The Economic Times News

Bulgarian mystic Baba Vanga's 2026 predictions include World War Three, climate catastrophes, AI transformation, and alien encounters. She also foresees a new Russian leader emerging, potentially signaling the downfall of Vladimir Putin and a significant shift in global politics. These ominous forecasts paint a picture of widespread upheaval and transformation.

A shocking incident unfolded in Paramaribo, Suriname, where a man fatally stabbed nine individuals, including five children. The suspect, reportedly suffering from mental health issues, was wounded and apprehended by police. Four of his own children were among the victims. The attack occurred at and around his residence. Authorities are investigating the full circumstances of this tragedy.

UP School Holiday: Uttar Pradesh faces a severe cold wave. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered all schools closed until January 1. He directed officials to stay alert and ensure no one sleeps in the open. Funds are released for blankets, shelters, and bonfires. Relief work is underway across the state.

The Ajit Pawar-led NCP has released its first list of 37 candidates for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections. The party will contest the polls independently. Other parties like AAP have also announced candidates. The elections are scheduled for January 15. Nominations close on December 30. The Congress has allied with Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi for the civic body polls.

In his final Mann ki Baat of 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted Indias key achievements over the year, including Operation Sindoor by the Air Force, the Ram temple flag installation, the Prayagraj Mahakumbh, and Indias growing global presence in science, sports, and culture.

Taxi fares in Arlington, Virginia are set to rise from January 1. New rates will increase the initial drop charge, distance fees, and waiting time costs. These adjustments aim to support drivers and keep local taxi services competitive. Similar fare increases are also being considered in Kaua'i County, Hawaii, for chartered tour taxis.

US President Donald Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday. This meeting is crucial for advancing a peace agreement to end the ongoing war. The talks follow intensified Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities. President Trump also had a productive call with Russian President Vladimir Putin before the meeting.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced that the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and the NCP (Sharad Pawar) faction will contest the Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal elections together. Pawar stated that this alliance aims to bring the family together again and that seat-sharing discussions are underway, with an announcement expected soon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged states to boost manufacturing and the services sector, emphasizing India's potential to become a global services giant. He also highlighted the nation's capacity to transform into the world's food basket through advancements in agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry, dairying, and fisheries, aiming for significant food exports.

Former President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Thailand and Cambodia. He stated the United States has become the 'real' United Nations, resolving eight conflicts. Trump criticized the UN for its lack of involvement in global peace efforts. He is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss a peace plan.

Gordon Ramsay's daughter, Holly Ramsay, married Olympic swimmer Adam Peaty on Saturday, December 27th, at Bath Abbey in England. The celebrity chef proudly walked his daughter down the aisle, expressing his joy at gaining a new son-in-law. The couple, who confirmed their relationship in June 2023, announced their engagement in September 2024.

Uttar Pradesh's draft voter list will feature 12.55 crore names. Nearly 2.89 crore voters were removed. Those excluded can reapply from January 1. Over 1 crore voters are unmapped and need to provide documents. Objections to the draft list can be filed until January 31. This process aims for a clean electoral roll.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant advised young lawyers that law demands careful learning and integrity. He stated law is a long journey, not a sprint. Lawyers must adapt to technological disruption and complexity. They are expected to advise responsibly and elevate professional standards. Integrity is crucial for sustained success. The profession recognizes honesty and character.

Major cities around the world, including London and Singapore, have long used similar contactless systems. In the U.S., San Francisco launched a pay-go system earlier this year, joining Chicago and others.

Delhi braces for a difficult start to the week. The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert for very dense fog. Temperatures will remain chilly, severely affecting visibility. Pollution levels are dangerously high. The Air Quality Index is in the 'very poor' category, with some areas reaching 'severe'. Humidity is also extremely high, worsening conditions.

RSS leader Arun Kumar warned that Public Interest Litigations are being misused, harming society. He spoke at a convention where advocates passed a resolution. They are demanding faster judge appointments. The delay in filling court positions weakens the justice system. This impacts ordinary citizens, especially the poor. The resolution calls for time-bound appointments to ensure access to justice.

The New York Times Mini Crossword offers a quick, stimulating mental challenge for puzzle enthusiasts. This compact, five-by-five grid, known for its cleverly written clues, has become a daily ritual for many, fostering friendly competition. While accessible, the Mini can be surprisingly tricky, often leading players to seek hints and answers.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat called for India to become a Vishwaguru, driven by global necessity. He highlighted the resurgence of Sanatana Dharma and the interconnectedness of Bharat, the Hindu nation, Sanatana Dharma, and Hindutva. Bhagwat stressed that achieving this status requires sustained hard work and the organization of the Hindu community worldwide.

US Weather forecast: High pressure will continue to promote dry weather across the Southeast. There will be at least some sunshine and it will be quite warm. Temperatures will be 10 to 20 degrees above average for this time of year.

Dhaka has rejected India's concerns regarding the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh. Dhaka states that India's narrative is inaccurate and exaggerated. Bangladesh also raised concerns about incidents targeting minority communities in India. Dhaka believes all countries must protect their minorities. The two nations are exchanging views on minority welfare.

Quote of the Day: Brigitte Bardot, the iconic actress and animal rights activist, passed away at 91. Her powerful quote, To possess a fur coat is to wear a cemetery on one's back, condemned the fur industry with moral outrage. Bardot dedicated her later life to animal welfare, leaving behind a legacy of uncompromising advocacy.

News headlines December 29: India is seeing a significant drop in malaria cases. The civil aviation ministry has established a 24x7 control room for passenger assistance. Rolls Royce aims to make India a home market for its jet engines and naval propulsion. China's Maglev train has set a new speed record. In sports, Joe Root achieved a major career milestone.

Gold, Silver prices prediction: Analysts said silver prices may move higher USD 80-85 per ounce globally, due to global supplies constraints.

The United States has strongly condemned the recent communal violence in Bangladesh. The mob killing of Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das was termed horrific. Washington urged a firm stand against religious hatred. US lawmakers also reacted strongly to the incident. The killing has intensified international scrutiny of the situation facing religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Sun Tzu's supreme art of war emphasizes subduing the enemy without fighting, valuing strategy, deception, and preparation over bloodshed. This approach prioritizes knowledge, patience, and balance, leading to victory with minimal destruction. The principle extends beyond warfare, highlighting the power of influence and restraint in resolving everyday struggles.

U.S. Stock Market outlook: S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq all fell less than 0.1 per cent on Friday.

NYT Connections puzzle #931 on December 28, 2025, challenges players with four categories: shipping containers, stillness, watch parts, and playful dog names. The game, a daily word puzzle, requires sorting 16 words into four groups of four, with difficulty levels indicated by colour. Hints and solutions are provided for those seeking assistance.

Happy New Year 2026 wishes: As 2026 approaches, New Years Day offers a moment to reflect, reconnect, and look ahead with hope. Sharing thoughtful wishes and meaningful quotes is a simple way to express gratitude, encouragement, and optimism. These New Year 2026 messages are designed to help you spread warmth, positivity, and renewed purpose among family and friends as a new chapter unfolds.

Vijay Sales has started its Apple Days Sale. The sale runs until January 4, 2026. Customers can find discounts on the latest iPhones, MacBooks, iPads, and Apple accessories. Special offers include loyalty points and exchange bonuses. Demo and open units are also available at reduced prices. Bank offers provide additional instant discounts on purchases.

Millions are hooked on the daily New York Times Wordle, a five-letter guessing game. Launched in 2021, its simple format and shareable results led to a swift acquisition by the NYT. Players get six tries to decipher the word, with color-coded clues guiding their progress. Today's puzzle, #1653, was a moderate challenge, hinting at a word related to religious leadership.

2025 fashion presented a dichotomy of styles, from the understated elegance of Quiet Luxury and Old Money to the playful chaos of Eclectic Grandpa and Y3K futurism. Denim, quirky accessories like Labubu dolls, and a sporty-preppy fusion also defined the year's trends, showcasing a bold experimentation with identity and vision.

French film icon Brigitte Bardot has passed away at 91. Known for her early film career and later dedication to animal rights, Bardot left an indelible mark. She transitioned from a symbol of rebellion and beauty to a passionate advocate for animals. Her foundation continues her work. Bardot's legacy spans cinema and activism.

China's parliament has expelled three top military officials in a significant anti-corruption drive. Wang Renhua, Zhang Hongbing, and Wang Peng have been removed from their positions. This action follows speculation due to their recent absences from key military events. The crackdown, led by President Xi Jinping, targets corruption within the People's Liberation Army.

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has asked Sonia Gandhi to return Jawaharlal Nehru's personal documents to the Prime Ministers' Museum and Library. He stated these documents are national heritage, not private property. The minister also highlighted the government's digitization efforts and its vision for tourism and heritage conservation. He defended policy changes and emphasized poverty reduction.

Congress leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan stated there is nothing to learn from the RSS, citing their past actions against the national flag and the 1942 Quit India Movement. He also criticized the NDA government for weakening the MGNREGA scheme and the nation's economic situation. Khan emphasized the need to speak against these issues.