National

India Rejects SCO Defence Communiqué Over “Terrorism” Omission

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has strongly defended Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s decision to withhold support for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) defence ministers’ joint communiqué, citing the deliberate omission of any reference to terrorism. The refusal came after one member state—implicitly understood to be Pakistan—blocked the inclusion of

International

Khamenei Evaded Targeted Israeli Strike by Going Underground

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei narrowly escaped a targeted assassination attempt during the recent 12-day conflict by retreating into a heavily fortified underground bunker and cutting off all communications with his top commanders. The revelation, made by Israeli defence officials, sheds light on a secretive and high-stakes chapter of the escalating

Defence National

Security Forces Hunt Down JeM Militants in J&K’s Basantgarh

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

Security forces have intensified a joint counter-insurgency operation in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, targeting three Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terrorists believed to be hiding in the forested region of Basantgarh. The operation, launched after a fierce gunfight on June 26 that resulted in the killing of one militant identified as Haider alias “Maulvi”, is being

State News West India

Maharashtra Eases Controversial Language Policy Amid Public Outcry

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

The Maharashtra government has softened its stance on its recent three‑language policy following widespread protests from educators, political leaders, and cultural groups. In a newly clarified framework, Hindi will not be imposed as the third language in primary grades; lessons in Classes 1 and 2 will focus solely on spoken skills, with written assessments deferred until

National

“Journalist Could Not Speak Against Emergency in Congress Era”: Jaishankar

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has delivered a sharp reminder of the severe press suppression that marked the Emergency period in India between 1975 and 1977. Speaking at a public event, he recalled how journalists during that time were “not allowed to speak against the government,” with newspapers subjected to censorship and editors often arrested. […]

South India State News

Karnataka Halves Proposed Excise Fee Hike, Extends License Validity

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

The Karnataka government has rolled back its initially proposed 100% increase in excise licence renewal fees, opting instead for a 50% hike effective from July 1, 2025, following strong appeals from distillers and retailers. The revised structure also extends licence validity from one year to five years—an industry demand that promises relief and efficiency. Under […]

South India State News

Revanth Reddy Launches EAGLE Task Force to Tackle Drug Menace

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has launched a new specialized anti-narcotics unit named the EAGLE Task Force—Elite Action Group for Law Enforcement—to aggressively combat drug and ganja abuse across the state. The announcement was made during an event marking the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. The new task force replaces the

International

Macron Warns of “Worst Scenario” if Iran Quits NPT

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

French President Emmanuel Macron has sounded the alarm over the possibility of Iran withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), calling it the “worst-case scenario.” His comments came amid heightened global tensions following military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Macron stated that recent developments, particularly military escalation involving Iran’s

International

Khamenei Fires Back at Trump: “Too Big for Your Mouth”

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has launched a scathing response to President Donald Trump’s demand that “Iran must surrender,” calling the statement “too big to come out of the US president’s mouth.” In a post on X and during a rare televised address, Khamenei rejected Trump’s claim of success in recent U.S. airstrikes on […]

National

Amit Shah Pushes for Local Languages in Governance

By BPN News Desk June 27, 2025

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged all levels of government—central and state—to embrace local Indian languages in day-to-day administration. Speaking at the golden jubilee celebration of the Department of Official Language, Shah linked the use of Indian languages to a broader mission of decolonising governance and reconnecting with India’s cultural foundations.