💰 Nolan's Odyssey Hits $1 Billion Mark 🚀

Christopher Nolan's 'The Odyssey' has officially crossed the USD 1 billion worldwide box office mark. The film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway and is in theaters for just three weeks. It has grossed approximately USD 429.65 million in North America and USD 578.8 million internationally. This achievement makes it the fifth film of 2026 to hit this milestone, following 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day'. The movie is expected to gain more traction with its release in China on August 14.

⚖️ Man gets death penalty for brutal murder of young girl

A court in Maharashtra sentenced a man to death for the extreme brutality of raping and hacking a nine-year-old girl to death. The accused, 51-year-old Pramul Ghoshe, was from Palghar district, and the crime happened on September 27, 2021. He was found guilty under multiple sections of the IPC and POCSO Act, and also tried to kill an eyewitness. The victim was lured with a Rs 10 coin before the horrific assault and murder took place. The court emphasized the heinous nature of the crime while also noting the trauma to the family.

🏛️ MP buying runs short before deadline

The process of acquiring Members of Parliament (MPs) faced a bottleneck near the final submission date. This shortage occurred specifically in the context of the ongoing political transaction. Records indicate that the target acquisition number was not met by the stipulated deadline. This situation highlights potential logistical hurdles in the current political maneuvering. Further developments regarding the completion of this purchase remain to be seen.

🤖 Big tech updates: Gemini replaces Assistant, Disney explores free tier

Signal is rolling out multi-device support on Android and iOS, a highly requested feature for users. Google is replacing the Google Assistant app with Gemini on Android devices, effective September 4, 2026. Disney Plus is reportedly exploring a free, ad-supported tier with limited content options for growth. Microsoft is optimizing Windows 11 to run better on devices with only 8GB RAM. Meanwhile, an extended look at GTA 6 will stream exclusively on Netflix starting August 27.

🤖 OpenAI rolls out GPT-5.6 Luna to free users

OpenAI has upgraded ChatGPT's free users to the new GPT-5.6 Luna version. This rollout impacts all free users across the platform. The update introduces unlimited text chat capabilities for better accessibility. Previously, users had interaction limitations, but the new feature offers enhanced flexibility. OpenAI aims to encourage more extensive platform use with this innovation.

🚗 Honda models get big discount boost

Honda Elevate, City, and Amaze are receiving substantial benefits amounting to up to Rs. 2.45 Lakh. This financial aid is being offered to buyers across various markets. The incentives are valid for purchases made until a specified, unmentioned date. This move is part of Honda's strategy to boost sales momentum in the current market. Buyers should check local dealerships for the exact details and eligibility criteria. 🚗

📺 Ads are getting nostalgic with sibling vibes

This week, advertising campaigns have leaned into nostalgic themes featuring sibling banter. The Exchange4Media observed these trends across various digital and print platforms. Specific campaign metrics for the period were not detailed in the report. These ads tap into universal childhood memories to connect with the audience. Marketers are expected to continue this emotional approach in upcoming quarters.

🚗 2027 Mahindra BE 7 SUV spotted with triple screen

Spy shots have revealed testing of the upcoming 2027 Mahindra BE 7 SUV. This new model is expected to be India's first mainstream vehicle featuring frameless doors. The testing mules suggest a launch is still some time away, though the silhouette is set. Inside, the BE 7 will boast Mahindra's triple screen layout with three 12.3-inch displays. It is anticipated to come with 65 kWh and 75 kWh variants, promising over 500 km real-world range. ⚡

🔋 Win 11 fixes Modern Standby battery drain issue

Windows 11 is rolling out an adaptive hibernate policy to tackle battery drain in Modern Standby mode. This update is available in Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28120.2630, released on July 31 in the Experimental (26H1) channel. The policy keeps the PC in Modern Standby above 80% battery for instant-on speed. However, it triggers hibernation sooner when the battery drops below 10% to conserve power. This aims to improve battery life while preserving fast wake times.

⚖️ Akal Takht panel demands report before anti-sacrilege talks

The expert panel appointed by the Akal Takht asked the Punjab government to submit a compliance report first. This panel was formed to discuss the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026 with the state government. The panel noted that the Punjab government's July 29 response did not address the main concerns raised by the Akal Takht. Jathedar Giani Kuldip Singh Gargajj had given the state government one month to respond to his objections on June 29. The panel further accused the Bhagwant Mann-led government of not taking a constructive approach towards resolving the sensitive issue.

🏛️ US Senate passes major tariff bill targeting India

The US Senate recently passed a controversial bill that introduces the threat of up to 100% tariffs. This legislation directly impacts India alongside four other nations targeted by the policy. The bill was passed with a significant margin of 86-11 on an unspecified date. The measure stems from ongoing trade disputes and protectionist economic sentiments in the US. Further details on the implementation and impact are expected to be released soon. 🏛️