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

The Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms iceberg lettuce now spans nine states, with 1,947 illnesses and at least 98 hospitalizations. Federal officials are urging consumers to discard recalled products sold through restaurants, food-service channels and select Walmart stores. Cyclospora outbreak reaches nine states Federal health officials said Friday, July 24, 2026, that a Cyclospora ou

US visa restrictions for NRIs do not automatically affect ordinary Indian professionals, students or families. The new policy targets people linked to cyberscams, sextortion and enabling networks, while immediate family members of designated individuals may also face restrictions. The United States’ new global visa restriction policy targeting cyberscams, sextortion and related cyber-enabled crime may concern non-residen

The Pengshui landslide toll has risen to 11, while 50 people remain missing in Chongqing, China. Rescue teams are continuing their search despite unstable slopes, massive boulders, limited space and growing safety concerns at the disaster site. Rescue Effort Continues Around the Clock The death toll from a massive landslide in southwestern China has increased to 11, with 50 people still unaccou

Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances on Parliament discussion of the NEET paper leak and examination reforms. The Centre also indicated that peaceful protesters may not face legal action, while the wider student agitation continues. Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Fast After Centre Assurances Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike shortly after midnight on Friday after receiving w

Ekadashi Calendar 2026 Ekadashi is observed twice in most lunar months and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The supplied 2026 calendar begins with Papmochani Ekadashi in March and ends with Mokshada or Vaikuntha Ekadashi in December. Each fast falls in either Krishna Paksha or Shukla Paksha and follows a defined Tithi window.

Dates: Yogini Ekadashi was observed on Friday, July 10, 2026, while Devshayani Ekadashi falls on Saturday, July 25, 2026. Ekadashi in July 2026 Dates and Timings July 2026 includes two major Ekadashi observances dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Yogini Ekadashi falls during the Krishna Paksha of the Ashadha month, while Devshayani Ekadashi is observed during Ashadha Shukla Paksha. Yogini Ekadashi 2026 timings:

California wildfire home hardening can help limit damage from wind-driven embers that enter vents, collect in gutters or ignite nearby debris. CAL FIRE recommends a five-foot ember-resistant zone, regular maintenance and fire-resistant upgrades statewide. Wind-driven embers can ignite homes far from flames   California homeowners are being urged to strengthen properties ag

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

Google Cloud growth drove Alphabet’s strong June-quarter revenue, while higher ad revenue supported earnings. However, AI spending, negative free cash flow and Gemini delays left Wall Street concerned about future returns. Google Cloud growth helped Alphabet deliver a strong June-quarter performance, with total revenue reaching $119.8 billion, above Wall Street’s estimate of about $116.9 billion. Advertising revenue rose to $81.6 billion, supporte

US House passes a $95 billion budget framework that directs most funding toward the Pentagon and intelligence agencies while providing support for farmers and election programmes. The proposal now moves to the Senate, where lawmakers will decide whether Republicans can advance the final spending legislation. Pentagon funding budget proposal The US House of Representatives narrowly approved a $9

H-4 students can attend U.S. colleges, but H-4 status alone does not qualify them for FAFSA-based federal grants, work-study or loans. Families should explore institutional aid, merit scholarships, CSS Profile colleges and immigration-status changes. Children of H-1B workers often complete high school in the United States and apply to American colleges while remaining in H-4 dependent status. They may attend school without

The Trump administration's handling of the Iran conflict came under intense scrutiny during a Senate hearing after a heated confrontation between Senator Gary Peters and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The exchange quickly became the hearing's defining moment as lawmakers debated military strategy, troop support and billions of dollars in additional defence spending. The hearing also examined whether the administration has a clear long-term plan for the

Offline UPI payments using NFC could soon allow users to tap and pay without mobile data, Wi-Fi or a telecom network at compatible terminals. Offline UPI Payments Could Work Without Internet A new Unified Payments Interface feature reportedly under development could allow users to complete payments without internet access or even an active mobile network. The proposed system would use near-field communication, commonly known as NFC, to tra

CJP Protest Delhi Live updates: Sonia Gandhi arrived at Mandir Marg Police Station, where Priyanka Gandhi was detained after Opposition leaders protested near the Prime Minister’s residence over police action against students.  

Government sources criticised the Congress march towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, calling it a security concern, as opposition leaders protested over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and police action against students.  

Modi government under pressure as a youth-led movement over exam leaks continues at Jantar Mantar while farmers mobilise against the proposed India-US trade deal. The parallel protests test the Centre’s response on education, policing, trade safeguards and rural livelihoods. Youth and Farmers Put Modi Government Under Pressure Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government is facing two politically sensitive protest movements at the same ti

Indian-origin Labour politician Kanishka Narayan has been appointed the United Kingdom’s Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence in Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s new government. The promotion expands Narayan’s UK AI role and places him at the centre of Britain’s plans for artificial intelligence, online safety, technology investment and economic growth. Kanishka Narayan UK AI role

Trump repeated same message to World Cup players during the FIFA World Cup 2026 medal ceremony, according to a professional lip reader. The claim emerged after Spain defeated Argentina in the final, with the US President joining FIFA officials and world leaders on the presentation podium at New York New Jersey Stadium. Trump Repeated Same Message to World Cup Players, Lip Reader Claims   Trump World Cup Medal Ceremony

Lionel Messi reflects on Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain, describing the defeat as deeply painful while praising his team’s second straight final. Ferran Torres scored in extra time as Spain won 1-0 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday, July 19, 2026.