International

India Joins UN Statement On West Bank Situation

By BPN News Desk February 19, 2026

India has joined a United Nations statement addressing developments in the West Bank, signalling its position on the ongoing situation in the region and calling for restraint and dialogue. India UN West Bank Statement The joint statement emphasised the need to reduce tensions and prevent escalation of violence. Participating countries expressed concern over civilian safety

Op-Eds Opinion

Time for Ashwini Vaishnaw to Show the Door to MeitY’s Apathetic Bureaucrats

By BPN News Desk February 19, 2026

The ongoing India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam was supposed to be the crowning achievement of India’s technological sovereignty. With global titans like Sundar Pichai and Sam Altman in attendance, and the launch of the indigenous BharatGen Param2 model, the stage was set to prove that India is no longer just a consumer […]

International

Russia Ukraine Talks End Without Breakthrough

By BPN News Desk February 19, 2026

Negotiators from Russia and Ukraine concluded another round of peace talks without a breakthrough, as both sides described the discussions as difficult and said major differences remain unresolved. Russia Ukraine Peace Talks Outcome Officials indicated the meeting focused on ceasefire arrangements, humanitarian corridors and broader political conditions. Despite extended

International

India Acted Faster Than US On China Tech Curbs – Former US Official

By BPN News Desk February 19, 2026

A former US administration official has said India acted more quickly than the United States in reducing dependence on Chinese telecom equipment and social media applications, describing the move as a decisive policy response to security concerns. India China Telecom Ban Comparison According to the official, India implemented restrictions on Chinese vendors and mobile

National

France President Macron Praises India Digital Systems At AI Summit

By BPN News Desk February 19, 2026

France President Emmanuel Macron praised digital public infrastructure of India at the AI Impact Summit, saying the country has created technology systems at population scale that few others have achieved. Macron On India Digital Infrastructure Macron highlighted India’s large-scale platforms used for identity verification, payments and public services, noting they

AI & Robotics Technology

Bill Gates Skips India AI Summit Keynote

By BPN News Desk February 19, 2026

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates will not deliver the keynote address at the upcoming India AI Summit after a change in the event’s speaking schedule, organisers confirmed. Bill Gates India AI Summit Update Event coordinators said Gates will no longer appear as the keynote speaker as initially planned. The programme will proceed with other scheduled sessions […]

International

Trump Reviews Possible US Strike On Iran

By BPN News Desk February 19, 2026

The United States is weighing potential military action involving Iran, with President Donald Trump discussing strike options with senior national security officials amid rising tensions in the region. US Iran Military Strike Discussions Officials said the administration reviewed possible responses following recent developments involving American personnel and regional

Op-Eds Opinion

THE VIP CORRIDOR PARADOX: IF THE BMC CAN FIX ROADS OVERNIGHT, WHY DON’T THEY?

By BPN News Desk February 18, 2026

In the dead of night, a miracle occurred on the stretch from INS Shikra to the Taj Hotel in Colaba. Where there were once uneven surfaces, jarring speed breakers, and the usual urban wear-and-tear of Mumbai, there is now a velvet ribbon of asphalt. Zebra crossings have been bleached white with fresh paint; kerbstones have […]

International

Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Resigns From Office

By BPN News Desk February 18, 2026

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has resigned from office, triggering political changes within the ruling party and initiating the process to select a new national leader. Sanae Takaichi Resignation Announcement The resignation was submitted following internal political developments within the governing party. Party officials confirmed that leadership procedures will

Law & Order National

Why Vijay Mallya Cannot Return To India Yet Explains Lawyer

By BPN News Desk February 18, 2026

Lawyers representing businessman Vijay Mallya have explained the legal hurdles preventing his immediate return to India, stating that ongoing proceedings in the United Kingdom and related legal protections continue to delay extradition. Vijay Mallya Extradition Case Status According to his legal team, multiple legal remedies remain available under UK law even after earlier