| School paradox: Govt enrolment dominates even as thousands of classrooms empty Dec 19th 2025, 13:49 by SASWATI SARKAR India's government schools still educate most children, but the system is increasingly mis-sized. In 2024–25, over 65,000 government schools reported zero or near-zero enrolment, even as teacher postings stayed intact. In several states, private schools now enrol more students than government schools. The data points to misalignment, not collapse—enrolment shifts faster than consolidation and redeployment. | | Taiwan: 2 killed in smoke grenade, knife attacks at Taipei metro stations Dec 19th 2025, 13:48 by TOI WORLD DESK At least eight people were injured in Taipei's metro system following smoke grenade and knife attacks. Three individuals suffered cardiac arrest, with one suspect also in critical condition after falling from a building. Investigations are ongoing into the motive behind the incident, prompting increased security measures across Taiwan. | | Betting case: ED attaches assets of Yuvraj, Urvashi Rautela, ex-MP Mimi Chakraborty Dec 19th 2025, 13:24 by TOI SPORTS DESK The Enforcement Directorate has seized assets worth Rs 7.93 crore in a crackdown on the illegal betting platform 1xBet. Action has been taken against several celebrities, including cricketers and actors, for promoting the platform through surrogate brands. These endorsements involved payments routed through foreign entities to conceal illegal funds derived from betting activities. | | IND vs SA: Why Samson replaced Gill in India's XI for Ahmedabad T20I Dec 19th 2025, 13:12 by TOI SPORTS DESK Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed at the toss that Gill was unavailable due to a "niggle". Sanju Samson was selected in place of Gill. | | U19 Asia Cup: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fails in semi final against Sri Lanka; departs cheaply Dec 19th 2025, 12:42 by TOI SPORTS DESK India's Under-19 Asia Cup campaign faced a setback in the semi-final against Sri Lanka. Star batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was dismissed early. Sri Lanka posted 138 runs. India struggled in their chase of 139 in the rain-affected match. The winner will proceed to the final. | | B Praak welcomes baby boy: Singer shares joy and gratitude on Instagram Dec 19th 2025, 12:38 by TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESK On December 1, 2025, the talented singer B Praak and his beloved wife Meera Bachan celebrated a special milestone as they welcomed their precious baby boy. Taking to Instagram, the ecstatic couple shared their joy and gratitude with their fans, sparking an outpouring of love and congratulations from their dedicated followers. | | SIR showdown: Over 97 lakh voters deleted in poll-bound TN; 14.2 lakh in Chennai alone Dec 19th 2025, 12:27 by TOI NEWS DESK Tamil Nadu's draft electoral roll after the SIR has 5.43 crore voters. The SIR exercise removed over 97 lakh names. The exercise, opposed by chief minister MK Stalin, aimed to ensure accuracy but drew criticism for potentially deleting legitimate voters. Similar revisions are under way in West Bengal, which lakhs of voters were deleted. | | Vaping, woof & shouting match: Viral moments from Parliament Winter Session - watch Dec 19th 2025, 12:21 by TOI NEWS DESK The Lok Sabha's 19-day Winter Session concluded with a productivity of 111 percent, marked by the passage of key bills like the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill. The session witnessed heated debates, protests, and viral moments, including accusations of vaping, a Congress MP bringing a puppy, and unruly scenes during bill passages. | | Weeks after abandoning Pakistan tour, SL sacks Asalanka from captaincy Dec 19th 2025, 12:06 by TOI SPORTS DESK "Shanaka's role will be of an all-rounder. When I stopped being a selector, Shanaka was the captain. Charith (Asalanka) was in our long term plans then," Wickramasingha said. | | Tristan Jarry injury update: Oilers goalie exits after getting hurt Dec 19th 2025, 11:36 by GLOBAL SPORTS DESK Edmonton Oilers goaltender Tristan Jarry left the game against the Boston Bruins after a slide across the crease appeared to injure his lower body. Backup goaltender Calvin Pickard took over in the net. Head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed that Jarry's condition will be reviewed by medical staff, with the severity of the injury still unclear. | | India's delayed $5 tn dream: What IMF's new timeline means for your wallet Dec 19th 2025, 11:18 by SHIVANGHI PAYAL India's $5 trillion economy target has been pushed to 2028-29, primarily due to currency depreciation and lower-than-expected nominal GDP growth. While the real economy continues to grow, this delay impacts imported goods, foreign education costs, and potentially government finances, urging a focus on long-term financial planning over political timelines. | | Solar Eclipses 2026: Dates, timings, visibility and where to watch Dec 19th 2025, 10:30 by TOI TECH DESK Get ready for two spectacular solar eclipses in 2026! An annular 'ring of fire' event on February 17 will grace parts of South America and Africa. Later, on August 12, a breathtaking total solar eclipse will sweep across Greenland, Iceland, and northern Spain, with partial views for much of Europe. Remember to use certified eye protection for safe viewing. | | Over half NCERT posts vacant as zero hiring for 2 years, Parl data shows crisis Dec 19th 2025, 09:51 by TOI Education Parliamentary data from the Ministry of Education has revealed that over half of the sanctioned posts at NCERT and its constituent bodies remain vacant. With no recruitment carried out for two consecutive years, staffing shortages are most severe in Group B and Group C posts. The organisation has increasingly relied on contractual staff to manage operations. Similar patterns of negligible permanent recruitment were also reported at NCTE and NIOS. | |
