Canada has banned Australia Today shortly after the outlet broadcasted a joint press conference featuring India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in Sydney. The conference, where Jaishankar addressed ongoing diplomatic tensions with Canada, was shared on Australia Today's social media platforms, which were subsequently blocked in Canada. India expressed surprise at Canada’s actions, criticizing Ottawa’s approach to freedom of speech as hypocritical. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that the decision further underscores Canada’s tolerance of anti-India elements within its borders.

The US Federal Reserve is set to announce its latest interest rate decision today at 14:00 EST, with experts predicting a second consecutive cut as inflation slows. However, the central bank must also consider the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump's policies, including higher import taxes, which could fuel inflation. Trump's election victory sent the US dollar soaring by 1.65% against other major currencies. Concerns also surround Trump's potential influence on the Fed's decisions, given his past criticism of Chair Jerome Powell and the bank's independence. The Fed's decision will be closely watched by investors and economists alike.

Following Kamala Harris’s defeat in the presidential election to Donald Trump, US President Joe Biden praised her efforts, stating she would "continue to be a champion for all Americans." In a statement issued hours after Trump was officially declared the 47th President, Biden highlighted Harris's historic campaign, noting her dedication and vision for a fairer and more just America. Biden commended her leadership under challenging circumstances and emphasized her strong moral compass and commitment to expanding opportunities for all. Harris’s campaign, he added, exemplified the values of purpose and determination in the pursuit of a better nation.

Donald Trump's presidential win has sparked concerns about his energy policies, particularly regarding renewable energy. Trump plans to end renewable energy projects on day one, targeting offshore wind farms and potentially eliminating or reducing tax credits for renewable energy projects. This move may hinder America's ability to cut emissions and fulfill commitments under the Paris climate accord, which Trump aims to exit. Trump's stance on solar tariffs may slow solar deployments, and his administration's budget cuts could impact the Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. Industry experts predict a mixed impact on solar energy.

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end wars globally, particularly highlighting his ability to stop the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During his victory speech, Trump stated, "I'm not going to start wars, I'm going to stop wars". Geopolitical experts speculate that Trump's focus may be on Ukraine and Israel. Trump's previous administration had a mixed record on Russia, with both imposing sanctions and attempting to improve ties. Trump claims he can end the war within 24 hours of taking office, but details on his plan remain scarce. 

President-elect Donald Trump is set to begin selecting his cabinet members in the coming days and weeks, according to his transition team. Co-chairs Linda McMahon and Howard Lutnick announced that Trump will be presented with a diverse range of experts to choose from, with the goal of assembling a team that will implement policies making life more affordable, safe, and secure for Americans. The transition team's focus is on finding personnel who align with Trump's vision for the country, marking a significant step in shaping his administration's direction.

Kamala Harris called Donald Trump to concede defeat in the U.S. presidential election and congratulated him on his victory. A senior adviser shared that Harris emphasized the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and urged unity, stressing the need to represent all Americans. Trump, who comfortably surpassed the required 270 electoral votes, addressed his supporters in Palm Beach, celebrating a "magnificent victory" and pledging to "make America great again." He reiterated his plans to tackle immigration and promised a "golden age" for the nation. World leaders, including PM Modi, Ukraine’s Zelenskyy and Israel’s Netanyahu, extended early congratulations.

Kashyap “Kash” Patel, of Indian origin and with roots in Gujarat, is reportedly Donald Trump’s top choice for CIA chief following Trump’s recent election victory. Known for his loyalty, Patel has been described as “the man who will do anything for Trump,” according to The Atlantic. Trump previously encouraged Patel, saying, “Get ready, Kash. Get ready.” Patel, raised in New York, has a strong background in national security and law, with degrees from the University of Richmond and University College London. Patel played key roles in Trump's administration, including managing counterterrorism operations against ISIS and al-Qaeda and leading the House Intelligence Committee’s investigation into Russia’s alleged 2016 election interference.

Lebanon’s Civil Defence agency reported 30 deaths from an Israeli air strike on an apartment building in Barja, a town south of Beirut. The attack, which occurred Tuesday evening, destroyed part of the four-story building that was reportedly sheltering displaced individuals. Israeli authorities stated the strike targeted Hezbollah “terror infrastructure.” In Baalbek, 30 additional people were killed in separate strikes on Wednesday. Lebanese media indicated further attacks in southern Lebanon, Beirut’s suburbs, and Baalbek’s Roman temple complex. Hezbollah responded by launching 145 rockets into northern Israel. The ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict has claimed 2,400 lives in Lebanon in six weeks.

Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor, Muhammad Yunus, congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his election win, expressing hopes for collaboration in achieving global peace and stability. Yunus’s message is seen as an indirect response to Trump’s recent Diwali statement, where Trump condemned “barbaric violence” against Hindu communities in Bangladesh. Trump's remarks referenced recent attacks on Hindus and other minorities amid Bangladesh's ongoing political unrest. The violence, which led to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has intensified concerns over minority safety. Trump’s election as the 47th US President marks his return to the White House.