The Economic Times News

India's trade talks with the United States are moving forward positively. Union Minister Piyush Goyal met with US Deputy Trade Representative Rick Switzer. Discussions have been substantive over multiple rounds. Switzer's visit marks his first trip to India. Goyal emphasized that any agreement must benefit both countries. He also noted that setting deadlines can lead to errors in negotiations.

India's Global Capability Centres are growing rapidly, moving beyond back-office tasks to become innovation hubs. This trend is boosting the country's IT sector and increasing demand for prime office spaces. GCCs are employing more professionals and are projected to significantly contribute to office leasing. Government policies are supporting this expansion, making India a key destination for global tech operations.

India's free trade agreement with Oman is moving forward. Oman's Shura Council has approved the pact. India's Union Cabinet is expected to review it soon. This agreement aims to boost trade in goods and services. It will reduce or eliminate customs duties on many products. India's exports to Oman are set to benefit significantly.

Discover how humble cabbage can be a powerful ally for your health. Packed with fiber and antioxidants, it nourishes beneficial gut bacteria, soothes inflammation, and supports digestion. This nutrient-rich vegetable also contributes to vitamin C intake and may help lower blood pressure.

Gold price and silver rate have moved opposite directions following the U.S. Federal Reserve's Interest Rate Cut announcement.

BJP General secretary Keshav Prasad had filed the case against the Karnataka Congress, Gandhi, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and deputy CM DK Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah (then leader of Opposition) ahead of the 2023 assembly polls.

India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell passenger vessel has commenced commercial operations in Varanasi, marking a significant step in sustainable maritime transport. This vessel, powered by a Low Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane fuel cell system, releases only water as a byproduct, contributing to the rejuvenation of the Ganga River.

DGCA officials are now monitoring IndiGo's operations directly from its headquarters. This move follows significant flight cancellations due to planning failures. The regulator is scrutinizing cancellations, crew deployment, and passenger refunds. On-site inspections at airports are also underway. IndiGo, a major airline, has cancelled thousands of flights, impacting many passengers. The airline states its operations are stabilizing.

Homemakers across India swear by simple, safe remedies to evict ants permanently without toxic chemicals. From vinegar sprays to sealing entry cracks, these tried-and-tested fixes tackle infestations where professional pest control falls short.

ISRO is set to launch its heaviest American commercial satellite, the 6.5-tonne BlueBird-6, on December 15 from Sriharikota. This next-generation satellite, built by AST SpaceMobile, will be the largest commercial phased array in low Earth orbit, significantly increasing data capacity. The launch, managed by NSIL, utilizes the LVM3 rocket, capable of lifting substantial payloads.

As Wordle maintains its status as one of the worlds most widely played digital puzzles, players eagerly sought the Wordle Answer Today for December 11, a seemingly familiar five-letter test that proved more deceptive than expected.

Germany, France, and Spain are set to meet this week to resolve a deadlock over the 100 billion Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet program. Industrial rivalries, particularly between Dassault Aviation and Airbus, have stalled the project. A German union's warning against Dassault's involvement further escalates tensions ahead of crucial ministerial and leadership discussions.

New calculations by Democrats on Congress' Joint Economic Committee reveal that sweeping import taxes imposed by Donald Trump have cost the average American household nearly $1,200 since February. These tariffs, which have significantly increased the average US tariff rate, are criticized for driving up prices for families and lowering living standards.

Delhi based gastro specialist Dr Anshuman Kaushal has sparked conversation after posting an Instagram video debunking widespread fears about protein. He clarified that whey protein is safe for healthy adults and said problems arise mainly from extreme intake and poor quality supplements. Explaining protein types, he highlighted whey, casein, animal sources and plant blends. Citing FSSAI and NIN reports, he warned that fake products pose bigger risks than protein itself, urging evidence based, me

Recurrent kidney stones plague many Indians, but simple lifestyle tweaksconsistent hydration, moderate salt, balanced calcium, lean protein, and plant-based eatingcan slash your flare-up risk by half or more when done together.

Sleep expert Dr. Ramakrishnan shares insights on sleeping postures. He explains how lying on your back or side impacts your spine and neck. Dr. Ramakrishnan strongly advises against sleeping on your stomach, citing unnatural neck twisting. Dr. Pal also offers tips for better sleep, including a fixed schedule and a cool room.

Students across India anticipate December 2025 holidays. Uttar Pradesh announces a 12-day winter break. Kerala and Tamil Nadu schools close due to heavy rain. Jammu and Kashmir implements an extended winter shutdown for younger students. These closures prioritize student safety amidst varying weather conditions. Parents should monitor official announcements for any changes.

Current mortgage rates after Fed rate cut: Where are U.S. mortgage rates heading now? U.S. mortgage rates have dipped modestly after the Feds latest 0.25 percentage point rate cut, but they remain high by recent historical standards. Market moves came after Powell signaled cooling inflation and a neutral-rate zone. But where do rates head next? Here's the full outlook.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has partnered with AB InBev, the world's largest brewer, for a multi-year sponsorship deal starting in 2026. Budweiser 0.0 will lead the activation in India, with other AB InBev brands engaging fans globally. This collaboration aims to enhance fan experiences and create celebratory moments for cricket enthusiasts of legal drinking age.

Samsung has completed 30 years of operations in India and the company said it is the only brand in the country with an end-to-end AI ecosystem with smartphones, tablets, refrigerators, washing machines, televisions and smart monitors together.

Health problems dont begin with the symptoms you expect. Dr Saurabh Sethi, in one of his social media posts highlights how the body communicates long before official labs do . Heres how your body actually warns you first.

Pranjal Pandey lost over 80 kilograms in three years. She shared her journey from 150 kilograms to 68 kilograms. Her transformation involved steady effort and emotional resilience. Pandey followed a balanced diet and incorporated regular movement. She prioritized walking after meals and included protein in every meal. This approach helped her achieve sustainable weight loss and comfort in her body.

Once known as a star kid, has built a fashion and beauty empire valued at around Rs 200 crore through business acumen. Facing pandemic-induced setbacks, she resiliently rebuilt her fashion label and launched the successful beauty brand, demonstrating remarkable reinvention.

The Supreme Court has rejected Prajwal Revanna's plea to transfer his criminal cases. The court stated that judicial observations do not constitute bias. Revanna's lawyers argued for expunction of adverse comments. The Supreme Court emphasized the need to protect the judiciary's morale. It suggested approaching the High Court for expunction of remarks.

Without sharing a timeline on when the pact is expected to be signed, Goyal said that countries like Italy will be able to export their wines and automobiles to India and in turn, India will be able to export whiskies, textiles and auto components to the 27-country bloc.

The Powerball jackpot has continued its steady climb since September 6, when two winning tickets, sold in Missouri and Texas, shared an extraordinary $1.787 billion prize. The chances of claiming the top prize are exceedingly rare, just 1 in 292.2 million, an improbability that has fueled the ongoing streak of rollover draws.

India's Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu has highlighted the urgent need for at least five airlines, each with about 100 aircraft. This move aims to prevent future aviation crises and reduce passenger dependence on a few dominant carriers. The minister pointed to IndiGo's recent operational failures as a structural warning.

The Election Commission of India has updated the schedule for electoral roll revision in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This revision aims for accuracy. Eligible citizens, especially new voters, should register by submitting Form 6.

A Bengaluru thief, robbed of his burglary loot by four youths near a cemetery, committed two more break-ins within an hour to ward off bad luck. Police, tracking him via CCTV, arrested the thief in Tamil Nadu and later apprehended the four youths who had robbed him.

The Centre has adopted a franchise-led model for the operation of JAKs and targeted 25,000 new centres by March 2027. There were 16,912 JAKs opened across the country, including 1480 in Karnataka, till June 30, 2025.

Bank exam rules: The Finance Ministry has revised the recruitment examination and result declaration timelines for public sector banks to streamline processes and enhance transparency. A new sequence will see SBI results announced first, followed by Nationalised Banks, and then Regional Rural Banks, aiming to reduce attrition and improve workforce planning.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has accused the DMK and Congress of unconstitutionally weaponising impeachment. He stated this after Opposition MPs submitted a notice seeking the removal of Madras High Court Judge G R Swaminathan. Surya called the move an attack on the judiciary and alleged it was driven by anti-Hindu sentiments.

Leonardo da Vincis reflection, Study without desire spoils the memory, anchors a gentle exploration of why genuine curiosity matters more than obligation in learning. Vinci explains how interest strengthens memory, while routine, pressure driven study leads to shallow understanding. It also traces Leonardos genius across art, science and invention to show why his words hold lasting weight. Ultimately, it urges readers to rediscover the joy of wanting to learn, not just needing to.

Kobe Bryant believed true leadership requires the bravery to confront difficult truths and challenge others, even if it causes discomfort. His intense approach, honed through a legendary NBA career, emphasized pushing for excellence over superficial harmony. Bryant's legacy underscores his philosophy that demanding more, not avoiding conflict, elevates individuals and teams to their full potential.

The trainsets will undergo a detailed programme of testing and commissioning as per BMRCL's implementation schedule, followed by comprehensive maintenance support for up to 15 years, the PSU said.

Chalet Hotels is set to acquire a 150-room resort in Udaipur for 171 crore, pending due diligence. The company also announced leadership changes, appointing Shwetank Singh as MD & CEO and Dr. Sanjay Sethi as a Non-Independent Non-Executive Director, both effective February 1, 2026.

OnlyFans operates with just 42 full-time employees, a lean structure that CEO Keily Blair credits for its speed and profitability. The company hires senior and junior talent directly, bypassing middle management. Leaders are judged by their results, not team size. This efficient model supports the platform's substantial annual revenue, allowing creators to keep 80% of their earnings.

Wealth quote of the day by the father of modern Chinese economy, Deng Xiaoping: Poverty is not socialism. To be rich is glorious. Deng Xiaoping seized power in 1978 amid post-Mao chaos. China's GDP languished at just $150 billion, smaller than Italy's. He launched Reform and Opening Up, dismantling collectives and inviting foreign cash. Special Economic Zones like Shenzhen exploded from fishing villages into megacities, drawing billions in investment with tax perks and open markets. Farm output

ITC Hotels Limited has announced a new hotel in Jaipur. The 150-key Epiq Collection Jaipur, Bagru will open in 2030. This new property will be part of ITC's premium Epiq Collection brand. It is envisioned as a tranquil resort.

Infrastructure major HCC has transferred Rs 2,854 crore of debt to its associate company Prolific Resolution Pvt Ltd. This move aims to create value for shareholders and significantly reduces HCC's debt. The company also transferred Rs 6,508 crore of awards and claims. HCC retains a 49 per cent equity stake in Prolific Resolution Pvt Ltd.

Gastroenterologist Dr Pal has stirred debate with an Instagram post warning that deep frying idlis ruins their gut friendly benefits. Calling steamed idli a powerful fermented food, he said frying turns it into a heavy, unhealthy dish. He advised using black urad dal, adding vegetables and pairing idli with mixed vegetable sambar to maximise nutrition. Known for mixing humour with health education, Dr Pal urged viewers to preserve the traditional dishs original purpose.

Akshaye Khannas resurfaced interview reveals how he faced premature baldness at 19 and described it as emotionally devastating. The Dhurandhar actor compared the experience to a pianist losing his fingers and spoke openly about the toll it took on his confidence, identity and early career expectations.

Karti's remarks came in response to comments made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who recently referred to the ongoing Thiruparankundram issue and said that the awakening of Hindus in Tamil Nadu was sufficient to achieve the desired outcome, adding that escalation may not be required as the matter is sub judice.

Geminids Meteor Shower India Time: India's skies will be illuminated by the Geminid meteor shower from December 13-15, with over 100 meteors per hour expected. Originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, these brilliant streaks are best viewed from midnight in dark, clear locations. Prepare by dressing warmly, avoiding screens, and finding an unobstructed horizon for an unforgettable celestial display.

The 'Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025' that was tabled in the Assembly by Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa lists 20 forms of social boycotts, which includes refusal to deal with, work for hire or do business; denying opportunities, including access to services or contractual opportunities for rendering services.

Lifestyle expert Dr. Sayajirao Gaikwad successfully guided a client to lose nine kilograms in twenty-five days through a structured diet of high-quality protein, minimal carbohydrates, and unprocessed foods. This method focused on accelerating fat loss and retaining muscle, proving effective even for vegetarians with simple, repeatable meals.