Ukraine’s allies will discuss the US peace plan at the G20 summit in South Africa, as Kyiv faces rising pressure to accept terms seen as favourable to Russia. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the goal is to “strengthen” the plan and work toward a “lasting peace”. The talks come after President Zelensky warned that Ukraine is facing one of its hardest moments, with fears the plan may force Kyiv to give up eastern territory and limit its army. European leaders say any deal must respect Ukraine’s rights. Moscow has signalled interest but remains firm on its demands. (PC: BBC)

President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met in the Oval Office on Friday. The meeting turned tense when a reporter asked Mamdani if he still believed Trump was a “fascist.” Mamdani began to answer, but Trump cut in with a joke, saying, “Just say yes. It’s easier. I don’t mind.” The moment highlighted Mamdani’s struggle to balance his past criticism of Trump with his new role. Both leaders later spoke about working together on housing, public safety and rising living costs. Trump also commented on Ukraine and energy prices during the media interaction.

New photos and videos from the Dubai Air Show show the Tejas fighter jet descending before it crashed and burst into flames. The aircraft was doing a negative-G turn and then a roll at very low height. It lost altitude and hit the ground at 2:10 pm. Eyewitnesses said the jet kept going lower and never pulled up. Thick black smoke rose from the crash site as people watched in shock. The pilot, Wing Commander Namansh Syal, died in the crash. He was 34 and is survived by his wife, daughter, and parents. 

US President Donald Trump has said Ukraine must accept a new 28-point peace plan to end the war with Russia. The proposal would force Ukraine to give up land and limit its military, ideas that closely match Russia’s demands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has serious concerns but has been given a deadline to respond. Critics, including senior Republicans, say the plan rewards Russian aggression and will not bring real peace. European countries are preparing a counterproposal and warn the deal could destabilise Ukraine. Reports say the US may cut military support if Kyiv refuses, putting Ukraine in a difficult position. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump met New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani, in a friendly meeting despite their past harsh remarks. Trump had earlier called Mamdani a “communist lunatic,” while Mamdani had labelled him a “fascist.” But on Friday, both leaders spoke positively. Trump said Mamdani might “surprise conservatives” and praised his ideas for making New York safer. Mamdani said he appreciated the focus on “shared purpose.” Trump also dismissed a “jihadist” remark made by a Republican leader about the mayor. Both leaders said they want to work for New Yorkers and improve the city. (PC: Bloomberg)

US President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani held a warm and “very productive” meeting at the White House on Friday. The tone marked a surprise shift after months of sharp attacks during the campaign. Trump praised Mamdani’s win and said both leaders want New York to do well. He added that Mamdani may adjust some views, and that he too has changed since taking office. Mamdani agreed the meeting was positive and said they discussed the high cost of rent, food and utilities. He said he hopes to work with the Trump administration to help city residents.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Ukraine could lose US support if it rejects the White House peace plan. In an address in Kyiv, he said the country now faces a hard choice. The leaked plan asks Ukraine to give up eastern areas, cut its army, and stay out of Nato. Zelensky said these terms threaten Ukraine’s dignity. He added that the country is under pressure but will seek changes with the US and other allies. President Trump said Ukraine must accept the plan or risk more losses. Russia welcomed the proposal as a possible basis for talks. (PC: BBC)

Miss Universe 2025 judge Omar Harfouch abruptly quit three days before the pageant, alleging the 30 finalists were pre-selected by an "impromptu jury" without official judges' knowledge. Harfouch claimed individuals with conflicts of interest, including someone romantically involved with a contestant, participated in the secret selection. Following a "disrespectful conversation" with MUO president Raul Rocha, Harfouch resigned and threatened legal action for fraud, corruption, and breach of contract. The MUO denied allegations, stating the selection committee was for an independent social impact initiative, not competition judging. A second judge, Claude Makélélé, also resigned citing "personal reasons." This follows earlier controversy when executive director Nawat Itsaragrisil reprimanded Miss Mexico publicly.

Fatima Bosch of Mexico was crowned Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand, triumphing in a turbulent 74th edition marked by chaos. Bosch overcame public bullying from host Nawat Itsaragrisil, who had chastised her during a livestream, prompting a dramatic walkout. She later won support from fellow contestants and praise from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. The contest saw further turmoil: two judges resigned, one alleging vote-rigging, while others cited personal reasons. Contestants also suffered mishaps, including Miss Britain’s stage fall and Miss Jamaica’s hospitalization after an accident. Despite the controversies, Bosch prevailed over finalists from Thailand, Venezuela, Ivory Coast, and the Philippines, securing Mexico’s crown in a pageant marred by protests, resignations, and dramatic stumbles.

A sudden fire broke out at the “Blue Zone” pavilion of the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, causing immediate evacuation of delegates and disrupting key negotiations. Around 13 people suffered minor smoke inhalation, and emergency teams quickly brought the fire under control within six minutes. The blaze temporarily halted discussions on critical climate issues, including fossil fuel phase-out, emissions targets, and financing for vulnerable nations. Authorities are investigating the cause, while safety inspections are underway before talks can resume. The incident underscores the unpredictable challenges faced even at high-profile international environmental events.