🎬 Must-Watch OTT Releases This Week

Several new movies and TV shows have dropped on major streaming platforms this week. These releases include Operation Safed Sagar: The Highest Air Force Mission, Uyir, and Vadhandhi: The Fable of Velonie Season 2 across Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, JioHotstar, and SunNxt. The lineup features diverse genres like military drama, gaming, and crime thrillers. Viewers can enjoy these titles in English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil languages. This weekend offers plenty of content for viewers looking to relax and stream something new.

⛽ US sanctions bill threatens India's Russian oil deal 😟

A new Senate sanctions bill could target countries buying Russian oil and gas with heavy tariffs. This legislation, passed 86-11, allows President Donald Trump to impose up to 100% tariffs on major buyers like India. India has sourced record amounts, taking 52% of its oil imports from Russia in June and 56% in July. Russian crude has been vital for India's energy security since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. If enacted, India faces a tough choice between cheap energy and US friction.

💧 Gurugram civic head moved, then brought back fast

The Haryana government transferred IAS officer Pradeep Dahiya from his role as Gurugram Municipal Corporation Commissioner amid heavy rainfall and severe waterlogging. He was initially moved to Rohtak as Deputy Commissioner, but was reinstated as the civic body head within 24 hours. This happened as Gurugram received 60mm of rain between 8 am and 5 pm on Friday, causing major flooding. Dahiya inspected drainage systems and directed round-the-clock monitoring to prevent future monsoon issues. Citizens noted positive drainage improvements on Baharampur Road following his oversight. 💧

🏛️ Trump calls White House ballroom ban a 'national disgrace'

Donald Trump strongly criticized the federal appeals court ruling that stopped the construction of a new White House ballroom. This ruling was issued by a US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, stating the project needed congressional approval. The decision came after the Trump administration had planned to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom on the East Wing site. Trump labeled this court action a 'National Security Threat' and vowed to appeal immediately to the US Supreme Court. The focus now shifts to the Supreme Court as the administration challenges the 2-1 decision. 🏛️

🔥 Iran accuses US, Israel of plotting in Gulf

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian alleged that the US and Israel are trying to turn Persian Gulf nations against Tehran. He further claimed these allied nations are exploiting Iran’s internal challenges amidst the ongoing conflict. Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of Muslim unity, stating all Muslims are brothers, Shia or Sunni. He also mentioned China focusing on its own growth despite US rivalry. Iran affirmed it will continue to fight if forced into submission regarding its rights.

⛈️ Heavy Rain Alert: Multiple Indian States Brace for Downpour ⛈️

Heavy rainfall is forecasted across various parts of India on Saturday, according to the IMD's latest update. States like Delhi, Odisha, and Rajasthan are specifically mentioned as likely to receive significant rain. The forecast includes heavy to very heavy rainfall in places like East Uttar Pradesh and isolated areas of East Rajasthan. The weather department has cautioned people about potential waterlogging and flooding risks. People in vulnerable areas are advised to stay cautious regarding the weather disruptions.

🔬 Thin cancer cell sugar coat might let immune system attack

Scientists found that cancer cells use a sugary coating to hide from the immune system, making detection tough. This cloaking mechanism is linked to the tumor microenvironment, including connective tissue and blood vessels. Research published on August 7, 2026, showed thinning this shroud can expose tumors to immune attacks. The study suggests targeting the protein HSF1 could remove this protective layer. This offers a new strategy to fight metastatic disease and boost immunotherapy. 🔬

🩺 NEET UG 2026 registration reset open till August 12

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has activated a Registration Reset option for NEET Undergraduate Counselling 2026 Round 1. This facility allows candidates in India to fix errors made during the initial registration process. The correction window is open until 11 AM on August 12, 2026, to rectify incorrect details. This measure helps candidates who might have entered wrong information or selected the wrong options. Candidates must regularly check the MCC website for all further updates. 🩺

😥 Ghajini actor's son mourns father's passing

Actor Pradeep Rawat passed away earlier this week at the age of 74 after a struggle with blood cancer. His family, friends, and colleagues gathered for a prayer meet in Mumbai to remember him. Vikramaditya, his son, expressed deep emotion while paying tribute to his father. Rawat, famous for Ghajini, worked in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil cinema for four decades. Vikramaditya vowed to carry forward his father's legacy and make his name even bigger.

🚢 Kochi Water Metro getting a major fleet upgrade 🚢

Kochi Water Metro Limited is procuring 15 new electric ferries to boost service frequency across key routes. These new boats will be deployed on High Court–Fort Kochi and Vyttila–Kakkanad, alongside connecting mainland to various islands. The fleet size will grow to 38 ferries once these 15 are inducted, plus three more from the first batch expected soon. This upgrade aims to increase peak hour frequency to every 10 minutes, up from 15 to 20 minutes. The tender submission deadline for qualified firms is Monday, August 10.

🔬 Metformin gaining buzz as anti-ageing drug candidate

The US FDA has approved a major trial to check metformin’s potential role in slowing aging. This interest is focused on metformin, a long-used diabetes drug, which scientists are now exploring for healthy aging across populations. The landmark Targeting Aging with Metformin (TAME) trial is being designed to see if it delays age-related conditions like cancer and dementia. However, experts caution that conclusive clinical proof is still lacking for healthy individuals taking this medication. Researchers hope the TAME trial could totally change how medicine views the aging process moving forward. 🧬