The Economic Times News

The US has imposed sanctions on four companies and associated oil tankers operating in Venezuela's oil sector, intensifying pressure on President Nicolas Maduro. This action, part of a broader campaign including a blockade of sanctioned vessels, aims to curb Venezuela's oil exports and prevent the regime from profiting.

Many Americans retire early but delay Social Security to boost lifetime benefits. Waiting until 70 can increase monthly checks by up to 24%. Early retirees can lower taxes with Roth IRA conversions. Careful budgeting prevents overspending. Market risks remain, but a well-planned strategy can maximize income and financial freedom for decades. Learn how this gap strategy works.

The report flagged risks from geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions, which could trigger exchange rate volatility, dampen trade flows, reduce corporate earnings and curb foreign investment. A sharp correction in US equities could spill over to domestic markets and tighten financial conditions, it warned.

January 2026 begins with career resets, emotional clarity, and financial planning opportunities for all signs. Mercury moves into Capricorn, boosting focus and practical decisions. Venus sparks intellectual romance in Aquarius mid-month. Full moon in Cancer highlights relationships and home matters. Neptune enters Aries, signaling bold new ambitions and long-term growth. Scroll for detailed sign-by-sign horoscopes, love, money, and career insights.

Wealth quote of the day by Jeff Bezos: Your margin is my opportunity. For more than three decades, Jeff Bezos has reshaped how wealth is created, scaled, and sustained. His ideas are not built on flashy shortcuts or overnight success. They are rooted in efficiency, patience, and long-term conviction. From AWS dominance to Blue Origin, Bezos proves patience, scale, and efficiency still outperform speed.

Americans can claim up to $2,200 per child in 2026 using one simple Form 1040. Additional Child Tax Credit offers up to $1,700 for qualifying dependents. IRS now allows higher 401(k) contributions and new charitable deductions. Children must meet age, residency, and Social Security rules. Early filing ensures maximum refunds and financial relief for families.

Travis Kelce shared details of his Christmas celebration with Taylor Swift and her family. He received a special gift from Taylor, which he described as the best. Her brother Austin Swift also gave him a great present. The Swifts are known for their thoughtful gifting. Travis reportedly spent lavishly on gifts for Taylor this year.

Retirees must take their 2025 RMDs by December 31 to avoid IRS penalties. Missing withdrawals can cost up to 25% of the amount. First-time RMDs may defer until April 1, but two distributions may increase taxes. Use RMD funds for home repairs, investments, or experiences. Timely action and smart reinvestment protect savings and boost retirement security.

Social Security reform is becoming urgent as the system faces money problems and shrinking benefit value. Experts say the trust fund could run out in the next decade, causing benefit cuts. At the same time, yearly increases are not keeping up with senior costs. Two key changes are needed to protect retirees and ensure long-term stability.

Linda Stevenson, the 64-year-old wife of Bill Stevenson, was found dead in her Delaware home on December 28, 2025. Her husband, Bill Stevenson, is known nationally as the first husband of First Lady Jill Biden. Police discovered Linda's body while responding to a domestic dispute call at the couples Wilmington residence.

USPS Postmark Changes in 2026: Could postmark delays put your tax returns, ballots, and bills at risk this year? USPS is applying most postmarks at regional processing centers, not local post offices. Fewer daily pickups and longer transport routes mean mail can sit longer before being processed. As a result, a letter mailed today may receive tomorrows dateor lateron its postmark. This shift is part of USPSs long-term modernization plan.

India will conduct a nationwide survey in 2026 to assess adult skill levels. The three-month survey will map basic, intermediate, and advanced competencies. This initiative aims to address identified skill gaps and low education levels in the workforce. The findings will inform policy as India's working-age population grows. Currently, data on overall skill levels is limited.

Prince William and Kate Middleton earn $30.9 million yearly from the Duchy of Cornwall. The estate is very old and worth over $1 billion, supporting their family and royal duties. From 2026, they will give Royal Warrants to trusted brands. Kates approval is very influential. Their income and new royal roles show how much power and responsibility they hold.

Kansas City International Airport went on lockdown Wednesday morning after a reported security threat. Airport police evacuated parts of the terminal. The FBI joined investigations to verify the risk. Flights were delayed, and passengers held inside temporarily. By late morning, security reopened. Authorities continue probing while emphasizing traveler safety and providing updates as the situation evolves.

January's skywatching highlights include the Wolf Moon, a supermoon on Jan. 3, coinciding with Earth's perihelion. The Quadrantid meteor shower also peaks that day, though moon glare may hinder viewing. Jupiter will be at opposition on Jan. 10, offering a clear view, followed by the new moon on Jan. 18.

Social Security payments depend on work years, income, and claiming age. Some retirees get much higher monthly checks by planning early. Working longer, earning more taxable income, and delaying benefits can increase retirement income. Many people claim too early and miss bigger payments. Knowing the rules helps retirees get more money each month.

New Year's Day 2026 is here and schools, government and banks are closed on January 1.

Best places to watch New Years Eve 2026 fireworks across the USA: The United States is preparing for a massive 2026 New Years Eve. From the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip to the iconic Ball Drop in New York City, millions will gather to celebrate. If youre searching for New Year fireworks near me, here is the list of top U.S. cities hosting the biggest New Years Eve 2026 celebrations.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Bharatiya Janata Party is gearing up for a pivotal shift in leadership. With an emphasis on infusing fresh energy into its ranks, the party is set to welcome a new generation of leaders poised to make their mark.

Trump Media new crypto token: Trump Media plans to launch a new cryptocurrency. Shareholders will receive one token for each share they own. This digital token will run on the Cronos blockchain. The move expands Trump-linked cryptocurrency ventures. Donald Trump, as the largest shareholder, will receive a significant portion of these tokens.

The Trump administration ordered the Justice Department to release the files tied to criminal probes of Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, who was friends with U.S. President Donald Trump in the 1990s, in compliance with a transparency law passed by Congress last month.

A sessions court in Jammu and Kashmir has acquitted three individuals accused of terror-related activities. The court cited a lack of evidence and significant gaps in the prosecution's case. The accused, Wajid Ahmad Bhat, Masrat Bilal Bhuru, and Rameez Ahmad Dar, were arrested in Srinagar in October 2022. The court found the prosecution failed to prove charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Amit Shah visited Kolkata to strategize for the 2026 Assembly elections. He met with party leaders and workers, emphasizing constituency engagement. Shah also visited a temple. Dilip Ghosh, a former state BJP president, was tasked with strengthening a Lok Sabha constituency and its Assembly segments. The meetings aimed to boost ground-level outreach.

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has accused the Election Commission of ignoring party concerns regarding West Bengal's electoral roll revision. Banerjee stated the party will not accept the final voter list if it contains discrepancies and will pursue legal recourse. He alleged vote theft occurs through voter lists, not EVMs.

The Centre is preparing for Deregulation 2.0, targeting 30 key areas for significant compliance reduction. This initiative will focus on seven sectors, with the Education Ministry and Utilities/Permissions seeing the most changes. This builds on Deregulation Phase I, which saw substantial implementation.

The delegation of some 200 business leaders will skip the trip originally scheduled January 20, the Japan-China Economic Association said Wednesday. The groupcited challenges in securing meetings with Chinese officials and said no rescheduled date has been decided.

Dave Ramsey warns Americans about a common retirement mistake. Many workers depend too much on Social Security and save too little money. Research shows benefits are limited and savings are low. Ramsey urges people to save more, use retirement accounts, and plan early. His advice is clear: Social Security is help, not a full retirement plan.

Demonstrators took to the streets of Tehran and outside the capital on Wednesday, extending unrest that began after the national currency plunged to historic lows on Sunday. That's triggered a rise in food prices with inflation hitting more than 40% in December, exacerbated by strict sanctions.

India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the funeral of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. He conveyed condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Zia's son, Tarique Rahman.

US stock market ends 2025 on a weak note as Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq slide today. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell more than 150 points, extending its fourth straight day of losses. The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite also drifted lower, officially dimming hopes for a year-end Santa Claus rally.

Kyiv says Moscow has produced no evidence to support its allegations and that Russia invented the alleged attack to block progress at talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Officials in several Western countries have cast doubt on Russia's version of events and questioned whether there was any attack.

The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable, Xi said amid stepped up high-powered drills by the Chinese military in the last three days around the self-governing island, which China claims as part of its mainland. This is the sixth time since 2022 that China held intensified military drills using the latest air force jets, aircraft carriers, missiles and drones practising the capture of Taiwan.

The 137th Rose Parade will be broadcast live on New Year's Day, January 1, 2026, starting at 11 a.m. ET from Pasadena, California. Hosted by Kevin Negandhi and Hannah Storm, the event will feature floral floats, marching bands, and equestrian units, with Magic Johnson as grand marshal.

U.S. stock markets are open on New Years Eve, closing at 4:00 p.m. ET, while bond markets close early at 2:00 p.m. All U.S. markets are closed on New Years Day. In 2025, the S&P 500 rose 17%, Nasdaq 21%, and Dow 14%. Investors are watching 2026 earnings and Federal Reserve decisions for market trends.

Pakistan's National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had a brief interaction in Dhaka, marking the first significant high-level contact since the May conflict. The meeting occurred on the sidelines of the funeral of Bangladesh's former prime minister Khaleda Zia. Pakistan reiterated its commitment to dialogue and peace talks.

India has imposed a provisional anti-dumping duty of $60.87-$130.66 per tonne on low ash metallurgical coke imports for six months. This measure affects imports from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan, and Russia, potentially raising steelmaking costs as the country aims to boost steel production.

Fans of 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' have been blindsided as the entire series is set to vanish from Peacock without prior official announcement. A subtle in-app notification revealed a countdown, indicating the show's removal by December 30th. This leaves YouTube TV as the sole platform for the beloved reality series, sparking widespread disappointment among subscribers.

Target open on New Years Day: As New Year's Day 2026 approaches, shoppers wonder about store openings. Many retailers will be open, but hours differ significantly. Target and Publix will operate on regular schedules. Walmart also plans regular hours. However, Costco will be closed. Other grocery chains like Weis and Giant will be open, though some pharmacies may close early.

Magnitude 6 earthquake strikes off coast of Japan's Noda region, USGS says

As 2026 approaches, Americans can rely on Walmart for New Year's Eve shopping, with most locations open regular hours. Other major retailers like Costco will also be accessible, though many will have adjusted or earlier closing times. Shoppers should confirm specific store hours for last-minute needs before the festivities.

From January 1, five US states will limit what SNAP users can buy at grocery stores. Soda, candy, and some drinks are being removed in different states. The move is linked to health goals, but critics warn of confusion at stores, higher costs, and problems for low-income shoppers using food benefits.

Trump Mobile had promised a gold-colored handset, though it remains unclear who would manufacture it, as the U.S. has little domestic smartphone production.

Happy New Year AI Stickers: WhatsApp is enhancing New Year's Eve celebrations with new party-themed features. Users can now utilize a 2026 sticker pack, video call effects like fireworks and confetti, and animated confetti reactions for messages. Additionally, animated stickers can be added to Status updates, making virtual festivities more engaging and interactive for all.

Trump third term 2028: Billionaire Miriam Adelson reportedly offered Donald Trump $250 million for a third presidential term, citing legal advice suggesting a loophole. This pledge, made at a White House Hanukkah event, reignites speculation about Trump's political future, despite constitutional barriers. The idea of succession, rather than reelection, is also being explored as a potential path.

Assam schools will close from December 31 to January 6, 2026, due to extreme cold and prolonged foggy conditions. Education Minister Ranoj Pegu instructed District Commissioners to assess local situations and make necessary decisions on rescheduling hours or closures. The Indian Meteorological Department forecasts continued fog and falling temperatures.

Happy New Year 2026 wishes: As 2026 approaches, New Year wishes offer a moment for reflection and connection. These messages convey love, gratitude, and hope. Simple, sincere words can make a lasting impact. The article provides examples of wishes and quotes to help celebrate the upcoming year. It emphasizes the importance of personal sentiment in New Year greetings.

The ministry of labour and employment, on Wednesday, notified draft Rules for Code on Wages, Code on Social Security, the Industrial Relations Code and the Code on Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions and has sought comments from all stakeholders on the draft Rules within 30-45 days after which the final Rules will be notified. The Codes were implemented on November 21, 2025 but will become operational once the final Rules are notified.