TOI - Most Recent Stories

• newDelhi QR property cards: Lal Dora, Abadi village owners to get digitally verified records
  Thousands of Delhi property owners will soon receive smart property cards. These cards will provide digital verification for ownership records in Lal Dora and Abadi villages. Surveys are complete in 48 villages, with cards prepared for 30 of them. The initiative aims to reduce disputes and improve land record management significantly. Smart cards will integrate with online registration systems for tamper-proof digital records.
  - 39 mins ago 24 Jul 26, 8:46pm -
• newEthiopian drylands grew forest cover from 1.9% to over 22% in 9 years
  In a span of nine years, Ethiopia's drylands have observed significant forest expansion alongside a reduction in soil erosion. The practices of assisted natural regeneration and active tree planting have been pivotal in enhancing forest density. As a result, severe topsoil loss in the mountainous terrain has meaningfully diminished. These outcomes resonate with Ethiopia's ecological objectives and green economy initiatives, underscoring practical approaches for restoring ravaged communal landsca…
  - 44 mins ago 24 Jul 26, 8:41pm -
• newRavneet Bittu resigns from Union Council of Ministers; what's behind exit?
  President Droupadi Murmu accepted Ravneet Singh Bittu's resignation from the Union Council of Ministers. Bittu, a former Congress MP, joined the BJP earlier this year. He was inducted as a minister of state in June despite losing his election. Bittu is a grandson of former Punjab chief minister Beant Singh. His resignation's reason was not immediately announced by officials.
  - 46 mins ago 24 Jul 26, 8:39pm -
• new'I'll work with him': Joshi reveals plans to develop Sooryavanshi's bowling
  India's bowling coach Sunil Joshi wants attention on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's batting achievements. Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a T20I fifty against Zimbabwe. Joshi also advised patience with emerging all-rounder Suryansh Shedge. He highlighted the bowling depth within the Indian squad. Ravi Bishnoi's run-up adjustment has yielded positive results for the spinner.
  - 1 hour ago 24 Jul 26, 8:07pm -
• newPakistan: At least 15 killed in suicide attack on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa security check post
  
  - 2 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 7:54pm -
• newPM Modi gains 1 million Instagram followers overnight after selfie video
  
  - 2 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 7:52pm -
• newTMC appoints Saugata Roy as LS deputy leader after Satabdi Roy joins rebel camp
  
  - 2 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 7:33pm -
• newNorth Carolina rebuilt its elk population. In 2027, it will allow 2 hunts
  North Carolina will allow its first elk hunt in 2027, 25 years after reintroducing the species. Only two hunting permits will be issued through an auction and raffle, with proceeds supporting elk conservation. Wildlife officials say the population is now sustainable, while some local residents remain divided over whether hunting should begin.
  - 2 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 7:30pm -
• newNEET row: Centre airlifts more CRPF companies to Delhi as CJP protest continues
  In a significant move to reinforce security in Delhi, additional CRPF companies are being airlifted. The city sees a continuation of a month-long protest led by students and activists advocating for the resignation of the education minister. As Independence Day approaches, security forces are amplifying their presence, while ongoing discussions between the government and protest leaders aim to achieve a peaceful resolution.
  - 2 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 7:28pm -
• newCabinet approves Ballari-Guntakal rail project to boost freight, passenger connectivity
  The Union cabinet approved a Rs 1,264-crore railway project for new lines. This initiative will enhance freight movement and passenger connectivity across key states. The project aims to ease congestion and improve logistics efficiency significantly. Additional rail capacity will facilitate smoother movement of passengers and goods. This expansion is scheduled for completion by 2028-29.
  - 2 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 7:08pm -
• newFrom mats to Octagon: Why Tyrell Fortune believes his strongest weapon never changed
  A decorated wrestler before entering mixed martial arts, Tyrell Fortune believes the qualities that shaped his career remain his biggest strength inside the UFC. Following a confidence-boosting debut on short notice, the American heavyweight heads into his second fight with a full training camp, convinced he belongs among the division's elite and determined to move another step closer to the title.
  - 2 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 7:07pm -
• newProtests fallout: NTA sacks 47 officials in big overhaul, some to face criminal action
  
  - 2 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 7:06pm -
• new'Position unchanged': India rejects Pak's remarks in Asean on Indus Waters Treaty
  
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:46pm -
• newWest Indies pacer 'declines selection' for Pakistan Test series
  "Yeah, it is a big loss. Mr Joseph has declined selection. That's the reality of the situation," Sammy said at a press conference on the eve of the series opener.
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:45pm -
• newNetra, AWACS & Mk II: Inside India's tiered airborne surveillance shield
  India's airborne surveillance program enters a new phase with AEW&C Mk II development. Six Airbus A321 aircraft will be converted for this advanced airborne warning system. Adani Defence Systems will partner in developing the crucial mission systems for these platforms. This initiative aims to enhance India's air defence capabilities significantly. The program strengthens India's self-reliance in critical defence technologies.
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:38pm -

• newThere are Chinese projects on territories in J&K that belong to India: MEA
  Ministry of External Affairs accused China of violating sovereignty and illegally occupying Indian territories. The government objected to Chinese projects in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This statement follows a meeting between Indian and Chinese foreign ministers. Chinese officials highlighted positive developments in bilateral relations and cooperation. Both nations aim to maintain peace and explore coexistence as major powers.
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:37pm -
• newUS-Saudi nuclear deal: Why Riyadh's uranium enrichment plans may worry Israel and India
  The United States and Saudi Arabia signed a nuclear cooperation agreement. This deal allows Saudi Arabia to acquire uranium enrichment capability for civilian energy. Experts warn this move could dangerously blur the line between civilian and weapons-grade enrichment. Regional rivals like Israel express sharp concerns about a potential nuclear arms race. The agreement raises fears of escalating instability in the volatile Middle East region.
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:30pm -
• new105 million sq ft and counting: GCCs drive 37% of India's office leasing since 2022
  Global capability centres are significantly reshaping India's office market. Foreign companies leased nearly 105 million sq ft of premium office space since 2022. This leasing activity represents a substantial portion of overall office transactions nationwide. India's appeal as a destination for these centres continues to grow. Future demand for office space is expected to remain strong due to GCC expansion.
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:25pm -
• newIndia name Chess Olympiad squads as Gukesh, Pragg, Vaishali lead title defence
  Team India has announced formidable squads for the upcoming FIDE Chess Olympiad. Defending champions aim to retain both open and women's team titles. Prominent players like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa will lead the men's team. Vaishali, a recent Women's Candidates winner, spearheads the women's lineup. Viswanathan Anand now serves as the interim FIDE president.
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:14pm -
• newInstagram vs WhatsApp: How CJP protests are different and why that matters
  Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after government assurances on paper leaks. The government promised fast-track courts and tougher punishments for offenders. New education secretaries were appointed, signaling bureaucratic shifts. The CJP protest utilized social media, challenging traditional political communication. This youth movement forced a direct intervention from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:14pm -
• newCJP protest: RAF probes excessive force, pellet gun charges in July 20 crackdown
  The Rapid Action Force is verifying its personnel's actions during recent student protests. Allegations of excessive force and pellet gun use are being examined by officials. The Central Reserve Police Force is overseeing this internal review process. Videos showing clashes and alleged attacks on personnel are under scrutiny. This verification follows student demands for the education minister's resignation.
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:07pm -
• newRussell Wilson, Ciara relist $45m California estate at lower asking price
  Russell Wilson and Ciara have reportedly lowered the asking price of their Rancho Santa Fe estate from $54.9 million to $45 million as they prepare for life after the NFL. The luxury property features a private football field, recording studio, wellness center, and guesthouse. The move follows Wilson's retirement and transition into broadcasting with CBS Sports, making an East Coast base more practical for the couple.
  - 3 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 6:02pm -
• new'He is fit': Delhi Police debunks fake newspaper clipping claiming Dipke's death
  Delhi Police dismissed as fake a viral newspaper clipping claiming the death of Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke, confirming he is safe and healthy. Authorities warned of strict legal action against those spreading misinformation. The clarification comes amid ongoing CJP-led protests over alleged exam irregularities, education reforms and ministerial accountability.
  - 4 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 5:54pm -
• newBHAVYA Rasayan scheme: Cabinet approves Rs 3,030 crore for three chemical parks
  The Union cabinet approved a new Rs 3,030-crore scheme for three dedicated chemical parks. This initiative aims to strengthen India's chemicals sector with world-class infrastructure. The Bharat Audyogik Vikas Yojana Rasayan scheme will be implemented over five years. The Centre will provide up to Rs 1,000 crore grant for each park. This plan seeks to boost manufacturing, attract investments, and create jobs.
  - 4 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 5:49pm -
• newSensex down 900 points, Nifty50 ends below 23,800: Why stock market crashed today
  Indian stock markets closed lower for a fifth consecutive session on Friday. Rising oil prices and Middle East tensions fueled investor caution and market pressure. Foreign institutional investors continued their selling trend, impacting market sentiment negatively. Renewed concerns over US trade tariffs also contributed to the overall market decline. Selling in heavyweight stocks like Infosys and HDFC Bank added to the day's losses.
  - 4 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 5:49pm -
• new'Anna part 2': Congress MP accuses Wangchuk of striking a deal with govt; BJP hits back
  Congress MP Imran Masood accused activist Sonam Wangchuk of striking a deal with the government. He compared Wangchuk to Anna Hazare, suggesting future silence from the activist. The Bharatiya Janata Party criticized Congress for stooping low and insulting the climate activist. Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after negotiations with Union ministers. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party continues protests demanding a minister's resignation.
  - 4 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 5:46pm -
• new'You do whatever you like?' Delhi HC pulls up EC for deploying teachers for SIR duties
  The Delhi high court questioned the Election Commission regarding teacher deployments. The court sought legal authority for compelling teachers to perform election duties. The commission cited Article 324 and the Representation of the People Act. Teachers are reportedly engaged during holidays and non-teaching hours. The court questioned the mandatory nature of these election assignments.
  - 4 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 5:34pm -
• newJoe Root set to return as England captain, to lead till Ashes
  England's search for a new Test captain following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket now appears set to end with Root returning to the role.
  - 4 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 5:22pm -
• new12.5% to 10%: Why Trump admin imposed reduced tariff rate on India & what it means
  US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the revised tariffs on 60 economies on Thursday, one day before the expiry of the temporary additional 10% duties that had been imposed on imports from all countries.
  - 4 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 5:15pm -
• newHimachal Pradesh: At least 13 feared dead after taxi crushed by boulders
  
  - 4 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 5:05pm -
• new'She didn't disclose her whereabouts': JFI chief confirms Tulika Maan's CWG withdrawal
  Judoka Tulika Maan faces withdrawal from the Glasgow Games for whereabouts failures. This follows judoka Arun Kumar's disqualification after a failed dope test. Athletes must disclose their locations for random anti-doping agency testing. Hima Das and Parveen Hooda previously faced similar whereabouts rule violations. These incidents impact India's judo prospects at the upcoming sporting event.
  - 4 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 4:59pm -
• newIndia's fertiliser game plan: 32 lakh tonnes imported in Q1; strengthened supply chains
  India imported over 32 lakh tonnes of key fertilizers during the first quarter. Domestic production of fertilizers reached 115.72 lakh tonnes in the same period. The government is diversifying import sources to mitigate supply chain risks. Long-term agreements are being finalized with overseas suppliers for fertilizer security. India is sourcing water-soluble fertilizers from multiple countries to offset shortfalls.
  - 5 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 4:46pm -
• newB'desh crisis: President resigns ahead of Hasina's return; reports of rift with govt
  
  - 5 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 4:41pm -
• newNEET paper leak: No bail for doc accused of taking Rs 5L for leaked chemistry paper
  A Delhi court has dismissed a bail request from a doctor entangled in the NEET paper leak controversy. The paediatrician reportedly accepted five lakh rupees from a candidate's family and connected two other doctors to the suspected mastermind. The court has now prolonged the judicial custody of all thirteen accused as the investigation focuses on crucial digital evidence.
  - 5 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 4:38pm -
• newStudying in US? Universities issue urgent advisory ahead of major DHS visa policy shift
  US universities have advised international students to return before September 15, 2026, ahead of a major immigration policy change replacing the "duration of status" system with a fixed admission period. The new DHS rule will require students to closely monitor authorised stay dates, making timely travel and visa compliance more important for continuing their education uninterrupted.
  - 5 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 4:36pm -
• newUp to 10-year jail & Rs 10 crore fine: Cabinet clears tougher anti-paper leak Bill
  Bill seeks to double punishment for paper leak offences; minimum jail term may rise from 3 years to 5 years
  - 5 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 4:31pm -
• newJantar Mantar clash: SC to hear pleas on alleged police excesses on July 27
  
  - 5 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 4:21pm -
• newCentre moves to block Bitchat over terror, surveillance concerns amid CJP protest
  India's cybercrime center has asked GitHub to remove the Bitchat application. This app allows anonymous, offline messaging which raises security concerns for the government. Officials believe it could be misused by terrorists and criminal groups for coordination. The notice cites potential violations of the Information Technology Act. This action follows the use of similar apps during recent Delhi protests.
  - 5 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 4:11pm -
• newGovt ready on 2 demands, CJP adamant on Pradhan's resignation: What happened in round 2 of talks
  
  - 5 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 4:03pm -
• newNoida Twin Towers case explained: Why was it demolished, legal trouble and more
  Noida's Supertech Twin Towers faced demolition after being ruled illegal, following the Supreme Court's validation of the High Court's order. Apartment buyers are embroiled in ongoing legal battles about refunds. The insolvency case of Supertech complicates matters for claimants waiting for reimbursements, while the Supreme Court investigates alternative solutions to address buyer claims.
  - 5 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 3:58pm -
• new'Eye damaged': Rahul presents alleged pellet gun victim, calls Pradhan 'criminal'
  
  - 6 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 3:47pm -
• newTOI Exclusive: Olympian Tulika Maan provisionally suspended by NADA, set to miss Glasgow CWG
  India's Commonwealth Games campaign has suffered a setback after Olympian and Birmingham 2022 silver medallist Tulika Maan was provisionally suspended by NADA for alleged whereabouts failures. The suspension rules her out of Glasgow 2026, with the heavyweight judoka facing anti-doping proceedings that could result in a ban of up to two years if upheld.
  - 6 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 3:18pm -
• newSuniel Shetty reveals how he met KL Rahul and why he regrets not buying an IPL team
  Actor Suniel Shetty admired cricketer KL Rahul as a fan long before their family connection. He focuses on character discussions at home rather than career advice. Shetty admits he could have afforded an IPL franchise in its early days. He lacked the necessary backing and ecosystem for such an investment then. Shah Rukh Khan's successful IPL venture is attributed to his timing and support.
  - 7 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 2:29pm -
• newNY mayor hires Lina Khan who went after Amazon, Meta and Google in her days as FTC head
  New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has roped in Lina Khan to lead the board of directors for the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The former chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) known for her aggressive antitrust lawsuits against Big Tech. According to Business Insider, Mamdani called the duo a “dream team” and framed the appointments as a strategic effort to pair urban business growth with his progressive affordability agenda.
  - 7 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 2:26pm -
• newUS new visa restriction targets individuals involved in cybercrime
  The United States has introduced a new global visa restriction policy. This measure targets individuals involved in cybercrime and cyber-enabled offenses. Online investment scams and sextortion perpetrators face these new restrictions. Immediate family members of those responsible may also be subjected to visa limitations. The administration is deploying various tools to dismantle criminal scam networks.
  - 13 hours ago 24 Jul 26, 8:40am -