TOI - Most Recent Stories

• new'Made right decision': Trump confirms he asked FIFA to review Balogun decision
  US President Donald Trump said he personally asked FIFA president Gianni Infantino to review the red card and one-match suspension handed to Team USA striker Folarin Balogun, a move that has sparked major controversy at the FIFA World Cup, according to CNN.
  - 11 mins ago 6 Jul 26, 8:25pm -
• newWhy FIFA just can't say no to Donald Trump
  The 2026 World Cup was always going to be too big to remain just football. It is the first 48-team edition, spread across the US, Mexico and Canada, stretched over 104 matches and sold as the biggest, grandest and most lucrative tournament FIFA has ever staged. It is also being played in the year America marks its 250th anniversary, which gives Donald Trump exactly the kind of backdrop he understands instinctively: flags, stadiums, anthems, cameras, national theatre and the possibility of a home…
  - 15 mins ago 6 Jul 26, 8:21pm -
• newSanju Samson out of India squad; Ashok Sharma earns maiden call-up for Zimbabwe tour
  Sanju Samson misses out on India's T20I squad for Zimbabwe due to a slump in form, having struggled in recent outings. Shreyas Iyer will lead the 15-member team, which includes a maiden call-up for pacer Ashok Sharma and retains young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Meanwhile, Shivam Dube has been added to the ODI squad as a replacement.
  - 29 mins ago 6 Jul 26, 8:07pm -
• newCourt grants bail to woman accused in TCS Nashik sexual harassment, conversion case
  A Nashik court granted bail to a woman accused in a sexual harassment and religious conversion case at TCS, citing her pregnancy. However, her co-accused was denied bail. The prosecution alleged evidence of sexual assault and attempts to convert the victim, a Scheduled Caste employee, to Islam. A Special Investigation Team is probing multiple related cases at the TCS unit.
  - 1 hour ago 6 Jul 26, 7:35pm -
• newWatch: Trust displays ornaments of Ram temple, Rs 5 cr-worth Ramcharitmanas, says donations 'safe'
  
  - 1 hour ago 6 Jul 26, 7:35pm -
• new'There can never be justice': Punjab 'fake' encounter victims' kin seek 'Satluj' release
  Families impacted by enforced disappearances and staged encounters during the tumultuous years of Punjab’s militancy are passionately advocating for the screening of the controversial film 'Satluj'. They assert that the film sheds light on a vital yet suppressed segment of their history. Many recounted harrowing tales of loved ones taken by police and never seen again, with news of deaths often emerging from informal sources.
  - 1 hour ago 6 Jul 26, 7:31pm -
• newFrom paneer to chocolate spread, FSSAI flags misleading claims by 3 brands
  
  - 1 hour ago 6 Jul 26, 7:23pm -
• newMicrosoft layoffs: Company cuts 4,800 jobs; to reduce 2.1% global workforce
  Microsoft has laid off 4,800 employees, about 2.1% of its global workforce, as its new fiscal year begins, with Xbox and commercial sales taking the biggest hits. HR chief Amy Coleman told employees the business is changing because the industry around it is changing, insisting AI isn't replacing these roles. Xbox alone loses 1,600 jobs now, with 3,200 more planned this year as CEO Asha Sharma resets the gaming division.
  - 1 hour ago 6 Jul 26, 7:22pm -
• newWho is Krishna Mohan? Ram temple trust's interim general secretary after Champat Rai's exit
  Krishna Mohan has taken over as interim general secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, replacing Champat Rai who resigned citing moral responsibility amidst donation embezzlement allegations. Trustee Anil Mishra also stepped down. The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a probe, and an FIR has been registered with several arrests made. The Trust emphasizes thorough investigation and administrative reforms for enhanced transparency.
  - 1 hour ago 6 Jul 26, 7:21pm -
• newSaudi Arabia slashes August oil prices for Asia by $11 in biggest cut in over 20 years
  Saudi Arabia has slashed its crude oil prices for Asian customers by a significant $11 per barrel for August, the largest reduction in over two decades. This move reflects weakening demand in Asia and easing geopolitical tensions, which have stabilized global oil markets. With supply conditions improving and Middle Eastern shipping routes normalizing, Saudi Aramco is adjusting its strategy to maintain market share amidst increased competition.
  - 1 hour ago 6 Jul 26, 7:14pm -
• newExplained: Indian Navy’s new sonar plan to counter China-Pakistan underwater threat
  Facing growing underwater threats from China and Pakistan, the Indian Navy is bolstering its anti-submarine capabilities. A new containerized sonar system, the CTLS, is being developed for rapid deployment and enhanced detection. This advanced system will utilize both active and passive listening modes, incorporating AI for improved accuracy. Additionally, the Navy is acquiring more P-8I maritime patrol aircraft, reinforcing its underwater surveillance network.
  - 1 hour ago 6 Jul 26, 7:12pm -
• new'People come and go but relationships remain': Italy minister plays down Trump's Meloni jibe
  
  - 2 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 7:01pm -
• new2 Assam Rifles soldiers killed in militant ambush in Manipur, several injured
  
  - 2 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 7:01pm -
• newCrude oil relief: OMCs may break even on petrol, diesel rates soon; what it means
  Public sector refiners have collectively absorbed losses of over Rs 75,000 crore during the first quarter of the current financial year. Since they continue to process higher-cost crude purchased earlier, profitability is expected to remain under pressure during the ongoing quarter.
  - 2 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 6:59pm -
• new32-year-old spends 43 days alone at sea rowing from California to Hawaii
  Kelsey Pfendler, an intrepid American adventurer, has made history by becoming the first American woman to undertake a solo rowing expedition from California to Hawaii. She accomplished the remarkable 2,400-mile journey in less than 44 days, breaking existing records. Her incredible adventure, shared online, showcased her tenacity in facing tough conditions and raised over $30,000 for the Whale Foundation, earning her a warm welcome in Honolulu.
  - 2 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 6:59pm -

• newRam temple donation row: Trust accepts Champat Rai, Anil Mishra's resignations
  
  - 2 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 6:49pm -
• newNHAI project director arrested: CBI alleges Rs 12 lakh bribe demand to clear contractor's bill
  The CBI has apprehended the NHAI Project Director in Shillong, Aanand Singh Chouhan, along with two private individuals, for allegedly demanding a Rs 12 lakh bribe. The bribe was sought to clear a contractor's pending payment of Rs 13.38 crore. An initial Rs 4 lakh advance was caught red-handed during a sting operation, leading to the arrests and ongoing investigations.
  - 2 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 6:42pm -
• newVance or Rubio: Is Trump's 2028 heir already chosen?
  
  - 2 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 6:20pm -
• newKevin O'Leary reveals two AI businesses he would build if he were starting over today
  
  - 2 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 6:19pm -
• new'Why Diljit Dosanjh chooses controversial films': FWICE President BN Tiwari amid 'Satluj' row
  Following the abrupt and highly controversial removal of Honey Trehan’s biographical drama 'Satluj' (originally titled 'Punjab ’95') from streaming platform ZEE5 India just 48 hours after its premiere, Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) President BN Tiwari has strongly criticized lead actor Diljit Dosanjh. Speaking exclusively to IANS, Tiwari expressed deep surprise over the Punjabi superstar's recurring inclination toward politically sensitive and controversial scripts, emph…
  - 2 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 6:10pm -
• new18 killed as Russia fires 68 missiles, 351 drones at Ukraine
  Russia unleashed a massive missile and drone assault on Ukraine, claiming at least 18 lives and injuring scores, with Kyiv bearing the brunt. Ukrainian officials highlighted critical air defence gaps, particularly against ballistic missiles, due to a shortage of Patriot interceptor systems. President Zelenskyy renewed his urgent plea to allies for more interceptors, emphasizing the vulnerability to continued Russian attacks on civilian areas.
  - 3 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 5:47pm -
• newTwist in Balogun row: Belgium allowed to appeal against FIFA decision; what it means
  Balogun had been due to miss the United States' FIFA World Cup round-of-16 match against Belgium after receiving a direct red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a dismissal that normally carries an automatic one-game suspension. However, FIFA announced on Sunday that "the one-game ban had been suspended," making the striker available for selection.
  - 3 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 5:46pm -
• newXi sends rare July 4 greeting to Trump days after he ranked communism above 9/11, WW as a threat
  
  - 3 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 5:39pm -
• new'Delhi-Lucknow power struggle': Akhilesh questions SIT probe in Ram temple donation 'theft'
  
  - 3 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 5:38pm -
• new'Fresh Paneer' to 'vegan': FSSAI issues notices to multiple brands over misleading claims
  India's food regulator, FSSAI, has issued notices to several brands, including 'Heritage Fresh Paneer', for misleading claims on their packaging. The authority is cracking down on labels that could deceive consumers, such as 'fresh' paneer or 'vegan' spreads. This move aims to ensure food products adhere to strict labelling regulations and prevent any implication of unverified approval.
  - 3 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 5:24pm -
• newBMW accident claim: Punjab consumer panel orders Bajaj Allianz to pay Rs 20 lakh
  A car owner's Rs 20 lakh claim for a totaled BMW has been upheld by the Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance's appeal was dismissed, with the commission ruling their forensic report unreliable. The insurer had denied the claim, stating the damage didn't match the accident account, but the commission found the owner's version credible, citing evidence from the insurer's own investigator.
  - 3 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 5:24pm -
• newUnlike Ponting or Kallis: Why Root has a genuine shot at Tendulkar's 15,921
  Joe Root now stands second on the all-time Test run charts with 14,114 runs, leaving him 1,807 short of Sachin Tendulkar's record. Plenty of batters have climbed into the conversation over the last decade before fading away. The difference this time isn't just the gap. It's where Root is in his career.
  - 3 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 5:18pm -
• newWatch: PM Modi's plane escorted by fighter jets, welcomed by Indonesia's president
  Prime Minister Narendra Modi commenced a three-nation tour with a grand welcome in Indonesia, highlighting the strong Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Discussions are set to focus on defense, maritime cooperation, and critical minerals, with Indonesia being a key partner for India's supply chain and energy transition. The visit aims to deepen institutional cooperation and strengthen trade ties, building on existing momentum in the Indo-Pacific region.
  - 3 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 5:17pm -
• new'Strategically aligned': Singapore, Indonesia pledge to keep Strait of Malacca open and free
  
  - 3 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 5:10pm -
• newChina’s JL missile family: The submarine-launched nukes designed to reach US
  China has successfully test-fired a ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine in the western Pacific, highlighting its growing sea-based nuclear deterrent. This development underscores the evolution of Beijing's 'Giant Wave' missile program, from the limited-range JL-1 to the intercontinental JL-3. The new missile significantly enhances China's second-strike capability, allowing submarines to strike distant targets from safer waters.
  - 4 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 4:49pm -
• newWeeks before Alexander Wang’s AI update tease, Google ‘messaged’ Meta
  Google capped Meta's use of Gemini AI models around March 2026 after Meta sought more computing capacity than Google could provide. The restriction disrupted Meta's internal AI projects and forced employees to ration AI tokens. It came weeks before Meta AI chief Alexandr Wang announced a Muse Spark update aimed at cutting the company's dependence on rival models for coding and agentic tasks.
  - 4 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 4:46pm -
• newReal estate reset: Inside Musk's 'own no house' pledge & where he lives now
  Elon Musk's declaration of living without property for liberation has gained attention again. Following the sale of seven homes in California, netting over $100 million, Musk stated he resides in a modular dwelling close to SpaceX. Nevertheless, an investigation uncovered that affiliated companies purchased multiple luxurious homes in Texas, allegedly for the mothers of his kids and their families, which contradicts his commitment to 'own no house.'
  - 4 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 4:46pm -
• newMighty Haaland slays Brazil as England survive Mexican shootout
  On Day 25, England rediscovered its stiff upperlip to beat Mexico with a performance that could have been a Kipling poem. The mighty Viking Erling Haaland slayed Brazil’s Samba boys. And FIFA’s decision to rescind Balogun’s red-card has raised political heckles. Read this and more in today’s Offside.
  - 4 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 4:25pm -
• newChina is building a different kind of AI beyond classic chatbots
  China is pioneering a distinct AI approach, prioritizing systems for real-time urban, industrial, and logistical coordination over Western chatbot and AGI focus. This strategy emphasizes prediction, management, and continuous adaptation within complex environments. By viewing AI as essential infrastructure, China aims to create intelligent systems that govern movement and respond dynamically to change, reflecting a broader, process-oriented understanding of intelligence.
  - 4 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 4:16pm -
• new'India's reputation suffers': Cong hits out at PM Modi as passport ranking slips to 125th
  Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticized the Modi government, citing India's declining passport rankings and increased passport fees. He questioned the government's claims of enhanced global respect, pointing to a drop in rankings and stagnant foreign tourist arrivals. Kharge alleged that citizens are paying more for subpar services, impacting India's international standing.
  - 4 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 4:12pm -
• new'Crossed red line': UEFA blasts FIFA over Balogun suspension after Trump intervention
  UEFA has slammed FIFA's decision to allow US forward Folarin Balogun to play against Belgium despite a red card, calling it "incomprehensible" and a "red line" crossed. Balogun's one-game ban was surprisingly suspended by FIFA, a move that has drawn outrage from Belgium and criticism from UEFA for undermining the "integrity" of the competition.
  - 5 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 3:44pm -
• newWatch: Paraglider crash-lands on busy Chandigarh-Manali highway after wind shift
  A paraglider suffered injuries after an emergency landing on the Chandigarh-Manali National Highway near Manali on Sunday. Strong winds diverted the pilot from his intended landing site, leading to a crash. He was taken to Kullu hospital and is reported to be stable. This incident follows a similar event last month where a tandem paraglider also faced strong winds but landed safely.
  - 5 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 3:32pm -
• newPotholes, now landslide: Rs 6,695cr Mumbai-Pune expressway link could not survive one monsoon
  Heavy rains triggered a landslide near the Missing Link tunnel, forcing the closure of the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and old highway on Monday. This disruption, barely nine weeks after its inauguration, also impacted rail traffic, leading to train cancellations and diversions. The incident follows earlier concerns about the new stretch's road quality, highlighting ongoing challenges with the ambitious infrastructure project.
  - 6 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 2:45pm -
• newJamie Dimon gives a 'reality check' to Canada's PM Mark Carney on his unity call to Europe
  JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon has dismissed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's call for middle powers to unite, calling it a "fantasy." Dimon pointed to Europe's economic struggles as an example of cooperation's limitations, citing high taxes and regulation. He emphasized that attractive business environments are crucial for growth, contrasting Europe's declining competitiveness with the U.S. market. Dimon also reassured investors about America's investment appeal, noting China's evolving global a…
  - 11 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 9:08am -
• newWedding, car, cash: Ram temple donation 'theft' accused reveals Rs 19L spending trail
  Fresh financial leads have emerged in the Ram Temple donation embezzlement case. Accused Avinash Shukla, during interrogation, reportedly detailed spending of Rs 19 lakh on family and friends, including wedding expenses for brothers and personal purchases like a car. Investigators are examining land deals and bank accounts, with legal action underway to recover funds. Valuables worth lakhs were previously recovered.
  - 19 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 1:41am -
• newRed, blue, saffron: Buses in Bengal show changing colours of politics
  Kolkata's government buses are undergoing a significant colour change, shifting from blue-and-white to saffron, a move the transport minister attributes to modernization and a "dynamic double-engine regime." This rebranding extends to e-tickets, with officials maintaining it's not a formal policy shift. However, critics argue cosmetic changes distract from critical issues like driver shortages and declining fleet strength, with commuters prioritizing reliability over political symbolism.
  - 20 hours ago 6 Jul 26, 1:01am -
• Why Harrison Butker wasn't invited to Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift's wedding ?
  Controversial comments by Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker regarding women’s roles and other social issues had sparked widespread debate in 2024. While teammates like Patrick Mahomes expressed disagreement but acknowledged Butker as a person, Travis Kelce defended him as a good teammate, though not endorsing his views back then. Amidst this, a viral rumor suggests Butker was reportedly uninvited to Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s royal wedding. Despite most of the team receivin…
  - 2 days ago 5 Jul 26, 12:32am -
• Jude Bellingham's net worth 2026: How rich is he with Ashlyn Castro?
  Jude Bellingham, the English midfielder, has been a force to be reckoned with on the field this year as millions cheer him on. Through the last four matches, Jude Bellingham recorded 2 goals and 1 assist and is easily one of the most popular and reliable players playing in the 2026 World Cup. Away from the field, Jude Bellingham has built a beautiful life with his girlfriend, popular social media influencer Ashlyn Castro.
  - 3 days ago 4 Jul 26, 1:01am -