The Economic Times News

Jerry O'Connell became emotional during a CBS special honoring Rob Reiner, the director who launched his career in Stand by Me. O'Connell broke down recalling Reiner's kindness in taking him to lunch years after the film, stating the gesture meant so much to him. He credited Reiner with his entire career and described him as a father figure.

In 2026, Social Security rules for working retirees are changing. People under full retirement age can earn more before benefits are reduced. This means some retirees can keep working and still get higher lifetime Social Security payments. Knowing the new limits can help you plan work and income, avoid losing checks, and possibly boost your total retirement money.

American factory output held steady in November. This follows a dip in October, largely due to fewer electric vehicle sales after tax credits expired. Overall industrial production saw a slight increase. Mining output also rose. This data reflects recent economic activity in the manufacturing sector.

Pakistan has sold its national airline, PIA. The privatization process concluded with a sale price of Rs 135 billion. A consortium led by Arif Habib emerged as the highest bidder. This marks a significant transaction for Pakistan. The government aimed for a transparent sale. PIA's past mismanagement led to this decision. The sale proceeds will be reinvested in the airline.

Earths North Pole movement impact on travel: Holiday travel could face disruptions as Earth's magnetic North Pole is rapidly shifting, moving at an accelerated pace of 34 miles annually. This rapid movement, driven by changes in the Earth's core, could lead to inaccuracies in GPS and compass navigation, potentially causing longer routes or safety concerns if navigation models aren't updated.

Silver Price Today: Silver has entered uncharted territory. Prices have surged past $70 per ounce for the first time in history. The metal is now up more than 140% in 2025. What started as a steady climb earlier this year has turned into a momentum-driven breakout, forcing investors and analysts to reassess silvers long-term role in portfolios.

US stock market surged Tuesday as strong US GDP growth shocked investors. The S&P 500 hovered near record highs, while the Nasdaq gained on tech strength. GDP jumped 4.3%, beating forecasts. Fed rate-cut bets cooled sharply. Gold, silver, and copper rallied. Holiday-thinned trading raised volatility, keeping markets focused on Fed signals ahead.

Arunachal Pradesh police have apprehended five individuals from Jammu and Kashmir. They are accused of espionage activities and sharing sensitive information with Pakistani handlers. The latest arrests were made in Kupwara district. Police are interrogating the accused. The public is urged to conduct thorough verification for renters.

Tensions have erupted in West Karbi Anglong, Assam, leading to prohibitory orders and an internet ban. Clashes between police and protestors over illegal land encroachment resulted in injuries and property damage. Protests escalated after misinformation spread about hunger strikers being forcibly removed. The Chief Minister acknowledged concerns about population demographics and vowed a democratic resolution.

More than 15 lakh taxpayers have revised their income tax returns for assessment year 2025-26. The Income Tax Department initiated a NUDGE campaign targeting wrongful deductions. Taxpayers are advised to review their claims and revise returns by December 31, 2025.

Social Security Christmas week 2025 office hours and retirement age changes in 2026 affect millions. SSA offices stay open on December 24 and 26. Retirement age reaches 67 in 2026 for people born in 1960 or later, changing benefit planning.

USPS will deliver regular mail on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, though local post office hours may be limited, with some closing at noon. While Christmas Eve is a federal holiday, mail delivery continues, but Priority Mail Express availability is restricted. Blue collection boxes will operate on their regular schedules.

U.S. stock market holiday schedule: U.S. stock markets enter a holiday-shortened week. Wall Street closes early on Christmas Eve. Stocks stop trading at 1 p.m. ET. Bond markets close at 2 p.m. Markets shut fully on Christmas Day. Trading resumes Friday. New Years Eve brings another early bond close. New Years Day markets close again. Investors should plan carefully amid thinner volumes.

The Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a chargesheet in the Uttarakhand graduate-level recruitment examination paper leak case. Three individuals, Mohammad Khalid, his sister Sabia, and suspended assistant professor Suman, have been named as accused. The leak occurred when three pages of the question paper went viral on social media.

Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma voiced concerns about the state's demographic balance. He stated that a 10 percent increase in the Bangladeshi-origin population could lead to Assam's inclusion in Bangladesh. Sarma has been highlighting this issue for five years.

Social Security faces a money crisis as costs rise faster than funding. Experts warn future benefit cuts may happen if lawmakers do nothing. Surveys show Americans like the program but strongly oppose a $2,600 tax hike to fix it. Smaller tax increases get more support, but big changes remain unpopular.

Vince Zampella net worth: Vince Zampella, co-creator of the groundbreaking Call of Duty franchise and founder of Respawn Entertainment, has passed away at 55. His visionary work redefined the first-person shooter genre and established lucrative franchise models. Zampella's legacy includes massive hits like Titanfall and Apex Legends, leaving an indelible mark on the gaming industry.

Social Security payments Wednesday, December 24, 2025: Social Security payments scheduled for Christmas Eve 2025 are drawing attention after new federal holidays. Trumps order closed SSA offices December 24 through 28. Payments still follow the official SSA calendar. Eligible beneficiaries should receive deposits Wednesday. Direct deposit stays on time. Mailed checks may face delays. Online services remain open.

The Bombay High Court has questioned fugitive businessman Vijay Mallya about his return to India. The court stated it will not hear his plea against the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act. This action is contingent on Mallya first submitting to the court's jurisdiction.

NYT Connections hints answers today December 23 puzzle #926 explains all hints, categories, and solutions. The story breaks down the four groups, words, meanings, and rules of the game. This explainer helps players understand todays puzzle and how NYT Connections works daily.

The IRS has announced new 2026 tax brackets that will affect how much Americans pay in taxes next year. The changes are small and linked to inflation. Some people may save a little, while others may not see much relief. Higher deductions and credits could still help reduce tax bills for some households.

Gold rate prediction: Spot gold rose 0.8 per cent to $4,482.70 per ounce, after hitting a record $4,497.55 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures for February delivery rose 1 per cent to $4,514.70.

TET Result 2025 Karnataka: The Karnataka School Education Department has announced the KARTET Result 2025 on December 23, following the December 7 examination. Candidates can now access their results and the final answer key on the official portal by logging in with their application number and date of birth. The scorecard details include candidate information, marks obtained, and qualifying status.

Chief Economic Advisor V Anantha Nageswaran stated that India's GDP estimation methods are not inferior. He urged a change in mindset that questions these methods, especially when growth figures are positive. Nageswaran highlighted that concerns are raised only when GDP numbers surprise on the upside. He emphasized the need for maturity in evaluating and critiquing economic data.

The Delhi High Court has directed the Indian Consulate to provide a list of local lawyers for former Army officer Major Vikrant Kumar Jaitly, detained in the UAE. Actor Celina Jaitly had sought legal representation for her brother. The court clarified that legal costs would be borne by the family, with options for pro bono services to be communicated.

Are banks and mail open on Christmas Eve? President Trumps executive order makes Christmas Eve and Dec. 26 federal holidays for 2025. Many Americans wonder whether banks open, mail delivers, or offices close. Banks remain open but often reduce hours, following Federal Reserve holiday schedules. USPS delivers mail Christmas Eve, while federal offices shut under the executive order. Heres what stays open, what closes, and how plan ahead.

Evening screen glow and indoor lighting suppress melatonin, the hormone that signals your gut to wind down. When your body stays switched on past sunset, digestion drags, sleep weakens, and metabolism faltersall because darkness never arrives.

India is set to revolutionize its nuclear sector with the SHANTI Bill 2025. This move aims to attract private investment, crucial for meeting ambitious energy targets and achieving a decarbonized economy. The new framework ensures stringent safety, security, and safeguards, with the Central Government retaining ultimate control. This reform is vital for India's energy independence and global nuclear business expansion.

The three-member tribunal passed the order after reading out the four charges brought against the accused, who also include Hasina's former defence and security adviser Maj Gen Tarique Ahmed Siddique (retd) and 11 army officers.

Sawaliya Food Products Limited, a fast-growing Indian company in the dehydrated vegetables sector, is preparing for its public debut. The company has achieved significant revenue and profitability growth, driven by direct sourcing, automation, and US FDA approval. Sawaliya's IPO will fund expansion and upgrades, positioning it for further growth in India's burgeoning food processing industry.

NCP (SP) leader Supriya Sule denies any official alliance proposal with Ajit Pawar's faction for Pune civic elections. A leader from Sharad Pawar's party claims a principle decision to contest jointly. Discussions are ongoing with Maha Vikas Aghadi allies. Any alliance decision will consider party workers and city development.

Social Security COLA 2027 depends on inflation trends, CPI data, policy changes, and Medicare costs. Experts expect a lower increase than 2026. Inflation forecasts, tax policy, labor trends, CPI methods, and government shutdown risks all shape the Social Security COLA 2027 outlook.

Your skeletal muscles act as the body's primary glucose sink, absorbing over eighty percent of ingested sugar. When you use muscles through exercise or daily activity, they gulp down glucose without needing insulin's permission, keeping blood sugar stable and warding off diabetes.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor lauded External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his ministry for the Nalanda University campus in Bihar. Tharoor expressed his admiration for this achievement, calling it an unsung contribution. He visited the university for a literature festival. Tharoor also highlighted the historical significance of the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Did anyone win lottery last night and what are Powerball winning numbers? No ticket matched all six numbers. The Powerball jackpot rose to $1.7 billion. Winning numbers, payout options, odds, past winners, and next drawing details explain why the prize keeps growing.

Merry Christmas 2025 Wishes: As Christmas 2025 approaches, share thoughtful wishes, meaningful messages, and timeless quotes to spread joy and strengthen bonds. The article provides a collection of Christmas wishes, messages, and quotes to help celebrate the season of love, peace, and togetherness with loved ones.

Spending hours glued to a chair slows leg circulation dramatically, causing blood to pool and weakening vein walls. For desk workers and frequent travellers, this sedentary trap triggers swelling, numbness, and serious clots if left unchecked. Simple movement fixes the damage.

Trade unions plan a nationwide strike on February 12, 2026. This action opposes new labor codes, the SHANTI Bill, and the VB-G RAM G Bill. These changes affect workers' rights, nuclear energy safety, and rural employment guarantees. Farmers' groups and electricity employees support the strike. The unions urge opposition parties and the public to join.

The Maha Vikas Aghadi faces a crucial test in upcoming municipal corporation elections, including Mumbai, after a significant defeat in recent local polls. The BJP-led Mahayuti secured a dominant victory, winning a majority of municipal president posts, highlighting the opposition's organizational challenges. The MVA now needs to recalibrate its strategy to counter the Mahayuti's growing dominance.

Quote of the day by Plato:: Ancient philosopher Plato's timeless wisdom highlights the critical importance of beginnings. His quote, 'The beginning is the most important part of the work,' resonates today. Strong foundations in careers, education, and personal life are crucial. Careful planning and discipline at the start determine future success. Plato's message encourages thoughtful preparation and long-term perspective over quick results.