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Russian President Vladimir Putin met Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, emphasizing the importance of Pakistan as a “traditional partner” in Asia, Firstpost reported.

The leaders discussed strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Sharif highlighted a proposed trade corridor linking Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, aimed at boosting regional prosperity.

Both sides stressed continued dialogue to foster mutual growth and stability. Putin invited Sharif to the next SCO summit in Russia this November, an invitation the Pakistani Prime Minister welcomed.

The meeting marks a key step toward a more robust and multifaceted partnership between Pakistan and Russia, according to Firstpost.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing on Tuesday, accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, to attend China’s “Victory Day” military parade marking the 80th anniversary of Japan’s World War Two surrender. This is the first time a North Korean leader has attended a Chinese parade since 1959, BBC reported.

Kim traveled by his heavily guarded armored train, a tradition started by his grandfather, with South Korean intelligence suggesting his daughter is his “most likely” successor. He was greeted by senior Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in what North Korean media described as a “warm atmosphere.”

The visit highlights Kim’s rare diplomatic engagement abroad, following limited recent contacts with world leaders, mainly Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and underscores Pyongyang’s strategic ties with Beijing amid regional and global tensions, according to BBC.

US financial regulators are scaling back bank examinations and enforcement, prioritizing core financial metrics like capital, liquidity, and risk management over non-core areas such as climate, diversity, and reputational risk. Agencies including the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Federal Reserve, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) are postponing or reducing some exams and moving away from formal disciplinary notices toward informal guidance.

According to Reuters, the shift aims to align oversight with banks’ risk profiles and support economic growth, but critics warn it may overlook systemic risks highlighted by the 2023 bank collapses. Industry leaders welcome the move, calling previous processes overly complex, while some banks have pursued legal action over fairness and transparency.

The Trump administration is set to relocate US Space Command from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Huntsville, Alabama, reversing a 2023 Biden-era decision. The command, which oversees US military space operations and employs around 1,700 personnel, will take several years to move at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars, Reuters reported.

Huntsville, a hub for aerospace and defense with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center and major contractors, has long sought the command. Analysts say the move may also carry political motivations, as Alabama strongly supports Trump while Colorado leans Democratic.

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing, signaling closer ties among powers at odds with the West. The rare joint appearance underscores growing solidarity among nations increasingly isolated by Western powers, Reuters reported.

Kim, arriving on his armored train, was received by senior Chinese officials in what marked his most prominent diplomatic outing in years. The three leaders are expected to appear together at China’s largest military parade, commemorating the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II.

According to Reuters, the gathering highlights deepening political and military cooperation between Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang, and is seen as a direct challenge to the Western-led order.

A new 5.2-magnitude earthquake struck northeastern Afghanistan, worsening the crisis from Sunday’s 6.0 quake that killed over 1,400 people and injured more than 3,000. Most of the casualties were reported in Kunar province, according to Al Jazeera.

Rescue teams are struggling to reach survivors trapped under rubble in remote mountain villages, with damaged roads and broken communications slowing their efforts. Thousands remain without shelter, food, and medical care as aid workers race against time.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan criticized US for revoking visas for Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, barring them from the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. He said the move undermines the UN’s mission and primarily benefits Israel, urging the US to stop Israeli actions in Gaza, which Turkey has called “genocide.”

According to Reuters, US defended its decision, citing Palestinian leaders’ failure to denounce extremism and unilateral state recognition efforts. Turkey, a NATO member, has also halted trade with Israel and called for international sanctions amid rising global scrutiny of the Gaza conflict.

Shikha Academy of Kohalpur, Banke, has won the Lumbini Province-level U-15 Swimming Championship organized by Lumbini World School in Rupandehi on Sunday. According to coach Chandu Ram Chaudhary, Shikha Academy secured first place with 139 points. Fifteen swimmers from the school won a total of eight gold, 22 silver, and 15 bronze medals. It is the only school in the district with its own swimming pool providing regular training to students.

Adarsha School of Nepalgunj finished second with 45 points, supported by standout performances from Sanskar Nyaupane, who won six gold medals, and Samriddhi Nyaupane, who won three. Samriddhi was named the best female swimmer of the tournament.

The host Lumbini World School secured third place with 36 points, earning three gold, three silver, and six bronze medals in its first participation in a swimming event.

Sushant Bohora of Springdale Academy, Nepalgunj, emerged as the best male swimmer after winning seven gold medals. Springdale Academy has played a key role in promoting swimming in schools across the province and has produced many swimmers who represented Lumbini Province in national competitions.

The competition, held at Dreamland Gold Resort in Tilottama-5, Rupandehi, was supported by the Lumbini Province Swimming Association and the Provincial Sports Council. A total of 95 swimmers from 15 schools across Banke, Bardiya, Dang, and Rupandehi competed in 34 events ranging from 25 meters to 100 meters freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly. Winners and participants were awarded shields, medals, certificates, and cash prizes.