A fire broke out on Thursday at the COP30 climate conference venue in Belém, Brazil, forcing a full evacuation of the site. Thirteen people suffered from smoke inhalation but no severe injuries were reported. The blaze, possibly caused by faulty electrical equipment, quickly spread through fabric-structure pavilions, triggering sirens and chaos. Key climate negotiations—especially over fossil fuel transition and climate finance—were stalled just a day before the summit’s scheduled close. 

New York's incoming mayor Zohran Mamdani will meet President Donald Trump Friday at the White House, despite months of exchanging insults during the election. The 34-year-old Democratic socialist, who defeated Andrew Cuomo by nine points earlier this month, said the Oval Office meeting will focus on public safety, affordability, and economic security. Trump called Mamdani a "communist mayor" who requested the meeting and previously threatened withholding federal funding. Mamdani pledged to work with Trump on beneficial agendas while opposing harmful ones. The mayor-elect has hired extra lawyers for potential legal challenges and vowed New York will "remain a city of immigrants" despite Trump's immigration crackdown.(PC: Mint & The Telegraph)

US Senator Bernie Sanders accused President Donald Trump of disliking Muslims except billionaire autocrats who can enrich his family, following Trump's lavish White House reception for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince's November 19 visit marked his first US trip since 2018, when relations soured after journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder inside Istanbul's Saudi consulate. Trump brushed aside human rights questions, praised the prince's statesmanship, and announced hundreds of billions in Saudi investments. The elaborate welcome included fighter jet displays, honor guards on horseback, and an East Room dinner. Discussions covered commerce and potential F-35 fighter jet sales, despite US intelligence implicating the prince in Khashoggi's killing.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet U.S. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll in Kyiv, just as reports emerge of a secret 28-point peace proposal jointly drafted by U.S. and Russian officials. The plan reportedly calls for Ukraine to cede its remaining control of the eastern Donbas region, halve its military, limit certain weapons, and reduce Western aid — terms heavily favouring Moscow. Kiev has strongly rejected provisions that undermine its sovereignty. (PC: Reuters)

Nepal authorities imposed curfew until 8 pm Thursday in Bara District after 'Gen-Z' protesters clashed with police at Simara Chowk. Tensions erupted for the second consecutive day as young demonstrators accused police of failing to arrest individuals named in complaints following Wednesday's clash with CPN-UML cadres. Six Gen-Z supporters were injured November 19, leading to complaints against UML cadres near Simara Airport. Police fired tear gas, halting airport operations and detaining two ward chairs. Protests stem from UML leaders' planned district visit ahead of March 2026 elections. Nepal faces political transition after September uprising forced PM KP Oli's resignation, killing 76 people nationwide. (PC: Hindustan Times & Human Rights Watch)

Top US military officials arrived in Kyiv to discuss ways to end the war with Russia. The team is led by US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. They will meet President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday. Reports say the US and Russia have drafted a new peace plan that asks Ukraine to give up land and cut its army. Washington and Moscow have not confirmed this. Ukraine and European leaders warn they will not accept any plan that looks like surrender. The visit comes after a Russian strike killed 26 people in Ternopil. Talks may include a possible ceasefire. (PC: BBC)

Indonesian officials have rescued more than 170 climbers after Mount Semeru erupted without warning on Wednesday. The volcano sent hot ash, rocks, lava, and gas up to 13 km down its slopes. The climbers were stranded at Ranu Kumbolo, a safe area outside the main danger zone. Authorities raised the alert to the highest level as pyroclastic flows and ash clouds continued through the day. Nearly 1,000 residents from nearby villages were moved to shelters, but no deaths were reported. Several areas were covered in thick ash, and officials warned people to stay away from river valleys near the volcano. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump has signed a law ordering the Justice Department to release all files related to Jeffrey Epstein within 30 days. The documents include interviews, flight logs, and records seized from Epstein’s homes. Some parts may still be withheld if they affect an active probe or invade personal privacy. Trump had earlier opposed releasing the files but changed his stance after pressure from victims and Republicans. Epstein’s victims’ families called the move “monumental”. Critics say new investigations could delay disclosure. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while facing sex-trafficking charges. (PC: BBC)

Fresh Gen-Z protests broke out in Nepal’s Bara district on Thursday, leading authorities to impose a daytime curfew from 1 pm to 8 pm. The unrest began when young protesters clashed with supporters of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s party in Simara. Police detained only two people, which increased anger among the youth. Tensions rose further after news that senior UML leaders were flying to Simara for a rally. Crowds gathered at the airport, forcing officials to enforce curfew in nearby areas. The new protests come two months after major Gen-Z demonstrations that brought down the Oli government. (PC: India Today)

Instagram has started closing accounts of Australian users aged 13 to 15 ahead of the country’s new social media ban for under-16s. Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and Threads, said it began sending messages to young users telling them their accounts will be deactivated from 4 December. The ban takes effect on 10 December and also covers TikTok, YouTube, X and Reddit. Teens can save their posts before shutdown and may challenge the ban using age checks like video selfies or ID. Platforms that fail to block under-16s face fines of up to A$50 million. (PC: BBC)