MILITARY ENERGY SYSTEMS
US EIA lifts Brent forecast to $98 as Iran war tightens global supplies
The US Energy Information Administration has revised its oil price forecasts for the coming years due to supply issues. Global benchmark Brent crude is expected to average approximately $98 a barrel in 2026. Retail diesel prices are projected to remain high initially before gradually declining to around $4.50 in 2027. Improvements in Middle Eastern oil production are anticipated as transit routes become safer and more efficient.
Russia conducting nuclear drill near Cold War-era ‘Doomsday’ bunker recently upgraded with 24,000 tons of steel and 62,000 tons of cement
Russia is currently conducting a major nuclear disaster drill involving over 1,000 participants in the Sverdlovsk region. The exercise tests emergency services' responses to a nuclear catastrophe with multiple crises happening simultaneously. Associated with the Dead Hand system, a significant Cold War-era bunker is also being upgraded for renewed operations. Reports indicate extensive construction and procurement activities around the facility suggest improvements in its infrastructure.
US picks four directed-energy weapons for operational testing against drone threats
The US Department of War has selected four high-energy laser and high-powered microwave systems for operational evaluation against growing drone threats. The pilot, led by Joint Interagency Task Force 401, will assess their effectiveness, safety and integration into layered homeland defence, while further directed-energy technologies undergo competitive testing.
Germany's Merz arrives in Kyiv to finalize drone deal, release aid
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived in Kyiv with defence industry executives as Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities intensified. Germany is set to announce €1 billion in military aid and €350 million for energy repairs, while Berlin and Kyiv are expected to finalise agreements on joint drone production and deeper weapons cooperation.
Defence stocks: Time to change strategy in a bearish market? An ecosystem with down and upside potential of -39% to plus 37%
The current fall is both at the level of the indices and the broader market. And when the selling is this broad, almost every sector is affected. But they do not all feel it equally, and it is worth knowing why every sector behaves differently at different points of time. Stock Reports Plus, powered by Refinitiv, is a comprehensive report that evaluates five key components of 4,000+ listed stocks – earnings, fundamentals, relative valuation, risk, and price momentum – to generate standardised scores. The simple average of the above-mentioned five component ratings is normally distributed to reach an average score.
Can nuclear reactors really travel by truck? The tiny power plants raising huge questions about cost, safety and security
For decades, nuclear power has been associated with enormous plants, complex infrastructure and large cooling systems. A new generation of microreactors is trying to change that picture. These reactors are designed to be small enough to move. Some could fit into containers that can be transported by truck, cargo plane or ship. Their output would be much smaller than that of a conventional nuclear plant.
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September LNG shipments through Hormuz hit highest since start of US-Iran war
In September, the number of liquefied natural gas cargoes shipped through the Strait of Hormuz increased significantly. A total of 19 cargoes were shipped, primarily from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, marking the highest month since the US-Israel war started. Shipments included many vessels that operated with their transponders switched off for safety. Analysts express concerns about sustaining this level of exports amid potential military escalations from Iran.

Iran readies harder retaliation if attacked as diplomacy faces long odds
Iran is intensifying its military response planning amid fears of US military escalation in the region. Senior commanders are considering broader targets beyond US-linked assets in their strategic discussions. Diplomatically, Iran has proposed a plan through Qatari mediators to halt fighting and resume oil exports. Economic pressures and fears of unrest within Iran complicate the situation for the leadership.

India imports 50% of gas needs, targets 10X CBG output: Hardeep Singh Puri
India's Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri emphasized the need for enhanced domestic energy production. Rising energy demand, outpacing the global average, requires India to become less reliant on imports. The government is implementing a new compressed biogas framework to increase domestic production significantly.

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.

Amid safety and oversight questions, US-China AI development race continues
US President Donald Trump will meet a group of top technology executives at the White House on Tuesday to discuss where to draw the line between AI innovation and oversight.

The US-Iran war is now squeezing two major shipping routes from Strait of Hormuz to the Red Sea — here’s why global trade could feel the impact
The ongoing US-Iran war is affecting vital maritime chokepoints, specifically the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Shipping traffic has decreased significantly through Hormuz due to conflict, impacting global energy markets. The situation at Bab el-Mandeb has worsened after Houthi forces seized strategic Perim Island. Discussions between the US and Iran continue with hopes for reopening Hormuz amid rising concerns.

Xbox controllers can operate these weapons: US deploys high-energy systems in Strait of Hormuz to counter drones & missiles
Xbox-style controllers to operate laser weapons: US military is deploying high-energy laser weapons in the Strait of Hormuz to counter drones and other aerial threats, with soldiers reportedly operating the systems using reconfigured Xbox-style controllers, according to The New York Post. The systems use concentrated beams of energy to disable or destroy targets and could reduce reliance on conventional missiles, although their effectiveness can be affected by weather, power requirements and multiple-drone attacks.

India possesses 'power of argument' as well as 'argument of power': Rajnath Singh at defence conclave
Rajnath Singh underscored the necessity of harmonizing military strength with diplomatic efforts as integral to India's national security framework. He asserted that India embodies both persuasive diplomacy and firm military resolve. Singh noted that recent military operations reflect India's readiness to safeguard its interests, cautioning against the risks of favoring diplomacy without robust military readiness. He called for a comprehensive strategy to tackle evolving national security challenges.

Canada has prepared for the unthinkable: A military attack by the US
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney recently suggested that the possibility of a US military attack is minimal. He emphasized responsibility in assessing extreme and improbable risks while preparing for them. Carney's remarks indicate a growing mistrust in the US and a shift in Canadian defense strategy. Canada seeks to diversify its dependencies and strengthen ties with Europe amidst increasing pressures.

Gulf nations have found ways to keep oil flowing through the Iran war, but the costs are mounting
Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz initially raised concerns about soaring oil prices impacting the global economy. However, Gulf producers adapted quickly by utilizing alternative pipeline routes and increasing their oil exports. These adjustments helped stabilize oil prices around $100 per barrel despite the ongoing conflict. While the workarounds have been effective, they are costly and not sustainable long-term.

US-China AI talks: A two-power bargain that could leave the world with no say
Donald Trump has rejected international regulations on artificial intelligence while preparing for a critical summit with Xi Jinping. Discussions are expected to focus on AI safety and protecting intellectual property rights amidst rising geopolitical tensions. The contrasting approaches of the US and China highlight differing strategies for AI development and distribution. Both countries are wary of the inherent risks yet reluctant to address global repercussions.

Russia's Geran drones become one of the most dangerous. Speed, reinforced bodies and less reaction time; the new drone that is changing warfare
For a long time, the sound of a Shahed-136 gave people in Ukraine something they badly needed, a little warning. The Russian-built Geran-2 used a piston engine and moved at roughly 180 km/h, slow enough for air-defense crews to track and engage it. The newer jet-powered Gerans have changed that calculation. Some can reach around 600 km/h, leaving far less time between detection and impact.

US Department of War holds Energy Innovation Expo; showcases latest power generation and transmission technologies
The US Department of War (DOW) held the Energy Innovation Expo which showcased the latest power generation and transmission projects to support the rising needs of United States’ defence technologies. Assistant Secretary of Defence for Energy, Installations and Environment spoke about the DOW's key energy focus areas: the Golden Dome, Nuclear Energy, space and energy superiority and the solutions to answer the challenges posed in these fields.

Trump warns AI race will decide global power, says US leads China ‘by a lot’
US President Donald Trump rejected global efforts to control artificial intelligence, saying the US must maintain its lead over China and win the race for what he called superintelligence. He argued AI could surpass the impact of the Industrial Revolution and the internet, and said Washington would monitor the technology without stifling its growth.

Rupee sways with oil and intervention cues, keeping traders light-footed
Traders pointed to media reports stating that Iran had offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy artery,if the US eases military pressure and lifts its blockade.

Climate Week talks balance hope for clean energy against uncertainty over AI
Global leaders are meeting to address Earth's worsening health and climate change impacts. A renewable energy boom offers hope, while artificial intelligence presents new challenges. Fossil fuel price surges from global conflicts are accelerating the shift to cleaner energy sources. Scientists warn that seven planetary boundaries have already been breached by human activity. Urgent action is needed to triple renewable power capacity by the end of the decade.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un hails 'new-type weapon' days after missile launch
North Korea's leader oversaw a new weapon system test on Sunday. This demonstration showcased the country's advancing military technology and preparedness. The test followed recent short-range missile launches into regional waters. South Korea and Japan condemned these actions as threats to peace. North Korea maintains its nuclear weapons status is permanent and irreversible.

What spooked Europe last week? The rumbles of Russia war grow louder
European nations now discuss potential Russian conflict in new terms. Intelligence suggests hybrid drone and missile strikes could target Ukraine supporters. Leaders are planning for sabotage and cyberattacks below traditional war thresholds. This shift reflects a fear of Russia exploiting grey areas between peace and war. European governments are building resilience and defence capabilities to deter Moscow.

Italy’s Meloni proposes foreign student cap, school hijab ban amid far-right challenge
Italy’s government plans to cap the number of foreign students in classrooms and ban burqas and hijabs in schools, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni saying the measures will soon go to the cabinet. The proposals come as her coalition faces pressure from Roberto Vannacci’s National Future movement ahead of an election expected next year.

Moscow repels 'largest enemy drone attack' involving over 1,600 UAVs amid Russian parliamentary elections
Russia reported repelling a large drone attack targeting Moscow during ongoing parliamentary elections. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed significant strikes impacted Russian oil and logistics facilities. He detailed various drone systems used in the operation against Russia. Meanwhile, Russia continued its strikes across Ukraine, hitting civilian infrastructure and a monastery. Ukraine urged stronger international measures and sanctions against Russia for its actions.

Bombs were loaded, targets were set, then Trump changed his mind. Behind America’s U-turn on Houthi strikes
US President Donald Trump ordered preparations for airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen after Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged US military intervention, but later put the strikes on hold. According to The New York Times, US military preparations had advanced significantly, with target lists approved and warplanes being loaded with weapons, before Trump reversed the decision on Sunday.

Hormuz shuttles keep oil flowing, but at a high cost
Middle East oil producers are increasingly using ship-to-ship (STS) transfers off Oman to keep crude exports moving despite disruptions from the Iran conflict and risks around the Strait of Hormuz.

Six Indian American students named 2026 Davidson Fellows, win $25K-$100K scholarships
Six Indian American students have been named 2026 Davidson Fellows Scholarship recipients, winning awards of up to $100,000 for their projects. The students have worked on research spanning aviation safety, citrus greening disease, black holes, nuclear energy, malaria prevention and drug discovery. Here is what the scholarship recognises and what their projects involve.
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