US President Donald Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, where the two leaders highlighted improving relations between the United States and China. During the visit, Xi announced that China would send two giant pandas to Zoo Atlanta in the coming days, continuing a long-standing tradition of panda diplomacy. The announcement came as Washington and Beijing seek to stabilize relations amid disagreements over trade, technology and other strategic issues. The panda arrival is expected to provide a symbolic boost to people-to-people ties. The leaders’ meeting also focused on strengthening communication and cooperation between the world’s two largest economies. (PC: X)

More than 100 people were arrested in New York during protests against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United Nations General Assembly. Demonstrators, including activists, politicians and actors, blocked a road near the UN headquarters and called for an end to US military support for Israel’s war in Gaza. Police said 103 people were arrested for disorderly conduct, and all were later released. Among those detained were actors Susan Sarandon and Hannah Einbinder and congressional candidate Darializa Avila Chevalier. The protests coincided with Netanyahu’s UN speech, during which he defended Israel’s actions and rejected accusations of genocide in Gaza. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping to the White House for a lavish state dinner, as both leaders highlighted improved ties between the United States and China. Trump described the relationship positively, while Xi said the two countries’ interests are deeply interconnected and called for greater mutual trust and cooperation. Their discussions covered major issues including trade, technology and Taiwan. The meeting came amid efforts to ease economic tensions between the two countries. Xi also announced plans for Chinese panda diplomacy and youth exchanges involving Americans. The leaders presented the gathering as a potential new phase in bilateral relations. (PC: BBC)

Indian shooters Kamaljeet and Suruchi Singh won the gold medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The pair dominated the final with a score of 484.6 points, finishing 6.6 points ahead of South Korea, which secured silver with 478.0 points. Iran won bronze with 415.8 points. India’s duo had earlier topped the qualification round with 587 points. Their final score also set a new Asian Games record, surpassing the previous mark of 481.3. The victory gave India its second gold medal of the Games and its first shooting gold. (PC: PTI)

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar within 48 hours, threatening a nationwide agitation and a “Jantar Mantar 2.0” protest if he does not step down. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke accused the Election Commission of undermining voters’ rights and raised allegations concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The organisation also launched an “Election Commission Thik Karo” campaign and called for an independent inquiry into electoral-roll decisions. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of manipulation, stating that its decisions, including those related to SIR, were taken unanimously. (PC: AP)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called delegates who walked out as he began his UN General Assembly speech “moral cowards,” as he defended Israel’s actions in Gaza and its wider military campaign. Dozens of representatives left the hall before and during his address, highlighting international criticism of Israel’s conduct in the conflict. Netanyahu rejected accusations that Israel was committing genocide and argued that his government was acting in self-defence. He also criticised international pressure on Israel and defended its military operations against regional threats. The walkout and Netanyahu’s response reflected the continuing deep divisions at the United Nations over Israel’s policies and the Gaza war.

Saudi Arabia said it intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Houthi forces, targeting areas including Taif and the Yanbu region on the Red Sea. The attacks heightened concerns about possible disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s oil exports and regional energy infrastructure. Oil prices responded by rising sharply, with Brent crude settling 3.4% higher at $106.60 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate gained 2.7% to $94.61. The market remained volatile as reports emerged of US-Iran discussions over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping route. The developments add to growing Middle East security and energy-supply concerns. (PC: EPA)

India secured a table tennis medal at the 2026 Asian Games after Manush Shah and Diya Chitale defeated Hong Kong’s world No. 4 pair Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem in the mixed doubles quarterfinals. The Indian duo won 3-1, with game scores of 11-6, 13-15, 11-9 and 11-5, to reach the semifinals. The result guarantees India at least a bronze medal and marks only the country’s second Asian Games mixed doubles medal after Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra’s 2018 bronze. Shah and Chitale will face China’s Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha in the semifinal. (PC: X)

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary faced criticism from the opposition RJD after allegedly revealing the identity of a minor girl who was molested in Jamui. The girl and her family met the Chief Minister, who assured them of speedy justice and strict punishment for the accused. Choudhary posted a photograph with the victim and her family on X, but later removed it. RJD leaders accused him of violating provisions protecting the privacy of minor sexual-assault victims and demanded action. Bihar Police had also registered cases against social-media accounts for circulating material that exposed the girl’s identity. (PC: ANI)

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump to avoid treating relations between Washington and Beijing as a “win-or-lose” contest during their high-level talks in Washington on September 24, 2026. Xi said competition between the world’s two largest economies should remain healthy and within limits, while calling for greater cooperation and a new chapter in bilateral relations. He also warned against the “Thucydides Trap” of conflict between rising and established powers. Taiwan was discussed, with Xi urging Washington to oppose Taiwan independence. The leaders also addressed artificial intelligence, emphasizing responsible development and keeping AI under human control. (PC: AP)