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Economy / The Economic Times
Scrub Typhus Virus: Andhra Pradesh is on high alert after eight people have died from Scrub Typhus virus. Symptoms of scrub typhus usually begin within 10 days after infection and its symptoms include fever, rashes, chill and headache. If not treated appropriately, scrub typhus can be fatal and may lead to organ damage and severe bleeding, says CDC.
CalFresh food benefits have returned to their normal schedule after a temporary disruption due to a federal government shutdown. December payments are being issued, and recipients can use their EBT cards for most groceries, excluding alcohol, tobacco, and prepared foods. New rules offer a minimum benefit for seniors and disabled individuals, and a produce rebate program continues through summer 2026.
Kylie Jenner's unique approach to New Year's resolutions in 2016 involved vague goals, allowing for natural growth. This mindset mirrors her journey as a cultural icon and entrepreneur. From reality television to a massive beauty empire, Jenner's influence has been significant.
Japans top power generator JERA has signed its first long-term LNG export deal with Indias Torrent Power, supplying four cargoes annually for 10 years starting 2027. The LNG will fuel Torrent Powers 2,730 MW power plants and be sold to households, small industries, and the transport sector.
Macquarie Asset Management has bolstered its India leadership with investment veteran Prateek Jhawar as Head of Real Assets, effective January 2026. Jhawar will spearhead infrastructure and green investments, driving growth in energy transition, transport, and social infrastructure. This move underscores MAM's significant, long-term commitment to India's rapidly expanding market.
Moodys survey highlights that Asia-Pacific banks, including Indias, have stronger capital positions than peers in the US and Western Europe, supported by prudent regulatory oversight. Large Indian private banks, such as SBI, ICICI, HDFC, and Axis Bank, show high CET1 ratios (14.718%) and leverage due to strong internal capital generation and easy access to equity markets, outperforming government-owned peers.
India's aviation market is heavily concentrated with IndiGo and Air India dominating. Recent IndiGo cancellations highlight the risks of this near-duopoly. This situation draws parallels with the telecom sector's past struggles. The government is exploring regulatory actions to manage this imbalance. These steps aim to protect consumers and foster competition without direct intervention.
Fillmmaker Vikram Bhatt and his wife Shwetambari Bhatt have been arrested by Rajasthan Police in connection with a Rs 30 crore fraud case. The case involves Dr Ajay Murdia, the owner of Udaipur's Indira Group of Companies. The complaint filed by Indira IVF founder Dr Ajay Murdia accused Vikram Bhatt and his associates of financial wrongdoing and false promises of making a biopic of his late wife.
The Supreme Court has intervened to grant interim bail to Dashrath Singh Bhokta, a purported zonal commander of the disbanded Tritiya Prastuti Committee, who is embroiled in allegations related to extortion and terror financing. Taking into account his extensive time in custody and the bail granted to other primary defendants, the court found merit in his appeal.
Andhra Pradesh faces a worsening scrub typhus crisis with eight deaths and 1,537 cases. Recent fatalities in Krishna, Prakasam, and Bapatla districts highlight the infection's spread. While Chittoor has the most cases, Palnadu shows a concerning death rate, prompting intensified surveillance and medicine stocking by health officials.
Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu stated in Rajya Sabha that the government will take strict action against IndiGo to set an example for other airlines. The airlines crisis was attributed to issues in crew rostering and internal planning.
Realme 16 Pro series launch date in India: Realme is reportedly set to launch its 16 Pro series in India on January 6, 2025, ahead of its usual schedule. Leaks suggest the new lineup will feature multiple storage options, a high-end 144Hz OLED display, and a significant camera upgrade with a 200MP primary sensor. The series is expected to include the Realme 16 Pro and Realme 16 Pro+.
Indian banks are embracing agentic AI, a new technology that uses intelligent agents to automate financial processes. This innovation promises to revolutionize banking by creating a digital workforce that handles tasks like customer onboarding and query resolution. The technology is feasible now and will significantly boost efficiency and customer service. This marks India's next major financial advancement.
Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has publicly broken ties with Donald Trump. The split occurred over policy disagreements on affordability and foreign affairs, and Greene's push to release Jeffrey Epstein files. Trump publicly attacked Greene, labeling her a traitor. Greene resigned from Congress citing death threats and a toxic political environment. She maintains local support but denies future political ambitions.
981 Health Project: A conversation between Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping about achieving 150 years of life through organ transplants has revived interest in China's 981 Health Project for Leaders. This elite healthcare program reportedly aims to significantly extend the lifespans of top officials by integrating Chinese and Western medical technologies, focusing on areas like aging and organ regeneration.
The government is redesigning the Prasad scheme to boost pilgrim tourism. This initiative, launched in 2014-15, has funded 54 projects over the last decade. The scheme focuses on developing infrastructure at pilgrimage sites.
Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma became Pakistan's most searched athlete in 2025. His explosive batting against Pakistan in major tournaments captured significant attention. Sharma's performances led to him topping Google searches in Pakistan, outranking local stars. This rise highlights his impact beyond national rivalries. In India, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi led the searches.
Actress Gul Panag, a trained pilot and wife of an IndiGo captain, has weighed in on the airline's widespread flight disruptions. She highlights that the current focus on cancellations and refunds distracts from the core issue: the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and the resulting operational pressures on crew.
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has secured an exclusive licensing agreement with Immutep to manufacture, develop, and distribute the Australian company's cancer therapy, eftilagimod alfa. This significant deal, valued at up to $350 million, grants Dr. Reddy's distribution rights across most global markets, excluding North America, Europe, Japan, and Greater China.
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, left a legacy of wisdom, notably his quote on values being unique fingerprints. His journey from Tupelo to global icon redefined music, blending genres and challenging norms. Presley became a record-shattering artist, dominating charts and earning numerous accolades.
A deadly Goa nightclub fire killing 25 has prompted Delhi authorities to review fire safety compliance in entertainment venues. Police are instructing clubs, bars, and restaurants to ensure functional fire extinguishers, clear exits, and monitored electrical loads, especially with upcoming holiday crowds. Officials highlight lax enforcement of existing fire safety norms, including narrow staircases and blocked exits, as major concerns.
According to experts, this flat affect epidemic is spreading globally and making everybody feel numb and emotionally burnt out lately leading to widespread depression and many mental ailments.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened a special discussion in the Lok Sabha to commemorate 150 years of Vande Mataram, underscoring its significance as a driving force of Indias freedom movement. He contrasted todays celebration with past milestones marked under colonial rule and later during the Emergency, highlighting the nations progress and the sacrifices of those who once chanted the patriotic slogan.
Mahindra & Mahindra, Indias top SUV maker, has unveiled the name of its next big launch in the premium SUV segment the XUV 7XO positioning it as the successor to the wildly successful XUV700, which has crossed 300,000 owners in just four years. The new model promises to build on the XUV700s game-changing legacy with upgraded features and design.
Celebrity Jacqueline Fernandez credits a special homemade fragrance milk for her fresh and pleasant scent all day. This unique blend is her natural way to fight off odour-causing bacteria and feel confident without harsh chemicals.
Nisus Finance has successfully exited Bengaluru's Project High Cliff, a residential development, achieving a 23% Internal Rate of Return (IRR) within two years. The investment, made through rated, listed non-convertible debentures, provided crucial structured capital to accelerate project execution and overcome delays. This exit highlights the growing importance of specialized real estate credit platforms in addressing market funding gaps.
HFCL has secured a $72.96 million (656.10 crore) export order to supply optical fiber cables through its overseas subsidiary to a major international customer, with deliveries due by November 2026. The company said the deal underscores global confidence in its manufacturing and technology capabilities.
Sankey Prasad has acquired 100% ownership of Colliers Project Leaders (CPL) in the Middle East, becoming its Chairman. This move follows his exit from Colliers India and the Middle East, where he previously served as Chairman & Managing Director. Prasad is now in advanced discussions for a strategic partnership with a leading global private equity firm.
Cairn Oil & Gas, part of Vedanta Group, has invited global partners to participate in multiple projects under its $5 billion investment plan for the next 23 years. The company, which holds interests in 55 blocks, is seeking international rig partners to provide and operate advanced rigs for 12 drilling sites, and is looking for specialists in recovery-enhancement technologiesincluding EOR methods like ASPto boost brownfield production.
Filmmaker Karan Johar candidly shared his long-standing anxiety surrounding travel, detailing his pre-flight compulsions and in-flight nervousness. He also opened up about his past struggles with finding emotional companionship and his current feelings of loneliness, despite his professional success and close family ties.
Body Mass Index (BMI) is a key tool for assessing weight categories and potential health risks, estimating body fat based on height and weight. While not always precise, it helps identify individuals who may be underweight or overweight, prompting consultation with healthcare providers for personalized guidance and risk management.
FBI Director Kash Patel has firmly stated there is zero evidence linking TPUSA to Charlie Kirk's assassination. He also addressed Candace Owens' claims of foreign involvement, noting the FBI has no credible information to support this. Investigations are ongoing, with the bureau committed to exploring all legitimate leads. The FBI is looking into all threats received.
Since all new, retail floating-rate home loans sanctioned after 1 October, 2019 are linked to an external benchmark, which is the repo rate in most cases, banks will have to pass on the benefit to existing borrowers at the reset dates.
Bharti Airtel has partnered with Google to offer Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging, a move that brings all major Indian telcos on board. This collaboration, following Airtel's previous concerns about spam, will see messages charged at Rs 0.11 with an 80:20 revenue share. The pact aims to bolster competition against platforms like WhatsApp in the business messaging sector.
Women's heart attacks often masquerade as fatigue, indigestion, or breathlessness instead of the crushing chest pain men typically experience. This difference stems from smaller vessel disease and hormonal shifts, causing dangerous diagnostic delays that put women at higher mortality risk.
IndiGo faced a major crisis after a technology glitch and new pilot rest rules caused thousands of flight cancellations. Passengers were stranded as the airline's operations unraveled. The government intervened, suspending the rules and capping fares. This event highlights the risks of India's reliance on dominant carriers and threatens IndiGo's market position.
Dulquer Salmaan's period drama Kaantha, set in 1950s Madras, is now getting a second life on Netflix starting December 12, 2025. The film, which struggled at the box office, explores the complex relationship between a director and a star amidst a murder mystery. Its digital release aims to introduce the story to a wider audience across multiple languages.
Government Budgeting Understanding types of Budget Advantages Disadvantages: Governments utilize budgets to manage national finances, categorizing them into balanced, surplus, and deficit types. Each budget offers distinct advantages and disadvantages, impacting economic stability, public welfare, and national development. Effective planning and execution are crucial for a budget's overall success.
The Supreme Court declined an urgent hearing for IndiGo flight cancellations, acknowledging widespread passenger disruptions but noting government action. The airline faced extensive flight cancellations across major Indian cities, leaving thousands stranded. The DGCA has extended the deadline for IndiGo's CEO and COO to respond to a show-cause notice regarding these operational issues.
Before his iconic pairing with Hema Malini, Dharmendra shared a significant professional and emotional bond with Meena Kumari. Despite their films struggling commercially, their connection deepened, with Dharmendra reportedly supporting Kumari through personal turmoil and her struggles with alcohol. Their collaboration eventually saw a major hit with 'Phool Aur Patthar'.
Former J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti stated that the government's post-August 2019 policies in Jammu and Kashmir have failed, urging a fresh outreach. Young residents shared struggles with harassment, lack of dignity, passport denials, and unemployment, with some feeling pushed towards extremism.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting European allies in London to discuss peace negotiations with Russia, following US-led talks that ended without a breakthrough. President Trump expressed disappointment that Zelensky had not yet reviewed the US proposal. Meanwhile, Britain's Foreign Secretary is in Washington to reaffirm commitment to a peace deal.
Shyama Prasad Mukherjees quote highlights that greatness is earned through serious, thorough, and complete work rather than by accident. Dedication, commitment, and close attention to detail are essential for unlocking ones true potential and achieving lasting results. This philosophy applies to every aspect of life, encouraging personal excellence and laying the foundation for a strong and successful future.
The UN has launched a $23 billion aid appeal, significantly less than hoped, due to a sharp decline in donor funding. This reduction forces aid agencies to prioritize only the most desperate, leaving tens of millions without essential help amidst escalating global humanitarian crises. The UN aid chief highlighted the dire situation, stating agencies are overstretched, underfunded, and under attack.
Swadesh became the perfect stage for maximalist Indian fashion. Deepika, Sonam, Ananya, Karisma, Khushi, and Madhuri arrived in rich weaves, intricate jewelry. textures, and statement fabric. With lush weaves, shimmering fabrics, and dramatic silhouettes, Bollywood stars embraced maximalism with grace.

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