POST WAR SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS

US, Ukrainian and European officials meet on ending Ukraine war, Steve Witkoff says

US, Ukrainian, and European officials convened to strategize ahead of US-brokered negotiations in Abu Dhabi. The discussions focused on the war's conclusion and future security arrangements in Europe. Participants considered enhancing existing European security institutions after the conflict ends. A primary concern is to address post-war security needs and mitigate future conflict risks. Coordination efforts aim for a sustainable and lasting peace in the region.

Surat textile businessman gifts ₹1 lakh cash to each of his employees on Diwali; watch video

Ramswaroop Munde, a textile businessman in Surat, awarded each of his 50 employees a cash bonus. Instead of traditional gifts, he presented the bonuses on ceremonial thalis, enhancing the festive experience. Employees expressed their heartfelt gratitude after receiving the unexpected cash reward during the Diwali celebration.

Beyond Nvidia: Alice Huang’s reported ties to Gigabyte’s leaders and a data-centre business serving Alibaba

China's alleged spying operation targeting Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang goes beyond one executive. A New York Times investigation links Alice Huang, reportedly recruited by China's top intelligence agency, to Gigabyte's leadership and a Singapore-based data-centre company serving Alibaba. The operation allegedly aimed to gather information on Nvidia's advanced AI chips and influence their exports to China.

Middle East oil price war heralds post-conflict glut: Bousso

The Strait of Hormuz has become a bustling corridor for Middle Eastern oil, with exports rising sharply since September. However, the ongoing constraints in demand and refining capacity alongside dwindling global crude inventories mean that producers are slashing prices to lure in buyers within a fiercely competitive arena. Analysts foresee a possible surplus driven by increased output from Gulf nations, and a stable peace could exacerbate market dynamics.

G7 allies to assess impact of Trump's midterm setback at Paris talks

The diplomats signalled the Democrats' gains could narrow the White House's room for manoeuvre but warned against expecting a return to traditional US multilateralism while foreign policy remains very much under Trump's control.

Trump's $1.5-trillion defence spending push runs into a Democratic wall after midterm rout

The recent midterm elections have heralded a major loss for Republicans, casting a shadow over President Trump's defense budget ambitions. Democrats, now in control of Congress, are resisting Trump's call for a $1.5 trillion increase in defense spending. This development poses a critical challenge as lawmakers must soon tackle the defense policy bill alongside the fiscal year 2027 budget.

Diwali 2026: From Ayodhya’s sea of diyas to Goa’s fiery Narkasurs, India celebrates the festival in splendour

India celebrates Diwali on November 8 with spectacular displays of devotion and tradition, from lakhs of diyas illuminating Ayodhya’s Saryu ghats to giant Narkasur effigies burning in Goa. As families prepare for Lakshmi Puja, security is tightened, special trains ferry festive travellers and temples across Uttar Pradesh host elaborate celebrations.

Yemen urges Lebanon to curb Hezbollah's military support to Houthis, seeks joint action

Yemen's Foreign Minister Afrah Al-Zouba called on Lebanon to take action against Hezbollah's military support for Houthis. She emphasized the need for coordination between the two nations to protect their sovereignty and security. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned external military activities by Lebanese elements in Yemen's affairs. Salam stressed the importance of maintaining Lebanon's independence and avoiding involvement in foreign conflicts.

Warfare now extends beyond borders to cyberattacks, drone swarms and information operations: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Indian Air Force personnel at Bagdogra airfield recently. He highlighted the complexities of modern warfare, which now includes cyberattacks and information operations. Singh warned that adversaries exploit vulnerabilities without direct conflict and spread misleading information via social media. He urged soldiers to maintain vigilance against emerging threats while emphasizing the importance of discipline and conduct.

Ashwini Vaishnaw visits railway war room at Rail Bhavan to review Diwali-Chhath arrangements

Mecca pact with Pakistan creates uproar in Turkey parliament: MPs ask why risking Turkish youth for foreign governments' political ambitions

Türkiye has approved a defense pact with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia that commits to mutual assistance. This agreement may lead to Turkish support if Pakistan faces conflict with India. Critics in Türkiye have expressed concerns over the implications for national security commitments. The pact includes a ten-year clause preventing member withdrawal, which raises flexibility questions. Parliamentary approval is required before sending Turkish troops, but concerns about political pressure remain.

Iran Russia secret arms deal: Moscow to supply 90 helicopter launchers used by Russian forces in Ukraine for precision missiles, FT reports

Iran is reportedly set to acquire 90 Russian launchers designed for use with Mi-28 helicopters and precision missiles. The ongoing military cooperation between Russia and Iran has raised international concerns amidst Russia's conflict in Ukraine. Recent documents linked to Russian defense production outline planned exports, including additional aircraft and weapon systems for Iran. There remains uncertainty regarding the actual delivery of the launchers despite the reported export orders.

Trust market returns to secure oil: India owns stakes in oilfields from Russia to Abu Dhabi, but getting that crude home is another challenge

India's overseas oil investments, particularly in Russian oilfields, have not guaranteed preferential access to crude during supply disruptions such as the Strait of Hormuz crisis. The article examines how sanctions, shipping costs, insurance restrictions and commercial considerations limit the energy security benefits of equity oil, and why India needs to assess overseas investments separately from their supply security claims.

2026 Midterm election results Senate: Melania Trump skips Donald Trump's election night party; here's what she was doing as Republicans lost Congress

US First Lady Melania Trump was notably absent from Donald Trump's election-night gathering at the White House as Republicans suffered a major setback in the midterm election results, losing control of both the Senate and House. Instead of joining the President, Melania focused on her independent diplomatic initiative to secure a ceasefire in Russia-controlled Oleshky, Ukraine.

World War 3: Is UK bringing back compulsory military service? Report claims conscription may return if major war erupts

Amid rising concerns over potential conflicts, discussions on mandatory military service in the UK have gained momentum. Experts assert that the government would likely mobilize reservists and former service members before implementing a draft. Retired Army chief Lord Dannatt emphasized that young adults aged 18 to 24 would be the primary focus of any conscription efforts.

Donald Trump's political humbling after US midterms signals short-term gain, long-term pain for China

Donald Trump's US midterm election defeat could strengthen China's hand in upcoming US-China trade negotiations, giving Beijing leverage to push for tariff reductions and other concessions. However, Beijing remains wary of a potentially more hawkish US administration after Trump. China's concerns include Taiwan arms sales, a possible Iran war escalation, energy security and the future of its fragile trade truce with Washington.

Arab parties extend a hand to try and topple Netanyahu, but challenges remain

Arab lawmaker Ahmad Tibi mentioned the Joint List's potential partnership with Jewish parties to oust Netanyahu. This collaboration could alter decades of Israeli political traditions and dynamics. The Joint List seeks to influence outgoing government decisions while remaining outside its administration. Netanyahu's opponents face a dilemma regarding the inclusion of Arab parties due to historical mistrust.

Ukraine, US, Russia to hold working-level trilateral talks within a week: Zelenskyy

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced upcoming trilateral talks with the US and Russia to discuss the ongoing war. The discussions with US envoys lasted for an hour and a half and focused on security and diplomatic efforts. A significant meeting in Brussels facilitated collaboration on Ukraine's postwar recovery and security guarantees. Meanwhile, Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine, prompting increased mediation from the US.

Russian attacks disrupt power in Kyiv, while the death toll in a stricken village rises to 40

Russian attacks disrupted power and water supplies in Kyiv and surrounding areas, while Ukraine reported a rising death toll from a strike on a village in Zaporizhzhia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said 40 people had been killed in Komyshuvakha, with dozens more feared buried under rubble. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks on postwar security and reconstruction were planned in Brussels.

India weighs new oil manoeuvre as old routes get jammed

The West Asia war has forced India to look at energy security through a new, different lens. The oil issue, for India, has now gone from being a procurement issue to being a test of economic resilience. That has compelled the govt to rethink how it sources, transports and stores the fuel that powers its economy.

India, Israel vote against Pakistan-Belarus resolution on regional arms control at UN; New Delhi explains why

India and Israel voted against a Pakistan-Belarus-sponsored resolution on conventional arms control at the UN, with New Delhi arguing that national security concerns extend beyond regional boundaries. India also questioned the need for fresh deliberations on the issue and separately opposed a reference to South Asian arms control proposals.

IndiGo, Indian Oil and other crude-sensitive stocks rally up to 4% as oil dips below $105/bbl. Where are prices headed?

Crude-sensitive stocks such as IndiGo, BPCL, HPCL and Indian Oil rallied up to 4% as oil prices declined for a second consecutive session amid US-Iran peace talks. Upstream stocks ONGC and Oil India, however, fell up to 2%. Lower crude prices typically benefit downstream companies by easing input costs and supporting refining and marketing margins.

US to hold trilateral talks with Ukraine, Russia in Abu Dhabi next week

Delegations from Ukraine and Russia will meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11 for peace talks. The discussions seek to address ending the conflict, post-war security agreements, and humanitarian measures. American negotiators, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will represent the U.S. Recent U.S.-mediated talks have aimed at finding a breakthrough before winter arrives. Both sides reportedly remain far apart in negotiating a potential peace deal.