As Donald Trump’s election victory raises questions about future US support for Ukraine, President Joe Biden is moving to expedite billions in military aid to Kyiv before leaving office. Biden aims to strengthen Ukraine’s position before Trump, who has criticized US support, takes over. Despite concerns over the shift in US foreign policy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pledged to maintain strong ties with the US. With $64bn already provided, Biden is pushing forward $9bn in additional military assistance, but analysts remain uncertain about Ukraine’s future aid under a Republican-controlled White House.

President Joe Biden called on Americans to “bring down the temperature” after Donald Trump’s overwhelming victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. In a speech from the White House, Biden urged the nation to see each other as "fellow Americans" and promised a "peaceful transfer of power" on January 20. Despite stepping aside for Harris earlier in the campaign, Biden emphasized the need for unity and reassured supporters not to lose hope. World leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, have already pledged cooperation with Trump, signaling a major shift in global politics.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Donald Trump on his electoral victory and expressed readiness to engage in dialogue with him. Speaking at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin praised Trump as a "brave man" and suggested that any ideas aimed at resolving the Ukraine crisis were worth considering. Putin's comments align with his previous stance of seeking territorial concessions from Ukraine. He also shared admiration for Trump's handling of an assassination attempt during a rally in July and implied that Trump had been "bullied" during his first term as US president.

In a rare humanitarian operation, more than 200 seriously ill Palestinians were evacuated from Gaza for treatment in Romania and the UAE, Israel confirmed. Organized by COGAT and the World Health Organization (WHO), 231 patients, including individuals with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and severe trauma, were allowed through the Kerem Shalom crossing. WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reported that around 14,000 people in Gaza still await evacuation for medical reasons. The evacuation highlights the severe healthcare challenges in Gaza, with 19 of 36 hospitals inoperable and others partially functioning amid ongoing conflict.

Anita Lallian, an Indian-origin real estate developer, has purchased the former Los Angeles home of actor Matthew Perry, famed for his role as Chandler Bing in Friends, for $8.55 million. Located in Pacific Palisades, the 3,500-square-foot home offers stunning ocean views and a pool with a Batman logo, a tribute to Perry's love for the character. Lallian held a traditional Hindu puja ceremony, honoring Perry’s legacy before moving in. Despite the property's tragic history, she expressed love for its architectural beauty and plans to preserve select design elements in homage to Perry’s life and career.

The Bank of England has reduced interest rates from 5% to 4.75%, marking the second cut this year as it seeks to ease borrowing costs for households. While the rate reduction provides relief, Governor Andrew Bailey cautioned against expecting rapid future cuts due to inflationary pressures linked to Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s recent budget. The budget, which includes a £70 billion spending package, is projected to raise inflation by 0.5% and GDP by 0.75% next year. Amid economic uncertainties, including US policies under President-elect Donald Trump, Bailey stressed the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to further rate cuts.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that the Indian government is soon launching a comprehensive counter-terrorism policy aimed at eradicating terrorism and strengthening national security. Addressing an anti-terrorism conference in New Delhi, Shah emphasized coordinated action between central and state agencies. He introduced a model for anti-terror squads (ATS) and special task forces (STF) across states to combat terrorism effectively. Shah reiterated India's zero-tolerance stance and underscored that security collaboration is essential to making India a developed nation by 2047, as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi. He assured that the model ATS and STF policy respects state rights.

Outgoing President Joe Biden has congratulated Donald Trump on his election victory and assured a peaceful transfer of power on January 20, 2025. In his address, Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris for her dedication, stating that she "gave her whole heart and effort" to the Democratic campaign. He emphasized that democracy respects the will of the people and assured Americans of a smooth transition. Trump’s win makes him the first U.S. president in 132 years to secure non-consecutive terms, winning 295 electoral votes to Harris’ 226, with votes still being counted in Arizona and Nevada.

The Bank of England has reduced interest rates by 0.25%, bringing them down to 4.75% from 5%, marking the lowest rate in over a year. This second cut of 2024 follows the August reduction when inflation hit its 2% target. Intended to lower borrowing costs for UK mortgage holders and first-time homebuyers, the cut also reduces returns on savings. In the Bank’s quarterly report, forecasts indicate a boost to GDP next year from tax measures, while inflation pressures are expected to persist. Governor Andrew Bailey and Bank officials will discuss further rate projections at a press conference at 12:30 pm.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, initially set for an eight-day mission, has spent six months in space due to a Starliner malfunction. Her prolonged stay has sparked health concerns, with recent images showing weight loss and a gaunt appearance. Dr. Vinay Gupta, a Seattle-based pulmonologist, noted signs of calorie deficit and strain from space’s unique challenges. Despite NASA’s assurances of routine health monitoring, concerns linger as no immediate rescue is available until February, when a Dragon capsule is scheduled for retrieval. NASA’s spokesperson emphasized that Williams and fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore are closely monitored by flight surgeons.