The Economic Times News

Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers following a weekend ceasefire. This move eases tensions after weeks of deadly border clashes. The fighting had claimed over 100 lives and displaced many civilians. The release marks a significant step towards peace between the two nations. Families are reunited as prisoners of war return home.

US job numbers show a surprising rise in native-born employment. However, this surge appears to be an illusion. Aggressive deportation campaigns may be causing foreign-born individuals to avoid surveys or misrepresent their status. This leads to inflated native-born employment figures, creating a misleading picture of the job market. Official statistics are currently telling an impossible story.

One of the major positives for the state was its progress towards becoming a Naxal-free state, with security forces neutralising six red rebels, including CPI(Maoist) central committee member Ganesh Uike, who carried a bounty of Rs 1.1 crore on his head.

In a significant legal move, a Srinagar court has proclaimed charges against Mubeen Shah, Azizul Hassan Ashai, and Rifat Wani for their role in propagating anti-national sentiment and falsehoods on digital platforms. The trio is said to have harnessed social media to distribute incendiary misinformation, designed to instigate violence and challenge public tranquility.

Komkar village in Upper Siang district has formally backed the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project's feasibility study. This agreement marks a significant step for national water security and regional development. The project, declared of national importance, received over 95 percent consensus from village households. This collaboration emphasizes community involvement and informed consent.

In 2026, powerful outer planets shift signs, ushering in an era of rapid growth and bold new beginnings. This astrological alignment encourages action, courage, and starting anew with heightened awareness. The year demands smart choices and balance for each zodiac sign to navigate transformative changes and reshape their future decisively.

Schools in Kamrup Metropolitan district, Assam, are closed until January 6, 2026, due to extreme cold. Daytime temperatures in Guwahati are significantly below normal. The India Meteorological Department forecasts rain and fog. Normal academic activities will resume on January 7. Private schools are advised to make their own decisions.

Puducherry's statehood aspirations persisted through 2025. The year saw a minister's resignation and a new cabinet member without portfolio. Heavy rains brought flood fears, though cyclone Ditwah caused less damage than expected. New political parties emerged, including Vijay's TVK and Jose Charles Martin's LJK, setting the stage for the 2026 polls.

Former Australian Test cricketer Damien Martyn is in critical condition and has been placed in an induced coma after being diagnosed with meningitis. The 54-year-old, a 2003 World Cup winner, fell ill on Boxing Day and is receiving intensive medical treatment. Support has poured in from the cricket community for the gifted batsman.

Delhi New Year 2026: Delhi is preparing for New Year's Eve 2026 with major celebrations planned. The Delhi Traffic Police has announced special traffic arrangements, diversions, and parking restrictions for Connaught Place and India Gate. Commuters are advised to use public transport and plan journeys in advance. Real-time updates will be available through official channels.

Residents immediately informed the fire department after noticing the incident. However, before fire tenders could reach the spot, the warehouse, along with three scooters and three motorcycles parked along the roadside, had already been reduced to ashes.

Warner Bros. Discovery is poised to reject Paramount's latest takeover bid, citing concerns over an unincreased financial offer and potential debt management issues. The board, awaiting a final determination, previously deemed Paramount's proposal inferior to a deal with Netflix. Paramount, controlled by Larry Ellison, has amended its offer twice, but Warner Bros. remains unmoved.

The Olectra Greentech-made nine-metre-long electric bus from the fleet of Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking crashed into pedestrians near Bhandup (West) suburban railway station on Monday night, killing four people and injuring 10 others.

The strike damaged refinery equipment, one port berth and five homes - windows were broken in four apartment blocks and a private house - the Krasnodar operational headquarters said on the Telegram messaging app.

Gujarat weather today: Light rain is expected in parts of north Gujarat and Saurashtra on Wednesday due to a Western Disturbance, according to the IMD. Minimum temperatures in the city dipped slightly to 14.8C on Tuesday, remaining above the seasonal average. No major temperature changes are anticipated in the next 48 hours, followed by a slight drop and then a rise.

West Bengal is under a severe cold wave. Dense fog and falling temperatures are disrupting daily life. Air quality has worsened significantly. Kolkata recorded its coldest December morning. Sub-Himalayan districts are experiencing even lower temperatures. Light snowfall is possible in higher reaches. Fog is expected to persist, impacting travel by air, rail, and road.

Air China is set to acquire sixty Airbus A320NEO jets, valued at approximately $9.5 billion, and the deal is part of a larger agreement. Deliveries are scheduled to commence from 2028 and conclude by 2032. This move by Air China, along with other Chinese carriers, highlights a growing trend in the aviation market.

Robin Sharma, a celebrated author and leadership guru, encourages people to embrace growth. His famous quote, 'Dont live the same year 75 times and call it a life,' urges a departure from routine. Sharma's work, including 'The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari,' inspires millions to seek new experiences and evolve.

The world's second-largest economy remains on track to meet its full-year growth target of around 5% for 2025, despite a trade war with the U.S., a prolonged property slump and generally weak domestic demand.

The year 2025 saw trade wars, a Gaza truce and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Looking ahead, 2026 promises space missions, the Winter Olympics and an expanded football World Cup.

This new phase, expected to last up to 55 days, targets a tighter search zone of about 5,800 square miles -- far smaller than earlier efforts and pinpointed using updated satellite data, drift modeling and expert analysis.

Chinese New Year 2026: The 2026 Lunar New Year begins on February 17, marking the rare Year of the Fire Horse. It lasts 16 days and ends with the Lantern Festival on March 3, coinciding with a blood moon total lunar eclipse. The Fire Horse year brings dynamic energy, bold action, and rare astrological events. Family reunions, global celebrations, and celestial alignments make it a unique, highly anticipated festival worldwide. Zodiac enthusiasts should check animal signs and traditions, as lunar

Many Americans receive unwanted Christmas gifts each year. Over $10 billion in presents go unused annually. Items range from clothing and accessories to electronics and gift cards. Instead of letting them sit unused, gifts can be sold online, donated for tax benefits, or exchanged for cash. Learn how to reclaim value, declutter your home, and turn gifts into financial or charitable gain.

Even some of those who supported the rate cut acknowledged he decision was finely balanced or that they could have supported keeping the target range unchanged, given the different risks facing the U.S. economy, according to the minutes released on Tuesday.

Gen Z is leading global change, impacting governments, economies, and work culture. In India, their spending power is set to surge, fueling innovation. This generation's aspirations are crucial for India's AI-led future. Leaders across sectors share insights on their influence and the path ahead.

India's Gen Z, numbering 380 million, is a powerful force driving change. This generation is impacting innovation, politics, and spending habits. Their direct and influenced spending is set to grow significantly. Gen Z's evolving preferences for celebrations, online expression, and career paths highlight their unique perspective.

Gen Z is reshaping workplaces with clear expectations for growth and purpose. They seek transparent leadership and flexible environments. Companies are adapting to this new generation's drive for meaningful work and inclusion. Wellbeing and flexibility are becoming core to organizational culture. This shift signals a new era for the workforce.

India's Gen Z is not politically disengaged but rather disillusioned with traditional politics. Growing up online, they engage through digital platforms, prioritizing practical issues like jobs and climate change. This generation demands transparency and accountability, seeking meaningful participation beyond mere voting.

By 2026, artificial intelligence will make digital content indistinguishable from reality. This will force people to verify everything they see and hear. Trust in online information will decline. Verification will become a crucial skill for everyone. Platforms will need to implement safeguards against AI misuse. This shift will impact mental health and decision-making.

Political parties are increasingly recognizing the growing influence of Gen Z, adapting electoral campaigns and policies to engage this demographic. Leaders are addressing youth-centric issues like employment and drug menace, utilizing social media to connect with young voters who are becoming active participants in shaping political discourse and policy.

Gen Z graduates are increasingly launching startups, with 40% of top college alumni opting for entrepreneurship. Venture capital firms are now prioritizing innovative ideas over founder experience, backing young entrepreneurs in sectors like AI and clean energy. The trend is expected to expand into defense, aerospace, and deeptech in the coming years.

IRS warns of possible delays in 2026 tax refunds. New deductions for tips and overtime complicate filings. Staff cuts and high turnover leave the agency struggling. TIGTA flags potential $360 million fraud risk. Paper returns may slow processing. Taxpayers should prepare early and review updated IRS guidance. Filing season may test IRS capacity like never before.

Trump tax cuts could reshape the 2026 tax season for millions of Americans. New IRS data shows refunds may reach $1,000 to $2,000 for many households. Withholding rules lagged behind the laws passage. Five states may also see stronger Social Security increases. Retirees and workers could feel combined relief. Filing deadlines and preparation details matter.

Gold, silver, and copper prices are ending 2025 on a strong note, setting up an intense outlook for 2026. Analysts see rising policy risks, tight supply, and structural demand driving metals higher. Forecasts from major banks suggest gold could hit $5,000, silver may test $100, and copper could remain historically tight as electrification and AI demand accelerate.

Tatiana Schlossberg was an accomplished American environmental journalist and the granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 35. Her death followed a terminal diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a rare genetic mutation known as Inversion 3.

Thought of the Day: B.F. Skinner, a renowned behaviorist, offers a powerful perspective on failure. He suggests that not all setbacks are mistakes, but rather the best possible outcome under certain conditions. The true error lies in ceasing to try. This thought encourages resilience and continuous effort, vital for growth and learning. Skinner's work profoundly shaped our understanding of behavior.

Federal Reserve ended 2025 with a sharply divided decision on interest rates. Newly released December meeting minutes show officials narrowly backed a rate cut, while deeply disagreeing on what comes next. With inflation still elevated, growth strong, and jobs steady, the path for 2026 rate cuts looks increasingly uncertain. The December 910 Federal Open Market Committee meeting concluded with a 93 vote to cut rates by 25 basis points.

The first full moon of 2026, a 'Wolf Supermoon,' will rise on Saturday, January 3rd. This celestial event, the last of four consecutive supermoons, will appear brighter and larger than average. The moon will be technically full at 5:03 a.m. EST, but the best viewing time will be during its rise at dusk.

Wealth quote of the day by Bill Ackman: Investing is one of the few businesses where you can do everything right and still lose money in the short term. What matters is a strategy that works long termand the discipline to ignore the noise. Bill Ackman, the founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, is a name synonymous with high-stakes Wall Street drama. Ackman has spent decades perfecting a strategy known as activist investing. Unlike traditional investors who buy and sell quietly, Ackman t

IRS tax rules are changing for 2026, and Americans need to be ready. Standard deductions are going up, seniors may get extra savings, and new tax breaks on tips and overtime are coming. Refund habits are also changing, with people spending on basics. New credits and programs are planned, making early tax planning more important.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She questioned his claims about infiltrators in Bengal and alleged widespread deletion of voter names. Banerjee accused Shah of bringing 'Duryodhan' and 'Dushasana' to the state during elections. She stated that her government has provided land for projects but work remains incomplete.

The 700Credit data breach exposed 5.8 million Social Security numbers through a third-party partner, not its own systems. The stolen data affects auto dealership customers and raises identity theft and fraud risks. 700Credit offers free credit monitoring for affected users, and experts advise freezing credit, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication to stay safe.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that a change of government in West Bengal is vital to curb infiltration, which he described as a national security threat. He accused the Trinamool Congress of misrule and using infiltrators as a vote bank, while assuring the Matua community that their voting rights under the CAA will be protected.

In an effort to maintain public safety, several districts in Jammu and Kashmir have implemented a ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks. Local authorities are ramping up mobile surveillance to ensure adherence to these restrictions. The directive, issued by Deputy Commissioners in regions such as Kupwara, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Budgam, and Srinagar, comes after intensive security evaluations.

The Enforcement Directorate has wrapped up its case against Lalu Prasad, the former railways minister, along with his wife Rabri Devi and their son, Tejashwi Yadav. The allegations stem from a 2004 hotel agreement with IRCTC, featuring serious charges of corruption, conspiracy, and deception.