Following an inconclusive general election, Israeli President Isaac Herzog has begun the second day of consultations with newly elected parliamentary factions to decide who should receive the first opportunity to form the country's next government. The discussions, being held at the presidential residence in Jerusalem, began on the previous evening with meetings involving smaller political parties, including Religious Zionism, Shas, Yisrael Beytenu and Zehut. The consultations are being broadcast live, according to The Times of Israel.

Wednesday's schedule included meetings with United Torah Judaism, Otzma Yehudit, the Democrats, Ra’am, the Joint List and B’Yachad. The consultations then continued with Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar faction, before concluding with representatives of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party. During the meetings, each parliamentary faction is asked to recommend a candidate for prime minister. Based on these recommendations and his assessment of the political situation, Herzog will decide which legislator is most likely to secure sufficient support to form a governing coalition.

Under Israel's political system, the president is not automatically required to nominate the leader of the party with the largest number of parliamentary seats. Instead, the mandate is given to the candidate considered most capable of forming a government. The consultations have revealed competing political alliances, with several parties expressing support for Netanyahu, while others have backed Eisenkot.

Otzma Yehudit and Likud have confirmed their support for Netanyahu. The Religious Zionist Party, Shas and Zehut also endorsed the incumbent prime minister during Wednesday's consultations, according to The Jerusalem Post. On the other side, Yashar, the Democrats, B’Yachad and Ra’am have expressed support for Eisenkot. Yisrael Beytenu, led by Avigdor Liberman, has also recommended Eisenkot as its preferred candidate to lead the next government, reports said.

United Torah Judaism has not taken a unified position. Its four representatives from the Degel HaTorah faction said they would not recommend either candidate, while the three members of the Agudat Yisrael faction have yet to announce their position. The Arab-led Joint List has also kept its decision open, leaving the possibility of supporting Eisenkot or abstaining from the process.

Despite the differing recommendations, Eisenkot is reportedly considered the leading contender to receive the initial mandate from Herzog. His prospects are supported by the number of parliamentary factions that have publicly backed his candidacy, The Jerusalem Post reported. The political consultations come after Israel's parliamentary elections, held on October 27, failed to produce a clear outcome for government formation. The country's newly elected 26th Knesset is scheduled to hold its first session on Tuesday, November 10, as political parties continue negotiations over the formation of the next administration.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Indian-American voters appear to be moving back towards the Democratic Party ahead of the upcoming US midterm elections, suggesting that the gains Donald Trump made among the community during the 2024 presidential election may not have translated into lasting Republican support. A new survey by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, conducted in partnership with YouGov in October 2026, found that 62 per cent of Indian-American citizens intend to vote for Democratic candidates in their congressional districts. Only 19 per cent said they would support Republicans. Another 12 per cent remained undecided, while 5 per cent said they did not plan to vote and 2 per cent preferred other candidates. A similar trend was visible in Senate races, where Democrats received the support of 63 per cent of respondents against 21 per cent for Republicans.

The survey covered 1,000 Indian-Americans and was conducted between October 7 and October 27, 2026. Its findings indicate a considerable change in voting preferences within a community that had shown increased support for Trump during the 2024 presidential election. The latest figures show a 43-percentage-point advantage for Democrats, considerably wider than the margin recorded in the previous presidential contest. In 2024, Kamala Harris secured 62 per cent of the Indian-American vote, while Trump received 30 per cent. During the 2020 election, Joe Biden had led Trump by 68 per cent to 22 per cent among Indian-American voters. Democratic support had declined to 57 per cent by January 2026, while Republican support had increased to 25 per cent.

The researchers have cautioned against making direct comparisons between these figures, as earlier surveys measured preferences in presidential elections, whereas the latest study examines voting intentions for congressional contests. The survey also highlights significant changes among Indian-American men, particularly those aged 40 and above. Republican support within this group fell from 32 per cent in January to 16 per cent in October 2026. At the same time, Democratic support increased from 53 per cent to 68 per cent. Younger Indian-American men have also shown a preference for Democratic candidates, with 64 per cent supporting Democrats and 23 per cent favouring Republicans. This marks a shift from the 2024 presidential election, when 40 per cent of younger Indian-American men supported Trump and 53 per cent backed Harris.

Voting preferences among women have followed a somewhat different pattern. Democratic support among women aged 18 to 39 stood at 58 per cent, down 10 percentage points from January. Among women aged 40 and above, support for Democrats recovered from 50 per cent in January to 58 per cent in October.

Another interesting aspect of the survey is the motivation behind voters' political choices. Among Indian-Americans planning to vote for Democratic candidates, 65 per cent said their decision was primarily driven by support for the party or its candidates. The remaining 35 per cent said their preference was mainly influenced by opposition to Republicans. Republican supporters showed a different pattern, with 83 per cent saying they backed their preferred party, while 17 per cent cited opposition to Democrats as their main reason.

These findings suggest that opposition to the Republican Party is contributing to the Democrats' current advantage among Indian-American voters, rather than the shift being driven entirely by stronger party loyalty. Despite changing voting intentions, overall party identification among Indian-Americans has remained relatively stable since January 2026. Around 46 per cent of respondents identified as Democrats, 19 per cent as Republicans and 26 per cent as independents. Over a longer period, however, the community's political identification has changed. In 2020, 56 per cent identified with Democrats and 15 per cent with Republicans. By 2024, the Democratic figure had fallen to 47 per cent, while Republican identification had risen to 21 per cent.

The difference between party identification and voting intentions is particularly noteworthy. Although 46 per cent of respondents described themselves as Democrats, 62 per cent said they intended to vote for Democratic congressional candidates. This indicates that the party is attracting support beyond its traditional voter base, including people who do not necessarily identify with it.

The findings highlight the challenge of retaining the additional support Trump gained among Indian-American voters in 2024. While that election demonstrated a change in voting preferences within sections of the community, the latest survey suggests that the momentum has not continued at the same level. As the United States prepares for the 2026 midterm elections, Indian-American voters are once again emerging as an important constituency to watch. Their preferences could offer valuable insights into changing political attitudes among immigrant communities and the broader electoral landscape in the country.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday held a meeting with Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence, General Phan Van Giang, in Hanoi, to review ongoing defence cooperation and discuss ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. During the meeting, both sides assessed the progress of existing defence engagements and agreed to expand cooperation in the sector.

The Embassy of India in Vietnam confirmed the development in a post on X, stating that Doval and General Giang discussed the current status of bilateral defence cooperation and explored opportunities for deeper engagement. Doval arrived in Hanoi on Sunday on an official visit to Vietnam. During his stay, he is scheduled to meet senior Vietnamese leaders to review the progress of the Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Vietnam.

The visit comes months after the two countries elevated their bilateral relationship to an Enhanced Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during Vietnamese President To Lam's visit to India in May 2026. During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President To Lam held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relations, regional developments and global issues of mutual interest.

Both leaders emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation to support their respective national development goals, including India's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision and Vietnam's Vision 2045. They also reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the Joint Vision Statement on India-Vietnam Defence Partnership towards 2030, which serves as a framework for expanding defence cooperation.

The latest meeting between Doval and General Giang follows continued engagement between the two countries on regional and international security issues. Last month, India and Vietnam held the fourth edition of their Security Dialogue in New Delhi, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, maritime security, economic security and emerging technologies.

The dialogue was co-chaired by India's Deputy National Security Advisor Pavan Kapoor and Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Pham The Tung. According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both delegations conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing security cooperation and exchanged views on the regional and global security environment.

The two sides also reiterated their commitment to strengthening collaboration on matters of shared interest. The India-Vietnam Security Dialogue is held every two years under a 2016 Memorandum of Understanding between India's National Security Council Secretariat and Vietnam's Ministry of Public Security. Doval's visit highlights the growing importance of India-Vietnam relations, with defence and security cooperation continuing to play a central role in the partnership. Both countries are seeking to deepen strategic engagement and strengthen coordination on emerging regional and global challenges.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Iran has reportedly relied on an extensive network of more than 5,000 agencies to procure military-related equipment and supplies from overseas, allowing the country to maintain access to critical materials despite US sanctions and restrictions on its trade, according to a Reuters investigation. The investigation, published on October 29, found that the network, linked to Iran's Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), facilitated imports worth billions of dollars. The findings highlight how Tehran has continued sourcing materials potentially used in its missile, drone and aerospace programmes despite growing international pressure.

The agencies operate through a complex structure of companies, intermediaries and overseas financial arrangements. Many reportedly share common registration details and addresses, suggesting links to Iran's defence establishment. The investigation identified more than 5,000 entities associated with the network, several of which reportedly used registration details connected to February 11, 1979, the date of Iran's Islamic Revolution. However, corporate records indicated that many of these organisations were established much later, particularly around 2013.

One agency, identified as MOD 346428, reportedly imported goods worth approximately $2.3 billion between January 2025 and June 2026. The shipments included chemicals used in rocket propellants, explosives, aircraft components, titanium, industrial machinery and heavy-duty vehicles. These materials have applications across several industries, but some can also be used in the production and maintenance of military equipment.

The report further revealed that the procurement network relied heavily on alternative financial arrangements to complete international transactions. Approximately 97 per cent of the shipments examined were reportedly settled without conventional cross-border currency transfers. Instead, the network allegedly used overseas accounts, intermediaries and funds generated through oil sales to finance purchases. Investigators also identified substantial foreign currency deposits held by several agencies connected to the network.

Shipping records examined during the investigation pointed to multiple supply routes into Iran, including maritime transportation through the Caspian Sea from Russia, land routes through Central Asia and cargo flights from China. The records also identified goods originating in Germany, other European Union countries and the United Arab Emirates. The imports reportedly included 435 Iveco trucks and thousands of Toyota vehicles, including Hilux and Land Cruiser models, purchased by the agency identified as MOD 346428. Although these vehicles have civilian and commercial applications, certain models can potentially be adapted for military logistics.

The findings raise questions about the effectiveness of US sanctions and efforts to restrict Iran's access to military-related technology and equipment. Despite restrictions targeting Iranian defence organisations and financial networks, the investigation found that the agencies identified in its research had not themselves been individually designated by Western governments.

Responding to the findings, a US Treasury Department spokesperson said Washington had significantly restricted Iran's access to financial resources and would continue enforcing sanctions. China's Foreign Ministry said it was unaware of the reported shipments and rejected attempts to associate the country with regional hostilities. Several Iranian government bodies contacted by Reuters did not respond to requests for comment.

The investigation comes amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States over Tehran's military capabilities and regional activities. Iran's missile and drone programmes remain major concerns for Washington and its regional allies. The findings suggest that restricting military procurement has become increasingly difficult when purchasing activities are distributed across thousands of entities, international suppliers and alternative payment channels.

The report also highlights the growing importance of monitoring supply chains, corporate ownership structures and overseas financial intermediaries to identify potential sanctions violations. While the investigation does not establish that every imported product was used for military purposes, it provides insight into the scale and complexity of Iran's reported procurement network and the challenges facing countries seeking to restrict its access to sensitive materials.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AP.

The United Nations climate summit is set to begin in Turkey on Monday, with Australia taking charge of negotiations for the first time. Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen faces the challenging task of building consensus among nearly 190 countries on stronger climate action, as global efforts remain off track to meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C warming target.

In an interview with Guardian Australia's climate and environment editor, Adam Morton, Bowen addressed questions surrounding the Labor government's climate credibility, particularly given Australia's substantial fossil fuel export industry. He also outlined Australia's commitment to representing the concerns and priorities of its Pacific neighbours during COP31.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Spain has declared three days of national mourning following a devastating collision involving two high-speed trains that claimed at least 69 lives and left more than 100 people injured. Emergency teams are continuing rescue and recovery operations in the town of Urda, where workers are carefully searching through the twisted wreckage while families anxiously await updates about missing relatives. The tragedy has sparked widespread grief and growing public outrage, particularly as it marks Spain's second deadly train collision in less than a year. In a discussion with Lucy Hough, The Guardian's Madrid correspondent, Sam Jones, shares insights into the latest developments and the public reaction to the disaster.

Disclaimer: This video is taken from The Guardian.

Adam Hamilton in Kansas, Dan Osborn in Nebraska and Joshua Turek in Iowa are seeking to turn traditionally Republican strongholds into competitive races in the upcoming midterm elections. Jonathan Freedland talks with Rachel Leingang about her reporting across the Midwest and the growing momentum behind progressive populism in the region.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Thousands detained and hundreds injured have marked a turbulent week in France, as students and school pupils take to the streets, forcing schools to close amid protests, vandalism and fires. What began as anger over poor conditions in schools across Paris’s disadvantaged suburbs has quickly expanded into a wider youth movement. Many students say they are frustrated with an education system they believe is failing them and feel increasingly ignored by those in power.

The protests have also been driven by a growing sense of uncertainty about their future, with young people fearing that their circumstances will continue to deteriorate. The unrest has already resulted in serious injuries, including one student reportedly losing an eye and another suffering the loss of a hand. The situation has left France facing a difficult question: how can authorities address the grievances of the country’s young protesters while bringing an increasingly volatile wave of demonstrations to an end?

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.