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

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

Expert Opinions Opinion

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

Op-Eds Opinion

Desert Sun Over Imported Gas: Unlocking Rajasthan and Gujarat’s Solar Potential to Reduce LNG Imports

By BPN News Desk September 27, 2025

India has long depended on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet part of its electricity demand, even though gas-based power contributes only a small share of the overall mix. This dependence comes at a steep cost, both financially and strategically. In 2024, India imported nearly 37 billion cubic meters (bcm) of LNG, worth around […]

Expert Opinions Opinion

Cheaper Essentials, Tax-Free Insurance, Affordable Appliances and Cars: Inside India’s GST Overhaul

By BPN News Desk September 4, 2025

India’s Goods and Services Tax has finally undergone the kind of overhaul that touches every citizen’s wallet. The government’s latest reform order, unveiled as a Diwali gift, slashes rates across a wide span of categories — from soaps and shampoos to tractors and three-wheelers. Essentials drop to 5%, health and life insurance premiums are freed […]

Op-Eds Opinion

From Brazil to Bharat: Why India’s E20 Gamble is Built on Half-Truths

By BPN News Desk September 1, 2025

India’s government has hailed the rollout of E20 petrol — a blend of 20 percent ethanol with petrol — as a “historic step” towards energy independence and climate responsibility. But on the ground, the reality is less inspiring. Drivers are confused, manufacturers have made U-turns in their statements, and complaints about mileage and performance are […]

Expert Opinions Opinion

From Diwali Discounts to Demand Surges: Why GST Reform Could Be 2025’s Big Economic Story

By BPN News Desk August 15, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s August 15 announcement of next-generation GST reforms, set for implementation by Diwali 2025, is more than just a festive season headline. It’s a structural overhaul designed to touch both the everyday essentials that drive rural markets and the big-ticket items that sway urban consumption patterns. By targeting two critical slabs — […]