The Economic Times News

Delhi braces for a difficult start to the week. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for very dense fog. Temperatures will remain chilly, severely affecting visibility. Pollution levels are dangerously high. The Air Quality Index is in the 'very poor' category, with some areas reaching 'severe'. Humidity is also extremely high, worsening conditions.

RSS leader Arun Kumar warned that Public Interest Litigations are being misused, harming society. He spoke at a convention where advocates passed a resolution. They are demanding faster judge appointments. The delay in filling court positions weakens the justice system. This impacts ordinary citizens, especially the poor. The resolution calls for time-bound appointments to ensure access to justice.

The New York Times Mini Crossword offers a quick, stimulating mental challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. This compact, five-by-five grid, known for its cleverly written clues, has become a daily ritual for many, fostering friendly competition. While accessible, the Mini can be surprisingly tricky, often leading players to seek hints and answers.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for India to become a Vishwaguru, driven by global necessity. He highlighted the resurgence of Sanatana Dharma and the interconnectedness of Bharat, the Hindu nation, Sanatana Dharma, and Hindutva. Bhagwat stressed that achieving this status requires sustained hard work and the organization of the Hindu community worldwide.

Dhaka has rejected India's concerns regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. Dhaka states that India's narrative is inaccurate and exaggerated. Bangladesh also raised concerns about incidents targeting minority communities in India. Dhaka believes all countries must protect their minorities. The two nations are exchanging views on minority welfare.

Quote of the Day: Brigitte Bardot, the iconic actress and animal rights activist, passed away at 91. Her powerful quote, To possess a fur coat is to wear a cemetery on one's back, condemned the fur industry with moral outrage. Bardot dedicated her later life to animal welfare, leaving behind a legacy of uncompromising advocacy.

West Bengal Police warn citizens about a loan fraud racket active on social media. Scammers are using Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's name and photos to promote fake government loan schemes. They lure victims with instant loans without CIBIL scores. Victims are asked for personal details and advance fees. Police urge people to avoid suspicious links and apps.

News headlines December 29: India is seeing a significant drop in malaria cases. The civil aviation ministry has established a 24x7 control room for passenger assistance. Rolls Royce aims to make India a home market for its jet engines and naval propulsion. China's Maglev train has set a new speed record. In sports, Joe Root achieved a major career milestone.

Gold, Silver prices prediction: Analysts said silver prices may move higher USD 80-85 per ounce globally, due to global supplies constraints.

Sun Tzu's supreme art of war emphasizes subduing the enemy without fighting, valuing strategy, deception, and preparation over bloodshed. This approach prioritizes knowledge, patience, and balance, leading to victory with minimal destruction. The principle extends beyond warfare, highlighting the power of influence and restraint in resolving everyday struggles.

U.S. Stock Market outlook: S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all fell less than 0.1 per cent on Friday.

NYT Connections puzzle #931 on December 28, 2025, challenges players with four categories: shipping containers, stillness, watch parts, and playful dog names. The game, a daily word puzzle, requires sorting 16 words into four groups of four, with difficulty levels indicated by colour. Hints and solutions are provided for those seeking assistance.

Vijay Sales has started its Apple Days Sale. The sale runs until January 4, 2026. Customers can find discounts on the latest iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Apple accessories. Special offers include loyalty points and exchange bonuses. Demo and open units are also available at reduced prices. Bank offers provide additional instant discounts on purchases.

Millions are hooked on the daily New York Times Wordle, a five-letter guessing game. Launched in 2021, its simple format and shareable results led to a swift acquisition by the NYT. Players get six tries to decipher the word, with color-coded clues guiding their progress. Today's puzzle, #1653, was a moderate challenge, hinting at a word related to religious leadership.

2025 fashion presented a dichotomy of styles, from the understated elegance of Quiet Luxury and Old Money to the playful chaos of Eclectic Grandpa and Y3K futurism. Denim, quirky accessories like Labubu dolls, and a sporty-preppy fusion also defined the year's trends, showcasing a bold experimentation with identity and vision.

From Sid-Kiaras daughter Saraayah to Raghav-Parineetis son Neer, 2025 was a landmark year for celebrity parents. This comprehensive roundup covers the star kids born this year, detailing their birth dates, meaningful names like Evaarah and Fatehsinh, and the heartwarming journey of their famous parents from marriage to parenthood.

Uday Kotak, founder of Kotak Mahindra Bank, shares his thoughts as 2025 concludes. He highlights the technological and economic advancements his generation has witnessed. Kotak also points to potential losses such as reduced in-person interactions and environmental issues. He expresses hope for a more sensitive and balanced 2026.

Sigachi Industries Managing Director and CEO Amit Raj Sinha has been arrested. The arrest is linked to the explosion at the company's pharma plant in Sangareddy district. The incident on June 30 killed 46 people. Several others were injured and some remain missing. Police have registered a case against six individuals from the pharmaceutical company.

Quote of the Day: Maya Angelou's powerful quote, Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible, highlights the destructive nature of bias. Her life, marked by hardship and resilience, informed her profound insights into societal divisions. Angelou's words urge us to confront inherited hatred to achieve clarity and compassion.

Kerala Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan announced that the Congress party will allocate up to 50% of its Assembly election seats to women and young candidates. This move aligns with the AICC's policy and Rahul Gandhi's commitment to greater representation, ensuring opportunities for the younger generation without sidelining senior leaders.

Salman Khan's upcoming movie Galwan's teaser, released on his birthday, has sparked a debate online. Fans are comparing a scene of Salman standing alone on a battlefield to the iconic Battle of the Bastards from Game of Thrones, leading to mixed reactions and discussions about cinematic inspiration.

Heath Ledger, renowned for his iconic roles, once revealed he destroyed his career to rebuild it after feeling stifled by a lack of creative control. He emphasized the importance of quality and purpose over constant success, advocating for taking control to shape a life and career that truly reflects one's identity.

On its 140th Foundation Day, Rahul Gandhi declared the Congress represents India's soul, supporting the weak and hardworking. He vowed to fight for truth, courage, and the Constitution against injustice and dictatorship, honoring the party's legacy of freedom and democratic values.

on Sunday made a strong case for India building its own sovereign AI capabilities, warning that unchecked dependence on foreign technologies could pose serious economic and strategic risks for the country, as he stressed that artificial intelligence has emerged as a defining force of the fourth industrial revolution.

Kobe Bryant, a legendary athlete, believed true greatness lies in inspiring others to achieve their dreams. His principles of discipline, self-belief, and hard work emphasize that personal success is amplified by motivating those around you. This enduring message encourages us to uplift others through our actions and support their aspirations.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the medical fraternity at the 100th IMA NATCON 2025, highlighting their courage during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized their crucial role in India's transformation into a developed nation by 2047 and encouraged the integration of AI while preserving the human touch in healthcare.

Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani inaugurated the Sharadchandra Pawar Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Baramati, Maharashtra. The Adani Group has partnered with Vidya Pratishthan to enhance AI collaboration, emphasizing the transformative potential of AI for India's progress and capability building.

The Unnao rape victim expressed hope for justice from the Supreme Court as the CBI challenges the Delhi High Court's decision to suspend Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence. The Supreme Court will hear the CBI's appeal on December 29, following Sengar's conviction in 2019.

Two key suspects in the murder of Inquilab Moncho leader Sharif Osman Hadi have reportedly fled Bangladesh. They are believed to be in India, having crossed the border into Meghalaya. The suspects, Faisal Karim Masud and Alamgir Sheikh, were allegedly aided by local contacts. Hadi was a prominent youth leader and parliamentary candidate.

China's finance ministry plans proactive fiscal policies for next year. The focus will be on boosting domestic demand and technological innovation. Investment in new productive forces and people's development will be expanded. The social security system will be improved with better healthcare and education. Urban and rural integration will be promoted. China aims for around 5% economic growth in 2026.

Before becoming Indias financial capital, Mumbai existed as a cluster of seven separate islands that were gradually merged into the bustling metropolis we know today. From isolated islands to a unified megacity, Mumbais journey remains one of the most remarkable urban transformations in Indian history.

The Supreme Court will hear the CBI's plea challenging the Delhi High Court's order suspending expelled BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar's life sentence in the Unnao rape case. The CBI argues the high court erred in not considering Sengar a public servant under POCSO. The court will also hear a separate petition challenging the suspension.

Mobile internet services have been restored in Assam's Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts after a week of violence that claimed two lives and injured over 170 people. The restoration follows an improvement in the law and order situation, with security forces remaining deployed in affected areas.

Steroid use is surging across Australia, a growing concern despite a ban on non-medical use. Data shows a nearly 40 percent rise in users over seven years. Many users seek advice online due to stigma from medical professionals. Quitting steroids presents significant health risks, including depression. Australia's health sector needs to address this issue more effectively.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has provided West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer with 'Y-plus' category armed security cover from the CISF. This decision, based on an intelligence threat perception report, comes as the crucial Special Intensive Revision drive, aimed at updating electoral rolls, enters a sensitive hearing phase.

P Viswanathan has become the first municipal chairman from the Paniya tribal community in Kalpetta Municipality. He recently won a general seat and was chosen by his party for the top post. Viswanathan aims to inspire his community and bring change. His parents expressed immense happiness at his achievement. This marks a significant milestone for the Paniya community in Wayanad.

The BJP has questioned Congress leader K C Venugopal's involvement in Karnataka's administrative matters concerning an eviction drive. Opposition leaders say that Karnataka's governance is by an elected chief minister and cabinet, not by party officials. They argue that such intervention is a blatant overreach and an insult to federalism.

The Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal is set to become operational nationwide. Benches have been formally allotted to 83 newly appointed members. These members are expected to join their respective benches by January 21, 2026. This development will enable the commencement of tax dispute resolution hearings shortly thereafter. State governments are arranging necessary space for immediate functioning.