Massive Fire in Hong Kong Leaves 40 Dead, Hundreds Missing in High-Rise Inferno – 11/28/2025, 12:25:13 PM

French military service program: French President Emmanuel Macron announced details of a new voluntary military service program set to be rolled out from mid-2026, targeting volunteers aged 18 and 19.[1]

North Korea condemns U.S.-South Korea drills: The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s official news agency condemned U.S.-Republic of Korea military drills and arms buildup on Friday, calling Washington “the chieftain threatening the peace and stability.”[1]

Trump immigration policies: U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to permanently pause immigration from “Third World countries,” and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services said it will reexamine green card holders from 19 “countries of concern,” including Afghanistan.[1]

Ukraine-U.S. peace discussions: Ukrainian and U.S. delegations will continue discussions on a U.S.-proposed peace plan at the end of this week, according to Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s presidential office.[1]

Israeli airstrikes in Syria: Israeli airstrikes early Friday killed at least 10 people, including women and children, in the town of Beit Jinn in southwestern Damascus, following reported clashes between Israeli troops and local residents, Syrian state media reported.[1]

West Bank tensions: At least 25 Palestinians were injured and 119 others detained in the northern West Bank city of Tubas as an Israeli military operation entered its second day.[1]

European concerns over Israeli settler violence: France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy condemned what they called a “massive increase” in Israeli settler violence against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank.[1]

Guinea-Bissau coup concerns: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned a coup perpetrated by military elements in Guinea-Bissau and any attempts to violate the constitutional order.[1]

Istanbul security operation: Turkish police detained 1,022 people for various crimes during a large-scale security operation across Istanbul on Friday.[1]

Sri Lanka natural disasters: Sri Lankan authorities closed government offices and schools Friday as the death toll from landslides and floods across the country rose to 56.[2]

Indonesia rescue efforts: Rescuers continued searching in rivers and rubble of devastated villages for bodies and possible survivors after floods and landslides on Sumatra island killed 49 people.[2]

Hong Kong fire: At least 40 people are dead and hundreds missing after a massive fire engulfed high-rise apartment buildings in Hong Kong.[2]