TOI - Most Recent Stories

• newHydrogen fuel cell EVs transformative to shape India's clean future: Pralhad Joshi
  India's clean energy journey received a significant boost as Union minister Pralhad Joshi launched a pilot project for hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in the mobility sector. An MoU between NISE and Toyota Kirloskar Motor will facilitate field trials of the Toyota Mirai, aiming to assess its performance across diverse Indian conditions and pave the way for wider adoption.
  - 45 mins ago 12 Dec 25, 12:15am -
• newNHPC denies offering forest land as collateral to raise funds
  NHPC is seeking an NOC from the environment ministry to use Subansiri Lower project assets for future debt financing without offering forest land as collateral. This clarification follows reports of the ministry rejecting a proposal, stating it was not tenable under the Forest Conservation Act.
  - 49 mins ago 12 Dec 25, 12:11am -
• newIND vs SA: India crumble in 214 chase as South Africa level T20I series 1-1
  South Africa leveled the T20I series 1-1 after defeating India by 51 runs in the second match. Quinton de Kock's explosive 90 powered South Africa to 213, a target India couldn't chase, faltering at 162 despite Tilak Varma's valiant 62. South Africa's bowlers consistently took wickets, stifling India's momentum. Baartman took four wickets for South Africa.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 10:53pm -
• newGambhir's No.3 gamble fails; Axar departs cheaply in big chase
  India's gamble of sending Axar Patel at number three backfired in the second T20I against South Africa. Patel struggled to find form, scoring 21 off 21 balls as wickets tumbled. South Africa posted a formidable 213/4, powered by Quinton de Kock's explosive 90. Varun Chakaravarthy was India's standout bowler with two wickets.
  - 3 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 10:06pm -
• newIND vs SA: 'Why not Samson?' - memes break internet as Gill flops again
  Shubman Gill's T20I struggles persisted with a golden duck against South Africa, drawing criticism. Meanwhile, Quinton de Kock's explosive 90 powered the visitors to a formidable 213/4. India's bowlers, including Arshdeep Singh and Jasprit Bumrah, faced a tough outing, conceding heavily in the death overs, leaving the hosts with a challenging chase.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 9:27pm -
• newUS plan for Russia-Ukraine peace: Europe bristles; why it may be a boon for India
  
  - 4 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 9:18pm -
• newUS-Russia flashpoint? Putin calls Maduro; reaffirms support amid Trump's rhetoric
  Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to joint economic and energy projects with Venezuela during a call with President Nicolás Maduro. Putin also conveyed solidarity with Venezuela amidst US pressure, which Caracas denies is linked to drug cartels. The leaders emphasized deepening strategic cooperation, building on existing strong ties between the two nations.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 9:14pm -
• newWd, wd, wd ...: Arshdeep's over stretches to infinity; bowls 7 wides
  Indian bowler Arshdeep Singh struggled with his line and length during the second T20I against South Africa. He bowled seven wides in a single over, conceding 18 runs. The incident occurred in the 11th over of the South African innings. Head coach Gautam Gambhir appeared displeased with the performance. India won the toss and elected to bowl in the match.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 8:36pm -
• new'Sign on dotted line': Goyal's msg for US after trade aide's 'best offer' remark; pact soon?
  Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal welcomed US praise for trade deal offers, urging the US to finalize the agreement if satisfied. Despite no timeline, Goyal highlighted ongoing discussions and the mutual benefit required for any deal.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 8:35pm -
• newGoa nightclub fire: How the Luthra brothers were nabbed - a timeline
  Goa nightclub co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra have been detained in Phuket, Thailand, and are being deported to India for investigation into a deadly fire that killed 25 people. Indian authorities coordinated the operation after the brothers fled the country shortly after the blaze, with a police team now in Thailand to take them into custody upon their return.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 8:33pm -
• newPM Modi to embark on 3-country tour: Will visit Jordan, Ethiopia and Oman from Dec 15-18
  Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake a four-day visit to Jordan, Ethiopia, and Oman from December 15-18. The trip aims to strengthen bilateral ties, explore new collaborations, and discuss regional issues, marking significant anniversaries in diplomatic relations with Jordan and Oman.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 8:15pm -
• newIND vs SA: Gautam Gambhir furious as Arshdeep Singh bowls 7-wides in an over - Watch
  Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh struggled with his line and length during the second T20I against South Africa, bowling seven wides in a single over. This costly over, which included 13 deliveries and 13 runs, drew the ire of head coach Gautam Gambhir. India, leading the series 1-0, opted to bowl first after winning the toss.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 8:10pm -
• newImpact of new labour codes: Does your salary, PF contribution & gratuity change? Explained
  New labour codes are set to redefine wage calculations, impacting salary structures, PF contributions, and gratuity payouts. The broader definition of 'wages' means more components will be included, potentially increasing employee benefits and employer liabilities. Fixed-term employees now qualify for gratuity after one year of service.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 8:00pm -
• newSam Altman pushes Oracle into first-ever $10bn burn and fresh borrowing spree
  Oracle's stock experienced a significant drop after reporting quarterly results that missed revenue expectations, largely due to substantial spending on data centers for AI customers like OpenAI. The company's heavy reliance on a massive OpenAI deal and its debt-fueled expansion have raised investor concerns about its financial stability and future growth prospects.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 7:52pm -
• new'Very warm conversation': PM Modi speaks with Donald Trump; trade, defence in focus
  Prime Minister Modi and President Trump held a productive call, reviewing the robust India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with growing bilateral cooperation and discussed enhancing trade, critical technologies, energy, and defense. They also committed to collaborating on regional and global issues, reinforcing their commitment to a deepening strategic alliance.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 7:35pm -

• newWhen love becomes a crime: What the Nanded killing reveals about ‘honour’ in modern India
  A young inter-caste couple's tragic story highlights India's persistent 'honour killings.' Saksham Tate was murdered by his girlfriend Aanchal Mamidwar's family, who opposed their relationship. Despite arrests, the law lacks a specific 'honour killing' category, leaving a legal and social vacuum. This deeply rooted societal issue continues to claim lives, demanding a significant cultural shift.
  - 6 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 7:28pm -
• newUS to help Pak upgrade its F-16s: Trump admin clears $686m deal; a message for India?
  The Trump administration has notified Congress of a $686 million package to modernise Pakistan's F-16 fleet, including avionics upgrades and tactical data links. This move, aimed at enhancing interoperability for counterterrorism, comes amid strained US-India ties and follows Pakistan's recent diplomatic efforts with Washington.
  - 6 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 7:06pm -
• new‘Birth tourism’ under scrutiny: US warns tourist visas will be rejected if purpose is to give birth
  US consular officers will now reject tourist visa applications if the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the country for the child's US citizenship. Officials stated such travel is not permitted and will lead to visa denial, as part of a broader policy to curb birth tourism.
  - 6 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 6:55pm -
• new2nd T20I: 2011 WC hero joins India's huddle in Mullanpur; pics go viral
  Cricket legend Yuvraj Singh energised Team India's pre-match moments ahead of the second T20I against South Africa. Following a dominant 101-run victory in the opener, where Hardik Pandya starred with an all-round performance and Jasprit Bumrah reached 100 T20I wickets, the squad received a motivational boost. Yuvraj's presence aims to sustain India's winning momentum in Mullanpur.
  - 6 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 6:49pm -
• newTrump's $1m Gold card: What it means for Indians, EB-5 visa aspirants; what you should know
  US President Donald Trump has launched a new Gold Card program, requiring a $1 million donation for individuals or $2 million for corporations to gain legal status and a path to citizenship. This initiative aims to attract exceptional talent and generate government revenue, presenting an alternative to the EB-5 visa system.
  - 6 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 6:45pm -
• newUttar Pradesh: Fake, drunk doc performs surgery watching YouTube; woman dies
  A woman died in Barabanki after an illegal clinic owner and his nephew allegedly performed surgery on her while watching a YouTube video. The clinic operator, described as a 'quack', reportedly operated under the influence of alcohol, leading to a fatal incision. A case has been registered, and efforts are underway to apprehend the absconding accused.
  - 6 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 6:37pm -
• newJust Rs 100: ICC opens T20 World Cup ticket sales; prices set at 'historic low'
  Ticket sales for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 have opened with entry-level prices starting at Rs 100 in India and LKR 1,000 in Sri Lanka. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the tournament aims for unprecedented accessibility with over 2 million tickets available. The event will feature 20 teams playing 55 matches across eight venues.
  - 7 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 6:28pm -
• newMass visa chaos: H-1B families stranded in India; US consulates cancel interviews
  Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders and their families are stranded in India due to a new US Department of State policy mandating social-media screening. This has led to mass cancellations and rescheduling of visa appointments, pushing many into 2026, jeopardizing jobs and disrupting family lives.
  - 7 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 6:22pm -
• newAmazon layoffs: VP explains 14,000 jobs cuts; Done to remove organisational layers
  Amazon's senior vice president Amit Agarwal stated that recent layoffs are aimed at removing organizational layers to foster agility, enabling the company to operate like a startup in an AI-driven world. CEO Andy Jassy clarified the cuts are culture-driven, not financially or AI-driven, to streamline operations and empower employees.
  - 7 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 6:14pm -
• newNo relief for Goa club owners: Court denies interim bail; Thailand to deport Luthras soon
  Delhi court denied transit anticipatory bail to Saurabh and Gaurav Luthras, owners of the Goa nightclub where a fatal fire occurred. The brothers sought protection to avoid immediate arrest upon returning from Thailand. Goa's counsel argued they were evading legal process, while the defense emphasized their willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
  - 7 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 6:01pm -
• newCBI cracks Rs 1000cr crypto scam: 2 Chinese nationals, 150 shell accounts exposed
  CBI has charged 30 individuals, including two Chinese nationals, in a massive Rs 1,000-crore crypto-investment scam. The accused allegedly used a fake app, 'HPZ Tokens', to dupe investors with promises of huge returns on non-existent bitcoin-mining machines. This sophisticated cyber-crime network, operated from abroad, exploited India's payment aggregation system to launder funds.
  - 7 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 6:01pm -
• newTaliban, TTP & Balochistan: The three-body problem facing Pak - explained
  
  - 7 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 5:58pm -
• newChaos in Pakistan: Punches, kicks fly; referee assaulted - Watch
  Chaos erupted after a National Games football semi-final in Karachi, with Pakistan Army and WAPDA players and officials involved in a violent brawl. The altercation, captured on live broadcast and social media, saw punches and kicks exchanged. Frustration over a penalty kick reportedly fueled the post-match aggression, leading to injuries and a pursuit of the referee.
  - 7 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 5:58pm -
• newSplit coaching: Ex-captain responds after Gambhir's 'stick to domain' remark
  Kapil Dev dismissed the idea of split coaches for Indian cricket following their Test series loss to South Africa. He emphasized that the BCCI should adopt the system best suited for Indian cricket. Dev also commented on the unchanging nature of sporting challenges and player priorities regarding T20 leagues versus national duty.
  - 7 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 5:47pm -
• newNew regional axis? B'desh hints willing to join bloc that excludes India; backs Pak's plan
  Bangladesh's foreign affairs adviser stated it's strategically possible for Dhaka to join a regional grouping with Pakistan, excluding India, following Islamabad's signals for a trilateral initiative with China. He also noted progress on lifting US sanctions on RAB and dismissed the likelihood of further sanctions on Bangladeshi leaders.
  - 8 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 5:24pm -
• newSex, lies, video: How 100-member spy-cam gang targeted Delhi cops
  A sophisticated crime syndicate in Delhi used hidden cameras in commercial vehicles to record traffic police, then doctored footage for blackmail and extortion. The gang, led by Raju Meena and Jeeshan Ali, also lodged false corruption complaints against targeted officers and even demanded sexual favors from female personnel, causing significant distress and forcing transfers.
  - 8 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 5:01pm -
• newTruck falls into gorge: 22 feared dead; authorities alerted when survivor emerges after 72hrs
  Tragedy struck in Arunachal Pradesh as at least 22 Assam labourers are feared dead after their mini truck plunged into a deep gorge near the Indo-China border. A lone survivor, severely injured, alerted authorities after a perilous journey. Rescue operations are underway, with specialized teams and the Army working to retrieve bodies from the treacherous terrain.
  - 8 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 4:59pm -
• newDelhi riots case: Umar Khalid gets interim bail; why court gave relief
  A Delhi court has granted interim bail to former JNU student leader Umar Khalid from December 16 to 29. This temporary relief allows him to attend his sister's wedding. Khalid, arrested under UAPA in the Delhi riots conspiracy case, will return to custody after the permitted period.
  - 8 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 4:55pm -
• newSIR drive: EC extends roll revision deadline in 6 states; no extension for Bengal
  
  - 9 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 4:26pm -
• newKolhapuri chappal row: Prada to team up with Indian artisans; launch limited-edition sandals
  Prada is collaborating with Indian artisans for a limited-edition sandal collection, following criticism for designs resembling traditional Kolhapuri chappals. The luxury brand will produce 2,000 pairs in Maharashtra and Karnataka, blending Indian craftsmanship with Italian techniques. This initiative aims to elevate global recognition for the craft and ensure fair compensation for artisans.
  - 9 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 4:25pm -
• newODI series win: Ex-KKR teammate asks why Gambhir did not 'credit' Rohit, Virat - 'Felt strange'
  Former India batter Robin Uthappa expressed surprise at head coach Gautam Gambhir not mentioning Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's stellar performances after India's ODI series win. Despite their significant contributions, Uthappa found Gambhir's silence unusual, especially given the senior players' consistent form. He added that both senior players delivered strong performances.
  - 9 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 4:04pm -
• newGoa nightclub fire: Luthra brothers misled police - what cops told court
  Goa police informed a Delhi court that nightclub co-owners Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra misled investigators and showed no cooperation after the deadly fire that killed 25. The brothers, who fled to Thailand, are seeking anticipatory bail, but police argue their actions disentitle them to such protection. The investigation into the blaze continues.
  - 9 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 4:03pm -
• newArunachal: Truck with 22 labourers falls into deep gorge in Anjaw; over 20 feared dead
  
  - 9 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 3:31pm -
• newIndiGo fiasco: Airline offers Rs 10,000 vouchers to passengers stranded between Dec 3–5 — key details
  
  - 10 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 2:35pm -
• newGoa fire fallout: Thailand treaty & how Luthras will be sent back — deportation playbook
  Co-owners of the 'Birch by Romeo Lane' nightclub, Saurabh and Gaurav Luthra, are set to be extradited to India from Thailand after fleeing following a fire that claimed 25 lives. Detained in Phuket, their extradition highlights the India-Thailand Extradition Treaty, which facilitates the surrender of fugitive offenders.
  - 12 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 12:58pm -
• newSherrone Moore scandal: Detention, alleged affair and scrutiny on wife Kelli
  The Sherrone Moore scandal escalated as Michigan fired him for cause after an inappropriate relationship with a staff member and police later detained him in Saline. The fallout includes scrutiny of his wife, speculation around staffer involvement, and Michigan naming Biff Poggi interim head coach while law enforcement reviews potential charges amid Paige Shiver pregnancy rumors.
  - 13 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 12:10pm -
• newPaige Shiver’s net worth: 55% salary hike and link to Sherrone Moore scandal fuel speculation
  University of Michigan football is in turmoil as executive assistant Paige Shiver faces intense public scrutiny. Her name is linked to former coach Sherrone Moore's firing and police detainment due to alleged inappropriate relationship rumors. Shiver's recent significant salary increase and social media silence have fueled speculation amid the ongoing investigation.
  - 14 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 11:20am -
• newCandace Owens hits back as Erika Kirk urges public to stop Charlie Kirk rumors
  Erika Kirk pleaded for privacy regarding her husband Charlie Kirk's burial site on Fox News, citing fears of grave desecration. However, Candace Owens interpreted this plea as a veiled attack, claiming Kirk's words were directed at her. Owens continues to promote unverified theories about Kirk's assassination, despite official reports pointing to a lone gunman.
  - 20 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 5:22am -
• newStefon Diggs reacts to Cardi B’s bold green bob and leather look on Miami night out
  Cardi B and Stefon Diggs are solidifying their status as a prominent NFL power couple, recently showcasing their public affection during a Miami girls' night. Diggs' viral comment on Cardi's vibrant green bob and stylish outfit highlighted their growing comfort in sharing intimate moments online, reinforcing their strong connection amid recent celebrations and new beginnings.
  - 20 hours ago 11 Dec 25, 5:02am -
• Money mistakes: Kevin O’Leary warns consumers; the biggest financial trap people fall into unnoticed
  Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary warns homebuyers against purchasing oversized properties, calling it a significant financial pitfall. He advises keeping mortgage payments under a third of after-tax income to avoid becoming 'house poor.' O'Leary advocates for a staged approach, starting with a smaller home and upgrading later as finances strengthen, especially with current high mortgage rates.
  - 1 day ago 10 Dec 25, 5:56pm -
• Venus Williams & Andrea Preti net worth 2025: Career, family & business
  Venus Williams boasts an estimated $95 million net worth in 2025, primarily from her legendary tennis career and successful fashion and design businesses. Her partner, Andrea Preti, an actor and businessman, contributes an estimated $1-2 million. Together, their combined net worth is approximately $96-97 million, reflecting their individual financial achievements.
  - 3 days ago 9 Dec 25, 3:48am -