The Economic Times News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that previous Congress governments sidelined the BJP, naming schemes after one family. He highlighted his government's efforts to honor leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, BR Ambedkar, and Sardar Patel. The Prime Minister inaugurated a memorial in Lucknow, emphasizing his administration's commitment to inclusive recognition of national heroes and equitable welfare scheme implementation.

Country star Keith Urban is reportedly grappling with loneliness and regret following his separation from Nicole Kidman, questioning if their divorce was a huge mistake. Meanwhile, Kidman appears to be embracing her new chapter with upcoming projects and a seemingly carefree holiday. Their communication is strictly through lawyers, with no signs of reconciliation.

2026 Horoscope: As 2026 dawns, astrologers spotlight a rare alignment of eclipses and outer-planet transits set to reshape careers, relationships, and wallets across all zodiac signs. Drawing from NASA's precise eclipse timetablethree potent lunations on March 3 (Virgo), March 17 (Pisces), and August 12 (Leo lunar)these events signal seismic pivots. Saturn enters Aries on May 24, demanding bold career moves. Uranus in Gemini from July 7 stirs financial innovations.

Best Christmas movies to binge watch remain part of yearly viewing habits across homes. These films pass between generations and shape holiday routines. This explainer lists Best Christmas movies to binge watch, explains their themes, history, and cultural role, and why viewers return to them every December.

Wealth quote of the day by Warren Buffett: The Oracle of Omaha, champions patience and strategic action over constant hustle. He emphasizes waiting for genuine opportunities rather than forcing activity, a principle crucial for long-term success in investing and life. This disciplined approach, honed through decades of value investing and transforming Berkshire Hathaway, continues to inspire global audiences.

Another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was beaten to death by a mob in Rajbari, Bangladesh. This incident occurred over an extortion allegation. Mondal was attacked by villagers after he allegedly demanded money from a resident. Police rescued him in critical condition, but he was declared dead at the hospital. This follows another lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh district.

Homeowners can face fines for shoveling snow the wrong way, especially if it goes onto roads. Michigan law and some city rules make improper snow removal illegal. Safe methods include shovels, leaf blowers, heated driveways, and natural solutions like sand or coffee grounds. These tips keep driveways clear, protect pets and the environment, and avoid costly fines.

Christmas Day Parade 2025: Millions of American families kick off Christmas morning the same way each year. They brew coffee, huddle around the TV, and tune into the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. In 2025, this beloved tradition lights up screens on Thursday, December 25. ABC broadcasts it live nationwide, drawing record family viewership. Nielsen data from 2024 shows the parade pulled in over 8 million viewers, topping ABC's holiday lineup. It outpaced rivals by 25% among households

India's exports are set to reach USD 850 billion in 2025-26. This growth faces headwinds from rising protectionism and weakening global demand. New climate-linked trade barriers, like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, will also impact trade. The government is urged to review Free Trade Agreements to boost exports and integrate Indian firms into global value chains.

Rahul Gandhi may inaugurate Ballari's new jeans park. The state government has halved the land allotment price to Rs 67.5 lakh per acre. This initiative aims to revive Ballari as a jeans manufacturing center. The apparel hub will assist small and medium textile businesses. It will also create numerous jobs in North Karnataka.

California will observe Diwali as a state holiday from 2026. This Indian and South Asian American festival of lights will be a day off for state employees and public school students. The holiday falls on November 9 next year, a Monday. Connecticut and Pennsylvania are the only other states with this recognition.

The Indian Army has updated its social media guidelines. Personnel can now access Instagram but only as passive observers. This means they can view content but cannot post or comment. The move aims to enhance digital awareness while preventing sensitive information leaks. Similar restrictions already apply to X.

Many shoppers are confused about Giant stores on Christmas Day 2025. Some Giant locations are open for a few hours, while others are fully closed. The difference depends on which Giant brand operates in your area. Store hours can also change by location, so checking the official store locator before going out is important.

The Assam Christian Forum has demanded a suo motu FIR against miscreants who vandalized Christmas preparations at a school in Nalbari. The forum expressed shock at the destruction of festival items, citing social media videos that clearly identify the perpetrators. They condemned the act, emphasizing its violation of religious freedom and Assam's ethos of unity.

For the second day running, Delhi witnessed a boost in air quality, now categorizing as 'poor' with an AQI reading of 234an encouraging shift from its previous 'severe' status. Nonetheless, the persistent problems caused by vehicular pollutants and emissions from neighboring cities cannot be overlooked. Alarmingly, experts expect a deterioration in air conditions ahead.

The Trump administration plans to restart federal student loan wage garnishment for defaulted borrowers in early 2026. Notices will go out to about 1,000 borrowers the week of January 7. The rollout expands monthly, potentially reaching millions amid a $1.7 trillion federal student loan debt crisis affecting 42.7 million Americans. Default hits after 270 days of missed payments. Up to 15% of disposable pay can then be withheld by employers, without court approval. This ends a pandemic-era pause

Joe Rogan agreed with guest Tom Segura that Donald Trump is losing it, attributing it to age and the stress of past political battles. Rogan expressed disbelief at Trump's actions, like renaming the Kennedy Center and adding insulting plaques in the White House, questioning how such decisions are allowed.

Donald Trump ends 2025 with low approval ratings as more people disapprove than approve. Polls show voters worry about the economy, high prices, and ongoing controversies. Support is strong among Republicans but very low among Democrats and independents. His ratings are lower than most past presidents at the same point. Experts watch closely for 2026 elections.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah champions natural farming, calling chemical fertilizers a cause of diseases. He stated natural farming boosts farmer income, saves water, and improves public health. A comprehensive system is being developed for natural farming produce, from soil testing to global export.

Is Walmart open today on Christmas Day 2025? Many other popular stores like Kroger, Aldi, Target, and Costco will be shut their doors. Consumers will need to plan ahead for any last-minute holiday needs. Stores are expected to reopen on December 26th. This closure affects grocery and retail outlets nationwide.

Operation Sindoor marked a significant shift in India-Pakistan strategic dynamics. India demonstrated conventional strike capabilities without triggering nuclear escalation. This operation challenged Pakistan's nuclear doctrine of ambiguity. It expanded the space for conventional warfare below the nuclear threshold. Pakistan's nuclear weapons remain relevant but are no longer omnipotent.

Some Americans may get rebate checks in 2026. The amount could be up to $2,000 per household. The plan is linked to tax refunds and possible tariff money. Congress still has to approve it. Who qualifies and the exact date are not clear yet. The idea is mainly aimed at helping middle- and lower-income families.

Americans who hit jackpots at casinos stand to gain in 2026. The IRS just confirmed a major shift: the taxable threshold for slot machine winnings rises from $1,200 to $2,000 starting January 1. That's an $800 boostthe first update since 1977. This change stems from the One Big Beautiful (OBBB) Act, signed by President Trump this summer. Casual gamblers won't report wins under $2,000 on tax returns. No more Form W-2G for those smaller payouts. Casinos save on paperwork too, cutting disruptions f

Stephen Hawkings quote encourages us to look beyond everyday worries and embrace curiosity and wonder about the universe. It highlights the importance of critical thinking and questioning, reminding us that lifes struggles are part of a much larger, awe-inspiring existence. This message of hope and intellectual exploration continues to inspire millions.

Finding food on Christmas Day can be difficult because many restaurants are closed. Some fast food chains, coffee shops, and local restaurants stay open with limited hours. Food delivery services are also busy on Christmas. Since openings depend on location and franchise decisions, people should always check local restaurant hours before going out.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is realizing the vision of India envisioned by BJP ideologues Syama Prasad Mookerjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Speaking at the Rashtra Prerna Sthal, Singh highlighted Modi's enhancement of India's global prestige and fulfillment of Mookerjee's vision regarding Article 370.

President Donald Trump is promising the biggest tax refunds ever for Americans in 2026. A White House X post this week showed him in a Santa hat, dashing with a giant $1,000 check for the American People. The check's date? March 10, 2026. This ties to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), passed over summer. It locks in 2017's lower tax rates forever. It hikes standard deductions. It swells the child tax credit. No tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security benefits either.

Bangladesh police have announced a reward for information on attackers who set fire to a Hindu-owned house near Chattogram, amidst a surge in mob violence. This incident follows a series of arson attacks targeting Hindu families in the same area, with five suspects arrested. The violence has sparked widespread protests and international condemnation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed pride in his government's decision to abrogate Article 370. He spoke at the inauguration of the Rashtra Prerna Sthal in Lucknow. The event marked the 101st birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Modi highlighted the BJP's commitment to good governance. He noted the legacy of progress being extended across the nation.

The Dalai Lama's timeless quote, 'Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible,' offers profound wisdom for navigating a stressful world. His message emphasizes that kindness is a conscious choice, empowering individuals to foster understanding and build stronger communities through simple, consistent acts of compassion.

Kerala lottery Karunya Plus KN 603 (25 Dec 2025) results out: The Kerala State Lottery Department announced the Karunya Plus KN 603 lottery results on Friday. The top prize is 1 crore, with second and third prizes of 30 lakh and 5 lakh respectively. Numerous smaller prizes are also available, offering multiple winning opportunities.

The Trinamool Congress has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of silence on Hindu persecution in Bangladesh, while West Bengal's ruling party pledges support to the minority community there. The TMC also highlighted the alleged killing of a West Bengal migrant worker in Odisha, questioning the BJP's stance on similar incidents.

Thirteen railway stations in Delhi are undergoing redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to enhance passenger safety, accessibility, and travel experience. Major upgrades have been completed at New Delhi Railway Station's Ajmeri Gate side, including improved waiting areas and facilities. Redevelopment work has now commenced on the Paharganj side of the station.

A female IT manager alleged she was gang-raped by her company's CEO and a female executive's husband in a moving car after a birthday party. The executive was reportedly present during the incident. Police have detained the three accused for questioning following the survivor's complaint.

Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO, exemplifies grit and vision, overcoming early hardships to lead a tech giant. His philosophy, 'focus on problems that cannot be solved today at all,' drives long-term innovation and capability building. This mindset encourages investing in the future, fostering breakthroughs that reshape industries and redefine what's possible.

China has accused the US of distorting its defense policy to hinder China-India relations. Beijing stated its approach to India is strategic and long-term, asserting border issues are strictly bilateral. A US report suggested China may leverage de-escalation to stabilise ties and prevent deeper US-India cooperation.

Christmas 2025 Party Games: Christmas parties come alive with engaging games and activities for all ages. From 'Pin the Nose on Santa' for kids to 'Christmas Charades' for adults, these simple, low-prep ideas foster fun and connection. Group activities like decoration contests and cookie decorating create shared memories, making celebrations memorable and joyful.

Christmas 2025: Christmas is observed on December 25but it wasn't Jesus's original birthday. Early Christians celebrated on various dates before the fourth century. The date was fixed to align with Roman winter solstice festivals like Saturnalia and the birthday of Sol Invictus, integrating Christian observances with existing cultural practices and traditions.

In 2025, India enacted significant economic reforms to boost competitiveness and resilience amidst global uncertainties. Key initiatives included income-tax relief, GST restructuring, labor code modernisation, and FDI liberalisation in insurance. These measures aimed to stimulate domestic demand, attract investment, and unlock the nation's untapped potential for sustained growth.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the 'Abhyudaya Madhya Pradesh Growth Summit' in Gwalior, launching industrial projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore. These initiatives are expected to create over 1.93 lakh employment opportunities, marking a significant step towards the state's development goals.

A significant security operation in Odisha's Kandhmal district resulted in the neutralization of six Naxalites, including Central Committee member Ganesh Uike. This major breakthrough is seen as a key milestone towards a Naxal-free India, with Odisha nearing complete freedom from Naxalism. The Union Home Ministry reiterated the Centre's commitment to eradicating Left-wing extremism nationwide.

Superfoods are packed with essential nutrients that support overall well-being. Adding them to your daily diet can improve immunity, energy levels, digestion, and long-term health.