Op-Eds Opinion

Changing the AQI Won’t Change What We Breathe

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

India’s air pollution crisis was never a mystery. It was visible, measurable, and deadly. Smog-filled winters, rising asthma cases, emergency room surges, and repeated judicial interventions made one thing clear: the air was toxic, and the state was failing to control it. Faced with this reality, the government had two choices. Fix the problem or […]

International

India Shuts Two More Visa Centres in Bangladesh

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

India has closed two additional visa application centres in Bangladesh, citing a worsening security situation and concerns over the safety of staff and applicants. The centres in Rajshahi and Khulna have been shut temporarily as authorities review conditions on the ground. Security Concerns Behind the Move Indian officials said the decision was taken as a […]

International

South African Lawmaker Congratulates India on BRICS 2026 Presidency

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

A senior South African parliamentary official has publicly congratulated India on assuming the BRICS Presidency for 2026, recognising the growing role India will play in the bloc of emerging economies. The statement highlighted the importance of strong leadership as BRICS prepares to host key meetings and the 18th BRICS Summit next year. Support for India’s […]

International

India Suspends Visa Services as Bangladesh Ties Strain

By BPN News Desk December 18, 2025

India has suspended visa services in Bangladesh after shutting its main visa application centre in Dhaka and halting operations at centres in Rajshahi and Khulna, citing security concerns. The decision comes amid rising tensions between the two countries following protests in Bangladesh that raised concerns over the safety of Indian diplomatic missions and personnel.

International

India, Oman to Sign Free Trade Agreement on December 18

By BPN News Desk December 17, 2025

India and Oman are set to sign a Free Trade Agreement on December 18, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral economic relations. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal confirmed the development, stating that the agreement will deepen trade, investment and strategic cooperation between the two countries. Agreement After Extended Negotiations The trade

International

India Summons Bangladesh Envoy Over Security Concerns

By BPN News Desk December 17, 2025

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner to India, M. Riaz Hamidullah, to express concern over a security threat directed at the Indian High Commission in Dhaka. The meeting took place in New Delhi on Wednesday, with Indian officials emphasising that the safety of diplomatic staff and missions must be […]

International

Jaishankar Meets Netanyahu to Deepen India–Israel Ties

By BPN News Desk December 17, 2025

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Israel. The meeting focused on expanding cooperation across a range of sectors, including technology, security, economic engagement and people-to-people ties. Focus on Strategic and Economic

Trade

India Holds Talks With Mexico Over Tariff Threat

By BPN News Desk December 16, 2025

India has initiated talks with Mexico after proposed tariff increases threatened to impact nearly $2 billion worth of Indian exports, officials said. The discussions are taking place at the technical level, with India seeking ways to prevent higher duties from affecting key export sectors. Mexico has announced plans to impose higher import tariffs on countries […]

Economy National

Nirmala Sitharaman Rebuts Trump’s “Dead Economy” Remark

By BPN News Desk December 16, 2025

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday rejected remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump describing India as a “dead economy,” telling the Lok Sabha that India recorded 8.2 per cent economic growth while the global average stood at around 3.2 per cent. She said the data itself was sufficient to counter claims questioning the strength of […]

National

India, US Close to Interim Trade Deal on Tariffs

By BPN News Desk December 15, 2025

India and the United States are close to finalising an interim trade agreement aimed at lowering reciprocal tariffs, Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said, while making it clear that both sides do not want to commit to a fixed timeline. The talks are part of ongoing efforts to resolve long-standing trade frictions and create a more […]