The Economic Times News

Jemima Goldsmith has accused social media platform X of secretly limiting her posts concerning Imran Khan. She has appealed directly to X owner Elon Musk to investigate. Goldsmith claims X's AI tool, Grok, found evidence of deliberate suppression of her content. She states this action contradicts Musk's free speech commitments. Goldsmith highlights a significant drop in her post visibility.

Quote of the Day: The Dalai Lamas teachings, grounded in centuries of Buddhist wisdom yet profoundly relevant to contemporary life, continue to offer comfort and clarity to those navigating todays fast-paced, competitive and information-heavy world.

The New York Times Connections puzzle provides a daily challenge that blends vocabulary, reasoning, and pattern recognition. On December 13, 2025, puzzle #916 featured 16 words spanning literary forms, scientific concepts, technological inventions, and human traits. Players must organize the words into four sets of four based on underlying themes, requiring both logic and abstract thought.

Four individuals, including a retired principal, are facing charges for allegedly obtaining teaching positions at a government-aided school through forged documents. The school manager filed a complaint alleging the former principal manipulated signatures to appoint his son and two others as assistant teachers. He is also accused of using fabricated documents again to appoint his son as principal after retirement.

Chaos at the Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's event was foreseen by West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose. He conveyed this anticipation and necessary crowd management measures to the government. However, the event saw a huge crowd, with fans leaving after vandalizing posters and throwing bottles. The Governor stated that the police did not implement the suggested steps.

The New York Times Mini Crossword continues to entertain and challenge players worldwide. Todays December 13 puzzle blends with general knowledge, wordplay, and logic into a small grid solvable in minutes. Across and Down hints that range from simple to tricky, making it ideal for both casual solvers and seasoned fans. Players are encouraged to start with the easiest clues, with crossing letters to unlock tougher words.

Germany has said it will send a group of soldiers to Poland to help with a project to fortify the country's eastern border as worries mount about the threat from Russia. Poland, a strong supporter of Ukraine in its fight against Moscow, announced plans in May last year to bolster a long stretch of its border that includes Belarus and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad.

The government has seized assets worth 92 crore rupees from Naxals. This action has weakened their financial support and control over information networks. Naxal-affected districts have reduced significantly. Security forces have neutralized many Naxal leaders and cadres. Infrastructure development in Naxal-affected zones has also seen major progress, improving connectivity and communication.

A tragic accident occurred in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh on Saturday morning. A truck collided head-on with an auto-rickshaw near Makur village. The collision was severe, resulting in the destruction of the auto-rickshaw. Three people died instantly at the scene. Five others sustained injuries and were admitted to a hospital. The truck driver fled the scene.

Fans expressed anger over mismanagement at Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour event in Kolkata. Ticket holders alleged poor organization and limited access to the football star. Police intervened to control a restless crowd. The main organizer has been detained. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized and ordered an inquiry into the incident.

Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant experienced its 12th loss of offsite power overnight due to military activity impacting the electrical grid. While the power lines have since been reconnected, the plant, which is not operating, requires continuous power for reactor cooling. Backup generators are available for such disconnections.

Wordle continues to engage players worldwide with its everyday five-letter challenge, and todays puzzle keeps that tradition alive. Puzzle #1638 examines logic, vocabulary, and patience as players try to solve it within six attempts. With helpful hints, guiding guesses and clear feedback shaping approach, todays solution provides a satisfying conclusion while reminding players why the game continues to be a beloved daily ritual for millions around the globe.

Lionel Messi's much-anticipated Kolkata visit concluded abruptly. Thousands of fans faced disappointment as the planned event descended into chaos. Severe mismanagement and crowd unrest marred the occasion. Messi's appearance at Salt Lake Stadium was cut short. Fans expressed anger and frustration. The football legend was escorted out for safety.

Russian forces have intensified their aggression, launching drone and missile assaults on two ports in the Odesa area of Ukraine, with a Turkish-flagged civilian ship caught in the crossfire and sustaining damage. Reports indicate that at least one person suffered injuries in the fallout.

The Union Cabinet has approved a Bill to rename the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to 'Poojya Bapu Grameen Rozgar Yojna' and increase workdays to 125. Congress criticized the move, calling it a cosmetic change to mask deliberate neglect and an attempt to claim credit for a scheme they initiated.

Chaos erupted at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour. Angry fans, unable to see the football star due to VIP crowds, resorted to vandalism. They threw chairs, tore banners, and hurled bottles. The West Bengal Chief Minister has formed a committee to investigate the mismanagement and fix responsibility.

Chaos erupted at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's GOAT Tour. Frustrated fans, unable to see the football star, threw bottles and vandalized property. Messi's appearance was cut short amid the unrest. Fans paid high prices for tickets but saw little of the icon. Security challenges were highlighted during the event.

Drone attacks in Russia's Saratov region killed at least two people and damaged infrastructure, while Ukraine experienced widespread power outages following Russian strikes on energy facilities. These incidents occur amidst ongoing U.S.-led peace talks, which face significant hurdles regarding occupied Ukrainian territories and Russia's demands for troop withdrawal.

Indonesia is grappling with a devastating disaster. Torrential rains and landslides on the island of Sumatra have claimed over a thousand lives. Thousands more are injured and over a million people have been forced from their homes. Rescuers are working tirelessly to reach those affected. The government states relief efforts are improving and supplies are adequate.

The Delhi High Court has stated that the Graded Response Action Plan is for pollution control, not for individual employee rights. A central government employee's plea for work-from-home due to workplace pollution was denied. The court noted that GRAP provisions for work-from-home are discretionary and have been revoked. The employee can seek a transfer out of Delhi on health grounds.

Australia's Federal Energy Minister announced a $5 billion expansion to the battery subsidy program due to rapid depletion of its initial $2.3 billion budget. The scheme, designed to lower home battery costs, will be adjusted to ensure fairness across various system sizes and will be administered through the SRES, ensuring safety and accreditation standards are met.

Kerala election results 2025: The BJP-led NDA received a huge boost after the alliance crossed the magic mark in Thiruvanathapuram Corporation. R Sreelekha's win from Thiruvananthapuram came as big relief for the party. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also acknowledged BJP's 'historic performance' and called it 'notable shift in the capital's political landscape.'

Indian and Chinese foreign ministry officials met in Beijing to discuss bilateral relations, noting positive momentum and reaffirming commitments made by their leaders. Both sides agreed to boost exchanges, restore dialogue, manage differences, and enhance cooperation on regional and global issues. Discussions also covered trade and the need for early resolution of export control matters.

India is actively engaging with Mexico to find mutually beneficial solutions regarding Mexico's unilateral tariff hikes on certain products. While New Delhi seeks to protect its exporters' interests, both nations are also working towards finalizing terms for a free trade agreement to stabilize trade relations.

Women sommeliers are stepping into a more inclusive arena, finding their professional environment significantly more inviting. Despite the historical trend of men taking the majority of accolades, many female sommeliers are encouraged by fewer sexist experiences in their careers. As societal attitudes evolve, nearly 50% of aspiring sommeliers in France are now women, signaling a transformative era.

Aditya Dhars Dhurandhar is captivating audiences with its powerful performances and remarkable physical transformations. A behind-the-scenes video has revealed the detailed makeup process that made Gaurav Gera almost unrecognisable as Mohammad Aalam, drawing widespread praise for its realism and adding to the films strong box office success.

A court has acquitted actor Dileep in the sensational 2017 actress sexual assault case. The judge stated the prosecution failed to prove conspiracy charges. Key evidence regarding a gold ring was found inconsistent. Approvers' statements also changed during the trial. The court found no reliable evidence for the alleged motive or planning.

Shubman Gill faces immense pressure to cement his T20 World Cup spot as Team India confronts South Africa in the third T20I. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav's form is also under scrutiny. With a formidable Proteas pace attack and a bouncy Dharamsala pitch, India's top order must deliver. Coach Gambhir faces tough selection calls with limited games remaining.

BJP candidate R Sreelekha won from the Sasthamangalam division in the Thiruvananthapuram corporation in a big boost for the NDA. R Sreelekha is the first woman IPS officer who retired as DGP in 2020 and later joined the BJP. She earned the title of 'Raid Sreelekha' or her high-visibility operations when she was on deputation with the CBI.

Amidst ongoing discussions about fiscal policy, President Donald Trump has identified two potential candidates for the role of Federal Reserve chair. His stance is clear; he wants to be part of the conversation around interest rate decisions, having openly challenged the existing policies of the Fed.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami alleges Karnataka's Congress government plans to make Tamil Nadu a desert by building the Mekedatu dam. He criticizes Tamil Nadu's DMK government for not strongly defending the state's rights. Tamil Nadu has filed review petitions and pleas regarding the project's detrimental impact. The Mekedatu project aims to supply water to Bengaluru and generate power.

Geopolitical instability is the top future risk for Indian businesses. Nearly half of top executives see it as the biggest threat in the next five years. Cyberattacks and data breaches are also major board-level concerns. Companies face talent and digital capability gaps. Indian firms are in an era of chronic, interconnected risks.

As West Bengal gears up for its elections, a notable uptick in religious symbolism is evident. Political rallies are increasingly hosted at temples and mosques, diverting attention from critical issues like job creation and migration challenges. This shift is amplifying communal differences, with leaders strategically using religious identity to cement their voter appeal.

A 12-year-old boy from Lethbridge, Alberta, has pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his seven-year-old brother. The attack, which involved multiple stab wounds, was reportedly premeditated and influenced by violent online content. The younger sibling sustained severe injuries. The older boy will be sentenced under a rehabilitative custody and supervision order, addressing significant mental health challenges.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has voiced strong opposition to reports of renaming the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Guarantee Act. She highlighted the significant government expenditure involved in such a change, deeming it unnecessary. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi also criticized the move, calling it a distraction. The scheme provides guaranteed rural employment.

Our planet Earth and Mercury have invisible tails stretching millions of kilometres. These cosmic tails are real phenomena. Mercury's tail glows orange due to sodium atoms. Earth's magnetotail is formed by its magnetic field. It shields us from solar wind. These tails offer insights into planetary interactions and space weather.

Delhi woke to partly cloudy skies on December 13, 2025. Air quality remained a concern, hovering in the 'very poor' category. Vehicular emissions and stagnant weather contributed to pollution. Advisories were issued for limited outdoor exposure. Air quality is expected to remain poor and may worsen. Several areas recorded 'very poor' and 'severe' AQI readings.

China's Wang Yi seeks deeper oil and gas ties with UAE on Middle East tour

Canada achieved its first trade surplus since the US trade war began, with September exports soaring and imports declining. This positive shift, driven by strong non-US market performance and diversification efforts, signals economic resilience. The Bank of Canada maintained its interest rate, deeming it appropriate for growth and stability, while a growing 'Buy Canadian' sentiment reflects consumer sentiment.

Football star Lionel Messi arrived at Kolkata as a part of his four-city GOAT India Tour, instantly creating a frenzy among fans. A newlywed couple, who got married last Friday, cancelled their honeymoon to see Messi and the husband said watching the GOAT player is a more important event than a honeymoon.

Actor Hugh Jackman believes facing fears is crucial. He chooses challenges that scare him most. The fear of regret motivates him more than the fear itself. This approach fuels his decisions and drives him forward. Jackman's career spans superhero roles, dramas, and stage performances. He has received numerous awards for his work.

Prayagraj is gearing up for the Magh Mela 2026. Preparations include expanding the Mela area to 800 hectares. A new sector and an additional pontoon bridge are being installed. Traffic management plans are in place, mirroring Kumbh Mela arrangements. Officials anticipate a massive turnout of 15 crore people, including a large number of sadhus and saints.

A recent Instagram reel by Dr. Saurabh Sethi of simple food pairings that can improve our everyday diet has gained everybody's attention. These combinations arent complicated; they're everyday ingredients most households already have. What surprised viewers is how small changes can make a meaningful difference in our health.

Eight leading Muslim nations, including Pakistan, have voiced strong backing for the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, deeming its role in Gaza irreplaceable amidst a severe humanitarian crisis. These foreign ministers reaffirmed UNRWA's indispensable function in safeguarding Palestinian refugees' rights and well-being, highlighting its crucial delivery of humanitarian aid.