The Economic Times News

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.

Congress leader Digvijaya Singh has urged party reinforcement, drawing parallels with the RSS-BJP's organizational might. This statement has led to varied reactions from Congress Working Committee members. While some agree on the need for a stronger party, they firmly reject the RSS ideology. Leaders emphasized learning from others without adopting their principles.

After a thorough presentation by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the focus now shifts to Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia as they articulate their defenses regarding the Delhi excise controversy. The court's decision on whether to formalize the charges will follow a complete review of both sides' arguments.

A tragic helicopter crash occurred in Hammonton, New Jersey. One person lost their life in the incident. Another individual sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a hospital. Flames engulfed one of the aircraft. Authorities are investigating the cause of the devastating accident. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are involved.

Operation Sindoor, a decisive military strike against Pakistan in 2025, redefined India's response to terrorism and reshaped its national security strategy. The operation exposed Pakistan's nuclear bluff and demonstrated India's capability for impactful strikes, leading to significant shifts in military thinking and preparedness for future conflicts.

In an office order issued by the Department of Revenue on Saturday, the ministry said the allotments were approved by the competent authority and that all members have been asked to join their respective benches by January 21. The move is expected to pave the way for the start of GSTAT hearings shortly thereafter. The Centre is also learnt to have directed the state governments to expedite the provision of courtrooms and office space to ensure that members can begin hearings immediately after jo

The All-India Debt and Investment Survey (AIDIS), scheduled between July 2026 and June 2027, is a key input for estimating gross fixed capital formation, or GFCF - a core component of GDP that tracks spending on assets such as housing, land and durable goods. Data from AIDIS 2026-27 will be incorporated into the 2027-28 GDP estimates, the official said.

A routine eviction drive in north Bengaluru has triggered a political row, putting the Congress-led Karnataka government under pressure from both the Kerala government and its own central leadership, while drawing sharp criticism from the BJP.

The gratuity liability is expected to rise, as the new labour codes have redefined wages and eased the eligibility for such a benefit for fixed-term workers, including the contractual ones. This liability, the ICAI said, needs to be recognised in interim financial statements/results of companies for the December quarter, in sync with relevant accounting requirements.

Birds undertake long migrations for survival and impulse. A seagull with a GPS tracker and Amur falcons migrating from Manipur to Africa spark curiosity. A political 'fly in and fly out' generates excitement. This 'bird' appears globally, its actions debated. Unity is crucial for overcoming challenges, as shown by a mouse helping pigeons.

UP School Holiday: Uttar Pradesh faces a severe cold wave. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered all schools closed until January 1. He directed officials to stay alert and ensure no one sleeps in the open. Funds are released for blankets, shelters, and bonfires. Relief work is underway across the state.

India secured a commanding 30-run victory over Sri Lanka in the fourth women's T20I. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma's record partnership powered India to a massive 221/2. Vaishnavi Sharma's bowling restricted Sri Lanka to 191/6. This win gives India a 4-0 lead in the five-match series.

The Ajit Pawar-led NCP has released its first list of 37 candidates for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The party will contest the polls independently. Other parties like AAP have also announced candidates. The elections are scheduled for January 15. Nominations close on December 30. The Congress has allied with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi for the civic body polls.

In his final Mann ki Baat of 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Indias key achievements over the year, including Operation Sindoor by the Air Force, the Ram temple flag installation, the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, and Indias growing global presence in science, sports, and culture.

Taxi fares in Arlington, Virginia are set to rise from January 1. New rates will increase the initial drop charge, distance fees, and waiting time costs. These adjustments aim to support drivers and keep local taxi services competitive. Similar fare increases are also being considered in Kaua'i County, Hawaii, for chartered tour taxis.

US President Donald Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday. This meeting is crucial for advancing a peace agreement to end the ongoing war. The talks follow intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. President Trump also had a productive call with Russian President Vladimir Putin before the meeting.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the NCP (Sharad Pawar) faction will contest the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections together. Pawar stated that this alliance aims to bring the family together again and that seat-sharing discussions are underway, with an announcement expected soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged states to boost manufacturing and the services sector, emphasizing India's potential to become a global services giant. He also highlighted the nation's capacity to transform into the world's food basket through advancements in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairying, and fisheries, aiming for significant food exports.

Former President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. He stated the United States has become the 'real' United Nations, resolving eight conflicts. Trump criticized the UN for its lack of involvement in global peace efforts. He is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a peace plan.

Uttar Pradesh's draft voter list will feature 12.55 crore names. Nearly 2.89 crore voters were removed. Those excluded can reapply from January 1. Over 1 crore voters are unmapped and need to provide documents. Objections to the draft list can be filed until January 31. This process aims for a clean electoral roll.

Delhi braces for a difficult start to the week. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for very dense fog. Temperatures will remain chilly, severely affecting visibility. Pollution levels are dangerously high. The Air Quality Index is in the 'very poor' category, with some areas reaching 'severe'. Humidity is also extremely high, worsening conditions.

RSS leader Arun Kumar warned that Public Interest Litigations are being misused, harming society. He spoke at a convention where advocates passed a resolution. They are demanding faster judge appointments. The delay in filling court positions weakens the justice system. This impacts ordinary citizens, especially the poor. The resolution calls for time-bound appointments to ensure access to justice.

The New York Times Mini Crossword offers a quick, stimulating mental challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. This compact, five-by-five grid, known for its cleverly written clues, has become a daily ritual for many, fostering friendly competition. While accessible, the Mini can be surprisingly tricky, often leading players to seek hints and answers.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for India to become a Vishwaguru, driven by global necessity. He highlighted the resurgence of Sanatana Dharma and the interconnectedness of Bharat, the Hindu nation, Sanatana Dharma, and Hindutva. Bhagwat stressed that achieving this status requires sustained hard work and the organization of the Hindu community worldwide.

Dhaka has rejected India's concerns regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. Dhaka states that India's narrative is inaccurate and exaggerated. Bangladesh also raised concerns about incidents targeting minority communities in India. Dhaka believes all countries must protect their minorities. The two nations are exchanging views on minority welfare.

Quote of the Day: Brigitte Bardot, the iconic actress and animal rights activist, passed away at 91. Her powerful quote, To possess a fur coat is to wear a cemetery on one's back, condemned the fur industry with moral outrage. Bardot dedicated her later life to animal welfare, leaving behind a legacy of uncompromising advocacy.

West Bengal Police warn citizens about a loan fraud racket active on social media. Scammers are using Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's name and photos to promote fake government loan schemes. They lure victims with instant loans without CIBIL scores. Victims are asked for personal details and advance fees. Police urge people to avoid suspicious links and apps.

News headlines December 29: India is seeing a significant drop in malaria cases. The civil aviation ministry has established a 24x7 control room for passenger assistance. Rolls Royce aims to make India a home market for its jet engines and naval propulsion. China's Maglev train has set a new speed record. In sports, Joe Root achieved a major career milestone.

Gold, Silver prices prediction: Analysts said silver prices may move higher USD 80-85 per ounce globally, due to global supplies constraints.

Sun Tzu's supreme art of war emphasizes subduing the enemy without fighting, valuing strategy, deception, and preparation over bloodshed. This approach prioritizes knowledge, patience, and balance, leading to victory with minimal destruction. The principle extends beyond warfare, highlighting the power of influence and restraint in resolving everyday struggles.

U.S. Stock Market outlook: S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all fell less than 0.1 per cent on Friday.

NYT Connections puzzle #931 on December 28, 2025, challenges players with four categories: shipping containers, stillness, watch parts, and playful dog names. The game, a daily word puzzle, requires sorting 16 words into four groups of four, with difficulty levels indicated by colour. Hints and solutions are provided for those seeking assistance.

Vijay Sales has started its Apple Days Sale. The sale runs until January 4, 2026. Customers can find discounts on the latest iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Apple accessories. Special offers include loyalty points and exchange bonuses. Demo and open units are also available at reduced prices. Bank offers provide additional instant discounts on purchases.

Millions are hooked on the daily New York Times Wordle, a five-letter guessing game. Launched in 2021, its simple format and shareable results led to a swift acquisition by the NYT. Players get six tries to decipher the word, with color-coded clues guiding their progress. Today's puzzle, #1653, was a moderate challenge, hinting at a word related to religious leadership.

2025 fashion presented a dichotomy of styles, from the understated elegance of Quiet Luxury and Old Money to the playful chaos of Eclectic Grandpa and Y3K futurism. Denim, quirky accessories like Labubu dolls, and a sporty-preppy fusion also defined the year's trends, showcasing a bold experimentation with identity and vision.

From Sid-Kiaras daughter Saraayah to Raghav-Parineetis son Neer, 2025 was a landmark year for celebrity parents. This comprehensive roundup covers the star kids born this year, detailing their birth dates, meaningful names like Evaarah and Fatehsinh, and the heartwarming journey of their famous parents from marriage to parenthood.