National

Budget 2026 Announces Seven High-Speed Rail Corridors

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

In the Union Budget 2026-27, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced plans to develop seven high-speed rail corridors connecting major cities across India. These corridors are part of the government’s effort to enhance inter-city connectivity, promote sustainable travel and support regional economic growth. Routes Identified The proposed high-speed rail corridors

International

Pakistan Intensifies Operations After Deadly Balochistan Attacks

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

Pakistan’s security forces launched intensified operations in Balochistan after a series of large-scale coordinated attacks on January 31, 2026 by militants linked to the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The insurgents struck police stations, paramilitary posts, a high-security prison and other targets across multiple districts. Heavy Casualties Reported Official figures

International

Drone Strikes Kill One in Ethiopia’s Tigray

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

At least one person was killed and another injured in drone strikes in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region on January 31, according to local officials. The strikes hit two separate vehicles in different locations, around 20 kilometres apart, causing casualties and damage. Situation Remains Unclear Officials said the exact target of the drone strikes is not […]

Cricket Sports

Pakistan to Forfeit India Match in T20 World Cup

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

Pakistan will officially forfeit its scheduled group-stage match against India at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, confirming it will not take the field for the high-profile fixture. The match was slated to be played under the tournament’s hybrid hosting arrangement. Points Awarded to India As per ICC playing conditions, the forfeit will result […]

International

Slovak Adviser Resigns Over Epstein Links

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

The national security adviser to Slovakia’s Prime Minister has resigned after his name surfaced in recently released documents linked to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. Prime Minister Robert Fico accepted the resignation, stating it was taken to prevent political controversy. Adviser Denies Wrongdoing The adviser said his name appeared in past email exchanges

Uncategorized

Iran Warns of Regional War if US Attacks

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any direct military strike by the United States against Iran would lead to a broader regional war, his office said. Khamenei spoke amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. Context of Rising Tensions The warning comes as the U.S. and Iran remain at odds over Iran’s […]

Business Finance

Budget 2026 Eases Customs on Cancer Drugs, Baggage

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

New Delhi: In the Union Budget 2026-27 presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the government announced customs duty exemptions on 17 key cancer drugs and medicines to lower treatment costs for patients. The budget also extended duty-free imports to medicines and food for seven additional rare diseases. Personal Baggage Duty Reduced The tariff rate on […]

Op-Eds Opinion

Union Budget 2026-27 Analysis: Optics vs Economic Impact

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

Union Budget 2026–27 arrives at a moment when India’s macro numbers look stable but household stress is quietly building. Growth remains respectable, inflation is under control, and fiscal deficit targets are being met. On paper, this looks like success. But budgets are not written for spreadsheets alone. They are meant to shape economic behaviour, relieve […]

International

57 Militants, 10 Security Personnel Killed in Balochistan

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

At least 57 militants and 10 Pakistani security personnel were killed in a series of attacks and counter-operations across Pakistan’s Balochistan province, officials said. The incidents took place across several districts, including Quetta, Gwadar, Makran, Chaman, Hub and Naseerabad. Heavy Fighting Across Districts Security forces came under coordinated attacks at multiple

Economy National

India’s Forex Reserves Touch Record High

By BPN News Desk February 1, 2026

India’s foreign exchange reserves rose to a new record high of $709.41 billion in the week ending January 23, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India. The reserves increased by around $8 billion compared to the previous week. Key Factors Behind the Increase The rise in reserves was driven mainly by an […]