The Economic Times News

The Wordle puzzle for Monday, December 15, 2025, prompted many players to stop and reconsider, featuring a word that carries hints of nuance and mistrust. Puzzle #1640 proved mildly challenging, pushing daily Wordle enthusiasts to rely on both instinct and logical elimination.

Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has once again baffled scientists and astronomers with its increasing brightness and striking green hue as it nears Earth. Comet 3I/ATLAS will reach its closest point to Earth on December 19 and astronomers expect it to shine even more at that time. This change in colour of comet 3I/ATLAS reveals interstellar composition and early star system origin.

If you're constantly tired, cramping up, or just feeling off, low magnesium might be the culprit. Rather than reaching for supplements, these eight fruits pack enough of this vital mineral to naturally bring your levels back up and keep your muscles, nerves, and heart running smoothly.

Dark elbows stem from dead skin buildup, sun exposure, and friction. Dermatologists recommend a five-step routine combining exfoliation, hydration, and targeted treatments to lighten hyperpigmentation effectively over weeks.

Ayesha Khans career shows how slow starts and steady effort can lead to unexpected visibility. Her story reflects patience, unseen effort, and how public recognition can change everything almost overnight.

2025 Tata Sierra variant wise full price list: After Sierra SUV's launch in November, Tata Motors has revealed the prices of the top-end Accomplished and Accomplished Plus trims. The starting price for the Tata Sierra in the Accomplished trim is Rs 17.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 1.5-litre NA petrol MT variant. The top-end Accomplished Pus variant begins at Rs 20.99 lakh (ex-showroom) for the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol AT engine.

US stock futures today were steady as Wall Street headed into a pivotal week of U.S. economic data. Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq futures showed mild moves after last weeks tech-led selloff. Investors now await payrolls, retail sales, and CPI inflation data that could reset rate-cut expectations and market leadership.

The first season of IT: Welcome to Derry has concluded on HBO. Strong viewership numbers and creator intentions point towards a possible second season. The series, set in Stephen King's IT universe, could explore earlier time periods in Derry's haunted past. This prequel has garnered significant audience interest, making a renewal likely.

The Supreme Court will issue effective orders to tackle Delhi-NCR's worsening air pollution. A bench will hear the crisis on December 17. Authorities are failing to implement existing protocols. The court aims to impose directions that people must adapt to. Poor labourers are severely impacted by pollution and work stoppages. Delhi's AQI remains in the 'severe' category.

Elon Musk's AI Chatbot Grok has come under fire after spreading false and misleading information about Australias Bondi Beach shooting. Grok gave false information about Ahmed al Ahmed who fought with gunmen to save the lives of civilians. While in one response, Grok identified the hero bystander as an Israeli hostage, in another it described him as IT professional.

Dense fog across Delhi NCR caused a massive multi vehicle pile up on the Delhi Mumbai Expressway near Nuh on Monday, killing at least four people and injuring several others. According to Times of India reports, extremely low visibility triggered chain collisions, once again highlighting winter road safety risks.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that the INDIA bloc is not involved in the vote chori issue raised by the Congress. He emphasized that each political party sets its own agenda, and the Congress is free to focus on vote chori and SIR as their main concerns.

Indian Premier League Auction 2026: The IPL 2026 mini-auction on December 16 in Abu Dhabi features 359 players, with teams seeking to rebuild squads after surprising player releases. Key bowlers to watch include Matheesha Pathirana, Jacob Duffy, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Lungi Ngidi, and Matt Henry, all with a base price of INR 2 crore. Intense bidding is expected as franchises target experienced overseas pacers and spinners.

Goa Police are en route to Delhi to take custody of the Luthra brothers, deported from Thailand. The accused, owners of a nightclub where a fire killed 25, will be interrogated in Goa. A special legal team is formed, and charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita are being prepared. This marks a significant development after earlier legal hurdles.

West Bengal Police summoned officials from six organizations involved in managing the chaotic Lionel Messi event at Salt Lake stadium. Alleging gross mismanagement after widespread vandalism and an estimated Rs 2 crore loss, police have arrested five spectators and the prime organizer. Investigations are ongoing to pinpoint accountability for the stadium's damage and unauthorized sales.

Indian gems and jewellery exports are showing resilience against steep US tariffs. While the US market remains sluggish, demand is picking up in Hong Kong, China, and the Middle East. This diversification is helping to offset slowdowns. Similar to the seafood sector, gems and jewellery exporters are finding alternative demand centres.

Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra are nearing deportation from Thailand to India, with authorities finalizing documentation and awaiting a local Bangkok court's review. The brothers, owners of a nightclub where a fatal blaze occurred, were detained in Phuket following a request from Indian law enforcement. The extradition treaty between India and Thailand facilitates their return.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) National President Jagat Prakash Nadda on Monday appointed Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry as the Election Incharge and, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (IC) for Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Muralidhar Mohol, Minister of State Civil Aviation & Co-operations as the Election Co-Incharge, for the forthcoming Tamil Nadu 2026 Assembly elections.

Amid the worsening air pollution in Delhi-NCR, schools in the national capital, Noida and Ghaziabad have shifted to online and hybrid mode. The step is taken to limit the exposure of students to the polluting air that surrounds Delhi NCR. The air quality in Delhi NCR was severe this morning and Wazirpur in Delhi reported the highest AQI at 500

Amid growing global business uncertainty, Indian companies are increasingly appointing professional CEOs to lead growth, offering million-dollar salaries to navigate complex challenges. In BSE 200 firms, the number of professional CEOs earning over $1 million (8 crore) rose nearly 71% to 145 in FY25, while promoter-led CEOs remained largely stable at 65.

India leads global GenAI adoption, with 62% of consumers using the technology, even more for shopping than work. This digital shift fuels strong consumer confidence and spending intentions, with automobiles and mobile devices expected to see significant growth. Despite global uncertainty, Indian consumers remain optimistic about economic conditions.

Mahindra XUV 7XO pre-booking begins in India: The pre-booking of Mahindra XUV 7XO has begun in India and interested users can pre-book the SUV online on the companys official website or at their nearest Mahindra dealership. The expected showroom price is likely to be in the range of Rs 15 lakh to Rs 26 lakh.

Thai authorities are preparing to pursue legal action against Gaurav and Saurabh Luthra, co-owners of a Goa nightclub where a December 6 fire killed 25 people. Detained in Phuket after Indias intervention, the brothers may face proceedings in a Bangkok court as India seeks their deportation, though legal complexities could delay their return.

Lok Sabha proceedings were repeatedly adjourned on Monday after BJP and Congress members clashed over alleged threatening slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised at a Congress rally. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the remarks and demanded an apology from Congress leadership, while Congress members protested in response, leading to disruptions and adjournments till 2 pm.

Manipur security forces apprehended seven militants, including two women, from various districts, seizing rifles, a pistol, and a hand grenade. Operations are ongoing to curb extortion and criminal activities. This comes amidst the ongoing ethnic violence that has claimed over 260 lives since May 2023.

Australian shares dipped on Monday, with the S&P/ASX 200 closing down 0.72%. Despite a brief intraday high, the market saw broad declines across most sectors, led by Materials. DroneShield and Austal were notable gainers, while Deep Yellow and Boss Energy experienced significant drops. The market shows resilience over the year, though recent volatility persists.

A father and son allegedly unleashed a six-minute shooting spree at Sydney's Bondi Beach, firing over 100 rounds and killing at least 15 people, including a 10-year-old girl. The attack, declared a terrorist incident, targeted the Jewish Australian community gathered for a Hanukkah event. Both attackers were eventually confronted and neutralized by responding police officers.

In a world obsessed with flawless faces and perfect bodies, some Bollywood actors chose authenticity. These actors didnt change themselves to be accepted; they changed how beauty is seen on screen.

The Supreme Court will hear a plea on December 17 concerning Delhi-NCR's worsening air pollution. Amicus curiae highlighted poor implementation of existing preventive measures by authorities. The court acknowledged the issue, including schools holding outdoor sports despite orders, and will aim for enforceable solutions.

BJD leaders and workers are protesting in Bhubaneswar, demanding the arrest of individuals involved in a violent clash in Jajpur district. The incident, which occurred at a BJD leader's farmhouse, left 15 injured, with five seriously hurt. Vehicles were also vandalized. Opposition leader Naveen Patnaik condemned the alleged 'goondaraj' and urged immediate action against the culprits.

The Election Commission began publishing Bengals draft electoral rolls on Sunday evening, following the Special Intensive Revision from December 411. The draft covers a population of over 7.66 crore. Claims and objections run from December 16, 2025, to January 17, 2026, with hearings until February 7, 2026, and final rolls in February.

Rob Reiner's 'When Harry Met Sally' is one of the most iconic movies in Hollywood. When Shahrukh Khan's movie 'Jab Harry met Sejal' was announced, there were wide speculations that Imtiaz Ali's rom-com was inspired from Rob Reiner's movie. Rob Reiner and his were stabbed to death at their house in South California.

Canadian-American actor Michael J. Fox, celebrated for his roles in 'Back to the Future' and TV series, inspires with his resilience after a Parkinson's diagnosis. He champions research through his foundation, advocating against pity and for dignity. His unwavering optimism and significant contributions to Parkinson's awareness and research continue to resonate globally.

The bodies of man and a woman were found at the When Harry Met Sally director's house on 14 December. The man was approximately 78 years old, and the woman was believed to be 68 years old, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) confirmed. Reiner is a highly successful director from a celebrated Hollywood family.

Peter Meagher: A tragic terror attack struck Bondi Beach on Sunday night. Peter Meagher, a dedicated rugby volunteer and photographer, was among the victims. Meagher was on assignment when the shooting began. The rugby community mourns the loss of this beloved figure, known as 'Marzo'. His family has a deep history with rugby.

Australia's Prime Minister has proposed stricter gun laws following a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney. The attack left at least 15 people dead. The government is considering new restrictions on gun ownership. This move comes after authorities revealed the older gunman legally obtained his weapons. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for action against rising antisemitism.

Charles Dickens, a well-known author and novelist, inspired people through his writings and left behind a huge legacy. His quote encourages people to accept and embrace possibilities as opportunities. Dickens' message promotes personal and communal growth through his quote which inspires action over mere wishes. He says don't consider anything as impossible and work hard to achieve your dreams.

Bondi beach Hanukkah festival shooting: New details have emerged in Bondi beach shooting in Sydney and police have found that the Sajid Akram, one of the alleged gunmen, brought six of his registered deadly firearms to the beach. Police have also found improvised explosive devices in shooter's vehicle and also conducted a raid at Naveed Akram's house.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, 78, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily, was found guilty of foreign collusion and seditious publication under the national security law. He faces up to life in prison. Lais case, widely seen as politically motivated, has drawn international criticism as a major blow to press freedom, amid concerns over his health after years in custody.

Hong Kong media tycoon and pro-democracy advocate Jimmy Lai was found guilty of colluding with foreign forces and sedition under the citys national security law, risking life imprisonment. Lai, 78, spent over five years in custody, much in solitary confinement, and has long criticized Beijing while funding pro-democracy causes. His conviction marks a major blow to Hong Kongs media freedom and democracy movement.

Tehrans water crisis shows how climate change and poor water management can push even large cities toward day zero. Indian cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad have faced similar stress, highlighting the urgent need for better water use, food trade choices and climate action to secure urban futures.

Jose Antonio Kast won Chiles presidential election with 58% of the vote, defeating leftist Jeannette Jara and marking Chiles sharpest shift to the right since 1990. Kast campaigned on tough stances on crime and immigration, including building border walls, deploying the military to high-crime areas, and deporting undocumented migrants.