The Economic Times News

Our planet Earth and Mercury have invisible tails stretching millions of kilometres. These cosmic tails are real phenomena. Mercury's tail glows orange due to sodium atoms. Earth's magnetotail is formed by its magnetic field. It shields us from solar wind. These tails offer insights into planetary interactions and space weather.

Delhi woke to partly cloudy skies on December 13, 2025. Air quality remained a concern, hovering in the 'very poor' category. Vehicular emissions and stagnant weather contributed to pollution. Advisories were issued for limited outdoor exposure. Air quality is expected to remain poor and may worsen. Several areas recorded 'very poor' and 'severe' AQI readings.

China's Wang Yi seeks deeper oil and gas ties with UAE on Middle East tour

Canada achieved its first trade surplus since the US trade war began, with September exports soaring and imports declining. This positive shift, driven by strong non-US market performance and diversification efforts, signals economic resilience. The Bank of Canada maintained its interest rate, deeming it appropriate for growth and stability, while a growing 'Buy Canadian' sentiment reflects consumer sentiment.

Football star Lionel Messi arrived at Kolkata as a part of his four-city GOAT India Tour, instantly creating a frenzy among fans. A newlywed couple, who got married last Friday, cancelled their honeymoon to see Messi and the husband said watching the GOAT player is a more important event than a honeymoon.

Actor Hugh Jackman believes facing fears is crucial. He chooses challenges that scare him most. The fear of regret motivates him more than the fear itself. This approach fuels his decisions and drives him forward. Jackman's career spans superhero roles, dramas, and stage performances. He has received numerous awards for his work.

Prayagraj is gearing up for the Magh Mela 2026. Preparations include expanding the Mela area to 800 hectares. A new sector and an additional pontoon bridge are being installed. Traffic management plans are in place, mirroring Kumbh Mela arrangements. Officials anticipate a massive turnout of 15 crore people, including a large number of sadhus and saints.

A recent Instagram reel by Dr. Saurabh Sethi of simple food pairings that can improve our everyday diet has gained everybody's attention. These combinations arent complicated; they're everyday ingredients most households already have. What surprised viewers is how small changes can make a meaningful difference in our health.

Eight leading Muslim nations, including Pakistan, have voiced strong backing for the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, deeming its role in Gaza irreplaceable amidst a severe humanitarian crisis. These foreign ministers reaffirmed UNRWA's indispensable function in safeguarding Palestinian refugees' rights and well-being, highlighting its crucial delivery of humanitarian aid.

Congress said Indias exclusion from the US-led Pax Silica silicon supply chain initiative reflects a downturn in Trump-Modi ties, calling it a missed strategic opportunity. Jairam Ramesh mocked Modis claims of warm ties, despite ongoing trade talks and diplomatic engagement.

A significant scheme worth Rs 476.03 crore has been approved for Makhana development. This initiative will span from 2025-26 to 2030-31. The plan focuses on research, quality seeds, farmer training, and improved marketing. The National Makhana Board has begun implementation. This aims for coordinated, scientific, and market-oriented growth of the Makhana sector across India.

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said officials should have refused illegal land deal registrations, amid scrutiny of a Pune sale involving his sons firm. He denied a legislative amendment was meant to protect Parth Pawar, stressing accountability lay with registering authorities, not lawmakers.

Garena has released fresh Free Fire MAX redeem codes for December 13, offering players a chance to unlock exclusive in-game rewards like weapons and skins for free. These limited-time alphanumeric codes can be redeemed on the official Garena website, with rewards delivered to the in-game mailbox within 24 hours.

West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose has sought a detailed report from the state government regarding arrangements for Lionel Messi's Kolkata program. This comes after football enthusiasts complained about unaffordable ticket prices preventing them from seeing the star. The governor questioned the state's role and why common people are barred from witnessing the event.

Iran has introduced a new, higher price for its subsidized gasoline. This move aims to control rising costs due to a weakening currency and economic sanctions. The government hopes to avoid public backlash after past protests. This is the first price adjustment since 2019. The new system adds a third, more expensive tier for fuel purchases beyond a certain limit.

Canada's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, was instrumental in the nation's 1867 Confederation and westward expansion, notably the Canadian Pacific Railway. His long tenure shaped early governance and institutions. However, his legacy is complicated by policies affecting Indigenous peoples. A quote attributed to him stresses unity for common goals before considering individual rewards.

Trump India Tariffs: Democratic lawmakers have introduced a resolution to terminate the national emergency used by President Trump to impose steep tariffs on Indian imports. They argue these illegal tariffs abuse executive power, damage a key strategic partnership, and harm American workers and consumers. The move aims to restore Congress's constitutional authority over trade and curb the misuse of emergency powers.

Retail inflation in India has experienced a dip thanks to adjustments in GST rates, with SBI Research forecasting this positive trend ahead. However, a shift in inflation is anticipated around 2025-26. In the meantime, the Reserve Bank of India is expected to keep interest rates stable. Meanwhile, Kerala remains notable for its elevated inflation rates.

North Korea sent troops to clear mines in Russia's Kursk region earlier this year, leader Kim Jong Un said in a speech carried on Saturday by state media, a rare acknowledgement by Pyongyang of the deadly tasks assigned to its deployed soldiers. North Korea has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine, according to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies.

Kerala Civics Polls Result 2025: The counting of votes for Kerala local body elections started at 8 am today. The State Election Commission (SEC) said the final results are likely to be declared by Saturday afternoon. Early trends show LDF extending lead in 136 gram panchayats and NDA losing steam after first hour of vote counting

Geminids Meteor Shower 2025: Bright yellow fireballs streak across skies around the globe in the popular Geminids meteor shower will lighten the skies on December 13 and 14 this year. According to NASA, the Geminids meteor shower, which peaks during mid-December each year, is considered to be one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers. The Geminids are bright and fast meteors and tend to be yellow in color.

In the upcoming election, the ailing former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's BNP are emerging as the main political force. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the country's largest Islamist party, is also a significant contender in the election.

Initial trends shared by the State Election Commission (SEC) showed the ruling LDF, the opposition UDF and the NDA leading in various grama panchayat, block panchayat, municipality and corporation wards.

This would be the first time in recent years that Pakistan has served a demarche to an European envoy. European envoys are generally given red carpet welcome and treated with care by Islamabad given its financial dependence on Europe through GSP Plus and other schemes. Norway hosts sizeable number of Pakistani nationals.

India's apparel sector anticipates a significant boost from the India-EU Free Trade Agreement. Negotiations are progressing positively, aiming to reduce import duties on Indian garments in the European Union. This move is projected to increase exports by 20-25% in the coming years. The agreement will foster stable investment and strengthen India's position in premium European markets.

Cambodia stated Thai forces continued bombing Saturday morning, hours after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire. Thailand countered, accusing Cambodia of violations. Trump had claimed a ceasefire was agreed upon Friday night. However, Cambodian and Thai leaders did not confirm this. Fighting has intensified along the disputed border since Monday.

America briefly halted sharing vital intelligence with Israel. This action stemmed from concerns over civilian casualties and alleged mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners. The US sought assurances that Israel would adhere to the laws of war. Intelligence sharing resumed after Israel provided these assurances. This move highlights significant tensions between the two allies.

A new US plan suggests Ukraine could join the European Union by January 2027. This proposal also includes Ukraine ceding land to Russia. European nations and Ukraine are seeking security guarantees before any territorial talks. The United States reportedly has influence to sway opposition to Ukraine's EU membership. Discussions are ongoing regarding the plan's details.

President Trump's order to challenge state AI laws faces significant opposition. States aim to protect their regulatory rights. The administration's move to block federal funding for states with AI laws is also contested. Legal experts express doubts about the order's enforceability. Republican governors are also voicing concerns about federal overreach.

The United States Air Force faces another year-long delay for its new Air Force One jets. Boeing now expects to deliver the first of two specialized 747-8 aircraft by mid-2028. This pushes the program four years behind schedule. The project's cost has now exceeded $5 billion.

Preservationists have filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump. They seek to halt his White House ballroom project. The group wants multiple independent reviews and congressional approval. The project has already seen the East Wing demolished. The lawsuit argues against bypassing required reviews and public input. The White House maintains the President has legal authority to renovate the residence.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla will investigate claims of e-cigarette use within Parliament. BJP MP Anurag Thakur alleged a TMC MP smoked an e-cigarette in the House. The Speaker stated no permission was granted and action will follow if violations are proven. E-cigarettes are banned nationwide. The matter is under the Speaker's purview for factual verification.

America has lifted sanctions on a top Brazilian judge. This move comes after a shift in US policy towards Brazil. President Lula da Silva welcomed the decision, stating he discussed it with President Trump. The judge called it a win for Brazil's democracy. This development follows Brazil's lower house voting to shorten sentences for those convicted of anti-democratic acts.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has formed a new 23-member political committee. Imran Khan directed the formation of this top decision-making body. Key leaders like Gohar Ali Khan and Salman Akram Raja are included. Notably, former Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister Ali Amin Gandapur is absent from the new structure. The committee will shape party policies and guidelines for parliamentary wings.

King Charles the Third has shared positive news about his cancer recovery. His treatment will be reduced next year. This milestone comes after early diagnosis and effective medical intervention. Buckingham Palace confirmed his excellent response to treatment. Doctors now advise a precautionary phase. This marks a significant step in his ongoing recovery journey.

College football's top individual award will be presented on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The Heisman Trophy ceremony airs at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can watch live on ABC. Streaming is available via the ESPN App and the NCAA football hub. Fubo also offers a free trial. The winner of the 91st Heisman Trophy will be revealed in New York City.

Landman Season 2 Episode 5 releases on December 14, 2025, streaming on Paramount+. New episodes air weekly on Sundays. Learn Landman Season 2 Episode 5 release time, schedule, how to watch, runtime, and what to expect from the story. Global timings and subscription details are included.

Actress Hailee Steinfeld is expecting her first child with husband Josh Allen. She revealed the happy news on her 29th birthday through a personal Substack post. The couple, married since May, shared a video showing Allen kissing Steinfeld's baby bump. Pregnancy rumors had been circulating for weeks after a red carpet appearance.

One Punch Man Season 3 Episode 10 release date, time and how to watch are now confirmed. The episode continues the events of Episode 9 and sets up major battles. This explainer covers release details, platforms, and story progress.

Moscow will give its blessing to a ceasefire only after Ukraine's forces have withdrawn from the front line, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov said in comments published Friday in Russian business daily Kommersant.

The government has approved a new bill allowing 100 percent foreign investment in the insurance sector. This move aims to boost growth and improve insurance coverage across India. Companies must invest all premiums within the country. The bill also permits a single entity to offer life, general, and health insurance.

Oracle shares are up just 13 per cent now for the year, having erased all the gains from a 36 per cent jump in September, when it reported a massive backlog of over $450 billion mostly tied to OpenAI.