Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced backlash for congratulating Donald Trump on X, a platform banned in Pakistan. Sharif reportedly used VPN to access X, violating Pakistan’s laws after the platform was restricted earlier this year due to national security concerns, especially regarding activity by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Social media users criticized Sharif's actions, with one saying, "If hypocrisy had a face, it would be Shehbaz Sharif." Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office reaffirmed ties with the U.S., calling them “old friends and partners,” while stressing Pakistan’s “strategic” relationship with China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized Congress in Maharashtra, saying it uses states under its rule as "ATMs." Speaking in Akola ahead of the Maharashtra elections, he declared, "We won’t let Maharashtra become the ATM of the Congress." Modi challenged Congress’s commitment to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s legacy, asking, "Did they ever visit Ambedkar’s panchteerth?" He promoted unity, urging voters to follow the mantra "Ek hain toh safe hain" (we are safe if we are united). Modi highlighted BJP’s work, including building four crore houses, and requested support for the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu launched a seaplane demonstration flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to Srisailam in Nandyal district. The demo flight, held at Punnami Ghat on the Krishna River, marked a unique initiative aimed at boosting tourism and economic activity in the state. Naidu, who boarded the seaplane along with Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, expressed his vision for Amaravati as a hub of innovation. The seaplane service is expected to generate employment opportunities and support economic growth, with plans for further expansion across the state.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema announced emergency measures following violent, antisemitic attacks on Israeli football supporters by rioters in the city. Expressing deep shame, Halsema condemned the attackers and highlighted this as a “dark moment” for Amsterdam. The emergency measures cover Amsterdam and the nearby Amstelveen area, allowing police to conduct extra searches, restrict protests, and ban face coverings temporarily. Authorities will also secure buildings deemed potential targets. The swift response aims to protect residents and visitors, addressing rising concerns over escalating antisemitic violence.

Canada abruptly ended its Student Direct Stream (SDS) program on November 8, 2024, discontinuing a fast-track study permit process for international students. Launched in 2018, SDS simplified visa applications for students from 14 countries, including India, China, and the Philippines. Requirements included a $20,635 CAD Guaranteed Investment Certificate and language test scores. The streamlined process allowed successful applicants to secure permits within weeks, compared to the standard 8-week processing time. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) terminated the program without explanation, affecting thousands of students seeking to study in Canada. The move is expected to impact international student enrollment.

At least 24 people were killed and 44 injured in a suspected suicide blast at Quetta's main railway station in Pakistan's Balochistan province. The explosion occurred as a Peshawar-bound train was preparing to depart, targeting army personnel from the Infantry School. CCTV footage showed the crowded platform before the blast, which blew away the roof and scattered bodies across the area. No group has claimed responsibility. Police and hospital officials confirmed the casualties. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in Balochistan, where militant groups have previously carried out attacks. An investigation into the blast is underway.

An Indian delegation led by J.P. Singh, Joint Secretary of the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division, met Afghanistan’s acting Defense Minister Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob and former President Hamid Karzai in a significant diplomatic move. India discussed extending humanitarian aid, including medicines and supplies, and offered Afghanistan access to Iran’s Chabahar Port to support Afghan businesses. During a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal confirmed meetings with senior Afghan ministers and heads of UN agencies, highlighting India’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Afghan people through humanitarian assistance and regional connectivity.

The US government has charged Afghan national Farhad Shakeri, 51, for allegedly being involved in an Iranian plot to assassinate Donald Trump before his election. The Department of Justice unsealed an indictment on Friday, claiming Shakeri was tasked with planning the assassination by an official in Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The plot is said to have been initiated in September, with Shakeri assigned to surveil Trump. The US authorities have not arrested Shakeri, who is believed to be in Iran. Iran has denied the accusations, calling them “completely baseless.”

Elon Musk's net worth has surpassed $300 billion for the first time in nearly three years, driven by a surge in Tesla shares. This increase is linked to Musk's close ties with President-elect Donald Trump, who has expressed support for Tesla's electric vehicle initiatives and SpaceX's Mars ambitions. Trump's backing has boosted investor confidence, with Tesla's stock rising 28% recently, adding $50 billion to Musk's fortune. The Bloomberg Billionaires Index notes Musk's wealth growth outpaces anyone else, reaching $313.7 billion. Analysts believe Musk's strategic relationship with Trump has been a significant factor in this financial gain.

A Russian court has sentenced soldiers Anton Sopov, 21, and Stanislav Rau, 28, to life imprisonment for killing nine members of the Kapkanets family in occupied Ukraine's Donetsk region last year. The victims, including two young children, were murdered while celebrating a birthday at their home. The soldiers were convicted of murder "motivated by political, ideological, racial, national, or religious hatred." Ukrainian officials believed the family was targeted for refusing to surrender their house to Russian troops. The trial, held behind closed doors, marks a rare instance of Russia holding its troops accountable for alleged war crimes.