US authorities are reportedly preparing to resolve major fraud and bribery-related cases against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani and the Adani Group, according to Bloomberg and Reuters reports. The US Department of Justice may drop criminal charges linked to an alleged bribery scheme involving solar energy contracts, while the US Securities and Exchange Commission is reportedly negotiating a civil settlement that could include financial penalties. The investigations began in 2024 over accusations that Adani executives concealed alleged payments to Indian officials while raising funds from US investors. Adani representatives have denied wrongdoing, and no final official announcement has yet been made. (PC: ANI)

Fresh tensions erupted near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was reportedly seized near the UAE coast while an Indian-flagged cargo ship sank near Oman following a suspected attack. The incidents come amid stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran, raising fears of wider regional instability and disruption to global oil supplies. Iran has tightened control over shipping routes, while the US and allies continue military monitoring in the Gulf. Maritime security agencies warned of growing risks for commercial vessels as diplomatic efforts struggle to prevent further escalation in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. (PC: Reuters)

Chinese President Xi Jinping urged US President Donald Trump to protect and strengthen US-China relations during a major summit in Beijing, warning against actions that could damage ties between the world’s two largest economies. Xi stressed cooperation over rivalry, while both leaders discussed sensitive issues including Taiwan, trade disputes, the Iran conflict, and global economic stability. Trump praised Xi as a “great leader” and expressed optimism about future relations. The summit featured grand diplomatic ceremonies, with both sides aiming to stabilise ties despite continuing geopolitical tensions and disagreements over technology, security, and regional influence. (PC: NDTV)

Long queues and panic buying were reported at petrol pumps across several Indian cities after rumours of a sharp petrol and diesel price hike spread amid rising global crude oil prices linked to the West Asia crisis. Many fuel stations witnessed heavy rushes, with some temporarily running out of stock due to sudden demand. Reports suggested state-run oil companies are facing major losses while keeping fuel prices unchanged, increasing speculation about an imminent hike. However, government officials urged citizens not to panic, assuring that fuel supplies remain adequate and distribution systems are functioning normally despite temporary delays caused by hoarding and increased demand. (PC: India Today)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday issued a stern warning to Pakistan over terrorism, declaring that India would retaliate decisively against any future provocation. Addressing a gathering in Nagaur after unveiling a statue of Rajput ruler Rao Duda, Singh said Operation Sindoor had delivered a strong message to Pakistan. Referring to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, he accused Pakistan-backed terrorists of targeting victims based on religion and said India had responded forcefully. Singh reiterated India’s “zero tolerance” policy on terrorism, citing the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 Balakot airstrikes as examples of the country’s evolving security doctrine and military response strategy. (PC: X)

Eric Schmitt sparked controversy after criticising the US H-1B visa system and referencing Hyderabad’s Chilkur Balaji Temple, popularly known as the “Visa Temple.” In a series of posts on X, Schmitt alleged programmes like H-1B, L-1, F-1 and OPT suppress American wages and favour foreign workers, particularly Indians. He claimed the “Visa Cartel” uses networks that disadvantage US graduates and accused major technology firms of routing jobs through immigration pipelines. Schmitt also alleged Indian visa applicants circulate confidential interview questions among themselves. His remarks triggered online backlash, with critics accusing him of stereotyping Indians and targeting a religious site associated with visa aspirations among students and IT professionals.

Donald Trump struck a notably conciliatory tone during a state banquet hosted by Xi Jinping in Beijing, declaring that “the world is a special world with the two of us united and together.” Trump described bilateral talks as “extremely positive and productive” and called US-China ties “one of the most consequential relationships in world history.” The US president highlighted centuries of cultural and economic links between both nations, referencing early American trade with China, Confucius, Theodore Roosevelt and modern cultural exchanges. Emphasising shared values like hard work and achievement, Trump argued cooperation between Washington and Beijing remains essential for global stability amid rising geopolitical tensions and strategic rivalry. (PC: News18)

Gautam Adani could receive major legal relief as the United States Justice Department reportedly moves to drop criminal fraud and bribery charges linked to an alleged $265 million corruption scheme tied to India’s largest solar power project. According to a Bloomberg report, US prosecutors may withdraw the case as early as this week, while the US Securities and Exchange Commission is also reportedly considering settlement discussions in a parallel civil fraud matter. Prosecutors had accused Adani, nephew Sagar Adani and other executives of concealing alleged bribery payments while raising billions through loans and bond offerings. The case had intensified global scrutiny of the Adani Group since late 2024. (PC: India Today)

Chinese President Xi Jinping said the United States and China should become “partners, not rivals,” stressing the need for cooperation between the world’s two largest economies despite rising geopolitical tensions. His remarks came shortly after Beijing reiterated strong warnings against any foreign interference in Taiwan, which China considers part of its territory. Xi emphasized stable diplomatic ties, economic collaboration, and mutual respect to avoid confrontation. However, ongoing disputes over Taiwan, trade, military activities in the Indo-Pacific, and technology restrictions continue to strain relations between China and United States, keeping global attention focused on the fragile balance between cooperation and rivalry.

A shocking video from Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly showed a man being lifted nearly 50 feet into the air while clutching a tin shed during powerful storm winds. The incident occurred as intense dust storms and heavy rainfall lashed several parts of North India, disrupting normal life and damaging property. Eyewitnesses captured the terrifying moment as locals rushed to help after the man fell. Officials said he suffered minor injuries and is now safe. Weather authorities have warned of continued strong winds, thunderstorms and rain across parts of Uttar Pradesh and nearby states over the next few days.