The Economic Times News

Indian weightlifting saw Mirabai Chanu win a World Championships silver medal. This was the sport's main achievement this year. Doping issues continued to be a problem for India. However, junior lifters showed good performances. They set new records. This offers hope for the future of Indian weightlifting.

Nepal faced major political unrest in 2025. Gen Z protests against corruption and a social media ban led to violence and the fall of Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's government. Sushila Karki became interim prime minister, announcing early elections. Border disputes with India over Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura resurfaced. Nepal also began exporting electricity to Bangladesh.

A devastating fire at Wang Fuk Court killed 161 people. Residents had repeatedly warned officials about a dangerous renovation project. They cited shoddy work and flammable materials. Despite these warnings, authorities failed to act decisively. Investigations are ongoing, with arrests made for manslaughter and corruption. The tragedy highlights systemic failures in oversight.

Thailand and Cambodia have signed a ceasefire agreement to de-escalate tensions along their disputed border. Both nations committed to halting military movements and facilitating the return of displaced civilians. As a confidence-building measure, Thailand will return 18 Cambodian soldiers if the truce holds for 72 hours.

China has enacted a new law for drones. This regulation will impact the country's growing drone and low-altitude economy. The rules, effective July 1, require airworthiness certification for most drones. This move aims to bring order to the rapidly expanding drone market. It will affect major manufacturers like DJI and EHang.

Voters will be allowed to submit any of 12 recognised documents, including Aadhaar, as proof of identity and address, the official at the office of the state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) said on Friday.

China observers say Beijing is taking some comfort from indicators suggesting that the official 2025 growth target of around 5% is still achievable, while a U.S.-China trade truce has also helped ease tensions. However, market expectations centre on the need for further policy support next year to bolster domestic demand and broad economic growth.

The Enforcement Directorate has filed a final charge sheet in the Chhattisgarh liquor scam. Fifty-nine more individuals are now accused, bringing the total to 81. The scam allegedly occurred between 2019 and 2022. Proceeds of crime are estimated to be around Rs 3,000 crore. Several prominent figures, including politicians and former officials, have been named.

Mother Teresa, born Anjez Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, dedicated her life to serving the poorest and most vulnerable after moving to India in 1929. She founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, establishing hospices and shelters. Her selfless service earned her the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, making her a global symbol of compassion and moral courage.

Freezing rain hit London, Ontario and southwestern Ontario on Boxing Day. This caused many power outages. Ice built up on trees and power lines. This led to downed branches and blocked roads. Local utilities worked to restore power. Environment Canada warned of ice buildup and potential injuries from slips and falls. Residents were urged to stay safe and report hazards.

Following the deadly Bondi Beach terrorist attack, a new poll reveals strong public backing for stricter hate speech laws, enhanced immigration screening, and harsher penalties for inciting antisemitic violence. The Albanese government is facing pressure to act swiftly, with the Prime Minister proposing a package of reforms including new hate speech and gun laws.

Russia is reportedly placing new nuclear-capable hypersonic missiles in Belarus. Satellite imagery suggests a former airbase near Krichev is being used. This move could enhance Russia's missile reach across Europe. Experts believe it is a response to Western actions. Belarus confirms deployment, calling it a response to aggressive Western actions.

Zelenskyy is expected to meet Trump in Florida on Sunday. He has said he will present a new 20-point peace plan aimed at ending the nearly four-year-long war with Russia. The peace plan proposed by US and Ukrainian officials is 90 per cent ready, Zelenskyy said on Friday

Nigeria's government confirmed its cooperation with the U.S. on a Christmas Day airstrike against Islamic State militants in northwest Nigeria. This action followed President Trump's threats to intervene unilaterally if Nigeria did not protect Christians, though Nigeria maintains no specific religion was targeted. Security experts question the long-term impact of such strikes on persistent militant threats.

Turkish security forces have detained 115 suspected ISIS members nationwide following intelligence indicating planned attacks targeting non-Muslims during Christmas and New Year celebrations. Raids across 124 locations yielded weapons and documents, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining 22 suspects.

Uttar Pradesh Minister Jayveer Singh on Friday reacted to the recent violence against the minorities in Bangladesh, saying that there are civil war-like conditions in Bangladesh, highlighting that the atrocities are mostly targeted towards the Hindu community there.

Southern California is recovering after a powerful atmospheric river storm brought heavy rains, flash floods, and mudslides. The mountain resort town of Wrightwood was particularly hard-hit, with dozens of homes buried in mud. While the storm has subsided, residents are now assessing extensive damage and beginning cleanup efforts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to finalize drafts of a peace deal and security guarantee, with territorial concessions being a key point of discussion. Trump stated that any deal requires his approval, while Zelenskiy indicated a willingness to hold a referendum on land issues if necessary.

Emma Stones latest movie Bugonia is now streaming on Peacock after achieving critical acclaim in its theatrical run. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the dark comedy thriller centers on two conspiracy-obsessed men who kidnap an influential CEO they believe is an alien threat to humanity. What starts as paranoia changes into a tense psychological battle packed with dark humor and unsettling twists.

Nicki Minaj has deactivated her Instagram account days after making an unexpected presence at Turning Point USAs AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona. The rapper joined Erika Kirk onstage and shared her perspectives on leadership and politics, resulting in mixed responses online. After the event, fans noticed her Instagram account had gone offline, fueling speculations about backlash and follower loss.

Quote of the day by Oscar Wilde reflects on time, memory, and human life. The quote explains how past actions cannot be reversed. The story also explains the meaning of quote of the day and details Oscar Wildes life, works, and achievements.

Netflix has released the official teaser for Apex, a high-intensity survival thriller starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, set in the harsh Australian wilderness. Theron portrays a grieving woman looking for solace in nature but becomes the target of a calculated predator, featured by Egerton. Directed by Baltasar Kormkur and written by Jeremy Robbins, the movie compels its actors to their physical limits, with Theron sustaining injuries during filming.

Stranger Things Season 5 finale releases December 31, 2025. Netflix drops Episode 8, The Rightside Up, at 8 PM EST/5 PM PST. Volume 2 sets up the final showdown with Vecna, reveals Elevens powers, Wills hive mind, and the Abyss. Here is how to watch and what to expect in the finale.

A winter storm swept across Michigan on Thursday night, resulting in snow and freezing rain to the Lower Peninsula and western Upper Peninsula. Over 30,000 electricity customers lost power on Friday, with Mecosta, Clare, Isabella, and Oakland counties among the most severely impacted. The National Weather Service stated, up to 0.27 inches of ice could accumulate on surfaces by Saturday morning.

Bitcoin price BTC USD today December 26: Bitcoin is trading lower today, failing to cross the crucial $90,000 mark. Thin year-end trading conditions are impacting price action. Outflows from US spot Bitcoin ETFs are also weighing on sentiment. A massive Bitcoin options expiry adds to volatility risks. Individual transactions are having a larger impact on prices due to light market depth.

Donald Trump's appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors, a first for a sitting president, has resulted in the lowest TV ratings in the event's history. The broadcast drew approximately 2.65 million viewers, a significant drop from previous years. CBS edited down Trump's lengthy monologue, omitting controversial remarks. Despite the viewership dip, Trump publicly lauded his hosting skills.

Pluribus Season 2 release date update and Season 1 ending explained covers renewal status, expected release window, cast details, and story direction. The explainer breaks down the finale choice, virus threat, atom bomb reveal, and how Carol and Manousos move forward on Apple TV.

Perry Bamonte, guitarist and keyboardist for The Cure, has passed away at 65 following a brief illness at home over Christmas. Born in London on September 3, 1960, he started as a road crew member and guitar technician before becoming a full-time band member in 1990. Bamonte contributed to legendary albums that includes Wish and Bloodflowers, performed hundreds of shows, and rejoined the band in 2022 for the Shows Of A Lost World tour.

Bengaluru Customs has issued a high alert regarding a fraud racket. Scammers impersonate Customs officials, targeting citizens with phone calls and social media. They falsely claim passengers are detained and demand immediate payments. Customs officials never ask for money via phone or personal accounts. All official payments are made through authorized channels.

Thousands of immigrant truck drivers in California are facing license cancellations after a DMV review. Many say the problem is paperwork mistakes, not unsafe driving. Sikh groups have filed a lawsuit to stop the cancellations. The case could affect jobs, families, and the trucking industry if licenses are not fixed soon.

Bitcoin price BTC USD forecast 2026: Cardano founder Charles Hoskinson predicts Bitcoin could hit $250,000 by 2026, driven by its fixed supply meeting rising institutional demand. As major players and traditional finance channels embrace BTC, its scarcity fuels price appreciation. While some altcoin gains are expected, regulatory and tech market uncertainties pose risks.

French police arrested a man suspected of stabbing three women on Paris's Line 3 metro during end-of-year festivities. The attacks occurred at Republique, Arts et Metiers, and Opera stations. Surveillance footage and mobile tracking led to the suspect's apprehension north of Paris.

Nvidia is updating its cloud gaming service GeForce Now by introducing a 100-hour monthly limit, beginning from January 1, 2026. The cap affects almost all subscribers except long-term Founder members who joined before March 17, 2021. Players can purchase additional hours in 15-hour blocks, $2.99 for Performance tier users and $5.99 for Ultimate, while free-tier users remain restricted to one-hour sessions.

Wow! Momo Foods has secured 75 crore in new funding. This investment is led by veteran investor Madhusudan Kela. The capital will fuel the company's expansion and innovation plans. Wow! Momo operates around 800 outlets and aims for 1,500 stores in two years.

Precious metals, including gold, silver, and platinum, reached all-time highs, extending a historic year-end rally. Escalating geopolitical tensions in Venezuela and Nigeria, coupled with a weakening US dollar and thin market liquidity, fueled demand for these safe-haven assets.

President Donald Trump declared December 26 a holiday for federal employees in 2025. This is a temporary order and not a permanent federal holiday. Most banks and stores will remain open. The U.S. Postal Service will operate normally, with mail delivery and post office counters open. Private carriers like FedEx and UPS are also resuming their services.

Social Security retirement income in 2026 may look higher on paper but feel tighter in reality. Average monthly benefits hover near $2,013 after adjustments. Inflation lingers above 2.5% in key metrics. Everyday costs for groceries, housing, and healthcare climb faster than that COLA. The Bureau of Labor Statistics pegs senior housing inflation at 4.2% year-over-year. Retirees on fixed incomes feel the squeeze first. Medicare Part B premiums jump to $185.00 monthly in 2026, up $10.30 from 2025.

Streaming platforms are wrapping up this December with a packed weekend of new releases. Major services are bringing out highly awaited episodes, season finales, and full-series premieres, offering audiences a wide range of genres to choose from. Fans can watch fresh chapters of long-running hits, binge complete seasons of new thrillers, or delve into fresh documentaries and movies. Live sports and family-friendly titles also complement the list.

A number of weapons storage facilities and terrorist infrastructure sites were struck, which were used by Hezbollah to advance terror attacks against the state of Israel, a military statement said. Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported a series of airstrikes by Israeli aircraft on mountainous areas in Nabatiyeh and Jezzine districts in the south, and the Hermel district in the east of the country.

Pakistan's massive defense deal with a Libyan faction carries significant implications for Europe and North Africa. The four billion dollar agreement could destabilize the Mediterranean region, impacting Egypt and posing a threat to Italy. This deal, reportedly supported by the US and Turkey, involves supplying combat aircraft to a non-state actor, undermining a UN arms embargo.

President Trump is facing trouble as a new poll shows falling approval among working-class Americans. Many people are upset about high prices and job worries. Economic stress is shaping public opinion and could affect future elections. Poll data and consumer confidence reports suggest money concerns remain a big issue heading into 2026.

Dog as tax dependent lawsuit explained: A New York lawyer is challenging the IRS in federal court. She wants to claim her golden retriever, Finnegan, as a tax dependent. She spends over five thousand dollars annually on Finnegan's care. The lawsuit argues that dogs deserve legal recognition for tax purposes. This case could impact other pet owners who financially support their animals.

Non-profits face potential FCRA registration cancellation for inactivity since 2021, with the MHA invoking a rarely used law. Notices cite non-utilization of foreign funds for three consecutive years, demanding explanations within 21 days to avoid ex parte action.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee will connect with over 1.2 lakh party members virtually. These sessions will cover electoral roll revisions and recent political events. The party's development report card, 'Unnoyoner Panchali', will also be shared. This outreach prepares for the 2026 Assembly elections. Banerjee launched the campaign slogan 'Manbe na Haar, Aabar Trinamool Sarkar'.

A ban on jungle safaris in Karnataka's Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves is impacting tourism. Resorts and homestays are facing cancellations. This peak season could see major job losses if the ban continues. Foreign tourists are rerouting their plans. The state's reputation is at risk. This situation is unprecedented for Karnataka tourism.