Recent reporting, background, and summaries from the politics desk.
The European Commission officially adopted a new EU Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (EU-PoMS) on November 26, 2025, marking a significant step to reverse the alarming decline of vital insect populations like bees and butterflies by 2030. This crucial initiative provides a standardized, science-based method for tracking pollinator diversity and abundance across all Member States, supporting biodiversity and long-term food security goals.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was dramatically taken into federal police custody on November 22, 2025, after allegedly tampering with his ankle monitor, which authorities deemed an attempt to evade incarceration. He subsequently began serving a 27-year prison sentence on November 25, 2025, following his conviction for orchestrating a coup attempt after the 2022 presidential election.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially hoisted the saffron Dharma Dhwaj at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on November 25, 2025, signifying the formal completion of the temple's construction and a pivotal moment for millions of devotees. This significant event, symbolizing the fulfillment of a 500-year-old resolve and the triumph of truth, officially signals the conclusion of the main temple's structural development.
The Trump administration is reportedly preparing a new proposal to stabilize Affordable Care Act (ACA) premiums, aiming to avert significant increases anticipated for 2026 as enhanced federal subsidies are set to expire. This plan could extend ACA premium subsidies for two years while introducing new eligibility limits, addressing critical healthcare affordability concerns ahead of next year's midterm elections.
Justice Surya Kant was officially sworn in as the 53rd Chief Justice of India on Monday, November 24, 2025, by President Droupadi Murmu, marking a pivotal leadership change in the nation's judiciary. He is set to lead the Supreme Court for nearly 15 months, bringing a distinguished career highlighted by his involvement in landmark verdicts concerning Article 370 and the electoral bonds scheme.
U.S. senators are vehemently criticizing President Trump's proposed Russia-Ukraine peace plan, arguing it unjustly rewards Moscow's aggression and demands significant concessions from Ukraine. This controversial proposal, reportedly drafted by Trump's and Russia's envoys, has been welcomed by Putin but faces intense pressure on Ukraine from the White House to accept it by Thanksgiving or risk losing U.S. support.
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives, effective January 5, 2026, a move surprisingly welcomed by former President Donald Trump amidst their escalating public feud. Citing "never-ending personal attacks, death threats, lawfare," and "machine politics" as key reasons, her departure creates a vacancy and further narrows the Republican Party's already slim majority in the House.
The G20 Johannesburg Summit, a historic first for the African continent, officially commenced on November 22, 2025, gathering leaders from major economies to address pressing global issues like economic stability and sustainable development. With a theme of "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability," the summit aims to foster international cooperation on inclusive growth and challenges faced by the Global South, a call echoed by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for positive global change.
A recent report revealing federal authorities obtained phone data from a House committee chairman overseeing the Justice Department has ignited a fierce debate in Washington over government surveillance and the separation of powers. This controversy intensified after disclosures that the FBI analyzed phone records of several lawmakers in 2023, leading to a Senate provision allowing lawsuits for unauthorized data access, which the House subsequently voted to repeal.
Nitish Kumar is set to make history by being sworn in as Bihar's Chief Minister for an unprecedented tenth time on Thursday, November 20, 2025, following the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) decisive victory in the recent Bihar Assembly elections. This significant political event, marked by the NDA securing 202 out of 243 seats, will see Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other prominent leaders attend, with Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha slated as Deputy Chief Ministers.
Overnight Russian drone and missile attacks on November 19, 2025, devastated multiple regions across Ukraine, resulting in at least 19 fatalities and dozens wounded amidst significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. These widespread assaults coincided with President Zelenskyy's critical trip to Turkiye for stalled peace negotiations, underscoring the urgent need for diplomatic solutions while Russia reportedly refused to participate in the talks.
The United Nations Security Council has officially approved a U.S.-backed international stabilization force for the Gaza Strip, primarily tasked with disarming Hamas and other armed Palestinian groups to bring long-term security to the region. While the resolution passed with 13 votes, China and Russia abstained due to concerns, and Hamas swiftly rejected the initiative, denouncing it as an "international trusteeship" that infringes on their "right to resistance.