International

INS Trikand Responds to Fire on Vessel Off Djibouti

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

India’s naval frigate INS Trikand conducted a firefighting and rescue operation after the Cameroon-flagged carrier MT Falcon caught fire off the coast of Djibouti in the Gulf of Aden. The incident occurred roughly 113 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen, while the vessel was en route from Oman to Djibouti. Crew Evacuated and Casualties The MT Falcon […]

International

Mosquitoes Detected in Iceland for First Time

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

For the first time in recorded history, mosquitoes have been found on the island nation of Iceland. Entomologists confirmed three specimens of the species Culiseta annulata—one male and two females—captured in mid-October in the valley of Kjós near Reykjavík. What the Experts Say Scientists say the discovery likely reflects warming temperatures and milder winters in […]

International

EU To Sanction Chinese Refineries Over Russia Oil Trade

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

The European Union is preparing its 19th sanctions package against Russia, which includes penalties on four China-based entities. Among them are two independent oil refineries, a trading firm, and another organization accused of helping circumvent sanctions. The move is directed at companies allegedly involved in facilitating Russian oil exports. Targeted Entities And

National

PM Modi to Attend ASEAN Summit Virtually

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has confirmed that he will attend the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, scheduled from October 26 to 28 in Kuala Lumpur, via video link. He cited India’s festive Deepavali celebrations as the reason for not travelling to Malaysia. India’s Representation & Meeting Speculations With Modi not making the trip, the

International

Trump Says India Will Sharply Cut Russian Oil Imports

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

U.S. President Donald Trump said that India has assured him it will sharply reduce oil imports from Russia by the end of this year. He said this followed a phone call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and described the move as a “big thing.” India’s Position Indian officials have not confirmed the specific commitment cited […]

National

Global South Must Speak In One Voice On Trade: Goyal

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

India has urged developing and least-developed countries to adopt a unified stance in global trade discussions. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal made the appeal during the 16th session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Geneva. Challenges In Trade Goyal highlighted that the global trade system faces a “trust deficit,” […]

South India State News

Kerala Announces Extreme Poverty-Free Status from November 1

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

The Kerala government has announced that the state will be declared free of extreme poverty on November 1, 2025, becoming India’s first state to achieve this milestone. The formal event will be held at 5 pm at Central Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram and will feature celebrities including Mammootty, Mohanlal and Kamal Haasan as chief guests. Program Details […]

Defence National

New Weapons, Specialist Units To Boost Army’s Capabilities

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

The Indian Army has completed the creation of 380 specialist drone platoons, codenamed “Ashni.” These units are designed to provide advanced surveillance and combat capabilities using unmanned systems. New Commando Battalions In the next six months, the Army will also raise 25 light commando battalions, to be known as “Bhairav.” These battalions are meant to […]

International

US Slaps Sanctions on Russia’s Two Biggest Oil Firms

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

The United States imposed sanctions on Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, along with dozens of their subsidiaries. The move was announced by the Treasury Department, which cited President Donald Trump’s frustration over stalled cease-fire talks in Ukraine and accused Russia of refusing to negotiate seriously. Strategic Rationale Treasury Secretary

Expert Opinions Opinion

Diwali 2025 Was GST-Powered: Did Consumers Actually Save?

By BPN News Desk October 23, 2025

Diwali 2025 turned out to be India’s most lucrative festive season ever. Retail trade across the country touched a record ₹6.05 lakh crore, up 25 percent from last year’s ₹4.25 lakh crore. From bustling jewellery shops to crowded car dealerships, spending was at an all-time high. The timing was no coincidence. Barely a month before […]