The Economic Times News

Putting a rest to the speculations, Abhishek Bachchan has finally broken his silence on divorce rumours with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The actor called the rumours false and manufactured rubbish and went on to praise his wife that Aishwarya has taught Aaradhya not to believe everything that she reads to protect her from online gossip.

Get ready for an action-packed week of new streaming entertainment with movies, web series, dramas, comedy and thrillers releasing from December 8 to December 14, 2025. We break down the best titles across Netflix, JioHotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Apple TV and more for your weekend binge watch.

India's trade landscape presents a tapestry of contrasts. While merchandise exports are facing headwinds from tariff challenges, the services sector shines brightly, bolstering the nation's economic stability. Analysts anticipate that the current account deficit will stay within a bearable range. Despite a dip in some exports to the US, other sectors are thriving.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged Congress harbours 'womanisers' and 'sexual perverts'. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala retorted, urging the CM to address such elements within his own front. Chennithala accused the Left government of protecting those who insult women. He stated the Congress acted swiftly against an MLA facing allegations.

Heavy fighting continues on the Thai-Cambodian border. Three Thai civilians have died in the latest clashes. Both armies are using artillery and rockets. Hundreds of thousands have been displaced. International leaders are urging a return to ceasefire. The conflict centers on a centuries-old temple.

The Delhi High Court has ordered social media platforms to act swiftly on Salman Khan's plea. He sought protection for his personality rights. Intermediaries must respond within three days. This follows similar actions by other celebrities. The court is ensuring their image and likeness are safeguarded. This move highlights the growing importance of digital rights for public figures.

A BJP MP raised an unusual protest in the Lok Sabha. Anurag Thakur alleged a TMC member used an e-cigarette inside the chamber. Speaker Om Birla stated e-cigarettes are not allowed. Thakur claimed the TMC parliamentarian vaped repeatedly. BJP members demanded action. The Speaker appealed for dignity and requested a written complaint for intervention.

Bollywood stars follow strict diets, but their cheat meals are full of relatable cravings. From fitness-focused Varun to pasta-loving Ananya, every celebrity has a go-to cheat meal that makes them feel happy and satisfied. Here's a closer look at what Bollywood stars really crave when they finally allow themselves a cheat day.

ITR refund delays: Many taxpayers are still wondering why they have not received their ITR refund even though the deadline to file your income tax return (ITR) has passed on 16 September. If you are waiting for your refund, heres a complete guide on how to check your ITR refund status, common reasons for delays, and when you can expect the ITR refund.

Over 20,000 km of roads will be constructed across rural and urban West Bengal, with 15,011 km of rural roads to be built in rural areas at a cost of Rs 6,987 crore, an official said.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charged 11 individuals for the theft of approximately 4,000 kg of explosives in Odisha's Rourkela district. Armed Maoists intercepted the vehicle carrying the explosives, abducted the driver, and seized the consignment. The NIA revealed the loot was intended for terror acts against government forces, part of a CPI (Maoist) conspiracy to destabilize the nation.

Congress leader Shama Mohamed highlighted the absence of VVPAT machines in Kerala's Panchayat elections, urging voters to ensure their votes are registered by holding the EVM button until a sound confirms it. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed confidence in the LDF's prospects, stating that even UDF strongholds are accepting the ruling front.

Union Budget 2016-17 prioritised rural development, farmers and infrastructure. Arun Jaitley announced significant allocations for agriculture, rural welfare and connectivity. The budget aimed to double farmers' incomes and boost rural electrification. Infrastructure got a substantial push, with a focus on road development. Reforms in finance and tax proposals were also among key highlights.

The mysterious interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is set to make the closest approach to Earth on December 19. Skygazers and space enthusiasts are excited about the appearance of the rare cosmic visitor because it originated outside of our solar system. Hubble was one of the first to observe 3I/ATLAS in July shortly after it was discovered.

UPSC CDS 2026: The Union Public Service Commission has announced the Combined Defence Services Examination (1), 2026. Applications are now open for 451 vacancies across various defence academies. Candidates must meet specific age and educational criteria. The application fee is Rs. 200 for most, with exemptions for certain categories. The selection involves a written test, SSB interview, and medical examination.

A Chinese national, Hu Congtai, has been deported to Hong Kong. He violated his tourist visa by visiting Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities detained him after detecting unusual internet activity. His phone revealed interest in paramilitary deployments and Article 370. Hu had previously studied in the US and traveled extensively.

A fast bushfire has triggered an emergency evacuation in Perth's south-eastern suburbs. Lives and homes are at risk as the blaze spreads rapidly. Firefighters are battling the out-of-control fire. Residents in affected areas must evacuate immediately. Roads are closed, and motorists should avoid the region. The situation is dynamic with an elevated bushfire risk outlook for Western Australia.

The S&P/ASX 200 index saw a modest rise on Thursday, December 11, climbing 12.60 points to 8,592.00. This uptick pushed the benchmark above its 20-day moving average. James Hardie Industries PLC was a top performer, surging 7.13%. However, Catalyst Metals Limited experienced the steepest fall, dropping 8.86%. The materials sector led gains, while information technology saw significant declines.

American farmers face financial strain from trade disputes. President Trump announced a $12 billion aid package to help offset losses from reduced international sales. Farmers welcome the support but emphasize it is a temporary fix. They desire market stability and increased demand for their products. Investigations into anti-competitive practices in the food supply chain are also underway.

President Donald Trump's peace proposal for Ukraine includes restoring Russian energy supplies to Europe. It also suggests significant U.S. investment in Russian rare earths and energy sectors. The plan outlines tapping frozen Russian sovereign assets for Ukraine projects. These proposals were detailed in appendices to peace plans shared with European officials.

The Thailand Police have detained Saurabh Luthra and his brother Gaurav Luthra, who fled India after a fire at their Goa nightclub claimed 25 lives. The two were detained at the request of the Indian government and will be brought back to India soon. The Goa Police had approached the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for the issuance of the Blue Corner Notice against them.

Europe's most powerful automotive dynasty faces mounting financial strains as Volkswagen's performance deteriorates. Hans Michel Pich, who borrowed heavily to acquire family shares, may feel pressure to maintain loan payments if dividends decline. The clan's reliance on steady payouts threatens to hinder necessary changes for the sprawling auto empire's competitiveness.

India's top business leaders will convene at the Economic Times CEO Roundtable to discuss Crafting the India Way in an Uncertain World. They will explore strategies for strengthening self-reliance and navigating global challenges like trade tensions and geopolitical conflicts. The aim is to chart a resilient, future-ready economic path for the nation.

A massive fire continues to burn at Guwahati's Swagata Square Complex. The blaze has raged for over 33 hours. More than two dozen fire tenders are battling the flames. The fire started on the second floor of the shopping mall. Efforts are underway to control the spread. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Tulsi Puja Diwas, observed annually on December 25th, is a sacred Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping Tulsi Mata. This observance, believed to bring peace and prosperity, involves specific rituals and chanting, highlighting Tulsi's spiritual significance as a symbol of purity and a purifier of the atmosphere.

A new word, 'lethologica,' describing the frustrating 'tip of the tongue' feeling, is gaining traction across India. The story explores the familiar moment when a thought hides on the edge of memory, leaving us stuck mid sentence.

India and the US are nearing a trade deal, with Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran expressing optimism for a March resolution. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer acknowledged India's est ever proposals, despite ongoing disagreements on agricultural imports. Negotiators are currently in New Delhi for crucial talks on a Bilateral Trade Agreement.

The Union Budget 2015-16 presented a roadmap for growth and reforms. It aimed to boost manufacturing and infrastructure. Financial inclusion and welfare for the poor were prioritised. Key initiatives included GST and the JAM trinity. The budget also focused on agriculture, entrepreneurship and social security. Reforms in financial markets and measures against black money were announced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Pariksha Pe Charcha returns for its ninth edition in January 2026, aiming to alleviate exam stress by fostering a festival-like atmosphere. Registration is open via MyGov for students, teachers, and parents, with a competition to select participants. The initiative, part of the Exam Warriors movement, promotes holistic development and a stress-free approach to examinations.

India's oil imports from Russia are set for a six-month peak in December. This surge continues despite U.S. sanctions. Nayara Energy is significantly increasing its Russian crude intake. Conversely, Reliance Industries is reducing its imports. State-owned companies are now the primary buyers of Russian oil for India. These trends suggest India is prioritizing discounted oil over political risks.

As interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is approaching Earth, Harvard scientist is debating whether the cosmic visitor is a friendly visitor or serial killer sent to poison us. Researchers have found that comet 3I/ATLAS is both rich in metals and chemically uneven inside and is even loaded with hydrogen sulfide, once used as chemical weapon during the World War I.

American bombers and Japanese fighter jets conducted a joint flight over the Sea of Japan. This show of force followed recent military exercises by China and Russia near Japan and South Korea. The allies reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability. The drills aimed to deter any forceful changes to the status quo. This action highlights ongoing tensions in the region.

A jellybean-sized patch on Deepinder Goyals forehead has pushed him into Silicon Valleys most radical club: the tech billionaires trying to hack aging itself. With Temple a brain-blood-flow tracker the Zomato founder becomes Indias boldest entrant in the global longevity boom.

Mexico has approved tariff hikes on imports from India, China, and other Asian nations. These measures are set to take effect next year. China's commerce ministry has voiced strong opposition, labeling the tariffs as unilateral and protectionist. Beijing will monitor the impact of these new trade measures on its interests and those of other partners.

Two young men from Panna, Madhya Pradesh, discovered a 15.34-carat diamond, expected to fetch over 50 lakh. The find, made just 20 days after starting their mining lease, reinforces Panna's reputation for unexpected fortunes. The friends plan to use the proceeds for their sisters' weddings and business expansion.

During a major Congressional hearing, US Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove warned that Trump's tariffs on India could inflict long-term damage on one of Americas most vital alliances. She said when Trump took office, the Biden admin handed him a bilateral relationship at the height of its strength only for it to be flush, flush, flush down the toilet.

Indian pension fund executives are pushing back against a regulatory framework designed to shield the $175 billion sector from fluctuations in the bond market. This proposed shift in valuing specific bond assets has sparked concern among managers, who argue it risks misrepresenting fund worth and complicating investor decisions.

The Trump administration is demanding the International Criminal Court change its founding document. This move aims to prevent future investigations into President Trump and his top officials. The US is threatening further sanctions on the court if these demands are not met. This action escalates a long-standing US campaign against the ICC, which is seen as infringing on national sovereignty.

A murder conviction against former Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn has been overturned. The court cited serious trial irregularities. Lynn was convicted of murdering Carol Clay in 2020. He was acquitted of murdering Russell Hill. A retrial for Clay's murder is now mandated. Lynn faces a new bail hearing in January.

Former US President Donald Trump has intensified his criticism of Ukraine. He stated President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must be realistic about the ongoing war. Trump also questioned when Ukraine will hold its next elections. European leaders are reportedly seeking a joint meeting with both the US and Ukraine soon.

Delhi Police seized demonetised currency worth crores in Wazirpur. Old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were found in multiple bags. Several individuals were detained. Two vehicles used for transport were impounded. The origin of the cash and the network involved are under investigation. Further details are awaited.