The Economic Times News

Karnataka's Legislative Council passed a resolution. It asks the central government to place the state's 56 percent reservation decision in the ninth Schedule of the Constitution. This move aims to protect the reservation from the Supreme Court's 50 percent cap. The Council also urged the Centre to establish AIIMS in Raichur and transfer national institutes to North Karnataka.

The United States has taken action against Honduran electoral officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa refusal for Marlon Ochoa and revocation for Mario Morazan. This comes as Honduras faces a delayed presidential election outcome. Allegations of fraud and a flawed vote count have plagued the process.

Sreenivasan's cause of death: Prominent Malayalam actor and director Sreenivasan died on Saturday at the age of 69. He was undergoing treatment at his house for a long-term illness, according to reports. The family of Sreenivasan is yet to issue an official statement regarding his cause of death. After his health worsened, he was admitted to a hospital in Thrippunithura.

As dense fog continues to surround Delhi and NCR, the Delhi International Airport issued an advisory today saying that all flight operations are functioning normally. The Indira Gandhi International Airport advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates. On Friday, flight operations at the airport were affected due to bad weather conditions.

A tragic accident occurred in Assam's Hojai district early Saturday. The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of elephants. Eight elephants died and one was injured. The train's engine and five coaches derailed. No passengers were harmed. Forest officials are at the scene. Train services are being diverted.

In a recent statement, Ashish Sinha, the Ambassador of India to Estonia, emphasised India's significant role in global politics, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. With Estonia located in a region heavily impacted by the crisis, Sinha highlighted how India is viewed as a key player capable of facilitating a peaceful resolution.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said European elites are hoping the 2026 US midterm elections will shift power in Washington and increase pressure on President Trump. Speaking at his annual Direct Line press conference, Putin addressed NATO expansion, the use of Russias frozen central bank assets, and Ukraine-related security arrangements, emphasizing that lasting peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict.

19 minute viral clip: Payal Dhare, a popular gamer and content creator, was dragged into a controversy after an alleged video went viral with several users linking it to her. Now, Maharashtra Cyber Police has confirmed that the video was a deepfake. Prior to this, another video, dubbed as '19 minute viral MMS' went viral on social media, raising concerns on digital safety.

The uneasy feeling spans political affiliation in the town, which is split between two largely rural and somewhat impoverished counties, although some were more hopeful than others that there are signs of reprieve on the horizon.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported detecting six Chinese military aircraft and eleven naval vessels operating near its territorial waters on Saturday. This follows a similar detection of seven Chinese aircraft and eleven naval vessels on Friday. Additionally, Taiwan's National Security Bureau is monitoring Chinese officials in foreign embassies tasked with observing and intimidating Taiwanese citizens abroad.

Newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, heavily redacted, show Donald Trump's name mentioned sparingly in flight logs and message books. While some photos of Trump with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell are already public, written references are largely from previously released documents. Trump has previously downplayed his relationship with Epstein.

Dhaka prepares for the funeral of a prominent youth leader on Saturday. Security is tight following unrest triggered by his death. The government has urged citizens to resist violence. The leader's body arrived from Singapore amid widespread mourning. Attacks and vandalism have occurred across the country. The interim government vows to bring killers to justice.

Elise Stefanik announced she is stepping away from electoral politics, ending her bid for New York governor and her re-election campaign for Congress. The senior House Republican leader cited a desire to spend more time with her young son, emphasizing her role as a mother. Stefanik's current term concludes in January 2027.

The Delaware Supreme Court reversed a ruling that had voided Elon Musk's $55 billion Tesla pay package from 2018. This decision vindicates Musk's belief in the legal system's overreach and restores a significant portion of his fortune. The ruling also awarded Tesla $1 in nominal damages.

Surf lifesavers returned to Bondi Beach six days after a deadly attack, honoring victims with a moment of silence. The mass shooting, Australia's worst in decades, is being investigated as terrorism targeting the Jewish community. Authorities have increased patrols nationwide and are considering stricter gun control and hate laws.

S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq today: US stocks climbed on Friday, led by Oracle's surge following a major TikTok deal, as investor confidence in the AI sector was reignited. Nvidia also saw gains on potential China chip sales, while Micron extended its rally. The positive sentiment followed a rebound in major indexes, despite Nike's decline due to weak China revenue.

Largest tax refund ever 2026: Taxpayers anticipate a significant tax refund season in 2026 due to retroactive changes in the 2025 tax code. These adjustments, including a larger standard deduction and expanded child tax credit, were not reflected in paychecks, leading to a lump-sum benefit upon filing. While many will see larger refunds, individual amounts will vary based on personal tax situations.

Christmas Getaways: From sunny escapes in Maui, Hawaii, to snowy mountain towns like Breckenridge, Colorado, you can spend a memorable Christmas vacation in the USA. Picturesque towns and alpine resorts offer scenic drives, cozy lodges, and festive holiday markets. Coastal areas bring historic charm with dazzling lights and seasonal celebrations, while music enthusiasts can attend live concerts and holiday performances.

Dark chocolate with high cocoa has a chemical called theobromine that may help slow aging and keep cells healthy. Studies show it can make people biologically younger and support longer telomeres. While more research is needed, choosing dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa is healthier because it has more theobromine and less sugar.

New rules for the National Pension System offer more flexibility. Subscribers can now withdraw their entire pension wealth in a lump sum if it is 2 lakh or less. These changes aim to make the NPS more inclusive and responsive to subscriber needs. The amendments also provide clearer provisions for nominees and legal heirs.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in India is facing a daunting challenge in rolling out minimum return guarantee products. A conflict within the PFRDA Act complicates the launch of these vital offerings.

India and Oman are set to implement a free trade agreement in the next three months. This pact allows Indian firms to employ 100% Indian staff for their investments in Oman. Oman offers zero-duty access on over 98% of its tariff lines for Indian exports. Indian businesses can invest in sectors like steel, energy, education, and healthcare in Oman.

Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey urged proactive corporate governance. He stated compliance serves a purpose beyond mere form. Corporate governance is about credibility in decisions, conflict management, and information sharing. He highlighted the hazards of reactive governance as capital markets grow complex. Strong capital markets are built on confidence in fair rules and trusted disclosures. Boards must act as stewards.

Rivian stock today: Rivian shares surged over 11% to a new 52-week high, extending a two-day rally. Investor confidence is building around the electric vehicle maker's long-term strategy, fueled by advances in AI and autonomy, and optimism for the 2026 R2 SUV launch. Analysts have raised price targets, citing the R2's potential to drive demand and support growth.

Forty-one CPI (Maoist) cadres, including six senior leaders, surrendered to Telangana police, handing over 24 firearms. This significant erosion of the banned organization's strength and morale stems from arbitrary deployments and logistical hardships. The surrender highlights the steady decline of the CPI (Maoist) in the region.

Christmas fruit cake is a traditional bake that improves with age. Making it weeks in advance allows the fruit to soften and spices to mellow. Regular feeding with spirits like rum or brandy adds moisture and deepens the flavour. This slow process transforms simple ingredients into a rich, festive centrepiece ready for the holiday season.

A deadly attack shocked central Taipei on Friday night when a masked man wearing what seemed to be body armour made an indiscriminate assault on the public. Armed with a knife and smoke bombs, the attacker targeted crowded transport hubs, killing at least three people and injuring five others. CCTV footage captured him calmly entering the area before suddenly attacking pedestrians.

Mortgage rates are staying high around 6%, making home buying expensive for many Americans. Experts say rates might slowly drop to 6% by late 2026, but 3% loans are unlikely. Buyers can save money by improving credit, making bigger down payments, or shopping around for lenders. Planning now can help manage costs until rates change.

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at over 25 locations, including Dream Sports, the parent company of Dream11. This action is linked to an alleged 2,434 crore financial irregularity involving Jai Corp. The probe stems from a CBI case alleging investor fraud. Searches were carried out in multiple cities. Preliminary statements were recorded.

Wildlife enthusiasts are supporting a crucial WWF initiative to train sniffer dogs. These 'super sniffers' are vital in detecting illegal wildlife trade, including tiger parts and elephant tusks. Airports are key locations for these efforts. Public participation in such campaigns helps protect India's endangered animals from poachers and smuggling networks.

High-Paying Careers are evolving quickly as artificial intelligence and automation transform the U.S. job market. While technology is impacting almost every profession, human-centered roles continue to be essential across industries. Experts highlight that future workers must combine technical awareness with communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Sectors such as healthcare, social services, and skilled trades are anticipated to watch sustained demand in regard to aging population

RKLB stock today: Rocket Lab's stock experienced a significant surge, climbing over 16% on Friday, driven by strong operational updates and a substantial US government contract win. This rally, marking its best session in eight months, also benefited from broader positive sentiment in the space sector, including SpaceX IPO buzz and a new US space policy.

In West Bengal, the Matua community is bracing for a tense period as document verification hearings approach, pivotal in safeguarding their voting rights. The anticipation surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's forthcoming trip to Nadia district is tangible, as community members hope for clearer insights regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act and their prospects.

A Delhi court has rejected Rabri Devi's request to move IRCTC and land-for-jobs cases. The CBI argued her plea was a tactic to avoid fair justice. The cases involve alleged corruption by Rabri Devi and her family. Special Judge Vishal Gogne is presiding over these matters. The court found the judge's previous decisions were based on judicial application of mind.

The Imposter is a gripping four-part thriller that turns a family reunion into a nightmare. When a woman claiming to be a long-lost daughter comes, hidden secrets and buried motives rapidly surface. As trust erodes, manipulation, greed, and ambition tear the family apart. A lucrative business deal intensifies the stakes while lies linger into deadly consequences. Bodies start to pile up, alliances fracture, and suspicion spreads through every bond.

Artificial intelligence is changing jobs now. Leading AI expert Yoshua Bengio warns many screen-based jobs face replacement. Automation is speeding up. Even physical jobs may be temporarily safe. Companies are already linking layoffs to AI. More human roles could be replaced soon as businesses cut costs. This is a significant shift for many careers.

Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have removed the highest number of voters from their electoral rolls. This Special Intensive Revision saw over 97 lakh names deleted in Tamil Nadu and 73 lakh in Gujarat. Most deletions are due to voters shifting or deaths. This significant reduction impacts the total voter base in both states.

Security forces have intensified checks in Srinagar and nearby districts. This comes after intelligence reports indicated a potential targeted attack in the coming days. Police and paramilitary personnel are frisking vehicles, especially two-wheelers and cars with out-of-state number plates. Authorities are also searching for a white Ford Eco Sport vehicle suspected of carrying militants.

Married retirees should know some important Social Security rules that many people miss. Spousal and survivor benefits can change how much money couples get each month. Age, marriage status, divorce, and when benefits are claimed all matter. Knowing these basic rules can help married couples plan better and avoid mistakes with Social Security.

Iltija Mufti has filed a police complaint against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The complaint concerns an incident where Mr. Kumar allegedly pulled down the veil of a woman doctor during an appointment ceremony. Ms. Mufti stated the act caused distress among Muslim women. She described the incident as an assault on women's autonomy and dignity.

Social Security faces a potential collapse by 2033. Experts warn benefits could drop from $2,008 to $1,546 without action. Most Americans reject paying the $2,600 tax increase needed to save the program. Smaller increases gain more support, but the clock is ticking. Lawmakers must act soon to prevent deep cuts and financial strain.

The Supreme Court has ruled that corporate social responsibility (CSR) must encompass environmental protection, stating companies cannot be socially responsible while harming ecosystems. The court emphasized that allocating funds for environmental protection is a constitutional obligation, not mere charity. This ruling, in a case concerning endangered birds, mandates companies bear the cost of species recovery when their operations threaten habitats.

Supreme Court has green-lighted the Rajasthan government's commitment to hold elections for urban local bodies without delay beyond April 2026. This ruling follows a challenge from a Congress leader against the High Court's directive that mandated the polls within this timeline, ensuring that the democratic process continues unabated.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi refused to entertain a plea by Shetty challenging the FIR lodged for a post attributed to him on the social media platform X, under a parody account titled Jawaharlal Nehru Satire.

The Modi government is demonstrating strong control over its coalition. Key legislation, including those replacing UPA-era laws, has been passed with allies offering full support. This signals a shift in power dynamics. Opposition parties acknowledge this reality. Rahul Gandhi's foreign trips during crucial debates have drawn criticism. The opposition's protest stamina appears reduced.

Quote of the day: The words of Russian literary giant Leo Tolstoy continue to echo with remarkable clarity. Celebrated not only as one of the greatest novelists in world literature but also as a moral thinker, Tolstoys insights into human nature, authority and conscience retain their relevance well beyond his lifetime.