The Economic Times News

The congressionally mandated report, posted on the Pentagon website Tuesday, is the first version issued during the second Trump administration. It describes a Chinese military that is increasingly sophisticated and resilient, wary of large-scale agreements with the US and learning lessons from Russias setbacks in Ukraine as it increases pressure on Taiwan.

India's top consulting firms, including EY, Deloitte, PwC, and KPMG, are fiercely competing with tech giants like Accenture and Capgemini, alongside Indian IT players. This intense rivalry stems from a surge in companies adopting AI across their operations, propelling technology consulting revenue for the Big Four to an estimated $2.5 billion in India by FY26.

Continental and oriental cuisines are unique culinary traditions shaped by their regions. Continental food, from Europe, highlights olive oil, wine, herbs, and minimal spices, with methods such as baking, roasting, and frying. Oriental cuisine, from Southeast Asia, showcases stir-frying, quick boiling, fermented sauces, pickled products, and generous use of spices.Both cuisines portrays culture, climate, and tradition.

Dr. Jen Ashton, former Good Morning America chief medical correspondent, celebrated her year-long fitness journey by uploading a bikini selfie with her daughter, Chloe. Sharing her transformation, Ashton cited, Strength at 56 and 26 @chloee_ashtonn. Never thought this was possible before I started my Wellness Experiment last year.

CBS News faced criticism after pulling a 60 Minutes report on Venezuelan men detained in El Salvadors CECOT prison following deportation by the Trump administration. Although the segment aired briefly in Canada, it was blocked in the U.S., initiating questions in regard to editorial independence. Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss cited the story as not ready, while correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi alleged the decision was political despite internal approvals.

Bitcoin price crash prediction 2026: Bitcoin whales have been net sellers throughout 2025, offloading approximately 161,294 BTC worth $15 billion. This significant selling activity, occurring before or during market corrections, raises concerns for further price declines. While sharks are accumulating, continued whale distribution could hinder Bitcoin's recovery in 2026.

British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been charged with two additional sexual offences, that includes rape and sexual assault, officials confirmed. The charges, authorized by the CPS, involve allegations from two more women and follow five earlier charges related to historic cases that include four other women. Brand, 50, has pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

Christmas quote of the day by Chris Rea highlights his famous words about never planning to write a Christmas song. The quote gains meaning as fans remember Chris Rea, his music career, achievements, personal struggles, and his lasting Christmas legacy.

Decorate your home for Christmas without breaking the bank. Simple materials and creativity can craft beautiful, festive dcor. Ideas include mini wreaths, orange and clove pomanders, paper candle ornaments, felt gingerbread cookies, craft stick trees, Waldorf stars, yarn trees, wood carrier ornaments, Mason jar lid wreaths, and gnome ornaments.

Tennis icon Venus Williams and actor Andrea Preti officially celebrated their marriage with a week-long wedding in Palm Beach, Florida, months following a secret Italian event. The ceremony included a yacht day hosted by Serena Williams, daily pool parties, a boudoir-themed bridal shower, sports activities, and an intimate courthouse celebration. Venus wore multiple designer attires, that includes a Georges Hobeika gown, while Preti walked down the aisle to Ill Be There by the Jackson 5.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, whose congressional term ends next month, may be heading to a prominent daytime talk show. After a successful guest appearance on The View, where she engaged in spirited debate, sources suggest ABC is considering her for a permanent role. However, Greene is reportedly contemplating a 2028 presidential run, which could influence her decision.

Turmeric is a common spice that contains curcumin, a compound linked to health benefits. Studies suggest curcumin may help reduce inflammation and support cancer care. Doctors say it can work alongside medical treatments and is generally safe to consume. Curcumin is often taken through food or supplements as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Bitcoin price USD today: The crypto market saw a significant downturn on Tuesday. Bitcoin and most major altcoins experienced a sharp decline. Investors are stepping back ahead of the Christmas holiday. Strong US economic data initially boosted prices but raised concerns about interest rate cuts. Technical indicators also signal potential further weakness across the market.

Saks Global Enterprises faces a critical debt payment this month. The company is exploring Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a potential option. Other possibilities include raising emergency funds or selling assets. Lenders are discussing a debtor-in-possession loan. A recent acquisition failed to improve the company's financial standing. Saks is working with stakeholders to secure its future.

Russia unleashed over 650 drones and 38 missiles on Ukraine. The attack occurred overnight and into Tuesday, claiming at least three lives, including a child. Homes and the power grid in 13 regions were hit. Widespread power outages resulted in bitter temperatures. This strike comes just before Christmas and amidst peace talks.

Kuwait has inked a significant deal with China worth over four billion dollars. This agreement will facilitate the completion of the Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port. The project aims to bolster Kuwait's position in global trade. It also aligns with China's Belt and Road initiative. This development marks a key step in Kuwait's economic diversification efforts.

Huawei's new Maextro S800 sedan is a sensation in China. It is now selling more than luxury cars from Porsche and Mercedes-Benz. The Maextro is also outselling the BMW 7 Series. This shows Chinese car brands are gaining ground. Global automakers are falling behind in this market segment.

Newly released Justice Department documents reveal an email stating President Trump flew on Jeffrey Epstein's private jet eight times in the 1990s, with some flights including Ghislaine Maxwell. The Justice Department clarified that some documents contain unfounded allegations against Trump, emphasizing their falsity and lack of credibility.

Protests erupted as booth-level officers demonstrated against detentions, vowing to halt work. West Bengal is gearing up for extensive document verification hearings starting December 27. Around 20 lakh hearing notices are ready, with micro-observers set to train on Wednesday. Trinamool leaders met the CEO, raising concerns about voter inconvenience and distance to hearing centers.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will invite Israel's President Isaac Herzog to visit. This comes after a mass shooting targeting the Jewish community in Sydney. Gunmen killed fifteen people at a Hanukkah event. Authorities are calling it an antisemitic terrorist attack.

Rama Duwaji, New York Citys incoming first lady, is openly discussing the difficulties of sudden public attention after her husband Zohran Mamdanis political rise. In a New York Magazine profile, the 28-year-old illustrator stated that she does not want to be defined only as Zohran Mamdanis wife and intends to continue her art career following his January inauguration.

Fallout Season 2 Episode 2 release date, time, schedule and how to watch details are now clear. The episode will stream on Amazon Prime Video on December 24. Viewers can check global timings, weekly release dates, and platform details in this explainer.

A private jet reportedly carrying Libya's army chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, has lost radio contact over Ankara. Flight tracking data shows diversions from Esenboga airport. Turkey's defence ministry had announced Al-Haddad's visit earlier this week. He met his Turkish counterpart and other military commanders. Turkish officials have not yet commented on the situation.

Nvidia aims to send its powerful AI chips to China before the Lunar New Year holiday. Initial shipments will use existing stock, totaling thousands of chip modules. The company also plans new production capacity for these chips in 2026.

Piyush Goyal met Edappadi K Palaniswami in Chennai. They discussed seat-sharing for the 2026 assembly elections. The BJP and AIADMK aim to strengthen their NDA alliance. Both leaders expressed confidence in a victory against the DMK. Plans are underway to connect with Tamil Nadu's people and address their aspirations for growth and jobs.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly criticized Rahul Gandhi. The party alleges he is plotting to damage India's reputation overseas. BJP leaders state Gandhi's foreign visits are anti-India. They claim a deliberate effort is underway to tarnish the nation's image abroad. Gandhi is described as a leader of propaganda by the BJP.

Israel's defense minister declared the military will not fully withdraw from Gaza. Security concerns mean Israeli forces will remain. A new civilian-military unit will be established in the Palestinian territory.

Discussions between the BJP and Shiv Sena for the upcoming Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections are stalled. The BJP wants over 150 seats, while the Shiv Sena seeks 95-100. The BJP has offered only 55 seats. The Shiv Sena's demand stems from accommodating former corporators who joined their faction.

Johnny Depp is venturing into a new business. He has launched a rum brand called Three Hearts Rum. The announcement came with a video featuring a Pirates of the Caribbean-like aesthetic. This move follows his earlier confession about financial struggles. Pre-orders for the limited release rum begin soon. Fans are showing excitement for this new endeavor.

President Donald Trump stated the United States requires Greenland for national security. He appointed Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy to the Arctic island. This move has drawn criticism from Denmark and Greenland. Trump emphasized strategic importance over mineral resources.

A 60 Minutes report on migrant abuse at El Salvador's CECOT prison was pulled then leaked online. The story featured deportees detailing torture and beatings. Experts questioned the legal basis for deportations. The decision to remove the report, critical of the Trump administration, ignited debate over journalistic independence at CBS News.

A Lucknow court has taken note of a money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate filed charges against the Dr Zakir Hussain Memorial Trust and others. This involves alleged misuse of government funds for artificial limbs. The case dates back to 2009-10.

India is in active trade talks with the United States. The goal is to regain better market access for Indian exporters. Discussions aim to conclude soon. This development comes as the US imposed tariffs on Indian goods. India's ambitious export target for 2030 faces global trade uncertainties. However, efforts continue to achieve significant export growth.

Education Adviser CR Abrar visited the family of factory worker Dipu Chandra Das in Mymensingh, expressing sympathy and assuring support following his brutal killing over alleged blasphemy. The Interim Government condemned the act, emphasizing the rule of law and promising a full investigation and justice for the 27-year-old victim, with 12 arrests made.

After eating too much sugar, blood sugar can rise and cause cravings. Experts say simple steps like a protein- and fiber-rich breakfast, short walks, drinking water, and getting good sleep can help control it. These easy habits keep energy steady, reduce sugar cravings, and help your blood sugar return to normal without strict dieting or skipping meals.

New rules for Census 2027 are out. Online self-enumeration will be an option. State governments will appoint census officers. Caste enumeration will be included. The census will happen in two phases, starting April 2026. Around 30 lakh field functionaries will conduct this national exercise.

Twenty-two Maoists have surrendered to police in Odisha's Malkangiri district. They handed over nine firearms and 150 live rounds. Explosives and improvised explosive devices were also surrendered. Most of these Maoists operated in Odisha but hailed from Chhattisgarh. The Odisha government recently revised its surrender policy, increasing rewards.

Tabla player Mainak Biswas endured an anxious 48-hour delay returning to India from Bangladesh after a mob vandalized a concert venue in Dhaka. Shiraz Ali Khan, the Sarod artiste he was accompanying, escaped earlier, but Biswas and other team members remained stranded amid rising anti-India sentiment. They took precautions to hide their Indian identity to ensure their safe return.

Under the first Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), developers were eligible for a 100% income tax exemption on profits from approved affordable housing projects. The scheme ended in March 2022 and the incentive was not carried forward under PMAY 2.0, prompting mortgage lenders to seek its reintroduction.

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck were captured together during a holiday shopping outing in Los Angeles, less than two years following their split. Joined by Afflecks 13-year-old son Samuel, the former pair visited boutiques and dined together at the Brentwood Country Mart. The sighting follows other latest moments showing their continued connection, that includes attending their childrens school events and Lopezs film premiere.

Mortgage rates in 2026: Mortgage rates are easing, but relief remains limited heading into 2026. The 30-year mortgage sits near 6.4 percent nationwide. The 15-year mortgage averages about 5.9 percent. Experts see limited declines ahead.Fed rate cuts may help slowly. Inflation trends matter most now. Housing demand stays firm. Buyers are watching every dip closely.