TOI - Most Recent Stories

• newSenior Russian general survives assassination attempt in Moscow restaurant blast
  
  - 1 hour ago 3 Aug 26, 4:46pm -
• newBank holidays in August 2026: Where and when banks will remain closed this month
  August brings numerous bank holidays across India, affecting branch operations. Banks will close on specific dates due to regional festivals and national observances. Customers should verify local branch availability before planning visits. Digital banking services will remain accessible throughout these holiday periods. Plan branch-specific transactions in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
  - 1 hour ago 3 Aug 26, 4:44pm -
• newLSU graduate turns discarded fraternity food into 10,000 meals
  A simple observation about food waste at Louisiana State University led former student Will Grand to start Giving Greek, a student-run organisation that has donated more than 10,000 meals to a Baton Rouge homeless shelter. Grand was recently recognised by US Senator Bill Cassidy, who praised his initiative for inspiring community service and helping people in need
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 4:30pm -
• newWho was Natasha Ward? Australian middle-distance runner dies at 21
  Australian middle-distance runner Natasha Ward has died at 21, NSW Athletics and the Sutherland District Athletics Club confirmed in a joint statement on Thursday, July 30. Ward competed across the 400m, 800m and 1500m, racing at the 2024 Australian Championships against Morgan Mitchell and Claudia Hollingsworth, and had recently won bronze at the UniSport Nationals while studying at Macquarie University.
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 4:22pm -
• newBJP retains Manjalpur seat as Satish Patel defeats Congress by over 30,000 votes
  Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Satish Patel won the Manjalpur by-election. He defeated Congress nominee Bhikhabhai Rabari by over 30,000 votes. The by-election was held after the death of senior BJP MLA Yogesh Patel. This victory increases the BJP's strength in the Gujarat Assembly to 162 members. The Congress party now holds twelve seats in the assembly.
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 4:18pm -
• new'Abusing is not cool': Manu Bhaker's social media post goes viral
  Manu Bhaker, who won two medals at the Paris Olympics, shared a long message on X on Sunday. She did not mention any particular incident but spoke about the increasing use of abusive language in everyday conversations. Manu created history at the Paris Olympics 2024 by becoming the first Indian athlete in the post-Independence era to win two medals at a single Olympic Games.
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 4:06pm -
• newUnhappy over non-inclusion in Karnataka Cabinet, 2 Congress MLAs resign
  Two Congress MLAs resigned from the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Monday. They were unhappy over their exclusion from the state cabinet expansion. Supporters of one MLA protested, alleging unfair treatment by the party. Twenty ministers are set to take their oath later today. These resignations intensify discontent within the ruling party.
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 4:02pm -
• newHumpback sightings fall 60% as weakened seabirds reach Australia’s east
  Unusual whale and seabird sightings in the Southern Ocean suggest changing ocean conditions. Marine heat waves are affecting waters around Australia and Antarctica. These warming events disrupt food webs and push marine life off course. Limited monitoring hinders understanding of these significant ecosystem shifts. Better long-term data is urgently needed to track these accelerating changes.
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:55pm -
• newJana Nayagan box office day 12: Vijay’s film slows after Rs 200 crore mark
  Vijay's latest venture, Jana Nayagan, is proving to be a box office success following its release, having crossed the impressive Rs 200 crore threshold over its second weekend in theaters. However, the film has recently seen a decrease in daily earnings as it began its second week. Current estimates reveal that the total collections in India have reached Rs 206.38 crore, marking a slight slowdown in momentum.
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:39pm -
• newShare 'creative' ways to bring Iran to negotiating table: US military asks troops
  
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:37pm -
• new'Women become Leftist after meeting Islamists': Kangana claims to be 'awakened Hindu'
  
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:35pm -
• newRussia floats out nuclear submarine: What makes Project 885M Yasen-M special
  The Sevmash shipyard has unveiled Russia's latest Yasen-M nuclear submarine, named Ulyanovsk. This cutting-edge vessel will undergo rigorous testing before it officially joins the Northern Fleet. The Yasen-M class marks a major advancement in Russia's naval power, integrating capabilities for both anti-submarine and land-attack operations alongside state-of-the-art armament. The Russian Navy anticipates welcoming this sophisticated submarine by December 2027.
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:34pm -
• newWhat time will stock market close from today? New timings and rationale explained
  The Closing Auction Session aims to concentrate liquidity at the end of the trading day. The idea is to facilitate smoother execution of large orders and generate a closing price that is more accurate in terms of reflecting overall market demand and supply.
  - 2 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:32pm -
• newFlavoured rum, whisky? FSSAI tightens rules for alcohol labels
  
  - 3 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:21pm -
• newUS Immigration authority's Green Card update: EB-1 visa category may become unavailable
  The US State Department has warned of potential EB-1 Green Card unavailability for India. High demand may cause India to reach its pro-rated EB-1 limit soon. This could temporarily halt further visa numbers for Indian applicants. The EB-2 category for India is already unavailable as per the August bulletin. Officials will monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments.
  - 3 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:21pm -

• new'Will emperor show his degree?' Dipke says ready to share scholarship, loan records
  
  - 3 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:20pm -
• newLok Sabha clears bill to increase number of Supreme Court judges, without debate
  The Lok Sabha passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. This bill seeks to increase the sanctioned strength of Supreme Court judges. The legislation will now be sent to the Rajya Sabha for its consideration. The government argues this increase will improve judicial efficiency and speed. The sanctioned strength was last increased in 2019.
  - 3 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:18pm -
• newPhotography studio told to pay Rs 8,000 for giving AI-generated birthday photos
  A Telangana consumer commission found a photography studio liable for service deficiency. The studio failed to deliver all promised birthday photos and provided AI-generated images. This caused significant mental agony and embarrassment for the complainant's family. The commission ordered the studio to pay compensation and litigation costs. The studio did not contest the allegations before the commission.
  - 3 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 3:07pm -
• new'Neither officer using excessive force, nor criminal protester should be protected': SC
  The Supreme Court stated police using excessive force and hardened criminals will not be protected. States can withdraw FIRs against students from the NEET-UG protest as per law. The court may issue guidelines on pellet gun usage during protests. "Criminal antecedents" will only cover grave and heinous offences, not minor cases. The matter has been listed for further hearing on August eighteenth.
  - 3 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 2:50pm -
• newWatch: Broad Peak avalanche that killed record-breaking mountaineer Nirmal Purja
  A video has emerged showing a deadly avalanche on Broad Peak, situated in PoK, that swept away a 10-member international expedition including renowned climber Nirmal Purja.
  - 3 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 2:49pm -
• newCongress workers detained while protesting E20 fuel outside Gadkari's residence: Watch
  
  - 3 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 2:48pm -
• newStudents outnumbered by 'puncture banane wale' at Jantar Mantar protest: BJP neta
  BJP leader Ramesh Bidhuri alleged locksmiths and puncture repairers outnumbered students at a recent protest. He criticized the abusive language used against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his family. Bidhuri claimed opposition leaders misled youth into gathering at Jantar Mantar for the protest. Prime Minister Modi expressed pain over abuses directed at his late mother. He called for forgiving the misguided youth and guiding them instead.
  - 3 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 2:39pm -
• newCalifornia’s hottest luxury homes are getting cheaper. But why?
  The luxury real estate market in Palm Springs is witnessing notable price drops following an unprecedented surge. Properties are lingering on the market longer and frequently selling for less than their listed prices. This trend suggests a cooling off as inventory levels rise. On average, home values have slightly dipped compared to last year, marking a shift after a period driven by remote work opportunities and attractive low rates.
  - 4 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 2:23pm -
• newIndia’s manufacturing growth slows, but HSBC PMI stays in expansion territory
  The survey indicated that resilient demand continued to support the sector, although the pace of growth in new orders, input purchases and hiring moderated during the month.
  - 4 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 2:18pm -
• new'No excuses if you want to play for India': The philosophy that shaped Auqib Nabi
  On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir seamer Auqib Nabi replaced injured Jasprit Bumrah in the India squad for the upcoming two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka. With his maiden call-up to the senior national team, he became the first player from the valley to get selected in India's Test squad. The J&K seamer's rise is driven by a simple philosophy: if you want to play for India, excuses are not an option.
  - 4 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 2:15pm -
• newWhy are our cities digging the same roads again and again?
  Indian cities face constant road digging due to uncoordinated utility projects. This repeated excavation wastes fuel and causes significant traffic congestion for commuters. Many agencies work separately, leading to roads being dug up multiple times. Integrated planning and digital mapping are needed to manage infrastructure better. Smarter governance is essential as India's urban population continues to grow.
  - 4 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 1:49pm -
• newKerala rain fury: 15 dead, 7 missing as relief camps shelter thousands
  
  - 4 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 1:38pm -
• new893 Saudi’s Yanbu port sees busy days despite Houthi threats
  Yanbu has become a critical export hub for Saudi Arabia after the Iran war disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. To maintain crude exports, the kingdom has been transporting millions of barrels of oil each day via pipeline to the Red Sea port.
  - 4 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 1:38pm -
• new'Entire system working to protect Brij Bhushan': Vinesh Phogat on ex-MP's acquittal
  
  - 5 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 1:19pm -
• new'We are different': Dipke after Taslima says Bangladesh student movement 'fooled' us
  Abhijeet Dipke stated protests in Bangladesh and Nepal are being used to defame his group. Taslima Nasreen had drawn parallels between CJP protests and a past Bangladeshi student movement. The CJP founder asserted that their protests are fundamentally different from those abroad. In a separate development, the CJP extended support to students protesting examination irregularities. A student leader in Jharkhand began an indefinite hunger strike demanding an investigation.
  - 5 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 1:16pm -
• newThe rain keeps falling, the death toll keeps rising
  Southwest monsoon has caused widespread devastation across Assam, Gujarat, and Kerala. Assam reported the highest death toll, with 82 people dead and nearly 1.78 lakh affected. Gujarat faced severe flooding after heavy rainfall, recording 35 rain-related deaths. Kerala battled rain-induced landslides and flash floods, leaving 15 people dead. Relief operations are ongoing in all affected states.
  - 5 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 1:16pm -
• newMark Zuckerberg lays off 8,000 employees, spends $130B on AI
  Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg says AI has “net created a lot of jobs” thanks to the massive infrastructure buildout, dismissing fears of AI job losses. His remarks come months after Meta laid off 8,000 employees—10% of its workforce—in an AI-first restructuring, while committing $130-145 billion to AI spending in 2026. Meta’s Q2 free cash flow crashed 91% as shares fell 10%, even as revenue jumped 28% to $60.8 billion.
  - 5 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 1:16pm -
• newParents win Rs 2.16 lakh after company throws away newborn's cord blood sample
  A consumer commission ordered Cordlife Sciences India to pay over Rs 2.16 lakh. The company discarded a newborn's cord blood sample due to delayed payment. The commission found the company acted unfairly and engaged in unfair trade practices. It noted the couple never refused payment and were not given a chance to pay. The company was directed to refund the initial payment and pay compensation and costs.
  - 5 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 1:13pm -
• newJantar Mantar no longer an ideal protest venue? SC hears PIL for alternative site
  
  - 5 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 1:09pm -
• newKarnataka cabinet expansion: 12 new faces out of 20 MLAs being inducted - full list
  
  - 6 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 12:31pm -
• newGlasgow restaurant deletes Instagram account after Lovlina flags 'incorrect map'
  An Indian restaurant deleted its Instagram account after a map error was highlighted. Olympic medallist Lovlina Borgohain pointed out the missing Northeast region on napkins. The restaurant issued a public apology and promised to correct its logo immediately. Boxing Federation of India president confirmed the matter was resolved peacefully. The establishment has a history of hosting visiting sports teams and dignitaries.
  - 6 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 12:25pm -
• newBattling depression, 40-year-old psychiatrist jumps to death in Ghaziabad
  A 40-year-old psychiatrist allegedly died by suicide in Ghaziabad. Dr Hemika Agrawal reportedly jumped from her fifth-floor apartment on Sunday. She was taken to a hospital where doctors declared her deceased. Agrawal had been struggling with depression and emotional distress after her divorce. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
  - 6 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 12:12pm -
• newPakistan deploys large number of Chinese SH-15 guns along India border
  Pakistan has deployed Chinese SH-15 artillery guns along its border with India. These 155mm guns, acquired in large numbers, are now operational. The Pakistani army also licensed production of these artillery pieces locally. India is modernizing its own artillery with new systems and domestic development. Both nations are enhancing their artillery capabilities for strategic advantage.
  - 6 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 11:39am -
• new‘Stop all outdoor activities’: South Korea temperatures hit record 42.5°C
  South Korea issued an emergency heat alert after Yangsan hit a record 42.5°C during an ongoing heatwave, prompting authorities to warn that even indoor spaces without airconditioning were dangerous.
  - 6 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 11:35am -
• newDelhi court acquits Brij Bhushan Singh in sexual harassment case
  A Delhi court has acquitted former WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh and assistant secretary Vinod Tomar. The acquittal came in a sexual harassment case filed by six women wrestlers. Delhi Police had filed a chargesheet against Singh under several IPC sections. The court had previously ordered framing of charges for sexual harassment and intimidation. Both accused were out on bail during the trial proceedings.
  - 7 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 10:44am -
• newMoving out checklist: Don't lose your security deposit over these mistakes
  Tenants are advised to scrutinize their leases closely prior to departure. It's necessary to clear all outstanding payments and thoroughly inspect the premises for harm. A deep clean followed by proper documentation of the property's condition helps avoid misunderstandings. Ensuring a smooth transition during the final handoff with the landlord can significantly contribute to securing that much-coveted security deposit refund.
  - 8 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 9:54am -
• newAnother review on the cards? More changes likely in India's backroom staff
  India's injury crisis shows no signs of easing. Jasprit Bumrah will miss both Sri Lanka Tests, joining Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar on the sidelines, while Sai Sudharsan awaits fitness clearance. With key players breaking down repeatedly, the BCCI is likely to part ways with head physiotherapist Kamlesh Jain and team doctor Dr Rizwan Khan.
  - 9 hours ago 3 Aug 26, 9:21am -
• newFrom screen to crime scene: How social media is becoming trigger, tool and stage
  Social media is increasingly shaping crime motives and escalating conflicts. Young offenders are particularly vulnerable to the addictive pursuit of online validation. Violent incidents are often sparked by virtual disputes and online comments. Experts note social media amplifies existing conflicts and rewards sensational behavior. Law enforcement agencies are actively tracking and cracking down on social media-related crimes.
  - 20 hours ago 2 Aug 26, 9:42pm -
• The towel on the chair: How it became India's ultimate status symbol
  
  - 1 day ago 2 Aug 26, 4:42pm -
• Nanaji Deshmukh Awas Yojana: How workers can avail Rs 1.6 lakh housing aid
  In Gujarat, registered construction workers have the opportunity to benefit from financial support aimed at housing through the Shree Nanaji Deshmukh Awas Yojana. To qualify, applicants must have been registered with the welfare board for a minimum of two years. Following the acquisition of an e-Nirman Card and house allotment, they can submit their applications. Those approved will receive ₹1.6 lakh to assist in home ownership.
  - 1 day ago 2 Aug 26, 1:41pm -
• Jeff Bezos warns Mamdani on NYC taxes, slams wasteful spending
  Jeff Bezos commented on New York City's proposed pied-à-terre tax, calling it a fine thing for the city. He cautioned against aggressive tax increases, which could deter tourism and economic competitiveness. Bezos rejected targeting individuals like Ken Griffin, calling it a villain strategy. He argued that government spending inefficiencies are a greater concern than taxation levels. Bezos previously criticized New York City's public school spending and economic policies.
  - 1 day ago 2 Aug 26, 12:07pm -