A violent storm bringing rain and hail scythed across India’s most populous state of Uttar Pradesh, killing more than 100 people, rescue officials said yesterday, as the chief minister ordered relief funds to be distributed within 24 hours.

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee swapped her signature white sari-and-shawl look for a black lawyer’s gown yesterday.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said President Xi Jinping had offered China's help to open the Strait of Hormuz and pledged not to send military equipment to aid Iran

'Taiwan question is the most important issue,' Xi made it clear to Trump

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio renewed an offer of $100mn aid

Passage requested by Beijing began on Wednesday evening after an understanding on Iranian management protocols

Wes Streeting announced Thursday that he has resigned as Britain's health minister, paving the way for a potential leadership challenge against embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that talks earlier with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping had been "extremely positive" while addressing a banquet on the first full day of a closely watched summit in Beijing

At least 104 people died in about a dozen districts, the worst hit being the area around the Hindu pilgrimage city of Prayagraj, the office of the state's relief commissioner, Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod, told Reuters.

A ship off the UAE coast near the Strait of Hormuz has been taken by unknown people and is now headed towards Iranian territorial waters, a UK maritime agency said on Thursday.

Iran calls upon BRICS members to challenge what it says are international law violations

Xi said negotiations between economic and trade teams on Wednesday had reached an "overall balanced and positive outcome"

Rubio attended meetings at the Great Hall of the People alongside Donald Trump during Trump’s visit to China.

Xi had greeted Trump with a red carpet welcome at the opulent Great Hall of the People with military band fanfare, a gun salute and a host of schoolchildren jumping and chanting "welcome!".

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed that the number of vehicles in his convoy be reduced by 50 percent, a move aimed at promoting austerity and reducing fuel consumption amid the current global situation.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday posted a map graphic on his Truth Social platform depicting Venezuela with an inset American flag and the label “51st State.”

Ukraine resumed drone attacks on Russia’s oil refineries and ports yesterday, two days after a three-day ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump expired.

King Charles III outlined UK leader Keir Starmer’s legislative plans during a pomp-filled ceremony yesterday, despite uncertainty over the prime minister’s future as he faces calls to resign from his own party.

Israel has escalated its attacks in Gaza in the five weeks since halting its joint bombing with the US in Iran, redirecting its fire back on the ruined Palestinian enclave where the military believes Hamas fighters are tightening their grip.

Henry Wang, president of the Center for China and Globalization, said yesterday Beijing could play a mediating role to help end the US-Iran conflict.