The Economic Times News

Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a 14-year-old Indian opener, has impressed in the U-19 Asia Cup. He scored a rapid century against the UAE. Suryavanshi and captain Ayush Mhatre are in strong form. Their performance makes India a favorite for the title. The team faces Pakistan next in a highly anticipated match.

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat has reversed her retirement decision, announcing her return to competitive wrestling with the aim of winning an Olympic medal at the LA 2028 Games. Phogat, who was disqualified from a medal match at the Tokyo Olympics due to a weigh-in issue, stated her passion for the sport remains strong and she is motivated by her son's support.

He stepped into cinema with barely ten minutes on screen beside Kamal Haasan, yet within years he rose from obscurity to challenge a legends superstardom. On his birthday, the story of how an unknown newcomer transformed into an unstoppable cultural force continues to captivate generations.

Rahul Gandhi highlighted severe air pollution in Indian cities. He urged for a Lok Sabha discussion to find solutions. Gandhi emphasized cooperation between the opposition and government on this critical issue. He noted the widespread health impacts, including lung disease in children and cancer. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju confirmed the government's readiness for a debate.

Perth braces for extreme fire conditions this weekend as temperatures soar to 40C, following two bushfires that prompted evacuations. Firefighters continue to battle blazes, with lives and homes potentially at risk. The Bureau of Meteorology warns of hot, windy weather and lightning strikes, urging residents to stay informed and hydrated.

The original owner of the land where the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub stood has alleged his property was rezoned from a salt pan to a settlement zone without his knowledge. Pradeep Ghadi Amonkar, who is in a legal battle over the land, discovered the change while preparing to sue the club following a fatal fire.

Congress criticized the BJP's attempt to pit Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay against Rabindranath Tagore, stating it backfired. The party reminded the BJP that Rajendra Prasad had already granted Vande Mataram equal status to the national anthem in 1950. This comes after a parliamentary debate on the national song's 150th anniversary.

Kerala Election Results 2025: Vote counting for the Kerala local body elections commenced on December 13, with postal ballots tallied first, followed by EVM votes. The results are anticipated to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, mirroring past trends where local poll outcomes preceded Assembly poll victories. The combined voter turnout for the 2025 elections reached 73.69%.

YouTube India's 2025 year-end list reveals the nation's top watched content, from Bollywood hits like 'Coolie' and major events like IPL 2025 to viral sensations like Labubu. The platform also highlighted top creators and trending songs, underscoring its significant role in entertainment and information for Indian audiences, especially Gen Z.

The Luthras had escaped within hours of the killer fire. According to Goa police, they purchased tickets for a Phuket-bound flight at 1.17am on 7 December, even as firefighters battled an inferno at their Arpora club. By 5.30am, they were airborne on IndiGo flight 6E-1073. A Goa police team arrived in Delhi later that morning with an arrest warrant and searched their residence and offices, but found them missing.

Following a deadly Goa nightclub fire, another blaze erupted at a Bhubaneswar bar, raising concerns about entertainment venue safety. Fire services are actively working to control the flames and prevent them from spreading to adjacent structures. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in this incident.

Reddit has filed a lawsuit against Australia's new rule banning under-16s from social media. The company argues the law infringes on political participation and free speech for young Australians. The ban, effective December 10, requires platforms to block underage users or face hefty fines. Reddit seeks to overturn the policy, protecting digital access for teens nationwide.

Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate urged Shubman Gill to play freely in T20s, like he does in the IPL, as the batsman has been too tight trying to justify his place. The team management also backed captain Suryakumar Yadav, despite his lean run, believing in his class and ability to attack.

Rajya Sabha proceedings were briefly adjourned for 10 minutes after Opposition MPs noted the absence of any Cabinet Minister. Despite the Chairman's request for a minister's presence, MPs insisted on an adjournment, calling the situation an insult to the House. The adjournment followed a tribute to those who fought terrorists in the 2001 Parliament attack.

The Delhi High Court has ordered social media platforms to address former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar's plea. He sought protection for his personality rights, including his name and image. Intermediaries must act within seven days. This follows similar actions by other celebrities seeking to control their digital presence. The court is ensuring these rights are safeguarded.

BMC water cut Mumbai : Mumbai's western and central suburbs are experiencing a 24-hour water shutdown as the BMC undertakes crucial repair work on water channels. The disruption, which began Friday morning and will last until Saturday morning, affects thousands of households and businesses across Andheri, Jogeshwari, Bandra, Dadar, and Mahim, impacting daily routines in several busy neighborhoods.

CAT 2025 results are anticipated soon. Experts predict a release between late December 2025 and early January 2026. Candidates can check their scorecards on iimcat.ac.in. The results will guide admissions to IIMs and other business schools. Candidates should download their scorecards promptly and verify all details for the upcoming selection rounds.

A viral Instagram trend claims Maggi noodles can be prepared in 30 seconds using a mini Maggi pill capsule. However, these videos are fabricated using AI, with Maggi India itself debunking the misinformation. The trend has sparked amusement and concern online regarding the capabilities of AI.

Mexico will impose significant tariffs on imports from countries like India starting January 1, 2026. This move could impact India's annual shipments worth $5.75 billion. Tariffs will range from 5-50% on over 1,400 products. Indian exporters are concerned about competitiveness and are pushing for a trade deal with Mexico. This could also help bypass US tariffs.

Supriya Sahu, Indian Administrative Service officer, has received the prestigious United Nations Champions of the Earth award for 2025. This honour recognizes her significant contributions to environmental protection and climate action. Sahu's work in Tamil Nadu has focused on ecosystem restoration, community resilience, and sustainable development. Her initiatives have led to increased green jobs and expanded forest cover.

Supriya Sahu, Indian Administrative Service officer, has received the prestigious United Nations Champions of the Earth award for 2025. This honour recognizes her significant contributions to environmental protection and climate action. Sahu's work in Tamil Nadu has focused on ecosystem restoration, community resilience, and sustainable development. Her initiatives have led to increased green jobs and expanded forest cover.

Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald is stepping down in January after nearly seven years, with finance chief Meghan Frank and Andr Maestrini appointed co-interim CEOs. The company's shares rose following the announcement, despite recent challenges including declining US sales and increased competition in the activewear market. McDonald's departure also follows renewed criticism from founder Chip Wilson.

Winter vacation dates for the 2025-26 academic year have been announced across various Indian states. Delhi and Haryana will observe a break from January 1-15, 2026. Other states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab have scheduled breaks starting in late December. Jammu and Kashmir will have extended winter shutdowns, while Kerala and Tamil Nadu are experiencing rain-related closures.

A terrifying incident unfolded in Far North Queensland, Australia. A skydiver's parachute became entangled with a Cessna Caravan aircraft's tail at 15,000 feet. The skydiver managed to cut free from the reserve chute. They then deployed their main parachute and landed safely with minor injuries. The pilot skilfully landed the damaged aircraft.

What if our favourite Indian cricketers are reimagined as Avengers? This story imagines the current Indian cricket team as the Marvel superheroes where each player is matched with a superhero based on personality, skills, and their impact on the game.

Mike Tyson, a legendary boxer, offers timeless wisdom. His famous quote highlights that plans falter when faced with adversity. True strength lies in adapting to setbacks. This principle, honed through his own life and career, teaches us to remain flexible and resilient. Facing challenges head-on and maintaining a relentless work ethic are key to overcoming life's punches and achieving success.

The State Bank of India is expected to announce the SBI Clerk Mains result 2025 for Junior Associate posts on its official website, sbi.co.in. The mains examination, conducted in November 2025, will determine shortlisted candidates for the next stage, with the final merit list based on mains marks and a Local Language Proficiency Test.

ChatGPT-5.2 released, Check GPT-5.2 vs Gemini 3 Comparison: OpenAI has launched GPT-5.2, a significant upgrade designed for professional tasks like contract analysis and coding, aiming to compete with Google's Gemini 3. The new model series offers three variants and includes a $1 billion Disney partnership for its Sora video platform, integrating over 200 characters.

The Enforcement Directorate is conducting raids across several states in a money laundering investigation. The probe targets an alleged illegal cough syrup trade racket in Uttar Pradesh. The agency is searching 25 premises in Uttar Pradesh and other states. The investigation is based on numerous police FIRs concerning the misuse of codeine-based cough syrups.

Debbie Zakaib, Alexandre Taillefers wife and a celebrated Quebec personality in fashion and food, has died. She died after a brief but challenging fight with cancer. Zakaib was a driving force in the province's culinary world and a respected marketing executive. Her contributions significantly boosted Quebec's creative sectors and cultural landscape. She was also instrumental in bringing prestigious culinary recognitions to the region.

Over 400 former Bodo Liberation Tigers cadres, previously excluded from rehabilitation, received Rs 2 lakhs each. This initiative is part of a broader peace effort in Assam, following several Memorandums of Settlement with various militant groups since 2020. These efforts have successfully integrated thousands of former cadres into mainstream society through skill development and financial packages.

In a debate on election reforms at the Rajya Sabha, Opposition members accused the Election Commission of India of favouring the ruling party, which BJP countered by alleging that Congress misused institutions when in power. Concerns were raised about a level playing field, transparency and institutional credibility. Data on party funding was presented.

Garena Free Fire Max players can snag in-game freebies using regularly released 12-character alphanumeric redeem codes. These codes have limited validity and can only be used once, so prompt redemption is advised. Players can claim rewards by visiting the official redemption site and logging in with their game-linked accounts.

Pakistan's government is considering a ban on social media platforms. Minister Barrister Aqeel Malik stated that platforms must cooperate with authorities. He highlighted X's lack of cooperation compared to others. The government has warned that non-compliant platforms could face bans. This follows Brazil's actions against X. Pakistan wants social media companies to open offices in the country.

China's domestic demand shows weakness in November, impacting retail sales and fixed asset investment. This subdued activity contrasts with strong export performance. Authorities are prioritizing boosting domestic demand for the new year. Car sales have seen a significant drop, potentially due to subsidy program effects. Leaders are pledging to support investment and stabilize the property market.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's health has worsened. Doctors placed her on ventilator support due to breathing issues. Her kidney function has stopped completely, and she requires dialysis and blood transfusions. She is also being treated for a serious heart valve infection. Her condition necessitated a delay in her planned travel abroad for further treatment.

The Game Awards 2025 celebrated gaming's biggest night with world premieres and competitive categories. Hosted by Geoff Keighley, the event recognized titles like Grand Theft Auto VI for Most Anticipated Game and Fatal Future: City of the Wolves for Best Fighting Game. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 also received accolades for Best Art Direction and Best Score and Music.

A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck Japan's northeastern coast Friday, prompting a tsunami advisory for waves up to 1 meter. This follows a larger 7.5-magnitude quake on Monday, which had warned of increased seismic activity in the region within a week. The latest tremor registered a seismic intensity of 4.

Australia's wartime Prime Minister John Curtin believed the journey of learning shapes character more than knowledge itself. From humble beginnings, he championed workers' rights and social justice, emphasizing discipline and intellectual effort. Curtin's philosophy highlights curiosity and resilience as vital for growth, warning against complacency and fostering integrity and sound judgment through continuous pursuit of understanding.

As the Federal Reserve navigates potential leadership changes and ongoing political pressures, its hard-won independence faces a critical test. Historical parallels with the 1950s highlight the enduring struggle between the central bank and the executive branch over monetary policy. The outcome in 2026 will significantly impact the cost of living and investor confidence.

Shivraj Patil Death News: Senior Congress leader and former Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil passed away at 91 in Latur after a prolonged illness. He served as Speaker of the Lok Sabha and Union Home Minister, notably during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, for which he took moral responsibility. Patil also faced criticism over his attire following the Delhi blasts.

Mahatma Gandhi's enduring wisdom emphasizes that personal transformation is the catalyst for global change. His quote, Be the change that you wish to see in the world, urges individuals to embody desired values and actions. This principle encourages self-discipline and accountability, inspiring positive shifts within families, communities, and beyond.