TOI - Most Recent Stories

• newIND vs NZ: No Williamson! New Zealand announce squads for India series
  New Zealand have named ODI and T20I squads for their India tour, using the series to prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup. Mitchell Santner will captain the T20Is, with Michael Bracewell leading the ODIs. Several senior players return, young talents earn call-ups, and some stars are rested to manage workloads.
  - 43 mins ago 23 Dec 25, 10:52pm -
• newAre chia seeds more effective for weight loss in water or in milk
  Chia seeds, a kitchen staple, offer varied weight management benefits depending on preparation. Soaked in water, they aid appetite control with minimal calories. Mixed with milk, they become a more substantial, nutrient-rich meal replacement. Understanding these differences helps tailor chia seed consumption for individual weight loss goals, impacting digestion and energy levels.
  - 1 hour ago 23 Dec 25, 10:30pm -
• newRohit returns to domestic cricket: Is Jaipur ready? VHT set to get underway
  Jaipur will witness rare domestic cricket buzz as the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025–26 begins with Elite Group C matches at the SMS Stadium. Mumbai’s opener will feature Rohit Sharma, drawing big crowds. Following the BCCI mandate, his participation has boosted interest, prompting the Rajasthan Cricket Association to strengthen security and improve stadium facilities for fans.
  - 2 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 10:01pm -
• newThrowback: When Dhoni began his Indian cricket journey — with a golden duck
  MS Dhoni made his international debut on this day in 2004 against Bangladesh, beginning a journey that would transform Indian cricket. Though run out for a duck on debut, his calm, skill and resilience stood out. A match-winning 148 against Pakistan soon followed, launching a legendary career built on leadership, trophies and unmatched composure.
  - 2 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 10:00pm -
• new'Why do you object when India targets you': Pakistan cleric slams Munir's army— watch
  JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman stated Pakistan should not oppose Indian attacks if it attacks Afghanistan, questioning the double standard. He emphasized dialogue and political engagement as solutions to regional instability and asserted that political power belongs to the people, not the army..
  - 2 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 9:53pm -
• newMichael Jordan net worth in 2025: NBA legend’s earnings, investments, and wealth
  Michael Jordan's net worth is estimated at $3.8 billion as of 2025. A significant portion of that wealth was earned throughout his NBA career of over 15 seasons and major brand partnerships like Nike. His sale of the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion in 2023 was a major financial boost, glorifying his status as one of the wealthiest athletes in the world.
  - 2 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 9:15pm -
• new'Finish him off': How UP bizman was killed, chopped, dumped by wife & lover; cops trace body parts
  A Sambhal shoe trader was allegedly murdered, dismembered, and dumped by his wife and her lover after being caught in a compromising position. The wife confessed to the crime, detailing how they used an iron rod and shoe-hammer to kill him before dismembering the body and disposing of the parts.
  - 3 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 8:50pm -
• newIndia summons B'desh high commissioner; protests continue over Hindu man killing - top developments
  
  - 3 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 8:43pm -
• newLeaving for airport: How to track flights on iPhone and Mac; no third-party apps needed
  Picking up loved ones from the airport just got easier with Apple's built-in flight tracking. Whether through Messages or Spotlight search on your iPhone or Mac, you can instantly access real-time flight status, including delays and gate information. Simply type or tap a flight number, ensuring you include the airline name for accuracy.
  - 3 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 8:20pm -
• newMatt Chapman & Taylor Chapman net worth 2025: MLB earnings and family wealth
  San Francisco Giants' third baseman Matt Chapman is projected to earn approximately $26 million in salary in 2025, contributing to an estimated net worth of $53 million. While his wife, Taylor, is involved in fitness, her financial details are not publicly available, making Matt's earnings the primary driver of the family's financial picture.
  - 3 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 8:16pm -
• newVHT: Will Bumrah play in Vijay Hazare Trophy? Updates on Axar Patel too
  The BCCI has exempted Jasprit Bumrah from the Vijay Hazare Trophy to manage his workload ahead of a busy white-ball season and the T20 World Cup. Despite asking other stars to play domestic cricket, Bumrah has been rested due to past injury concerns. Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja will feature in the tournament.
  - 3 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 8:10pm -
• newEC's SIR sweep: Nearly 43 lakh voters removed in Madhya Pradesh; Kerala sees over 24 lakh deletions
  The Election Commission has released draft voter lists for Madhya Pradesh and Kerala, showing significant deletions. Madhya Pradesh removed over 42 lakh voters, including deceased, untraceable, and shifted residents. Kerala also deleted more than 24 lakh names for similar reasons, with final rolls to be published in February.
  - 3 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 8:05pm -
• newUS embassy, consulates in India to stay closed over Christmas period; routine services suspended
  The US embassy in India will be closed from December 24 to December 26 due to a Presidential Executive Order mandating federal government closures. Routine consular services will be suspended, with only emergency assistance available for US citizens. Normal operations are set to resume on December 29.
  - 4 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 7:51pm -
• new'USS Defiant': Can 'Trump-class' warships deter China or just drain Pentagon?
  President Trump unveiled plans for "Trump-class" warships, colossal missile-heavy vessels intended to form a "Golden Fleet" for the US Navy. These massive ships aim to counter China's growing naval power and revive American shipbuilding. However, the ambitious project faces significant challenges including industrial capacity issues and questions about the relevance of such large vessels in modern warfare.
  - 4 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 7:44pm -
• newPM Modi mourns Vinod Kumar Shukla; veteran Hindi writer dies at 89
  Renowned Hindi writer and Jnanpith laureate Vinod Kumar Shukla passed away at 89. Celebrated for his simple yet profound style, Shukla's novels and poetry, including 'Deewar Mein Ek Khirkee Rehti Thi', deeply influenced modern Hindi literature. His unique narrative, blending everyday life with existential depth, leaves a lasting legacy of humanism and lyrical insight.
  - 4 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 7:39pm -

• newNMC invites applications for new medical colleges and MBBS seat expansion for 2026-27
  The National Medical Commission has opened online applications for new MBBS colleges and increased UG seat intake for the 2026-27 academic year. The application window is from December 29, 2025, to January 28, 2026. Revised fees and substantial bank guarantees are now required, with a temporary relaxation on the seat cap.
  - 4 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 7:34pm -
• newWho is Cholo Abdi Abdullah? Pilot arrested before he could carry out a 9/11-style attack
  
  - 4 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 7:30pm -
• newJaxson Dart’s lucky diamond necklace breaks during 13–16 loss to Vikings
  New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart's cherished heart-studded diamond necklace, a symbol of his sister and spreading love, broke during a recent game. This sentimental good-luck charm, worn since college and surviving many hits, was lost mid-game, prompting commentary on its significance. Dart previously shared its deep personal value, emphasizing meaningful connections over material possessions.
  - 4 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 7:20pm -
• new'I ran to save my life': UK-based singer Charles Antony recalls chaos at Messi event in Kolkata
  London-based singer Charles Antony described his harrowing experience at Lionel Messi's G.O.A.T Tour event in Kolkata, where chaos erupted and he feared for his life. Antony, who had composed a special song for Messi, was forced to flee amid a stampede of angry fans unable to see the football star.
  - 5 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 7:00pm -
• new'If you are serious…’: Warner Brothers’ 5th largest shareholder to Paramount
  Paramount's bid for Warner Bros. Discovery received a boost with Larry Ellison's $40.4 billion guarantee, but a major shareholder believes a higher premium is needed. While some investors see Ellison's backing as stabilizing, the WBD board still recommends Netflix, citing misleading information. Investors now have until January 21 to decide.
  - 5 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 6:53pm -
• newWatch: Lalit Modi puts up another social media post with Vijay Mallya; draws criticism from internet
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  - 5 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 6:39pm -
• new'Don’t have next generation': Polgár, Rapport and changing faces of Hungarian chess
  Hungary’s rich chess legacy, built by legends like Lajos Portisch, Judit Polgár and Peter Lékó, has thinned in recent years. Country's top-ranked player Richárd Rapport remains the lone elite standard-bearer after the 2014 Olympiad silver. He cites a lack of institutional support and fading continuity, but hopes leadership and reform can revive Hungarian chess’s former glory.
  - 5 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 6:38pm -
• newEpstein files: Trump's name appears in latest file drop; listed as passenger on 8 private jet flights
  Newly released DOJ records include an internal email stating that Donald Trump was listed as a passenger on at least eight flights aboard Jeffrey Epstein’s private jet between 1993 and 1996. The email, written by an assistant US attorney, details occasions when Ghislaine Maxwell and members of Trump’s family were also listed as passengers, while noting specific flights involving Epstein and potential witnesses. The disclosure is part of a broader release of thousands of Epstein-related docum…
  - 5 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 6:34pm -
• newNot just Call of Duty: How Vince Zampella changed first-person shooter video games
  Zampella’s defining contribution was not graphical fidelity or technical ambition. It was mood. He understood that tension lives in restraint, that immersion deepens when players hesitate, and that fear is most effective when it feels earned rather than theatrical.
  - 5 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 6:28pm -
• newAssam violence: Clash erupts in Karbi Anglong for second day; at least eight injured
  
  - 5 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 6:24pm -
• newAkhlaq lynching case: Court rejects UP govt plea to withdraw charges against accused
  A court in Gautam Buddha Nagar has dismissed the Uttar Pradesh government's plea to withdraw prosecution in the Akhlaq lynching case. The judge's decision was lauded by Akhlaq's lawyer, who stated that justice has been served to the family. The next hearing is scheduled for January 6th.
  - 6 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 5:56pm -
• new'Prisoners for Palestine’: Greta Thunberg arrested by UK police during protest; detained under terrorism act
  Greta Thunberg was reportedly detained by British police in London on Tuesday during a pro-Palestinian demonstration. The climate activist was allegedly arrested under the Terrorism Act while participating in a protest outside Aspen Insurance's offices. Police have not yet confirmed the details of the incident.
  - 6 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 5:38pm -
• new'Taken where?': Last moments of Hindu man lynched in B’desh; how rumours cost family its breadwinner
  A Hindu garment factory worker in Bangladesh was brutally lynched by a mob of around 140 people, allegedly for a blasphemous social media post. Investigators have found no evidence to support the accusation, yet the victim's family lives in fear. Twelve arrests have been made as authorities investigate the deliberate circulation of misinformation.
  - 6 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 5:32pm -
• newVirat Kohli just 1 run away from history; check his Vijay Hazare numbers
  Virat Kohli is set to grace the Vijay Hazare Trophy after a 15-year hiatus, featuring for Delhi under Rishabh Pant. This move, aligning with BCCI directives, offers crucial preparation for the upcoming New Zealand ODI series. Kohli, on the cusp of 16,000 List A runs, brings formidable recent ODI form to the domestic stage.
  - 6 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 5:31pm -
• new'Hugely impressed': Tharoor hails Jaishankar, MEA for Nalanda university setup
  
  - 6 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 5:28pm -
• new‘To deter terrorism…’: CDS calls for three-pronged approach; cites Op Sindoor example
  
  - 6 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 5:28pm -
• new'Demands from everywhere': Vadra on Cong leader's Priyanka for PM pitch
  Robert Vadra backed Congress MP Imran Masood’s push for Priyanka Gandhi as a potential PM face, saying there are demands from everywhere for her, and even for his own entry into politics, while stressing focus on real issues. Priyanka had flagged rising attacks on minorities in Bangladesh, where a Hindu youth’s lynching led to arrests and strong condemnation.
  - 6 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 5:10pm -
• newTwo dates, three traps: How to fix your NPS, PAN and ITR before Dec 31
  December brings crucial financial deadlines. Ensure your NPS Scheme A is switched by the 25th to avoid unwanted changes. The 31st marks the final chance for belated or revised tax returns, crucial for carrying forward losses. Also, verify Aadhaar-PAN compliance for specific PAN holders to prevent inoperability. These actions prevent future financial headaches.
  - 7 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 5:04pm -
• newFrom ‘great friend Modi’ to 50% tariffs: Decoding India–US ties in the Trump era
  India-US relations are currently characterized by unpredictable fluctuations, driven by transactional politics and personal ego, particularly under President Trump's administration. Despite past bonhomie, trade wars and differing stances on global conflicts have strained ties, creating a complex dynamic between strategic imperatives and political unease.
  - 7 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 4:30pm -
• newOTD: How Boycott overtook Sobers; became Test cricket's top run-scorer
  On this day in 1981, England's Geoffrey Boycott shattered Garry Sobers' long-standing Test run-scoring record in Delhi. Needing 82, Boycott achieved his 22nd century, reaching 8,037 runs. This milestone marked a significant moment before his subsequent, abrupt retirement from the game.
  - 8 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 4:00pm -
• newWatch: Actor Vijay's car stopped in Chennai as TVK members protest district post allocation
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  - 8 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 3:49pm -
• newMerry Christmas 2025: Best messages, quotes, wishes and images to share on Christmas
  Christmas is approaching. Families and friends will connect over food and company. The article offers messages, quotes, and images for sharing. These festive greetings aim to spread joy and warmth. They include wishes for a delightful holiday season. Famous quotes on Christmas are also provided. These offer timeless reflections on the spirit of Christmas.
  - 8 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 3:40pm -
• newUnnao rape case: Delhi HC suspends jail term of Kuldeep Sengar; sets condition for bail
  
  - 8 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 3:08pm -
• newRanveer Singh exits Don 3 amid Dhurandhar’s blockbuster run: Reports
  Ranveer Singh exits 'Don 3' amid 'Dhurandhar's blockbuster run, eyeing Rs 700cr nett. Post-success, he skips back-to-back gangster roles, fast-tracks zombie thriller 'Pralay' with Jai Mehta. 'Don 3' makers hunt new lead; Kriti Sanon confirmed, Europe shoot by Jan 2026.
  - 9 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 2:16pm -
• newAshes 2025: 'Five or six days of drinking' — England players' behaviour set for review
  England's cricket board will investigate claims of excessive player drinking during a mid-Ashes break in Noosa, Queensland. Managing director Rob Key stated that while he supports players switching off, heavy drinking is unacceptable. He confirmed the matter would be looked into if reports of prolonged alcohol consumption prove accurate, emphasizing the need for professionalism.
  - 11 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 12:27pm -
• newMagnesium and dementia risk: What happens to your brain when you take magnesium daily
  New research suggests that increasing magnesium intake could significantly benefit brain health and potentially lower dementia risk. Studies indicate higher magnesium levels are linked to larger brain volume and fewer lesions, suggesting a younger-looking brain. Incorporating magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds is recommended for optimal cognitive function as we age.
  - 11 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 12:07pm -
• newMeet ‘Super Mario’: The man living on cruise ships for 25 years with no home on land
  Financial advisor Mario Salcedo has lived on cruise ships for 25 years, embracing a life without a fixed address. He works remotely, managing client portfolios while enjoying the structure and constant motion. Despite a health condition exacerbated by land, his unique lifestyle offers him a sense of home and predictability, challenging conventional notions of belonging.
  - 15 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 8:20am -
• newPaul Rudd reacts to Travis Kelce’s apology after Chiefs’ playoff exit
  Actor Paul Rudd shared his perspective on the Kansas City Chiefs' season. He highlighted the joy and memories the team has provided his family. Rudd embraced the team's elimination from playoff contention. He wished Patrick Mahomes a speedy recovery. Rudd also humorously suggested players deserved a break after a long season. He stated he was not too upset.
  - 16 hours ago 23 Dec 25, 7:15am -
• Shane McMahon and Marissa Mazzola’s combined net worth in 2025
  Shane and Marissa Mazzola-McMahon possess a combined net worth of $650 million, largely attributed to Shane's decades with WWE and his diversified business ventures. While Shane's wealth stems from his executive roles, on-camera presence, and equity in WWE, Marissa's career in film production and PR augments their family fortune.
  - 1 day ago 22 Dec 25, 10:16pm -
• 'Every man's life ends the same way...': Quote of the day by Ernest Hemingway
  Ernest Hemingway was one of the most popular authors of war and life's struggles fueled timeless novels like 'The Old Man and the Sea,' celebrated for its profound wisdom. Hemingway's 'iceberg theory' influenced generations, emphasizing understated emotion and the enduring significance of how one lives, not just the inevitable end.
  - 1 day ago 22 Dec 25, 8:00pm -
• Salesforce reboots AI strategy: Model errors raise concerns
  Salesforce is scaling back its reliance on large language models due to reliability issues, shifting focus to more predictable automation. Executives admit a decline in AI model trust, citing instances where agents missed instructions or lost focus. This move follows significant staff reductions attributed to AI deployment, as the company navigates the gap between AI hype and practical business needs.
  - 1 day ago 22 Dec 25, 5:31pm -
• Who is Brittani? Inside Aaron Rodgers’ wife as marriage mystery deepens
  Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has found unexpected peace in his marriage to Brittani. Unlike his previous public relationships, Brittani values privacy. Rodgers credits his wife with providing unconditional love and stability. This new chapter sees a calmer, more focused Rodgers as he navigates his final NFL years. His teammates and coaches notice the positive change.
  - 2 days ago 22 Dec 25, 4:30am -