This is a special contribution from the Centre on Contemporary China and the World at the University of Hong Kong. Read the full report at the end of the article. It will be available on the institute website cccw.hku.hk from October 13. With the rising strategic significance of energy, especially due to the need to support China’s artificial intelligence (AI) development, members of the Communist Party’s 20th Central Committee with energy backgrounds – the country’s “movers and shakers” in this...

Iran's Supreme National Security Council head, Mohsen Rezaei, has called the US response to negotiations insufficient. He warned of potential attacks on cables and data centers if fighting escalates further. In Israel, the former attorney general testified against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a longstanding corruption trial. Meanwhile, the Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for recent strikes on Saudi airports amid rising tensions.

Delhi weather today October 12: Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit Delhi on Monday morning, causing waterlogging near Jhandewalan Temple in Karol Bagh. IMD has warned of more rain across Delhi-NCR for the next two to three hours, and then expects partly cloudy skies and no rain for the next six days.

Amazon is reportedly in talks to acquire artificial-intelligence startup Decart for about $7 billion. The acquisition would give Amazon significant access to technology for managing different AI chips effectively. Decart, founded in 2023, was valued at nearly $4 billion in May and has attracted considerable venture capital. This potential deal aligns with Amazon's strategy to enhance its AI infrastructure competing against Nvidia.

BP announced its withdrawal from the World Petroleum Council Energy Congress due to safety concerns in Riyadh. Missile attacks at the international airport resulted in fatalities and numerous injuries, prompting increased security measures. Despite BP's cancellation, the five-day energy conference continued as originally scheduled at a separate venue. Other major oil executives also reportedly withdrew from the event amid the ongoing unrest.

A bipartisan group of seven US senators has questioned the legality of President Trump's diesel import deal with Russia. They highlight Congress's ban on Russian energy imports established in 2022 due to the Ukraine conflict. The senators argue that Trump's decision violates this law and failed to communicate with Congress. Concerns arise over the potential financial benefits to Russia amidst ongoing civilian casualties in Ukraine.

Missile attacks by Houthi rebels have targeted King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, resulting in multiple casualties. The Saudi-led coalition is responding to these escalated attacks as concerns grow over regional stability. Hospitals report injuries and fatalities among both civilians and military personnel from the strikes. Houthi forces have also claimed responsibility for other attacks in the region, intensifying the conflict.