TOI - Most Recent Stories

• newGanesh Chaturthi AI photo prompt: 5 ChatGPT prompts to create personal wishes
  Ganesh Chaturthi, occurring on September 14, provides an opportunity for personalized greetings. Using AI chatbots, individuals can craft unique images from text or photos, enabling them to create custom invitations and heartfelt wishes that reflect their family traditions. These digital tools facilitate the generation of artistic portrait invitations, illustrated entrance cards, and memorable keepsake postcards, enhancing the festive spirit shared with family and friends.
  - 1 hour ago 11 Sep 26, 5:00pm -
• newCanada used recycled Christmas trees to restore Niagara River fish habitat
  In an innovative approach, conservation teams are utilizing recycled Christmas trees to rejuvenate the coastal wetlands of Niagara River. This dynamic initiative, launched in 2016, spans over 1.64 kilometers, serving to calm wave action and lower erosion rates. By restoring vital aquatic habitats, the project aims to enhance the ecosystem, leading to a remarkable increase in both fish and shorebird populations alongside improved water quality.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:45pm -
• newFormer AT&T worker accused of SIM-swap scheme targeting $600,000 from victims
  
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:45pm -
• newVermont family permanently protects more than 18,000 acres from development
  In a remarkable effort, the Meyer family has preserved thousands of acres in the Worcester Range of Vermont, committing to a sustainable approach to timber management. This conservation initiative plays a vital role in protecting significant wildlife corridors and northern hardwood ecosystems, with part of the funding sourced from the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program, paving the way for future generations to enjoy the area's natural beauty.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:45pm -
• newAs US marks 25 years since 9/11, Mamdani releases 170,000 pages of records
  New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched a free online portal for 9/11 health documents. The administration released 170,000 pages, alleging government deception about Ground Zero dangers. These records prove the city government knew conditions were dangerous and lied to New Yorkers. Thousands suffer from 9/11-related illnesses, with more deaths than on the attack day. The vow to Never Forget honors victims with accountability and honesty.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:41pm -
• newPM Modi's special gift to Putin comes with a Tamil connection
  During a significant meeting ahead of the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Modi gifted President Putin a translated version of the ancient Tamil text, Thirukkural, by Naira Mkrtchyan. Both leaders held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the Brics summit being held in New Delhi.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:34pm -
• new'Double-edged sword': Sitharaman flags AI risks, urges efficiency without fragility
  Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman addressed artificial intelligence risks at the Global Fintech Fest 2026. She highlighted technology's potential to influence public opinion and electoral outcomes. The Reserve Bank of India recognized the Unified Fintech Forum as a self-regulatory organization. Sitharaman emphasized balancing innovation with necessary risk mitigation measures. India's young population is driving innovation and economic growth, she stated.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:25pm -
• new10 days, 1,981 runs, no winner: ENG vs SA Test that ended with a ship to catch
  In 1939, England and South Africa played a "Timeless Test" match without any time limit. South Africa batted for nearly three days, scoring 530 runs in their first innings. England replied with 316 runs, and South Africa then added 481 more. England chased a massive 696-run target, reaching 654/5 after ten days of play.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:20pm -
• newEPFO delayed retiree’s Rs 14.06 lakh PF claim by 35 days; court orders 6% interest
  A consumer court has ordered the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to pay 6 per cent annual interest to a retired employee after finding a 35-day delay in the settlement of his provident fund claim worth more than Rs 14 lakh.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:16pm -
• newA ‘beer party’ trap: Man kills friend with iron rod over suspected affair with wife
  Rewari police have arrested two individuals in connection with a recent murder case. The victim, Jitender, was found dead near the HPCL refinery on September 7. Police claim Praveen alias Papla murdered Jitender due to suspicion of an affair with his wife. Praveen and his nephew Aman Kumar were apprehended by the authorities. The accused are now in police custody for further investigation and evidence recovery.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:09pm -
• newUPI now dominates merchant payments: Are cards becoming less useful?
  UPI now dominates Indian merchant payments, significantly reducing card usage. Debit cards are primarily used for cash withdrawals, not shopping. Credit cards are specializing in larger purchases and e-commerce transactions. RuPay credit cards can now link directly to UPI apps. The QR code scan is becoming the default checkout method for everyday purchases.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:06pm -
• newTerror groups, China turn to off-the-shelf AI to make weapons smarter
  Anthropic revealed state actors used AI for weapons development and intelligence. A China-based actor built electronic warfare software targeting Taiwan's defenses. Yemen-based actors developed guided rockets and ballistic missiles using AI. These AI-enabled threats impact regional security and shipping lanes. Indian planners must consider these evolving state and non-state AI threats.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:06pm -
• newCong vs Cong over Brics: Tharoor rebuffs Chidambaram, hails 'power' of summit
  
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 4:06pm -
• newNo-stop toll plazas by March 2027? Nitin Gadkari sets deadline for barrier-free system
  India is set to roll out a barrier-free digital tolling system by early 2027, allowing vehicles to glide past toll booths without stopping. The integration of number-plate recognition with existing FASTag technology promises to streamline the toll collection process even further. Motorists will experience a new level of convenience as the One Tag system is introduced, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing overall travel efficiency.
  - 2 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 3:57pm -
• newIndian national charged in US for allegedly posing as American to vote
  
  - 3 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 3:52pm -

• newFull list of world leaders attending Brics summit in New Delhi
  
  - 3 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 3:51pm -
• newJPC meet on FCRA Bill: Panel to hold first sitting on Sept 18
  
  - 3 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 3:40pm -
• newHouthis take control of island in Bab el-Mandeb Strait; vital trade artery at risk
  In a strategic move, Houthi forces have seized the port city of Mocha and are pushing further south towards the crucial Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This escalation shifts their tactics toward controlling Yemen's Red Sea coast, a vital route for global maritime trade connecting Asia with Europe. As tensions rise, the humanitarian situation in Yemen worsens, prompting urgent international calls for intervention to address the impending crisis.
  - 3 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 3:36pm -
• newA quarter century after 9/11: 25 ways America's darkest day changed the world
  
  - 3 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 3:16pm -
• newBank delays release of deceased wife's savings to elderly man; ordered to pay Rs 15K
  A Kerala consumer commission ordered Bank of India to pay compensation for service deficiency. The bank delayed releasing a deceased woman's savings to her elderly husband. The commission found the bank's procedures unnecessarily burdensome and lacking clear communication. The bank failed to prove its defense regarding an unsigned application. The elderly man suffered financial hardship and mental agony due to the bank's actions.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 2:44pm -
• newLuxury home in Corsica? Separatists are bombing multimillion-euro properties
  
  - 4 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 2:41pm -
• newRed alert in Delhi after heavy rain lashes parts of city
  Heavy rain lashed parts of Delhi on Friday as a red alert was issued. Moderate to heavy rainfall is forecast for many areas of the city. Light to moderate rain may also occur in the evening hours. Rainfall activity is expected to continue over Delhi for two days. The weather office issued the alert for the next few hours.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 2:34pm -
• newCountries where you can buy iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max cheaper than India
  Apple's new iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models have officially launched worldwide. These devices feature the powerful A20 Pro chip and improved camera technology. Pricing for these flagship iPhones varies considerably across different countries. The United States offers the most affordable purchase option for both models. India's pricing reflects higher local taxes and import duties on electronics.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 2:31pm -
• new'Mirzapur The Movie' BO Day 8 [LIVE]: Pankaj Tripathi film eyes Rs 150 crore
  'Mirzapur The Movie' is edging closer to a major box office milestone as it enters Day 8, with its India net collection standing at Rs. 149.26 crore after crossing Rs. 148 crore by the end of Day 7. The Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal and Ravi Kishan starrer is now less than a crore away from the Rs. 150 mark, even as Akshay Kumar and Saif Ali Khan's 'Haiwaan' opens in theatres. Worldwide, the film has already surpassed Rs. 212 crore.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 2:15pm -
• newBengal CM eats fish at Kalighat amid Bageshwar Baba row: What sparked the controversy
  
  - 4 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 2:08pm -
• newPutin, Xi and a bigger Brics: India becomes the stage for high-stakes global diplomacy test
  New Delhi hosts the significant BRICS Summit, bringing together powerful global leaders. The expanded bloc now represents nearly half the world's population. India prioritizes practical cooperation in areas like food and energy security. The summit faces challenges from global disruptions and geopolitical rivalries. Leaders aim to achieve meaningful outcomes and strengthen collective influence.
  - 4 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 2:05pm -
• newDelhi man goes for infertility test, finds out he has uterus
  A 26-year-old man seeking infertility treatment discovered a rare congenital condition. He had a uterus and fallopian-tube-like structures inside his body. Doctors also found undescended testes with severe damage and pre-cancerous changes. Minimally invasive surgery removed these structures and the damaged testes. The case highlights the importance of investigating unexplained infertility and undescended testes.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 1:53pm -
• newUS-based couple flags ‘scam’ at Delhi airport, authorities respond
  A US-based Indian couple alleged passport scanning of their young children at Delhi airport. Staff scanned multiple family passports after one purchase, claiming to check for offers. The couple raised concerns about data collection and potential misuse of personal information. Airport authorities have acknowledged the allegation and promised a thorough investigation. Exemplary action will be taken if the allegations are found to be true.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 1:37pm -
• new5 killed and 40 injured as bus crashes near Alpine village in Switzerland
  
  - 5 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 1:29pm -
• newBefore 9/11, US knew Bin Laden was a threat. India-Pak tensions were bigger worry
  
  - 5 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 1:27pm -
• new'My name was not even in the FIR': Former India cricketer’s 22-year ordeal
  After two decades in legal turmoil, former Indian cricketer Jacob Martin has finally been acquitted of all charges related to a 2004 case of forgery and cheating. The court's ruling highlighted the absence of credible evidence against Martin, allowing him to close this challenging chapter of his life and career. He can now look forward to a brighter future, free from the shadows of this protracted legal battle.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 1:09pm -
• newMiami flight overrun: Plane touched down at nearly 300 kmph despite high-speed warning
  A 21 Air Boeing 767 touched down at Miami International Airport at an alarming speed of nearly 300 kmph. As the crew attempted to execute a go-around following the landing, they had neglected to deploy the speed brakes, leading to automated alerts about the steep descent and proximity to the ground. Investigators are now analyzing the flight data and cockpit voice recordings to uncover further insights regarding this incident.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 1:05pm -
• new'Smashed heads with stone': Man kills wife, 3 daughters in Jaipur
  A man allegedly killed his wife and three daughters in Jaipur's Kardhani area. He reportedly used a stone to strike them on their heads while they slept. The accused then collected milk from a deliveryman before fleeing the scene. Police are searching for the suspect and investigating a possible family dispute. The victims were found at their home in Govind Vatika early Friday morning.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 1:04pm -
• newCatastrophic failure: Bangladesh tank blast puts Chinese military hardware under spotlight
  A Chinese-origin tank exploded during an exercise, killing two soldiers and injuring another. This incident follows other nations reporting issues with Chinese military equipment. Several countries have expressed dissatisfaction with Chinese defense system capabilities. China remains a major global arms supplier despite these persistent quality complaints. Bangladesh is still considering purchasing Chinese fighter jets despite past equipment problems.
  - 5 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 12:59pm -
• newQuote of the day by Brad Pitt on self-discovery; actor reflects on faith and identity
  Brad Pitt openly reflects on his transformative journey away from a conservative religious upbringing. He emphasizes that this shift was an empowering journey of self-discovery rather than a simple abandonment of faith. His experiences resonate deeply with those grappling with their own belief systems, revealing the power of trusting one’s abilities to confront life’s adversities. Pitt's story underscores the value of introspection and personal agency in shaping one’s path.
  - 6 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 12:54pm -
• newSaif Ali Khan's Pataudi Palace: Inside 'Haiwaan' actor's ancestral home
  The Pataudi Palace, an ancestral estate of Saif Ali Khan, spans ten acres in Gurugram. This imposing structure, built in the 1930s, showcases royal heritage and unique architecture. Ibrahim Kothi, once home to Tiger Pataudi, features a dome inspired by the Sanchi Stupa. Saif Ali Khan repurchased the leased estate in 2014, returning it to family ownership. The palace remains a significant symbol of the Pataudi family's rich history.
  - 6 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 12:34pm -
• newSaudi crown prince allegedly asked Trump to hit Houthis; US president declined: Report
  
  - 6 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 12:08pm -
• newWatch: Fed up over poor network, villagers tie technician with mobile tower
  Villagers held a mobile tower technician captive for two hours in Fatehpur district. They were frustrated with poor mobile connectivity for approximately two years. Police intervened and rescued the technician after being alerted by another villager. An FIR was registered against unknown villagers following the technician's complaint. Investigations are currently underway regarding the unusual incident.
  - 6 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 11:56am -
• newHindu monk, in Bangladesh jail, gets 5-hour parole to attend mother's funeral
  Chattogram district deputy commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia ordered his release after Das’s family submitted an application. His mother, 70-year-old Sandhya Rani Dhar, died early on Thursday while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Hathazari. Das was previously associated with Iskcon and serves as a spokesman for Hindu Sammilito Sanatan Jagaran Jote.
  - 7 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 11:17am -
• newHouthis using AI for missiles? Anthropic says Yemen weapons cell using Claude
  
  - 7 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 11:02am -
• new'Embarrassing': Wasim Akram slams Pakistan's shocking mid-tour changes
  The former Pakistan captain also asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to give the domestic system enough time to produce results instead of making regular changes. Akram also stressed the need to strengthen cricket at the grassroots level. He called for greater focus on club, school and college cricket to ensure a steady supply of talent.
  - 8 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 10:38am -
• newElon Musk feels 'chess will be fully solved one day'; what does Carlsen think?
  Elon Musk believes chess will eventually be fully solved by AI, drawing comparisons with checkers. Magnus Carlsen was less certain, saying he isn't a computer expert but noting chess is already “semi-solved” as a likely draw. Carlsen also praised AI for making chess more accessible, while backing the Global Chess League’s exciting team format and enjoying his visits to India.
  - 9 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 9:13am -
• newDILRMP 3.0 launched: India's land records go digital — what changes
  
  - 9 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 9:00am -
• new'They blew the hell out of Bahrain': US official 'admits' Iran damaged US base
  
  - 11 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 7:01am -
• newShopping online? From January, you'll see the discount margin
  
  - 16 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 2:11am -
• newVande Mataram row: Do they want Kashmiris in jail? Omar Abdullah hits back at Cong
  
  - 17 hours ago 11 Sep 26, 1:33am -
• new'Promised to boost followers': Delhi influencer 'raped' by ASI’s associate
  A troubling situation has emerged involving an SSB assistant sub-inspector, who stands accused of fraud and exploitation by three women. One of them alleges she was raped and then blackmailed with a video recording. She claims she was pressured to modify her statement following her complaint. Additionally, two other women report harassment and inappropriate messages from the officer, leading to a police and SSB investigation into these allegations.
  - 19 hours ago 10 Sep 26, 11:34pm -