ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Developments in Sudan’s El-Fasher, Kordofan amid RSF deadly attacks
Field and humanitarian situation in Sudan, as famine was confirmed in the war-scarred city of El-Fasher in Sudan’s North Darfur state and the besieged town of Kadugli in South Kordofan.
RSF militia is carrying out massacres in Kordofan and El-Fasher amid international calls for a ceasefire.
Gaza ceasefire underway amid Israeli violations
Developments surrounding the implementation of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, including the ongoing search for the remains of Israeli captives, the reciprocal release of the bodies of Palestinian prisoners, and the inadequate flow of humanitarian aid into the strip.
Qatar hosts 2nd World Summit for Social Development
The Second World Summit for Social Development will kick off on Tuesday in Doha from Nov. 4–6, with broad participation from heads of state and government, representatives of the UN, civil society, and the private sector.
NATO North Atlantic Council meets in Brussels
The North Atlantic Council will convene at the ambassadorial level, with European Commissioner for Defense Andrius Kubilius scheduled to attend, according to the commissioner’s calendar.
NATO allies are expected to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine, progress on defense spending commitments, deterrence and defense posture toward Russia, transatlantic unity, and cooperation with global partners on emerging security challenges.
EU Council president to deliver speech on enlargement
European Council President Antonio Costa will deliver a speech at Euronews’ EU Enlargement Summit in Brussels, which gathers key political leaders from candidate and potential candidate countries to discuss the future of EU enlargement.
UN agencies' briefing in Geneva
The UN Information Service holds a biweekly press briefing for UN bodies, providing updates from UN agencies on the most pressing issues around the world. The latest updates from Gaza are expected to top the agenda.
Germany's Merz to visit Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will visit the northern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern on Nov. 4 to meet with the region's political leaders and attend a Cabinet meeting. He is expected to hold a press conference afterward to address domestic and international issues.
Verdict due in UK far-right figure Tommy Robinson’s terrorism case
Robinson, 42, whose real name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, has been accused of failing to comply with counter-terror powers as he was stopped from driving to Benidorm at the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone in July last year. Robinson has had his verdict delayed because he was to fly to Israel as a 'guest of the government.’
Mayoral election in New York City, off-year elections across US
New Yorkers will head to the polls Tuesday in a closely watched mayoral election, where Democratic frontrunner Zohran Mamdani faces former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa.
Voting will take place from 6 am to 9 pm local time, with candidates expected to make press appearances throughout the day. Ballot counting is likely to continue late into the night.
Elsewhere in the country, off-year elections are being held, including gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, where recent polling favors Democratic candidates.
In California, voters will participate in a statewide special election on Proposition 50, which would determine whether the state’s congressional maps can be redrawn mid-decade in response to a pro-Republican redistricting move in Texas.
US federal government shutdown enters day 35
Following developments related to the US government shutdown as it continues with no end in sight into its 35th day, equaling in length the longest federal closure in US history during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Senators are due to hold a 15th vote on a House-passed Republican resolution to reopen the government.
Russia celebrates National Unity Day
Russia marks National Unity Day on Nov. 4, a public holiday symbolizing social cohesion, historical continuity, and national solidarity.
Official ceremonies and cultural events will take place across the country, including those with the participation of President Vladimir Putin. Putin will present state awards and presidential prizes in the Kremlin's Catherine Hall and attend an exhibition in Moscow.
Meeting of Coalition of Willing to discuss continued support for Ukraine
Spain’s Foreign Ministry will host a meeting of the Coalition of the Willing in Madrid, bringing together directors-general from 35 member countries to discuss ways to continue assisting Ukraine as the war nears its fourth anniversary.
The closed-door session will focus on boosting financial and defense aid to Kyiv and developing a common approach to future security guarantees for Ukraine. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares will deliver opening remarks but will not attend all working sessions, according to Spanish media.
Uzbek president to visit Qatar for World Social Development Summit
At the invitation of Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a working visit to Doha on Nov. 3–4 to attend the 2nd World Summit on Social Development. The event will bring together global leaders to discuss strategies for inclusive and sustainable social progress.
Moldovan foreign minister to attend UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand
Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi will visit Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from Nov. 3–4 to participate in the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference. Discussions are expected to focus on education, culture, and sustainable development cooperation.
Lee boosts South Korea's annual budget by over 8%
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung delivers government budget worth 728 trillion won ($510 billion), with an annual increase of 8.1%. Lee expounds on government targets and policies with a focus on boosting the country's artificial intelligence technology prowess.
South Korean President Lee receives Pentagon chief
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung receives US Defense Secretary Pete Hegstseth after the Pentagon chief holds an annual Security Consultative Meeting with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back. The two sides discuss the transfer of operational command of forces to Seoul. North Korea will likely react to Hegsteh's trip.
China’s Xi hosts Russian Premier Mishustin
Chinese President Xi Jinping receives Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin in Beijing. Earlier, Mishustin and Chinese Premier Li Qiang held 30th round of meeting between heads of two governments.
Afghanistan searches for survivors after deadly quake
Monitoring situation as Afghans search for survivors after a deadly earthquake killed at least 27 and injured hundreds of others, mostly in the northern parts of the war-torn nation. A 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck northern Afghanistan early Monday.
THE ECONOMY
US job openings
The US to release JOLTS job openings data for September. In August, the job openings rose to 7.227 million.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Mamdani leads pack as New Yorkers choose next mayor
Curtain-raiser for New York City’s mayoral race, where Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani is leading in polls ahead of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
The report highlights the race’s national prominence as Mamdani, a progressive lawmaker, seeks to become the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor.
It draws on polling data from Real Clear Politics and AtlasIntel, and early voting figures from the city’s Board of Elections showing record turnout ahead of Tuesday’s vote.
Territorial control: Who holds what in Sudan’s war?
Report mapping Sudan’s war zones, showing which areas are held by the Sudanese army and which are under the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The story highlights Kordofan’s emergence as the new frontline due to its strategic location, and examines the RSF’s capture of El-Fasher, where rights groups report mass killings and civilian displacement.
The report features insights from Sudanese analyst Jihad Mashamoun and Armed Conflict Location and Event Data’s East Africa Senior Analyst Jalale Getachew Birru.
Trump-Xi meeting a ‘good beginning’ for future relations: Experts
Report on US President Donald Trump’s last week meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea’s Busan, which experts describe as a constructive start that reopens a vital channel for dialogue between Washington and Beijing.
The story examines how the summit lays the groundwork for continued negotiations despite enduring tensions over Taiwan. It also explores how Trump’s wider Asia tour reflected a deal-driven strategy focused on trade and tariffs.
The report features insights from Jagannath Panda of the Stockholm Center for South Asia & Indo-Pacific and Kenzo Fujisue of Keio University.