Donald Trump announced that no U.S. government officials will attend the upcoming 2025 G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, citing alleged “human rights abuses” against white Afrikaners and land confiscations in the host nation. He described the decision as a response to what he termed a “total disgrace” of holding the summit in South Africa. South African authorities have strongly rejected the allegations, calling them false. The move underscores rising U.S.–South Africa diplomatic tensions and raises questions about the future role of the U.S. in multilateral forums. (PC: Reuters)

A boat carrying about 90 undocumented migrants sank near the Thailand-Malaysia border off the coast of Langkawi, in the state of Kedah, Malaysia, causing at least one death and leaving dozens missing. Rescue operations have retrieved around ten survivors, including three Myanmar nationals, two Rohingya refugees and one Bangladeshi man; the deceased was identified as a Rohingya woman. The migrants had reportedly transferred from a larger vessel to smaller boats to avoid detection—as their journey was orchestrated outside legal channels by trafficking networks. (PC: AFP)

Prince George joined King Charles III, Queen Camilla, and his mother, Princess Catherine, at the Festival of Remembrance in London’s Royal Albert Hall. The annual event, organised by the Royal British Legion, honoured those who died in service ahead of Remembrance Sunday. It marked 80 years since World War Two ended and 25 years since the ban on gay people in the armed forces was lifted. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and veterans also attended. Performances by Sir Rod Stewart and Sam Ryder paid tribute to the armed forces. This was 12-year-old George’s first time at the ceremony. (PC: X)

Pakistan has created a new top military post, appointing Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces. The 27th Constitutional Amendment allows the President to appoint both the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces on the Prime Minister’s advice. The move follows Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal earlier this year. The new role will ensure unified command of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The change comes after recent clashes with India and aims to strengthen Pakistan’s military leadership. The post of Chairman Joint Chiefs will end in November 2025. (PC: HT)

More than 1,400 flights were cancelled across the US on Saturday as the federal government shutdown forced the FAA to cut air traffic. Nearly 6,000 flights were delayed as air traffic controllers, working without pay, reported fatigue. The FAA said flight capacity will drop by up to 10% at 40 major airports to maintain safety. Newark, Chicago O’Hare, and Charlotte airports faced the worst disruptions. The shutdown, now in its 39th day, has left 1.4 million federal workers unpaid. Airlines urged Washington to end the deadlock as travellers faced long delays ahead of Thanksgiving. (PC: BBC)

Syria’s interior ministry initiated a large-scale operation targeting Islamic State cells, executing 61 coordinated raids and arresting 71 individuals. Authorities seized significant quantities of explosives and weapons, stating the action stemmed from “precise” intelligence uncovering planned attacks. The crackdown coincides with Ahmed al Sharaa’s visit to Washington to join an anti-IS coalition, underscoring Syria’s renewed focus on internal security and global partnerships. 

Authorities in Bengaluru have launched a probe after videos showed ISIS operative Zuhaib Manna and serial rapist Umesh Reddy using mobile phones inside Parappana Agrahara Central Jail. The clips, which went viral, showed inmates freely using phones and watching TV, raising questions about jail security and possible special treatment. Manna, an alleged ISIS recruiter, was seen sipping tea and scrolling through a phone, while Reddy appeared using three phones. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the matter will be investigated, and action will be taken against those responsible for the security lapse. (PC: HT)

Delhi’s air quality remained dangerously high on Sunday, with an overall AQI of 392 and 21 of 39 monitoring stations showing ‘severe’ levels above 400. Areas like Wazirpur, ITO, and Nehru Nagar recorded the worst pollution. Officials said efforts are underway to avoid stricter restrictions under Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee claimed air quality is slightly better than last year due to timely action. However, PM2.5 and PM10 continue to be the main pollutants, posing health risks, especially to children and the elderly. (PC: HT)

The US government shutdown has entered its sixth week, leaving millions of workers unpaid and key services disrupted. Despite growing pressure, President Donald Trump has refused to compromise with Democrats, rejecting their offer to reopen the government in exchange for extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. Trump urged Republicans to scrap the Senate filibuster and pass bills without Democratic support. Airports, food aid, and public programs are facing severe strain, with over 1,200 flights cancelled. Senators from both parties are working on a deal, but there is little sign of progress or support from the White House.

The Philippines is bracing for Typhoon Fung-wong, expected to strike Luzon on Sunday. The storm, locally known as Uwan, may intensify into a super typhoon with winds over 185 km/h. It comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi killed more than 200 people and caused severe flooding and landslides. Authorities have declared a state of calamity, ordered mass evacuations, and cancelled flights and classes. Rescue work from Kalmaegi has been paused as heavy rain and winds hit eastern regions. Officials warn of life-threatening floods and storm surges, urging residents in coastal and low-lying areas to move to safer ground. (PC: BBC)