News
National / The Economic Times
The Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) has announced the 2026 Intermediate and Matriculation exam dates, with Intermediate exams scheduled from February 2-13 and Matriculation from February 17-25. For the first time, an AI chatbot will be introduced to assist students with exam-related information. Over 28 lakh applications have been received, and results are expected between May and June 2026.
Skywatchers across the Northern Hemisphere are in for a captivating celestial show this weekend, with the Moon appearing alongside Saturn in the night sky. Here are all the details on how to catch the celestial display.
India has swiftly provided urgent Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah. A significant consignment of dry and fresh rations, along with essential relief items, has been dispatched via naval ships and aircraft. Indian authorities are also assisting stranded passengers at Colombo airport.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar publicly displayed unity after a breakfast meeting, pledging to work together and ending confusion. The AICC leadership brokered the truce, with both leaders agreeing to follow the high command's guidance and focus on strengthening the party for future elections.
Financial planning tips: As the year concludes, experts urge a financial check-up to slash taxes and boost savings for 2026. Tackle high-interest debt, review your budget, and cancel unused subscriptions to free up cash. Consider refinancing loans for lower payments and ensure your emergency fund is robust. These steps pave the way for a more secure financial future.
At least ten St Xavier's College students have complained about a guest speaker. Allegations include taking photos without consent and inappropriate touching. The speaker was asked to leave campus immediately. The college's Internal Complaints Committee is investigating. Police have been informed. The institution is strengthening its screening process for future speakers.
Maulana Mahmood Madani voices deep concern over India's current judicial and social climate. He alleges constitutional rights are being eroded and minority communities face targeting. Madani questions judicial independence, citing specific cases and highlighting issues like bulldozer actions and mob lynching. He also criticizes anti-conversion laws and the misuse of the term 'jihad', stating Muslims feel unsafe in the country.
One Piece episode 1151 release date, time and how to watch details confirm the next Egghead Arc episode arrives on Crunchyroll on November 30, 2025. Netflix streams it on December 6. This explainer covers the full release schedule, streaming options, Egghead Arc timeline and what viewers can expect next.
Students from Bodoland University protested and vandalized the BTC secretariat in Kokrajhar, Assam, opposing the proposed Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for six major communities. They fear dilution of their rights and opportunities, demanding the government address their concerns within 24 hours. The Assam cabinet recently approved the proposal, which will now be sent to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Gen Z seasonal jobs 2025: Gen Z job seekers are finding opportunities this holiday season. Tax accounting is in high demand due to a shrinking workforce. Seasonal roles can lead to permanent positions. Many companies use holiday hiring to assess candidates. Trades and hospitality jobs also offer good wages. This offers a pathway for young people into the workforce.
Maxton Hall Season 3 renewal and release date update is now a key query for viewers. Seasons 1 and 2 arrived in 2024 and 2025. Early expectations point to a 2026 release window. The new season may continue the story of Ruby and James as they face new issues in school and family life.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated politics now outweighs economics globally. He emphasized diversifying supply sources to secure national needs in an uncertain world. India is actively pursuing self-reliance and becoming a manufacturing hub. The nation is making significant advancements in infrastructure and scientific development. India aims to expand its global footprint and forge new trade arrangements.
December full moon: Sky watchers around the world are gearing up for one of the years most striking lunar events the Full Moon of December 2025, widely referred to as the Cold Moon. Here are the details of time and place to see the full moon.
A devastating fire engulfed seven buildings in Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court complex, burning for over 40 hours and claiming at least 128 lives. The blaze, fueled by scaffolding and polystyrene panels, spread rapidly, trapping residents like William Li who narrowly escaped. Investigations are underway into potential fire-safety violations, with several arrests made.
With Operation Sindoor, only a trailer was shown, India's Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said in New Delhi on November 17 and asserted that if Pakistan gives us any chance, India would like to teach a befitting lesson as to how a responsible nation should behave with its neighbours.
The Border Security Force is committed to eliminating Maoists from Odisha by March 2026. Operations are underway in collaboration with state police. Significant progress has been made in neutralizing and apprehending Maoists. The force is also focusing on community trust and prosperity. Challenges persist in certain forest areas. The BSF celebrates its 61st Raising Day on December 1.
The NYT Mini Crossword offers a compact take on the classic New York Times Crossword, featuring a smaller grid and brief clues that deliver a quick mental challenge while preserving the publications signature blend of wit, subtle misdirection and crisp wordplay.
Mortgage rate predictions: Homebuyers seeking clarity on long-term borrowing costs can look to the 10-year Treasury yield for clues. Experts predict this yield will hover around 4.5% this year before gradually declining to about 4.1% by 2027, remaining there through 2029. This trend, coupled with a projected spread, suggests a potential easing of mortgage rates over the next five years.
Residents of Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir face a severe sanitation crisis. Uncollected garbage fills streets, blocking roads and creating unbearable stench. Citizens accuse the Pakistani-backed administration of negligence and failure to address the issue. This neglect impacts daily life, business, and the environment. Despite complaints, no action has been taken, highlighting administrative decay.
However, all the passengers and crew members are safe, according to airport sources.
Adnan Sami Weight Loss Journey: Legendary singer Adnan Sami revealed his 120 kg weight loss journey on Aap Ki Adalat, achieved through strict discipline and a 'no bread, no rice, no sugar, no oil, no alcohol' diet. He emphasized that his transformation, from 230 kg to 110 kg, was entirely natural, without bariatric surgery or liposuction, highlighting perseverance over shortcuts.
Amazon employees have penned an open letter expressing grave concerns that the company's accelerated AI development is jeopardizing its climate commitments, worker well-being, and democratic principles. The signatories, including those working directly on AI, accuse Amazon of prioritizing AI investments over its workforce and environmental pledges, citing increased emissions and plans for new data centers.
Connections is a free daily puzzle that can be played on both desktop and mobile. The challenge requires players to sort 16 words into four themed groups, with only four mistakes allowed.
Delhi's revenue department proposes a significant administrative overhaul, creating nine new districts and reorganizing the current 11 into 13. This plan aims to align revenue district boundaries with Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) zones, reducing jurisdictional overlap and improving governance efficiency for quicker public service delivery.
SSI payments: Social Security recipients will receive their December payments on schedule, with the final checks before a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment takes effect in January 2026. This COLA will increase average monthly benefits by approximately $56. SSI payments follow a separate schedule, with the January 2026 payment issued early on December 31, 2025, due to the New Year's Day holiday.
Delhi's groundwater shows a concerning rise in uranium contamination, now ranking third nationally. The latest CGWB report reveals 13-15% of Delhi's samples exceed safe limits, raising public health alarms. Environmental groups are demanding more data and clarity on treatment protocols for this escalating issue.
A Florida man, Eric Patterson, has been arrested for allegedly shooting his pregnant girlfriend in the abdomen. The bullet passed through both the mother, who was eight months pregnant, and her unborn child. Both miraculously survived the incident and an emergency procedure, with the child also surviving surgery to remove the bullet.
On Saturday, Pope Leo made a historic visit to the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, honoring the sacred space by removing his shoes, yet refraining from prayer. The Vatican soon clarified that an earlier welcome and a prayer had indeed taken place. This first international journey for Leo as pope is generating significant global interest.
Unlike global Gen Z trends of unrest, India's youth are embracing innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the burgeoning space sector. Driven by demographic advantages and supportive government policies, young Indians are building over 300 space startups, showcasing a shift towards nation-building through creation and technological advancement, rather than disruptive protests.
Delhi Police warns of a surge in fraudulent WhatsApp and SMS messages impersonating traffic challan notifications. Scammers trick users into downloading malicious APK files to install malware, steal financial information, and gain remote control of devices. Citizens are urged to verify challans only through official portals and never click on suspicious links or download unknown files.
Anant Goenka, Vice Chairman of the RPG Group, has taken over as President of FICCI for 2025-26, succeeding Emamis Harsha Vardhan Agarwal at the chambers 98th AGM. Vijay Sankar of the Sanmar Group has been appointed Senior Vice President, while Puneet Dalmia of Dalmia Bharat has joined the leadership as Vice President.
Scientists have directly observed Floquet effects in graphene for the first time. This breakthrough settles a scientific debate about tuning quantum materials with light. The ultrafast light technique shows graphene's electronic properties can be adjusted almost instantly. This opens doors for custom quantum materials and new electronics and sensing technologies. The research was led by the University of Gottingen.
Several major streaming services, including Hulu, Max, Peacock and Apple TV+, have rolled out discounted prices, introductory offers and annual plan incentives in a bid to draw in cost-conscious subscribers.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Rajesh Gupta has joined the BJP. Gupta cited the party's treatment of workers as a key reason for his departure. He expressed disappointment with AAP leadership. The move comes ahead of MCD bypolls. Delhi BJP welcomed Gupta. This development highlights internal party dynamics.
Maryborough Meteorite: A man searching for gold in Australia instead unearthed a 17-kilogram meteorite, estimated to be 4.6 billion years old. This incredibly dense and hard space rock, initially mistaken for a gold nugget, proved impossible to break. Scientists now consider it far more scientifically valuable than gold, offering crucial insights into the early Solar System.

18 C