The Economic Times News

Largest tax refund ever 2026: Taxpayers anticipate a significant tax refund season in 2026 due to retroactive changes in the 2025 tax code. These adjustments, including a larger standard deduction and expanded child tax credit, were not reflected in paychecks, leading to a lump-sum benefit upon filing. While many will see larger refunds, individual amounts will vary based on personal tax situations.

Christmas Getaways: From sunny escapes in Maui, Hawaii, to snowy mountain towns like Breckenridge, Colorado, you can spend a memorable Christmas vacation in the USA. Picturesque towns and alpine resorts offer scenic drives, cozy lodges, and festive holiday markets. Coastal areas bring historic charm with dazzling lights and seasonal celebrations, while music enthusiasts can attend live concerts and holiday performances.

Dark chocolate with high cocoa has a chemical called theobromine that may help slow aging and keep cells healthy. Studies show it can make people biologically younger and support longer telomeres. While more research is needed, choosing dark chocolate with 70% or more cocoa is healthier because it has more theobromine and less sugar.

New rules for the National Pension System offer more flexibility. Subscribers can now withdraw their entire pension wealth in a lump sum if it is 2 lakh or less. These changes aim to make the NPS more inclusive and responsive to subscriber needs. The amendments also provide clearer provisions for nominees and legal heirs.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) in India is facing a daunting challenge in rolling out minimum return guarantee products. A conflict within the PFRDA Act complicates the launch of these vital offerings.

India and Oman are set to implement a free trade agreement in the next three months. This pact allows Indian firms to employ 100% Indian staff for their investments in Oman. Oman offers zero-duty access on over 98% of its tariff lines for Indian exports. Indian businesses can invest in sectors like steel, energy, education, and healthcare in Oman.

Sebi chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey urged proactive corporate governance. He stated compliance serves a purpose beyond mere form. Corporate governance is about credibility in decisions, conflict management, and information sharing. He highlighted the hazards of reactive governance as capital markets grow complex. Strong capital markets are built on confidence in fair rules and trusted disclosures. Boards must act as stewards.

Rivian stock today: Rivian shares surged over 11% to a new 52-week high, extending a two-day rally. Investor confidence is building around the electric vehicle maker's long-term strategy, fueled by advances in AI and autonomy, and optimism for the 2026 R2 SUV launch. Analysts have raised price targets, citing the R2's potential to drive demand and support growth.

Forty-one CPI (Maoist) cadres, including six senior leaders, surrendered to Telangana police, handing over 24 firearms. This significant erosion of the banned organization's strength and morale stems from arbitrary deployments and logistical hardships. The surrender highlights the steady decline of the CPI (Maoist) in the region.

Christmas fruit cake is a traditional bake that improves with age. Making it weeks in advance allows the fruit to soften and spices to mellow. Regular feeding with spirits like rum or brandy adds moisture and deepens the flavour. This slow process transforms simple ingredients into a rich, festive centrepiece ready for the holiday season.

A deadly attack shocked central Taipei on Friday night when a masked man wearing what seemed to be body armour made an indiscriminate assault on the public. Armed with a knife and smoke bombs, the attacker targeted crowded transport hubs, killing at least three people and injuring five others. CCTV footage captured him calmly entering the area before suddenly attacking pedestrians.

Mortgage rates are staying high around 6%, making home buying expensive for many Americans. Experts say rates might slowly drop to 6% by late 2026, but 3% loans are unlikely. Buyers can save money by improving credit, making bigger down payments, or shopping around for lenders. Planning now can help manage costs until rates change.

The Enforcement Directorate conducted searches at over 25 locations, including Dream Sports, the parent company of Dream11. This action is linked to an alleged 2,434 crore financial irregularity involving Jai Corp. The probe stems from a CBI case alleging investor fraud. Searches were carried out in multiple cities. Preliminary statements were recorded.

Wildlife enthusiasts are supporting a crucial WWF initiative to train sniffer dogs. These 'super sniffers' are vital in detecting illegal wildlife trade, including tiger parts and elephant tusks. Airports are key locations for these efforts. Public participation in such campaigns helps protect India's endangered animals from poachers and smuggling networks.

High-Paying Careers are evolving quickly as artificial intelligence and automation transform the U.S. job market. While technology is impacting almost every profession, human-centered roles continue to be essential across industries. Experts highlight that future workers must combine technical awareness with communication, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Sectors such as healthcare, social services, and skilled trades are anticipated to watch sustained demand in regard to aging population

RKLB stock today: Rocket Lab's stock experienced a significant surge, climbing over 16% on Friday, driven by strong operational updates and a substantial US government contract win. This rally, marking its best session in eight months, also benefited from broader positive sentiment in the space sector, including SpaceX IPO buzz and a new US space policy.

In West Bengal, the Matua community is bracing for a tense period as document verification hearings approach, pivotal in safeguarding their voting rights. The anticipation surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's forthcoming trip to Nadia district is tangible, as community members hope for clearer insights regarding the Citizenship Amendment Act and their prospects.

A Delhi court has rejected Rabri Devi's request to move IRCTC and land-for-jobs cases. The CBI argued her plea was a tactic to avoid fair justice. The cases involve alleged corruption by Rabri Devi and her family. Special Judge Vishal Gogne is presiding over these matters. The court found the judge's previous decisions were based on judicial application of mind.

The Imposter is a gripping four-part thriller that turns a family reunion into a nightmare. When a woman claiming to be a long-lost daughter comes, hidden secrets and buried motives rapidly surface. As trust erodes, manipulation, greed, and ambition tear the family apart. A lucrative business deal intensifies the stakes while lies linger into deadly consequences. Bodies start to pile up, alliances fracture, and suspicion spreads through every bond.

Artificial intelligence is changing jobs now. Leading AI expert Yoshua Bengio warns many screen-based jobs face replacement. Automation is speeding up. Even physical jobs may be temporarily safe. Companies are already linking layoffs to AI. More human roles could be replaced soon as businesses cut costs. This is a significant shift for many careers.

Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have removed the highest number of voters from their electoral rolls. This Special Intensive Revision saw over 97 lakh names deleted in Tamil Nadu and 73 lakh in Gujarat. Most deletions are due to voters shifting or deaths. This significant reduction impacts the total voter base in both states.

Security forces have intensified checks in Srinagar and nearby districts. This comes after intelligence reports indicated a potential targeted attack in the coming days. Police and paramilitary personnel are frisking vehicles, especially two-wheelers and cars with out-of-state number plates. Authorities are also searching for a white Ford Eco Sport vehicle suspected of carrying militants.

Married retirees should know some important Social Security rules that many people miss. Spousal and survivor benefits can change how much money couples get each month. Age, marriage status, divorce, and when benefits are claimed all matter. Knowing these basic rules can help married couples plan better and avoid mistakes with Social Security.

Iltija Mufti has filed a police complaint against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The complaint concerns an incident where Mr. Kumar allegedly pulled down the veil of a woman doctor during an appointment ceremony. Ms. Mufti stated the act caused distress among Muslim women. She described the incident as an assault on women's autonomy and dignity.

Social Security faces a potential collapse by 2033. Experts warn benefits could drop from $2,008 to $1,546 without action. Most Americans reject paying the $2,600 tax increase needed to save the program. Smaller increases gain more support, but the clock is ticking. Lawmakers must act soon to prevent deep cuts and financial strain.

The Supreme Court has ruled that corporate social responsibility (CSR) must encompass environmental protection, stating companies cannot be socially responsible while harming ecosystems. The court emphasized that allocating funds for environmental protection is a constitutional obligation, not mere charity. This ruling, in a case concerning endangered birds, mandates companies bear the cost of species recovery when their operations threaten habitats.

Supreme Court has green-lighted the Rajasthan government's commitment to hold elections for urban local bodies without delay beyond April 2026. This ruling follows a challenge from a Congress leader against the High Court's directive that mandated the polls within this timeline, ensuring that the democratic process continues unabated.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul Pancholi refused to entertain a plea by Shetty challenging the FIR lodged for a post attributed to him on the social media platform X, under a parody account titled Jawaharlal Nehru Satire.

The Modi government is demonstrating strong control over its coalition. Key legislation, including those replacing UPA-era laws, has been passed with allies offering full support. This signals a shift in power dynamics. Opposition parties acknowledge this reality. Rahul Gandhi's foreign trips during crucial debates have drawn criticism. The opposition's protest stamina appears reduced.

Quote of the day: The words of Russian literary giant Leo Tolstoy continue to echo with remarkable clarity. Celebrated not only as one of the greatest novelists in world literature but also as a moral thinker, Tolstoys insights into human nature, authority and conscience retain their relevance well beyond his lifetime.

AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal's hint at a potential alliance with AIMIM for the upcoming Assam assembly polls has unsettled the Congress. Ajmal revealed Owaisi received emails urging him not to campaign for AIUDF, with some labeling it the BJP's 'B team'. Despite Congress's past resolve to sever ties, Ajmal remains hopeful for collaboration.

The government has levied accusations against the Opposition for hindering vital discussions in Parliament regarding air pollution. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the conduct of certain MPs during the debate on the rural jobs guarantee Bill, describing it as thoroughly inappropriate.

Thousands of Pakistan nationals face deportation from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Azerbaijan on begging charges. This follows visa restrictions imposed by UAE, Oman, and Qatar due to criminal activities. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency reported over 51,000 Pakistanis were offloaded this year. Saudi Arabia led deportations with 24,000 individuals. The UAE expelled 6,000, and Azerbaijan sent back 2,500.

The IRS has introduced a new law to fix tax filing math errors more clearly. The IRS MATH Act helps taxpayers understand mistakes, know where they happened, and respond on time. It aims to reduce confusion, save effort, and make dealing with IRS tax notices easier for millions of Americans.

John Means made his major league debut in 2018, was an All-Star the following year and spent his first seven seasons with Baltimore.

Nasdaq rose more than 1% again today as AI stocks staged a strong rebound. Oracle jumped after a TikTok deal headline. Nvidia climbed on chip export optimism. Micron extended gains on bullish guidance. Volatility remains high with record options expiry approaching. Investors now watch AI momentum into year-end.

The Indian Army proposal is at an advanced stage of acquisition. It is likely to be cleared soon by a high-level meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council scheduled to be held in the last week of this month, Defence sources informed ANI.

The Enforcement Directorate has approved a Reserve Bank of India compounding order. This settles a year-long FEMA violation case against Nearbuy India Private Limited. The company will pay Rs 4.28 lakh to avoid prosecution. This move promotes ease of doing business. Petty FEMA violations will now be compounded to end frivolous litigation. Proceedings against the company have been terminated.

Winterfest has long been one of Fortnites most celebratory events, known for offering free cosmetic rewards, holiday-themed challenges and crossover content. In past chapters, the festive period has sometimes wrapped up without much fanfare, while other years have featured unexpected events or storyline developments.

Quote of the day by Franklin D. Roosevelt: Franklin D. Roosevelt's words from 1933 still resonate. He spoke of fearing fear itself during the Great Depression. Today, fear still hinders progress through news and social media. Courage is not the absence of fear but refusing to be ruled by it. This timeless lesson teaches that internal obstacles often hold us back. Understanding fear allows us to move forward.

Gold Price Forecast: Goldman Sachs forecasts gold rising to $4,900 by December 2026 amid central bank demand. Oil prices may decline to $52-$56 next year, then recover by 2028. Copper stays the favored industrial metal at $11,400 per ton. U.S. power markets face rising prices and possible outages.

Target app down: Target is facing a major system outage during the crucial holiday shopping week. Customers and employees are experiencing disruptions across digital platforms. Online shopping, returns, and pickup services are affected nationwide. The issues began early Friday morning, impacting order fulfillment and customer transactions. Target has advised customers to retry their purchases later.

The Ursids are a yearly meteor shower that occurs when Earth passes through debris shed by Comet 8P/Tuttle, a short-period comet that circles the Sun approximately every 13.5 years.

The Reserve Bank of India's monetary policy committee decided on a 25 basis points repo rate cut. This move was driven by worries about economic growth slowing in the latter half of the fiscal year. Record low inflation provided the necessary room for this policy stimulus. The decision aimed to support demand and economic growth.

Weekend Streaming Releases provides a wide variety of fresh movies, shows, and specials across platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+. From binge-worthy series to hilarious stand-up specials, these new releases offer viewers numerous options for a relaxing weekend. Popular entries this week include Emily in Paris Season 5 on Netflix, the Counting Crows documentary on HBO Max, and Kumail Nanjianis stand-up special Night Thoughts on Hulu.

Warren Buffetts 90/10 rule guides investors to 90% S&P 500 and 10% bonds. It offers low fees, broad market growth, and long-term compounding. Historically, the S&P 500 returned around 10% annually. Critics warn about volatility for retirees. Still, simplicity and patience make it a proven strategy.