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

International

Russia Shows Video of Drone Claim at Putin Residence

By BPN News Desk December 31, 2025

Russia’s Defence Ministry released video footage on Wednesday showing what it says is a downed drone that it claims was launched by Ukraine toward one of President Vladimir Putin’s residences in the Novgorod region in northwest Russia. The release came amid renewed tension in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine and during parallel diplomatic […]

International

Thailand Releases 18 Cambodian Soldiers

By BPN News Desk December 31, 2025

Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers it had detained since July as part of a renewed ceasefire agreement with Cambodia. The soldiers were handed back at a border checkpoint after spending 155 days in Thai custody, marking an important step in easing tensions between the two neighbouring countries. Border Clashes and Ceasefire The release follows […]

International

Khaleda Zia’s Funeral Held With State Honours

By BPN News Desk December 31, 2025

Bangladesh on Wednesday held the funeral of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia amid nationwide mourning. Khaleda Zia, who served twice as Prime Minister and was the country’s first woman to hold the office, died at the age of 80 after a prolonged illness. The government announced state mourning to mark her death, with flags flown […]