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How will President Trump get on with Kevin Warsh, who is starting out as the Chair of the Federal Reserve, America’s Central Bank? Trump famously clashed with his predecessor Jerome Powell. Can the US central bank remain truly independent from the government?

Presenter: Ed Butler
Producer: Josh Martin

(Photo: Kevin Warsh testifies during a Senate Banking Committee confirmation hearing at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 21 April 2026. Credit: Will Oliver/EPA/Shutterstock)

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BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin with full state honors on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Great Hall of the People, describing China-Russia relations as a force of “calm amid chaos” days after hosting U.S. President Donald Trump.

Xi and Putin met for talks kicking off the Russian leader’s roughly 24-hour state visit, marking Putin’s 25th official trip to China during his time as president. The two leaders inspected an honor guard, received a gun salute and watched as children waved flags and flowers during the red-carpet ceremony.

In opening remarks, Xi alluded to global instability and took a veiled jab at the United States. “The international situation is marked by intertwined turbulence and transformation, while unilateral hegemonic currents are running rampant,” Xi said, according to Chinese state media.

He called on China and Russia to enhance their “comprehensive strategic coordination” in response. Xi also addressed the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, saying its “early end” would help reduce disruption to energy supplies, supply chains and trade. “A comprehensive cessation of war brooks no delay, restarting hostilities is even less desirable, and persisting with negotiations is particularly important,” he added.

Putin, whose military continues operations in Ukraine, described bilateral relations as having reached an “unprecedentedly high level” and serving as one of the “main stabilizing factors on the international stage.” He used a Chinese idiom meaning “one day apart feels like three autumns” to highlight his close personal ties with Xi, noting the two have met more than 40 times.

The visit celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 2001 Treaty of Good-Neighborliness and Friendly Cooperation between the two countries. Discussions are expected to cover energy, industry, agriculture, transport, high-tech cooperation and the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

Putin told Xi that “amid the crisis in the Middle East, Russia continues to maintain its role as a reliable supplier of resources, while China remains a responsible consumer of these resources.”

The meetings come shortly after Xi hosted Trump for a landmark U.S.-China summit last week. Hosting both leaders in quick succession underscores Beijing’s positioning as a global powerbroker.

China and Russia have deepened coordination across trade, diplomacy and security in recent years, driven by shared tensions with the United States and a desire to reshape what they view as a Western-dominated world order. Their partnership has been described as having “no limits.”

The red-carpet welcome mirrored the ceremony given to Trump, including military honors and flag displays. Putin appeared relaxed during the proceedings as Russian and Chinese flags fluttered in the background.

This is Putin’s first visit to China since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. Russia has faced recent challenges, including a major Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow and reported territorial losses in Ukraine.

Xi’s remarks on the Iran conflict highlight China’s interest in stable energy supplies. Beijing relies on imports from the region, and disruptions have affected global markets.

Bilateral trade between China and Russia has grown significantly, with Russia becoming a key supplier of oil, gas and other resources to China. Economic ties have helped Russia weather Western sanctions related to Ukraine.

The two sides are expected to issue joint statements or agreements following the day of meetings. Topics likely include further alignment on international issues and practical cooperation in high-tech and infrastructure.

Xi and Putin last met in September 2025. Their frequent interactions reflect a strategic alignment that has endured despite global shifts, including the return of Trump to the White House.

For China, the visit reinforces its role in international diplomacy. For Russia, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate continued global partnerships amid ongoing conflicts.

The ceremony featured a military band and full honors typical of state visits. Top Chinese officials joined Xi in greeting Putin. The leaders stood shoulder to shoulder during parts of the welcome.

Analysts note the increasingly asymmetric nature of the relationship, with Russia’s economy more dependent on China. Energy cooperation remains central, especially as Middle East tensions affect oil flows.

The 2001 treaty resolved historical border issues and laid the foundation for closer ties. Its 25th anniversary provides a symbolic backdrop for the current meetings.

Putin’s agenda includes discussions on the Ukraine conflict and potential coordination on Middle East developments. China has maintained neutrality on Ukraine while calling for negotiations.

The visit occurs as both nations navigate relations with the United States. Trump’s recent summit with Xi focused on trade and other bilateral issues.

State media in both countries emphasized the strength and stability of the partnership. Chinese coverage highlighted the “comprehensive strategic coordination” between the two powers.

Further outcomes from the meetings, including any signed agreements or joint declarations, are expected later on May 20 or in following days. The visit concludes Putin’s roughly 24-hour stay in Beijing.

The leaders’ personal rapport has been a consistent feature of China-Russia summits. Their more than 40 meetings since Xi took power underscore the depth of the bilateral relationship.

As global tensions persist across multiple regions, the Xi-Putin meeting signals continued alignment between the two largest authoritarian powers. The red-carpet welcome and public remarks reinforce their shared narrative on international affairs.

LOS ANGELES — Actress and director Olivia Wilde’s noticeably slimmer appearance at the San Francisco International Film Festival in late April 2026 triggered widespread online discussion and health concerns among fans and commentators.

A red-carpet interview video promoting her upcoming film “The Invite” went viral, with many viewers commenting on her angular facial features, sunken cheeks and thinner frame. The footage, originally captured by SFGate, drew millions of views across social media platforms.

Social media users speculated about possible use of weight-loss medications such as Ozempic, rapid dieting or other health-related causes. Some described her look as “skeletal,” “malnourished” or “unwell,” while others attributed the appearance to camera angles, lighting or styling choices.

Wilde, 42, addressed the comments in an Instagram Story posted in early May 2026. In a lighthearted video filmed by her brother, she reacted to a side-by-side comparison with the character Gollum from “The Lord of the Rings.” “Listen, that is a fisheye lens!” Wilde said while laughing. “And I admit, is that my best angle? Was that my best-ever look? No. No. It’s a startling image.” She added, “I’m not dead.”

The actress has not publicly confirmed any weight-loss regimen, medication use or health issues. No official statements from her representatives have addressed the speculation.

Wilde appeared at the 2026 Met Gala on May 4 in a black Thom Browne gown styled by Karla Welch. Photos from the event showed her in a form-fitting off-the-shoulder design with an exposed bustle detail on the back.

Public discussion intensified after podcaster Megyn Kelly commented on the festival video. Kelly described Wilde as looking “truly unwell” and expressed concern over her appearance, though she noted no confirmation of Ozempic or similar drug use.

Social media reactions included a mix of worry, criticism and defense. Some users praised her look, while others called for body positivity and cautioned against speculation. Celebrity injector accounts and wellness commentators also weighed in, discussing possible cosmetic procedures or rapid fat loss effects.

Wilde has maintained an active schedule promoting “The Invite” and attending industry events. She previously starred in and directed films including “Booksmart” and “Don’t Worry Darling.” Her career spans acting roles in “House,” “Tron: Legacy” and “The Lazarus Effect.”

The conversation reflects broader Hollywood trends around weight, appearance and public scrutiny. Similar speculation has surrounded other celebrities in recent years regarding GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.

Wilde has not shared details about her fitness routine, diet or any intentional weight changes. She has historically maintained a relatively private personal life while navigating high-profile relationships and professional demands.

Fans and commentators continue to share before-and-after comparisons from 2023 to 2026. Some posts highlight perceived changes in facial volume, including temples and cheeks, often linked in discussions to buccal fat removal trends or rapid weight loss.

The actress attended the Fashion Trust U.S. 2026 Awards in Los Angeles earlier in the year wearing a design by Ashlyn. She has continued red-carpet appearances without further direct commentary on the viral video.

Medical experts not involved in her care have not commented publicly. Rapid weight loss can sometimes result in facial volume loss, skin changes or other visible effects, though individual results vary widely.

Wilde’s team has not issued statements confirming or denying any medical conditions. The discussion remains driven by public observation and social media commentary.

The San Francisco International Film Festival appearance marked one of several promotional events for “The Invite.” The project has generated attention beyond Wilde’s personal appearance.

As of mid-May 2026, no new public appearances have reignited the same level of speculation. Wilde continues her work as both actress and director amid ongoing industry commitments.

The incident highlights the intense scrutiny faced by public figures regarding physical changes. Online platforms amplify both supportive and critical voices in real time.

Wilde has previously addressed body image and wellness topics indirectly through her projects and interviews, though she has not spoken specifically about recent changes. Her focus remains on professional endeavors in film.

Ashok Ahir is a former BBC journalist and director of comms at the Wales Office

The Welsh Rugby Union has appointed Ashok Ahir to the newly created role of director of corporate affairs.

The former director of communications for the Wales Office and deputy director of Communications with the UK Cabinet Office started his media career as a BBC News and BBC Cymru Wales journalist, before spending more than a decade leading the BBC’s politics team in Cardiff.

For the past four years he has been director of communications and engagement at the qualifications regulator, Qualifications Wales.

In his new role he will help shape the WRU’s public voice – supporting engagement with fans, partners, communities, media and wider public life.

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Chief executive of the WRU Abi Tierney, said: “Ashok brings extensive communications and media expertise and a strong understanding of the public and political landscape in Wales and across the UK. We are delighted to welcome him to the WRU at such an important time for the organisation.

“The cultural significance of rugby to the nation cannot be understated and Ashok’s remit will be to enhance and develop our strategic approach, by highlighting and emphasising this fundamental strength of, and central focus for, the WRU.”

Mr Ahir, who lives in Penarth said: “I am both excited and honoured to be joining the WRU in this role.

“Welsh rugby holds a unique place in the life of the nation, and I will work with colleagues across the organisation and the wider game to support the aims and ambitions of our One Wales strategy, helping to tell the story of the game in Wales with clarity, confidence and authenticity.”

Mr Ashir is also the current president of the National Library of Wales. For many years he chaired the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

India is facing one of its toughest external-sector challenges in years as rising oil prices, foreign investor exits, a weakening rupee, and slowing capital inflows put pressure on the country’s economy. Chief Economic Advisor (CEA) V. Anantha Nageswaran described the situation as a “live balance of payments stress test,” warning that India’s ability to manage imports, currency stability, and foreign exchange flows is now under real-time scrutiny.

The Balance of Payments (BoP) is essentially a record of all financial transactions between India and the rest of the world. It tracks how much money flows into the country through exports, foreign investments, remittances, and loans, versus how much flows out through imports, overseas investments, debt repayments, and travel spending. A healthy BoP helps maintain currency stability and strong foreign exchange reserves, while a deficit can weaken the rupee and trigger inflationary pressure.

India’s heavy dependence on imported energy makes the situation especially serious. The country imports nearly 90% of its crude oil and around half of its gas requirements. As global crude prices rise due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, India’s import bill has surged sharply. Since oil purchases are made in dollars, increased demand for foreign currency weakens the rupee and makes imports even costlier.

Economists say the stress test has intensified because several economic pressures are hitting simultaneously. India depends heavily on the Middle East not only for oil and gas, but also for fertilizer inputs, remittances from Indian workers abroad, and export markets. Any instability in the region therefore directly impacts India’s economy.

According to a report by JPMorgan, India’s capital inflows have slowed dramatically. Net capital inflows averaged 2.6% of GDP between 2015 and 2019, but fell to 1.4% in 2024 and nearly vanished in 2025 due to declining foreign direct investment and continued selling by foreign portfolio investors.
At the same time, India’s current account deficit is expected to widen significantly. Economists estimate it could rise to 2.5% of GDP in FY27 compared to 0.9% the previous year. The overall BoP deficit may widen to between $65 billion and $70 billion, marking the third straight year of deficits. HSBC noted that India now faces the twin challenge of reducing its current account deficit while attracting sustainable capital inflows.

The pressure is already visible in trade data. India’s merchandise trade deficit widened to $28.38 billion in April as crude oil imports hit a six-month high. Foreign investors have also pulled out more than $20 billion from Indian equities since tensions linked to Iran escalated, adding further strain to the rupee, which has weakened by over 5% since the conflict intensified.

The last time India experienced consecutive BoP deficits on this scale was after the global oil shocks of the 1970s. Economists often compare the risks to earlier crises such as the 1991 balance of payments crisis, when India’s foreign exchange reserves had fallen dangerously low.

Nageswaran believes the current challenge is not temporary but structural. He has identified four major global shifts reshaping the world economy: geopolitical fragmentation, technology bifurcation, energy transition policies, and rising geopolitical risks. According to him, India must prepare for a prolonged period of uncertainty affecting trade, capital flows, and energy security.

Despite the pressure, the CEA said India still has strong foundations, including fiscal consolidation, infrastructure investment, and reforms carried out over recent years. However, he stressed that managing the current account, financing deficits, and preventing further rupee depreciation will remain India’s biggest macroeconomic priorities in FY27.