TURKIYE
Thousands march in Antalya, calling out COP31's lack of climate ambition
Thousands of demonstrators marched peacefully from Aydin Kanza Park to Republic Square in central Antalya, expressing disappointment that while world leaders recognise that average global temperatures are set to increase by more than 1.5 degree Celsius, there is no plan on how to accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels, protect ecosystems and deliver the climate finance needed to make it happen and support communities to adapt.
World switches on to electrification; India holds back
COP31 in Antalya emphasizes electrification, with Turkiye targeting 35% by 2035 and several countries signing the pledge. India, despite its growing electricity demand and near-universal grid access, has not yet joined the initiative. Concerns about new commitments and clean energy targets are influencing India's decision. The International Energy Agency predicts a significant increase in India’s electricity share by 2035.
Big polluters may muddy the waters again at COP
The report by Kick the Big Polluters Out, a global coalition of more than 450 environmental and civil society organisations, said representatives of major fossil fuel companies, Big Tech, industrial agriculture and food industries have accessed the climate talks through various routes.
COP Presidency releases summary as climate talks resume after leaders' exit
The COP31 Presidency clarified that the document is a list and does not represent any consensus or indicate the strength or prevalence of individual positions. It lists key issues on the table: a global roadmap for the transition away from fossil fuels, electrification, the overshoot of the 1.5°C threshold and climate finance.
SCO meet: Russia, China, Iran to attend; minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat 'hopeful' of Pakistan's participation
From November 20-22, New Delhi will be the venue for the first-ever Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Civilisational Dialogue Forum, bringing together delegates from 15 nations. This forum is designed to foster cultural exchange, focusing on the interconnectedness of art, architecture, and language among the member countries, ultimately celebrating their rich shared heritage.
China, Iran confirm participation in SCO Civilisational Forum; Shekhawat 'hopeful' Pak will attend
Fifteen countries have confirmed their participation in the upcoming SCO Civilisational Dialogue Forum in New Delhi. China, Kazakhstan, and Iran are among the confirmed participants, with hopes for Pakistan's attendance. The event will take place from November 20 to 22 at Purana Quila, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attending the opening ceremony. Discussions will focus on reinforcing cultural relations and promoting dialogue among participating countries.
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"Very salient": UN climate chief backs PM Modi's remarks on clean energy cushioning India against oil price shock
UN climate chief Simon Stiell has endorsed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks that clean energy investments helped India withstand the oil price shock, calling them "very salient". Stiell also welcomed India's Green Energy Corridor, emphasising the role of renewable energy, stronger electricity grids and battery storage in protecting economies.
India’s Russian fossil fuel imports hit record €6.4 billion in October: CREA
India was the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels in October, with purchases hitting a record €6.4 billion, according to CREA, as crude oil imports rose across major Indian refineries. Higher global oil prices also lifted Russia’s overall fossil-fuel export revenues to their highest monthly level since December 2022, despite Western sanctions and price caps.
COP31: UN Chief Antonio Guterres warns climate crisis outpacing action
Antonio Guterres addressed world leaders at the climate talks in Antalya and highlighted urgent climate action needs. He stressed that emissions must be reduced, emphasizing the role of developed countries in supporting developing nations. Guterres outlined four essential pillars of a Climate Justice Compact during his keynote speech. He urged nations to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources for sustainability.
COP31: Limiting 1.5°C overshoot, speeding up electrification emerge as top priorities
Limiting the duration and extent of a global temperature overshoot beyond the 1.5°C threshold and accelerating electrification have emerged as key priorities at COP31 in Antalya. The Turkiye-Australia leadership wants these issues included in the conference's negotiated cover decision, while also demonstrating that international cooperation on climate action remains effective.
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.
2026 set to rank among four warmest years on record, says WMO
The World Meteorological Organization indicates that 2026 will likely be among the four warmest years recorded. The global average temperature so far in 2026 is notably above pre-industrial levels, with more increases expected. El Nino's influence is expected to contribute substantially to this warming trend later in the year. Additionally, sea levels have reached unprecedented heights and ice loss continues to accelerate.
No one should be left behind in efforts to tackle climate change: India at COP31
At the ongoing COP31 climate conference in Turkiye, India highlighted the urgent need for equity in climate action. The country reaffirmed its commitment to addressing adaptation needs, especially for the Global South. India called attention to the critical role of public finance from developed nations in supporting developing countries. Additionally, India's statement emphasized the importance of Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement for financing.
Climate finance remains key friction point as COP31 opens in Turkiye's Antalya
COP31 commenced in Antalya, where climate finance was added to the agenda after negotiations. Developed countries opposed the proposal for a dedicated discussion on adaptation finance. Concerns were raised regarding the weakening trust among nations over the inclusion process. The African Group's suggestion for increased adaptation finance was notably rejected. As COP31 emphasizes implementation, delegates stressed that financial support is essential for achieving climate goals.
Red Fort blast: Year-long anti-terror push results in 300 arrests, 73 deportations
As the anniversary of the Red Fort blast approaches, security agencies are maintaining heightened vigilance across the country. A crackdown over the past year resulted in over 300 arrests and the deportation of 73 high-value fugitives. The investigation revealed the involvement of a 'Doctor Module' composed of professionals coordinated by radical elements. New regulations have been implemented to monitor the sale of explosives to prevent future attacks.
2026 to be one of four warmest years on record: WMO
The year 2026 is on track to become one of the four hottest years on record, with global temperatures averaging 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels during January-September, according to the World Meteorological Organization. An intensifying El Nino could push temperatures higher into 2027, as record ocean heat, rising greenhouse gas concentrations and extreme weather deepen the global climate crisis.
COP31 gives India an opportunity to shape climate action, build coalition of developing nations
COP31 in Antalya presents India with an opportunity to showcase its low-carbon transition and build common ground with developing countries. While New Delhi is expected to press developed nations for climate finance and resist new targets or fossil-fuel transition roadmaps, it can push for better financial flows and collaborative action.
Enough of COP Jamborees
Falling solar and battery costs have made renewable energy commercially competitive with coal in India. As COP31 begins in Turkiye, the focus should shift to accelerating electrification of transport, promoting agrivoltaics, investing in transmission and grid stability, and ensuring reliable payments by discoms to sustain the country's green transition.
Geopolitical tensions, climate finance and 1.5°C breach cloud COP31 negotiations
Kicking off in Antalya, the UN climate conference COP31 will tackle significant climate action issues. With around 160 matters on the agenda, delegates will discuss emission cuts and strategies for global adaptation. Political strains and economic challenges pose obstacles, but Turkiye and Australia are at the helm, advocating for actionable solutions and financial commitments for developing nations, striving for a unified decision on essential climate concerns.
India ends home World Armwrestling Championship with 59 medals; Russia tops standings
The 47th World Armwrestling and 28th World Para Armwrestling Championship concluded in New Delhi on November 6. India hosted the Championship for the first time, bringing together over 1,700 participants from more than 60 countries. Russia secured the overall championship title, with India finishing with a total of 59 medals. Various athletes from India excelled in different categories, showcasing their skills on home soil.
US sanctions India-based couple, companies over alleged support for Iran's Shadow oil fleet
The United States imposed sanctions on Suniel Kumar Sharma and Jaspreet Preeti Shahid for aiding Iran's shadow fleet. Their network allegedly provided fraudulent maritime registrations to help sanctioned vessels transport Iranian petroleum. Several companies linked to the couple also received sanctions under Executive Order 13902. Additionally, a Turkiye-based company was sanctioned for providing services to US-designated Iranian airlines.
COP31: EU FTA on horizon, but India won't budge on CBAM
India's environment minister Bhupender Yadav reaffirmed the country's opposition to trade-linked barriers at COP31. The upcoming negotiations will focus on the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism affecting various Indian sectors. Participation in carbon markets should remain voluntary, according to Yadav. Additionally, India emphasizes the importance of climate finance from developed nations.
Brazil offers road map to phase down fossil fuels, halt deforestation
Building on the decision adopted at the first global stocktake of the Paris Agreement at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, these seek to advance climate action, strengthen international cooperation and mobilise investment, while supporting economic development, energy security and people's livelihoods. "This is the last delivery of the COP30 presidency," said Ana Toni, chief executive of the 2025 round of the UN climate talks.
Nations get moving on Paris Climate Accord, but the pace is slow: UNFCCC
The reports assess the progress countries have made towards tackling climate change and achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. Countries are investing in the clean energy transition, adapting to the impacts of climate change and building resilience, and there are international financial flows to climate action, the reports said.
Turkish parliamentary committee approves defence pact with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan
The defence agreement commits the sides to regard an armed attack against one as an attack on all three. It was approved by the foreign affairs committee with the votes of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party and its allies, despite objections from the opposition.
As COP31 nears, India's heatwave disaster tag puts spotlight on global adaptation finance gap
India's recognition of heatwaves as natural disasters underscores the urgent need for international climate finance. Experts note that domestic funding is inadequate for heat adaptation strategies. They emphasize the necessity of consistent and predictable international resources for effective implementation. Upcoming discussions at COP31 will focus on adaptation finance for developing countries. There is growing concern over the lack of responsibility taken by developed nations regarding climate impact.
Iran remains open to talks with US under Pakistan-brokered deal
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan stated that Iran is willing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its naval blockade. The June agreement, brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, aimed to ease tensions and restore shipping in the strait. Although Iran expressed readiness to negotiate, the US continues its blockade, complicating diplomatic efforts. The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement, signed by several countries, is also under consideration by Tehran.
Iran claims Strait of Hormuz control, warns US warships against entering Persian Gulf amid fresh strike threat
Iran has declared full control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and warned against US military entry. Meanwhile, US officials hinted at the possibility of an imminent strike on Iran amid ongoing diplomatic efforts. Iranian military leaders have dismissed claims of weakened military capabilities and questioned US assertions about Iran's nuclear facilities. Reports indicate that two supertankers recently experienced accidents in the region, although details remain unverified.
Oil exports from Persian Gulf 'surpassed pre-conflict levels', claims US Treasury Secy Bessent
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that oil exports from the Persian Gulf have exceeded pre-conflict levels. This development occurred despite ongoing Iranian threats to disrupt energy shipments to global markets. Iranian state media reported two supertankers struck a naval mine near the crucial Strait of Hormuz. The situation escalated with US Ambassador Tom Barrack indicating a potential military strike against Iran.
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