The Economic Times News

Operation Vijay, India's first joint military operation involving all three services, liberated Goa, Daman, Diu, and Anjidiv Islands from 450 years of Portuguese rule in a swift 40-hour action. The successful military campaign, supported by local freedom fighters, concluded on December 19, 1961, marking a significant moment in India's post-independence history.

India's exports to China surged nearly 90% in November 2025, driven by naphtha and electronics, but this growth is not broad-based. Analysts highlight a deep reliance on Chinese imports, particularly electronics and machinery, leading to a widening trade deficit projected to hit a record $106 billion. This imbalance persists despite export gains.

Budget 2020-21 introduced a new optional tax regime, a series of welfare measures. Themed Ease of Living, it outlined a comprehensive plan for India's economic and social advancement. It focused on Aspirational India, Economic Development, and a Caring Society, proposing significant investments in agriculture, health, infrastructure, and education to boost living standards and long-term growth.

Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates has featured in new batch of Jeffrey Epstein photographs released by US House Democrats. One of the photograph shows Bill Gates standing next to a woman whose face has been blurred. Bill Gates have previously acknowledged having interactions with Epstein adding that he regretted having dinner with him.

The Australian stock market finished Friday, December 19, 2025, on a strong note. The S&P/ASX 200 index saw a gain, boosted by top performers like DRONESHIELD LIMITED and BOSS ENERGY LTD. Other key indices also recorded modest gains, indicating a positive end to the trading week for Australian equities.

Assam cabinet approved land for an Ammonia-Urea Project, with PM Modi laying the foundation stone on December 21. The state also declared two beels as Proposed Reserved Forests and transferred land for a CRPF Group Centre. PM Modi will visit the Assam BJP headquarters on December 20 and inaugurate several projects, including a new airport terminal and a statue.

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant will hear urgent cases on December 22. This is the first day of the Supreme Court's Christmas and New Year holidays. The apex court registry will verify case urgency. Junior lawyers must argue their matters on this day. The court will be closed from December 22 until January 2, 2026.

The 2019 Interim Budget focused on bolstering farm incomes, offering tax relief to individual taxpayers. It presented a broad agenda for farmers, workers, and the middle class. Key announcements included income support for farmers and a pension scheme for unorganised workers. Tax benefits were offered to individuals.

Pfizer India and Cipla Limited have announced a strategic partnership where Cipla will exclusively market and distribute four of Pfizer's key brands in India. This collaboration aims to leverage Cipla's extensive distribution network to enhance patient access to essential medicines like Corex Dx, Dolonex, Neksium, and Dalacin C across the country.

Google has introduced a new Pixel Upgrade Program in India. This initiative makes premium Pixel phones more accessible. Users can own a Pixel and upgrade to the latest model annually. The program offers flexible EMIs and assured buyback. It aims to provide users with the newest Pixel technology easily. This program is available until June 2026.

Asia is one of the fastest-growing education hubs worldwide. But outdated payment systems are extracting a heavy toll on students and institutions. Modern payment infrastructure has become essential, offering the transparency, speed, and security needed to support seamless international education in a globalised world.

The Centre says a new law is needed to plug gaps in Indias nuclear framework, citing limits of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the CLNDA, 2010. It flagged weak safety mandates, limited regulatory capacity and the absence of any requirement for proactive nuclear governance.

Dhurandhar continues its box-office dominance, crossing Rs 450 crore. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma lauded the action drama as a quantum leap for Indian cinema, praising its writing, staging, and raw action. Director Aditya Dhar responded emotionally, revealing RGV's films shaped his journey and reveal how his dream finally paid it off.

Roblox is facing outage and many users have complained that they are unable to access the platform or play games smoothly. Data from Downdetector suggests that the majority of users faced issues accessing the Roblox website and were met with error code 9007. Roblox has not yet issued a statement regarding the outage.

Indias e-commerce sales promise savings but often deliver clutter and regret. This 'un-how-to' piece explores why discounts trigger impulse buying, how saving is often an illusion, and why walking away from sales can be the smartest financial decision.

Rahul Gandhi accused the Modi government of dismantling 20 years of MGNREGA with the new VB-G RAM G legislation, calling it anti-village. He argued the bill replaces the rights-based guarantee with a rationed scheme, weakening rural workers' bargaining power and disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Gandhi vowed to fight the bill's withdrawal.

Three individuals, including two women, were arrested in Assam in connection with the assault and subsequent suicide of a delivery boy in Tripura. The victim, Prasenjit Sarkar, was allegedly beaten and publicly humiliated by five people, leading to his death on December 14. Police are actively searching for the remaining two accused.

A video was shared by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum which shows a lightning striking at Burj Khalifa. The video has left internet stunned. The UAE is receiving heavy rainfall and strong winds and has been experiencing unstable weather conditions with water logging reported in many areas.

Regular exercise significantly boosts health and extends life. Dr Sudhir Kumar explains how movement triggers lasting changes in immune cells, reducing inflammation. Even brief walks improve blood sugar and heart health. Short walks after meals aid digestion and blood sugar control. These simple habits build endurance and sharpen concentration, offering greater benefits than single long workouts.

3I/ATLAS aliens come in peace to save earth from nuclear disaster? Psychic Uri Geller claims the interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is an alien craft. He believes extraterrestrials are observing Earth and may help humanity avoid nuclear destruction as the object makes its closest approach.

Adani Enterprises aims to secure 11 government-leased airports. This move is part of a significant $11 billion expansion strategy for airport infrastructure. The company is already India's largest airport operator by number of airports. India's aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth.

Kristin Cabot, Astronomer Chief People Officer, has recently opened up about the devastating impact of a viral kiss cam incident at a Coldplay concert. She faced death threats, and her children endured intense fear, even requiring therapy. She expressed disappointment with her company's damage control, particularly a promotional ad featuring Chris Martin's ex-wife.

Akshaye Khanna's recent blockbuster performance has sparked renewed interest in his personal life. Old videos of him speaking fondly of Aishwarya Rai are circulating online. One clip shows him confessing he cannot take his eyes off her. Another features them dancing together on stage in Miami in 1999. Their on-screen chemistry in films like 'Taal' remains memorable.

Flex spaces are poised to capture nearly 40% of India's office space demand from Global Capability Centers (GCCs) by 2030, indicating a significant shift towards asset-light, operational expenditure-led models. This trend is driven by GCCs seeking scalable, experience-first environments to foster innovation and global operations, propelling the flex space industry into a hyper-growth phase.

An earthquake measuring 5.7 magnitude struck Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region on Friday, the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) said.

IndiGo's parent company, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd, has approached the Delhi High Court seeking a refund of Rs 900 crore in customs duty. The duty was paid on aircraft engines and parts re-imported after undergoing repair or service abroad. The court has requested a response from revenue authorities and scheduled the next hearing for April 8.

India is rolling out significant financial services reforms, including allowing 100% foreign ownership in insurance and pension sectors, to attract foreign capital and fuel economic growth. These measures aim to boost investment in equities and long-term projects, supporting Prime Minister Modi's developed economy goal by 2047 amidst global trade tensions.

The Act outlines 'sense of Congress on Defence Alliances and Partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region'. Under this, the Secretary of Defence should continue efforts that strengthen US defence alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region to further the comparative advantage of the US in strategic competition with China.

Despite the ban, Indian spy thriller and Ranveer Singh starrer movie Dhurandhar continues to shine in Pakistan. A video has now gone viral which shows Bilawal Bhutto Zardari making a grand entry on viral track 'FA9LA' at a party in Pakistan. Pakistan, along with some Gulf nations, has banned the screening of Dhurandhar, calling it negative propaganda.

Americans anticipate the release of the Epstein Files. Democrats have shared new images from Jeffrey Epstein's estate. Representative Ro Khanna stated the files will be released by Friday midnight. He promised accountability for powerful men who covered up abuse.

Bigg Boss Season 19 shattered viewership records, achieving a 30% higher digital reach and 65% growth in watch-time on JioHotstar. The season finale saw a live concurrency of 4.5 million, marking a significant increase from the previous year. This success underscores the show's enduring appeal and its ability to resonate with a broad audience.

Harshvardhan Rane and Sonam Bajwa's intense romantic drama, Ek Deewane Ki Deewaniyat, is set for its digital premiere. After a successful theatrical run, the film, lauded for its raw portrayal of love and powerful performances, will now reach a wider audience. Read on to know when and where to watch the movie online.

The recent approval of the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill by Parliament has stirred controversy. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has expressed strong dissent over the renaming, emphasizing that it dilutes Mahatma Gandhi's association with the rural employment scheme and described the decision as unconstitutional.

Following the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a young student leader in Bangladesh, violent mob has burnt down several media offices in Dhaka. The media offices of two prominent newspapers in Bangladesh 'Prothom Alo' and 'The Daily Star' were set ablaze by the mob and staff were trapped inside. A video has gone viral which shows a mob attacking the editor of New Age Newspaper of Bangaldesh Nurul Kabir.

Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and Arjun Rampal, is a box office hit, crossing Rs 450 crore. Actress Gitikka Ganju Dhar, who plays Shabnam, has gained fame. She recently opened up about why she agreed to the role. Gitikka's journey includes a career in anchoring before transitioning to acting. Read on to know all about her in detail.

Adani Airports is halting international expansion to focus on a massive 3-4x growth in India over five years, backed by 1 lakh crore investment. The company aims for significant passenger traffic increase, driven by Navi Mumbai Airport and upcoming privatizations. Revenue diversification towards non-aeronautical services and city-side development is a key strategy.

Delhi Weather Today: Delhi is battling severe air pollution. Smog has pushed the Air Quality Index to 'very poor' and 'severe' levels in many areas. Dense fog has also disrupted flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Environment Minister is enforcing the 'No PUC, No Fuel' rule at petrol pumps. Over 60,000 Pollution Under Control Certificates were issued in a day.

Actress Esther Anil, known for her role in Drishyam, has graduated with a degree in International Development from the London School of Economics. Despite initial financial concerns and self-doubt, her parents' unwavering support enabled her to pursue this academic milestone, transforming her outlook on life and global issues.

James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash has arrived in Indian theatres. Early reviews highlight stunning visuals and a powerful third act. While the storytelling receives mixed reactions, the film's scale and emotional core are praised. Audiences are discussing the new Fire Clan and character dynamics. The movie released in cinema halls today (December 19).

Nike's China sales are falling for the sixth quarter. The company is struggling with competition and old stock. CEO Elliott Hill says Nike needs a new approach for the Chinese market. Online sales are down significantly. Nike is trying to sell more at full price. Analysts believe Nike has time to fix its China strategy.

Rabindranath Tagore's painting From Across The Dark shattered records, fetching a remarkable Rs 10.7 crore at an Astaguru auction. This masterpiece, gifted to the princess of Kasmanda in 1937, now stands as the highest-priced Tagore artwork globally. The sale highlights the enduring value and profound emotional resonance of the poet's late creative period.

A Pakistan-based gangster has reportedly given threat to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He reportedly warned Nitish Kumar with dire consequences if he did not apologise to the Muslim woman doctor whose niqab (veil) was pulled down by him while handing over her appointment letter. Patna Police have registered an FIR and are probing the matter.

Toyota plans to sell its U.S.-made Camry, Highlander, and Tundra vehicles in Japan starting next year. This move aims to boost trade relations between Japan and the United States. The automaker is also increasing hybrid production and investing significantly in U.S. manufacturing facilities.

UAE Weather Dubai Rain Today: The UAE is experiencing unstable weather with heavy rain, strong winds, and cooler temperatures due to convective clouds and a low-pressure system. Authorities have issued warnings for road safety and travel, with rough seas also affecting marine activities. A cold snap is expected to follow the rainfall over the weekend.

The Trump administration says its blockade is narrowly tailored and not targeting civilians, which would be an illegal act of war. But some experts say seizing sanctioned oil tied to leader Nicolas Maduro could provoke a military response from Venezuela, engaging American forces in a new level of conflict that goes beyond their attacks on alleged drug boats.

On Friday, Delhi was enveloped in a thick haze as air pollution reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index soaring into the 'very poor' and 'severe' categories across numerous districts. In a proactive measure, Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa made rounds at petrol stations to ensure adherence to the 'No PUC, No Fuel' mandate.

IndiGo flight status today: On Friday, multiple IndiGo flights were cancelled from several airports due to dense fog and poor visibility in many parts of the country. IndiGo also issued a travel advisory saying that early morning fog in Delhi and across parts of northern India is affecting visibility and impacting flight operations. The airline said flight movements are being managed accordingly to ensure safe and orderly operations.

Elon Musk-owned Starlink has secured its first office space in northern India, leasing a 50-seater facility at Delhi's World Trade Center. This move, alongside OpenAI's similar decision, signals a strategic choice for proximity to the capital's power centers and a preference for flexible, premium workspace providers.