The Economic Times News

Google searches in 2025 show Indians sought answers to new terms impacting their lives. From 'Operation Sindoor' to 'Mock Drills', people used Google to understand daily events. Popular searches included 'Waqf Bill' and 'Factorial of 100'. Tragedies like the Pahalgam terror attack and Air India crash led to searches for 'ceasefire' and 'Mayday meaning'.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific calendar to distribute the 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). For the majority of the 75 million beneficiaries, the first increased payment arrives in January 2026. However, the exact day depends on your date of birth. If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th, your check arrives on January 14. Those born between the 11th and 20th will see their raise on January 21.

The year 2025 will be remembered for its severe climate upheavals, leading to a staggering $120 billion in global damage. From sweltering heatwaves to rampant wildfires, countless nations found themselves in dire straits. California stood out with the highest financial toll due to its devastating fires. In the East, Southeast Asia and China faced heartbreaking floods that left communities reeling.

China's industrial profits saw a significant drop in November, the fastest in over a year. This decline highlights weak domestic demand, despite strong exports. The situation points to a slowing economic recovery. Experts suggest more policy support is needed to boost consumption and overall growth.

US President Donald Trump has called on the Justice Department to expose Democrats associated with Jeffrey Epstein. This comes as millions of documents related to the late sex offender are being reviewed and released. The latest disclosures include details of Trump's past flights on Epstein's private jet. Trump has previously distanced himself from Epstein.

Social Security benefits will increase by 2.8% in 2026 to help 75 million Americans fight inflation. This Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) boosts monthly checks for retirees, disabled workers, and SSI recipients. Most beneficiaries will see higher payments starting in January. However, SSI recipients get their first raise on December 31, 2025, due to the New Years Day holiday.

Texas is currently holding over $622 million in immediate unclaimed cash. This massive sum belongs to 5.7 million individuals across the state. These funds come from forgotten paychecks, old utility deposits, and dormant accounts. The state safeguards this money indefinitely. Data shows that roughly 1 in 4 Texans has unclaimed property waiting for them.

Hearings under the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls have begun across all 294 Assembly constituencies in West Bengal, with over 31 lakh unmapped voters called to appear. The process follows the publication of draft rolls on December 16, with claims and objections open until January 16, 2026.

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal urged BJP Assam cadre to leverage public support for the 'Double Engine Sarkar' but warned against complacency and infighting ahead of the 2026 elections. He highlighted PM Modi's role in bringing peace and development to Assam, contrasting it with past Congress rule. Unity and grassroots engagement were stressed.

A powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit near Taiwan's northeastern coast late Saturday. The tremor shook buildings in the capital, Taipei. Damage assessments are currently underway. Taiwan is situated in a seismically active region. This event brings to mind past devastating earthquakes on the island.

Rituals marking the second anniversary of the Ram temple's consecration ceremony have begun in Ayodhya. The main anniversary falls on December 31, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the chief guest. Special prayers and offerings are being conducted. VIP passes for darshan are fully booked until January 1, 2026, indicating a continuous increase in devotee numbers. General darshan remains efficient.

Kumail Nanjiani Michelle Obama rumour: Kumail Nanjiani humorously debunked a bizarre rumour of an affair with Michelle Obama, stating he's never met her. The actor also touched upon other celebrity gossip, including a supposed link between Barack Obama and Jennifer Aniston. Nanjiani also opened up about the personal impact of his film 'Eternals' poor reception, which led him to seek therapy.

New York is experiencing extreme rainfall events with increasing frequency and intensity, according to a report.

Working longer can increase your Social Security benefits, but the results vary. Your payout is based on your highest 35 earning years. Adding a high-income year can replace a zero or a low-earning year. However, high earners often see diminishing returns. Understanding end points is essential for timing your retirement and maximizing your lifetime wealth.

The Unnao rape survivor has asked the CBI to file a case against the former investigating officer. She alleges the officer worked with ex-MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. The survivor claims the investigation was dishonest and manipulated. This comes after Sengar received conditional bail. She also fears threats to her family. The victim states forged documents were used in the chargesheet.

A new rural jobs act, the VB-G RAM G Act, has replaced MGNREGA. LibTech India states the new law lacks anti-corruption measures. They argue technology should not be the only way to access jobs or wages. The group emphasizes the need for offline systems alongside digital ones. The act guarantees 125 days of wage employment per rural household.

Wealth quote of the day Milton Friedman: Milton Friedman was a titan of economics and a Nobel Prize winner. As the father of modern neoclassical economics, he reshaped how the world views money, freedom, and markets. His insights remain essential for investors today. Friedman championed individual liberty and free-market capitalism. He proved that economic freedom is the foundation of a prosperous society.

Karoline Leavitt pregnancy: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is expecting her second child. The baby girl is due in May 2026. Leavitt shared the news on Instagram, calling it the greatest Christmas gift. She and her husband, Nicholas Riccio, are already parents to an 18-month-old son. Leavitt plans to continue her role as press secretary during her pregnancy.

The BJP has accused Congress leader Digvijay Singh of openly disagreeing with Rahul Gandhi. Singh praised the organizational power of the RSS and BJP. The BJP stated this shows the Congress organization has collapsed under Gandhi. They also questioned why Gandhi is invited to speak at US universities given past criticism.

Baripada's Binod Lohar, a 37-year-old auto driver, dedicates his time to offering free rides to the local hospital for the needy. Inspired by a personal encounter, he now ferries poor patients, the elderly, and disabled individuals, covering their travel costs from his own earnings. Lohar also volunteers as a blood donor and aids in arranging ambulance services.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh shared a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He spoke about Modi's rise through organizational ranks. This sparked political reactions. Singh clarified his stance, stating his opposition to the RSS and Modi. The BJP used his remarks to criticize the Congress. The party is focused on strengthening its grassroots presence.

Social Security taxes are shifting in 2026. While federal rules still tax up to 85% of benefits, new senior deductions offer major relief through 2028. West Virginia is officially ending its state-level tax, leaving only seven states taking a cut. These changes will reshape monthly take-home pay for millions.

Rahul Gandhi has publicly condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent move to dismantle the MGNREGA program, calling it an unconsulted, reckless act that jeopardizes the rural economy and the democratic ethos of India.

Quote of the day December 27: Helen Keller's timeless words about unseen beauty resonate today. Her quote, The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart, highlights intangible values. In our image-focused society, Keller's message reminds us that true fulfillment comes from empathy and inner connection, not just external validation.

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, causing casualties and damaging infrastructure. This occurred just before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's planned talks with US President Donald Trump in Florida. The discussions will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and territorial disputes. Poland temporarily closed airports due to the aerial assault.

Ring in the fresh calendar with dinner spreads that feel festive yet doable at home. Mix Indian classics with modern twists, stack starters and mains smartly, and let the mood carry you through midnight without kitchen stress.

India adopts multi-alignment, actively engaging with global partners for its interests. This strategy differs from non-alignment, positioning India as a significant world player. Economist Sanjeev Sanyal highlights India's role alongside the US and China. India's GDP estimates are based on a robust system, with updates planned for 2026 to reflect current economic realities.

A global safety analysis reveals minoxidil's link to infant hair growth and eye problems. Over 45 infant cases of excessive hair growth were reported. Globally, 1,660 eye-related adverse effects were noted. Serious eye conditions like retinal artery occlusion were identified. Experts urge clearer warnings and better counselling to prevent harm, especially in homes with infants.

Saudi Arabia warned Saturday it would back Yemen's government in any military confrontation with separatist forces and urged them to withdraw peacefully from recently-seized provinces. Following Friday's raids, Yemen's government urged the Saudi-led coalition to support its forces in Hadramawt, after separatists seized most of the country's largest province.

Assam's Special Revision of electoral rolls is complete, with 2,51,09,754 electors after removing 93,021 doubtful voters and 4,78,992 deceased. The process involved 100% household coverage and identified 5,23,680 shifted electors and 53,619 demographically similar entries for correction. The purification aims for an error-free roll ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Silver price outlook 2026: Silvers historic surge is no longer a niche market story. It has become a defining global commodities headline. On Friday, spot silver surged more than 7% to trade above $77 per ounce, briefly touching $77.40. That puts silver up roughly 169% year-to-date. Now investors are openly questioning whether $100 silver in 2026 has shifted from a bold forecast to a realistic and achievable target.

Wordle is once-a-day online game gives a player six chances to figure out a five-letter word, using the least number of guesses.

A new political party, the Bangladesh Minority Janta Party (BMJP), is aiming to unite Hindu and other minority votes in Bangladesh for the upcoming elections. The BMJP plans to contest 91 seats, seeking to secure victories in around 40-45 constituencies, and is exploring alliances to ensure minority safety during voting.

2025 Year Ender: Artificial intelligence crossed a decisive threshold in 2025, evolving from experimental tools into systems embedded across daily life, business operations, and scientific research. The year saw major shifts in global AI power with Chinas open-source DeepSeek R1 challenging US dominance, while reasoning-focused models delivered breakthroughs in mathematics, enterprise workflows, and even AI self-optimisation.

Hyderabad police have filed a charge sheet naming 23 individuals, including actor Allu Arjun, in a stampede incident. The incident occurred during the premiere of the film 'Pushpa-2'. A woman died and her son was injured in the crowd surge. The theatre management is listed as the prime accused. Allu Arjun was arrested and later granted bail.