The Economic Times News

Facing U.S. import tariffs, India is accelerating free trade agreements to secure market access beyond America. New Delhi is finalizing deals with the EU, New Zealand, and Chile, and has signed a pact with Oman, diversifying export destinations amid global trade uncertainty.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor proposed shifting cricket matches from North India to South India between mid-December and mid-January. This move aims to prevent disruptions caused by dense fog and smog.

Karnataka Assembly has passed a new bill to prevent hate speech and hate crimes. This pioneering law introduces penalties of up to seven years in jail and a fine of Rs one lakh. The bill was approved amidst disruptions in the assembly. Coastal Karnataka was highlighted as an area affected by such incidents.

Bangladesh anticipates a February 12 election, boosting investor sentiment. Despite strong headline growth, structural issues persist. Foreign direct investment shows mixed signals, with reinvested earnings and intra-company loans driving growth, while new equity capital declines. Macroeconomic indicators present a mixed picture, with inflation easing but remaining elevated. Remittance flows remain robust, supporting reserves.

Punjab rural election results: The ruling AAP in Punjab won the zila parishad polls and was also surging in majority of the zones of panchayat samiti. Congress secured the second spot and BJP managed to win 4 zones of the zila parishad in Pathankot. Punjab Congress Chief accused the AAP government of stealing polls.

The Supreme Court has postponed the hearing on a plea by Bhupesh Baghel's son challenging his arrest in a Chhattisgarh liquor scam. The court stated the matter cannot be heard piecemeal. The son is also challenging provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The hearing is now scheduled for January.

Amandeep Singh Bola, a Punjabi-Sikh origin New Zealander, showed exceptional courage and bravery when the horrific shooting at the Bondi beach in Australia unfolded. Amandeep was enjoying kebabs at the beach when he heard the gunshots and he ran towards the attackers, disarmed Sajid, one of the shooters, till the cops took over. He said there was a strong adrenaline rush after he got up.

Kerala's electoral roll enumeration concludes Thursday. The draft list will be released December 23. Over 24 lakh voters are categorized as untraceable. Overseas electors can apply to add their names. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on February 21, 2026. Polling stations will have a maximum of 1,700 voters. Efforts are underway to ensure smooth participation in democracy.

ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri announced plans for three new hotels in West Bengal. This expansion taps into the state's growing tourism potential. The company is acquiring land for projects in Darjeeling, Kurseong, and Sundarbans. These additions will strengthen ITC's hospitality presence in Bengal.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra strongly opposes the VB-G-RAM-G Bill passed in the Lok Sabha. She believes this legislation will end MGNREGA in the coming months. The bill shifts the financial burden to state governments. This move, she argues, will gradually dismantle the scheme.

New labour codes aim to formalise employment in India. Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya assures inspectors will act as facilitators, not obstructers. The reforms expand rights and safety for women, including night shifts. All workers, including gig and platform workers, will receive social security benefits. Minimum wages and timely payments are mandated. Fixed-term employees gain equal benefits to permanent workers.

Kinha will be responsible for overseeing lab operations and strengthening quality standards across the companys network. He has earlier served as group director-laboratory services at Vijaya Diagnostic Centre, where he led critical operational and quality initiatives.

Elan Group is investing Rs 1,600 crore in a new ultra-luxury residential project in Gurugram's Sector 49. The project, Elan The Statement, will feature 230 four-bedroom residences across five towers. Designed by London-based Benoy, it promises a premium lifestyle. Sector 49 is a rapidly developing area with strong property value appreciation and future infrastructure enhancements.

Financial experts warn that complacency during good times, not desperation, often leads to costly mistakes. Comfort can breed a false sense of security, prompting individuals to take on more debt and reduce financial flexibility. This makes them vulnerable when life inevitably slows down, causing unexpected stress. Good periods should be for building reserves, not increasing obligations.

Aurobindo Pharma said the USFDA issued a Form 483 with five procedural observations after inspecting Unit-IV of its subsidiary APL Healthcare in Andhra Pradesh from December 817, 2025. The company said it will respond within stipulated timelines and remains committed to quality standards.

RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group Chairman Sanjiv Goenka announced a Rs 15,800 crore capital expenditure plan for West Bengal, focusing on energy, education, and healthcare. A key project is a 5,000 MWh storage facility costing Rs 12,000 crore, aiming to power Kolkata with 50% renewable energy. The group will also invest Rs 1,000 crore in expanding education and healthcare facilities.

Along with Rio Tinto, Greenko founders are building a 1 MTPA aluminum smelter and 2 MTPA alumina refining and mining operations in AP. Production to start in 2030. This is the third major industrial collaboration after Petronas and Rio Tinto

A Parliamentary Panel has highlighted delays between mine auctions and their operationalisation. It recommends an inter-ministerial committee to monitor progress for mineral and critical mineral projects. The panel also stressed priority for statutory clearances for critical mineral projects. Policy reforms since 2015 are acknowledged. The committee suggests penalties for delays and incentives for faster production to boost efficiency.

Social Security COLA increase in 2026 may hike SSA and SSI payments but still not benefit you because higher Medicare premiums, rounding rules, and income-based differences reduce gains. The national COLA applies equally, but actual dollar increases vary by benefit size and deductions.

A 26/11 Mumbai terror attack survivor, Rajita Bagga, lauded Dhurandhar for its powerful portrayal of the events. She described a chilling red-screen scene featuring terrorist communications as deeply disturbing, highlighting the film's role in ensuring the tragedy is never forgotten. Read on to know more about it!

Centre on Thursday passed the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) or G RAM G Bill 2025 in the Lok Sabha, proposing to repeal the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and replace it with a new statutory framework guaranteeing up to 125 days of wage employment per rural household annually.

The Integrated Manufacturing Excellence Initiative (IMexI) 2025 concluded in Mumbai, celebrating advancements in Indian manufacturing. The event highlighted best practices, leadership's role in driving change, and introduced the IMexI India Icon recognition, with Reliance Industries Limited's SEZ Refinery receiving the inaugural award. The initiative aims to foster sustained, enterprise-wide excellence.

OTT releases this week: Stay updated with the latest OTT releases this week in India. From new movies to trending web series, here is the complete list of fresh content streaming on Netflix, Prime Video, JioHotstar and ZEE5, including genres, release dates and highlights you should not miss.

Actor-politician Vijay has launched a strong attack on Tamil Nadu's ruling DMK, calling it an 'evil force'. He stated his party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, is a 'pure force'. Vijay indicated the upcoming electoral contest is now solely between these two parties. He also alleged a smear campaign against him.

India and Oman are on the verge of a significant trade agreement. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement will enhance market access and promote investments. This pact marks a new era in their long-standing relationship. It is Oman's second free trade agreement and first in two decades.

MTAR Technologies secured a significant Rs 310 crore order from Megha Engineering & Infrastructures for Kaiga nuclear reactors in Karnataka. This order, along with a previous Rs 194 crore contract, brings the total for Kaiga 5 and 6 reactors to Rs 504 crore this month. Deliveries are scheduled to continue until February 2030.

An Indian expatriate in Dubai, Ritesh Dhanak, has won Dh100,000 in the Big Ticket weekly e-draw after nearly 15 years of participation. Dhanak, a computer teacher, secured the prize through a group ticket purchase, inspired by a promotional offer. He plans to use his winnings for a family holiday and his daughter's education.

Keanu Reeves' words on love are not just about the grand gestures but also about how it requires effort and commitment. This philosophy is shown in his long-term relationship with artist Alexandra Grant. Their partnership, built on sharing and support, highlights the actor's views on love and mutual growth. Read on!

Australian shares saw a cautious trading day on Thursday, December 18. The S&P/ASX 200 index closed almost flat, gaining a mere 0.03 per cent. While some stocks like Bapcor and Austal surged, others like Boss Energy plunged. Consumer Staples and Telecommunications led sector gains, but Energy stocks pulled the market down. The benchmark index remains positive year to date.

Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 Final: Haryana and Jharkhand are facing each other in the final of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, marking their first-ever appearance in the championship match. Before this final, the elite tournament has been played 18 times. Here is a list of full list of SMAT trophy winners.

Harsh Goenka shared images of Kandovan, Iran. This village features unique homes carved into volcanic cones. These dwellings are over 700 years old and still inhabited today. They were built for survival against harsh winters. The natural insulation keeps homes warm. Social media users praised the ingenuity and sustainability of these ancient cave homes.

The Supreme Court has voiced concern over judges issuing many orders just before retiring. This practice was compared to a cricketer hitting sixes in the final overs. The court made these observations while hearing a case involving a Madhya Pradesh judge suspended shortly before his retirement.

Fitch Ratings maintains a 'Neutral' outlook for India's auto loan ABS sector for 2026, anticipating stable asset performance driven by resilient economic growth. Strong domestic demand and improved agricultural output are expected to support loan performance, with delinquency levels projected to remain stable.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) as a lueprint of our shared future that will shape bilateral ties for decades. Addressing the India-Oman Business Summit, he emphasized the historical maritime links and invited startups to invest and innovate in India, highlighting mutual growth opportunities.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut stated that an alliance between NCP (SP) and Ajit Pawar's NCP for the Pune Municipal Corporation polls would be equivalent to joining hands with the BJP. Raut plans to discuss this and other issues with NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar, emphasizing that aligning with Ajit Pawar would strengthen the BJP.

Australian boxer Tim Tszyu has secured a significant win against American Anthony Velazquez. This victory marks a crucial step in Tszyu's comeback after recent world-title defeats. The unanimous points decision in Sydney could pave the way for Tszyu's return to the top in 2026. His performance demonstrated resilience and a renewed focus on his international career.

Danish Khan, Business Head of Sony LIV and Studio NEXT, is leaving Sony Pictures Networks India after a decade to pursue new opportunities. Khan significantly scaled Sony LIV's digital business, achieving five-fold revenue growth and four-fold user increase. He also played a key role in developing popular television and studio properties during his tenure.

As Ranveer Singh starrer 'Dhurandhar' continues to perform well at the box office, a 26/11 survivor has reviewed one of the haunting scenes where the screen goes red and voice recordings of terrorists and their handlers are played. Rajita Bhagga described the scene as gut wrenching and painful, saying that the scene shook her to the core. Dhurandhar's director Aditya Dhar reacted to her post and said her words remind us why this story had to be told.

The Kerala High Court has halted Enforcement Directorate proceedings against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The stay extends for three months. Former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and KIIFB CEO K M Abraham also received similar relief. This order follows a joint plea challenging show cause notices.

L Catterton, a global investment firm, has partnered with and invested in India's leading ethnic snacks maker, Haldirams. This collaboration aims to bolster Haldirams domestic market position and fuel its international growth. The move follows a significant stake acquisition by other investors earlier this year, signaling strong confidence in Haldiram's potential amidst a booming Indian snacks market.

Nissan India has revealed the Gravite, a new compact MPV. This marks the beginning of Nissan's product expansion in India. The Gravite is scheduled for launch in early 2026. It will be the first of three new Nissan models to arrive.

Emily Cooper is back in a new role, leading Agence Grateau's Rome branch in Emily in Paris Season 5. The popular Netflix series premieres today, December 18. Fans are also excited about a potential Season 6, with Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos reportedly hinting at its return in 2026. Read on!

Maruti Suzuki December discounts includes models across Arena and Nexa, including Alto K10, Swift, Baleno, Brezza, Fronx, Jimny and Invicto. Total benefits range from under Rs 20,000 to over Rs 2 lakh, depending on the model, variant and eligibility criteria.

Thought of the Day by Amelia Earhart, 'Being alone is scary, but not as scary as...', reflects on courage, independence, and action. The quote about being alone speaks to emotional strength. The message connects her words, life journey, aviation records, and lasting influence on women, leadership, and self-belief across generations.

North Sydney Boys High School has secured the top spot in the 2025 NSW HSC rankings for the third consecutive year, achieving a historic trifecta with a 71.60 per cent success rate. Long-time rival James Ruse Agricultural High School followed in second place, highlighting the continued dominance of selective public schools in the state's academic performance.

Bill Gates, a tech pioneer, built Microsoft into a global powerhouse. He became a billionaire at 31. Gates then shifted his focus to philanthropy. He co-chaired the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The foundation works on health, education, and poverty. His work continues to inspire many. Gates' legacy spans technology and global change.

IndiGo has brought back its flight operations to approximately 2,200 services. This comes after a challenging period that significantly impacted Indian aviation. The airline's CEO has outlined three key priorities moving forward. These include enhancing the robustness of its systems. IndiGo is also undertaking a thorough investigation to understand the causes of the recent issues.