The Economic Times News

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the Pacific Northwest. Heavy snow, up to three feet, is forecast for the northern Cascades and Rockies. Dangerous winds are also expected. Travel in the region could be impossible. Authorities urge extreme caution and preparation for potential power outages. Residents are advised to delay travel if possible.

Disclosure Day trailer: Steven Spielberg returns to science fiction with his new film, Disclosure Day. The movie is scheduled for a June 12, 2026 release. The first trailer hints at a global mystery involving extraterrestrial elements. Emily Blunt stars in the film, which features a star-studded cast. This marks Spielberg's first film since The Fabelmans.

The panel for housing and urban affairs has found gaps in actual implementation of AMRUT on the ground. The mission, which entails development of urban drinking water and sewage supply networks, has been implemented in two phases, with the second phase ending in March 2026.

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Lok Sabha Speaker. This follows a plea by Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma. He is challenging the Speaker's decision to form an impeachment committee. Justice Varma argues the committee was formed unilaterally. He claims this violates the Judges (Inquiry) Act. The court questioned how parliamentary experts missed this procedural issue.

According to the Election Commission data, a total of 31,39,815 voters across the state have been categorised as unmapped and will be required to appear for hearings. These voters could not establish linkage with themselves or their progeny in the 2002 SIR.

A Delhi court has refused to take cognisance of the ED charge sheet against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi in the National Herald case. The Congress party views this as a victory against the Centre's alleged misuse of investigative agencies. Party leaders stated the court's decision proves the case was politically motivated.

The December new moon in Sagittarius on Dec. 19 provides an opportunity for fresh beginnings and personal growth. Reaching its peak at 5:43 PM PT, this lunation encourages exploration, knowledge, and broadening ones perspective. Sagittarius alignment with Gemini emphasizes communication, relationships, and worldly connections. While challenging aspects from Saturn and Neptune may offer emotional tension, isolation, or confusion, supportive Jupiter energy can result in growth, luck, and long-term

A Delhi court has rejected the Enforcement Directorate's money laundering case against Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. The judge cited procedural flaws, stating the case was not based on a registered FIR. The court clarified its decision is on a legal point, not the allegations themselves. The ED plans to appeal and refile after Delhi Police completes its investigation.

Pradhan also said that Institutes of National Importance-such as IITs, IIMs and IISc-will retain their core autonomy even if brought under the VBSA framework. Their inclusion, he said, would only enhance overall quality benchmarks across higher education institutions.

The Supreme Court has emphasized the urgent need for special courts to speed up trials involving the National Investigation Agency and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. These courts will function like hospital emergency wards. The government is urged to take proactive steps. The court also noted concerns about digital arrest scams and directed the CBI to investigate these cases.

Social Security COLA 2027: The Fed cut rates by 0.25%, signaling inflation may be stabilizing. Early projections put the 2027 Social Security COLA at 2.3%2.6%, the smallest increase since 2021. Retirees relying on benefits could see lower-than-expected raises as inflation cools. Planning ahead may be key to avoid budget surprises in 2027.

Many US homeowners face higher mortgage bills because they bought homes during very low rates in 2020. This lock-in effect means fewer people are selling, keeping home supply low. Even with recent rate drops, moving could cost an extra $1,000 per month. Current mortgage rates are around 6.22%, and savings from lower rates help, but buying remains expensive.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ethiopia's highest honor, 'The Great Honour Nishan of Ethiopia'. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali presented the award. This recognition celebrates Modi's role in strengthening India-Ethiopia ties and his global statesmanship. He is the first head of state to receive this prestigious award.

Bitcoin price crash prediction: Bitcoin is trading below $90,000 again. Markets are watching US CPI data and the Bank of Japan's interest rate decision. Veteran trader Peter Brandt warns of a potential 80% correction. Retail selling pressure is impacting the price. Analysts are looking for a breakout above $93,000. Michael Saylor hints at more Bitcoin purchases.

Dow Jones today heads toward steep losses: Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 368 points to 48,048, extending losses as investors digested mixed U.S. jobs data. November payrolls rose 64,000, but unemployment jumped to 4.6%, the highest since 2021. With the Fed signaling caution on rate cuts, markets turned defensivesetting up more volatility ahead.

Nashville is upgrading its traffic lights for the first time in 60 years. New smart signals are being installed to adapt to real-time traffic conditions. This initiative aims to reduce congestion as the city's population grows. More smart signals are planned across Nashville. The project will also improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Security forces in Manipur apprehended five militants from PREPAK and KCP involved in extortion activities across Bishnupur, Imphal West, and Imphal East districts. The operation also led to the recovery of significant arms and ammunition, alongside the arrest of a drug peddler with brown sugar valued at Rs 20 lakh.

Airtel Africa is joining hands with SpaceX. This partnership will bring Starlink's satellite internet to smartphones across 14 African countries. The service begins in 2026. It will offer data for apps and text messages. This will connect people in areas without regular mobile networks. Next-generation satellites promise much faster speeds.

Michelle Obama delivered a striking appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, gaining renewed attention amid online rumors about her recent weight loss. Dressed in a fitted light blue dress, she featured her toned physique, bringing fresh Ozempic speculations across social media.

A new 2025 flight delay report has revealed the worlds most delayed airlines, based on millions of passenger journeys. The study shows that flight delays remain a major problem for travelers, especially during busy seasons. With strikes, airport congestion, and heavy holiday travel, passengers are being warned to expect more delays when flying this year.

A highly contagious norovirus, causing vomiting and diarrhea, is spreading across the US with a new strain contributing to recent surges. Experts emphasize that hand sanitizer is ineffective, and thorough handwashing with soap and water is crucial for prevention. The virus also spreads through contaminated surfaces, food, and shellfish, with proper cleaning and cooking being vital.

The combustion-engine ban was hailed as a major win in climate fight when adopted in 2023. But carmakers and their backers have lobbied hard over the past year for Brussels to relax it, in the face of fierce competition from China and a slower-than-expected shift to electric vehicles (EVs).

Did anyone win Powerball Dec 15? No one won the Powerball jackpot on Monday, Dec. 15. No ticket matched all six numbers. The prize rolled over again. The estimated jackpot for the next drawing on Wednesday, Dec. 17 now stands at $1.25 billion, or $572.1 million cash. Its the second-largest Powerball jackpot ever. The next drawing could make history.

In a significant shake-up, Ford has announced the slashing of thousands of electric vehicle positions, resulting in a staggering $19.5 billion loss on their EV assets. CEO Jim Farley revealed that several unprofitable models are being phased out, highlighting the ongoing struggle many companies face in balancing EV economics, particularly in the absence of government funding.

Blake Lively reportedly reached out privately to Taylor Swift for the singer-songwriters 36th birthday on December 13, sending a short and thoughtful message. The discreet gesture emphasizes the longstanding companionship between the Gossip Girl alum and the Lover singer, despite speculations of tension after Livelys legal case against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.

A magistrate's court had on February 20 convicted the NCP leader and his brother Vijay Kokate and sentenced them to two-year imprisonment in the case pertaining to submitting fake documents to get flats under a government quota. On March 5, a sessions court stayed the conviction of the duo.

Amazon Prime Video has launched a new free news feature for U.S. users. The update adds many live and on-demand news channels inside the Prime Video app. Viewers can watch local, national, and global news in one place. The move gives users more value without raising prices and expands what Prime Video offers.

Indian companies are set to give average salary hikes of 9% in 2026. Manufacturing and automotive sectors will see the highest increases at 9.5%. Global capability centres will offer 9%. This steady rise reflects a balanced economy and a stable talent market. Companies are focusing on short-term incentives to attract and keep key employees.

Long before Ozzy Osbournes death in July 2025 at 76, he and his wife Sharon Osbourne had an assisted suicide pact in place. After his passing, Sharon, 73, disclosed why she chose not to follow through, stating that her three children, Aimee, Kelly, and Jack as her reason to stay alive. Looking back, she recounted that witnessing the devastating impact of parental suicide on young women, which solidified her decision.

Nick Reiner hotel room blood stains matched with Rob and Michele is at the center of a homicide investigation. Police examined a Santa Monica hotel room after Rob and Michele Reiner were found dead. Nick Reiner was arrested. Barack and Michelle Obama also reacted.

A Delhi court on Tuesday refused to take cognisance of the Enforcement Directorate's money laundering charge against Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and five others, holding that the agency's probe stemmed from a private complaint and not an FIR.

Lord Jeremy Stuart-Smith and Justice Robert Jay, presiding over the hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, began by referencing a sense of deja vu over the previously failed appeal by the 54-year-old businessman against being extradited to face charges of fraud and money laundering in India.

Grayscale predicts Bitcoin will reach a new all-time high in early 2026. Growing investor demand, rising debt and inflation, and clearer US regulations are making crypto more attractive. Institutional investors are joining, and Bitcoin is seen as a long-term store of value. Experts expect steady growth, marking the start of cryptos institutional era and stronger mainstream adoption.

Meryl Streep and Martin Short are eager to marry, but Streeps continuing divorce from Don Gummer is delaying their plans. Short, explained as old-fashioned and deeply devoted in love, is being impatient, while Streep wishes to finalize the divorce without resulting in tension for her ex or their children. The pair share a close connection, with Short supportive of Streeps continued friendship with Gummer.