The Economic Times News

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated 2025 as a year of significant achievements for India. The nation saw proud milestones in national security, sports, and scientific innovation. India's armed forces conducted Operation Sindoor. The men's cricket team won the ICC Champions Trophy, and the women's cricket team secured the World Cup. India's daughters also won the Women's Blind T20 World Cup.

Telangana's Legislative Assembly winter session is set for a stormy start, dominated by a fierce war of words between the ruling Congress and opposition BRS over river water issues. The BRS plans agitation, while the Congress government challenges them to a debate, highlighting past performance and alleged betrayals.

Putrada Ekadashi, the final Ekadashi of 2025, falls on December 30, offering blessings for children, family happiness, and prosperity. Devotees observe a fast to remove life obstacles. Auspicious timings for worship include Brahma Muhurat and Abhijit Muhurat. Rituals involve Panchamrit Abhishek, offering betel leaves, bananas, and Tulsi to Lord Vishnu for career growth, financial stability, and abundance.

Congress leader Sachin Pilot asserted party unity amidst rumors sparked by Digvijaya Singh's remarks on the RSS's organizational prowess. Pilot clarified that while members have the right to express opinions, the collective goal is to strengthen the Congress organization and its leaders, Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.

The alliance between India and Africa is gaining momentum in defence cooperation. Prime Minister Modi's visit serves as a pivotal moment for deeper collaboration. With a focus on counter-terrorism and maritime security, the two sides are working to uplift Africa's defence capabilities.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has raised concerns regarding the re-definition of the Aravalli Hills. He questions the new definition which restricts the hills to landforms with an elevation of 100 meters or more. Ramesh cites the Forest Survey of India's 2010 definition which included flatter areas and valleys.

Violence grips Bangladesh following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi. The Editors Council blames a section of the interim government for permitting attacks on media houses and cultural groups. Hadi's brother alleges a government plot to derail elections. Incidents of vandalism and explosions continue across the country, raising concerns about stability.

Jayshree Ullal, President and CEO of Arista Networks, has emerged as one of the wealthiest Indian-origin tech executives, surpassing prominent figures like Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella. Her leadership transformed Arista into a major cloud networking solutions provider, with her personal fortune reaching approximately $5.7 billion.

Punjab and Haryana are experiencing severe cold, with Hisar recording the lowest minimum temperature at 2.5 degrees Celsius. Many areas were covered in thick fog, reducing visibility. Chandigarh recorded a low of 5.6 degrees Celsius, while Faridkot in Punjab was the coldest at 3.4 degrees Celsius.

Goa anticipates half a million tourists for New Year's Eve, with beaches and party spots buzzing. Despite a past tragedy, the state assures safety and a vibrant celebration. International chartered flights are arriving, and domestic visitors are flocking to popular spots, drawn by the festive atmosphere, seafood, and nightlife.

Garena Free Fire Max players can claim exclusive in-game items using 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes released regularly. These codes are time-limited and can only be used once. Players should visit the official redemption site, log in, and enter the code to claim their rewards promptly.

Congress leader Pawan Khera has criticized Digvijaya Singh for praising the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh's organizational strength. Singh had shared a photograph of Narendra Modi and L.K. Advani, highlighting the RSS's grassroots to leadership progression. Khera countered by linking the RSS to Nathuram Godse, stating there is nothing to learn from the Sangh.

In 2025, Tripura became India's third fully literate state. The ruling BJP and Tipra Motha Party clashed over council elections. Security was heightened due to Bangladesh concerns. The state attracted investment and saw temple redevelopment. Law and order saw a reported dip in crime. A tragic accident claimed five lives.

The National Testing Agency has issued an important advisory for CUET UG 2026 candidates. The exam is scheduled for May 2026. Aspirants must ensure their Aadhaar details are updated. Discrepancies between Aadhaar and Class 10 certificates can be resolved during application. Information on courses, universities, and syllabus is available on the official NTA website.

A paragliding accident at Bir Billing claimed the life of an experienced pilot. The tandem paraglider malfunctioned shortly after takeoff. The pilot, Mohan Singh, died from injuries sustained in the crash. The accompanying tourist survived with injuries. An investigation is underway to determine the cause.

Kerala witnessed a significant 2025 marked by a gold loss row at Sabarimala, a major verdict in the actress assault case and shifts in political fortunes. The UDF gained ground in local polls, while the BJP made history in Thiruvananthapuram. Maritime accidents and the passing of former CM V S Achuthanandan also made news.

Violence erupted in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, during a protest against a coal mining project. Protesters clashed with police, resulting in injuries and the torching of vehicles. The mob also targeted a coal handling plant. Officials intervened, but the situation escalated.

A Trinamool Congress delegation met the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, alleging that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) drive is a conspiracy to disenfranchise voters. TMC leaders criticized the Election Commission of India, calling it a 'WhatsApp Commission' and demanding accountability for alleged irregularities and the reported deaths of Booth Level Officers during the revision process.

Delhi experienced severely polluted air on December 28, with AQI levels reaching 391 and bordering the 'Severe' category. Thick smog enveloped the city, reducing visibility and impacting multiple areas, including Akshardham and Anand Vihar, which recorded 'Severe' AQI. Unfavorable weather conditions, including cold temperatures and fog, exacerbated the persistent winter pollution across the National Capital Region.

Delhi's government is banning tandoors in a desperate attempt to combat smog, a move the author argues distracts from real solutions like vehicular emissions and stubble burning. This mirrors historical blame placed on the poor for London's fogs, highlighting a pattern of sacrificing popular professions over addressing systemic issues.

BJP workers in Indore protested against the alleged atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh. They expressed anger and sadness over the events. A letter will be sent to the Swedish government to withdraw the Nobel Peace Prize from Muhammad Yunus. The central government is intervening diplomatically. Similar protests occurred in London outside the Bangladesh High Commission.

Assam's Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Jayanta Mallabaruah has approved key decisions. These include land settlements for indigenous families, modernising revenue administration with digital hearings, and allotting land for a spiritual centre. Infrastructure development will be boosted with a NABARD loan for road projects. Police promotions will now be merit-based.

Kyiv endured a massive Russian missile and drone attack, killing at least one and wounding 27, just before President Zelenskyy's talks with U.S. President Trump. The strikes targeted energy infrastructure and residential buildings, prompting Poland to scramble fighter jets. Russia also claimed territorial gains in eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday. Zelensky seeks Trump's approval for a new peace plan to end the nearly four-year conflict with Russia. The proposal emerged from US-Ukraine talks but lacks Moscow's backing. This meeting follows a major Russian attack on Kyiv. European leaders have pledged support for Zelensky's peace efforts.

The protesters said many families have been living in uncertainty for years due to alleged enforced disappearances. They described the situation as a serious humanitarian crisis, saying the prolonged lack of information has caused severe mental anguish to parents, wives and children of the missing persons.

The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of concerns regarding the Aravalli Range's definition, following criticism over a new 100-meter height criterion. Environmentalists warn this could permit mining in the fragile ecosystem, impacting water, food, and climate security for millions. They demand the new definition be withdrawn pending scientific assessment and public consultation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky labeled Russian leader Vladimir Putin a man of war following a significant aerial assault on Kyiv. Zelensky, preparing for talks with US President Donald Trump, emphasized the need for strong battlefield and diplomatic positions to achieve a just end to the conflict.

Janshakti Janata Dal president Tej Pratap Yadav demanded an investigation into claims of a basement at Rabri Devi's new Patna residence. Simultaneously, he sought security, alleging threats from a recently expelled party member who he claims has issued death threats on social media.

Google searches in 2025 show Indians sought answers to new terms impacting their lives. From 'Operation Sindoor' to 'Mock Drills', people used Google to understand daily events. Popular searches included 'Waqf Bill' and 'Factorial of 100'. Tragedies like the Pahalgam terror attack and Air India crash led to searches for 'ceasefire' and 'Mayday meaning'.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific calendar to distribute the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). For the majority of the 75 million beneficiaries, the first increased payment arrives in January 2026. However, the exact day depends on your date of birth. If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th, your check arrives on January 14. Those born between the 11th and 20th will see their raise on January 21.

The year 2025 will be remembered for its severe climate upheavals, leading to a staggering $120 billion in global damage. From sweltering heatwaves to rampant wildfires, countless nations found themselves in dire straits. California stood out with the highest financial toll due to its devastating fires. In the East, Southeast Asia and China faced heartbreaking floods that left communities reeling.

China's industrial profits saw a significant drop in November, the fastest in over a year. This decline highlights weak domestic demand, despite strong exports. The situation points to a slowing economic recovery. Experts suggest more policy support is needed to boost consumption and overall growth.

US President Donald Trump has called on the Justice Department to expose Democrats associated with Jeffrey Epstein. This comes as millions of documents related to the late sex offender are being reviewed and released. The latest disclosures include details of Trump's past flights on Epstein's private jet. Trump has previously distanced himself from Epstein.

Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026 to help 75 million Americans fight inflation. This Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) boosts monthly checks for retirees, disabled workers, and SSI recipients. Most beneficiaries will see higher payments starting in January. However, SSI recipients get their first raise on December 31, 2025, due to the New Years Day holiday.

Texas is currently holding over $622 million in immediate unclaimed cash. This massive sum belongs to 5.7 million individuals across the state. These funds come from forgotten paychecks, old utility deposits, and dormant accounts. The state safeguards this money indefinitely. Data shows that roughly 1 in 4 Texans has unclaimed property waiting for them.

Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls have begun across all 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, with over 31 lakh unmapped voters called to appear. The process follows the publication of draft rolls on December 16, with claims and objections open until January 16, 2026.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged BJP Assam cadre to leverage public support for the 'Double Engine Sarkar' but warned against complacency and infighting ahead of the 2026 elections. He highlighted PM Modi's role in bringing peace and development to Assam, contrasting it with past Congress rule. Unity and grassroots engagement were stressed.

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit near Taiwan's northeastern coast late Saturday. The tremor shook buildings in the capital, Taipei. Damage assessments are currently underway. Taiwan is situated in a seismically active region. This event brings to mind past devastating earthquakes on the island.

Rituals marking the second anniversary of the Ram temple's consecration ceremony have begun in Ayodhya. The main anniversary falls on December 31, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the chief guest. Special prayers and offerings are being conducted. VIP passes for darshan are fully booked until January 1, 2026, indicating a continuous increase in devotee numbers. General darshan remains efficient.

Kumail Nanjiani Michelle Obama rumour: Kumail Nanjiani humorously debunked a bizarre rumour of an affair with Michelle Obama, stating he's never met her. The actor also touched upon other celebrity gossip, including a supposed link between Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston. Nanjiani also opened up about the personal impact of his film 'Eternals' poor reception, which led him to seek therapy.