The Economic Times News

A massive explosion and fire erupted in Hayward after a construction crew damaged a gas line. Six people were injured and taken to the hospital. The blast caused significant damage to nearby homes and a workshop. Firefighters responded to the three-alarm blaze. Roads in the area were shut down, and residents were advised to avoid the vicinity.

Heated Rivalry Episode 4 release time, schedule and how to watch are now confirmed for global viewers. Episode 4, titled Rose, arrives on December 12 with a midnight release on HBO Max and Crave. This explainer covers the release time, streaming options, cast details, episode guide and full viewing schedule.

The US Navy has submitted recommendations to the Pentagon regarding Senator Mark Kelly's appearance in a video urging service members to reject illegal orders. The Pentagon is reviewing the report, which Kelly's office dismisses as politically motivated, intensifying a dispute with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

Pluribus Episode 7 release time, schedule and how to watch are important for viewers waiting for the next part of the series on Apple TV. The episode brings new events for Carol and Manousos. This explainer covers streaming details, the release plan, cast list, final episode date, and ways to watch.

Indiana Senate Republicans rejected a congressional map favored by President Trump. The plan aimed to secure two additional Republican seats in the U.S. House. Lawmakers cited constituent opposition and potential political backlash. This defiance highlights limits to Trump's influence even in a Republican stronghold. The vote has implications for future redistricting efforts.

Holiday flights are costly due to high demand. Booking early usually secures better prices. For those with flexible schedules, fares drop significantly in late January. Travelers can find savings on international routes. Flying on December 24th or December 30th and 31st can also lead to lower costs. Relief for deal seekers arrives after the holiday rush.

Stress can secretly raise your blood sugar and make your body work harder. When you feel stressed, your hormones change, your sleep gets worse and you may crave sugary foods. All these things can push sugar levels up over time. Experts say simple habits like better sleep, moving more and relaxing hobbies can protect your blood sugar.

Charlotte's Sycamore Brewing is reeling after former co-owner Justin Tawse Brigham was arrested on serious charges including statutory rape of a child. Court documents detail disturbing allegations of burglary and sexual acts with a 13-year-old. His wife, Sarah Brigham, has taken full control of the brewery, expressing devastation and prioritizing the team.

A healthy thyroid needs the right foods to work well. Doctors say nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, protein, and antioxidants play a big role in thyroid health. Eating natural foods that have these nutrients may help support hormone balance and reduce inflammation. This simple guide explains which foods are helpful and which ones to limit.

ChatGPT-5.2 comes with improvements in general intelligence, coding and long-context understanding, according to OpenAI.

The Federal Reserve rate cut is important because it can change how much money people earn or pay on savings, loans, mortgages and credit cards. This move may push deposit rates lower and only slightly affect borrowing costs. Experts say the bond market and future Fed plans will guide what happens next to peoples money.

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted the registration of 'Wellford Pudin Hara' trademark, citing its strong resemblance to Dabur India's 'Pudin Hara' mark. The court found a significant likelihood of consumer confusion and suggested the adoption of the new mark was prima facie dishonest. The stay is in effect until March 17.

President Droupadi Murmu assured Manipur's affected families of the government's unwavering support and commitment to restoring harmony and development. She inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 26 projects worth Rs 1387 crore, aimed at improving quality of life and boosting economic activities in the state.

The Supreme Court has ruled that families of doctors who died during the Covid-19 pandemic are eligible for insurance cover. This applies even if the doctors were not officially requisitioned by the government. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package aims to provide financial security. Claims will be considered based on evidence of Covid-related duty.

Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, recently stirred discussions by revealing that she has yet to complete her enumeration form, raising concerns about the implications of verifying her citizenship. According to officials from the CEO's office, her form is indeed filed but has raised some flags.

Chief Justice Surya Kant of India is making headlines by urging lawyers to establish specified timelines for their presentations, a change that promises to enhance accessibility for everyday litigants in the Supreme Court. Moreover, he advocates for stricter penalties, proposing that acid attackers should face serious charges akin to attempted murder, signaling a strong stand against violent offenses.

Russia is the world's third largest oil producer and income from fossil fuels is vital for its state finances, under pressure from meagre economic growth and the mounting impact of sanctions and Ukrainian attacks on its energy sites. Both volumes and prices have fallen, dragging export revenues to their lowest since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the IEA said.

A federal judge has ordered the immediate release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The judge criticized the government's handling of his detention as unlawful. This ruling follows years of legal battles over his removal. Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador despite a court order. He was later returned to the US for human smuggling charges.

India has strongly condemned Pakistan's airstrikes in Afghanistan at the United Nations Security Council. New Delhi highlighted the tragic loss of civilian lives, including women, children, and cricketers. India also voiced concerns over Pakistan's trade and transit policies impacting Afghanistan's access to essential supplies. The nation reaffirmed its commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty and independence.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump held a warm and engaging conversation, reviewing bilateral relations and discussing cooperation in critical technologies, energy, defense, and security. The leaders also touched upon ongoing trade negotiations, with both sides indicating progress in the talks.

The Supreme Court has intervened in the Kerala governor and chief minister's deadlock over vice-chancellor appointments. A committee led by Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia will now recommend one name for each of the two state universities. This decision comes after the governor and chief minister failed to reach a consensus. The committee will submit its recommendations by December 17.

The Election Commission of India has extended deadlines for electoral roll revisions in Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Uttar Pradesh. New dates for draft roll publication have been set. This revision process is crucial for upcoming electoral activities. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed about the updated timelines.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has provided appointment letters to 41 families of terror victims. This initiative recognizes and rehabilitates those who suffered for decades. The government is now ensuring justice for these families. This move aims to integrate them into society and contribute to nation-building. Militants and separatists are no longer receiving government jobs.

The Supreme Court will not heavily scrutinize the Election Commission's special intensive revision of electoral rolls. Judges noted this is a rare exercise, happening after two decades. They will not entertain new cases challenging this process. The court believes individuals are approaching it for popularity. The hearing on existing pleas continues.

Michael Jordans 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports reached a settlement with NASCAR after a long lawsuit over race charters. The teams had raced most of 2025 without agreements. The deal ends the court fight and secures the future of the teams, while NASCAR avoids more legal problems. Exact terms were not made public.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hosted a dinner for NDA MPs at his residence following the coalition's significant victory in the Bihar polls. Modi emphasized the NDA's commitment to good governance and national development. BJP MP Anurag Thakur expressed confidence in future electoral successes, anticipating the next gathering after a win in West Bengal.

Pakistan is poised to bolster its air defense capabilities with a $686 million upgrade for its F16 fighter jets, courtesy of the United States. This significant enhancement will primarily focus on upgrading communication and networking systems to ensure seamless operations alongside US forces.

SAVE plan ending 2025: 7 million student loan borrowers face higher payments as SAVE plan ends. Millions could see their monthly payments spike. The SAVE plan let some pay $0 a month and get forgiveness in 10 years. The plan is ending after legal challenges and states arguing it shifts costs to taxpayers. Interest has resumed, and full repayment rules are unclear. By 2028, options shrink, forgiveness timelines stretch, and PSLF rules tighten.

Rajya Sabha Leader JP Nadda called for Vande Mataram to be granted the same constitutional status as the National Anthem and National Flag. He criticized past governments, particularly the Congress, for allegedly neglecting the song's importance and promoting appeasement. Nadda emphasized the need to rectify historical records regarding Vande Mataram's legacy.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is in talks with the government and opposition regarding a detailed discussion on hazardous air pollution next week, following concerns raised by MPs. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Congress whip Manickam Tagore have called for urgent measures, including an emergency clean air plan and stricter enforcement against polluters, criticizing current government actions as cosmetic.

FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets to watch Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi live on football pitch began today.

Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and will let people create videos using Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters on the Sora app. Users can also make images with ChatGPT Images. Selected videos will appear on Disney+. The deal shows Disney using AI safely to expand storytelling while protecting creators and copyrights.

US Representative Ami Bera, addressing a House Foreign Affairs South and Central Asia Subcommittee hearing, highlighted he strong bipartisan support the US-India partnership has received by the Congress and various White House administrations over decades.

Florian Berg, a research scientist at MIT Sloan, believes ESG efforts remain strong. He notes that while some companies have withdrawn from alliances, more firms are disclosing CO2 emissions. ESG ratings are seen as a risk measure, not just an impact assessment.

Mortgage refinance rates in US today: Mortgage refinance rates are shifting fast as lenders react to Treasury moves and Fed signals. Rarely, assumable loans let buyers take over a sellers low-rate mortgage. Even small improvements in finances can push rates under 5%. Heres how each strategy drops your rate next.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents General Motors, Ford, Toyota Motor, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Stellantis and other major automakers, sounded the alarm and said Congress and the Trump administration needed to act.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor voiced concern over marital rape in India. He highlighted that despite strong anti-rape laws, husbands are exempted. Tharoor stressed the urgent need for legislation against marital rape, calling it violence. He also touched upon global xenophobia and advised young Indians to return home after gaining knowledge.

Floridas new license plate law explains what kind of frames are allowed and what can get drivers in trouble. The rule makes sure every plate is clear and easy to read. Police say the law helps stop crime and catch unsafe drivers. People must keep numbers and stickers visible or they may face fines or penalties.