The Economic Times News

Indias goods and services tax (GST) collections reached 1.75 lakh crore ($19.45 billion) in December, up 6.1% from the same month last year, the government said on Thursday.

A key suspect in the murder of Bangladeshi activist Sharif Osman Hadi has denied any role in the killing. Faisal Karim Masud, also known as Daud, released a video stating he is in Dubai and not in India as claimed by Bangladeshi authorities. He insists his meeting with Hadi was professional.

Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana shared a reflective video of 2025, ending with a Bhagavad Gita quote about overcoming challenges. This followed a year of significant highs, including a World Cup win, and personal lows, such as the cancellation of her wedding to Palaash Muchhal due to family emergencies. The cricketer shared a cryptic quote of Lord Krishna from the Bhagavad Gita.

India and Pakistan have exchanged lists of their nuclear facilities. This is part of a decades-old agreement. The pact prevents attacks on each other's atomic sites. The exchange happened on Thursday. It took place simultaneously in New Delhi and Islamabad. This marks the 35th consecutive exchange of such lists. The practice began on January 1, 1992.

Burn belly fat: A simple five-minute drink made with methi and saunf seeds can aid in reducing stubborn belly fat. Dietitian Manpreet Kalra shares this remedy. Methi seeds are rich in fiber, aiding fat burn. Saunf seeds boost metabolism and curb hunger. Ginger also plays a role in fat burning. This drink offers additional benefits like detoxification and blood pressure regulation.

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has strongly condemned attacks on Kashmiris, likening the perpetrators to Hitler. He expressed hope that such extremists will eventually disappear. Abdullah also offered prayers for peace and friendship with India's neighbors in the new year. He welcomed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's attendance at Khalida Zia's funeral, emphasizing the need to strengthen ties with Bangladesh.

Stranger Things concluded its original story with a movie-length Season 5 finale, leaving fans with closure but also questions. While no Season 6 is planned, the Duffer Brothers confirmed a clean slate spin-off with new characters and a different era, alongside an animated series set during Season 2. Read on to know in detail.

Maruti Suzuki achieved its highest-ever vehicle exports in 2025, exporting 3.95 lakh units and marking a 21% growth. This accomplishment solidifies its position as India's top passenger vehicle exporter for the fifth consecutive year. The company also commenced exports of Suzuki's first Battery Electric Vehicle, the e VITARA, to 29 countries.

Maharashtra Board of Technical Education has released the Winter Semester Result 2025. Students can now download their scorecards from the official website by entering their enrolment or seat number. The exams took place from November 11 to December 3, 2025. The scorecard contains crucial details like marks and rank, offering a comprehensive overview of student performance across various diploma programs.

Stranger Things at Los Angeles Airport? A glowing red line observed on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport has sparked widespread speculation online. While some theorized about gas leaks or even alien activity, more practical explanations suggest friction from debris or fluid reactions. Airport operations continued normally with no official reports of danger.

Legendary actor Robert De Niro advises staying calm and cautious during success, warning against the illusion of permanence in show business. His decades of experience highlight that careers are fleeting, emphasising humility, gratitude, and the understanding that everyone is indispensable for long-term survival. Read on!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will soon launch India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The new train will operate on the Guwahati-Kolkata route. Testing and certification are complete. Passengers can expect world-class facilities and a modern travel experience on long overnight journeys. This marks a significant milestone for Indian Railways.

India-US ties in 2025 were marked by contrasting developments, with leaders projecting warmth while trade disputes escalated and strategic coordination faltered. Despite descriptions of a special partnership, differing political priorities and US President Trump's approach exposed underlying disagreements and tested bilateral stability throughout the year.

As 2026 begins, fitness enthusiasts are setting strength goals. Dr Sudhir Kumar from Apollo Hospital Hyderabad offers a practical roadmap for muscle growth. He emphasizes effort over weight selection and highlights weekly sets and training frequency for optimal results. Balanced workouts covering all major muscle groups are recommended. Consistency and smart planning are key to achieving visible and lasting gains.

An elderly woman was attacked and injured by a group of monkeys in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, highlighting ongoing concerns about monkey menace in residential areas. Separately, the body of an unidentified woman was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase in a drain in Kaithal district, raising anxieties about law and order.

India's hospital sector is set for strong growth. Rising insurance and medical tourism are key drivers. Affordable treatment attracts global patients. Corporate hospitals show steady revenue gains. Bed capacity additions support future expansion. Financial health is improving with stable margins and reduced debt. This positive trend is expected to continue.

Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party is discussing seat sharing with Eknath Shinde's Shiv Sena for upcoming civic elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The Nationalist Congress Party had previously allied with Sharad Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (SP) for these polls. The final candidate list will be published on January 3, with elections scheduled for January 15.

Nushratt Bharuccha recently visited Mahakaal temple in Ujjain and her spiritual visit has now triggered a massive storm. A cleric, identified as Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, has objected to her visit and issued a fatwa against her, demanding that Nushratt should recite Kalma to seek forgiveness from Allah. The actor is known for her roles in Pyar ka Punchnama and Dream Girl.

PM Modi expressed confidence that under Rehman's leadership, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party will carry forward Khaleda Zia's ideals, using them as a guiding light to forge a new path and further enrich the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.

Northern Queensland is battling a severe flood crisis as relentless monsoonal rains inundate communities. Coastal areas have already received over a metre of rain, with more expected to push totals towards two metres. Rivers are surging, causing major flooding, and a fatality has been reported. Disaster relief is being provided as residents are urged to stay informed.

Skoda Auto India achieved its strongest-ever sales performance in 2025, reporting a more than two-fold increase to 72,665 units compared to 35,166 units in 2024. This milestone coincides with the brand's 25th anniversary in India, attributed to an enhanced product portfolio and wider network presence.

He once drove a tempo through Kanpurs traffic, counting trips and fuel, not take-off slots. Today, Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma is preparing to launch an airline. In a sector ruled by giants and guarded by regulators, the rise of Shankh Air is less a startup story and more a reminder that in India, even the longest journeys can begin in the slow lane.

A devastating explosion rocked the popular bar Le Constellation in Crans Montana early Thursday. Several people lost their lives and many others sustained injuries. The blast occurred as revelers celebrated the new year. Emergency services are currently on the scene. The cause of the explosion remains unknown. Swiss police are investigating the incident.

Courtroom drama Haq, starring Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, is currently gearing up for its digital debut. The film, inspired by the Shah Bano case, tackles sensitive legal and social issues surrounding women's rights and personal laws. Read on to know when and where you can watch this courtroom drama.

Dr. Sudhir Kumar emphasized that strength training is vital for lifelong health, independence, and resilience, comparing muscle mass to financial security. Medical research confirms muscle's role in metabolism, disease prevention, and even cognitive function, highlighting its importance for longevity and preventing frailty.

Anne Franks powerful quote, How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world, continues to resonate today. Her words highlight that positive change begins with intention and small, everyday actions rather than perfect timing or grand gestures. This timeless message encourages immediate action and personal responsibility in building a better world.

Loan sanctions during the period stood at Rs 40,100 crore, reflecting a growth of 29 per cent over Rs 31,087 crore a year ago. The loan book stood at Rs 87,975 crore as on December 31, 2025, marking a growth of 28 per cent over Rs 68,960 crore a year ago.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised his troops fighting abroad as forging an invincible alliance with Russia in a new year's message, state media said Thursday. The North Korean leader praised soldiers for strengthening the invincible alliance with Russia, calling on them to fight for the fraternal Russian people.

JSW MG Motor India achieved a significant 19 percent sales increase in 2025. The company sold 70,554 units, showing strong performance. December 2025 saw 6,500 wholesale units. This growth spans both petrol and electric models. MG SELECT's wholesale also grew by 38 percent month-on-month. The company also surpassed one lakh cumulative electric vehicle sales.

Eating 12 grapes under the table: The Spanish tradition where it is believed that if you under the dinner table shoveling grapes into your mouth on New Year's eve, it can bring good luck and ensure your resolutions are accomplished. It is believed that if you follow this ritual, your wishes for new year will be fulfilled. But science has not backed these claims.

Pakistan sought to highlight a handshake between its National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Dhaka. This occurred following the Pahalgam attack earlier this year. India responded with strong measures, including Operation Sindoor, to safeguard national security. Relations remain strained, with India emphasizing a terrorism-free environment for any engagement.

In 2026, planetary movements will influence the health and emotional well-being of each zodiac sign. The article details specific health predictions for all 12 signs, offering practical wellness advice to navigate potential challenges and enhance overall vitality throughout the year.

India's 2026 calendar is a vibrant tapestry of celebrations. Major festivals like Pongal, Holi, Diwali, and Eid-ul-Fitr mark the year. National holidays such as Republic Day and Independence Day are also listed. This schedule highlights India's rich cultural diversity and regional traditions. Many dates are fixed, while others depend on lunar cycles. Readers should confirm local schedules.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has asked the Centre to rebut the Chinese Foreign Minister's claim of Beijing's role in mediating the India-Pakistan standoff, stating that ormalcy in ties with the neighbouring country cannot be at the cost of sovereignty.

India's aviation regulator has issued a show-cause notice to Air India pilots. Serious safety concerns have been raised regarding specific flights. Pilots must respond within 14 days. They need to explain alleged violations of aviation safety rules. This action follows an investigation into flight operations. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is taking this step.

Indore water contamination case: The Minister further stressed that mostly people living in Bharirathpura locality belong to economically weaker sections so it was being ensured that they should not spend a single penny for their treatment.

Former cricketer Damien Martyn was hospitalized with meningitis, prompting a public health discussion. Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar detailed the serious neurological condition's symptoms, emphasizing the need for immediate medical attention. Early signs like fever and headache require urgent care, as rapid treatment and vaccination are crucial for prevention and recovery.

Stranger Things has ended its nine-year run with a dramatic Season 5 finale. The heroes launched a final plan against Vecna and the Mind-Flayer. Key characters faced peril and loss. Eleven appeared to sacrifice herself, but her survival is left open to interpretation. Read on to know what happened in the finale.

Mahindra & Mahindra saw a significant 23% jump in December SUV sales to dealers. This surge is attributed to recent tax cuts on larger engine SUVs. The Indian government reduced taxes in September to stimulate demand. Other major automakers like Maruti Suzuki, Hyundai India, and Tata Motors are expected to release their sales figures soon.

Sriram Raghavan's Ikkis has premiered to an emotional reception, captivating audiences with its portrayal of war hero Second Lieutenant Arun Khetarpal. Early reviews highlight Agastya Nanda's confident debut and Dharmendra's dignified performance, praising the film's balanced depiction of bravery and the human cost of war. Read on!

Hotels and restaurants across India face higher operating costs. Commercial cooking gas prices saw a Rs 111 rise on January 1, 2026. A 19-kg cylinder in Delhi now costs Rs 1,691.50. Mumbai prices also climbed. Kolkata and Chennai experienced significant price hikes. This impacts service operators nationwide.

Mumbai weather: Mumbai received unseasonal showers on the first day of 2026 amid chilly weather which brought down the pollution levels in the city. For today, the IMD has forecast light rains for Mumbai and its suburbs over the next 48 hours. Mumbaikars welcomed the unexpected rain in Mumbai today.

Happy New Year 2026 Wishes: As 2026 arrives, this curated list offers 150 Happy New Year wishes, quotes, and messages for everyone. It provides warm greetings for family, friends, colleagues, and romantic partners, alongside short updates for social media, focusing on hope, peace, and new beginnings.

Predictions for 2026: As 2026 begins, predictions from mystics like Baba Vanga and Nostradamus are resurfacing. These forecasts, ranging from World War 3 fears and alien encounters to AI integration and natural disasters, reflect current global anxieties about geopolitical tensions, technological shifts, and climate uncertainty.

Filmmaker K. Asif and actor Dilip Kumar shared a deep bond during the making of Mughal-e-Azam. This friendship turned sour when Asif pursued and eloped with Dilip's sister, Akhtar. Dilip Kumar felt betrayed by this personal relationship. The incident caused a significant rift between the two men. Mughal-e-Azam, despite this turmoil, became a cinematic landmark.

Zohran Mamdani is set to become New York City's first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born mayor, making history by taking his oath on a Quran. His inauguration will feature two ceremonies: a private midnight event at a historic subway station and a public ceremony at City Hall later that day.

India's entertainment industry is seeing a rise in reverse engineering content, with streaming platforms and producers now asking writers to publish non-fiction books before developing them into web series or films. This approach, driven by legal cushioning and audience interest in non-fiction, helps mitigate intellectual property disputes and serves as a testing ground for cinematic adaptation.