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US: House Republicans block bid to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
The vote came as Republicans grapple with the fallout from sweeping midterm losses that some in the party have blamed on the war in Iran and the resulting surge in gas prices. But after President Donald Trump signaled strong support for Hegseth, GOP lawmakers largely stood by the secretary Tuesday.
UN body agrees to postpone review of US rights record after Trump administration snub
The UN Human Rights Council has postponed its review of the United States' human rights record until January after the Trump administration refused to participate, making the US the first UN member state to fully reject the process. The 47-member council approved the delay by consensus to give Washington more time to reconsider its decision.
Easing global headwinds, lower crude oil prices may further lift rupee in coming months: Economists
Economists predict the Indian rupee will strengthen against the US dollar in the coming months. Factors contributing to this appreciation include lower crude oil prices and improving foreign capital inflows. Additionally, a weaker US dollar and the easing of geopolitical tensions are supporting this trend. The Reserve Bank of India has implemented measures to stabilize the currency and enhance dollar availability.
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.
World entering 'age of climate extremes': UN chief Guterres
The world is entering a new reality where climate extremes are the norm, the United Nations chief Antonio Guterres warned Monday, urging leaders at the COP31 climate conference in Turkey to "get serious". "We have entered a new age of climate extremes."
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World's largest climate summit COP31 opens as climate and geopolitical pressures mount
The UN climate talks are set to begin in Antalya, where rising temperatures create an urgent need for global cooperation. More than 100,000 attendees from nearly 200 countries are expected to discuss climate action and funding for developing nations. The ongoing geopolitical tensions complicate negotiations, especially regarding fossil fuel transitions. Additionally, developing countries are advocating for increased adaptation finance to combat climate impacts.

COP31 a 'moment of truth': UN chief Guterres urges world leaders to act now on climate change
António Guterres has urged global leaders to take immediate action against climate change ahead of the COP31 summit. He emphasizes that responsibility should not be shifted and that everyone must commit to change now. Guterres highlights the worsening impact of climate disasters and the interplay between climate change and other global challenges. Additionally, he believes that fossil fuel companies should contribute by being taxed on their profits.

US election confirms erosion of support for Israel, with even Trump questioning military aid
A notable change is occurring in US-Israel relations as bipartisan support dwindles following Israel's actions in Gaza. President Donald Trump suggested cutting off military aid to Israel, stirring political discourse. Meanwhile, significant Democratic victories signal a shift in public opinion towards Israel's military policies. Vice President JD Vance indicated a need for Republicans to reassess their stance on Israel. The implications of these developments could reshape future US policy significantly.

Lighting lives beyond Diwali: How everyday Indians are making a difference through giving
An RBI officer, a Bengaluru retailer, a safari lodge owner and a 24-year-old money coach tell us how giving a little, steadily, lights someone else’s life, long after Diwali.

‘Mothers of Courage,’ documentary on girls’ education in Bihar, wins UN SDG Action Award
Mothers of Courage, a documentary, recently won the 2026 UN SDG Action Award in Rome. This film showcases the grassroots movement led by women to advocate for girls' education in Bihar. Through Shikshagraha, over 1.19 million citizens have been mobilized to support this initiative. The documentary highlights community gatherings where barriers to education are discussed and solutions are sought.

AI is part of solution for climate change, COP31 pledge says
Turkey is set to introduce a pledge at the upcoming COP31 climate summit in Antalya. This pledge suggests that artificial intelligence can help in combating climate change effectively. However, data centers are reportedly increasing fossil fuel emissions significantly, raising environmental concerns.

Rajnath Singh meets US Secy of War Hegseth on sidelines of ASEAN defence ministers' meeting in Philippines
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met US War Secretary Pete Hegseth in Cebu during the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. They celebrated the one-year anniversary of their Major Defense Partnership framework and discussed strengthening cooperation. Singh is also set to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from several countries, including Japan, Australia, and South Korea. Upon arrival, he received a ceremonial welcome and interacted with local communities.

Iran hasn't tried to repair nuclear facilities damaged in US strikes, UN nuclear chief says
Rafael Grossi of the IAEA stated that Iran has not repaired its nuclear facilities after military strikes. The US and Israel initiated strikes to hinder Iran's nuclear weapon capabilities, according to President Donald Trump. Iran is accused of failing to comply with nuclear nonproliferation obligations while maintaining its program is peaceful. The UN Security Council meeting addressed these concerns amidst tensions with Russia and China.

UN nuclear watchdog chief urges Iran to grant access
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi urged Iran to immediately grant inspectors access to its nuclear facilities and materials to verify its nuclear programme. The IAEA has been unable to access key sites since Israeli and US strikes in June 2025, while further attacks have hit nuclear facilities in the latest conflict. Iran criticised the UN Security Council for what it called a double standard over the strikes. The IAEA had previously estimated Iran held about 440 kg of uranium enriched to 60%, leaving the status of the stockpile uncertain.

No power, no water and winter approaching: How Melania Trump got involved in rescuing Ukraine’s forgotten city after weeks of unusual negotiations
Oleshky residents have been facing critical shortages of basic supplies due to prolonged conflict and occupation. A temporary ceasefire is scheduled to start soon, allowing for humanitarian assistance delivery and civilian evacuations. US First Lady Melania Trump played a significant role in facilitating this agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The success of this ceasefire will depend on proper implementation and safe transport of aid.

Senior UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh enters race for UN chief
Lana Nusseibeh has announced her candidacy for the role of United Nations secretary-general. She aims to restore the organization as an effective diplomatic problem-solver in response to global challenges. Nusseibeh has garnered support from numerous countries during the recent UN General Assembly. Her experience includes leading UAE campaigns at the UN and dealing with complex geopolitical issues.

World falling 'dangerously short' on climate action, warns UN
Global commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient, threatening to push temperatures up to 2.6C by 2100. The UN warns that current climate pledges will not meet the agreed Paris goals, with dire consequences expected. Major emitters must take immediate action to significantly lower emissions, as a leadership gap remains evident. Climate impacts are already being felt worldwide, affecting all countries, including the United States.

Ahead of COP31, UN sees higher global warming, even in best-case scenario
Global warming is now projected to exceed previous estimates, with average temperatures expected to rise significantly. Urgent and stringent cuts in greenhouse gas emissions are crucial to achieve best-case outcomes by mid-century. Current national emissions reduction plans fall far short of the necessary targets outlined in the recent UN report. As countries prepare for COP31 in Turkey, the need for decisive action becomes increasingly urgent.

Over 30,000 species face critical danger: Amazon's Jeff Bezos backs $500 million wildlife plan, but one key detail is missing
Launched at the UN Biodiversity Conference, the New Species Recovery Alliance has garnered a substantial pledge of $500 million. This collaborative initiative, involving nine organizations including the Bezos Earth Fund, is set to combat species extinctions and facilitate the recovery of endangered species globally. With over 31,000 species facing extinction, urgent conservation measures are more crucial than ever, as the alliance partners with local groups to develop effective recovery strategies.

Who is Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong? The most powerful woman in North Korea who is said to have taken over from her brother
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, reportedly the most powerful woman in North Korea was claimed to have taken over from her brother following his alleged death. North Korean state media has since released photos of Kim attending a public event.

An Egyptian farmer found a mysterious pink stone in his field — it led archaeologists to two giant statues of Ramses II buried for centuries
Archaeologists found ancient statue fragments related to Ramses II in the Nile Delta region of Egypt. The discovery was triggered by farmer Khaled al-Shahat, who informed authorities about a unique pink stone. Excavations revealed monumental statues and inscriptions that allow further exploration of the site's history. This area previously linked to a temple dedicated to Isis provides new insights into Ramses II's building practices.
Russia strikes 9 Ukrainian regions as strain grows between Zelenskyy and Trump
Russian attacks on Ukraine have led to emergency power outages affecting many households and increased civilian injuries. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including homes and public services, have resulted in a significant rise in casualties. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted ongoing tensions with the United States regarding support for Ukraine's defense. The war is expected to cost Ukraine around 174 billion USD next year, straining resources.

Houthis threaten more Saudi airport strikes after Riyadh attack kills 12, wounds 309
A recent attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has resulted in 12 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Yemen's Houthis claimed responsibility for escalating the conflict with Saudi Arabia, threatening future strikes on airports. Operations at the airport were suspended, with a significant number of embassies advising caution for their citizens. Health officials in Riyadh activated a mass call-up of doctors in response to the crisis.

‘What ‘no palm oil’ labels tell consumers and what they don’t
India cannot spend Rs 11,040 crore building a domestic oil palm economy while allowing brands to turn the same crop into a warning sign. The cost of that contradiction will be paid by smallholders.

Developing countries hit by overlapping crises, UNDP chief warns
Rising energy costs and El Nino conditions are challenging developing countries facing financial distress. Governments are struggling to manage high fuel prices and increasing debt levels. Recent UNDP surveys indicate that the crisis is affecting approximately 100 countries and worsening food insecurity. Many nations anticipate that conditions will deteriorate, prioritizing economic health. There is an urgent need for global discussions to address these mounting challenges.

Trump and Vance hit the campaign trail in deep-red areas where GOP candidates seek a boost
Donald Trump and JD Vance are ramping up campaigning in Republican-leaning states ahead of the November 3 midterms, as GOP leaders try to boost turnout and enthusiasm amid concerns over the economy, affordability and the Iran war. Trump has promised a near-daily campaign sprint, while Republicans are also targeting races in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and other states that have become more competitive.

US wants European allies to do this 'immediately' to lower diesel prices
The US has urged European allies to release strategic diesel reserves immediately as global fuel prices surge amid supply disruptions linked to the Iran war. Washington is also considering a diesel export ban, putting pressure on France and Germany to tap stockpiles. US diesel prices have climbed more than 70% since the war began, reaching $6.39 a gallon.

80 years, no woman at the top: UN chief race tests its gender-equality promise
Calls for a female UN leader are growing as the agency faces ongoing gender equality challenges. Experts indicate it may take 171 years to achieve true gender parity globally. Several nations expressed the need for women to hold leadership roles during recent discussions. Notably, women currently represent only 22% of positions in the AI sector, reflecting ongoing disparities.
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