Nvidia CEO steps down amid affair allegations and board investigation
Nvidia has said its chief executive, Jensen Huang, has stepped down after allegations linking him to a suspected Chinese spy and a separate executive affair. The company said its board met on Wednesday evening to decide whether he should remain in post, before announcing that he had resigned as president, chief executive and board member. Nvidia said chief financial officer Colette Kress will serve as interim chief executive while the company looks for a permanent replacement.The board had already launched an independent external investigation on Sunday after reports about Huang's relationship with a woman described in the supplied material as... [Continue Reading]
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Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza kills at least six as surgery unit is knocked out
At least six people were killed when an Israeli air strike hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, according to medics and Palestinian health officials. The overnight attack struck a building containing surgery wards and left the hospital's surgery department out of service. Medics said about 20 other people were wounded, adding to pressure on one of the territory's most important medical facilities.Witnesses and hospital staff said two missiles hit the five-storey building, causing extensive damage inside the compound. Among those killed were a surgeon and a teenage boy, according to the supplied reports. A doctor who was wounded... [Continue Reading]
Two Iranian men convicted in UK spying case tied to Tehran
Two Iranian men have been convicted in the United Kingdom of spying for Iran after a six-week trial at Woolwich Crown Court in south London. Prosecutors said the pair carried out surveillance on several people in London, including journalists working for a Persian-language broadcaster and a founder of a UK legal advocacy group. A third defendant in the case was acquitted on all charges.The men, identified as Mostafa Sepahvand, 41, and Farhad Javadi Manesh, 46, were found guilty on Thursday of engaging in conduct likely to assist Iran's intelligence service. Prosecutors said the operation was intended to help inflict violence... [Continue Reading]
Trump heads to China next week amid Nvidia scrutiny and chip-policy tensions
United States President Donald Trump is due to travel to the Chinese city of Shenzhen next week for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, where he is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping. The planned visit comes as debate intensifies over advanced chip sales to China and as scrutiny grows around Nvidia's outgoing chief executive, Jensen Huang. The report links the trip to wider pressure on Washington and Beijing over technology policy and trade in artificial intelligence chips.According to the report, Huang is stepping down as chief executive after Nvidia announced the change on Thursday. He has been one of... [Continue Reading]
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European Parliament urges Russia to return deported Ukrainian children
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution calling on Russia to immediately, safely and unconditionally return Ukrainian children who were deported or forcibly transferred from occupied territories. The vote took place in Brussels and passed by 536 votes in favour, 8 against and 37 abstentions. Lawmakers said the issue remains an urgent humanitarian concern linked to the wider war in Ukraine.In the text, MEPs condemned what they described as the systematic deportation of Ukrainian children, along with illegal adoption, forced Russification, ideological indoctrination and militarisation. They said Russia bears full responsibility for safeguarding the rights of children living in occupied... [Continue Reading]
Europol-coordinated crackdown leads to 354 arrests in global dark web operation
Europol says a Europol-coordinated global crackdown has led to 354 arrests linked to dark web marketplaces. The operation, named TorNado, involved law enforcement agencies from 14 countries across the globe and focused on identifying vendors and buyers from major dark marketplaces. According to the source, the coordinated effort targeted cybercrime, drug trafficking and firearms offences. It ran from May 2025 to October 2026 and produced arrests as well as hundreds of house searches worldwide. The source does not name the countries involved, identify individual suspects, or provide a breakdown of arrests by location or offence. It only states that the... [Continue Reading]
Iran says stalemate with US continues as Hormuz shipping pressure persists
Iran's parliament speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said the conflict with the United States remains in a state of "no war and no peace", as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions pressure continue. He said Tehran wants to move beyond the current stalemate and is still waiting for Washington to respond to its terms for a ceasefire and the reopening of the waterway. The remarks underline how the dispute remains unresolved even as both sides keep up pressure through maritime and economic measures.Ghalibaf said Iran continues to control which vessels may pass through the Strait... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine reports renewed Starshield disruption as US envoys meet Putin
Ukraine's president says military units have recorded significant disruptions to Starshield satellite communications for several days, with the problem affecting the entire front line and Russian-occupied areas. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the restrictions were limiting the speed at which the system could be used, which in turn was affecting Ukraine's ability to intercept Russian jet-powered drones. He said some strikes had already got through as a result.Zelenskyy said the limits were systematic rather than random technical faults and that Ukrainian forces had been briefed on the issue. He said the restrictions had reduced the speed available to the system to 161... [Continue Reading]
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Russian drone attack sparks major fire in Kyiv apartment block
A Russian drone attack set part of a nine-storey residential building ablaze in Kyiv's Solomyanskyi district on 12 November, leaving one woman dead and several people injured. Flames spread through the block as thick black smoke poured from shattered windows, while emergency crews worked to bring the fire under control. Rescue workers evacuated residents from the building as the damage became increasingly visible from outside.Authorities confirmed that a 44-year-old woman was killed in the attack and seven other people were injured. Firefighters were seen tackling the blaze while rescue teams continued to search and assist residents inside and around the... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street Opens Higher as AI Chips Lead a Broad Risk-On Surge, Gold and Bitcoin Slip
Executive summary: US equities opened sharply higher, led by a powerful rebound in AI and chip shares, while small caps, tech, banks and defense also advanced. The move came alongside weaker gold, silver, ether and bitcoin, suggesting investors rotated toward risk assets and away from havens at the open. The scale of the gains in semiconductors and the Nasdaq points to a market still being driven by AI leadership, even as some commodities and crypto cooled. [Continue Reading]
EU defence start-ups face funding and bureaucracy traps, MEPs warn
European defence start-ups and small and medium-sized businesses are facing two major barriers as they try to bring new technologies into production, according to a report backed by more than 400 members of the European Parliament on Thursday. The report says companies can struggle first to move from development to proving military effectiveness, and then again to secure customers and first contracts. It argues that these gaps are slowing the path from innovation to deployment across the European defence sector.Latvian Green MEP Mārtiņš Staķis, the report's rapporteur, said small companies often invent strong new defence technologies but fail to reach... [Continue Reading]
Ukraine power grid under intensified Russian attacks as blackouts deepen
Ukrainians are facing a rolling schedule of planned power cuts after intensified Russian attacks on the country's energy grid, according to the latest reporting from the front line of the war. The situation is especially severe in Kyiv, where some families are reportedly living with outages of up to 20 hours. Repair crews are working at damaged power stations under repeated air raid alerts and constant drone threat.Officials say the pressure on the system is growing as peace talks between Ukraine and Russia continue without a breakthrough. Ukraine has also responded by striking Russian oil refineries, underlining how the energy... [Continue Reading]
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Italy's CISR to set joint protocol for alert management
Italy's Interministerial Committee for the Security of the Republic (CISR) is holding a technical meeting this afternoon to draw up a joint operational protocol for the management of alerts. The protocol is already operational and is intended to apply across all public administrations. The guidance says buildings should not be evacuated unless there is concrete evidence that danger exists. A simple mass email is not enough on its own to justify evacuation under the protocol, according to the source text. The arrangement does not remove prefectural authority. A Prefect may still order evacuation measures if they have specific and concrete... [Continue Reading]
Europol operation seizes 235 servers and 257 domains in malware crackdown
Europol, working with global partners, has dismantled criminal infrastructure linked to Gootloader, CastleRAT, and StealC malware. The coordinated operation targeted the backend systems used to distribute the malware and break into victim environments. Law enforcement seized 235 servers and 257 domains in the action. The source says the seizures severely crippled the malware distribution networks behind the three strains. The operation also secured 6.4 million victim datasets. No country, date, or further operational details were provided in the source, but the material describes a broad international enforcement action against malware infrastructure. #Europol #Gootloader #CastleRAT #StealC #malware EUROPOL Newsroom (Partner Agency)... [Continue Reading]
DIFC Courts highlight arbitration and mediation role at Dubai Arbitration Week 2026
The Dubai International Financial Centre Courts reinforced Dubai's position as a global dispute resolution hub during Dubai Arbitration Week 2026, hosting a panel on how arbitration, mediation and judicial proceedings can be used together in complex cross-border commercial disputes. The session was titled "The Evolving Relationship Between Arbitration, Mediation and the Courts: Strategic Pathways to Resolution." The discussion brought together judges, legal practitioners and corporate clients to assess integrated dispute resolution mechanisms. Participants examined when mediation should be deployed, how it should interact with arbitral proceedings, and what role courts should play in supporting settlement and enforceable outcomes. The panel... [Continue Reading]
President Trump says The Democrats' attempt to impeach Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has miserably FAILED!
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The Republican Senate can no longer be the place "where things are sent to die." Not passing THE SAVE AMERICA ACT (Voter I. D., Proof of Citizenship), sent up five times by the House, was devastating to the Republican Party in the Midterms. Not terminating the Filibuster, and getting EVERYTHING even "dreamt" of, approved, when the Dems will definitely do so, will go down as being one of the greatest mistakes in the Political History of America. Anyway, good luck to our Republican Senators, work hard,... [Continue Reading]
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Xi Jinping reiterates push for Taiwan reunification in Beijing speech
Chinese President Xi Jinping has reiterated Beijing's push for Taiwan reunification, saying the "complete reunification of the motherland" must and will be achieved. He made the remarks in Beijing at the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, speaking on the 160th birthday of Sun Yat-sen. Xi framed the issue as a central national task and urged peaceful reunification under China's preferred framework.Xi said the "tide of history cannot be stopped" and described resolving the Taiwan question as an "unwavering historical mission" of the Communist Party. He said China adheres to peaceful reunification and the "one country, two systems" policy,... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Ukraine power grid hit again as Gaza hospital strike and Pakistan clash deepen tensions
Russian strikes have knocked out power across nine regions of Ukraine, in a fresh blow to the country’s energy system as officials said the attacks also damaged infrastructure and left parts of the grid under strain. Kyiv said the assault came as it continued to face repeated pressure from Moscow on the battlefield and in the air. 🔗Ukraine also said speed restrictions on Starshield have returned across the front line, limiting its ability to intercept Russian drones and complicating air defence operations. The complaint underlined Kyiv’s growing concern that technical constraints are affecting its response to drone attacks. 🔗In the... [Continue Reading]
Italy on second day of school bomb threats as government moves to set common protocol
A fresh wave of emailed bomb threats reached several schools in Italy on Thursday morning, prompting some to evacuate while others were checked by authorities. The messages were signed with the same name that appeared in Wednesday's mass emails to 6,300 Italian schools. The latest threats extended a disruption that had already affected hundreds of schools the previous day.Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called government representatives and opposition leaders to Palazzo Chigi in Rome on Thursday morning to discuss the situation. Her office said Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi would urgently brief parliament.... [Continue Reading]
EU spending on Russian Arctic LNG rises ahead of 2027 import ban
The European Union spent an estimated €8.7bn on Russian liquefied natural gas from the Arctic in the first ten months of 2026, according to an analysis of shipping data cited in the report. The figure comes as Brussels prepares to ban Russian LNG imports from 1 January 2027, under a move intended to reduce the bloc's energy dependence on Moscow. The latest numbers show that purchases continued to rise even as the deadline approached.The analysis, carried out by Urgewald using data from energy intelligence firm Kpler, found that EU ports received 12.89 million tonnes of LNG from Russia's Yamal project... [Continue Reading]
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President Trump warns Iranian vessels against approaching U.S. blockade
President Donald Trump made multiple posts on Truth Social in the last hour: - "The Democrat Party, lead by one of the most Corrupt and anti-American groups of political leaders and hacks in the history of our Country, and even the World, is doing everything in their power to get away from MASSIVE BLUE STATE CORRUPTION by saying, over and over again, that the Trump Administration is corrupt. It is a sound bite that they viciously use, over and over again, in order to nullify the TREMENDOUS & UNPRECEDENTED theft that has taken place in our Blue States - Minnesota,... [Continue Reading]
Merz urges EU to hold line on carbon market reforms amid growing opposition
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Brussels not to reopen the European Union's carbon market compromise, in a move that underlines growing political tension over the bloc's climate policy. In a letter seen by Euronews, Merz called for the EU to stand firm on reforms to the Emissions Trading System and to avoid further changes to its second phase. He said investment certainty was essential and warned that uncertainty could damage long-term planning in Europe's energy and industrial sectors.The intervention comes as the European Parliament and EU governments negotiate the European Commission's July 17 proposal to align the Emissions Trading... [Continue Reading]
China rejects US Nvidia spy claims amid tech blockade dispute
China has accused the United States of "fabricating spy narratives" to justify what it called a technology blockade, escalating a dispute that has already drawn in Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang. Foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said Beijing rejects the allegations and sees them as part of a wider effort to restrict China's access to advanced technology. The comments came after reports linking Huang to an alleged Chinese intelligence plot.Mao said China's technological progress is driven by independent innovation and open cooperation, and urged the US side to stop using spying claims as a pretext for imposing restrictions. The row... [Continue Reading]
US envoys arrive in Moscow as Ukraine peace talks remain deadlocked
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin after two days of US-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi ended without a breakthrough. The meeting is the latest step in a diplomatic push aimed at advancing a peace plan for Ukraine, with the sides still divided on territory, post-war security guarantees and the role of European representatives. Kirill Dmitriev, Putin's special envoy, met the two envoys at the airport and accompanied them into central Moscow.The Abu Dhabi discussions on 10 and 11 November produced an agreement in principle on a major prisoner... [Continue Reading]
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Han Zheng outlines China climate proposals at Antalya UNFCCC summit
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng addressed the Antalya Leaders' Summit at the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC as the special representative of President Xi Jinping. Speaking to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and delegates, he said climate response is a common cause for all humanity and warned that the adverse impacts of global climate change are emerging at a faster pace. He called for stronger collective action under the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, full implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, and greater climate finance from developed countries. He said all parties should deliver on... [Continue Reading]
Ten police officers, 18 fighters killed in deadly Kohat district clash in northwest Pakistan
Police in northwest Pakistan say 10 officers and 18 fighters were killed in a clash in Kohat district after gunmen opened fire on personnel returning from an operation against illegal gold mining. The violence took place in the Gumbat area of Kohat, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, and left 12 police personnel wounded, according to a provincial police statement. Authorities said the attack unfolded on Wednesday and involved armed men targeting officers as they were heading back from the mine area.A senior administrative official in Kohat said fighters set two police vehicles on fire during the assault. The same official said... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Middle East tensions deepen as US diplomacy, Ukraine strikes and market swings dominate
Israel is reportedly stepping up military preparations for a possible strike on Iran, while Tehran has warned of expanded retaliation if pressure rises further. The warning comes as Iran says the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre war status amid ceasefire talks, underlining how fragile the regional standoff remains. 🔗 🔗In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed at least five Palestinians, including in a hit on a tent shelter, as heavy rain and flooding worsened an already severe humanitarian crisis. Separately, an Israeli airstrike hit a building at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, killing at least five more people... [Continue Reading]
European equities surge at the open as euro weakens, gold slips and dollar strength ripples through markets
Executive summary: European markets opened sharply higher, with the Euro Stoxx 50, CAC 40, DAX and FTSE 100 all in the green. The move came alongside a weaker euro and pound, a stronger dollar against the yen, and broad pressure on precious metals, while Brent crude edged higher. The pattern points to a risk-on equity tone in Europe, but also to a market still sensitive to currency moves, commodity pricing and shifting expectations for global rates. [Continue Reading]
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Tokyo Surges as Nikkei Breaks Above 60,000, Dollar Strength and Gold Selloff Shape Asia-Pacific Close
Executive summary: Tokyo led Asia-Pacific trading with a powerful rally, as the Nikkei 225 jumped +5.9% to a record close above 60,000. The move came alongside a firmer U.S. dollar, a weaker gold price, and mixed regional equity performance, with Hong Kong and Seoul lower while Australia advanced. The session also highlighted a sharp rotation in commodities, with gold and silver under pressure and WTI crude little changed. [Continue Reading]
Sheikh Hasina must return to Bangladesh to face her sentence, opinion says
An opinion piece published on 12 November says Bangladesh's ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina should return from India to face the sentence handed down against her. The article argues that India should ensure its territory is not used to incite violence in Bangladesh or threaten its people. It frames her continued presence in India as a live political issue for families affected by the 2024 uprising.The piece says Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal found Hasina guilty in November 2025 of crimes against humanity, including instigating and abetting atrocities and ordering lethal force against protesters. It says the court also held her... [Continue Reading]
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Ukraine-Russia talks advance prisoner swap as US envoys head to Moscow and Dublin
US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have arrived in Moscow for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin after two days of US-mediated negotiations in Abu Dhabi produced agreement in principle on a large prisoner exchange but no wider breakthrough. The Kremlin meeting is expected to take place in the first half of the day, and the two envoys are also due to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Dublin later. The latest round keeps the diplomatic track moving, but the core disputes over territory and security guarantees remain unresolved.The Abu Dhabi talks were described by negotiators as the first... [Continue Reading]
US intelligence reportedly links former tech executive Alice Huang to Beijing espionage allegations
US intelligence reportedly believes that former tech executive Alice Huang was recruited by Beijing, according to a briefing published on Thursday. The allegation has drawn attention because Huang is described as having formed a romantic relationship with Jensen Huang, the founder of Nvidia, one of the most influential companies in the artificial intelligence sector. The report says the case has raised questions about the security of the AI industry and about how closely Chinese intelligence services may be seeking access to sensitive technology networks.The briefing says Huang is a Shanghai executive and notes that she is not related to Jensen... [Continue Reading]
EU, UK, US and Ukraine hold Abu Dhabi talks ahead of Russia discussions
Representatives of the European partners, Ukraine and the United States met in Abu Dhabi ahead of upcoming trilateral discussions with Russia, according to a joint statement. The meeting was used to continue coordination on efforts to end the war in Ukraine and to set conditions for a durable peace. The participants said discussions were held collaboratively between the European partners, Ukraine and the United States, reflecting shared objectives, ongoing consultations and a commitment to Euro-Atlantic security. They said any future arrangement must respect Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independent decision-making, and must include credible security guarantees for Ukraine as part... [Continue Reading]
EU Council and Parliament reach 2027 budget deal
The Council and the European Parliament have reached agreement on the EU's 2027 annual budget, the seventh and final yearly budget under the current multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027. The deal sets the Union's spending plan for next year and is designed to support agreed policies and programmes while preserving room to respond to unforeseen circumstances. The 2027 budget is set at EUR 199.7 billion in total commitments and EUR 211.5 billion in total payments. EU officials said the budget will help the bloc cope with ongoing crises and challenges, including those in Ukraine and the Middle East, while also... [Continue Reading]
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Bolivia arrests former senior judge in drug trafficking probe
Bolivian authorities have arrested former senior judge Aldo Quezada in Santa Cruz on suspicion of drug trafficking and criminal association. Prosecutor Marcelo Inchausti said Quezada was detained at his home in eastern Bolivia on Wednesday. The arrest is part of a wider crackdown on officials suspected of links to cartel activity.Inchausti told reporters that Quezada had resigned last month as chief justice of the Santa Cruz departmental court after being placed on a United States visa restrictions list over alleged links to drug trafficking. The case comes amid a broader anti-cartel push involving Bolivian authorities and a US-backed security alliance... [Continue Reading]
Yemen fighting intensifies as Houthis deny targeting Mecca and Saudi claims missile interceptions
The World Health Organisation says more than 320,000 people have been displaced in fighting in Yemen since 1 August, as the conflict intensifies on multiple fronts and spills further across the border. The latest exchange of claims centres on alleged Houthi drone and missile attacks toward Saudi Arabia, including Mecca, Riyadh and Yanbu. The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca and say they instead struck other Saudi locations.Saudi-led coalition forces said they intercepted three cruise missiles launched towards Riyadh, along with drones aimed at Mecca and Saudi Arabia's southern regions. Saudi Arabia's Civil Defence Authority said debris from the interception of... [Continue Reading]
Israel reportedly prepares possible strike on Iran as Tehran warns of expanded retaliation
Israeli security cabinet members have reportedly ordered the military to step up preparations for a possible attack on Iran, according to Israeli media cited in the supporting material. The reports emerged on Wednesday evening and point to a further rise in tensions between the two countries. They also come as diplomatic efforts continue in an attempt to prevent a wider conflict.The material says the security cabinet is chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is serving in a caretaker capacity after his ruling coalition lost its parliamentary majority in the October elections. Public broadcaster KAN said the directives could lead... [Continue Reading]
Brooklyn building collapse as death toll rises and rescue crews search rubble
At least two people have been killed after a three-storey mixed-use building collapsed in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighbourhood, with rescue crews still searching the rubble for anyone trapped inside. The building fell into a nearby construction site, leaving residents and construction workers caught in the emergency response. Officials said the operation remained active several hours after the collapse, with a drone deployed to help locate possible victims.The New York City Fire Department said four people were in critical condition and 12 others were stable, while one firefighter was being treated for minor injuries. Rescue operations began around 4pm on Wednesday, and... [Continue Reading]
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Paraguay partially refunds Ueno Bank depositors after collapse
Paraguay's Central Bank says it has partially returned savings to eligible Ueno Bank depositors after the lender collapsed last week. The move comes as the fallout from the takeover continues to spread through the country's political and financial system. The bank's seizure on November 3 triggered mass protests and helped drive the impeachment and arrest of former president Santiago Pena.Pedro Acosta of the Central Bank said 100 percent of Ueno clients entitled to a deposit guarantee fund had received at least part of their money back. The institution said it had partially refunded money to 1,812,348 people. Ueno executives and... [Continue Reading]
US judge lets Trump's defamation case against the BBC proceed amid ongoing legal fight
A federal judge in Florida has allowed Donald Trump's $10bn defamation lawsuit against the BBC to move forward, keeping alive a case over how the broadcaster edited a documentary about the January 6, 2021 speech. The ruling is an early legal win for Trump, but it does not decide whether he will ultimately prove defamation. One separate claim under Florida's unfair trade practices law was dismissed.Judge Jeffrey Kuntz, a Trump-appointed federal district judge in the Southern District of Florida, issued a 40-page ruling on Tuesday that partially rejected the BBC's motion to dismiss. He said Trump had plausibly alleged reputational... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo opens with a record Nikkei surge as Asia-Pacific trades split between risk-on equities and softer commodities
Executive summary: Tokyo opened with a powerful risk-on move, led by a sharp jump in the Nikkei 225 and gains across several regional equity benchmarks. The rally came alongside a weaker gold price, lower WTI crude, and a firmer yen-dollar backdrop for exporters to digest, while natural gas and some industrial metals held up better than the broader commodity complex. The move is notable for its size, with the Nikkei and its ETF both posting outsized gains that point to strong momentum at the Asia open. [Continue Reading]
Nigeria's President Launches Re-election Manifesto Amid Cost-of-Living Pressure
Nigeria's President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched his re-election manifesto, setting out a pitch to voters ahead of the country's general election in January 2027. The plan, unveiled by his party on 10 November, promises to grow the economy, tackle insecurity and address housing shortages. It comes as many Nigerians continue to focus on the cost of living and wider economic hardship.The manifesto is titled From Reform to Prosperity and sets targets that include 6% annual economic growth by 2031, the recruitment of 78,000 additional security personnel and the construction of 200,000 affordable homes. It is being presented as the... [Continue Reading]
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Hezbollah chief links US and Israeli election results to Lebanon standoff
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has said recent election results in the United States and Israel could help Lebanon in its long-running dispute over the group's weapons. Speaking in a video-link address on Wednesday, he described the US results as an "earthquake" and the Israeli vote as a "defeat". His remarks came during a speech honouring members of the group killed by Israel and their families.Qassem said the bloc led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fell short of the 61 seats it needed to remain in power after the October 27 vote. He also said Republican losses in the US... [Continue Reading]
Iran and Argentina trade terrorist-designation moves in diplomatic escalation
Iran has announced that it will designate Argentina's navy and air force as terrorist organisations, in a sharp reciprocal move after Buenos Aires previously blacklisted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The announcement marks a new escalation in already strained relations between the two countries. Argentina rejected the Iranian move as baseless and unacceptable.Iran's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that it was acting under the principle of reciprocity. The statement said the naval and air forces of Argentina would be treated as terrorist organisations, while making no mention of the country's army. It also warned that responsibility for any consequences would... [Continue Reading]
Israeli strikes kill at least five in Gaza as flooding worsens shelter crisis
Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed at least five Palestinians as heavy rain and flooding deepened the enclave's humanitarian crisis. One strike hit a tent sheltering displaced people in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, north of Gaza City, leaving at least two people dead and several others wounded. The deaths were reported on Wednesday, alongside other strikes in different parts of Gaza.The confirmed fatalities included Mohammed Salem al-Daash, 38, who was killed in an air attack in the al-Sabra neighbourhood south of Gaza City. Another Palestinian was shot dead east of the al-Bureij camp in central Gaza, while a separate drone... [Continue Reading]
Victorian Liberals dump Williamstown candidate over anti-Aboriginal comments
The Victorian Liberal Party has withdrawn support for its Williamstown candidate, Paul Lindemann, after offensive social media comments about Indigenous Australians came to light. The decision comes during the final stretch of the campaign before Victoria's state election on November 28. Party leader Jess Wilson said the comments were deeply offensive and that the party acted swiftly once they were identified.Wilson said she was disappointed the party had not been aware of the remarks earlier. She said the vetting process had failed to pick them up, adding that she expected the highest standards from her team. In a statement, the... [Continue Reading]
Iran says Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war status amid ceasefire talks
Iran's parliament speaker and top negotiator has said the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-war status, as Tehran waits for an official US response to its conditions for ending the conflict. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said in an interview published on Wednesday that Iran and Oman had reached an understanding to oversee the strategic waterway as part of a broader settlement framework. He also said Iran had sent its seven conditions for peace talks through a Qatari mediator.Ghalibaf said the response to Washington included demands such as lifting the US-imposed naval blockade and sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian funds,... [Continue Reading]
France turns back Israeli settler leader at Paris airport over West Bank role
French authorities have barred Yossi Dagan, head of the Samaria Regional Council, from entering France after he arrived at a Paris airport, according to his office and French officials. His office said he was questioned during passport control before being told he could not enter the country and was sent back. The French foreign ministry said the ban was linked to his active role in implementing settlement policy in the occupied West Bank.The ministry did not confirm the deportation itself, but said Dagan was subject to an administrative ban from French territory. It said settlement building is contrary to international... [Continue Reading]
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Saudi oil output rises near pre-war levels as OPEC+ production climbs
Saudi Arabia has raised crude oil production to its highest level in months, according to an OPEC report released on Wednesday. The increase comes despite continued shipping disruptions linked to the Iran war, which earlier this year shook global energy markets. The report said Saudi output in October reached 10.563 million barrels per day, while total OPEC+ production also rose sharply.The monthly report said Saudi production was up by more than two million barrels per day from September. It also put OPEC+ output at 41.23 million barrels per day in October, an increase of about 2.04 million barrels per day... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street closes lower as Nvidia rout, hotter rates backdrop and commodity swings reshape the tape
Executive summary: U.S. equities finished lower, led by a sharp drop in Nvidia and weakness across the Nasdaq and S&P 500, while defensive pockets and select chip names held up better. The session also featured a jump in natural gas, a slide in oil and gold, and a firmer dollar against the yen, underscoring a market still wrestling with rates, inflation and AI trade volatility. [Continue Reading]
Russian ambassador to the United States dies suddenly at 66
Russia's ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has died suddenly at the age of 66, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The ministry said he "passed away suddenly" and did not give a cause of death. It described him as an experienced diplomat and said it had lost a senior colleague and mentor.The announcement was made on Wednesday, with the ministry publishing its statement on X. Darchiev had served as Russia's ambassador to the United States since early 2025, after replacing Anatoly Antonov. He had previously held several posts within the Foreign Ministry and worked at Russia's embassy in... [Continue Reading]
Trump says the US did not start the war with Iran and says it will end soon
Donald Trump used a Veterans Day ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery to say the United States did not start the war with Iran and that the conflict would end soon. Speaking at the cemetery's Memorial Amphitheater in Virginia, he said America had "fought back" and claimed the war would be over "soon", although he gave no date. He also said the United States had "begun operations" against Iran seven months ago, with only a few weeks of what he described as active hard fighting.Trump's remarks came during the national Veterans Day ceremony and were shared by the White House's Rapid... [Continue Reading]
Thousands of schools in Italy, Scotland and Northern Ireland hit by bomb threats as hoax probe widens
Some 6,300 schools in Italy and more than 700 in Scotland and Northern Ireland have received bomb threats in a wave of messages that authorities say appear to be hoaxes. In Italy, a number of buildings were evacuated as a precaution after a single email was sent on Wednesday to the inboxes of state schools. Officials said private schools were not affected.Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said checks so far had not indicated any evidence of concrete danger, and described the reports as appearing linked to a strategy intended to cause alarm and concern. Italy's education minister, Giuseppe Valditara, said the... [Continue Reading]
Ireland raises alarm over threats to undersea cables near its waters
Ireland has warned that undersea cables near its waters face a growing threat from hostile actors, highlighting the strategic importance of the routes that cross the Atlantic floor. The concern centres on infrastructure that carries much of the data linking North America and Europe, including communications and financial traffic. Officials say Ireland's position makes it a key point on these networks, even though it is a small state with limited military surveillance capacity.According to the Irish government, about 75 percent of transatlantic subsea cables pass through or near Irish waters. That gives the country an outsized role in the security... [Continue Reading]
Russia bans four French figures in retaliation over Xenia Fedorova expulsion
Russia has barred four French figures from entering the country in a move Moscow says is retaliation for France's expulsion of pro-Kremlin commentator Xenia Fedorova. The ban covers two French MPs and two journalists, according to the Russian foreign ministry. The decision adds a new diplomatic flashpoint to already strained relations between Moscow and Paris.Foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the four were targeted because of their involvement in what she described as the harassment of Fedorova and their calls for her expulsion. The people named are MPs Sacha Houlie and Arthur Delaporte, and journalists Ariane Chemin and Paul Gogo.... [Continue Reading]
Ex-parliamentary aide says he was a fall guy in China spying case, but admits naivety
Chris Cash, the former parliamentary researcher acquitted in a China spying case, has said in his first interview since the verdict that he was a "convenient fall guy" for police and security services. He told the BBC that investigators wanted to put espionage threats from foreign states "on the map", while also acknowledging that he had been "unprofessional and naive" in sending what he described as gossiping messages. The interview adds a new personal account to a case that has already become politically sensitive in the United Kingdom.Cash said he had shared more than 6,000 messages, including exchanges that touched... [Continue Reading]
Erdogan calls Gaza war an 'ecocide' at COP31 as aid and storm damage concerns grow
Turkey's president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has used a speech at COP31 in Antalya to describe the war in Gaza as an "ecocide" and to call for more humanitarian aid to reach the territory. His remarks came as reporting from Gaza described heavy rains and flooding that have destroyed shelters and added to the pressure on displaced Palestinians. The comments place the Gaza conflict directly into the climate summit agenda, linking environmental damage with the wider humanitarian crisis.Erdogan said the world should recognise the environmental impact of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. He also urged the Israeli government... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Iran tensions deepen as Europe security fears, Ukraine talks and market swings dominate
Washington and Tehran traded fresh warnings as the US said its economic pressure campaign on Iran was now so effective that major combat operations were not needed, while Iran warned it would strike US bases in Europe if they were used against it and refused to hand over enriched nuclear material. The pressure campaign also fed into wider security concerns, with US media reporting Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had been moved to a military base after threats linked to Iran. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗US prosecutors widened their case over alleged Iran linked plots in Europe and Britain, unsealing an eight... [Continue Reading]
Tens of thousands join nationalist Independence Day march in Warsaw after Krakow attack
Tens of thousands of nationalist sympathisers gathered in Warsaw on Wednesday for Poland's Independence Day march, with police deployed to secure the demonstration. The event took place days after a mass shooting in Krakow that killed six people and intensified political tensions in the country. Participants carrying Polish flags assembled in the capital as the annual march went ahead under close watch.Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for restraint before the march and urged unity after ministers said the Krakow attacker may have been motivated by far-right ideology. Officials said the man who carried out the attack killed six people and... [Continue Reading]
John Thune re-elected to lead US Senate Republicans after midterm losses
US Senate Republicans have re-elected John Thune as their leader in a closed-door vote at the US Capitol, despite calls from some lawmakers to delay the decision. Thune ran unopposed and won the backing of his conference as Republicans prepare to lose power in the Senate. The vote came after a midterm election in which the party suffered significant losses to Democrats.Thune, a South Dakota senator, said after the vote that he appreciated the chance to have an open and honest conversation with colleagues. He said he was honoured to have their continued trust and support to lead the Senate... [Continue Reading]
US Treasury Secretary Bessent relocated to military base amid reported Iran-linked threats
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been moved from his Washington home to a military base after reported threats linked to Iran, according to US media reports. The relocation has drawn fresh attention to the security risks facing senior American officials involved in Washington's pressure campaign against Tehran. The move was reported after concerns grew around the exposure of Bessent's Georgetown residence.According to the supplied reporting, the security concerns intensified after a photograph of the home was published and the property could be geolocated. A Treasury Department spokesperson said Bessent would not be deterred by threats and remained committed to... [Continue Reading]
European markets close mixed as energy, metals and FX swings dominate a volatile session
Executive summary: European equities finished broadly higher, led by the Euro Stoxx 50, DAX and CAC 40, while the FTSE 100 slipped marginally. The session was shaped by a sharp jump in natural gas, a drop in Brent crude, softer gold, and a weaker euro and pound against the dollar. Crypto and autos were notable laggards, while palladium and European large caps outperformed. [Continue Reading]
Lebanon's wheat production hit by war damage in south and Bekaa Valley
Lebanon's wheat production has been damaged by ongoing Israeli attacks, with farmland in the south and the Bekaa Valley suffering severe destruction. The reporting says repeated strikes have disrupted farming activity and left more land abandoned as the conflict continues. It describes the damage as part of a wider pattern of harm to homes, infrastructure and agricultural land.The article says abandoned land in affected areas has risen to around 24 percent. It also says the impact has been especially severe in southern Lebanon and in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, both important agricultural areas. Munira Khayyat, author of a book on... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street Opens Lower as Hot Inflation, Higher Yields and Crypto Weakness Pressure Risk Assets
Executive summary: U.S. markets opened under pressure, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, Dow Jones and Russell 2000 all lower in early trading. The move came alongside a stronger dollar, softer crude, a sharp drop in Ether and Bitcoin, and a notable jump in natural gas. Defensive and rate-sensitive signals were mixed, with defence stocks higher while banks, energy and tech were weaker. [Continue Reading]
EDGE showcases defence systems for military medical operations in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI, 11th November, 2026 (WAM) -- EDGE Group showcased a range of advanced defence solutions and technologies supporting military medical operations during its participation in the 46th ICMM World Congress of Military Medicine , Abu Dhabi 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.The solutions support missions including ambulance services, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and field logistics, as part of the group's long-term strategic partnerships with the Armed Forces.Ahmed Al Khoori, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Excellence at EDGE, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the group's portfolio includes a diverse range of unmanned land and aerial systems, alongside... [Continue Reading]
Nissan cuts petrol car production as China EV demand accelerates
Nissan has said it will reduce petrol car manufacturing and increase production of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in China after weaker-than-expected demand and intensifying competition forced it to lower its sales forecast. The Japanese carmaker said the shift in the world's largest auto market is happening faster than it had expected. It described China as its biggest challenge.The company now expects to sell between 2.97 million and 3 million vehicles this year, down from a previous forecast of 3.15 million. Nissan said sales in China fell 22% in the first half of the year and were down 32%... [Continue Reading]
Russia's Novaya Gazeta shuts Moscow office after media registration is revoked
Novaya Gazeta said it has been forced to close its Moscow office after Russian authorities revoked its media registration and blocked its ability to publish. The newspaper said security services and censors compelled the editorial team to stop operating, marking a further step in the pressure on one of Russia's best-known independent outlets. The closure affects the paper's newsroom, its reader donation system, its online resources and its printing arrangements.In a statement dated 30 October, the newspaper said it had been ordered to vacate its premises and that state censors at printing facilities refused to allow publication before the registration... [Continue Reading]
UK launches Northern Navies Initiative with 10 European allies to counter Russian maritime threats
The United Kingdom has unveiled a new Northern Navies Initiative with 10 Northern European countries, creating a British-led defence framework focused on maritime surveillance and response. The plan links sea drones, warships, sensors and artificial intelligence systems across Baltic, Nordic and Dutch allies. It was announced as European governments continue to describe Russian naval activity as a growing concern.First Sea Lord General Gwyn Jenkins said after the agreement was signed that the threats facing the countries involved were multiplying and that they needed to respond before the situation worsened. The initiative is designed to create a unified surveillance capability, allowing... [Continue Reading]
Rights group raises alarm over jailed Gaza doctor as courts reject release petitions
An Israeli rights group has raised fresh concerns about the health of Dr Hussam Abu Safia, the jailed director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, after saying his condition has worsened in detention. The group said two Israeli courts rejected petitions on Wednesday seeking the release of 14 Gaza doctors held without charge, as well as a request for an independent medical examination for Abu Safia. The case has drawn attention to the detention of medical staff from Gaza at a time when the territory's health system remains under severe strain.Physicians for Human Rights Israel said an independent review... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Iran tensions widen as Ukraine talks stall and NATO air alerts spread
Ukraine and Russia have ended a new round of US mediated peace talks in Abu Dhabi without agreement, even as Russian strikes hit Ukraine's energy grid and deepen pressure on the country heading into winter. 🔗In the Middle East, Iran said the Strait of Hormuz will stay shut until Tehran's conditions are met, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said at least one ship had been hit by mine fires, sharpening fears over a key global shipping route. 🔗 Iran also said it will not hand over any enriched uranium, rejecting a central US demand linked to ending the conflict.... [Continue Reading]
US unseals indictment over alleged Iran-backed terror plots in Europe and the UK
The United States has unsealed an eight-count indictment charging three men over what prosecutors describe as Iran-backed terrorist plots spanning Europe and the United States. Officials say the case covers 18 alleged plots in Europe, including seven in the United Kingdom, and also references an attempted bombing of a synagogue in New York. The filing adds new detail to a cross-border counterterrorism investigation that has already drawn in British authorities.According to the indictment, Mohammad Ali al-Hassani, Mohsen Mohajeri and Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi are accused of working for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib... [Continue Reading]
NATO jets fail twice to shoot down drone over northern Lithuania as Baltic airspace alerts spread
NATO fighter jets twice failed to shoot down an unidentified drone over northern Lithuania overnight, in an incident that triggered air-raid warnings across the Baltic states and precautionary restrictions in Finland. The aircraft crossed from Belarus into Lithuania, briefly entered Polish airspace, then moved back into Lithuania before continuing north toward Latvia and Estonia. It later headed toward Russia, according to the information released by Lithuanian officials.Lithuanian authorities said the drone was first detected at around 1.20am local time, after three unmanned aircraft were initially seen operating in Belarusian airspace and moving north toward Latvia. Latvia's armed forces later reported... [Continue Reading]
UK and Argentina clash at sea law tribunal over Falklands oil project
The United Kingdom has said it will defend the Sea Lion oil project near the Falkland Islands at a hearing before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, as Argentina seeks to halt the offshore development. The Hamburg-based tribunal is hearing the case over two days, with Argentina asking for provisional measures to suspend drilling. The dispute adds a new legal front to long-running tensions between the two countries over the South Atlantic territory.Attorney General Ellie Reeves is representing the UK government at the tribunal, and said billions of pounds tied to the future of the Falkland Islands... [Continue Reading]
Iran says it will not hand over enriched nuclear material amid US pressure
Iran's security chief has said Tehran will not hand over any enriched uranium, rejecting a central US demand linked to ending the conflict between the two countries. Mohsen Rezaei said on Wednesday that Iran would not accept delivering its enriched nuclear material, using language that left little room for compromise. The statement adds to an already tense standoff over Iran's nuclear programme and the wider war between Tehran and Washington.Rezaei made the comments in an interview with the Lebanese television channel Al Mayadeen. His remarks directly contradicted one of the main conditions the United States has set for a definitive... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan-India trade shows signs of recovery despite tensions
Pakistan's imports from India have risen again despite the formal suspension of trade between the two neighbours, according to new data from Pakistan's central bank. The figures suggest a gradual recovery in commercial flows after the sharp disruption that followed the conflict in 2025. The development comes as relations remain strained, with border and air links still shaped by the fallout from last year's fighting.The State Bank of Pakistan said Pakistan imported goods worth $61.7m from India from July to September this year, up 69% from the same period a year earlier. The bank's payment data showed monthly payments for... [Continue Reading]
US Embassy in Yemen Rejects Houthi Blockade Claims and Cites Port Traffic
The US Embassy in Yemen has rejected Houthi claims that a Saudi-led blockade is cutting off access to the country. In a video posted in Arabic, embassy spokesperson Khaled Wolfsberg said goods are still reaching areas under Houthi control. He also accused the Houthis of besieging Taiz, a city that has remained a focal point in Yemen's war.The embassy said 272 commercial ships unloaded cargo at the Houthi-held ports of Hodeidah, as-Salif and Ras Isa between January and September 2026. It said the figures show that maritime trade and supply flows have continued despite the conflict. The statement also pointed... [Continue Reading]
US warns Madagascar over growing military ties with Russia
The United States has warned Madagascar against deepening its military ties with Russia, after the island nation expanded defence cooperation following last year's military takeover. The warning comes as Washington raises concerns about the spread of what one senior US military official described as a "Sahel model" of security partnerships. Madagascar's location in the Indian Ocean, close to major shipping routes, was highlighted as part of the concern.US Africa Command deputy head Lt Gen John Brennan said Madagascar's position made it strategically important to global trade and maritime security. He said Russia had increased its military cooperation with Madagascar since... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Ukraine talks drag on as US security cases widen and Israel opens new parliament
Ukraine peace talks continued in Abu Dhabi for a second day with Ukrainian, Russian and US negotiators still searching for a way forward, even as doubts persisted over any ceasefire breakthrough. European officials were also reacting sharply to talk of a possible new security architecture linked to the negotiations, underlining how much is at stake beyond the battlefield. 🔗 🔗On the war front, Russia said it intercepted 146 drones over the Leningrad region and reported a fire near Ust Luga, while Ukraine said it had captured its first Indonesian prisoner of war in Zaporizhzhia and linked the case to a... [Continue Reading]
Europe opens mixed as energy, metals and FX swings set the tone, Euro Stoxx 50 leads while FTSE and DAX slip
Executive summary: European equities opened with a split picture, the Euro Stoxx 50 and CAC 40 advanced while the FTSE 100 and DAX edged lower. The move came alongside a sharp drop in Brent crude, a jump in natural gas, firmer precious metals and a weaker pound and euro against the dollar. The data points to a market still digesting higher-for-longer rate expectations, softer risk appetite in some corners, and a notable rotation within commodities and cyclicals. [Continue Reading]
US to phase out annual military aid to Israel by end-2026, report says
The United States will phase out about $4bn in annual military aid to Israel by the end of 2026, according to a report published on the day of the US midterm elections. The announcement marks a significant shift in a relationship that has for decades been defined by steady military and diplomatic backing from Washington. It also comes amid signs of strain in ties between the two countries, with the timing drawing particular attention.The report says President Donald Trump made the announcement on election day, when the midterms were under way. It describes the move as a gradual phaseout rather... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo closes higher as Nikkei edges up, Asia-Pacific splits on risk-off pressure in Korea and crypto
Executive summary: Tokyo ended modestly higher, with the Nikkei 225 up +0.3% and the Nikkei 225 ETF also in the green. Broader Asia-Pacific trading was mixed, as Australia and Hong Kong advanced while South Korea sold off sharply. The session also featured a strong jump in natural gas, firmer precious metals, a drop in WTI crude, and a steep slide in Ether, all pointing to a market still balancing inflation concerns, rate expectations, and commodity-specific shocks. [Continue Reading]
Israel's new Knesset opens as Eisenkot seeks coalition and Netanyahu pushes unity deal
Israel's new Knesset has opened in Jerusalem as coalition talks intensify after the October election produced no clear governing majority. President Isaac Herzog has given former chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot the first mandate to try to assemble a government, and he now has 28 days to secure enough support. Benjamin Netanyahu, who remains caretaker prime minister, is trying to shape the outcome by urging a unity arrangement and warning against an opposition-led coalition.The latest political manoeuvring comes as the new parliament begins its work with the balance of power still unsettled. According to the figures already confirmed, Netanyahu's bloc... [Continue Reading]
Severe storms batter Western Australia's interior, leaving 15,000 without power
Severe storms have swept across Western Australia's remote interior, leaving about 15,000 homes and businesses without electricity and bringing hail, rain and dust across a wide stretch of the state. The affected areas include the Midwest, Wheatbelt and Goldfields, with communities around Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Merredin and Kondinin among those hit by outages. In Mount Magnet, an intense hailstorm left the ground looking white, prompting comparisons with snowfall in a region more familiar with red earth and dry conditions.The disruption has been linked to a fault in a 600-kilometre feeder line supplying the region, according to the information provided by the state... [Continue Reading]
Europe unsettled by new security architecture talk in Ukraine peace discussions
European officials are reacting sharply to language about a possible new security architecture being discussed in connection with efforts to end Russia's war on Ukraine. The issue has moved to the centre of diplomatic debate after remarks attributed to Donald Trump about a "very big, beautiful agreement" that could involve all of Europe. Those comments were followed by a detailed social media post from Jared Kushner, who outlined principles for creating a "more stable and predictable security environment" on the continent.The wording has prompted concern in European capitals because it appeared to frame the war in terms of broader mistrust... [Continue Reading]
US House blocks bid to impeach Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth after 211-204 vote
The US House of Representatives has blocked an effort to send impeachment articles against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth to committee, stopping the move from advancing for now. The procedural vote ended 211 to 204, with Republicans using their majority to prevent the resolution from moving forward. The result gives President Donald Trump a political win days after his party's midterm losses.The impeachment push was led by Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie, who accused Hegseth of waging war on Iran without congressional authorisation. Massie was the only Republican to oppose the procedural manoeuvre, according to the supplied report. Democrats and some Republicans... [Continue Reading]
President Issues National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month Message
The White House has released a presidential message marking National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in the United States. The statement says it stands with Americans living with Alzheimer's disease, families supporting loved ones through the disease, and caregivers who provide daily care with patience and love. The message says Alzheimer's has taken "millions" of precious moments, cherished memories, and beloved lives from families across the nation. It describes the disease as one that steals names, voices, and familiar places, while saying that no diagnosis diminishes the love of families who remain at a loved one's side. The statement highlights the... [Continue Reading]
Kennedy family joins lawsuit to block Trump's Independence Arch in Washington DC
Nine members of the Kennedy family have joined a lawsuit seeking to stop construction of Donald Trump's proposed Independence Arch in Washington DC. The legal challenge centres on the planned 76-metre structure at Memorial Circle on Columbia Island, which the family says would affect views toward Arlington Memorial Cemetery. A judge has already issued a temporary order blocking construction until November 19.The complaint says the arch would obstruct sightlines to the cemetery and could cast shadows over graves, including those of Kennedy family members and the John F. Kennedy Eternal Flame. The filing argues that the location would interfere with... [Continue Reading]
US charges three men over alleged Iran-linked RAF Fairford plot as case widens
US federal prosecutors have unsealed a superseding indictment naming three men they say helped plan an alleged plot targeting RAF Fairford in southwest England. The filing says Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, Mohsen Mohajeri and Mohammad Ali al-Hassani were involved in the September episode at the base, which has been used by US forces. Prosecutors say the case centres on suspicious activity reported after a local farmer saw several white vans near the site.According to the indictment, al-Hassani, described as a 35-year-old Iraqi national, directed others to drive to the base in vans that included barrels of fuel. Prosecutors also... [Continue Reading]
China trade surplus tops $1 trillion again ahead of APEC talks
China's trade surplus has passed $1 trillion in the first 10 months of the year, putting the country on track to exceed last year's record. Official customs data showed the surplus reached $1.04 trillion through October, with exports continuing to rise sharply. The figures come just days before expected talks between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.The General Administration of Customs said exports rose 35.2% year-on-year in October to $412.3 billion, while imports increased 41.6% to $307.1 billion. Chinese exports to the United States also grew 32.9% last month, underscoring the strength of outbound trade... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo Opens Mixed as Nikkei Edges Lower, Asia Tracks a Sharp Split in Commodities and Risk Appetite
Executive summary: Tokyo opened with a modest pullback in the Nikkei 225, while broader Asia-Pacific sentiment was mixed to firmer, led by gains in Hong Kong and Australia. The session is being shaped by a sharp jump in natural gas, a slide in WTI crude, softer gold, and a stronger dollar against the yen, alongside a heavy selloff in Ether and a steep drop in South Korea’s Kospi. [Continue Reading]
IEA launches Global Observatory on energy sector resilience in Paris
The International Energy Agency launched the Global Observatory on Energy Sector Resilience on Tuesday in Paris, presenting it as a first-of-its-kind hub for data and analysis on exposure across the energy sector. The IEA said the platform is meant to help governments and industry understand where energy infrastructure is vulnerable to risks ranging from natural hazards to malicious attacks, and what steps can reduce disruption. The observatory was launched in support of the COP31 Presidency's 35-by-35 Global Electrification Pledge. Its first instalment focuses on strengthening power system resilience as electrification expands, with the IEA framing resilience and security as a... [Continue Reading]
Türkiye plans $300 billion energy transition investment by 2040, minister says
Türkiye plans to invest approximately $300 billion in its energy transition by 2040, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Tuesday at COP31 in Antalya. He gave the figure during a panel titled "Architecting Energy Transitions in a Shifting Global Landscape" at the climate conference. Bayraktar said electrification and energy efficiency are expected to produce $240 billion in cumulative savings by 2040. He said Türkiye needs substantial investment, strong partnerships, innovative technologies and a predictable investment environment to mobilize the required capital. He added that "implementation is the key to success" and said the country has set targets and... [Continue Reading]
COP31 to launch Global Carbon Market Network in Antalya on 12 November
A new global network will launch at the UN climate summit COP31 on 12 November in Antalya, Türkiye, with the stated aim of tackling fragmentation in carbon markets and channeling more investment into climate projects, particularly in developing countries. The Global Carbon Market Network is being convened by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD). UNCTAD says the network will seek to strengthen links between carbon and capital markets, improve transparency and credibility, and facilitate cross-border transactions. UNCTAD said carbon markets remain fragmented across different standards, registries and trading systems. It added that concerns over credit quality, transparency and double counting have... [Continue Reading]
Macquarie faces $14 million penalty over savings rate promotion failures
Macquarie Bank has admitted failures in the way it promoted a welcome interest rate for new savings account customers, in a case brought by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. The bank has acknowledged breaching the Corporations Act and could face a $14 million penalty if the proposed settlement is approved by the New South Wales Supreme Court. The case centres on how the promotional rate was described to customers and whether that wording was misleading.According to the regulator, Macquarie referred to the offer as a "welcome variable rate" and a "bonus", language that could have suggested the rate was... [Continue Reading]
Senior US Army soldier arrested in the UK over alleged Russia-linked espionage
British counter-terrorism police have arrested a 41-year-old senior member of the US Army near Gloucester in connection with allegations linked to Russia. The arrest was made on Tuesday under the UK National Security Act, and the man remains in custody in London. Police said the investigation is ongoing and that searches are being carried out at two locations in Gloucestershire.The Metropolitan Police said the arrest was made under sections 1 and 3 of the National Security Act, which cover leaking classified information and assisting a foreign intelligence service. The force said the allegations relate to Russia, while the FBI described... [Continue Reading]
Wall Street closes mixed as Nvidia slumps, megacap rotation lifts Dow and value pockets
Executive summary: Wall Street finished mixed, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite slipped. The session was dominated by a sharp Nvidia selloff, strength in Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft, and a broader rotation away from tech and chips toward banks, defence and some cyclicals. Commodities were also volatile, with WTI crude, gold and Bitcoin lower, while natural gas surged. [Continue Reading]
Eisenkot opens parliamentary offensive against Netanyahu over 7 October inquiry
Gadi Eisenkot and his allies have used the opening session of Israel's new parliament to press a series of proposals aimed at reversing measures backed by Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The move came as lawmakers gathered in Jerusalem for the first sitting of the 26th Knesset, where the atmosphere was marked by confrontations between members. The political manoeuvre also comes against the backdrop of a deadlock over who will form the next government.According to the supporting material, neither Eisenkot nor Netanyahu has secured the 61 votes needed to command a parliamentary majority. Eisenkot's bloc brings together parties from different political currents... [Continue Reading]
Poll shows Americans want Congress to focus on ending Iran war and lowering costs
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll suggests Americans want the incoming Congress to put the war with Iran, tariffs and the cost of living at the top of its agenda. The survey found broad support for legislation to end the war, with respondents also backing action to reverse import tariffs and ease household expenses. The findings point to strong public pressure on lawmakers as they prepare for the first 100 days of the next Congress.According to the poll, 71 percent of Americans supported Congress passing legislation to end the war with Iran. That included 93 percent of Democrats and 51 percent of... [Continue Reading]
UN says Egypt fact-checking newsroom of six journalists remains in detention
The UN human rights office (OHCHR) said on Tuesday that six journalists who make up the entire newsroom of the Egyptian fact-checking website Matsadash remain in detention. The office described the case as part of widening pressure on the press in Egypt. OHCHR said the detentions are occurring amid proliferating assaults on press freedom by the government. The source does not give the location of the detentions, any charges, or any court action, and it provides no further detail on the journalists' status. The case centers on Matsadash, which is identified as an Egyptian fact-checking website. The source states only... [Continue Reading]
Violence erupts in Bangladesh as pro-Hasina supporters stage protests
Police in Bangladesh have fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse supporters of deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, after protests spread across the country. The demonstrations were organised by supporters demanding her return from exile in India, and they quickly turned violent in several locations. A police vehicle was set on fire in Gopalganj district, while traffic was disrupted in other parts of the country.The unrest began a day after Hasina said she had requested a passport to return to Bangladesh from India, where she fled after being ousted in 2024. Police said the banned student wing of... [Continue Reading]
COP31 as IEA chief urges faster electrification amid Hormuz risk and winter fuel strain
International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol has used COP31 in Antalya to press governments to speed up electrification, arguing that electricity should account for 35% of final energy consumption by 2035. In an interview, he said the shift would strengthen energy sovereignty, particularly in Europe, which remains exposed to global energy market volatility. His comments came as the summit in Turkey continues to focus on the balance between climate policy and energy security.Birol warned that a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz would have major implications for Europe and the wider global economy. He said the European Commission estimates... [Continue Reading]
Hegseth rejects impeachment drive over lawful U.S. military operations
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth publicly rejected an impeachment push aimed at him, calling it a political spectacle and a "stunt" by a disgruntled and defeated congressman. He said the move was not oversight, accountability, or a legitimate constitutional remedy, but an attempt to damage President Donald J. Trump, the Department of War, and the military personnel who carried out recent operations. Hegseth said every operation targeted in the eight articles was lawful, ordered by the Commander-in-Chief, properly notified to Congress, and carried out by American warriors who delivered "decisive results." He framed the effort as a direct attack on... [Continue Reading]
United States skips UN human rights review again, delaying examination until January
The United States has again refused to take part in its United Nations human rights review in Geneva, prompting the UN Human Rights Council to postpone examination of Washington's record until January. The session was due to begin on Tuesday, but US representatives did not appear in the room when the review was called. It is the second consecutive year that the United States has skipped the process.The council president, Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro of Indonesia, announced that the US delegation was not present as the meeting was set to start. Under the UN system, all 193 member states undergo a... [Continue Reading]
Democrats projected to expand House majority as Senate control shifts after US election swing
Democrats are now projected to finish with a larger-than-expected majority in the House of Representatives after the latest round of vote counting in the US midterm elections. The supplied material says projections showed the party winning 254 House seats, with 16 races still to be called, while NBC News projected a final total of 259 seats. That would give Democrats their biggest House majority in more than three decades and position Hakeem Jeffries to become the first Black Speaker in American history.The new numbers also strengthen Democratic control of Congress at a moment when the party is already projected to... [Continue Reading]
Australia warns of sharp rise in child counterterrorism cases after Darwin arrests
Australian Federal Police have warned of a sharp rise in the number of children involved in counterterrorism cases, saying minors now account for 40% of active joint investigations this year. The warning follows the charging of two children, a boy and a girl, in Darwin last week over allegations they plotted a mass-casualty attack. Police say the case is part of a broader increase in youth radicalisation that has accelerated over the past two years.Counterterrorism Commander Paula Hudson said 32 of the 37 youths prosecuted for counterterrorism offences since 2020 were charged in the past two years. She said the... [Continue Reading]
Myanmar summons German envoy over video calling for release of Suu Kyi and Win Myint
Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned the head of mission at the German embassy after a Facebook video calling for the release of detained politicians, including Aung San Suu Kyi and former president Win Myint. The ministry said the video, posted by German diplomat Mathias Licharz, appeared to encourage opposition to the host government and could incite internal unrest. The dispute adds a new diplomatic strain to Myanmar's already tense political environment more than five years after the military coup.According to the ministry, Licharz met Deputy Foreign Minister Ko Ko Kyaw and was warned against repeating the conduct. He... [Continue Reading]
Day News Recap: Ukraine talks open in Abu Dhabi as Gaza floods, Iran tensions and regional security flare
New talks aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine opened in Abu Dhabi, with Ukrainian, American and European representatives focusing on security guarantees and territory as the US led push for a settlement continued. 🔗In the Middle East, diplomatic pressure around Iran intensified on several fronts. Iran's top security official said there are no negotiations with Washington, even as Qatar said it sees progress in US Iran talks after a White House meeting, Egypt said both sides want negotiations, and Donald Trump said the conflict is effectively at an end. 🔗 🔗 🔗 🔗Trump also said Israel and Gulf allies... [Continue Reading]
UK and allies launch new maritime defensive initiative after rise in Russian naval activity
The United Kingdom has announced plans for a new 10-country maritime defensive initiative after saying Russian naval activity around British waters rose sharply in the first nine months of the year. The move brings together the UK, the Netherlands and Baltic and Nordic countries in a coordinated effort focused on sea drones and warships. It comes as London says it wants to strengthen deterrence at sea amid growing concern about Russian pressure in nearby waters.Luke Pollard, the minister for defence readiness, said Russian naval activity around the UK had increased by 41% over the period, describing it as a major... [Continue Reading]
Gaza floods worsen displacement as aid pressure grows
Heavy rain has flooded tens of thousands of tents in Gaza, deepening the humanitarian strain on a population already living largely in temporary shelters. The flooding came as winter weather began this weekend, adding to conditions that aid agencies and officials say are already severe. In the central Strip, four people, including three children, were killed when a sand embankment collapsed onto tents.The US-backed Board of Peace, established to oversee the implementation of Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, said Israel's response to the flooding remained insufficient. It called on Israel to immediately allow all necessary humanitarian supplies into Gaza and... [Continue Reading]
European markets close higher as DAX leads, Brent and gold slide on shifting risk sentiment
Executive summary: European equities finished firmly in the green, led by a 2.0% jump in Germany’s DAX, while the FTSE 100, CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 also advanced. The session was marked by a sharp drop in Brent crude, a retreat in gold and silver, and a weaker euro and pound against the dollar. Natural gas was the standout commodity winner, surging more than 10%, while Ether fell nearly 9.6% and added to the day’s risk-off tone in parts of the digital asset market. [Continue Reading]
Arizona Federal Court Rejects Bid to Block Hermosa Critical Minerals Project
District Court for the District of Arizona last week denied a motion for a preliminary injunction seeking to stop construction of the Hermosa Critical Minerals Project in southeastern Arizona. The court action leaves the project moving forward after the request to halt work was rejected. The project is described as one that will establish a domestic source of manganese and substantially increase domestic production of zinc. The source says both minerals are essential to the steel used in military vehicles and naval vessels. It also says battery-grade manganese is essential to advanced lithium-ion batteries used in unmanned aerial vehicles, radios,... [Continue Reading]
Italy debates 13th Ukraine aid package amid coalition split
Italy's government is weighing its 13th aid package for Ukraine as Defence Minister Guido Crosetto presents the classified measure to Copasir, the parliamentary committee for the security of the republic. The debate has exposed fresh tensions inside the governing coalition, even as officials insist the process is still moving forward. The package is linked to continued support for Kyiv at a time when European leaders are also discussing Ukraine's future in Abu Dhabi.According to the supplied material, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti had not yet signed the decree after being in Brussels for Ecofin, the meeting of EU finance ministers. Foreign... [Continue Reading]
Russia expands 'unfriendly countries' policy into courts and family law
Russia's designation of so-called unfriendly countries is being applied more broadly inside the country, reaching domestic courts, family law, property rights and financial obligations. The policy, first formalised in March 2022 after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, was originally presented as a response to states that imposed sanctions or other restrictions on Moscow. New examples now show it influencing decisions that go beyond trade and diplomacy.The latest reporting says the list covers the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Ukraine, Australia, New Zealand and European Union member states. This autumn, the Russian government nearly... [Continue Reading]
US-Iran war diplomacy gains momentum as Trump says conflict is effectively at an end
Diplomatic efforts around the US war with Iran appeared to gain fresh momentum on Tuesday after a day of closed-door talks in Washington involving Qatar's prime minister. US President Donald Trump said he considers the war "effectively" at an end, while also insisting the United States remains militarily prepared if needed. The comments came as Iranian officials signalled that any lasting settlement would have to come through diplomacy rather than pressure.Trump and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani both described the White House talks as positive, according to the supplied material. Trump said the United... [Continue Reading]
GCC agrees to station forces at new military command post in Kuwait amid regional security concerns
The Gulf Cooperation Council has agreed to station forces at a new military command post in Kuwait, according to the bloc's secretary-general. The decision was announced after defence ministers from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates met in Manama. It marks a further step in the GCC's effort to strengthen collective defence coordination across the Gulf.Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said the post will form part of the GCC Unified Military Command, which was created in 2013 to plan joint operations. The bloc did not say when the new facility will open, how many troops will... [Continue Reading]
Iraq blocks Iranian football team plane from landing in Basra over sanctions concerns
Iraqi authorities have reportedly blocked a plane carrying Iran's national football team from landing at Basra airport, forcing the aircraft to return to Iran. The team was travelling to southern Iraq for a four-nation tournament in Basra that also involves Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine. According to officials cited in the report, the decision was taken because of concerns that allowing the flight to land could breach United States sanctions on Iranian airlines.Two Basra airport officials said the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority was behind the move, while an Iraqi civil aviation official said the country could not risk violating US sanctions.... [Continue Reading]
US aircraft moved from RAF Mildenhall amid reported Iran threat, with at least 10 tankers relocated
At least 10 Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker refuelling aircraft left RAF Mildenhall in eastern England on Monday local time, according to commercially available flight-tracking data cited in the report. Some of the aircraft were diverted to Germany, Scotland and Spain, while at least three Osprey aircraft also departed the base and landed at RAF Lakenheath, about four miles away. The movement marks a second apparent evacuation from a UK base in three months and comes amid reported concerns about a threat linked to Iran.The report said two refuelling tankers were diverted to Germany, while the destinations of six other aircraft were... [Continue Reading]
Al Jazeera investigation says some West Bank settlers also serve as soldiers
An investigation published on 10 November says some Israeli settlers involved in attacks on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank also return in military uniforms to issue orders. The report says this overlap is helping blur the line between civilian settlers and the security forces that are meant to enforce order in the territory. It focuses on incidents in Tal, southwest of Nablus, and says the pattern has wider implications for violence, land seizures and displacement.The investigation says facial matching and local testimony identified Yitzhak Levi Filant, a settler from Yitzhar known locally as Yaqoub, in one of the clearest... [Continue Reading]
Qatar says progress seen in US-Iran talks after White House meeting
Qatar said on Tuesday that it sees progress in talks between the United States and Iran, a day after Qatar's prime minister met US President Donald Trump at the White House. The assessment came as Doha said it was continuing mediation efforts aimed at reducing uncertainty around the crisis between Washington and Tehran. A Qatari foreign ministry official said the White House meeting was held in a positive atmosphere and focused on advancing the talks.Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi, director of the foreign ministry's Media and Communication Department, said Qatar could not say how close or how far away an... [Continue Reading]
Iran lifts self-imposed 2,000 km limit on ballistic missile range
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has said the country has lifted its self-imposed 2,000 km limit on the range of its ballistic missiles. The announcement was made in Tehran by IRGC spokesman Brigadier-General Hossein Mohebbi, who said the restriction was no longer in place. The move raises questions about whether Iran is signalling a willingness to consider targets beyond the Middle East.Mohebbi did not say whether Iran already possesses missiles that exceed the former cap. He said Iran would demonstrate its capabilities through action rather than statements, and described the country's military posture as having shifted towards an offensive doctrine.... [Continue Reading]
Noontime News Recap: Ukraine talks open in Abu Dhabi as Iran tensions, Iraq strike and US politics jostle
New talks aimed at ending Russia's war in Ukraine opened in Abu Dhabi, with Ukrainian, American and European representatives meeting as negotiations focus on security guarantees and territory. 🔗In the Middle East, Donald Trump said the war with Iran is now effectively over militarily, while leaving open the option of renewed US strikes if needed, as Qatar mediated talks continue. 🔗 France also summoned Iran's ambassador to Paris after accusing Tehran of a cyberattack that targeted supermarket refrigeration systems across the country. 🔗Tensions linked to Iran were also felt in Britain, where several US military aircraft were moved from RAF... [Continue Reading]
Trump says Israel and Gulf allies should repay US war costs after Iran conflict
United States President Donald Trump has said Washington will seek compensation from countries he says it protected during the war on Iran. In comments aired in an interview with CBS News correspondent Ross Douthat, Trump said those countries would pay back "any and all costs" the United States incurred in the conflict. He said the US would get "all that money back" and added that the countries involved would do so "100 percent".Trump explicitly named Israel for the first time in this context, saying it would not exist without US military intervention. He also repeated earlier remarks that Gulf states... [Continue Reading]
EU pledges €10 million for Bulgarian Black Sea search and rescue operations amid shipping threats
The European Commission has announced €10 million in emergency funding for Bulgaria to strengthen search and rescue operations in the Black Sea. The move comes as drone attacks linked to Russia's war in Ukraine have increased risks for commercial shipping in the region. The announcement was made during a visit by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to the Bulgarian coastal city of Varna.Von der Leyen said the attacks were disrupting navigation, raising insurance costs and putting lives at sea at risk. She said the purpose of the attacks was to spread fear and uncertainty in Europe, adding that... [Continue Reading]
France summons Iran's ambassador amid supermarket fridge cyberattack row
France has summoned Iran's ambassador to Paris after accusing Tehran of carrying out a cyberattack that targeted supermarket refrigeration systems across the country. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said the government wanted to lodge a very strong protest over what he described as a major attack on France's interests and the security of the French people. He also said Paris would push for European Union sanctions in response.Barrot said the alleged operation affected more than 700 supermarkets on 11 and 12 October, when refrigerators were remotely accessed and set into abnormal, indefinite defrost cycles. French officials say the resulting temperature rise... [Continue Reading]
Japan grants Philippines coastal radar and drones in 4.3 billion yen security aid package
Japan has agreed to provide the Philippine military with a coastal radar system and surveillance drones in a grant worth 4.3 billion yen, as the two countries deepen defence cooperation amid tensions in the South China Sea. The agreement was signed in Manila by Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro and Japan's ambassador, Katsuro Kitagawa. The equipment is intended to help the Philippines track ships and monitor key sea lanes.Under the deal, the radar system will go to the Philippine Navy and the drones to the Air Force. Japan said the package would also help protect shipping routes important to... [Continue Reading]
California voters reject billionaire tax proposal in early projections
California voters have rejected a proposed one-time tax on billionaires, according to early projections in the state's midterm election vote. With about 60% of ballots counted, the measure known as Proposition 40 was trailing by a clear margin, with the "no" side on 55.6% and the "yes" side on 44.4%. The proposal would have imposed a 5% levy on Californians with net worth above $1bn.The measure was designed to raise about $100bn, with most of the money earmarked for healthcare programmes. Education and food assistance would also have received funding under the plan. Supporters presented it as a response to... [Continue Reading]
Breakfast News Recap: Turkey blast, Gaza storm and Iran tensions dominate a crowded global briefing
A blast at a steel plant in Turkey's Izmir province has killed 17 people and sparked a fire at an industrial complex in the Aliaga district, with investigators still working to establish the cause. 🔗In the Middle East, Donald Trump said the war with Iran is now effectively over militarily and that further US strikes are highly unlikely, even as he said negotiations continue. He also posted that Iran's nuclear weapon ambitions are non negotiable and that the United States is locked and loaded if the situation changes. 🔗 🔗The fallout from the conflict is still rippling through the region... [Continue Reading]
Global fossil fuel emissions projected to fall for first time since Covid, researchers say
Global fossil fuel emissions are expected to fall in 2026 for the first time since the Covid pandemic, according to research released as governments gather for the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Turkey. The projected decline is modest, at 0.4%, but it marks a notable shift after years of steady growth. Researchers said the drop is being driven by faster renewable energy deployment and an oil price shock linked to the Iran war.The Global Carbon Budget report says emissions from oil, gas and coal rose by an average of 0.9% a year over the past decade and reached a record... [Continue Reading]
Drone attack hits Iraq's Khor Mor gasfield as power cuts deepen in Kurdish region
The drone attack on the Khor Mor gasfield in northern Iraq has deepened disruption to electricity supplies in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. The strike, which hit the facility in Sulaimaniyah governorate late on Sunday, sparked a fire and forced gas supplies to several power stations to be suspended. Regional officials said electricity generation in areas administered by the Kurdistan Regional Government fell by between 2,500 and 2,800 megawatts.Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has ordered a joint investigative committee with Kurdish regional authorities to determine who was behind the attack. No group has claimed responsibility, and officials have not said when... [Continue Reading]
European markets open higher as oil slides, gas surges and metals firm in a volatile cross-asset start
Executive summary: European equities opened broadly higher, led by the DAX and FTSE 100, while Brent crude fell sharply and natural gas jumped. The move points to a mixed macro backdrop, with lower oil offering relief to some sectors and higher gas and precious metals underscoring ongoing commodity volatility. FX was comparatively calm, with the euro and pound both edging higher against the dollar. [Continue Reading]
Merz threatens to block EU budget unless all member states back Ukraine funding beyond 2027
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is threatening to block the European Union's next long-term budget unless all member states commit to financing Ukraine beyond 2027. The warning adds a new layer of tension to the bloc's multi-annual financial framework negotiations, which are already under pressure from disputes over spending priorities and national contributions. The issue is now being framed in Brussels as both a budget question and a test of political solidarity with Kyiv.According to the supporting material, Berlin wants governments to agree a durable funding arrangement for Ukraine, including help with the cost of servicing Ukraine-related debt. Ukraine is facing... [Continue Reading]
Tokyo closes lower as Nikkei retreats, while Hong Kong rallies on a split Asia-Pacific session
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific trading ended sharply mixed, with Japan under pressure and Hong Kong leading gains. The Nikkei 225 fell -2.8% to 60,459.58, while the Hang Seng jumped +4.4% to 24,559.11. The Kospi dropped -7.3%, the ASX 200 rose +2.7%, and the USD/JPY eased to 157.925. Outside equities, WTI crude slid -5.6%, natural gas surged +9.2%, and gold edged higher, underscoring a session driven by sharp commodity rotation and uneven risk appetite. [Continue Reading]
Gaza storm floods 70,000 tents as death toll rises and shelters face collapse risk
A major seasonal storm has flooded about 70,000 tents in Gaza within 12 hours, deepening the humanitarian emergency for displaced families already living in temporary shelters. At least five people were killed in the storm, and Gaza's Government Media Office said the damage amounted to about $3m. The flooding hit over the weekend and added to the strain on camps and makeshift accommodation across the territory.By Monday, Gaza's Civil Defence said it had received more than 2,100 distress calls and warned that more than 2,000 buildings were at risk of collapse. Nearly 400,000 displaced people are sheltering in areas described... [Continue Reading]
Moscow CSTO summit tests Russia's grip as Armenia distances itself
Russia is hosting a security summit in Moscow on Wednesday that is drawing attention to the strained relationship between the Kremlin and Armenia. President Vladimir Putin is chairing a session of the Collective Security Council of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, the Russia-led post-Soviet military bloc. The meeting comes as Armenia keeps its participation in the bloc frozen and questions grow over the organisation's future cohesion.Armenia has not taken part in CSTO activities since February 2024, although its membership technically remains in place. Yerevan has effectively boycotted the bloc after blaming it for failing to provide meaningful support during its... [Continue Reading]
Greens target Labor heartland in Melbourne's inner north ahead of Victorian election
The Greens are mounting a fresh challenge to Labor in Melbourne's inner north ahead of the Victorian state election on Saturday, 28 November. The contest is centred on seats long regarded as part of Labor's heartland, including Northcote, where the party is seeking to regain ground. Victorian Socialists are also looking to make gains in the same area, adding to the pressure on Labor in the city's north.Northcote is one of the key targets in the campaign, with the Greens pointing to a shift in political mood among voters. The seat was previously held by Lidia Thorpe after a 2017... [Continue Reading]
Saudi Arabia intercepts missiles and drone as cross-border attacks intensify
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted multiple projectiles launched by Yemen's Houthi movement, including two missiles aimed at Riyadh, a ballistic missile fired toward the south of the kingdom and a drone over the oil-rich Eastern Province. The Saudi-led coalition said the incidents took place on Tuesday during what it described as a night of intense military activity across the country. Civil defence alerts were issued for Riyadh, Abha and Khamis Mushait before authorities later said the danger had passed.The coalition said its air defences destroyed a ballistic missile and a cruise missile directed at the capital, and separately... [Continue Reading]
Cameroon sets February 7 date for twice-delayed legislative and local elections
Cameroon has set February 7 next year for its long-delayed legislative and local elections, ending months of uncertainty over the timing of the vote. The announcement was made by President Paul Biya in a decree read on public radio on Monday. The polls had already been postponed twice, and the new date now places them more than a year after the country's last presidential election.Biya, who is 93, has ruled Cameroon since 1982 and is the world's oldest head of state. His re-election in October last year triggered widespread protests, which authorities met with a crackdown. Lawyers cited by Human... [Continue Reading]
Saudi Arabia reports new attack on East-West oil pipeline in Medina region
Saudi Arabia has reported a new attack on its East-West oil pipeline in the Medina region, according to state media. Officials said the incident caused a limited fire that was later extinguished. They also said there were no injuries or fatalities and that pipeline operations were not affected.An official at the Saudi Ministry of Energy said the pipeline was targeted on Monday, while the Saudi Press Agency carried the account of the response. The report did not identify who was behind the attack. The pipeline runs through the desert to the coast and is described as essential for bypassing the... [Continue Reading]
Turkey steel plant blast near Izmir as death toll rises to 17 amid investigation
A blast at a steel plant in Turkey's Izmir province has killed 17 people and triggered a fire at an industrial complex in the Aliaga district. The explosion happened at 11:46am local time on Monday 9 November, sending thick smoke above the site and prompting a large emergency response. Rescue teams were still searching the wreckage as investigators examined how the incident unfolded.Izmir governor Suleyman Elban said an overhead crane collapsed into an electric arc furnace during maintenance work, damaging a gas line and causing the explosion. One worker told AFP that a snapped crane cable sent around 120 tonnes... [Continue Reading]
Cyprus rivals agree new border crossings in first sign of detente after years of deadlock
Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot leaders have agreed to open two new border crossings across Cyprus's dividing line, in a move described as the first concrete sign of detente after nearly a decade of deadlock. The agreement was reached during a meeting in the UN-controlled buffer zone that separates the island's two sides. It comes as the United Nations tries to restart peace talks on the divided Mediterranean island.Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman met with UN special envoy Maria Angela Holguin on Monday. According to the United Nations, the meeting was positive, and the... [Continue Reading]
Nine foreigners detained in South Africa over alleged attempt to join Russian forces
South African police have detained nine foreign nationals in Johannesburg on suspicion that they were preparing to travel to Russia to join its war effort in Ukraine. The arrests took place late on Sunday at OR Tambo Airport and at a nearby hotel, according to police. Officers said the men were intercepted while preparing to board flights to Russia.Police said the suspects are aged between 20 and 26 and were detained after an investigation involving Interpol and local law enforcement. Their nationalities have not been disclosed, and authorities have not said what their plans were once they reached Russia. Police... [Continue Reading]
Egypt says Iran and the United States want negotiations as Gaza and regional tensions persist
Egypt's foreign minister has said he believes both Iran and the United States want to negotiate, but warned that a concrete deal is still needed to prevent another round of escalation. Badr Abdelatty made the remarks in an interview, speaking as regional tensions remain high across the Middle East. He also linked the comments to stalled efforts on Gaza and to wider security concerns involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen.Abdelatty said Cairo thought both Tehran and Washington were working toward negotiations, but stressed that this alone was not enough. "That is not enough to prevent another round of escalation. That is... [Continue Reading]
France brings forward minimum wage rise amid protest unrest
France has brought forward a planned increase in the minimum wage as the government tries to ease weeks of protest unrest over the cost of living and public spending. Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the rise will now take effect on 1 December 2026, rather than at the start of 2027. The move comes as student-led demonstrations that began over school funding have widened into broader social unrest ahead of upcoming elections.The increase is set at 1.6 percent, lifting the monthly minimum wage from 1,477.93 euros to 1,502 euros. Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou said the change was being advanced from... [Continue Reading]
France's DZ Mafia accused of recruiting children for violent crimes
A BBC investigation has found that one of Europe's most powerful drug gangs in France is recruiting teenage children from across the country to carry out kidnappings and murders. The group, known as the DZ Mafia, is said to have expanded its reach beyond Marseille, where it won a bloody turf war against a rival gang in 2023. The findings point to a widening public-safety threat that now extends well beyond the city that helped build the gang's reputation.The investigation includes testimony from a man who is in prison awaiting trial after being implicated in several murders. He told the... [Continue Reading]
Israel Shin Bet finds no evidence of foreign election meddling claims
Israel's domestic security service has reportedly found no evidence to support claims of foreign interference in last month's election. The findings come amid a politically charged dispute over allegations that money was transferred from the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, or other Arab countries to influence the vote. The investigation is still ongoing, but officials quoted in the report said no substantiation has been found so far.According to the report, two senior Israeli law enforcement officials said investigators had not found evidence that several hundred thousand shekels were transferred from the Palestinian Authority to Arab-led parties in Israel. They also said there... [Continue Reading]
Leaked Rosstat data suggests more than 400,000 Russian war deaths as toll estimate rises
Leaked death records from Russia's state statistics agency suggest that more than 400,000 Russians have been killed fighting in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began. The dataset was obtained by the Belarusian opposition-linked hacker group Cyber Partisans and the Ukrainian hacking collective Silent Crow, then shared with a small number of media outlets. It contains more than 11 million death certificates, including details such as age, place of residence and location of death.According to the groups' analysis, 412,576 certificates explicitly linked the deaths to the war through official cause-of-death codes or written references to combat and military operations. Rosstat confirmed... [Continue Reading]
Syria says it has sent advisers to Saudi Arabia amid Houthi fighting
Syrian officials say military advisers have already been sent to Saudi Arabia, with reports that 600 special forces could arrive next week. The claims come after Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited Riyadh last week and held talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The reported cooperation is linked to Saudi efforts against Houthi attacks and to a broader security understanding between the two countries.According to the supplied reports, Syria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates described defence ministry cooperation as the most notable element of the recent agreements, although it did not give details. Syrian officials also told one... [Continue Reading]
EU files lawsuit in Estonia over troubled entry/exit border system rollout
The European Union's IT agency has filed a lawsuit in Estonia against IBM, Atos and Leonardo over delays and technical problems linked to the bloc's entry/exit border system. The case concerns the rollout of the system, which was launched in October 2025 and has since faced repeated operational difficulties. According to the agency's annual accounts, it activated contractual and legal remedies after what it described as various delays in delivery by the contracting consortium.EU-Lisa submitted the claim on 22 December 2025 to a court in Estonia, where the agency is headquartered. The lawsuit names IBM, the French IT company Atos... [Continue Reading]
Nvidia board opens independent probe as Jensen Huang faces China spy allegations
Nvidia has said its board has opened an independent investigation after media reports linked chief executive Jensen Huang to allegations involving a Chinese businesswoman and possible intelligence gathering for Beijing. The company said it has no reason to believe United States national security or confidential information was compromised. Shares in the chipmaker fell by more than 4 percent after the allegations surfaced.The board said it prioritises US national and economic security, and added that Huang fully supports the review. The controversy centres on reports that a former executive at a Singapore-based data centre company may have been recruited by Beijing... [Continue Reading]
Iran tightens domestic security controls amid US strike threats
Iranian authorities are tightening domestic security controls and warning of tough punishment for protests as they seek to project firmness amid fears of a wider wave of US attacks. The measures include closer control of public spaces after months of loosened restrictions on how people dress, according to the supplied report. The focus is on perceived security threats inside the country, from alleged spies to groups of young people gathering in public.The reported crackdown comes as Iran's domestic security apparatus remains on high alert during the war with the United States. Authorities have warned the public that protests against the... [Continue Reading]
Russia HIV epidemic now generalized in 27 regions, epidemiologists say
Russian epidemiologists say HIV has moved beyond risk groups in 27 regions, marking what they describe as a generalized epidemic in parts of the country. The assessment was reported by the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, which said the virus is now spreading in the general population in those areas rather than remaining confined to higher-risk groups. The situation is said to be most serious in the Kemerovo, Irkutsk and Sverdlovsk regions.The institute said the generalized stage is identified when HIV is diagnosed in more than 1% of pregnant women in a region. That threshold is being used as an... [Continue Reading]
Trump says he may meet Putin and Xi in China next week
Donald Trump has said he expects to meet Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping in China next week, in what could become a rare trilateral encounter between the leaders of the United States, Russia and China. The talks are linked to an Asia-Pacific summit in Shenzhen scheduled for 18-19 November. If it goes ahead, the meeting would bring together three of the world's most powerful leaders at a time of strained relations between their countries.Trump told reporters on Sunday that he would be travelling to China and that one of the meetings he expected to hold would be with Putin and... [Continue Reading]
Krakow shooting suspect dies in hospital as terrorism probe continues
Polish police say the suspected gunman in the Krakow market square shooting has died in hospital after being wounded in a shootout with officers. The man, identified by prosecutors as a 24-year-old Polish national, had been in critical condition since the attack on Saturday afternoon. The case remains under a terrorism investigation after six people were killed and 17 others injured in the city centre.Malopolska Police said early on Monday that the "perpetrator of the tragic events died in hospital early this morning." Prosecutors had already opened an inquiry into the killing of six people and the attempted murder of... [Continue Reading]
Pope Leo XIV criticises Milei austerity as he arrives in Buenos Aires
Pope Leo XIV has used the start of his visit to Argentina to deliver a pointed but diplomatic critique of President Javier Milei's austerity agenda. Speaking as he arrived in Buenos Aires, the pope said the country's economy must benefit everyone, including the poor. The remarks came on the second stop of his 12-day Latin America tour and were widely read as a veiled rebuke of the government's spending cuts.The pope said the economy must be at the service of the people, rather than people being at the service of the economy. He also stressed the situation of those who,... [Continue Reading]
UK government expected to reduce electric vehicle sales targets this week
The UK government is expected to reduce its electric vehicle sales targets this week after a review of the policy governing the phaseout of new petrol and diesel cars. The move would mark a significant adjustment to the current timetable for the transition to zero-emission vehicles. It is likely to be welcomed by carmakers, while environmental groups are expected to oppose it.Under the existing rules, 80% of new cars sold in the UK must be electric by 2030. New petrol and diesel cars are due to be phased out by 2030, and by 2035 all new cars must be zero... [Continue Reading]
Moldova launches new power line to Romania to cut reliance on Russian energy
Moldova has officially launched a new high-voltage power line linking Vulcanesti to Chisinau and connecting the country more closely to Romania and the wider European grid. The inauguration took place in the capital, Chisinau, on Sunday, with officials presenting the project as a step toward greater energy security. President Maia Sandu said the line would help Moldova reduce its dependence on Russian energy and strengthen its electricity transmission capacity.Sandu said the country had been vulnerable for decades to pressure through energy supplies. In a post on X, she said Moscow had used energy as a tool of blackmail and added... [Continue Reading]
Sydney teenager spared jail over terror plot planning after court finds low risk of reoffending
A Sydney teenager has avoided jail after admitting he had considered a mass terror attack and researched bomb-making instructions and possible targets. The case centred on planning that included the Sydney Opera House area and the finishing line of the Sydney Marathon. A Supreme Court judge said there was very little chance of the boy reoffending and imposed a three-year community corrections order instead.The boy was 14 when he was arrested at his Western Sydney home in August 2024 by federal police and later charged with committing acts in preparation for a terror attack. He was 16 at the time... [Continue Reading]
Australian and New Zealander survive helicopter crash during firefighting mission in Indonesia
An Australian and a New Zealander have survived a helicopter crash in Indonesia after the aircraft nosedived into a river while collecting water for firefighting operations. The crash happened in South Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, where the helicopter had been contracted to support efforts against widespread forest and land fires. One Indonesian crew member died in the incident, while the two foreign nationals were rescued from the water and later treated at a military hospital.Local authorities identified the survivors as Michael Betteridge of Australia and Hugh Page of New Zealand. The dead crew member was named as Indonesian... [Continue Reading]
Mexican mayor found alive after hours-long abduction in Zacatecas
The mayor of the Mexican border town of Rio Bravo has been found alive after being abducted in Zacatecas state, in northern Mexico. Federal officials said Miguel Angel Almaraz was released by his captors hours after he was taken to the city of Zacatecas. The case has drawn attention because it involved an elected local official travelling through a region long affected by organised crime violence.According to the state Security Department, Almaraz was travelling with family and friends on Saturday when his car was intercepted by armed men in an area between Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi. The others in... [Continue Reading]
Aramco Tower hit in Riyadh as Houthis claim fresh strikes on Saudi capital
The Aramco Tower in Riyadh's central financial district was hit in a fresh cross-border attack claimed by Yemen's Houthi movement. Saudi authorities said air defences intercepted and destroyed several missiles, while the energy ministry said the tower suffered only minor damage and no one was killed or injured. Footage authenticated by BBC Verify showed more extensive damage to the building, including shattered windows on more than one level.The Houthis said they had targeted Riyadh's business district on Saturday, although their statement did not name the tower directly. They also said separate strikes were aimed at Riyadh airport and Aramco oil... [Continue Reading]
Amsterdam Red Line protest draws more than 200,000 over Israel policy
More than 200,000 people marched through Amsterdam on Sunday in a large Red Line protest calling for tougher Dutch action against Israel. Demonstrators demanded tighter trade restrictions and a halt to all arms sales, according to one of the organisers. Many wore red clothing as they moved through streets that were closed to traffic for the march.The Dutch branch of Amnesty International said the turnout exceeded 200,000 people. Protesters chanted support for Palestinians and voiced anger over the war in Gaza, which they described as inhumane. One marcher said the authorities were doing nothing and were not taking serious steps,... [Continue Reading]
Erdogan joins Aliyev for Azerbaijan Victory Day in Karabakh
Azerbaijan marked Victory Day on Sunday with commemorations in Karabakh, as President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared together in a public display of their countries' alliance. The ceremony centred on Khankendi, where Aliyev laid a wreath at the Victory Monument and paid tribute to Azerbaijani soldiers and officers who died in the 2020 war. The event marked the sixth anniversary of the end of the Karabakh war and was presented by Azerbaijani officials as a national day of remembrance and celebration.Aliyev said the liberation of Shusha on 8 November 2020 was the decisive moment in the... [Continue Reading]
Russian strikes leave more than 850,000 without power in Ukraine as repairs continue
Russian overnight strikes have left more than 850,000 people without power across Ukraine, according to officials and energy companies. The worst disruption was reported in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region, where energy facilities were hit in what one company described as a massive attack on the power system. Authorities also reported outages in Kharkiv Oblast and heating losses in Zhytomyr, underscoring the wider reach of the latest assault.DTEK said more than 600,000 residents in Dnipropetrovsk region, including in the Pavlohrad, Samar, Kamianske and Dnipro districts and the city of Dnipro, lost electricity after the strike. Local authorities in Kharkiv said around... [Continue Reading]
Egypt reopens Tripoli embassy as Libya policy shifts
Egypt's foreign minister has inaugurated the reopened embassy building in Tripoli, in a move that signals a notable shift in Cairo's approach to Libya. The building had been closed for 12 years because of security concerns, and its reopening comes as Libya's rival political camps continue to seek a path toward a unity government. The ceremony took place in the Libyan capital on Saturday and was presented by analysts as more than a routine diplomatic step.The embassy reopening was led by Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, who travelled to Tripoli for the ceremony. Libya has remained divided since the fall of... [Continue Reading]
US forces disable commercial vessel in Gulf of Oman amid Iran blockade enforcement
US Central Command said its forces disabled a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman after what it described as repeated warnings to the civilian crew. The command said a US military aircraft fired precision munitions at the stern of the St. Kitts-flagged M/V Huda, leaving the ship disabled after the crew was directed to abandon targeted spaces.It said the cargo vessel had tried to leave regional waters after visiting an Iranian port. The incident was reported on Saturday and was followed by separate maritime alerts in the same area. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said it received... [Continue Reading]
New Zealand faces weeks of coalition wrangling after knife-edge election
New Zealand is heading into weeks of political wrangling after an election that produced no clear winner and left the shape of the next government unresolved. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said his right-wing bloc had a mandate to form the country's next administration, even as he acknowledged the result was still too close to call definitively. Preliminary counting has given his National Party the most seats, but not an outright majority on its own.On the figures available so far, National is projected to win 42 seats, with a slim path to governing alongside NZ First and ACT. That combination would... [Continue Reading]
Democrats' congressional win could strengthen Ukraine's hand against Russia
Ukraine is watching the outcome of the latest US congressional elections closely after Democrats won control of both houses in the new Congress. The result is being seen in Kyiv as a possible check on President Donald Trump's approach to peace efforts and military aid. For Ukrainians facing Russia's war, the shift in Washington could affect both the pace and the shape of future support.The reporting says the Democratic victory gives the party control of the House and Senate when the new Congress convenes on January 3. It also says Democrats plan to scrutinise Trump's ties to Russia and launch... [Continue Reading]
Japan warns of aftershocks after magnitude 5.7 quake in Shizuoka
A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck central Japan's Shizuoka prefecture in the early hours of Sunday, injuring about 20 people and prompting warnings of further tremors. The quake hit at 1:04am local time at a depth of about 40 kilometres, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Shaking was also felt in neighbouring Aichi prefecture, but authorities said there was no tsunami alert.The Japan Meteorological Agency said the strongest aftershocks could come over the next week, with the first two or three days seen as the period of greatest concern. It urged residents to stay alert for landslides and for damage to... [Continue Reading]
Republicans face internal reckoning after 2026 midterm defeat exposes Trump-era fault lines
Republicans are confronting a period of internal turmoil after the coalition that carried Donald Trump to three straight presidential nominations collapsed in the 2026 midterms. The election defeat has triggered immediate questions about the party's direction in the final years of Trump's presidency. Party figures are now openly debating whether Republicans should remain centred on Trumpism or try to build a broader conservative message.Outgoing Florida Governor Ron DeSantis described the result as "close to an extinction-level event for Republicans," capturing the scale of the setback felt by many in the party. Vice-President JD Vance took a different view, arguing that... [Continue Reading]
Russian strikes hit Kyiv region infrastructure and bridge as winter pressure grows
Ukraine said Russian strikes damaged energy facilities, a major bridge in Kyiv and a kindergarten in the capital region, as emergency crews worked through the wreckage. Footage released by Ukraine's emergency services showed firefighters tackling burning industrial structures while debris was cleared from damaged buildings. Five people were reported wounded in the attacks, which also left a large crater in the grounds of the kindergarten.The latest damage adds to earlier reports of strikes on Kyiv and surrounding areas, but this update confirms a wider impact on critical infrastructure. Officials said the attacks hit energy facilities as well as the bridge,... [Continue Reading]
Europe Faces Suspected Hybrid Attacks After Bomb Hoaxes and Cyber Disruptions
European security concerns are rising after a series of bomb threats and cyberattacks disrupted civilian infrastructure across several countries. The incidents have included false bomb alerts that grounded flights and put airports on high alert, as well as cyberattacks on supermarket freezer systems that spoiled food. Officials and analysts are now asking whether the cases are connected as part of a wider campaign of hybrid attacks.According to the supplied material, no explosives were found in the airport incidents, and the threats appear to have been false. The bomb hoaxes were reported this week and caused immediate disruption to aviation operations.... [Continue Reading]
US voters deliver rebuke to Trump in midterm elections as Democrats gain ground
Voters in the United States have delivered a sharp rebuke to Donald Trump in the midterm elections, according to the supplied report, signalling a break from a president who has dominated American politics for the past decade. The result was described as a once-in-a-century political moment in the year the country marked its 250th birthday. Democrats are celebrating the outcome, but the report says the wider battle over the country's political future is only beginning.The article says the election result came after a campaign in which Trump sought to frame his presidency as a "golden age" and staged a highly... [Continue Reading]
France probes bogus bomb threats against airlines for possible foreign-power links
French prosecutors have opened an investigation into a series of fake bomb threats targeting commercial flights in Europe over the past week. The probe is examining whether foreign powers may have been involved in sending the threats, according to the Paris prosecutor's office. Several of the incidents concerned flights passing over French territory, adding a cross-border security dimension to the case.The investigation is focused on identifying the authors of the emails that spread the false claims and on determining whether they have any potential links to foreign powers. The French government has also said it is looking into the origin... [Continue Reading]
Italian foreign minister says hackers leaked his personal data amid Ukraine support row
Italy's foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, says cyber-criminals have published his personal data online and also targeted his family. He said the material had been circulating on the dark web for days, exposing him to what he described as new threats and intimidation. Tajani linked the incident to Italy's support for Ukraine, saying that position was the political reason he had been singled out.In a post on X, Tajani said the hackers had been seeking further information about him. He did not specify the exact nature of the threats, but said the campaign was continuing. The dark web is a hidden... [Continue Reading]
Heavy rains flood tens of thousands of tents in Gaza as winter conditions worsen
Heavy rains have flooded tens of thousands of tents sheltering displaced people across Gaza, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis. Residents were seen trying to clear water from their tents with pots and pans as the weather worsened. Some said they were left without shelter after the flooding.A UNICEF representative for Palestine, Jonathan Veitch, said the situation was becoming more desperate because of restrictions on the entry of heavy machinery and supplies such as engine oil. He said aid workers were being stopped in the street by people begging for help, and described the flooding as affecting nearly everyone in... [Continue Reading]
Guatemalan opposition lawmaker and three police officers killed in armed attack in Zacapa
A Guatemalan opposition lawmaker and three National Civil Police officers have been killed in an armed attack in the eastern department of Zacapa. The attack took place in Rio Hondo on Friday and has drawn a response from the country's president and security authorities. Officials said the lawmaker, Julio Portillo, died later in hospital from gunshot wounds.The Ministry of Government said the three other victims were police officers who were responding to what it described as a direct attack on the deputy. Authorities said the assailants were unidentified and have not publicly given a motive. The president, Bernardo Arevalo, condemned... [Continue Reading]
Iraq says external parties used its territory to attack neighbours
Iraq says it has evidence that external parties used its territory to launch attacks on neighbouring countries, according to Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein. He said Baghdad is investigating attacks launched from Iraqi soil against Gulf states and is seeking to address the issue through dialogue. The comments come amid renewed concern over cross-border security risks in the region.Hussein said Iraq is also trying to resolve disagreements with Saudi Arabia through talks. He said Saudi Arabia has accused Iran-aligned groups operating in Iraq of attacking its oil infrastructure, and added that Baghdad confirmed in September that drone attacks on the kingdom's... [Continue Reading]
Jeffries poised for House speaker role amid Democratic internal pushback
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is on the verge of becoming the first Black Speaker of the US House of Representatives after Democrats won a decisive midterm victory. The New York congressman would take on one of the most powerful roles in Washington if he secures the post, placing him at the centre of his party's effort to confront President Donald Trump over the next two years. But the path to the speakership is not fully settled, with some Democrats questioning whether he best represents the party's direction.The immediate dispute is being driven by a split inside the Democratic caucus... [Continue Reading]
Heavy rain floods Gaza camps and puts war-damaged buildings at risk of collapse
Heavy rain and strong winds have flooded shelters in Gaza, leaving families in al-Mina camp in the north struggling to protect children and belongings from the cold. Water entered tents overnight, soaking bedding, blankets and clothes and turning parts of the camp into muddy pools. The storm has also raised concern about war-damaged buildings, which are reported to be at risk of collapse in the wet weather.In Gaza City, Rana Adnan Hmeida, 29, said she and her family had been awake since midnight as rainwater seeped into their tent. She said her two-month-old daughter was freezing by morning, while her... [Continue Reading]
Russian diesel tankers divert as Trump-Putin deal fails to deliver US cargoes
At least three tankers carrying Russian diesel have changed course after a deal between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to deliver cargoes to the United States. The shipments were meant to reach the American market under an October agreement, but none has arrived so far. The latest vessel-tracking data suggests the plan is now under strain.The supplied report says buyers are worried about legal exposure because Congress's ban on Russian energy imports remains in place. It adds that Russia has sent out four diesel tankers since the deal was agreed, with the Talisman and the... [Continue Reading]
Dozens killed in Yemen market strike as offensive intensifies in Taiz
Dozens of people were killed on Friday when a missile struck a market in Yemen's Taiz governorate, in an incident that has deepened concern over the country's widening conflict. The attack took place as fighting intensified around areas contested between Yemen's internationally recognised government and the Houthi rebel movement. Both sides have blamed each other for the strike, and the exact circumstances remain unverified.The latest reporting places the attack within the government's month-long "Dawn of Yemen" offensive, launched on October 5 by Rashad al-Alimi, head of the Presidential Leadership Council. The stated aim of the operation is to recapture Houthi-held... [Continue Reading]
Russian barrage hits Kyiv energy infrastructure as death toll rises ahead of peace talks
Russian forces launched multiple waves of missiles and drones overnight, hitting energy infrastructure around Kyiv and worsening disruption to the capital's power, water and heating systems. The attack also damaged the Northern Bridge across the Dnipro River, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Officials said the strikes came as temperatures were falling towards zero, adding pressure on residents and emergency services.Ukraine's energy ministry said facilities outside Kyiv were damaged, including systems that send power from two nuclear plants to the capital and to central regions. President Volodymyr Zelensky said substations in five other regions were also hit, and described the... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan astronaut selected for China's next space station mission
China's Manned Space Agency has selected a Pakistani astronaut to serve as a payload specialist on an upcoming Shenzhou mission to the country's space station. If the flight goes ahead as planned, the astronaut would become the first foreign national to visit China's orbital outpost. Chinese state media said the mission is expected by the end of the year, although no departure date has been announced.The astronaut has not been publicly named. China has also not said which of the Pakistani candidates will fly, but the selection follows months of training in Beijing. Two Pakistani pilots, Zeeshan Ali and Khurram... [Continue Reading]
Poland says Europe needs Cold War-style deterrence for AI warfare
Poland has called for Europe to develop a deterrence model similar to the Cold War doctrine of mutually assured destruction in response to AI-powered warfare. Deputy Prime Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski said the technology is becoming a force multiplier that could force a major rethink of the continent's shared security. He argued that the threat is no longer limited to ordinary cybercrime, but increasingly involves state-backed adversaries.Gawkowski, who also oversees Poland's Ministry for Digital Affairs, said the number of cyberattacks in the country could rise tenfold in 2027 as frontier large language models become more capable and more widely available. He... [Continue Reading]
New Zealand election early results show governing National Party ahead as count continues
Early results from New Zealand's general election show the governing centre-right National Party ahead of the opposition centre-left Labour Party, with the count still under way after polling closed on Saturday. The Electoral Commission said the centrist Opportunity Party is expected to clear the 5% threshold needed to enter parliament. The result points to a potentially fragmented parliament, with coalition talks likely to shape the next government.With 31.19% of the vote counted so far, National is ahead of Labour on 28.35%, according to the early tally. Polling stations opened at 9am on Saturday local time and closed at 7pm, and... [Continue Reading]
UAE says oil exports and energy services held through regional crisis amid strike fears
Speaking at ADIPEC in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates said its oil exports continued throughout the regional crisis and that energy services remained uninterrupted. Undersecretary of Energy and Petroleum Affairs Sharif Al Olama said the country had "proven ourselves during this crisis" and was using the experience to strengthen its energy infrastructure. He also said the sector had faced heavy pressure in the first months of the crisis, while senior officials at the event were focused on the risk of renewed military strikes in the region.Al Olama said the UAE's long-term decision to diversify its energy mix had helped... [Continue Reading]
US Treasury sanctions eight Canadian money exchange firms over Iran ties
The United States has imposed sanctions on eight Canadian currency-exchange businesses, saying they helped Iranian entities evade financial restrictions and move funds through digital assets. The action was announced on Friday as part of what the Treasury Department called Operation Economic Outcast. The firms are based in Ontario and British Columbia, according to the Treasury.The department said the businesses included Million Exchange, Amin Exchange and Cryptoyal. It said some of the firms converted Iranian rials and other currencies into digital assets such as cryptocurrency, and that some also helped an alleged head of a drug trafficking ring. Treasury Secretary Scott... [Continue Reading]
Paraguay crisis deepens as Santiago Pena is impeached, arrested and Pedro Alliana takes over
Paraguay's political and financial crisis deepened on Friday after Congress impeached President Santiago Pena and authorities placed him under house arrest. Senators then appointed Pedro Alliana, the former vice president, as president shortly after the vote, marking a rapid transfer of power in the capital. The move followed the collapse of Uneo Bank, which left almost half the country unable to access their accounts and triggered public anger across the country.Senate President Basilio Nunez said Mr Pena was found guilty of poor performance in his duties after 44 of 45 senators voted for impeachment, with one absent. Prosecutor Silvia Margarita... [Continue Reading]
Trump replaces White House chief of staff with Stephen Miller after Republican midterm defeats
US President Donald Trump has announced that Stephen Miller will become his new White House chief of staff, replacing Susie Wiles in one of the most powerful jobs in the administration. The change was announced on Friday and marks a significant personnel shift at the centre of the US government. Wiles will move to the Trump political operation outside the White House, according to the announcement.Miller has been serving as deputy chief of staff and is widely identified with some of the most hardline immigration measures from Trump's first term. Those policies included the push to build a wall on... [Continue Reading]
EU rejects reported US-Russia security deal covering Europe
European leaders have rejected any attempt by the United States and Russia to reshape Europe's security architecture without their involvement, after President Donald Trump suggested Washington could be nearing a broad agreement with Moscow that would extend beyond Ukraine to cover the whole continent. The comments have prompted concern among European allies that the US administration may be moving toward a deal that could accommodate Russian President Vladimir Putin's long-standing demands. The dispute has quickly become a test of how far Washington is prepared to go in talks with Moscow and how much say European governments will have in any... [Continue Reading]
Russia's Ukraine gains dwindle as battlefield losses mount
Russia's territorial gains in Ukraine have fallen to almost nothing in the first 10 months of 2026, according to figures cited from independent observers and Ukraine's military. The latest assessment says Russian forces seized 117.38 square kilometres in that period, a sharp slowdown compared with previous years. The same reporting says Russian losses have continued to rise as the war grinds on.The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank that tracks the conflict using open-source geolocated footage, put Russia's 2026 advance at an average of 0.38 square kilometres a day. That compares with 13.25 square kilometres a... [Continue Reading]
Top Florida federal prosecutor resigns amid fallout from election probe
A top federal prosecutor in Florida has resigned from the United States Department of Justice as the administration faces the prospect of Democrat-led investigations after the midterm elections. Jason Reding Quinones, the US attorney for the Southern District of Florida, submitted his resignation on Friday, according to Attorney General Todd Blanche. The departure adds to signs of turnover inside the department at a politically sensitive moment.Quinones had overseen and expanded a federal probe into Russia's alleged support for Donald Trump's 2016 election campaign. The report says he was a Trump loyalist and that the investigation formed part of a wider... [Continue Reading]
UN warns millions displaced in Sudan risk losing shelter as aid funds run low
Millions of people displaced by Sudan's war are at risk of losing access to emergency shelter as humanitarian funding runs short and aid stocks are being depleted, according to a joint warning from the UN refugee agency and the International Organization for Migration. The agencies said 15.4 million people across Sudan urgently need emergency shelter and basic household items. They said current resources mean humanitarian groups can prioritise only about 10 percent of those in need.The statement said only 936,000 people have received assistance so far, leaving a wide gap between needs and available support. The agencies said they are... [Continue Reading]
Wave of fake bomb threats disrupts European airline operations
A wave of fake bomb threats has disrupted airline operations across Europe over the past four days, affecting a dozen carriers and forcing emergency responses on multiple flights. The threats, sent by phone and email, have all proved false so far, but they have still triggered full security procedures. Those measures have included diversions, searches after landing and checks carried out in mid-air.According to the confirmed details, there have been 32 bomb threats in total, with some flights escorted by military jets and others rerouted to airports in different countries. One Aer Lingus flight was forced to land at an... [Continue Reading]
Rubio denies exit plans as Trump defends Hegseth after midterm losses
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has again denied reports that he is planning to leave the Trump administration, saying it had "always been my plan" to serve until the end of President Donald Trump's term. He made the comments as speculation continued over his political future after Republican losses in the midterm elections. Rubio also serves as national security adviser, making him one of the most prominent figures in the administration.The denials came after Bloomberg News reported that Rubio was weighing whether to step down and had spoken with White House officials about leaving. The State Department rejected that... [Continue Reading]
Iran security chief meets Putin in Moscow amid gas pipeline talks
Iran's top security official has met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and delivered a personal message from Iran's supreme leader, according to the latest confirmed details from the visit. The meeting was not announced in advance and took place as the two sides discussed regional security and possible energy cooperation. It adds a new layer to already close ties between Moscow and Tehran at a time of wider conflict in the region.The Iranian official, identified as the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, said the talks covered what he described as strengthening ties, the post-war situation and regional... [Continue Reading]
US midterm results spark fears in Israel over future of bilateral ties
Israel's political establishment is reacting with concern after the latest US midterm results, with some figures warning that the outcome could mark a generational shift in relations between the two countries. The debate has been sharpened by the fact that Israel's ties with the United States became a campaign issue in races across America. Israeli commentators and opposition politicians are now openly questioning how much support can be assumed in Washington going forward.A prominent columnist in Israel's largest-selling newspaper described the moment as a "generational sea change" and said the Netanyahu government had "sown the wind and reaped the tsunami."... [Continue Reading]
Bomb threats spread to European newsrooms amid passenger flight scare wave
Newsrooms in Ireland, Bulgaria and the United Kingdom have reported bomb threats linked in the messages to a wider wave of hoax alerts disrupting passenger flights across Europe. In Ireland, staff at the national broadcaster were evacuated after receiving a threat, while Bulgaria's Nova TV and the British broadcaster Sky also said they had been targeted. The messages were sent on Friday local time and referred to a broader campaign of attacks on transport across Europe.The emails were reportedly signed by a person calling themselves "Mikhail Andropov" and carried the heading "Message to the West". The wording portrayed the threats... [Continue Reading]
Possible Trump-Xi-Putin meeting on APEC sidelines in Shenzhen draws coordination efforts
China and Russia are working on the possibility of a three-way meeting between Donald Trump, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of this month's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen. Chinese officials said they are in communication with relevant parties, while the Kremlin said work is under way to coordinate the encounter. If it happens, it would be the first formal meeting of the three leaders together.Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing that China is in communication with relevant parties regarding a meeting between the three heads of state. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said work... [Continue Reading]
Azerbaijan and Ukraine sign expanded energy, defence and trade agreements in Uzhhorod
Azerbaijan and Ukraine have signed a new package of cooperation agreements covering energy, defence, trade, transport and technology after talks in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod. The meeting marked the 14th session of their Joint Intergovernmental Commission and was the first time the body has convened on Ukrainian territory since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. Officials said the agreements are intended to strengthen economic ties while also supporting Ukraine's wartime energy resilience.The talks were co-chaired by Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal. The two sides adopted a formal... [Continue Reading]
Yemen's Houthi rule leaves a generation of children facing recruitment and indoctrination
Children growing up under Houthi control in Yemen are being drawn into military life, according to the supplied account, which says some are now being recruited to fight. The piece argues that the consequences of this are being felt well beyond Yemen, as the effects of prolonged conflict shape a generation's education, safety and prospects. It says schools and summer camps have been used for indoctrination and military training, exposing young people to recruitment at an early age.The article says these practices were documented by the United Nations Panel of Experts on Yemen and the US Department of Labor. It... [Continue Reading]
Kenyan court sentences cult leader Paul Mackenzie to 200 years for Shakahola killings
A Kenyan court has sentenced doomsday cult leader Paul Mackenzie to 200 years in prison for the murders of 191 people, most of them children. The ruling was delivered in Mombasa and follows his conviction in October in the Shakahola forest mass killing case. The court said Mackenzie bore primary responsibility for ordering followers to starve their children to death.Justice Diana Mochache said the sentence was intended to send an unmistakable message that such crimes warrant the maximum penalties allowed by law. Prosecutors had asked for the death penalty, arguing that the scale of the killings and Mackenzie's lack of... [Continue Reading]
Russia-Iran defence ties deepen with reported rocket launcher deal
Russia is reported to have agreed in 2024 to supply Iran with 90 advanced missile launchers, in a development that points to closer military cooperation between the two countries. The reported deal comes as senior Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei was in Moscow discussing the expansion of a strategic cooperation treaty. The arrangement has not been independently confirmed as delivered, according to the supplied material.The launchers are said to be designed to carry Russia's LMUR, also known as Izdeliye 305, a precision-guided missile that entered military service in 2022. The weapon is described as capable of striking moving targets and... [Continue Reading]
Macao sentences pro-democracy ex-politician to 12.5 years in jail
A Macao court has sentenced former pro-democracy politician Au Kam-san to 12 years and six months in prison after a closed-door national security trial. The ruling was delivered on Friday and found the 69-year-old guilty of subversion. The court said the case centred on alleged efforts to spread false information and disrupt Macao's 2024 leadership election.According to the court statement, Au was accused of spreading false information in 2023 and 2024 and of working with hostile organisations abroad. The court also said he leaked confidential information to groups overseas. It said he had admitted to a considerable portion of the... [Continue Reading]
EU struggles to block Russian war veterans from entering Europe amid database limits
European Union countries are struggling to keep Russian soldiers and war veterans out of Europe because of legal and bureaucratic obstacles that have slowed the addition of names to the bloc's shared security database. Ukraine has supplied European authorities with the identities of more than half a million Russian soldiers, but EU states have entered fewer than 1% of those names into the Schengen Information System after almost a year of work. The issue has become a practical test of how the bloc handles security risks linked to the war in Ukraine.The information is being compiled by Ukraine and shared... [Continue Reading]
Finnish minister says US delay is holding up Patriot missile deliveries to Ukraine
Finnish Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen has said political reluctance in Washington is delaying the transfer of Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine, even though European allies have already paid for the weapons. Speaking in Helsinki, he said the funding is in place but the missiles still need to be released from US-controlled stocks before they can be sent. His comments add to a growing dispute over how quickly Ukraine can receive air-defence systems as Russia prepares further attacks.Häkkänen said Europe has already financed the interceptors through the NATO-led Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List mechanism, but that final approval from the US Defence... [Continue Reading]
China denounces new US sanctions on Cuba that include two Chinese firms
China has condemned the latest United States sanctions on Cuba, calling the move sabotage after Washington added two Chinese companies to its sanctions list. The measures, announced on Thursday and denounced by Beijing on Friday, focus on Cuba's oil and technology sectors. The dispute adds a new layer to an already tense pressure campaign on the island and to wider US-China friction.According to the supplied report, the companies named are CEIEC and Beijing H&C Technologies. Washington accuses them of selling defence material and security systems to Cuba. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, identified in the report as Jiakun, said China... [Continue Reading]
Tanzanian opposition leader convicted of incitement in Dar es Salaam
Tanzania's main opposition leader, Tundu Lissu, has been found guilty of incitement by the High Court in Dar es Salaam. A panel of three judges acquitted the Chadema leader of the more serious charge of treason. The ruling marks a major development in a case that has drawn attention to political freedoms in the country.Lissu, 58, has been detained since April last year and represented himself during the trial. The court heard that the case stemmed from remarks he made while campaigning for electoral reforms ahead of the disputed 2025 general election. Prosecutors said his statements were intended to incite... [Continue Reading]
Global stocks plunge for a second day as AI slowdown fears spread
Asian and European markets fell sharply on Friday as a Wall Street tech rout spread across global trading, with investors reacting to fears that spending on artificial intelligence and data centres could slow after the Democrats' midterm victory. The FTSE 100 opened down 1.5%, while Germany's Dax, France's Cac 40 and Spain's Ibex also moved lower. The declines followed a severe sell-off in US technology shares on Thursday and extended the pressure into the next trading session.The Nasdaq had its worst day in 19 months, falling 5.5%, while chip and storage stocks led the losses. SanDisk dropped 22% and Western... [Continue Reading]
Poland warns allies not to negotiate with Russia over Eastern Europe's head
Poland has warned its Western allies against reaching any settlement on Russia's war in Ukraine without taking account of Eastern Europe's security interests. The warning came from Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski during a discussion with journalists in Warsaw on Thursday. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also urged caution, saying European leaders should be careful about President Vladimir Putin's intentions and realistic about the US-led diplomatic process.Sikorski said the region could not be left out of any talks, arguing that Eastern Europe and Scandinavia must be included in the conversation. He pointed to the scale of the area directly affected, saying that... [Continue Reading]
US judge pauses Trump arch construction in Washington, DC for 14 days
US District Judge Tanya Chutkan has ordered a 14-day pause on construction of President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch in Washington, DC. The ruling came after the National Capital Planning Commission approved the project by an 8-4 vote following a nine-hour hearing. The decision means work cannot begin immediately, despite the administration saying construction could start as soon as Thursday.The project has already faced several legal challenges, including a lawsuit filed in February by a group of Vietnam War veterans. They have argued that the planned site near Arlington National Cemetery would interfere with the historic line of sight between... [Continue Reading]
Lebanese residents pack bags amid fears of renewed Israeli escalation
Residents in southern Lebanon are preparing for the possibility of renewed Israeli attacks, as fears rise again after months of relative calm punctuated by drone activity and detonations. In Abbasiyeh, in southern Lebanon, one resident said she had stayed at home during Israel's intensification of its war on Lebanon in March, even after a neighbour's house was hit. She said the situation now feels uncertain again, with many people in the south living in limbo.The immediate concern is not a single new strike, but the prospect of another escalation after an ostensible ceasefire was announced in April. Residents described hearing... [Continue Reading]
Trump weighs possible new strikes on Iran amid post-election pressure in Washington
The White House is weighing whether a new US attack on Iran can still be avoided, as the fallout from Republican election losses intensifies pressure inside Donald Trump's administration. Reporting from the region says Gulf states are watching closely for signs of the next move, while the political debate in Washington is increasingly tied to the war with Iran. The issue has become both a foreign policy test and a domestic political problem for the Trump team.According to the supplied reporting, the discussion comes after midterm losses that are being linked by some Republicans to the Iran war. The White... [Continue Reading]
COP31 climate summit opens in Turkey amid tensions over finance and fossil fuels
Nearly 200 countries are gathering in Antalya for COP31, the latest round of UN climate negotiations, as expectations for a major breakthrough remain limited. The two-week summit runs from 9 to 20 November in the Mediterranean resort city, with more than 100,000 people expected to take part. Talks are opening against a backdrop of disputes over fossil fuels, climate finance and wider geopolitical tensions.The summit is being held under an unusual arrangement after a dispute over who would host the conference was resolved. Turkey is presiding over COP31, while Australia is leading the negotiations. Australian Climate Minister Chris Bowen said... [Continue Reading]
Trump's planned Washington arch wins federal approval amid protest threats
Construction of President Donald Trump's planned triumphal arch in Washington has won federal approval, despite public opposition and the prospect of legal challenges. The National Capital Planning Commission voted 8-4 on Thursday to allow the 250-foot, 72-metre structure to go ahead. The project is intended to stand near Arlington National Cemetery and has already drawn criticism from opponents who say it would affect views of the cemetery.The commission's approval came after nearly nine hours of public comment. Trump administration officials have said construction could begin as early as this week, although the timing remains uncertain because several lawsuits are seeking... [Continue Reading]
Israeli settlers seize eight Palestinian homes in Jericho, displacing dozens
The United Nations has condemned the seizure of eight Palestinian homes by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank city of Jericho, saying the takeover forced dozens of residents to flee. The incident took place in Ein a-Duyuk a-Tahta, on the outskirts of Jericho, on Wednesday afternoon. According to the UN, the settlers assaulted residents during the takeover and used live ammunition.UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the settlers also threw stones and physically assaulted Palestinian residents, prompting families to leave for their own safety. He said some of those displaced now lack adequate shelter. The Israeli military has since declared... [Continue Reading]
Qantas warns of fare rises and 4% domestic flight cuts as fuel prices stay elevated
Qantas has said it will raise fares and cut domestic capacity as it continues to face higher fuel costs linked to the Middle East war. The airline said domestic flights across Qantas and Jetstar will be reduced by a total of 4% in 2027. It also said it expects fuel prices to remain high through the new financial year.In a market update released on Friday morning ahead of its annual general meeting, the carrier said it would continue to adjust fares and capacity in response to higher fuel costs. Qantas said it expects fuel costs of A$3.8 billion for the... [Continue Reading]
California governor commutes all 548 death sentences amid ongoing debate over capital punishment
California Governor Gavin Newsom has commuted the death sentences of all 548 people on death row in the state, replacing them with life in prison without the possibility of parole. The announcement is being described as the largest mass clemency in United States history. It effectively clears California's death row, although the state has not executed a prisoner for 20 years.Newsom said he took the action because he believes state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California's values and undermines the legal system. In an open letter, he cited moral concerns, the high cost of capital punishment and the risk of human... [Continue Reading]
White House denies shake-up rumours as Hegseth faces backlash after Republican losses
The White House has denied reports that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio may leave their posts after Republican election losses. The denials came as speculation grew over whether the Trump administration could face a wider post-election shake-up. The row has centred on Hegseth in particular, amid criticism over his handling of the Iran war.US media reports said there were calls to replace Hegseth, with some Republicans blaming the conflict for heavy losses at the ballot box. One outgoing congressional Republican has threatened to force an impeachment vote against him as early as next week. Hegseth... [Continue Reading]
Turkiye ratifies Saudi-Pakistan defence pact as collective defence clause takes effect
Turkiye's parliament has ratified the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, formally bringing the pact into force on the Turkish side. The agreement includes a collective defence clause and language committing the signatories to use "all necessary means" if one of them is attacked. The vote adds a new security dimension to Turkiye's regional role at a time of continuing tensions in the Middle East.Lawmakers approved the pact on Thursday after a divided vote in the 592-seat chamber, with 279 in favour and 119 against, while 398 members took part. The parliament had already adopted Article 1... [Continue Reading]
UNHCR warns displaced people face climate hazards ahead of COP31 in Turkey
The United Nations refugee agency has warned that nearly 90 million forcibly displaced people are living in countries highly exposed to climate hazards. The warning comes days before the COP31 climate summit in Turkey, where governments are expected to discuss ways to respond to rising climate risks. The agency said droughts, floods and extreme heat are making it harder to find lasting solutions for people forced from their homes.According to the agency, three-quarters of the world's displaced people are now in countries facing severe exposure to climate-related hazards. It said the problem affects refugees and other forcibly displaced people who... [Continue Reading]
Tech and AI stocks plunge as Nasdaq loses $2.5tn after election-driven regulatory fears
Shares in major technology and artificial intelligence companies fell sharply on Thursday, deepening a market rout that wiped an estimated $2.5tn from the Nasdaq Composite. The selloff came as investors reacted to Democratic wins in key data-centre states and the prospect of tougher regulation on data centres and AI infrastructure. The losses also dragged down other major US indexes, with the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both closing lower.Nvidia fell more than 9%, while AMD and Micron each dropped by more than 17%. Intel was down 10.3%, and SanDisk plunged by more than 22%, underscoring how heavily exposed... [Continue Reading]
Trump escalates Iran nuclear rhetoric after midterm fallout
Trump said on Thursday that Iran will not be able to do anything on its nuclear programme without US approval, sharpening his language a day after linking the war with Iran to Republican losses in the midterm elections. Speaking in the Oval Office, he said he would prefer not to "destroy the rest of the country" but added that he might have to do so, and told reporters they would know more soon. The remarks came after he was asked about proposals from mediators on the future of Iran's nuclear programme.The president also repeated his view that the conflict was... [Continue Reading]
Houthi missile intercepted near Medina as Saudi warning issued around Yanbu
Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted a ballistic missile launched toward the Medina region on Thursday, in the latest cross-border attack attributed to Yemen's Houthi movement. The announcement came shortly after civil defence authorities issued a warning about potential danger near Yanbu, on the Red Sea coast. Officials did not say whether the two alerts were directly connected.Saudi coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki said in a post on X that air defence had "intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched by the terrorist Houthi militia toward the Medina region." The warning in Yanbu was issued by the National Early Warning... [Continue Reading]
Top US Justice Department civil rights official resigns as Congress prepares probes
The top official in charge of the United States Justice Department's civil rights division has resigned as Democrats prepare a new round of congressional investigations. Attorney General Todd Blanche confirmed on Thursday that Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon had stepped down. The departure comes just days after Democrats won both chambers of Congress in the midterm elections.Blanche said in a social media post that he had accepted Dhillon's resignation. He described her as someone who had defended the civil liberties of Americans and enforced the law without fear or favor. Dhillon was confirmed to the post in April 2025 and... [Continue Reading]
British Ebola patient repatriated from DR Congo to UK hospital
A British health worker who tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now arrived in the United Kingdom for specialist treatment. The patient landed at RAF Northolt before being taken to the Royal Free Hospital in north London, according to the supplied report. It is the first confirmed case of a UK national infected in the current outbreak.The transfer took place under established procedures for high-risk infectious diseases, with a UK government spokesperson saying the risk to the public remains low. The patient has not been identified, but the report says he is a health worker.... [Continue Reading]
Russia places Japan Tobacco International's Russian operations under state control
Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed Japan Tobacco International's operations in Russia under state control, ordering their transfer by decree to a state-linked holding company. The move affects one of the country's largest cigarette producers and covers factories in St Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, the Lipetsk region and the Leningrad region. It marks a significant seizure of foreign corporate assets in Russia at a time of continuing tensions with countries that have imposed sanctions over the war in Ukraine.The decree transfers the business to AO Promyshlennye aktivy, according to the supporting material. JTI employs around 4,000 people in Russia and holds roughly... [Continue Reading]
The Sovereign Shakedown: Trump’s High-Stakes Table, the Russian Mirror, and the Main Street
The veneer of institutional diplomacy has been entirely stripped away, revealing a raw and unvarnished reality. The global order is no longer governed by treaties, norms, or multilateral consensus. It is dictated by the unrestrained exercise of coercive leverage. Under the current doctrine emanating from Washington, the complex machinery of international relations has been reduced to a binary instrument of absolute dominance. We have entered the era of the unilateral ultimatum, where the traditional boundaries of sovereignty are subordinated to the whims of an administration operating less like a representative republic and more like a global syndicate. This is not... [Continue Reading]
THE GROWTH ILLUSION: HOW GDP TRICKERY MASKED THE DEATH OF THE MIDDLE CLASS
We are fed a daily diet of triumphant economic headlines. The S&P 500 hits record highs, corporate earnings smash forecasts, and central bankers beam at GDP charts pointing up and to the right. Politicians line up to remind us how much "wealthier" we are compared to our parents or grandparents. On paper, they are right. The average worker makes vastly more dollars today than at any point in human history. But step outside the spreadsheet and into the street, and the math fails the reality test. If we are so undeniably prosperous, why does buying a modest home feel like... [Continue Reading]
Dubai Property Market Faces Litmus Test as Nakheel Waterfront Investors Await Final Judicial Verdict
Hundreds of international and local investors who purchased land plots in Nakheel’s massive "Waterfront" project nearly two decades ago are holding their breath. Following the official cancellation of the project by the Dubai Land Department and its integration under Dubai Holding, a special judicial committee appointed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been tasked with resolving the liquidation and settling investor claims. Because the decisions of this specialized committee are legally binding and final, with no avenue for appeal, the upcoming rulings are being viewed as a critical turning point for the regulatory reputation of Dubai's... [Continue Reading]
The Ghosn Paradox The Imperial Savior, His Cinematic Escape, and the Desperate Call to Salvage a Crumbling Nissan
The Man Who Defied Corporate Gravity Few corporate sagas in modern history possess the cinematic drama, geopolitical friction, and sheer psychological tension as the rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn. Once lauded as the ultimate transnational executive, a multi-lingual titan capable of bridging disparate business cultures, Ghosn became the absolute center of a global firestorm. His story cuts through the pristine facade of global corporate governance to reveal a messy underbelly of nationalism, legal vulnerability, and strategic failure. Rebuilding an Empire from the Ashes of Bankruptcy The mythos of Carlos Ghosn began in 1999. Nissan, one of Japan's proudest manufacturing... [Continue Reading]
Is the Italian Prime Minister the Visionary Leader Europe Needs? An Analysis of Executive Decisiveness, National Security, and the Contrast in European Integration Policies
A Continent in Institutional Deadlock While the rest of Europe remains entangled in a web of bureaucratic deadlock and human rights litigation, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has quietly established herself as a leader operating far ahead of her continental peers. For years, European leaders have debated how to handle radicalism and unchecked migration, often waiting for institutional consensus that arrives too late. Meloni, conversely, has demonstrated a willingness to prioritize state security over political correctness, offering a blueprint for a continent facing asymmetric threats. The Contrast in European Legislative Approvals The contrast between Italy’s swift, executive decisiveness and the... [Continue Reading]
THE BATTLE FOR ALI AL-TAHER: HOW A SOUTHERN LEBANON AMBUSH SHATTERED TRUMP’S WASHINGTON AGREEMENT
A catastrophic military escalation in Southern Lebanon has successfully disrupted the highest levels of global diplomacy. Just days after the signing of the United States and Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), an armoured battlefield clash on the strategic heights of Ali al-Taher has effectively frozen implementation talks scheduled to begin today in Switzerland. The crisis provides an alarming look at how kinetic actions on the ground can instantly sabotage geopolitical blueprints designed in Washington. The Official Statement from Hezbollah Following the midnight clashes, the media wing of Hezbollah issued a formal, comprehensive statement outlining their strategic justification and rejecting accusations... [Continue Reading]
The Unspoken Stats: Who is Raping Europe?
Answering this question requires a direct look at the empirical data so, below is the comprehensive, data-verified draft for my article, formatted to analyse the relationship between immigration demographics and police-recorded sexual offense figures across Europe. Data vs. Perception: An Asymmetric Analysis of Migration and Sexual Offence Statistics in Europe While my primary field of research is rooted in macro-geopolitics, the responsibilities of independent journalism often demand transitioning from international balance-of-power metrics to domestic social realities. A recent high-profile criminal incident in England involving the gang rape of a 17-year-old girl by four Afghani nationals where one of them is... [Continue Reading]
Fear the Shia, Arm the Sunnis: The Uncomfortable Numbers Behind America’s War Narrative
“When fear is managed carefully enough, a nation can be taught to look away from the blood on the floor and stare instead at the shadow on the wall.” A friend of mine, whose name I will not reveal because he asked me not to, sat across from me over dinner and placed a question on the table that would not leave me alone. He was born into a Muslim Shia background, and for the angle of this article, that detail matters, not because I wish to reduce a man to a sect, but because sect has become one of... [Continue Reading]
GAS, GOD, AND GUNS: The Secret Agenda Behind the Washington Talks and the Death of the Maritime Border
The mahogany tables of the U.S. State Department are hosting a ghost today. As official delegations from Israel and Lebanon convene for a third round of high-stakes negotiations this Friday, May 8, 2026, the air in Washington is thick with the scent of a "peace" that looks increasingly like a strategic ambush. While the world watches the diplomatic theatre, the reality on the ground in Southern Lebanon tells a story of a predatory recalibration. Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t just looking for a ceasefire; he is aiming to hit three birds with one single, devastating stone: the annexation of land, the... [Continue Reading]
The Great Uncoupling: Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Gambit
The UAE’s decision to cut ties with OPEC is far more than a mere adjustment of energy policy, for it functions as a political telegram written in barrels and sent directly to the heart of the global order. For nearly six decades, Abu Dhabi operated within the rigid architecture of producer discipline, where it accepted the rituals of quotas, the formality of communiqués, and the heavy burden of collective restraint. It played the long game of oil diplomacy with a patient hand, balancing its own massive national ambitions against the gravity of cartel discipline and the delicate logic of Gulf... [Continue Reading]
The Mirage of the Umbrella: The Shifting Sands of the U.S.-Israel-GCC Alliance
As I sat in a recent debate at the historic Carlton Club in London, listening to Faisal Abbas, the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, I felt a tangible shift in the room, not because a new fact had been revealed, but because an old illusion had finally lost its last breath. The old-world order has not merely changed, it has evaporated, leaving the Gulf to realize it is no longer watching a distant fire from the safety of marble towers and air-conditioned ministries, but is instead standing directly inside the smoke. The GCC today is caught in a lethal crossfire between... [Continue Reading]
The Glass Elevator to Nowhere: A World Trapped in a Chocolate Factory
As a journalist in my mid-fifties, I thought my skin had thickened to the point of being impenetrable. I have covered the rise and fall of regimes, the grinding gears of the Cold War's leftovers, and the digital revolutions that promised to unite us. I thought I had seen every trick in the political playbook. Then came Donald Trump’s 2026 foreign policy, and I realized I was not watching a statesman; I was watching a child play with a chemistry set he does not understand. The Willy Wonka of the West: Rule by Whim Walking into a press briefing lately... [Continue Reading]
Lessons learned from Dubai … or not?
It might be early to assess the impact of war on Dubai, the self-declared crisis proof planet, but some lessons can be drawn from its magic well, right now. First and foremost, I remember a saying about fairness: No, not the boomerang, and that what goes around comes around (the dark tales related to Lebanon and Gaza), but about a simple rule of thumb. If you expect the world to be fair with you because you are fair, you’re fooling yourself: that’s like expecting the lion not to eat you because you didn’t eat it. It applies to humans and... [Continue Reading]
When Deterrence Becomes Reality
Yesterday the war crossed a line! For years the Sejjil ballistic missile existed mostly as a symbol. A weapon paraded in military videos, discussed in defense briefings, whispered about in strategic circles as one of Iran’s most serious capabilities. A weapon that analysts described as deterrence, not something meant to be used. But on March 15, 2026, that line disappeared. Iran reportedly launched the Sejjil (also known as Ashoura) as part of what Tehran called the 54th wave of Operation True Promise 4, a massive strike package that also included the Fattah hypersonic missile and the Qadr ballistic missile system.... [Continue Reading]
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
The Proving Ground, When “Decent” Reporting Meets High-Tech Warfare
For two decades I have watched wars unfold not only on battlefields, but on screens. Today’s incident over Kuwait, involving the downing of a U.S. F-15 Strike Eagle, is not just another headline in the Iran conflict. It may be a signal that something larger is unfolding behind the noise. Iranian state outlets rapidly circulated imagery of an ejected pilot. Washington responded cautiously. But beneath the spectacle lies a deeper question, whose technology was truly being tested? The Gulf as a live-fire laboratory For years, China has refined export-ready variants of its air defense systems, particularly the HQ-9 family and... [Continue Reading]
WAR CRIMES OR HUMANITY ON LIFE SUPPORT?
The Thin, Bloody Line Between Justice and Jungle Rule IS KILLING WITHOUT MERCY NOW LEGAL? By Anthony Sterling In September 2025, the United States military launched what became known as Operation Southern Spear, a lethal campaign targeting suspected drug smuggling vessels in international waters. The stated objective was to combat narco trafficking networks operating beyond territorial jurisdiction. The ethical shock came on 2 September 2025, when a double strike in the Caribbean left survivors clinging to wreckage for nearly an hour. Drone footage reportedly showed two individuals waving from debris after the first impact. Instead of rescue, three additional munitions... [Continue Reading]
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
The role of community policing in nurturing acceptance
In a highly polarized world and a highly volatile situation, many wars are perturbing the lives of many, forcing governments to take real measures to protect their citizens. Away from the geopolitical analysis and speculation, I would like to highlight one of many important aspects related to war preparation, which is the protocol of living in community shelters, historically comparable to the use of air raid shelters during major conflicts. During the war in Lebanon in the mid-eighties, I published an article about this protocol, and it seems very relevant to these days. 1- This is not your house: A... [Continue Reading]
There Is Good in Every Bad
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]
Navigating the Perils of Information in a Global Age
Navigating the Perils of Information in a Global Age In today’s world, where information flows ceaselessly and unchecked, the stakes for migrants have never been higher. Critical thinking is not just a skill, it’s a lifeline. The ability to sift fact from fiction, especially in matters as consequential as migration, is essential for individuals, communities, and the institutions that serve them. The migration landscape is uniquely vulnerable to the hazards of mis-, dis-, and mal-information, collectively known as MDM. The consequences of inaccurate or misleading information can ripple far beyond the individual, affecting entire communities and the systems that govern... [Continue Reading]






