South Africa has refused to hand over its G20 presidency to the U.S. chargé d’affaires, arguing that the role merits a senior-level envoy. Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said Washington may send “anyone at the right level” — such as a head of state, minister, or specially appointed envoy — but not a junior diplomat. Pretoria views the handover as a high-protocol event and sees the U.S. proposal as a diplomatic slight. (PC: Reuters)

The first-ever memorial for the Bengal Famine of 1943 was held at the Manchester Museum in the UK. The event was organised by the University of Manchester’s History Department with support from the Imperial War Museum North. Nearly 100 people attended. Speakers recalled how the famine killed about three million people, yet has no official memorial in India or South Asia. Historian Partha Mitter shared childhood memories of starving families in Kolkata. Journalist Kavita Puri asked why such a major tragedy has never been formally remembered. The memorial aimed to honour victims and highlight this long-ignored chapter of history. (PC: X)

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said the proposed Ukraine peace plan was written by the US, with inputs from both Russia and Ukraine. This came after senators claimed Rubio told them the draft looked like a Russian “wish list”. Rubio later denied this and said the plan reflected US work. The draft, not yet public, reportedly asks Ukraine to pull back troops and limit its army. European allies have pushed back, saying it leaves Ukraine weak. President Trump says the plan is not a final offer. Talks in Geneva will include US, Europe and Ukraine officials. (PC: BBC)

G20 leaders in Johannesburg unanimously adopted a strong joint declaration asserting that no nation should use threats or military force to alter territorial boundaries. The statement emphasised respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, urging all countries to uphold the UN Charter. Leaders also condemned terrorism “in all its forms” and highlighted the need for peaceful dispute resolution amid rising geopolitical tensions. The declaration reflected global concern over escalating conflicts and economic instability, calling for enhanced multilateral cooperation, protection of human rights, and a renewed commitment to maintaining global peace and stability.

Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s mayor-elect, met President Donald Trump in the White House on Nov 21, where he sharply accused the U.S. of funding Israeli “genocide.” Despite their long-standing ideological clashes, the meeting was unusually cordial — with Trump even telling Mamdani, “you can just say yes” when asked if he thinks the president is a fascist. Mamdani reiterated his claim that “our government [is] funding” what he called grave crimes by Israel, placing U.S. foreign aid under fierce moral scrutiny. 

In a surprisingly warm Oval Office meeting on November 21, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani set aside months of sharp political rhetoric to express mutual respect and cooperation. Trump congratulated Mamdani on his win and praised him as “very rational,” while Mamdani emphasized their shared mission to make New York more affordable. The two agreed to collaborate on cost-of-living challenges — including housing, rent, utilities — and even joked about past insults, highlighting an unexpected but pragmatic alliance. 

Brazil’s ex-president Jair Bolsonaro was arrested by federal police on November 22, 2025, after Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes revoked his house arrest. The decision followed concerns that Bolsonaro had tampered with his ankle monitor and that a planned mass vigil by his supporters could spark unrest. Bolsonaro is already serving a 27-year sentence for leading a coup plot after losing the 2022 election but had remained under house arrest since September. His lawyers condemned the arrest as politically motivated and plan to appeal, while the Supreme Court is set to review the detention order on Monday. (PC: Reuters)

President Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met in the Oval Office in a surprisingly warm and cooperative session, despite months of harsh criticism. They discussed shared priorities such as housing affordability, public safety, and the cost of living. Trump praised Mamdani’s vision and pledged support, calling him “very rational” and expressing confidence in his potential as mayor. Mamdani said the dialogue demonstrated a commitment to work across wide ideological divides for New Yorkers. 

A tense, uneasy calm hangs over Israel’s far-north border with Lebanon one year after war with Hezbollah. While some displaced Israelis have returned and reconstruction has begun in towns like Metula and Manara, many homes remain in ruins. Political consensus in Israel signals that a fresh military push — to “finish the job” and dismantle Hezbollah’s military capabilities — may be imminent. Meanwhile, Israel has fortified its positions, claiming Hezbollah is rearming, even as the Lebanese militia insists it has abided by ceasefire terms. (PC: The Guardian)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi used the opening session of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg to call for a new model of global development. He said growth must be inclusive, sustainable and rooted in traditional wisdom. Modi outlined three major proposals. The first is a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository to preserve and share old, eco-friendly practices. The second is the G20–Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, aimed at training one million trainers in Africa over 10 years. The third is a G20 plan to counter the drug–terror nexus by targeting drug networks and illegal money flows. He said Africa’s G20 role marks a key moment for global change. (PC: India Today)