| BLO protests: Central forces to guard Bengal CEO's office; Union govt okays EC proposal Dec 18th 2025, 16:12 by TOI NEWS DESK Central forces will secure the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer's office from Friday following protests by BLOs concerned about work pressure and safety. The Election Commission is increasing scrutiny of the electoral roll revision process after several BLOs died. Meanwhile, a voter received a show-cause notice for being registered in two constituencies. | | Trump's blockade of Venezuela's oil tankers: Will it cause disruption in global market? Dec 18th 2025, 15:40 by TOI BUSINESS DESK US President Trump's blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers is unlikely to significantly impact global crude prices, according to Kpler. The market's two-tiered nature and ample supply from other sources, including Iran and Russia, mean disruptions will primarily affect a small group of buyers, particularly in China and Cuba. | | Who is Nidhhi Agerwal? Actress mobbed at Hyderabad mall event Dec 18th 2025, 15:17 by TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESK In a shocking turn of events, actress Nidhhi Agerwal encountered a harrowing mobbing experience following a song launch in Hyderabad, with footage circulating online depicting her fight to navigate through the throngs of fans. This unsettling incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media platforms. | | Dec 18 Throwback: When Messi lifted WC — and touched immortality Dec 18th 2025, 14:50 by TOI SPORTS DESK On December 18, 2022, Lionel Messi finally achieved his lifelong dream, leading Argentina to World Cup glory in a thrilling final against France. Despite an early setback, Messi inspired his team, scoring crucial goals and demonstrating unwavering belief. This victory cemented his legacy, fulfilling a pursuit that defined his career and a generation of fans. | | TN exporters hit by US tariff hike: CM Stalin writes to PM; warns of economic fallout Dec 18th 2025, 14:39 by YAZHINIYAN Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the crisis faced by state exporters due to a 50% US tariff hike. The increase has led to massive order cancellations, production cuts, and significant daily revenue losses, pushing many SMEs towards collapse. | | 'Greatest challenge since 1971': House panel flags Pak, China influence in B'desh Dec 18th 2025, 14:32 by TOI NEWS DESK India faces its greatest strategic challenge in Bangladesh since 1971. A parliamentary committee warns of Islamist resurgence, weakening political structures, and growing Chinese and Pakistani influence. This situation poses a long-term strategic test for India's regional stability and neighborhood policy. The government is monitoring developments and engaging with Bangladesh's interim government. | | Got a msg from I-T dept? Big clarification issued - what taxpayers need to know Dec 18th 2025, 14:25 by TOI BUSINESS DESK The Income Tax Department clarified that recent communications to taxpayers about transaction discrepancies are advisory, aiming for voluntary compliance. These messages highlight gaps between filed returns and reported information, encouraging review of Annual Information Statements and timely correction of returns to avoid enforcement. | | Struggling to sell AI tools? xAI faces Grok 'problem'; trails OpenAI, Google Dec 18th 2025, 14:04 by TOI TECH DESK Elon Musk's xAI faces a sales hurdle for its Grok AI tools, primarily due to a lack of enterprise sales experience compared to established rivals like Google and OpenAI. Current adoption is limited to small trials, with large corporations hesitant to commit without a proven track record. xAI is now actively seeking to expand its business client base. | | Are Cooper DeJean and Nikki Bella dating? WWE and NFL clues spark buzz Dec 18th 2025, 14:00 by DR. ARATI KULKARNI SRIVASTAVA Speculation is rife as photos surface of Eagles' Cooper DeJean and WWE's Nikki Bella, hinting at a possible relationship. The timeline includes DeJean attending a WWE event and Bella posing in his locker room. While no official confirmation exists, the 20-year age gap has sparked online debate, with many defending the pair's privacy and right to live their lives. | | Sourav Ganguly files Rs 50 cr defamation case over Lionel Messi Kolkata event chaos Dec 18th 2025, 13:56 by TOI SPORTS DESK Former India cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has filed a Rs 50 crore defamation suit against Uttam Saha, president of the Argentina Fan Club of Kolkata. Saha had alleged Ganguly's involvement in the chaotic Messi event at Yuva Bharati Stadium. Ganguly, who was an invited guest, denies any organizational role, calling the accusations baseless and damaging to his reputation. | | 'Sleepy Joe, divisive Obama: Trump turns White House into permanent reply thread Dec 18th 2025, 13:43 by TOI WORLD DESK The most visible, and perhaps the most revealing, manifestation of this impulse is the newly installed Presidential Walk of Fame, a peculiar cynosure of the Trump effect on Washington. It is part surreal, part satire, and completely on brand. | | Water crisis: These states are hurtling towards 'Day Zero'; is it too late? Dec 18th 2025, 13:35 by KANCHAN YADAV India faces a severe water crisis, with 600 million people experiencing extreme stress. Groundwater, the nation's lifeline, is being depleted faster than it replenishes, particularly in agricultural regions. Over-extraction, pollution, and weak regulations are exacerbating the situation, pushing cities and rural areas towards 'Day Zero' scenarios. Urgent action is needed. | | Will Alexander Ovechkin play vs Leafs tonight? Latest Capitals update Dec 18th 2025, 13:30 by NIKITA PATNAIK The Washington Capitals are set to face the Toronto Maple Leafs tonight at Capital One Arena, with all eyes on captain Alexander Ovechkin. It is expected that he will play, continuing his standout season with 14 goals and 17 assists in 33 games. His presence is crucial as Washington looks to leverage his scoring and leadership in this key NHL matchup. | | Japanese woman breaks engagement, marries AI character she created instead Dec 18th 2025, 13:17 by TOI LIFESTYLE DESK A Japanese woman, Yurina Noguchi, has married her AI partner, Lune Klaus Verdure, created using ChatGPT. Previously engaged to a human, Noguchi called off her human relationship and developed feelings for the AI character after seeking its advice. She wore a wedding gown and AR glasses for the ceremony, with an expert reading Klaus's vows. | | The grand old party's crisis: Why Congress partymen are parting ways Dec 18th 2025, 09:48 by ROHITASHWA RANJAN Former Odisha MLA Mohammed Moquim's letter to Sonia Gandhi highlights a growing disconnect between Congress leadership and its workers, echoing concerns raised during recent state elections. The party faces persistent issues like infighting, disillusioned cadres, and senior leaders departing, raising questions about its ability to reform and regain relevance. | | Braun Strowman & Raquel Rodriguez net worth 2025: WWE earnings, lifestyle Dec 17th 2025, 16:28 by GLOBAL SPORTS DESK Braun Strowman and Raquel Rodriguez showcase contrasting WWE financial journeys in 2025. Strowman, a former headliner, boasts an estimated net worth of $2-5 million, built on lucrative deals and merchandise. Rodriguez, a rising star, has a projected $700,000, with her value steadily increasing through television exposure and championship opportunities. | | How police secretly tracked missing coach Travis Turner before abuse charges Dec 17th 2025, 12:55 by SEHJAL GUPTA Experts believe fugitive football coach Travis Turner was likely caught through a secret police sting or flagged online activity. Authorities say Turner faces 10 child pornography-related charges. While police remain silent, criminologists told the Daily Mail that undercover officers, tech company reports, or device searches likely led to the case. | |
