Chinese President Xi Jinping called on China and the United States to ensure artificial intelligence remains under human control and serves people’s interests during his White House meeting with President Donald Trump. Speaking in the White House Grand Foyer on Thursday, Xi said both countries were leading nations in AI and therefore had a special responsibility for managing its development. He urged the two sides to develop and manage AI “for good” while keeping human control over the technology. AI was a key issue in the summit, alongside trade, security and other bilateral concerns. Trump had earlier said “Super Intelligence” would be discussed, while indicating he wanted arrangements to remain unchanged.

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival in Washington on September 23 for talks with US President Donald Trump has failed to end recent speculation about his health. Xi was seen walking slowly down the aircraft stairs while holding the handrail and his wife Peng Liyuan’s hand. The rumours intensified after he skipped a BRICS gala dinner in New Delhi and returned to China earlier than other leaders. A Chinese dissident has alleged that Xi suffered a stroke, but the claim remains unverified and has not been supported by credible medical or official evidence. Xi’s participation in the US visit provides no confirmation of the health allegations. 

Bangladesh has resumed significant wheat purchases from India after a four-year gap, as Russia-Ukraine war-related attacks disrupt grain shipments through the Black Sea. Wheat flour prices in Dhaka have risen by around 17% in the past month, increasing pressure on consumers. Supplies from Australia, Canada and other distant markets have become more expensive, making Indian wheat attractive because of lower transport costs and shorter delivery times. Since India relaxed its wheat export restrictions in August, Bangladeshi buyers have booked at least 200,000 tonnes. India’s record 2025–26 harvest is also expected to boost exports substantially in 2026–27. (PC: AP)

Paris prosecutors have opened an investigation into racist abuse and online harassment targeting French judo champion Teddy Riner after he spoke publicly about his concerns over the rise of the far right in France. Riner said he felt “anxiety” about the country’s political direction, after which numerous racist insults and hate messages were directed at him online. The 37-year-old Olympic champion said he would continue speaking about France’s situation and stressed the importance of unity, diversity and republican values. The case comes amid heightened political debate ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election, with the National Rally featuring prominently in current political discussions. (PC: AP)

A Bloomberg investigation, cited by NDTV, reports that an internal Pentagon review found outdated intelligence, incorrect site classification and heavy reliance on AI contributed to the February 28 strike on Shajarah Tayyebeh Elementary School in Minab, Iran. Two Tomahawk missiles struck the school, killing more than 150 people, including at least 123 children, according to the report. The site had once been part of a military compound but had operated as a school for years, while older intelligence continued to classify it as an IRGC facility. US personnel reportedly relied on Palantir’s AI-enabled Maven system during an accelerated targeting process. The Pentagon investigation remains unpublished. (PC: Reuters)

The Supreme Court on September 24 sought Karnataka’s response to Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking additional Cauvery water, with Tamil Nadu claiming a 20 TMC shortfall. Tamil Nadu argued that inadequate water supply had already affected its early Kharif crop and urged the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to address the deficit. Karnataka disputed the claim and said it was facing a severe drought while complying with CWMA release directions. The court observed that Tamil Nadu’s deficit grievance should be considered by the CWMA and gave Karnataka one week to respond. The matter will be heard again on October 12. (PC: X)

Saudi Arabia issued emergency warnings on September 24 after its National Early Warning Platform alerted residents in Mecca and several other regions to a “potential danger.” Alerts covered Mecca, Jeddah, Yanbu, Tabuk and Taif. Saudi Civil Defense advised residents and visitors to remain indoors, move to secure interior areas away from windows and glass, avoid open spaces, rooftops and balconies, and follow official instructions. People outdoors were told to seek shelter in nearby buildings or behind solid barriers. The alerts were later lifted, with authorities providing no immediate details about the nature of the potential threat. The warnings came amid heightened regional tensions. (PC: X)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on September 24 alleged that India’s elections were being “rigged” and sharply criticised the Election Commission and the government over reported differences within the poll panel regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The controversy follows reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi raised objections to aspects of the process. Gandhi alleged that the issue amounted to “vote chori” and a threat to constitutional rights. The Election Commission rejected claims of institutional disagreement, saying individual observations are normal and that final decisions, including SIR-related measures, were taken unanimously. The matter remains politically contested. (PC: AP)

India added more medals at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya on September 24. Roshibina Devi won silver in the women’s 60kg wushu event, her second straight Asian Games silver. Satnam Singh and Salman Khan also won bronze in men’s double sculls rowing. India’s medal tally reached 14 with one gold, six silver and seven bronze medals at that stage. India also advanced in several events. The men’s hockey team beat South Korea 8-2, while squash player Anahat Singh reached the quarter-finals. India’s men’s kabaddi team also secured a place in the semi-finals.

9 passengers died after a sleeper bus caught fire on the Yamuna Expressway in Greater Noida. According to an FIR, passengers noticed a burning smell and asked the driver to stop. The driver and conductor allegedly refused and said, “If you want to die, then die; we won’t stop the bus.” The complaint also alleged that both men were smoking bidis and cigarettes inside the driver’s cabin. Flames later spread quickly, filling the bus with smoke. The bus was carrying 35 passengers. The driver and conductor fled after the bus stopped. Police have launched a probe and are searching for them.