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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned that any military or economic conflict between the United States and China would have devastating consequences for both countries and the wider world, stressing the importance of carefully managing relations between the two global powers. Speaking during a televised interview, Rubio said the relationship between Washington and Beijing remains one of the most significant challenges in international diplomacy. He cautioned that a direct confrontation between the world’s two largest economies would create severe political, economic and security consequences far beyond their borders. Rubio said the United States must continue protecting its national interests while avoiding actions that could trigger a major conflict. He described balancing competition with stability as one of the most difficult responsibilities of foreign policy. His remarks come as strategic rivalry between the United States and China continues to deepen across multiple sectors, including trade, technology, security and global influence. Economic tensions have remained high in recent years, with both countries imposing restrictions on each other’s industries. The United States has expanded trade measures and tightened controls on several Chinese products and technologies, citing national security concerns. Washington has also introduced new restrictions on advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and robotics, as part of broader efforts to protect sensitive industries and limit the transfer of critical technologies. China has strongly criticised these measures, calling them unfair and unilateral. Beijing has repeatedly opposed US trade restrictions and warned that it could respond with countermeasures to protect its economic interests. Competition between the two countries has also intensified in the field of artificial intelligence, where both sides have exchanged allegations over technology development and intellectual property. Beyond economic and technological issues, both nations continue to strengthen their global influence through different diplomatic strategies. While the United States has focused on reinforcing partnerships with regional allies, China has expanded its engagement with developing countries and strengthened ties with nations across the Global South. Analysts believe that despite growing competition, both Washington and Beijing recognise the importance of maintaining communication to prevent tensions from escalating into open conflict.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday calling for fewer childhood vaccinations, limiting core federal guidance to immunisations against 11 diseases. Trump stated the adjustments would offer children “gold-standard” protection while bringing US policies in line with foreign nations that recommend fewer routine shots. The executive directive advises breaking up the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine into three distinct doses administered across separate clinical visits. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long advocated for reductions in the pediatric vaccine schedule. Medical researchers and global health bodies have repeatedly debunked claims championed by Kennedy alleging a causal link between routine childhood vaccines and autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics and pharmaceutical manufacturer Merck sharply criticised the executive action. “We are evaluating our next steps,” stated Richard Hughes IV, lead legal counsel for the American Academy of Pediatrics. Merck noted there is no published scientific evidence demonstrating clinical advantages to unbundling the MMR vaccine, warning the mandate could induce delayed or skipped immunisations. Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, a practicing physician, publicly broke with the administration over the decree. “I’m a doctor. This executive order is wrong. The president does not have the expertise to make these changes,” Cassidy said. Cassidy cautioned that unbundling combination shots will force children to endure a higher volume of individual injections to secure identical protection.

Heavy monsoon rains continued to wreak havoc across southern India, leaving at least 14 people dead and forcing thousands of residents to flee their homes as floods and landslides caused widespread destruction in the states of Kerala and Karnataka. According to local authorities, at least 11 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents across Kerala since the weekend. The relentless downpours have inundated low-lying areas, damaged homes and roads, and disrupted daily life across several districts. State officials said nearly 7,700 residents have been evacuated from flood-prone areas and shifted to approximately 275 relief camps established across Kerala. Emergency response teams, including disaster management personnel and local volunteers, have been working around the clock to rescue stranded residents and provide food, shelter, and medical assistance. Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan is scheduled to hold a high-level meeting with district officials on Monday to assess the flood situation and review relief and rehabilitation measures. He stated that cleanup operations have already begun in several areas where floodwaters have started to recede, while authorities continue to monitor regions still at risk. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has warned that several parts of the state are expected to experience moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds, raising concerns that conditions could worsen in vulnerable locations. Residents living near rivers, hillsides, and flood-prone areas have been advised to remain alert and follow official safety instructions. The severe weather has also disrupted education across Kerala. Numerous schools remained closed due to flooding and unsafe travel conditions, while the state government postponed a scheduled teacher recruitment examination to ensure the safety of candidates and staff. Meanwhile, neighboring Karnataka has also suffered significant damage from the monsoon. Heavy rainfall triggered a landslide on Saturday that claimed the lives of three members of the same family—a couple and their son—highlighting the growing threat posed by unstable hillsides during the rainy season. Meteorological officials have warned that monsoon activity is expected to remain active over parts of southern India in the coming days. Disaster management agencies are maintaining a high level of preparedness as rescue teams continue relief efforts and authorities closely monitor rivers, reservoirs, and landslide-prone regions. The annual monsoon season frequently brings heavy rainfall to southern India, but experts say increasingly intense weather events are placing greater pressure on infrastructure, emergency services, and vulnerable communities.