International

India-New Zealand FTA Takes Effect, Tariffs Cut

By BPN News Desk October 20, 2026

The India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into effect on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, granting Indian exporters duty-free access to the entire New Zealand market. The agreement is expected to strengthen bilateral trade, create opportunities for Indian businesses and professionals, and facilitate investments worth $20 billion over the coming years. India-New

International

402 Indian-Origin Scholars Warn Against Anarchy

By BPN News Desk October 20, 2026

More than 400 Indian-origin students, researchers, academics and university alumni from 27 countries have issued a joint statement warning against attempts to undermine India’s democratic institutions through disruptive protests. Released on October 19, 2026, the appeal expresses concern over challenges to electoral credibility, judicial independence and

International

Trump Says He Warned Macron Over Immigration

By BPN News Desk October 20, 2026

US President Donald Trump has claimed that he warned French President Emmanuel Macron against allowing large-scale immigration years before the latest wave of violent protests in France. Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, October 19, 2026, Trump blamed immigration policies for the unrest and urged French authorities to tighten border controls, despite […]

International

Two Indians Among 28 Charged in US Election Fraud

By BPN News Desk October 20, 2026

Two Indian nationals are among 28 foreign nationals charged with election-related offences in California, the United States Department of Justice announced on October 19, 2026. The accused, all lawful permanent residents holding green cards, allegedly registered to vote or cast ballots despite not possessing American citizenship. Federal authorities arrested 11 individuals

International

India Rejects OIC Resolution on Jammu and Kashmir

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2026

India has strongly rejected references to Jammu and Kashmir in resolutions adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), accusing Pakistan of using the international grouping to advance politically motivated narratives. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued its response on Monday, October 19, 2026, following the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers’

International

India-US Trade Deal Nears Completion: Marco Rubio

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that India and the United States are close to finalising a bilateral trade agreement, signalling progress in negotiations between the two countries. His remarks on Monday, October 19, 2026, come ahead of his scheduled visit to India and amid continuing discussions over tariffs, market access and energy-related […]

International

Beijing’s Elderly Population to Hit 33% by 2035

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2026

China’s capital Beijing is projected to become a heavily ageing city by 2035, with approximately one in three residents expected to be aged 60 or older. The demographic shift highlights growing challenges for China as its population continues to decline, placing increasing pressure on pension systems, healthcare services and economic growth. Beijing’s Elderly

International

Austrian Airlines Flight Diverted Over Bomb Threat

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2026

An Austrian Airlines flight travelling from Tel Aviv to Vienna made an emergency landing in Bulgaria on Sunday, October 18, following a reported bomb threat. The Airbus A320, carrying 51 passengers and six crew members, landed safely at Sofia Airport after being escorted by a Bulgarian Air Force fighter jet. Austrian Airlines Flight OS82 Diverted […]

International

Putin Proposes Ukraine Summit With Trump and Xi

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2026

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly proposed a trilateral summit with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss ending the Ukraine war. The proposal comes amid growing tensions between Washington and Kyiv, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks to maintain American support for peace negotiations and military assistance.

International

Macron Vows Action After Violent France Protests

By BPN News Desk October 19, 2026

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged strict action against those responsible for widespread violence during nationwide protests on October 17, 2026. Demonstrations over rising living costs and deteriorating educational conditions escalated into clashes with police, vandalism and looting across several French cities, resulting in thousands of arrests. Macron