International

Sri Lanka Declares Wednesdays Off For Fuel

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

Sri Lanka has declared every Wednesday a public holiday as part of emergency fuel-saving measures, becoming one of several Asian countries responding to the impact of the West Asia conflict on energy supplies. The decision effectively creates a four-day workweek for many state institutions as Colombo tries to reduce fuel use and avoid deeper disruption […]

National

India Trade Deficit Narrows To $27 Billion

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $27.1 billion in February from January’s higher level, helped by a monthly decline in imports even as export growth remained weak. The latest trade data comes at a time when India is also facing fresh external pressures from disrupted shipping routes, higher energy costs and uncertainty in major export […]

National

Indian Crude Near $137 Amid Gulf Conflict

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

India’s crude oil basket has surged sharply since the Gulf conflict began, climbing to about $137 a barrel and sharply increasing pressure on refiners, import costs and the broader economy. The spike reflects tighter global supply, disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and a rapid rise in freight and risk premiums linked to the ongoing […]

Cricket Sports

Gambhir Reflects On Rohit-Kohli Equation

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has said he may have made mistakes in managing his equation with senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, opening up on a subject that has drawn attention since both veterans stepped away from Test cricket. His remarks come after a turbulent period for the Indian Test side, including the […]

International

India Rebukes Pakistan At UN Over Claims

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

India criticised Pakistan at the United Nations over what it called repeated false claims of Islamophobia against New Delhi, while also using the forum to highlight recent Pakistani military action in Afghanistan. The exchange came during a broader discussion on the weaponisation of religious identity and the misuse of international platforms for political messaging. India

International

Jaishankar Discusses Iran With EU In Brussels

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the Iran situation with his European counterparts in Brussels during a visit that also focused on the wider India-European Union relationship. The talks came as the Strait of Hormuz crisis, regional instability in West Asia and concerns over energy security continue to shape diplomatic engagement across major capitals.

International

IndiGo Alerts Flyers As DXB Halts Landings

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

Dubai International Airport has suspended landing permissions for incoming flights, prompting IndiGo to issue a fresh advisory for passengers travelling on its Dubai routes. The move comes amid worsening regional tensions and follows recent disruption to aviation activity across parts of the Gulf, with airlines and airport operators continuing to assess safety and

Cricket Sports

Ponting Calls India Strongest T20I Team

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

India’s successful defence of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title has drawn strong praise from former Australia captain Ricky Ponting, who said the current side may be the strongest T20I team the country has produced. Ponting’s remarks came after India beat New Zealand by 96 runs in the 2026 final in Ahmedabad, becoming the […]

International

Europe Resists Trump Hormuz Mission

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

Europe is showing little appetite for joining any expanded military effort in the Strait of Hormuz, even after U.S. President Donald Trump urged allies to help reopen the vital shipping lane. The response from key European capitals suggests that while there is concern over energy disruption and maritime security, most governments want to avoid being […]

International

Gulf States Press US Over Iran Threat

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

Gulf Arab states are pressing the United States to take stronger action against Iran as the Strait of Hormuz crisis continues to disrupt regional oil exports and raise fears of prolonged instability. The latest diplomatic push reflects concern among Gulf governments that any limited response may leave Iran capable of threatening shipping lanes, energy infrastructure […]