The Economic Times News

Baripada's Binod Lohar, a 37-year-old auto driver, dedicates his time to offering free rides to the local hospital for the needy. Inspired by a personal encounter, he now ferries poor patients, the elderly, and disabled individuals, covering their travel costs from his own earnings. Lohar also volunteers as a blood donor and aids in arranging ambulance services.

Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh shared a photograph of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He spoke about Modi's rise through organizational ranks. This sparked political reactions. Singh clarified his stance, stating his opposition to the RSS and Modi. The BJP used his remarks to criticize the Congress. The party is focused on strengthening its grassroots presence.

Social Security taxes are shifting in 2026. While federal rules still tax up to 85% of benefits, new senior deductions offer major relief through 2028. West Virginia is officially ending its state-level tax, leaving only seven states taking a cut. These changes will reshape monthly take-home pay for millions.

Rahul Gandhi has publicly condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent move to dismantle the MGNREGA program, calling it an unconsulted, reckless act that jeopardizes the rural economy and the democratic ethos of India.

Quote of the day December 27: Helen Keller's timeless words about unseen beauty resonate today. Her quote, The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart, highlights intangible values. In our image-focused society, Keller's message reminds us that true fulfillment comes from empathy and inner connection, not just external validation.

Pakistan has summoned Britain's deputy high commissioner. This action follows a viral video from a rally in England. A woman in the video discussed the potential assassination of Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir. The rally supported imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistan's government demands an investigation into the threat.

Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Kyiv, causing casualties and damaging infrastructure. This occurred just before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's planned talks with US President Donald Trump in Florida. The discussions will focus on security guarantees for Ukraine and territorial disputes. Poland temporarily closed airports due to the aerial assault.

Parts of the region could experience some of their most significant snow totals in years. Last winter, New York City recorded barely over a foot for the season, still an increase from the 7.5 inches the previous winter and the paltry 2.3 inches the winter before that.

The Chakma Development Foundation of India (CDFI) has urged Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure a fast-track trial for the racially motivated killing of Anjel Chakma, a Scheduled Tribe student from Tripura, in Dehradun. Anjel died on December 26 after being stabbed during a racial attack by six locals, who also assaulted his brother.

A new chargesheet reveals cleric Maulana Tauqeer Raza Khan allegedly directed a mob to attack police and chant 'sar tan se juda' slogans during Bareilly violence on September 26. Police have filed charges against 38 people, including Khan. Violence erupted after protesters were denied permission to demonstrate. Investigations are ongoing.

India must embrace company bankruptcies for a dynamic economy. Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister member Sanjeev Sanyal stated continuous insolvency is essential. This allows new businesses to emerge and fosters long-term economic strength. He noted that allowing large companies to fail, as seen in 2017, ultimately made the corporate sector stronger. This approach encourages risk-taking and innovation.

Ring in the fresh calendar with dinner spreads that feel festive yet doable at home. Mix Indian classics with modern twists, stack starters and mains smartly, and let the mood carry you through midnight without kitchen stress.

India adopts multi-alignment, actively engaging with global partners for its interests. This strategy differs from non-alignment, positioning India as a significant world player. Economist Sanjeev Sanyal highlights India's role alongside the US and China. India's GDP estimates are based on a robust system, with updates planned for 2026 to reflect current economic realities.

A global safety analysis reveals minoxidil's link to infant hair growth and eye problems. Over 45 infant cases of excessive hair growth were reported. Globally, 1,660 eye-related adverse effects were noted. Serious eye conditions like retinal artery occlusion were identified. Experts urge clearer warnings and better counselling to prevent harm, especially in homes with infants.

Saudi Arabia warned Saturday it would back Yemen's government in any military confrontation with separatist forces and urged them to withdraw peacefully from recently-seized provinces. Following Friday's raids, Yemen's government urged the Saudi-led coalition to support its forces in Hadramawt, after separatists seized most of the country's largest province.

Assam's Special Revision of electoral rolls is complete, with 2,51,09,754 electors after removing 93,021 doubtful voters and 4,78,992 deceased. The process involved 100% household coverage and identified 5,23,680 shifted electors and 53,619 demographically similar entries for correction. The purification aims for an error-free roll ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

Silver price outlook 2026: Silvers historic surge is no longer a niche market story. It has become a defining global commodities headline. On Friday, spot silver surged more than 7% to trade above $77 per ounce, briefly touching $77.40. That puts silver up roughly 169% year-to-date. Now investors are openly questioning whether $100 silver in 2026 has shifted from a bold forecast to a realistic and achievable target.

Wordle is once-a-day online game gives a player six chances to figure out a five-letter word, using the least number of guesses.

A new political party, the Bangladesh Minority Janta Party (BMJP), is aiming to unite Hindu and other minority votes in Bangladesh for the upcoming elections. The BMJP plans to contest 91 seats, seeking to secure victories in around 40-45 constituencies, and is exploring alliances to ensure minority safety during voting.

2025 Year Ender: In 2025, food became an experience. Desserts offered drama and texture, with Dubai Chocolate and deconstructed tiramisu gaining popularity. Vegetables saw a glow-up, with carrot ribbon salad and cabbage boil becoming hits. Drinks like matcha and pickle lemonade offered new flavours. Protein became a lifestyle, with cottage cheese and dumpling bakes leading the way.

India last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013 in England under the leadership of MS Dhoni. They reached the final again in 2017 but lost to arch-rivals Pakistan at The Oval in London.

Fitness trainer Siddhartha Singh, who trains Tamannaah Bhatia, has ranked popular protein sources. Greek yoghurt received a perfect score for its quality and availability. Whey protein also scored high, but Singh stressed it should supplement whole foods. Traditional Indian staples like dal, sattu, and peanut butter received lower ratings. Singh's insights challenge common protein intake beliefs.

2025 Year Ender: Artificial intelligence crossed a decisive threshold in 2025, evolving from experimental tools into systems embedded across daily life, business operations, and scientific research. The year saw major shifts in global AI power with Chinas open-source DeepSeek R1 challenging US dominance, while reasoning-focused models delivered breakthroughs in mathematics, enterprise workflows, and even AI self-optimisation.

Hyderabad police have filed a charge sheet naming 23 individuals, including actor Allu Arjun, in a stampede incident. The incident occurred during the premiere of the film 'Pushpa-2'. A woman died and her son was injured in the crowd surge. The theatre management is listed as the prime accused. Allu Arjun was arrested and later granted bail.

Quote of the Day by Barack Obama: To his fans, U.S President Barack Obama is an inspiring once-in-a-generation politician like President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert, both assassinated in the 1960s.

Switzerland's army chief has issued a stark warning. The nation cannot defend itself against a major attack. He states military spending must increase due to growing threats from Russia. Current equipment gaps are significant. Neutrality alone offers no protection. Defence spending is rising, but readiness will take decades. This pace is too slow given the current danger.

Winter showers pit comfort against physiology. Hot water soothes muscles but strips skin; cold water energizes circulation but stresses the heart. The answer depends on your body's needs, not just preference.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has responded to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's criticism of an anti-encroachment drive in Bengaluru. Shivakumar stated that Vijayan should not interfere in Karnataka's affairs without knowing the facts. He clarified that the drive targeted illegal land occupation on a dangerous waste dump site.

How to check Aadhar link with pan: A crucial deadline looms for PAN holders in India. By December 31, 2025, all PANs must be linked with Aadhaar. Failure to comply will render PANs inoperative from January 1, 2026. This impacts tax filings, bank accounts, and investments. The process involves a fee and can be completed via the e-Filing Portal. Check your link status promptly.

The Indian National Congress will launch the 'MGNREGA Bachao Abhiyan' on January 5, 2026. This nationwide campaign protests the Centre's move to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The party aims to mobilize across the country, highlighting concerns over the new rural jobs framework.

Tata Motors will introduce three new electric vehicles in India in 2026. The Sierra EV, a new Punch EV, and an Avinya series model are planned. This follows the Nexon EV crossing one lakh sales. The updated Punch EV and Sierra EV are expected early in the year. These launches aim to expand Tata Motors' electric vehicle offerings.

India now has a dedicated standard for bomb disposal systems. This new standard, IS 19445:2025, will help evaluate systems against blasts and splinters. It aims for voluntary adoption by agencies and manufacturers. The standard ensures uniform evaluation and promotes quality manufacturing. This will enhance confidence in systems used for critical security operations across India.

Jailed Sukesh Chandrasekhar has offered to pay Rs 217 crore to Aditi Singh in a Rs 200 crore extortion case. The offer is made without admitting guilt. The court will consider the settlement proposal on January 3, 2026. Chandrasekhar is accused of duping wives of former Ranbaxy promoters. Delhi Police arrested him and an associate. Investigations are ongoing.

China will implement government licensing for all silver exports from January 1, 2026, a move that could significantly disrupt global supply chains. This decision comes as silver prices have surged due to demand outpacing supply, with the metal being crucial for various industrial applications like solar energy and EVs.

Josh Tongue's remarkable comeback fuels England's Ashes victory. He overcame career-threatening injuries to deliver a match-winning five-wicket haul. This performance secured England's first test win in Australia in fifteen years. Tongue's dedication highlights his dream of playing for England. The series concludes with the fifth test in Sydney.

England achieved a historic Test win in Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Young batter Jacob Bethell played a crucial role with a significant score. This victory ended an 18-match winless streak for England Down Under. The match was played on a challenging pitch favoring bowlers. Bethell's performance highlighted his potential for England's future.

Quote of the day by Thomas Alva Edison highlights the idea that value comes from character and actions. The quote reflects Edisons life, work, inventions, and thinking. It explains the meaning of quote of the day today and reviews Edisons role in science, industry, and modern electricity.

A controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after a video showed a police officer touching the feet of spiritual preacher Dhirendra Shastri, who arrived on a government aircraft. The Congress has alleged misuse of public funds, while the BJP defended the officer's act as personal faith and accused the opposition of opposing Sanatana Dharma.