UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said ties with China are in a “good, strong place” after talks with President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Downing Street called the meeting productive and said both sides will keep frank and open dialogue on areas of disagreement. Officials said progress was made on easing whisky tariffs and expanding visa-free travel for UK visitors to China. Xi said China-UK relations have seen twists and turns, but engagement is unavoidable. Starmer received a ceremonial welcome at the Great Hall of the People and met Premier Li Qiang. The leaders are expected to sign agreements, including a border security pact to disrupt small boat engine supplies. (PC: BBC)

Senior NCP leader Ajit Pawar was cremated with full state honours in Baramati on Thursday. Thousands of supporters gathered as funeral arrangements began in the morning. Authorities shortened the planned procession due to crowd size and the condition of the body. Pawar’s wife Sunetra and sons Parth and Jay were present, along with uncle Sharad Pawar. Leaders from several parties also attended. Pawar, 66, died on Wednesday when a chartered Learjet 45 crashed near Baramati airport. Four others, including both pilots, were killed. Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s black box. Three days of state mourning have been announced. 

US President Donald Trump warned Iran that time was running out to reach a nuclear deal as US military forces increased in the Gulf. He said a large naval force, led by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, was moving toward the region. Iran responded by saying its armed forces were ready to react to any attack. Tehran repeated that its nuclear programme was peaceful and denied seeking nuclear weapons. US officials said the military build-up was meant to deter threats and protect personnel. The warning comes as Washington presses Iran to curb uranium enrichment and missile activity. No formal talks are under way. (PC: BBC)

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent sharply criticised the newly signed India-European Union free trade agreement, accusing European leaders of prioritising trade with India over solidarity with Ukraine amid the war against Russia. Bessent argued that by pursuing the trade deal, Europe has shown a “deep contradiction” in its Ukraine policy and, in his view, placed economic interests above geopolitical commitments. He also said some European nations continued buying refined products linked to discounted Russian oil, undermining coordinated Western sanctions. The landmark India-EU pact is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, but has triggered transatlantic tensions over geopolitical priorities. (PC: NDTV)

U.S. intelligence reports indicate interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez may not fully cooperate with the Trump administration’s goals, especially regarding severing ties with adversaries such as Iran, China and Russia. Rodríguez, who took office after the U.S. capture of Nicolás Maduro on Jan. 3, has not publicly expelled diplomats or advisers from those countries as Washington demands. The CIA assessed that Maduro loyalists were best placed to govern post‑ouster, but critics worry Rodríguez’s reliability could undermine U.S. influence and investment plans in Venezuela’s oil sector. Washington is also exploring contacts with military officials as alternatives. (PC: Reuters)

At least eight people have died in encounters with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) so far in 2026, including deaths in custody and fatal shootings by federal agents. Two high‑profile cases in Minneapolis — Alex Pretti and Renée Nicole Good — have sparked protests and national debate over use of force. Others died from medical issues, alleged suicide, or under unclear circumstances in detention facilities. The toll follows 32 deaths in ICE custody in 2025, the highest in two decades, raising concerns about medical care, oversight and enforcement practices under the current administration. (PC: Bloomberg)

U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated pressure on Iran, warning that Washington could launch a military attack if Tehran does not agree to negotiate a nuclear weapons deal. Trump said a “massive armada,” led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, is moving toward Iranian waters and insisted time is “running out” for diplomacy, referencing past U.S. strikes and stating a future attack could be “far worse.” Tehran has rejected talks under threat and says any assault would be met with fierce retaliation, while regional tensions rise amid protests and nuclear concerns. (PC: AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned a Russian drone strike on a passenger train in the Kharkiv region, calling it “terrorism”. Local officials said at least five people were killed and several others injured. More than 200 passengers were on board when one carriage was hit and two nearby drones exploded. Zelensky said there was no military reason to target civilians. Russia has not commented on the incident. Authorities said the train was travelling from western Ukraine to the Kharkiv region. The attack came amid intensified Russian drone strikes on transport and energy sites. Elsewhere, drone attacks killed civilians in Odesa and near Kyiv, officials said. (PC: BBC)

Eyewitnesses described multiple explosions and a large fire after a plane carrying Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar crashed in Baramati on Wednesday. The aircraft went off the runway while attempting to land and burst into flames moments later. One witness said the plane appeared unstable during descent before crashing and exploding. People nearby tried to help but were stopped by intense fire. The aircraft had five people on board, including Ajit Pawar, two staff members, and two pilots. Airport officials said the Learjet 45 was chartered from Mumbai. The crash occurred at Baramati airport in Pune district. All five on board died, officials confirmed. (PC: NDTV)

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is making the first British PM visit to China since 2018, meeting President Xi Jinping on Thursday. Sixty British business and cultural leaders accompany him, including representatives from HSBC, GSK, Jaguar Land Rover, and the National Theatre. Starmer argues Britain's China approach has been inconsistent, oscillating between "Golden Age to Ice Age," and strategic engagement serves national interests. He'll raise human rights issues, including Uyghur treatment and Jimmy Lai's imprisonment. Critics warn China poses national security threats, citing MI5 warnings about espionage. Conservatives accuse Starmer of lacking leverage after approving Beijing's controversial London embassy. The visit follows similar trips by Canadian and French leaders. (PC: BBC)