TOI - Most Recent Stories

• newRupee falls to record low on Trump's threat of 100% tariffs on Brics
  The rupee hit a record low of 84.73 against the dollar, driven by strong dollar demand and Trump's tariff threats to BRICS nations. Weaker-than-expected Q2 growth and global factors compounded the decline. RBI intervention limited further losses, but analysts predict continued pressure with potential geopolitical tensions impacting the rupee's value.
  - 27 mins ago 3 Dec 24, 4:52am -
• newMaharashtra's Solapur to vote on ballot paper to contest EVM data
  Voters in Markadwadi, Solapur, are organizing an unofficial re-poll using ballot papers to challenge the EC's data, which showed BJP candidate Ram Satpute leading. MVA supporters, having always supported Uttamrao Jankar, believe the official count is incorrect and are seeking to demonstrate the true distribution of votes. Solapur administration has issued precautionary notices.
  - 1 hour ago 3 Dec 24, 4:18am -
• newKeeping close watch on Sino-Pak maritime ties, says Navy chief
  
  - 1 hour ago 3 Dec 24, 3:59am -
• newSC: Why do babus' wives hold ex officio posts in societies?
  Supreme Court criticizes bureaucrats' wives holding posts in societies within their husbands' administrative regions, dubbing it a colonial practice. A case from Bulandshahr where the district magistrate's wife was traditionally made Zila Mahila Samiti president led to amendments curbing this practice. The court urges a model bylaw to prevent ex-official positions for family members of administrative authorities.
  - 1 hour ago 3 Dec 24, 3:55am -
• newNGT seeks FSI report on forest cover loss
  
  - 1 hour ago 3 Dec 24, 3:50am -
• newUN peacekeepers in Bangladesh? Dhaka dismisses Didi's call
  Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called on the Union govt to engage with the UN for deploying a peacekeeping force in Bangladesh amid rising attacks on minorities. She urged PM Narendra Modi to ensure the safety of persecuted Indians and demanded a parliamentary statement on the issue. Bangladesh dismissed the need for UN intervention and stressed their commitment to protecting citizens.
  - 2 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 3:42am -
• newCentral higher educational institutions have filled 15k faculty positions
  
  - 2 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 3:22am -
• newThis November was warmest on record in north India
  
  - 3 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 2:49am -
• newAfter a week wasted, govt and oppn agree to run Parl smoothly
  
  - 3 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 2:39am -
• newSC: Grap-4 stays till Thursday, will relax curbs only if air's better
  
  - 3 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 2:33am -
• newReinstatement post bail: SC to study impact on witnesses
  Supreme Court has decided to examine a plea seeking the recall of its bail order for DMK's Senthil Balaji, who is involved in a money laundering case. The court expresses concerns that witnesses may feel apprehensive about testifying against him as he holds the position of a cabinet minister. This decision could have implications for other politicians in similar situations.
  - 3 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 2:17am -
• new'All hell to pay': Trump's ultimatum to Hamas to release hostages before 20 Jan
  President-elect Donald Trump demands the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza before his January 2025 inauguration, warning of severe consequences. Over 100 hostages remain in captivity from the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Israeli officials express gratitude, but negotiations remain tense as Hamas links release to an end of Israeli military operations.
  - 3 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 2:11am -
• newMaharashtra govt formation: Fadnavis in lead, BJP MLAs to elect leader
  Maharashtra's suspense over the new chief minister is expected to end as BJP's state legislature party meets to elect a new leader. Devendra Fadnavis is the frontrunner, while Shiv Sena prefers Eknath Shinde. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and former Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani will oversee the election. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled at Azad Maidan on Dec 5.
  - 3 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 1:52am -
• newUS okays billion-dollar sale of helicopter equipment to India
  
  - 4 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 1:42am -
• newRoman Reigns vs. John Cena retirement match? WWE icon urges for it
  John Cena's WWE career is set to conclude in 2025 with a farewell tour, possibly ending with a match against Roman Reigns. WWE legend Kurt Angle believes this dream match, especially if for the World Title, would be a fitting end to Cena's illustrious journey. Fans eagerly await the upcoming surprises and historic moments.
  - 4 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 1:41am -

• newCan EC be powerless to disqualify a foreigner getting elected, asks SC
  
  - 4 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 1:38am -
• newPM watches 'The Sabarmati Report' with NDA leaders
  
  - 4 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 1:23am -
• newCan EVM log 1,500 votes: SC to EC as PIL claims 660 limit
  The Supreme Court has sought the Election Commission's response to a PIL questioning the efficiency of EVMs, suggesting they cannot handle increased voter numbers per booth. The petitioner claims EVMs can only manage 660 votes in 11 hours, while the number of voters per booth has risen from 1,000 to 1,500, potentially causing voter disenfranchisement.
  - 4 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 1:15am -
• newAccused of theft, teen shooter turns gun on himself at academy
  
  - 4 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 12:53am -
• newIntel CEO leaves after given two choices by the Board: Retire or be ...
  In a surprising move, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired effective immediately, with CFO David Zinsner and CPO Michelle Johnston Holthaus stepping in as interim co-CEOs. The decision follows growing concerns over Intel's ability to compete with rivals and disappointing financial performance.
  - 4 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 12:53am -
• newAdvocate defending monk Chinmoy Das attacked in Bangladesh: Iskcon
  Advocate Ramen Roy, representing Bangladeshi Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Prabhu, has been brutally attacked in Bangladesh, likely due to his legal defense of Prabhu. Roy's home was ransacked, and he is currently hospitalized in critical condition. Attacks on minorities in Bangladesh have surged, prompting India to urge the Bangladeshi government to ensure their security.
  - 5 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 12:23am -
• new'There will be give and take': Jaishankar on Trump 2.0 impact on business
  
  - 5 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 12:16am -
• newJohn Cena featuring WWE elimination chamber 2025 poster sparks fan frenzy
  WWE has announced Elimination Chamber 2025 at Toronto's Rogers Centre on March 1, featuring stars like CM Punk and John Cena. The event promises thrilling matches, with Cena possibly chasing the world heavyweight championship. Fans reacted enthusiastically online, expressing excitement over the star-studded lineup and the return to the iconic venue.
  - 5 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 12:15am -
• newWhen Musk was fired from company he founded, I 'had thoughts of assassination'
  Elon Musk, set to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency, overcame a turbulent past marked by a sudden ouster from PayPal in 2000. His resilience and pivotal support from his former colleague Peter Thiel turned challenges into triumphs, leading to SpaceX's success and securing a important and major contract with NASA.
  - 5 hours ago 3 Dec 24, 12:01am -
• newFarmers stop at Delhi-Noida border, give 7-day ultimatum
  Farmers from Uttar Pradesh staged a large protest at the Noida-Delhi border, demanding fair compensation for acquired land. Led by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the farmers' "Delhi Chalo" march aimed to draw Parliament's attention. After assurances to address their grievances, the farmers temporarily paused their march, threatening to resume if demands are not met within a week.
  - 6 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 11:01pm -
• newPV Sindhu set to tie the knot on December 22
  Olympic medal-winning shuttler PV Sindhu is set to marry Venkata Datta Sai from Hyderabad on December 22 in Udaipur. The ceremony is timed between her tournaments, and a reception will follow on December 24 in Hyderabad. Sindhu, known for her impressive badminton achievements, is preparing for a busy upcoming season.
  - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 10:37pm -
• new'Mega Rafale fighter & Scorpene sub deal with France by next month'
  India is set to finalize two major defense deals with France, worth around Rs 1 lakh crore, for 26 Rafale-Marine fighter jets and three additional Scorpene submarines. These deals follow an earlier Rs 32,350 crore contract for 31 armed MQ-9B Predator drones with the US. The new acquisitions will significantly bolster India's military capabilities.
  - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 10:33pm -
• newWatch: Vehicles swept away, villages submerged as massive floods hit TN
  Tamil Nadu experienced severe flooding on Monday due to heavy rains despite Cyclone Fengal's weakened state. The deluge cut off roads and bridges, disrupted traffic, and submerged crops and neighborhoods. Rainfall reached record levels in Krishnagiri and Dharmapuri. Thousands sought refuge in relief camps, and the state requested Rs 2,000 crore for restoration.
  - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 10:16pm -
• newB'desh slams Bengal CM Mamata over 'UN forces' remark
  Bangladesh's interim government has condemned a violent protest at its assistant high commission in Agartala, Tripura, which involved vandalism and desecration of their national flag. The protest, linked to the arrest of an ISKCON leader and attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh, prompted calls for a thorough investigation and concerned reactions from both Bangladesh and India.
  - 7 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 9:57pm -
• newWWE Monday Night Raw preview & live streaming: Where and how to watch
  WWE Monday Night Raw on December 2, 2024, promises an exciting episode featuring CM Punk addressing his Survivor Series role, The New Day's 10th anniversary celebration, the debut of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament, a tag team grudge match between Damage CTRL and Liv Morgan/Raquel Rodriguez, and a humorous feud between R-Truth and Pete Dunne.
  - 8 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 9:37pm -
• new'Uber Shikara': India’s first water transport service launched in Kashmir
  Uber Shikara, a new pre-booked water transport service, is launched at Dal Lake in Srinagar, allowing tourists to book shikara rides through the Uber app. Starting with seven locally-owned shikaras, the service operates at government-regulated prices, providing ease, affordability, and direct fare benefits to local operators.
  - 8 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 9:20pm -
• new'Rohit at No. 5-6 won't be in the best interest of team'
  Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh predicts Rohit Sharma will bat in the top-order in the second day-night Test against Australia in Adelaide, either opening or at number three. Harbhajan also urged PCB to agree to the 'Hybrid Model' for the ICC Champions Trophy.
  - 8 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 9:13pm -
• newA new relationship? Diddy's ex finds love in an NFL star
  Yung Miami, formerly dating Diddy, who was arrested for organizing sex trafficking parties, is now rumored to be in a relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs. Photos of them together at Diggs’ birthday celebration and Miami attending his match have fueled speculation. Despite Diddy's past legal troubles, Miami maintains a low profile as her new love life emerges.
  - 8 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 9:10pm -
• newWatch: PM Modi attends special screening of 'The Sabarmati Report'
  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior leaders attended a special screening of The Sabarmati Report, which revisits the 2002 Sabarmati Express burning incident. Directed by Dheeraj Sarna, the film has received praise for its narrative and portrayal, with some states making it tax-free to encourage viewership.
  - 9 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 8:11pm -
• newIs 'sulking' Shinde delaying Maha govt formation talks?
  
  - 9 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 8:06pm -
• new'IAS officer' booked for threatening to kill woman if she didn't marry him
  In Lucknow, Deepak Kumar, posing as an IAS officer, threatened to kill an LLB student if she refused to marry him.
  - 10 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 7:49pm -
• newOxford university lauds PM Modi's flagship 'PRAGATI' initiative
  A University of Oxford study praises India's PRAGATI initiative for transforming government project management and setting a global standard for governance innovation. Launched in 2015, PRAGATI accelerates infrastructure and social sector projects through real-time data integration, leading to significant economic growth and societal progress.
  - 10 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 6:53pm -
• newLobito rly project: Will Trump support Biden's counter to China's BRI?
  The Lobito Corridor, a railway project linking Angola, the DRC, and Zambia, is becoming a key part of US engagement in Africa under President Biden. Aimed at countering China's influence, it promises to boost regional trade and create jobs. Biden’s support underscores its transformative potential with significant investments in rail, solar energy, and agriculture.
  - 11 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 6:39pm -
• new'I don’t want to go to heaven': Ohio girl pleads with father not to kill her
  A distressing audio of seven-year-old Oaklynn Alexander pleading with her father during a police standoff in Ohio has gone viral. Her non-custodial father, Charles Ryan Alexander, kidnapped her, leading to a tense situation where he threatened both their lives. Police intervened, resulting in his death but Oaklynn's safe recovery.
  - 11 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 6:35pm -
• newAkal Takht hands down unique 'punishment' for Sukhbir Badal
  The Sikh clergy at the Akal Takht issued a religious punishment to Sukhbir Singh Badal for mistakes during his party's rule from 2007 to 2017. Punishments include serving as a 'sewadar' at the Golden Temple and other sacred sites, cleaning utensils and shoes, and attending religious hymns. Other related leaders also received various services as punishment.
  - 11 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 6:35pm -
• new'Deeply regrettable': India on breach of B'desh diplomatic premises
  The MEA condemned the breach of the Bangladesh assistant high commission in Agartala and emphasized that diplomatic properties should never be targeted. The incident followed an attack on an Agartala-Kolkata bus in Bangladesh. Tensions between India and Bangladesh have risen with recent mob attacks on Hindus and the arrest of Iskcon priest Chinmoy Krishna Das.
  - 11 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 5:58pm -
• newBiden issues broad pardon to son Hunter to prevent MAGA from hunting him down
  Joe Biden issued a full pardon for his son Hunter Biden, citing selective prosecution and political bias.
  - 13 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 4:10pm -
• new'Scaremongers': Gavaskar blasts Australian media
  Sunil Gavaskar criticised the Australian media for creating unnecessary pressure on Indian batters ahead of the Perth Test. He praised the Indian team for their resilience and skill in securing a 295-run victory despite initial setbacks. Gavaskar also pointed out the evident panic in the Australian team following their defeat in the first Test.
  - 13 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 4:00pm -
• newPak choosing weapons over welfare of its people: Navy chief
  
  - 14 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 3:37pm -
• newAnand Mahindra shares 'reasons' why Kedarnath Dham night view is on top of his list
  A stunning moonlit image of Kedarnath Dham has gone viral, captivating netizens and prominent businessman Anand Mahindra. The serene scene features the temple bathed in blue light amidst the snowy Himalayas, evoking sentiments of beauty and peace. The image has inspired many to share their experiences of the holy site.
  - 15 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 2:34pm -
• new'Un-Islamic VPNs': How Pakistan is turning into 'Bannistan'
  Pakistan is rolling out a China-style internet firewall, enabling extensive government surveillance and control over online content. Claimed as a cybersecurity measure, it has caused internet disruptions and restrictions on VPNs, vital for businesses and freelancers. Critics argue it threatens online freedom, economic growth, and political expression, amidst already charged political tensions.
  - 15 hours ago 2 Dec 24, 2:23pm -