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,

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.

International

China Hails India Overtaking Japan as 4th Largest Economy

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

China has welcomed India overtaking Japan to become the world’s fourth largest economy, describing the development as a reflection of India’s growing economic strength. Responding to the milestone, a spokesperson from the Chinese side said India’s rise demonstrates that true national strength comes from recognising historical realities, learning from them and taking

International

France Plans Social Media Ban for Under-15s From 2026

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

The French government is planning to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms from September 2026. The proposal is part of a broader effort to limit the impact of digital platforms on minors and address concerns related to mental health, online safety and excessive screen use. Currently, French law requires […]

International

Xi Says China–Taiwan Reunification Is Unstoppable

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

Chinese President Xi Jinping said that reunification with Taiwan is “unstoppable,” reaffirming Beijing’s long standing position on the issue in his New Year address. Xi said people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share deep historical and cultural ties, and described reunification as a natural course of history. China considers Taiwan part of its […]

International

Crans-Montana Explosion Kills Several in Swiss Ski Town

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

Several people were killed and many others injured after an explosion and fire struck a venue in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana early on January 1, 2026. The incident occurred shortly after midnight during New Year celebrations, when the area was crowded with visitors and locals marking the start of the year. Police […]

International

Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City Mayor

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as the new mayor of New York City just after midnight on January 1, 2026. The oath taking ceremony was held at the decommissioned Old City Hall subway station beneath City Hall Park in Manhattan. The location was chosen for its historical significance and its link to the city’s public […]

International

Zelenskyy Rejects Weak Deal, Putin Vows Victory

By BPN News Desk January 1, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine wants the war to end but will not sign a weak peace agreement that, in his view, would only delay another round of fighting. In a New Year address, he said Ukrainians are exhausted after nearly four years of war, but insisted that tiredness will not translate into surrender. […]

International

Quad Envoys Hold Rare Public Meeting in Beijing

By BPN News Desk December 31, 2025

Ambassadors from the four Quad countries, India, the United States, Japan and Australia, held a rare publicly acknowledged meeting in Beijing. The meeting took place at the US Embassy in the Chinese capital and was described as part of routine diplomatic engagement among the four countries. Focus on Indo-Pacific Issues During the meeting, the envoys […]

International

Taiwan on High Alert as Chinese Ships Pull Back

By BPN News Desk December 31, 2025

Taiwan remained on high military and maritime alert even as Chinese naval and coast guard vessels began pulling back following large-scale military drills around the island. Taiwanese authorities said vigilance would continue until China formally declares the end of its exercises and all military activity returns to normal levels. Chinese Military Exercises Near Taiwan