Mike Hammer, the acting U.S. ambassador to Havana, met with Foreign Ministry officials, the State Department official said on condition of anonymity, on May 18, 2026. | Photo Credit: Reuters The United States and Cuba held talks this week on a U.S. offer of $100 million in assistance, which Washington has dangled as an incentive…
Chennai: Making Chennai safer and more accessible for pedestrians will be among the top priorities of Greater Chennai Corporation’s new commissioner, Dr G S Sameeran. The 2012-batch IAS officer, who assumed charge on Tuesday, told TOI that his immediate priorities also include flood mitigation, civic preparedness and curbing stray dog menace. G S Sameeran replaced…
A spiritual mood finds you, even if you’re not planning it. You might get involved in a religious activity, a temple visit, lighting a lamp at home, or helping with a community prayer.The Moon supports inner balance, and Venus, your ruler, keeps your social side pleasant. Children’s support becomes a big source of joy. Their…
Coimbatore: More than 1,000 farmers in the district are expected to benefit from cowpea cultivation scheme that is aimed at increasing pulse production and promoting climate-resilient farming practices.District agriculture joint director M Tamilselvi said the Rs22.3 lakh scheme has been sanctioned for Coimbatore to encourage cultivation of cowpea, a short-duration pulse crop that requires comparatively…
Veteran actor Kabir Bedi had once opened up about his close bond with the Gandhi family and shared fond memories of growing up alongside former Prime Ministers Rajiv Gandhi and Sanjay Gandhi.In a past interview with Digital Commentary, Kabir Bedi revealed that his family shared warm relations with the Gandhi family during his childhood, even…
A file image of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. | Photo Credit: AFP Russia joined other UN Security Council members on Tuesday (May 19, 2026) to condemn the drone strike on the UAE’s Barakah nuclear power plant, which Abu Dhabi said originated from Iraq where pro-Iranian proxies are active. The unclaimed drone struck an electrical…
Chennai: The state rural development department on Tuesday drew flak for continuing the practice of floating limited tenders, where only few hours are given to contractors to participate. This is a move that’s usually associated with pre-fixing contractors instead of open bidding.The department in Konnerikuppam panchayat in Kancheepuram district floated a tender worth 16.83 lakh…
You’ll feel the day opening like a clean page. There’s a sense that things can go your way, and people may treat you with extra respect.Mercury supports your reputation, and Jupiter adds social goodwill, so you may receive honour in society or at least a clear sign that your efforts are seen. Still, confusion pops…
An 18-year-old college student died by suicide at Gandhi Maa Nagar near Peelamedu on May 7 after being reprimanded by her mother over excessive mobile phone usage.The student, who was pursuing first-year BSc computer science at a private college, was reportedly addicted to her phone. She took the extreme step after her mother confiscated the…
After losing his cool and scolding photographers outside Mumbai’s Hinduja Hospital, superstar Salman Khan has now shared a strong reaction on social media, questioning the behaviour of paparazzi outside hospitals.The superstar took to Instagram to post a series of selfies along with emotional and angry messages directed at photographers who had followed him to the…