The Economic Times News

Over the past three years, the government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has expanded access to secondary and higher secondary education for girls by combining financial assistance with academic encouragement.

Kevin OLeary has sold all cryptocurrencies except Bitcoin and Ethereum. He says the U.S. CLARITY Act will drive institutional capital into compliant tokens. BTC trades near $87,300, ETH around $2,950, both are much below record highs. Stablecoins gain traction for fast, compliant payments. Mining shifts to low-cost energy. Investors are watching regulatory moves closely. The next market turning point may be imminent.

The BJP has been running a campaign against the government, accusing it of not releasing Gruha Lakshmi instalments on time and sitting on huge dues. The scheme, which is one of the five major guarantees of the Congress, promises Rs 2000 every month to women heads of low-income households.

Michael Burry says he sold GameStop stock before its huge 2021 rally. The investor explains he did not expect the retail trading rush or the powerful gamma squeeze. His comments show how even experienced investors can miss big market moves when unexpected trends and investor behavior take over Wall Street.

China is seeing a surge of students returning from overseas. Many are finding it difficult to secure jobs abroad. To address this, Beijing has launched a special platform. This initiative aims to connect returning students with employment and entrepreneurial opportunities within China. The government recognizes the value these students bring to innovation and national development.

USPS is warning of winter weather shipping delays impacting 24 states and Washington D.C. due to snow and cold. Hawaii is also experiencing disruptions from flooding. These conditions have pushed back delivery timelines, potentially affecting holiday gift arrivals. Consumers are advised to check USPS deadlines for timely delivery.

Texas may double the federal Trump Account for newborns to $2,000. The state plans a $1,000 investment per baby in an S&P 500 fund. Withdrawals start at 18 for education, home, or business. Estimated $400 million annual cost. Early savings could grow over $11,000 by adulthood. Other states may follow. Learn how families benefit from this program.

Pope Leo XIV is anticipated to appoint Bishop Ronald Hicks of Joliet as the next Archbishop of New York, succeeding Cardinal Timothy Dolan this week, according to sources. Dolan submitted his retirement upon turning 75. Hicks, 58, has Midwestern roots and a reputation for strong leadership, making him a prominent candidate.

India's economy is set for robust growth this fiscal year, exceeding initial projections. Former IMF chief economist Gita Gopinath anticipates a 7 percent expansion. Achieving ambitious national goals requires sustained reforms and maintaining high growth rates. Global trade dynamics and US tariff policies are also discussed. India's business environment faces challenges from regulatory complexity.

Scientists found a strange pattern on Jupiter's moon Europa. This formation looks like the Mind Flayer from Stranger Things. NASA believes this pattern indicates salty water flowed and froze there. This discovery could be key to finding life beyond Earth. Europa is considered a prime candidate for extraterrestrial life due to its potential subsurface ocean.

The goals of the special military operation will certainly be achieved, Putin told a meeting with defence ministry officials in Moscow, using the Kremlin's wording for the nearly four-year offensive.

News headlines December 18: Indian Railways achieved over 99% Broad Gauge electrification, while the Rajya Sabha discussed the Sabka Bima Raksha Bill. President Murmu arrived in Hyderabad, and Parliament passed the Repealing and Amending Bill. The Army received Apache helicopters, and India's U-19 team posted a strong score in the Asia Cup.

The last U.S. penny auction signals the historic end of Americas smallest coin following more than two centuries of circulation. Special commemorative sets featuring the final minted pennies produced over sixteen million dollars, showcasing intense collector demand. Every trio symbolized the end of a coin initially issued in 1793 and long embedded in daily commerce.

President Donald Trump is set to give a live primetime speech to the nation on Dec. 17. The White House address comes at the end of the year and during his recent public talks on the economy. Trump shared the announcement on social media, creating interest about the timing and message of the national address.

Gas prices in the US: U.S. gas prices are sliding fast. The national average is now below $3 per gallon. Some stations already show prices under $2. Low crude oil prices, winter fuel blends, and easing demand are driving the drop. Midwest and Southern states lead declines. Drivers now ask one key question. Could even cheaper gas spread nationwide next?

Samtel, which is involved in several ongoing defence projects, says that the investment includes a Rs 140 crore green shoe option, which can enable additional capital infusion in the future as well.

India has summoned Bangladesh envoy Riaz Hamidullah. This action follows threats from extremist groups targeting the Indian mission in Dhaka. India also voiced serious concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in Bangladesh. The nation reiterated its call for free and fair parliamentary elections. These polls are scheduled for February 12.

BC Hydro power outages remain across British Columbias South Coast following a powerful windstorm and severe rain damaged electrical infrastructure earlier this week. Over 90,000 customers lost electricity at the peak, with crews still working to restore service in hard hit regions like Kent, Hope, Vancouver Island, and the Gulf Islands. Environment Canada cautions for renewed strong winds add urgency, as saturated soil and weakened trees increase the risk of additional outages.

Delhi authorities have launched a multi-pronged strategy to tackle traffic congestion at 62 identified hotspots. Measures include deploying additional traffic personnel, conducting encroachment removal drives, and planning long-term infrastructure solutions like subways and underpasses to ease bottlenecks across the capital.

Mega Millions numbers from last night are out, and the $80 million jackpot remains unclaimed. No ticket matched all six numbers in the Dec. 16 drawing. The winning numbers were 20, 24, 46, 59, 65, with Mega Ball 7. The cash option stood at $36.2 million. The jackpot now rolls over, setting up a bigger prize for Fridays drawing.

New York is facing extreme winter weather as Arctic air moves south and a powerful bomb cyclone forms. The city is already very cold, with snow, icy roads, and school delays reported. Weather experts are warning people to stay alert as strong winds, freezing temperatures, and more snow could impact daily life in the coming days.

India and Argentina have signed a Work Plan 2025-2027 to boost agricultural research and technology exchange. This collaboration will focus on areas like sustainable agronomy, biotechnology, and digital agriculture, with planned joint research and germplasm exchange. The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and leverage the complementary strengths of both economies.

WTO reform talks are progressing, but a comprehensive deal is unlikely at the March 2026 meeting. The US is frustrated by the consensus rule hindering plurilateral agreements and seeks to reform the Most Favoured Nation principle, facing significant opposition from other members who view MFN as crucial for multilateralism.

Vedanta Ltd is splitting into five independent companies by March 2026. This move aims to boost growth for each business. Shareholders will receive shares in the new entities. Each company will have its own board and management. Aggressive capital spending and dividends will continue. Vedanta plans significant expansion across its zinc, aluminium, oil and gas, and steel businesses.

NYT Connections offers a daily word puzzle. Players group sixteen words into four categories. Today's puzzle for December 17, 2025, features categories like human-powered watercraft and Honda models. Hints and full solutions are available. This game tests logic and word association skills.

Thousands of government schools in India are empty of students. Telangana and West Bengal lead with the most zero-enrolment schools. This situation persists despite a large number of teachers being posted to these institutions. The number of schools with very few or no students has increased. This data comes from government figures shared in Parliament.

School Holiday December 18: Delhi schools are shut for young students as air pollution reaches severe levels. Younger classes Nursery to 5th grade will attend online. Older students will follow a hybrid model. Outdoor activities are banned. These measures aim to protect children's health during hazardous air quality. Parents should monitor official updates.

Your lungs are working overtime in today's smoggy world, and what you eat directly shapes how well they clear out gunk and stay resilient. From leafy greens packed with chlorophyll to berries loaded with inflammation-fighting compounds, these five everyday foods give your respiratory system the ammunition it needs to breathe easier and bounce back.

Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, were produced in a North Goa court. They were deported from Thailand following a fire incident that killed 25 people. The court ordered a fresh medical examination for the brothers. They were previously arrested in Delhi after their deportation.

Silver price hit $66, marking a historic record rally in 2025. Haven demand surged after weak US jobs data and rising recession fears. Spot silver jumped over 4% as supply deficit concerns intensified. Industrial demand from solar, EVs, and data centers keeps rising. Falling inventories add pressure to already tight markets. Analysts now see the silver price outlook targeting $70 next.

Skipping shampoo for three-plus days triggers a cascade of biological shifts: oil accumulation, microbial imbalances, and inflammation that can intensify dandruff, scalp itch, andif chronicfollicle stress. Here's the granular breakdown.

Today's Wordle puzzle, number 1,642, has been solved. The word features a repeated letter and an unusual starting character. Wordle, a popular daily word game, offers players six attempts to guess a five-letter word. The New York Times acquired the game in 2022. Millions play this free puzzle daily.

Annapurna Bhandar, a beloved Chandni Chowk sweet shop, closes its doors on December 31 after nearly 100 years. A legal battle over property forced the closure, not a lack of customers. The shop served generations of families and was a landmark. Its closure marks the end of a legacy for customers and workers.

Delhi's new vehicle entry ban for non-BS-VI registered cars reignites debate on the National Capital Region's shared urban space. The move questions the NCR Planning Board's effectiveness, with former officials deeming it a failure in coordinated development and seamless regional movement.

Electronic cigarettes remain banned in India. The government informed Parliament that no cases of e-cigarettes containing narcotic substances have been investigated by the Narcotics Control Bureau. The Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act, 2019, prohibits their production, sale, and advertisement. States and Union Territories enforce this law. Agencies are strengthening screening at airports and ports to curb smuggling.

Most hair routines fail because people chase trends instead of addressing fundamentals. In 2026, stop the quick fixes. Consistency beats everything. Here's what actually works when you commit to the basics: scalp health, smart oiling, real nutrition, texture acceptance, and patience. No miracles. Just results.

BJP outspent Congress in Delhi assembly elections, with total expenses of Rs 57.65 crore compared to Congress's Rs 46.19 crore. While Congress led in party propaganda and social media spending, BJP's overall expenditure was higher, despite failing to win any seats.

The Supreme Court has declared Delhi-NCR's air pollution a total failure of current measures. It seeks practical, long-term solutions. The court asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and National Highways Authority of India to consider shifting or closing toll plazas. Delhi government's order to close schools for young children was upheld as a temporary protection.

In Bihar's Darbhanga, officials are struggling to recover Rs 10,000 credited to male villagers despite sending them recovery notices. The welfare flagship programme was meant for women but due to technical problem the money was credited to male villagers. Now, the villagers are saying we spent the money during Diwali and Chhath with one of them demanding their votes back.

India's electronics manufacturing sector is set for a major boost. The EMC 2.0 scheme is projected to create 1.80 lakh jobs. Over Rs 1.46 lakh crore investment is expected across ten states. This initiative supports world-class infrastructure with ready-to-use facilities. Manufacturers are committing significant investments, with some operations already underway. The program enhances supply chains and skill development.

Indian wear is no longer limited to festivals or red carpets at home. From global premieres to international fashion weeks, Bollywood celebrities have proudly carried Indian culture worldwide, making tradition fashionable, powerful, and respected.