Science Space & Astronomy

Shubhanshu Shukla Set to Pilot Axiom-4 to ISS on June 25

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force is set to make history as he prepares to pilot the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The launch, confirmed for June 25, will take place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 12:01 PM IST (2:31 AM EDT). The crew capsule is […]

International

Qatar Reopens Airspace as Flights Resume Amid Ceasefire Push

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

Qatar has officially reopened its airspace and resumed commercial flights after a brief closure prompted by Iranian missile strikes targeting U.S. military installations. The missile threat, which temporarily halted air traffic in the region, came amid escalating conflict between Iran and Israel. The reopening coincides with President Donald Trump’s announcement of a

Cricket Sports

KL Rahul, Pant Set Up 371-Run Target for England at Leeds

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

India ended Day 4 of the Leeds Test in a commanding position after setting England a challenging target of 371, thanks to brilliant centuries by KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant. The duo’s fourth-wicket partnership laid the foundation for what could be a historic win for India on English soil. KL Rahul Anchors the Innings Opening […]

International

US Accuses DeepSeek of Aiding Chinese Military, Dodging Chip Ban

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

The United States has accused Chinese AI startup DeepSeek of covertly supporting Beijing’s military and intelligence apparatus while evading strict export controls on advanced semiconductors. The allegations have intensified ongoing tensions between Washington and Beijing over the use of artificial intelligence and high-performance computing in national security contexts.

International

China Tightens Fentanyl Controls in Gesture to Trump

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

China has announced tighter restrictions on key precursor chemicals used in the production of fentanyl, signaling a diplomatic olive branch to the United States. The move, widely seen as a goodwill gesture toward President Donald Trump’s administration, comes amid efforts to stabilize bilateral ties strained by trade tensions and drug trafficking concerns. The new

National Politics

Jayant Chaudhary Confirms RLD Will Contest 2027 UP Polls with BJP

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) president and Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary has clarified that his party will definitely contest the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in alliance with the BJP. Addressing speculation of a split, Chaudhary emphasized there is “no question” of breaking ties within the BJP-led coalition, adding that the RLD remains a key part […]

Defence National

Defence Secretary Singh Backs Faster Buying Over Bigger Budget

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

India’s Defence Secretary, Rajesh Kumar Singh, has downplayed concerns over budget limitations, asserting that the primary obstacle to enhancing military readiness is the slow pace of procurement—not the total amount allocated. His comments come amid growing pressure to raise defence spending to 4% of GDP, up from the current ~2%. “Our challenge isn’t budget quantum but

International Middle East

Trump Says Iran’s Missile Response ‘Very Weak’ After US Strikes

By BPN News Desk June 24, 2025

Trump calls Iran’s missile counterattack “very weak,” praises U.S. defences and urges both Iran and Israel toward peace after U.S. strikes on nuclear sites.

International

Iran Hits Back After Israel Strikes Airports, Warns U.S. Crossed Red Line

By BPN News Desk June 23, 2025

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated dramatically after Iran launched retaliatory strikes in response to Israeli air raids on six of its airports. The action came shortly after the United States conducted heavy airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to accuse Washington of crossing a “very big red line.” The targeted Iranian airports, […]

International

Oman Becomes First Gulf Nation to Impose Income Tax

By BPN News Desk June 23, 2025

In a historic policy shift for the Gulf region, Oman has announced it will implement a personal income tax starting January 2028, becoming the first Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country to do so. The tax, set at 5%, will apply only to individuals earning more than 42,000 Omani rials annually (approximately $109,000), targeting the top […]