DRINKS
Two former SpaceX engineers built a 25-pound machine that turns seawater into drinking water at the push of a button; here's how it works
It was co-founded by Jonathan Criss and Andrew Harner. Both are former SpaceX engineers. Criss is the company's CEO, and Harner is the COO. They gained engineering experience at SpaceX, and then applied aerospace-level precision and efficiency to the systems. It was reportedly designed for people who are outdoor enthusiasts, boat owners and living in remote locations.
Starbucks Bearista glass cups return in December as new Holiday drinks and festive collection arrive
Mark your calendars! On December 1, Starbucks will reintroduce the much-loved Bearista Glass Cold Cups. Along with this, a delightful selection of marshmallow drinks will debut in December, including the Merry Berry Frappuccino launching on December 17. This year's holiday menu boasts a mix of familiar favorites and exciting new food items, perfectly pairing with the festive beverages. Plus, check out Starbucks' exclusive seasonal merchandise for the joyful season.
While the world nursed a hangover, India ordered another round
India’s alcohol consumption rose 10% in the first half of 2026, even as volumes across 21 major markets fell 1%, according to IWSR data shared with TOI. The US and China recorded declines of 4% and 3%, respectively. India was the only market among those tracked to report growth across every beverage category and subcategory.
India's water journey a model for developing nations: World Bank official
India's water management initiatives, including the Jal Jeevan Mission and Namami Gange Programme, are gaining international recognition. Senior officials at the World Bank have praised these efforts as models for developing countries. The upcoming United Nations Water Conference will highlight India's achievements and encourage knowledge sharing. India is actively preparing for the conference, emphasizing its role in global water security discussions.
India begins pouring in a bigger glass when global alcohol demand takes a hit
Alcohol consumption in India increased by 10% in early 2026, contrasting with declines in other major markets. Beer led the growth, with a 16% rise, while no-alcohol beer surged by 25%. Despite a global decline of 1% in alcohol consumption, India recorded increases across all categories tracked. Global brands are increasingly focusing on India for growth opportunities in the beverage alcohol sector.
India's water management initiatives a model for developing nations: World Bank official
India's water management efforts, such as the Jal Jeevan Mission, are being recognized internationally for their effectiveness. The World Bank highlights India's initiatives, including river restoration and dam safety improvements. These programs aimed at increasing access to clean water are now models for other developing nations. The upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference will provide a platform for India to share these experiences.
Mekedatu row: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay urges PM Modi to halt Karnataka dam proposal without state consent
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has urged Prime Minister Modi not to approve Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project. He cited concerns regarding the impact on water availability in the Cauvery basin. Vijay requested that Karnataka be advised against continuing the project without the consent of all basin states.
Coca-Cola’s India bottling arm files draft papers for Rs 9,500 crore IPO
Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings plans to conduct an initial public offering through an offer for sale of equity shares. The proposed IPO is expected to raise around $1 billion, aiming for a valuation of $10 billion. Coca-Cola Company and Jubilant Bhartia Group hold significant stakes in the company after a recent stake sale. The IPO proceeds will benefit the promoter selling shareholder with no funds directed to Hindustan Coca-Cola Holdings.
Britannia CEO plays down Reliance's pricing threat in India biscuit market
Reliance Industries' Independence biscuits are entering India's competitive biscuit market with packs starting at Rs 5, but Britannia CEO Rakshit Hargave says disrupting the category will be harder than its Campa cola play. With biscuits already priced at Rs 5 and Rs 10, aggressive discounts could hurt margins. Britannia is also raising prices and shrinking pack sizes amid rising input costs.
Jailer 2 star Rajinikanth once thought his Bollywood career would end up like Kamal Haasan’s: ‘Don’t ask me to…’
Once, even Rajinikanth, who is now renowned as a superstar, worried that his Bollywood career could abruptly cease before it truly began. Remarkably, he was on the verge of becoming a pan-Indian star after the success of two of his Hindi films, Tyagi and Phool Bane Angarey, at the box office.
I was offered coke at 11: Dafne Keen reveals the 'peer pressure' to do drugs she faced at Hollywood parties as a child actor
Dafne Keen, best known for playing Laura/X-23 alongside Hugh Jackman in Logan, has revealed that she was offered cocaine at Hollywood wrap parties when she was just 11, 12 and 13. Speaking on the Inside of You podcast, the 21-year-old actress explained how witnessing drug and alcohol culture as a child made her avoid substances. She also recalled lying about being high as a teenager to escape peer pressure to drink.
When does the Starbucks holiday menu launch and what it offers? All about the Christmas specials and Red Cup Day
Mark your calendars for November 5, as Starbucks is set to launch its festive 2026 holiday menu. This year’s lineup introduces exciting drinks such as the Tiramisu Velvet collection and the vibrant Apple Pomegranate Refresher. Food enthusiasts can savor the Braised Short Rib Grilled Cheese and classic sweets like the Cranberry Bliss Bar.
Festive bloating? Delhi nutritionist shares 2-ingredient pre-meal hack to manage weight, control blood sugar and relieve constipation
As the joyous Diwali festivities bring forth an array of rich sweets and treats, overeating can lead to discomfort. Delhi nutritionist Lovneet Batra recommends a pre-meal Isabgol-water drink to alleviate these symptoms. This concoction supports weight management, stabilizes blood sugar, and combats constipation. She emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated to further enhance its digestive benefits, ensuring a happy celebration without digestive distress.
FSSAI accuses PepsiCo of ‘duping’ consumers by marketing Sting, Adrenaline Rush as 'energy drinks'
FSSAI has told the Delhi High Court that PepsiCo India deliberately markets its Sting Energy and Adrenaline Rush beverages as energy drinks to mislead consumers, despite the absence of prescribed standards for the category. The regulator has opposed the company's request for a 12-month extension to exhaust existing packaging material, citing public health concerns.
India says PepsiCo, Monster marketed with 'energy drink' label to dupe consumers
India's food regulator FSSAI has accused PepsiCo and Monster Beverage of misleading consumers by marketing high-caffeine products as energy drinks, defending its ban on the label. The dispute has escalated into a legal battle, with the regulator citing public health risks linked to caffeine, sugar and taurine content.
Matcha moment: A Japanese tea brews up a $96 million flavour in India
Matcha tea market India: The country's matcha market is set to expand, with projected revenue growth from $45.7 million in 2025 to $96.4 million by 2033. Café chains like Tata Starbucks are already seeing increased sales from matcha products, catering to evolving consumer preferences. Instagram and social media have played a significant role in the rising popularity of matcha drinks and recipes.
5 cups of coffee before 10 am, 8 cups daily: At 50, Nestlé CEO reveals his unusual coffee habit. ‘I just like the flavour’
Philipp Navratil, the CEO of Nestle, has an exceptional coffee ritual, enjoying 8 cups daily, favoring cold-brewed black coffee. His morning starts with hydration, drinking water before indulging in his first cup. His day winds down with a final espresso or decaf after dinner, yet he still achieves a full eight hours of rest. Rising at 6:30 am, he prioritises productivity during his morning routine until lunch.
Zero-sugar drinks hit the sweet spot as sales double for PepsiCo and Coca-Cola in Sept qtr
During the July-September 2026 quarter, consumer demand for zero-sugar and low-sugar beverages significantly increased across India. PepsiCo reported that sales of its low-sugar drinks doubled, while Coca-Cola also experienced similar gains. Companies are prioritising the production of low-sugar beverages to meet the rising market demand.
A Nobel-winning chemist's device pulls drinking water out of dry air with no power needed
A machine that can produce drinking water from the air could offer a new way to tackle water shortages. Developed by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Omar Yaghi and his company Atoco, the technology is designed to collect moisture from the atmosphere, even in dry regions. The company says a container-sized unit could produce up to 1,000 litres of clean water a day.
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