The Economic Times News

A colossal 24-meter Statue of Liberty replica in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul was toppled by fierce winds reaching 90 km/h. Fortunately, Havan staff swiftly secured the area and no injuries were reported at the site. The dramatic collapse, captured on viral video, occurred during a severe weather alert, highlighting the power of the storm.

The U.S. job market faces sluggishness and confusion this fall, with companies hesitant to hire due to AI uncertainty and unpredictable policies. Jobseekers struggle to find work as hiring momentum wanes, exacerbated by delayed government data. Federal Reserve policymakers are divided on interest rate adjustments amidst these challenges.

Custard apple, also known as sugar apple or sitaphal, provides significant health benefits for adults over 45. A gastroenterologist highlights its rich content of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, and natural fibres. These nutrients support immunity, digestion, and heart health. The fruit aids in slowing skin ageing and strengthening the body's defence against infections.

Bengal SIR 2026: Ahead of West Bengal's draft electoral rolls publication, the Election Commission released a list of over 58 lakh deleted voters on its website. These deletions are due to reasons like absence from registered addresses, permanent shifts, deaths, or duplicate entries. Aggrieved individuals can submit claims for inclusion between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026.

Viral videos such as 40 minute and 19-minute viral clips have caused a lot of confusion among social media users. Experts have pointed out that specific numbers on the video trigger higher click-through rates even though the source and authenticity of such videos remain unknown. Authorities have warned against sharing such viral clips.

Actress Saumya Tandon, known for Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hai, revealed her fitness secrets at 41, debunking diet myths. She focuses on simple daily habits and finishing dinner before 7 pm to maintain her toned physique and energy. Read on to know more about her daily habits in detail.

Fashion designer Bina Ramani revealed a lesser-known romantic phase from Prithviraj Kapoor's life involving a woman named Leela. Raj Kapoor confided in Bina about his father's deep, sincere bond with Leela, a relationship reportedly known and accepted by her husband and met with silence by Prithviraj's wife.

IPL 2026 Auction News Live: The IPL Auction 2026 kicks off in Abu Dhabi with a 237.50 crore purse across 10 teams vying for 77 slots. Kolkata Knight Riders lead with the largest purse, while Mumbai Indians face significant budget constraints, setting the stage for tactical bidding and potential team overhauls.

An unidentified drone was spotted flying over the airstrip of Nagpur-based Solar Industries. The incident occurred on December 9. Authorities have launched an investigation and lodged a First Information Report. Police teams searched nearby villages for clues. The Intelligence Bureau is also probing the matter. Solar Industries manufactures defence products.

President Donald Trump has waged an ongoing and often high-profile campaign against news organizations, involving multiple lawsuits and policy moves. Most recently, he filed a $10 billion defamation suit against the BBC, alleging misrepresentation of his January 6, 2021 speech to influence the 2024 election.

A tragic attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney has been classified as an act of terrorism. Australian law enforcement revealed that the assailants were motivated by Islamic State ideology. This devastating event has claimed the lives of fifteen individuals. The perpetrators, a father and son duo, have been apprehended. Evidence including Islamic State flags was recovered at the site.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 Episode 3 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details the Disney+ release plan, global timings, episode title, story setup, cast, streaming platforms, subscription plans, and full weekly schedule through the Season 2 finale.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag in-game freebies on December 16, 2025, by utilizing newly released 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes. These codes offer limited-time rewards and can be redeemed once on the official Garena website. Players are urged to act fast to claim their prizes.

Former Sri Lankan minister Arjuna Ranatunga faces arrest in a corruption probe. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation allegedly lost Rs 800 million due to higher fuel prices. His brother, Dhammika Ranatunga, is the first suspect. Arjuna Ranatunga is overseas, delaying his arrest. The court granted bail with a travel ban.

President Donald Trump has declared fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. This executive order aims to target financial assets and sanctions on groups involved in fentanyl trafficking. The administration will enhance cooperation between the Pentagon and Justice Department. Intelligence resources previously used for other weapons of mass destruction will now focus on fentanyl smuggling networks.

Japan has lifted a rare megaquake warning issued after a recent tremor. The magnitude-7.5 quake off the northern coast caused small tsunami waves and minor injuries. Scientists had warned of a one percent chance of a larger quake. While the immediate warning period has ended, residents are urged to remain vigilant.

Karnataka has recorded 2,809 farmer suicides since the 2023-24 fiscal year, placing it second nationally. The state government has disbursed compensation to eligible families, attributing delays to technical issues. Haveri district reported the highest number of suicides. Opposition parties have criticized the government's handling of the crisis.

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli's 2017 wedding in Italy was a surprise. Director Karan Johar called it a 'covert operation'. The event changed how Indian weddings are planned. Wedding planner Devika Narain recently opened up about the cost factor behind it. Couples now plan celebrations on their own terms. Read on to know how did they plan it.

Authorities have sealed The Cape Goa, a cliffside restaurant in South Goa, for multiple safety violations. Inspections found the establishment operating well beyond its sanctioned area, overcrowded, and lacking fire exits, fire-fighting equipment, and structural approvals.

US authorities accused global delivery giant UPS of underpaying its seasonal workers, vital to meeting the demand of the annual glut of online shopping, according to a lawsuit filed Monday. UPS takes all accusations of wrongdoing seriously and denies the unfounded allegation of intentionally underpaying UPS employees, the company said in a statement.

The U.S. military struck three boats in the eastern Pacific accused of drug smuggling, killing eight people. While the military claims the vessels belonged to designated terrorist organizations, it has not provided evidence of drug trafficking.

President Trump is considering reclassifying marijuana from a highly restricted Schedule I drug to Schedule III, a move that could significantly impact the cannabis industry. This potential shift, aligning it with substances like Tylenol with codeine, promises to unlock research funding and ease banking access for cannabis businesses. The DEA will ultimately decide on the reclassification.

ECI West Bengal SIR Draft roll: In West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) will release the draft electoral rolls for the state today, December 16. If you want to check whether your name is present in the voter list or not, then you need to visit the official website of the Election Commission or the official website of Bengals chief electoral officer.

Star Entertainment's CEO Steve McCann is stepping down after a tumultuous period marked by financial turmoil and regulatory scrutiny. Bruce Mathieson Jr., the new chair, will assume additional executive duties, strengthening the Mathieson family's influence. The company faces a potential financial crime watchdog penalty, with McCann remaining until July 2026.

Bondi shootings new heroes: New dashcam footage reveals an elderly couple's brave attempt to stop a gunman before the Bondi Beach shooting. They confronted the alleged shooter, disarming him briefly. Another man, Ahmed al Ahmed, is praised as a hero for wrestling a gun away from the attacker. His actions are credited with saving lives during the deadly Hanukkah attack in Sydney.

Filmmaker Raj Kapoor endured a difficult period of financial hardship and personal anxiety. His film Mera Naam Joker failed at the box office. He faced money troubles while his father received cancer treatment. The actor lived with simplicity in San Francisco. Later, his film Bobby brought a remarkable comeback. Read on!

Delhi weather update: Delhi is likely to witness very dense fog conditions on Tuesday and Wednesday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its weather bulletin. Dense fog in Delhi has disrupted flight operations, causing problems to the passengers. Shallow fog during morning hours is likely to persist in the national capital.

IndiGo has issued an advisory to passengers. Weather conditions may slow down flight movements. Passengers are asked to plan ahead and check their flight status before heading to the airport. The airline is monitoring the situation closely. Efforts are underway to ensure passenger comfort during any waiting times. IndiGo thanks passengers for their understanding.

Bitcoin price (BTC USD) prediction 2026: Luke Gromen, a Bitcoin proponent, now warns of a potential Bitcoin price drop to $40,000. He believes gold and select equities might outperform Bitcoin in the coming years. Technical breakdowns and quantum computing risks are cited as concerns. Gromen anticipates the first half of next year to be challenging for risk assets, including Bitcoin.

From post-apocalyptic action and glossy romance to emotional documentaries and dark Indian thrillers, this weeks OTT lineup has something for every mood. With big new seasons, long-awaited premieres and powerful performances dropping across platforms, your watchlist is about to get busier, bolder and a lot more exciting. Read on to know when and where to watch these new releases.

HDFC Bank has secured RBI approval for its group entities to collectively hold up to 9.50% in IndusInd Bank. This approval, valid for one year until December 14, 2026, allows for aggregate investments by entities like HDFC Mutual Fund and HDFC Life. The bank sought this increase as combined group investments were projected to exceed the previous 5% limit.

Fentanyl weapon of mass destruction: Trump has declared fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction, empowering the Pentagon and intelligence agencies to combat its flow. This unprecedented move frames the opioid crisis as a national security threat, comparable to chemical weapons. The administration is also targeting drug cartels, with controversial military strikes already underway against suspected drug vessels.

The highly anticipated trailer for Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 has been released, promising an intense final battle against Vecna. Eleven reunites with her sister Kali, and Vecna's origins will be explored as the fate of Hawkins hangs in the balance. Volume 2 drops on Netflix India on December 26. Read on to know more about the episodes and what to expect next

Ford announced a significant $19.5 billion writedown and is discontinuing several electric vehicle models, including the F-150 Lightning successor and planned electric vans. This strategic pivot back to gas and hybrid vehicles is driven by weakening EV demand and policy shifts. The company aims for 50% of its global mix to be hybrids, extended-range EVs, and pure EVs by 2030.

Mark Carneys Quote of the Day: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney faces scrutiny for using British spellings in official documents. This has ignited a national discussion on Canadian English. Amidst this debate, Carney's words on leadership highlight the importance of accepting responsibility. He believes true leadership lies in accountability and problem-solving, not just holding power. Carney's background includes leading central banks in Canada and Britain.

Russia has ratified a reciprocal logistics agreement with India, allowing military formations, warships, and aircraft to be stationed in each other's territories. This pact facilitates joint exercises, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief, strengthening defense ties. The agreement underscores India's importance as a strategic partner in a multipolar world.

Masdar has withdrawn its nearly $1 billion offer to take ReNew Energy Global private, causing a significant drop in the company's stock price. The move by the leading investor in a four-member consortium effectively terminates the proposed transaction, disappointing shareholders seeking an exit opportunity.

US stock market today: US stocks dipped on Monday as AI-focused companies like Broadcom and Oracle experienced significant losses, leading investors to shift towards consumer discretionary, industrials, and health-care sectors. Despite the AI trade showing signs of a pullback, some analysts believe the market will continue to be driven by the Magnificent Seven due to their strong operating leverage.

India has requested consultations with the EU under the WTO's safeguard agreement concerning new import measures on certain ferroalloys. The EU's decision, effective immediately, introduces country-specific tariff-rate quotas, limiting duty-free imports and increasing tariffs for volumes exceeding these quotas.

Amy Schumer and Chris Fischer are divorcing after seven years. Schumer confirmed the split on social media. Sources suggest her career ambitions and personal transformation played a role. The couple plans to co-parent their son. Signs of distance were visible for months. Schumer's focus has shifted to her career and personal life.

Major Indian companies like Larsen & Toubro, LG Electronics India, Voltas, and Blue Star are set to benefit from a surge in data centre investments. This boom is driven by artificial intelligence projects and substantial multi-billion dollar commitments from global tech giants.

A new study links daily coffee drinking to longer life. Researchers found that moderate coffee intake may slow aging at the cell level. Drinking the right amount, not too much, showed possible health benefits. Experts say black or low-sugar coffee works best. Lifestyle habits like diet and exercise still matter for living longer.

Upholding the order passed by its single-judge bench in 2019, Justice C Hari Shankar and Justice Om Prakash Shukla of a division bench said there is a deceptive similarity between Kanpur-based Leayan Global's Power Flex mark and Bata India's Power mark, and both marks were being used for goods which are similar, thus there is a likelihood of confusion.