The Economic Times News

MacKenzie Scott: Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has announced a massive donation of $7.1 billion to non-profits in 2025. This marks a substantial leap from her previous contributions. Scott's generosity has now reached over $26 billion since 2019. Her approach of providing unrestricted funds has garnered significant attention. Scott's wealth stems from Amazon shares.

President Trump warned that a Supreme Court ruling limiting his tariff authority would endanger national security and leave the US financially defenseless. He argued that tariffs have strengthened the nation's economy and security, citing other countries' use of similar measures. This statement comes amid ongoing legal challenges to his tariff policies and rising living costs for voters.

US Under Secretary Allison Hooker met with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to advance the vision set by Presidents Trump and Modi. Discussions focused on tangible progress in defense, energy, technology, space, and supply chain resilience, aiming to boost US security and jobs while supporting India's growth.

Addressing voter concerns over rising costs, former President Donald Trump asserted that consumer prices are significantly decreasing from their peak. Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, he criticized Democrats, labeling their claims about inflation as a hoax. Trump emphasized his administration's role in bringing down prices, aiming to counter public anger regarding the cost of living.

Violent clashes within Haiti's powerful gang coalition, Viv Ansanm, have resulted in dozens of deaths, including 10 children, in the capital. The infighting, which has seen a high-ranking member beheaded and another injured, threatens to escalate violence in a city already largely controlled by gangs. This internal conflict marks a significant departure from the coalition's initial goal of reducing violence.

The European Union has set a new climate goal. Emissions will be cut by 90 percent by 2040. This target is from 1990 levels. Foreign carbon credits will cover five percent of these cuts. EU industries must reduce emissions by 85 percent. Nations will pay non-member countries to cut emissions for them.

Eileen Higgins secured victory in the Miami mayoral election, ending a nearly three-decade losing streak for her party. She defeated Emilio Gonzalez, a candidate backed by President Donald Trump. Higgins campaigned on issues important to the Hispanic-majority city, including immigration concerns. This win provides Democrats with momentum heading into upcoming elections. Higgins will be the first woman to lead Miami.

Paramount and Netflix are engaged in a bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery, with the battle expected to extend into 2026. Warner Bros. rejected Paramount's initial offer, opting to proceed with a Netflix deal, but Paramount is poised to make its next move. Investors anticipate a higher offer as the situation unfolds.

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft Season 2 release date, time and how to watch details the upcoming season on Netflix. The story explains the release schedule, cast list, plot points, global timings, and how viewers can stream the new episodes. It also covers updates on future plans for the series.

Kevin Costner presents 'The First Christmas' on ABC. This special explores the Nativity story. Viewers can watch it live on December 9. Free streaming options are available through trial offers. The special will also be on demand on Hulu and Disney+ the next day. It details Mary and Joseph's journey surrounding Jesus Christ's birth.

Tragedy struck Kentucky State University as a shooting at Young Hall left one student dead and another critically injured, disrupting final exams. The suspect is in custody, and the campus remains on lockdown. This incident follows similar shootings at other historically Black universities in October, raising concerns across the nation.

PlayStation's 2025 Wrap-Up is now live. Players can see their gaming hours and top games. Digital cards are shareable on social media. The recap includes accessory usage and controller design preferences. Adults receive a unique avatar. This feature has been available since 2017. Upcoming releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 are expected to feature in future recaps.

I Love LA Episode 7 release date, time, schedule and how to watch information is now confirmed. The HBO comedy series continues its weekly rollout in the US and India. This explainer details the full release calendar, streaming platforms, timings and viewing options for all episodes.

Pluribus Episode 7 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details are confirmed. The new episode arrives with a fixed global rollout on Apple TV. The story continues Carol and Manousos journey with new twists. This explainer covers timings, platform details, plot notes, episode lists, and future schedule.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a social media selfie while facing scrutiny over her family's ICE scandal. Her former sister-in-law, Bruna Ferreira, criticized Leavitt's public statements following her arrest for overstaying her visa. Ferreira, mother of Leavitt's nephew, disputes the White House's portrayal of her as a criminal and absentee mother.

Bitcoin price forecast 2025: Standard Chartered has significantly lowered its 2025 Bitcoin price forecast to $100,000, citing a slowdown in ETF inflows and the waning impact of corporate Bitcoin accumulation. The bank's long-term outlook of $500,000 remains, but the timeline is now extended to 2030. Near-term BTC price action is heavily influenced by the upcoming FOMC meeting.

If you have thyroid problems, eating the right foods can help. Experts say Brazil nuts are the best food for thyroid health because they have selenium, which helps the thyroid work well and reduce inflammation. Just one or two nuts a day is enough to support your thyroid safely and keep hormone levels balanced.

Power Book IV: Force Season 3 Episode 6 release date, time, schedule and how to watch information is confirmed for viewers in the US and UK. The episode arrives on 12 December 2025. Fans can follow the weekly rollout on Starz and MGM+. This story explains the release plan, schedule, cast and viewing options.

Nvidia of China: A new Chinese AI competitor, Moore Threads, has made a stunning market debut. The company, compared to Nvidia, surged over 400% on its first day of trading. This event sparks interest in China's AI sector. However, Moore Threads technology lags significantly behind Nvidia. Political shifts may also influence future market dynamics.

Silver price today: Silver broke $60 an ounce for the first time. Futures hit $60.41. Spot prices jumped 3.1%. SLV soared 105% this year. Industrial demand is rising. Supply is tightening. A Fed 25 bps cut looms. Gold is climbing too. Silvers surge isnt slowing and the outlook gets even more dramatic.

The US defense sector is turning to new AI technology to improve its work. A major tech company is providing a special AI system to help speed up tasks and support military needs. Other top AI firms are also joining in with defense contracts. This shift shows how important artificial intelligence is becoming for national security.

The government has strongly refuted opposition claims that electoral failures are due to electronic voting machines and voter list revisions. Ministers stated voters have rejected the opposition, pointing to their own political shortcomings. They highlighted past instances of 'vote chori' and accused the opposition of trying to shield infiltrators.

Asset reconstruction companies (ARCs) are on the frontlines, lobbying for a pass-through tax designation for alternative investment funds (AIFs) that invest in security receipts (SRs). They believe the current tax bracket of 42.74% is stifling potential investors, proposing instead that SR income be taxed directly in the hands of the end investors.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India is on a 'reform express'. Reforms are citizen-centric and moving fast. The Prime Minister urged MPs to share people's problems. He aims to end lengthy forms and paperwork. Services should reach citizens' doorsteps. This trust in self-certification has worked for ten years. Laws must convenience people and not harass them.

Social Security benefits 2026: Millions of retirees will receive a 2.8% COLA increase in 2026, lifting the average monthly Social Security check to about $2,071, according to early SSA estimates. That adds roughly $56 a month for a typical beneficiary. But higher Medicare premiums, rent increases, grocery inflation, and utility costs continue to squeeze seniors. Many retirees already say their 2026 benefits are not keeping pace with real-world expenses.

Maoist violence has significantly decreased by 89 percent. Currently, only three districts are impacted by left-wing extremism. The government is committed to eradicating this threat by March 31, 2026. Top Maoist leaders have been apprehended or surrendered. Security forces have achieved notable successes in combating these activities.

In a spirited address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah took aim at the Congress party, alleging their past administrations indulged in appeasement policies that undermined national sentiments. He pointed out their efforts to downplay the significance of 'Vande Mataram', which he believes led to a fractured national identity.

The seventh edition of the Global Environment Outlook (GEO-7), A Future We Want, released at the seventh UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi on Tuesday, provides the most comprehensive assessment of the heavy toll that climate change, biodiversity loss, land degradation, desertification, and pollution and waste have taken on the planet, people and economies.

A political storm erupted after Ambadas Danve shared videos of cash counting. He claimed a ruling Shiv Sena MLA was seen in the footage. The controversy intensified with accusations of video leaks between alliance partners. One MLA denied involvement and challenged Danve to a debate. The allegations point to potential corruption in tenders and commissions.

In a vibrant session of the Rajya Sabha, opposition leaders passionately discussed the significance of Vande Mataram. They accused the ruling BJP and RSS of overlooking the sacrifices made during India's fight for freedom. Congress representatives passionately recounted their party's major contributions to independence, linking them to the present-day political climate, where they alleged that distraction tactics were at play.

Parliament noted that steel PSUs are set to adopt more AI tools, Ola is expected to remain the main mover under the battery PLI scheme, the government is preparing steps to ease the impact of US tariffs, and further gains in loans, green bonds and port reforms are expected.

In a passionate address, West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lambasted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what she deemed a significant slight to the revered Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the mind behind 'Vande Mataram.' Banerjee expressed deep concern, asserting that the Prime Minister's informal reference to Chattopadhyay as 'Bankim da' trivialized his monumental contributions.

Sugary breakfasts can make your blood sugar rise and fall quickly, causing tiredness, hunger, and cravings. Eating balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats helps keep energy steady. Whole grains, eggs, yogurt, and vegetables are good choices. Avoid sweet drinks and add light activity after meals to support healthy blood sugar and better mornings.

A leaked audio clip has ignited a political firestorm in Punjab. Opposition parties allege the ruling AAP is rigging upcoming local body elections. The Punjab and Haryana High Court is now involved, demanding an investigation into the claims. The court has asked the State Election Commission to submit an affidavit.

In a bold political maneuver, DMK has united various opposition factions to file an impeachment notice against Justice GR Swaminathan, stemming from his controversial ruling regarding a temple lamp. Despite the unity, many opposing voices express doubts about the initiatives viability.

The National Investigation Agency has arrested another Kashmiri doctor in connection with the Red Fort bomb blast. Dr. Bilal Naseer Malla from Baramulla is the eighth person apprehended. He allegedly provided logistical support to the deceased bomber and destroyed evidence. The NIA is continuing its investigation into the conspiracy. Raids were also conducted in southern Kashmir.

The finance ministry has mandated clear sunset clauses and timelines for all centrally sponsored schemes starting April 1, 2026. Ministries must now provide detailed disclosures on scheme performance, expenditure, fund flow, and post creation during appraisals. This move aims to quantify performance, identify underperforming ministries, and ensure efficient public spending.

India and the EU held intensive discussions last week to expedite the conclusion of their long-pending free trade agreement. Both sides noted steady progress across various negotiating tracks and agreed to maintain momentum through continued exchanges. Ministerial talks reaffirmed strong political resolve to address pending issues constructively for a mutually advantageous outcome.

Choksi, who escaped to Antigua and Barbuda in January 2018, days before the scam was detected, was spotted in Belgium, where he had purportedly sought treatment. India had sent an extradition request to Belgium on August 27, 2024, based on arrest warrants issued by a special court in Mumbai.

Global trade is projected to surge by 7% in 2025, adding $2.2 trillion and reaching a new record, according to UNCTAD. This growth is driven by increased volumes rather than price hikes, indicating stable demand, with emerging economies like India and China leading services exports. Manufacturing, particularly electronics, remains the primary growth engine, though energy and automotive sectors are lagging.

Protein is an important nutrient that helps your muscles, bones and overall health. Experts say most people need more protein than they think because needs change with age, activity and health. Both animal and plant foods can give good protein. Simple tips and expert advice can help you understand how much protein your body really needs.

Raul Malo, beloved frontman of The Mavericks and called El Maestro, passed away at 60 following a courageous cancer battle. In his final days, his wife, Betty Malo, shared emotional Instagram posts that included a quiet hospital selfie and a tribute with Tony Bennett, one of Rauls musical heroes. Fans reacted with outpouring affection, prayers, and gratitude for his decades of heartfelt music.

Social Security payments December 2025: Millions of Americans are watching closely as a new round of Social Security payments rolls out this week, with some retirees eligible for checks as high as $4,018. The figure represents the maximum monthly benefit for 2025, and only a small group of high-earning, full-retirement-age beneficiaries qualify for it. But for many households, this weeks payment still brings important relief as the year ends and the 2026 COLA adjustment nears.