| 'I was very wrong': Bill Gates admits mistake; reveals access to information wasn't enough Dec 21st 2025, 07:10 by TOI TECH DESK Microsoft founder Bill Gates admits he was naive to believe widespread information access would naturally lead to truth, acknowledging the power of confirmation bias. He now sees artificial intelligence as a potential tool to combat misinformation and enforce rules against harmful online content, though he recognizes the ongoing, cyclical nature of this challenge. | | 'Enough, sing something secular': Noted singer Lagnajita Chakraborty abused, physically harassed Dec 21st 2025, 07:03 by SUMAN MANDAL A cultural program in Bhagwanpur turned chaotic when singer Lagnajita Chakraborty faced harassment for a devotional song. The school owner interrupted her performance and allegedly used abusive language. Chakraborty and her band left the venue and filed a complaint. Police have arrested the owner and ordered an inquiry into local police actions. The incident has sparked political controversy. | | J&K: Terrorists take food from village house to forest; search operation launched Dec 21st 2025, 07:01 by TOI NEWS DESK Security forces are conducting a major search operation in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, after two terrorists allegedly took food from a villager's home before disappearing into a nearby forest. This joint operation follows a recent encounter in the same region where a policeman lost his life. The combing effort aims to track down the militants. | | UP: Ex-CISF officer booked for killing man over affair with daughter; accused says he shot himself Dec 21st 2025, 06:55 by KESHAV AGARWAL A retired CISF sub-inspector and his wife are booked for allegedly murdering a 28-year-old man over suspicion of an affair with their daughter. The victim, who ran an IELTS center from their home, was found shot dead. The wife claims the victim shot her and then himself over a financial dispute. | | US department of state gives update on the delay in Visa appointments Dec 21st 2025, 06:25 by TOI TECH DESK American embassies worldwide, including in India, are facing up to a year-long wait for visa appointments due to enhanced screening. Tech giants like Google and Apple are now cautioning H-1B visa holders against international travel, fearing extended stays abroad. New social media checks are causing significant backlogs, impacting professionals and their families. | | Devon Conway etches his name in history, becomes the first to achieve this feat… Dec 21st 2025, 06:20 by TOI SPORTS DESK Devon Conway etched his name in New Zealand cricket history by becoming the first player to score a double-century and a century in the same Test match. His monumental 227 in the first innings and a subsequent 100 in the second guided New Zealand to a dominant position. This remarkable achievement places him among an elite global group of cricketers. | | 2026 New Year getaways: Room tariffs rise 10–20% as hotels bet on premium packages Dec 21st 2025, 06:19 by TOI BUSINESS DESK Hotels are significantly increasing New Year's Eve room rates by 10-20% for 2026, driven by robust demand in leisure and urban destinations. Guests can expect elaborate packages, from yoga and cocktail workshops to recovery brunches, with average daily rates up 10-12% year-on-year. Travel platforms report a substantial surge in bookings, indicating a strong festive season. | | Toasters, air fryers & hair dryers identified as major indoor pollution sources: Study Dec 21st 2025, 06:00 by TOI LIFESTYLE DESK Household appliances like toasters and hair dryers are releasing trillions of ultrafine particles, posing health risks. These tiny particles, containing heavy metals, can penetrate deep into lungs and the bloodstream, potentially leading to inflammation and serious health issues. Simple engineering changes and user habits can significantly reduce this indoor air pollution. | | Video: Sitting outside home, 92-year-old killed as gravel dumper overturns on him in MP Dec 21st 2025, 05:59 by P NAVEEN A 92-year-old man was tragically crushed to death in Gwalior when a gravel-laden dumper overturned while passing his house. The vehicle's rear wheel sank into the road, causing it to topple and trap the victim. Police have seized the dumper and are searching for the driver and cleaner who fled the scene. | | 'Stuck in India': US cancels H-1b interviews, leaving workers stranded back home Dec 21st 2025, 05:03 by TOI WORLD DESK Hundreds of Indian H-1B visa holders are stranded in India after US consulates abruptly canceled their work permit renewal appointments, rescheduling them months later. This disruption follows the Trump administration's expanded social media vetting policy, leaving highly skilled workers facing job uncertainty and significant delays in returning to the US. | | Telangana horror: Man rapes girlfriend in Mahabubnagar; woman bleeds to death Dec 21st 2025, 03:30 by TNN A 20-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping his 22-year-old girlfriend, leading to her death in Mahabubnagar district. The incident occurred in a village's Rythu Vedika, and the victim, belonging to the SC community, fell unconscious and bled profusely. Police registered a case under the SC/ST Act, clarifying no link to nearby election celebrations. | | Mukesh praises Ranveer: 'I denied him Shaktimaan, but...' Dec 21st 2025, 02:11 by etimes.in Veteran actor Mukesh Khanna has lauded Ranveer Singh's blockbuster 'Dhurandhar' as a 'perfect film,' praising its performances, direction, and crew. He particularly highlighted Akshaye Khanna's impactful role, drawing parallels to iconic villains. Khanna also addressed his earlier stance on Ranveer Singh's potential 'Shaktimaan' casting, acknowledging the actor's talent and energy. | |
