At the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged a radical rethink of global development, proposing six new G20-led initiatives rooted in India’s civilisational philosophy of “Integral Humanism.” His plan includes a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, an Africa Skills Multiplier Initiative, a Global Healthcare Response Team, a Drug-Terror Nexus Countering Initiative, an Open Satellite Data Partnership, and a Critical Minerals Circularity Initiative. Modi stressed that conventional growth models have often excluded people and harmed nature, calling for development that is inclusive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in human values. (PC: AP)

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. 

International cricketer Smriti Mandhana lit up her Haldi ceremony with a joyous, all-yellow dance alongside her fellow India women’s team stars, including Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh, Shreyanka Patil and Radha Yadav. The celebration also marked her engagement to music compos­er Palash Muchhal and preceded their wedding set for November 23. With beats of Bollywood tracks and infectious camaraderie, the pre-wedding event doubled as a reunion of World Cup winners from the Indian women’s team — a fitting tribute to Mandhana’s triumphant cricket campaign and a spirited start to her new chapter. 

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. 

The Indian Air Force mourned the loss of Wing Commander Namansh Syal, who died when his Tejas jet crashed during a demonstration at the Dubai Air Show. The IAF described him as a “dedicated fighter pilot” with exceptional skill, unwavering commitment, and an unyielding sense of duty. Syal’s dignified persona earned him widespread respect, evident during a solemn send-off attended by UAE officials, colleagues, and Indian embassy representatives. He is survived by his wife (also in the Air Force), their six-year-old daughter, and his parents. A court of inquiry has been launched to investigate the cause. (PC: India Today)

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)

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor lauded the White House meeting between former US President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, calling their post-election civility a model for democratic politics. He tweeted that rivals should “fight passionately” during elections but “cooperate in the common interests of the nation” once the votes are counted. The BJP, meanwhile, welcomed his remark — using it to chide Congress leadership. Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala said Tharoor’s post was a “cryptic” reminder to his own party to prioritise India over the Gandhi family. (PC: AFP)

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, once a vocal Trump ally and leading MAGA figure, has announced she will resign from Congress on January 5, 2026. Her decision follows a public fallout with former President Donald Trump, who called her a “traitor” and withdrew his endorsement amid her push to release Jeffrey Epstein files. Greene cited relentless personal attacks, death threats, and a toxic political climate, stating she refuses to be a “battered wife.” She defended her record, saying standing up for abused women should not earn her betrayal accusations. Trump reacted by calling her resignation “great news for the country.” 

At the first-ever 2025 G20 Summit hosted on African soil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a redefinition of global development and launched three major initiatives including: a Global Traditional Knowledge Repository, a G20-Africa Skills Multiplier aiming to train one million trainers, and a G20 initiative to counter the drug-terror nexus. He emphasized inclusive growth, particularly for regions historically underserved, and highlighted India’s civilizational values and sustainable growth frameworks. India’s proposals arrive amid a looming U.S. absence and shifting global alliances. (PC: X)

Authorities have detained Tufail Ahmed, an electrician from Pulwama, in connection with the Red Fort car blast on November 10, which killed 14 people. Investigators believe he may be part of an interstate terror module with ties to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), prompting a deeper investigation into his role. The probe is being coordinated by the Jammu & Kashmir State Investigation Agency and its Special Operations Group. (PC: PTI)