The Economic Times News

Cross-border ecommerce is set to become easier for Indian businesses, particularly MSMEs. The government is considering relaxing rules for returning goods and increasing the value limit for courier exports. This move aims to support small businesses and artisans. Dedicated ecommerce export hubs will streamline logistics and customs processes.

U.S. weather forecast: In the West, while California experiences a lull in rain on Friday, sporadic rain will extend from that state to Washington, Utah, Idaho and western Montana.

Oregon Ducks joined Miami a winner over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl on Wednesday to make up half the field for the semifinals on January 8-9.

Chief Justice John Roberts' letter on Wednesday comes after a year in which legal scholars and Democrats raised fears of a possible constitutional crisis as Republican President Donald Trumps supporters pushed back against rulings that slowed his far-reaching conservative agenda.

The IRS has confirmed a new nationwide tax deduction that could save car buyers up to $10,000 in 2026. The rule covers interest on new, American-made vehicle loans. It applies even with the standard deduction. The policy runs through 2028. Eligibility details, reporting rules, and timing matter. Heres how it works and who benefits most.

Wealth quote of the day by SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son Life is short. I will regret if I dont act boldly when I am young. The greatest risk is not taking any risk at all. In the high-stakes world of global finance, Masayoshi Son remains the ultimate disruptor. As of early 2026, the SoftBank founder has moved his firm into otal offense mode. He argues that the world is transitioning from simple automation to Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI). This shift is expected to create a wealth gap unlike

Rishabh Pant's inconsistent form and lack of recent ODI opportunities raise questions about his place in the upcoming New Zealand series squad. Despite his potential, selectors face a dilemma with other in-form wicketkeepers and batsmen vying for spots, while bowling combinations are also being considered.

Gross revenue from domestic transactions rose 1.2% to over 1.22 lakh crore, official data published Thursday showed, while revenues from imported goods climbed about a fifth to 51,977 crore during December.

The Congress ended another year marked by election defeats in Delhi and Bihar, adding to earlier losses in Haryana and Maharashtra, and deepening concerns within the party despite a partial recovery in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. More than the results, many party insiders are worried about what they see as a steady transformation of Congress under Rahul Gandhi, driven by shifting political positions and the growing influence of outsiders and new advisers.

A nationwide campaign, Your Money, Your Right, successfully returned approximately 4,200 crore in unclaimed financial assets to their rightful owners. The three-month initiative, concluding in December 2025, organized camps in 748 districts to ensure citizens reclaim what is rightfully theirs and strengthen institutional mechanisms for timely restitution.

About 18.44 million people sought the typically unskilled work under the MGNREGS in December, down 28.4% from 25.77 million a year earlier. In November, however, only 14.66 million people had demanded work.

John Foster has officially transitioned from a fan-favorite reality star to a national country music standout. After finishing as the runner-up on Season 23 of American Idol in May 2025, the 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Addis, Louisiana, kicked off 2026 on one of the world's most prestigious stages. On January 1, 2026, Foster headlined the Explore Louisiana mid-parade performance at the 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

India is set to make high-level leader meetings a central part of its foreign policy this year, beginning with the India-EU summit in New Delhi during the Republic Day celebrations. The summit could see the signing of the long-pending free trade agreement and will be followed by the AI Impact summit in February, which India sees as a platform to shape the Global Souths agenda.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated the Congress-led UDF and CPI(M)-led LDF alliance in Kerala will soon end. He predicted a bright future for the BJP in the state. Modi praised BJP workers for their historic performance in Thiruvananthapuram's local body polls. He believes the people of Kerala are ready for a new dawn with the BJP-NDA.

Local body elections are scheduled for this year in Karnataka. This includes polls for five new corporations in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar confirmed the decision. The ruling Congress is confident after recent successes. Applications for tickets are being accepted until January 15. Funds from form sales will support party offices statewide.

Mumbai civic polls are witnessing a polarization of voters along religious and regional lines. Parties are targeting North Indian and Gujarati communities to consolidate Marathi votes, while also appealing to minority groups. The BJP's slogan 'Batenge toh Katenge' is being used to evoke Hindutva and counter appeasement claims.

Assam will expedite the expulsion of declared foreigners. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that individuals identified by Foreigner Tribunals will be deported within seven days. This policy aims to prevent appeals to higher courts. The state government is committed to addressing illegal immigration. This initiative marks a significant shift in dealing with foreign nationals residing in Assam.

Germany said last August that it would deliver two Patriot systems to Ukraine after reaching an agreement with the U.S. that Berlin would be first in line to receive the latest systems in return.

India's export horizons are expanding rapidly, with projections hitting $840-850 billion in FY26 and climbing to $950 billion in FY27. The fostering of free trade agreements, particularly with nations in West Asia, alongside robust growth in sectors like services and electronics, are pivotal to this surge.

Under the previous Awami League regime, Hindus in Bangladesh experienced relentless discrimination. The president of the Bangladesh Minority Janata Party emphasizes the urgency of increased political representation to ensure the survival of the Hindu community. He calls on India to expand its diplomatic efforts beyond merely supporting the Awami League.

Assam's government is urging tea estate owners to cooperate in granting land rights to workers, threatening to withdraw 150 crore in annual incentives for non-compliance. The new law, assented by the Governor, aims to rectify historical injustices by providing land pattas to generations of tea garden families residing in labour lines.

The Army has recovered a consignment suspected to have been dropped by a drone along the Indo-Pakistan border in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The recovery was made early Thursday in the Chakkan da Bagh area, where a bag containing ammunition and a suspected improvised explosive device was found.

Russia deliberately brings war into the New Year-launching more than two hundred attack drones against Ukraine overnight, Zelensky said on social media, adding that the argets were our energy infrastructure. Earlier, Zelenskyy, during his New Year's Eve address late on Wednesday, said that his country was 10% away from an agreement to end the war with Russia.

Up to 25 million American children may receive $250 through Trump Accounts backed by a $6.25 billion Michael Dell donation. The savings plan is tax-deferred and income-based. Some families may also qualify for $1,000 Treasury seed money. Accounts open in July 2026, with eligibility tied to age, ZIP-code income limits, and IRS filing requirements.

China faces a demographic crisis ten years after ending its one-child policy. Birth rates remain low, and the population is aging rapidly. Despite incentives, government attempts to boost births, including a new tax on contraceptives, are met with public skepticism and concern.

Apples iPhone 17 Pro Max gets a Rs 11,000+ discount ahead of New Year. Available at Rs 1,38,490 with extra Rs 4,000 off on select cards. Features A19 Pro chip, triple 48MP cameras, 6.9-inch OLED display, and fast charging.

President Trump defended his health in an interview, revealing he underwent a CT scan, not an MRI, during an October examination. He expressed regret over the advanced imaging, stating it fueled public speculation about his health. Trump also addressed concerns about his energy levels and physical appearance, attributing them to genetics and common age-related conditions.

Pakistan has expressed serious concerns over India's reported plans for a new hydropower project on the Chenab River. Islamabad stated that India cannot misuse its water allowance under the Indus Waters Treaty. Pakistan has sought clarification from India regarding the project's details. The treaty governs water distribution between the two nations.

Donald Trump delayed higher tariffs on furniture and home goods for one year. The move keeps current taxes but pauses bigger increases. The decision is linked to ongoing trade talks and legal challenges. For now, shoppers may avoid sudden price hikes, but future costs will depend on trade deals, court rulings, and new tariff plans.

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biels marriage is reportedly under strain, with friends concerned that the relationship is no longer healthy. Sources cite that the pair has been living mostly separate lives, with Biel concentrating on work,companions, and her children, while Timberlake focuses on rebuilding trust after previous mistakes. Public controversies, that includes Timberlakes 2019 apology and 2024 DWI arrest, remain to affect the relationship.

Local body elections will be held across Karnataka this year. This includes polls for five new corporations in Bengaluru. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced the decision. Ticket aspirants are asked to apply by January 15. Funds from applications will build party offices. Elections for Zilla and Taluk Panchayats are also expected soon.

As 2026 nears, Publix makes holiday shopping simple with extended access to everything from fresh fruit and baked goods to party necessities and comfort foods. Customers can find supplies for simple snacks or elaborate New Years treats, while also getting remedies and cleaning supplies following celebrations. Most of the locations stay open on New Years Eve, closing around 9 p.m., and reopen on New Years Day, shutting at 7 p.m.

Giant Eagle stores close early on New Years Day 2026 to let employees celebrate. Stores shut at 5 p.m. and pharmacies at 3 p.m. Hours differ by location across Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, West Virginia, and Kentucky. Shoppers should check their local store online before visiting. Other grocery chains like Walmart and Kroger have normal or adjusted hours.

2026 promises a thrilling cinematic year filled with suspense, drama, comedy, and epic adventures. With something for every mood, this year offers unforgettable experiences, creative storyline, and thrilling spectacles for moviegoers everywhere.

The NYT Mini Crossword offers a quick, satisfying brain workout with its compact five-by-five grid and clever clues. It's a daily habit for many, providing a fast-paced mental challenge that balances ease and difficulty. Players often seek hints and answers for tricky clues, highlighting its engaging nature.

During his visit to the DRDO headquarters here on its 68th anniversary, he also said the organisation will play a crucial role in the creation of Sudarshan Chakra, and exuded confidence that it will work wholeheartedly to achieve this goal soon.

Macys plans big changes in 2026 to improve shopping. The company will close some stores, upgrade others, add popular brands, and improve online and in-store service. Shoppers may see better experiences but also higher prices on some items. These changes are part of Macys long-term plan to grow and stay strong.

Until the end of January, the lev will remain a legal means of payment alongside the euro. From February 1, the euro will be the sole official currency. The prices will be displayed in both euros and leva until August 8.

New Year's Day 2026 falls on Thursday, January 1. Banks and post offices will be closed. Mail delivery and pickups will not occur. Shipping services like UPS and FedEx will also halt operations. Customers should plan ahead for these closures. Regular services will resume on Friday, January 2.

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira began 2026 with a surprise personal announcement, confirming a romantic relationship with fellow UFC fighter Tracy Cortez. The news, shared during New Years celebrations, provided a rare glimpse into Pereiras private life and rapidly gained attention across the MMA world. Cortez also acknowledged the relationship on social media, uploading affectionate images that sparked online.

Bitcoin ATM scams 2025: Scammers are exploiting Bitcoin ATMs, causing Americans to lose over $333 million in 2025. This trend shows a clear and constant rise. Authorities are taking action, with one major provider facing legal scrutiny. Experts and organizations are urging for tighter regulations on these machines to protect consumers from this escalating problem.

Social Security cuts may be closer as the trust fund faces money problems. Retirees who depend heavily on monthly checks could see lower payments in coming years. A possible benefit cut could reduce yearly income for many seniors. Lawmakers have not yet agreed on a fix, raising concerns about future retirement security for millions of Americans.

Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad unveiled the party's vision for the BMC polls, promising to eradicate corruption and ensure transparent governance. She accused the ruling Mahayuti of mismanaging city funds and services, citing issues like pollution and BEST's financial woes. The Congress pledges to expand BEST buses, provide free health cards, and improve schools.

The Indian Army has declared 2026 as the 'Year of Networking & Data Centricity' to boost connectivity, real-time decision-making, and combat effectiveness. This initiative, driven by indigenous technologies and reforms, aims to create a future-ready force. Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi highlighted this as a key part of the force's decade of transformation.

Snow squall warnings were issued across regions of the northeastern United States and central Ontario as fast-moving bursts of winter weather has resulted in dangerous travel conditions. In Pennsylvania and New York, the National Weather Service cautioned that unexpected heavy snow, gusty winds up to 35 mph, and sudden visibility drops could make roads hazardous in a matter of minutes.

Social Security payroll taxes will rise for high earners in 2026 because the wage limit is going up. People earning above the old limit will pay tax on more income. This means slightly less take-home pay now, but the extra taxed earnings may help increase Social Security benefits in retirement.

BYDs sales growth slowed to 7.73 per cent in 2025, the weakest pace in five years, as competition intensified in Chinas electric vehicle market. Total sales fell 18.3 per cent in December from a year earlier, marking the fourth straight monthly decline and the biggest drop in nearly two years.

Dunkin' New Year's Day 2026: New Year's Day 2026 will see many popular eateries open. Dunkin', Starbucks, McDonald's, and Taco Bell are ready to serve. Chick-fil-A, Wendy's, and Burger King also welcome customers. Subway and Chipotle offer lighter options. Patrons should confirm individual store hours as they may differ. This ensures convenient access to familiar favorites on the first day of the year.