Holidays

Pandemic throws global economy into deeper decline; govts, central banks around world unleash fiscal support to tide over crisis

Separate data on Thursday showed South Korea’s trade-reliant economy, Asia’s fourth-largest, shrank at its fastest pace since 2008 as self-containment measures kept shops closed and slumping global demand hurt exports.

Raksha Bandhan 2019: Festival celebrates relationship between brother and sister; several regions have their own specific traditions

Although Raksha Bandhan is a predominantly north Indian festival, it is also celebrated in different ways across the country.

Banks to remain open in September first week contrary to social media buzz that claimed it will be closed for six days

Banks will largely remain open in the first week of September and there will be no impact on the functioning of ATMs, contrary to social media buzz that claimed banks across India will be closed for six days during the week.

North American defence agency that monitors North Korean missiles also tracks Santa Claus' delivery route

As it has done every year since 1955, a Canadian and American defence agency is tracking Santa Claus' path around the globe in his reindeer-powered sleigh.

Girlfriend, boyfriend rental app in demand in China as Lunar New Year holidays approach

As millions in China head home to celebrate the Lunar New Year holiday with their families, 24-year-old Luoluo is busy answering messages on a mobile app from desperate men looking to hire an instant girlfriend whom they can present to mom and dad.

Analysts expect Virtual assistants to top holiday sales as Smartwatches push wearables

Virtual assistants are set to pummel virtual reality headsets in the fight for consumer dollars this holiday season, while smartwatches drive wearable sales.

Eid not on 6 July? Central govt offices in Delhi to be closed on Thursday, not Wednesday

All central government offices in the national capital will remain closed on 7 July due to Eid-ul-Fitr festival.

US toddler takes midnight tour of Salzburg in stocking feet

A 3-year-old American girl wandered away from her family's hotel in Salzburg, Austria, around midnight Christmas Eve and investigated the city streets on her own, wearing only a nightshirt and socks.

Grumpy Old Man says: Keep your e-cards, your flickering candles and all that gooey festive sentiment

I will smack the next person who sends me a flipping e-card with a candle that goes flicker, flicker and then bursts into a flaming and incandescent ‘Happy New Year’ greeting. I already have seven of them so clearly this is one that’s top of the trending cards. Go away. I will smack you even if I have to catch a flight to find you.

Obama says no specific, credible terror threat over holidays

President Barack Obama said Thursday that U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism officials have received no specific, credible information suggesting a potential terrorist attack against the United States. He said Americans must be vigilant this holiday season.