05 November 2025, Wednesday
The World Today #157
Climate Change: Ahead of the Brazil COP Summit, EU countries reach a deal that would weaken Europe's commitment
On 05 November, according to initial reports by Reuters and Financial Times, the EU countries reached a last-minute compromise. Although they have agreed to a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2040, the compromise reached by the EU allows them to meet the target through the purchase of five per cent international carbon credits. This would effectively mean that, by using international carbon credits, Europe would reduce its emissions by 85 per cent, instead of the agreed-upon 90 per cent. According to initial media reports, the deal also provides for an additional five per cent in the future. The deal also refers to reducing emissions by 66.25 to 72.5 per cent by 2035. While environmentalists are unhappy with the above, political leaders would prefer a weak deal to none before they arrive in Brazil for the COP summit. This would mean a weakened position for the EU in the COP negotiations, and is likely to force strong commitments from other countries.

The US Elections: Democrats win New York, New Jersey and Virginia
On 05 November, according to the early results, the democrats have won the elections in New York, New Jersey and Virginia. In New York, Zohran Mamdani was elected as the city's new Mayor. He won against Andrew Cuomo, who contested as an independent and polled around 41 per cent. The Republican candidate, Curtis Silwa, could only poll over seven per cent of the votes. Mamdani's background - an immigrant and a Muslim is seen as making a statement against Trump. In New Jersey, Mikie Shreill, a democrat, became the second woman to be elected as its governor. She won against the Trump-backed Republican candidate, Jack Ciattarelli. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger was elected to be the first woman governor; a democrat, she defeated Winsome Earle-Sears, who is a Trump supporter. The election results are interpreted as a strong message against President Trump, and a shot in the arm for the Democrats.

The War in Ukraine: Russia’s major Black Sea Port suspends operations following drone strikes, reports Reuters
On 05 November, Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse has suspended fuel exports, and the local oil refinery has halted crude processing following Ukraine’s 02 November drone attacks, a Reuters exclusive stated. Ukraine said on Sunday its drones struck Tuapse, one of Russia's main Black Sea oil ports, causing a fire and damaging at least one ship, as part of Kyiv's efforts to undermine Russia's war economy by targeting its energy infrastructure. Prior to the incident, Tuapse had been expected to increase oil product exports in November. The Rosneft-controlled Tuapse refinery, has a processing capacity of 240,000 barrels per day, produces naphtha, fuel oil, vacuum gasoil, and high-sulphur diesel. The refinery primarily supplies markets in China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey. The exports most of its output, suspended operations the day after the attack due to damage sustained by port infrastructure. LSEG data indicated that three tankers were docked at the port during the strike for loadings of naphtha, diesel, and fuel oil. All vessels had been moved away from the berths and were anchored near the port, the report stated. 

The War in Gaza: Washington drafts UN resolution to mandate two-year international stabilization force in Gaza, reports Reuters 
On 05 November, the US drafted a United Nations resolution approving a two-year mandate for a Gaza transitional governance body and an international stabilization force in the Palestinian, reports Reuters. The draft is under development and has not yet been formally circulated to the Security Council for deliberation. A US State Department spokesperson stated that discussions with the UN Security Council on the implementation of the second-phase of the Gaza peace plan was underway, but declined to comment on the "allegedly leaked documents." The draft resolution urges the World Bank and other financial institutions to facilitate and mobilize resources for Gaza’s reconstruction and development, including the creation of a dedicated trust fund to be governed by donor countries. It remains unclear when the US intends to bring the draft to a vote in the Security Council. For adoption, a resolution requires at least nine votes in favor and no vetoes from any of the five permanent members. 

Who says What
Opinions and views from around the world
"A year of Donald Trump in charts," Financial Times, 5 November 2025
https://www.ft.com/content/266ae6df-89c2-4413-be51-0b3a7c6e8015

Robert C. O’Brien, "The Case for Trump’s Second-Term Foreign Policy," Foreign Affairs, 5 November 2025
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/case-trumps-second-term-foreign-policy

Tatiana Mitrova and Sergey Vakulenko, "The Slow Death of Russian Oil: Why Ukraine’s Campaign Against Moscow’s Energy Sector Is Working," Foreign Affairs, 5 November 2025
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/russia/slow-death-russian-oil

Mutasim Ali, "How to Stop the Genocide in Sudan," Foreign Policy, 5 November 2025
https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/11/05/how-to-stop-genocide-sudan-darfur-uae/

04 November 2025, Tuesday
The World Today #156
China and Russia: Beijing and Moscow pledge joint response to unilateral sanctions during Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to China
On 04 November, China and Russia reaffirmed their partnership, pledging coordinated action against unilateral sanctions during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to China. In a joint communiqué released by China's Foreign Ministry following Mishustin's meetings with Premier Li Qiang and President Xi Jinping, both sides condemned "unilateral coercive measures" imposed outside UN Security Council resolutions as "illegal" and unacceptable. The statement reflected their intent to develop mutual assistance and economic cooperation while countering external economic pressures. President Xi stated that China-Russia relations had advanced "steadily despite a turbulent external environment," describing the protection, consolidation, and enhancement of their partnership as a "strategic choice." He identified energy, agriculture, aerospace, digital economy, and green industries as key areas for future collaboration. Mishustin emphasised the importance of both countries establishing favourable conditions for attracting mutual investment and supporting joint projects. The visit comes in the backdrop of increased Western sanctions on Moscow over the war in Ukraine and renewed the US efforts to restrict states and firms engaging with Russia.

South Korea and the US: Defense Secretary Hegseth names South Korea "a model ally"
On 04 November, the US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that deterring North Korea will be the core objective of the South-Washington alliance, although the US troops stationed in South Korea will also flexibly address regional threats. Speaking alongside his South Korean counterpart, Hegseth stated that "there's no doubt that flexibility for regional contingency is something we would take a look at," referring to the 28,500 US troops stationed in Seoul. The US officials have also hinted at the plan to advance the US troops in the Korean peninsula to address broader threats, such as defending Taiwan and monitoring China's military expansion, reports Reuters. Hegseth stated that Trump supported South Korea's plans to build nuclear-powered submarines to ensure US allies have "the best capabilities," and that "because Korea has been a model ally, he's open to opportunities like that." He added that both sides were still finalizing a joint communiqué that would cover discussions on defense costs and related issues, noting that talks included encouraging South Korea to increase its military investments. He added that the allies had also agreed for South Korea to take on the maintenance and repair of US naval vessels, enabling them to remain in the region and ensure operational readiness.

Peru and Mexico: Lima severs diplomatic ties over Betssy Chavez asylum
On 04 November, Peru's Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela announced the severing of diplomatic ties with Mexico after it granted asylum to former Prime Minister Betssy Chavez. Chavez served under President Pedro Castillo and faces criminal charges over her alleged involvement in Castillo's failed attempt to dissolve Congress in late 2022. Ousted and detained, Castillo remains under arrest, while Chavez, imprisoned since June 2023, was released by a judge in September during her ongoing trial. Her driver testified that she requested to be taken to the Mexican embassy. Chavez denies any prior knowledge of Castillo's plan. Prosecutors are seeking a 25-year prison sentence. "In response to this unfriendly act, and taking into account the repeated occasions in which the current and former presidents of that country have interfered in the internal affairs of Peru, the Peruvian government has decided today to break diplomatic relations with Mexico," de Zela said. Mexico's foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

The War in Ukraine: Ukraine is "confidently moving" towards EU membership, says Zelensky; Germany pledges to increase its financial aid for Ukraine by USD 3.5 billion  
On 04 November, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine was "confidently moving" towards EU membership and was ready to open the first three negotiation clusters based on the European Commission's latest report on Ukraine's reform progress. He posted on X that "We expect the EU's decisive action to overcome all artificial obstacles for a strong and united Europe." The EU Enlargement package 2025 reported that Ukraine had completed the screening process and advanced on key reforms. The Commission assessed the country positively on its roadmaps for the rule of law, public administration, and the functioning of democratic institutions, as well as an action plan for national minorities. Ukraine has met the conditions required to open clusters: one (fundamentals), six (external relations), and two (internal market). The Commission expects Ukraine to meet the conditions to open the remaining three clusters and works to ensure that the Council is in a position to take forward the opening of all clusters before the end of the year. The Ukrainian government has signalled its objective to provisionally close accession negotiations by the end of 2028. Reuters reported that Germany plans to increase its financial aid to Ukraine by three billion EUR (approximately USD 3.5 billion) next year. Germany is Europe's largest contributor of military aid to Ukraine, having provided around 40 billion EUR since 2022. In its 2026 budget, Germany had allocated 8.5 billion EUR to Ukraine.

Sudan: The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirm famine conditions in Al-Fashir and Kadugli
On 03 November, the UN-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) confirmed famine conditions in Al-Fashir and Kadugli. Al-Fashir, recently seized by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after an 18-month siege, and Kadugli, under blockade by the SPLM-N armed group allied to the RSF, have faced extreme hunger, displacement, and violence. The ongoing two-and-a-half-year conflict between the RSF and the Sudanese army has devastated livelihoods, displaced millions, and increased ethnically motivated attacks, particularly in Darfur. Residents of al-Fashir reported severe shortages, resorting to eating animal feed and hides, while drone attacks targeted community kitchens, according to Reuters. The IPC's findings, criticised by Sudan's army-backed government, highlight a deepening humanitarian crisis amid global aid cuts and bureaucratic restrictions limiting UN and other relief operations. On the same day, prosecutors of the International Criminal Court said that they have begun collecting evidence of alleged mass killings and sexual violence following al-Fashir's capture.

Who says What
Opinions and views from around the world
Editorial, "China's commitment to Asia-Pacific shared prosperity highlighted at APEC gatherings," China Daily, 2 November 2025
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202511/02/WS6907636da310f215074b8827.html

Mason Richey, "South Korean nuclear submarines: Post APEC, ergo propter APEC," The Korea Times, 4 November 2025
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/columns/guestcolumns/20251104/south-korean-nuclear-submarines-post-apec-ergo-propter-apec

Stephen Olson, "Trump-Xi summit underscores how US-China relations are stuck in a rut," South China Morning Post, 4 November 2025
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3331430/trump-xi-summit-underscores-how-us-china-relations-are-stuck-rut?module=top_story&pgtype=section

Emil Avdaliani, "A US-China thaw could boost Eurasian trade," South China Morning Post, 4 November 2025
https://www.scmp.com/opinion/asia-opinion/article/3331439/us-china-thaw-could-boost-eurasian-trade?module=top_story&pgtype=section

Jonathan Pearlman, "Australia and South-east Asia are drifting apart over US-China rivalry," The Straits Times, 4 November 2025
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/australia-and-south-east-asia-are-drifting-apart-over-us-china-rivalry

Deeny Roy, "South Korea gets Aukus-lite," The Straits Times, 4 November 2025
https://www.straitstimes.com/opinion/south-korea-gets-aukus-lite

Sanjaya Baru, "Trump has announced G2 – with China. What should India do," The Indian Express, 4 November 2025
https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/trump-has-announced-g2-with-china-what-should-india-do-10344398/?ref=opinion_hp

Shashi Tharoor, "India’s IT dream is at a crossroads," The Hindu, 4 November 2025
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/indias-it-dream-is-at-a-crossroads/article70236083.ece

Pavel Malyutin & Sergey Karaganov, "The West has lost its soul – Russia intends to keep its own," RT, 4 November 2025
https://www.rt.com/russia/627312-west-has-lost-its-soul/

Sarah Beran, "US-China escalation is here to stay," The Financial Times, 4 November 2025
https://www.ft.com/content/8471b216-f4e2-4f73-be0f-7c2154abf65e

Editorial, "Trump and Nigeria’s Persecuted Christians," Wall Street Journal, 4 November 2025
https://www.wsj.com/opinion/nigeria-persecuted-christians-terrorism-bola-tinubu-donald-trump-64ee568f?mod=hp_opin_pos_4

Emma Ashford, "Making Multipolarity Work: How America Should Navigate a New Global Order," Foreign Affairs, 4 November 2025
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/making-multipolarity-work

Shihoko Goto, "Japan Can Keep the Indo-Pacific Open and Free: With America Stepping Back, Tokyo Should Step Up," Foreign Affairs, 4 November 2025
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/japan/japan-can-keep-indo-pacific-open-and-free
 

03 November 2025, Monday
The World Today #156
South Korea and the US: Pete Hegseth visits Seoul for the annual Security Consultative Meeting; Discussions to hinge on Seoul-Washington alliance and combined defence capabilities against Pyongyang
On 03 November, the US Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, visited the Panmunjom truce village on the Demilitarised Zone border with North Korea, accompanied by South Korea's Defence Minister, Ahn Gyu-back. During the annual meeting on strategic and operational directions for the combined forces, both officials shared the view that the regional security environment was "complex and unstable." He is set to attend the annual Security Consultative Meeting on 04 November, the highest-level forum where South Korea's defence strategies against North Korea's nuclear capabilities are discussed. Defence Minister Ahn stated that the border visit "has symbolic and declarative significance itself, demonstrating the strength of the South Korea-U.S. alliance and the combined defence posture." South Korea's Defence Ministry stated that the meeting will discuss plans to respond to the "changing security environment and threats," by developing a new alliance between Seoul and Washington, and evaluating the combined defence readiness against North Korea. Seoul also stated that its pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines was not aimed at escalating an arms race, but a need to counter North Korea's submarine programme. "It is not to generate more of an arms race... but the result of persuading China and the US that North Korea has announced (its own) nuclear submarines and we need to prepare correspondingly," presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik stated.

The War in Gaza: Turkey to host ministerial meeting to discuss ceasefire violations and upcoming faces; Erdogan criticizes Israel for a "very poor record" of ceasefire compliance
On 03 November, Turkey is set to host a high-level meeting of foreign ministers from several Arab and Islamic countries to discuss the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire. The Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia are set to attend the summit to discuss the ceasefire violations and humanitarian situation in Gaza. The foreign ministers of the countries that worked with the Trump administration to draft the ceasefire deal will discuss its next phase and the formation of the planned international stabilization force, reports Reuters. Ahead of the summit, Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan said, despite Hamas' compliance with the ceasefire, Israel had a "very poor record" in that regard. "Since the ceasefire agreement, we are facing an (Israeli) administration that has killed more than 200 innocent people and has not halted its occupation and attacks in the West Bank," he stated. Erdogan also underscored that Ankara would not allow the annexation of the West Bank or attempts to change the status of Jerusalem and harm the sanctity of the Al-Aqsa mosque, said Reuters. 

The War in Ukraine: Kyiv's drone strike hits Russia's key Tuapse oil port on the Black Sea
On 02 November, a Ukrainian drone strike targeted Russia's Tuapse oil port on the Black Sea, causing fire and damage to at least one vessel. The attack, part of Kyiv's broader campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, aims to weaken Moscow's economy, states Reuters. Russian officials confirmed that "two foreign civilian ships were damaged" in the strike, while Ukraine's General Staff noted that its forces had hit infrastructure at the Tuapse oil refinery. An official from Ukraine's SBU security service reported five drone strikes that damaged an oil tanker, loading facilities, and nearby port buildings. The Tuapse port hosts a major Black Sea oil terminal and an oil refinery operated by Rosneft, Russia's largest oil company. According to Reuters, Ukraine has carried out multiple drone strikes on the facility this year. The export-oriented refinery processes approximately 240,000 barrels of oil per day, producing naphtha, fuel oil, vacuum gas oil, and high-sulfur diesel. Its key export markets include China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey. Ukraine points to its attacks as retaliation for Russian strikes on its power grid, while Moscow maintains that targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure is justified as it equips Kyiv's war effort.

Anti-government protests in Serbia: Police detain 37 for violating public order
On 03 November, Reuters reported that 37 Serbian citizens were arrested for anti-government protests for "violating public order and peace and causing incidents during an unannounced public gathering." On 02 November, a hunger strike was launched by a victim's mother, and it gathered protesters, instigating clashes with the supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. On 01 November 2024, the roof of a renovated railway station collapsed, killing 16 citizens. This led to nationwide protests against the government for poor management and corruption, and demanded snap elections. Last week, an independent commission of professors, judges, and technical experts investigating the disaster reported to the European Parliament that it had found high-level state graft, which led to poor construction standards and the hiring of unqualified subcontractors. Government officials denied such accusations. Recently, President Vučić and Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic said the collapse could have been an act of terrorism. Prosecutors have indicted several senior state officials on charges of endangering public safety, but the court has yet to confirm the indictment, preventing a trial from going ahead.

Nigeria and the US: President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth threaten the Nigerian government to take action and protect the Christians; the President asks the US Department of War to "prepare for possible action"
On 02 November, media across the world have been referring to statements from the US President Trump and Defense Secretary Hegseth threatening the Nigerian government to protect the Christians in the country. They also warned that if the government failed, the US would take direct action and attack the Islamic terrorists. Trump was quoted to have instructed the US Department of War to prepare for action and said: "If the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians, the USA will immediately stop all aid and assistance to Nigeria, and may very well go into that now disgraced country, 'guns-a-blazing,' to completely wipe out the Islamic Terrorists who are committing these horrible atrocities." Nigeria has been facing serious challenges in parts of the country with violent clashes between the herders and farmers, and atrocities committed by Islamist militant groups such as the Boko Haram. Nigeria has a population of over 200 million; Christians are estimated to constitute approximately 45 per cent of the total population. According to reports, Christian communities are targeted in the farmer-herder violence and also by Islamist militant groups. In 2020, the US designated Nigeria as part of the "Countries of Particular Concern" for religious freedom; recently, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom had requested that Nigeria be placed under the same category. Nigeria has rejected Trump's accusation; however, it has welcomed the US support to fight the Islamist militants.

Iran and the US: "Cooperation with Iran is not possible as long as the US continues to support the accursed Zionist regime, maintains military bases, and interferes in the region," says Khamenei
On 03 November, Iran's Supreme Leader stated that cooperation with the United States is unlikely, pointing to Washington's continued support for Israel, its military presence, and interference in the Middle East. His remarks follow as President Trump's administration seeks to heighten pressure on Tehran, reports Reuters. "The Americans sometimes say they would like to cooperate with Iran. Cooperation with Iran is not possible as long as the US continues to support the accursed Zionist regime, maintains military bases, and interferes in the region," stated Khamenei as per state media. In October, Trump stated that "the hand of friendship and cooperation [with Iran] is open," reflecting readiness for dialogue once Tehran is willing. The two countries had previously held five rounds of nuclear talks. Still, efforts were undermined following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, during which the US struck key Iranian nuclear sites.

Who says What
Opinions and views from around the world
"Shenzhou-21 a symbol of a nation that pursues balance, reason and cooperation," Global Times, 3 November 2025
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202511/1347201.shtml

Editorial, "Sinophobia hinders Seoul-Beijing ties," The Korea Times, 3 November 2025
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/editorial/20251103/ed-sinophobia-hinders-seoul-beijing-ties

"US-China trade agreement: what did both sides commit to do?," South China Morning Post, 3 November 2025
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3331353/us-china-trade-agreement-what-did-both-sides-commit-do?module=flexi_unit-focus&pgtype=homepage

"How to beat the hard right, Netherlands edition," Economist, 3 November 2025
https://www.economist.com/europe/2025/11/02/how-to-beat-the-hard-right-netherlands-edition

Gideon Rachman, "The far right can win in Europe but it struggles to govern," The Financial Times, 3 November 2025
https://www.ft.com/content/b7fde818-fe26-49f3-b109-d6fced89c130

Alexander B. Downes and Lindsey A. O'Rourke, "The Regime Change Temptation in Venezuela: If Past Is Prologue, a U.S. Attempt to Overthrow Maduro Would Not End Well," Foreign Affairs, 31 October 2025
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/venezuela/regime-change-temptation-maduro-trump-venezuela

01 November 2025, Saturday
The World Today #153
APEC Summit concludes: Joint declaration emphasizing resilience and mutual benefits issued; Seoul seeks Beijing's support in denuclearization talks with Pyongyang
On 01 November, the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting, hosted by South Korea, concluded with the adoption of a joint declaration emphasizing the need for resilience and mutual trade benefits. President Xi announced that China will host the 2026 APEC summit and proposed the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung also sought China's support in resuming denuclearization talks with North Korea. President Xi responded that he was willing to broaden cooperation and jointly tackle the challenges they face. "I am very positive about the situation in which conditions for engagement with North Korea are being formed," Lee said, referring to recent high-level exchanges between China and North Korea. However, Pyongyang dismissed Lee's remarks, stating that any effort to disrupt its nuclear program is a "pipe dream". Trump had also offered to meet Kim Jong Un during his visit to South Korea, but Pyongyang made no public response. The US had announced new trade deals with several countries, including China and South Korea, ahead of the meeting, but President Trump departed before the summit could commence. The Trump-Xi Jinping summit also produced a deal that includes lower US tariffs on Chinese goods in return for Beijing's action against illegal fentanyl trade, the resumption of US soybean purchases, and continued rare earth exports. 

ASEAN Defence Summit: The US is "eager to share" defence capabilities with allies and partners to counter Beijing's aggressions in the South China Sea, says Pete Hegseth
On 01 November, Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, at an ASEAN defence summit in Malaysia, proposed to ASEAN defence ministers the building of shared maritime domain awareness and announced US support in countering China's aggression in the South China Sea. He stated that "We need to develop our joint capabilities to respond, and this includes being able to monitor maritime conduct and develop the tools that allow us to respond quickly." Hegseth also emphasized that "No one can innovate and scale like the United States of America, and we're eager to share those capabilities with allies and partners." His remarks follow a joint drill by the armed forces of Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, and the US in the South China Sea. China's military spokesperson stated that the patrol "seriously undermined peace and stability."

The War in Ukraine: Russia's Defense Ministry says it destroyed a Ukrainian special forces team deployed in Pokrovsk
On 01 November, Russia's Defence Ministry stated that its forces had eliminated a team of Ukrainian special forces deployed to prevent further Russian advances in Pokrovsk, a city in eastern Ukraine. Reuters reported that Russia seeks to capture the entire Donbas region, which includes the Luhansk and Donetsk provinces. However, Ukraine continues to hold roughly 10 per cent of Donbas, around 5,000 square kilometres in western Donetsk. Pokrovsk, described by Russian media as "the gateway to Donetsk," holds strategic importance for advancing towards Kramatorsk and Sloviansk, the remaining major Ukrainian-controlled cities in the Donetsk region. Kyiv reported that its special forces had been deployed to Pokrovsk earlier in the week, arriving by a Black Hawk helicopter. Russia's Defense Ministry stated that "All 11 people who disembarked from the helicopter were killed," and that operations to secure Pokrovsk were ongoing. However, Reuters reported that a Ukrainian military source negated Russia's claim, stating that Ukrainian forces remained active in Pokrovsk and that efforts to stabilize the area continued.

The War in Gaza: Remains handed over by Hamas were not those of hostages held in Gaza, reports Israeli media
On 01 November, Israeli media reported that the partial remains handed over by Hamas were not those of any hostages held in Gaza. Late on 31 October, the International Committee of the Red Cross stated that it had facilitated the transfer of the remains from Gaza to Israeli authorities for identification. According to Army Radio, Kan News, and N12 News, DNA tests by Israeli forensic experts determined the remains did not match known hostages. Hamas stated that it had initially offered three samples from unidentified bodies for testing, but Israel had demanded complete remains, a condition later accepted by the group. The Israeli government has not officially commented on the reports. At present, the bodies of 11 hostages, including two foreign nationals, are believed to remain in Gaza. Since the US-backed ceasefire took effect on 10 October, Hamas has released 20 living hostages and returned the remains of 17 others.

Tanzania's general election: President Samia Suluhu Hassan is the winner, declares the Electoral Commission, amidst violent demonstrations
On 01 November, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan was declared the landslide winner of the general elections. President Hassan won with more than 31.9 million votes, or 97.66 per cent of the total votes. Protests began earlier this week over the disqualification of Tanzania's main opposition party, CHADEMA, from participating in the election for failing to sign an election code of conduct document. President Hassan said the actions of the protesters were "neither responsible nor patriotic." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a thorough and impartial investigation into all allegations of excessive use of force, and condemned the loss of life. Tanzania's Foreign Affairs Minister, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, denied allegations that security services had used excessive force, and that a "very few small pockets of incidents" were caused by criminal elements. The UN human rights office said at least 10 citizens were killed in three cities. The government dismissed the opposition's death toll of hundreds as "hugely exaggerated" and has rejected criticism of its human rights record. Since 30 October, a nationwide curfew has been imposed with restricted access to the internet. Many international flights were cancelled, and operations at Dar es Salaam's port, a hub for fuel imports and exports of metals mined across the region, have been disrupted.

Sudan: 60,000 residents flee El Fasher, reports the UN
On 01 November, the UN reported that more than 60,000 people had fled El-Fasher. This happened after the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized the city following a long siege. The UN says those escaping report widespread violence, including killings, sexual assault, and severe hunger. Many people are trying to reach Tawila, which is about 80km away. But they face intimidation and abuse from armed groups along the road. Humanitarian workers say children arriving are severely malnourished. Meanwhile, about 150,000 people remain trapped in the city with limited access to food and safety. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have denied claims of ethnically driven attacks. However, footage has emerged showing summary executions, and one fighter has been arrested. Sudan's civil war, which began in April 2023 between the army and the RSF, has caused mass displacement and deepened famine across the country.

Who says What
Opinions and views from around the world
Editorial, "China’s five-point proposal leads new course for building Asia-Pacific community," Global Times, 1 November 2025
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202511/1347083.shtml

"Is the G7’s new rare earths alliance a big challenge to China?," South China Morning Post, 1 November 2025
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3331170/g7s-new-rare-earths-alliance-big-challenge-china?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage

"Rare earth diplomacy: how Trump is using his Asia tour to secure critical mineral supplies," South China Morning Post, 1 November 2025
https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3330773/rare-earth-diplomacy-how-trump-using-his-asia-tour-secure-critical-mineral-supplies?module=top_story&pgtype=homepage

"Donald Trump’s alarming muddle about nuclear-weapons testing," Economist, 1 November 2025
https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/11/01/donald-trumps-alarming-muddle-about-nuclear-weapons-testing

Alexander B. Downes and Lindsey A. O’Rourke, "The Regime Change Temptation in Venezuela: If Past Is Prologue, a U.S. Attempt to Overthrow Maduro Would Not End Well," Foreign Affairs, 31 October 2025
https://www.foreignaffairs.com/venezuela/regime-change-temptation-maduro-trump-venezuela