The Economic Times News

Indian cricket saw a year of highs and lows in 2025. The women's team achieved a historic World Cup victory. The men's team dominated white-ball cricket, winning key tournaments. However, the men's Test team suffered a significant home series defeat. The IPL and WPL continued their financial success. The year highlighted both achievements and areas needing improvement.

The Supreme Court has put its November 20 decision on hold, which had established a uniform definition for the Aravalli Hills and banned new mining leases. A new expert committee will now examine the definition, with the court issuing notices to the Centre and four Aravalli states for their responses.

PAN card Aadhar card link status check online: The Income Tax Department is reminding all PAN card holders about the crucial deadline of December 31, 2025. Linking your PAN with Aadhaar is mandatory. Failure to do so will render your PAN card inoperative for all financial and tax-related activities. A late fee of 1,000 applies for those linking after the initial period.

The Indian Air Force's Software Development Institute and IIT-Madras are joining forces. They will jointly design and develop a new digital communication system for aircraft. This partnership aims to boost India's self-reliance in defence technology. The collaboration will focus on secure networking and encryption. This initiative supports the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

Ontario is facing severe winter weather with snow and freezing rain warnings. A major storm is moving towards southern Quebec. Cities like London and Toronto could see heavy rain and high winds. Freezing rain is expected to cause travel delays and power outages in Quebec. Heavy snow is also forecast for areas like Quebec City.

Bangladesh faced a turbulent 2025 marked by political upheaval and economic hardship. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ouster led to strained relations with India. The nation experienced a shift towards conservatism and a rise in anti-India sentiment. Economic challenges persisted, with concerns over debt and corruption.

Andhra Pradesh CM Revanth Reddy highlighted Sonia Gandhi's role in elevating leaders like P.V. Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh to Prime Minister, emphasizing the Congress's contribution to modern India. This statement follows Digvijaya Singh's remarks on RSS/BJP organizational strength and his calls for internal Congress reforms and decentralization.

The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity stated that the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Eastern Zone Bench at Kolkata, by an interim order dated has directed the immediate stoppage of construction of the ring road in the hill areas of Manipur

Mobile internet services have been restored in Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts. This follows days of suspension due to recent violence. The law and order situation has improved. The restoration comes after clashes over alleged illegal encroachment on protected lands. Authorities have taken steps to address the concerns raised by agitators.

Despite repeated requests by the police and Forest Department officials, the protesters refused to clear the highway and railway tracks. Given the sensitivity of the situation, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dehradun, Ajay Singh, visited the site late at night to assess the situation and gather information from on-duty officers.

India's agriculture sector closed 2025 with record foodgrain output projections. GST reforms provided significant input cost relief for farmers. Despite US tariffs impacting exports, market diversification proved effective. Farmers await crucial seed and pesticide bills in 2026 to combat fake inputs.

Your body's ability to use oxygen efficiently determines how energetic and healthy you feel. Simple, everyday exercises that build cardiovascular fitness can boost oxygen delivery to muscles and organs. Here are six proven moves to get more oxygen working for you.

A Bengaluru businessman, Suraj Shivanna, died by suicide in Nagpur, two days after his wife's alleged suicide in Bengaluru. Facing dowry harassment charges and public pressure, Suraj's family claims threats from his in-laws forced them to flee their home. Investigations are underway in both states.

Economist Peter Schiff advises investors to prioritize gold, calling it a steal at current prices and less risky than silver. He suggests waiting for silver to settle due to its recent sharp decline and volatility, despite its strong year-to-date performance. Schiff believes the historic silver bull market has further to go.

Garena Free Fire MAX redeem codes for December 29 are now available. Players can claim free in-game rewards. These include exclusive skins and characters. Weapon crates and emotes are also unlockable. The codes are time-limited and have redemption limits. Players should redeem them quickly. Each code is for one-time use per account.

Sir Don Bradman, cricket's greatest, redefined the sport with his record-breaking 99.94 Test average. Born in 1908, his discipline and focus made him a formidable player and later an influential administrator. Bradman's career, marked by incredible consistency and a fierce competitive spirit, left an indelible mark on cricket. His legacy continues to inspire athletes worldwide.

A five-year-old boy heroically survived a chilling night alone in an Odisha forest, guarding his deceased father and unconscious mother after they allegedly consumed pesticide. He bravely walked out at dawn to seek help, leading authorities to the tragic scene. While the mother later succumbed to treatment, the resilient child, thankfully, survived and has been reunited with his grandparents.

President Trump and Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy met to discuss a new peace plan. Zelenskyy called it a great meeting, suggesting a deal is near. However, Russia's aides dismissed several proposals. The plan covers security, rebuilding, and prisoner exchanges. Key disagreements remain over territory in Donetsk and a nuclear plant in Zaporizhzhia. The US also sees economic opportunities in Ukraine's reconstruction.

Cristiano Ronaldo remains passionate and motivated to reach his 1,000 career goal target, currently sitting at 956. After being named Best Middle East Player at the Globe Soccer Awards, the Portuguese forward expressed his desire to continue playing for one or two more years, emphasizing his enjoyment of the game regardless of location and his ambition to win trophies.

Ind vs NZ ODI 2026: India will host New Zealand for eight limited-overs matches from January 11 to January 31. The series includes three ODIs and five T20Is. Senior players return for the ODI leg. The T20 series will test the team before the 2026 T20 World Cup. New Zealand will have different captains for each format.

Shiv Sena (UBT) and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) will contest the Jalgaon Municipal Corporation elections together. The alliance has finalized seat distribution for the upcoming polls. Discussions are also underway with Congress and other like-minded parties. This move signals shifting alliances in Maharashtra's local body elections.

Putrada Ekadashi kab hai 30 ya 31: Paush Putrada Ekadashi, observed on December 30, 2025, is a significant fasting day dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi for child well-being and family happiness. Devotees worship and fast, breaking it on December 31, seeking blessings for prosperity and the removal of life's difficulties.

A political storm brewed in Tamil Nadu as a Congress leader highlighted the state's alarming debt, sparking sharp retorts from the DMK and discomfort within his own party. The BJP seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling DMK. This public discord has reignited concerns about unity within the I.N.D.I. Alliance.

China launched Justice Mission 2025, a large-scale inter-service military exercise around Taiwan, involving coordinated ground, air, navy, and missile units. The drills aim to test joint combat capabilities and serve as a warning against Taiwan independence and external interference, asserting China's sovereignty over the island.

Myanmar commenced its first elections since the 2021 military takeover, with voting spread across three phases. Over 5,000 candidates are contesting approximately 950 seats using a mixed-member proportional system. The pro-Army USDP is expected to lead, with the military framing the polls as a path to reconciliation and prosperity.

Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced an alliance between his NCP and Sharad Pawar's NCP (SP) for the Pimpri-Chinchwad civic polls, stating the family has united. He urged party workers to focus on development and avoid controversial remarks. Talks are also ongoing for a tie-up in the Pune Municipal Corporation elections.

Delhi and surrounding areas are experiencing severe air quality, with the AQI reaching 402. This dangerous pollution, coupled with dense fog, has led to significant disruptions in transportation, causing delays for numerous trains and flights. Authorities are advising passengers to verify flight statuses and allow extra travel time.

Philosopher Immanuel Kant believed happiness is not a gift but a personal creation. He stressed individual responsibility for well-being. Kant's ideas, from the 18th century, continue to influence thought on ethics and freedom. His work highlights that fulfillment requires effort, reason, and ethical action. This perspective empowers individuals to build meaning instead of passively waiting.

Melbourne University's vice chancellor, Professor Emma Johnston, has passed away at 52. She died after a short fight with cancer. Professor Johnston was a respected marine ecologist and academic leader. Her death has shocked many at the university. She continued working until Christmas. Her family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and respect.

Chinese auto giant BYD is set to overtake Tesla as the world's top electric vehicle seller for 2025. BYD's sales have significantly outpaced Tesla's, with projections indicating a decline for the American company. Industry watchers anticipate a transition period for EV demand in the US following tax credit changes.

President Trump hosted Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, stating both nations are closer to a peace deal, though complex negotiations remain. Trump believes Russian President Putin desires peace, despite ongoing attacks. Key sticking points include Russia's control over Ukrainian territory and security guarantees for Ukraine.

North Korea launched long-range cruise missiles into the sea. Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test, expressing satisfaction. This display aims to bolster the nation's nuclear deterrence. South Korea and the US remain vigilant. These launches follow recent weapons tests, including a nuclear-powered submarine. Observers anticipate further demonstrations ahead of a party congress.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the Modi government of weakening key institutions and schemes established during Congress rule. He specifically mentioned MGNREGA, RTI, and RTE. Kharge urged party members to resist these actions. He stated that the Congress, despite having less power, will fight back against those turning religion into politics and crushing people's rights.

Union Minister Amit Shah has voiced strong criticism of Rahul Gandhi, reflecting on the Congress party's ongoing election losses. He underscored the BJP's success in delivering land ownership certificates to citizens in Ahmedabad, noting that the Congress had merely facilitated resettlement without granting real rights.

Bastar police established 52 Forward Operating Bases in Naxal-affected districts during 2025. This period saw 1,562 Maoist cadres surrender, including key leaders. Security forces eliminated 11 central committee members. A total of 256 Maoists, 23 security personnel, and 46 civilians lost their lives. The year also marked the elimination of feared commander Madvi Hidma.

The RSS is planning a major organisational overhaul. This restructuring aims to decentralise power and increase engagement at the village and mohalla levels. The existing prant system will be replaced by more numerous sambhags. This shift will bring leadership closer to field units. The RSS is also focusing on community work and social transformation.