International

Afghanistan Floods Kill at Least 17 After Heavy Rains

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

Severe flooding triggered by heavy rainfall and snowfall has claimed at least 17 lives across several regions of Afghanistan, according to local authorities. The flash floods struck parts of western, central, northern and southern provinces, sweeping through villages and low lying areas with little warning. Officials said several others were injured as homes and

International

Trump Says His Health Is “Perfect” Amid Ageing Scrutiny

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump, who is 79 years old and currently the oldest serving president in American history, has insisted that his health is “perfect,” rejecting public and media speculation about his physical condition. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Trump said recent discussions about his fitness and ageing are overblown and inaccurate. […]

South India State News

Chennai Police Detain Over 1,000 Teachers in Equal Pay Protest

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

Police in Chennai detained more than 1,000 secondary-grade teachers during a protest outside the Chief Education Officer’s office as educators continued demanding equal pay for equal work. The detentions occurred as teachers, many of whom carried banners and chanted slogans, blocked traffic and pressed their long-standing grievances with the state government. Protest over

Defence National

DRDO Weapons Played Key Role in Operation Sindoor: Rajnath Singh

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said weapons and systems developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation played a decisive role in the success of Operation Sindoor. Speaking at the 68th Foundation Day celebrations of DRDO in New Delhi, Singh said indigenous defence technologies significantly boosted the confidence and operational effectiveness of the armed

Government Policies National

Govt Proposes 90-Day Rule for Gig Worker Benefits

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

The central government has proposed a new framework under the Social Security Code, 2020, requiring gig and platform workers to work for a minimum number of days each year to qualify for social security benefits. Under the draft rules, gig workers will need to be engaged for at least 90 days in a financial year […]

Cricket Sports

Australia Veteran Usman Khawaja Calls Time on Career

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

Veteran Australian batter Usman Khawaja has announced his decision to retire from international cricket, bringing an end to a long and distinguished career. Khawaja confirmed that the ongoing Ashes series will be his last at the international level, with his final appearance set to come at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the venue where he made […]

International

Iran Protests Turn Deadly as Unrest Spreads Nationwide

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

Iran has been placed on edge after several people were killed during protests that erupted across multiple cities, with demonstrators openly criticising Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The protests, which began as economic demonstrations, turned violent as clashes broke out between protesters and security forces. Authorities have not released an official death toll,

National

India, Pakistan Exchange Nuclear Facility Lists

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of their nuclear installations and facilities as part of a long standing bilateral confidence building measure. The exchange took place simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad on January 1, with both sides sharing the information through diplomatic channels. The practice is carried out every year on the first day […]

South India State News

TN Announces Pongal Bonus for Employees and Pensioners

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

The Tamil Nadu government has announced a special Pongal bonus for state employees, teachers, pensioners and family pensioners ahead of the harvest festival. Chief Minister M K Stalin approved an allocation of ₹183.86 crore to fund the bonus payments for the 2024-25 financial year. The package aims to support lower grade staff and retired personnel […]

International

Trump Shares Editorial Critical of Putin

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

US President Donald Trump has shared an editorial sharply critical of Russian President Vladimir Putin, signalling visible frustration over Russia’s conduct amid ongoing efforts to end the war in Ukraine. The editorial, which Trump reposted on social media, dismissed what it described as Putin’s “crocodile tears” and questioned Moscow’s sincerity in peace negotiations.