The Economic Times News

401(k) retirement mistake: Retirees must be cautious with 401(k) decisions. Taking a distribution instead of rolling over can lead to unexpected taxes. Mistakes with IRA contributions can incur penalties. Proper beneficiary designations are crucial for estate planning, bypassing probate. Experts advise seeking professional guidance to avoid financial pitfalls and ensure smooth asset transfer.

Even though the U.S. Mint has stopped producing new pennies, experts state that Americans should not rush to dispose of the coins they already have. Retailers are experiencing penny shortages, resulting in some businesses to round cash totals or run promotions to get loose change. Financial studies indicate that households often underestimate the value of their coin jars, with several holding significant amounts in dismissed change.

Middle-class retirees rely on Social Security for extra income, but it may not be enough alone. Benefits depend on your age when you start claiming and your total income. Planning, delaying benefits, and adding savings or investments like real estate or gold can help secure a comfortable retirement and cover unexpected expenses.

In November, India's core sector demonstrated resilience with a 1.8 percent increase in output. The remarkable rise is largely attributed to robust gains in the steel and cement industries, driven by an ambitious agenda for infrastructure enhancement in both roadways and housing projects.

Dollywood has unexpectedly halted operations of its historic Dollywood Express steam train, leaving fans in the dark about its return. The beloved heritage railway, a park staple since 1961, is undergoing unscheduled maintenance. While the park assures visitors other attractions remain open, no reopening date has been provided for the iconic train.

India needs private investment for its nuclear power goals. The proposed SHANTI Bill, 2025, aims to attract this. It clarifies liability and safety rules, aligning with international standards. This move is crucial for meeting energy demands and achieving net-zero targets. Public protection remains a priority under the new framework.

Americans could miss up to $25,000 in tax-free tips and overtime deductions under new IRS rules. Only voluntary tips and the premium portion of overtime qualify. For 2025 filings, workers must track pay stubs and daily logs themselves. Married couples could lose $25,000, singles $12,500. Start saving records now to maximize deductions and avoid leaving money on the table.

Donald Trump has caused new tension by naming a special envoy for Greenland. The move has upset Denmark and raised strong reactions in Greenland. Trump says the island is important for US security and resources. Greenlands leaders say the people will decide their own future, not outside countries.

Uber stock: Uber is set to test Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxis in London starting in the first half of next year, a move that positions the ride-hailing giant at the forefront of autonomous vehicle integration. This partnership follows a similar initiative by rival Lyft, which also plans to test robotaxis in the city.

Political sparring intensifies with a jibe at Akhilesh Yadav, while a former Trinamool leader criticizes Mamata Banerjee. International news includes NASA's diamond-planet discovery and a former child star's homelessness. Sports headlines feature Usman Khawaja's family facing abuse, and business news highlights soaring gold prices and Thailand's popularity as an Indian holiday spot.

The Odyssey movie trailer major revelations show Matt Damon as Odysseus returning after the Trojan War. The trailer confirms key characters, plot points, cast members, filming details, IMAX technology use, and global release dates for The Odyssey movie in 2026.

India and New Zealand have finalized a free trade agreement. New Zealand exports will gain duty-free access to India. Key items like sheep meat and wool will become cheaper. Agricultural products such as apples and kiwifruit will see duty reductions with specific limits. This pact aims to boost trade and manufacturing in India. Implementation is expected in 7-8 months.

Delhi government is set to launch DARPAN 2.0, an advanced performance-monitoring dashboard developed by NIC. This real-time, analytics-driven platform will consolidate departmental data, enabling faster, evidence-based decision-making and improved service delivery. The initiative aims to enhance accountability and transparency in governance.

Social Security payments are being sent this week to some retirees. People with certain birthdays will get paid on December 24. Bigger Social Security checks are coming next year because of a cost-of-living increase. The SSA has also shared future payment dates so beneficiaries know when to expect their money.

Popular singer Chris Rea has passed away. He died peacefully in hospital surrounded by his family. Rea was known for his hit songs like Driving Home For Christmas and The Road To Hell. He had battled health issues in recent years. His family has confirmed the sad news. Rea's music touched millions worldwide.

Federal holidays list 2026: Federal holidays in 2026 bring clarity and new Christmas rules. OPM confirms eleven federal holidays with several long weekends. Independence Day shifts to Friday, July 3. Trumps Christmas Eve and Dec. 26 law complicates scheduling. Every other federal holiday stays on a weekday. That creates predictable schedules. Long weekends are limited. Check which workers benefit most, and how employers handle observed holiday rules.

New Year Horoscope 2026: Astrologers note that the first month of the year urges people to step back from inflexible resolutions and focus instead on setting purposeful intentions, as Januarys astrology is shaped by significant planetary movements.

Russia on Monday expressed full support for Venezuela as the South American country confronts a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers by US forces deployed in the Caribbean, the two governments said. US President Donald Trump on December 16 announced a blockade of sanctioned oil vessels sailing to and from Venezuela.

Christmas Eve 2025 store hours: Christmas Eve 2025 store hours are detailed for major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco, with many offering adjusted closing times. Grocery stores such as Aldi and Kroger also have specific hours, and pharmacy services at CVS and Walgreens will largely remain operational, though some may have reduced schedules.

PC prices 2026: A global memory shortage is now affecting the PC market. Experts predict PC sales could fall significantly in 2026. Prices for computers are expected to rise due to increased memory costs. Some companies are adjusting sales strategies to cope with the ongoing RAM shortages. Demand from AI data centers is driving this supply crunch.

Gold and silver prices rally sharply on December 22 as gold breaks above $4,400 again. Silver trades near $69, posting one of its strongest sessions of 2025. Fed rate cut expectations fuel the move. Debt monetization fears grow. Geopolitical tensions boost safe-haven demand. Industrial silver shortages intensify. Some forecasts suggest gold could approach or exceed $5,000 per ounce by late 2026. For silver, expectations are also strong but more varied. Some market watchers project silver moving

Who is Anok Yai and what has happened to her? Anok Yai revealed she has a congenital lung defect. She shared details of her health battle, symptoms, surgery, recovery, and support from doctors, family, and fellow models through an Instagram post.

Paramount is pushing harder to buy Warner Bros. Discovery with help from Larry Ellison. He is personally backing the deal to prove the money is real. The offer has caused tension with the WBD board, which prefers Netflix. Shareholders are now closely watching how this major media takeover fight unfolds.

This Christmas Eve stands out for its emphasis on emotional authenticity. Rather than grand gestures, small moments, shared meals, meaningful conversations, and quiet togetherness, carry lasting impact.

The Union Public Service Commission has released the final results for the Combined Medical Services Examination 2025. Medical graduates can now download their result PDFs. The examination was held on July 20, 2025, with personality tests conducted from October to December 2025. The UPSC has recommended candidates for various central government medical posts.

Police fired on protestors in Assam's West Karbi Anglong district, injuring three, after clashes erupted over illegal land encroachment. Agitators demanding immediate action against encroachment blockaded a highway, leading to the violent confrontation. The protestors also set fire to the ancestral home of the KAAC Chief Executive Member.

The Indian Navy received the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft, 'Anjadip', marking a significant step in indigenous shipbuilding. This vessel, built by GRSE, is designed for effective underwater threat detection and engagement, bolstering the Navy's capabilities and reflecting India's commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

US stock market today: Wall Street gains as investors positioned cautiously. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 106 points while the S&P 500 climbed. The Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.6% as technology shares led momentum. NVIDIA climbed on China shipment hopes. Oracle gained as AI optimism returned. Markets remain wary over valuations and a fading Santa rally. Thin holiday trading could amplify moves into year-end.

Infosys co-founder S D Shibulal countered N R Narayana Murthy's 70-hour work week suggestion, emphasizing the quality of time spent on a job over sheer hours. Shibulal advocated for full devotion and presence in whatever task one undertakes, whether personal, professional, or public life.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has stated that his government will not permit any damage to the Aravalli mountain range. He emphasized a strong commitment to conservation, criticizing symbolic protests as insufficient. Sharma asserted that real action and strong willpower are necessary for protection. He assured that no mining would be allowed in the Aravallis.

During a significant address, General Anil Chauhan, the foremost military leader in India, articulated the necessity for the country to equip itself for rapid and intense confrontations to tackle the threat of terrorism. He pointed out the urgency of gearing up for sustained territorial engagements with its bordering nations.

Kolkata has become a hub of fervent protests in response to the horrific mob lynching and burning of Dipu Chandra Das in Bangladesh. Stirred by the tragic event, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari rallied demonstrators to voice their condemnation and insist on justice. As the call for accountability resonates, further actions including a border blockade are anticipated.

India's economy shows resilience. The Reserve Bank of India's bulletin highlights strong domestic demand in October and November. This boost came from GST rationalisation and festive season spending. Rural demand remains robust. Urban demand is also steadily recovering. High-frequency indicators suggest economic activity is holding up in the third quarter.

The Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) meeting, chaired by CM N Chandrababu Naidu, approved over Rs 1,300 crore for layout development and a Rs 444-crore flood pumping system. Decisions also included establishing a quantum computing research center and enhancing facilities for AIS officers, alongside plans for an advanced cultural center reflecting state traditions.

In 2025, India skillfully managed its relationship with China amidst global trade disruptions and geopolitical tensions. New Delhi pursued a balanced approach, engaging Beijing cautiously while safeguarding its strategic autonomy. This careful diplomacy involved border stabilization, diplomatic openings, and a pragmatic reassessment of international partnerships. India's actions signaled its commitment to a multipolar world, where it could maneuver independently.

Pluribus Finale Episode 9 new release date and time is now confirmed on Apple TV. The finale releases worldwide on December 24, with an early US release on December 23. The episode concludes Season 1 and sets up future seasons already in development.

NBC News reported on Saturday that U.S. President Donald Trump was to be briefed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that any expansion of Iran's ballistic missile programme poses a threat that could necessitate swift action.

Thought of the day: Muhammad Ali took up boxing at the age of 12 after his bicycle was stolen, an incident that brought him to Louisville police officer Joe Martin, who went on to train the young fighter.

Delhi's air quality measures are showing results. Over two lakh Pollution Under Control certificates were issued in four days. Nearly 10,000 vehicles failed emission tests. Industries and private offices flouting work-from-home rules face strict action. The government is upgrading PUC centers and intensifying enforcement against polluting units. Efforts to control dust and revive water bodies are ongoing.

In a press release posted on its corporate website, the UAC said flight tests of the Izdeliye 177 engine have begun as part of the Su-57 aircraft system in cooperation with the United Engine Corporation, a subsidiary of the state-run Rostec group.

Jim Beam will stop production at its main Kentucky distillery for all of 2026 to upgrade the site and match demand. Other distilleries, bottling plants, and the visitor center will stay open. The pause comes as the bourbon industry faces high supply, falling alcohol sales, and trade challenges, while Suntory continues to own and manage Jim Beams operations in Kentucky.