National

National Green Tribunal Upholds Clearance For Nicobar Mega Project

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

The National Green Tribunal has upheld environmental clearance for the proposed mega infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island, stating that adequate safeguards have been incorporated into the approval process. National Green Tribunal Clears Great Nicobar Project The tribunal rejected petitions challenging the environmental approval and ruled that the project complied

Op-Eds Opinion

Citizenship For Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees In India

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

Sri Lankan Tamil Refugees Citizenship Request: Why India Keeps Them Stateless Despite 35 Years The immediate trigger is Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to grant citizenship to long-term Sri Lankan Tamil refugees living in India for decades. Nearly one lakh people who fled the civil war in the […]

Defence National

US Delegation Visits Indian Army Western Command

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

A United States (US) diplomatic and military delegation visited the Indian Army Western Command headquarters in Chandigarh, highlighting ongoing defence engagement and operational coordination between the two countries. US Envoy Visit To Western Command Headquarters The delegation included the US Ambassador and a senior American military commander who held meetings with

International

Pentagon Raises Concerns Over Anthropic AI

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

The US Department of Defense has expressed strong concern over artificial intelligence (AI) firm Anthropic, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicating the Pentagon may take action to ensure compliance with national security and procurement standards. Pentagon Concerns Over Anthropic AI Officials said the department is reviewing interactions involving the company’s

Business Finance

RBI Begins Talks To Ease Overseas Investment Rules

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has begun discussions with stakeholders to review and potentially relax rules governing overseas investments by Indian entities, aiming to improve capital access and support global expansion of domestic companies. RBI Overseas Investment Norms Review Officials have initiated consultations with banks, industry representatives and financial

Cricket Sports

Shahid Afridi Calls For Changes After Pakistan Defeat

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has criticised Pakistan’s team selection and leadership following a heavy 61-run defeat in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, calling for major changes to the playing XI and decision-making structure. Shahid Afridi Criticism Of Pakistan Team Afridi said senior players failed to perform according to expectations and questioned the balance

Op-Eds Opinion

Rafale Bombs Made In India: The Real Start Of India’s Smart Weapons Industry

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

When the BEL–Safran HAMMER joint venture was announced, it was treated like another routine “Make in India” defence press release. Another agreement, another assembly line, another promise of localisation. But this project is fundamentally different from most of India’s past defence manufacturing efforts. This time India is not trying to build the aircraft. It is […]

National Politics

Congress Flags Concerns Over US Trade Deal

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

The Congress party has criticised the proposed India–United States trade agreement, alleging that certain provisions could affect agriculture, energy policy and data regulation frameworks if safeguards are not built into the final text. Congress Criticism Of US Trade Deal Party leaders said the draft framework risks exposing Indian farmers to increased competition from

International

PM Modi To Visit Israel Next Week

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that Indian PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit Israel next week, signalling continued strengthening of strategic ties between the two countries across defence, technology and economic cooperation. Modi Israel Visit Schedule And Agenda According to Israeli officials, the visit is planned as an official bilateral

International

Trump Signals Indirect Role In Iran Talks

By BPN News Desk February 17, 2026

US President Donald Trump said he expects to play an indirect role in potential negotiations involving Iran, signalling renewed diplomatic movement around the long-stalled nuclear discussions while keeping Washington formally at arm’s length. Trump Indirect Role In Iran Talks Speaking to reporters, Trump indicated the United States would not immediately enter direct