The Economic Times News

Social Security payments are being sent this week to some retirees. People with certain birthdays will get paid on December 24. Bigger Social Security checks are coming next year because of a cost-of-living increase. The SSA has also shared future payment dates so beneficiaries know when to expect their money.

Popular singer Chris Rea has passed away. He died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family. Rea was known for his hit songs like Driving Home For Christmas and The Road To Hell. He had battled health issues in recent years. His family has confirmed the sad news. Rea's music touched millions worldwide.

Federal holidays list 2026: Federal holidays in 2026 bring clarity and new Christmas rules. OPM confirms eleven federal holidays with several long weekends. Independence Day shifts to Friday, July 3. Trumps Christmas Eve and Dec. 26 law complicates scheduling. Every other federal holiday stays on a weekday. That creates predictable schedules. Long weekends are limited. Check which workers benefit most, and how employers handle observed holiday rules.

New Year Horoscope 2026: Astrologers note that the first month of the year urges people to step back from inflexible resolutions and focus instead on setting purposeful intentions, as Januarys astrology is shaped by significant planetary movements.

Russia on Monday expressed full support for Venezuela as the South American country confronts a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers by US forces deployed in the Caribbean, the two governments said. US President Donald Trump on December 16 announced a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels sailing to and from Venezuela.

Christmas Eve 2025 store hours: Christmas Eve 2025 store hours are detailed for major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco, with many offering adjusted closing times. Grocery stores such as Aldi and Kroger also have specific hours, and pharmacy services at CVS and Walgreens will largely remain operational, though some may have reduced schedules.

PC prices 2026: A global memory shortage is now affecting the PC market. Experts predict PC sales could fall significantly in 2026. Prices for computers are expected to rise due to increased memory costs. Some companies are adjusting sales strategies to cope with the ongoing RAM shortages. Demand from AI data centers is driving this supply crunch.

Gold and silver prices rally sharply on December 22 as gold breaks above $4,400 again. Silver trades near $69, posting one of its strongest sessions of 2025. Fed rate cut expectations fuel the move. Debt monetization fears grow. Geopolitical tensions boost safe-haven demand. Industrial silver shortages intensify. Some forecasts suggest gold could approach or exceed $5,000 per ounce by late 2026. For silver, expectations are also strong but more varied. Some market watchers project silver moving

Paramount is pushing harder to buy Warner Bros. Discovery with help from Larry Ellison. He is personally backing the deal to prove the money is real. The offer has caused tension with the WBD board, which prefers Netflix. Shareholders are now closely watching how this major media takeover fight unfolds.

This Christmas Eve stands out for its emphasis on emotional authenticity. Rather than grand gestures, small moments, shared meals, meaningful conversations, and quiet togetherness, carry lasting impact.

The Union Public Service Commission has released the final results for the Combined Medical Services Examination 2025. Medical graduates can now download their result PDFs. The examination was held on July 20, 2025, with personality tests conducted from October to December 2025. The UPSC has recommended candidates for various central government medical posts.

Police fired on protestors in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district, injuring three, after clashes erupted over illegal land encroachment. Agitators demanding immediate action against encroachment blockaded a highway, leading to the violent confrontation. The protestors also set fire to the ancestral home of the KAAC Chief Executive Member.

The Indian Navy received the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, 'Anjadip', marking a significant step in indigenous shipbuilding. This vessel, built by GRSE, is designed for effective underwater threat detection and engagement, bolstering the Navy's capabilities and reflecting India's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

US stock market today: Wall Street gains as investors positioned cautiously. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 106 points while the S&P 500 climbed. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.6% as technology shares led momentum. NVIDIA climbed on China shipment hopes. Oracle gained as AI optimism returned. Markets remain wary over valuations and a fading Santa rally. Thin holiday trading could amplify moves into year-end.

Infosys co-founder S D Shibulal countered N R Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week suggestion, emphasizing the quality of time spent on a job over sheer hours. Shibulal advocated for full devotion and presence in whatever task one undertakes, whether personal, professional, or public life.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has stated that his government will not permit any damage to the Aravalli mountain range. He emphasized a strong commitment to conservation, criticizing symbolic protests as insufficient. Sharma asserted that real action and strong willpower are necessary for protection. He assured that no mining would be allowed in the Aravallis.

During a significant address, General Anil Chauhan, the foremost military leader in India, articulated the necessity for the country to equip itself for rapid and intense confrontations to tackle the threat of terrorism. He pointed out the urgency of gearing up for sustained territorial engagements with its bordering nations.

Kolkata has become a hub of fervent protests in response to the horrific mob lynching and burning of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh. Stirred by the tragic event, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari rallied demonstrators to voice their condemnation and insist on justice. As the call for accountability resonates, further actions including a border blockade are anticipated.

India's economy shows resilience. The Reserve Bank of India's bulletin highlights strong domestic demand in October and November. This boost came from GST rationalisation and festive season spending. Rural demand remains robust. Urban demand is also steadily recovering. High-frequency indicators suggest economic activity is holding up in the third quarter.

The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) meeting, chaired by CM N Chandrababu Naidu, approved over Rs 1,300 crore for layout development and a Rs 444-crore flood pumping system. Decisions also included establishing a quantum computing research center and enhancing facilities for AIS officers, alongside plans for an advanced cultural center reflecting state traditions.

In 2025, India skillfully managed its relationship with China amidst global trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions. New Delhi pursued a balanced approach, engaging Beijing cautiously while safeguarding its strategic autonomy. This careful diplomacy involved border stabilization, diplomatic openings, and a pragmatic reassessment of international partnerships. India's actions signaled its commitment to a multipolar world, where it could maneuver independently.

Pluribus Finale Episode 9 new release date and time is now confirmed on Apple TV. The finale releases worldwide on December 24, with an early US release on December 23. The episode concludes Season 1 and sets up future seasons already in development.

NBC News reported on Saturday that U.S. President Donald Trump was to be briefed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that any expansion of Iran's ballistic missile programme poses a threat that could necessitate swift action.

Thought of the day: Muhammad Ali took up boxing at the age of 12 after his bicycle was stolen, an incident that brought him to Louisville police officer Joe Martin, who went on to train the young fighter.

Delhi's air quality measures are showing results. Over two lakh Pollution Under Control certificates were issued in four days. Nearly 10,000 vehicles failed emission tests. Industries and private offices flouting work-from-home rules face strict action. The government is upgrading PUC centers and intensifying enforcement against polluting units. Efforts to control dust and revive water bodies are ongoing.

In a press release posted on its corporate website, the UAC said flight tests of the Izdeliye 177 engine have begun as part of the Su-57 aircraft system in cooperation with the United Engine Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-run Rostec group.

Jim Beam will stop production at its main Kentucky distillery for all of 2026 to upgrade the site and match demand. Other distilleries, bottling plants, and the visitor center will stay open. The pause comes as the bourbon industry faces high supply, falling alcohol sales, and trade challenges, while Suntory continues to own and manage Jim Beams operations in Kentucky.

Netflix is the biggest of the three companies, with a market capitalization of around $430 billion as of mid-December. Warner Bros. Discovery is about $70 billion, while Paramount Skydance trails at closer to $14 billion, according to reports.

Are banks open on Christmas Eve 2025? Banks across the United States will generally remain open on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025. The question has gained attention after President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring Christmas Eve and December 26 as federal holidays for government offices this year.

Addressing a press conference to allay concerns over the revised definition, Yadav said the Modi government remains firmly committed to the Green Aravalli mission and that fears of large-scale ecological dilution are misplaced.

The agreement was signed here by CMD, India Optel Limited (IOL), Tushar Tripathi and Head of the Defence Global Business Unit for Safran Electronics & Defense, Alexandre Ziegler in the presence of Secretary (Defence Production), Sanjeev Kumar.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted Rahul Gandhi will decide on the state's leadership, countering AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge's call for local resolution. Kharge expressed displeasure over being drawn into the issue, calling it a 'local creation.' Discussions on leadership change resurfaced after recent meetings between Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar.

Gen X retirement crisis: Gen X faces a growing retirement crisis as baby boomers exit the workforce, with researchers warning this generation is less prepared. Shrinking pensions, longer lifespans, and caregiving burdens contribute to their vulnerability. With Social Security potentially facing cuts by the time they retire, Gen X is increasingly seeking protected lifetime income solutions.

Baby boomers should review their Social Security plans before 2025 ends. Experts say checking benefits, planning for taxes, and understanding Medicare rules can help avoid costly mistakes. Small decisions made now may change monthly income later. Knowing when to claim and how benefits work can make retirement smoother and more secure.

Monday Motivation by Anand Mahindra focuses on Supriya Sahu after she won the UNEP Champions of the Earth 2025 award. Anand Mahindra praised her public service, climate work, and long-term leadership in Tamil Nadu. The post gained wide attention on social media.

Eighteen states are set to implement SNAP reform on January 1, banning certain 'junk foods,' but a lack of clear guidance from the Trump administration has caused widespread confusion among retailers. This reform, part of a broader domestic spending bill, could disqualify stores from SNAP for selling even one ineligible item, leading to anxiety and potential program withdrawal.

Israeli bulldozers razed a four-storey building in east Jerusalem on Monday. Scores of Palestinian residents were left homeless after a midnight eviction. Authorities cited unauthorized construction. Local officials called it a systematic policy to displace Palestinians. The building housed about 100 people.

As Europe confronts escalating security threats, nations across the continent are taking decisive steps to strengthen their armed forces. Germany is innovating its military service plans, while France embarks on reintroducing compulsory youth military programs. Britain intends to augment its armys size, and Denmark is extending its period of conscription.

The Supreme Court has refused an urgent hearing for a plea challenging the Prime Minister's ceremonial offering at the Ajmer Dargah. Petitioners argued the practice contradicts national sovereignty and the Constitution. This tradition, started by Jawaharlal Nehru, has been followed by successive Prime Ministers. The court indicated it would consider listing the matter later if urgency is established.

Journalists in Bangladesh face a fight for survival as violent attacks on media offices escalate following the killing of a prominent youth leader. Editors report receiving death threats, with assailants accusing newspapers of serving foreign interests. This surge in violence raises serious concerns for press freedom and civic space ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.