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• India's media and entertainment industry is projected to grow from $25.7 billion in 2025 to $36.7 billion by 2030. • This growth is primarily driven by the expansion of digital ecosystems, technology, internet advertising, and Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms. • The industry is shifting toward new monetization models to enhance revenue potential across both traditional and digital media channels.

• Ridley Scott is releasing a new sci-fi adventure featuring Jacob Elordi as a post-pandemic pilot. • Soul singer Erykah Badu is set to release a highly anticipated collaboration. • Starting September 2, an exhibition showcasing moving image work by early-career artists—including Rhiana Bonterre and Rosanna Lee—will launch at Nottingham Contemporary and tour 16 UK venues.

• Country music legend, songwriter, and actress (unnamed in text) passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80, prompting global tributes from pop stars and prime ministers. • Producer Seiji Kameda honored the artist's legacy in Japan, describing her voice as having "shone like the sun." • In a separate legal matter, a US judge awarded actress Blake Lively $407,000 to cover legal fees stemming from a dispute with Justin Baldoni.

• The rom-com movie "Hi," starring Nayanthara and Kavin, has received positive feedback from internet users following its release. • Viewers have specifically praised the lead actors for their "soulful and refreshing" on-screen chemistry. • This reception highlights the current audience demand for high-quality romantic comedies within the global entertainment market.

• Crude oil prices remained stable near $82 on Thursday, despite a second commercial vessel being attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. • Iran and Oman are scheduled to meet next week to negotiate a deal regarding the establishment of fees for ships using the waterway. • The situation is critical as rising energy and pump prices are increasing political pressure on U.S. officials ahead of the November congressional midterm elections.

• Australia's music industry has implemented a ban on AI-generated tracks to prevent them from appearing on official music charts. • The Venice Film Festival added "NAZA," a documentary by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, to its main competition lineup. • The film examines the civilian toll of the Israel-Hamas war, specifically focusing on the killings of Palestinian civilians.

• India's entertainment and media market is projected to grow to $36.7 billion by 2030, according to a report by PwC. • A primary driver of this growth is internet advertising revenue, which is expected to nearly double from $7.5 billion in 2025 to $14.3 billion by 2030. • This specific sector is forecasted to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.9 per cent over the period.

Thermal drone footage shows a Microsoft-backed AI datacenter powering its operations with dozens of unpermitted generatorsThe largest planned AI datacenter in New Jersey is being accused of violating federal law after a visual investigation found the site running dozens of unpermitted gas-powered generators.Thermal drone footage captured by the non-profit newsroom Floodlight last week showed the partly completed DataOne facility in Vineland was operating at least 45 of the site’s 62 generators at the time. Continue reading...

Motoring series to return after break since serious injuries to co-host Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff in crash during filmingTop Gear, the long-running motoring show which has been off air since its co-host Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff was seriously injured in a crash during filming almost four years ago, is to return to the BBC, the broadcaster confirmed today.After Flintoff’s accident at Dunsfold Aerodrome in Surrey the BBC said the series would be “rested” for the foreseeable future. Continue reading...

• PL Wealth released a report highlighting encouraging economic signals for India as it enters the second half of 2026. • Key growth drivers include the return of foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) as net buyers, recovering monsoon conditions, and a steady start to the Q1 FY27 earnings season. • CEO Inderbir Jolly stated that long-term conviction in the economy remains strong due to domestic investment, favorable demographics, and structural growth opportunities.

• Toh Ser Khoon of SP reports that Singapore's enterprise AI progress depends on workforce readiness, clear governance, and the redesign of organizational workflows. • While many organizations have started with individual experimentation using available tools, core systems and job roles have remained stagnant. • The next phase of adoption requires shifting from isolated tool use to systemic changes that build trust and integrate AI into how work is organized.

• SMBC Asia Rising Fund and Singtel Innov8 have invested in fileAI to support the company's expansion into the Japanese market. • The funding will facilitate the launch of fileScout, a proprietary solution designed to map and harness unstructured data for enterprises. • This investment comes as enterprise AI adoption accelerates across Asia, highlighting the growing demand for tools that manage complex corporate data.

Piketon datacenter promises to generate thousands of jobs, but environmental groups voice concern over projectOn a winding road tucked away behind forests in the Appalachian foothills of southern Ohio is where OpenAI, Nvidia and Japanese investors are set to spend $500bn on one of the largest artificial intelligence datacenters on the planet.Last March, the energy secretary, Chris Wright, the commerce secretary, Howard Lutnick and a host of Japanese and other dignitaries briefly descended on Piketon to enthusiastically break ground on a project to build 8GW worth of AI computing power. Continue reading...

Exposure to two compounds approved can result in ‘sudden death’ and range of other serious health risks, lawsuit warnsThe Trump administration has approved two new datacenter chemicals to which exposure can result in “sudden death” and a range of other serious health risks, like cancer, eye corrosion, neurological damage and reproductive harm, a new lawsuit warns.The two compounds approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for import and immediate use in facilities across the US are photoacid generators that also appear to be Pfas “forever chemicals”, though it is unclear because much of the EPA documents are redacted. Some Pfas are commonly used in the production of semiconductors. Continue reading...

• Southeast Asia's data center investment is projected to grow from $15.72 billion in 2025 to $35.08 billion by 2031, according to a report by Arizton. • The market is expanding at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.32%, supported by 306 currently operational facilities across nine countries. • This growth is driven by increasing digital infrastructure needs, with an additional 173 data centers already in the development pipeline.

US president’s lawyers in court filing say Washington arts complex must undergo repairs or risk demolitionThe John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts could be demolished if repairs are not carried out, Donald Trump’s administration warned in a court filing on Monday.Lawyers for the US president said the national arts complex in Washington DC must undergo a $250m renovation or risk facing the wrecking ball. Continue reading...

The Republican Senate candidate announced the plan with a graphic X flagged as ‘Made with AI’US politics live – latest updatesKen Paxton, a Republican candidate for the US Senate in Texas, has unveiled plans to tackle the “negative impact” of datacenters amid a growing backlash across the political spectrum.Paxton, endorsed by Donald Trump but facing a close contest against Democrat James Talarico, posted a “Texas first” datacenter plan on X with a graphic that the social media network flagged as “Made with AI”. Continue reading...

• The Venice Film Festival has officially added the documentary "NAZA," which focuses on Gaza, to its competition lineup. • In other entertainment news, several high-profile figures are celebrating birthdays during the week of August 23-29. • Notable celebrations include actor Keke Palmer, actor Chris Pine, director Ava DuVernay, and comedian Dave Chappelle, who turns 53.

• Anticipation is building for the release of the movie *Toxic*, starring Yash, known for his role in the *KGF* franchise. • The film is currently seeing strong momentum with significant advance bookings as fans await the official release date. • This release is a key event in the global entertainment industry, which is valued at approximately $2.83 trillion.

• Banijay Entertainment has announced "Live Better for Less," a new pan-European lifestyle entertainment format produced by Banijay UK’s Electric Robin. • The project is a strategic collaboration between Banijay, the online marketplace Vinted, and WPP Media. • The series is scheduled for a simultaneous launch across seven European territories in September 2026.

• Chinese AI firms, including DeepSeek, Moonshot AI, and Z.ai, are now providing consistent competition to leading AI models from the US and EU at the enterprise level. • The rise is driven by the technical capabilities and financial appeal of these models, challenging the previous dominance of Western AI ecosystems. • This shift is significant as it signals a narrowing gap in the global AI race, potentially altering the landscape of enterprise technology adoption.

Trump administration proposes new rule to dismantle requirement for datacenters to publicly report air pollutionA new rule proposed by the Trump administration aims to kill public notification for datacenter air pollution, public health advocates warn, and allow emission permits to be issued behind closed doors.The datacenters are often sources of nitrogen oxide, which helps form ozone, carbon monoxide and heavy metals, among other pollutants. Continue reading...

• The United States now dominates the global hyperscale landscape, hosting 15 of the world's 20 largest AI data center markets. • Expansion is shifting away from traditional technology hubs as states like Texas aggressively compete to attract new infrastructure investments. • This growth reflects the massive computational demands of generative AI, positioning the U.S. as the primary engine for AI infrastructure development.

• Sunny Deol's film "Batwara 1947" has officially crossed the ₹50 crore mark in worldwide box office collections as of August 23, 2026. • The milestone was achieved on the movie's 10th day of release, demonstrating steady performance in the global market. • This achievement highlights the commercial viability of the film and Sunny Deol's continued draw for audiences.

• Taylor Sheridan has been accused of "stealing" the concept for the hit series *Yellowstone* from a pitch that was rejected in 2016. • The report emerged via Entertainment News Today's live updates on August 24, 2026, highlighting a potential legal or creative dispute over the show's origins. • This allegation matters as it challenges the creative ownership of one of the most successful modern television franchises.

• Prolight + Sound is launching its first Bangkok edition, Prolight + Sound Bangkok (PLSB), as announced on August 21, 2026. • The event serves as a new regional trade fair and meeting point focusing on professional AV, lighting, music, and entertainment technology. • This debut aims to energize the Southeast Asian market by connecting international brands with regional industry professionals.

• On August 21, 2026, attention is focused on the box office performance of the movie "Bethlehem Kudumba Unit," starring Nivin Pauly and Mamitha Baiju. • Industry analysts are predicting whether the film will achieve the biggest Day 1 opening gross in Nivin Pauly's career. • This tracking is part of broader real-time coverage of the $2.83 trillion global entertainment industry, including OTT releases and celebrity trends.

• California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated in a CNBC interview on Thursday that any settlement regarding the Paramount merger would require "robust structural remedies." • Bonta is leading a coalition of 12 states challenging the merger on antitrust grounds to prevent unfair market consolidation. • The Attorney General criticized Paramount, claiming the company is focusing on discussions that are not central to the core antitrust lawsuit.