Recent reporting, background, and summaries from the politics desk.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded a two-day Beijing summit, signaling a shift towards a more pragmatic, business-focused relationship centered on economic cooperation. While discussions primarily focused on trade, no major breakthroughs were announced on contentious issues like Iran or Taiwan, indicating a strategic focus on economic ties over immediate resolution of geopolitical disputes.
President Donald Trump has landed in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, a critical effort to de-escalate deep tensions between the two global superpowers. With the Iran standoff high on the agenda, the presence of top U.S. executives like Elon Musk also signals crucial discussions on trade and technology.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay successfully passed a crucial floor test, ensuring the TVK-led government's continuation despite significant opposition and internal dissent. He secured a majority with vital backing from Congress, Left parties, VCK, and even rebel AIADMK MLAs, solidifying his administration's position.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, 81, has been sworn in for his seventh term, extending his four-decade rule over the nation. This controversial inauguration follows a January election marred by reports of intimidation and abductions, raising significant concerns about democratic processes.
Himanta Biswa Sarma has been sworn in for his second consecutive term as Assam's Chief Minister, following the NDA's significant victory in the recent state elections. Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered the oath in Guwahati, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior BJP leaders present to mark the occasion.
Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Sunday killed at least three Palestinians, including two members of the Hamas-run police force, critically highlighting the extreme fragility of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Among the dead were the head of the criminal police force in Khan Younis and his aide, killed in a targeted strike that further escalated regional tensions.
US President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing for a highly anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, marking the first such visit in nearly a decade and signaling a crucial moment for global diplomacy. The discussions are expected to cover contentious issues like trade, Taiwan, and the Iran conflict, with China particularly keen on securing a trade truce and continued access to US technology.
Péter Magyar is poised to become Hungary's new Prime Minister on May 9, 2026, officially ending Viktor Orbán's 16-year tenure and ushering in a new political era. His Tisza party secured a historic two-thirds parliamentary majority, empowering them to dismantle Orbán's policies and address long-standing corruption.
Despite significant local election losses that saw Labour lose traditional strongholds, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defiantly declared his intention to remain in power. This challenging period for Labour was further highlighted by notable gains for Nigel Farage's Reform UK, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape.
In a stunning political upset, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has seized control of West Bengal, a state long considered an opposition bastion. This landmark victory not only marks a significant breakthrough for the BJP but also strengthens Modi's position and signals a potential shift in India's political landscape.
The UK Labour government has unveiled ambitious plans to transform state-owned land into thriving natural habitats, notably by establishing tree nurseries at prisons to restore ecosystems and support prisoner welfare. This significant commitment to environmental restoration also includes converting military ranges into vital heathland or peat bogs, showcasing a broad effort to green public spaces.
President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw American troops from Italy and Spain, citing their perceived lack of support in the US-Israeli war against Iran. This surprising declaration, which follows Spain's opposition to the conflict, also stems from Trump's frustration with NATO allies for not assisting in opening the Strait of Hormuz.