The Economic Times News

CBS News faced criticism after pulling a 60 Minutes report on Venezuelan men detained in El Salvadors CECOT prison following deportation by the Trump administration. Although the segment aired briefly in Canada, it was blocked in the U.S., initiating questions in regard to editorial independence. Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss cited the story as not ready, while correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi alleged the decision was political despite internal approvals.

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with two additional sexual offences, that includes rape and sexual assault, officials confirmed. The charges, authorized by the CPS, involve allegations from two more women and follow five earlier charges related to historic cases that include four other women. Brand, 50, has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

Christmas quote of the day by Chris Rea highlights his famous words about never planning to write a Christmas song. The quote gains meaning as fans remember Chris Rea, his music career, achievements, personal struggles, and his lasting Christmas legacy.

Decorate your home for Christmas without breaking the bank. Simple materials and creativity can craft beautiful, festive dcor. Ideas include mini wreaths, orange and clove pomanders, paper candle ornaments, felt gingerbread cookies, craft stick trees, Waldorf stars, yarn trees, wood carrier ornaments, Mason jar lid wreaths, and gnome ornaments.

Turmeric is a common spice that contains curcumin, a compound linked to health benefits. Studies suggest curcumin may help reduce inflammation and support cancer care. Doctors say it can work alongside medical treatments and is generally safe to consume. Curcumin is often taken through food or supplements as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Bitcoin price USD today: The crypto market saw a significant downturn on Tuesday. Bitcoin and most major altcoins experienced a sharp decline. Investors are stepping back ahead of the Christmas holiday. Strong US economic data initially boosted prices but raised concerns about interest rate cuts. Technical indicators also signal potential further weakness across the market.

Saks Global Enterprises faces a critical debt payment this month. The company is exploring Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a potential option. Other possibilities include raising emergency funds or selling assets. Lenders are discussing a debtor-in-possession loan. A recent acquisition failed to improve the company's financial standing. Saks is working with stakeholders to secure its future.

Russia unleashed over 650 drones and 38 missiles on Ukraine. The attack occurred overnight and into Tuesday, claiming at least three lives, including a child. Homes and the power grid in 13 regions were hit. Widespread power outages resulted in bitter temperatures. This strike comes just before Christmas and amidst peace talks.

Kuwait has inked a significant deal with China worth over four billion dollars. This agreement will facilitate the completion of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port. The project aims to bolster Kuwait's position in global trade. It also aligns with China's Belt and Road initiative. This development marks a key step in Kuwait's economic diversification efforts.

Huawei's new Maextro S800 sedan is a sensation in China. It is now selling more than luxury cars from Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The Maextro is also outselling the BMW 7 Series. This shows Chinese car brands are gaining ground. Global automakers are falling behind in this market segment.

Newly released Justice Department documents reveal an email stating President Trump flew on Jeffrey Epstein's private jet eight times in the 1990s, with some flights including Ghislaine Maxwell. The Justice Department clarified that some documents contain unfounded allegations against Trump, emphasizing their falsity and lack of credibility.

Protests erupted as booth-level officers demonstrated against detentions, vowing to halt work. West Bengal is gearing up for extensive document verification hearings starting December 27. Around 20 lakh hearing notices are ready, with micro-observers set to train on Wednesday. Trinamool leaders met the CEO, raising concerns about voter inconvenience and distance to hearing centers.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will invite Israel's President Isaac Herzog to visit. This comes after a mass shooting targeting the Jewish community in Sydney. Gunmen killed fifteen people at a Hanukkah event. Authorities are calling it an antisemitic terrorist attack.

Rama Duwaji, New York Citys incoming first lady, is openly discussing the difficulties of sudden public attention after her husband Zohran Mamdanis political rise. In a New York Magazine profile, the 28-year-old illustrator stated that she does not want to be defined only as Zohran Mamdanis wife and intends to continue her art career following his January inauguration.

Fallout Season 2 Episode 2 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details are now clear. The episode will stream on Amazon Prime Video on December 24. Viewers can check global timings, weekly release dates, and platform details in this explainer.

A private jet reportedly carrying Libya's army chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, has lost radio contact over Ankara. Flight tracking data shows diversions from Esenboga airport. Turkey's defence ministry had announced Al-Haddad's visit earlier this week. He met his Turkish counterpart and other military commanders. Turkish officials have not yet commented on the situation.

Nvidia aims to send its powerful AI chips to China before the Lunar New Year holiday. Initial shipments will use existing stock, totaling thousands of chip modules. The company also plans new production capacity for these chips in 2026.

Piyush Goyal met Edappadi K Palaniswami in Chennai. They discussed seat-sharing for the 2026 assembly elections. The BJP and AIADMK aim to strengthen their NDA alliance. Both leaders expressed confidence in a victory against the DMK. Plans are underway to connect with Tamil Nadu's people and address their aspirations for growth and jobs.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi. The party alleges he is plotting to damage India's reputation overseas. BJP leaders state Gandhi's foreign visits are anti-India. They claim a deliberate effort is underway to tarnish the nation's image abroad. Gandhi is described as a leader of propaganda by the BJP.

Israel's defense minister declared the military will not fully withdraw from Gaza. Security concerns mean Israeli forces will remain. A new civilian-military unit will be established in the Palestinian territory.

Discussions between the BJP and Shiv Sena for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections are stalled. The BJP wants over 150 seats, while the Shiv Sena seeks 95-100. The BJP has offered only 55 seats. The Shiv Sena's demand stems from accommodating former corporators who joined their faction.

Johnny Depp is venturing into a new business. He has launched a rum brand called Three Hearts Rum. The announcement came with a video featuring a Pirates of the Caribbean-like aesthetic. This move follows his earlier confession about financial struggles. Pre-orders for the limited release rum begin soon. Fans are showing excitement for this new endeavor.

President Donald Trump stated the United States requires Greenland for national security. He appointed Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the Arctic island. This move has drawn criticism from Denmark and Greenland. Trump emphasized strategic importance over mineral resources.

A 60 Minutes report on migrant abuse at El Salvador's CECOT prison was pulled then leaked online. The story featured deportees detailing torture and beatings. Experts questioned the legal basis for deportations. The decision to remove the report, critical of the Trump administration, ignited debate over journalistic independence at CBS News.

Mortgage rates in 2026: Mortgage rates are easing, but relief remains limited heading into 2026. The 30-year mortgage sits near 6.4 percent nationwide. The 15-year mortgage averages about 5.9 percent. Experts see limited declines ahead.Fed rate cuts may help slowly. Inflation trends matter most now. Housing demand stays firm. Buyers are watching every dip closely.

Ted Cruz 2028 presidential run: Senator Ted Cruz is reportedly weighing a 2028 presidential bid. This move could set up a contest with Vice President JD Vance. Cruz has been urged by supporters to run. He has also voiced concerns about foreign policy. Vance currently leads early polls for the Republican nomination. Cruz's potential candidacy adds intrigue to the upcoming election cycle.

A special NIA court in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the attachment of over 1.5 kanals of land belonging to US-based Kashmiri separatist lobbyist Ghulam Nabi Fai. Fai, declared a proclaimed absconder, faces charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The court directed the Budgam district collector to take immediate possession of the seized property.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alleges the BJP is manipulating voter lists and weakening election safeguards. He states this follows the BJP's failure to achieve results through money power in the last Lok Sabha election. The Chief Minister highlights a significant increase in donations to the BJP after electoral bonds were scrapped.

India and New Zealand have signed a free trade agreement. This pact will boost financial services cooperation. It includes new rules for digital payments, fintech, data transfer, and back-office services. The agreement aims to make India a global fintech hub. It will also encourage more investment and business presence between the two nations.

Thirteen people received life sentences in Murshidabad, West Bengal. They were convicted for the murder of Haragobindo Das and his son Chandan Das. The killings occurred during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act. This marks a significant conviction under the new mob lynching law. The West Bengal Police affirmed their commitment to preventing communal unrest.

A special revision of voter lists across eleven states and union territories has removed over 3.7 crore names. This exercise is part of an ongoing process to update electoral rolls. Voters can still make claims and objections until January 22, 2026. The final updated voter lists will be published on February 21.

Nitin Nabin, the new BJP national working president, has had a busy first week. He met senior leaders including LK Advani and PM Narendra Modi. Nabin also attended meetings with MPs and NDA leaders. A roadshow was organized for him in Patna. He is returning to Delhi soon. BJP general secretary Dushyant Gautam is assisting him.

As Christmas Day approaches, many shoppers wonder about store hours. Costco, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Meijer, Walmart, and Aldi will all be closed on Christmas Day. Most of these retailers will have adjusted hours on Christmas Eve, so check local listings for specific times.

Ten central trade unions and federations have announced a nationwide strike on February 12. This action is a protest against the four Labour Codes introduced last month. Workers are demanding the repeal of these codes. The strike date will be confirmed at a convention on January 9, 2026. Unions are prepared for further actions if their demands are not met.

Social Security remains the backbone of guaranteed retirement income, but it is not the only option. Claiming age sharply changes lifetime benefits and monthly cash flow. Claiming at 62 cuts checks by about 30 percent. Delaying to 70 boosts payments by 24 percent. Annuities add lifetime income but raise taxes, Medicare premiums, and fees. Smart timing protects savings and longevity.

More than 1.5 million taxpayers have revised their income tax returns for the current assessment year. This voluntary compliance initiative has led to over 2.1 million updated returns for previous years. Additional tax collections have exceeded 2,500 crore. The income tax department used data analytics to identify ineligible claims for deductions and exemptions.

President Donald Trump will invite Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to the 2026 G20 summit. The meeting is scheduled for his golf club in Doral, Florida. This move signals a deepening relationship with Central Asian nations. These countries are important for minerals and uranium.

A similar plea filed by Choksi, citing his arrest in Belgium and extradition proceedings initiated by Indian authorities, had been rejected by the special court for Prevention of Money Laundering Act in November.

Simple math shows the best age to take Social Security may be later than most people think. While many Americans claim benefits at 62, experts say waiting can lead to bigger lifetime payments. The right choice depends on how long you live and how your monthly checks grow with age.

Several barricades lay in disarray as police struggled to contain the surge. At least 40 protesters were detained during the agitation, police said.

Assam is set to become a key growth center for India's Act East Policy. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted Assam's strategic location, connecting it to a vast market from Nepal to Myanmar. Entrepreneurs are urged to capitalize on this opportunity. Recent years have seen significant reforms and improved connectivity, fostering inclusive development.