REGIONAL STABILITY
Bhai Dooj 2026 Today: What Do Different Tilak Colours Mean? Check Red, Yellow, Sandalwood and Rice Grain Significance
Bhai Dooj 2026 is being celebrated today, November 11. The festival honours the bond between brothers and sisters through the traditional tilak ceremony. Explore the religious significance of red kumkum, yellow turmeric, sandalwood and white tilak, along with the importance of rice grains or akshat. Also check the traditional puja thali items and step-by-step tilak rituals.
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.
China, Hong Kong stocks edge higher as Beijing vows measures to stabilise markets
Chinese and Hong Kong stocks edged higher as Beijing renewed its commitment to stabilising capital markets amid economic concerns. Major mainland indices posted modest gains, while the Hang Seng also advanced. However, weak domestic demand, cooling consumer inflation and global technology-sector volatility continued to challenge investor confidence and market recovery prospects.
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.
How a banking scandal is taking down Trump’s ally in Paraguay
Paraguay's Ueno Bank has collapsed, leaving customers locked out of their accounts and prompting nationwide protests. President Santiago Peña faces impeachment while being linked to the bank's swift downfall amid allegations of misconduct. The Central Bank had found serious issues with Ueno’s lending practices prior to its seizure, which caused it to be declared insolvent. Regulators found that the bank issued loans beyond legal limits without proper categorization.
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.
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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.
Piyush Goyal to visit Egypt with big business delegation; India eyes trade, investment partnerships
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit Egypt next week with a large business delegation to explore investment and collaboration in sectors including startups, fintech, pharmaceuticals and automobile components. The visit comes as India seeks to deepen its strategic engagement with West Asia and position Egypt as a gateway to African, Arab and European markets.
Pakistan's external debt nearly doubled in decade ending 2025: World Bank
Pakistan's external debt is projected to rise to USD 135.1 billion by 2025, according to a World Bank report. Public and publicly guaranteed debt accounts for a significant portion, totaling USD 107.076 billion. China remains the largest creditor of Pakistan, holding USD 22.4 billion. The International Monetary Fund is expected to provide additional financial support for economic stability.
Quad Navies launch Malabar 2026 multi-domain drills to strengthen Free and Open Indo-Pacific
The United States, India, Japan, and Australia have kicked off Exercise Malabar 2026. This joint naval drill is focused on boosting the operational synergy and maritime capabilities of the participating nations. Notably, the Indian Navy's INS Sahyadri has arrived in Japan for this collaboration, symbolizing a significant step in strengthening regional security efforts in the Indo-Pacific. Through multiple phases, the exercise seeks to deepen trust among the allied forces.
AI selloff hits India too: TD Power, HFCL, Sterlite, other power capex-linked stocks crash up to 15%
Indian power capex and AI-linked stocks tumbled as a global technology sell-off spread across markets, with TD Power and Thermax plunging 15% each. Concerns that US midterm election results could slow data centre expansion and AI infrastructure spending triggered sharp losses across Asian technology stocks and domestic market-linked companies.
Oil Price Today (November 6): Crude oil nears $100 again as fresh attacks dent peace talk hopes. What are experts saying?
Crude oil price : Oil prices are making a comeback as fears of supply interruptions grow following recent tanker attacks. President Donald Trump has reiterated that Iran must obtain US consent for its nuclear activities. Concerns about potential supply challenges loom large, prompting Goldman Sachs to revise its Brent and WTI crude price projections upwards. Meanwhile, diplomatic negotiations involving Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar progress amid regional volatility.
Dhanteras 2026 Today: 5 Auspicious Rituals to Perform on November 6 for Goddess Lakshmi's Blessings, Wealth and Good Health
Dhanteras 2026 is being celebrated today, November 6, marking the beginning of Diwali festivities. Discover 5 important Dhanteras rituals to perform today, including Lakshmi-Kuber Puja, lighting 13 diyas for Lord Yama, buying gold and silver, worshipping Lord Dhanvantari and donating essentials. Know the significance of these auspicious traditions and how devotees seek blessings for wealth, health and prosperity.
Iran FM Abbas Araghchi holds phone talks with Saudi counterpart: State media
The two regional powerhouses restored ties in 2023 after a freeze but have been at odds over the war in Yemen, where the Houthis are fighting the Saudi-backed internationally recognised government and have repeatedly launched attacks on the kingdom.
In 1927, the US brought in weeping lovegrass for cattle and erosion control; one strain was later planted across 2 million acres of Oklahoma and Texas
Initially introduced to the U.S. in the 1930s to alleviate soil erosion caused by the Dust Bowl, weeping lovegrass rapidly expanded across vast areas of Oklahoma and Texas, proving valuable to ranchers seeking forage. However, this once beneficial species turned invasive, jeopardizing the survival of native plants. This situation serves as a poignant reminder of how immediate solutions can inadvertently lead to sustainable ecological challenges over time.
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.
Bhoomi Pujan Muhurat November 2026: 10 Upcoming Auspicious Dates, Timings and Nakshatra
Planning to start construction of your new home in November 2026? Check all 13 Bhoomi Pujan Muhurat dates, auspicious timings and Nakshatras. As of November 5, 10 auspicious dates are still available, including November 11, 12, 14, 20, 21, 25, 26, 28, 29 and 30. Find the complete calendar, significance of Bhoomi Pujan and important rituals before beginning construction.
Diwali 2026: Will banking stocks shine in Samvat 2083? Analysts list top picks
With Diwali 2026 on the horizon, banking stocks like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, and Karur Vysya Bank are drawing attention from analysts as potential winners for Samvat 2083. Following a period of volatility, these stocks are anticipated to regain momentum, driven by consistent loan growth and enhanced management practices. Investors are advised to navigate the changing landscape prudently as opportunities unfold.
Iran thanks India after airborne commandos recapture pirate-held vessel Azini off Somalia, rescue 20 crew members
Iran has thanked India after Indian Navy commandos recaptured the pirate-held fishing vessel Azini off Somalia and rescued all 20 Iranian crew members in a 48-hour operation. The mission, completed more than 3,000 km from Mumbai, involved an Indian Navy warship, reconnaissance aircraft and support from an IAF C-17 aircraft.
Watch video: How the Indian Navy freed hijacked fishing vessel Azini and rescued all 20 crew members in a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea
The Indian Navy rescued all 20 crew members of the hijacked fishing vessel Azini after a 48-hour operation in the Arabian Sea, more than 3,000 km from Mumbai. The mission involved a Navy warship, a reconnaissance aircraft and Marine Commandos, with the Indian Air Force providing support through a precision airdrop.
Vaishnaw visits BEML facility building India’s first bullet train for Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor
Bharat Bullet Train is being developed for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail corridor, emphasizing indigenous technology. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed various production processes at BEML's Aditya manufacturing facility in Bengaluru. The train will offer advanced passenger amenities and adhere to stringent safety standards during its operation. It is designed to accommodate about 557 passengers, including special provisions for persons with disabilities.
Trump discusses Iran with Netanyahu as US weighs fresh strikes: Report
In a recent discussion, US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reviewed the evolving situation with Iran, considering various military strategies. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged ongoing diplomatic engagement with Iran, highlighting the goal of achieving a peaceful resolution while protecting US security. In contrast, Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has issued stern warnings, asserting military repercussions for any provocation from the US or Israel.
EAM Jaishankar urges Quad to focus on freedom of choice
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized freedom of choice and resilient supply chains during the Quad meeting. He highlighted countering non-market practices as a key priority for discussions with partner nations. The Quad aims to enhance cooperation in maritime security and counter-terrorism measures. Additionally, over USD 85 million will be extended for AI access across the Indo-Pacific region.
Jaishankar calls for deeper Quad cooperation on energy security, counter-terrorism, maritime issues
Participating in the Quad Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Atlanta, Jaishankar said he spoke about countering non-market practices and increased economic stresses in the Indo-Pacific region.
Bangladesh opposition leader warns against Indian transit corridor, demands fair Ganges water deal
Nahid Islam, a leader of the National Citizen Party, warned against facilitating an Indian transit corridor through Bangladesh. He urged for a fair renewal of the Ganges water-sharing treaty, which expires soon. There are indications of potential protests if the agreement is not renewed to protect Bangladesh's water interests. Discussions on Bangladesh's partnerships are ongoing, particularly with Japan regarding regional development initiatives.
'Took stock of our bilateral cooperation': EAM Jaishankar meets US Secy of State Rubio on sidelines of G20
S Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Atlanta. The meeting focused on enhancing India-US cooperation and addressing geopolitical issues. Jaishankar emphasized that military solutions are not viable for resolving global challenges. Rubio also highlighted the importance of protecting economic and maritime security during the discussions. The G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting concluded with crucial dialogues on international economic stability.
22 Indians, including 14 seafarers, killed in West Asia conflict, MEA says
Amidst the turmoil in West Asia, the loss of twenty-two Indian nationals, including 14 seafarers, has come to light, with three fatalities reported in Saudi Arabia per the Ministry of External Affairs. This conflict intensified after US and Israel's aggressive maneuvers against Iran began in February. India emphasizes the necessity of dialogue for peace, as the recent Houthi attacks threaten both regional stability and vital maritime lanes.
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.
"Explore new avenues to strengthen strategic partnerships": Rajnath Singh leaves for ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus in Philippines
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has departed for Cebu, Philippines, to attend the 13th ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus. He will address regional and international security topics during the event on October 28 and 29. Singh plans to hold bilateral discussions with defence ministers from various countries to enhance strategic partnerships. India remains committed to ASEAN centrality and security in the Indo-Pacific region under the Act East Policy.
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