The Economic Times News

Victorian public transport fares will increase from January 1, 2026, with daily full fare caps rising by 40 cents to $11.40 for Zone 1+2 travel. Concession, weekend, and public holiday fares will also see increases, sparking commuter backlash online. Transport Victoria stated the rise is due to its annual review and helps fund network operations.

Garena Free Fire Max players can get free in-game items using redeem codes. These codes are released regularly and are 12 characters long. Players must use them quickly as they have limited validity. The article provides codes for December 21, 2025. To claim rewards, visit the official redemption site and log in.

India's 'Operation Sagar Bandhu' has extended humanitarian and infrastructure aid to Sri Lanka's northern Jaffna peninsula following Cyclone Ditwah. Engineering and medical teams are working to restore damaged connectivity and support affected communities, with relief distribution drives conducted across various districts.

Bangladesh is home to the world's third-largest Hindu population. Official data confirms this significant presence. However, reports indicate a rapid decline in Hindu populations in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. India and Nepal are projected to remain Hindu-majority nations. By 2050, India will be a major Hindu stronghold and host the world's largest Muslim population.

Tragedy struck near Johannesburg as unknown gunmen opened fire in Bekkersdal. Ten people lost their lives in the brutal attack. Another ten individuals sustained injuries. Police are investigating the motive behind the senseless violence. Some victims were reportedly shot randomly in the streets. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community.

Odisha's Transport Authority has ordered fuel stations to stop selling petrol and diesel to vehicles lacking a Pollution Under Control Certificate. This directive aims to reduce vehicular pollution and protect public health. Oil companies must ensure their dealers verify PUCC validity before dispensing fuel. This measure supports the state's pollution control and road safety initiatives.

Mysterious disappearances of Jeffrey Epstein documents from a US Justice Department webpage have sparked outrage. At least 16 files, including a photo of President Donald Trump, vanished within a day. This fuels doubts about transparency in the ongoing Epstein document release. Survivors and lawmakers demand answers, feeling let down by the justice system.

This quote of the day by Hugh Jackman reflects the importance of personal responsibility and emotional maturity. It urges readers to stop blaming others or dwelling on past regrets, and instead focus on acceptance, self-awareness, and forward movement. True growth begins when you take control of your reactions and choices.

Police are investigating a security breach at two Adelaide prisons. An unauthorized person may have entered high-security areas using a forged identification pass. Authorities are examining if a doctored access card was used at Yatala Labour Prison and Adelaide Women's Prison. The Department for Correctional Services confirmed an identification card was confiscated. The matter is now with South Australia Police.

Maoist leader Rupesh, now T Vasudeva Rao, details his surrender after internal debates and the politburo's strategy shifts. He discusses the party's declining mass support, attempts to reconnect with people, and the decision to decentralize forces. Rupesh also touches upon the death of commander Hidma and his own alleged involvement in past incidents.

A major power outage affected much of San Francisco on Saturday, leaving around 125,000 residents without electricity, the citys emergency management department and Pacific Gas and Electric reported. Authorities advised residents to limit non-essential travel, treat traffic signals as four-way stops, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, and switch off major appliances to prevent surges, calling 911 only for life-threatening emergencies.

He stated that India's future is linked to its neighbours, underscoring the importance of maintaining positive ties amid turmoil in Bangladesh. Speaking about Bangladesh, Naravane refrained from commenting on internal matters, stressing India's focus on nurturing relationships. He noted that political rhetoric often spreads misinformation, emphasising the need for constructive engagement.

An anti-terrorism court has sentenced four PTI leaders, including Yasmin Rashid and Mian Mehmoodur Rashid, to 10 years in prison for their involvement in the May 9 riots. The convictions stem from cases related to the burning of vehicles and a container. These sentences follow earlier convictions for the same leaders in other May 9 riot cases.

Punjab Police have arrested alleged Army deserter Rajbir Singh and his associate Chirag in a narco-terror nexus bust. Singh, apprehended near the Indo-Nepal border, was found with heroin and a hand grenade. The duo is also linked to a grenade attack in Haryana and espionage activities.

Alexander Graham Bell, inventor of the telephone, spent formative years in Canada. His words on opportunity and focus are highlighted. The quote When one door closes, another opens encourages readers to see new possibilities. Bell's work with the deaf shaped his insights. This enduring message guides people through change. It emphasizes recognizing and acting on new chances.

India Inc faces challenges hiring independent directors due to a limited talent pool, significant pay disparities, and increasing legal and reputational risks. Compensation for these roles varies widely, from Rs 12 lakh to over Rs 2.50 crore annually, with sitting fees ranging from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh per meeting.

New forecasts reveal which states are likely to experience a white Christmas. While some areas, like the Rockies and Great Lakes, are expected to have snow, warmer temperatures may melt earlier snowfalls in other regions. A late-season storm could bring a last-minute chance of snow to some parts of the central and eastern U.S.

Chocolate prices stay high even though cocoa costs are falling. Last year, cocoa jumped, making makers raise prices and change recipes. Companies still use expensive cocoa and small bars have less cocoa. Farmers in West Africa face challenges, and supply is limited. Shops may not cut prices until 2026. Holiday chocolate remains costly for now.

Eggnog and hot cocoa are popular holiday drinks. Both have sugar, but eggnog is slightly better for blood sugar because it has a bit more protein and fat, and fewer carbs. Hot cocoa can be healthier if made with low-sugar milk or unsweetened cocoa. Enjoy both in small servings and pair with protein or fiber to keep blood sugar steady.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke at the United Nations University in Tokyo. He highlighted the importance of middle powers in global affairs. Tokayev called for a stronger presence of these nations in the UN Security Council. He also noted the rise in global conflicts and military spending.

Annuities for Social Security can help people get extra income in retirement. They provide guaranteed money for life, flexible payment options, and regular payouts like a paycheck. Many Americans worry about running out of money, and annuities can fill the gap left by Social Security. They make retirement safer, less stressful, and can even help some retire earlier.

Mukesh Ambani calls for India to become a global leader in artificial intelligence. He stresses the importance of empathy in adopting new technologies. Reliance Industries is nearing solutions for India's energy challenges using solar power and storage. The company aims to provide abundant and affordable green energy for India and the world. RIL is transforming into an innovation-led, deep-tech company.

Gujarat's electoral rolls saw a significant revision. Over 73 lakh voters were removed from the draft list. Most deletions were due to voters being absent or having shifted. Deceased voters and those enrolled at multiple locations also contributed to the numbers. Urban areas like Ahmedabad and Surat reported the highest deletions. This revision impacts the state's voter base.

Weekly Horoscope: Astrological insights indicate that love and good fortune this week are likely to emerge not through grand displays, but via quiet conversations, genuine acts of care and the steady rebuilding of trust with friends, family and romantic partners.

Sonia Gandhi accused the Modi government of weakening the MGNREGA, alleging it's being replaced by the 'G RAM G Act'. She stated the Congress played a key role in enacting the law and will agitate against the move, criticizing the government for dropping Mahatma Gandhi's name from the national program.

Anthony Joshua ended the heavyweight bout with a powerful punch to Jake Pauls jaw, sending the American to the canvas for the fourth and final time.

Trinamool Congress mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aborted visit to Nadia, claiming the BJP's 2026 election campaign in West Bengal was halted by bad weather. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh stated Modi's speech disappointed the Matua community, who are living in fear and uncertainty following electoral roll revisions, and offered no roadmap or solutions.

Jammu and Kashmir is taking significant strides in bolstering its cyber defenses. In Srinagar and Jammu, over 5,100 devices within government secretariats are now fortified against potential threats. By January 2026, an impressive total of 15,000 additional devices across various offices will receive enhanced protection.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Oman's highest national award, the First Class of the Order of Oman, during his recent visit. This marks his 29th international honour and the fifth top award from Gulf nations, highlighting India's strengthened ties with the region beyond energy and diaspora.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused opposition parties, including Congress and Trinamool Congress, of pursuing an anti-national agenda by opposing the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. He alleged that these parties openly support infiltrators and have conspired to change the demography of Assam, posing security threats and jeopardizing the Assamese identity.

Activists protested outside the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala. They condemned the alleged lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh. The protesters accused Bangladesh authorities of failing to protect religious minorities. India's Ministry of External Affairs also conveyed concerns to Bangladesh High Commissioner.

Three minor boys were injured in Manipur's Tengnoupal district after playing with an unexploded mortar shell. The incident occurred in Molnoi village. Meanwhile, a hand grenade was found near Liberal College in Imphal East and a para shell bomb was discovered during excavation in Khamaran village. Bomb disposal squads safely detonated both devices. The injured boy's condition is critical.

Filmmaker Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife, Michele Reiner, 70, were discovered dead at their home on Sunday afternoon. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office said both succumbed to multiple sharp-force injuries and classified the case as a homicide.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed that the United States has proposed a new peace talk format involving Ukraine, Russia, and potentially European envoys. Kyiv will evaluate this proposal after assessing the outcome of bilateral discussions with U.S. negotiators, which resumed on Friday. This development follows a period of intensified U.S.-backed shuttle diplomacy aimed at ending the nearly four-year-old conflict.

Khloe Kardashian has shared a rare behind-the-scenes look at one of the most closely followed celebrity traditions, the Kardashian-Jenner familys lavish Christmas Eve celebration.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Michaela Benthaus, a German engineer who lives with paraplegia, fulfilled her dream of space travel aboard Blue Origin, marking a first for wheelchair users. As she left her wheelchair behind and experienced weightlessness, she gazed down at Earth, a sight of wonder and inspiration.

Aristotle's timeless quote highlights that while anger is easy to feel, directing it appropriatelywith the right person, degree, time, and purposeis a mark of self-control and wisdom. This ancient insight remains relevant today, emphasizing emotional intelligence and responsible expression over impulsive reactions for personal growth and justice.

Filmmaker Rob Reiner's estate is valued at $200 million. He passed away on December 15, 2025. His son faces charges in the deaths of Rob and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. Legal proceedings are underway to determine inheritance, with California law potentially impacting beneficiaries. The investigation continues into the tragic events.

US authorities have started releasing documents from the Jeffrey Epstein probe. Many files are blacked out, raising questions about transparency. The released material shows Epstein's connections to famous figures like Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger. Politicians are frustrated by the limited disclosure. The Justice Department states more files will be released later.

The discussions are part of the Trump administration's monthslong push for peace that also included meetings with Ukrainian and European officials in Berlin earlier this week. Ukraine's chief negotiator said late Friday that his delegation had completed separate meetings in the U.S. with American and European partners.

A former Army doctor warns against consuming moldy peanuts, which can contain the potent toxin Aflatoxin B1, severely damaging the liver and increasing cancer risk. While fresh peanuts offer cardiovascular benefits, processed or spoiled varieties can be harmful. Doctors recommend eating a small handful of roasted or boiled peanuts daily for maximum health advantages.

Homebuyers can still get mortgage rates under 6% by using smart strategies. Choosing government-backed loans, shorter terms, discount points, temporary buydowns, improving credit scores, shopping lenders, or considering adjustable-rate loans can help. Some experts say rates may fall below 6% in 2026. These tips can save money and lower monthly payments when buying or refinancing a home.

Justice Department files on Jeffrey Epstein have been partially released. This release vindicates Maria Farmer, who reported Epstein in the 1990s. The documents confirm her complaint was ignored by the FBI. Survivors welcome the release but seek more information. Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a prison sentence for her role in the abuse.

Cardiologists highlight that abrupt mental and sensory stimulation immediately after waking can trigger early morning heart attacks. This sudden strain, before the body stabilizes, overloads the nervous system and spikes stress hormones, increasing cardiac risk. A calmer, gradual morning routine can significantly reduce this danger.

A special NIA court in Budgam has issued a non-bailable arrest warrant for Hizbul Mujahideen chief Mohammad Yousuf Shah, also known as Syed Salah-ud-din. The court found sufficient evidence implicating Shah in terror-related offenses. Shah, who fled to Pakistan in 1993, has been declared a terrorist. He operates from Pakistan and leads the United Jihad Council.