National Politics

Raj Thackeray Reflects on BMC Polls Loss

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

Maharashtra leader Raj Thackeray said his party will “analyse what went wrong” after a disappointing performance in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections. He acknowledged that the contest was not easy and that the results fell short of his party’s expectations. Post-Poll Comments Raj Thackeray, founder of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), said the

Op-Eds Opinion

Time to Penalise TRP-Driven Election Misinformation

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

The controversy over indelible ink during the recent BMC election did not begin with a laboratory report or an official finding. It began on live television. A dramatic on-air demonstration claimed that voting ink could be wiped off completely, instantly casting doubt on the integrity of the electoral process. The claim spread rapidly, triggering political […]

International

US Warns Airlines About Military Risks Over Latin Airspace

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a 60-day advisory asking airlines and pilots to exercise caution when flying over parts of Mexico, Central America and South America due to “potential military activities” that could affect flight safety. The warning covers airspace including the eastern Pacific Ocean near these regions and highlights possible

International

India Rules Out Exit From Chabahar Port Project

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

India has said that withdrawing from the Chabahar Port project in Iran is not an option, underlining the port’s long-term strategic and economic importance. Government officials stated that New Delhi remains committed to the project despite evolving geopolitical challenges and external pressures. Strategic Value of Chabahar Located on Iran’s southeastern coast, Chabahar

International

Trump Thanks Iran for Halting Executions

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

US President Donald Trump publicly thanked the Iranian government for reportedly cancelling planned executions of over 800 political prisoners amid widespread unrest in Iran. Speaking to reporters in Washington, Trump said he “greatly respects” Iran’s decision and described the halt in executions as a positive development. Context of the Unrest Iran has seen months of […]

National

India Marks 10 Years of Startup India Programme

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

India has completed a decade of the Startup India initiative, a flagship programme launched in January 2016 to promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and job creation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the initiative has helped build a strong startup culture and positioned India as a major global startup hub. Growth of the Startup Ecosystem Over the last […]

International

Machado Says She Will Lead Venezuela in the Future

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has said she intends to lead the country “when the right time comes,” reaffirming her political ambitions despite ongoing restrictions and uncertainty over Venezuela’s electoral process. Political Stand and Message Machado said she remains committed to democratic change in Venezuela and believes she has the backing of

Cricket Sports

Iyer, Bishnoi Added to India T20I Squad

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

Shreyas Iyer and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi have been added to India’s T20 International squad for the ongoing series against New Zealand. The team management made the changes to strengthen the squad following availability and fitness-related considerations. Squad Update and Context Iyer’s inclusion marks his return to the T20I setup after being out of the format […]

International

Indians Return From Iran Amid Ongoing Protests

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

Several Indian nationals returned to New Delhi after leaving Iran amid a worsening security situation triggered by ongoing protests. The returnees arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport and were seen reuniting with their families after days of uncertainty. Accounts From Returnees Those who came back described the situation in Iran as tense and unsafe, citing […]

National

India-EU Trade Pact Called “Mother of All Deals”

By BPN News Desk January 17, 2026

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has described the proposed free trade agreement between India and the European Union as the “mother of all trade deals,” underlining its scale and long-term importance for the Indian economy. He said the agreement, once concluded, could become India’s most comprehensive trade pact. Status of Negotiations Talks between India […]