Climate finance has emerged as a major issue at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Türkiye, with UN climate chief Simon Stiell urging countries to fulfil their existing financial commitments and turn climate promises into tangible action. In an interview with ANI, Stiell, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), stressed that delivering on previously announced funding pledges is essential to translating climate strategies into investments and meaningful results, particularly for developing countries facing the growing consequences of climate change.

He also called for faster progress towards tripling adaptation finance by 2035, emphasising the need to ensure that vulnerable communities receive adequate financial support to deal with climate-related challenges. The issue of adaptation funding has become a significant point of discussion at COP31. The African Group of Negotiators (AGN) had proposed including the target of tripling adaptation finance as a standalone agenda item at the conference. The proposal failed to achieve consensus among participating countries.

Responding to the development, Stiell said the agenda of each COP is determined collectively by participating nations under the guidance of the presidency hosting the annual climate summit. He nevertheless emphasised that fulfilling existing financial commitments remains crucial to achieving meaningful progress. Stiell also highlighted the importance of advancing the Baku-to-Belém Roadmap, which aims to increase global climate finance to USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035.

He called for greater efforts to expand adaptation funding and ensure that financial resources reach communities most vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather and other climate-related risks. Developing countries have consistently urged wealthy industrialised nations to honour their climate finance commitments and provide predictable, accessible funding. Under the proposed financial framework, developing nations are expected to receive USD 300 billion annually from developed countries by 2035, alongside an additional USD 1 trillion expected to be mobilised from other sources.

The funding is intended to help poorer nations deal with extreme weather events, strengthen climate resilience and transition towards low-carbon economies. India and several other developing countries have repeatedly stressed that developed nations must translate their financial promises into concrete assistance. At the opening of COP31, India reiterated its position that developed countries must fulfil their obligations under Article 9.1 of the Paris Agreement.

The provision requires developed countries to provide financial resources to developing nations to support their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change. Such assistance can be channelled through multilateral development banks, UN climate funds and private-sector investments mobilised for climate-related initiatives.

Apart from climate finance, Stiell highlighted the importance of accelerating electrification through renewable energy and stronger electricity networks. He acknowledged that rising fossil fuel import costs have triggered economic pressures across countries, contributing to inflation and exposing economies to the risks of continued dependence on conventional energy sources.

According to the UN climate chief, expanding electrification with renewable energy and improved electricity grids can help countries lower energy expenses, reduce pollution and improve public health. Stiell also welcomed India's efforts to strengthen its clean energy infrastructure, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent announcement on the Green Energy Corridor and investments in battery storage. He described the initiative as an important development that could generate significant benefits for India's economy and its people.

He further referred to Modi's remarks on how investments in clean energy had helped protect India's economic growth despite the oil price shock, highlighting the economic advantages of reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Explaining the key priorities of the UNFCCC at COP31, Stiell said the conference is focused on accelerating practical solutions that can improve people's everyday lives and help countries implement targets and commitments they have already announced.

He noted that formal negotiations and the Global Climate Action Agenda are working alongside each other to strengthen implementation across areas such as emissions reduction, climate adaptation, climate finance and just transitions. The Global Climate Action Agenda is bringing together governments, businesses, investors, cities and regional authorities to accelerate practical climate solutions. Its focus includes expanding electrification to reduce energy costs, minimising waste and cutting methane emissions, which contribute significantly to global warming.

Stiell pointed out that methane is a particularly powerful greenhouse gas, with a warming impact approximately 80 times greater than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. He also highlighted the considerable potential of existing technology, stating that solutions are already available to electrify up to 75 per cent of global energy demand. The priority now, he said, is to accelerate their deployment, expand access to electricity and ensure that more communities and countries benefit from the transition.

COP31 is being held in Antalya, Türkiye, from November 9 to 20, 2026. The Turkish presidency has also proposed a global 35-by-35 electrification pledge to encourage faster adoption of electricity-based energy solutions. As the climate negotiations continue, financing, adaptation and the implementation of existing commitments remain among the most pressing challenges. Stiell's remarks underline the need for countries to move beyond announcements and ensure that promised financial support translates into measurable climate action.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@simonstiell.

US Vice President JD Vance has claimed that illegal immigration has declined significantly since Donald Trump returned to the White House, stating that more than three million migrants have left the United States under the administration's immigration crackdown. Vance highlighted the figures while defending Trump's border policies, pointing to a sharp decline in migrant apprehensions and a reduction in the number of migrants being released into the country's interior after being detained at the border.

In a post on X, Vance said US Border Patrol recorded 98,708 apprehensions along the southwest border during the 2026 fiscal year. He compared this with the Biden administration's highest monthly apprehension figure of 249,740, arguing that the latest numbers reflected a major change in border enforcement. "Turns out all we needed was a new President!" Vance wrote, crediting Trump's policies for the decline.

The vice president also claimed that Border Patrol recorded zero releases of apprehended migrants into the US interior during FY2026. The administration has repeatedly highlighted its decision to end the previous practice commonly referred to as 'catch and release' as a key part of its immigration strategy. According to figures promoted by the Trump administration, more than three million migrants have departed the country since January 2025. The departures reportedly include individuals who were deported as well as those who left voluntarily.

The administration has also pointed to increased deportation operations and initiatives such as Project Homecoming, which encourages undocumented migrants to leave the country voluntarily by offering assistance with travel arrangements and financial incentives to eligible participants. However, independent researchers have questioned the accuracy and methodology behind the administration's overall departure figure.

The Migration Policy Institute (MPI), in an analysis published in October 2026, estimated that approximately 980,000 deportations took place between January 20, 2025, and July 31, 2026. Its estimates of total departures among migrants who had lived in the United States for at least a year ranged between 790,000 and 1.9 million. The institute said publicly available information was insufficient to independently verify the administration's claim that more than three million migrants had left the country. It also highlighted difficulties in tracking voluntary departures and the possibility of overlapping figures in government calculations.

The decline in border apprehensions has nevertheless become a central argument for the Trump administration as it seeks to demonstrate the impact of its tougher immigration policies. Trump made border security and mass deportations major promises during his election campaign. Since taking office, his administration has introduced stricter enforcement measures, expanded deportation operations and tightened restrictions on unauthorised entry. The latest claims from Vance are likely to further fuel the debate over the effectiveness of Trump's immigration crackdown, with the administration presenting the figures as evidence of progress while independent assessments continue to examine the scale of migrant departures.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from AFP.

Nvidia’s board of directors has initiated an independent investigation following media reports alleging that company CEO Jensen Huang was drawn into a suspected Chinese intelligence operation involving Alice Huang, a Chinese businesswoman with whom he reportedly had a personal relationship. The development comes after reports that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had raised concerns with senior officials in the Trump administration about the relationship and its possible connection to espionage activities.

Nvidia confirmed that a committee comprising independent directors would supervise the inquiry, with assistance from external legal advisers. The company emphasised that protecting US national security and its own technological interests remained a priority. Although the board said it had no reason to believe that sensitive corporate information or national security interests had been compromised, it would examine all available evidence.

Nvidia added that Jensen Huang supported the investigation and had agreed to cooperate fully. The board also expressed confidence in his leadership and management team. According to a report by The New York Times, Rubio was involved in preparing a classified memorandum that was reportedly circulated among senior Trump administration officials during the spring. The document allegedly highlighted Huang’s relationship with Alice Huang, whom US intelligence agencies suspected of having connections with China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), the country's principal intelligence organisation.

The concerns reportedly emerged from electronic surveillance conducted by US intelligence agencies targeting Alice Huang. She is a Chinese national and senior executive at Megaspeed, a Singapore-based company suspected by American authorities of facilitating the illegal transfer of restricted Nvidia processors to China. The reported involvement of the US Secretary of State indicates that concerns about the alleged relationship and potential espionage had reached senior levels of the American government.

Investigative reports have also raised questions about Megaspeed's business activities. Despite having a relatively limited physical presence in Singapore, the company reportedly purchased approximately $2 billion worth of Nvidia products. Megaspeed is involved in developing data centres across Southeast Asia and leasing computing resources to major technology companies, including Chinese internet giant Alibaba. US officials reportedly suspect that the company may have been used as an intermediary to move advanced Nvidia chips into China despite Washington's export restrictions.

Alice Huang was also reportedly connected with influential executives in the artificial intelligence and semiconductor industries. In 2024, she was photographed with Jensen Huang and other prominent industry figures at a restaurant in Taipei. The reported meeting took place around the time her company began making multibillion-dollar purchases of advanced AI processors.

Nvidia had previously dismissed concerns surrounding Jensen Huang's interactions with customers, including Alice Huang, describing such engagements as normal business practices. The company also maintained that customers such as Megaspeed did not have access to classified commercial information and rejected the allegations as baseless.

Jensen Huang reportedly acknowledged having an extramarital relationship in an internal communication to Nvidia employees. He apologised to his wife and children, accepting responsibility for the personal harm caused by his actions. Huang also expressed regret to Nvidia employees, board members, business partners and shareholders, saying he had failed to meet their expectations. He pledged to work towards restoring their trust.

The controversy has also attracted attention from US lawmakers. On Friday, three Republican chairs of House committees reportedly requested a closed-door meeting with Huang to discuss his alleged connections with the Chinese businesswoman and the suspected intelligence operation, according to Axios. Despite the growing scrutiny, Nvidia has indicated that the developments will not disrupt its business activities. A company spokesperson said Huang remains committed to his responsibilities as chief executive and will continue leading the technology giant.

The independent investigation is expected to be significant for Nvidia, given the strategic importance of its artificial intelligence processors and Washington's efforts to prevent sensitive semiconductor technology from reaching China. The outcome could also influence how US regulators and lawmakers assess corporate relationships, international technology transactions and potential national security risks in the rapidly expanding AI industry.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

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.

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.