Israel said it killed senior Hezbollah commander Ali Tabtai in an air strike on Beirut’s southern suburb, Dahieh, marking its first strike on the city in months. The attack hit a residential building, killing at least five people and injuring 28, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Hezbollah confirmed a senior commander was targeted but did not name him. The strike comes despite a US- and France-backed ceasefire that began last November. Israel says Hezbollah is rebuilding its weapons network and producing explosive drones. Lebanon’s president accused Israel of violating agreements and urged global pressure to stop the attacks. (PC: AFP via Getty Images)

US President Donald Trump said Ukraine has shown “zero gratitude” for US efforts to end the war, even as peace talks continue in Geneva. His message came minutes after President Volodymyr Zelensky said the US-proposed 28-point plan could include Ukraine’s national interests. Ukraine’s top security official Rustem Umerov said the talks were making progress and that several Ukrainian priorities were now part of the draft. European leaders have criticised the proposal, saying it is too favourable to Russia. The plan has also caused concern in Kyiv, where many fear it could force major concessions. (PC: BBC)

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.