The Economic Times News
National / The Economic Times
Akshaye Khanna portrays Rehman Dakait, a notorious Lyari ganglord whose real life was steeped in violence and crime from childhood. His reign of terror, marked by brutal gang wars and alleged political connections, ended in a police encounter in 2009, though controversy and loose ends persist.
PayU Group CFO Arvind Agarwal discusses the companys turnaround in H1 FY26, citing a 20% revenue jump and EBITDA breakeven. He outlines the strategy behind their sustainable growth, the Mindgate acquisition, and the roadmap to full profitability by FY27.
Paush Amavasya 2025 falls on December 19. This day holds great spiritual significance for ancestor worship and seeking blessings. Devotees will perform ritual baths and charitable acts. Prayers to Surya Dev are also recommended for well-being. This occasion is also known as Chhota Pitru Paksha, emphasizing ancestral rituals for peace and prosperity.
An inquiry committee investigating vandalism at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's visit has recommended a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The preliminary report highlighted violations of standard operating procedures, particularly concerning water bottles being available inside the stadium, and suggested departmental action against stadium management agencies.
The highly anticipated teaser for 'Border 2' has officially dropped, igniting fan excitement. Directed by Anurag Singh, the war drama features Sunny Deol reprising his iconic role, joined by Varun Dhawan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Ahan Shetty. The film is slated for a grand release on January 23, 2026, after the massive success of Border 1 which was released in 1997.
India's government prefers to leverage existing laws like the DPDP Act for AI regulation, avoiding new legislation unless absolutely necessary to foster innovation. The focus is on AI's impact in sectors like agriculture and healthcare, aiming to boost productivity for national development, while acknowledging job shifts.
Spoilers ahead: Avengers: Doomsday teaser trailer clips leaked online, confirming Chris Evans' return as a fatherly Captain America whose timeline disruption reportedly drives the plot. The viral footage also teased a dramatic arc for Chris Hemsworth's Thor and revealed Robert Downey Jr.'s highly anticipated debut as the central antagonist, Doctor Doom. The film is slated for a December 2026 release.
Are you also planning to lose weight in 2026? Fitness trainer Raj Ganpath with many years of experience has shared four simple mindset rules that helps you shed extra kilos in a healthy and sustainable way in the coming year. The coach advises people to slow down, to be kind to oneself and to be patient.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Tuesday announced the 7 Nischay-3 program, set to be implemented in Bihar. This is the third instalment in the program. The first instalment of 7 Nischay was completed between 2015 to 2020, and 7 Nischay-2 was completed between 2020 to 2025.
Propagate India has appointed Parikshit Bhattacharya as its Chief Creative Officer. This move expands his existing responsibilities as CCO of BBH India. Bhattacharya will now lead Propagate India's creative direction, focusing on digital excellence and fostering an ideas-driven culture. The agency aims to enhance its platform-first solutions and audience-centric approach.
A horrific shooting at Bondi Beach on December 14, 2025, claimed 15 lives. Reuven Morrison, a victim, is hailed a hero for confronting attackers. His daughter shared his brave final moments. Morrison, an immigrant from the Soviet Union, was celebrating Hanukkah. The incident also saw another civilian disarm a gunman. Several other victims have been identified.
India and Jordan have strongly reaffirmed their shared stand against terrorism. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Amman saw both nations condemning terrorism in all its forms. Discussions also focused on deepening economic engagement. Several agreements were finalised in areas including renewable energy and digital technology.
A straightforward leave request from an employee to spend time with his girlfriend before she travels has gone viral on LinkedIn. The manager's approval and appreciation for the honesty sparked a wider conversation about evolving workplace cultures and the importance of trust and empathy in modern offices.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticized the governments bill to replace MGNREGA, saying it would weaken the Acts guarantee of 100 days of employment for the poorest. She also questioned the governments practice of renaming schemes, highlighting the costs involved and changes in control, as the new bill gives the Centre authority over fund allocation instead of gram panchayats.
Mallika Sagar, a trailblazing auctioneer, will lead the IPL 2026 auction. Her journey began with a book's inspiration, leading her to break barriers in the global art world and then in Indian sports, including the Pro Kabaddi League and the Women's Premier League, before commanding the IPL spotlight.
Bengaluru Airport has issued an advisory warning of potential flight delays and road traffic congestion due to dense fog and low visibility. Passengers are urged to arrive early and stay updated with airlines. Despite early morning fog, daytime weather is expected to be clear and mild, suitable for city exploration.
This guide reveals the essential hacks for securing affordable year-end flights, especially during Christmas and New Year. The secret lies in booking 30-90 days early, flying on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, and utilizing price-tracking tools. By embracing flexibility and avoiding peak weekend departures, travelers can significantly cut costs and enjoy their festive journeys.
The film Dhurandhar is a box office hit. Its success has sparked a trend of funny memes online. These memes show fans imagining themselves as RAW agents on their first day in Pakistan. The clips highlight cultural differences and everyday habits that would expose them. These humorous reels are entertaining audiences across social media platforms.
Tennis icon Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, believes true champions are defined by their ability to recover from setbacks, not just their wins. Her quote emphasizes resilience, self-belief, and perseverance, highlighting how overcoming failures and challenges shapes character and leads to growth.
Indias Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal said the countrys exports have remained resilient despite global economic challenges, supported by diversification across markets and sectors. In the first eight months of FY26, total exports of goods and services rose by over 5% compared with FY25, and momentum is expected to strengthen further.
The final Pradosh Vrat of 2025 falls on Wednesday, December 17, a day dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be auspicious for fulfilling wishes and bringing prosperity. Worshipping Shiva during the Pradosh Kaal (5:27 pm to 8:11 pm) is considered highly beneficial for a positive start to the year ahead.
In today's interconnected world, 'occhiolism' describes the awareness of one's limited perspective against the vastness of global experiences. This quiet realization, often felt during everyday moments, fosters empathy and humility. Naming this feeling helps individuals process it as a shared human experience, aligning with growing interest in emotional intelligence.
A 69-million-year-old triceratops fossil worth $5 million now resides in a Singapore vault. This purchase by crypto investors signals a shift away from digital art. The crypto elite are now investing in tangible assets like antiques and gold. This trend suggests a move towards traditional stores of value for many in the crypto market.
The Australian stock market saw a dip on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The S&P/ASX 200 index closed down. Top gainers included DroneShield Limited and IDP Education Limited. Losers were led by IperionX Limited and Life360 Inc. Other key indices like S&P/ASX 20, 50, 100, and 300 also experienced slight pullbacks.
A colossal 24-meter Statue of Liberty replica in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul was toppled by fierce winds reaching 90 km/h. Fortunately, Havan staff swiftly secured the area and no injuries were reported at the site. The dramatic collapse, captured on viral video, occurred during a severe weather alert, highlighting the power of the storm.
The U.S. job market faces sluggishness and confusion this fall, with companies hesitant to hire due to AI uncertainty and unpredictable policies. Jobseekers struggle to find work as hiring momentum wanes, exacerbated by delayed government data. Federal Reserve policymakers are divided on interest rate adjustments amidst these challenges.
Custard apple, also known as sugar apple or sitaphal, provides significant health benefits for adults over 45. A gastroenterologist highlights its rich content of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, and natural fibres. These nutrients support immunity, digestion, and heart health. The fruit aids in slowing skin ageing and strengthening the body's defence against infections.
Bengal SIR 2026: Ahead of West Bengal's draft electoral rolls publication, the Election Commission released a list of over 58 lakh deleted voters on its website. These deletions are due to reasons like absence from registered addresses, permanent shifts, deaths, or duplicate entries. Aggrieved individuals can submit claims for inclusion between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
Viral videos such as 40 minute and 19-minute viral clips have caused a lot of confusion among social media users. Experts have pointed out that specific numbers on the video trigger higher click-through rates even though the source and authenticity of such videos remain unknown. Authorities have warned against sharing such viral clips.
IPL 2026 Auction News Live: The IPL Auction 2026 kicks off in Abu Dhabi with a 237.50 crore purse across 10 teams vying for 77 slots. Kolkata Knight Riders lead with the largest purse, while Mumbai Indians face significant budget constraints, setting the stage for tactical bidding and potential team overhauls.
An unidentified drone was spotted flying over the airstrip of Nagpur-based Solar Industries. The incident occurred on December 9. Authorities have launched an investigation and lodged a First Information Report. Police teams searched nearby villages for clues. The Intelligence Bureau is also probing the matter. Solar Industries manufactures defence products.
President Donald Trump has waged an ongoing and often high-profile campaign against news organizations, involving multiple lawsuits and policy moves. Most recently, he filed a $10 billion defamation suit against the BBC, alleging misrepresentation of his January 6, 2021 speech to influence the 2024 election.
A tragic attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney has been classified as an act of terrorism. Australian law enforcement revealed that the assailants were motivated by Islamic State ideology. This devastating event has claimed the lives of fifteen individuals. The perpetrators, a father and son duo, have been apprehended. Evidence including Islamic State flags was recovered at the site.
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2 Episode 3 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details the Disney+ release plan, global timings, episode title, story setup, cast, streaming platforms, subscription plans, and full weekly schedule through the Season 2 finale.
Garena Free Fire Max players can snag in-game freebies on December 16, 2025, by utilizing newly released 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes. These codes offer limited-time rewards and can be redeemed once on the official Garena website. Players are urged to act fast to claim their prizes.
Former Sri Lankan minister Arjuna Ranatunga faces arrest in a corruption probe. The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation allegedly lost Rs 800 million due to higher fuel prices. His brother, Dhammika Ranatunga, is the first suspect. Arjuna Ranatunga is overseas, delaying his arrest. The court granted bail with a travel ban.
President Donald Trump has declared fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. This executive order aims to target financial assets and sanctions on groups involved in fentanyl trafficking. The administration will enhance cooperation between the Pentagon and Justice Department. Intelligence resources previously used for other weapons of mass destruction will now focus on fentanyl smuggling networks.
Japan has lifted a rare megaquake warning issued after a recent tremor. The magnitude-7.5 quake off the northern coast caused small tsunami waves and minor injuries. Scientists had warned of a one percent chance of a larger quake. While the immediate warning period has ended, residents are urged to remain vigilant.
Karnataka has recorded 2,809 farmer suicides since the 2023-24 fiscal year, placing it second nationally. The state government has disbursed compensation to eligible families, attributing delays to technical issues. Haveri district reported the highest number of suicides. Opposition parties have criticized the government's handling of the crisis.
Authorities have sealed The Cape Goa, a cliffside restaurant in South Goa, for multiple safety violations. Inspections found the establishment operating well beyond its sanctioned area, overcrowded, and lacking fire exits, fire-fighting equipment, and structural approvals.

23 C