National Politics

Sonia Gandhi Accuses Modi Government of Undermining MGNREGA

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticized the Narendra Modi-led government, alleging that it is deliberately weakening the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). She raised concerns about the stagnant budget allocation, delayed wage payments, and systemic hurdles that are impacting the scheme’s

Law & Order National

India’s Antitrust Body Raids Major Ad Agencies Over Price-Fixing

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has conducted surprise raids on leading advertising agencies, including GroupM, Dentsu, and Interpublic Group (IPG), along with the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), over allegations of price collusion. These raids, carried out in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Gurugram, are part of an ongoing investigation into suspected

National Politics

Government Acknowledges 75% of Ministerial Assurances from 2024 Unfulfilled

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

In a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, the Indian government disclosed that approximately 75% of assurances made by Union Ministers in Parliament during 2024 have yet to be fulfilled. This revelation has raised concerns about the accountability and efficiency of ministerial commitments.​ Details of Unfulfilled Assurances The government reported that out of 1,291

National

Parliament Approves ₹51,463 Crore Additional Spending for FY25

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

In a recent parliamentary session, the Indian government secured approval for an additional expenditure of ₹51,463 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25 (FY25). This supplementary budget aims to address various financial requirements, including increased funding for subsidies and other essential allocations.​ Breakdown of Additional Expenditure The supplementary budget

National Politics

Shashi Tharoor Admits Misjudgment on India’s Russia-Ukraine Stance

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has acknowledged that his initial opposition to India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict was a misjudgment. Speaking at a recent event, Tharoor admitted that India’s balanced approach has strengthened its global diplomatic position, allowing it to engage with both Russia and Ukraine. Tharoor’s Initial Criticism In February

Infrastructure National

India’s Railway Fares Among Lowest in Region, Unchanged Since 2020

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

India’s railway fares have remained unchanged since 2020 and are among the lowest in the region compared to neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that despite offering a 47% subsidy on passenger fares, Indian Railways continues to manage its financial obligations through internal revenues.

Economy National

India’s Net Direct Tax Collections Reach ₹21.26 Trillion in FY25

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

India’s net direct tax collections have surged to ₹21.26 trillion as of March 16, 2025, marking a 13.13% increase compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year. This substantial growth indicates strong economic activity and enhanced tax compliance across the country. Breakdown of Tax Collections The net corporate tax collection between April 1, […]

External Affairs

S. Jaishankar Criticizes UN’s Handling of Kashmir, Advocates for Reformed Global Order

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

At the Raisina Dialogue 2025, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, criticized the United Nations’ handling of the Kashmir issue, labeling it a significant misstep. He argued that the UN mischaracterized Pakistan’s 1947 invasion of Jammu and Kashmir as a mere “dispute,” thereby equating the aggressor with the victim. Jaishankar

National

ED Raids Bengaluru Entities Linked to George Soros’s Open Society Foundations

By BPN News Desk March 19, 2025

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at eight locations in Bengaluru associated with the Open Society Foundations (OSF), founded by U.S. billionaire George Soros, and its investment arm, Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF), on March 18, 2025. The raids targeted entities including Aspada Investments Pvt. Ltd., which serves as the investment advisor for

Defence National

HAL’s Nashik Facility to Roll Out First LCA Mk1A by April-End

By BPN News Desk March 18, 2025

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to roll out the first Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mk1A from its Nashik facility by the end of April 2025. This marks a significant step in boosting India’s indigenous fighter jet production and strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Expansion of LCA Mk1A Production To […]