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. 

NDTV reports that UG Solutions, an American security contractor, has operated at multiple aid distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) for nearly a year. Whistle-blowers and video evidence suggest that U.S. contractors used live ammunition, stun grenades, and pepper spray against desperate, unarmed Palestinians seeking food. The group claims it is “neither a private military contractor nor a humanitarian outfit.” Observers are questioning what regulates their role in a politically sensitive, militarised aid system. (PC: NDTV)

The United States has delivered a sweeping 28-point peace proposal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy — despite Kyiv not being involved in drafting the plan. The framework reportedly asks Ukraine to cede parts of eastern territory, drastically scale down its military, and constitutionally renounce future NATO membership. While Zelenskyy has neither accepted nor rejected it, he says he will negotiate “constructively, honestly and swiftly” with the U.S. European leaders are wary, warning that peace must not mean “capitulation.” (PC: AP)

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)