The Odyssey crosses ₹100 crore at Indian box office, $400 million worldwide

Christopher Nolan's *The Odyssey* has broken box office records, surpassing $300 million and approaching $400 million in its first week, including over Rs 100 crore in India, making it the year's highest-grossing Hollywood film there. The film, based on Homer's epic, features prominent actors including Matt Damon and Anne Hathaway, and premiered globally on July 17.

Diet Coke is gaining weight in India, costing more. Reason sits in Hormuz Strait

Diet Coke in India faces a price increase of 13.6%, with the popular 300-ml can now at Rs 40 and a new 330-ml can priced at Rs 50, amid ongoing disruptions from the US-Iran conflict affecting aluminum supply routes. The situation has led to unique “Diet Coke parties” amid rising demand. Coca-Cola's supply chains remain strained, compelling price adjustments throughout the market.

I write for children who feel invisible, says Patrice Lawrence, UK’s new children’s laureate

Patrice Lawrence, recently named the UK’s Children’s Laureate, aims to empower young readers through relatable stories. As a former foster child, she felt marginalized in literature but now promotes hope amidst challenges in her works like *Orangeboy*. Lawrence believes in the importance of representation and critical thinking in children's narratives, advocating for robust reading and community engagement.

Indian Icon Awards & Education Icon Awards 2026 Celebrate Excellence

The Indian Icon Awards & Education Icon Awards 2026, hosted by Adreneur Consultancy Solutions, celebrated excellence and innovation at Hotel Lemon Tree, Gurugram, featuring esteemed guests like Mr. Sandeep Patil and ambassadors K. P. Fabian and Sangeeta Bahadur. The event fostered networking and showcased diverse achievements, reinforcing ACS's commitment to empowering impactful contributions across sectors.

WhatsApp could soon make your account far more secure with this change

WhatsApp is developing a new password system to enhance account security, potentially replacing the current six-digit PIN for two-step verification. The alphanumeric password will provide better defense against account hijacking attempts, including SIM swapping. Although still in development, this feature is part of WhatsApp's efforts to bolster security alongside existing measures like Device Verification.

SC seeks Centre’s stand on computer-based NEET-UG exams, data security reforms

The Supreme Court has requested the Centre's detailed response on transitioning the NEET-UG exam to a computer-based test (CBT) and safeguarding examination data, emphasizing the need for permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes. Ongoing petitions call for reforms and an independent oversight body, after past issues, like the 2024 paper leak, highlighted flaws in the current examination system.

'Govt sought time till tomorrow on Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation demand': CJP

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) met with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh amid ongoing student protests in Delhi, where spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das reported the government's “in-principle” agreement to two demands. The government requested until tomorrow to address the resignation demand of Pradhan. This remains a developing story.

Heart attack vs. stroke: Cardiologist says heart-healthy habits protect brain

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, often by a clot, leading to tissue damage. In contrast, a stroke results from blocked or ruptured blood vessels in the brain, causing potential brain damage. Both conditions are life-threatening emergencies with shared risk factors, highlighting the importance of heart-healthy habits for brain protection.

India expands medical education; number of medical colleges more than doubled since 2014

The number of medical colleges in India has surged from 387 in 2014 to 844, with MBBS seats rising from 51,348 to 1,39,489, as reported by Health Minister Anupriya Patel. Initiatives like the Family Adoption Programme and District Residency Programme aim to enhance healthcare in remote areas, while Ayushman Arogya Mandirs show improved health services. The Ministry’s ongoing programs signal a commitment to better healthcare delivery nationwide.

Indian man's body found ‘covered in blood’ in Jerusalem after alleged stabbing

A 40-year-old Indian national was found dead, "covered in blood," at a Jerusalem apartment, prompting an Israeli police investigation into the suspected murder. A 31-year-old Israeli has been arrested in connection. The victim, who cared for an elderly couple, was discovered lying on the floor, leading to a swift police response and ongoing investigations into the crime.

Hyderabad woman compares corporate life with husband’s government job

A Hyderabad couple, with contrasting careers in corporate and government sectors, balances work, finances, and marriage. Suruchi enjoys corporate flexibility, while Shubham faces round-the-clock availability. Their household expenditure is approximately ₹1.1 lakh monthly. They emphasize communication and trust to maintain their relationship despite diverse work cultures and challenges like job transfers, demonstrating how their careers complement each other.

Ripudaman Singh Malik killer sentenced for another fatal shooting in 2022

Tanner Fox, responsible for the 2022 murder of 75-year-old Ripudaman Singh Malik, has received a 15-year sentence for the shooting of Chad Colivas, who confronted him during a break-in. Malik, previously acquitted over the 1985 Air India bombing, faced ongoing controversies. Fox is currently serving a life sentence for Malik's murder, reflecting the severity of the crimes.

How AI is changing what consumers may expect from flagship smartphones

Flagship smartphones, like OPPO's Find X9 Series, are evolving by harnessing AI alongside hardware advancements to enhance user experiences. Innovations in ColorOS 16 aim to streamline information organization across apps, allowing seamless interactions and contextual understanding. As competition shifts from hardware to intuitive AI integration, the smartphone landscape is set for a transformative phase in usability.

Scientifically Speaking: AI changing biology but it won’t cure all diseases

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming biology and healthcare, leveraging advancements like AlphaFold to predict protein structures efficiently. With tools like Biomni and Robin, AI is enhancing research processes, but challenges remain, particularly in complex diseases like cancer and Alzheimer’s. While AI accelerates discovery, human expertise is crucial in navigating scientific intricacies. AI's future impact hinges on collaboration between technology and biology.

Jantar Mantar to Ken Betwa: How women are becoming symbol of protests in India

In Uttarakhand, protests led by citizens, especially women, have erupted against the government's plan to fell over 4,000 trees for highway expansion, invoking the historical Chipko movement. Following these protests, Chief Minister Dhami paused the tree-cutting for review. Concurrently, sanitation workers in Punjab demand job security and benefits, showing the growing role of women in nationwide activism for social justice. Historically, women have been pivotal in movements like the Narmada Bachao Andolan, reflecting their central role in India’s social change narrative.

Delhi court acquits man in 2011 murder case, convicts him for absconding

A Delhi court acquitted Amit Kumar of murder charges in the 2011 case of property leader Ranbir Singh, citing the prosecution's failure to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt due to hostile witnesses and weak forensic evidence. The court convicted Kumar for absconding after he pleaded guilty. The incident lacked corroborative evidence despite occurring in broad daylight.

Did Pearle Maaney call Sibi Malayil a failed filmmaker? His son fires back

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after meeting with Union ministers, seeking accountability for exam irregularities. Social media influencer Pearle Maaney faced backlash for her comments on student protests, prompting her to delete a post criticizing critics. PM Modi acknowledged the student protests, announcing a bill for fast-tracked justice. Protests at Jantar Mantar continue.

Fitness expert reveals the common mistakes people make in the race for quick

Ignoring rest days and proper recovery can hinder muscle growth and lead to chronic fatigue, joint pain, and decreased performance, warns fitness expert Dhruva Sivakumar. He emphasizes the importance of a balanced routine, including strength training, cardio, and rest, while advising against crash dieting and common lifestyle mistakes like neglecting sleep and NEAT, which impact overall progress.

AIADMK leader slams TN govt over ''undeclared holiday'' for ''Jana Nayagan'' release

Senior AIADMK leader R.B. Udayakumar criticized the Tamil Nadu government for allegedly designating an "undeclared holiday" for the release of Chief Minister Vijay's film, 'Jana Nayagan.' He condemned ministers neglecting administrative duties in favor of celebrating the film, questioning their empathy on pressing issues like water disputes and public health failures. Udayakumar warned youth against confusing cinematic allure with real governance.

Woman, 18, murdered by parents in UP over opposition to her relationship

An 18-year-old woman named Hina was allegedly strangled to death by her parents in Shamli district due to her relationship with a young man. Police arrested Ahsan and Gufrana after discovering they confessed to the crime, having initially staged it as suicide. A postmortem suggested foul play, leading to ongoing investigations into the case.

Banks denied loans, wife gave her jewellery: Today his firm is worth ₹2,000 cr

Subhasish Chakraborty transformed his startup vision into a ₹2,000 crore logistics empire, DTDC, with support from his wife, Tapasi, who mortgaged her jewellery to fund it. Facing bank rejections, he capitalized on a gap in the market and adopted a franchise model. Today, DTDC boasts over 16,500 partners, delivering nearly 190 million shipments annually across India.

21 including over a dozen of Indian origin face charges in US-Canada drug trafficking investigation

In a significant cross-border operation dubbed Project Bay, Canadian and American law enforcement arrested over a dozen Indian-origin suspects and seized nearly 1.7 tonnes of illegal drugs valued at CA$ 140 million. The investigation, starting in January 2022, disrupted a sophisticated drug trafficking network and revealed broker-style models exploiting commercial transport systems. The operation notably seized significant quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine.

Narayani Shastri makes shocking claims about drug culture in TV industry

Actor Narayani Shastri has revealed that drug use in the entertainment industry is alarmingly common, with parties shifting budgets from alcohol to illegal substances like cocaine and MDMA. Shastri, who has experimented with drugs herself, highlighted instances of drug use affecting shooting schedules and producers' reliance on actors’ families for support. She rose to fame in serials like "Kyun Ki..." and "Piya Ka Ghar."

SC bars unauthorised clipping, monetisation of court videos on social media

The Supreme Court has prohibited the extraction, editing, and monetization of audio and video recordings of judicial proceedings on social media without prior permission from court registrars. This interim order addresses concerns about the misuse of live-streamed content, stemming from a public interest litigation seeking safeguards against sensationalism. The court emphasized the need to regulate digital content amid rising manipulation risks.

Heavy rain inundates Rajasthan; red alert in two districts, train services hit

Heavy rainfall in Rajasthan on Friday caused significant disruptions, with Pachpadra and Amet receiving 9 cm each. The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert for Banswara and Dungarpur, affecting train services due to rising water on the Mumbai route. This follows moderate to heavy rains across the state, impacting agriculture and infrastructure. Conditions remain severe in several districts.

Lok Sabha adjourned till Monday as Opposition continues protests over paper leaks

Opposition lawmakers intensified protests in the Lok Sabha for the fifth day, demanding the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan over paper leaks, leading to adjournment without legislative progress. Despite appeals from Parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju for discussion, Congress and other parties insisted on Pradhan's removal and criticized Prime Minister Modi for his absence amid rising tensions.

Why Oppn wants NEET paper leak to be taken up in Parliament this way

The government expressed willingness to debate student issues, including the NEET paper leak, which the Opposition framed as an adjournment motion for urgent public importance. The spirit of this offer, relayed through Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, occurred amid ongoing protests by the Cockroach Janta Party. An adjournment motion, a significant parliamentary tool, underscores urgent government accountability.

Delhi Metro: 18 stations closed; Janpath stop covered with newspapers

The DMRC announced the closure of several metro stations in Central Delhi, including Lok Kalyan Marg and Rajiv Chowk, due to ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar that triggered security concerns. Interchange facilities remain at select stations. Chief Justice Surya Kant highlighted potential judicial intervention if access issues persist for court staff. The closures affected many commuters.

Weather Bee: How monsoon turned rainy again this week

India's monsoon rains have shifted dramatically, with a significant increase in rainfall observed from July 20, reversing a prior dry spell. This change stems from the monsoon trough, an elongated low-pressure area essential for cloud formation. Tracking rainfall against historical averages reveals these trends, showcasing the trough's influence on monsoon's intra-seasonal variations.

Assam flood toll rises to 47 as six more die; over 6.53 lakh people affected

The death toll from Assam's ongoing floods has reached 47, with six additional fatalities reported. Over 6.53 lakh people across 11 districts are affected, with Sivasagar as the worst-hit. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma linked the flooding to a cloudburst in Nagaland, warning of a potential rise in casualties, while an inter-ministerial team is set to assist.