DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS
MEA cites national policy as Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann seeks nod for Lahore visit
The Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that political clearances for foreign travel are strictly governed by national policy. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is preparing to request clearance for a conference in Lahore. After the Pahalgam terror attack, India's diplomatic engagement with Pakistan has been notably suspended. Mann expressed uncertainty about the central government's support for his travel plans.
Horoscope Today, November 13, 2026: Scorpio Enters a New Communication Phase as Libra and Sagittarius Reconsider Relationships
Today brings a surge of personal confidence, clear communication, and renewed leadership as Mercury and Venus turn direct. Libra benefits from a 3rd house focus on active writing, short business travel, and self-confidence; Scorpio experiences a 2nd house focus on unlocking delayed funds, persuasive speech, and financial stability; and Sagittarius enjoys a 1st house transit in their sign, activating personal charisma, optimism, and forward momentum.
What is ASEAN and why does the bloc matter amid global tensions?
Major powers will join a summit next week of Southeast Asian nations hosted by the Philippines against one of the most complex backdrops for the regional bloc, from the Iran war that has battered economies to the growing US-China rivalry.
UN Security Council to meet on "situation in the Middle East"
Bahrain requested an urgent UN Security Council meeting to discuss the ongoing situation in the Gulf region. The session is scheduled for Thursday at 3:10 pm New York time, focusing on regional security developments. Recent military tensions, particularly involving Iran, have prompted these urgent discussions among international leaders. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued for military actions while US President Trump favors a diplomatic approach.
South Korea sees little prospect of US-North Korea contact around APEC
South Korea sees little chance of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the sidelines of the upcoming APEC summit in China, according to a senior presidential official. Seoul also does not expect North Korea to participate in APEC-related events. The assessment comes amid rising tensions along the inter-Korean border and uncertainty over Russian President Vladimir Putin's possible attendance at the summit.
Trump envoys to meet Putin as US pushes Ukraine peace deal, new Europe-Russia security framework, reports Axios
US Special Envoy Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are set to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Thursday as Washington seeks to negotiate an agreement to end the Russia-Ukraine war alongside a broader security arrangement between Russia and Europe, Axios reported, citing people familiar with the discussions.
Russian Ambassador to US, Alexander Darchiev, dies at 66 after 18 months in the job-here's what the Russian Foreign Ministry said about his sudden death
Alexander Darchiev, who served as Russia's ambassador to the United States since March 2025, has died. The Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed the news and expressed condolences to his family. Darchiev was a respected diplomat with extensive experience in US relations, having worked on North America for many years. His appointment occurred during challenging times for Russia's relations with Western governments amid the Ukraine conflict.
Makkah defence pact with Saudi Arabia, Turkiye not directed against any country: Pak Deputy PM Dar
Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The agreement is aimed at enhancing regional stability without targeting any specific country. Dar emphasized the importance of collective security and Pakistan's balanced foreign policy strategy in light of geopolitical tensions. He also addressed the ongoing conflicts in Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine as crucial regional issues.
Global climate talks open with big questions, smaller goals
Climate negotiators from nearly 200 countries are attending COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, to address rising global temperatures and emissions. The summit will focus on achieving existing commitments rather than making ambitious new goals amidst geopolitical tensions and financial constraints.
Oil Price Today (November 9): Crude oil falls below $100 again as Trump says fresh attacks ‘highly unlikely’. What are experts saying?
Crude oil price: Prices came under further pressure after US President Donald Trump indicated that he was unlikely to authorise fresh attacks on Iran if negotiations to end the conflict continued to make progress. In a phone interview with CNN, Trump said further military action was "highly unlikely" to be necessary, provided both sides reached a strong agreement.
Gold price prediction: Gold rate to undergo volatile mode, claim experts, cite a few factors that will impact bullion movement
Gold rate prediction: Geopolitical developments in the Middle East, US-Iran war are expected to remain a major driver of precious metal prices.
Vance leads behind-the-scenes push for a new Iran deal: Report
US Vice President JD Vance has been actively working to establish a new ceasefire with Iran. He is engaging with Qatari and Pakistani mediators to facilitate nuclear negotiations. Although military tensions continue, Vance's efforts aim at a diplomatic resolution. Discussions have reportedly gained positive momentum following Vance's outreach to Iranian officials. The Trump administration remains committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution despite ongoing military actions.
China confirms discussions are underway on a historic Xi-Trump-Putin meeting
Beijing has officially indicated it is coordinating a meeting between the leaders of China, the U.S., and Russia. This historic gathering may take place in Shenzhen later this month during a regional summit. Experts suggest the discussions will likely be superficial and primarily focused on optics rather than substantive issues. Both the U.S. and China are dealing with ongoing trade tensions and disagreements over multiple topics.
Trump discusses West Asia de-escalation with Qatar's emir; at least 30 killed in airstrikes in Yemen
US President Trump spoke with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim about reducing tensions in West Asia. They focused on Qatar's mediation efforts to achieve security and stability in the region. In Yemen, airstrikes on a market resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people amidst ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Italy's Foreign Ministry is seeking the release of detained Italians in the West Bank.
US military carries out new targeted strike on Iran as Tehran's leaders weigh mediator's proposals
The U.S. military carried out limited strikes on Iran, targeting its air defense systems in response to ongoing tensions. US President Trump stated the military action was minor and efficient, completed in minutes. Concurrently, Iran is reviewing proposals from Qatar aimed at addressing differences related to its nuclear program. Defensive military actions followed the recent midterm elections, affecting Trump's position on conflict resolution.
Iran reviewing proposals on Tehran's nuclear programme, officials say
Iran is reviewing proposals made by Qatar that aim to address its nuclear program and tensions with the US. As part of these discussions, Iran is demanding certain core conditions be met by the US. The White House acknowledged ongoing discussions but did not comment on the proposed measures. Regional leaders have engaged in diplomatic talks to ease tensions, with emphasis on political solutions.
Trump holds call with mediator Qatar about Iran de-escalation
Qatar is acting as the chief mediator between Washington and Tehran amid intense diplomatic efforts to end the war, which is now in its ninth month. Qatari officials have been shuttling between Doha and the Iranian capital to firm up a potential deal ahead of Tuesday's US midterm elections, in which the Democrats secured a sweeping victory over Trump's Republican Party and took control of Congress.
Iran's Khamenei gives Pezeshkian government ‘certain powers’ for US peace talks: Report
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian announced the Supreme Leader granted the government powers for talks with the United States. Following foreign ministry comments, Iran indicated communication with Washington via mediators is underway. Reports emerged of secret US strikes on Iranian positions to deter aggression in the region. Iran proposed a two-day plan for reopening the Strait of Hormuz while setting conditions for negotiations.
3 US drones shot down near Strait of Hormuz: Iran's IRGC
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the shooting down of three US drones near the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC claims to have used electronic warfare systems to down the drones, increasing military tensions with the US. Both nations have expressed a willingness to engage in diplomatic negotiations following these events. US officials noted a significant drop in oil prices amid expectations of a potential settlement.
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