Here’s everything shaping the world this week, from high-stakes diplomacy in Asia and shifting markets to new tech regulations, climate crises, cultural milestones, and major sporting events capturing global attention.
Politics and Diplomacy
The week is dominated by geopolitical tensions as Beijing and Washington get ready for renewed talks on the sidelines of the East Asia and ASEAN summits in Kuala Lumpur. The talks will be attended by US President Donald Trump and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, paving the way for high-level diplomacy amid growing friction in the Indo-Pacific.
Trump will travel to Japan as part of his ongoing Asia tour before meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC Summit in South Korea later this week. Trade security, AI governance, and South China Sea maritime concerns are among the agenda themes.
In Europe, France is debating its 2026 national budget and facing a number of high-profile corruption prosecutions, while the Netherlands is holding a crucial parliamentary election on Wednesday that could change the political landscape.
At the UN, the Security Council examines peacekeeping missions in Libya, Bosnia, and Western Sahara, as the General Assembly gets ready to vote once more on the US embargo on Cuba.
As Pakistan and Afghanistan continue their dialogue to defuse recent border tensions, Middle Eastern authorities keep an eye on the precarious situation along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Economy and Business
Amid conflicting inflation prospects, markets are cautious ahead of major interest rate announcements from the US Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, and the Bank of Japan, which are expected to influence year-end monetary estimates.
With Apple, Microsoft, Meta, Alphabet, Samsung, and Shell all releasing results, tech and energy earnings are driving global markets this week. Investors are keeping an eye out for indications of rising AI-driven capital spending and weakening consumer demand.
While China's PMI and industrial data are closely monitored for clues about the global recovery, oil prices continue to fluctuate amid persistent tensions in the Middle East.
A more comprehensive picture of the state of the European economy is provided by the GDP, inflation, and unemployment statistics released by Germany, France, and the larger eurozone.
Technology
As the APEC Digital Ministers' Meeting presents frameworks for AI ethics, data sharing, and digital taxation, a pivotal week for Big Tech regulation begins.
A new enforcement phase of the EU Digital Markets Act emphasizes advertising transparency, app store fees, and platform dominance.
Pressure for pre-election oversight is growing as congressional hearings on AI-generated misinformation continue in the US.
At GTC 2025 in Washington, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is anticipated to reveal developments in cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
In Asia, the Tokyo International Film Festival and Japan Mobility Show showcase the region's technological and design innovation, while China's Shenzhou-21 mission represents a significant milestone in its growing space program.
Nintendo reveals financial results as "Football Manager 26" launches globally on November 4, and France holds the World Nuclear Exhibition, which focuses on investments in clean energy.
Science and Space
China's Shenzhou-21 sends three astronauts to the Tiangong space station for a six-month mission to conduct materials testing and research on orbital life support.
With the launch of its Aeolus-II satellite, the European Space Agency is improving climate and weather forecasting data worldwide.
Researchers in Germany have made strides towards the viability of sustainable energy with a breakthrough in fusion power stability.
In its quarterly nuclear safety report, the IAEA warns of continued Iranian enrichment activities and growing proliferation concerns in the Middle East.
Climate and Environment
National commitments are still far from reaching the 1.5°C target, according to the UN Environment Programme's annual Emissions Gap Report.
While Hurricane Melissa threatens widespread displacement as it advances across Jamaica towards Haiti and Cuba, severe flooding in Thailand and Vietnam continues.
The Green Industry Plan is launched in Europe, aiming to accelerate investments in green energy and renewable manufacturing to compete with Chinese and US subsidies.
Ahead of COP30 in Brazil later this year, early-season heatwaves in South America are raising concerns.
Culture
Over 100,000 artefacts, including the whole Tutankhamun collection, are on display at Cairo's Grand Egyptian Museum as it finally opens to the public after years of anticipation.
The Tokyo International Film Festival and the AFI Fest in Los Angeles highlight international cinema, with Asian directors and European co-productions driving awards buzz.
Authorities in several nations are maintaining increased security as Halloween celebrations take place around the world, following previous crowd-control incidents.
Sports
The Women's ODI Cricket World Cup draws record attendance throughout South Asia as it comes to a close in Colombo.
Top-ranked players visit Saudi Arabia for the WTA Finals in Riyadh, marking a highly anticipated debut for the kingdom's growing sports sector.
While rugby internationals test lineups in London, Paris, and Chicago in preparation for the 2026 World Cup, more than 50,000 runners compete in the New York Marathon.
FIFA's Executive Committee convenes in Zurich to finalise the logistics of the 2030 World Cup, which Spain, Portugal, and Morocco will jointly host.
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