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Economy / The Economic Times
Puin India Trip: India seeks to expand its exports to Russia, targeting automobiles, electronics, textiles and machinery, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putins visit for the 23rd India-Russia Summit. The meeting comes as both nations reassess their long-standing partnership and explore new trade opportunities amid shifting geopolitical and economic priorities.
Car buyers purchasing vehicles above 10 lakh can reclaim 1% Tax Collected at Source (TCS) deposited by dealers. This amount, collected at the time of purchase, can be claimed back by filing your Income Tax Return (ITR) for the relevant financial year.
The Supreme Court on Thursday asked states to consider deploying additional staff to ease the workload of booth-level officers (BLOs) involved in the special revision of electoral rolls, after a plea claimed extreme pressure, FIRs, and even suicides linked to the demanding schedule.
Congress has expelled suspended MLA Rahul Mamkootathil from its primary membership. This action follows serious complaints and a sexual assault case registered against him. A local court recently dismissed his anticipatory bail plea. The party reviewed the allegations and concluded Mamkootathil could no longer remain in the organization. He was already under suspension.
Trinamool Congress suspended MLA Humayun Kabir for proposing a mosque modelled on the Babri Masjid, citing gross indiscipline and communal politics. Kabir, who announced the foundation stone would be laid on December 6, vowed to resign and form a new outfit, accusing the TMC of double standards.
The Summer I Turned Pretty creator Jenny Han has shared an update on the forthcoming movie, which was first announced following the Season 3 finale in September.
Realme has unveiled the P4x 5G in India, targeting budget-conscious users seeking high performance and extended battery life. This new smartphone boasts a massive 7,000mAh battery, 45W fast charging, and a powerful MediaTek Dimensity 7400 Ultra chipset. With a 50MP dual rear camera and a 144Hz display, it promises a compelling user experience.
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari is championing alternative fuels like hydrogen to combat Delhi's air pollution. He revealed his use of Toyota's Mirai hydrogen car. The government is prioritising cost-effective, pollution-free indigenous fuels to cut down on massive fossil fuel imports. This shift aims to make India an energy exporter and boost its automotive industry to global leadership.
R. Madhavan surprised fans with a dramatic 21-day weight loss, achieved without gyms or strict diets. His method involved an allergy test, intermittent fasting, and mindful eating. Meanwhile, his upcoming film 'Dhurandhar' faces boycott calls due to a controversy involving co-star Ranveer Singh, prompting Yami Gautam to defend the industry against online negativity.
An Indigo flight traveling from Madinah to Hyderabad was diverted to Ahmedabad on Thursday following a bomb threat. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew were deplaned. Authorities conducted a thorough inspection of the plane.
Karnataka government extends one day of paid monthly menstrual leave to its over 1.5 lakh women employees, including contractual staff. This follows the recent policy for the private sector and aims to protect employee health and mental strength. The decision addresses a High Court petition and ensures women can manage menstrual health without professional repercussions.
The Russian leader's comments come as U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are set to meet with Ukraine's lead negotiator, Rustem Umerov, on Thursday in Miami for further talks, according to a senior Trump administration official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released new photos and video from Jeffrey Epstein's Little Saint James estate. The images reveal bedrooms, bathrooms, and a disturbing room with a dental chair surrounded by male masks. A chalkboard displayed words like 'power' and 'deception,' while a speed-dial phone had redacted names.
Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan clarified Rule 267, stating it only allows discussion on listed agenda items, not unrelated subjects. He rejected recent notices, deeming them misused and invalid, emphasizing the rule's historical intent and amendment to prevent raising unlisted issues. Opposition leaders argued this limits crucial discussions, while the government asserted its readiness for debate.
Delhi's luxury hotels are experiencing a surge in bookings. President Vladimir Putin's visit and several major conferences are driving up occupancy. Room rates have significantly increased. Top five-star hotels are fully booked. This trend is expected to continue through mid-December, supported by the city's MICE segment and the wedding season.
Nokia and Bharti Airtel have joined forces. Airtel will now offer its network capabilities through Nokia's platform. This allows developers to build new digital services. Access to network APIs will be available on a subscription basis. This collaboration aims to unlock innovation and new revenue streams for both companies. It will leverage AI, 5G, and edge computing.
Indias Google habits in 2025 swung from IPL and Maha Kumbh to Gemini, Labubu, Nano Banana trends and the #67 meme. An A-to-Z of searches showed a year where cricket, culture, AI and viral chaos all fought for space in the nations search bar.
Students at Tezpur University in Assam are on day six of their shutdown. They demand the removal of the vice-chancellor. Staffers rejected a proposal for a pro-vice-chancellor. The chief minister suggested the pro-VC appointment. Students allege corruption and financial irregularities. Academic activities remain suspended.
Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya marked their first wedding anniversary by releasing a wedding video. The footage offered a glimpse into their December 2024 wedding ceremony. It featured cherished moments, family blessings, and heartfelt vows. The couple's union took place at Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad. Read on to know more about it!
Bangladesh aims to revitalise India ties through film festivals and tourism exchanges, especially post-Sheikh Hasina. High Commissioner M Riaz Hamidullah highlighted the organic, deep-rooted relationship, estimating overall economic engagement to exceed USD 35 billion, encompassing more than just merchandise trade.
New Zealand athlete Ashley Richmond maintains under 15% body fat without calorie counting by focusing on simple daily habits. She prioritizes protein, incorporates strength training and daily movement, ensures adequate sleep, and follows an 80/20 whole-food meal plan. Richmond also strategically uses caffeine and stays hydrated, proving sustainable fat loss is achievable without strict dieting or excessive cardio.
Pooja Makhija explains the science: your first meal primes your insulin sensitivity, stabilizes glucose, and influences your cravings. It affects how your body handles carbs, burns energy, and manages hunger. A poor one can derail everything from mood to metabolism.
Legendary producer M. Saravanan, owner of AVM Studios, has passed away at 86. His death marks the end of an era in Indian cinema, particularly Tamil film history. Amid this, a special story about Megastar Chiranjeevi's unwavering commitment to AVM's film, Punnami Naagu is making rounds on the internet. Read on to know what actually happened.
New Jersey's ANCHOR tax rebate program is distributing property tax relief to eligible homeowners and renters this December. The program offers fixed, non-taxable payments based on income and residency, with an additional bonus for senior citizens and individuals with disabilities. This initiative aims to ease housing cost burdens for residents.
Bill Murray, the celebrated actor, is now leading a blues-rock band named The Blood Brothers. He performs alongside talented musicians, putting a unique spin on classic rock songs. Fans can catch him and his band on the NBC special Christmas in Nashville. The performance will feature holiday classics and special guests. Replays will be available on Peacock the next day.
Luxury car prices: Luxury is slippery to define when you can spend $42,000 on a Mercedes-Benz or $114,000 on a Ford pickup truck. In a world of tailored cashmere socks and gold-plated toothbrushes marketed as luxury experiences, the term has become so ubiquitous, it has almost lost all meaning.
Trinamool Congress has suspended MLA Humayun Kabir. He had announced plans to inaugurate a Babri Masjid in Murshidabad on December 6. Party leader Firhad Hakim stated Kabir was warned previously. Hakim alleged this move promotes divisive politics. The BJP criticized the announcement, stating no mosque will be built in Babur's name.
Pankaj Kapur built a legendary four-decade career in Indian cinema and theatre. His journey began at the National School of Drama. He is known for unforgettable characters and powerful performances. His son, Shahid Kapoor, now enjoys superstar status. Kapur's family roots trace back to Pakistan. He has received numerous awards for his contributions.
Music composer Palash Muchhal made his first public appearance at a Vrindavan ashram following the indefinite postponement of his wedding to Smriti Mandhana. The ceremony was cancelled due to medical emergencies within both families, with both individuals having required hospitalization. Speculation about a new date has been dismissed, with the wedding remaining on hold.
IIM Nagpur presents a new Executive MBA program for mid-career professionals. This two-year hybrid course blends online and offline learning. It helps professionals advance to leadership roles while continuing their careers. The curriculum focuses on strategic thinking and digital transformation. Participants gain analytical, leadership, and innovation skills. The program offers a field project and an option for an international week.
The Aurus Senat, Russia's ultra-luxury armored limousine, accompanies President Putin, symbolising power, comfort, and security. Developed as Russia's answer to foreign presidential vehicles, it blends opulent interiors with advanced defensive features. Its presence during international visits, like potential use in India, highlights its role as a diplomatic and technological statement.
Opposition leaders gathered in Parliament today to protest Delhi's severe air pollution. They urged the government to move beyond statements and take concrete action. Sonia Gandhi highlighted the suffering of children and the elderly. Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also participated. The protest underscored the urgent need for solutions to the ongoing air quality crisis affecting the capital.
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu has said no college degrees are needed at the Indian software services giant, highlight a trend where students in the US are skipping college and joining the workplace directly. Sridhar Vembu called on Indian parents and companies to pay attention to shifting attitudes toward higher education, adding that this change reflects the real youth power.
Virat Kohli's second consecutive ODI century against South Africa was deemed inevitable by Sunil Gavaskar, who highlighted the batsman's confidence from the first match. Kohli's 102, coupled with Ruturaj Gaikwad's 105, set a new record for India's third-wicket stand. Despite their efforts, South Africa chased down 358 to level the series, with Aiden Markram scoring a crucial maiden century.
IndusInd Bank has denied reports of talks with a strategic partner. The bank clarified that no such discussions are underway. Earlier, UK-based Hinduja Group, its top shareholder, was reported to be seeking a global partner for a minority stake.
Surveys indicating a historic shift away from drinking, steep declines in alcohol sales, and falling drinking rates among young people have all fed a debate in recent years about whether drinking might be in long-term decline, especially in the key U.S. market. Possible drivers include a trend towards healthier lifestyles.
Shehnaaz Gill opened up about her weight loss of nearly 12 kg over six months. The actress-singer shares how she achieved it through mindful eating and a disciplined routine. She was last seen in Ikk Kudi, which arrived in theatres on October 31, 2025. Read on to know more about it!
Opposition MPs staged a protest at Parliament wearing oxygen masks. They criticized the government's handling of severe air pollution affecting Delhi-NCR and North India. Leaders demanded immediate parliamentary discussion on the crisis. Delhi's air quality saw a slight improvement but remained in the 'very poor' category. The opposition called for pollution to be declared a national health emergency.
Actor Jaaved Jaaferi, aged 63, maintains remarkable fitness through a disciplined routine. His day starts with warm water, followed by a nutritious breakfast of fruits, whole eggs, and soaked nuts. Jaaferi strictly adheres to home-cooked meals, avoiding outside food. He also abstains from alcohol and smoking, incorporating regular workouts and dance.
Mitra joins TeamLease after a 19-year-plus stint at Titan Company, where she most recently served as the CEO of the Watches & Wearables Division.
The S&P/ASX 200 index saw a small rise on Thursday, ending higher. Other major Australian indices also posted gains, indicating a generally positive market. Capstone Copper Corp and HMC Capital Limited were top performers. The materials sector led the gains, contributing to the index's year-to-date strength. Some stocks experienced declines, but the market session was broadly supportive.
Fitch Ratings has raised Indias GDP growth forecast for FY26 to 7.4% from 6.9%, citing stronger consumer spending and the positive impact of recent GST reforms.
Iranian-backed drones attacked American oilfields in Iraq's Kurdistan region. This prompted the United States to exert intense diplomatic pressure on Baghdad. The US threatened sanctions if a key oil export pipeline to Turkey was not reopened. Following this pressure, Iraq agreed to restart the pipeline. This event signals a shift in influence within Iraq, favoring Washington over Tehran.

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