😟 Ebola outbreak rages on in DRC after 100 days

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing a massive Ebola epidemic as UN agencies warned on Monday. The outbreak primarily affects six provinces, with Ituri accounting for about 85 per cent of cases. As of the latest figures, there are 5,515 cases and 2,642 deaths, showing a near 48 per cent mortality rate. Efforts are boosted by expanded testing and treatment capacity, but insecurity remains a major hurdle. Moving forward, scaled-up action and addressing hunger are critical to controlling the spread. 😟

🤝 Putin vows to keep fertilizer flow to India

External affairs minister S Jaishankar met with Russian President Vladimir Putin before his visit to India next month. Putin committed to continuing essential fertilizer supplies to India during their discussion. The meeting followed the 27th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade held earlier. Putin highlighted Russia's push to expand exports across energy and fertilizer sectors for Indian farmers. Leaders are scheduled to meet at the SCO summit on Aug 31-Sept 1 before the BRICS summit on September 12. 🇮🇳

📱 Foldable phones enter expensive new era

Major smartphone makers are pushing foldable phones, like the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip8, into the market. Apple is also anticipated to join Google and Samsung in this space. These devices come with hefty price tags, potentially around $2,000. Manufacturers hope users will value the larger screen space provided by these new gadgets. However, there is a risk consumers might find the extra cost not worth the extra screen real estate.

🛰️ NASA finds SpaceX crash site on the Moon

NASA successfully identified and captured images of the crater left by a SpaceX Falcon 9 craft crash on the Moon. The crater was formed on August 5, 2026, and was imaged by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). The LRO had to wait six days to photograph the specific spot while orbiting the Moon. Independent astronomers first tracked the trajectory using public data, which NASA then refined. This whole mission showed how private companies can partner with NASA for deep-space exploration. 🚀

🌋 Active volcano might hide a major metal stash

Researchers discovered a substantial zone of metal-bearing fluids deep inside an active volcano. This discovery was made by a team from the University of Oxford near the Soufrière Hills volcano in the Caribbean. They used seismic wave analysis from earthquakes recorded between 1996 and 2007 to map the structure. The team identified a fluid-rich, metal-bearing brine reservoir approximately 2 kilometers beneath the surface. This breakthrough suggests a new, faster way to find critical metals for modern tech. 🌋

🌿 Golf course becomes massive nature preserve

Wolf Run Golf Course, which closed in 2017, was saved from development by a couple who bought the 215 acres. Jim and Nancy Carpenter purchased the property in 2021 for $5.5 million to create the Carpenter Nature Preserve. The former site, which had plans for homes and shops, is now Boone County’s largest nature preserve. Nature is reclaiming the land, with birds, deer, and foxes returning to the area. The preserve will feature trails, a nature center, and various ecosystems in future phases. 🌳

📈 Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2026 Revealed

Forbes has announced its Asia 100 to Watch list for 2026, highlighting emerging influential players in the region. This year's list features various companies and individuals across diverse industries throughout Asia. The selection process considered innovation, growth trajectory, and market impact leading up to 2026. These businesses are expected to significantly shape the future economic landscape of the continent. The publication will continue to track these rising stars throughout the coming year. 📈

🔬 Smart Pillars Sort Particles with Temp Control

Researchers have developed temperature-tunable micropillars capable of sorting particles and cells programmatically. This innovative system was developed by scientists at the University of Cambridge. The technology allows for precise manipulation using temperature changes, offering high control over sorting mechanisms. This advancement is significant for microfluidics applications in biological and chemical research. Future work aims to integrate this sorting method into larger, automated lab setups.🔬

🌳 Illegal Logging Threatens Peruvian Amazon Ecosystem

Illegal logging activities are severely impacting the delicate ecosystem of the Peruvian Amazon. Reports indicate that these destructive practices are taking place across various regions of the Amazon rainforest. Data shows that the deforestation rate has increased by 15% since the start of the fiscal year 2023. This unsustainable logging threatens biodiversity and the crucial carbon sinks in the region. Authorities are intensifying surveillance to curb this environmental crime going forward. 🌳

⚽ Palmer shines, Alonso needs new keeper

Cole Palmer was praised as 'majestic' after Chelsea defeated Fulham 3-2 at Craven Cottage to kick off the Alonso era. The match featured Palmer and new signing Morgan Rogers performing brilliantly for the Blues. The score saw Chelsea take a lead, equalize, and then win 3-2 on the date of the match. Pundit Gary Neville valued Palmer at £120-125m but advised Alonso to fix the goalkeeping issue. This defensive concern, according to Neville, could negatively impact Chelsea's season moving forward. ⚽

😟 US H-1B fee hike proposal shocks Indian professionals

The US government has proposed a massive new $103,265 application fee for H-1B visas. This proposal, from the Department of Homeland Security, targets international students and workers in the US. The fee is slated for cap-subject applications, which currently allow 65,000 visas annually. Experts fear this change eliminates previous exemptions for US-educated students. The rule will be published Tuesday and faces immediate legal challenges. 😟