World

  British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a comprehensive strategic partnership during talks in Beijing, seeking to reset strained ties, expand trade and cooperation, and jointly address global challenges amid geopolitical uncertainty and economic pressures 

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art will return three illegally removed South Indian bronze sculptures to India following provenance research, while retaining one Chola-period Shiva Nataraja on a long-term loan agreed with the Indian government

The US has criticised the EU for finalising a free trade agreement with India, accusing Europe of prioritising commerce over Ukraine by refusing to penalise New Delhi for buying Russian oil amid the ongoing war.

The latest purge can have repercussions on Taiwan, which China considers its own territory and has threatened to take control of the island by force

Coercive regime change undermines global norms and risks deepening instability rather than resolving regional crises

Experts and journalists in Bangladesh warned that deteriorating law and order and organised mob violence are being fuelled by patronage from the Yunus-led interim government. They flagged shrinking media freedom, attacks on news outlets, regulatory overreach, and growing threats to journalists

An Indian-origin man, Dalip Chadha, 57, appeared in a London court charged with murdering a woman believed to be his wife at their Ilford home. Police found the victim dead after responding to an early-morning call; investigations are ongoing

President Donald Trump said a large US naval “armada,” including the USS Abraham Lincoln and warships, is heading toward the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran. He stressed the move aims to deter escalation and prefers diplomacy over military action 

A man sprayed an unknown substance on US Rep. Ilhan Omar during a Minneapolis town hall. He was tackled, arrested; Omar was unharmed, continuing her speech

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said India emerged on top in the India-EU free trade agreement, gaining greater market access and mobility benefits. He noted EU’s globalization push amid US protectionism and highlighted ongoing concerns over India’s Russian oil purchases

Thirteen Russian and seven Belarusian athletes will compete as neutral individuals at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics after IOC invitations. Barred from national symbols, they passed neutrality checks, with Russian figure skaters emerging as the strongest medal contenders

Samsung announced a new built-in privacy display for upcoming Galaxy smartphones, likely debuting on the Galaxy S26 Ultra, while also unveiling the Galaxy Z Flip 7 Olympic Edition for athletes at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games

Elina Svitolina stunned Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-2 to reach her first Australian Open semifinal, extending her winning streak to 10 matches. Aryna Sabalenka and Carlos Alcaraz also advanced, with Alcaraz chasing a career Grand Slam and Sabalenka eyeing a third crown

World champion D Gukesh lost to Matthias Bluebaum, while Arjun Erigaisi drew with Hans Niemann in round nine of the Tata Steel Masters. Abdusattorov leads with six points, Sindarov and van Foreest trail close behind, as Indian players continue to struggle

India crushed Zimbabwe by 204 runs in the U19 World Cup Super 6 stage, led by Vihaan Malhotra’s century and Abhigyan Kundu’s 61. Ayush Mhatre and Udhav Mohan took three wickets each as India reclaimed top spot in Group 2

India crushed Zimbabwe by 204 runs and Pakistan beat New Zealand by eight wickets to stay in contention for U19 World Cup semi-finals. Vihaan Malhotra hit a century, while Sameer Minhas starred with an unbeaten 76. India and Pakistan meet Sunday

New Zealand bowling coach Jacob Oram praised India’s top three batters Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, likening them to Sanath Jayasuriya. He admitted it was tough to contain India’s batting line-up and said motivating Kiwi bowlers remains a challenge

Indian fast bowling coach Morne Morkel praised the team’s depth and X-factor ahead of the T20 World Cup. He called Jasprit Bumrah the best bowler in the world and expressed confidence that Sanju Samson will soon regain form

Mercedes-Benz India MD and CEO Santosh Iyer says FTA will strongly drive technological innovation within the Indian automotive sector

India sealed the five-match T20 series against New Zealand 3-0, with strong batting and bowling depth. Coach Gautam Gambhir may experiment ahead of the World Cup, as Ishan Kishan impressed while Sanju Samson struggled to find form

India has safeguarded sensitive sectors, including dairy, cereals, poultry, soymeal, certain fruits and vegetables, balancing export growth with domestic priorities

The India-EU Free Trade Agreement underscores stability and rules-based cooperation at a time of global uncertainty

India and the European Union signed a landmark free trade agreement, described as the “mother of all deals,” aiming to create a market of two billion people. The pact will cut tariffs on most goods, boost key sectors, and deepen strategic cooperation, alongside defence and mobility agreements

Singapore will recognise medical degrees from eight additional overseas universities, including Manipal Academy in India, to meet growing healthcare demand from its ageing population. The move increases registrable foreign medical schools to 120, ensuring high standards through SMC supervision