The Economic Times News

For many puzzle enthusiasts, the NYT Mini Crossword has evolved into a daily ritual, one that combines quick thinking, strategy and a dash of linguistic charm. Unlike the full-sized New York Times crossword, famed for its complex clues and time-intensive grids, the Mini provides a compact, fast-paced challenge that can be completed in just a few minutes.

A San Francisco employer discovered his security guard, a young Indian-origin man, runs a popular Bengali comedy YouTube channel with over 300,000 subscribers. The guard started the channel during the Covid-19 lockdown at age 14, prompting discussions about digital fame versus real-world earnings and the creator economy's unpredictability.

The Election Commission has expressed serious concern over the West Bengal CEO's office delay in proposing new polling booths in high-rise buildings and housing societies. With a limit of 1200 electors per booth for upcoming elections, the EC mandated surveys for these areas, but received insufficient proposals by the deadline, indicating potential apathy from district officials.

A government committee is set to release its second paper on AI-generated content copyrightability soon. Their first paper proposed mandatory blanket licenses for AI training data, coupled with remuneration for copyright holders. This panel, formed in April 2025, is examining AI's impact on copyright law and assessing the need for amendments to balance innovation with creator rights.

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan claims Hindus face constant targeting and questioning of traditions. He asserts it is every Hindu's duty to oppose attacks on their practices. Kalyan cited a Tamil Nadu temple row and the Sabarimala judgment to support his claims.

OnlyFans operates with just 42 full-time employees, a lean structure that CEO Keily Blair credits for its speed and profitability. The company hires senior and junior talent directly, bypassing middle management. Leaders are judged by their results, not team size. This efficient model supports the platform's substantial annual revenue, allowing creators to keep 80% of their earnings.

Akshaye Khannas resurfaced interview reveals how he faced premature baldness at 19 and described it as emotionally devastating. The Dhurandhar actor compared the experience to a pianist losing his fingers and spoke openly about the toll it took on his confidence, identity and early career expectations.

Karti's remarks came in response to comments made by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, who recently referred to the ongoing Thiruparankundram issue and said that the awakening of Hindus in Tamil Nadu was sufficient to achieve the desired outcome, adding that escalation may not be required as the matter is sub judice.

Geminids Meteor Shower India Time: India's skies will be illuminated by the Geminid meteor shower from December 13-15, with over 100 meteors per hour expected. Originating from asteroid 3200 Phaethon, these brilliant streaks are best viewed from midnight in dark, clear locations. Prepare by dressing warmly, avoiding screens, and finding an unobstructed horizon for an unforgettable celestial display.

The 'Karnataka Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025' that was tabled in the Assembly by Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa lists 20 forms of social boycotts, which includes refusal to deal with, work for hire or do business; denying opportunities, including access to services or contractual opportunities for rendering services.

IPL auction: The IPL 2026 mini-auction is set to be a high-stakes event with teams looking to fill crucial vacancies. This year's auction features several powerful overseas batters, including Cameron Green, Rachin Ravindra, David Miller, Devon Conway, and Steve Smith, all bringing a mix of firepower, experience, and proven match-winning abilities to the table.

IPL Auction 5 likely most expensive players: The IPL auction in Abu Dhabi is approaching, with 10 teams holding a combined Rs 237.50 crore to fill 77 slots. Several players, including Cameron Green, Ravi Bishnoi, Venkatesh Iyer, Liam Livingstone, and Matheesha Pathirana, are likely to attract significant bids due to their all-round abilities and wicket-taking potential. However, IPL auctions are full of surprises and there may be other players who get biggest bids.

The Supreme Court has ordered former Telangana Special Intelligence Bureau chief T Prabhakar Rao to surrender to police by 11 am Friday. This directive is for further investigation into the phone-tapping case. Rao is an accused in the case. The court also granted him liberty to have food from home and regular medication.

After IIT Delhi India Post Office, Gen-Z themed post offices have been opened in Kerala's Kottayam and Andhra Pradesh's varsity campus. Both the facilities were inaugurated on December 9, blending modern design with trusted services. This is a significant milestone in bringing modern postal facilities closer to students, researchers, and the campus community.

Winter fogging on car windscreens is a common issue in Delhi NCR and northern states, caused by warm, humid cabin air meeting cold glass. Motorists face reduced visibility and travel delays. Experts recommend using the air conditioner to dry cabin air, directing vents to the windscreen, and disabling recirculation for faster defogging and safer journeys.

US stock futures fell today after the Feds third rate cut to 3.5%3.75%. Dow futures dropped 138 points. S&P 500 lost 42.50 points. Nasdaq slipped 210 points. Oracle crashed 11% on AI capex. Bitcoin sank under $90,000. Tech pressure is rising. More key earnings ahead. Here's full breakdown for today's US stocks.

Quote of the day: Kants Critique of Pure Reason marked a turning point in Western philosophy, offering a radically new framework for understanding human knowledge. He expanded his philosophical project with two additional landmark works: Critique of Practical Reason and Critique of Judgment, each exploring distinct realms: morality in the former and aesthetics in the latter.

Chanel has appointed BTS's Jungkook as its global ambassador for Fragrances and Beauty. The luxury house confirmed the news, highlighting Jungkook's artistic influence and ability to connect with global audiences. The artist expressed that Chanels blend of heritage and modernity resonates with his own creative approach, marking a meaningful new chapter for both the luxury House and the global performer.

Lok Adalat December 2025 Token: Millions of Indian vehicle owners can settle pending traffic challans at the National Lok Adalat on December 13, 2025. Minor violations like missing helmets and red-light jumps will be eligible for reduced rates or cancellation. However, serious offenses such as drunk driving and hit-and-run cases will not be considered.

A daily wage worker in Punjab's Faridkot, who had been buying lottery tickets for nearly two years, finally won the prize of Rs 1.5 crore. But Nasib Kaur, her husband Ram Singh and the family went into hiding after they hit the jackpot. The police team in Faridkot immediately reached out to the family to provide reassurance and protection.

Bollywood is home to love stories as iconic as its movies. These couples bring a magical mix of chemistry and love, proving that love in the headlines can also be beautiful and real. Swipe to explore the couples who shape the modern definition of love.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has condemned an assault on two food vendors during a Gita recital in Kolkata. She stated that such acts of intimidation will not be tolerated in the state. Banerjee asserted that all accused have been arrested. She accused the BJP of attempting to import communal division into West Bengal.

Ajay Gupta, co-owner of Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub, has been remanded to seven days police custody by a Goa court. This follows a devastating December 6 fire that claimed 25 lives, including tourists and staff. Gupta was detained in Delhi and later transported to Goa for questioning. The investigation into the tragic incident continues.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has labelled Union Home Minister Amit Shah as dangerous. She warned of a protest if any eligible voter's name is removed from the electoral rolls during the ongoing revision process.

Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Corina Machado said in a surprise appearance Thursday that she would do her est to return to Venezuela to end the yranny in the country. I will not say when that is or how it's going to be, she commented, but added that she wanted o end with this tyranny very soon and have a free Venezuela.

Two YSRCP members highlighted Visakhapatnam's severe air pollution, ranking among India's most polluted cities. They also pointed to the dangerous state of the Kadapa-Renigunta highway section. Urgent intervention is sought to address pollution and improve road safety for the public during ongoing construction projects.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma honored former President Pranab Mukherjee on his birth anniversary. Sarma acknowledged Mukherjee's immense contributions to India's progress and democracy. Mukherjee served as the 13th President and held key ministerial portfolios. His political career spanned over five decades, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's discourse.

An unusual election took place in Mizoram's Hmawngbuchhuah village. Only one voter was eligible to cast a ballot. To ensure vote secrecy, a postal ballot was used instead of an electronic voting machine. This remote village near the Myanmar border has seen its population change due to refugees. The Election Commission adapted its process for this unique situation.

India's dynamic e-commerce and retail sectors are driving global innovation. Companies like Amazon and Walmart are replicating successful India-born models, from rapid delivery and kirana store partnerships to affordability-focused packaging and rural distribution networks, in markets worldwide. This strategic testing ground refines business strategies for diverse global landscapes.

A former Pakistani spy chief, retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, received a 14-year prison sentence from a military court. The court found him guilty on multiple charges. These included engaging in political activities and violating the Official Secrets Act.

Perth faced a bushfire crisis on December 11, 2025. Fires threatened Kenwick, Wattle Grove, Maddington, and Beckenham, prompting urgent evacuations. A second blaze endangered Bullsbrook and Upper Swan, including RAAF Pearce air force base. High temperatures and dry conditions fueled the rapid spread. Authorities worked to protect homes and contain the blazes across multiple fronts.

Following the Red Fort blast, Delhi Police are reviewing how hazardous chemicals like ammonium nitrate are stored and used. They are also tightening rules on used-car ownership transfers. These measures aim to enhance security and prevent misuse of vehicles and chemicals. Authorities are conducting extensive checks to ensure compliance and plug existing loopholes.

Premium brand Eggoz landed in a controversy after a YouTube channel released a report claiming that samples of Eggoz eggs tested positive for AOZ, a metabolite of the antibiotic Nitrofuran. Eggoz responded to the claim saying reasurring their customers that their eggs are safe for consumption. The report claiming that eggs can cause cancer sparked a buzz online and orthopedic surgeon Dr Vora reacted to the video and revealed the truth.

The govt clarified that while no global authority ranks countries officially, it conducts its own annual Swachh Vayu Survekshan to assess and rank 130 cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) on the basis of air quality improvement measures.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella is set to empower 20 million Indians with artificial intelligence skills. The company is investing $17.5 billion to boost India's AI and cloud infrastructure. A new data centre region will launch in 2026. India is projected to become the world's largest developer community by 2030. This marks a significant long-term partnership in India's technological advancement.

The Supreme Court has denied former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's request to halt his 20-year prison sentence. This sentence stems from a 1996 drug seizure case. Bhatt was found guilty of falsely implicating a lawyer. The court found no grounds to entertain his plea for suspension. Bhatt has been in jail since his arrest in 2018.

Bollywoods leading ladies are shaping 2025s biggest hair trends. Whether its Alias layered softness, Sara's sleek ponytail, or Ananyas beachy waves, these looks define modern glam. This guide reveals the celebrity-driven hair trends everyone is embracing this year.

Rajya Sabha member Sudha Murty has called for a new award category to recognize social innovators. She highlighted that while technical achievements are celebrated, those solving everyday problems often go unnoticed. Murty cited the example of the idli grinder's impact. She urged the government to establish a 'social innovation line' to acknowledge and respect these vital contributors to society.

Playback singer Udit Narayan shared a dramatic incident from the recording of 'Bole Chudiyaan'. He nearly missed his flight for a show due to the session. Narayan rushed to the airport, only to be called back to finish the song. He returned to the studio, completed the remaining lines, and then caught his flight.

On September 4, the top court refused to grant interim bail to Shah in the case and issued notice to the NIA seeking its response on his plea challenging the high court order. The Delhi High Court had refused bail to Shah in the case, observing that the possibility of him carrying out similar unlawful activities and influencing witnesses could not be ruled out.

The Supreme Court is intervening 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 each for two technical universities. This move aims to break the impasse that has persisted despite previous attempts at consensus. The court expects the committee's report soon to resolve the issue.

India vs South Africa 2nd T20I Live Streaming: India aims to extend their series lead against South Africa in the second T20I tonight at Mullanpur. Following a dominant win in the first match, fans can catch the action live on Star Sports and stream it on JioHotstar. The match begins at 7:00 PM IST.

An Indian film delegation visited Israel to explore creative collaborations. They saw potential for co-productions and cultural exchange through cinema. The visit highlighted shared concerns about terrorism. Israeli officials expressed admiration for Indian storytelling. The delegation met survivors and learned about the impact of recent attacks. This trip aims to strengthen India-Israel cinematic cooperation.

Putting a rest to the speculations, Abhishek Bachchan has finally broken his silence on divorce rumours with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The actor called the rumours false and manufactured rubbish and went on to praise his wife that Aishwarya has taught Aaradhya not to believe everything that she reads to protect her from online gossip.

Get ready for an action-packed week of new streaming entertainment with movies, web series, dramas, comedy and thrillers releasing from December 8 to December 14, 2025. We break down the best titles across Netflix, JioHotstar, SonyLIV, ZEE5, Apple TV and more for your weekend binge watch.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan alleged Congress harbours 'womanisers' and 'sexual perverts'. Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala retorted, urging the CM to address such elements within his own front. Chennithala accused the Left government of protecting those who insult women. He stated the Congress acted swiftly against an MLA facing allegations.