| World Bank funding boost for Pakistan: $700m tranche approved under multi-phase plan Dec 20th 2025, 09:47 by TOI BUSINESS DESK The World Bank has approved $700 million in fresh financing for Pakistan to bolster macroeconomic stability and enhance public service delivery. This funding, part of a larger $1.35 billion program, will support federal initiatives and a provincial project in Sindh, signaling continued multilateral support despite governance concerns. | | 'It's not about form': Surya reveals real reason for Gill's omission from T20 World Cup squad Dec 20th 2025, 09:43 by TOI SPORTS DESK Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup squad exclusion sparks debate, with captain Suryakumar Yadav citing team combination and the need for a top-order keeper. The decision prioritizes balance over individual form, impacting other batting selections as India aims to retain their title. | | Mission Mars: Elon Musk on life beyond Earth; predicts Mars will one day turn green Dec 20th 2025, 09:42 by TOI TECH DESK Elon Musk predicts Mars will one day be green with life, envisioning self-sustaining cities with millions of inhabitants by mid-century. SpaceX is developing its Starship rocket for this ambitious goal, with potential crewed flights to Mars targeted for the 2030s, though significant hurdles remain. | | 'Who will bring murderers to justice?' B'desh author says mob pounced on Hindu man 'like hyenas' Dec 20th 2025, 09:30 by TOI WORLD DESK A Hindu garment worker named Dipu Chandra Das was brutally killed by a mob in Bangladesh. He was accused of blasphemy. The incident occurred in Bhaluka, Mymensingh. Authorities have arrested seven individuals in connection with the lynching. This event has raised serious concerns about the safety of religious minorities in the country. | | Infosys stock shock! Why did ADRs jump nearly 40% in minutes on NYSE? Explained Dec 20th 2025, 09:13 by TOI BUSINESS DESK US-listed Infosys shares surged nearly 40% in minutes, briefly adding billions to its market value and triggering a NYSE trading halt due to extreme volatility. The rapid, unexplained rally, occurring during low liquidity, is being attributed to a potential short squeeze or a data error mislabeling the ticker. | | Why Shubman Gill missed out on T20 World Cup 2026 selection: Ajit Agarkar breaks silence Dec 20th 2025, 09:04 by TOI SPORTS DESK Shubman Gill has been excluded from India's T20 World Cup squad due to his recent lack of form. Axar Patel has been appointed vice-captain, while Ishan Kishan returns as the second wicketkeeper and reserve opener. Rinku Singh is back as the designated finisher. | | 'Dhurandhar' box office collection day 16: Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna starrer eyes Rs 500 cr mark Dec 20th 2025, 08:37 by TOI ENTERTAINMENT DESK Ranveer Singh's 'Dhurandhar' continues its box office dominance, entering its third week with over Rs. 480 crore. The spy thriller is projected to surpass Rs. 500 crore by Saturday, even amidst competition from 'Avatar: Fire and Ash'. The film has shown impressive growth since its massive opening, based on true incidents. | | 'You are wrong': Former ASML engineer build EUV machine; contradicts CEO's timeline Dec 20th 2025, 08:20 by TOI TECH DESK China has reportedly built a working prototype of an advanced chip-making machine, defying Western predictions. Former ASML engineers are said to be behind the project, which aims for semiconductor independence. This development, a six-year government initiative, could significantly alter global chip supply chains, challenging ASML's monopoly on crucial EUV technology. | | 'Serious violation': Pakistan hockey team manager caught smoking on aircraft; barred from flight Dec 20th 2025, 07:52 by TOI SPORTS DESK Pakistan hockey Olympian Anjum Saeed faces controversy. He was reportedly caught smoking on a plane in Rio de Janeiro. This led to him and a player being offloaded. Saeed claims personal work in Dubai. Officials dispute this. The Pakistan Sports Board has ordered an inquiry. The incident reflects poorly on Pakistan sport. | | Epstein files opened: From steamy photos to call logs — What's in them and what is still missing Dec 20th 2025, 06:18 by TOI WORLD DESK The Department of Justice released thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, but a substantial portion remains unpublished. Congress had set a December 19 deadline for the release, and while some documents are now accessible, many are heavily redacted or previously public, drawing criticism from lawmakers. | | Choking saga! To escape toxic air, Delhiites clog Manali town; 15,000 vehicles in 15 days Dec 20th 2025, 06:06 by ROHIT MULLICK Manali is experiencing severe traffic jams as thousands of tourists, many from Delhi, flock to the region for Christmas and New Year. Daily vehicle influx exceeds 1,000, causing significant congestion on key routes. Authorities are prioritizing traffic management with increased police deployment and a planned traffic strategy. | | From Eisenhower to Trump: How US presidents shaped the Kennedy Center Dec 20th 2025, 05:10 by TOI WORLD DESK The Kennedy Center has unveiled new signage, officially renaming it The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts following a unanimous board vote. This change comes amidst an investigation into the center's leadership over allegations of cronyism and corruption. | | 'Lane is for staff, are you anpadh': Argument at Delhi airport escalates into physical assault Dec 20th 2025, 04:42 by TOI CITY DESK An Air India Express pilot has been grounded after allegedly assaulting a passenger at Delhi Airport's Terminal 1. The altercation began when the pilot questioned a passenger using a staff lane, escalating into a physical confrontation. The passenger claims he was left with a bloodied face and his daughter traumatized. An inquiry is underway. | | Chat cart: When your tandoori naan & tikka aren't smoky, but everything else is Dec 20th 2025, 00:19 by SAURABH SINHA Winters in Delhi once meant a sensory delight of seasonal foods, from makke ki roti to halwa. However, recent years have brought deadly pollution, replacing aromatic food whiffs with the smell of burning and health concerns. Despite this, foodies still brave the smog to savor traditional street food, though conversations now revolve around pollution and sore throats. | | 'Rs 30 lakh to take image with Messi': Kolkata police raid organiser Satadru Dutta's house Dec 19th 2025, 21:30 by TNN Authorities investigating the Lionel Messi event's mismanagement raided chief organizer Satadru Dutta's home, uncovering a lavish residence with a pool and soccer ground. The probe has broadened beyond crowd control to suspected Rs 100 crore financial irregularities, including unaccounted cash for photos with Messi and opaque ticket sales, suggesting deliberate financial impropriety. | |
