The Economic Times News

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.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised his troops fighting abroad as forging an invincible alliance with Russia in a new year's message, state media said Thursday. The North Korean leader praised soldiers for strengthening the invincible alliance with Russia, calling on them to fight for the fraternal Russian people.

Eating 12 grapes under the table: The Spanish tradition where it is believed that if you under the dinner table shoveling grapes into your mouth on New Year's eve, it can bring good luck and ensure your resolutions are accomplished. It is believed that if you follow this ritual, your wishes for new year will be fulfilled. But science has not backed these claims.

Pakistan sought to highlight a handshake between its National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Dhaka. This occurred following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. India responded with strong measures, including Operation Sindoor, to safeguard national security. Relations remain strained, with India emphasizing a terrorism-free environment for any engagement.

In 2026, planetary movements will influence the health and emotional well-being of each zodiac sign. The article details specific health predictions for all 12 signs, offering practical wellness advice to navigate potential challenges and enhance overall vitality throughout the year.

India's 2026 calendar is a vibrant tapestry of celebrations. Major festivals like Pongal, Holi, Diwali, and Eid-ul-Fitr mark the year. National holidays such as Republic Day and Independence Day are also listed. This schedule highlights India's rich cultural diversity and regional traditions. Many dates are fixed, while others depend on lunar cycles. Readers should confirm local schedules.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has asked the Centre to rebut the Chinese Foreign Minister's claim of Beijing's role in mediating the India-Pakistan standoff, stating that ormalcy in ties with the neighbouring country cannot be at the cost of sovereignty.

Indore water contamination case: The Minister further stressed that mostly people living in Bharirathpura locality belong to economically weaker sections so it was being ensured that they should not spend a single penny for their treatment.

Mumbai weather: Mumbai received unseasonal showers on the first day of 2026 amid chilly weather which brought down the pollution levels in the city. For today, the IMD has forecast light rains for Mumbai and its suburbs over the next 48 hours. Mumbaikars welcomed the unexpected rain in Mumbai today.

Happy New Year 2026 Wishes: As 2026 arrives, this curated list offers 150 Happy New Year wishes, quotes, and messages for everyone. It provides warm greetings for family, friends, colleagues, and romantic partners, alongside short updates for social media, focusing on hope, peace, and new beginnings.

Predictions for 2026: As 2026 begins, predictions from mystics like Baba Vanga and Nostradamus are resurfacing. These forecasts, ranging from World War 3 fears and alien encounters to AI integration and natural disasters, reflect current global anxieties about geopolitical tensions, technological shifts, and climate uncertainty.

Zohran Mamdani is set to become New York City's first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born mayor, making history by taking his oath on a Quran. His inauguration will feature two ceremonies: a private midnight event at a historic subway station and a public ceremony at City Hall later that day.

Satya Nadella, a native of India, joined Microsoft in 1992 and rose to CEO in 2014 and is now one of the most known figures in the tech industry. The tech billionaire, known for his leadership quotes, emphasises that the how to view yourself ultimately affects the life you lead.

Gautama Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, renounced royalty to seek enlightenment. He achieved this under the Bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha. He then traveled northern India, teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These teachings, focusing on compassion and mindfulness, spread across Asia. Buddhism is now a major religion followed by millions worldwide, understood in diverse ways.

Weather today: The IMD has predicted cloudy skies and light rain for Delhi on January 1, 2026. Odisha, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi are likely to experience dense foggy mornings till January 5. Cold day conditions are very likely in Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Bihar, the IMD said in its weather bulletin.

Private banks contributed 76 percentage of slippages in unsecured retail loans, against 16 percent for PSBs

Melbourne's New Year's Eve celebrations were marred by violence. A brutal machete attack on Lygon Street injured two young men. Police are investigating the incident. Elsewhere, a fire broke out on a government building's roof. Another assault occurred on Southbank Promenade. Authorities seek public assistance for information on these events.

Wealth quote of the day by Jeff Bezos: Your margin is my opportunity. For more than three decades, Jeff Bezos has reshaped how wealth is created, scaled, and sustained. His ideas are not built on flashy shortcuts or overnight success. They are rooted in efficiency, patience, and long-term conviction. From AWS dominance to Blue Origin, Bezos proves patience, scale, and efficiency still outperform speed.

Retirees must take their 2025 RMDs by December 31 to avoid IRS penalties. Missing withdrawals can cost up to 25% of the amount. First-time RMDs may defer until April 1, but two distributions may increase taxes. Use RMD funds for home repairs, investments, or experiences. Timely action and smart reinvestment protect savings and boost retirement security.

Social Security reform is becoming urgent as the system faces money problems and shrinking benefit value. Experts say the trust fund could run out in the next decade, causing benefit cuts. At the same time, yearly increases are not keeping up with senior costs. Two key changes are needed to protect retirees and ensure long-term stability.

Linda Stevenson, the 64-year-old wife of Bill Stevenson, was found dead in her Delaware home on December 28, 2025. Her husband, Bill Stevenson, is known nationally as the first husband of First Lady Jill Biden. Police discovered Linda's body while responding to a domestic dispute call at the couples Wilmington residence.

India has imposed a safeguard duty on certain steel products for three years, starting with 12% in the first year, to counter a surge in cheap imports. This move, recommended by the DGTR, aims to protect domestic players from increased imports from countries like China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of a 374-km, six-lane greenfield Nashik-Solapur-Akkalkot corridor in Maharashtra at a cost of 19,142 crore. This project, to be built in Build-Operate-Transfer mode, will enhance connectivity to key cities and integrate with the PM Gatishakti National Master Plan. Additionally, NH-326 in Odisha will be widened and strengthened for 1,526.21 crore.

Prince William and Kate Middleton earn $30.9 million yearly from the Duchy of Cornwall. The estate is very old and worth over $1 billion, supporting their family and royal duties. From 2026, they will give Royal Warrants to trusted brands. Kates approval is very influential. Their income and new royal roles show how much power and responsibility they hold.

January's skywatching highlights include the Wolf Moon, a supermoon on Jan. 3, coinciding with Earth's perihelion. The Quadrantid meteor shower also peaks that day, though moon glare may hinder viewing. Jupiter will be at opposition on Jan. 10, offering a clear view, followed by the new moon on Jan. 18.

Social Security payments depend on work years, income, and claiming age. Some retirees get much higher monthly checks by planning early. Working longer, earning more taxable income, and delaying benefits can increase retirement income. Many people claim too early and miss bigger payments. Knowing the rules helps retirees get more money each month.

New Year's Day 2026 is here and schools, government and banks are closed on January 1.

Best places to watch New Years Eve 2026 fireworks across the USA: The United States is preparing for a massive 2026 New Years Eve. From the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip to the iconic Ball Drop in New York City, millions will gather to celebrate. If youre searching for New Year fireworks near me, here is the list of top U.S. cities hosting the biggest New Years Eve 2026 celebrations.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party is gearing up for a pivotal shift in leadership. With an emphasis on infusing fresh energy into its ranks, the party is set to welcome a new generation of leaders poised to make their mark.

Trump Media new crypto token: Trump Media plans to launch a new cryptocurrency. Shareholders will receive one token for each share they own. This digital token will run on the Cronos blockchain. The move expands Trump-linked cryptocurrency ventures. Donald Trump, as the largest shareholder, will receive a significant portion of these tokens.

The Trump administration ordered the Justice Department to release the files tied to criminal probes of Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, who was friends with U.S. President Donald Trump in the 1990s, in compliance with a transparency law passed by Congress last month.

A sessions court in Jammu and Kashmir has acquitted three individuals accused of terror-related activities. The court cited a lack of evidence and significant gaps in the prosecution's case. The accused, Wajid Ahmad Bhat, Masrat Bilal Bhuru, and Rameez Ahmad Dar, were arrested in Srinagar in October 2022. The court found the prosecution failed to prove charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Amit Shah visited Kolkata to strategize for the 2026 Assembly elections. He met with party leaders and workers, emphasizing constituency engagement. Shah also visited a temple. Dilip Ghosh, a former state BJP president, was tasked with strengthening a Lok Sabha constituency and its Assembly segments. The meetings aimed to boost ground-level outreach.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of ignoring party concerns regarding West Bengal's electoral roll revision. Banerjee stated the party will not accept the final voter list if it contains discrepancies and will pursue legal recourse. He alleged vote theft occurs through voter lists, not EVMs.

The Centre is preparing for Deregulation 2.0, targeting 30 key areas for significant compliance reduction. This initiative will focus on seven sectors, with the Education Ministry and Utilities/Permissions seeing the most changes. This builds on Deregulation Phase I, which saw substantial implementation.

The delegation of some 200 business leaders will skip the trip originally scheduled January 20, the Japan-China Economic Association said Wednesday. The groupcited challenges in securing meetings with Chinese officials and said no rescheduled date has been decided.

The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable, Xi said amid stepped up high-powered drills by the Chinese military in the last three days around the self-governing island, which China claims as part of its mainland. This is the sixth time since 2022 that China held intensified military drills using the latest air force jets, aircraft carriers, missiles and drones practising the capture of Taiwan.

The 137th Rose Parade will be broadcast live on New Year's Day, January 1, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. ET from Pasadena, California. Hosted by Kevin Negandhi and Hannah Storm, the event will feature floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units, with Magic Johnson as grand marshal.

U.S. stock markets are open on New Years Eve, closing at 4:00 p.m. ET, while bond markets close early at 2:00 p.m. All U.S. markets are closed on New Years Day. In 2025, the S&P 500 rose 17%, Nasdaq 21%, and Dow 14%. Investors are watching 2026 earnings and Federal Reserve decisions for market trends.

Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a brief interaction in Dhaka, marking the first significant high-level contact since the May conflict. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the funeral of Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to dialogue and peace talks.

Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra urged staff to enhance regulatory calibrations and supervision in the new year, emphasizing customer centricity and financial inclusion. He highlighted the need for improved analytical capabilities, technology adoption, and a commitment to core institutional values amidst a dynamic economic landscape.