The Economic Times News

2025 Year Ender: Artificial intelligence crossed a decisive threshold in 2025, evolving from experimental tools into systems embedded across daily life, business operations, and scientific research. The year saw major shifts in global AI power with Chinas open-source DeepSeek R1 challenging US dominance, while reasoning-focused models delivered breakthroughs in mathematics, enterprise workflows, and even AI self-optimisation.

Hyderabad police have filed a charge sheet naming 23 individuals, including actor Allu Arjun, in a stampede incident. The incident occurred during the premiere of the film 'Pushpa-2'. A woman died and her son was injured in the crowd surge. The theatre management is listed as the prime accused. Allu Arjun was arrested and later granted bail.

How to check Aadhar link with pan: A crucial deadline looms for PAN holders in India. By December 31, 2025, all PANs must be linked with Aadhaar. Failure to comply will render PANs inoperative from January 1, 2026. This impacts tax filings, bank accounts, and investments. The process involves a fee and can be completed via the e-Filing Portal. Check your link status promptly.

Union Budget 2026: India's economy is poised for the Union Budget 2026 with robust GDP growth of 8.0% in H1 FY26 and well-controlled inflation around 2.0%. Despite a widening trade deficit, foreign exchange reserves have surged, and GST collections remain strong, supporting fiscal consolidation and capital expenditure.

India now has a dedicated standard for bomb disposal systems. This new standard, IS 19445:2025, will help evaluate systems against blasts and splinters. It aims for voluntary adoption by agencies and manufacturers. The standard ensures uniform evaluation and promotes quality manufacturing. This will enhance confidence in systems used for critical security operations across India.

Jailed Sukesh Chandrasekhar has offered to pay Rs 217 crore to Aditi Singh in a Rs 200 crore extortion case. The offer is made without admitting guilt. The court will consider the settlement proposal on January 3, 2026. Chandrasekhar is accused of duping wives of former Ranbaxy promoters. Delhi Police arrested him and an associate. Investigations are ongoing.

China will implement government licensing for all silver exports from January 1, 2026, a move that could significantly disrupt global supply chains. This decision comes as silver prices have surged due to demand outpacing supply, with the metal being crucial for various industrial applications like solar energy and EVs.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged a nationwide campaign against the repeal of the MGNREGA rural employment scheme. He likened the government's move to the earlier repeal of three farm laws. Kharge also labelled the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls a conspiracy to limit democratic rights. He stressed the need for collective planning and public campaigns to protest these actions.

China's cyber regulator is proposing new rules for AI services that mimic human personalities. These draft regulations aim to enhance safety and ethical standards for AI engaging users emotionally. Providers must warn against excessive use and intervene with addicted users.

Life's uncontrollable events are inevitable, but Celine Dion's words highlight our power to choose our response. Despite facing Stiff Person Syndrome, Dion embodies this by choosing courage and grace. This perspective emphasizes emotional autonomy, focusing on meaning and acceptance to navigate challenges with dignity and inner peace. Dions quote is a reflection on emotional autonomy.

A Tesla Model Y miraculously survived an 800-meter cliff plunge in China, with the driver escaping with minor injuries. Despite the vehicle's complete destruction, the cabin remained intact, showcasing Tesla's robust engineering and safety features. Elon Musk retweeted the incident, highlighting the car's performance as a 'survival pod'.

Your car's tyres are vital for safety. Beyond tread, their age matters significantly. Old tyres weaken, increasing blowout risks. A hidden code on the tyre reveals its manufacture date. Regular checks and timely replacement ensure your safety on the road. Experts advise replacing tyres older than six years. Here's a quick to check the manufacturing date of your cars tyres.

Resident doctors in Himachal Pradesh have begun an indefinite strike, severely impacting medical services except for emergencies. The strike was initiated after the termination of a doctor involved in a physical altercation with a patient. Patients, particularly those from remote areas, are facing significant difficulties due to the unavailability of medical professionals.

Delhi Police launched Operation Aaghat 3.0 across the South-East district. The pre-New Year crackdown saw 285 arrests for excise, NDPS, and gambling offenses. Hundreds more were apprehended under preventive measures. Police also took 116 listed bad characters into custody. The operation recovered arms, liquor, drugs, and stolen vehicles, aiming to ensure law and order for the festive season.

Canada is ending its Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) Program next year, a move that will require thousands of Americans to report to authorities after entering through remote northern regions. This change aims to strengthen border integrity and align with US procedures, though US lawmakers express concern over potential impacts on tourism and small businesses.

A live concert by Bangladeshi rock musician James in Faridpur was cancelled after outsiders threw bricks and stones at the stage, injuring at least 25 people, including students. The attack occurred when a group was denied entry to the venue, leading to panic and the eventual cancellation of the performance by authorities.

President Donald Trump's trade policies have significantly altered U.S. commerce. Tariffs imposed on imports have raised substantial revenue for the U.S. Treasury. While the trade deficit has narrowed, consumers and businesses have faced increased costs. The stock market experienced notable volatility alongside these trade actions. This has reshaped global trade dynamics.

Environmentalist Neelam Ahluwalia, a member of the Aravalli Virasat Jan Abhiyaan, has demanded that the Supreme Court recall its November 20 order and the Centre withdraw the newly notified definition of the Aravalli range, warning that it could open vast stretches of the fragile mountain ecosystem to mining.

Great Northern Super Crisp has once again claimed the title of Australia's top-selling beer, a remarkable five-year streak. This mid-strength brew, known for its clear bottle and easy-drinking profile, has reshaped beer perceptions and appeals to a broad audience. Its success highlights the enduring popularity of mid-strength options in the Australian market.

Thailand and Cambodia have signed a ceasefire agreement to de-escalate tensions along their disputed border. Both nations committed to halting military movements and facilitating the return of displaced civilians. As a confidence-building measure, Thailand will return 18 Cambodian soldiers if the truce holds for 72 hours.

China has enacted a new law for drones. This regulation will impact the country's growing drone and low-altitude economy. The rules, effective July 1, require airworthiness certification for most drones. This move aims to bring order to the rapidly expanding drone market. It will affect major manufacturers like DJI and EHang.

Voters will be allowed to submit any of 12 recognised documents, including Aadhaar, as proof of identity and address, the official at the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said on Friday.

China observers say Beijing is taking some comfort from indicators suggesting that the official 2025 growth target of around 5% is still achievable, while a U.S.-China trade truce has also helped ease tensions. However, market expectations centre on the need for further policy support next year to bolster domestic demand and broad economic growth.

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a final charge sheet in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. Fifty-nine more individuals are now accused, bringing the total to 81. The scam allegedly occurred between 2019 and 2022. Proceeds of crime are estimated to be around Rs 3,000 crore. Several prominent figures, including politicians and former officials, have been named.

Following the deadly Bondi Beach terrorist attack, a new poll reveals strong public backing for stricter hate speech laws, enhanced immigration screening, and harsher penalties for inciting antisemitic violence. The Albanese government is facing pressure to act swiftly, with the Prime Minister proposing a package of reforms including new hate speech and gun laws.

Russia is reportedly placing new nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles in Belarus. Satellite imagery suggests a former airbase near Krichev is being used. This move could enhance Russia's missile reach across Europe. Experts believe it is a response to Western actions. Belarus confirms deployment, calling it a response to aggressive Western actions.

Zelenskyy is expected to meet Trump in Florida on Sunday. He has said he will present a new 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war with Russia. The peace plan proposed by US and Ukrainian officials is 90 per cent ready, Zelenskyy said on Friday

Nigeria's government confirmed its cooperation with the U.S. on a Christmas Day airstrike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria. This action followed President Trump's threats to intervene unilaterally if Nigeria did not protect Christians, though Nigeria maintains no specific religion was targeted. Security experts question the long-term impact of such strikes on persistent militant threats.

Kyiv faced a major Russian assault early Saturday. Explosions rocked the Ukrainian capital as air defenses engaged incoming missiles. This significant military action occurs just two days before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump. The leaders aim to finalize details of a peace accord to end the protracted conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to finalize drafts of a peace deal and security guarantee, with territorial concessions being a key point of discussion. Trump stated that any deal requires his approval, while Zelenskiy indicated a willingness to hold a referendum on land issues if necessary.

Emma Stones latest movie Bugonia is now streaming on Peacock after achieving critical acclaim in its theatrical run. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the dark comedy thriller centers on two conspiracy-obsessed men who kidnap an influential CEO they believe is an alien threat to humanity. What starts as paranoia changes into a tense psychological battle packed with dark humor and unsettling twists.

Nicki Minaj has deactivated her Instagram account days after making an unexpected presence at Turning Point USAs AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona. The rapper joined Erika Kirk onstage and shared her perspectives on leadership and politics, resulting in mixed responses online. After the event, fans noticed her Instagram account had gone offline, fueling speculations about backlash and follower loss.

Netflix has released the official teaser for Apex, a high-intensity survival thriller starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, set in the harsh Australian wilderness. Theron portrays a grieving woman looking for solace in nature but becomes the target of a calculated predator, featured by Egerton. Directed by Baltasar Kormkur and written by Jeremy Robbins, the movie compels its actors to their physical limits, with Theron sustaining injuries during filming.

Stranger Things Season 5 finale releases December 31, 2025. Netflix drops Episode 8, The Rightside Up, at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST. Volume 2 sets up the final showdown with Vecna, reveals Elevens powers, Wills hive mind, and the Abyss. Here is how to watch and what to expect in the finale.

A winter storm swept across Michigan on Thursday night, resulting in snow and freezing rain to the Lower Peninsula and western Upper Peninsula. Over 30,000 electricity customers lost power on Friday, with Mecosta, Clare, Isabella, and Oakland counties among the most severely impacted. The National Weather Service stated, up to 0.27 inches of ice could accumulate on surfaces by Saturday morning.

Thousands of immigrant truck drivers in California are facing license cancellations after a DMV review. Many say the problem is paperwork mistakes, not unsafe driving. Sikh groups have filed a lawsuit to stop the cancellations. The case could affect jobs, families, and the trucking industry if licenses are not fixed soon.

Bitcoin price BTC USD forecast 2026: Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson predicts Bitcoin could hit $250,000 by 2026, driven by its fixed supply meeting rising institutional demand. As major players and traditional finance channels embrace BTC, its scarcity fuels price appreciation. While some altcoin gains are expected, regulatory and tech market uncertainties pose risks.

French police arrested a man suspected of stabbing three women on Paris's Line 3 metro during end-of-year festivities. The attacks occurred at Republique, Arts et Metiers, and Opera stations. Surveillance footage and mobile tracking led to the suspect's apprehension north of Paris.

Nvidia is updating its cloud gaming service GeForce Now by introducing a 100-hour monthly limit, beginning from January 1, 2026. The cap affects almost all subscribers except long-term Founder members who joined before March 17, 2021. Players can purchase additional hours in 15-hour blocks, $2.99 for Performance tier users and $5.99 for Ultimate, while free-tier users remain restricted to one-hour sessions.