TOI - Most Recent Stories

• new'Let him serve the team': Ashwin's massive statement on Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut delay
  Despite anticipation for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut, India's management retained their established opening pair against Ireland. Veteran spinner Ravi Ashwin endorsed this, emphasizing the learning value of observing from the sidelines. He stressed that rushing the young talent isn't beneficial, highlighting that patience and understanding team dynamics are crucial for a long, successful career, even if it means serving in a support role initially.
  - 1 hour ago 27 Jun 26, 10:50am -
• newPM Modi leaves for Seychelles after 11 years: What's on agenda during three day visit?
  
  - 2 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 10:44am -
• newTrump to visit India 'early next year', says US secretary of state Marco Rubio
  
  - 2 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 10:36am -
• newOracle layoffs: 500+ employees get emails from leadership, calls them 'proposed impacted employee'
  Oracle has begun a second round of layoffs in Romania, notifying around 500 to 520 employees on June 25 with emails headed "collective dismissal-you are a proposed impacted employee." The cuts span OCI, Database Technologies, Oracle Health and several other units, and were reportedly planned months ago. They form part of Oracle's global drive to shed payroll and fund its debt-heavy AI data centre push.
  - 2 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 10:13am -
• newVeteran Tamil actor-director K Bhagyaraj dies at 73
  Tamil cinema mourns the loss of K. Bhagyaraj, a versatile filmmaker and actor, who passed away at 73. Known as a "one-man studio," Bhagyaraj excelled as a director, writer, composer, and actor, leaving behind a legacy of popular films like 'Mundhanai Mudichu'. His ability to master multiple roles in his productions was a rare feat. He also ventured into writing and editing, and was set to return to directing.
  - 2 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 10:01am -
• new'Siya Goyal's wig remark, forced marriage, secret relationship': Twist after twist in murder case
  A Lohagad Fort fall has escalated into a murder probe, with police arresting a fiancée and her alleged partner for the realtor's death. Investigators suggest a complex motive involving a secret relationship, reluctance to marry, and family pressure. Evidence points to a conspiracy, with conflicting accounts from the accused on who masterminded the alleged crime. The investigation continues.
  - 2 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 9:57am -
• newRajkumar Hirani on rumours of a film with Ranbir Kapoor: 'No, I'm not making anything with him'
  Filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani has dismissed rumors regarding a new film featuring Ranbir Kapoor, reassuring fans that no plans are currently in motion. He did share exciting news, revealing that sequels to '3 Idiots' and 'Munna Bhai' are in the works, with scripts being fine-tuned. Meanwhile, Hirani is set to venture into streaming with 'Pritam And Pedro' on JioHotstar, marking the screen debut of his son Vir.
  - 3 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 9:41am -
• newSergei Ivanov, once seen as Putin's potential successor, dies at 73
  
  - 3 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 9:35am -
• new'Gravest sin': Priyanka Gandhi says Ram Temple donation fraud has 'stunned entire nation'
  Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities surrounding donations to the Ram Temple. She highlighted the need for severe consequences for those responsible and raised concerns about whether lower-tier staff could act independently without higher-ups' influence. Gandhi asserted that the inquiry should be transparent and hold all involved parties accountable for their actions.
  - 3 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 9:24am -
• newPolygamous sect leader convicted of child abuse after girls found trapped in Arizona trailer
  
  - 3 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 9:23am -
• newCGPSC SI Prelims 2026: Admit card out at website ahead of July 12 exam - download here
  The Chhattisgarh Public Service Commission (CGPSC) has released admit cards for the SI Cadre Preliminary Examination 2026. Candidates who cleared the PET/PST can download their hall tickets from the official website. The prelims will be held on July 12, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM across examination centers in all 33 districts. A total of 63,342 candidates will compete for 341 vacancies in the State Home (Police) Department, including SI, Subedar, and Platoon Commander posts.
  - 3 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 9:20am -
• newUS or Iran: Who really broke ceasefire this time?
  
  - 3 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 9:11am -
• newSwiss glaciers shrink as climate crisis fuels extreme heat across Europe
  Switzerland's glaciers are facing unprecedented melting, with "glacier loss day" arriving exceptionally early this year due to a prolonged European heatwave, warm May, and insufficient winter snowfall. Experts warn that this rapid ice loss, exacerbated by persistent high temperatures, mirrors the dire conditions of 2022 and threatens to leave only remnants of glaciers by 2100, impacting vital European river systems.
  - 3 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 8:46am -
• new'Profound change required': Volkswagen plans 100,000 job cuts and four plant closures
  Volkswagen is planning a massive job cut of 100,000 positions and the closure of four German plants. This drastic overhaul, the most significant in its history, aims to counter intense competition from Chinese electric vehicle makers. The automaker also intends to reduce research and development spending by 15% as it faces declining market share in China and growing pressure from rivals expanding globally.
  - 4 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 8:42am -
• newFIFA World Cup: Spain book Round of 32 spot; Uruguay out
  Spain topped Group H with a 1-0 win over Uruguay, secured by Álex Baena’s first-half goal after a costly Fernando Muslera error. Despite Uruguay’s late pressure and a few clear chances, Spain’s control and discipline proved decisive. The result sends Spain into the Round of 32 unbeaten, while Uruguay exit after a wasteful, inconsistent group-stage campaign.
  - 4 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 8:32am -

• newWatch: Venezuela's twin earthquakes leave nearly 1,000 dead, trail of despair
  Venezuela reels from twin earthquakes, with the death toll tragically climbing to 920 and over 50,000 reported missing amidst widespread devastation. Rescue efforts are in full swing, with international aid pouring in from nations like the US and India, which launched Operation Amistad. The humanitarian crisis deepens, particularly for the millions of children affected, as the search for survivors continues under mountains of rubble.
  - 4 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 8:23am -
• newNetanyahu says Israel to remain in south Lebanon despite US-backed peace framework
  Israel will keep troops in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, despite a new trilateral agreement with Lebanon and the US aimed at ending conflict. Prime Minister Netanyahu confirmed Israel's commitment to the security zone, while Lebanon's army will gradually take control as non-state armed groups disarm. The US hailed the accord as a crucial first step towards broader peace, though Hezbollah has rejected the negotiations.
  - 4 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 8:22am -
• new‘Varanasi’ update: Rajamouli wraps IMAX action scenes; shoot to complete by October
  Filmmaker SS Rajamouli has revealed significant progress on his ambitious Rs 1,400 crore film, 'Varanasi'. He confirmed that all major IMAX action sequences are now complete, with smaller connecting scenes being filmed. The director stated shooting should wrap by September or October. The time-travel epic, starring Mahesh Babu and Priyanka Chopra, is set for an April 2027 release and was filmed in IMAX to capture its grand scale.
  - 4 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 7:57am -
• newSiya wanted Chetan but family fixed Ketan: Cops reveal probe details in Pune murder
  A Pune realtor's murder investigation reveals a complex motive involving a secret relationship clashing with a family-arranged marriage. Police allege Siya Goyal, engaged to Ketan Agarwal, was close to co-accused Chetan Chaudhary. Investigators believe a forced marriage and a hidden affair led to the crime, with deleted chats and a staged push at Lohagad Fort central to the plot. Siya's brother has been questioned extensively.
  - 4 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 7:47am -
• newNo debut, but loud cheers: Belfast crowd shows love for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
  Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's India debut is still pending, but the focus shifted to Ireland's historic 34-run victory in the first T20I. Despite the loss, Shreyas Iyer vowed a strong comeback. Ireland's debutants impressed, with Jai Moondra and Matt Hollard making immediate impacts, while Abhishek Sharma's quickfire fifty wasn't enough for India.
  - 5 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 7:45am -
• newUS approves limited rollout of Anthropic's Mythos 5 AI model
  US authorities have partially lifted restrictions on Anthropic's advanced AI model, Mythos 5, granting access to select cybersecurity firms. This follows earlier concerns over national security vulnerabilities. The government, citing improved safeguards, has allowed a limited rollout, with ongoing discussions to broaden access and potentially restore public availability of its less powerful Fable 5 model. This development underscores the evolving regulatory landscape for cutting-edge AI.
  - 5 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 7:37am -
• newCaitlin Clark injury update: Latest on Indiana Fever star as she hit with major setback
  Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been ruled out of Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Sparks because of a recurring back injury, coach Stephanie White confirmed Friday. Clark aggravated the issue during Wednesday's loss to the Phoenix Mercury, creating fresh uncertainty about her availability. Although White said Clark is "OK," there is no firm timeline for her return.
  - 5 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 7:31am -
• newJD Vance defends US strikes on Iran after cargo ship attack, says 'violence will be met with violence'
  US Vice President JD Vance declared "violence will be met with violence" following American strikes on Iranian military sites. These retaliatory attacks targeted missile and drone facilities near the Strait of Hormuz, a direct response to Iran's drone strike on a cargo ship. Vance accused Tehran of violating a ceasefire agreement, while Iran's Ebrahim Azizi termed the action "ceasefire management," denying escalation.
  - 5 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 7:22am -
• new'Silver missing, Rs 80 lakh recovered': 8 in judicial custody over Ram Mandir donation fraud
  Eight individuals arrested in connection with alleged donation theft at the Ayodhya Ram temple have been remanded to judicial custody until Monday. Authorities recovered over Rs 79 lakh in cash from most of the accused. While no government employees are currently implicated, the investigation's scope may broaden, with charges including criminal conspiracy and breach of trust.
  - 5 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 7:15am -
• new'We failed': Abhishek Sharma explains India's shock defeat to Ireland
  Ireland secured a historic 34-run victory over reigning T20 World Cup champions India in the first T20I at Belfast. Despite a blistering 50 off 20 balls from Abhishek Sharma, India faltered, failing to adapt to the conditions. Ireland posted 182/9, with Lorcan Tucker leading the charge. India were bowled out for 148, giving Ireland a 1-0 series lead.
  - 5 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 7:04am -
• newMake use of FTAs, other schemes to boost shipments, government tells businesses
  
  - 5 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 6:46am -
• new'Welcome to the Jungle' BO collection: Film crosses Rs 29 cr worldwide on day 1
  Ahmed Khan's 'Welcome to the Jungle' kicked off with a modest yet promising response, raking in Rs 18.75 crore net on its debut day. Viewers appreciated the dose of nostalgia and humor, though some critics pointed out its heavy reliance on references to earlier actor performances. Starring Akshay Kumar in a double role, this ensemble boasts an impressive cast. Read on to know more.
  - 6 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 6:43am -
• newHDFC review finds no evidence backing ex-chairman’s charges
  
  - 6 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 5:54am -
• newYuto Nagatomo first Asian player to play in five FIFA World Cups
  In a groundbreaking achievement, Yuto Nagatomo has made history as the first Asian footballer to play in five FIFA World Cups. At 39, the Japanese defender's extraordinary career began in 2010, culminating in his appearance at the 2026 tournament. Nagatomo's relentless dedication and fitness now align him with legends like Ronaldo and Messi, marking a significant milestone for Asian representation in global football.
  - 7 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 5:29am -
• new'Can't believe it': Ex-England captain stunned by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi snub
  Michael Vaughan questioned India's decision to bench Vaibhav Sooryavanshi after their surprising T20I loss to Ireland. Despite a strong bowling performance initially, Ireland posted 182, with late hitting proving crucial. India's chase faltered, with only Abhishek Sharma showing brief resistance, ultimately falling short by 34 runs. The defeat has sparked debate over team selection, particularly the omission of the young batting prodigy.
  - 7 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 5:00am -
• newHomebuyers can seek relief for delay after possession: Supreme Court
  
  - 8 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 3:59am -
• newUS conducts strikes on Iran hours after Trump's 'foolish violation' remark over Hormuz attack
  
  - 9 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 3:34am -
• newHidden cams, CCTV footage: How SIT tracked down Ram temple donation theft accused
  
  - 11 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 12:48am -
• newLohagad murder: Accused Siya Goyal says she disliked fiancé Ketan Agarwal over 'wig'
  
  - 12 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 12:33am -
• newAir Force corporal held for Rs 1.5cr jewellery store heist
  An Indian Air Force corporal, Deepak Singh Bhuker, has been arrested for a daring Rs 1.5 crore jewellery heist in Ahmedabad two years ago. Allegedly driven by gambling debts, Bhuker used a stolen service revolver and employed elaborate tactics, including fake IDs and avoiding fingerprints, to evade capture. Police also linked him to the theft of the weapon in Jamnagar, solving both cases.
  - 12 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 12:18am -
• new‘Accused’s ego was hurt’: Passenger recalls 21-year-old getting stabbed to death in Mumbai local
  A horrific murder unfolded on a Mumbai local train after a heated argument over a compartment door escalated into a fatal stabbing. Eyewitnesses recount the brutal attack on 21-year-old Mayank Lohar by Roshan Suvarna, who allegedly brandished a knife at other passengers before fleeing. The incident has left commuters traumatized, with calls for the strictest punishment for the accused.
  - 12 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 12:00am -
• new'He wanted to give me early retirement': Father mourns son killed in Mumbai local train stabbing
  Virar mourned the tragic loss of 21-year-old Mayank Lohar, brutally murdered on a local train. His grieving family, devastated by the senseless violence, seeks the harshest punishment for the accused. Lohar, remembered as a bright young man with aspirations for his family's future, was a victim of a fatal altercation. Authorities are reviewing security measures following the incident.
  - 12 hours ago 27 Jun 26, 12:00am -
• newMan electrocuted during Bengaluru Metro lighting work
  Tragedy struck near Trinity Circle as a labourer, Gurappa, was electrocuted while working on Namma Metro pillar lighting. He accidentally struck an underground live wire during excavation. Meanwhile, a woman's chain caused a brief disruption on the Purple Line, delaying services. BMRCL also announced early Metro operations on June 27 to support a BDA plantation drive and walkathon.
  - 12 hours ago 26 Jun 26, 11:53pm -
• newD4vd murder case: Prosecutors reveal alleged motive before July hearing
  The criminal case involving singer D4vd remains active in California. Prosecutors allege he killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to stop her from exposing an alleged relationship, while the defense strongly denies those claims. Burke has pleaded not guilty, and the court will continue hearing the case, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 21, 2026.
  - 13 hours ago 26 Jun 26, 11:43pm -
• newCCTV captures man thrashing elderly father; video sparks ire
  A shocking CCTV video has emerged from Jaipur, showing a 67-year-old retired BSNL employee being brutally assaulted by his son. The victim sustained severe head and facial injuries during the relentless attack. The incident, which occurred on June 19, has sparked public outrage, with the family alleging initial delays in police action. An FIR was registered after the victim revisited the station with his daughters.
  - 13 hours ago 26 Jun 26, 10:56pm -
• newRangers trade Brett Berard to the Montreal Canadiens for William Trudeau
  The New York Rangers traded Brett Berard to the Montreal Canadiens for William Trudeau on June 26, ending a stalled fit for the 23-year-old forward. The deal gives Berard a cleaner path in Montreal and gives New York a left-shot defenseman after moving a player who faced waiver pressure and limited NHL runway.
  - 14 hours ago 26 Jun 26, 10:30pm -
• new'Was crushing tablet for daughter': TN minister's old IPL video sparks drug use allegations
  Tamil Nadu Minister D. Sarathkumar has vehemently denied drug use allegations following the resurfacing of a two-year-old video. He clarified that the footage, showing him arranging a powder, depicted him crushing a tablet for his daughter. Sarathkumar dismissed the claims as politically motivated and baseless, asserting his readiness to cooperate with any investigation into the matter.
  - 15 hours ago 26 Jun 26, 9:30pm -
• newIndia's long‑range rockets can pick-off terror targets deep inside enemy territory
  India is revolutionising its defence strategy with advanced long-range rocket systems like Pinaka and the upcoming Suryastra. These weapons are transforming from battlefield support to strategic assets, capable of precision strikes deep into enemy territory. This shift towards non-contact warfare emphasizes disrupting enemy operations from a distance, minimising troop exposure, and enhancing India's military modernization. The development signifies a move towards technology-driven dominance in f…
  - 18 hours ago 26 Jun 26, 6:21pm -
• newTravis Kelce lookalike wanted in purse theft case sparks viral frenzy
  The Salem Police Department is searching for a man accused of stealing a purse and using the victim's credit cards after surveillance photos showed a suspect who closely resembles Chiefs star Travis Kelce. In a viral Facebook post, police joked about the resemblance and referenced Taylor Swift, writing, "Na, it can’t be. He’s a Swifty. He wouldn’t do this." Meanwhile, the real Kelce was in Nashville hosting Tight End University alongside a surprise appearance from his fiancée, Taylor Swif…
  - 19 hours ago 26 Jun 26, 5:42pm -
• newCouple denied boarding despite valid passes, spent night at airport; airline to pay Rs 62,000
  SpiceJet has been ordered by a Srinagar consumer commission to pay Rs 62,078 to a Haj couple denied boarding despite having valid passes. The airline, failing to appear, was found guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice. The couple, returning from pilgrimage, faced a night at the airport and rebooked flights at a higher cost due to the airline's inexplicable refusal to let them board.
  - 21 hours ago 26 Jun 26, 3:23pm -
• newNY Mayor Zohran Mamdani files motion to ban delivery app Motoclick: What lawsuit says
  New York City is seeking to ban food delivery platform Motoclick for allegedly paying workers as little as $3.67 per hour, a fraction of the mandated $22.13 minimum wage. City officials filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, aiming to halt the company's operations unless it complies with labor laws.
  - 22 hours ago 26 Jun 26, 2:42pm -