The Economic Times News

Do you aspire to work in world's richest man Elon Musk's xAI company as an Android engineer? Tesla and SpaceX CEO recently announced that his firm is actively looking for Android engineers to develop its Grok chatbot at a few locations in US and London. The candidates need to possess strong coding skills and will have to undergo an entire process to get hired.

A key Australian health committee has recommended Wegovy for subsidized access. This drug targets adults with existing heart conditions and obesity. The decision aims to help vulnerable individuals manage high treatment costs. Strict eligibility criteria will apply, focusing on those with significant cardiovascular risk. This move could pave the way for wider access to weight management medications.

Explosions targeted two trains in Pakistan's Balochistan province on Friday. The Jaffar Express and Bolan Mail passenger trains were the intended targets. Railway tracks were damaged in Mushkaf and Dasht areas. This disruption has led to a halt in normal train services from Quetta. Security approval is now required before confirming passenger train schedules.

Rediff.com India Limited has appointed Rekha Murthy as an independent director to its board as it prepares for a significant fundraise, potentially including an IPO by Diwali 2026. This move strengthens governance as the AI-focused platform expands into payments and enterprise software, with Infibeam Avenues increasing its stake and rebranding to AvenuesAI Limited.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated two national highway projects worth Rs. 3,200 crore in West Bengal's Nadia district, enhancing connectivity between Kolkata and Siliguri and reducing travel time. His visit also served as a prelude to the upcoming assembly polls, where he criticized the TMC's governance and urged voters to support the BJP.

Discover India's own cherry blossom season in Nagaland and Meghalaya. Unlike Japan's spring blooms, these Himalayan cherries flower in winter, from late October to early December. Kohima in Nagaland transforms into a pink and white spectacle. Meghalaya offers subtle trails for observant travellers. Plan your trip for a unique, uncrowded natural wonder.

Meghalaya has mandated Khasi and Garo language inclusion in the curriculum up to Class-1 to foster cultural identity and simplify learning. The state cabinet also approved revised pay for teachers, a five-year HIV/AIDS project, and mandatory green building certification for large constructions. Additionally, a new cooperative society and a National Games Secretariat were approved.

Seven individuals have been apprehended in Bangladesh following the brutal lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a 25-year-old Hindu man, accused of blasphemy. The mob allegedly beat him, hanged him from a tree, and then set his body ablaze.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's helicopter could not land at Taherpur in West Bengal on Saturday. Dense fog caused low visibility. The helicopter returned to Kolkata airport. The Prime Minister was waiting for weather updates. It is unclear if he will travel by road or attempt an aerial route later. He was scheduled for an administrative program and a BJP rally.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said the global economic and political order has shifted, with multiple centres of power emerging and no single country able to impose its will on all issues. Speaking at a university convocation in Pune, he said this has led to natural competition among nations and a new balance of influence.

A former employee of Jeffrey Epstein reported his interest in child pornography to the FBI in 1996. This report was recently revealed in newly released Epstein files. The woman expressed relief at being vindicated after years of doubt. She also voiced heartbreak that the FBI's inaction allowed further harm to victims.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's health has stabilized, with her personal doctor reporting no deterioration. The 80-year-old BNP chairperson, hospitalized since November for multiple complications, underwent a successful minor procedure. While a planned London trip was delayed, doctors are monitoring her closely, awaiting her fitness to travel. Her son is expected back from self-exile soon.

Javed Akhtar, known for his fearless opinions and speaking his mind, gave a direct and blunt reply to a woman who asked why a woman becomes less strong if she chooses to cover her face. The lyricist asked why is she ashamed of her face and claimed that women who do it are brainwashed. While the event took place in November, the video has gone viral amid Bihar CM Nitish Kumar pulling a woman doctor's hijab.

Madhuri Dixit recently opened up about her children's career choices and revealed that her sons Arin and Ryan are not interested in the film industry. Calling her younger son Ryan a 'stem enthusiast', she said he is not interested in his whole circus. In a surprising revelation, she said her elder son Arin has a passion for music and works at Apple.

Aubrey Drake Graham, a Canadian rapper, began his career in acting before venturing into music. He gained recognition for his role on Degrassi: The Next Generation. His musical journey started with mixtapes, leading to his debut album in 2010. Drake is known for blending R&B with hip-hop. Drake has established himself in the entertainment industry as a multi-talented young Canadian.

The Matua community in West Bengal is anxious over verification hearings under the SIR, fearing loss of voting rights and uncertainty over their future. Concerns are strongest in Matua-dominated areas of Nadia and North 24 Parganas districts, where lakhs of voters have been listed as unmapped in the draft electoral rolls and will be called for hearings by the Election Commission.

'Save Aravalli campaign' has flooded social media platforms after the Supreme Court accepted the Centre's new definition which establishes a new definition. Considered the green lungs for northern India, the Aravallis prevents the eastward spread of the Thar desert and supports rich biodiversity. The Supreme Court ruling has sparked outrage among experts with some of them calling it a 'death warrant'.

Putin responded to 77 questions during the combined Direct Line Q&A session and year-end press conference, fielded both from journalists and live broadcast participants, with some asking multiple questions at once.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Assam, launching multiple development projects and interacting with BJP workers. He will unveil an 80-foot statue of Gopinath Bardoloi and inaugurate the new airport terminal. The PM will also address public meetings and visit the Swahid Smarak Kshetra, paying tribute to martyrs of the Assam movement.

Karnataka's Legislative Council passed a resolution. It asks the central government to place the state's 56 percent reservation decision in the ninth Schedule of the Constitution. This move aims to protect the reservation from the Supreme Court's 50 percent cap. The Council also urged the Centre to establish AIIMS in Raichur and transfer national institutes to North Karnataka.

The United States has taken action against Honduran electoral officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa refusal for Marlon Ochoa and revocation for Mario Morazan. This comes as Honduras faces a delayed presidential election outcome. Allegations of fraud and a flawed vote count have plagued the process.

Sreenivasan's cause of death: Prominent Malayalam actor and director Sreenivasan died on Saturday at the age of 69. He was undergoing treatment at his house for a long-term illness, according to reports. The family of Sreenivasan is yet to issue an official statement regarding his cause of death. After his health worsened, he was admitted to a hospital in Thrippunithura.

As dense fog continues to surround Delhi and NCR, the Delhi International Airport issued an advisory today saying that all flight operations are functioning normally. The Indira Gandhi International Airport advised passengers to contact their respective airlines for the latest flight updates. On Friday, flight operations at the airport were affected due to bad weather conditions.

A tragic accident occurred in Assam's Hojai district early Saturday. The Sairang-New Delhi Rajdhani Express struck a herd of elephants. Eight elephants died and one was injured. The train's engine and five coaches derailed. No passengers were harmed. Forest officials are at the scene. Train services are being diverted.

In a recent statement, Ashish Sinha, the Ambassador of India to Estonia, emphasised India's significant role in global politics, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. With Estonia located in a region heavily impacted by the crisis, Sinha highlighted how India is viewed as a key player capable of facilitating a peaceful resolution.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said European elites are hoping the 2026 US midterm elections will shift power in Washington and increase pressure on President Trump. Speaking at his annual Direct Line press conference, Putin addressed NATO expansion, the use of Russias frozen central bank assets, and Ukraine-related security arrangements, emphasizing that lasting peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict.

19 minute viral clip: Payal Dhare, a popular gamer and content creator, was dragged into a controversy after an alleged video went viral with several users linking it to her. Now, Maharashtra Cyber Police has confirmed that the video was a deepfake. Prior to this, another video, dubbed as '19 minute viral MMS' went viral on social media, raising concerns on digital safety.

The uneasy feeling spans political affiliation in the town, which is split between two largely rural and somewhat impoverished counties, although some were more hopeful than others that there are signs of reprieve on the horizon.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported detecting six Chinese military aircraft and eleven naval vessels operating near its territorial waters on Saturday. This follows a similar detection of seven Chinese aircraft and eleven naval vessels on Friday. Additionally, Taiwan's National Security Bureau is monitoring Chinese officials in foreign embassies tasked with observing and intimidating Taiwanese citizens abroad.

Newly released Jeffrey Epstein files, heavily redacted, show Donald Trump's name mentioned sparingly in flight logs and message books. While some photos of Trump with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell are already public, written references are largely from previously released documents. Trump has previously downplayed his relationship with Epstein.

Dhaka prepares for the funeral of a prominent youth leader on Saturday. Security is tight following unrest triggered by his death. The government has urged citizens to resist violence. The leader's body arrived from Singapore amid widespread mourning. Attacks and vandalism have occurred across the country. The interim government vows to bring killers to justice.

Elise Stefanik announced she is stepping away from electoral politics, ending her bid for New York governor and her re-election campaign for Congress. The senior House Republican leader cited a desire to spend more time with her young son, emphasizing her role as a mother. Stefanik's current term concludes in January 2027.

The Delaware Supreme Court reversed a ruling that had voided Elon Musk's $55 billion Tesla pay package from 2018. This decision vindicates Musk's belief in the legal system's overreach and restores a significant portion of his fortune. The ruling also awarded Tesla $1 in nominal damages.

Surf lifesavers returned to Bondi Beach six days after a deadly attack, honoring victims with a moment of silence. The mass shooting, Australia's worst in decades, is being investigated as terrorism targeting the Jewish community. Authorities have increased patrols nationwide and are considering stricter gun control and hate laws.

S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq today: US stocks climbed on Friday, led by Oracle's surge following a major TikTok deal, as investor confidence in the AI sector was reignited. Nvidia also saw gains on potential China chip sales, while Micron extended its rally. The positive sentiment followed a rebound in major indexes, despite Nike's decline due to weak China revenue.

Largest tax refund ever 2026: Taxpayers anticipate a significant tax refund season in 2026 due to retroactive changes in the 2025 tax code. These adjustments, including a larger standard deduction and expanded child tax credit, were not reflected in paychecks, leading to a lump-sum benefit upon filing. While many will see larger refunds, individual amounts will vary based on personal tax situations.

Christmas Getaways: From sunny escapes in Maui, Hawaii, to snowy mountain towns like Breckenridge, Colorado, you can spend a memorable Christmas vacation in the USA. Picturesque towns and alpine resorts offer scenic drives, cozy lodges, and festive holiday markets. Coastal areas bring historic charm with dazzling lights and seasonal celebrations, while music enthusiasts can attend live concerts and holiday performances.

Dark chocolate with high cocoa has a chemical called theobromine that may help slow aging and keep cells healthy. Studies show it can make people biologically younger and support longer telomeres. While more research is needed, choosing dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa is healthier because it has more theobromine and less sugar.

New rules for the National Pension System offer more flexibility. Subscribers can now withdraw their entire pension wealth in a lump sum if it is 2 lakh or less. These changes aim to make the NPS more inclusive and responsive to subscriber needs. The amendments also provide clearer provisions for nominees and legal heirs.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in India is facing a daunting challenge in rolling out minimum return guarantee products. A conflict within the PFRDA Act complicates the launch of these vital offerings.

India and Oman are set to implement a free trade agreement in the next three months. This pact allows Indian firms to employ 100% Indian staff for their investments in Oman. Oman offers zero-duty access on over 98% of its tariff lines for Indian exports. Indian businesses can invest in sectors like steel, energy, education, and healthcare in Oman.

Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey urged proactive corporate governance. He stated compliance serves a purpose beyond mere form. Corporate governance is about credibility in decisions, conflict management, and information sharing. He highlighted the hazards of reactive governance as capital markets grow complex. Strong capital markets are built on confidence in fair rules and trusted disclosures. Boards must act as stewards.