The Economic Times News

Social Security payments of up to $5,108 are set to arrive on Wednesday, December 17. The checks go to retirees, SSDI recipients, and survivors born between the 11th and 20th of any month. The top amount is reserved for workers who delayed benefits until age 70. Average payments remain near $2,000. Who gets paid, how much, and what comes next, here's all what you need to know.

Rob Reiner death: Legendary filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, have been found dead in their Los Angeles home in what police are treating as an apparent homicide.

India and the European Union are in the most difficult phase of trade negotiations. Key issues like the EU's carbon tax mechanism are being discussed. Both sides are working to bridge differences and close the free trade agreement talks soon. India's exports to the EU are significant. The pact covers 23 policy areas.

Many workers think their 401(k) is safe, but small mistakes can hurt retirement savings. Saving too little, missing employer matches, and not understanding taxes can reduce future money. Experts say checking contributions, using free employer money, and planning early can help build a stronger and safer retirement fund over time.

George Clooney has revealed a significant shift in his acting career, announcing that he will no longer take part in on-screen kissing scenes. The longtime Hollywood heartthrob stated that the decision followed a conversation with his wife, Amal, and shows changing priorities as he grows older. At 64, Clooney is concentrating more on family life with his twins and being selective about future projects.

Actor Anupam Kher's trip to the Khajuraho International Film Festival was briefly halted due to a cancelled IndiGo flight from Varanasi. He plans to explore Varanasi, try local food, and visit the Vishwanath temple while awaiting his onward journey. His film 'Tanvi The Great' will be screened at the festival.

India and Russia are boosting trade and transport links. Key projects like the Vladivostok-Chennai corridor aim for $100 billion trade by 2030. India's trillion-dollar maritime vision aligns with Russia's plans. This collaboration focuses on port development and logistics. Both nations are working to expand these routes, anticipating significant growth in global sea trade.

Rob Reiner was married to actor-director Penny Marshall from 1971 to 1981.

Suresh Goyal is set to become the new director general of NCAER on January 5, 2026, succeeding Poonam Gupta. With over three decades of experience in both private and public sectors, Goyal most recently served as MD and CEO of the National Highway Infra Trust. NCAER, India's oldest economic think tank, was founded in 1956.

Dense fog in Northern India is causing flight disruptions. Mumbai Airport has issued an advisory for passengers. Travelers are urged to check flight status before leaving for the airport. Airlines and airport authorities are working to minimize delays. Safety remains the top priority for all operations.

A 24-year-old IT professional from Noida has turned to Reddit after facing pressure from his parents to take a home loan for a bigger house. While his family wants to move out of their cramped 1BHK, the techie is resisting long-term EMI commitments due to health concerns, career uncertainty and his goal of early financial independence. He has proposed a rental-based alternative, but his father remains opposed to living in a rented home.

Parliamentary discussions on education and elections took place. Prime Minister Modi began a three-nation tour. India's solar capacity saw a significant rise. International relations saw engagement with UAE and Australia. Sports news featured cricket victories and a football legend's arrival. Business saw WPI inflation remain negative. Education news included exam result dates and syllabus releases.

Travelers are warned about a viral claim that TSA agents check phones for five specific apps. This is not true. TSA officers can ask you to power on your device but do not read its contents. US Customs and Border Protection may search phones at borders, but this is rare and not limited to specific apps or seniors.

Prediabetes isn't a life sentence. Switching to fiber-rich, low-glycemic vegetables like leafy greens and cruciferous crops can stabilize blood sugar levels and even reverse the condition within months when paired with moderate exercise and weight loss. Here's what the evidence shows and how to build your plate.

Shaheen Shah Afridi endured a difficult Big Bash League debut for Brisbane Heat, with his bowling spell cut short after two dangerous full tosses. He conceded 43 runs from 2.4 overs, contributing to Melbourne Renegades' imposing total of 212 for 5. The match underscored the challenges international players face in the BBL.

Trump-backed $1,500 ACA payments explained: President Donald Trump has backed a Republican proposal that could deliver $1,000 to $1,500 payments to millions of Americans through health savings accounts. The plan targets Affordable Care Act enrollees aged 18 to 64 on bronze or catastrophic plans, with income limits up to 700% of poverty. Supporters say premiums could fall 11% by 2027. Lawmakers vote soon. Opposition is building. The outcome could reshape U.S. health coverage.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending left knee injury late in the fourth quarter of a Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Brought down from behind, Mahomes grabbed his knee and exited following a medical examination. An MRI later confirmed a torn ACL, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season as surgical paths were evaluated.

The government is actively addressing high airfares by strengthening the DGCA's tariff monitoring unit to prevent opportunistic pricing. Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha that efforts are underway to ensure smooth air travel for passengers, even in a deregulated sector. The ministry is closely monitoring domestic and international routes to keep fares reasonable and affordable.

Sanjay Saraogi has been appointed the new Bihar unit president of the Bharatiya Janata Party. The saffron party made the announcement on Monday. Saraogi, a former cabinet minister, succeeds Dilip Jaiswal. This change follows the BJP-led NDA's victory in the recent assembly polls. The party adheres to a 'one person one post' policy.

Japanese women swear by everyday foods that pack serious skin-boosting power. From fermented staples to antioxidant-rich teas, these 8 simple ingredients work behind the scenes to lock in moisture, fight aging, and give skin that coveted luminous glow without relying on expensive creams alone.

A South Delhi influencer's detailed Rs 2 lakh monthly expense breakdown on Instagram has sparked widespread discussion. Yukta Sethi shared her November spending, with investments topping the list at Rs 70,000. Content creation costs followed at Rs 44,800. Other expenses included travel, shopping, food, and personal training. The transparent look into her finances has drawn mixed reactions online.

Andhra Pradesh records the highest petrol and diesel prices due to its elevated VAT, while Andaman & Nicobar Islands offer the lowest fuel costs. This disparity arises from varying state VAT rates and freight charges, as highlighted by the Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas.

India is seeking a preferential trade agreement with Mexico. This move aims to help Indian exporters facing significant import tariffs. Mexico has imposed these duties on goods from countries without free trade pacts. Talks are underway to find a swift solution. This agreement could offer concessions for both nations' supply chains and export interests.

Voting for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections is set for January 15, 2026. Counting of votes will take place on January 16. This announcement formally begins the process for the long-awaited civic polls in Maharashtra. Candidates can file nominations from December 23 to December 30, 2025. The schedule covers elections for the BMC and other municipal corporations across the state.

By 40, the habits you've ignored quietly accumulatesedentary routines, poor sleep, unchecked stress, processed foods, tobacco, alcohol, and skipped health checks stack into cardiovascular risk. Here's what really happens inside your body, why it matters now, and how to fix it before it's too late.

Marie Curie's enduring words encourage us to replace fear with understanding, asserting that knowledge empowers us to face life's uncertainties with confidence. Her own life exemplified this principle, as she pursued groundbreaking scientific research despite inherent dangers.

Greg Abel is set to take over as Berkshire Hathaway's CEO, succeeding Warren Buffett. A native Canadian, Abel impressed Buffett with his commitment to the company's culture and long-term vision. He has significantly grown Berkshire Hathaway Energy and is known for his hands-on management style, though he respects the company's autonomous business approach. Investors anticipate his leadership.

The Supreme Court has directed a lawyer to approach the Delhi High Court regarding the Indigo flight crisis. The apex court noted that the Delhi High Court is already hearing the matter. The petitioner can join the ongoing proceedings there. The Supreme Court clarified that if any new issues arise, parties can approach them. The petitioner agreed to the suggestion.

The total authorized capital of SMFCL is Rs 1,000 crore and its paid-up share capital is Rs.1,000 crore. Total equity investment as on March 31, 2024 stood at Rs.541.79 crore. The NBFC handed over a cheque of Rs 15.88 crore to the centre as the Final Dividend for fiscal 2024-25.

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated in the Lok Sabha that the BCCI is not a recognised National Sports Federation (NSF). This status is expected to change with the new National Sports Governance Act next year, which mandates NSFs to register for central government funding and accountability.

Napoleon Bonaparte, a historical figure, warned against obscurity. He believed that taking action and making an impact, even temporarily, is more valuable than a life lived unnoticed. His life demonstrated that presence, not permanence, defines significance. This message remains relevant today, urging individuals to act and claim their space.

US stock market outlook this week: US stock market focus shifts sharply this week as a flood of delayed economic data returns. October retail sales and the November jobs report arrive Tuesday, followed by November CPI inflation on Thursday. Five Federal Reserve speakers and earnings from Micron, Nike, and FedEx could steer rate expectations and keep volatility high as investors position for 2026.

NYT Connections is a daily word puzzle from the New York Times Games team that appears straightforward at first glance but quickly reveals its complexity. Players are tasked with sorting a grid of 16 words into four distinct groups of four, each linked by an underlying theme or relationship.

In 2025, Alexa queries in India showed diverse user interests. People used voice search for music, pop culture, sports, and general knowledge. Users explored global and Indian music, podcasts, and celebrity information. General knowledge questions also remained popular. Voice assistants are now a blend of global trends and local interests.

Sudden heart deaths among young Indians are alarming, with experts like Dr. Sudhir Kumar highlighting silent coronary artery disease as a major culprit. Many seemingly healthy individuals under 45 carry hidden risks due to factors like family history, smoking, and lifestyle. Early awareness and preventive measures are crucial for safeguarding heart health.

India has rejected US claims of rice dumping. Trade Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that Indian rice exports are primarily premium basmati, which commands higher prices. He noted no prima facie case of dumping exists and no US anti-dumping investigation has begun. This comes after President Trump threatened further tariffs on Indian goods. India is the world's largest rice exporter.

Despite a growing affluent consumer base, large FMCG brands face declining penetration and volume share in India. A Kantar study highlights television's continued power in building brand equity and reach among these households, outperforming digital platforms in attention and comprehension for long-term brand building.

India's micro-drama market is experiencing rapid growth, reaching $260 million annually, but faces challenges. Content fatigue due to repetitive storylines and slow refresh cycles is impacting user retention, with supply-side strain hindering content creation to meet rising demand. Future growth hinges on improving content velocity, quality, and monetization resilience.

Ranveer Singhs spy thriller Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar, is set to make its OTT debut on Netflix from January 2026. After a record-breaking theatrical run, the films high-octane action, gripping storyline, and star-studded castincluding Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R. Madhavan, and Arjun Rampalwill now be available for home viewing in high-definition.

West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose called the recent chaos during Lionel Messi's event a management failure. He stated the incident hurt football lovers and undermined common man dignity. The Governor will submit a pro-people report to the Centre and give suggestions to the state government. He also directed a judicial inquiry and refund of ticket prices.

As we age, 8 key body areas lose their suppleness due to declining collagen, reduced joint lubrication, and muscle weakening. Spotting stiffness in your neck, shoulders, lower back, hips, and knees can signal that your body's flexibility is erodingbut consistent movement and stretching can slow the decline.