The Economic Times News
National / The Economic Times
India and Mexico are discussing a free trade agreement. This comes as Mexico plans to impose new tariffs on imports from non-preferential partners like India. The terms of reference for the pact are expected soon. Both nations aim for mutually beneficial solutions. This move could strengthen bilateral trade ties and address concerns over rising duties.
India and Pakistan renew their U19 Asia Cup rivalry in Dubai after dominant opening wins. India crushed UAE by 234 runs, while Pakistan bowled out Malaysia for 48. The highly anticipated clash is set for December 14, with both teams aiming for a knockout stage spot.
A private member's bill in India proposes a Right to Disconnect, empowering employees to ignore work communications outside office hours. While unlikely to become law soon, the bill highlights the growing debate on work-life boundaries, with several companies already implementing flexible policies to boost employee well-being and productivity.
3I/ATLAS releases new molecules into space when it heats up? Astronomers studying the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS report changes in brightness and color after its close pass near the Sun. New images and X-ray data suggest fresh chemical activity triggered by rising temperatures.
Tyler Robinson did not act alone or pull the trigger to kill Charlie Kirk? Candace Owens shares what she believes on social media. The case continues in Utah court. Owens also questions claims made by prosecutors. A judge allows cameras with limits. Media access, public statements, and legal charges remain central to the ongoing case.
Who is Future Maggie, The Simpsons iconic character to be voiced by Lindsay Lohan this weekend? Lindsay Lohan voices an older Maggie Simpson in a Season 37 episode. The episode airs Sunday on Fox and features a flash-forward scene where Maggie speaks clearly.
Social Security Update: Disability is funded mainly by a 1.8 per cent payroll tax split between employers and employees; that money goes into a disability trust fund. The average disability benefit this year is $1,582 per month, substantially less than the $2,008 average for a retired worker, Social Security Administration data shows.
Social Security changes coming in 2026: A new $6,000 senior tax deduction could wipe out federal taxes for many Americans aged 65 and older. Payment schedules shift. Benefits rise under new laws. But higher income may also make more Social Security benefits taxable. Millions should review their income limits and tax forms before filing.
Germany's Chancellor stated that foreign companies, including U.S. firms, must adhere to German and EU regulations. This response comes after President Trump criticized a fine levied on social media platform X. He emphasized that American companies must accept local rules, with sanctions available if they fail to comply.
BM-21 Grad is the 122mm multiple launch rocket system Cambodia is using to wreak havoc in Thailand. Built by the Soviet Union, it fires 40 rockets in 20 seconds from a truck-mounted launcher. Fast, mobile, and brutal, the Grad overwhelms targets through sheer volume, making it one of the most lethal area-saturation weapons still in use today.
One Piece Episode 1153 release date, what to expect & how to watch explains the Joyboy reveal, Emets past, Bonneys actions, Atlas sacrifice, and the Egghead escape plan. The explainer covers story buildup, release date, episode title, and official streaming details.
Punjab is set to unveil a new industry policy next month. This policy aims to streamline project clearances, promising approvals within 5 to 45 days. A new Private Industrial Park Policy will also be introduced, enabling private sector participation. These initiatives are expected to boost investment and business growth in the state.
Security agencies have apprehended three suspected spies in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, including a retired Indian Air Force staffer from Tezpur. The individuals are accused of sharing sensitive information with Pakistan-based handlers through social media and Telegram channels, detailing Army movements and defense camp locations.
Dave Ramsey advice for Americans over 50: Over 50 and behind on retirement? Dave Ramsey says Americans can still win. Cut debt, budget smartly, and invest wisely. Even with just 1015 years left, disciplined action and simple financial moves can secure a stress-free retirement. Its never too late to start winning.
Abraham Isaac Quintanilla Jr., the father of music icon Selena Quintanilla, has passed away at the age of 86. His son, Abraham A.B. Quintanilla III, confirmed the news in an Instagram post, citing, Its with a heavy heart to let you guys know that my Dad passed away today. Reason of death has not been revealed.
Delhi schools are now required to adopt a hybrid learning model for students up to Class IX and XI, effective immediately. This directive, issued by the Directorate of Education, aligns with stricter air pollution curbs under GRAP-IV, aiming to mitigate further air quality deterioration in the NCR.
Gold price, silver rate in 2025 have jumped big and hit record highs. These two precious metals are followed by Platinum, Lithium, copper.
Texas Roadhouse will shut down all 736 of its U.S. locations for 24 hours on December 25, continuing a long-standing Christmas custom. The nationwide closure allows more than 10,000 employees the day off to spend time with family, having work-life balance over holiday sales. Restaurants will run on adjusted hours on Christmas Eve, with schedules differing by location, and reopen completely on December 26.
Fallout Season 2 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details are now confirmed. The new season starts on December 17 on Prime Video. Episodes will release weekly on Wednesdays. The season has eight episodes and ends in February 2026.
Rabri Devi has sought the transfer of the cases, alleging bias on the part of Special Judge Vishal Gogne. The four cases against Rabri Devi, the wife of RJD chief Lalu Prasad, and her family are linked to land-for-jobs and IRCTC scam cases. The cases are being probed by the ED, and the CBI.
The 4% Rule explained: Retirees can start with 4% of savings for year-one withdrawals. Adjust for inflation yearly. $1M portfolio? Thats $40,000 first year. Historical data shows 30-year sustainabilitybut personal plans matter. Taxes, market shifts, and lifestyle can make or break your nest egg.
Omar Abdullah also inaugurated the world's highest revolving multi-purpose hall at the Affarwat area in the resort, which also houses a restaurant.
Six Assam workers who died in an Arunachal Pradesh accident have been identified in Tinsukia. Their bodies were brought to Tinsukia Medical College and Hospital for formal identification by family members. Joint rescue teams recovered the remains from the accident site in Anjaw district. The vehicle carrying 22 labourers fell into a gorge on the Hayuliang-Chaglagam road.
Tom Cruises ambitious plan to star in a film shot in outer space was reportedly canceled. Announced in 2020 with director Doug Liman, the project would have involved NASA and SpaceX, possibly shooting aboard the International Space Station. According to insiders, the production stalled as they would need NASA coordination to do the movie, and supposedly Tom Cruise did not want to ask Donald Trump for a favor.
India vs South Africa 3rd T20I: India and South Africa are tied 1-1 heading into the crucial third T20I. India's batting stability and role clarity are under scrutiny, with the top order struggling and the middle order repeatedly rebuilding. This match is vital for both teams to gain an early series advantage and for India to find answers ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Deinfluencing is trending on social media. Instead of pushing products, creators show what not to buy. Nearly half of users buy on impulse, spending $754 yearly. Pausing before purchases and questioning ads can save money, reduce stress, and boost happinessturning smart spending into long-term rewards.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy said the attack primarily hit southern Ukraine, including the Odesa region, where two people were wounded.
UN Special Rapporteur Alice Jill Edwards has urged Pakistan to address inhumane detention conditions for former PM Imran Khan, warning they could constitute torture. Khan is reportedly held in excessive solitary confinement, with restricted access and constant surveillance, violating international human rights law. The Rapporteur called for an immediate end to his isolation.
Manipur BJP MLAs are heading to New Delhi for crucial talks on forming a popular government. The meeting is set to discuss the state's political future. Meanwhile, Kuki-Zo groups are pushing for a Union Territory with a Legislature. Discussions also covered land and governance issues in hill areas. The situation remains dynamic as decisions are anticipated.
Type 2 diabetes treatment: The findings suggest that TMA may help recalibrate harmful metabolic responses triggered by poor dietary habits.
Taylor Swifts Eras Tour concluded in December 2024 with an extraordinary gesture of appreciation. The pop icon distributed $197 million in bonuses to thousands of crew members, a moment spotted in her documentary series, The End of an Era. The movie shows Swift personally delivering envelopes and handwritten notes, bringing emotional reactions from dancers, band members, and production staff.
Delhi-NCR has implemented the strictest curbs under Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan as air quality deteriorates sharply. The Commission for Air Quality Management invoked emergency restrictions after pollution levels breached critical thresholds, enforcing all measures for 'Severe+' air quality.
The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra is anticipated to launch in India around late January or early February, with a starting price of approximately Rs 1,59,999. This flagship device is expected to boast a powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a 6.9-inch OLED display, and a versatile quad rear camera system headlined by a 200MP primary sensor.
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.

12 C