🎬 This Week's Must-Watch OTT Releases 🍿

Several new movies and shows are dropping across Netflix, Prime Video, and JioHotstar this week. Highlights include 'Operation Safed Sagar' on Netflix and 'One Hundred Years of Solitude Season 2' also on Netflix. Various titles are scheduled for August 7th, with 'The Last House' on Netflix and 'Oh Sukumari' on Prime Video. Viewers can catch the 'Super Mario Galaxy Movie' on JioHotstar on August 7th. This week promises a packed schedule for binge-watching fans.

🤖 AI boom erasing middle-class jobs globally

The AI revolution is causing significant job displacement in sectors like medical transcription across the globe. In India, a 25-year-old worker saw his contract unravel after American clients cancelled jobs in March 2024. Between 2022 and April 2024, the Indian tech sector shed over 500,000 jobs, with 425,000 layoffs in 2023. This automation targets cognitive skills, threatening the middle-class dream that powered outsourcing booms. If trends continue, up to a quarter of all global work could be automated, erasing 300 million jobs. 🤖

🏛️ Colonial India's engineering legend M Visvesvaraya

M Visvesvaraya, a notable figure in colonial India, led major development projects like the Krishnarajasagara dam near Mysuru. He started his career in the Bombay Public Works Department in 1884 and later became the Diwan of Mysore state in 1912. His KRS dam preceded multipurpose dams by two decades, demonstrating early technological ambition. However, his technocratic style and planning sometimes lacked humanistic engagement. His life shows how engineers have significantly shaped global political agendas. 🧐

📉 India's service sector growth hits 4.5-year low

India's services sector growth slowed to its weakest pace in over four-and-a-half years according to the latest HSBC India Services PMI. This decline was noted across India due to softer domestic and export demand and intense competition. The Business Activity Index fell to 53.3 in July from 57.4 in June, marking the weakest rate in 53 months. While expansion continues, new business inflows expanded at the slowest pace since February 2022. Firms are now reporting that business confidence has weakened further despite some hiring improvements.

🦠 Bacteria Fight Back Against Antibiotics

Scientists discovered a new way bacteria resist antibiotics using enzymes. This defense mechanism was observed in bacteria within a laboratory setting. The study details how enzymes released by dying cells enable this resistance. This finding highlights a growing challenge in modern medicine regarding bacterial survival. Researchers plan further studies to understand and potentially counteract this biological defense.

⛽ Oil prices jump amid Red Sea tanker attacks

Oil prices have increased following reports of Houthi attacks targeting tankers in the Red Sea. These incidents occurred in the Red Sea region, affecting major shipping lanes. The price hike is directly linked to the heightened geopolitical tensions and maritime risks. Global energy markets are reacting to the instability caused by the Houthi group's actions. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation to predict future fluctuations in oil supply and demand. 📈

🧠 World Bank says AI can boost developing nations

The World Bank suggests AI could help developing nations achieve in a decade what might take a century. For India and similar countries, only 4.5% of existing jobs are at risk from automation, compared to 14.2% in high-income nations. Furthermore, 16.2% of jobs in developing economies could see productivity boosted by AI. The report emphasizes that small, low-cost AI tools can improve services like healthcare and education locally. Countries must first fix basics like power and connectivity before chasing advanced AI systems. 💡

🔥 Guimaraes move could make Arsenal unstoppable 🚀

Arsenal is reportedly targeting Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes for a £75m transfer, potentially creating a world-class midfield. The 28-year-old Brazilian has proven to be highly impactful, contributing 15 goals in the Premier League last season for Newcastle. His performance boosted Newcastle's points per game ratio significantly when he was on the pitch. This acquisition, alongside Vinicius Jr, aligns with Mikel Arteta's ambition to elevate the squad further. The Gunners are expected to finalize moves in the coming weeks to solidify their dominance.

😠 Zuckerberg must apologize over Modi video glitch

Parliament's IT panel demanded Mark Zuckerberg apologize within three days after Facebook briefly took down a video from PM Narendra Modi. The panel, led by Nishikant Dubey, stated that intermediary liability was being misused by the platform. This followed the video's temporary removal on July 28, 2023, which users noted lasted for about five hours. If he doesn't apologize, the 'safe harbour' protection for Meta platforms could be revoked. Future discussions will also cover AI content and child safety on the platform. 😠

😠 Parliament chaos as bills pass amidst protests

The Lok Sabha passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026, while Opposition MPs protested police action during the July 20 demonstration. Rajya Sabha saw an INDIA bloc walkout over the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shashi Tharoor criticized the Centre's inaction on same-sex couples' rights after two years. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju contacted Rahul Gandhi to ease the deadlock in Lok Sabha. The houses were adjourned due to ongoing sloganeering and demands for Home Minister Amit Shah's presence. 😠

💰 Gold hits Rs 1.46 lakh on global uncertainty

Gold futures climbed for the second consecutive session, reaching Rs 1,46,464 per 10 grams on the MCX. This rally was fueled by geopolitical uncertainties and a weaker US dollar amid safe-haven buying. The RBI kept its repo rate steady at 5.25% for the fourth straight meeting. International Comex gold futures also rose to USD 4,226.50 per ounce. Investors are now watching US macroeconomic data for the next big move. 📈