The Economic Times News

Hugh Jackman, renowned for his versatile acting career and Tony Award-winning talent, shared his appreciation for American society's welcoming nature towards foreigners. He observed that in the U.S., merit and hard work are embraced, allowing individuals to succeed regardless of their origin. Jackman's journey began in Sydney, leading him to a distinguished career in film and theater.

The year 2025 saw trade wars, a Gaza truce and ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Looking ahead, 2026 promises space missions, the Winter Olympics and an expanded football World Cup.

This new phase, expected to last up to 55 days, targets a tighter search zone of about 5,800 square miles -- far smaller than earlier efforts and pinpointed using updated satellite data, drift modeling and expert analysis.

Chinese New Year 2026: The 2026 Lunar New Year begins on February 17, marking the rare Year of the Fire Horse. It lasts 16 days and ends with the Lantern Festival on March 3, coinciding with a blood moon total lunar eclipse. The Fire Horse year brings dynamic energy, bold action, and rare astrological events. Family reunions, global celebrations, and celestial alignments make it a unique, highly anticipated festival worldwide. Zodiac enthusiasts should check animal signs and traditions, as lunar

Many Americans receive unwanted Christmas gifts each year. Over $10 billion in presents go unused annually. Items range from clothing and accessories to electronics and gift cards. Instead of letting them sit unused, gifts can be sold online, donated for tax benefits, or exchanged for cash. Learn how to reclaim value, declutter your home, and turn gifts into financial or charitable gain.

Even some of those who supported the rate cut acknowledged he decision was finely balanced or that they could have supported keeping the target range unchanged, given the different risks facing the U.S. economy, according to the minutes released on Tuesday.

Gen Z is leading global change, impacting governments, economies, and work culture. In India, their spending power is set to surge, fueling innovation. This generation's aspirations are crucial for India's AI-led future. Leaders across sectors share insights on their influence and the path ahead.

India's Gen Z, numbering 380 million, is a powerful force driving change. This generation is impacting innovation, politics, and spending habits. Their direct and influenced spending is set to grow significantly. Gen Z's evolving preferences for celebrations, online expression, and career paths highlight their unique perspective.

Gen Z is reshaping workplaces with clear expectations for growth and purpose. They seek transparent leadership and flexible environments. Companies are adapting to this new generation's drive for meaningful work and inclusion. Wellbeing and flexibility are becoming core to organizational culture. This shift signals a new era for the workforce.

India's Gen Z is not politically disengaged but rather disillusioned with traditional politics. Growing up online, they engage through digital platforms, prioritizing practical issues like jobs and climate change. This generation demands transparency and accountability, seeking meaningful participation beyond mere voting.

By 2026, artificial intelligence will make digital content indistinguishable from reality. This will force people to verify everything they see and hear. Trust in online information will decline. Verification will become a crucial skill for everyone. Platforms will need to implement safeguards against AI misuse. This shift will impact mental health and decision-making.

Political parties are increasingly recognizing the growing influence of Gen Z, adapting electoral campaigns and policies to engage this demographic. Leaders are addressing youth-centric issues like employment and drug menace, utilizing social media to connect with young voters who are becoming active participants in shaping political discourse and policy.

Gen Z graduates are increasingly launching startups, with 40% of top college alumni opting for entrepreneurship. Venture capital firms are now prioritizing innovative ideas over founder experience, backing young entrepreneurs in sectors like AI and clean energy. The trend is expected to expand into defense, aerospace, and deeptech in the coming years.

IRS warns of possible delays in 2026 tax refunds. New deductions for tips and overtime complicate filings. Staff cuts and high turnover leave the agency struggling. TIGTA flags potential $360 million fraud risk. Paper returns may slow processing. Taxpayers should prepare early and review updated IRS guidance. Filing season may test IRS capacity like never before.

Trump tax cuts could reshape the 2026 tax season for millions of Americans. New IRS data shows refunds may reach $1,000 to $2,000 for many households. Withholding rules lagged behind the laws passage. Five states may also see stronger Social Security increases. Retirees and workers could feel combined relief. Filing deadlines and preparation details matter.

Gold, silver, and copper prices are ending 2025 on a strong note, setting up an intense outlook for 2026. Analysts see rising policy risks, tight supply, and structural demand driving metals higher. Forecasts from major banks suggest gold could hit $5,000, silver may test $100, and copper could remain historically tight as electrification and AI demand accelerate.

Tatiana Schlossberg was an accomplished American environmental journalist and the granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. She passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 35. Her death followed a terminal diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a rare genetic mutation known as Inversion 3.

Thought of the Day: B.F. Skinner, a renowned behaviorist, offers a powerful perspective on failure. He suggests that not all setbacks are mistakes, but rather the best possible outcome under certain conditions. The true error lies in ceasing to try. This thought encourages resilience and continuous effort, vital for growth and learning. Skinner's work profoundly shaped our understanding of behavior.

Thought of the Day: B.F. Skinner, a renowned behaviorist, offers a powerful perspective on failure. He suggests that not all setbacks are mistakes, but rather the best possible outcome under certain conditions. The true error lies in ceasing to try. This thought encourages resilience and continuous effort, vital for growth and learning. Skinner's work profoundly shaped our understanding of behavior.

Federal Reserve ended 2025 with a sharply divided decision on interest rates. Newly released December meeting minutes show officials narrowly backed a rate cut, while deeply disagreeing on what comes next. With inflation still elevated, growth strong, and jobs steady, the path for 2026 rate cuts looks increasingly uncertain. The December 910 Federal Open Market Committee meeting concluded with a 93 vote to cut rates by 25 basis points.

The first full moon of 2026, a 'Wolf Supermoon,' will rise on Saturday, January 3rd. This celestial event, the last of four consecutive supermoons, will appear brighter and larger than average. The moon will be technically full at 5:03 a.m. EST, but the best viewing time will be during its rise at dusk.

Wealth quote of the day by Bill Ackman: Investing is one of the few businesses where you can do everything right and still lose money in the short term. What matters is a strategy that works long termand the discipline to ignore the noise. Bill Ackman, the founder of Pershing Square Capital Management, is a name synonymous with high-stakes Wall Street drama. Ackman has spent decades perfecting a strategy known as activist investing. Unlike traditional investors who buy and sell quietly, Ackman t

IRS tax rules are changing for 2026, and Americans need to be ready. Standard deductions are going up, seniors may get extra savings, and new tax breaks on tips and overtime are coming. Refund habits are also changing, with people spending on basics. New credits and programs are planned, making early tax planning more important.

Richard Smallwood: Gospel music legend Richard Smallwood has passed away at the age of 77. He died from complications related to kidney failure. Smallwood was a celebrated singer, songwriter, and pianist. His songs were famously covered by artists like Whitney Houston and Destiny's Child. He leaves behind a rich musical legacy.

Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as New York City mayor in a private ceremony. The event will take place moments after midnight on New Year's Day. The location is an abandoned subway stop below City Hall Park. Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath of office. This marks the beginning of a new era for the city.

Stranger Things last episode release time and what to expect explains when Season 5 Episode 8 will stream on Netflix, how the finale release works across regions, what happened before the ending, and what viewers can expect from the final chapter titled The Rightside Up.

Thieves drilled into a German bank vault in Gelsenkirchen and stole tens of millions of euros. Around 2,700 customers were affected by the massive heist. Police discovered the ransacked vault after a fire alarm. Witnesses reported seeing men with large bags and masked individuals in a stolen vehicle. The theft is considered one of Germany's largest.

The Janata Dal (United) remains heavily dependent on Nitish Kumar, whose leadership continues to define the partys political relevance. After a weak showing in 2020, the JDU rebounded strongly in 2025 following its return to the NDA in early 2024, benefiting from the BJPs reduced majority at the Centre and renewed attention to Bihar.

Cardi B responded to the fans online following the speculation that erupted regarding her relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs. The discussion started when the couple spent Christmas Day apart, initiating questions after Diggs was absent from Cardis holiday posts. In a video and posts shared on X, the rapper criticized what she called mean behavior and urged people to calm down.

The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana has benefited over 2 million first-time employees since its August 15 launch. The scheme aims to create 35 million jobs, with 19.2 million for new entrants. First-time workers receive one month's wage up to 15,000. Employers get incentives for generating jobs, with extended benefits for the manufacturing sector.

Vice President JD Vance has taken a commanding early lead in the 2028 Republican presidential race. A new New Hampshire poll shows him far ahead of potential GOP rivals, even though he has not announced a bid. Analysts say the results point to rare early consolidation in a state that often predicts the partys nominee.

India has now become the world's fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan. Projections indicate India will overtake Germany to become the third-largest economy by 2030. This growth is driven by strong domestic consumption. India is the fastest-growing major economy globally and is expected to maintain this momentum.

British boxing star Anthony Joshua was injured in a fatal highway crash in Nigeria, just ten days after defeating Jake Paul in a Netflix bout. The former heavyweight champion, who has a significant fan base and a decorated career including an Olympic gold medal, was in stable condition following the accident that claimed the lives of two friends.

India has eased its export policy for organic sugar, permitting shipments of up to 50,000 tonnes annually. This move lifts the estricted status imposed in 2023, which had mandated traders to secure licenses for exports. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced the revised policy, outlining specific modalities for these exports.

A year after the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance swept Maharashtra with 235 seats, political fault lines are widening within the ruling coalition even as the opposition remains disoriented. The Congress is distancing itself from the Uddhav Thackeray-led Sena, while tensions have intensified between the BJP and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi listed ensions between India and Pakistan among hotspot issues mediated by Beijing this year. This statement contrasts with India's stance that the May 7-10 conflict was resolved through direct DGMO talks, with no room for third-party intervention. China's role, including military assistance to Pakistan, faced scrutiny.

Andhra Pradesh closed the year with strong momentum after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched projects worth 2 lakh crore in Visakhapatnam in January, including Indias first Green Hydrogen Hub. The bigger boost came later when Google committed $15 billion to set up an AI data centre cluster in the state, its largest FDI anywhere, following assurances on stable taxation.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah. She questioned his claims about infiltrators in Bengal and alleged widespread deletion of voter names. Banerjee accused Shah of bringing 'Duryodhan' and 'Dushasana' to the state during elections. She stated that her government has provided land for projects but work remains incomplete.

The 700Credit data breach exposed 5.8 million Social Security numbers through a third-party partner, not its own systems. The stolen data affects auto dealership customers and raises identity theft and fraud risks. 700Credit offers free credit monitoring for affected users, and experts advise freezing credit, using strong passwords, and enabling two-factor authentication to stay safe.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stated that a change of government in West Bengal is vital to curb infiltration, which he described as a national security threat. He accused the Trinamool Congress of misrule and using infiltrators as a vote bank, while assuring the Matua community that their voting rights under the CAA will be protected.

In an effort to maintain public safety, several districts in Jammu and Kashmir have implemented a ban on the use of Virtual Private Networks. Local authorities are ramping up mobile surveillance to ensure adherence to these restrictions. The directive, issued by Deputy Commissioners in regions such as Kupwara, Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama, Budgam, and Srinagar, comes after intensive security evaluations.

The Enforcement Directorate has wrapped up its case against Lalu Prasad, the former railways minister, along with his wife Rabri Devi and their son, Tejashwi Yadav. The allegations stem from a 2004 hotel agreement with IRCTC, featuring serious charges of corruption, conspiracy, and deception.

In light of escalating tensions, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed serious apprehension regarding allegations that Ukraine has targeted the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Modi reiterated that the path to resolution lies in diplomatic dialogue rather than conflict. Ukraine, however, took issue with Modi's remarks, while both the UAE and Pakistan voiced their concerns.

India is now a global focus, praised for its rapid progress driven by reforms. Prime Minister Modi highlighted continuous reforms in 2025, modernizing institutions and simplifying governance. Key changes included GST simplification, new labor codes, and increased foreign investment in insurance. These measures aim to boost the economy and attract investment, positioning India for sustained growth.