Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Washington on Wednesday for a three-day state visit, receiving a tarmac welcome from US President Donald Trump at Joint Base Andrews. Trump and Melania Trump greeted Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, during an arrival ceremony featuring a military band and cannon fire. The visit is Xi’s first US trip in three years and his first state visit to Washington in more than a decade. Trump and Xi are expected to discuss trade, technology, artificial intelligence, Iran and Taiwan. Taiwan is likely to remain a key sticking point, with Xi expected to reiterate Beijing’s claims while Washington maintains restrictions on sensitive technology exports to China.

Two Royal Air Force pilots ejected from a Hawk T2 training aircraft before it crashed and burst into flames near Pencarnisiog on Anglesey, Wales. North Wales Police said both pilots suffered minor injuries and were taken to Birmingham for treatment. The aircraft crashed close to RAF Valley, with emergency helicopters sent to the scene. Police said there were no reports of other injuries or wider damage. Witnesses said the aircraft appeared to be in trouble shortly after take-off, with one describing flames coming from the plane. The Royal Air Force has temporarily paused Hawk training while an investigation into the crash continues.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held up photos of students killed in a US attack on a school during his address to the United Nations General Assembly. Referring to the incident, Pezeshkian said, “US bombed our school,” as he criticised Washington’s military actions against Iran. He displayed the photographs while speaking about civilian casualties and the impact of the conflict on Iranian people. Pezeshkian also accused the United States and Israel of targeting civilians and said Iran would not surrender under pressure. His address came amid continuing tensions between Tehran, Washington and Tel Aviv, with the Iranian president calling for diplomacy while rejecting threats against his country. (PC: The Hindu)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s description of Iran as a terrorist state during his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Pezeshkian said Iran had instead been a victim of terrorism and accused the United States and Israel of attacking Iranian territory. He referred to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader and attacks on civilians and institutions, including a school where children were killed. Pezeshkian said Iran had defended itself against what he described as attacks and aggression, adding that its forces had not deliberately targeted civilians. His remarks came a day after Trump threatened to “annihilate” Islamic Republic if no deal was reached.

French President Emmanuel Macron challenged US President Donald Trump’s claim of securing peace in Gaza during his final United Nations General Assembly address on September 22. Macron argued that the situation on the ground did not reflect a diplomatic breakthrough, pointing to the lack of reopened humanitarian access in Gaza. His remarks came hours after Trump described his 20-point Gaza peace plan as a diplomatic achievement. Macron also criticised developments in the West Bank and warned that continued violations could undermine prospects for Palestinian statehood. The White House rejected Macron’s criticism and defended Trump’s handling of the conflict. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has backed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as an alternative route for energy and trade amid tensions with Iran. Speaking at a meeting with Gulf Cooperation Council leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Trump said Middle East energy infrastructure should move away from Iranian checkpoints. He said the US strongly supports IMEC and other routes for moving oil. The corridor, launched in 2023, plans rail, shipping, energy and digital links connecting India, the Gulf and Europe. Trump also warned Iran of possible annihilation and said US military action last year had destroyed its nuclear programme. (PC: NDTV)

The United States and Iran held their first reported talks since a June ceasefire collapsed, meeting at the UN in New York through Qatari mediation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met US envoy Steve Witkoff as both sides explored ways to end the conflict. No breakthrough was reported. Witkoff said the discussions were “constructive and promising,” while Iran called for an end to what it described as US aggression. The talks came after President Donald Trump warned he could “annihilate” Iran if no deal was reached. Iran has also linked progress to ending the war, lifting the US blockade and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: BBC)

A bronze statue honoring rescue dog Tsunami has been unveiled in Maracaibo, Venezuela, recognizing his search-and-rescue efforts after a June earthquake. Tsunami helped rescue teams search for people following the disaster. The city presented him with its Honor of Merit award, while the Maracaibo Fire Department awarded him a Medal of Valor. The tribute highlights the role of trained rescue animals in emergency operations. Tsunami’s work during the earthquake response drew attention from local officials and residents, who gathered to honor the dog. The statue was unveiled as a lasting recognition of his contribution to the rescue effort.

Videos showing a mysterious object with bright, multicoloured lights hovering over Tehran have surfaced on social media, sparking widespread speculation. The clips, reportedly filmed on September 20 near the Azadegan Expressway, show a low-flying object moving through the night sky. Iranian authorities have not identified the object or called it a threat, and its altitude, speed and size remain unconfirmed. Theories range from a military drone to a kite viewed from a distance. The sighting comes amid rising tensions between Iran, the US and Israel. It has also revived memories of the famous 1976 Tehran UFO incident, though no link has been confirmed.

The Election Commission on Wednesday said all its decisions, including the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, were taken unanimously by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The clarification came after an Indian Express report said Sandhu and Joshi had recorded objections at least 14 times over 10 months. The reported concerns involved changes to Form 6, centralisation of ERONet controls, voter deletion appeals in West Bengal and 97 eligible voters in Goa who could not be added to the final roll. The EC said all decisions had the approval of all three commissioners. (PC: HT)