International

Trump Announces $1,776 Bonus for US Troops in White House Address

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a televised speech from the White House on Wednesday night, during which he announced that more than 1.4 million U.S. military service members will receive a one-time bonus of $1,776 before Christmas. The payment, termed a “warrior dividend,” is meant to recognise the service of active-duty personnel and certain reservists. […]

International

South African Lawmaker Congratulates India on BRICS 2026 Presidency

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

A senior South African parliamentary official has publicly congratulated India on assuming the BRICS Presidency for 2026, recognising the growing role India will play in the bloc of emerging economies. The statement highlighted the importance of strong leadership as BRICS prepares to host key meetings and the 18th BRICS Summit next year. Support for India’s […]

National

Air India Express Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Kochi

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

An Air India Express flight operating from Jeddah made an emergency landing at Cochin International Airport on Thursday after a technical issue involving its landing gear tyres. The aircraft was originally scheduled to land at Kozhikode but was diverted to Kochi as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety. Emergency Protocols Activated Airport authorities in […]

International

India Suspends Visa Services as Bangladesh Ties Strain

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

India has suspended visa services in Bangladesh after shutting its main visa application centre in Dhaka and halting operations at centres in Rajshahi and Khulna, citing security concerns. The decision comes amid rising tensions between the two countries following protests in Bangladesh that raised concerns over the safety of Indian diplomatic missions and personnel.

International

Belgium Court Rejects Choksi Appeal in PNB Scam Case

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

Belgium’s top court has rejected fugitive businessman Mehul Choksi’s appeal against India’s extradition request in the Punjab National Bank fraud case, endorsing the findings of a lower court. The ruling clears a key legal hurdle in India’s efforts to bring Choksi back to face trial in connection with one of the country’s largest banking scams. […]

North India State News

Delhi Bans Entry of Non-BS VI Private Vehicles

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

New pollution control rules came into force in Delhi on Thursday, banning the entry of private vehicles registered outside the city that do not meet BS-VI emission standards as part of efforts to curb worsening air quality. The restriction is part of the city’s Stage IV Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP-IV), triggered by sustained severe […]

Technology

Google Rolls Out Gemini 3 Flash as Default AI Model

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

Google has launched Gemini 3 Flash, a new version of its artificial intelligence model, and made it the default model in the Gemini app and AI Mode across Google Search and services. The rollout replaces the earlier Gemini 2.5 Flash model for everyday use, though users can still choose higher-end models like Gemini 3 Pro […]

Law & Order National

Court Declines to Admit ED Case in National Herald Matter

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

A Delhi trial court has refused to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint in the National Herald money laundering case, triggering sharp political reactions across party lines. The complaint involved senior Congress leaders, including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, but the court held that the filing did not meet the legal requirements

North India State News

Delhi Smog Worsens, Air Quality Remains ‘Very Poor’

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

Delhi’s winter air pollution continued to worsen as a thick layer of smog and haze spread across the city, keeping the Air Quality Index (AQI) in the ‘very poor’ category and reducing visibility on Thursday. Large parts of the national capital were blanketed by dense smog, making outdoor conditions uncomfortable and unhealthy for residents. AQI […]

International

Putin Condemns NATO Chief’s ‘Prepare for War’ Warning

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly criticised remarks by the NATO Secretary General that Western countries should be ready for a conflict on the scale experienced by past generations. Putin described the comments as “hysteria” and misleading, saying they fuel unnecessary fear about Russia and escalate tensions between Moscow and the West. Western leaders have