US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping placed artificial intelligence at the centre of their White House summit, while outlining different approaches to managing the technology. Trump described “Super Intelligence” as a major discussion topic and said he wanted to leave AI “exactly where it is”, with the US Department of Justice serving as a guardrail. Xi called for the US and China to develop and manage AI for society’s benefit while ensuring it remains “under human control”. He also backed continued bilateral dialogue on AI’s risks, benefits and misuse. The contrasting remarks highlighted differences over AI guardrails even as both leaders emphasized cooperation and competition in the future.

US intelligence assessments cited by CNN say Chinese groups have provided satellite imagery and geospatial intelligence that helped Iran improve targeting of US military bases and vessels. The support reportedly aided a July strike on the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan that killed three American service members, with officials saying its precision would have been difficult without outside intelligence. Chinese geospatial data has also helped Iranian forces track maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and better time drone attacks on ships. US officials said China’s assistance is one of several factors behind Iran’s improved capabilities, alongside Russian support and battlefield experience. The extent of Beijing’s involvement remains unclear, however. (PC: X)

Pakistani and Taliban forces clashed along the disputed Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Balochistan’s Chaman sector on Friday, ending three months of relative calm. Pakistani security sources said their forces thwarted an attempted attack from across the border and killed several Afghan Taliban fighters. CNN-News18 reported that Pakistani forces destroyed at least seven Taliban positions with concentrated artillery fire, while security sources put the Taliban death toll at at least 17. Taliban officials said Pakistani strikes hit Afghan refugees expelled from Pakistan. The clashes followed Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan this week, including strikes in Kunar, Paktika and Kandahar. Islamabad repeatedly accuses the Taliban of sheltering TTP militants, while Kabul strongly denies the allegations.

Researchers investigating Turkey’s boat-shaped Durupınar Formation near Mount Ararat say new radar surveys and drilling have detected unusual underground features, including straight lines, right-angle intersections, possible corridors and cavity-like spaces. The research team has described the formation as a man-made structure, while some reports have linked the findings to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, traditionally dated by some interpretations to more than 4,300 years ago. However, the Ark itself has not been confirmed. Organic material recovered through drilling is being tested, while further core sampling and a specially designed robot investigation are planned. Scientists remain divided over the formation’s origin.

Italy’s government has approved new school measures under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni that ban face-covering garments such as burqas and niqabs in schools. The rules prohibit covered faces during curricular, extracurricular and school-family activities, with fines of €200 to €1,000 for violations. The government has also introduced a 30% limit on certain foreign students in first-year classes, particularly those with limited experience in Italy’s education system. Officials say the measures aim to promote integration and Italian-language learning. Schools may receive exemptions and additional language-support funding. The decree must be ratified by Parliament within 60 days. (PC: Reuters)

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)

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)