Hiring in the United States remained subdued in December, capping a year of weak employment gains, even as the unemployment rate edged lower, according to data released by the US Labor Department on Friday, AP reported.Employers added 50,000 jobs in December, nearly unchanged from a downwardly revised 56,000 jobs added in November. The unemployment rate slipped to 4.4 per cent from 4.5 per cent in November, marking its first decline since June, the data showed.

The figures indicate that businesses remain cautious about expanding their workforces despite an improvement in overall economic growth. Many firms hired aggressively in the post-pandemic phase and now appear reluctant to add more workers, while others are holding back amid uncertainty linked to shifting US tariff policies, elevated inflation and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on jobs.The December report is being closely watched as it offers the first clear reading on the labour market in three months. The government did not release employment data in October due to a six-week shutdown, while November figures were distorted by the same disruption.December’s numbers also close out a year marked by slowing job creation. The economy generated an average of 111,000 jobs a month in the first three months of 2025, but that pace dropped sharply to just 11,000 a month in the three months ended August, before a modest rebound to 22,000 jobs in November.Economists note that weak hiring has emerged as a key puzzle for the US economy, which has continued to grow at a healthy pace. Growth reached an annualised 4.3 per cent in the July–September quarter last year, even as job gains softened and unemployment ticked higher through much of the year.With hiring losing momentum, the US Federal Reserve cut its key interest rate three times late last year to support borrowing, spending and employment. However, Fed Chair Jerome Powell has signalled that policymakers may hold rates steady in the coming months while assessing how the economy evolves.Despite low layoffs and a stable unemployment rate, economists remain divided on the outlook. Some expect hiring to pick up if growth remains strong, while others caution that automation and artificial intelligence could allow the economy to expand without a corresponding rise in jobs.

The United States has intercepted and seized another sanctioned oil tanker at sea, escalating its enforcement campaign against so-called “ghost fleet” vessels accused of moving embargoed crude and drawing sharp criticism from Moscow. This was the fifth such interception under Trump’s administration aim to control the distribution of Venezuela’s oil products.The latest operation, carried out in international waters east of the Caribbean Sea, was confirmed by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who framed the action as a warning to criminal networks and hostile states alike.

“The world’s criminals are on notice,” Noem said, announcing that the US Coast Guard had boarded and seized the motor tanker Olina after it departed Venezuela and attempted to evade American forces.Describing the ship as part of a shadow fleet suspected of carrying embargoed oil, she said the operation was conducted with close coordination between the Defence Department, State Department and Justice Department, and was consistent with international law.Also read: ‘Our gratitude’ -Moscow says US to release two Russian crew members from seized oil tanker; move after request to Trump “The ghost fleets will not outrun justice. They will not hide under false claims of nationality,” Noem said, adding that the Coast Guard would continue to seize sanctioned tankers and cut off funding streams linked to illicit activity, including narco-terrorism. “This is owning the sea.”The seizure follows an earlier high-profile interception that has already strained relations between Washington and Moscow. Russia has strongly condemned the US capture of another tanker, warning that such actions lower the threshold for the use of force against what it describes as peaceful shipping and risk further escalation across the Euro-Atlantic region. The Russian foreign ministry accused Washington of a “gross violation” of international maritime law and rejected the legitimacy of unilateral Western sanctions, insisting the vessel had been authorised to sail under a Russian flag.Also read: US troops board Russia-flagged oil tanker; choppers hover near ship – watchRussian President Vladimir Putin has so far avoided direct comment, hawkish voices in Moscow have reacted angrily. Washington, however, has defended its actions as lawful enforcement of sanctions on Venezuela and associated oil shipments. US officials say only approved channels consistent with American law and national security interests are permitted to transport Venezuelan crude. The US European Command has said the earlier vessel was seized for violations of US sanctions after attempting to evade restrictions and changing its name and flag.

Tesla, SpaceX and X CEO Elon Musk has once again made global headlines, this time not for a rocket launch or tech reveal but for a personal moment. An X (formerly Twitter) handle, Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, tweeted a picture featuring Musk with his twins and but it was Musk’s proud comment on the post that has now gone viral around the world. The tweet shared a glimpse into his family life on social media as he introduced his son Strider Sekhar and daughter Comet Azure.The picture of the trio, shared by Tesla Owners Silicon Valley, was captioned, “Elon Musk “Bringing a child into the world is a statement of optimism. We need to restore hope and excitement for the future—I believe it will surpass the past.” (sic).”

Musk commented, “Me with my son, Strider Sekhar (named after Aragorn & great Indian physicist Chandrasekhar) and daughter, Comet Azure, named after the most powerful spell in Elden Ring (sic).” The tweet quickly turned into one of the platform’s most discussed moments of the week as the revelation captivated followers for several reasons: the blend of pop culture, global science lore and video-game references in the children’s names, the rare personal tone from a notoriously private billionaire and the cultural conversation it sparked online.

Who are Strider Sekhar and Comet Azure?

Strider and Azure are twins born in November 2021 to Musk and Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis, conceived via IVF and welcomed alongside other children whom Musk shares with different partners. The twins were previously known publicly by their shorter names, Strider and Azure, but Musk’s new tweet elaborates on both their full names and the inspirations behind them.

While the specific phrase “most powerful spell” is not independently verified by gaming sources, the reference reflects how pop culture influences naming in the tech billionaire’s circle.

Musk’s unconventional naming tradition

Elon Musk has a long history of choosing unusual, symbolic names for his children and this latest tweet confirms that tradition is very much alive.His first child with musician Grimes, for example, was named X Æ A-Xii, a name blending letters and numerals as a reflection of both parents’ interests in technology, aviation and symbolism. Other children include Exa Dark Sideræl and Techno Mechanicus with Grimes, and Seldon Lycurgus with Zilis. These names were inspired by science fiction and ancient governance respectively. In the case of Seldon Lycurgus, the name pulled from Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series and Spartan lawgiver Lycurgus, indicating the one-off but deliberate fusion of cultural and historical figures that Musk favours. The new tweet suggests that Strider Sekhar and Comet Azure are part of that same pattern of mixing cultural icons, historical figures and elements of fantasy, which is a style that has drawn both fascination and mockery online. Elon Musk’s family life, including his many children with multiple partners, periodically captures headlines.

According to public records and reports, Musk has acknowledged fathering at least 14 children, including twins Strider and Azure as well as other children with Neuralink executive Shivon Zilis and previous relationships. Some of the children, like Strider and Azure, have previously appeared in family photos circulating online and Musk has on occasion interacted publicly about his kids, though he usually keeps his personal life private. The wave of discussion sparked by the recent tweet reflects not only curiosity about the unusual names but also broader interest in how public figures invoke storytelling, heritage and pop culture when choosing names for the next generation.

Public reaction and social media buzz

As with many Musk-related moments, the tweet has ignited a mixed reaction online. Fans and pop culture buffs are sharing praise for the references, particularly the blended tribute to Tolkien and Chandrasekhar. Gaming communities are amused by the Elden Ring reference, seeing it as a playful nod that connects with younger audiences.Cultural commentators are noting the cross-cultural appeal of honouring both a Western literary icon and an Indian scientific pioneer in a single name, something rarely seen in high-profile naming choices. Reposts, memes and debates about name pronunciation and meaning have already spread across X, Instagram and Reddit, where Musk’s personal posts often become fodder for broader cultural discussion.While some of the chatter is light-hearted, this tweet encapsulates several larger trends in how modern public figures communicate. Musk uses social platforms to share personal tidbits that blur the boundaries between private and public identity. The choice of “Sekhar” highlights how global heritage and scientific admiration can coexist in naming traditions, reflecting broader globalisation.

By invoking Elden Ring, Tolkien and historical figures, modern naming can serve as encoded signals about family interests, values and technological culture. Whether one sees the tweet as charming, eccentric or emblematic of billionaire quirkiness, it has undeniably sparked conversation about modern parenting, cultural homage and the role of symbolic names in the digital age.

Bottom line

Elon Musk’s tweet introducing Strider Sekhar and Comet Azure gives rare insight into how one of the world’s most high-profile figures bridges fantasy, science, culture and personal identity in naming his children. By honouring both a legendary literary character and an esteemed Indian physicist, alongside a video-game-inspired name, Musk’s choices reflect a unique fusion of cultural currents that are distinctly modern, widely discussed and emblematic of his larger-than-life public persona.

Tension within Bangladesh cricket has intensified after former national captain Tamim Iqbal was publicly criticised by a senior Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) official for expressing caution over the board’s recent move regarding the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. What began as a measured comment from a retired cricketer has now snowballed into a heated controversy, exposing the growing overlap between sport, administration, and regional politics.

Bangladesh seeks neutral venues for T20 World Cup 2026

The controversy stems from Bangladesh formally approaching the International Cricket Council (ICC) to request that its T20 World Cup 2026 matches not be staged in India. The move followed ongoing political unease between India and Bangladesh, prompting the BCB to argue for neutral venues to safeguard the team’s participation.

The episode has also coincided with developments involving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after BCCI reportedly requested IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to release Bangladesh pacer Mustafizur Rahman from their IPL 2026 plans, underlining how geopolitical considerations are influencing cricketing decisions.

While the decision drew mixed reactions, Tamim—one of Bangladesh’s most respected modern-day cricketers—voiced concern about the long-term implications of such a step. Importantly, Tamim made it clear that he was speaking as an outsider, not as a BCB representative, and stressed that Bangladesh cricket’s broader future should remain the top priority.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Bangladesh write to ICC over security concerns in India

Tamim Iqbal’s measured remarks spark backlash

Reacting to reports of the BCB’s letter, Tamim urged caution and internal discussion before taking public positions on sensitive matters. He highlighted Bangladesh cricket’s financial reliance on the ICC and suggested that dialogue, rather than public confrontation, would better serve the country’s interests.

“What I am saying, however, is that Bangladesh cricket’s interest, future and everything else must be considered before making such a decision. There is nothing better than if something can be resolved through dialogue. What I feel, and I think I would have done the same if I were there, is that since this is a sensitive issue, before making public comments, we would discuss the matter ourselves. Bangladesh cricket’s future comes before everything else, and 90 to 95 percent of the finances come from the ICC, so decisions have to be made based on what will help Bangladesh cricket,” Tamim had said as quoted by NDTV.

However, his remarks triggered a fierce response from M. Najmul Islam, a member of the BCB’s Board of Directors. In a strongly worded social media post, Najmul accused Tamim of acting as a ‘proven Indian agent,’ a statement that quickly went viral and drew widespread criticism for its tone and implications.

In a Facebook post that has since been deleted, the director shared a graphic of Tamim’s remarks and allegedly captioned it with the inflammatory Bengali phrase “Bharatiya Dalal”. By using this term, the BCB director essentially accused Bangladesh’s most prolific batsman of prioritizing India’s cricketing interests over those of his own nation.

Also READ: Did Bangladesh drop Ridhima Pathak from the BPL 2025–26 hosting panel? Indian presenter breaks her silence

The United States has announced a $45 million aid package for Thailand and Cambodia as part of efforts to reinforce a fragile ceasefire and promote stability along their disputed border.The announcement was made on Friday by Michael DeSombre, the US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, during an online media briefing from Bangkok. DeSombre is visiting both countries to discuss the implementation of the ceasefire agreements reached last year after deadly border clashes rooted in long-standing territorial disputes.“The restoration of peace at the Thai-Cambodian border opens new opportunities for the United States to deepen our work with both countries to promote regional stability and advance our interests in a safer, stronger and more prosperous Indo-Pacific,” DeSombre said, as quoted by news agency AP.According to DeSombre, the aid package will include $15 million for border stabilisation to help communities recover and support people displaced by the fighting, $10 million for demining and clearance of unexploded ordnance, and $20 million for programmes aimed at tackling drug trafficking and online scam operations. He added that the exact details of how the funds will be used are still being finalised.The fighting between Thailand and Cambodia, which flared up in July and again in December, displaced hundreds of thousands of people and killed around 100 soldiers and civilians, according to AP. Both countries accuse each other of responsibility for the violence, which stems from competing claims over sections of their shared 800-kilometre border, originally drawn during the colonial era. Several disputed areas include ancient temple ruins claimed by both sides.Landmines remain a major concern in the border region. Cambodia continues to deal with mines left behind from decades of civil war, while Thailand has accused Cambodia of laying new mines, blaming them for injuring Thai soldiers in multiple patrol incidents last year.The ceasefire, also known as the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords, was formalised in October at a regional meeting in Malaysia attended by US President Donald Trump. Although the two sides initially agreed to stop fighting in late July, progress was slow until Trump intervened, warning Thai and Cambodian leaders that Washington would not move forward with trade agreements if hostilities continued.Despite the agreement, clashes erupted again early last month. After three weeks of fighting, defence ministers from both countries signed a renewed pact on December 27, committing to implement the October deal, as per news agency AFP. Thailand later accused Cambodia of violating the truce, which Phnom Penh said was accidental.DeSombre said Washington remained committed to supporting both governments as they work to implement the ceasefire. “The United States will continue to support the Cambodian and Thai governments as they implement the Kuala Lumpur Peace Accords and pave the way for a return to peace, prosperity and stability for their people and the region,” he said in a statement, reported AFP.US aid to Southeast Asia had been sharply reduced last year after the Trump administration shut down the US Agency for International Development, or USAID, but the latest package signals renewed engagement focused on security, stability and US strategic interests in the region.

Mumbai Indians Women vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Women Live Score: The Women’s Premier League 2026 is set for a thrilling start as defending champions Mumbai Indians take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the 2024 winners, in the opening match at the DY Patil Stadium on Friday.

Often dubbed the most fierce rivalry of the WPL, the clash brings together two of the league’s strongest franchises and sets the tone for the season ahead.

Speaking ahead of the opener on JioHotstar, Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur spoke about handling pressure and enjoying the game. “You feel pressure in any format, whether it is WPL, international cricket or domestic matches. You set a high standard for yourself and expect a lot.

But the most important thing is to enjoy yourself on the field. Other than taking pressure, I would love to enjoy my game,” Harmanpreet said. She added that her role as captain is to help players feel comfortable and confident, even while leading a title-winning side.

RCB skipper Smriti Mandhana echoed a different but equally focused approach, emphasising discipline and consistency.

“I think the whole RCB squad is very balanced this season. We had a good mega auction. I always tell the team we have to focus on our work ethic. What happens on the field is not in our hands,” Mandhana said. She also expressed her desire to continue her strong batting form, adding, “I have been batting well in the last two years, and I want to bring that success from international cricket to the WPL.”

JioStar expert Veda Krishnamurthy noted that Mandhana will carry added responsibility this season, especially with Ellyse Perry unavailable.

“Smriti Mandhana has evolved as a cricketer. She uses her feet more and plays the leg side against spin, which is an added advantage. But Ellyse Perry’s absence is a big question,” Veda said. “Smriti will not just play a captain’s role, but also take on the responsibility of carrying the team forward.”

Veda also highlighted Mumbai Indians’ depth and balance, pointing to a strong core of international stars and match-winners. With the WPL 2026 underway, the opener promises a high-quality contest between a settled MI outfit and an RCB side looking to adapt and thrive.

The growing number of free trade agreements (FTAs) signed and implemented by India will provide wider market access to the country’s agriculture and food processing sectors, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada said on Friday, PTI reported.“We have navigated a series of free trade agreements. Our produce has access to these markets,” Prasada said, noting that India has recently signed and implemented FTAs with Mauritius, Australia, the EFTA bloc, the UK, Oman and New Zealand.The minister said the government has also taken steps to improve ease of doing business by removing unnecessary compliances and regulatory burdens that hinder investment and foreign participation. “The government has also ensured ease of doing business in India, doing away with the unnecessary compliances and regulation burdens,” he said, adding that the “red carpet has been rolled out for investment”.Speaking at the inauguration of the World Culinary Heritage Conference 2026 at India Expo Mart in Greater Noida, Prasada said India now has over 40,000 registered agro-based processing units and the focus must shift towards increasing revenues from the sector.The conference is part of the three-day Indusfood show organised by the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI). TPCI chairman Mohit Singla said participants from over 120 countries are attending the food and beverages event.Buyers and exhibitors from countries including China, Jordan, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, Nepal and Lebanon are participating in the show, he said. Singla added that the conference has brought together 30 global chefs, 350 Indian chefs, policymakers, food and beverage industry leaders and startups. “It serves as a thought-leadership platform connecting culture, cuisine, commerce, and sustainability,” he said.

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday reacted sharply to the letter sent by New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani to jailed student activist Umar Khalid, saying “personal prejudices does not behove those in office.” Hitting out at Mamdani, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We expect public representatives to be respectful of the independence of judiciary in other democracies. Expressing personal prejudices do not behove those in office. Instead of such comments, it would be better to focus on the responsibilities entrusted to them.”

Mamdani, in the note, had said he often thinks about the former JNU student leader’s thoughts on bitterness. “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you,” in the handwritten note, Mamdani said. The note, undated, was shared on X by Khalid’s partner Banojyotsna Lahiri last week, after Mamdani was sworn in as mayor in a midnight ceremony. Khalid, was arrested in September 2020 and charged under unlawful activities (prevention) act (UAPA) for allegedly conspiring to incite riots in Delhi, charges he has consistently denied. Khalid was granted temporary bail in December to attend his sister’s wedding. Khalid’s father, Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas, earlier told TOI that the family met Mamdani early December last year during a visit to the United States to meet Khalid’s sister. Ilyas said he had sought time from Mamdani to congratulate him on his appointment and ended up meeting him and his wife for around half an hour. “He gave us time exclusively and we discussed many things, including Umar’s incarceration. We hoped he would fulfil the promises he has made for the people of New York,” he said. “We also spoke about what has been happening to my son and the developments around his case. Mamdani said he follows it and has read Umar’s letters from jail,” he added.“This prolonged incarceration itself is unjust, and that is why it has attracted international attention,” Lahiri said.

NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Friday rejected recent claims by Donald Trump, declaring that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US President “share a friendly relationship based on mutual respect.”Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “Prime Minister Modi and President Trump have a friendly relationship and have always addressed each other with mutual respect as per diplomatic norms.”

The statement came in response to remarks made by Trump earlier this week at the House GOP Member Retreat, where he claimed that PM Modi had personally raised concerns with him over delays in the delivery of US-made Apache attack helicopters and had addressed him as “sir” .Trump said, “Prime Minister Modi came to see me, ‘Sir, may I see you please’,” claiming PM Modi sought a meeting to flag the slow pace of helicopter deliveries. The US president has often claimed that everyone, including foreign leaders (except Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping) addresses him as “sir.”He further alleged that India had ordered 68 Apache helicopters and had been waiting for years for delivery. However, as per official records India has only ordered a total of 28 AH-64E Apache Guardian helicopters from the United States, all of which had been delivered by December 2025. The procurement took place in two separate phases and not as a single large order. India has also purchased 15 CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters from Boeing, delivered between 2019 and 2020.Even when combined, the two deals account for 43 helicopters, not 68. There is no record with India’s Ministry of Defence or under US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) of any additional Apache orders, earlier TOI reported.Trump’s remarks appear to exaggerate figures and timelines, a pattern critics say is common in his public statements. He has repeatedly claimed that he forced India and Pakistan into a truce by threatening tariffs as another example.The MEA, however, limited its response to reaffirming the nature of ties between the two leaders, stressing mutual respect and established diplomatic norms. It also rejected remarks by US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick that “PM Modi’s reluctance to call Trump” had delayed a US-India trade deal, calling them “inaccurate.” Jaiswal noted that, “PM Modi and President Trump have spoken on eight occasions in 2025.”