As Donald Trump threatens 100% tariffs on BRICS nations, including India, over the proposed development of a new currency to challenge the US dollar, India remains cautious. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed skepticism about adopting a BRICS currency, citing concerns over alignment of fiscal and monetary policies among member nations. India’s strong trade relations with the US, which recently became its leading trading partner, further complicate the situation. While India supports reducing reliance on the dollar, it is wary of disrupting its economic and strategic interests in the global arena.

Cricket Australia (CA) faced criticism as Indian players were forced to run to the dressing room in the rain during the first day of the practice match against the Prime Minister's XI in Canberra. The bus dropped players outside the venue due to heavy rain, and no proper arrangements, including umbrellas, were made for their safety. This incident recalls similar issues during the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While the first day's play was washed out, the second day began on time but was soon interrupted by rain, reducing the match to 46 overs per innings.

  Munni Saha, a senior Bangladesh journalist, was mobbed in Dhaka's Kawran Bazar area on December 1, 2024. The mob accused her of "trying to make Bangladesh part of India" as she was surrounded and heckled. Police rescued her after she suffered a panic attack, later releasing her due to her health and status as a woman journalist. Saha, previously charged following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, faces growing criticism amid concerns over minority Hindu rights in Bangladesh.

Francis Ekka, the husband of TMC leader Amrita Ekka, was arrested in Darjeeling district, West Bengal, on November 26 for possessing classified DRDO documents and a large quantity of radioactive Californium. A joint raid by the Army and West Bengal Police in Belgachi village led to the seizure, valued at Rs 17 crore per gram. Ekka, unable to explain his possession of the materials, is being interrogated for potential foreign links. He has been charged with smuggling sensitive materials, and his residence is sealed as part of the ongoing investigation.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal announced that the party will go solo in the upcoming Delhi Assembly polls, dealing a setback to the opposition INDIA bloc. With elections expected early next year, Kejriwal’s decision to not form any alliances signals a potential fracture in the opposition unity. The AAP currently holds 62 of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. Kejriwal also addressed a recent incident where a liquid substance was thrown at him during a padyatra, criticizing the central government’s handling of law and order in the city.

Joe Root has broken the record for the most fourth-innings runs in Test cricket, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar. Root’s unbeaten 23 during England’s successful chase against New Zealand pushed his fourth-innings tally to 1630 runs, surpassing Tendulkar’s 1625 runs. Root achieved this feat in just 49 innings, compared to Tendulkar’s 60. With 12,777 Test runs, Root is now the fifth-highest run-scorer in Test history. Despite a duck in the first innings, Root’s record highlights his consistency in high-pressure situations, solidifying his legacy as one of the modern era's finest Test batters.

Manish Tiwari, founder of Here and Now 365, was honored as British Indian of the Year 2024 at the Viksit Bharat Investment Summit. Reflecting on the achievements of Indian migrants, he stated, “Indian migrants are transforming the UK’s cultural and business landscape. Together, we can build ecosystems that are not only profitable but also deeply purposeful.” The summit, hosted by the Indo-European Business Forum (IEBF), brought together European ambassadors, diplomats, business leaders, and Indian officials to explore opportunities in trade and innovation. Speaking at the event, IEBF founder Vijay Goel said, “In the world of trade, no partnership is soaring faster than the European-Indian collaboration.” Under Manish Tiwari’s leadership, Here and Now 365 has emerged as the UK’s largest multicultural advertising consultancy, designing campaigns that resonate with diverse ethnic communities. The organization exemplifies the potential of cross-cultural collaboration, fostering inclusivity and understanding. Prominent figures attending included Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad, Baroness Sandip Verma, and Paul Scully. The event highlighted the pivotal role of Indian talent in shaping global business landscapes, fostering innovation, and building strong economic ties between India and the UK.

Prominent Bangladeshi journalist Munni Saha was mobbed in Dhaka’s Karwan Bazar on Saturday, accused of being an Indian agent and supporting ousted PM Sheikh Hasina. Her car was intercepted by a crowd, prompting police intervention. Taken to Tejgaon Police Station and later the Dhaka Metropolitan Detective Branch office for safety, Saha was not arrested but suffered a panic attack. Police clarified she faces four cases and must seek bail. The incident highlights rising harassment of journalists under caretaker PM Muhammad Yunus. Protests against media outlets like Prothom Alo and Daily Star continue amidst intensified scrutiny.

Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have captured most of Aleppo, including its airport, in a swift offensive that began Wednesday. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad condemned the attack, pledging to defend Syria's stability and launch a counter-offensive. Insurgents also seized four towns in Hama province, raising concerns over the regime's military preparedness. Syria's armed forces acknowledged losses, redeploying troops to counter the rebels. The U.S. urged de-escalation and political solutions, stating its non-involvement in the offensive. The situation marks a significant blow to Assad's control in northern Syria, sparking fears of further escalation.

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, has denied US allegations of paying over $250 million in bribes to Indian officials for solar energy contracts. Speaking at the 51st Gem and Jewellery Awards in Jaipur, Adani declared, “Every attack makes us stronger.” He reaffirmed the group's commitment to regulatory compliance and dismissed the claims as “baseless.” US prosecutors also accused Adani executives of misleading investors about anti-bribery practices. The allegations have sparked political uproar in India, with opposition demanding a probe. The Indian government clarified the issue involves private entities and the US Department of Justice, with no prior notification.