MIDDLE EAST SECURITY ARCHITECTURE
Putin backs mediation efforts on Middle East war, tells Iran Moscow ready to help as US-Iran talks hit impasse
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian in a phone call that Moscow was ready to help efforts to mediate the Middle East war, Iranian state media reported on Wednesday, with the months-long conflict locked in a stalemate. The Russian leader and Pezeshkian in their call spoke of the "positive and expanding trajectory of relations" between the two allies, stressing the need to further deepen ties, state news agency IRNA reported.
Yami Gautam’s 100-year-old Mandi home is made of wood and stone: A look at the Himachali people's 1000-year-old secret to build homes that survive earthquakes and harsh winters without mortar or nails
Actress Yami Gautam’s 100-year-old home in Mandi, reportedly priced at a whopping Rs 8 crore, reflects a traditional Himachali architectural heritage. Built primarily with wood and stone instead of concrete, the residence is believed to showcase the centuries-old Kath Kuni construction technique. This ancient, indigenous method combines stone and wood to create structures that can survive the harshest of weather and earthquakes.
L&T gets initial nod to build main part of 1,600 MW thermal power plant in Jharkhand
Larsen & Toubro has received preliminary approval to construct a 1,600 MW thermal power plant in Jharkhand. This project is a collaboration between Damodar Valley Corporation and Coal India Ltd. L&T will handle the design and supply of critical equipment, including boilers and turbines. The plant aims to enhance power generation capacity while employing ultra-supercritical technology for efficiency.
EIA raises oil price forecasts as Iran war tightens global markets
The EIA raised its oil price forecasts, citing tight global inventories, limited diesel supplies and ongoing Middle East supply risks. Brent crude is expected to average $105 per barrel in Q4 2026 and $84 in 2027. Recovering Gulf exports and record U.S. production may ease supply pressures next year, though geopolitical risks remain.
Wrong India map at IMEC meeting draws strong objection from former bureaucrat
During an international meeting on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, an inaccurate map caused significant objections. The presentation by the OECD included incorrect depictions of India's territorial boundaries, prompting concerns from participants. The President of the Chintan Research Foundation emphasized the importance of recognizing geopolitical sensitivities in such discussions. Discussions at the meeting aimed to improve cooperation among ports along the proposed corridor.
No glue, no rope and no synthetic assembly: Woven Pavilion uses interlocking modules to explore the future of temporary nature-based architecture
Atelier DARN’s Woven is a temporary architectural pavilion in the Les Gavarres landscape of Girona, Spain, created around transformation, decay and regeneration. The structure includes wood with a biodegradable filament made from miscanthus, which is used to 3D print around 700 modular components. The pieces connect through an interlocking system that needs neither glue nor rope and avoids synthetic materials in the assembly.
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Australian student built a $10 million cable business - why she sold it and launched The Content Folk
Nicole Kersh launched 4Cabling from her parents’ garage in 2004. The venture flourished, amassing $10 million in revenue before its sale in July 2014. Kersh later recognized another content gap for small businesses, prompting her to create The Content Folk, which specializes in structured content solutions.
Middle East oil exports are recovering despite Strait of Hormuz tanker attacks, but the bigger problem is getting crude safely to buyers
Middle Eastern oil exports have significantly recovered as shipping companies navigate a complex transport network. While conventional methods remain risky, alternate routes are being utilized to ensure continuous oil movement. Oil producers are adjusting strategies, relying on pipelines and offshore transfers to circumvent dangerous waters. The shipping process has become more expensive due to increased insurance and higher freight rates.
The day the fault lines cracked: October 7’s aftershocks travelled from Israel and Gaza to Iran, Red Sea and $100 oil
It started at the Gaza border. Then came Hezbollah, Houthi attacks, rerouted ships, an Israel-Iran war, American strikes and an oil shock. Three years after October 7, the Middle East’s fault lines have cracked open far beyond where the first shots were fired.
Gnani AI launches Ascent partner programme to scale sovereign AI across enterprises
Gnani AI has introduced the Ascent programme to assist enterprises in scaling sovereign AI across their operations. This initiative connects a variety of partners including technology firms and systems integrators for effective deployment. Ascent builds upon Gnani AI's sovereign AI stack, which supports multiple industry-specific applications.
Global Market: Nikkei rises as Wall Street gains, oil prices fall
Japan’s Nikkei rose 0.2% and Topix gained 0.4%, supported by Wall Street gains and lower crude oil prices. Investors remained cautious ahead of a 10-year government bond auction and a speech by BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda. Technology stocks were mixed, while elevated bond yields and fiscal concerns kept market sentiment cautious.
The meadows in the Cotswolds transforms an existing property into a tranquil boutique hotel and high-end restaurant
The Meadows in the Cotswolds, UK, has been designed as an intimate rural retreat combining a boutique hotel, high-end restaurant and contemporary extension to an existing property. Commissioned from Pardini Hall Architecture by a small group of clients, the project places material sensitivity and environmental responsibility at the centre of its design. Local materials help connect the development with its setting, while the garden becomes an active part of the guest experience through views, outdoor dining and a garden-to-table concept.
Haldia to revamp feedstock mix after Mideast war hit supplies, executive says
In response to disruptions from the Middle East conflict, Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd is set to broaden its feedstock sourcing strategies. Currently reliant on 50% local supply and 50% from the Middle East, HPL plans to enhance its processing abilities by using condensate and up to 30% LPG at its West Bengal facility next year.
India’s BPCL plans $3 billion bond sale to fund Brazil oil bet
Bharat Petroleum Corp. plans to raise up to $3 billion through international bonds, mainly funding its $2.8 billion contribution to Brazil’s SEAP-I offshore project and refinancing debt. The move supports India’s push to diversify crude supplies amid geopolitical disruptions. BPCL’s Brazil investment highlights growing interest in South American energy assets.
India may be best placed to fill a China-sized hole in fuel exports
India could emerge as a key swing supplier of refined fuels as China suspends October exports, helped by recovering Middle Eastern crude imports and lower Indian fuel-export taxes. With large refining capacity and an export-oriented industry, Indian refiners may be able to step up diesel, petrol and jet-fuel shipments to Asian markets facing tighter supplies.
L&T wins ₹10,000-15,000 crore power transmission orders in India, Middle East
Larsen & Toubro’s Power Transmission & Distribution business has won multiple EPC orders worth ₹10,000-15,000 crore across India, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The projects include 380 kV transmission and substation works in Saudi Arabia, 132/11 kV substations and cabling in the UAE, and a transmission system of lines and substations in Visakhapatnam.
Oil slips as Middle East crude exports rise, G7 to release stocks
Oil prices have seen a decline as increased crude exports from the Middle East and stock releases from G7 nations boost supply levels. Brent crude futures fell by 0.34% to $101.90 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate dropped by 0.68%. The G7's release of 100 million barrels is alleviating immediate supply concerns, although Houthi attacks on Saudi facilities are raising worries about Gulf infrastructure.
US bombers redeployed to home bases after RAF Fairford terror attack probe
The U.S. Air Force has brought home its bombers stationed at RAF Fairford due to security concerns. An investigation into a potential terror attack has resulted in the arrest of several individuals. U.S. officials have indicated that additional military forces are being deployed to the Middle East. President Donald Trump has signaled continued military action against Iran may be considered. The situation remains fluid, with escalating tensions in the region.
"You don't want it too hot...too good": S Jaishankar calls for a "Goldilocks scenario" to navigate US-China rivalry
S Jaishankar emphasized the crucial role of emerging powers in the midst of escalating US-China tensions. He suggested a 'Goldilocks scenario' to achieve a balanced approach in the complex geopolitical landscape. Nations are increasingly prioritizing self-reliance and building strategic alliances over rigid alignments, as they evaluate their contributions to global discussions and reshape their international roles, fostering a new cooperative framework through adaptable partnerships among middle powers.
India has decades of high growth ahead, AI for humanity vision: Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted India's anticipated decades of growth during a recent Munich meeting. He emphasized the potential of emerging powers and India's unique demographic advantage in this context. Jaishankar also addressed India's approach to artificial intelligence as a model for social equity and public welfare.
As ‘world architecture’ changes, Jaishankar calls for middle powers to pool resources
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on emerging and middle powers to pool diplomatic, economic and technological resources as global alliances and institutions undergo change. Speaking at the Munich Leaders Meeting 2026, he identified peace and security, supply chains, healthcare, connectivity, climate action, defence, advanced manufacturing and space as key areas.
India's crude imports hit 2026 high in September as Gulf supplies surge despite Hormuz risks
India’s crude oil imports rose to a 2026-high of 5.26 million barrels per day in September as Gulf supplies surged, with Iraq becoming the country’s second-largest supplier after Russia. Increased flows through the Strait of Hormuz have offered Indian refiners more access to Middle Eastern crude amid pressure to diversify from Russian oil.
Linking flydubai co-pilot to Oman establishment ‘uncalled for’, sources say
Linking the flydubai co-pilot accused of attacking the pilot and attempting to crash the Tel Aviv-bound flight to Oman’s establishment or Royal Family is “completely uncalled for” and called for a thorough probe into his background, diplomatic sources told ET.
In 2014, Joan Rivers left a Manhattan penthouse worth $28 million; after relisting for $38 million later, it eventually took a $10 million price cut
Joan Rivers’ former Manhattan penthouse has returned to the luxury real estate market with a substantial reduction in its asking price. Situated at 1 East 62nd Street on the Upper East Side, the three-level residence was Rivers’ home for 25 years until her passing in 2014. The property was listed for $38 million in 2021 before subsequent reductions gradually brought the asking price to $28 million.
India oil refiners change tactics and hire ships to cross Hormuz
Indian oil refiners are now hiring tankers to pick up crude oil within the Persian Gulf. This approach helps cut costs and secure supply chains amid changing geopolitical conditions. Recent Iraqi crude sales are on a free-on-board basis, giving Indian refiners better logistics control. The recovery of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz significantly contributed to this strategic shift.
Global Market: Kospi falls as oil prices, Middle East uncertainty weigh
South Korean shares slipped despite record September exports, as elevated oil prices and uncertainty over Middle East energy supplies weighed on sentiment. The KOSPI fell 0.21%, while the won weakened and bond yields rose. Exports surged 83.5%, driven by semiconductor shipments and strong AI-related demand, but foreign investors remained net sellers.
Oil prices barely changed as investors assess US-Iran peace talks and Gulf exports
Oil prices exhibited notable stability during the early trading hours in Asia as traders closely monitored the US-Iran peace discussions for potential ramifications. While Brent crude futures slightly increased, US West Texas Intermediate experienced a marginal dip. Analysts emphasized the need for significant developments in the negotiations to see a marked impact on prices. Additionally, signs of recovery in Middle Eastern oil exports further supported this price steadiness.
Israel to ramp up pilot checks
Saudi authorities have arrested and interrogated the co-pilot of flydubai flight FZ1073 from the United Arab Emirates to Israel, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said. Some 169 of the total 172 passengers on board were Israeli nationals, Ambassador Daniel Meron at the Israeli permanent mission in Geneva told Reuters.
India-Brazil-South Africa make strong pitch for ambitious, comprehensive and profound reform of UN
IBSA Foreign Ministers convened to call for urgent reforms of global governance institutions and the UN Security Council. They expressed support for increased representation of developing countries in decision-making processes, particularly in the UNSC. The Ministers highlighted the need for reform to address contemporary challenges, including climate change and socio-economic inequality. They also raised concerns about conflicts in the Middle East affecting the Global South.
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