The Economic Times News

The Winter Solstice, which typically falls around December 21 each year, marks the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. From an astronomical perspective, it also signifies the Suns entry into Capricorn, heralding the beginning of a new seasonal cycle.

Congress leader P Chidambaram labelled the National Herald case as fabricated and politically motivated. He stated the Enforcement Directorate acted illegally. The ED had approached the Delhi High Court challenging a lower court's decision. The court declined to take cognisance of the money-laundering complaint.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced the mandatory recitation of Bhagavad Gita verses in state schools to foster cultural connection and moral development. He also highlighted the historic Kattarmal Sun Temple, emphasizing its architectural significance and Uttarakhand's rich heritage. Dhami further praised cultural events like Mahakauthig for preserving traditions and uniting the diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said his double-engine government was resolving long-pending problems created by the Congress in Assam, alleging years of neglect of Namrup's fertilizer units. Highlighting BJP-led reforms, he said urea production increased from 225 lakh metric tonnes in 2014 to around 306 lakh metric tonnes nationwide.

A Delhi tribunal has awarded over Rs 68 lakh compensation to the parents of Harshit Verma. Verma, 24, died in a road accident in March 2022. The accident occurred when the car he was in lost control and overturned. The tribunal found the driver's rash and negligent driving caused the crash. Verma was the sole breadwinner for his parents.

Tragedy struck Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, as two coal workers lost their lives when a mine wall collapsed onto a truck. The incident occurred late Saturday night in the Urimari Police Station area. Both bodies were recovered Sunday morning.

A top Russian foreign policy aide stated that changes to U.S. peace proposals by Europeans and Ukraine do not improve prospects for long-term peace. Yuri Ushakov expressed this view, noting that the modifications do not enhance the document or the possibility of achieving peace. U.S. negotiators met with Russian officials, with talks described as constructive and set to continue.

Power has been restored for approximately 95,000 customers in San Francisco following a significant outage that affected around 130,000 residents. While most services were back online by Saturday evening, about 35,000 customers remained without electricity. The blackout caused traffic disruptions and temporary business closures.

Peace talks aimed at ending the Ukraine war are moving forward constructively in Florida. A Kremlin envoy met with US officials, including Jared Kushner. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy awaits the US stance. European Union leaders have pledged significant financial aid to Ukraine. Russia's President Vladimir Putin remains firm on his demands.

A former accounts officer at India's Permanent Mission in Geneva has been accused of siphoning over 2 lakh Swiss francs (around Rs 2 crore) to fund crypto-gambling. Mohit allegedly replaced vendor QR codes with his own, diverting payments to his personal account. The scam was uncovered by auditors investigating duplicate payments.

Paul Sadlon, a respected Barrie businessman and philanthropist, has passed away at 93. His death was announced at an OHL game. Sadlon founded Paul Sadlon Motors in 1971. He was a significant supporter of Georgian College and contributed to the Sadlon Centre for Health, Wellness, and Sciences. His philanthropy extended to many community organizations.

Australia will face a varied Christmas Day weather outlook, with mild conditions expected in the south-east and potential showers in the north. Western Australia, however, is bracing for a significant heatwave, with Perth forecast to reach 40C. Meanwhile, parts of the Northern Territory and Queensland anticipate heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Canadians will receive their final Canada Pension Plan and Old Age Security payments of 2025 on December 22. These payments are issued early for the holiday season. Starting January 2026, Canada Pension Plan benefits will see an increase due to annual inflation adjustments. The next scheduled payment for both programs is January 28, 2026.

Uttar Pradesh Police is hiring 537 Sub-Inspector and Assistant Sub-Inspector positions. Applications open December 20, 2025, and close January 19, 2026. A correction window is available January 20-22, 2026. The selection process includes written tests, physical tests, and medical examinations. Interested candidates should visit the official UPPRPB portal for details.

IND-W vs SL-W 1st T20I Live Streaming Telecast When and Where How to Watch: India women's cricket team is set to commence their five-match T20I series against Sri Lanka women's cricket team on December 21. The opening match will be held at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Vizag, with the game scheduled to start at 7:00 pm IST.

Security forces are conducting a search operation in Udhampur's Chore Motu village. Terrorists reportedly took food from a house before fleeing into the nearby forest. The operation is ongoing in the Majalta area. This follows an earlier encounter where a policeman was killed. Forces are combing the forest belt to track the terrorists.

India has signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with Oman to boost bilateral trade, support MSME-led exports and strengthen energy security. The pact, signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit, offers zero-duty access on over 98 per cent of Omans tariff lines for Indian goods and improves market access for labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewellery, engineering goods and pharmaceuticals.

Tragedy struck Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, as a mine wall collapsed on a truck. Two workers are trapped. The incident occurred late Saturday night at a Central Coalfield Limited mine. Rescue efforts are ongoing. Darkness, fog, and a protest hampered initial rescue operations. Another worker was rescued and hospitalized. Coal extraction activities have been halted.

Gorakhpur is hosting the UPPSC LT Grade Teacher Recruitment Examination 2025. The exam is taking place on Sunday across six designated centres. Candidates arrived in large numbers from Saturday evening. The examination is being conducted in two shifts. Preparations are complete. The Marian Foundation also organized Teachers Awards Gorakhpur 2025 on Saturday.

Victorian public transport fares will increase from January 1, 2026, with daily full fare caps rising by 40 cents to $11.40 for Zone 1+2 travel. Concession, weekend, and public holiday fares will also see increases, sparking commuter backlash online. Transport Victoria stated the rise is due to its annual review and helps fund network operations.

Garena Free Fire Max players can get free in-game items using redeem codes. These codes are released regularly and are 12 characters long. Players must use them quickly as they have limited validity. The article provides codes for December 21, 2025. To claim rewards, visit the official redemption site and log in.

India's 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' has extended humanitarian and infrastructure aid to Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna peninsula following Cyclone Ditwah. Engineering and medical teams are working to restore damaged connectivity and support affected communities, with relief distribution drives conducted across various districts.

Bangladesh is home to the world's third-largest Hindu population. Official data confirms this significant presence. However, reports indicate a rapid decline in Hindu populations in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. India and Nepal are projected to remain Hindu-majority nations. By 2050, India will be a major Hindu stronghold and host the world's largest Muslim population.

Tragedy struck near Johannesburg as unknown gunmen opened fire in Bekkersdal. Ten people lost their lives in the brutal attack. Another ten individuals sustained injuries. Police are investigating the motive behind the senseless violence. Some victims were reportedly shot randomly in the streets. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community.

Odisha's Transport Authority has ordered fuel stations to stop selling petrol and diesel to vehicles lacking a Pollution Under Control Certificate. This directive aims to reduce vehicular pollution and protect public health. Oil companies must ensure their dealers verify PUCC validity before dispensing fuel. This measure supports the state's pollution control and road safety initiatives.

Mysterious disappearances of Jeffrey Epstein documents from a US Justice Department webpage have sparked outrage. At least 16 files, including a photo of President Donald Trump, vanished within a day. This fuels doubts about transparency in the ongoing Epstein document release. Survivors and lawmakers demand answers, feeling let down by the justice system.

This quote of the day by Hugh Jackman reflects the importance of personal responsibility and emotional maturity. It urges readers to stop blaming others or dwelling on past regrets, and instead focus on acceptance, self-awareness, and forward movement. True growth begins when you take control of your reactions and choices.

Police are investigating a security breach at two Adelaide prisons. An unauthorized person may have entered high-security areas using a forged identification pass. Authorities are examining if a doctored access card was used at Yatala Labour Prison and Adelaide Women's Prison. The Department for Correctional Services confirmed an identification card was confiscated. The matter is now with South Australia Police.

Maoist leader Rupesh, now T Vasudeva Rao, details his surrender after internal debates and the politburo's strategy shifts. He discusses the party's declining mass support, attempts to reconnect with people, and the decision to decentralize forces. Rupesh also touches upon the death of commander Hidma and his own alleged involvement in past incidents.

A major power outage affected much of San Francisco on Saturday, leaving around 125,000 residents without electricity, the citys emergency management department and Pacific Gas and Electric reported. Authorities advised residents to limit non-essential travel, treat traffic signals as four-way stops, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and switch off major appliances to prevent surges, calling 911 only for life-threatening emergencies.

He stated that India's future is linked to its neighbours, underscoring the importance of maintaining positive ties amid turmoil in Bangladesh. Speaking about Bangladesh, Naravane refrained from commenting on internal matters, stressing India's focus on nurturing relationships. He noted that political rhetoric often spreads misinformation, emphasising the need for constructive engagement.

An anti-terrorism court has sentenced four PTI leaders, including Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, to 10 years in prison for their involvement in the May 9 riots. The convictions stem from cases related to the burning of vehicles and a container. These sentences follow earlier convictions for the same leaders in other May 9 riot cases.

Punjab Police have arrested alleged Army deserter Rajbir Singh and his associate Chirag in a narco-terror nexus bust. Singh, apprehended near the Indo-Nepal border, was found with heroin and a hand grenade. The duo is also linked to a grenade attack in Haryana and espionage activities.

Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, spent formative years in Canada. His words on opportunity and focus are highlighted. The quote When one door closes, another opens encourages readers to see new possibilities. Bell's work with the deaf shaped his insights. This enduring message guides people through change. It emphasizes recognizing and acting on new chances.

India Inc faces challenges hiring independent directors due to a limited talent pool, significant pay disparities, and increasing legal and reputational risks. Compensation for these roles varies widely, from Rs 12 lakh to over Rs 2.50 crore annually, with sitting fees ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh per meeting.

New forecasts reveal which states are likely to experience a white Christmas. While some areas, like the Rockies and Great Lakes, are expected to have snow, warmer temperatures may melt earlier snowfalls in other regions. A late-season storm could bring a last-minute chance of snow to some parts of the central and eastern U.S.

Chocolate prices stay high even though cocoa costs are falling. Last year, cocoa jumped, making makers raise prices and change recipes. Companies still use expensive cocoa and small bars have less cocoa. Farmers in West Africa face challenges, and supply is limited. Shops may not cut prices until 2026. Holiday chocolate remains costly for now.

Eggnog and hot cocoa are popular holiday drinks. Both have sugar, but eggnog is slightly better for blood sugar because it has a bit more protein and fat, and fewer carbs. Hot cocoa can be healthier if made with low-sugar milk or unsweetened cocoa. Enjoy both in small servings and pair with protein or fiber to keep blood sugar steady.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the United Nations University in Tokyo. He highlighted the importance of middle powers in global affairs. Tokayev called for a stronger presence of these nations in the UN Security Council. He also noted the rise in global conflicts and military spending.

Annuities for Social Security can help people get extra income in retirement. They provide guaranteed money for life, flexible payment options, and regular payouts like a paycheck. Many Americans worry about running out of money, and annuities can fill the gap left by Social Security. They make retirement safer, less stressful, and can even help some retire earlier.

Mukesh Ambani calls for India to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. He stresses the importance of empathy in adopting new technologies. Reliance Industries is nearing solutions for India's energy challenges using solar power and storage. The company aims to provide abundant and affordable green energy for India and the world. RIL is transforming into an innovation-led, deep-tech company.

Gujarat's electoral rolls saw a significant revision. Over 73 lakh voters were removed from the draft list. Most deletions were due to voters being absent or having shifted. Deceased voters and those enrolled at multiple locations also contributed to the numbers. Urban areas like Ahmedabad and Surat reported the highest deletions. This revision impacts the state's voter base.