This week's OTT releases offer a diverse selection across various streaming platforms.
If only it had held its breath a little longer and resisted the urge to explain so much, Whalefall could have been a knockout, notes Mayur Sanap.
Focus on clarity. Avoid keyword stuffing, advises Sarieka S Vaze, head of HR and administration at Montran Corporation.
A recent study by IIT Kharagpur researchers reveals that powerful cyclones can significantly impact groundwater quality up to 100 metres below the surface in deep coastal aquifers. Conducted in the climate-vulnerable Sundarbans region, the research highlights how extreme weather events disturb the freshwater-seawater balance, threatening drinking water security and necessitating depth-specific groundwater management strategies.
The Election Commission of India clarified to the Bombay High Court that the absence of a voter's name from a draft Special Intensive Revision (SIR) roll does not equate to deletion, as SIR is a fresh preparation of the electoral roll. This clarification came during a hearing on a writ petition filed by a Goa resident whose family's names were missing from the SIR roll. The court has reserved its verdict.
The captain of the Pakistani naval ship was overconfident, reckless and professionally incompetent. He displayed false bravado and by his actions would have caused grievous injuries to his men onboard and severely damaged the ship. On the other hand the captain of INS Kolkata maintained his cool, composure, displayed excellent seamanship skills and maintained his course and speed to avoid a major catastrophe. Comparison of the two captains shows the levels in professional competence of the two navies which are miles apart, points out Commodore Venugopal Menon (retd).
Avinash Arun's Prahaar: The Untold Story of Ujjwal Nikam emerges as a rare honest film in contemporary Bollywood, skillfully navigating the sensitive narrative of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and the prosecution of Ajmal Kasab without succumbing to propaganda, observes Prasanna D Zore.
At the border, places that you had just seen on a map, suddenly acquire a life. Looking at the vast expanse of quiet land, you realise an emotional connect, a sense of belonging binds you to a piece of land which is not merely territory, but a part of who you are.
Mumbai witnessed the emotional immersion of iconic Ganesh idols like Lalbaugcha Raja and Chinchpokhlicha Chintamani on Anant Chaturthi, marking the end of the 12-day Ganesh festival. Marathon processions, lasting over 21 hours, saw vast crowds of devotees participating, with significant security and civic arrangements in place for safe immersions and subsequent cleanup operations.
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Mangrol, its third anti-submarine warfare shallow water craft (ASW-SWC), in Mumbai. Built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, the vessel is designed to enhance India's ability to detect and counter submarine threats, especially in shallow coastal waters. Its induction is seen as vital amidst rising geopolitical tensions and increased submarine activity in the Indian Ocean, reinforcing India's indigenous shipbuilding capabilities and maritime security.
An Indian sailor was killed and several others rescued during an anti-piracy operation in Somalia. Security forces retook control of the hijacked fuel tanker MT Honour 25, apprehending 16 suspected pirates. Other Indian seafarers from different vessels were also safely repatriated amidst a resurgence of piracy in the region.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued a Belize-flagged vessel, MT Seagull 9, with 23 crew members off the coast of Paradip, Odisha. The vessel, carrying palm oil, suffered engine failure and rapid ballast tank flooding, leading to a dangerous tilt. Swift action by ICG ship 'Vishwast' and a specialist damage control team prevented a major maritime incident and potential environmental disaster.
The Gauhati High Court has granted bail to singer Amrit Prabha Mahanta, an accused in the Zubeen Garg death case, against a bond of Rs 50,000. Special Public Prosecutor Ziaul Kamar stated that the grounds for bail are not yet known, but the court deemed it a fit case. The prosecution, which presented arguments for several days, cannot challenge the order but will inform the government. Mahanta is currently lodged in Haflong jail, while other accused are in Tamulpur jail. The case involves the mysterious death of singer Zubeen Garg in Singapore last year, with conflicting findings from Singapore Police and Assam authorities, who maintain it was a murder.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the world is entering an age of flux marked by conflicts and tariff volatility, requiring India to respond effectively to these challenges. He reiterated India's consistent stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy, and highlighted India's efforts to engage with both sides. Jaishankar also emphasised India's role in championing the voice of the Global South and navigating complex strategic partnerships in a multi-aligned world.
Net office space leasing in India's top eight cities declined by 20 per cent in the January-September period to 36.7 million sq ft, primarily due to limited fresh supply of quality workspaces and a high base effect from the previous year, according to a report by Cushman & Wakefield. Despite this, gross leasing saw a 1 per cent increase, reaching a record 64.6 million sq ft, indicating strong underlying market activity.
Researchers have outlined five crucial actions to help the world prepare for a potentially strongest-on-record El Nino, aiming to reduce its severe health consequences like infectious diseases, malnutrition, and heat-related conditions. These recommendations, published in The Lancet, emphasise a comprehensive risk overview and early preparatory measures.
A collaborative study by Indian and South Korean scientists has provided new genetic, anatomical, and ecological insights into the wide-ridged Indo-Pacific finless porpoise. The research, based on a stranded specimen in Kerala, revealed distinct genetic differences from Pacific populations and highlighted significant conservation challenges, including limited protected habitats and anthropogenic pressures.
Discover the latest movies and series hitting OTT platforms this week, like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day, alongside a diverse array of K-dramas, Hindi films, and regional Indian content.
India has expressed serious concern over Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's civilian infrastructure and economic assets, stating that such actions threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the issue with his Saudi counterpart. India also condemned the targeting of commercial shipping after an Indian national went missing following an attack on a Panama-flagged ship off Oman.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has launched extensive precision strikes across multiple Iranian military installations, deploying both one-way attack aerial and sea drones for the first time, to degrade Tehran's ability to disrupt international maritime trade in the Strait of Hormuz.
A senior Pakistan Army general has confirmed the presence of Pakistani troops in Saudi Arabia, operating in "multiple capabilities" and "domains" amidst escalating Houthi attacks. This deployment is linked to the Makkah defence pact, a trilateral agreement with Turkiye and Saudi Arabia for collective deterrence, though specific details remain classified. Both Pakistan and Turkiye emphasise the defensive nature of their involvement.
One of the important topics of discussion between the two leaders is expected to be the Northern Sea Route and the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor.
A planned protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged voter-list manipulation, was thwarted by a massive security deployment in Delhi on Saturday. Thousands of protesters were detained as they attempted to gather at various alternative locations across the city, with metro services suspended and mobile internet blocked in some areas.
India has lodged a strong diplomatic protest with Pakistan over an 'unacceptable' naval collision in international waters, citing a breach of a 1991 bilateral agreement on military conduct after a Pakistani Navy vessel collided with an Indian Navy warship in the Arabian Sea.
If Iran and Oman choose to charge a fee for rendering services to vessels using their territorial waters, so be it. The US is indulging in an irrationally self-destructive act, notes Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.
Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline shutdown could make crude costlier for India as refiners face fewer supply routes and rising freight and insurance costs.
The driver of a speeding BMW involved in a fatal crash on Mumbai's Coastal Road, which killed three students, had a documented history of reckless driving and drunk and disorderly conduct. Police have registered an FIR against the deceased driver, Shanay Gajar, as investigations reveal prior cases of overspeeding and obstructing officers while inebriated.
A report by the University of Chicago's Energy Policy Institute projects approximately 15,800 additional heat-related deaths in India over the next six months due to the 'super El Nino' phenomenon. Globally, nearly 451,000 additional deaths are anticipated. Experts in India emphasize the need for swift action, including implementing Heat Action Plans and focusing on vulnerable populations, while also urging caution regarding model-based projections.
A football friendly match between India and Brazil, featuring star player Vinicius Jr, saw a surprisingly low attendance at Kolkata's Salt Lake Stadium. High ticket prices and the ongoing Durga Puja festival are cited as the primary reasons for the subdued response, contrasting sharply with the usual fan frenzy for local derbies and past international events.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the UN General Assembly, condemned the targeting of commercial shipping and seafarers in the Gulf, calling it "simply unacceptable." He also voiced deep concern over the "weaponisation of everything," which he stated has severe consequences for Global South nations, impacting peace, progress, and development globally. India urged restraint, de-escalation, and protection of civilians, while also highlighting the 4F crisis (food, fuel, fertiliser, finance) faced by developing countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held extensive discussions to strengthen bilateral trade, defence, and energy cooperation, while also addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and exploring avenues for peace and resolution, with Modi reiterating India's call for dialogue and diplomacy.
Indian cricket fans travelled thousands of kilometres, paying exorbitant prices for tickets and travel, to witness the India-Pakistan men's cricket final at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a stadium back home.
India has condemned an attack on a Panama-flagged oil tanker off the coast of Oman, which resulted in one Indian seafarer going missing and 13 others being rescued. The Ministry of External Affairs is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with Omani authorities for search and rescue operations, while also reiterating calls for de-escalation and safe navigation in the region.
India may have a vast coastline and a strategic location, but it will become a true maritime nation only when its people understand, value and actively participate in the maritime ecosystem, asserts Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta (retd).
'The way the government behaves, sometimes I ask myself: Are not Tamils Sri Lankans too? Why do you discriminate so much?'
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has brought heavy rainfall to parts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, leading to the evacuation of at least 3,500 people and prompting authorities to issue red and orange alerts for several districts.
A speeding BMW crashed on the Mumbai Coastal Road early Sunday morning, resulting in the deaths of three occupants and critically injuring a fourth. The driver lost control near Lotus Jetty. Police have launched an inquiry into the tragic incident.
Iran has conveyed seven conditions to the United States through Qatari mediators for starting negotiations to end the ongoing war, while warning that Tehran is prepared for a "decisive war" if Washington rejects its demands.
This was the fourth-lowest rainfall since 2001 and the 13th lowest since 1901, under the impact of El Niño.
It had always been my dream to reach the Balkans someday and for a few days in hot August my wishes were granted.
