Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump during high-stakes talks in Beijing that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push the United States and China toward direct conflict. According to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, Xi described Taiwan as “the most important issue in China-US relations” and cautioned that bilateral ties could enter a “highly perilous situation” if Washington failed to approach the matter carefully. Xi further warned that improper handling could cause the two powers to “collide or even come into conflict.” The remarks came during Trump’s first China visit since 2017, amid rising geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and intensifying military and diplomatic competition between the world’s two largest economies. (PC: X)

Two Punjabi-origin men living in Canada, Damanjeet Singh, 22, and Pardaman Singh, 30, were arrested after a Surrey Police Service probe into an extortion-linked shooting at a residence on Surrey’s 87A Avenue. Officers responding to reports of gunfire on April 22 found damage to a home and vehicle, though no injuries occurred. Investigators later identified a suspect vehicle and conducted searches with support from multiple agencies, including the Canada Border Services Agency. Both accused face firearm-related charges and remain in custody. Police said both are foreign nationals and released their photographs while seeking public assistance in uncovering wider criminal networks tied to violent extortion targeting South Asian communities across British Columbia. (PC: The Tribune)

Keir Starmer warned Labour MPs that a leadership contest would plunge the party into “chaos” amid growing speculation that Health Secretary Wes Streeting could challenge him for the leadership. Starmer is under mounting pressure after Labour’s heavy local election losses and the resignation of four ministers. During meetings with MPs and ministers, he defended his leadership while promoting a legislative agenda focused on health, housing, immigration and public sector reform. The King’s Speech included proposals to abolish NHS England, nationalise British Steel and fast-track green energy projects. More than 80 Labour MPs have reportedly urged Starmer to resign or announce a departure timeline. (PC: PA Media)

An India-bound LPG tanker successfully crossed the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran, officials said. The Marshall Islands-flagged vessel ‘Symi’ passed through the sensitive maritime route, while another LPG carrier, the Vietnam-flagged ‘NV Sunshine’, was expected to cross by Thursday. The tanker is carrying nearly 46,000 tonnes of cooking gas and is headed towards New Mangaluru Port with 24 crew members onboard. The vessels are among 41 tankers identified by India’s shipping ministry for priority evacuation monitoring during the regional conflict. Officials also said 13 Indian-flagged vessels remain inside the conflict zone as maritime security concerns continue to rise. (PC: AP)

United Arab Emirates has denied claims that Benjamin Netanyahu held a “secret meeting” with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the ongoing conflict with Iran. In a statement carried by state news agency WAM, the UAE said its ties with Israel are conducted openly under the Abraham Accords and rejected reports of undisclosed arrangements as “baseless”. The denial came after Netanyahu’s office claimed he had secretly visited the UAE amid “Operation Roaring Lion”. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office described the alleged meeting as “a historic breakthrough” in bilateral relations during escalating regional tensions involving Iran and Israel. (PC: X)

Xi Jinping and Donald Trump held high-stakes talks in Beijing on Thursday, signalling efforts to stabilise ties between the world’s two largest economies amid ongoing geopolitical and trade tensions. Welcoming Trump at the Great Hall of the People, Xi said, “A stable China-U.S. relationship is a boon for the world. Cooperation benefits both sides, while confrontation harms both. We should be partners and not rivals.” Trump responded warmly, stating, “It’s an honour to be with you. It’s an honour to be your friend.” The meeting is expected to focus on trade disputes, strategic rivalry, global stability and broader economic cooperation between Washington and Beijing.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday for the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting hosted by S. Jaishankar, as the ongoing Iran conflict cast a shadow over the two-day summit. Araghchi travelled aboard an Iranian aircraft named “Minab168”, referencing the 168 girls killed in a missile strike in Minab during the US-Israel conflict, a symbol frequently invoked by Tehran. Iran has been urging BRICS nations to adopt a stronger position against the US-Israel military campaign, though divisions within the bloc remain visible. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will attend, while China’s Wang Yi will skip the meeting.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told NDTV that Tehran no longer has full control over parts of its enriched uranium stockpile amid rising tensions with the United States. The statement comes as Washington increases pressure on Iran’s nuclear programme and demands strict limits on uranium enrichment. Iran maintained that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes but rejected calls to completely halt enrichment or transfer uranium abroad. Reports suggest ongoing diplomatic efforts remain fragile, with disagreements over inspections, sanctions relief and nuclear restrictions continuing to block a breakthrough. The issue has intensified fears of renewed conflict and concerns over Iran’s potential proximity to weapons-grade uranium capability. (PC: NDTV)

The Centre clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary gold purchases and limit foreign travel is not an austerity drive but a call for “wise spending” during global uncertainty caused by the Iran conflict. Government sources said there will be no cuts in welfare schemes, subsidies or public expenditure. Modi urged citizens to conserve fuel, use public transport, work from home when possible and reduce imports that pressure India’s foreign exchange reserves. The government also stressed that there is no immediate fuel crisis, though rising crude oil prices remain a concern amid tensions in West Asia. (PC: India Today)

After nine days of intense discussions and internal consultations, the Congress leadership has reportedly finalised its choice for Kerala’s next Chief Minister following the UDF’s decisive Assembly election victory. Senior leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge held crucial meetings in Delhi before confirming that the official announcement will be made on Thursday. The delay triggered speculation, protests and poster campaigns in Kerala, especially around frontrunner K. C. Venugopal. Other contenders included V. D. Satheesan and Ramesh Chennithala. Congress leaders said all consultations are complete and the party now aims to quickly form the new government in Kerala. (PC: The Hindu)