World News Roundup: January 28-29, 2026
A series of significant events unfolded across the globe this week, ranging from political developments and tragic accidents to international relations.
In India, a plane crash claimed the lives of five people, including Ajit Pawar, the deputy chief minister of Maharashtra state, on Wednesday. The private plane was en route from Mumbai to Pawar's home city, Baramati, when it crashed in an open field approximately 159 miles (254km) from its origin, according to Sky News. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Pawar following the accident. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and the aircraft burst into flames upon impact.
On the diplomatic front, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, marking the first trip of its kind by a British leader in eight years. The two leaders agreed to deepen economic ties between the United Kingdom and China. Starmer stated before his trip that engaging in business with China was a "pragmatic choice" and that it was time for a "mature relationship" with the world's second-largest economy, according to Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković announced that Croatia would not be joining US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace." Plenković stated that the decision was made "after thorough analyses" and cited "a number of reasons" for the country's decision. He added that he would elaborate on the reasons at a later time. Trump had said last week that he expected more than 50 countries to join the board, which appears to challenge the United Nations Security Council's traditional role in international conflict resolution, according to Euronews.
Sky News also reported on disturbing accounts from medical professionals in Iran detailing the regime's crackdown on protesters. The reports emerged amidst sporadic internet access, making it difficult to obtain an accurate picture of the situation. According to Sky News, the "climate of fear has been restored" in Iran after the government "successfully crushed nationwide revolt."
Euronews also provided a general news bulletin, reporting on a major fire at Courchevel's Grandes Alpes hotel, which led to the evacuation of hundreds of people, and Storm Kristin, which killed two people in Portugal and caused widespread damage.
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