The Economic Times News

Delhi woke up to dense smog on Sunday. Air quality worsened to the 'severe' zone. Pollution curbs are in place. The city's average Air Quality Index reached 461. Visibility was extremely poor in many areas. Bawana recorded the highest AQI at 497. Schools shifted classes to hybrid mode. Prolonged exposure to this air quality poses serious health risks.

Malkangiri Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay reported that peace has been maintained following recent violence centered around a murder. The administration has assessed damages at Rs 3.34 crore and submitted the report to the government. As a precaution, the internet ban has been extended until Monday noon.

With the festive season stirring excitement among devotees, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is undertaking extensive preparations for the anticipated crowd at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Innovative crowd control strategies, including shoe storage for thousands, are set to enhance the experience.

India's art market is booming, attracting new buyers and diversifying its offerings. Galleries are becoming more accessible, with younger collectors driving demand for a wider range of art. This growth signifies a maturing market, with increased interest in contemporary and material-based art. The ecosystem is expanding, creating new opportunities for artists and collectors alike.

Two American soldiers and one civilian died in a Syrian attack. President Donald Trump vowed severe retaliation against the Islamic State group. The incident occurred near Palmyra. Syrian forces also sustained injuries. The United States has hundreds of troops in eastern Syria fighting IS. This attack marks the first fatalities since President Bashar Assad's fall.

A private member's bill in India proposes a Right to Disconnect, empowering employees to ignore work communications outside office hours. While unlikely to become law soon, the bill highlights the growing debate on work-life boundaries, with several companies already implementing flexible policies to boost employee well-being and productivity.

3I/ATLAS interstellar comet heads towards Earth now and will reach its closest point on December 19. Scientists say it will pass at a safe distance. The comet is natural. There is no impact risk. Astronomers continue to study its behavior and origin.

3I/ATLAS releases new molecules into space when it heats up? Astronomers studying the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS report changes in brightness and color after its close pass near the Sun. New images and X-ray data suggest fresh chemical activity triggered by rising temperatures.

Tyler Robinson did not act alone or pull the trigger to kill Charlie Kirk? Candace Owens shares what she believes on social media. The case continues in Utah court. Owens also questions claims made by prosecutors. A judge allows cameras with limits. Media access, public statements, and legal charges remain central to the ongoing case.

Lindsay Lohan The Simpsons Season 37 episode title, release date, time and character details confirm Lohan voices Future Maggie in Season 37. The episode is titled Parahormonal Activity. It airs Sunday on Fox at 8/7c. The role continues a long history of Maggie speaking in special episodes.

Who is Future Maggie, The Simpsons iconic character to be voiced by Lindsay Lohan this weekend? Lindsay Lohan voices an older Maggie Simpson in a Season 37 episode. The episode airs Sunday on Fox and features a flash-forward scene where Maggie speaks clearly.

Social Security Update: Disability is funded mainly by a 1.8 per cent payroll tax split between employers and employees; that money goes into a disability trust fund. The average disability benefit this year is $1,582 per month, substantially less than the $2,008 average for a retired worker, Social Security Administration data shows.

Social Security changes coming in 2026: A new $6,000 senior tax deduction could wipe out federal taxes for many Americans aged 65 and older. Payment schedules shift. Benefits rise under new laws. But higher income may also make more Social Security benefits taxable. Millions should review their income limits and tax forms before filing.

Germany's Chancellor stated that foreign companies, including U.S. firms, must adhere to German and EU regulations. This response comes after President Trump criticized a fine levied on social media platform X. He emphasized that American companies must accept local rules, with sanctions available if they fail to comply.

BM-21 Grad is the 122mm multiple launch rocket system Cambodia is using to wreak havoc in Thailand. Built by the Soviet Union, it fires 40 rockets in 20 seconds from a truck-mounted launcher. Fast, mobile, and brutal, the Grad overwhelms targets through sheer volume, making it one of the most lethal area-saturation weapons still in use today.

One Piece Episode 1153 release date, what to expect & how to watch explains the Joyboy reveal, Emets past, Bonneys actions, Atlas sacrifice, and the Egghead escape plan. The explainer covers story buildup, release date, episode title, and official streaming details.

Punjab is set to unveil a new industry policy next month. This policy aims to streamline project clearances, promising approvals within 5 to 45 days. A new Private Industrial Park Policy will also be introduced, enabling private sector participation. These initiatives are expected to boost investment and business growth in the state.

Three US lawmakers have introduced a resolution in Congress. They aim to end tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on India. The lawmakers believe this tariff strategy is counterproductive. It weakens a critical partnership between the two nations. The resolution seeks to terminate the national emergency that authorized these tariffs.

Afghanistan's Public Health Minister Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali will visit India next week. This follows visits by other Afghan ministers. India continues to provide extensive humanitarian and healthcare support to Afghanistan. Projects include health centers and clinics. India also donated medicines and vaccines. This cooperation strengthens India-Afghanistan ties.

COLA Disappointments and Social Security Risks: Living on Social Security? Study says it could backfire without this smart income backup. The average benefit is just $2,015/month. COLAs often lag inflation. Benefits may be cut. High-yield ETFs can fill the gap and protect retirement income before its too late.

West Bengal is set to remove over 58 lakh names from its voter list. More than 31 lakh people will attend hearings. This comes before the Special Intensive Revision draft list is published on December 16. The Election Commission identified over 13 lakh discrepancies. Bihar saw a drop of 47 lakh voters.

Karnataka has passed a new law against hate speech and crimes, which makes it the first state in India to do so. The bill includes severe punishments for offenders. The opposition BJP plans to challenge the law in court.

The BJP has secured a significant victory in the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation polls. This win marks a major boost for the party's efforts in Kerala. The BJP won 50 out of 100 seats, surpassing previous results. This outcome signals a shift in Kerala's political landscape.

Punjab's political landscape is experiencing significant shifts. Navjot Kaur, wife of Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu, alleged ticket sales within the party. Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, now with the BJP, expressed concerns about the party's top-down decision-making process. He noted a lack of consultation on Punjab-related matters.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has appointed Pankaj Chaudhary as its Uttar Pradesh unit chief, a move signalling a strategic intent for caste consolidation and organizational rebuilding. Chaudhary's leadership aims to strengthen the party's position for the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections.

Rings of Power Season 3 release date, cast and filming update confirms filming has ended in December 2025. Amazon shared a wrap video. Post production has started. The season may release in late 2026. Cast details and story direction from the Second Age are now clear.

Security agencies have apprehended three suspected spies in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, including a retired Indian Air Force staffer from Tezpur. The individuals are accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistan-based handlers through social media and Telegram channels, detailing Army movements and defense camp locations.

Dave Ramsey advice for Americans over 50: Over 50 and behind on retirement? Dave Ramsey says Americans can still win. Cut debt, budget smartly, and invest wisely. Even with just 1015 years left, disciplined action and simple financial moves can secure a stress-free retirement. Its never too late to start winning.

Abraham Isaac Quintanilla Jr., the father of music icon Selena Quintanilla, has passed away at the age of 86. His son, Abraham A.B. Quintanilla III, confirmed the news in an Instagram post, citing, Its with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today. Reason of death has not been revealed.

Working Americans could get very large refunds up to $2,000: Millions may see $1,000$2,000 per household in early 2026 due to new tax law changes. Experts say check your withholding, file early, and plan how to use this rare cash boost to pay debt, save, or invest wisely. Many households could receive refunds faster than ever, making early preparation key.

Delhi schools are now required to adopt a hybrid learning model for students up to Class IX and XI, effective immediately. This directive, issued by the Directorate of Education, aligns with stricter air pollution curbs under GRAP-IV, aiming to mitigate further air quality deterioration in the NCR.

Gold price, silver rate in 2025 have jumped big and hit record highs. These two precious metals are followed by Platinum, Lithium, copper.

Texas Roadhouse will shut down all 736 of its U.S. locations for 24 hours on December 25, continuing a long-standing Christmas custom. The nationwide closure allows more than 10,000 employees the day off to spend time with family, having work-life balance over holiday sales. Restaurants will run on adjusted hours on Christmas Eve, with schedules differing by location, and reopen completely on December 26.

Fallout Season 2 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details are now confirmed. The new season starts on December 17 on Prime Video. Episodes will release weekly on Wednesdays. The season has eight episodes and ends in February 2026.

Rabri Devi has sought the transfer of the cases, alleging bias on the part of Special Judge Vishal Gogne. The four cases against Rabri Devi, the wife of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, and her family are linked to land-for-jobs and IRCTC scam cases. The cases are being probed by the ED, and the CBI.

The 4% Rule explained: Retirees can start with 4% of savings for year-one withdrawals. Adjust for inflation yearly. $1M portfolio? Thats $40,000 first year. Historical data shows 30-year sustainabilitybut personal plans matter. Taxes, market shifts, and lifestyle can make or break your nest egg.

Omar Abdullah also inaugurated the world's highest revolving multi-purpose hall at the Affarwat area in the resort, which also houses a restaurant.