The Economic Times News

Who is Future Maggie, The Simpsons iconic character to be voiced by Lindsay Lohan this weekend? Lindsay Lohan voices an older Maggie Simpson in a Season 37 episode. The episode airs Sunday on Fox and features a flash-forward scene where Maggie speaks clearly.

Social Security Update: Disability is funded mainly by a 1.8 per cent payroll tax split between employers and employees; that money goes into a disability trust fund. The average disability benefit this year is $1,582 per month, substantially less than the $2,008 average for a retired worker, Social Security Administration data shows.

Social Security changes coming in 2026: A new $6,000 senior tax deduction could wipe out federal taxes for many Americans aged 65 and older. Payment schedules shift. Benefits rise under new laws. But higher income may also make more Social Security benefits taxable. Millions should review their income limits and tax forms before filing.

Germany's Chancellor stated that foreign companies, including U.S. firms, must adhere to German and EU regulations. This response comes after President Trump criticized a fine levied on social media platform X. He emphasized that American companies must accept local rules, with sanctions available if they fail to comply.

BM-21 Grad is the 122mm multiple launch rocket system Cambodia is using to wreak havoc in Thailand. Built by the Soviet Union, it fires 40 rockets in 20 seconds from a truck-mounted launcher. Fast, mobile, and brutal, the Grad overwhelms targets through sheer volume, making it one of the most lethal area-saturation weapons still in use today.

One Piece Episode 1153 release date, what to expect & how to watch explains the Joyboy reveal, Emets past, Bonneys actions, Atlas sacrifice, and the Egghead escape plan. The explainer covers story buildup, release date, episode title, and official streaming details.

Punjab is set to unveil a new industry policy next month. This policy aims to streamline project clearances, promising approvals within 5 to 45 days. A new Private Industrial Park Policy will also be introduced, enabling private sector participation. These initiatives are expected to boost investment and business growth in the state.

India is set to introduce the Vikasit Bharat Vidya Adhikshan Bill, 2025. This new law will reshape higher education regulation. The goal is to move away from outdated, control-focused rules. The focus will shift to academic quality and real outcomes. This reform aims to foster innovation and improve standards across institutions.

Sleeping more than nine hours regularly may signal underlying health issues rather than good rest, research suggests. Studies link long sleep with higher illness and mortality rates, but experts say it often reflects conditions such as depression, chronic disease, medication use, or low physical activity. Mental health, inflammation, and lifestyle patterns strongly influence sleep duration. Persistent long sleep should prompt a broader health evaluation, not just concern about sleep hours alone.

Security agencies have apprehended three suspected spies in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, including a retired Indian Air Force staffer from Tezpur. The individuals are accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistan-based handlers through social media and Telegram channels, detailing Army movements and defense camp locations.

Dave Ramsey advice for Americans over 50: Over 50 and behind on retirement? Dave Ramsey says Americans can still win. Cut debt, budget smartly, and invest wisely. Even with just 1015 years left, disciplined action and simple financial moves can secure a stress-free retirement. Its never too late to start winning.

Abraham Isaac Quintanilla Jr., the father of music icon Selena Quintanilla, has passed away at the age of 86. His son, Abraham A.B. Quintanilla III, confirmed the news in an Instagram post, citing, Its with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today. Reason of death has not been revealed.

Delhi schools are now required to adopt a hybrid learning model for students up to Class IX and XI, effective immediately. This directive, issued by the Directorate of Education, aligns with stricter air pollution curbs under GRAP-IV, aiming to mitigate further air quality deterioration in the NCR.

Gold price, silver rate in 2025 have jumped big and hit record highs. These two precious metals are followed by Platinum, Lithium, copper.

Indian Railways has successfully reduced new user IDs on the IRCTC website. A new system verifies user identities, leading to a drop from nearly one lakh to about 5,000 new IDs daily. This crackdown has deactivated over 3 crore fake accounts. Another 2.7 crore are suspended or flagged for suspicious activity.

Heart disease often develops silently, and gastroenterologist Dr Pal Manickam warns that everyday habits play a major role. In an Instagram post, he highlights five key heart health facts, linking stress to heart attacks, urging early LDL testing from 18 to 20 years, and noting low HDL levels among Indians. He stresses that lifestyle changes can outperform medicines and cautions that passive smoking poses serious cardiovascular risks.

Texas Roadhouse will shut down all 736 of its U.S. locations for 24 hours on December 25, continuing a long-standing Christmas custom. The nationwide closure allows more than 10,000 employees the day off to spend time with family, having work-life balance over holiday sales. Restaurants will run on adjusted hours on Christmas Eve, with schedules differing by location, and reopen completely on December 26.

Parents can secure their child's future dreams with a simple habit. CA Nitin Kaushik suggests increasing monthly investments by just Rs 1,000 each year. This gradual growth, combined with consistent investing, can turn modest savings into a substantial fund. This approach avoids risky shortcuts and painful sacrifices, allowing time and compounding to build wealth for future education needs.

French designer Julia Chaigneau living in India has created a unique Christmas celebration. She mixes French pastries with Indian dishes like chole and panki. Singing carols in warm weather under palm trees is a highlight. Chaigneau's experience shows that festivals are about connection and shared joy, not just culture. Her Indian Christmas is inclusive and memorable.

Fallout Season 2 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details are now confirmed. The new season starts on December 17 on Prime Video. Episodes will release weekly on Wednesdays. The season has eight episodes and ends in February 2026.

Rabri Devi has sought the transfer of the cases, alleging bias on the part of Special Judge Vishal Gogne. The four cases against Rabri Devi, the wife of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, and her family are linked to land-for-jobs and IRCTC scam cases. The cases are being probed by the ED, and the CBI.

The 4% Rule explained: Retirees can start with 4% of savings for year-one withdrawals. Adjust for inflation yearly. $1M portfolio? Thats $40,000 first year. Historical data shows 30-year sustainabilitybut personal plans matter. Taxes, market shifts, and lifestyle can make or break your nest egg.

Omar Abdullah also inaugurated the world's highest revolving multi-purpose hall at the Affarwat area in the resort, which also houses a restaurant.

IndiGo's flight operations are nearly back to normal. Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol stated that about 90 percent of flights have resumed. The airline faced cancellations due to new safety rules. A committee will be formed to assign responsibility for the disruptions. Passengers experienced losses.

Six Assam workers who died in an Arunachal Pradesh accident have been identified in Tinsukia. Their bodies were brought to Tinsukia Medical College and Hospital for formal identification by family members. Joint rescue teams recovered the remains from the accident site in Anjaw district. The vehicle carrying 22 labourers fell into a gorge on the Hayuliang-Chaglagam road.

Tom Cruises ambitious plan to star in a film shot in outer space was reportedly canceled. Announced in 2020 with director Doug Liman, the project would have involved NASA and SpaceX, possibly shooting aboard the International Space Station. According to insiders, the production stalled as they would need NASA coordination to do the movie, and supposedly Tom Cruise did not want to ask Donald Trump for a favor.

CA Nitin Kaushik outlines three money phases: survival, success, and freedom. Survival means money controls you. Success brings comparison and stress despite higher income. Freedom means money works for you, enabling choice and purpose. The journey is about mastering your money mindset, not just earning more. This shift creates true financial peace and a life lived on your own terms.

India vs South Africa 3rd T20I: India and South Africa are tied 1-1 heading into the crucial third T20I. India's batting stability and role clarity are under scrutiny, with the top order struggling and the middle order repeatedly rebuilding. This match is vital for both teams to gain an early series advantage and for India to find answers ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Deinfluencing is trending on social media. Instead of pushing products, creators show what not to buy. Nearly half of users buy on impulse, spending $754 yearly. Pausing before purchases and questioning ads can save money, reduce stress, and boost happinessturning smart spending into long-term rewards.

In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the attack primarily hit southern Ukraine, including the Odesa region, where two people were wounded.

UN Special Rapporteur Alice Jill Edwards has urged Pakistan to address inhumane detention conditions for former PM Imran Khan, warning they could constitute torture. Khan is reportedly held in excessive solitary confinement, with restricted access and constant surveillance, violating international human rights law. The Rapporteur called for an immediate end to his isolation.

Manipur BJP MLAs are heading to New Delhi for crucial talks on forming a popular government. The meeting is set to discuss the state's political future. Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo groups are pushing for a Union Territory with a Legislature. Discussions also covered land and governance issues in hill areas. The situation remains dynamic as decisions are anticipated.

Type 2 diabetes treatment: The findings suggest that TMA may help recalibrate harmful metabolic responses triggered by poor dietary habits.

Taylor Swifts Eras Tour concluded in December 2024 with an extraordinary gesture of appreciation. The pop icon distributed $197 million in bonuses to thousands of crew members, a moment spotted in her documentary series, The End of an Era. The movie shows Swift personally delivering envelopes and handwritten notes, bringing emotional reactions from dancers, band members, and production staff.

Celebrities Alia Bhatt, Navya Naveli Nanda, and Tripti Dimri are setting new trends in wedding fashion. Their lehenga choices showcase modern Indian weddings with unique styles. Alia opts for a bold black couture look. Navya presents a regal ivory-gold ensemble. Tripti embraces a soft, contemporary ivory design. These outfits highlight a blend of tradition and personal style for today's brides.

Dick Van Dyke, the legendary star of Mary Poppins and The Dick Van Dyke Show, celebrated his 100th birthday on December 13, 2025. A centenarian with enduring vitality, Van Dyke credits his longevity to staying active with gym workouts, yoga, and dance, maintaining an optimistic and playful outlook, and cherishing family connections. Through a career spanning Broadway, film, and television, he continues embracing new opportunities, showing that curiosity, movement, and meaningful relationships ar

Delhi-NCR has implemented the strictest curbs under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan as air quality deteriorates sharply. The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked emergency restrictions after pollution levels breached critical thresholds, enforcing all measures for 'Severe+' air quality.

A viral clip warns that popular fruits can harm kidneys. For those with kidney issues, fruits like bananas, oranges, and avocados pose risks due to high potassium. Dried fruits also present a concentrated sugar and potassium danger. Careful fruit selection is vital for kidney health. Consulting a doctor is recommended for dietary changes.

Indian Railways is set to introduce local cuisine in Vande Bharat trains to enhance passenger experience. This initiative will progressively expand to all trains. A strong crackdown on fake ticket booking identities is yielding results. Indian Railways has deactivated over 3 crore fake accounts. Efforts are underway to ensure easy ticket booking for all genuine users.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to launch in India around late January or early February, with a starting price of approximately Rs 1,59,999. This flagship device is expected to boast a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 6.9-inch OLED display, and a versatile quad rear camera system headlined by a 200MP primary sensor.

Late night scrolling can mislead the brain into thinking it is still daytime, warns NYU neuroscientist Dr Wendy Suzuki. Blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, disrupts the circadian rhythm, and leads to poor sleep, low mood, and reduced mental clarity. Dr Suzuki advises switching off screens an hour before bed and adopting screen free rituals, or using red light modes, to support brain repair and long term cognitive health.