International

Lula Condemns Trump Tariff as ‘Blackmail’

By BPN News Desk September 9, 2025

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has slammed the U.S. decision to impose a 50% import duty on Brazilian goods, describing it as “tariff blackmail.” Speaking during a BRICS summit, Lula argued the measure was coercive and harmful to global trade relations. Warning of Retaliation Lula warned that Brazil is prepared to respond if […]

International

India and Israel Ink Investment Treaty

By BPN News Desk September 9, 2025

India and Israel have signed a Bilateral Investment Agreement aimed at boosting trade and strengthening investor confidence. The treaty was endorsed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, marking a key milestone in economic cooperation. First OECD Partner under New Model Israel has become the first OECD country to sign a […]

International

Bayrou’s Government Falls After Confidence Vote

By BPN News Desk September 9, 2025

Prime Minister François Bayrou’s minority government collapsed after a parliamentary confidence vote failed by a wide margin, with 364 deputies opposing and 194 supporting him. His €44 billion austerity budget, which included tax increases, spending cuts, and the removal of two public holidays, faced strong pushback across the political spectrum. Political Instability

International

Navarro Dismisses BRICS Alliance as Doomed

By BPN News Desk September 9, 2025

White House trade adviser Peter Navarro sharply criticized the BRICS alliance—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—calling the group “vampires” that “suck our blood dry” with unfair trade practices. He said none of the member nations could survive without access to the U.S. market and declared, “I don’t see the BRICS alliance lasting.” Dig […]

International

Nepal Lifts Social Media Ban After Deadly Protests

By BPN News Desk September 9, 2025

The Nepalese government has lifted its ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Reddit. The ban was introduced last week after these platforms failed to comply with new registration rules. Protests Turn Deadly The shutdown triggered widespread protests led largely by Gen Z youth. Demonstrations against corruption and

International

Zelensky Backs Trump’s Tariff on India

By BPN News Desk September 9, 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to apply steep tariffs to countries that continue trading with Russia, specifically targeting India. Zelensky described the move as the “right idea,” stressing that economic pressure is necessary to curb Moscow’s aggressive energy diplomacy. Trump’s Tariff Move on

International

India Explores Taliban Ties As Mutual Interest Grows

By BPN News Desk September 8, 2025

India is considering the possibility of a diplomatic visit from Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, despite his current travel restrictions under the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions regime. While no dates have been finalised, Indian officials confirmed that discussions with the Taliban are ongoing, reflecting a shift towards pragmatic

International

Gen Z Protests In Nepal Turn Deadly Over Social Media Ban

By BPN News Desk September 8, 2025

A nationwide protest led mainly by young people erupted in Nepal after the government banned 26 major social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and X—for failing to register under new regulations. The ban, which took effect on September 4, sparked anger across the country, with Gen Z activists using remaining platforms like TikTok to mobilize […]

International

Treasury May Owe Refunds If US Tariffs Are Overturned

By BPN News Desk September 8, 2025

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned that the government may need to refund about half of the tariffs collected under President Trump’s administration if the Supreme Court rules them illegal. The potential refund, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, poses a significant challenge to Treasury finances. Legal Challenges Mount Over Tariff Authority Several lower

International

Lavrov Sees Growing Common Ground Among Major Powers

By BPN News Desk September 8, 2025

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Russia, India, and China are increasingly interacting based on shared interests. He pointed to their recent display of unity at the SCO summit in Tianjin—such as the widely noticed triple handshake and friendly huddle among their leaders—as evidence of this emerging trend. Shared Goals Include Economic and Social Progress […]