The Economic Times News

New forecasts reveal which states are likely to experience a white Christmas. While some areas, like the Rockies and Great Lakes, are expected to have snow, warmer temperatures may melt earlier snowfalls in other regions. A late-season storm could bring a last-minute chance of snow to some parts of the central and eastern U.S.

Chocolate prices stay high even though cocoa costs are falling. Last year, cocoa jumped, making makers raise prices and change recipes. Companies still use expensive cocoa and small bars have less cocoa. Farmers in West Africa face challenges, and supply is limited. Shops may not cut prices until 2026. Holiday chocolate remains costly for now.

Eggnog and hot cocoa are popular holiday drinks. Both have sugar, but eggnog is slightly better for blood sugar because it has a bit more protein and fat, and fewer carbs. Hot cocoa can be healthier if made with low-sugar milk or unsweetened cocoa. Enjoy both in small servings and pair with protein or fiber to keep blood sugar steady.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the United Nations University in Tokyo. He highlighted the importance of middle powers in global affairs. Tokayev called for a stronger presence of these nations in the UN Security Council. He also noted the rise in global conflicts and military spending.

Annuities for Social Security can help people get extra income in retirement. They provide guaranteed money for life, flexible payment options, and regular payouts like a paycheck. Many Americans worry about running out of money, and annuities can fill the gap left by Social Security. They make retirement safer, less stressful, and can even help some retire earlier.

Mukesh Ambani calls for India to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. He stresses the importance of empathy in adopting new technologies. Reliance Industries is nearing solutions for India's energy challenges using solar power and storage. The company aims to provide abundant and affordable green energy for India and the world. RIL is transforming into an innovation-led, deep-tech company.

Gujarat's electoral rolls saw a significant revision. Over 73 lakh voters were removed from the draft list. Most deletions were due to voters being absent or having shifted. Deceased voters and those enrolled at multiple locations also contributed to the numbers. Urban areas like Ahmedabad and Surat reported the highest deletions. This revision impacts the state's voter base.

Weekly Horoscope: Astrological insights indicate that love and good fortune this week are likely to emerge not through grand displays, but via quiet conversations, genuine acts of care and the steady rebuilding of trust with friends, family and romantic partners.

Sonia Gandhi accused the Modi government of weakening the MGNREGA, alleging it's being replaced by the 'G RAM G Act'. She stated the Congress played a key role in enacting the law and will agitate against the move, criticizing the government for dropping Mahatma Gandhi's name from the national program.

Anthony Joshua ended the heavyweight bout with a powerful punch to Jake Pauls jaw, sending the American to the canvas for the fourth and final time.

Trinamool Congress mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aborted visit to Nadia, claiming the BJP's 2026 election campaign in West Bengal was halted by bad weather. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated Modi's speech disappointed the Matua community, who are living in fear and uncertainty following electoral roll revisions, and offered no roadmap or solutions.

Jammu and Kashmir is taking significant strides in bolstering its cyber defenses. In Srinagar and Jammu, over 5,100 devices within government secretariats are now fortified against potential threats. By January 2026, an impressive total of 15,000 additional devices across various offices will receive enhanced protection.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Oman's highest national award, the First Class of the Order of Oman, during his recent visit. This marks his 29th international honour and the fifth top award from Gulf nations, highlighting India's strengthened ties with the region beyond energy and diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused opposition parties, including Congress and Trinamool Congress, of pursuing an anti-national agenda by opposing the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He alleged that these parties openly support infiltrators and have conspired to change the demography of Assam, posing security threats and jeopardizing the Assamese identity.

Activists protested outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala. They condemned the alleged lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. The protesters accused Bangladesh authorities of failing to protect religious minorities. India's Ministry of External Affairs also conveyed concerns to Bangladesh High Commissioner.

Three minor boys were injured in Manipur's Tengnoupal district after playing with an unexploded mortar shell. The incident occurred in Molnoi village. Meanwhile, a hand grenade was found near Liberal College in Imphal East and a para shell bomb was discovered during excavation in Khamaran village. Bomb disposal squads safely detonated both devices. The injured boy's condition is critical.

Filmmaker Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Reiner, 70, were discovered dead at their home on Sunday afternoon. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office said both succumbed to multiple sharp-force injuries and classified the case as a homicide.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed that the United States has proposed a new peace talk format involving Ukraine, Russia, and potentially European envoys. Kyiv will evaluate this proposal after assessing the outcome of bilateral discussions with U.S. negotiators, which resumed on Friday. This development follows a period of intensified U.S.-backed shuttle diplomacy aimed at ending the nearly four-year-old conflict.

Khloe Kardashian has shared a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the most closely followed celebrity traditions, the Kardashian-Jenner familys lavish Christmas Eve celebration.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Michaela Benthaus, a German engineer who lives with paraplegia, fulfilled her dream of space travel aboard Blue Origin, marking a first for wheelchair users. As she left her wheelchair behind and experienced weightlessness, she gazed down at Earth, a sight of wonder and inspiration.

Aristotle's timeless quote highlights that while anger is easy to feel, directing it appropriatelywith the right person, degree, time, and purposeis a mark of self-control and wisdom. This ancient insight remains relevant today, emphasizing emotional intelligence and responsible expression over impulsive reactions for personal growth and justice.

Filmmaker Rob Reiner's estate is valued at $200 million. He passed away on December 15, 2025. His son faces charges in the deaths of Rob and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Legal proceedings are underway to determine inheritance, with California law potentially impacting beneficiaries. The investigation continues into the tragic events.

US authorities have started releasing documents from the Jeffrey Epstein probe. Many files are blacked out, raising questions about transparency. The released material shows Epstein's connections to famous figures like Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger. Politicians are frustrated by the limited disclosure. The Justice Department states more files will be released later.

The discussions are part of the Trump administration's monthslong push for peace that also included meetings with Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin earlier this week. Ukraine's chief negotiator said late Friday that his delegation had completed separate meetings in the U.S. with American and European partners.

A former Army doctor warns against consuming moldy peanuts, which can contain the potent toxin Aflatoxin B1, severely damaging the liver and increasing cancer risk. While fresh peanuts offer cardiovascular benefits, processed or spoiled varieties can be harmful. Doctors recommend eating a small handful of roasted or boiled peanuts daily for maximum health advantages.

Homebuyers can still get mortgage rates under 6% by using smart strategies. Choosing government-backed loans, shorter terms, discount points, temporary buydowns, improving credit scores, shopping lenders, or considering adjustable-rate loans can help. Some experts say rates may fall below 6% in 2026. These tips can save money and lower monthly payments when buying or refinancing a home.

Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein have been partially released. This release vindicates Maria Farmer, who reported Epstein in the 1990s. The documents confirm her complaint was ignored by the FBI. Survivors welcome the release but seek more information. Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a prison sentence for her role in the abuse.

Cardiologists highlight that abrupt mental and sensory stimulation immediately after waking can trigger early morning heart attacks. This sudden strain, before the body stabilizes, overloads the nervous system and spikes stress hormones, increasing cardiac risk. A calmer, gradual morning routine can significantly reduce this danger.

A special NIA court in Budgam has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Hizbul Mujahideen chief Mohammad Yousuf Shah, also known as Syed Salah-ud-din. The court found sufficient evidence implicating Shah in terror-related offenses. Shah, who fled to Pakistan in 1993, has been declared a terrorist. He operates from Pakistan and leads the United Jihad Council.

The Union Home Ministry has significantly increased the quota for ex-Agniveers in BSF constable recruitment to 50%, up from 10%. First-time ex-Agniveers will receive a five-year upper age-limit relaxation, with others getting three years. They will also be exempted from physical tests.

Thought of the Day: As Christmas approaches, Carpenters Thought of the Day stands as a gentle reminder of belief, continuity and comfort. Much like her career, the quote reflects how small, consistent moments of years of hard work, can quietly shape lasting success.

Gold and silver are highly correlated and typically gold leads but the last two months, we saw silver lead.

A London court has postponed Nirav Modi's Bank of India loan trial. The fugitive diamond merchant faces delays in accessing legal documents from UK prisons. His extradition case to India is ongoing. The trial is now set for March 23 next year. This adjournment impacts the pursuit of an 8-million dollar loan case.

Nadda made the remark while addressing the 21st annual convocation ceremony of King George's Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow.

British author David Walliams is in the news after HarperCollins UK decided to stop working with him. The move followed reports about an internal workplace investigation. Walliams has denied all wrongdoing and says he was not informed about the claims. The case has drawn public attention because of his long TV career and popular childrens books.

Swedish actress May Britt, who found fame in Hollywood and later in her marriage to Sammy Davis Jr., has passed away at 91. She began her career in Italian films before starring in Hollywood hits like 'The Young Lions' and 'Murder, Inc.'. Her marriage to Sammy Davis Jr. was historic, facing significant backlash due to its interracial nature.

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar stated that the Congress high command has communicated a message regarding power-sharing to him and CM Siddaramaiah. Both leaders will travel to Delhi together when summoned. This follows CM Siddaramaiah's earlier dismissal of any power-sharing deal, asserting his tenure depends on the high command's wishes.

Manuel de Jesus Rodriguez has been a staunch advocate for migrants, which make up most of his 17,000 congregants at the Our Lady of Sorrows church the largest parish in the Diocese of Brooklyn, which also oversees churches in Queens.

Colorado officials, including the Governor and Attorney General, have strongly criticized Xcel Energy for preemptive power outages. These shutoffs occurred due to severe winds posing fire risks. Residents, schools, and businesses faced prolonged power loss. Xcel Energy stated safety was paramount and aimed to restore power by Sunday. Over 85,000 customers were affected.

The city of Dhaka was filled with mourners at the funeral of Sharif Osman Hadi, the young leader whose life was tragically cut short. A key voice in last year's pro-democracy protests, Hadi succumbed to injuries sustained from gunfire last week, passing away in Singapore. His untimely death has ignited widespread demonstrations and unrest throughout Bangladesh.

Newly released Epstein files mention massage techniques and Ayurveda from India, with one exhibit detailing their use for detoxification. The US Justice Department released thousands of documents related to the convicted sex offender, following a mandate signed by President Trump.

Quote of the Day: Before setting their sights on flight, the Wright brothers experimented with a range of mechanical pursuits. They operated a printing press, published local newspapers, and later established a bicycle repair and manufacturing business in Dayton.

An earthquake of magnitude 3.8 shook Assam's Darrang district on Saturday. This tremor occurred at a shallow depth of 5 km. Earlier, a 2.9 magnitude quake was reported in Nepal. Assam lies in a high-risk seismic zone and has a history of devastating earthquakes. Residents are advised to stay alert and prepared for emergencies.

Corporate tax collections have surpassed personal income tax receipts this fiscal year. This indicates strong corporate earnings. Individual tax growth remains slow. Gross direct tax collections have crossed twenty lakh crore rupees. Net direct tax collections have seen an eight percent rise. This trend may change later in the fiscal year.

A Delhi court ordered Christian James Michel's release from custody in a money laundering case linked to the AgustaWestland chopper scam. However, he remains jailed due to a separate CBI corruption case. Michel, accused as a 'middleman', has been in custody for seven years, exceeding the maximum imprisonment period for the money laundering offense.