Putin reveals new plans with China and India

Oil prices have continued to decline as traders assess the implications of ongoing high-level discussions between the U.S. and Russia regarding the Ukraine conflict. The market remains cautious amid persistent attacks on Russian energy assets, which contribute to uncertainty about future oil supply and demand dynamics.

Oil prices have eased amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, raising concerns about potential oversupply in the market. The recent trading sessions have been marked by volatility as traders closely monitor developments in the conflict, which significantly impacts global oil supply dynamics.

More shipments of US soybeans to China are expected to occur through mid-December, reflecting a positive trend in agricultural trade between the two nations. This increase is significant as it indicates a strengthening of trade relations and a response to demand in the Chinese market.

The Indian government has mandated the installation of the Sanchar Saathi tracking app on all smartphones to combat theft and crime, a move that has sparked significant backlash from privacy advocates who view it as a mechanism for mass surveillance.

Mistral, a French start-up, has unveiled new models in its efforts to gain a competitive edge in the open AI market, amid concerns that Europe is lagging behind the US and China in artificial intelligence advancements.

The Bank of England (BoE) has announced plans to ease capital requirements for high street banks for the first time in a decade, reducing the reserve lenders must hold to stimulate lending to households and businesses. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the independence of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) and the implications of budget leaks.

Apple has rejected India's directive requiring smartphone manufacturers to pre-install the state-run 'Sanchar Saathi' cyber safety app on all new devices, which must remain enabled and cannot be disabled. This move reflects ongoing tensions between the tech giant and Indian regulatory authorities.

India has been importing discounted Russian oil, which has raised concerns as these purchases indirectly support Moscow's military actions in Ukraine, leading to increased scrutiny from Western nations, particularly the U.S. and Europe.