The Economic Times News

US stock futures today: Dow and S&P 500 hit record highs as Dow futures rise 0.30% and S&P 500 futures hold flat, while Nasdaq futures fall 0.20% amid a sharp tech selloff. Oracles post-earnings plunge continues to pressure Google, Nvidia and Broadcom, setting up another split openwhat comes next for markets?

The goverment said the meeting was held in view of the recent anxiety and unrest within the tourism ecosystem and was convened to strengthen safety standards and implement robust, future-ready mechanisms across Goas tourism sector.

Akshaye Khanna's brother, Sakshi Khanna, is the youngest son of Vinod Khanna. Sakshi has worked as an assistant director on major films. He also acted in independent projects. Sakshi launched his own production house. He now focuses on spirituality and inner growth, staying away from the limelight.

P T Usha, a Rajya Sabha member, has called for a government program to boost local production of anti-doping kits. This initiative aims to make India a dope-free sporting nation. Promoting indigenous manufacturing under Make in India will reduce costs and speed up testing. It will also enhance transparency and strengthen deterrence.

Quick fix of the day: As winter arrives, a simple household hack for drying wet shoes is necessary. This method involves filling shoes with crumpled newspaper and placing them near a fan, effectively absorbing moisture and promoting faster drying. This technique is safe for various shoe materials, preventing damage often caused by direct heat.

Bangladesh is exploring the acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon combat jets from Italy as part of its air force modernization. This preliminary step follows recent aviation decisions, including a planned purchase of Boeing aircraft. The Eurofighter Typhoon, a multi-role fighter, boasts advanced capabilities and a stealthy design, potentially marking Bangladesh's first major Western combat aircraft purchase.

New word of the day: 'Voucherscape.' Indian travellers faced flight cancellations and packed terminals. Companies responded with a flood of digital vouchers and credits. This situation has led to the introduction of the term 'voucherscape.' It describes the complex maze of offers travellers now navigate.

Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya has spoken out about family issues. She is urging the Bihar government to make sure women feel safe at home. Acharya believes current government schemes are not enough. She says societal and political changes are needed. Her comments follow a public break with her family. This happened after a reported argument about election results.

The Australian stock market (ASX) closed higher on Friday, December 12, 2025. The S&P/ASX 200 index saw a rise of 1.23%, reaching 8,697.30 points. Top performers included Greatland Resources Limited and Boss Energy Ltd. Other major ASX indices also recorded gains, indicating a positive trading session for the Australian sharemarket.

President Trump, who says the war has gone on too long, has been calling on European leaders to accept his plan. On Wednesday he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and hinted he might travel to Europe this weekend to push negotiations forward.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has reversed her retirement decision, announcing her return to competitive wrestling with the aim of winning an Olympic medal at the LA 2028 Games. Phogat, who was disqualified from a medal match at the Tokyo Olympics due to a weigh-in issue, stated her passion for the sport remains strong and she is motivated by her son's support.

He stepped into cinema with barely ten minutes on screen beside Kamal Haasan, yet within years he rose from obscurity to challenge a legends superstardom. On his birthday, the story of how an unknown newcomer transformed into an unstoppable cultural force continues to captivate generations.

Rahul Gandhi highlighted severe air pollution in Indian cities. He urged for a Lok Sabha discussion to find solutions. Gandhi emphasized cooperation between the opposition and government on this critical issue. He noted the widespread health impacts, including lung disease in children and cancer. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the government's readiness for a debate.

Perth braces for extreme fire conditions this weekend as temperatures soar to 40C, following two bushfires that prompted evacuations. Firefighters continue to battle blazes, with lives and homes potentially at risk. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of hot, windy weather and lightning strikes, urging residents to stay informed and hydrated.

The original owner of the land where the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub stood has alleged his property was rezoned from a salt pan to a settlement zone without his knowledge. Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar, who is in a legal battle over the land, discovered the change while preparing to sue the club following a fatal fire.

Congress criticized the BJP's attempt to pit Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay against Rabindranath Tagore, stating it backfired. The party reminded the BJP that Rajendra Prasad had already granted Vande Mataram equal status to the national anthem in 1950. This comes after a parliamentary debate on the national song's 150th anniversary.

Rajya Sabha proceedings were briefly adjourned for 10 minutes after Opposition MPs noted the absence of any Cabinet Minister. Despite the Chairman's request for a minister's presence, MPs insisted on an adjournment, calling the situation an insult to the House. The adjournment followed a tribute to those who fought terrorists in the 2001 Parliament attack.

The Delhi High Court has ordered social media platforms to address former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar's plea. He sought protection for his personality rights, including his name and image. Intermediaries must act within seven days. This follows similar actions by other celebrities seeking to control their digital presence. The court is ensuring these rights are safeguarded.

BMC water cut Mumbai : Mumbai's western and central suburbs are experiencing a 24-hour water shutdown as the BMC undertakes crucial repair work on water channels. The disruption, which began Friday morning and will last until Saturday morning, affects thousands of households and businesses across Andheri, Jogeshwari, Bandra, Dadar, and Mahim, impacting daily routines in several busy neighborhoods.

CAT 2025 results are anticipated soon. Experts predict a release between late December 2025 and early January 2026. Candidates can check their scorecards on iimcat.ac.in. The results will guide admissions to IIMs and other business schools. Candidates should download their scorecards promptly and verify all details for the upcoming selection rounds.

Supriya Sahu, Indian Administrative Service officer, has received the prestigious United Nations Champions of the Earth award for 2025. This honour recognizes her significant contributions to environmental protection and climate action. Sahu's work in Tamil Nadu has focused on ecosystem restoration, community resilience, and sustainable development. Her initiatives have led to increased green jobs and expanded forest cover.

Winter vacation dates for the 2025-26 academic year have been announced across various Indian states. Delhi and Haryana will observe a break from January 1-15, 2026. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab have scheduled breaks starting in late December. Jammu and Kashmir will have extended winter shutdowns, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are experiencing rain-related closures.

A terrifying incident unfolded in Far North Queensland, Australia. A skydiver's parachute became entangled with a Cessna Caravan aircraft's tail at 15,000 feet. The skydiver managed to cut free from the reserve chute. They then deployed their main parachute and landed safely with minor injuries. The pilot skilfully landed the damaged aircraft.

India is now issuing Chinese business visas within a month. This move aims to boost ties with China and end significant output losses. Bureaucratic hurdles have been removed, speeding up approvals. This decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts to improve the business environment for foreign investors. The change is expected to help Indian electronics makers and other industries.

What if our favourite Indian cricketers are reimagined as Avengers? This story imagines the current Indian cricket team as the Marvel superheroes where each player is matched with a superhero based on personality, skills, and their impact on the game.

Mike Tyson, a legendary boxer, offers timeless wisdom. His famous quote highlights that plans falter when faced with adversity. True strength lies in adapting to setbacks. This principle, honed through his own life and career, teaches us to remain flexible and resilient. Facing challenges head-on and maintaining a relentless work ethic are key to overcoming life's punches and achieving success.

Debbie Zakaib, Alexandre Taillefers wife and a celebrated Quebec personality in fashion and food, has died. She died after a brief but challenging fight with cancer. Zakaib was a driving force in the province's culinary world and a respected marketing executive. Her contributions significantly boosted Quebec's creative sectors and cultural landscape. She was also instrumental in bringing prestigious culinary recognitions to the region.

Over 400 former Bodo Liberation Tigers cadres, previously excluded from rehabilitation, received Rs 2 lakhs each. This initiative is part of a broader peace effort in Assam, following several Memorandums of Settlement with various militant groups since 2020. These efforts have successfully integrated thousands of former cadres into mainstream society through skill development and financial packages.

In a debate on election reforms at the Rajya Sabha, Opposition members accused the Election Commission of India of favouring the ruling party, which BJP countered by alleging that Congress misused institutions when in power. Concerns were raised about a level playing field, transparency and institutional credibility. Data on party funding was presented.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag in-game freebies using regularly released 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes. These codes have limited validity and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is advised. Players can claim rewards by visiting the official redemption site and logging in with their game-linked accounts.

Pakistan's government is considering a ban on social media platforms. Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik stated that platforms must cooperate with authorities. He highlighted X's lack of cooperation compared to others. The government has warned that non-compliant platforms could face bans. This follows Brazil's actions against X. Pakistan wants social media companies to open offices in the country.

Australia's wartime Prime Minister John Curtin believed the journey of learning shapes character more than knowledge itself. From humble beginnings, he championed workers' rights and social justice, emphasizing discipline and intellectual effort. Curtin's philosophy highlights curiosity and resilience as vital for growth, warning against complacency and fostering integrity and sound judgment through continuous pursuit of understanding.

As the Federal Reserve navigates potential leadership changes and ongoing political pressures, its hard-won independence faces a critical test. Historical parallels with the 1950s highlight the enduring struggle between the central bank and the executive branch over monetary policy. The outcome in 2026 will significantly impact the cost of living and investor confidence.

Shivraj Patil Death News: Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at 91 in Latur after a prolonged illness. He served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Union Home Minister, notably during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, for which he took moral responsibility. Patil also faced criticism over his attire following the Delhi blasts.

Mahatma Gandhi's enduring wisdom emphasizes that personal transformation is the catalyst for global change. His quote, Be the change that you wish to see in the world, urges individuals to embody desired values and actions. This principle encourages self-discipline and accountability, inspiring positive shifts within families, communities, and beyond.

Delhi Weather Today: Delhi is experiencing a milder-than-expected winter this December, with minimum temperatures around 9C and maximums near 24C. Despite the moderate chill, dense fog has blanketed parts of the NCR, reducing visibility. The IMD has warned of dense fog and potential cold wave conditions in the coming days.

Stranger Things Volume 2 update covers new episode titles, directors, release dates, post-production progress, and comments from the Duffer Brothers. The story explains how Stranger Things Volume 2 will shape the final season and what viewers can expect from the next set of chapters.

Barron Trump and Andrew Tate relationship explained in a new report that outlines their Zoom conversations, views on Romanian charges, dating advice given to Barron, and their growing connection through Tate associate Justin Waller. The report also covers Tates past issues, legal cases, and his long link with the Trump family.

President Trump signed an executive order Thursday to block states from creating their own AI regulations, citing concerns about stifling innovation and falling behind China. The order directs the Attorney General to challenge state laws and the Commerce Department to identify problematic rules, threatening to restrict funding for states with AI legislation.

The government is considering changes to the Copyright Act. This is to create a system for paying royalties to creators whose work is used to train artificial intelligence. A committee has proposed a mandatory license for AI developers. This license would include payments to copyright holders. A central body would manage these royalty collections and distributions.