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Chinese leader Xi Jinping has delivered a speech to Communist Party elites on the opening day of a major meeting to approve a draft plan laying out their goals for the country over the next five years.

The official Xinhua News Agency report is light on detail, but says:

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a work report on behalf of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and expounded on the Party leadership’s draft proposals for the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for national economic and social development.

• Match at Hagley Oval begins at 7.15am BST

• Curran rises to England challenge after exile

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2nd over: England 24-1 (Salt 20, Bethell 0) Duffy dug that wicket ball in short, which meant it hit high on the bat as Buttler came charging at him. Nicely bowled if he meant it.

This Hagley Oval pitch looks better for batting than on Saturday. Salt climbs into a wide ball from Jacob Duffy, blasting it square on the off side for four, then top-edges a pull over the keeper’s head for another boundary.

US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner reportedly heading to Israel on Monday

Donald Trump said yesterday the ceasefire he brokered was still in place.

The US president told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday that Hamas has been “quite rambunctious” and “they’ve been doing some shooting.” He suggested that the violence might be the fault of “rebels” within the organization rather than its leadership.

“It’s going to be handled toughly but properly,” he said.

From shadowing a cocaine-addled David Bowie to winning over Joni Mitchell, deliciously readable tales from the director of Almost Famous

Cameron Crowe spent his youth being in the right place at the right time. In 1964, aged seven, he was taken by his mother to see “a kid named Bob Dylan” play a local college gym. By the age of 14, living in San Diego, he was writing record reviews for a local underground magazine whose main aim was to bring down Richard Nixon. Shortly after that, he started interviewing the bands of the day as they came through California – first Humble Pie for Creem, and then the Eagles, the Allman Brothers Band and Led Zeppelin for Rolling Stone.

Crowe previously fictionalised his story in the 2000 film Almost Famous, which he wrote and directed. His lyrical and compulsively readable memoir The Uncool is bookended by the opening of a musical version, which coincides with the death of Crowe’s mother Alice whose aphorisms, including “Put some goodness in the world before it blows up”, are scattered throughout the book. Alice insisted that Crowe skip two school grades, driving his precocity; she was also dead against rock’n’roll on account of its unbridled hedonism. When Crowe asks her what Elvis did on The Ed Sullivan Show that was so subversive he had to be filmed from the waist up, she “clinically” replies: “He had an erection”.

Exclusive: Pictures depicting the most vulnerable and poorest people are being used in social media campaigns in the sector, driven by concerns over consent and cost

AI-generated images of extreme poverty, children and sexual violence survivors are flooding stock photo sites and increasingly being used by leading health NGOs, according to global health professionals who have voiced concern over a new era of “poverty porn”.

“All over the place, people are using it,” said Noah Arnold, who works at Fairpicture, a Swiss-based organisation focused on promoting ethical imagery in global development. “Some are actively using AI imagery, and others, we know that they’re experimenting at least.”

Getting older hasn’t dimmed my love of travel. In my 70s, it’s still all about my next trip, be it a cruise, Goa … or a naturist resort in Crete

I may be 76, but slowing down, or retirement, couldn’t be further from my mind. True, I don’t have a hefty pension or a partner to while away the rest of my days with, but my love of travelling is as passionate as it has always been.

I love scaring myself stupid trying new experiences, and if a friend or daughter is unavailable I’ll go alone. Solo travel is far better than sitting at home looking back instead of forward.

This hybrid documentary about the Cree astronomer offers evocative, poetic insight into a formidable community leader

For Cree astronomer Wilfred Buck, the stars hold an immense power that extends beyond the realm of science. Coming from an Indigenous group whose stories have been systematically effaced by official narratives, he looks to these clustered dots of light as both historical document and spiritual manifestation. Echoing Buck’s holistic approach to astronomy, Lisa Jackson’s hybrid documentary draws from a wealth of eclectic visual styles, all woven into a stunning portrait of a formidable community elder.

Someone always on the go, Buck is often seen behind the wheel, heading from one job to another. Speaking at academic conferences and workshops, and leading lectures and presentations for young students, he not only makes astronomy accessible but also builds lasting connections between different generations. This sense of togetherness is especially touching considering Buck’s own tragic family history. He was separated from his siblings growing up, after they were forcibly removed from their parents by the state. His home life was gripped by a cycle of addiction, poverty and depression.

The actor is a laconic delight as he dispenses surprising levels of wisdom in response to reader questions, while Obama, Paul McCartney and Ayo Edebiri pay homage to an African musical great

Bill Nighy is the agony uncle you never knew you needed as he answers readers’ questions in his new show. It’s a laconic delight, listening to his louche suggestions on topics from lipstick application to decluttering a record collection. Wisdom is being dispensed – despite his self-deprecating protestations. Alexi Duggins
Widely available, episodes weekly

The prime minister says it is ‘wonderful to be here’ ahead of long-awaited meeting with the president in the Oval Office at the White House

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Anthony Albanese has arrived in the US for a long-awaited meeting with President Donald Trump, where they are expected to discuss the Aukus pact – an agreement a respected Republican has called a “crucial deterrent” in the Indo-Pacific that “keeps [the Chinese president, Xi Jinping] up at night”.

Albanese arrived in Washington DC late on Sunday night local time (Monday afternoon AEDT) ahead of his meeting with Trump at the White House on Monday morning local time (Tuesday morning AEDT). The two men will meet in the Oval Office, followed by a scheduled lunch afterward, according to the White House.

Exodus of big clients, falling profits and dire forecasts raise prospect of a once ‘unthinkable’ breakup

A dark joke is doing the rounds in adland that Wire and Plastic Products, the Kent-based basketmaker that Martin Sorrell bought 40 years ago as a vehicle to build a global advertising giant, might outlast WPP.

For decades the financial success and dominance of WPP – its 100,000 employees service global clients from Ford to Coca-Cola – has been the corporate manifestation of Britain’s shining reputation for creative advertising.

Police hope a distinctive piece of women’s underwear may help them solve the case one year after remains discovered

Beneath an ash tree in a snow-covered park, a tiny soiled bundle stood out against the gleaming white. A passing dog stopped in its tracks, sniffing at the dirt-covered fabric. Its owner stepped closer then halted, horrified, and called 999.

The first police officers at the scene carefully inspected the unusual object but had identified it within minutes: it was a little baby, frozen and decomposing in the first snow of winter.

Britain has been stripped of the spaces that allow for true social integration. But it’s easier for politicians to blame ‘outsiders’

Every few weeks, another announcement. Immigrants must do this to earn the right to stay in the UK. Others must do that if they are to be allowed to work in the UK. The demands grow more punitive and absurd, like the whiteboard of a meeting where everyone agreed there were no bad ideas. Voluntary work! A decade to receive citizenship! Hear me out: English A-levels!

These are all real policies and pledges. Migrant NHS doctors for example, labouring for long work days beyond what they are paid for will now have to prove that they “contribute to society” to earn permanent settlement in the UK. The benchmark for that contribution is volunteer work (sorry, more volunteer work) in the community. The five-year route to settlement is now being extended to 10, to make absolutely sure that in addition to being in work, paying taxes, making national insurance contributions and paying a hefty charge to use the NHS, you’re not taking the piss. The latest demand is that some migrants must be able to speak English to A-level standard because, according to home secretary Shabana Mahmood, “it is unacceptable for migrants to come here without learning our language, unable to contribute to our national life”.

Nesrine Malik is a Guardian columnist

These ladoos are sweet, nutty morsels of dough perfect for sharing, while a quick Indian take on a bread pudding should be an instant hit

Diwali is often called the festival of lights, a celebration of good over evil. It’s the most widely marked festival in India and feels a bit like Christmas does in the west. It’s synonymous with fireworks, bright colours, endless parties and tables creaking under the sheer weight of food and desserts. No Diwali is complete without boxes of sweets (mithai) and dried fruit exchanged between friends and family. In the UK, we keep those traditions alive, dressing up, visiting temples, reading Indian mythology to the kids and, most importantly, gathering with friends from every background and religion. For me, Diwali is about togetherness and sharing food that feels special, but doesn’t keep you in the kitchen for hours. The bread pudding is my take on the indulgent shahi tukda, while the ladoos are perfect to gift or to enjoy with a cup of chai after the feast.

Officials confirm media reports that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic party will join forces with rightwing Nippon Ishin

Sanae Takaichi has moved a step closer to becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, after her party reportedly agreed to form a new coalition with a minor party.

Officials on Monday confirmed media reports that Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic party (LDP) would join forces with the rightwing Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation party), which shares her hawkish stance on China and opposition to mass migration.

• Family confirms death of former Bucs star at 36

• Two-time All-Pro RB is fourth on team rushing list

• East Bay Times says Martin died in police custody

Former NFL All-Pro running back and Boise State star Doug Martin is dead at the age of 36, his family said in a statement on Sunday.

TMZ and FOX were among the media organizations to confirm the news with people close to Martin. A statement from his family provided to FOX read: “It is with great sadness to inform you all that Doug Martin passed away Saturday morning. Cause of death is currently unconfirmed. Please respect our privacy at this time.”

It is now seven decades since Little Richard sang Tutti Frutti – and a rip-roaring new type of music burst out into the world. But is rock’n’roll about to die out? Our writer goes searching for signs of life

No one can really say when rock’n’roll was invented. You could say March 1951, with the release of Rocket 88 by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats. Or maybe July 1954, when Elvis Presley, Scotty Moore and Bill Black stopped messing around between takes at Sun Studios and started hammering through That’s All Right, which became the future King’s first single.

But the year rock’n’roll really became rock’n’roll was 70 years ago, in 1955: the year Little Richard burst on to the world with Tutti Frutti; the year of the first riot at an Elvis show; the year of Blue Suede Shoes and Maybellene; the year of Bo Diddley singing his own praises. In the US, Rock Around the Clock by Bill Haley & His Comets was the biggest record that year. In the UK, its presence on the soundtrack of the teensploitation movie The Blackboard Jungle reportedly sent teddy boys into rampages of cinema-smashing.

Manuel Álvarez Escudero, from Spain, describes how the board game has provided him with a lifetime of fun and friendship

The year Manuel Álvarez Escudero learned to play chess, fascist bombs rained down on Guernica, echoing across Pablo Picasso’s enormous, monochrome canvas, the Hindenburg exploded in the sky over Lakehurst, and John Steinbeck published a short book called Of Mice and Men.

Nine decades later, Álvarez’s love of the game has only increased. A little after 10am on Saturday, the 104-year-old madrileño – believed to be the oldest active registered chess player in the world – stepped off a bus in the south of the city and pushed his homemade walker towards the door of the cultural centre where he comes for his weekly matches.

It’s a fool’s game trying to understand the president’s true motives, but do our misgivings matter if the outcome is a speedy end to war?

Donald Trump is sensible and he is right. Basking in glory after his Gaza ceasefire, he was on Friday evening flying to Florida with his entourage of reporters. The drums of war were beating across Europe and Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, had pleaded with him for Tomahawk missiles. What was his reply?

Trump was clearly fed up. He had told Zelenskyy: go make a deal. He had said, “They should stop the war immediately. You go go by the battle line wherever it is … and both sides should go home. Go to their families, stop the killing and that should be it.” Matter closed. Tomahawks would merely mean escalation and more killing. Get a deal.

Simon Jenkins is a Guardian columnist

The move to shut the agency comes as aid budgets are being slashed, leading to fears that global progress on HIV may be reversed

As executive director of the Eurasian Harm Reduction Association, Ganna Dovbakh was among the many public health officials and NGO leaders shocked by the UN secretary-general’s proposal to “sunset UNAids by the end of 2026”.

In the eastern European and central Asian (EECA) countries where Dovbakh works, research indicates that the epidemic is on the rise. Over the past decade, there has been a 48% increase in new infections, and a 32% rise in Aids-related deaths, predominantly among marginalised and criminalised populations such as sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs.

Like so many others, his days have been spent in the gig economy, moving from one precarious job to another, often tied to a gruelling 996 shift pattern. He discusses the harsh realities of modern working life in China, and far beyond

Hu Anyan is not a fan of online shopping, but, as he discovered during the months he spent as a courier in Beijing, plenty of people are. Not long into the job, he was assigned to delivering parcels to a large construction site. He didn’t have to deliver that many – 10 to 20, most days – but getting them to their rightful owners wasn’t always easy. There was a crane driver who was often in the air when Hu arrived. He would ask him to come again the next day, only to be found in the sky again.

“In the end,” Hu writes in his memoir, I Deliver Parcels in Beijing – which is being published in English for the first time this month – “it would take several trips” to deliver this man his parcel. “But this didn’t dampen his passion for online shopping.” As a courier, Hu had to work to an exacting schedule, making a delivery every four minutes so as not to run at a loss. Couriers were paid 1.6 yuan, the equivalent of 17p, for every parcel they delivered, but the task was much more involved than that of couriers in the UK. He sometimes had to wait while people tried things on and then repackaged rejected items on the spot. Plus, he had to pay compensation for every parcel that went missing.

The Australian will have to prove himself all over again after back-to-back Premier League dismissals leave a stain on his CV

Ange Postecoglou knows a strong reputation can be as valuable as results. The Australian is quick to defend his record when his coaching capabilities, successes or failures are called into question. To call on his experience when he feels like he is being disrespected or dismissed for learning the ropes in a football outpost. To turn to the silverware he has collected when there is a suggestion that he is a visitor, an impostor or a charlatan who somehow duped his way into the major leagues.

But a new record – the shortest stint as a permanent manager of a Premier League club – is one that will need no reminder. Being sacked just 40 days into his Nottingham Forest reign will remain a stain on Postecoglou’s CV long after he leaves England. Being axed from two Premier League clubs within little more than four months is a blemish that could be even harder to remove after the Australian passes through the departure lounge.

The French culture ministry said eight pieces were stolen – but not the hugely valuable crown of Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugenie

The Louvre – the world’s most-visited museum – was closed suddenly on Sunday after a break-in at its Apollon gallery, the home of the French crown jewels - part of a daring daylight heist that saw priceless Napoleonic jewels stolen.

As French police hunt the thieves who stole eight pieces of historic jewellery, questions are being asked about how they did it and who would be in the market for “priceless” items, including a necklace Napoleon gave to his wife.

Trump made the comments after a tense meeting with Zelenskyy in which the Ukraine leader failed to secure supplies of Tomahawk missiles

Donald Trump has suggested the best way to end the war in Ukraine would be to “cut up” the country’s Donbas region in a way that would leave most of it under Russian control, after reportedly pushing Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a White House meeting to give up swaths of territory.

“Let it be cut the way it is,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday. “It’s cut up right now,” he said, adding that you can “leave it the way it is right now”.

Trump says Washington will also slash assistance to Colombia while US forces attack another alleged drug boat. Key US politics stories from Sunday 19 October

Donald Trump has escalated tensions between Washington and one of its closest Latin American allies, declaring the US will slash assistance to Colombia and enact tariffs on its exports because its president, Gustavo Petro, “does nothing to stop” drug production.

Trump referred to Petro as “an illegal drug leader” in a post on the Truth Social platform and warned that Petro “better close up” drug operations “or the United States will close them up for him, and it won’t be done nicely”.