International

Afghanistan and Pakistan Extend Border Ceasefire

By BPN News Desk October 31, 2025

Istanbul-based talks mediated by Turkey and Qatar have resulted in Afghanistan and Pakistan agreeing to extend the ceasefire originally brokered in Doha on October 19 2025. The extension comes amid talks aimed at creating a monitoring mechanism and scheduling a senior-officials meeting on November 6. The arrangement underlines both countries’ intention to refrain from

International

India Backs Afghanistan’s Dam Plan on Kunar River

By BPN News Desk October 31, 2025

India has publicly endorsed Afghanistan’s decision to build a dam on the Kunar river, which flows into Pakistan’s north-western province. The Indian government said it stands ready to assist Kabul with sustainable water-management and hydro-electric projects, noting the partnership aligns with its long-term strategic ties with Afghanistan. Implications for Pakistan The

International

U.S. Sanctions Unlikely to Make India, China Quit Russian Oil

By BPN News Desk October 30, 2025

The U.S. has imposed new sanctions targeting Russia’s major oil firms Rosneft and Lukoil as part of efforts to reduce Moscow’s revenues amid the Ukraine war. These include restrictions on financial transactions and oil shipments that could affect global crude flows. Impact on India and China While the sanctions may cause short-term disruption, analysts say […]

International

Deadliest Police Operation in Rio Claims Over 100 Lives

By BPN News Desk October 30, 2025

In a sweeping state-police operation on October 28, 2025, in the Complexo do Alemão and Complexo da Penha favelas of Rio de Janeiro, at least 119 people were killed, marking the deadliest police action in the city’s history. The raid targeted the criminal group Comando Vermelho amid reports of heavy gun-battles and armed resistance. State […]

International

Florida Governor DeSantis Orders Universities to End H-1B Hiring

By BPN News Desk October 30, 2025

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the state’s publicly funded universities to stop hiring workers on H-1B visas. He argued that these positions should be reserved for American citizens. The announcement was made in Tampa, where he told the Florida Board of Governors to “pull the plug” on H-1B hiring in higher education. Rationale Behind […]

International

India Secures US Waiver Extension for Chabahar Port

By BPN News Desk October 30, 2025

The Indian government has secured an extension of the United States’ sanctions waiver for operations at Iran’s Chabahar Port. Reports indicate the extension covers the port’s strategic activities until early next year, allowing current trade and connectivity projects to proceed without interruption. Strategic Importance Chabahar Port serves as India’s key gateway to

International

India Rejects UN Report Linking Pahalgam Attack to Myanmar Refugees

By BPN News Desk October 30, 2025

The Indian government has rejected portions of a report by a UN expert that linked the April 2025 terrorist attack in Pahalgam (Jammu & Kashmir) to the treatment of displaced persons from Myanmar residing in India. During an address to the UN Third Committee, India described the claim that refugees from Myanmar faced “severe pressure” […]

International

U.S. Cuts Tariffs on China After Trump–Xi Talks

By BPN News Desk October 30, 2025

Following a high-profile meeting in South Korea, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the United States will reduce some tariffs on Chinese goods. He said duties linked to chemical precursors for fentanyl will drop from 20% to 10%. At the same time, Trump stated that the overall U.S. tariff rate on Chinese imports will fall […]

International

Fed Cuts Rates, Cites Data Gaps During Shutdown

By BPN News Desk October 30, 2025

The Federal Reserve (Fed) announced a 0.25 percentage-point reduction in its benchmark interest rate, citing significant limitations in economic data due to the current U.S. federal government shutdown. Chair Jerome Powell highlighted that a lack of timely labour-market and inflation signals is making policy decisions more challenging. The rate cut drew dissent from two

International

US Grants South Korea Approval to Build Nuclear-Powered Submarine

By BPN News Desk October 30, 2025

In a major policy shift, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Washington has granted South Korea approval to build a nuclear-powered submarine. The announcement came during his visit to Seoul, where he met with South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung. This marks a significant departure from the traditional U.S. stance of restricting allied access to […]