Economy / The Economic Times
Black Friday has become a major retail event in India, with global and local brands offering significant discounts across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. Retailers are extending sale periods beyond a single day, allowing consumers to shop for year-end purchases and wishlist items at competitive prices.
Burnout doesnt spare even the brightest stars. Bollywood and global celebrities have spoken candidly about struggling with exhaustion, mental fatigue, and the pressures of fame. Their stories show that asking for help and taking a break is not just brave, its essential for true success.
US firm SAIC sees India as a key growth market. The company is exploring investments and partnerships to boost India's aviation sector. SAIC's technology can accelerate expansion, improve safety, and enhance passenger travel. This marks SAIC's first major international move outside the United States. Discussions with Indian delegations were productive.
The White House did not know about a meeting between US Ambassador Mike Huckabee and Jonathan Pollard. Pollard is a former US Navy analyst who spied for Israel. He met Huckabee in Jerusalem. The meeting was not on Huckabee's official schedule. Pollard requested the meeting to thank Huckabee for his past support. The US administration stands by Ambassador Huckabee.
Black Friday 2025 sales have commenced early, with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target launching significant discounts. This extended shopping period, running through Cyber Monday on December 1, offers substantial savings on electronics, apparel, and home goods. Shoppers can now seize doorbuster deals online, with new offers continuously appearing throughout the week.
Israel and India are set to negotiate a free trade agreement. This pact promises significant business opportunities and increased trade. Both nations aim to enhance investment flows. Sensitive sectors will be excluded from initial talks. Israeli companies see India as a gateway to Asia. This agreement follows earlier discussions and aims to revitalise bilateral economic ties.
A Special Investigation Team has submitted a comprehensive charge sheet in the Dharmasthala case. The report details allegations of multiple murders, rapes, and burials. Six individuals have been named as accused in the 3,900-page document. Excavations have uncovered skeletal remains at several locations.
In a bold move, the United States is overhauling its human rights report to include scrutiny of countries endorsing gender transitions for minors. Additionally, it will now assess programs focused on diversity and equity. This change signals a new direction in US foreign policy, positioning the administration against what it describes as harmful ideologies.
Black Friday 2025 has transformed into a weeks-long shopping event, with major retailers launching early deals on tech, home appliances, fashion, and more. Shoppers can expect significant savings online and in-store, with discounts continuing through Cyber Monday and into Cyber Week.
Garena Free Fire Max players can snag in-game freebies using 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes, released regularly with limited validity. These codes, usable only once, offer a quick way to get rewards. Players should visit reward.ff.garena.com to log in and redeem their codes promptly.
The 2025 Miss Universe pageant in Bangkok, Thailand faces a debate over five contestants with strong US ties. Rules allow representation through citizenship or legal ties, enabling dual nationals and diaspora. While supporters praise diversity, critics question fairness, citing potential advantages for US-based participants. This highlights evolving notions of national identity in global pageantry.
Japan's global exports saw a 3.7 percent increase in October. However, exports to the United States experienced a decline for the seventh consecutive month. This trend is linked to potential impacts from US tariffs. Japan's trade deficit narrowed significantly in October compared to the previous year.
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado risks being declared a fugitive. She cannot travel to Oslo for the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. Venezuela's attorney general issued the warning. Machado is accused of conspiracy and terrorism. Her supporters call these charges political. She dedicated her Nobel win to US President Donald Trump.
A Mobile, Alabama, teacher, Randi Nicole Staples, faces felony child abuse charges after a video surfaced showing her brutally beating her 12-year-old son. The shocking footage led to her arrest and termination from Cottage Hill Christian Academy, where she was previously honored. Authorities deemed the actions 'repulsive' and beyond acceptable discipline.
Tharoor, who has served as the UN under secretary general in the past, said on Thursday that to abandon the United Nations would be to abandon the very idea of common humanity.
TV actress Dipika Kakar shares her emotional struggles during liver cancer treatment. Despite normal medical reports, she battles daily fear and anxiety. Kakar details persistent discomforts like fluctuating thyroid and hormonal changes. She emphasizes choosing life and happiness. Her husband, Shoaib, offers support, highlighting the unseen challenges of recovery. Doctors monitor her closely.
Afghanistan is actively seeking new trade partners following a severe border dispute with Pakistan. This move aims to reduce reliance on its top trading partner. The Taliban government is exploring routes through Iran and Central Asia. Trade with Iran and Turkmenistan has seen significant growth. Afghanistan is also sending produce to Russia for the first time.
The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $629 million for the Saturday's (November 22) drawing, after no winner emerged on Wednesday. Players can choose a 30-year annuity or a $294.5 million lump sum before taxes. Lottery officials remind players of the steep 1 in 292.2 million odds of winning.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will meet President Donald Trump. Mamdani aims to discuss the city's affordability crisis. He sees the meeting as a chance to advocate for New Yorkers. Mamdani said he would emphasise the need for federal support, and that he was not concerned about political traps.
Announcing major relief for farmers, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said that, on the initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, two significant categories of crop losses have now been included under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), which farmers had been demanding for a long time.
A disturbing video from a Miami dance studio shows a man sniffing a seat after a young girl had been sitting there. Police are investigating the incident, which has gone viral online. Authorities have identified the man and are working with prosecutors. The public has reacted with shock and concern.
The CBO based its latest estimate on tariffs imposed by Trump between January 6 and November 15. It said that primary deficits would be reduced by $2.5 trillion over 11 years, with government borrowing costs falling by around $500 billion as a result. The August estimate was $3.3 trillion and $700 billion, respectively.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a three-day visit to South Africa for the G20 summit. This summit, held in Johannesburg, is the fourth consecutive one in the Global South. It aims to address challenges faced by emerging economies amidst geoeconomic volatility. The meeting will also focus on development issues pertinent to Africa.
Paulson will not vote at the meeting, which is expected to be hotly contested as several voters have already signaled they could dissent if the Fed cuts rates and several others have signaled possible dissent if the Fed does not. Paulson will rotate into one of the Fed's 12 rate-setting voting spots next year.
Bankers now say the debt facility is no longer under serious consideration, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter. Instead, lenders are planning to loan Argentina around $5 billion through a short-term repurchase, or epo, facility, it said. Bank of America, Citi and JPMorgan declined to comment.
All MD-11s used by UPS, FedEx and Western Global - along with a few related DC-10s - were grounded after the crash until they can be inspected and repaired, but the Federal Aviation Administration hasn't said what will be required. Cox said those air carriers are going to have to make some hard decisions because they were already planning to retire the planes in the next few years.
Indian handmade rugs are gaining global popularity. Buyers are shifting from machine-made items to handcrafted pieces. This trend is driven by a renewed appreciation for skilled craftsmanship and a growing demand for sustainable and ethical products. Regions like Bhadohi are at the forefront, with weavers adapting to modern designs and reaching international customers through online platforms.
Samsung Electronics has appointed TM Roh, its mobile chief, as a new co-Chief Executive Officer. He will also lead the device experience division, overseeing mobile phones, TVs, and home appliances. This move restores Samsung's traditional co-CEO structure. Analysts see this as a strategic step to boost competitiveness in key areas like memory chips and mobile.
A small fire erupted in the underground trolley connecting the US Capitol and Rayburn House Office Building on Thursday. Two US Capitol Police officers were taken for medical evaluation. The blaze, described as a small electrical fire, was quickly extinguished. The roadway around the Capitol complex was temporarily closed. The cause of the electrical malfunction is under investigation.
Chase Stokes broke the silence on the current status of his relationship with country singer Kelsea Ballerini. He shared cryptic Instagram stories. The posts followed Ballerini's CMA performance and Stokes' defense of her on TikTok against negative comments referencing his ex. Representatives for both have not commented on the alleged split.
US President Donald Trump accused Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior, demanding their arrest and trial for urging the military to refuse unlawful orders. He stated their actions were 'punishable by death', sparking swift condemnation from Democrats. The White House later clarified Trump is not seeking executions, questioning why the lawmakers' actions weren't being discussed.
American lawmakers are pushing a new bill. It aims to stop companies receiving CHIPS Act funds from buying Chinese chipmaking tools. This ban would last for a decade. The legislation targets equipment from China and other nations of concern. Exceptions exist for tools not available elsewhere. This move seeks to bolster domestic chip manufacturing and address national security concerns.
President Donald Trump's administration is planning to open up millions of square miles (kilometers) of US coastal waters to oil and gas drilling, it said Thursday, in a step that could lead to a massive expansion of fossil fuel extraction. But the plans announced Thursday are likely to face pushback domestically, particularly from California, whose government pledged to block drilling in the state's coastal waters.
According to industry experts, for Runwal Enterprises, the partnership underscores its intent to attract institutional capital and strengthen its position in Mumbais premium commercial real estate segment. The company has expanded from its initial focus on affordable and mid-income housing into premium and luxury developments.
Actress Dipika Kakar recently shared her ongoing emotional struggles following cancer treatment. A routine oncologist visit triggered an unexpected breakdown, highlighting the persistent fear of recurrence. Despite stable results, she navigates daily emotional shifts and physical reminders of her body's resilience.
Israel intends to take over significant portions of the Sebastia heritage site in the West Bank. Simultaneously, settlers have established a new unauthorized outpost near Bethlehem. These actions occur as Israel faces pressure regarding settler violence and faces accusations of war crimes for displacing thousands of Palestinians from refugee camps earlier this year.
Canadian actor Spencer Lofranco has passed away at the age of 33. His brother confirmed his death in an Instagram post. The Canadian actor was best known for his role opposite John Travolta in the 2018 movie Gotti. His death is being investigated in British Columbia, Canada. Lofranco was credited with roles in seven movies made between 2013 and 2018.
America's job growth picked up in September. However, the labor market showed signs of weakness. The jobless rate climbed to its highest in four years. This slowdown is linked to import tariffs and the integration of artificial intelligence. Job gains were seen in healthcare and leisure. Transportation and manufacturing sectors lost jobs. The economy faces a delicate balance ahead.
Ukraine's President Zelenskiy will work with the U.S. on a peace plan. This comes as European nations resist U.S. proposals that could force Kyiv to cede territory. Russia claims control of Kupiansk. France states peace cannot be capitulation. U.S. officials believe the plan is acceptable to both sides.
COP30 climate summit talks in Brazil faced disruption after a fire broke out at the venue. Delegates were evacuated as negotiators worked to finalize a deal on climate action. Key issues like fossil fuel transition and climate finance remain points of contention. The summit aims to accelerate climate promises into action.
The US has approved the sale of Excalibur precision-guided munitions and Javelin anti-tank missiles to India, totaling over $92 million. This emergency procurement follows Operation Sindoor to bolster India's armed forces and enhance its defense capabilities against current and future threats.
Fidium Fiber users across America faced significant service disruptions on Thursday, November 20, 2025. Downdetector recorded over 1,600 reports of issues. Major cities like Boston, Houston, and San Francisco were impacted. The problems began around 5:05 pm ET. The exact cause of the widespread outage remains unknown.
IndusInd Bank has begun early discussions to gauge investor interest for a potential qualified institutional placement, according to people aware of the matter. Senior management has been meeting investors after recent discrepancies in forex derivatives triggered senior-level exits.
Chadwick Boseman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Fans and loved ones came together to remember his work and his strong impact. Speakers shared warm memories and spoke about his talent and kindness. The event showed how much people still admire him and how his legacy continues to inspire many.
The CDC changed its autismvaccine webpage, creating debate among doctors, experts and lawmakers. The update uses new language about vaccines and autism, and this has raised concern from many medical groups. Some leaders say the changes may confuse parents, while health officials say they are updating the page with the latest science.
The Coast Guard policy debate has created big discussion online as reports claim swastikas and nooses may be marked as potentially divisive instead of hate symbols. The Trump administration and DHS responses have added more attention. Many people are talking about the history of these symbols and why any change in their meaning is a sensitive issue.
Wall Street stocks reversed early gains on Thursday, with major indices closing lower after a rally fueled by Nvidia's earnings faded. Technology stocks saw declines, and mixed US jobs data contributed to a muddied labor market outlook. Nvidia shares themselves experienced a notable drop. Check the top gainers and losers on NASDAQ.
US stocks got support from strong Nvidia earnings, which helped tech shares rise again. Traders watched the dollar, Treasury yields, and comments from the Federal Reserve. Asian markets were expected to open higher. Investors stayed focused on AI growth, global market trends, and how new data might shape interest rate decisions in the coming weeks.
Indian markets saw a dip on Thursday, November 20, 2025, as Nvidia's AI chip rally lost steam. Investors also lost hope for a December Federal Reserve rate cut. However, Walmart's strong sales and revenue figures for its fiscal third quarter provided a boost. The retail giant raised its annual forecasts, signaling confidence for the holiday season.

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