Top News Headlines for November 18, 2025
Here's a roundup of the major stories dominating headlines today, drawn from global sources. I've categorized them for clarity, focusing on key developments in politics, international relations, and more.
World News
- UN Security Council Endorses Trump's Gaza Peace Plan: The council approved President Trump's 20-point proposal, leading to a ceasefire and initial hostage-prisoner exchanges. Israeli PM Netanyahu is calling on neighboring nations to join in expelling Hamas from the region. Displaced Palestinians are beginning to return home amid UN efforts to restore services, though insecurity persists.
- Trump Hosts Saudi Crown Prince Amid Arms Talks: President Trump welcomed Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, where the U.S. pledged F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia in exchange for security and economic commitments. The visit occurs despite U.S. intelligence linking MBS to the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
- Masked Israeli Settlers Attack West Bank Communities: Attacks on Palestinian areas in the occupied West Bank have escalated, drawing international condemnation as tensions simmer post-Gaza truce.
- Sudan Crisis: Tens of Thousands Missing from El Fasher: The UN warns of mass atrocities as thousands vanish amid ongoing conflict, with humanitarian access severely restricted.
- Jamaica Leads Island Nations' COP30 Push: At the UN Climate Summit in Belém, Brazil, Caribbean leaders demand urgent finance for climate adaptation. Brazil's government faces criticism for cutting deforestation while expanding oil and gas. Indigenous groups converge for greater representation.
- Ecuador Rejects Constitutional Overhaul: Voters turned down a rewrite allowing foreign military bases, preserving sovereignty amid U.S. regional influence.
India News
- India Sets Up Aid Camp After Saudi Bus Crash Kills 45 Pilgrims: The Consulate General in Jeddah established a Medina office to support families of the Indian Hajj pilgrims killed near the city. PM Modi reiterated condolences and aid commitments.
- MP Revokes Ujjain Land Pooling Amid Farmer Protests: The government scrapped plans to acquire 2,378 hectares for 2028 Kumbh Mela infrastructure, averting a major agitation.
- India to Announce Updated Climate NDC by December: Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav stated at COP30 that the Nationally Determined Contribution and Biennial Transparency Report will be released soon.
- NIA Charges Co-Conspirator in Red Fort Blast: Delhi HC remanded Jasir Bilal, linked to a car-borne suicide attack, to 10-day custody. The probe reveals it was a targeted bombing.
- SC Rejects PIL on Air Pollution Crisis: The Supreme Court dismissed a plea for urgent intervention on Delhi's smog but allowed an intervention in an ongoing case.
- Maoist Commander Killed in AP Encounter: Top leader Madvi Hidma was among six Maoists neutralized in a gunfight.
- India Signs US LPG Import Deal: Public sector firms secured a one-year agreement for liquefied petroleum gas from the U.S. Gulf Coast to enhance energy security.
U.S. News
- Bipartisan Push for Full Epstein Files Release: Reps. Khanna, Massie, and Greene urge the Senate to pass the bill unchanged, warning of a "real reckoning." Epstein's brother claims Republicans' names are being redacted. Speaker Johnson cautions against endangering survivors.
- Mass Deportation Op in North Carolina Nets 81 Arrests: ICE's major sweep in Charlotte sparks protests over aggressive enforcement.
- Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild Costs Double to $5.2B: Officials say the project will take two extra years due to complexities.
- FEMA Acting Director Resigns Over Texas Flood Response: The exit follows backlash on handling deaths during recent disasters.
- Zoox Launches Public Robotaxi Rides in San Francisco: Amazon's autonomous vehicle service begins employee and select public trials.
Other Notable Stories
- Sports: India's indigenous anti-submarine craft 'Mahe' joins Navy on Nov 24. Maruti recalls 39,500 Grand Vitara units for defects. Mumbai school kids hospitalized after canteen food poisoning.
- Business/Tech: Indian startups hit record Q3 foreign investments. Geely reports 59% profit surge on EV sales. IIT Kharagpur launches Young Innovators Programme 2025.
- Culture: Nicki Minaj highlights Christian persecution in Nigeria, earning praise for raising awareness on the "body count that's too high to ignore."
- Local U.S.: Montana's Whitefish Mountain Resort opens Dec 4; Grizzlies prep for Brawl of the Wild as No. 2 seed.