The Economic Times News

Donald Trump delayed higher tariffs on furniture and home goods for one year. The move keeps current taxes but pauses bigger increases. The decision is linked to ongoing trade talks and legal challenges. For now, shoppers may avoid sudden price hikes, but future costs will depend on trade deals, court rulings, and new tariff plans.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biels marriage is reportedly under strain, with friends concerned that the relationship is no longer healthy. Sources cite that the pair has been living mostly separate lives, with Biel concentrating on work,companions, and her children, while Timberlake focuses on rebuilding trust after previous mistakes. Public controversies, that includes Timberlakes 2019 apology and 2024 DWI arrest, remain to affect the relationship.

Local body elections will be held across Karnataka this year. This includes polls for five new corporations in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the decision. Ticket aspirants are asked to apply by January 15. Funds from applications will build party offices. Elections for Zilla and Taluk Panchayats are also expected soon.

As 2026 nears, Publix makes holiday shopping simple with extended access to everything from fresh fruit and baked goods to party necessities and comfort foods. Customers can find supplies for simple snacks or elaborate New Years treats, while also getting remedies and cleaning supplies following celebrations. Most of the locations stay open on New Years Eve, closing around 9 p.m., and reopen on New Years Day, shutting at 7 p.m.

Giant Eagle stores close early on New Years Day 2026 to let employees celebrate. Stores shut at 5 p.m. and pharmacies at 3 p.m. Hours differ by location across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Shoppers should check their local store online before visiting. Other grocery chains like Walmart and Kroger have normal or adjusted hours.

2026 promises a thrilling cinematic year filled with suspense, drama, comedy, and epic adventures. With something for every mood, this year offers unforgettable experiences, creative storyline, and thrilling spectacles for moviegoers everywhere.

The NYT Mini Crossword offers a quick, satisfying brain workout with its compact five-by-five grid and clever clues. It's a daily habit for many, providing a fast-paced mental challenge that balances ease and difficulty. Players often seek hints and answers for tricky clues, highlighting its engaging nature.

During his visit to the DRDO headquarters here on its 68th anniversary, he also said the organisation will play a crucial role in the creation of Sudarshan Chakra, and exuded confidence that it will work wholeheartedly to achieve this goal soon.

Macys plans big changes in 2026 to improve shopping. The company will close some stores, upgrade others, add popular brands, and improve online and in-store service. Shoppers may see better experiences but also higher prices on some items. These changes are part of Macys long-term plan to grow and stay strong.

Until the end of January, the lev will remain a legal means of payment alongside the euro. From February 1, the euro will be the sole official currency. The prices will be displayed in both euros and leva until August 8.

New Year's Day 2026 falls on Thursday, January 1. Banks and post offices will be closed. Mail delivery and pickups will not occur. Shipping services like UPS and FedEx will also halt operations. Customers should plan ahead for these closures. Regular services will resume on Friday, January 2.

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira began 2026 with a surprise personal announcement, confirming a romantic relationship with fellow UFC fighter Tracy Cortez. The news, shared during New Years celebrations, provided a rare glimpse into Pereiras private life and rapidly gained attention across the MMA world. Cortez also acknowledged the relationship on social media, uploading affectionate images that sparked online.

Bitcoin ATM scams 2025: Scammers are exploiting Bitcoin ATMs, causing Americans to lose over $333 million in 2025. This trend shows a clear and constant rise. Authorities are taking action, with one major provider facing legal scrutiny. Experts and organizations are urging for tighter regulations on these machines to protect consumers from this escalating problem.

Social Security cuts may be closer as the trust fund faces money problems. Retirees who depend heavily on monthly checks could see lower payments in coming years. A possible benefit cut could reduce yearly income for many seniors. Lawmakers have not yet agreed on a fix, raising concerns about future retirement security for millions of Americans.

Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad unveiled the party's vision for the BMC polls, promising to eradicate corruption and ensure transparent governance. She accused the ruling Mahayuti of mismanaging city funds and services, citing issues like pollution and BEST's financial woes. The Congress pledges to expand BEST buses, provide free health cards, and improve schools.

The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the 'Year of Networking & Data Centricity' to boost connectivity, real-time decision-making, and combat effectiveness. This initiative, driven by indigenous technologies and reforms, aims to create a future-ready force. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi highlighted this as a key part of the force's decade of transformation.

Snow squall warnings were issued across regions of the northeastern United States and central Ontario as fast-moving bursts of winter weather has resulted in dangerous travel conditions. In Pennsylvania and New York, the National Weather Service cautioned that unexpected heavy snow, gusty winds up to 35 mph, and sudden visibility drops could make roads hazardous in a matter of minutes.

Social Security payroll taxes will rise for high earners in 2026 because the wage limit is going up. People earning above the old limit will pay tax on more income. This means slightly less take-home pay now, but the extra taxed earnings may help increase Social Security benefits in retirement.

BYDs sales growth slowed to 7.73 per cent in 2025, the weakest pace in five years, as competition intensified in Chinas electric vehicle market. Total sales fell 18.3 per cent in December from a year earlier, marking the fourth straight monthly decline and the biggest drop in nearly two years.

Dunkin' New Year's Day 2026: New Year's Day 2026 will see many popular eateries open. Dunkin', Starbucks, McDonald's, and Taco Bell are ready to serve. Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, and Burger King also welcome customers. Subway and Chipotle offer lighter options. Patrons should confirm individual store hours as they may differ. This ensures convenient access to familiar favorites on the first day of the year.

Uttar Pradesh witnessed a massive surge in religious tourism. Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj drew crores of devotees. Development of sites like Ayodhya's Ram temple and Kashi Vishwanath Corridor further boosted visitor numbers. This influx significantly increased the state's share in national tourism and positively impacted its economy.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has launched a new logo and mascot to modernise its identity and improve public outreach. The ministry said the move highlights the role of official data in nation building and data-driven governance.

The Lokpal has cancelled its tender for seven luxury BMW cars. The procurement was valued at approximately Rs 5 crore. Opposition parties and activists had criticized the decision. The Lokpal's full bench passed a resolution to cancel the offer. A corrigendum was issued on December 16, 2025. The tender was initially floated on October 16, 2025.

Wordle, the beloved daily word game from The New York Times, presents a straightforward puzzle for January 1, 2026. Players can expect a familiar word as the solution. This game continues to captivate millions with its simple yet engaging format. It offers a daily dose of mental stimulation for enthusiasts worldwide.

Stranger Things concluded with a nearly two-hour finale, delivering a largely happy ending for its characters. Despite the show's massive success and cultural impact, online debate rages over the perceived weakness of the ultimate villain, the Mind Flayer, and the rushed nature of its defeat by teenagers. The finale still garnered massive viewership for Netflix, cementing the show's legacy.

IIT Bombay has opened applications for its MBA 2026 programme. Interested candidates can apply online. Admission will be based on CAT 2025 scores. Shortlisted candidates will proceed to a Personal Interview round in February and March 2026. Eligibility criteria include a Bachelor's degree and minimum academic scores. The application process involves online registration, form submission, and fee payment.

India experienced a severe rainfall deficit in December 2025, with the country receiving 68.9% less rain than average. Northwest and East/Northeast India saw significant shortfalls of 84.8% and 95.2% respectively. Central India faced the most drastic decline, with rainfall down by 99%.

Quote of the Day: A quote by William Wordsworth reminds us that wisdom is found in humility, not ambition. Wordsworth, born in England's Lake District, found inspiration in nature and ordinary people. His life and work championed empathy and quiet observation. This timeless message encourages a focus on inner reflection and simple experiences over constant striving for greatness.

Indias space programme is set for a busy phase, led by progress on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and a surge in private sector activity. An uncrewed Gaganyaan test mission (G-1) with humanoid robot Vyommitra is expected by March, validating key crew systems ahead of a planned human spaceflight in 2027.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi confirmed that Kerala will receive an AIIMS, hinting at another major central government project for the state. He indicated that details of new projects would be revealed cautiously to avoid their elimination, referencing a previously proposed forensic laboratory. Gopi reiterated his consistent stance on AIIMS, suggesting Thrissur as a deserving location if Alappuzha is not chosen.

Indias goods and services tax (GST) collections reached 1.75 lakh crore ($19.45 billion) in December, up 6.1% from the same month last year, the government said on Thursday.

A key suspect in the murder of Bangladeshi activist Sharif Osman Hadi has denied any role in the killing. Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Daud, released a video stating he is in Dubai and not in India as claimed by Bangladeshi authorities. He insists his meeting with Hadi was professional.

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana shared a reflective video of 2025, ending with a Bhagavad Gita quote about overcoming challenges. This followed a year of significant highs, including a World Cup win, and personal lows, such as the cancellation of her wedding to Palaash Muchhal due to family emergencies. The cricketer shared a cryptic quote of Lord Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita.

India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of their nuclear facilities. This is part of a decades-old agreement. The pact prevents attacks on each other's atomic sites. The exchange happened on Thursday. It took place simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad. This marks the 35th consecutive exchange of such lists. The practice began on January 1, 1992.

Burn belly fat: A simple five-minute drink made with methi and saunf seeds can aid in reducing stubborn belly fat. Dietitian Manpreet Kalra shares this remedy. Methi seeds are rich in fiber, aiding fat burn. Saunf seeds boost metabolism and curb hunger. Ginger also plays a role in fat burning. This drink offers additional benefits like detoxification and blood pressure regulation.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has strongly condemned attacks on Kashmiris, likening the perpetrators to Hitler. He expressed hope that such extremists will eventually disappear. Abdullah also offered prayers for peace and friendship with India's neighbors in the new year. He welcomed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's attendance at Khalida Zia's funeral, emphasizing the need to strengthen ties with Bangladesh.

Maharashtra Board of Technical Education has released the Winter Semester Result 2025. Students can now download their scorecards from the official website by entering their enrolment or seat number. The exams took place from November 11 to December 3, 2025. The scorecard contains crucial details like marks and rank, offering a comprehensive overview of student performance across various diploma programs.

Stranger Things at Los Angeles Airport? A glowing red line observed on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport has sparked widespread speculation online. While some theorized about gas leaks or even alien activity, more practical explanations suggest friction from debris or fluid reactions. Airport operations continued normally with no official reports of danger.

India-US ties in 2025 were marked by contrasting developments, with leaders projecting warmth while trade disputes escalated and strategic coordination faltered. Despite descriptions of a special partnership, differing political priorities and US President Trump's approach exposed underlying disagreements and tested bilateral stability throughout the year.

An elderly woman was attacked and injured by a group of monkeys in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, highlighting ongoing concerns about monkey menace in residential areas. Separately, the body of an unidentified woman was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase in a drain in Kaithal district, raising anxieties about law and order.

Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party is discussing seat sharing with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena for upcoming civic elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Nationalist Congress Party had previously allied with Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (SP) for these polls. The final candidate list will be published on January 3, with elections scheduled for January 15.

Nushratt Bharuccha recently visited Mahakaal temple in Ujjain and her spiritual visit has now triggered a massive storm. A cleric, identified as Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, has objected to her visit and issued a fatwa against her, demanding that Nushratt should recite Kalma to seek forgiveness from Allah. The actor is known for her roles in Pyar ka Punchnama and Dream Girl.

PM Modi expressed confidence that under Rehman's leadership, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party will carry forward Khaleda Zia's ideals, using them as a guiding light to forge a new path and further enrich the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.

Northern Queensland is battling a severe flood crisis as relentless monsoonal rains inundate communities. Coastal areas have already received over a metre of rain, with more expected to push totals towards two metres. Rivers are surging, causing major flooding, and a fatality has been reported. Disaster relief is being provided as residents are urged to stay informed.

A devastating explosion rocked the popular bar Le Constellation in Crans Montana early Thursday. Several people lost their lives and many others sustained injuries. The blast occurred as revelers celebrated the new year. Emergency services are currently on the scene. The cause of the explosion remains unknown. Swiss police are investigating the incident.

Anne Franks powerful quote, How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world, continues to resonate today. Her words highlight that positive change begins with intention and small, everyday actions rather than perfect timing or grand gestures. This timeless message encourages immediate action and personal responsibility in building a better world.