International

White House Launches TikTok Account Featuring Trump’s “I Am Your Voice” Message

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

The White House has officially launched an account on the popular video platform TikTok, despite ongoing legal and security concerns surrounding the app. In its first post, President Trump’s voice-over declares, “I am your voice,” with the caption, “America, we are BACK! What’s up TikTok?” The launch reflects a strategic shift toward engaging more directly […]

International

China Buys 15 Russian Oil Cargoes as India Steps Back

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

China has secured 15 shipments of Russian Urals crude for delivery in October and November 2025. Each cargo is estimated to hold between 700,000 and 1 million barrels. The move comes as Indian refiners reduce their imports of Russian oil, leaving an opening for Chinese buyers to take advantage of discounted rates. India’s Import Decline […]

Business

Meta Splits AI Division in Major Restructure Amid Tensions

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Meta Platforms is reorganizing its artificial intelligence operations, splitting its Meta Superintelligence Labs into four distinct units: infrastructure, long-term AI research (FAIR), product-focused innovation (including Meta AI assistant), and a new frontier lab (TBD Lab). The move aims to streamline efforts toward achieving “superintelligence”—AI that

Business

Kotak Urges Support for SMEs Amid U.S. Tariff Shock

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Billionaire banker Uday Kotak has warned that the latest U.S. tariffs on Indian exports amounting to nearly 50% have created a “major shock” for the economy. The tariffs come in response to India’s continued trade ties with Russia, particularly discounted crude oil purchases. Kotak said the development highlights India’s vulnerability and the urgent need to […]

International

Netanyahu Scorns Australian PM as “Weak” Amid Strained Ties

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, calling him “a weak politician” who “betrayed Israel and abandoned Australia’s Jews.” The remarks came after Canberra announced it would formally recognize a Palestinian state and withdrew the visa of an Israeli lawmaker. In retaliation, Israel revoked visas of Australian

International

Russia Assures India Amid U.S. Tariff Pressure

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Russia has assured India that it will help absorb Indian exports struggling to enter the United States after Washington imposed steep tariffs on a wide range of goods. The move comes at a time when New Delhi faces pressure due to its continued imports of Russian oil, which has triggered trade tensions with Washington. Alternative […]

International

Switzerland and Austria Offer to Host Peace Talks Between Putin and Zelenskyy

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Switzerland and Austria have both expressed readiness to host peace negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis confirmed that, in exceptional circumstances such as a peace summit, Switzerland may set aside its obligations under an arrest warrant issued by the International

International

Trump Rules Out U.S. Troops in Ukraine, Eyes Air Support

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. would not deploy ground troops in Ukraine, offering his personal assurance to that effect. He made the statement in a Fox News interview following a high-level summit with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington. Air Support Option Left Open While ruling out boots on the […]

Law & Order National

SC: Don’t Criminalize Teen Love Under POCSO

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

The Supreme Court of India ruled on August 19, 2025, that teenagers in consensual romantic relationships should not be treated as offenders under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The judges said that adolescent love is different from abuse and should not be prosecuted as a crime. Guidance for Courts and Police […]

Business Finance

FM to Head GST Panel Talks on Reforms

By BPN News Desk August 20, 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will brief three ministerial groups of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council in New Delhi this week. The groups will discuss rate rationalisation, health and life insurance, and phasing out the compensation cess. Proposal to Simplify GST Slabs The government is considering moving from the current four-tier structure to two […]