TOI - Most Recent Stories

• new'Only two reasons': Priyanka targets govt over Vande Matram debate; brings in 'Bengal election'
  
  - 28 mins ago 8 Dec 25, 4:45pm -
• newAfter wedding cancelled, Smriti Mandhana's brother shares update on her next move
  India's vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has resumed cricket training following the cancellation of her wedding to composer Palash Muchhal. She will soon return to competitive cricket in a T20I series against Sri Lanka, which serves as preparation for the T20 World Cup. Mandhana had previously confirmed the wedding's cancellation and emphasised her commitment to cricket.
  - 52 mins ago 8 Dec 25, 4:21pm -
• newUS Prez says tariffs can replace federal income taxes — but do the numbers back him?
  President Trump is again suggesting tariffs could replace federal income taxes, claiming rising tariff revenue will eliminate income tax needs. However, federal data shows individual income taxes are the primary funding source, with tariffs contributing a small fraction. Experts deem the proposal mathematically and economically unworkable, citing disproportionate burdens on lower-income households and risks to economic growth.
  - 1 hour ago 8 Dec 25, 4:11pm -
• new‘Can I call you Dada?’: TMC MP objects to PM Modi calling Bankim Chandra 'Da’; gets heartful reply
  Trinamool MP Sugata Roy objected to PM Modi referring to Bankim Chandra Chatterjee as "Bankim Da" in Lok Sabha, suggesting "Bankim Babu" instead. The Prime Minister accepted the correction, highlighting the song's significance in India's struggle against colonial rule and its role in the Swadeshi movement.
  - 1 hour ago 8 Dec 25, 4:04pm -
• newMade of money! Billionaire club hits record high — How much their children will inherit
  Global billionaires have reached an all-time high in 2025, with their wealth soaring to $15.8 trillion, largely driven by tech gains in AI. Despite this boom, concerns about tariffs and geopolitical tensions persist. A significant wealth transfer is also underway, with trillions set to pass to heirs in the coming years.
  - 1 hour ago 8 Dec 25, 4:04pm -
• new‘Saurabh Luthra is like a ghost’: Activists slam Goa nightclub owner after fire
  Goa's Arpora nightclub fire, claiming 25 lives, has spotlighted elusive hospitality entrepreneur Saurabh Luthra. Activists and survivors describe him as a "ghost" rarely present in Goa, with ventures expanding despite alleged safety lapses and lack of official registrations. Investigations reveal critical oversights, raising questions about accountability for the deadly tragedy.
  - 1 hour ago 8 Dec 25, 4:01pm -
• newMyanmar: Drug production booming amid civil war
  
  - 1 hour ago 8 Dec 25, 3:47pm -
• new‘Rewriting history’: Gaurav Gogoi slams PM over Vande Mataram debate
  Congress criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly rewriting history and politicizing the Lok Sabha debate on 'Vande Mataram'. Deputy leader Gaurav Gogoi accused the PM of repeatedly mentioning Nehru and Congress to revise historical contributions. Gogoi asserted Congress's pivotal role in elevating 'Vande Mataram' to national song status, highlighting its adoption at party sessions.
  - 1 hour ago 8 Dec 25, 3:44pm -
• new‘Pace of development too slow’: Nvidia CEO warns on US growth; cites his biggest worry
  Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has cautioned that America's slow infrastructure development could impact its AI dominance. He highlighted the contrast with China's rapid construction. Huang also argued against the GAIN AI Act, stating it would harm US competitiveness. Lawmakers have excluded the act from the defense bill, a decision Huang praised.
  - 2 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 3:42pm -
• new'Very strict action': Aviation minister vows to 'set example' after IndiGo crisis
  Aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu has vowed "very, very strict action" against IndiGo for its recent flight disruptions, citing internal lapses in crew management and roster planning. He clarified the issue is unrelated to past system malfunctions, emphasizing that the airline's mismanagement caused the crisis. Naidu stressed that accountability is paramount, promising to set an industry example.
  - 2 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 3:30pm -
• new‘Only after Manju's statement’: Actor Dileep's 1st remark after rape acquittal; hints at ex-wife
  Acquitted Malayalam actor Dileep accused police and media of a conspiracy to frame him in the 2017 actress assault case, aiming to ruin his career. He alleged a senior female officer and "criminal-minded" colleagues fabricated a false narrative with media support, which the court has now dismissed.
  - 2 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 3:16pm -
• newStarlink satellite for India: Musk announces sat internet pricing; 30-day free trial and more
  Starlink has unveiled its satellite internet plans for India, charging Rs 8,600 monthly with a Rs 34,000 hardware kit. Promising unlimited data and high uptime, the service targets remote areas. With regulatory approval secured, Starlink aims to compete with existing providers, offering a 30-day trial for its plug-and-play solution.
  - 2 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 3:10pm -
• new'Stop the character assassination': Ashwin slams toxic fan culture after Gambhir backlash
  Ravichandran Ashwin has appealed to Indian cricket fans for more constructive online discussions. He highlighted the negative trend of personal attacks following recent team performances. Ashwin stressed that debates should focus on selection and on-field output, not on labeling players. He believes this approach will foster a more positive environment for the sport and its followers.
  - 2 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 3:09pm -
• newWedding cancelled: Smriti Mandhana & Palash Muchhal unfollow each other on social media
  Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana and music composer Palash Muchhal have officially called off their wedding, which was previously postponed due to Mandhana's father's hospitalisation. Both stars confirmed the cancellation on Instagram, with Mandhana urging for privacy and emphasising her continued focus on representing India in cricket.
  - 2 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 3:07pm -
• newHow Bill Gates’ words inspire students worldwide, driving motivation, learning every day
  Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, inspires students worldwide through his words on learning, ambition, and social responsibility. His messages emphasise lifelong learning, resilience, and innovation, motivating young minds in STEM, entrepreneurship, and global development. Top quotes highlight personal growth, embracing failure, and the importance of technology and guidance. Students report increased engagement, curiosity, and career planning, while his philanthropic focus…
  - 2 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 3:03pm -

• new'Bowed to Muslim League': PM Modi's sharp attack on Nehru over Vande Mataram; takes 'MMC' dig at Cong
  Prime Minister Narendra Modi fiercely attacked the Congress in Lok Sabha, accusing the party of compromising on the national song 'Vande Mataram' from the freedom movement to post-Independence. He criticized Jawaharlal Nehru's handling of opposition to the song, stating the Congress "fragmented" it and "bowed to the Muslim League," ultimately leading to the country's partition.
  - 3 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 2:41pm -
• newVande Mataram debate in LS: Cong counters PM Modi's attack on Nehru; poses 3 questions
  
  - 3 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 2:33pm -
• new'Fear of opp': Aaditya Thackeray targets BJP for charter flights amid IndiGo chaos
  Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray accused the Maharashtra government of fearing the opposition despite its majority, citing the handling of the Council's Leader of Opposition appointment. He also criticized Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for deleting a social media post on the IndiGo crisis and questioned the use of chartered flights by BJP leaders amid passenger suffering.
  - 3 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 2:27pm -
• newBoost for IAF: Tata - Lockheed Martin announce new defence MRO facility in India
  India's defence aviation is set for a significant upgrade with Tata Advanced Systems and Lockheed Martin inaugurating a dedicated C-130J Super Hercules MRO facility in Bengaluru. This collaboration strengthens in-country sustainment for the Indian Air Force and aims to serve global operators, boosting India's defence manufacturing capabilities and aerospace ecosystem.
  - 3 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 2:12pm -
• newRBI MPC meet: What economic signals prompted the 25 basis points rate cut?
  The Reserve Bank of India has cut the repo rate by 25 basis points, signaling a dovish outlook amid slowing growth expectations. This move, coupled with liquidity infusion measures, aims to boost the real economy. Despite strong headline GDP figures, the policy focuses on future growth sustainability, considering moderating base effects and manageable inflation.
  - 3 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 2:09pm -
• newKnives, stones, bullets: Man accused in double-murder case shot dead in Hyderabad
  A man, an accused in a double murder case, was brutally attacked and killed in Jawaharnagar. Stabbed, bludgeoned with stones, and then shot, the victim was identified as inspector Venkataratnam. Police suspect past enmity as the motive and are using CCTV footage to identify the assailants who fled the scene.
  - 3 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 2:08pm -
• newHistory made: Hardik Pandya's Baroda teammate Amit Passi equals T20 world record
  Amit Passi etched his name in T20 history by equaling the world record for the highest individual score on debut, smashing 114 off 55 balls for Baroda against Services. His explosive knock, featuring 10 fours and nine sixes, helped Baroda post 220/5 and has put him on the radar of IPL franchises.
  - 3 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 1:54pm -
• newTop Google Searches: India crowns teenage phenomenon; Pak obsessed with young Indian opener
  India's 2025 cricket season saw young stars like Abhishek Sharma and Vaibhav Suryavanshi dominate search trends, even in Pakistan. While India triumphed over rivals on the field, it was these emerging talents who captured global attention, signaling a significant generational shift in cricket's digital landscape and highlighting the growing influence of women's cricket.
  - 3 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 1:51pm -
• newHawaii's Kīlauea volcano erupts again; towering lava fountains soar up to 1200 ft—Watch
  Hawaii's Kīlauea volcano erupted again on Friday, with lava fountains reaching 370 meters. The USGS camera capturing the event was buried in debris. This marks the 38th eruption since December, though it remains confined to the national park, posing no threat to communities. Monitoring continues as the volcano alternates between eruptions and pauses.
  - 4 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 1:33pm -
• new'This is a disaster': Mamata Banerjee targets BJP over IndiGo fiasco; cites passenger agony
  West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has slammed the Centre over IndiGo's ongoing flight crisis, calling it a "disaster" that has left thousands of passengers stranded. With hundreds of flights cancelled daily, the airline faces scrutiny from regulators and the judiciary. The Delhi High Court is set to hear a plea regarding the "inhumane" airport situation.
  - 4 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 1:12pm -
• new'Be the man I need': Jemimah' post goes viral after Smriti Mandhana calls off wedding
  India cricketer Smriti Mandhana has confirmed her wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal is called off, following weeks of speculation. Teammate Jemimah Rodrigues has provided significant emotional support throughout the ordeal. Mandhana, however, remains focused on her cricket career, emphasising her commitment to representing India.
  - 4 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 1:01pm -
• newIs it safe to eat papaya during pregnancy?
  Pregnant women should be cautious about eating unripe papaya. Scientific studies show its latex can cause uterine contractions. Ripe papaya is considered safer in limited amounts. Traditional advice in Asian countries supports avoiding immature fruit. Healthcare providers recommend consulting them for dietary guidance. Safe alternatives like mangoes and melons offer similar nutrients.
  - 4 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 1:00pm -
• newStocks to never touch! Biggest losses don’t come from bad luck but from wrong stocks
  Investors often face stock market losses not from bad luck, but from poor choices like penny stocks or speculative F&O trades. The article stresses avoiding low-quality, illiquid markets and 'story stocks' with changing narratives but no profits. Focusing on real businesses and avoiding hype is key to protecting capital and achieving steady growth.
  - 4 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 12:55pm -
• newFor the first time! China trade surplus hits $1 trillion in November
  China achieved a historic $1 trillion trade surplus by November's end, driven by robust exports to non-US markets. Despite a dip in US demand, overall shipments surged, reversing October's decline. This success, following a US-China trade truce, signals potential friction with European partners and highlights ongoing domestic economic challenges.
  - 4 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 12:54pm -
• newHow bhadralok Dharmendra had a strong Bengali connection
  Dharmendra, known as the 'He-Man' for his action roles, also showcased a diverse range of genteel characters early in his career. He portrayed poets, writers, journalists, and doctors, often in films directed by Bengali filmmakers, revealing a softer, more nuanced side to the popular action star.
  - 5 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 12:36pm -
• new‘Dhurandhar’ BO collection: Ranveer Singh starrer crosses Rs 100 cr in India over opening weekend
  Aditya Dhar's 'Dhurandhar', starring Ranveer Singh, has achieved a remarkable feat by crossing Rs 100 crore at the box office within its opening weekend. The film saw impressive growth, with Sunday collections soaring to Rs 43 crore. This strong performance marks one of Ranveer Singh's most successful opening weekends to date.
  - 5 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 12:30pm -
• newIndiGo crisis: Over 500 flights cancelled, Rs 827cr refunds initiated — key points
  IndiGo's operational crisis continues for a seventh day with over 500 flight cancellations nationwide, stranding thousands of passengers. The Supreme Court declined to intervene, acknowledging government action. The airline attributes the disruptions to crew rostering and internal planning issues following new pilot duty time regulations.
  - 5 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 12:23pm -
• new'100th anniversary fell during Emergency': PM leads Vande Mataram debate- top quotes
  Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated a special 10-hour debate in the Lok Sabha on the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram. The song, adopted as India's National Song, is being discussed in both Houses this week. Modi highlighted historical parallels, linking the song's milestones to national challenges like British rule and the Emergency.
  - 5 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 12:21pm -
• new'Ro de, ro de': Virat Kohli teases Kuldeep Yadav as spinner wins Impact Player of the Series
  India secured a 2-1 ODI series victory against South Africa. The win was celebrated with light-hearted moments in the dressing room. Virat Kohli playfully teased Kuldeep Yadav, who was named Impact Player of the Series. Kuldeep had a stellar performance, taking nine wickets. The team now prepares for a T20I series.
  - 5 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 11:44am -
• newGold price prediction today: What is the price outlook in the coming days?
  Gold price prediction today: Gold prices are hovering near recent highs, fueled by expectations of a US Federal Reserve rate cut. Weak US jobs data and dovish Fed commentary have bolstered this sentiment. Investors are keenly awaiting the Fed's policy decision and Chair Jerome Powell's remarks for further direction, with central bank buying and ETF inflows providing support.
  - 6 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 11:41am -
• new2017 abduction and rape case: Kerala actor Dileep acquitted; Pulsar Suni among 5 found guilty
  Actor Dileep has been acquitted by the Ernakulam principal sessions court in the 2017 abduction and rape case. The court found the gang, led by Pulsar Suni, guilty of the crime. The prosecution failed to prove Dileep's conspiracy charge, despite a lengthy trial with numerous witnesses and evidence presented.
  - 6 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 11:19am -
• newBlow to Trump-brokered ceasefire: Thailand strikes Cambodia — conflict explained in 10 points
  Thailand launched airstrikes on Cambodia, escalating a border dispute that jeopardizes a two-month-old ceasefire brokered by Donald Trump. Accusations of firing first were exchanged, with Thailand citing "supporting fire positions" and Cambodia alleging attacks near ancient temple zones. This marks a significant blow to the fragile peace deal.
  - 6 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 10:53am -
• new'Deeply shaken': Absconding Goa club owner's 1st statement after fire kills 25; look-out circular out
  North Goa nightclub owner Saurabh Luthra is absconding after a fire at Birch by Romeo Lane killed 25 people. The nightclub's management expressed deep grief and pledged full support to victims' families. Authorities are investigating the blaze, with a cylinder blast suspected as the cause, and are searching for Luthra.
  - 6 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 10:51am -
• newTaylor Swift and Selena Gomez shine at Chiefs game as Swift’s support for Kelce goes viral
  Taylor Swift's unwavering support for Travis Kelce was evident at another Kansas City Chiefs game, this time against the Houston Texans. Spotted with Selena Gomez, Swift's presence continues to captivate fans and amplify NFL broadcasts. Her fifth appearance this season highlights a growing crossover between music, sports, and entertainment, drawing in a wider audience eager for these celebrity game-day moments.
  - 7 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 9:58am -
• newNew study reveals hybrid work equals a 15% mental health boost for women
  A new study reveals working from home impacts mental health differently for men and women. Hybrid setups significantly benefit women, improving their wellbeing, while long commutes negatively affect men, particularly those with existing mental health challenges. The research emphasizes personalized approaches to work arrangements.
  - 8 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 9:25am -
• newNifty50 goes below 25,900; BSE Sensex down over 700 points - why is market crashing?
  Stock market crash today: Nifty50 and BSE Sensex, the Indian equity benchmark indices, tanked in trade on Monday. While Nifty50 went below 25,900 intraday, BSE Sensex was down over 700 points.
  - 8 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 9:25am -
• newJustin Herbert injury update: Insider reveals QB’s status for Eagles clash after surgery
  Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, despite a recent hand injury requiring surgery, is reportedly optimistic about playing against the Philadelphia Eagles. NFL insider Jeremy Fowler suggests Herbert will be "good to go," with the team also hopeful. Herbert himself expressed a strong desire to return, treating it as if he's playing Monday.
  - 16 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 1:09am -
• new'Most of them are fire hazards': What makes nightclubs a recipe for disaster
  Nightclubs in Goa are fire hazards. Experts say many operate without fire department NOCs. Pyrotechnics and combustible materials increase risks. Regulations exist but compliance is low. Basements are particularly dangerous. A recent fire at Romeo Lane highlights these critical issues.
  - 16 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 1:08am -
• new‘True culprit is my mother’: Punjab girl thrown into canal by father 2 months ago 'reappears'
  A 17-year-old girl, presumed dead for two months after her father allegedly threw her into a canal, has reappeared alive in Ferozepur. She claims her father is innocent, motivated by her mother's instigation, and demands his release while accusing her mother of being the true culprit. Police are investigating the video and will record her official statement.
  - 16 hours ago 8 Dec 25, 1:04am -
• Bill Gates' daughter gets $30M for AI app: Gates says won't invest; works helpdesk
  Phoebe Gates' artificial intelligence shopping startup, Phia, has raised $30 million in new funding. This investment values the company at $180 million. Bill Gates, Phoebe's father, has supported the venture with his time and experience. Phia aims to make online shopping smarter and more sustainable. The app offers price comparisons, discounts, and secondhand options.
  - 1 day ago 7 Dec 25, 9:30am -
• Paralysed at 3, suicide attempt at 8: Woman now steers 30 para-cyclists towards national glory
  Geeta Rao, a paralyzed para-cyclist, overcame immense challenges, including a suicide attempt, to become a trailblazer. Now 46, she's training India's next generation of para-athletes, aiming to put the nation on the global map. Having qualified for the 2024 Paralympics, Rao's inspiring journey includes international medals and a remarkable Kashmir to Kanyakumari cycle ride.
  - 6 days ago 3 Dec 25, 12:46am -