The Economic Times News

Winter vacation dates for the 2025-26 academic year have been announced across various Indian states. Delhi and Haryana will observe a break from January 1-15, 2026. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab have scheduled breaks starting in late December. Jammu and Kashmir will have extended winter shutdowns, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are experiencing rain-related closures.

A terrifying incident unfolded in Far North Queensland, Australia. A skydiver's parachute became entangled with a Cessna Caravan aircraft's tail at 15,000 feet. The skydiver managed to cut free from the reserve chute. They then deployed their main parachute and landed safely with minor injuries. The pilot skilfully landed the damaged aircraft.

India is now issuing Chinese business visas within a month. This move aims to boost ties with China and end significant output losses. Bureaucratic hurdles have been removed, speeding up approvals. This decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to improve the business environment for foreign investors. The change is expected to help Indian electronics makers and other industries.

What if our favourite Indian cricketers are reimagined as Avengers? This story imagines the current Indian cricket team as the Marvel superheroes where each player is matched with a superhero based on personality, skills, and their impact on the game.

Mike Tyson, a legendary boxer, offers timeless wisdom. His famous quote highlights that plans falter when faced with adversity. True strength lies in adapting to setbacks. This principle, honed through his own life and career, teaches us to remain flexible and resilient. Facing challenges head-on and maintaining a relentless work ethic are key to overcoming life's punches and achieving success.

Debbie Zakaib, Alexandre Taillefers wife and a celebrated Quebec personality in fashion and food, has died. She died after a brief but challenging fight with cancer. Zakaib was a driving force in the province's culinary world and a respected marketing executive. Her contributions significantly boosted Quebec's creative sectors and cultural landscape. She was also instrumental in bringing prestigious culinary recognitions to the region.

Over 400 former Bodo Liberation Tigers cadres, previously excluded from rehabilitation, received Rs 2 lakhs each. This initiative is part of a broader peace effort in Assam, following several Memorandums of Settlement with various militant groups since 2020. These efforts have successfully integrated thousands of former cadres into mainstream society through skill development and financial packages.

In a debate on election reforms at the Rajya Sabha, Opposition members accused the Election Commission of India of favouring the ruling party, which BJP countered by alleging that Congress misused institutions when in power. Concerns were raised about a level playing field, transparency and institutional credibility. Data on party funding was presented.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag in-game freebies using regularly released 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes. These codes have limited validity and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is advised. Players can claim rewards by visiting the official redemption site and logging in with their game-linked accounts.

Pakistan's government is considering a ban on social media platforms. Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik stated that platforms must cooperate with authorities. He highlighted X's lack of cooperation compared to others. The government has warned that non-compliant platforms could face bans. This follows Brazil's actions against X. Pakistan wants social media companies to open offices in the country.

Australia's wartime Prime Minister John Curtin believed the journey of learning shapes character more than knowledge itself. From humble beginnings, he championed workers' rights and social justice, emphasizing discipline and intellectual effort. Curtin's philosophy highlights curiosity and resilience as vital for growth, warning against complacency and fostering integrity and sound judgment through continuous pursuit of understanding.

As the Federal Reserve navigates potential leadership changes and ongoing political pressures, its hard-won independence faces a critical test. Historical parallels with the 1950s highlight the enduring struggle between the central bank and the executive branch over monetary policy. The outcome in 2026 will significantly impact the cost of living and investor confidence.

Shivraj Patil Death News: Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at 91 in Latur after a prolonged illness. He served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Union Home Minister, notably during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, for which he took moral responsibility. Patil also faced criticism over his attire following the Delhi blasts.

Mahatma Gandhi's enduring wisdom emphasizes that personal transformation is the catalyst for global change. His quote, Be the change that you wish to see in the world, urges individuals to embody desired values and actions. This principle encourages self-discipline and accountability, inspiring positive shifts within families, communities, and beyond.

Delhi Weather Today: Delhi is experiencing a milder-than-expected winter this December, with minimum temperatures around 9C and maximums near 24C. Despite the moderate chill, dense fog has blanketed parts of the NCR, reducing visibility. The IMD has warned of dense fog and potential cold wave conditions in the coming days.

Stranger Things Volume 2 update covers new episode titles, directors, release dates, post-production progress, and comments from the Duffer Brothers. The story explains how Stranger Things Volume 2 will shape the final season and what viewers can expect from the next set of chapters.

Barron Trump and Andrew Tate relationship explained in a new report that outlines their Zoom conversations, views on Romanian charges, dating advice given to Barron, and their growing connection through Tate associate Justin Waller. The report also covers Tates past issues, legal cases, and his long link with the Trump family.

President Trump signed an executive order Thursday to block states from creating their own AI regulations, citing concerns about stifling innovation and falling behind China. The order directs the Attorney General to challenge state laws and the Commerce Department to identify problematic rules, threatening to restrict funding for states with AI legislation.

The government is considering changes to the Copyright Act. This is to create a system for paying royalties to creators whose work is used to train artificial intelligence. A committee has proposed a mandatory license for AI developers. This license would include payments to copyright holders. A central body would manage these royalty collections and distributions.

India's Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal indicated the US should sign a trade agreement if satisfied with New Delhi's offer, following positive remarks from US trade officials. Meanwhile, Italy's Deputy Prime Minister expressed optimism for an India-EU Free Trade Agreement within six months, though India's minister declined to provide a specific timeline for the deal.

Niti Aayog has proposed sweeping tax, regulatory, and market reforms to expand Indias corporate bond market into a major long-term capital source by 2030. The report urges parity in taxation, lower barriers for foreign investors, stronger market infrastructure, and coordinated policy measures to support investment and Indias growth ambitions.

Consumption momentum is expected to remain strong in the coming year, driven by low inflation, the positive effects of GST cuts, and easing policy rates. Economists anticipate this trend will continue to fuel demand and support household real incomes, though growth may be led by affluent consumers.

Heated Rivalry Episode 4 release time, schedule and how to watch are now confirmed for global viewers. Episode 4, titled Rose, arrives on December 12 with a midnight release on HBO Max and Crave. This explainer covers the release time, streaming options, cast details, episode guide and full viewing schedule.

The US Navy has submitted recommendations to the Pentagon regarding Senator Mark Kelly's appearance in a video urging service members to reject illegal orders. The Pentagon is reviewing the report, which Kelly's office dismisses as politically motivated, intensifying a dispute with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Indiana Senate Republicans rejected a congressional map favored by President Trump. The plan aimed to secure two additional Republican seats in the U.S. House. Lawmakers cited constituent opposition and potential political backlash. This defiance highlights limits to Trump's influence even in a Republican stronghold. The vote has implications for future redistricting efforts.

Charlotte's Sycamore Brewing is reeling after former co-owner Justin Tawse Brigham was arrested on serious charges including statutory rape of a child. Court documents detail disturbing allegations of burglary and sexual acts with a 13-year-old. His wife, Sarah Brigham, has taken full control of the brewery, expressing devastation and prioritizing the team.

A healthy thyroid needs the right foods to work well. Doctors say nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, protein, and antioxidants play a big role in thyroid health. Eating natural foods that have these nutrients may help support hormone balance and reduce inflammation. This simple guide explains which foods are helpful and which ones to limit.

The Federal Reserve rate cut is important because it can change how much money people earn or pay on savings, loans, mortgages and credit cards. This move may push deposit rates lower and only slightly affect borrowing costs. Experts say the bond market and future Fed plans will guide what happens next to peoples money.

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted the registration of 'Wellford Pudin Hara' trademark, citing its strong resemblance to Dabur India's 'Pudin Hara' mark. The court found a significant likelihood of consumer confusion and suggested the adoption of the new mark was prima facie dishonest. The stay is in effect until March 17.

President Droupadi Murmu assured Manipur's affected families of the government's unwavering support and commitment to restoring harmony and development. She inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 26 projects worth Rs 1387 crore, aimed at improving quality of life and boosting economic activities in the state.

The Supreme Court has ruled that families of doctors who died during the Covid-19 pandemic are eligible for insurance cover. This applies even if the doctors were not officially requisitioned by the government. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package aims to provide financial security. Claims will be considered based on evidence of Covid-related duty.

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, recently stirred discussions by revealing that she has yet to complete her enumeration form, raising concerns about the implications of verifying her citizenship. According to officials from the CEO's office, her form is indeed filed but has raised some flags.

Chief Justice Surya Kant of India is making headlines by urging lawyers to establish specified timelines for their presentations, a change that promises to enhance accessibility for everyday litigants in the Supreme Court. Moreover, he advocates for stricter penalties, proposing that acid attackers should face serious charges akin to attempted murder, signaling a strong stand against violent offenses.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the Kerala governor and chief minister's deadlock over vice-chancellor appointments. A committee led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia will now recommend one name for each of the two state universities. This decision comes after the governor and chief minister failed to reach a consensus. The committee will submit its recommendations by December 17.

The Election Commission of India has extended deadlines for electoral roll revisions in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh. New dates for draft roll publication have been set. This revision process is crucial for upcoming electoral activities. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the updated timelines.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has provided appointment letters to 41 families of terror victims. This initiative recognizes and rehabilitates those who suffered for decades. The government is now ensuring justice for these families. This move aims to integrate them into society and contribute to nation-building. Militants and separatists are no longer receiving government jobs.

The Supreme Court will not heavily scrutinize the Election Commission's special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Judges noted this is a rare exercise, happening after two decades. They will not entertain new cases challenging this process. The court believes individuals are approaching it for popularity. The hearing on existing pleas continues.

India is enthusiastically enhancing its relationship with the European Union, with negotiations for a free trade agreement moving forward. The Republic Day celebrations are set to welcome EU leaders as prominent guests. Recently, India had the honor of hosting EU trade commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Italy's deputy prime minister Antonio Tajani, showcasing a commitment to collaboration.

Michael Jordans 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports reached a settlement with NASCAR after a long lawsuit over race charters. The teams had raced most of 2025 without agreements. The deal ends the court fight and secures the future of the teams, while NASCAR avoids more legal problems. Exact terms were not made public.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a dinner for NDA MPs at his residence following the coalition's significant victory in the Bihar polls. Modi emphasized the NDA's commitment to good governance and national development. BJP MP Anurag Thakur expressed confidence in future electoral successes, anticipating the next gathering after a win in West Bengal.

Pakistan is poised to bolster its air defense capabilities with a $686 million upgrade for its F16 fighter jets, courtesy of the United States. This significant enhancement will primarily focus on upgrading communication and networking systems to ensure seamless operations alongside US forces.