 30, 2025

The Government of India has launched a comprehensive appraisal and approval process for Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) and Central Sector Schemes (CSs) in preparation for the next Finance Commission cycle, which will begin on April 1, 2026. This review is part of routine five-year planning aligned with the term of the 16th Finance Commission. The […]

Government Policies National

EC to Get Death Data Digitally for Accurate Voter Rolls

By BPN News Desk May 1, 2025

The Election Commission of India (EC) is moving toward a more precise and efficient electoral roll update system by digitally integrating death registration data from states and Union Territories. This landmark development follows the 2023 amendment to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969, which legally permits the use of such data for updating […]

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 […]