The Economic Times News

Bitcoin BTC USD price prediction December 26: Bitcoin's market is focused on a massive options expiry on December 26. This event, the largest on record, involves $23.6 billion in Bitcoin options. Analysts predict this could lead to significant short-term price swings. Traders are watching key support levels around $80,000 to $82,000. Early bullish signals suggest a potential temporary recovery.

Several NFL fans reported issues streaming Netflix during the Washington Commanders vs. Dallas Cowboys game on Christmas Day. Downdetector logged around 500 reports, with users pointing to playback, Chromecast, and captioning problems. Despite the complaints, Netflix stated it was not experiencing a service disruption. Social media immediately filled with frustrated reactions from audiences struggling to cast the game or adjust captions.

Supercomputers black hole research: New simulations offer unprecedented detail on how black holes consume and eject matter. Researchers used supercomputers to model gas, light, and magnetic fields. This work accurately includes key physical processes, revealing how dense gas disks form and powerful jets shoot outward. The models also show how magnetic fields direct matter flow.

Timothe Chalamet has honored Susan Boyle by gifting her a Marty Supreme jacket, celebrating her remarkable rise after Britains Got Talent. Boyle became an international sensation in 2009 with her performance of I Dreamed a Dream, redefining expectations and inspiring millions. Chalamet, promoting his forthcoming movie Marty Supreme, has been recognizing figures he considers cultural icons through symbolic gestures.

Experts say that companies will have to update transfer pricing benchmarks and documentation, as changes in the cost base could affect the arm's length pricing of intra-group services and cost-sharing arrangements, with potential for tax disputes where global policies are not aligned.

Spartacus: House of Ashur Episode 5 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details are now clear. The episode airs on December 26, 2025. The series follows a weekly release plan on Starz, with global timings and streaming options confirmed.

The winning numbers were 04, 25, 31, 52 and 59, with the Powerball number being 19. The winning ticket was sold in Cabot, lottery officials in Arkansas said Thursday. The community of roughly 27,000 people is 26 miles (42 kilometers) northeast of Little Rock.

Tarique Rahman has returned to Bangladesh after 17 years. He addressed a rally in Dhaka, promising to restore democratic rights. Rahman spoke of building a diverse nation and ensuring safety for all citizens. He aims to lead the BNP to power and replace the interim government.

The Reserve Bank of India may inject an additional 1 lakh crore in February-March 2026 to maintain surplus liquidity in the banking system. This move aims to encourage banks to lower lending rates and stimulate credit demand, addressing the current liquidity deficit caused by forex interventions and tax outflows.

Netflix and WWE are extending the Stranger Things phenomenon past its Season 5 finale through a never before seen crossover with Monday Night RAW. A special themed episode will stream on Netflix on January 5, 2026, blending live wrestling events with one of streamings most influential franchises. Teased with the line THE WWE GETS STRANGER, the collaboration taps into the loyal worldwide fandoms to recreate communal viewing experience in a fragmented media era.

Manipur faces its third harsh winter since ethnic strife began in May 2023. Displaced people are restless, demanding resettlement. Recent clashes in Bishnupur district highlight ongoing tensions. Despite visits by dignitaries and festivals, displaced individuals protest, seeking basic needs and a return home.

Quote of the Day: Robert Frost's iconic The Road Not Taken explores how individuals retrospectively assign meaning to life choices. The poem depicts a traveler at a fork in the road, ultimately choosing a path that, in hindsight, is perceived as having significantly shaped their life, even if the paths were similar at the time of decision.

Parliamentarians are now cautioned against using smart watches and spectacles within the Parliament Estate. The Lok Sabha Secretariat issued an advisory highlighting potential risks to privacy and security. This move follows past incidents where recording parliamentary proceedings led to suspensions and privilege motions. The directive aims to reinforce the importance of upholding parliamentary privilege and respecting members' privacy.

A tragic accident occurred on National Highway 48 in Chitradurga district. A sleeper bus collided with a container truck, resulting in a fire. Six people lost their lives and 21 others sustained injuries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed their condolences and announced financial aid for the victims' families. An inquiry into the mishap has been ordered.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas morning service in Delhi. This visit highlights his ongoing engagement with the Christian community. Over the past decade, Modi has consistently participated in Christian events. He has hosted annual Christmas receptions and attended Easter celebrations. Christian leaders have also been part of his government. Modi has met with Pope Francis internationally.

Kashmiri leaders voiced strong condemnation over assaults on traders in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, demanding swift legal action. Jailed MP Engineer Rashid and NC leader Aga Ruhullah Mehdi highlighted the violation of constitutional rights and human dignity. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti urged the Uttarakhand DGP to register an FIR against perpetrators, emphasizing accountability and preventing future incidents.

The Asian Development Bank has partnered with Pakistan for two significant projects totaling $730 million. These initiatives aim to bolster the nation's energy infrastructure and drive institutional reforms. The Power Transmission Strengthening Project will enhance electricity evacuation and grid resilience.

Biggest tax refund 2026: Senior White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett predicts the largest tax refund cycle in U.S. history for 2026. This is due to tax reductions from Trump's 'One Big, Beautiful Bill Act' not being fully reflected in earlier filings. Workers earning tips or overtime pay are expected to benefit the most.

Newly revealed conversations from two decades ago show Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President George W. Bush shared significant worries about Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. The leaders viewed Pakistan under Pervez Musharraf as a major non-proliferation challenge. Putin specifically voiced concerns about the country's stability and its status as a junta with nuclear weapons.

Jesus is Palestinian? A Times Square billboard carrying this message during Christmas has sparked debate. The ad, funded by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, drew mixed reactions from tourists, social media users, and faith groups, raising questions on religion, identity, speech, and public messaging in New York City.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that previous Congress governments sidelined the BJP, naming schemes after one family. He highlighted his government's efforts to honor leaders like Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, BR Ambedkar, and Sardar Patel. The Prime Minister inaugurated a memorial in Lucknow, emphasizing his administration's commitment to inclusive recognition of national heroes and equitable welfare scheme implementation.

Country star Keith Urban is reportedly grappling with loneliness and regret following his separation from Nicole Kidman, questioning if their divorce was a huge mistake. Meanwhile, Kidman appears to be embracing her new chapter with upcoming projects and a seemingly carefree holiday. Their communication is strictly through lawyers, with no signs of reconciliation.

2026 Horoscope: As 2026 dawns, astrologers spotlight a rare alignment of eclipses and outer-planet transits set to reshape careers, relationships, and wallets across all zodiac signs. Drawing from NASA's precise eclipse timetablethree potent lunations on March 3 (Virgo), March 17 (Pisces), and August 12 (Leo lunar)these events signal seismic pivots. Saturn enters Aries on May 24, demanding bold career moves. Uranus in Gemini from July 7 stirs financial innovations.

Best Christmas movies to binge watch remain part of yearly viewing habits across homes. These films pass between generations and shape holiday routines. This explainer lists Best Christmas movies to binge watch, explains their themes, history, and cultural role, and why viewers return to them every December.

Wealth quote of the day by Warren Buffett: The Oracle of Omaha, champions patience and strategic action over constant hustle. He emphasizes waiting for genuine opportunities rather than forcing activity, a principle crucial for long-term success in investing and life. This disciplined approach, honed through decades of value investing and transforming Berkshire Hathaway, continues to inspire global audiences.

Another Hindu man, Amrit Mondal, was beaten to death by a mob in Rajbari, Bangladesh. This incident occurred over an extortion allegation. Mondal was attacked by villagers after he allegedly demanded money from a resident. Police rescued him in critical condition, but he was declared dead at the hospital. This follows another lynching of a Hindu man in Mymensingh district.

Homeowners can face fines for shoveling snow the wrong way, especially if it goes onto roads. Michigan law and some city rules make improper snow removal illegal. Safe methods include shovels, leaf blowers, heated driveways, and natural solutions like sand or coffee grounds. These tips keep driveways clear, protect pets and the environment, and avoid costly fines.

Christmas Day Parade 2025: Millions of American families kick off Christmas morning the same way each year. They brew coffee, huddle around the TV, and tune into the Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade. In 2025, this beloved tradition lights up screens on Thursday, December 25. ABC broadcasts it live nationwide, drawing record family viewership. Nielsen data from 2024 shows the parade pulled in over 8 million viewers, topping ABC's holiday lineup. It outpaced rivals by 25% among households

India's exports are set to reach USD 850 billion in 2025-26. This growth faces headwinds from rising protectionism and weakening global demand. New climate-linked trade barriers, like the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, will also impact trade. The government is urged to review Free Trade Agreements to boost exports and integrate Indian firms into global value chains.

Rahul Gandhi may inaugurate Ballari's new jeans park. The state government has halved the land allotment price to Rs 67.5 lakh per acre. This initiative aims to revive Ballari as a jeans manufacturing center. The apparel hub will assist small and medium textile businesses. It will also create numerous jobs in North Karnataka.

California will observe Diwali as a state holiday from 2026. This Indian and South Asian American festival of lights will be a day off for state employees and public school students. The holiday falls on November 9 next year, a Monday. Connecticut and Pennsylvania are the only other states with this recognition.

The Indian Army has updated its social media guidelines. Personnel can now access Instagram but only as passive observers. This means they can view content but cannot post or comment. The move aims to enhance digital awareness while preventing sensitive information leaks. Similar restrictions already apply to X.

Many shoppers are confused about Giant stores on Christmas Day 2025. Some Giant locations are open for a few hours, while others are fully closed. The difference depends on which Giant brand operates in your area. Store hours can also change by location, so checking the official store locator before going out is important.

The Assam Christian Forum has demanded a suo motu FIR against miscreants who vandalized Christmas preparations at a school in Nalbari. The forum expressed shock at the destruction of festival items, citing social media videos that clearly identify the perpetrators. They condemned the act, emphasizing its violation of religious freedom and Assam's ethos of unity.

For the second day running, Delhi witnessed a boost in air quality, now categorizing as 'poor' with an AQI reading of 234an encouraging shift from its previous 'severe' status. Nonetheless, the persistent problems caused by vehicular pollutants and emissions from neighboring cities cannot be overlooked. Alarmingly, experts expect a deterioration in air conditions ahead.

The Trump administration plans to restart federal student loan wage garnishment for defaulted borrowers in early 2026. Notices will go out to about 1,000 borrowers the week of January 7. The rollout expands monthly, potentially reaching millions amid a $1.7 trillion federal student loan debt crisis affecting 42.7 million Americans. Default hits after 270 days of missed payments. Up to 15% of disposable pay can then be withheld by employers, without court approval. This ends a pandemic-era pause

Joe Rogan agreed with guest Tom Segura that Donald Trump is losing it, attributing it to age and the stress of past political battles. Rogan expressed disbelief at Trump's actions, like renaming the Kennedy Center and adding insulting plaques in the White House, questioning how such decisions are allowed.

Donald Trump ends 2025 with low approval ratings as more people disapprove than approve. Polls show voters worry about the economy, high prices, and ongoing controversies. Support is strong among Republicans but very low among Democrats and independents. His ratings are lower than most past presidents at the same point. Experts watch closely for 2026 elections.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah champions natural farming, calling chemical fertilizers a cause of diseases. He stated natural farming boosts farmer income, saves water, and improves public health. A comprehensive system is being developed for natural farming produce, from soil testing to global export.

Is Walmart open today on Christmas Day 2025? Many other popular stores like Kroger, Aldi, Target, and Costco will be shut their doors. Consumers will need to plan ahead for any last-minute holiday needs. Stores are expected to reopen on December 26th. This closure affects grocery and retail outlets nationwide.

Operation Sindoor marked a significant shift in India-Pakistan strategic dynamics. India demonstrated conventional strike capabilities without triggering nuclear escalation. This operation challenged Pakistan's nuclear doctrine of ambiguity. It expanded the space for conventional warfare below the nuclear threshold. Pakistan's nuclear weapons remain relevant but are no longer omnipotent.

Some Americans may get rebate checks in 2026. The amount could be up to $2,000 per household. The plan is linked to tax refunds and possible tariff money. Congress still has to approve it. Who qualifies and the exact date are not clear yet. The idea is mainly aimed at helping middle- and lower-income families.

Americans who hit jackpots at casinos stand to gain in 2026. The IRS just confirmed a major shift: the taxable threshold for slot machine winnings rises from $1,200 to $2,000 starting January 1. That's an $800 boostthe first update since 1977. This change stems from the One Big Beautiful (OBBB) Act, signed by President Trump this summer. Casual gamblers won't report wins under $2,000 on tax returns. No more Form W-2G for those smaller payouts. Casinos save on paperwork too, cutting disruptions f

Stephen Hawkings quote encourages us to look beyond everyday worries and embrace curiosity and wonder about the universe. It highlights the importance of critical thinking and questioning, reminding us that lifes struggles are part of a much larger, awe-inspiring existence. This message of hope and intellectual exploration continues to inspire millions.