Russian Oil Tanker Diverts From China To India

By BPN News Desk March 18, 2026

National

A Russian oil tanker that was originally headed to China has changed course and is now sailing to India, underlining how the Gulf conflict is reshaping global crude trade flows. The diversion comes as Indian refiners sharply raise purchases from Russia to offset supply disruptions linked to the

Law & Order National

NIA Widens Probe After Foreign Nationals Arrest

By BPN News Desk March 18, 2026

The National Investigation Agency has widened its probe after arresting multiple foreign nationals, including a U.S. citizen and several Ukrainian nationals, in a case linked to suspected terror activity and cross-border militant networks. The case has drawn attention because investigators believe the arrests may be part of a larger international support structure

National

Government Tells Airlines To Keep 60% Seats Free of Selection Charges

By BPN News Desk March 18, 2026

The Centre has directed airlines to keep at least 60 percent of seats on every flight free of seat selection charges, in a move aimed at reducing extra costs for passengers. The new instructions are part of a wider set of pro-passenger measures issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry through the Directorate General of Civil […]

Law & Order National

Supreme Court Urges Law On Paternity Leave

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

The Supreme Court has urged the Union government to bring a law recognising paternity leave as a social security benefit, while also ruling on the rights of adoptive mothers under the Social Security Code, 2020. The court said leave policy must respond to the needs of both parents and the child, linking the issue to […]

National

Nanda Devi Arrives At Vadinar With LPG

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

India received another major LPG cargo on Tuesday as MT Nanda Devi reached Vadinar in Gujarat’s Jamnagar district after crossing the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing West Asia tensions. The vessel arrived carrying 46,500 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, with unloading set to proceed through a ship-to-ship transfer process at anchorage. MT Nanda Devi […]

National

India Trade Deficit Narrows To $27 Billion

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

India’s merchandise trade deficit narrowed to $27.1 billion in February from January’s higher level, helped by a monthly decline in imports even as export growth remained weak. The latest trade data comes at a time when India is also facing fresh external pressures from disrupted shipping routes, higher energy costs and uncertainty in major export […]

National

Indian Crude Near $137 Amid Gulf Conflict

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

India’s crude oil basket has surged sharply since the Gulf conflict began, climbing to about $137 a barrel and sharply increasing pressure on refiners, import costs and the broader economy. The spike reflects tighter global supply, disruption around the Strait of Hormuz and a rapid rise in freight and risk premiums linked to the ongoing […]

National

India-US Trade Deal Talks Face Delay

By BPN News Desk March 17, 2026

India remains engaged with the United States on a proposed bilateral trade deal, even as officials have acknowledged that uncertainty in Washington could slow progress. The latest comments from India’s commerce establishment suggest that negotiations are continuing, but the final timeline may depend on how trade policy developments unfold on the U.S. side. India-US Trade

National

Jaishankar Says Hormuz Talks Showing Results

By BPN News Desk March 16, 2026

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said India’s talks with Iran on restoring shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz are beginning to show results, offering some relief amid continuing disruption in one of the world’s most important energy corridors. His remarks come after Indian-flagged vessels were allowed to pass through the route following sustained

National

Assembly Poll Dates Announced In Five Regions

By BPN News Desk March 16, 2026

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the 2026 Assembly elections in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, setting the stage for a major round of state-level political contests. Polling will begin in April, with West Bengal voting in two phases, while the other four regions will go to the polls in […]