Expert Opinions Opinion

Diwali 2025 Was GST-Powered: Did Consumers Actually Save?

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

Diwali 2025 turned out to be India’s most lucrative festive season ever. Retail trade across the country touched a record ₹6.05 lakh crore, up 25 percent from last year’s ₹4.25 lakh crore. From bustling jewellery shops to crowded car dealerships, spending was at an all-time high. The timing was no coincidence. Barely a month before […]

Law & Order National

Scholar Francesca Orsini Deported From India

By BPN News Desk October 22, 2025

Francesca Orsini, a UK-based academic, was denied entry into India on October 20, 2025, upon her arrival at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi. She was deported the same day after being informed of her immigration status. Reason for Blacklisting Government sources confirmed that Orsini was placed on India’s immigration blacklist in March 2025. […]

Economy National

India’s Retail Hits ₹5.4 Lakh Crore In Festive Sales

By BPN News Desk October 22, 2025

India’s retail sector recorded its highest-ever festive season turnover between Navratri and Diwali, with goods sales reaching about ₹5.40 lakh crore and services adding ₹65,000 crore, according to a nationwide survey by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Growth Over Last Year This year’s numbers reflect a 25% jump compared with the previous year, […]

International

Afghanistan Rejects Pakistan’s India-Proxy Allegations

By BPN News Desk October 21, 2025

Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, Afghanistan’s defence minister, has rejected Pakistan’s allegations that India is involved in proxy activities against Islamabad. Mujahid described the claims as “unfounded, illogical and unacceptable,” emphasising that Afghanistan maintains independent relations and will deepen cooperation with India based solely on its national interests.

International

PM Modi Set to Engage Quad & BRICS Leaders at ASEAN Summit

By Arun D October 20, 2025

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to attend the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting in Kuala Lumpur from 26–28 October 2025. He will engage with leaders from both the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) and the BRICS group, including U.S. President Donald Trump and other global counterparts. Strategic Talks on India-hosted Summits With India set to host […]

Cricket Sports

Australia Beat India in Gill’s First ODI as Captain

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2025

Australia defeated India by seven wickets in the first One-Day International of the series played in Perth. The Indian team, led by new captain Shubman Gill, was restricted to 136/9 in a rain-curtailed match reduced to 26 overs per side. Australia comfortably chased down the revised target of 131 runs with more than four overs […]

International

Afridi Slams Afghanistan Over Pakistan Ties

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2025

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has accused Afghanistan of forgetting the “favors” his country extended and criticised its leaders for warming up to India. He said Pakistan had stood by Afghanistan during difficult times but now sees shifting allegiances. Claims of Past Support Afridi pointed to Pakistan’s assistance to Afghan refugees over decades and said […]

International

Afghan MP Rebukes Pakistan’s Proxy War Remark

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2025

Former Afghan MP Mariam Solaimankhil has strongly responded to Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif after he accused Afghanistan of being part of an “India-led proxy war.” She said Pakistan never truly hosted Afghans but instead “milked them for billions, global relevance, cheap labour and geopolitical leverage,” adding that Afghans “paid the price” for Pakistan’s

International

Pakistan Army Chief’s Warning to India

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2025

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir warned that India’s geographical size does not provide immunity from Pakistani strikes. Addressing cadets at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Munir dismissed the idea of India’s “geographical immunity” as a misconception. Capabilities Highlighted He asserted that Pakistan’s advanced weapon systems are capable of targeting India

Business Finance

GST Cuts Set to Sustain India’s Consumption Boost

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2025

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday said the recent Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate cuts have boosted consumer demand and are likely to sustain momentum in the coming months. She noted that businesses have started passing on tax benefits, reflected in stronger sales of automobiles and consumer goods. Monitoring Prices Closely Sitharaman also […]