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Besides zero-duty access for Indias labour-intensive sectors including textiles, apparel, leather, footwear, marine products, handicrafts, engineering goods and automobiles, New Zealand has pledged to invest $20 billion in the country over a period of 15 years. India has offered tariff liberalisation in 70% tariff lines covering 95% of bilateral trade.
An elderly couple's quiet dance under an oak tree revealed a history of loss and the courage to love again. This inspired reflections on resilience, emphasizing that life offers second chances. The article shares five mindful reminders to navigate hardship, focusing on change, acceptance, learning from discomfort, valuing effort, and managing expectations of others.
Disneys Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in James Camerons sci-fi epic, delved into a post-apocalyptic Pandora threatened by the Ash People. Jake Sully and Neytiri, played by Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana, return in a narrative of survival, loyalty, and environmental peril. The movie opened to $88 million domestically and $257 million internationally, totaling $345 million globally.
The Well is a dystopian thriller set in a post-apocalyptic environment where water has been contaminated by a virus. When a wounded man finds a secret family supply of freshwater, a young woman must navigate loyalty, trust, and survival. It is directed by Academy Award nominee Hubert Davis and written by Michael Capellupo and Kathleen Hepburn. With its launch at the 2025 Fantasia International Film Festival, the film explores environmental collapse, resource scarcity, and the human cost of survi
Discover lucrative remote careers that pay over $100,000 annually. These roles, often data-intensive and repetitive, are highly sought after by employers. From data scientists to software developers, these jobs offer stability and a comfortable lifestyle. Many require a bachelor's degree and offer excellent growth prospects. Explore these opportunities for a fulfilling, low-drama work life.
Hyundai and Kia drivers can get free repairs and part of a $4.5 million settlement. Cars sold from 2011 to 2022 with weak anti-theft technology are included. The settlement also makes sure future cars have better security. Eligible drivers have one year to claim repairs, and more information about driver payouts will be shared soon.
Christmas Eve 2025 brings changes for many services. Federal offices will largely close, though essential services remain. Post offices will operate with regular mail delivery. UPS and FedEx offer modified delivery and pickup options. Amazon continues its deliveries. Stock markets will close early at 2 PM ET on December 24th.
Alphabet intends to allow Intersect to operate independently while continuing its efforts to secure the energy sources needed for the sprawling data centers being built to power the AI services rolling out from Google and rivals such as OpenAI.
Investor Michael Burry cautions that Nvidia's focus on powerful, energy-intensive AI chips could hinder America's global AI race. He highlights China's significant energy generation capacity and rapid expansion as a key advantage. Burry suggests the US should shift towards more efficient AI-tuned chips. This comes as Nvidia's stock surges amid the AI boom.
India's economy is set for strong growth. The Reserve Bank of India predicts 7.3% GDP expansion for FY 2025-26. This is driven by robust domestic demand and easing inflation. Reforms and strong fundamentals are key to navigating global challenges. Private consumption and investment are boosting growth. Net exports remain a challenge due to trade tariffs.
A district court in West Bengal's Murshidabad has convicted 13 individuals for the murder of a father and son during communal violence in April. The killings occurred following protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. Sentencing for the convicted will be pronounced on Tuesday, nine months after the incident.
India and New Zealand have finalized a free trade pact with an investment arrangement allowing New Zealand dairy firms to process raw materials in India for re-export. This initiative aims to boost India's exports and includes a fast-track mechanism for New Zealand products. India also committed to future consultations on dairy access for comparable economies.
Booth Level Officers protested outside the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office. They raised concerns about mounting pressure and changes to the BLO app. The app now includes a new feature for delivering scheduled hearing notices. Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision are set to begin soon. The protest was organized by the Trinamool Congress-backed BLO Adhikar Raksha Committee.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath labeled Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi as 'Do Namune' who flee the country during national crises. He alleged potential Samajwadi Party links in the codeine-based cough syrup case, a claim met with a sharp retort from Yadav, who accused the BJP of publicizing internal party disputes.
Humayun Kabir, a suspended Trinamool MLA, has launched his new political outfit, the Janata Unnayan Party. He announced candidates for the upcoming 2026 assembly elections. Kabir will contest from Rejinagar and Beldanga in Murshidabad district. His party aims for minority unity and development of common people. Kabir is open to alliances with anti-Trinamool and anti-BJP forces.
Return of BNP acting chairman Rahman discussed at a meeting
Former Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua might have violently knocked out Jake Paul in his previous weekend, breaking his jaw yet, the Olympic gold medalist confronts another severe hit from the tax authorities. Reports indicate that both fighters received approximately $93 million USD ($140 million AUD), but Joshuas taxes in the U.S. and U.K. could total almost $66 million, leaving him with $74 million.
Synopsis - The US Navy plans to build a new warship under Trumps Golden Fleet program to boost American shipbuilding. The move aims to fix ship shortages and improve defense strength. The project focuses on faster building, future upgrades, and using US workers and parts, as the country works to compete with China in global shipbuilding.
A parliamentary panel proposes strict measures to combat Delhi-NCR pollution. Key recommendations include an annual cap on new petrol and diesel vehicle registrations. The panel also suggests premium bus services, incentives for electric vehicles, and improved public parking for EVs. Stricter fitness tests and faster approvals for public transport projects are also urged to reduce emissions and congestion.
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. This follows a plea by the Enforcement Directorate challenging a lower court's decision. The lower court had refused to take cognisance of the ED's money laundering case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued the trial court's order was incorrect. He stated it could impact other ED cases.
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of large-scale forest land encroachment in Uttarakhand. The court has ordered an immediate halt to all construction on forest land. The forest department has been directed to take possession of all vacant forest land. A fact-finding committee will assess the situation. Private parties are barred from creating third-party rights.
Trumps Big Beautiful Bill 2026 tax refunds: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law by Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, is set to reshape how millions of Americans experience the 2026 tax refund season. The law locks in many provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while layering in new deductions aimed at workers, seniors, homeowners, and families. Most of these changes apply to 2025 income, meaning their impact will be felt when taxpayers file returns in April 2026.
Congress is pushing its ally DMK for more seats and a power-sharing agreement in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. The party is also monitoring the growing influence of actor Vijay's new political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Congress aims for early discussions on coalition matters to strengthen its position in the state.
401(k) retirement mistake: Retirees must be cautious with 401(k) decisions. Taking a distribution instead of rolling over can lead to unexpected taxes. Mistakes with IRA contributions can incur penalties. Proper beneficiary designations are crucial for estate planning, bypassing probate. Experts advise seeking professional guidance to avoid financial pitfalls and ensure smooth asset transfer.
Even though the U.S. Mint has stopped producing new pennies, experts state that Americans should not rush to dispose of the coins they already have. Retailers are experiencing penny shortages, resulting in some businesses to round cash totals or run promotions to get loose change. Financial studies indicate that households often underestimate the value of their coin jars, with several holding significant amounts in dismissed change.
Middle-class retirees rely on Social Security for extra income, but it may not be enough alone. Benefits depend on your age when you start claiming and your total income. Planning, delaying benefits, and adding savings or investments like real estate or gold can help secure a comfortable retirement and cover unexpected expenses.
In November, India's core sector demonstrated resilience with a 1.8 percent increase in output. The remarkable rise is largely attributed to robust gains in the steel and cement industries, driven by an ambitious agenda for infrastructure enhancement in both roadways and housing projects.
Dollywood has unexpectedly halted operations of its historic Dollywood Express steam train, leaving fans in the dark about its return. The beloved heritage railway, a park staple since 1961, is undergoing unscheduled maintenance. While the park assures visitors other attractions remain open, no reopening date has been provided for the iconic train.
India needs private investment for its nuclear power goals. The proposed SHANTI Bill, 2025, aims to attract this. It clarifies liability and safety rules, aligning with international standards. This move is crucial for meeting energy demands and achieving net-zero targets. Public protection remains a priority under the new framework.
Americans could miss up to $25,000 in tax-free tips and overtime deductions under new IRS rules. Only voluntary tips and the premium portion of overtime qualify. For 2025 filings, workers must track pay stubs and daily logs themselves. Married couples could lose $25,000, singles $12,500. Start saving records now to maximize deductions and avoid leaving money on the table.
Donald Trump has caused new tension by naming a special envoy for Greenland. The move has upset Denmark and raised strong reactions in Greenland. Trump says the island is important for US security and resources. Greenlands leaders say the people will decide their own future, not outside countries.
Uber stock: Uber is set to test Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxis in London starting in the first half of next year, a move that positions the ride-hailing giant at the forefront of autonomous vehicle integration. This partnership follows a similar initiative by rival Lyft, which also plans to test robotaxis in the city.
Political sparring intensifies with a jibe at Akhilesh Yadav, while a former Trinamool leader criticizes Mamata Banerjee. International news includes NASA's diamond-planet discovery and a former child star's homelessness. Sports headlines feature Usman Khawaja's family facing abuse, and business news highlights soaring gold prices and Thailand's popularity as an Indian holiday spot.
The Odyssey movie trailer major revelations show Matt Damon as Odysseus returning after the Trojan War. The trailer confirms key characters, plot points, cast members, filming details, IMAX technology use, and global release dates for The Odyssey movie in 2026.
India and New Zealand have finalized a free trade agreement. New Zealand exports will gain duty-free access to India. Key items like sheep meat and wool will become cheaper. Agricultural products such as apples and kiwifruit will see duty reductions with specific limits. This pact aims to boost trade and manufacturing in India. Implementation is expected in 7-8 months.
Delhi government is set to launch DARPAN 2.0, an advanced performance-monitoring dashboard developed by NIC. This real-time, analytics-driven platform will consolidate departmental data, enabling faster, evidence-based decision-making and improved service delivery. The initiative aims to enhance accountability and transparency in governance.
Social Security payments are being sent this week to some retirees. People with certain birthdays will get paid on December 24. Bigger Social Security checks are coming next year because of a cost-of-living increase. The SSA has also shared future payment dates so beneficiaries know when to expect their money.
Popular singer Chris Rea has passed away. He died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family. Rea was known for his hit songs like Driving Home For Christmas and The Road To Hell. He had battled health issues in recent years. His family has confirmed the sad news. Rea's music touched millions worldwide.
Federal holidays list 2026: Federal holidays in 2026 bring clarity and new Christmas rules. OPM confirms eleven federal holidays with several long weekends. Independence Day shifts to Friday, July 3. Trumps Christmas Eve and Dec. 26 law complicates scheduling. Every other federal holiday stays on a weekday. That creates predictable schedules. Long weekends are limited. Check which workers benefit most, and how employers handle observed holiday rules.
New Year Horoscope 2026: Astrologers note that the first month of the year urges people to step back from inflexible resolutions and focus instead on setting purposeful intentions, as Januarys astrology is shaped by significant planetary movements.
Russia on Monday expressed full support for Venezuela as the South American country confronts a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers by US forces deployed in the Caribbean, the two governments said. US President Donald Trump on December 16 announced a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels sailing to and from Venezuela.
Christmas Eve 2025 store hours: Christmas Eve 2025 store hours are detailed for major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco, with many offering adjusted closing times. Grocery stores such as Aldi and Kroger also have specific hours, and pharmacy services at CVS and Walgreens will largely remain operational, though some may have reduced schedules.

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