International

Belarus Frees 123 Prisoners After US Eases Sanctions

By BPN News Desk December 14, 2025

Belarus has released 123 prisoners following a decision by the United States to ease certain sanctions, marking a rare moment of diplomatic movement between the two countries. The releases were carried out through presidential pardons approved by President Alexander Lukashenko, according to official statements from Minsk. Prisoner Release Linked to Diplomatic Talks The

International

India–EU FTA Nears Completion, Apparel Sector Optimistic

By BPN News Desk December 14, 2025

India and the European Union are close to finalising a long-pending Free Trade Agreement, a development that industry bodies say could significantly boost India’s apparel exports. The Confederation of Textile Associations has described the proposed pact as a potential game changer for the domestic apparel industry, particularly in improving market access to the EU. Tariff

International

Nepal Plans to Allow Indian Currency Notes Above ₹100

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

Nepal is considering a proposal to allow the use of Indian currency notes of denominations higher than ₹100, a move aimed at easing cross-border travel and trade between the two countries. Senior officials familiar with the discussions said the plan is being examined by Nepal Rastra Bank in coordination with the government. Existing Restrictions on […]

International

Jemima Goldsmith Appeals to Elon Musk Over X Account

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

Jemima Goldsmith, former wife of jailed former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, has appealed directly to X owner Elon Musk, alleging that her account on the platform has been secretly restricted. Goldsmith claimed that her posts related to Pakistan and Imran Khan were being throttled without any formal notice or explanation. Allegations of Account Throttling […]

International

India–China Talks Described as Timely and Productive

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

Senior diplomatic talks between India and China have been described as timely and productive, with both sides engaging on key bilateral and regional issues. The discussions were held between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s successor, Secretary (East) P. Kumaran Ghosh, and senior Chinese officials, amid ongoing efforts to stabilise relations following years of

International

Iran Seizes Foreign Tanker in Gulf of Oman

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

Iran has seized a foreign-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman, alleging that the vessel was carrying around six million litres of smuggled diesel fuel. Iranian authorities said the interception was part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal fuel trafficking in regional waters. Details of the Seizure According to Iranian officials, the tanker was stopped […]

International

Russian Central Bank Sues Euroclear Over Frozen Assets

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

Russia’s central bank has filed a lawsuit against Belgium-based financial services firm Euroclear, challenging the freezing of Russian state assets as the European Union moves ahead with plans to use proceeds from those assets to support Ukraine. The legal action marks a significant escalation in Moscow’s pushback against Western sanctions imposed after the Ukraine

International

US States Challenge H-1B Visa Fee Hike in Court

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

A group of 20 US states has filed a lawsuit against the Donald Trump administration over a steep increase in H-1B visa fees, arguing that the move will hurt American businesses and undermine the country’s ability to attract skilled foreign talent. The states have described the fee hike as excessive and unlawful, saying it goes […]

International

Cambodia Accuses Thailand of Fresh Airstrikes

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

Cambodia has accused Thailand of carrying out fresh airstrikes along their shared border despite calls for restraint following an appeal by US President Donald Trump. The Cambodian government said Thai fighter jets struck areas inside Cambodian territory, escalating tensions between the two Southeast Asian neighbours. Claims After Truce Appeal The allegations came hours

International

US Lawmakers Seek to Roll Back Trump’s India Tariffs

By BPN News Desk December 13, 2025

A group of US lawmakers has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives seeking to end tariffs imposed on Indian goods under President Donald Trump’s administration. The move reflects growing concern within the US Congress that the duties are increasing costs for American consumers and businesses while straining trade ties with India. Details of […]