Reliance Retail, led by Mukesh and Isha Ambani, is temporarily closing its Centro department stores as part of a major restructuring plan aimed at promoting in-house brands and adopting a shop-in-shop model. This revamp follows the rebranding of Future Group’s Central stores as Centro in 2022. Three stores have already closed, with 20 more expected by month-end. Brands have been asked to remove inventory for the planned renovations. The redesigned stores will focus on Reliance’s labels, such as Azorte and Yousta, and international brands like Gap and Superdry, repositioning Reliance in the evolving retail market.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as the new Director of National Intelligence. Announced on November 13, Trump praised Gabbard’s “fearless spirit” and extensive experience, expressing confidence that she would lead the intelligence community effectively. Gabbard, a military veteran and former presidential candidate, is known for her independent political stance and strong national security views. Trump emphasized her commitment to safeguarding constitutional rights and achieving peace through strength. Gabbard’s appointment reflects Trump’s bipartisan approach, alongside Senator Marco Rubio’s nomination as Secretary of State, indicating a diverse cabinet under his administration.

An Israeli airstrike hit southern Beirut, Lebanon, shortly after Israel issued an evacuation warning to residents in Hezbollah-controlled areas. The strike targeted facilities associated with the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, intensifying Israel's military campaign, which has escalated since September. Avichay Adraee, an Israeli military spokesperson, urged civilians to evacuate specific neighborhoods, warning they were near Hezbollah assets that would soon be targeted. Images from the site showed plumes of smoke rising over the Shouaifat al-Omrousiya and Ghobeiry areas, as the region faces ongoing tension over Hezbollah’s presence and activity in Lebanon.

A C.I.A. official, Asif W. Rahman, has been charged with leaking classified U.S. intelligence regarding Israel’s potential military response to an Iranian missile strike. Rahman, arrested in Cambodia by the F.B.I., faces two counts under the Espionage Act for unauthorized transmission of national defense information. The documents, originating from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, detail sensitive satellite imagery and intelligence on Israeli military assets possibly intended for use in a strike on Iran. The leak underscores U.S. surveillance of close allies and has prompted a major investigation by the F.B.I. into national security concerns.

Indian stock markets witnessed sharp declines for two consecutive days, wiping out Rs 13 lakh crore from investors. The BSE Sensex dropped by 984 points to 77,690.95, hitting a four-month low, while the NSE Nifty fell by 324 points to 23,559.05. Rising retail inflation at 6.21%, foreign fund outflows, and disappointing Q2 earnings fueled this decline. Financial, auto, and capital goods stocks took major hits. Additionally, the weakening rupee, higher U.S. bond yields, and sectoral dips in mid and small-cap shares contributed to market volatility, raising concerns for investors as global economic pressures continue.

In a historic Oval Office meeting, President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump pledged a “smooth” transition of power, marking Trump’s first return to the White House in four years. Biden assured Trump his team would “do everything we can to make sure you’re accommodated.” Trump expressed gratitude for Biden’s commitment to a seamless handover, contrasting with the contentious post-2020 election period. Notably, First Lady Jill Biden welcomed Trump, while Melania Trump did not attend. As they met, Senate Republicans selected John Thune as majority leader, and Republicans secured control of the House, solidifying Trump’s support in Congress.

In a harrowing incident in Jalgaon, Maharashtra, a pregnant woman, two relatives, and a doctor narrowly escaped an ambulance explosion on Wednesday evening. The ambulance driver noticed smoke emerging from the vehicle while transporting the woman to Jalgaon District Hospital. He immediately stopped on a flyover, quickly evacuating all passengers. Moments later, the vehicle burst into flames as the oxygen cylinder detonated. Jalgaon District Collector Ayush Prasad has launched an investigation, instructing police and transport officials to submit a report. The woman was transferred safely to the hospital with another ambulance arranged on the scene.

A bomb threat disrupted operations at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after an anonymous caller warned of an Azerbaijan-bound passenger carrying explosives on Wednesday afternoon. The caller alleged that a man named Mohammad was transporting the explosives. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) swiftly alerted Sahar Police, prompting heightened security at the airport and an immediate investigation. The caller did not specify flight details and abruptly ended the call around 3 PM. Authorities are thoroughly investigating and working to trace the caller. This threat follows a series of recent hoax bomb threats impacting Indian airlines and airports.

Tensions flared in Rajasthan's Tonk district during the Deoli-Uniara assembly bypoll as violence broke out after Independent candidate Naresh Meena allegedly assaulted SDM Amit Chaudhary at a polling booth in Samravata village. Following the incident, clashes ensued between police and Meena's supporters, leading to stone-pelting, arson, and the torching of multiple vehicles. Police arrested 60 individuals, and additional forces were deployed to restore order. Tonk SP Vikas Sangwan reported that legal action would be taken against Meena. Voting resumed peacefully after authorities intervened, but the situation remains tense as officials continue to monitor the area.

India took a 2-1 lead in the four-match T20I series as Tilak Varma’s maiden century guided them to a thrilling 11-run win over South Africa in Centurion. Tilak scored an unbeaten 107 off 56 balls, hitting eight fours and seven sixes, helping India reach 219/6. South Africa’s Marco Jansen nearly turned the game around with a rapid 54 off 17 balls, but Arshdeep Singh’s timely dismissal of Jansen sealed India’s win. Heinrich Klaasen’s 22-ball 41 gave South Africa hope, but they ultimately fell short, ending at 208/7 in the chase.