Defence National

HAL Awaits Delivery of First F404-IN20 Engine for Tejas Mk1A

By BPN News Desk February 18, 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is on the cusp of a significant advancement in the Tejas Mk1A Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program. The first F404-IN20 engine, engineered to power this upgraded aircraft, has been fully assembled and is currently undergoing rigorous ground testing at GE Aviation’s facilities in the United States. This development is pivotal for

National

UN Report: ISIL Incapable of Large-Scale Attacks in India

By BPN News Desk February 18, 2025

A recent United Nations report has concluded that the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) currently lacks the operational capacity to execute large-scale attacks within India. The report highlights that ISIL’s presence in the country is predominantly confined to disseminating online propaganda, with no substantial evidence of active planning or execution of

Defence National

India Considers Limited F-35 Purchase via Government-to-Government Deal

By BPN News Desk February 18, 2025

In a strategic move to enhance its air defense capabilities, India is contemplating the acquisition of a limited number of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets from the United States. This procurement is expected to follow a government-to-government (G2G) framework, akin to the approach adopted during the Rafale jet deal with France. Government-to-Government Procurement Model

National

Gyanesh Kumar Appointed as India’s New Chief Election Commissioner

By BPN News Desk February 18, 2025

In a significant development, Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as the new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, succeeding Rajiv Kumar, who retired on February 17, 2025. Kumar, a 1988-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Kerala cadre, brings a wealth of experience to the Election Commission of India (ECI). Background and Career Highlights […]

National

Congress Calls PM Modi Weak Over Sikh Immigrants Issue

By BPN News Desk February 18, 2025

The Congress party has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling him a “weak PM” after reports emerged of Sikh immigrants arriving in India from the United States without their turbans and patkas. The deportation of Sikh immigrants has sparked outrage, with many questioning the government’s response to the treatment of Sikhs abroad. Sikh

National

Sanjeev Sanyal Criticizes USAID Amid Funding Allegations

By BPN News Desk February 18, 2025

Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, has criticized the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) following allegations that the agency misused funds intended to influence Indian voters. These allegations have sparked significant debate regarding foreign involvement in India’s internal affairs. Allegations

National PMO

India Sets Ambitious ₹9 Lakh Crore Textile Export Target for 2030

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on February 16, 2025, that India aims to triple its textile exports to ₹9 lakh crore by 2030. This goal aligns with the nation’s vision of the “Five Fs”—Farm, Fiber, Fabric, Fashion, and Foreign—and seeks to capitalize on emerging global opportunities in textile recycling, projected to be worth $7.5 billion. […]

National

Vice President Questions CJI’s Role in Executive Appointments

By BPN News Desk February 15, 2025

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has raised concerns over the participation of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in executive appointments, suggesting that such involvement could blur the distinction between the judiciary and the executive. His remarks have sparked discussions on the balance of power between the two branches of government. Concerns Over Separation of Powers

Economy National

India’s Forex Reserves Increase by $7.6 Billion

By BPN News Desk February 14, 2025

India’s foreign exchange reserves have surged by $7.6 billion, marking the third consecutive week of expansion. This increase brings the total reserves to approximately $704.89 billion, reflecting strong foreign investments and a stable macroeconomic outlook. Breakdown of Forex Reserves The foreign exchange reserves comprise multiple components that contribute to

Economy National

GST Council Considers Eliminating 12% Slab to Boost Consumption

By BPN News Desk February 14, 2025

In a strategic move to stimulate consumer spending and simplify the tax structure, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council is deliberating the elimination of the 12% tax slab. This proposal aims to reassign items currently taxed at 12% into either the 5% or 18% categories, thereby streamlining the GST framework. GST Rate Rationalization The […]