In a striking display of civility, President Joe Biden welcomed his political adversary Donald Trump back to the White House, where they pledged a smooth and respectful transition of power. Biden, who did not seek re-election this cycle, extended a hand to Trump—who recently won the presidential race after defeating Kamala Harris—marking a sharp departure from Trump’s 2020 refusal to acknowledge Biden's victory.

"Welcome back," Biden, now 81, said as he shook hands with the 78-year-old Trump, standing by a warm fire in the Oval Office. The exchange, while civil, carried tension; Biden has frequently criticized Trump, asserting he represents a threat to democratic values. Despite the differences, Biden committed to facilitating a seamless transition, stating, "We’ll do all we can to ensure you’re accommodated."

Trump, who previously rallied a crowd that stormed the Capitol in 2021, responded with unexpected graciousness, acknowledging that while politics can be harsh, "today it’s a nice world, and I appreciate it." He affirmed that the transition would be as "smooth as you can get," even as certain legal documents necessary for his January 20 inauguration remain unsigned.

Absent from the Oval Office was Melania Trump, while outgoing First Lady Jill Biden offered Trump a handwritten note for Melania, wishing her well in the role. Also present were Biden’s chief of staff Jeff Zients and Trump’s incoming chief of staff Susie Wiles, underscoring the transition's formality.

In a brief but pointed discussion, Biden emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine, an issue Trump has questioned during his campaign. Biden’s invitation restored a historic White House tradition of peaceful transition, something Trump notably dismissed four years ago by declining to meet Biden or attend the inauguration. For now, at least, civility and protocol have returned to the Oval Office, even as partisan divides persist

Donald Trump, the newly elected U.S. President, has tapped tech magnate Elon Musk to lead a newly proposed "Department of Government Efficiency." Joining Musk in this mission will be Indian-American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. Trump, who had hinted at creating this role during his campaign, highlighted Musk and Ramaswamy as the perfect team to “dismantle government bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and overhaul federal agencies.”

In a statement, Trump praised the duo’s abilities, saying, “Elon and Vivek will pave the way for a leaner, more efficient government and make life better for all Americans.” He emphasized that their mandate would be to target and eliminate “massive waste and fraud,” part of the broader goals of his “Save America” agenda.

Trump's admiration for Musk was clear throughout his campaign, often referring to him as an “amazing and super genius guy.” Musk, a high-profile backer of Trump, donated over $100 million to his re-election effort and actively campaigned in Pennsylvania, where his influence was widely noted. “A new star is born—Elon,” Trump declared during his victory speech, adding that Musk had personally connected with voters across Pennsylvania in the final weeks leading up to Election Day.

Since then, Musk’s involvement has only grown. On November 9, Trump reportedly invited Musk to join a call with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the conversation, Zelensky thanked Musk for his Starlink internet service, which has been critical in Ukraine, though the main discussion was between Trump and Zelensky.

With Musk and Ramaswamy poised to lead Trump’s anti-bureaucracy crusade, the forthcoming administration’s focus on efficiency and reform is clear. Their unconventional leadership aims to make federal operations faster, leaner, and, in Musk’s style, “built to last.”

An Iranian man, Farhad Shakeri, has been charged by the U.S. Justice Department in connection with an alleged plot by Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Shakeri, 51, who U.S. authorities have identified as an “Iranian asset,” was reportedly tasked by the Iranian regime in October 2023 to orchestrate Trump’s killing. The plot, which was foiled before it could be executed, came after two previous assassination attempts on Trump’s life, including a bullet grazing his ear at a Pennsylvania rally in July 2023. A second attempt occurred later that year in Florida when shots were fired near Trump’s location, though he was unharmed.

Attorney General Merrick Garland confirmed the charges, stating that Shakeri was directed by the Iranian regime to lead a network of criminal associates to carry out the assassination. FBI Director Christopher Wray also commented on the case, highlighting the ongoing threats posed by the IRGC to U.S. citizens, including political leaders like Trump. The IRGC, designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government, has been accused of plotting to silence individuals critical of the Iranian regime.

Shakeri, who had immigrated to the U.S. as a child, was deported in 2008 after being convicted of robbery. Authorities believe he is currently in Iran. In addition to the Trump plot, Shakeri has been charged with hiring two men in New York, Carlisle Rivera and Jonathan Loadholt, to murder an Iranian-American who had publicly opposed the Iranian government.

With Trump’s return to the White House anticipated in January 2024, his security has been heightened, with robotic dogs now deployed to patrol his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump both expressed openness to holding talks following Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election. In a statement at the Valdai forum in Sochi, Putin congratulated Trump on his win, acknowledging the Republican tycoon’s success in defeating Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris. When asked about the possibility of dialogue with the newly elected president, Putin responded simply, "Ready."

Trump, for his part, also signaled a willingness to engage in discussions with Putin. In an interview with NBC News, he revealed that he had already spoken with approximately 70 world leaders since his election results were announced, though he confirmed that a conversation with Putin had not yet taken place. The U.S. president-elect also noted that despite Putin’s earlier comments about preferring Kamala Harris to win, Moscow had long appreciated Trump’s anti-establishment stance and the disruptive influence he brought to both U.S. and global politics.

Putin’s comments highlighted his admiration for Trump’s resilience in the face of adversity. Referring to a recent assassination attempt on Trump during a rally, Putin described the U.S. leader as "courageous," emphasizing that extraordinary circumstances reveal a person’s true character. "He showed himself in a very correct manner, courageously. Like a man," Putin said.

The relationship between Trump and Putin has long been a subject of international intrigue. During Trump’s first term, Russia was accused of interfering in the 2016 U.S. presidential election to support his campaign, though the Kremlin denied these allegations. Furthermore, reports suggest that the two leaders had frequent private communications during Trump’s presidency, including instances where Trump reportedly sent Russia much-needed Covid-19 tests.

Chinese President Xi Jinping congratulated U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the 2024 presidential election, calling for strengthened dialogue and cooperation between the world’s two largest economies. In a message on Thursday, Xi emphasized the need to properly manage differences and expand mutually beneficial collaboration, stressing that the relationship between China and the United States must be handled in a way that benefits both nations and the global community.

Xi underscored that the history of China-U.S. relations demonstrates the benefits of cooperation and the risks of confrontation. He urged both countries to strengthen communication, respect each other's core interests, and work toward a stable, sustainable relationship. “History teaches that China and the United States gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation,” Xi said, calling for a focus on mutual respect and peaceful coexistence. He expressed hope that the two countries would build a more stable partnership in the coming years, fostering cooperation in areas such as trade, technology, and regional security.

On the same day, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng congratulated J.D. Vance on his election as Vice President of the United States. Despite the cordial congratulatory messages, Beijing's response to Trump’s re-election was cautious, reflecting concerns over the ongoing trade tensions and broader geopolitical issues. During Trump’s first term, the U.S. imposed tariffs on over $380 billion worth of Chinese goods, a policy that Trump threatened to intensify in his second term.

The return of Trump to the White House raises uncertainties for China, particularly amid its economic slowdown. State-run media have suggested that the next four years could present opportunities to manage bilateral tensions, particularly on issues such as trade, Taiwan, and the South China Se

In a disturbing incident near Toronto, a Hindu temple was stormed by a group reportedly linked to "anti-India elements," leading to violent clashes with police and devotees. The Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton was the scene of unrest during Diwali celebrations when a mob attacked worshippers, prompting a strong condemnation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He stated, “The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.”

Videos shared by journalists captured the chaos, showing police officers clashing with devotees who were waving Indian flags. Eyewitness accounts described officers using force against protesters, with one woman filming the altercation expressing concern as an officer appeared to strike a protester.

The incident has been framed within the context of rising tensions between Canada and India, particularly following Trudeau's allegations that India was involved in the assassination of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In response to the temple attack, the Indian embassy expressed disappointment, claiming the violence was orchestrated by "anti-India elements" and highlighting recent disruptions at similar events in Surrey and Vancouver.

As investigations continue, the events at the Hindu Sabha Mandir underscore the increasing challenges faced by faith communities amid broader geopolitical tensions.

The recent attack at a Hindu temple in Canada's Brampton has angered Indo-Canadians with a prominent member of the country's parliament saying the anti-India extremists have crossed a "red line".

"A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada," Chandra Arya wrote on X this morning.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed a "tooth-breaking" response to Israel's ongoing military actions, heightening tensions in the region. His comments come on the heels of a recent Israeli commando raid in Lebanon and a series of confrontations linked to Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Khamenei emphasized that both the U.S. and Israel should expect a severe retaliation from Iran-aligned groups across the Middle East, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and factions in Yemen and Syria.

Kamal Kharrazi, a senior advisor to Khamenei, indicated that Iran might reconsider its nuclear policy if it perceives an existential threat, stating, "If an existential threat arises, Iran will modify its nuclear doctrine." This statement reflects Iran's ongoing tensions with Israel, which escalated after an October 1 missile strike from Iran was met with an Israeli bombing campaign on October 26, reportedly killing four Iranian soldiers.

In a separate incident, Israeli naval commandos captured a senior Hezbollah operative in Batroun, Lebanon, prompting condemnation from Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who called for a complaint to the United Nations.

As violence escalates, conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate. The World Health Organization reported a missile strike on a polio vaccination center that injured six, including children. Civilian casualties in Gaza have reportedly surpassed 43,000 since hostilities resumed. In Lebanon, Israeli airstrikes have intensified, leading to nearly 2,000 deaths.

In response to these developments, the U.S. has deployed B-52 bombers to the region, warning Iran that Washington may not be able to restrain Israel should hostilities escalate further.

An Israeli airstrike early Tuesday hit a five-story building in the northern Gaza Strip, where displaced Palestinians were sheltering, resulting in at least 60 deaths, including many women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The strike occurred in Beit Lahiya, with Dr. Marwan al-Hams reporting that 17 individuals remain missing.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, announced the election of Sheikh Naim Kassem as its new leader after the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month. Kassem, who served as Nasrallah's deputy for over 30 years, vowed to continue the group’s policies "until victory is achieved."

The Israeli military has conducted extensive operations in northern Gaza for over three weeks, targeting alleged Hamas militants. However, many civilians have been caught in the crossfire, leading to a growing humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military claims it aims for precision in its strikes while minimizing civilian casualties.

Dr. Hossam Abu Safiya from Kamal Adwan Hospital reported that the facility was overwhelmed with casualties from the latest strike, following a recent Israeli raid that resulted in the detention of numerous medical staff.

As tensions escalate, Israel's parliament passed laws that could restrict the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, further complicating the humanitarian situation. This military operation has reportedly resulted in over 43,000 Palestinian deaths, exacerbating fears among the population about ongoing military strategies that some believe could lead to mass displacement or further violence.

The conflict, which began after a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, has seen significant casualties on both sides, heightening international concerns over the humanitarian impact of the ongoing violence.

In the final stretch leading up to Election Day, both former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are actively courting key voter demographics in battleground states. Trump has been rallying evangelical voters in Georgia, while Harris is emphasizing her manufacturing initiatives during a tour in Michigan.

Trump's outreach included a three-hour podcast appearance on Joe Rogan's show and a rally in New York, aimed at solidifying support among independent and male voters. However, the rally featured some controversial remarks from warm-up acts that undermined Trump's efforts to connect with minority communities. During the podcast, Trump criticized the Biden administration's semiconductor legislation, asserting he would have achieved similar outcomes through high tariffs.

Harris, leveraging these moments, criticized Trump's remarks while highlighting her tour of a semiconductor facility that recently benefited from a significant investment under the Chips and Science Act. She framed the legislation as a critical step in making the U.S. competitive against China, emphasizing the importance of domestic manufacturing.

As Biden cast an early ballot in Delaware, he condemned Musk's recent initiative offering $1 million prizes to registered voters in swing states, describing it as "totally inappropriate." Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has filed a lawsuit against Musk's super PAC, claiming the giveaway resembles an unlawful lottery that endangers voter privacy and may violate federal laws regarding incentivizing voting.

In a bid to strengthen her appeal to working-class voters, Harris toured a training facility for union workers in Michigan, emphasizing her commitment to job creation and economic mobility through partnerships with unions. The vice president is actively working to bolster support among blue-collar voters, particularly in key northern states crucial for Democratic prospects.

Meanwhile, Trump participated in a National Faith Summit, addressing evangelical concerns and attempting to solidify his support within that demographic. However, he faced criticism for awkwardly navigating questions about his faith and the negative remarks made by his supporters during his rally.

Harris also took aim at Trump over derogatory comments made about Puerto Rico during his rally, promising to advocate for the territory's economic development. The vice president's efforts are further bolstered by endorsements from major unions and support from cultural figures like Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny.

As the campaigns intensify, both candidates are focusing on their strategies to mobilize voters, with each aiming to capitalize on the other's missteps in a rapidly changing political landscape.