The Economic Times News

Blake Mitchell death: OnlyFans creator Lane Rogers, known online as Blake Mitchell, tragically passed away at 31 following a motorcycle accident on the Pacific Coast Highway in Oxnard, California. He sustained fatal blunt force trauma after colliding with a box truck. Rogers, who boasted over 400,000 Instagram followers, began his adult film career in 2014. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Dan Bongino: FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino is reportedly preparing to leave his post, with President Trump suggesting he wishes to return to his media show. Bongino's tenure has been marked by controversy, including his appointment despite lacking FBI experience and past comments on conspiracy theories like the January 6 pipe bomb case and Jeffrey Epstein's death.

Barstool Netflix: Netflix is expanding its sports media offerings by partnering with Barstool Sports for a multi-year deal. Starting in early 2026, the streaming giant will exclusively feature video versions of three popular Barstool podcasts: Pardon My Take, The Ryen Russillo Podcast, and Spittin Chiclets. This move signals Netflix's focus on personality-driven sports content.

Republicans Obamacare: Four House Republicans joined Democrats on a discharge petition to force a vote on extending Obamacare subsidies, set to expire December 31. This move aims to prevent insurance costs from doubling for millions. The petition's success highlights Speaker Johnson's challenges with his narrow majority, with a vote likely in January.

Ursid meteor shower 2025: Look up for the Ursid meteor shower this year. It peaks on the night of December 21 into the early morning of December 22. This modest celestial event offers a chance to see 5 to 10 meteors per hour from a dark location. The thin crescent moon will aid viewing.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Noida, RateGain provides software as a service (SaaS) solutions to global travel and hospitality companies, helping them grow their business through customer acquisition, retention and wallet share expansion.

Sajjan Jindal has been named Business Leader of the Year for FY2025. JSW Group's aggressive strategy and financial discipline have driven success across multiple sectors. The conglomerate has expanded significantly in energy, paints, and automobiles. Steel remains a core business, while JSW Cement and JSW Infrastructure are also growing. The group's net sales and profits show strong growth.

Bryan Johnson immortality: Tech entrepreneur Bryan Johnson aims for immortality by 2039, believing current advancements in biological engineering make it a realistic goal. He cites nature's examples of longevity and the accelerating pace of AI-driven innovation as key factors. Johnson's ultimate aspiration is to achieve a youthful physical state combined with lifelong wisdom.

N Chandrababu Naidu has secured over Rs 10.7 lakh crore in investments for Andhra Pradesh. He is recognized for attracting businesses back to the state. Naidu's approach focuses on creating an environment for innovation and job creation. His leadership is seen as a new model for governance, emphasizing technology and efficiency. This has made Andhra Pradesh a sought-after investment destination.

Asian Paints is honored with The Economic Times Conscious Corporate Award, celebrating its commitment to social responsibility. By investing 3% of its annual profits into CSR initiativessurpassing the required 2%the company leads the way in fostering vocational skill development, promoting water conservation, and enhancing health services.

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman in reply to the debate in Rajya Sabha said opening up the sector would attract new insurers, intermediaries, and allied service providers, expanding the overall insurance ecosystem and creating net employment.

Millions of Amazon Prime users in the U.S. may get an automatic $51 refund after a settlement for unauthorized sign-ups. Eligible members should check their emails for PayPal, Venmo, or mailed payments. Refunds are available from November 12 to December 24, 2025. Those who dont get an email can claim money at subscriptionmembershipsettlement.com starting December 24.

For the first time since 1911, India's upcoming 2027 Census will include denotified tribes, aiming to elevate these historically marginalized communities into government recognition. This important step is designed to extend essential benefits and reservations to these populations, who were once categorized under the outdated Criminal Tribes Act before their denotification post-independence.

Spartacus House of Ashur Episode 4 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details confirm the episode airs on December 19, 2025. The story explains global timings, episode schedule, streaming platforms, cast, plot, and how viewers in different regions can watch the series.

Maharashtra minister Manikrao Kokate lost his portfolio Wednesday. This followed an arrest warrant in a 1995 cheating and forgery case. The Nashik District Court upheld his two-year jail term for fraudulently obtaining government flats. Kokate admitted himself to a Mumbai hospital. His lawyers are seeking urgent bail. This is the second NCP minister to face such a situation.

Bitcoin price today: Bitcoin faces pressure near $86,000. Uncertainty over the next US Federal Reserve Chair and year-end tax-loss selling are impacting the cryptocurrency. Investors are cautious as long-term holders sell and leveraged positions are liquidated. Analysts warn of a potential slip below $80,000 if selling continues. Bitcoin's performance is diverging from the S&P 500.

Home prices, rents, rates 2026: Housing market predictions for 2026 show slower home price growth, not a collapse. Mortgage rates may ease slightly but remain above 6%. Inventory stays tight in many regions, keeping competition high. Renters gain options as new apartments ease pressure. Buyers and homeowners must focus on financial readiness, equity, and local conditions. Read on to see expert tips for navigating 2026.

Parliament took on the SHANTI Bill, a pivotal piece regarding nuclear energy. The government praised the bill as a cornerstone for elevating India's stature on the global stage and its commitment to moving away from fossil fuels. Meanwhile, opposition voices raised alarms over the potential pitfalls of privatization and accountability in nuclear supply chains.

The EU agreed earlier this month on legislation to cut ties with Europe's former top gas supplier Russia, having vowed to do so after Moscow's 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Lawmakers voted 500 in favour, 120 against and 32 abstained. The ban still requires formal approval by EU ministers, expected early next year. Officials expect countries to endorse the deal without changes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey to Ethiopia felt like a homecoming, as he drew inspiring connections between the African nation and his roots in Gujarat. He delivered heartfelt greetings on behalf of India, reflecting on their rich shared heritage. In discussing a crucial defense cooperation agreement, Modi championed the importance of unified security efforts.

Thousands of salad dressing cases from Costco and Publix are recalled nationwide due to black plastic found in granulated onions. Ventura Foods initiated the Class II recall affecting Italian, Caesar, and ranch varieties. While some Costco prepared foods were impacted, consumer-sold Hidden Valley products remain unaffected. The recall spans 27 states and Costa Rica.

Bridgerton Season 4 release date, filming and cast update confirms an early 2026 return on Netflix. The season focuses on Benedict Bridgerton and Sophie Beckett. Filming has ended, post-production is ongoing, and the season will release in two parts with eight episodes.

In a strategic surge to elevate its aerial powers, the Indian Navy is set to procure 26 Rafale M fighter jets from France, as announced by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi. This acquisition will significantly amplify its long-range strike capabilities.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced a plan to boost highway construction to 60 km daily. He also aims to make India's automobile sector the world's largest within a decade. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has set a target of 10,000 km for National Highways in the current financial year. Previous years saw significant construction achievements.

The James Webb Space Telescope has found a strange exoplanet with a lemon-like shape. The planet orbits a dead star and has a rare carbon-filled atmosphere. Scientists say this discovery is very unusual and hard to explain. The planets shape and air make it one of the strangest worlds ever seen in space.

Trumps $2,000 stimulus plan could leave 42% of Americans without a check. The proposal, often described as a tariff dividend, has sparked debate across the U.S. economy. President Donald Trump has suggested using tariff revenues to fund a one-time $2,000 payment for eligible Americans. Supporters say it would reward taxpayers and support middle-income households. Critics warn that strict income limits could exclude millions and reshape who qualifies for federal relief.

An Indian Army contingent has departed for the United Arab Emirates to participate in the second edition of Exercise Desert Cyclone to be conducted in Abu Dhabi.

Nick Reiner has been formally charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the brutal killing of his parents, filmmaker Rob Reiner and Michele Singer. Officials reports that the 32-year-old fatally attacked them in their Brentwood home, leaving their daughter Romy to discover the scene. Certain circumstances could elevate his sentence, with the possibility of life without parole or the death penalty.

US Vice President JD Vance recounted a light-hearted moment from the Trump administration. He described President Donald Trump interrupting a serious discussion to comment on the shoes of Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Trump then ordered new shoes for them. Vance used this to show Trump's consistent personality, unlike many in Washington.

The latest number represents a significant fall from January 2025, when Trump returned to power with a relatively robust approval rating. Since then, his popularity has steadily softened, particularly in relation to the economy, an issue long central to his political brand.

A major Class I recall impacts over 3.5 million bags of Deep Brand frozen vegetables nationwide. This highest risk alert means immediate action is required. Consumers must check their freezers for specific Deep Brand products. The recall is due to potential Salmonella contamination. Twelve illnesses have been reported. Consumers should discard recalled items or return them for a refund.

The Social Security Administration plans to cut in-person office visits by 50% in 2026. People will be encouraged to use phone and online services to manage benefits. Some offices may close, especially in rural areas. SSA says this will make service faster, but experts warn wait times could still be long. Changes affect millions of Americans.

China has reportedly built a prototype EUV lithography machine. This development, achieved by former ASML engineers, aims to enable domestic production of advanced semiconductor chips. While currently undergoing testing, the machine has not yet produced working chips. China targets 2028 for functional chips, with 2030 considered more likely. This marks a significant step towards semiconductor independence.

Nasdaq crashes today as tech stocks retreat sharply. The Nasdaq Composite slides 1.1% in midday trade. Nvidia drops nearly 3% on heavy selling pressure. Tesla slips as risk appetite weakens. Oracle plunges over 5% after renewed AI rotation fears. Weak jobs data and Fed uncertainty weigh on sentiment. Investors now await CPI inflation data for clearer market direction.

Slamming Union home minister Amit Shah, Banerjee questioned if the BJP has deliberately created a fake narrative of 1-1.5 crore Rohingya infiltrators, a claim that has effectively been invalidated by the Election Commission.

Hormuz Island in Iran has turned a striking blood-red after recent heavy rains. This natural phenomenon occurs as iron-rich soil washes into the sea. Scientists explain the island's unique geology causes this vibrant display. The red colouration is temporary and harmless to humans and marine life. The island's iron-rich earth is also used traditionally as a pigment.

US stock market today: Dow gains 0.44% while Nasdaq slips amid tech weakness. Investors watch Fed signals for potential rate cuts of 50 to 100 basis points. Oracle falls 4% after AI project loses funding. S&P 500 trades flat at 6,794.48. Oil prices rebound ahead of Micron earnings. Market sentiment remains cautious, with tech volatility under close scrutiny.

Pluribus Episode 8 release date, time, schedule and how to watch explains when the next episode arrives on Apple TV, global timings, plot details, fan theories, episode length, full season schedule, finale date, and viewing options for the Rhea Seehorn-led series.

Delhi enforces a strict 'no PUCC, no fuel' rule and bans older private vehicles from Thursday. Over 537 police personnel will be deployed at fuel pumps and border checkpoints. The government is also developing a car-pooling app and improving traffic management. Delhi Metro increases train frequency. These measures aim to reduce vehicular pollution and improve air quality.

Under the Public Distribution System (PDS) via the National Food Security Act (NFSA), beneficiaries get 5 kg of foodgrains per person per month (mix of wheat/rice), while the poorest AAY (Antyodaya Anna Yojana) households get 35 kg per family/month.

Medline goes public at $29 a share in 2025s largest global IPO, raising $6.26 billion. The company sells 216 million shares, granting a 32.4 million share greenshoe option. Proceeds will reduce $4 billion of debt and provide liquidity to pre-IPO owners. Medlines massive healthcare supply-chain business spans 69 facilities and 2,000 trucks. Investors watch margins, tariffs, and market debut closely.

Over the past three years, the government led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has expanded access to secondary and higher secondary education for girls by combining financial assistance with academic encouragement.

Kevin OLeary has sold all cryptocurrencies except Bitcoin and Ethereum. He says the U.S. CLARITY Act will drive institutional capital into compliant tokens. BTC trades near $87,300, ETH around $2,950, both are much below record highs. Stablecoins gain traction for fast, compliant payments. Mining shifts to low-cost energy. Investors are watching regulatory moves closely. The next market turning point may be imminent.

The BJP has been running a campaign against the government, accusing it of not releasing Gruha Lakshmi instalments on time and sitting on huge dues. The scheme, which is one of the five major guarantees of the Congress, promises Rs 2000 every month to women heads of low-income households.