Op-Eds Opinion

No Contest, No Choice: How Maharashtra’s Local Polls Betray Democracy

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

The recent round of local body elections in Maharashtra has revealed something deeply unsettling. Dozens of municipal seats were decided without a single vote being cast. Candidates walked into office unopposed, not because they were universally loved or widely trusted, but because no one dared or bothered to challenge them. On paper, elections were held. […]

International

Trump Blocks $3M Chip Deal Over Security Concerns

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the cancellation of a proposed $3 million acquisition of chip and photonics assets by American firm HieFo from Emcore, citing national security and China-related risks. The deal, originally completed in 2024, involved Emcore’s computer chip operations and indium-phosphide wafer fabrication business. National Security, China Concerns

International

Iran Urges UN to Act After Trump Threats

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

Tehran has formally urged the United Nations to respond to what it describes as “reckless and provocative” threats from Donald Trump amid ongoing unrest across Iran. The appeal was made in a letter from Iran’s ambassador to the UN to the UN secretary-general and the Security Council, calling on the international body to condemn the […]

National

Jaishankar Urges Students to Grow at Home, Engage Abroad

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed students at an event at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, where he spoke about India’s approach to development and foreign engagement. He emphasised that India’s rise on the global stage must be anchored in strong domestic growth, institutional capacity, and self-confidence. According to him, nations that are secure

Op-Eds Opinion

Mamdani Appoints Al Qaeda Defender Ramzi Kassem as the Left Stays Silent

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

Zohran Mamdani’s decision to elevate Ramzi Kassem to a powerful government legal role is not a footnote. It is a choice that signals priorities, values, and moral boundaries. Calling Kassem a “champion of rights” does not change the core fact that he has defended an Al Qaeda–linked terrorist. In public office, symbolism matters. And this […]

Op-Eds Opinion

Iltija Mufti Must Answer for Jihadism Before Attacking Hindutva

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

Ms Iltija Mufti, When you declare that you “won’t allow Hindutva” in Kashmir, you speak with the confidence of moral authority. But moral authority is not asserted by volume or applause. It is earned through consistency, memory, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Before attacking Hindutva as a singular menace, it would help to […]

State News West India

Mahayuti Gets 68 Unopposed Wins in Civic Polls

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

The ruling Mahayuti alliance has gained an early advantage in the Maharashtra civic elections, with 68 of its candidates being elected unopposed across several municipal corporations and councils in the state. These candidates were declared elected after either no rival nominations were filed or opposing candidates withdrew their papers before the final deadline. BJP

Business Industry

Government Clears 22 Electronics Projects Worth ₹42,000 Cr

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

The central government has approved 22 new electronics component manufacturing projects with a total investment commitment of around ₹42,000 crore. The approvals are part of a broader push to strengthen India’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem and reduce dependence on imported components. Focus on Components and Value Addition The cleared projects focus on manufacturing

National Politics

Congress MP Warns of Crisis in Tamil Nadu Unit

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

A senior Congress Member of Parliament from Tamil Nadu has issued a strong warning about the state of the party’s organisation, saying it is moving on a “path of destruction” due to persistent internal conflicts. S Jothimani, who represents Karur in the Lok Sabha, made the remarks while highlighting serious factionalism within the Tamil Nadu […]

Cricket Sports

Bangladesh Confirms Busy International Home Cricket Season

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

The Bangladesh Cricket Board has announced a crowded home international calendar for 2026, featuring multiple bilateral series against top cricketing nations across all three formats. The schedule reflects Bangladesh’s continued integration into the global cricket calendar and its commitments under the ICC’s Future Tours Programme. Series Against Major Teams Bangladesh’s