TOI - Most Recent Stories

• new'Shame on you Mamata!' BJP tears into CM over Messi event mess; makes 3 demands
  Chaos erupted at Salt Lake stadium during Lionel Messi's visit, sparking a sharp BJP attack on West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the state government of gross mismanagement and demanded Banerjee's resignation, citing fan disappointment and alleged exploitation. Banerjee has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
  - 54 mins ago 13 Dec 25, 3:31pm -
• newA Messi affair: What led to the chaos at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium?
  Lionel Messi's highly anticipated G.O.A.T. Tour stop in Kolkata was marred by chaos due to poor crowd management and security lapses. Thousands of fans were left disappointed as the event was cut short, with objects thrown and chairs damaged amid visible anger.
  - 1 hour ago 13 Dec 25, 3:10pm -
• newMessi's Kolkata tour chaos: Bengal cops detain organiser; tickets to be refunded
  Chaos erupted at Kolkata's Salt Lake stadium as thousands of fans protested after a brief, tightly controlled appearance by Lionel Messi. The West Bengal Police detained the main event organizer, with authorities promising ticket refunds and strict action against those responsible for the mismanagement.
  - 1 hour ago 13 Dec 25, 3:05pm -
• new'We want our money back': Rs 12,000 ticket for glimpse of Lionel Messi - Angry fans vandalise Salt Lake Stadium
  Fans erupted in chaos and vandalized the Salt Lake Stadium after Lionel Messi's early departure from the GOAT Tour event in Kolkata. Spectators, having paid hefty sums, expressed fury over the mismanagement and inability to see the football legend, demanding refunds and calling the event a scam.
  - 2 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 2:19pm -
• new'Opens up new prospects': Ancient underwater wall discovered off French coast; hints at coastal societies
  A colossal 7,000-year-old granite wall, France's largest underwater construction, has been unearthed off Brittany's coast. This 120-meter structure, found with smaller man-made elements, offers profound insights into early coastal societies and their ingenious adaptations to rising sea levels. Experts suggest it may have served as a fish trap or a protective dyke, showcasing remarkable Mesolithic or early Neolithic engineering skills.
  - 2 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 2:14pm -
• newFuture of work: Microsoft India head predicts end of long careers; 'refusal to learn’ is the risk
  Microsoft India President Puneet Chandok predicts the current generation will be the last to experience stable, long-term careers due to AI. He emphasized that continuous learning, not automation, is key to avoiding job displacement, as AI will dissect and unbundle roles. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted data's strategic value in the AI era, citing successful AI implementations in India.
  - 3 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 1:39pm -
• new'I sincerely apologise to Messi': Mamata reacts to chaos at Kolkata stadium
  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep shock and distress over the chaotic mismanagement at Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's visit. She extended sincere apologies to the football icon, fans, and sports lovers for the unfortunate incident.
  - 3 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 1:30pm -
• newChaos, screams and collapse: 8 stampedes, 127 dead — The anatomy of India’s crowd tragedies in 2025
  India witnessed a grim year in 2025 with eight stampedes claiming 127 lives across various public gatherings. From religious sites to railway stations and political rallies, overcrowding and poor planning turned joyous occasions into tragedies. These preventable incidents highlight critical gaps in crowd safety management nationwide.
  - 3 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 1:02pm -
• new'Total embarrassment': BJP targets TMC after chaos during Messi's stadium visit; shares footage
  Chaos erupted at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium during Lionel Messi's brief visit, with angry fans throwing projectiles after being unable to see the football icon due to mismanagement. The BJP criticized the Trinamool Congress for the "total embarrassment" on an international stage, highlighting wasted fan efforts and zero planning for the highly anticipated event.
  - 3 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 12:57pm -
• new'Only politicians, actors were surrounding Messi': Kolkata fans left frustrated
  Hundreds of fans erupted in anger at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium after Lionel Messi's brief appearance at a ticketed event. Spectators threw bottles and chairs, with some breaking barricades, frustrated by their inability to see the football star after paying high ticket prices. The event was marred by poor crowd management and unmet expectations.
  - 4 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 12:41pm -
• newBottles thrown, banners vandalised: Lionel Messi forced to exit Salt Lake Stadium early - Watch
  Football icon Lionel Messi's Kolkata visit was a whirlwind of adoration and disruption. While a massive crowd caused chaos during his stadium appearance, leading to security concerns, fans also celebrated his legacy with a 70-foot statue unveiling. Messi's return after 14 years ignited immense enthusiasm, highlighting his enduring popularity.
  - 4 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 12:30pm -
• newThane snakebite case: How cops unravelled woman's death as murder after 3 years;
  Three years after a woman's death from a snakebite was ruled accidental, police have arrested her husband and three friends, revealing a murder conspiracy. The husband allegedly orchestrated the killing due to domestic disputes, enlisting a snake rescuer friend to provide the venomous snake used in the fatal incident.
  - 4 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 12:14pm -
• newBoost for Makhana sector! Govt holds first meeting; Rs 476-crore scheme rolled out
  The Indian government has launched a Rs 476.03 crore, six-year development program to modernize the makhana sector. This initiative, overseen by the National Makhana Board, focuses on research, quality seed production, farmer training, and enhancing value addition, branding, and export promotion across the country.
  - 4 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 12:01pm -
• newShah Rukh Khan, son AbRam greet Lionel Messi, pose for photos amid loud cheers - Watch
  Football legend Lionel Messi virtually unveiled his 70-foot statue in Kolkata as part of his GOAT India Tour 2025. The event, attended by Shah Rukh Khan and Luis Suárez, saw the Argentine star honored with an iron statue depicting him with the FIFA World Cup trophy.
  - 4 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 11:57am -
• newDelhi AQI turns 'severe': GRAP Stage III reimposed across NCR; what's allowed & what's not
  Delhi plunged back into 'severe' air quality on Saturday, triggering Stage III restrictions across the NCR. Overnight pollution surge, driven by slow winds and stable atmosphere, pushed the AQI to 401. Authorities have intensified preventive measures as a thick smog blanket reduced visibility and worsened discomfort, urging vulnerable groups to limit outdoor exposure.
  - 5 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 11:48am -

• newU19 World Cup | 'Watch me play for Australia': Kohli fan Aryan turns a promise into reality
  Aryan Sharma, an 11-year-old Virat Kohli fan who once held a placard saying, 'Watch me play for Australia in 2025,' has turned his childhood promise into reality. Now 18, Aryan has been named in Australia’s U19 World Cup squad.
  - 5 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 11:32am -
• newAland ‘vote chori’ case: SIT files 22,000-page chargesheet; names ex-Karnataka BJP MLA
  A Karnataka SIT has charged seven individuals, including former BJP MLA Subhash Guttedar, in a 'vote chori' case involving alleged illegal deletion of 5,994 voters in Aland constituency. This follows earlier claims by Rahul Gandhi, which the Election Commission had dismissed as baseless, stating no online deletions are possible without due process.
  - 5 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 11:25am -
• newNicki Minaj in MAGA era: Singer slams Newsom over trans rights; applauds Trump
  Nicki Minaj has intensified her political shift to the right, criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom's pro-trans statements. She accused him of exploiting trans children for political gain, comparing him unfavorably to J.D. Vance. This follows Minaj's previous alignment with anti-trans rhetoric from the Trump administration.
  - 5 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 11:10am -
• newRs 3,600 crore project: Haryana ties up with World Bank to cut pollution
  Haryana has launched its most ambitious environmental initiative, the 'Haryana Clean Air Project for Sustainable Development,' in collaboration with the World Bank, with a Rs 3,600 crore corpus. This project aims to significantly improve air quality over five years through sweeping interventions, including industrial upgrades, e-bus procurement, and enhanced monitoring infrastructure.
  - 5 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 11:08am -
• newWatch: Trump calls resurfaced photos with Epstein 'no big deal'
  President Trump dismissed newly released photos with Jeffrey Epstein as "no big deal," stating many people knew the convicted sex offender. House Democrats shared over 95,000 images, including those of Trump, Bill Clinton, and Bill Gates, raising questions about Epstein's network. The White House accused Democrats of politicizing the release.
  - 5 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 11:04am -
• newMultiple vehicles collide on Noida expressway amid dense fog; several injured
  Dense fog on the Eastern Peripheral Expressway caused a multi-vehicle collision on Saturday morning, resulting in several injuries. Poor visibility was the primary cause of the pile-up. Emergency services responded promptly, transporting the injured to local hospitals for medical attention.
  - 5 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 11:01am -
• new2001 Parliament attack anniversary: PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi pay tribute to fallen heroes – video
  Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders across parties paid solemn tribute to security personnel martyred in the 2001 Parliament terror attack. Remembering their bravery and sacrifice, the nation reaffirmed its unwavering stance against terrorism. The attack, which claimed 14 lives, was a stark reminder of the threats faced by the "temple of democracy."
  - 5 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 10:57am -
• new'Not surprising': Cong blames Trump-Modi ties over India not being part of Pax Silica; what is the initiative?
  The Congress party criticised Prime Minister Modi after India's exclusion from the US-led "Pax Silica" initiative, a nine-nation effort to counter Chinese dominance in high-tech supply chains. Party leader Jairam Ramesh cited a "sharp downturn in Trump–Modi ties" as a likely reason, questioning the government's foreign policy effectiveness despite recent calls between the leaders.
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 10:54am -
• newDwyane Wade Says “I’ll Miss Him” in Emotional Tribute to LeBron James
  Dwyane Wade, reflecting on LeBron James' 23rd NBA season, expresses admiration and a fan's perspective on an impending era's end. He acknowledges James' elite performance, even as fans call for retirement, and cherishes their shared championship history. Wade also humorously recalls the 'Big Three' introduction, highlighting the immense pressure and difficulty of winning.
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 10:20am -
• newParking lot shooting in Canada: 3 Indian-origin men arrested - police share footage
  Three Indian-origin men were arrested in Brampton, Canada, following a shooting in a parking lot linked to a tow-truck dispute. Peel Regional Police identified the accused as Manjot Bhatti, Navjot Bhatti, and Amanjot Bhatti. The investigation is ongoing, with police seeking an additional suspect.
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 10:17am -
• newGatecrash or misrepresentation? Did Pak PM interrupt Putin's closed-door meeting? Fact check
  Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif faced online criticism on Friday after video alleged that he entered a closed-door meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, at the International Forum for Peace and Trust in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The video was later deleted, claiming that it may have been a "misrepresentation of the events".
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 10:14am -
• newIndians on board: Iran seizes oil tanker in Gulf of Oman
  Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel carried six million litres of diesel fuel. Eighteen crew members from India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh were on board. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region. Strategic waterways remain a focus for maritime control and international shipping.
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 10:12am -
• new‘Trillions rolling in’: Why Trump’s massive tariffs haven’t resolved American woes
  President Trump touts rising government revenues and investment pledges as proof of his economic strategy's success. However, many Americans face affordability pressures, creating a disconnect between headline growth and personal finances. Critics argue that while tariffs have increased, they haven't significantly eased cost-of-living strains for households.
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:57am -
• new'He won't be India's captain... ': Suryakumar Yadav gets big warning | IND vs SA
  India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is under scrutiny for a significant dip in form, having gone 20 innings without a fifty. Former batter Aakash Chopra emphasized the captain's primary role is to score runs, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching. Both Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill's consistent performances are deemed crucial for the team's confidence.
  - 6 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:57am -
• newSingle watchdog for higher education: What Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill sets in motion
  India is set to overhaul higher education regulation with the Viksit Bharat Shiksha Adhikshan Bill, consolidating multiple bodies into a single authority. This move aims to simplify governance, enhance academic quality, and shift focus from permissions to outcomes. While promising greater institutional autonomy and clearer standards for students, concerns about centralization and effective implementation remain.
  - 7 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:48am -
• newIndian-origin millionaire tried setting US winery on fire; crashed Tesla
  An Indian-origin entrepreneur, Beri Vikram, was arrested in Saratoga, California, after allegedly attempting to start a fire, throwing a wine bottle, and crashing his Tesla into two parked cars at a winery. Vikram, founder of BetterLYF Wellness, was apprehended by deputies after resisting arrest and was subsequently charged with assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest.
  - 7 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:35am -
• newKerala local body polls: NDA scripts history; PM hails 'watershed moment' - key points
  Kerala's local body election results reveal a significant shift, with the UDF emerging as the dominant force, unseating the LDF in several key urban areas. The BJP-led NDA also made notable gains, securing the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in a watershed moment for the party in the state.
  - 7 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:29am -
• newGoa nightclub fire fallout: Delhi bans firecrackers in clubs; New Year safety tightened
  Delhi's excise department has banned firecrackers, including electric ones, in clubs, restaurants, and bars ahead of holiday festivities. This safety measure, prompted by a Goa nightclub fire, mandates functional fire-safety systems and valid NOCs for all licensed establishments. Violators face strict action, including license suspension or cancellation.
  - 7 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:15am -
• newDelhi battles heavy smog: Airport issues advisory; passengers told to contact airlines
  Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is operating normally despite heavy smog and poor visibility, with low visibility procedures in effect. Air quality in the capital has plunged to 'very poor' levels, with dense fog expected to persist. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities as the city faces another challenging winter smog episode.
  - 7 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 9:09am -
• newShowdown over H-1B visa: 20 states sue Trump administration over $100,000 fee - here's why
  
  - 8 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 7:58am -
• new‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2’ box office collection day 1
  Kapil Sharma's 'Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2' opened to a disappointing Rs 1.75 crore on its first day, significantly underperforming its 2015 predecessor. Facing competition, the film's occupancy was low, though evening and night shows saw some improvement. The comedy, featuring an ensemble cast and the late Asrani, explores a man's chaotic life married to three women.
  - 11 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 5:40am -
• newMatch day mania: Hyderabad gears up for Messi arrival; 3k police deployed
  Hyderabad is buzzing with Messi mania as fans prepare for his arrival. While many secured tickets for the Uppal Stadium, others are creating home viewing parties due to high prices. Die-hard supporters are spending significant amounts for a chance to see their idol, with a fan club even planning a large tifo display.
  - 13 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 3:33am -
• newCongress MP claims BJP neta was drunk during Rahul Gandhi's speech
  A Congress MP has accused a senior BJP member of attending Lok Sabha proceedings "drunk" during Rahul Gandhi's speech on electoral reforms. The MP cited the individual's "repeated gestures" and "tottering" as evidence, urging the BJP to prevent such incidents. This allegation follows a recent row over a TMC MP allegedly "vaping" in the House, highlighting concerns over parliamentary decorum.
  - 13 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 3:07am -
• newRajkot: Cop shoots himself dead at police commissioner office; distressed over family matters
  An SRP constable allegedly shot himself dead with his service rifle at the Police Commissioner office in Rajkot early Friday. Preliminary investigations suggest marital discord as the cause, with a six-month-old video surfacing where the constable expressed distress over his wife leaving him and property disputes. This is the second such incident in two days involving police personnel.
  - 13 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 3:04am -
• newHaryana’s English assistant professor qualifying test: Under 10% clear exam; 462 posts vacant
  Haryana Public Service Commission's assistant professor exam in English saw a dismal pass rate, with less than 10% of candidates qualifying, leaving hundreds of posts vacant. Despite many aspirants holding PhDs and UGC-NET/JRF qualifications, the commission cited "weak written skills" for the low scores, sparking widespread protests and demands for transparency in the evaluation process.
  - 16 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 12:30am -
• newClimate migration begins: Tuvaluans relocate to Australia; special visas take effect
  Australia has welcomed the first climate migrants from Tuvalu, a Pacific nation facing inundation due to rising sea levels. A groundbreaking bilateral treaty allows Tuvaluans to live, study, and work in Australia, offering "mobility with dignity" as climate impacts worsen. This initiative marks a significant step in addressing climate-induced displacement.
  - 16 hours ago 13 Dec 25, 12:10am -
• newBihar: JD(U) backs Rohini Yadav safety plea, offers security; RJD, Lalu family remain silent
  In a decisive move advocating for women's safety, JD(U) has extended comprehensive security measures to Rohini Acharya, daughter of Lalu Prasad, following her urgent plea. While Rohini expressed fear regarding the safety of parental homes, the RJD and the Lalu family remained notably mute on the subject.
  - 17 hours ago 12 Dec 25, 11:29pm -
• newTourists visiting US to submit five years of social media history: Is it because of JD Vance memes?
  
  - 21 hours ago 12 Dec 25, 7:38pm -
• newVideo of Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif gatecrashing Putin–Erdogan meet viral: Is it real?
  Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reportedly "gatecrashed" a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after waiting over 40 minutes. This incident occurred as Sharif continues efforts to strengthen ties with Moscow, despite acknowledging Russia's close partnership with India.
  - 21 hours ago 12 Dec 25, 7:25pm -
• newAI browser battle: Google unveils Disco; highlights gaps in OpenAI’s Atlas
  Google unveils Disco, an experimental browser that transforms browsing activity into custom web applications using its Gemini 3 AI. This approach, powered by GenTabs, directly challenges AI browsers like OpenAI's Atlas by building apps rather than just adding chatbots. Disco aims to redefine browser functionality with AI at its core, offering a glimpse into the future of web navigation.
  - 23 hours ago 12 Dec 25, 5:02pm -
• Who Is Sherrone Moore’s Wife Kell Moore? Ex-Michigan HC’s Family and Kids
  University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore has been fired after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Athletic Director Warde Manuel confirmed the decision, citing a violation of university policy. Moore's wife, Kelli, and their three daughters are now under public scrutiny as the family navigates this unexpected controversy.
  - 2 days ago 11 Dec 25, 7:54am -