TOI - Most Recent Stories

• newCatfish released in 1974 become Spain’s ecological time bomb
  In 1974, German biologist Roland Lorkowsky introduced the Wels catfish to Spain's Ebro River, where they've since become a top predator, threatening native wildlife. Their large size and aggressive feeding present significant hurdles for conservationists trying to maintain balance. Worsening climate change conditions could facilitate their further invasion into European waters, leading experts to deem eradication efforts nearly impossible.
  - 24 mins ago 7 Aug 26, 10:50am -
• newWidow returns medieval Glastonbury Abbey relic stolen 70 years ago
  A medieval abbot's kneecap and a floor tile have been returned to Glastonbury Abbey more than 70 years after they were taken by an 11-year-old schoolboy during an archaeological dig. The artefacts were kept in Australia for decades before the boy's widow brought them back following his death in 2025.
  - 24 mins ago 7 Aug 26, 10:50am -
• newIsrael, US complete Arrow missile test amid Iran, Yemen ballistic threats
  
  - 35 mins ago 7 Aug 26, 10:39am -
• newRupee slips to 95.28 against US dollar as oil, treasury yields remain elevated
  On Friday, the Indian rupee experienced a decrease of six paise against the US dollar. Factors such as a robust dollar, escalating US Treasury yields, and elevated dollar demand from importers contributed to this decline. Additionally, rising global oil prices, combined with geopolitical tensions, are projected to impact the rupee further. The domestic market mirrored this trend, as foreign investors recorded net sales.
  - 38 mins ago 7 Aug 26, 10:36am -
• newChina's pharma has a 'monkey problem' as tough as 'negotiating with Nvidia'
  China's lab monkey prices have doubled in a year, with a state lab paying 178,000 yuan ($26,294) each for cynomolgus macaques in June. Biotech executives say securing research primates now feels like negotiating with Nvidia for chips. The monkey shortage is delaying preclinical toxicology studies by four to ten months, threatening China's speed advantage in drug development. Zheshang Securities projects an annual gap of 15,000 to 20,000 monkeys through 2028, with Cambodia imports expected to hel…
  - 41 mins ago 7 Aug 26, 10:33am -
• newTrump angry over leak of US weapons shortage as Iran talks enter crucial phase
  President Trump expresses frustration over media claims regarding the depletion of US weapons stockpiles, fearing the leaks may undermine America's leverage in negotiations with Iran. While he admits some reports accurately reflect a tighter supply of advanced munitions, he aims to pursue severe penalties for those behind the information leaks. Vice President Vance characterizes negotiating with Iran as exceptionally challenging, referring to their people as radical.
  - 55 mins ago 7 Aug 26, 10:19am -
• newIndia a step closer to procure 114 Rafale fighters as Dassault submits its proposal
  Dassault Aviation submitted its proposal for 114 Rafale fighter jets to India. This acquisition will significantly expand India's combat aircraft fleet and deepen cooperation. The deal includes local production and extensive technology transfer under an intergovernmental agreement. India seeks 18 fly-away aircraft and 96 to be assembled domestically. This acquisition will raise India's Rafale strength to 176 aircraft.
  - 59 mins ago 7 Aug 26, 10:15am -
• newShubman Gill suffers finger injury, KL Rahul leads India in warm-up game
  During practice, Shubman Gill, India’s Test captain, suffered a finger injury, prompting the team to rest him on the first day of the warm-up match for safety. In his stead, KL Rahul is taking charge of the squad. With the Test series looming, there is growing concern about Gill's fitness, and the management is monitoring his recovery closely.
  - 1 hour ago 7 Aug 26, 10:03am -
• newWill you have to pay to use UPI? FM Sitharaman clarifies who bears MDR
  In a recent statement, Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized that UPI transaction charges will be applicable to merchants rather than customers. She explained that any Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) imposed would be instrumental in enhancing the digital payment ecosystem. Following the passage of an amendment bill in Parliament, a committee will investigate the adjustments to the zero-MDR policy for digital payments.
  - 2 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 9:43am -
• newThailand school shooting: Student opens fire; 2 dead
  
  - 2 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 9:28am -
• new30 Yemen troops killed in Houthi attacks as tensions rise amid Strait of Hormuz talks
  
  - 2 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 9:27am -
• newJharkhand protest Day 14: Hunger strike continues as BJP, Rahul back students
  
  - 2 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 9:22am -
• newBumrah told to take a break; selectors urged to recall Shami, Bhuvneshwar
  Mohammed Shami impressed for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy last season, taking 37 wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 28 wickets during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL 2026 title-winning campaign.
  - 2 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 9:17am -
• new'I was India's 12th man for two years': Ajinkya Rahane reveals
  Ajinkya Rahane, who recently announced his retirement from all forms of cricket, scored 5,077 runs in 85 Tests at an average of 38.46, including 12 centuries and 26 half-centuries. He also played 90 ODIs, scoring 2962 runs at an average of 35.26, including 3 hundreds and 24 fifties. He also featured in 20 T20Is for India.
  - 3 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 8:25am -
• newItaly, France, Germany battle extreme heat as Europe faces record temperatures
  
  - 3 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 8:23am -

• newRahul Gandhi flags Ken-Betwa tribal displacement; complaints forwarded to MP govt
  
  - 3 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 8:20am -
• newOil prices rise 1% as Middle East conflict continues Hormuz shipping disruption
  On Friday, oil prices experienced a modest rise amid shipping uncertainties in the Strait of Hormuz. Traders exhibit caution regarding transit through this critical route. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump hinted at a potential resolution to the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Iran and Oman are exploring new transit options for the waterway. As developments unfolded, market trends reversed previous declines.
  - 4 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 7:43am -
• newTrump signs new executive orders on birthright citizenship
  
  - 4 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 7:17am -
• newAssam flood toll rises to 97; over 1.68 lakh affected, 481 villages submerged
  The flood crisis in Assam has reached alarming levels, with 97 fatalities reported. More than 1.68 lakh individuals are struggling across fifteen districts, particularly in Golaghat, where close to 54,000 inhabitants have been affected. The flooding has submerged 481 villages and severely damaged vital agricultural land. In response to this disaster, Jharkhand has pledged Rs 3 crore to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund to aid recovery.
  - 4 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 7:15am -
• newUS court slaps Meta with $567 million penalty in landmark child safety ruling
  
  - 4 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 7:09am -
• newRain threat looms large over IND vs SL three-day warm-up match
  India's preparations for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka could be affected by rain, with wet weather forecast in Colombo during the three-day warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI. Heavy showers are expected from Friday morning to Sunday afternoon, raising doubts over how much playing time both teams will get before the first Test in Galle.
  - 4 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 7:04am -
• newNBA trade rumor: Heat eye $48M Pistons star to help Giannis Antetokounmpo
  Miami Heat are reportedly exploring a trade to reunite with sharpshooter Duncan Robinson, sending Nikola Jovic and two second-round picks to Detroit in return. The move would pair Robinson's 41 percent three-point shooting with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, addressing a spacing gap left after Miami's offseason moves. Robinson's $15.99 million cap hit lines up closely with Jovic's, making the framework financially realistic for both sides.
  - 4 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 7:03am -
• newIf asked whom to believe, I’ll say Gen Z: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat
  Mohan Bhagwat advocated for system correction through protests and increased education budgets. He opposed social media bans and favored dialogue with Pakistan and China. Traditional family structures should be upheld while creating space for same-sex relationships. Bhagwat explained women's independence from the RSS apex decision-making body. Societal disrespect for manual labor causes competition for government jobs, he stated.
  - 4 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 6:55am -
• newIndia's search for answers to rediscover lost glory in Tests begins in Colombo
  India begin their three-day warm-up fixture against Sri Lanka XI at the NCC in Colombo today. The Shubman Gill-led unit has already had two intense training sessions and a largely rested squad means the team feels fresh for the crucial series starting August 15. There are some injury concerns: Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, and Sai Sudharsan. However, the squad has enough quality to secure a scoreline that keeps their World Test Championship final chances alive.
  - 5 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 6:21am -
• newJana Nayagan day 15: Thalapathy Vijay film grosses Rs 308.67 crore worldwide
  Jana Nayagan's box office collections saw a decline on its fifteenth day. The film has now surpassed Rs 300 crore in worldwide gross collections. Its India net collection reached Rs 185.15 crore after fifteen days. Tamil Nadu remained the strongest market, contributing significantly to daily earnings. The movie's performance reflects Vijay's enduring star power.
  - 5 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 5:51am -
• newUPI charges: Lok Sabha passes Bill for government to make changes
  The Lok Sabha has taken a vital step by passing a Bill aimed at simplifying tax rules to enhance investment attractiveness. The new legislation abolishes a limitation on specific electronic payment options, allowing banks and providers to charge merchants on transactions. Additionally, the government is empowered to revise the zero-MDR scheme for UPI and RuPay. This initiative is poised to drive advancements in the financial sector’s infrastructure and innovative capabilities.
  - 6 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 4:58am -
• newRahul Gandhi ignored offer to end my fast, says Sonam Wangchuk
  Sonam Wangchuk voiced disappointment with political leaders after his hunger strike concluded. His wife Gitanjali sought Rahul Gandhi's involvement but received no positive response. Union ministers also reportedly broke a promise regarding the release of photos. Wangchuk felt leaders showed a narrow approach and arrived late to his protest. He praised the apolitical CJP organization for its fair and just advocacy.
  - 7 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 4:38am -
• new'It will end pretty soon': Trump hints at early resolution to US-Iran war
  Expressing confidence, US President Trump suggested that the Iran conflict is nearing its end, arguing that Tehran cannot bear its continuation. He remains hopeful about negotiations related to the Strait of Hormuz. The US is resolute in preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, Iran's defence minister asserts that their military is on standby for any potential threats, and the parliament speaker claims that the US.
  - 7 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 4:04am -
• newNetanyahu calls PM Modi, discusses bilateral ties, West Asia situation
  In a significant phone discussion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu evaluated the progress made in their strategic partnership and bilateral engagements. They also addressed current developments in West Asia, amidst Israel's increasing international scrutiny due to its military actions. This exchange highlights their continued efforts to bolster cooperation and deepen ties between India and Israel.
  - 8 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 3:39am -
• newSC dismisses plea challenging Delhi HC relief to Hinduja brothers in Bofors case
  The Supreme Court has officially closed the chapter on the Bofors payoff case by dismissing an appeal that challenged the Delhi high court's 2005 ruling, which had previously annulled criminal proceedings against the Hinduja brothers. Advocate Ajay K Agrawal filed the appeal, but the court decided against allowing more time for arguments, finalizing the legal dispute once and for all.
  - 8 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 3:13am -
• newNagpur rape accused in ICU, survivor battles scars in general ward of same hospital
  A 19-year-old Thane youth was moved to the ICU after complaining of health issues. He is accused of holding a teenage girl captive and sexually torturing her. The survivor underwent plastic surgery for deep wounds inflicted by a surgical blade. Police are seeking cyber experts to unlock seized mobile phones for clues. The accused demanded VIP treatment and refused to cooperate with the investigation.
  - 10 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 12:58am -
• newNewly elected PoK legislator is on police bail in UK for child sex offences
  A former PoK minister faces child sex offense allegations from the 1990s. He was arrested in the UK and is currently out on police bail. Ahmed allegedly failed to attend a court date, campaigning instead in Mirpur. A UK judge allowed him to travel to Pakistan despite his bail status. Greater Manchester police may seek his extradition if he fails to appear.
  - 11 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 12:44am -
• newFake IDs, dual lives & a dramatic escape: The 28-yr saga of killer Rajinder Bairagi
  The Delhi Police successfully arrested Rajinder Bairagi, a long-sought fugitive connected to a 1998 murder case. For nearly thirty years, he managed to evade law enforcement by living under a false identity in Madhya Pradesh. During the investigation, authorities also resolved two previously unsolved attempted murder cases from 1997 using leads tied to him. His elaborate disguise was ultimately dismantled following comprehensive surveillance operations.
  - 11 hours ago 7 Aug 26, 12:19am -
• newWatch: Fans used to dry up damaged portion of Rs 4,200cr Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway
  A contractor is using fans to dry damaged sections of the Lucknow-Kanpur expressway. This method was employed after heavy rains delayed repair work on the newly inaugurated road. Photographs of the fans went viral, drawing criticism and public ridicule online. The damaged stretch has caused significant traffic congestion and delays for commuters. Authorities have directed the contractor to repair the damage at their own expense.
  - 12 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 10:54pm -
• newHyderabad YouTuber Abhinav Reddy engaged to German traveller Safira
  A chance meeting between Indian YouTuber Abhinav Reddy, popularly known as Abhi Honey, and German traveller Safira during a trip to Bali has turned into a heartwarming cross-cultural love story that is now captivating millions on social media. What began as a casual friendship soon grew stronger, eventually leading Safira to invite Reddy to her childhood village in Germany.
  - 13 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 10:42pm -
• newAryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula back WTA’s new gender testing rule
  In a significant move, the WTA has enacted a new policy requiring all players to undergo a one-time SRY gene test for eligibility. Aryna Sabalenka, currently the top-ranked player, champions this measure as a means of ensuring fairness in the sport. However, Jessica Pegula, a member of the players' council, perceives it as a bureaucratic tweak with little resistance, reflecting a range of sentiments among players regarding the policy.
  - 13 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 10:35pm -
• newUS PhD student Vikram Mubayi found dead in lake after going on solo hiking trip
  
  - 13 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 10:26pm -
• newWatch: Accident victim's fractured leg tied with carton at Bihar Hospital
  A victim of a road accident was treated in a startling manner at the Manjhaul Sub-Divisional Hospital, located in Begusarai, Bihar, where a medicine carton served as a splint. Hospital officials attributed this alarming method to insufficient resources and personnel. The incident gained significant online attention after a video surfaced, prompting a wave of indignation. Consequently, a civil surgeon's investigation into the reported medical malpractice has been initiated.
  - 14 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 9:32pm -
• newStrike range of 4,000km range: India successfully test-fires N-capable Agni-4
  
  - 14 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 9:24pm -
• newStudy discovers that primates take care of animals outside their own family
  
  - 15 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 8:20pm -
• newRahane snubs MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli; names India's greatest-ever cricketer
  Ajinkya Rahane recently retired from all cricket formats. He named Sachin Tendulkar as India's greatest-ever cricketer. Tendulkar had a remarkable 24-year international career for India. Rahane played alongside Tendulkar in domestic and IPL matches. He also captained India in all three formats.
  - 15 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 8:15pm -
• newOn the frontlines: How Indian sailors are paying the price in Middle East war
  India's maritime workers are confronting unprecedented challenges as wartime conflicts reconfigure shipping routes into perilous zones. The recent loss of life among Indian sailors in attacks on commercial vessels has raised alarm. With many enduring extended time away from home and facing harsh conditions at sea, their families live in constant worry about their safety. The call for better protection and governmental assistance for these seafarers is intensifying.
  - 18 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 5:11pm -
• newOpenAI says Apple is suing over lost engineers, not stolen trade secrets
  OpenAI has asked a US federal judge to dismiss Apple's trade secret lawsuit, calling the case baseless and pretextual. The 31-page filing argues Apple is suing to cover its struggles in the AI talent market and its failure to integrate AI into products. OpenAI also says Apple's own iCloud policy left former employees with access to files. Apple, which claims over 400 ex-staff joined OpenAI, wants an injunction.
  - 23 hours ago 6 Aug 26, 12:06pm -
• Priscilla Chan founded a school in 2016; 10 yrs later, it closed after $125m funding
  After ten years of service, The Primary School, co-founded by Priscilla Chan, will conclude its operations in June. This institution, known for offering tuition-free education and extensive family support, struggled to achieve state-average academic results despite receiving generous funding from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. The Initiative has decided to redirect its philanthropic priorities towards funding scientific research instead.
  - 3 days ago 4 Aug 26, 4:52pm -