The Economic Times News

Reserve Bank Governor Sanjay Malhotra urged staff to enhance regulatory calibrations and supervision in the new year, emphasizing customer centricity and financial inclusion. He highlighted the need for improved analytical capabilities, technology adoption, and a commitment to core institutional values amidst a dynamic economic landscape.

Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes off coast of Japan's Noda region, USGS says

As 2026 approaches, Americans can rely on Walmart for New Year's Eve shopping, with most locations open regular hours. Other major retailers like Costco will also be accessible, though many will have adjusted or earlier closing times. Shoppers should confirm specific store hours for last-minute needs before the festivities.

From January 1, five US states will limit what SNAP users can buy at grocery stores. Soda, candy, and some drinks are being removed in different states. The move is linked to health goals, but critics warn of confusion at stores, higher costs, and problems for low-income shoppers using food benefits.

Trump Mobile had promised a gold-colored handset, though it remains unclear who would manufacture it, as the U.S. has little domestic smartphone production.

Happy New Year AI Stickers: WhatsApp is enhancing New Year's Eve celebrations with new party-themed features. Users can now utilize a 2026 sticker pack, video call effects like fireworks and confetti, and animated confetti reactions for messages. Additionally, animated stickers can be added to Status updates, making virtual festivities more engaging and interactive for all.

Trump third term 2028: Billionaire Miriam Adelson reportedly offered Donald Trump $250 million for a third presidential term, citing legal advice suggesting a loophole. This pledge, made at a White House Hanukkah event, reignites speculation about Trump's political future, despite constitutional barriers. The idea of succession, rather than reelection, is also being explored as a potential path.

Happy New Year 2026 wishes: As 2026 approaches, New Year wishes offer a moment for reflection and connection. These messages convey love, gratitude, and hope. Simple, sincere words can make a lasting impact. The article provides examples of wishes and quotes to help celebrate the upcoming year. It emphasizes the importance of personal sentiment in New Year greetings.

The ministry of labour and employment, on Wednesday, notified draft Rules for Code on Wages, Code on Social Security, the Industrial Relations Code and the Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions and has sought comments from all stakeholders on the draft Rules within 30-45 days after which the final Rules will be notified. The Codes were implemented on November 21, 2025 but will become operational once the final Rules are notified.

A major Social Security change in 2026 will raise the wage cap, making some workers pay more payroll tax. The update mainly affects high earners and self-employed people. While taxes may increase, paying more into the system can also support future Social Security benefits and long-term retirement planning.

Government has maintained interest rates for twelve small savings schemes, including PPF and Sukanya Samriddhi, for the March quarter. This marks the eighth consecutive quarter without changes, despite the central bank's repo rate reductions. These collections aid in financing the government's fiscal deficit.

Ellen DeGeneres has changed her look, returning to blonde hair with a shaggier style. She was recently seen in Montecito, California. This comes after she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, moved to the UK in 2024. Rumors suggest a possible return to the United States, with property sales in California occurring in 2024 and 2025.

Trump accounts give $1,000 to children born 20252028 to help families save. Parents, relatives, and employers can contribute, but contributors must file gift tax Form 709 because money is not accessible until 18. Experts warn about filing costs and taxes. Many still say the free $1,000 is worth it, but other accounts like Roth IRAs or 529s may be better.

President Trump's trade promises and tariff threats for 2025 largely remained unrealized, despite a barrage of new import taxes enacted this year. While some levies materialized, others, like the External Revenue Service and a 200% tariff on European wine, did not. Details on initiatives like a $2,000 tariff dividend remain scarce.

MH370 search update: A new search for missing Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 has begun. Ocean Infinity, a Texas company, is using advanced technology to scan a vast area of the Indian Ocean seabed. This operation is a renewed effort to solve the mystery of the 2014 disappearance. The company operates on a 'no-find, no-fee' basis.

In 2025, the BJP cemented its position in the political landscape, claiming victories in both Delhi and Bihar. As the party gears up for 2026, it will confront challenging assembly elections in West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The upcoming contests are pivotal, revealing strategic insights and hurdles that the BJP must navigate.

Uttar Pradesh is setting ambitious goals for wastewater reuse. The state plans to safely reuse half of its wastewater by 2030 and all of it by 2035. This treated water will serve industries and agriculture. This initiative aims to conserve water and create economic opportunities. Uttar Pradesh is becoming a leader in water management.

Jobless claims dipped last week as layoffs remained low, despite a softening labor market. While applications fell to 199,000, analysts expected more. Recent job gains were modest, with the unemployment rate climbing. This data suggests hiring momentum has slowed, prompting the Fed to trim interest rates amid concerns about job market weakness.

New Year 2026 celebrations begin in the Pacific, with Kiribati first and New Zealand among the earliest. Auckland marked the moment with a stunning Sky Tower fireworks show as the countdown rolled across time zones.

India's Defence Research and Development Organisation achieved a significant milestone on December 31, 2025. Two Pralay missiles were launched in quick succession from a single platform off the Odisha coast. This successful user evaluation trial confirmed the missile's precision and readiness. The event showcased the reliability of this indigenously developed weapon system.

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan led the House of Himalayas board meeting. Key decisions included expanding self-help groups and federations. The board approved GI tagging and organic certification for product quality. Warehouse capacity will be increased in Garhwal, Kumaon, and Delhi NCR. MoUs with Aromatic Plant Centre and Doon Silk Federation are planned.

Many Baby Boomers depend on Social Security because their savings are low. But Social Security has limits, changing rules, and benefits that lose value over time. Experts warn that relying only on these payments is risky. Boomers need to understand how the system works and build personal savings to stay financially safe in retirement.

Anand Mahindra envisions AI as an accelerator, not a threat, urging a shift from 'blue collar' to 'gold collar' careers by valuing practical, AI-enhanced skills. He sees this technological evolution, coupled with changing Western education policies, as a historic chance for India to become a global 'think tank' and leverage its growing talent pool for unprecedented growth.

New York is giving a one-time $1,800 BABY Benefit to low-income families who welcome a new baby. The cash help is for early child costs and will be paid automatically. State leaders say the plan supports parents, eases money stress, and responds to falling birth rates and rising living costs across the state.

New Year's Day 2026 will bring fog to Delhi. The India Meteorological Department forecasts dense to very dense fog in the morning. Light rainfall is also possible in parts of the national capital. Similar conditions are expected in East Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Odisha, and Punjab. Residents should prepare for challenging visibility.

Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran outlined the conglomerate's 2026 strategic priorities, emphasizing execution, teamwork, and bold innovation to navigate global uncertainty. The group plans to accelerate AI, expand advanced manufacturing, and strengthen talent, while sustainability initiatives like green steel and electric mobility continue to scale. Chandrasekaran highlighted India's economic growth and the strategic opportunities arising from global realignments.

Uttar Pradesh is enhancing its investment climate with 'Nivesh Mitra 3.0', a new digital platform launching in 2026. This integrated system will streamline approvals, offer transparent grievance redressal, and leverage AI for real-time progress tracking. Investors will benefit from a seamless experience and multi-channel communication, making UP a more attractive business hub.

Bitcoin market trends 2025: Bitcoin's market saw remarkable calm in 2025, a stark contrast to previous years. This stability is attributed to institutional investors increasingly employing options trading to generate income from their Bitcoin holdings. By selling call options, these large players have effectively reduced expected price swings, leading to a significant drop in implied volatility throughout the year.

Gig and platform workers from Mumbai and Maharashtra are expected to join a nationwide strike. This action is planned for New Year's Eve. Workers are demanding better pay and improved working conditions. Police are monitoring the situation closely. The strike could impact food delivery and quick commerce services. Authorities are coordinating with organizers to prevent issues.

New Year's eve day 2025 trading at S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Dow Futures may remain not so high.

China said on Wednesday it had successfully completed military drills around Taiwan that included live-fire exercises aimed at simulating a blockade of key ports and assaults on maritime targets. The PLA Eastern Theater Command has successfully completed 'Justice Mission 2025' drills, spokesperson Senior Captain Li Xi said in a statement, referring to the People's Liberation Army.

New Year Quote of the day: As the year concludes, New Year's Eve offers a moment for reflection on the past and anticipation for the future. A simple quote emphasizes that the upcoming year is a blank book, with each day a page to be written through individual effort and intention.

President Donald Trump is attaching his name to government programs and national institutions. This includes buildings, Navy warships, a visa program, and a drug pricing website. Historians question the longevity of this branding effort. Critics worry it creates an impression of personal provision rather than state services. Supporters view it as savvy marketing.

India successfully test-fired two indigenously developed Pralay quasi-ballistic missiles off the coast of Odisha. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted the user evaluation trials, with both missiles achieving their intended trajectories and flight objectives. These advanced missiles are capable of carrying multiple warhead types for various targets.

In a significant stride towards strengthening public safety, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami presented appointment letters to 215 newly minted Sub-Inspectors. These officers are set to play critical roles in maintaining law and order, ensuring public safety, and addressing disaster management challenges. The Chief Minister urged them to uphold integrity and commitment as core values in their service.

In Uttar Pradesh, a fascinating shift is taking place this New Year's Eve, with the enchanting destinations of Kashi, Mathura, and Vrindavan becoming the hot spots for celebratory gatherings. Thousands of energetic youths are trading in noisy nightclubs for serene spiritual experiences, as the allure of these culturally rich sites grows stronger.

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed her government's 2025 performance. She highlighted achievements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Pollution control measures were also detailed. Gupta stated 2025 was a preparation stage. She pledged to advance all initiatives and complete ongoing work in 2026. The government is committed to a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Indian OTT has erased language boundaries by prioritising emotion, authenticity and storytelling. Today powerful narratives travel across regions, proving subtitles never stop audiences from connecting deeply.

Quote of the day New Year 2026: As 2026 dawns, embrace the New Year not just with resolutions, but with the power of positive quotes. These simple phrases can profoundly shape your mindset, fostering optimism, clarity, and resilience. Discover how embracing positivity can lead to a more meaningful and fulfilling year ahead, offering a hopeful outlook for the challenges and opportunities that await.

New Year 2026 does not arrive everywhere at the same time. Due to global time zones and the International Date Line, the first celebrations take place in Kiritimati Island in Kiribati, while the last inhabited region to welcome the new year is American Samoa, nearly 25 hours later.

Gold price's near 70 per cent surge is its biggest jump since 1979. In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin gained 0.74 per cent to $87,888.55. Bitcoin's climb to $126,000 in October 2025 marked a defining moment for digital assets