US employers slowed down hiring in December, wrapping up the year with moderated yet healthy job growth. Economists expect this trend to carry on into 2025. The Federal Reserve may slow interest rate cuts as the economy remains durable. The unemployment rate is predicted to hold steady, with slight cooling in hourly earnings growth.
Alien Head: Archaeologists discovered a 7,000-year-old figurine resembling an alien at Bahra 1 in Kuwait. The site, excavated by Kuwaiti and Polish researchers, is among the oldest on the Arabian Peninsula. This find raises intriguing questions about its purpose and meaning for the Neolithic Ubaid community.
BJP's Kalkaji candidate, Ramesh Bidhuri, criticized Delhi Chief Minister Atishi for changing her surname from "Marlena" to "Singh", questioning her character. AAP condemned Bidhuri's remarks as abusive and indicative of BJP's anti-women mindset. CM Kejriwal criticized BJP, emphasizing Delhi's support for Atishi.
The West Bengal government has initiated efforts to make Sagar Island an eco-friendly destination by 2025, introducing jute bags and implementing a plastic-free policy. For the upcoming Sagar Mela, extensive IT initiatives including a mega control room, live tracking systems, and over 1150 CCTVs are in place to ensure safety and manage the influx of pilgrims.
In a collaborative effort, the Indian Coast Guard and Bangladesh Coast Guard successfully repatriated 95 Indian fishermen and four fishing boats, while handing over 90 Bangladeshi fishermen, including 12 rescued from a sunken boat. The transfer, approved by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, highlights ongoing maritime collaboration despite current turmoil in Bangladesh.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized the potential of drone technology, highlighting its current use in agriculture and future applications in various sectors, including crowd and traffic management. At the inauguration of a drone training centre in Indore, he stressed the state's efforts to align with PM Modi's vision of making India a global drone technology hub by 2030.
Jeff Bezos cartoon drafted for "The Washington Post" has became the cynosure of all eyes on the social media.
Apple TV+'s acclaimed sci-fi series Silo has returned for a gripping second season, captivating audiences with its suspenseful narrative.
Baena was a talented filmmaker known for his unique blend of dark comedy and emotional depth in films such as I Heart Huckabees, Life After Beth, and The Little Hours.
The Year of the Snake 2025 brings varying fortunes for each zodiac sign.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserts India's potential to become the global health and wellness capital, emphasizing the importance of the AYUSH system and Ayurveda. He inaugurated the foundation for a new Central Ayurveda Research Institute in Delhi to boost healthcare and research, highlighting the government's efforts in promoting traditional Indian medicine.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin offers a $1 million prize for deciphering the Indus valley script, emphasizing its Dravidian roots and historical significance. Further, he announced a grant for a research chair and annual awards for scholars to boost the study of Indus culture.
OYO has introduced a new policy for its partner hotels in Meerut that bans unmarried couples from checking in without proof of their relationship. This policy aims to ensure safety and align with local social norms, with potential plans to extend it to other cities. The initiative is part of a broader effort by OYO to build trust and improve its brand image across India.
Migrant shelters on the US-Mexico border support migrants with essentials like shelter, food, and legal advice. Republican scrutiny intensifies, questioning if these nonprofits encourage illegal immigration. Texas probes multiple aid groups, but courts mostly reject their lawsuits. Some local officials defend the shelters' crucial humanitarian work.
President Biden plans to sign the Social Security Fairness Act into law, impacting nearly 3 million public service retirees, including teachers and firefighters. The act removes limitations on Social Security benefits for those receiving public pensions, increasing payments but potentially hastening trust fund insolvency by about half a year.
With a recent rise in Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases across China, particularly among children, social media posts have led to growing concerns about a potential new pandemic. However, experts from China and India downplay these fears, explaining that HMPV is a seasonal virus. Authorities in both countries are closely monitoring the situation, urging the public to take basic precautions to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses.
Dense fog caused delays for 51 trains and rescheduled several flights in New Delhi on Sunday morning. Visibility was zero at Palam for 3.5 hours. The IMD predicted light rain and thunderstorms on Monday. The maximum temperature was 18.6 degrees Celsius, and air quality remained 'very poor' with an AQI of 339.
United Airlines expects to start testing Elon Musk's Starlink for in-flight internet services in February. Initially offered on Embraer E-175 aircraft this spring, the airline plans to equip its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of 2025, providing free access to MileagePlus members. Starlink has also signed agreements with Hawaiian Airlines and JSX.
Lionel Messi has become first male soccer player to receive the US' highest civilian award -- the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Senior officials from the commerce ministry and Indian Missions of 20 countries will hold a three-day meet to discuss ways to promote exports of goods and services. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will engage with commercial representatives on January 6. The discussions will focus on opportunities, challenges, and strategy for six key product categories to 20 focus countries.
HMPV cases are rising in China, with 327 reported in 2024, a 45% increase from 225 cases in 2023. The virus, causing symptoms similar to a common cold, can lead to severe respiratory conditions. Preventive measures, like handwashing and wearing masks, are recommended to curb the spread.
Chinese hackers have compromised several U.S. telecom companies beyond previously known entities, including Charter Communications and Windstream. They exploited unpatched devices from Fortinet and Cisco. The Salt Typhoon cyberespionage operation targeted major telecoms, raising concerns about U.S. infrastructure security. Despite mitigation efforts, the Chinese government denies involvement.
Goa Shipyard Limited launched two Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard. The vessels, Amulya and Akshay, were launched using the Shipyard's Ship-Lift System. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials. This achievement highlights GSL's commitment to innovation and its role in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2023, in an underground war operations room in Beirut. The attack, which also claimed five other lives, led to a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah. While a ceasefire was brokered by the US in late November, tensions persist, with Hezbollah threatening further strikes if Israeli forces fail to withdraw from southern Lebanon by the end of January.
