The Economic Times News

Body fat, long stigmatized as an aesthetic flaw, is now being redefined by science as an active and vital organ. Research shows fat regulates hormones, metabolism and overall health, with risks linked more to fat function and distribution than weight alone. Understanding different fat types, especially harmful visceral fat, challenges scale focused health views and encourages balanced nutrition, exercise and informed choices over shame driven approaches.

Spot gold was up 1.3 per cent at $4,387.29 per ounce. U.S. gold futures were up 1.3 per cent at $4,401.90.

Residential property registrations in nine Indian cities saw a 5% drop to 5.45 lakh units by December 25 this year. However, the total value of these registrations increased by 11% to Rs 4.46 crore. This growth was driven by a rise in wealthy Indians and a preference for premium and luxury housing.

Blackstone and Bagmane Group-backed Bagmane Prime Office REIT has filed draft papers for a Rs 4,000 crore REIT issue, which would become Indias sixth listed REIT. The portfolio is anchored in Bengaluru and includes about 20 million sq ft of Grade A office space, with nearly 98% occupancy.

China's military is conducting major drills around Taiwan. These exercises aim to deter any outside help for the island. Live fire demonstrations are part of the Justice Mission 2025. Flights are affected and tensions are high. China warns against any moves to split Taiwan from its territory. The drills involve naval and air forces.

The Indian Army marked significant achievements in 2025. Operation Sindoor successfully neutralised terror camps. The Army enhanced its firepower with BrahMos and Pinaka systems. New attack helicopters and battlefield structures were inducted. Indigenisation reached 91 percent for ammunition. Digital transformation and military diplomacy also saw progress. These developments underscore a strong push towards future readiness and self-reliance.

Social Security payments will rise in 2026 after a 2.8% COLA update. Millions of Americans will see higher monthly checks starting in January. Some SSI payments will arrive early due to holidays and weekends. The SSA says the increase is meant to help retirees, couples, and families better handle daily living costs next year.

Internal discontent brews within the BJP over limited tickets for municipal elections, with over 1,000 aspirants vying for 122 seats. Meanwhile, the RPI accuses the BJP of sidelining them in seat-sharing talks for the BMC elections. The Mahayuti finalized its formula, with BJP contesting 137 seats and Shiv Sena 90, drawing criticism from UBT Sena MP Sanjay Raut.

Saudi Arabia declared a UAE-backed separatist advance in Yemen a threat to the kingdom's national security on Tuesday and called Abu Dhabi's actions highly dangerous, as the rivalry between the Gulf monarchies boiled over into an open dispute. It called them a threat to the Kingdom's national security, as well as to security and stability in the Republic of Yemen and the region, it said.

The government is consulting with ministries and departments on lateral entry recruitment. This initiative brings in private sector experts for specific roles. Around 60 officers have been appointed since 2018. The Union Public Service Commission had previously cancelled an advertisement for lateral entry posts amid a political row.

NYT Connections hints answers today December 30 puzzle #933 explains all hints, categories, and answers for the New York Times Connections game. This explainer covers group clues, word sets, solutions, and playing tips to help players understand todays puzzle clearly.

An Ansar member, Bajendra Biswas, was fatally shot by a colleague, Noman Mia, in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. The incident occurred at Sultana Sweaters Limited factory. Noman Mia has been arrested. Police are investigating the motive behind the shooting. The deceased's body was sent for an autopsy. Legal proceedings have commenced.

Certain everyday foods boost how well blood reaches your muscles by triggering nitric oxide production or supplying iron and other vital minerals. Here are six kitchen staples that genuinely enhance oxygen delivery when eaten consistently, grounded in what researchers have actually found.

Titan Company Limited has a new chairperson. Sandhya Venugopal Sharma takes charge from January 4. She is a seasoned IAS officer with extensive experience. Sharma previously served in the Department of Space and anchored educational initiatives. She replaces Arun Roy, who remains a director. Sharma will represent TIDCO on the board.

Security forces launched extensive cordon and search operations in Jammu's Poonch and Kishtwar districts, targeting suspected terrorist groups in forest areas. Drones and aerial surveillance were employed to track operatives, while intensified vehicle checks and strengthened border grids are in place ahead of the New Year.

Protests have broken out at several universities in Tehran and Isfahan. Students are voicing their discontent over falling living standards. This follows similar demonstrations by shopkeepers. The unrest highlights growing public frustration. Reports indicate demonstrations occurred at multiple prominent universities in the capital and in Isfahan. The situation reflects significant economic challenges.

As 2026 approaches, interest in the centuries-old writings of French astrologer Nostradamus has resurfaced, with several of his cryptic quatrains being linked to the coming year. Modern interpreters point to themes of a prolonged global conflict, secretive night-time attacks, the sudden death of a powerful public figure, bloodshed or disaster in Switzerlands Ticino region, and growing climate and power shifts worldwide.

U.S. Stock Market indexes are set for robust monthly gains in December, with the S&P 500 and the Dow on track for their eighth consecutive month of gains, their longest monthly winning streak since 2017.

Dr Pal Manickam reveals guava's amazing health benefits. This fruit is rich in fiber, aiding heart health and digestion. Guava helps manage blood sugar levels. It also supports weight management by promoting fullness. Pink guava boosts iron absorption for anaemia. White guava is good for digestion and blood sugar control. Guava is a versatile fruit for overall wellness.

Gastroenterologist Dr. Pal Manickam offers simple, natural remedies for post-meal bloating. Mindful eating habits, like thorough chewing and avoiding heavy meals, alongside light physical activity and deep breathing, can significantly ease digestive discomfort. Ajwain seeds, rich in thymol, are highlighted for their ability to calm the gut and improve digestion.

A fierce competition is underway between IndiGo and the Air India group for airline captains. New flight duty rules have led to pilot shortages and resignations. Both airlines are aggressively recruiting, offering substantial joining bonuses.

Indian Railways will offer a 3 percent discount on unreserved tickets booked through the RailOne app. This offer is valid for digital payments made between January 14 and July 14, 2026. The existing 3 percent cashback for R-wallet users will continue.

Many people feel unusually self-critical at year end, but neuroscientist Dr Wendy Suzuki says the brain is partly to blame. She explains that the prefrontal cortex and default mode network shift into evaluation mode, while negativity bias highlights unfinished goals over real progress. This can create an illusion of failure. Dr Suzuki suggests recalling moments of growth, resilience and joy to reset the brain and gain a fairer view of the year.

Russia's position in peace talks will toughen after accusing Ukraine of attacking a presidential residence, a claim Kyiv denies as baseless and intended to prolong the conflict. Moscow stated its military knows how to respond, while Ukraine insists Russia has provided no evidence for its allegations.

Iran has issued a stern warning of a harsh response to any aggression. This comes after United States President Donald Trump indicated a potential strike. Trump stated the US could support another major strike if Iran restarts its ballistic missile or nuclear weapons programs. The situation remains tense as both nations exchange strong statements.

Stranger Things is set to conclude with a feature-length Season 5 finale that will premiere simultaneously on Netflix and in select theatres. The final episode, titled Chapter Eight: The Rightside Up, will release on December 31 at the same global time as its streaming debut. Netflix has expanded the theatrical rollout to hundreds of locations, turning the series finale into a special fan event. With all previous episodes already available to stream, the final chapter brings the long-running sto

A Delhi family court ordered a husband to pay Rs 5 lakh monthly interim maintenance to his wife, emphasizing that financial support ensures dignity and a lifestyle consistent with the marriage. The court rejected the husband's plea to be exempt due to his Dubai residence, stating an able-bodied husband cannot evade his duty to maintain his wife.

Aditya Birla Group chairperson Kumar Mangalam Birla appeared on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17 with his family, where he spoke about personal milestones, his bond with his grandfather B.K. Birla, the loss of his father Aditya Kumar Birla, and the long standing relationship between the Birla and Tata families. The episode also featured heartfelt recollections of Ratan Tata and lighter moments with host Amitabh Bachchan.

Bihar's renewable energy goals received a significant push as the first phase of the Rs 2,800 crore Kajra Solar Power Plant in Lakhisarai district was commissioned. This phase includes a 185 MW solar plant and a 254 MW-hour battery storage system, enabling uninterrupted power supply for 4-5 hours. The entire project is slated for completion by January 2027.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released its manifesto for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, promising free water, electricity up to 200 units, and world-class education and healthcare. Dubbed 'Kejriwal chi Guarantee,' the manifesto aims to replicate AAP's governance model from Delhi and Punjab in Mumbai, addressing alleged corruption and service failures within the BMC.

Year ender 2025: Extreme weather events fueled by climate change impacted the world in 2025. Heatwaves, droughts, storms, and wildfires intensified. Millions faced the limits of adaptation. Global temperatures were exceptionally high. Scientists urge a rapid reduction in fossil fuel consumption to prevent worse consequences.

Grew Solar has landed a groundbreaking deal valued at over Rs 2,000 crore with NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd, set to provide an impressive 1,464.5 MW of solar modules for renewable energy projects sprinkled throughout Uttar Pradesh. This landmark order marks a pivotal moment for Grew Solar, which is simultaneously boosting its Dudu plant capacity.

India's cement sector anticipates robust growth in the coming years. Cement volumes are set to expand by 6-7 percent in FY27. This expansion is fueled by sustained demand from housing and infrastructure projects. Manufacturers are increasing capacity to meet this demand. Profitability is also expected to rise significantly. The industry is poised for a strong performance.

The Indian Olympic Association will host the inaugural National Athletes' Forum in Ahmedabad on January 10. This event aims to empower athletes in sports governance and accountability. Current and former athletes will engage in discussions on crucial issues. The forum seeks to translate athlete feedback into actionable reforms. This initiative marks a significant step towards athlete-centered decision-making in Indian sports.

The Russian government plans to sell Moscow's Domodedovo airport early next year, several months after taking ownership of the asset over allegations it had come under foreign control, Russia's finance minister said Tuesday. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov did not say why Russia was selling the airport -- the country's fourth busiest, but said the government had done a lot of work on it and that it was aware of potential bidders.

Russia claims a Ukrainian drone attack on a presidential residence will harden its stance on peace talks. Ukraine denies the accusation, calling it a fabrication to justify further attacks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated the incident aims to disrupt negotiations.

Immanuel Kants iconic line from Critique of Pure Reason may sound abstract, but it carries a message strikingly relevant today. This feature unpacks what Kant meant by empty thoughts and blind intuitions, why true understanding needs both experience and concepts, and how his ideas challenge modern habits of rushed thinking. It also explores the quiet genius of the philosopher who reshaped how the world understands knowledge, ethics and reason.

Year Ender 2025 : Jammu and Kashmir faced significant challenges this past year, marred by terror incidents and devastating natural disasters. The haunting Pahalgam attack and a car explosion in Delhi shattered the illusion of safety, while a sudden cloudburst in Kishtwar wreaked havoc on the landscape. These calamities took a toll on tourism and horticulture, vital to the region's economy.

Hyundai Motors enters the commercial mobility sector with its new taxi models, Prime HB and Prime SD. These vehicles are designed for fleet operators and taxi entrepreneurs, focusing on low operating costs and reliability. Both models feature a 1.2-litre Kappa engine with petrol and CNG options.

Russia's Finance Minister Anton Siluanov announced that the state will soon auction its stake in gold producer Uzhuralzoloto (UGC). This follows a July 2025 court ruling that seized the majority stake from businessman Konstantin Strukov, who was accused of obtaining property through corruption.

A migrant worker from Chhattisgarh was lynched in Kerala after being mistaken for a thief, highlighting growing xenophobia despite the state's progressive image. This incident, the third of its kind in three years, raises concerns about the integration of internal migrants and the need for better support systems.

List of Dry Days in January 2026: Delhi will observe dry days in January 2026, with alcohol sales prohibited on Makar Sankranti (14th), Republic Day (26th), and Shaheed Diwas (30th). These closures are to honor national and religious occasions, allowing for respectful observance of the festive and solemn events.

Priyanka Vergadias journey shows how resilience and self-belief can overcome setbacks. After failing to secure admission to IIT twice and struggling to fund her education, she began her career as a Quality Assurance engineer. Through persistence and continuous learning, she rose to leadership roles at Google and Microsoft, founded The Cloud Girl, lectured on cloud computing, and authored best-selling books.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has labeled the SIR a significant scam, alleging it uses artificial intelligence. She stated that her party, TMC, will protest at the Election Commission's Delhi office if any genuine voter is removed from the electoral rolls.