The Economic Times News

Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine saw a slight decrease in December, despite significant strikes on energy infrastructure. While the total number of attacks fell, Ukraine's success rate in destroying incoming threats also dipped. The ongoing conflict sees Ukraine facing intense pressure from both bombardment and battlefield losses.

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed a condolence book in New Delhi for former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also attended her funeral in Dhaka. Thousands gathered for the funeral prayers and burial. Her son Tarique Rahman thanked supporters and officials for their assistance during the difficult time.

Stranger Things actor Gaten Matarazzo is a fan favourite. He has Cleidocranial Dysplasia, a genetic condition affecting bones and teeth. This condition influenced his character, Dustin Henderson. Gaten shares his journey and raises awareness about CCD. He underwent surgery for dental issues related to his condition. His openness has made him an inspiration.

Maharashtra Board of Technical Education has released the Winter Semester Result 2025. Students can now download their scorecards from the official website by entering their enrolment or seat number. The exams took place from November 11 to December 3, 2025. The scorecard contains crucial details like marks and rank, offering a comprehensive overview of student performance across various diploma programs.

Stranger Things at Los Angeles Airport? A glowing red line observed on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport has sparked widespread speculation online. While some theorized about gas leaks or even alien activity, more practical explanations suggest friction from debris or fluid reactions. Airport operations continued normally with no official reports of danger.

India-US ties in 2025 were marked by contrasting developments, with leaders projecting warmth while trade disputes escalated and strategic coordination faltered. Despite descriptions of a special partnership, differing political priorities and US President Trump's approach exposed underlying disagreements and tested bilateral stability throughout the year.

India is shifting to a pragmatic, interest-based foreign policy for 2026, moving away from rigid alliances. This new global playbook prioritizes economic resilience through diversified trade, energy security via Russian oil purchases, and cautious engagement with China. The strategy aims for flexibility and autonomy, balancing partnerships with national interests in a multipolar world.

Warren Buffett, one of the greatest investors of all time, has given a simple yet thought-provoking advice for young professionals. Warren Buffett was asked what advice would he give to a young professional to become successful. To this, the billionaire replied that is better to hang out with people better than you.

An elderly woman was attacked and injured by a group of monkeys in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, highlighting ongoing concerns about monkey menace in residential areas. Separately, the body of an unidentified woman was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase in a drain in Kaithal district, raising anxieties about law and order.

Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party is discussing seat sharing with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena for upcoming civic elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Nationalist Congress Party had previously allied with Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (SP) for these polls. The final candidate list will be published on January 3, with elections scheduled for January 15.

Nushratt Bharuccha recently visited Mahakaal temple in Ujjain and her spiritual visit has now triggered a massive storm. A cleric, identified as Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, has objected to her visit and issued a fatwa against her, demanding that Nushratt should recite Kalma to seek forgiveness from Allah. The actor is known for her roles in Pyar ka Punchnama and Dream Girl.

PM Modi expressed confidence that under Rehman's leadership, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party will carry forward Khaleda Zia's ideals, using them as a guiding light to forge a new path and further enrich the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.

Northern Queensland is battling a severe flood crisis as relentless monsoonal rains inundate communities. Coastal areas have already received over a metre of rain, with more expected to push totals towards two metres. Rivers are surging, causing major flooding, and a fatality has been reported. Disaster relief is being provided as residents are urged to stay informed.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag free in-game items on January 1, 2026, by utilizing newly released 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes. These codes are time-sensitive and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is advised. Players can visit the official Garena redemption site to claim their rewards.

Congress leaders Rashid Alvi and V Hanumantha Rao on Thursday launched a sharp attack on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat over his recent remarks, accusing him and the BJP of pushing divisive agendas, imposing Hindi, and attempting to undermine India's secular character.

BTS comeback date: BTS has officially confirmed their comeback date for March 20, 2026, through a personal letter to fans, marking their return after completing military service. The announcement, delivered in a heartfelt message, also hints at an upcoming world tour, igniting excitement among ARMY worldwide.

Team India gears up for a demanding 2026 cricket calendar. The year begins with a series against New Zealand. The T20 World Cup, hosted in India, is a major focus. Following this, the team will participate in the IPL and embark on overseas tours to England, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand.

A devastating explosion rocked the popular bar Le Constellation in Crans Montana early Thursday. Several people lost their lives and many others sustained injuries. The blast occurred as revelers celebrated the new year. Emergency services are currently on the scene. The cause of the explosion remains unknown. Swiss police are investigating the incident.

Anne Franks powerful quote, How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world, continues to resonate today. Her words highlight that positive change begins with intention and small, everyday actions rather than perfect timing or grand gestures. This timeless message encourages immediate action and personal responsibility in building a better world.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised his troops fighting abroad as forging an invincible alliance with Russia in a new year's message, state media said Thursday. The North Korean leader praised soldiers for strengthening the invincible alliance with Russia, calling on them to fight for the fraternal Russian people.

India is set to become a global growth powerhouse. Its IT sector, digital transformation, and young population will drive this expansion. Improved infrastructure and credit access will further boost the economy. Entrepreneurship will fuel innovation. This positions India for significant economic progress over the next two decades.

Elon Musk, the world's richest person, pays taxes that vary significantly. His wealth is primarily in company stock, not salary. Large tax bills arise when this 'paper wealth' becomes actual income. For instance, he paid substantial taxes in 2021 after selling Tesla stock. This dynamic reflects modern billionaire finances where tax obligations can be sudden and immense.

Democrat socialist Zohran Mamdani was sworn in Thursday to take over as New York mayor for a term sure to see him cross swords with President Donald Trump. In a first for the city, Mamdani is using several Korans to be sworn in as mayor -- two from his family and one that belonged to Puerto Rico-born Black writer Arturo Schomburg, The New York Times reported.

The world welcomed 2026 with grand celebrations. Cities like Sydney, Paris, and New York hosted spectacular fireworks and light shows. In Japan, temple bells rang and people climbed mountains for the first sunrise. Dubai featured a unique jet ski light show. However, some areas like Hong Kong and Indonesia scaled back events due to recent disasters and conflicts.

Eating 12 grapes under the table: The Spanish tradition where it is believed that if you under the dinner table shoveling grapes into your mouth on New Year's eve, it can bring good luck and ensure your resolutions are accomplished. It is believed that if you follow this ritual, your wishes for new year will be fulfilled. But science has not backed these claims.

Pakistan sought to highlight a handshake between its National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Dhaka. This occurred following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. India responded with strong measures, including Operation Sindoor, to safeguard national security. Relations remain strained, with India emphasizing a terrorism-free environment for any engagement.

In 2026, planetary movements will influence the health and emotional well-being of each zodiac sign. The article details specific health predictions for all 12 signs, offering practical wellness advice to navigate potential challenges and enhance overall vitality throughout the year.

India's 2026 calendar is a vibrant tapestry of celebrations. Major festivals like Pongal, Holi, Diwali, and Eid-ul-Fitr mark the year. National holidays such as Republic Day and Independence Day are also listed. This schedule highlights India's rich cultural diversity and regional traditions. Many dates are fixed, while others depend on lunar cycles. Readers should confirm local schedules.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has asked the Centre to rebut the Chinese Foreign Minister's claim of Beijing's role in mediating the India-Pakistan standoff, stating that ormalcy in ties with the neighbouring country cannot be at the cost of sovereignty.

Indore water contamination case: The Minister further stressed that mostly people living in Bharirathpura locality belong to economically weaker sections so it was being ensured that they should not spend a single penny for their treatment.

Australia ushers in 2026 with significant economic and social reforms impacting household budgets and essential services. Key changes include increased welfare payments, a cash mandate for retailers, and cheaper medicines under the PBS. However, energy bill discounts end, and Medicare safety net thresholds rise, while a new Centre for Disease Control is launched.

2026 Predictions Astrology: Get ready for 2026. Cosmic shifts will push you to act boldly and heal old habits. Strong planetary energy will drive changes in careers, finances, relationships, and health. Discover what the stars hold for your zodiac sign. This guide offers insights into the year ahead. Learn about your lucky months and remedies. Prepare for a transformative year.

Operation Sindoor: In a well-coordinated and precise operation, the Indian Armed Forces carried out strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), killing over 100 terrorists, along with their trainers, handlers and associates.

Stranger Things S5 Volume 3 Review: Stranger Things Season 5 volume 3 is streaming on Netflix now. Reviews of the feature-length finale episode of Stranger Things Season 5 Vol 3 are in with some calling it awful and just noise and others praising the sci-fi series. Many users complained of disruptions and outages while streaming Stranger Things Season 5 Vol 3 but the service was restored later.

Virat Kohli welcomed 2026 with a loving post for Anushka Sharma. He is currently performing exceptionally well in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kohli has achieved significant milestones in the tournament. His return to form in the 50-over format is notable. All eyes are on Kohli for the upcoming India vs New Zealand ODI series.

Mumbai weather: Mumbai received unseasonal showers on the first day of 2026 amid chilly weather which brought down the pollution levels in the city. For today, the IMD has forecast light rains for Mumbai and its suburbs over the next 48 hours. Mumbaikars welcomed the unexpected rain in Mumbai today.

Happy New Year 2026 Wishes: As 2026 arrives, this curated list offers 150 Happy New Year wishes, quotes, and messages for everyone. It provides warm greetings for family, friends, colleagues, and romantic partners, alongside short updates for social media, focusing on hope, peace, and new beginnings.

Predictions for 2026: As 2026 begins, predictions from mystics like Baba Vanga and Nostradamus are resurfacing. These forecasts, ranging from World War 3 fears and alien encounters to AI integration and natural disasters, reflect current global anxieties about geopolitical tensions, technological shifts, and climate uncertainty.

The demand has come following the death of student Angel Chakma, who was brutally assaulted in Dehradun on December 9. He succumbed to his injuries at a hospital on December 26.

Zohran Mamdani is set to become New York City's first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born mayor, making history by taking his oath on a Quran. His inauguration will feature two ceremonies: a private midnight event at a historic subway station and a public ceremony at City Hall later that day.

Satya Nadella, a native of India, joined Microsoft in 1992 and rose to CEO in 2014 and is now one of the most known figures in the tech industry. The tech billionaire, known for his leadership quotes, emphasises that the how to view yourself ultimately affects the life you lead.

Gautama Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, renounced royalty to seek enlightenment. He achieved this under the Bodhi tree, becoming the Buddha. He then traveled northern India, teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These teachings, focusing on compassion and mindfulness, spread across Asia. Buddhism is now a major religion followed by millions worldwide, understood in diverse ways.

The RBI said that household borrowing patterns have changed with non-housing retail loans, largely taken for consumption, accounting for 55.3% of total household borrowing from financial institutions as of September 2025.

Quote of the Day by Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan: Long before the digital age, Marshall McLuhan warned about shifting civic priorities among young people. His observation on drivers licenses and voting captures how media and culture can elevate personal freedom over political participation, offering a lens to revisit his enduring ideas on technology, society, and public life.

Long-pending projects have been completed in national interest using the PRAGATI platform, he said. PRAGATI exemplifies cooperative federalism and breaks silo-based functioning, the prime minister added.

Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 3, the series finale, has been released across the globe, with a special primetime drop for New Year's Eve and Day 2025/2026. Executive producer Shawn Levy promises a deeply satisfying conclusion, revealing more about Vecna's past and the Hawkins gang's final battle. The feature-length episode brings back the core ensemble for a high-stakes plan to save Hawkins.

While the gaming firms are defending their right to carry out a business, the gamers argue that the law curtails their fundamental right. Of the nine petitions pending before the Supreme Court relating to the new law, 3 are by gaming companies, 4 by individual gamers, and two suits are public interest litigations seeking action against the gaming platforms