International

PM Modi Hails India’s Youth Ahead of Skyroot’s Historic Vikram-1 Orbital Mission

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of India’s youth ahead of Skyroot Aerospace’s maiden orbital launch attempt with Vikram-1, the country’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket. Describing the mission as a “historic new frontier” in India’s space journey, the Prime Minister said the achievement reflected the

International

New Zealand Confirms Second H5 Bird Flu Case as Surveillance Expands

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

New Zealand has confirmed its second case of H5 bird flu after the virus was detected in a native kāhu, or swamp harrier, found in the Wairarapa region of the North Island. The discovery has prompted authorities to intensify surveillance and field investigations as they assess whether the virus is spreading among the country’s wild […]

Business

Reliance Industries Profit Falls 22% but Beats Market Estimates in June Quarter

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Reliance Industries reported a 22.4% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit for the quarter ended June 2026, although the company’s earnings remained ahead of market expectations. Strong performances from its oil-to-chemicals, telecommunications and retail businesses supported the quarterly result. The conglomerate posted a consolidated net profit of ₹20,946

International

US Reaches FY 2027 H-1B Visa Cap as Workers Explore Alternative Routes

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

The United States has received enough petitions to meet the H-1B visa cap for fiscal year 2027, closing another highly competitive application cycle for skilled foreign workers. The annual allocation includes 65,000 visas under the regular cap and 20,000 additional places for applicants holding advanced degrees from American institutions. H-1B Petitions Continue Under

International

Israel Heads to October Election as Netanyahu Faces Voters After Three Years of War

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Israel’s parliament has dissolved ahead of a national election scheduled for October 27, placing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political future before voters after nearly three years of conflict. The election will be Israel’s first since the Hamas-led attacks of October 7, 2023, and the wars that followed. Knesset Dissolved Ahead of Election The motion to […]

Business

Apple Overtakes Nvidia to Become World’s Most Valuable Company

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Apple briefly overtook Nvidia to become the world’s most valuable listed company after a decline in the chipmaker’s shares reshuffled the rankings of the largest global technology firms. Apple’s market capitalisation climbed to around $4.88 trillion, narrowly exceeding Nvidia’s valuation during Friday’s trading. Nvidia Shares Fall After Record Valuation Nvidia’s shares

Cricket Sports

Jaffna Kings Co-Owner Arrested Over Bribery Claim

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

A co-owner of Lanka Premier League franchise Jaffna Kings was arrested in Sri Lanka over allegations of attempting to bribe a player, hours before the opening match of the 2026 tournament. Authorities launched an investigation after the player reported the alleged approach. Jaffna Kings Co-Owner Arrested Sri Lanka’s Special Investigations Unit for the Prevention of […]

National

Centre Unveils ₹5,175 Crore Mining Scheme

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

The Centre has issued guidelines for states to claim ₹5,175 crore in incentives under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2026-27. The funding is linked to faster mine operationalisation, higher mineral production and implementation of mining governance reforms. States Must Operationalise 79 Mineral Blocks States will be required to bring 79

National

Aaditya Seeks Choice Between Petrol and E20, Writes to PM Modi

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to allow motorists to choose between 100% petrol and ethanol-blended fuel. He said consumers should not be compelled to use higher ethanol blends, particularly when many existing vehicles were not designed for them. Aaditya Thackeray Seeks Petrol Choice In his letter, Thackeray highlighted […]

National

India-Japan Bullet Train Talks Progress Confirms MEA

By BPN News Desk July 18, 2026

India and Japan have reported steady progress in discussions concerning the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail project. The Ministry of External Affairs said both countries remain engaged on technical, financial and implementation-related aspects of the flagship infrastructure initiative. Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train Talks Progress The MEA said discussions between India and