Vizhinjam Port customs status clears the way for direct export-import operations from August 18. The move strengthens the Kerala deepwater port as an India trade gateway, while improving EXIM cargo movement, logistics efficiency and business opportunities. Vizhinjam Export-Import Operations To Begin Vizhinjam International Seaport in Kerala has been notified as a customs port, allowing it to handle direct export and import cargo. E

Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has filed a police complaint over an allegedly AI-generated deepfake video that circulated widely on social media. The altered clip falsely portrayed him as making threatening remarks against students participating in protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Goyal said the footage had been created by manipulating a video of his interaction with reporters outside Parliament. He alleged that artificial intelligence

The Diet Coke India price hike is changing both the size and cost of the popular sugar-free drink. Coca-Cola has reportedly introduced a 330ml Diet Coke can priced at ₹50 after conflict-related shipping disruptions reduced the availability of its usual 300ml aluminium cans. The earlier 300ml can carried a retail price of ₹40. When measured by volume, the switch to a ₹50, 330ml can represents an effective price increase of approximately 13.6%. People with direct knowledge of the company’s pricing and sourcing strategy said the larger cans are being procured from Southeast Asia at a higher cost. Diet Coke 330ml can replaces the smaller pack Diet Coke is sold mainly in aluminium cans in India, unlike several other Coca-Cola beverages that are widely available in plastic and glass bottles. This packaging dependence has made the product particularly vulnerable to the current can shortage. Coca-Cola’s official Indian product page describes Diet Coke as a sugar-free beverage containing less than one calorie, but the company has not publicly announced the reported price revision. It also did not provide a response to requests for clarification about the new pack size and higher price. Retailers may continue selling remaining 300ml stock at ₹40 while introducing the new 330ml cans at ₹50. Availability and pricing could therefore differ between supermarkets, restaurants, online platforms and quick-commerce services. Aluminium can shortage affects Indian supplies The shortage is linked to disruptions affecting aluminium cans, raw materials and commercial cargo travelling through the Middle East. Import delays have pushed Coca-Cola to source alternative cans from Southeast Asian suppliers, increasing transportation and procurement expenses. The U.S. Maritime Administration has warned that threats to commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman remain high. The International Maritime Organization has also called for coordinated measures to protect merchant ships and maintain safe passage through the region. These conditions affect more than beverage companies. Longer routes, higher insurance charges and uncertain delivery schedules can raise costs for businesses that depend on imported metals, packaging materials, energy products and industrial components. Strait of Hormuz disruption raises costs The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive shipping routes affected by the conflict. The International Maritime Organization said it had verified at least 46 attacks against international shipping in and around the strait between February 28 and June 15, 2026. Although a temporary agreement had eased some concerns, renewed disruption has again complicated commercial traffic. The Diet Coke price increase demonstrates how geopolitical instability can quickly reach Indian consumers through higher sourcing, shipping and packaging costs. One Indian bottler has reportedly experimented with a 200ml glass bottle as a temporary alternative. However, online listings suggest that the smaller glass pack may cost more per millilitre than the canned version, limiting its appeal as a permanent replacement. Coke Zero supply remains less vulnerable Coke Zero is not facing the same level of packaging pressure because it is available in both cans and plastic bottles. This gives Coca-Cola more flexibility to maintain supplies when aluminium packaging becomes difficult or expensive to procure. Diet Coke, meanwhile, has built a loyal following among urban and calorie-conscious consumers. Its recent scarcity even inspired pubs, restaurants and influencers to organise Diet Coke parties, with some events charging entry fees while offering the drink, music and themed experiences. The revised ₹50 price may remain until aluminium can availability and shipping conditions improve. Consumers should check the printed maximum retail price and pack size, since both 300ml and 330ml cans may remain in circulation during the transition.

The Tier-II and Tier-III consumption boom is reshaping India’s consumer economy. Rising incomes, digital adoption, young buyers and premium spending are turning Urban Bharat into a major growth market for brands and investors. Tier-II and Tier-III Cities Power India’s Consumer Growth Tier-II and Tier-III cities are becoming major centres of India’s consumer economy. Cities such as Lucknow, Jaipur, Indore, Surat, Patna and Bhopal are

Mexico mayor shot dead inside town hall after gunmen killed Temoac Mayor Valentin Lavin in Morelos. Authorities have launched an investigation as the latest attack highlights the ongoing threat of organised crime and political violence facing local officials across the country. Temoac mayor killing investigation Authorities in Mexico are investigating the fatal shooting of Valentin Lavin, the m

The Dandeli zipline accident left a Karnataka man injured after he reportedly fell nearly 40 feet at Sterling River Resort. His family alleges a zipline safety-lock failure and resort negligence, while the management disputes the allegations.​   Dandeli Zipline Accident: Karnataka Man Falls Nearly 40 Feet A 24-year-old man from Karnataka suffered serious injuries after falling nearly 30 to 40 feet during a zipline ride at a private re

The National Council for Teacher Education has constituted a five-member committee to investigate alleged irregularities at four Madhya Pradesh B.Ed colleges. The inspection will verify approved locations, infrastructure, faculty strength and compliance with NCTE regulations before submitting a report within five working days. NCTE Constitutes Five-Member Committee In an order issued on July 15, the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), under the Education Ministry, constituted a five-member independent fact-finding and verification committee to investigate alleged irregularities at four B.Ed colleges in Madhya Pradesh. The inquiry follows reports that some institutions were not operating from their declared addresses and lacked the infrastructure required under NCTE regulations. The committee has been directed to complete its investigation and submit a detailed report, supported by documentary evidence, photographs and videographic records, within five working days. The committee is headed by H.C.S. Rathore, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of South Bihar. Its members include Ashima Mangla, Joint Secretary at the University Grants Commission (UGC); Bhagwati Prasad Kalal and J.P. Singh, Directors in the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education; a nominee of the Madhya Pradesh government; and Wg Cdr Vijay Rana, Regional Director of the NCTE's Western Regional Committee. Inspection Expanded to Four Colleges The investigation was launched after media reports raised concerns about three B.Ed colleges affiliated with Barkatullah University. During the preliminary verification, officials found that another B.Ed college was operating from the same premises, increasing the total number of institutions under investigation to four. According to the NCTE, the committee reached Madhya Pradesh on July 17 and has already begun physical inspections. The regulator said the additional institution was identified during the initial study, prompting the expansion of the inquiry. Compliance With NCTE Norms Under Review The committee has been instructed to conduct on-site inspections using geotagged photographs and videos to verify whether the colleges are functioning from their approved locations. Officials will compare their findings with the institutions' recognition documents, Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs) and other official records submitted to the NCTE. The inspection will also assess whether the colleges comply with the provisions of the NCTE Act, 1993, NCTE Regulations and prescribed recognition standards. Areas under review include infrastructure, classrooms, laboratories, land availability, faculty strength and other academic and administrative requirements necessary for operating teacher education programmes. Strict Action Possible After Investigation The committee has been directed to submit its findings within five working days. Based on the report, the NCTE will conduct a comprehensive review before deciding on further action against the institutions. Describing the matter as a serious lapse, the regulator said strict punitive action would be taken against any institution found violating the NCTE Act, regulations or recognition norms after the completion of the 360-degree verification process.

A 16-year-old student in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district reportedly died by suicide after an alleged skin colour taunt by a classmate on Thursday, July 16, 2026. The case has raised concerns about school bullying, colour-based discrimination and student mental health. Rajasthan Teen Suicide Case A 16-year-old student identified as Rahul reportedly died by suicide in Rajasth

Skyroot Aerospace is preparing Vikram-1 for its maiden orbital mission from Sriharikota. Scheduled for July 18, 2026, the launch could mark India’s first privately developed orbital rocket flight and strengthen the country’s commercial small-satellite launch sector. The Vikram-1 first orbital launch is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. IST on Saturday, July 18, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Through Missio

Apple Intelligence has cleared a major regulatory hurdle in mainland China, bringing Apple closer to launching its artificial intelligence features in one of its most important smartphone markets. The service will rely on technology from Chinese companies Alibaba and Baidu to meet local regulatory and technical requirements. CAC Registration Clears the Way for Apple AI in China Apple Intelligence has been regis

US Vice President JD Vance has admitted that the Trump administration mishandled communication surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein files. During an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, Vance said officials created unnecessary confusion but rejected accusations of a deliberate cover-up. Epstein release should have started earlier Vance said the administration should have released the available Epstein material mo

The Taco Bell Cyclospora outbreak response includes temporarily removing limited ingredients at select restaurants. CDC, FDA and state officials are investigating rising cyclosporiasis cases, but no restaurant, supplier or specific food has been confirmed as the source. Taco Bell has voluntarily removed limited ingredients from select U.S. restaurants as health authorities investigate a growing outbreak of cyclosporiasis,

The worker shortage era is no longer a distant demographic warning. OECD projections show a shrinking working-age population, rising public costs and slower growth, while Japan’s labor gap reveals why migration and automation are becoming economic necessities. Ageing workforce changes the global labor market The world has crossed a demographic threshold that many economies cannot easily reverse. Falling birth

Can police arrest someone without the victim pressing charges in the US? In many situations, officers may make an arrest if they have probable cause that a crime occurred. The decision to pursue criminal charges is generally made by prosecutors based on the available evidence. Can Police Make an Arrest Without the Victim's Request? In the

Russian anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin was briefly detained on Monday, July 13, days after authorities designated him a “foreign agent.” Police charged the former presidential hopeful with displaying extremist symbols over an older online video connected to Alexei Navalny. Boris Nadezhdin detained near Moscow Nadezhdin announced the arrival of poli

Wimbledon towels made in India are manufactured in Vapi, Gujarat, under the Christy brand. The Centre Court essentials have become prized player souvenirs, connecting Welspun’s textile production with one of tennis’s most recognisable traditions worldwide. Gujarat factory behind Wimbledon towels Wimbledon’s official towels, seen on Centre Court and carried by leading players, are manufactured in Vapi, Guj

A three-alarm Dallas condo fire damaged at least 24 units at Cambridge Park Condominiums early Friday, July 10, 2026. Officials reported no injuries, while 45 residents were displaced and about 80 people received emergency assistance.

Cargo plane loses contact near Karachi A Pakistani cargo aircraft carrying five crew members went missing late July 7, 2026 after reporting a navigation system problem and losing contact with air traffic controllers off the coast of Karachi, according to Pakistan aviation authorities. The Boeing 737, operated by K2 Airways, was flying from Sharjah in the United Arab Em

Balogun red card overshadows USA’s knockout win over Bosnia The FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between United States men's national soccer team and Bosnia and Herzegovina ended 2-0 in favor of the USA, but the result was heavily overshadowed by a VAR-driven red card

A Garner father faces an attempted murder charge and multiple felony child abuse counts after authorities said his 2-year-old son suffered life-threatening brain, eye and spinal injuries. The charges against 44-year-old Kiran Netha Pasunuri were announced in Garner, North Carolina, on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, according to the Garner Police Department and court documents. Attempted murder charge follows severe toddler injuries Pasunuri is charge