International

Doha Named GCC Tourism Capital for 2026

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

Doha has been officially selected as the Gulf Cooperation Council’s Tourism Capital for 2026, marking a major regional recognition for Qatar’s tourism strategy and infrastructure. The designation was announced following consultations among tourism authorities of GCC member states, who assessed candidate cities on parameters such as cultural offerings, visitor

International

Trump Blocks $3M Chip Deal Over Security Concerns

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

U.S. President Donald Trump has ordered the cancellation of a proposed $3 million acquisition of chip and photonics assets by American firm HieFo from Emcore, citing national security and China-related risks. The deal, originally completed in 2024, involved Emcore’s computer chip operations and indium-phosphide wafer fabrication business. National Security, China Concerns

International

Iran Urges UN to Act After Trump Threats

By BPN News Desk January 3, 2026

Tehran has formally urged the United Nations to respond to what it describes as “reckless and provocative” threats from Donald Trump amid ongoing unrest across Iran. The appeal was made in a letter from Iran’s ambassador to the UN to the UN secretary-general and the Security Council, calling on the international body to condemn the […]

International

Guyana Invites Indian Firms to 2026 Oil Block Auction

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

Guyana has invited Indian energy companies to participate in its offshore oil block auction scheduled for 2026, as the South American nation looks to broaden international participation in its fast growing oil sector. The move is aimed at attracting experienced players from India to invest in exploration and production activities amid Guyana’s expanding crude output. […]

International

US Urges China to Cease Military Pressure Around Taiwan

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

The United States has called on China to exercise restraint after Beijing conducted large scale military drills around Taiwan, warning that such actions risk escalating tensions in the region. A US State Department spokesperson said China’s military activities were destabilising and urged Beijing to stop applying military pressure on Taiwan. Drills raise regional tensions

International

Canada Seeks Probe After Air India Pilot Fails Alcohol Tests

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

Canadian authorities have sought a formal investigation after an Air India pilot failed two breathalyser tests ahead of a scheduled international flight from Vancouver. The pilot was due to operate an Air India service departing from Vancouver International Airport but was removed from duty after testing positive for alcohol during pre-flight checks conducted by local […]

International

Trump Warns Iran US Will ‘Rescue’ Protesters

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that the United States would step in to “rescue” protesters if the Iranian government uses lethal force to suppress ongoing demonstrations. Trump made the remarks in a public statement, saying Washington would not remain silent if peaceful protesters are harmed during the unrest unfolding across Iran. Protests continue […]

International

Hasina Says ‘Illegal Usurpers’ Pushed Bangladesh Into Darkness

By BPN News Desk January 2, 2026

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused what she described as “illegal usurpers” of pushing the country towards instability and darkness. In a sharp statement, Hasina targeted Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who is associated with the current interim political setup, blaming the leadership for misgovernance and weakening state institutions. She said

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. […]