📱 Pixel phones are getting ads, here's the fix 📱

Google has started showing advertisements on Pixel phones, a feature users dislike after the Pixel 11 series launch. This started happening on older Pixels where users previously expected no ads. The ads appear via the My Pixel app, which now includes a Store tab for Google hardware. Users can block these unwanted ads using Android's granular notification controls. Specifically, turning off the 'Products and offers' category stops the advertising while keeping useful updates.

✈️ Chinese J-16s hit Egypt for joint military drill

A fleet of Chinese J-16 fighters has landed in Egypt for the Eagles of Civilisation 2026 exercise. The aircraft arrived at an Egyptian airbase on Friday morning after a 6,000km journey requiring mid-air refueling. Service personnel have begun preparations for this joint military activity. This marks the J-16's first-ever deployment to the African continent. The drills are set to conclude early next month, focusing on air combat tactics.

🎮 30+ New Games Dropping on Xbox Next Week

Xbox is set to launch over 30 new games next week, bringing fresh content to the platform. This massive lineup is coming to Xbox consoles during the period of August 24th to August 28th. The influx includes various genres, promising a packed gaming week for subscribers. These additions are part of the ongoing effort to expand the Xbox Game Pass library significantly. Gamers can expect to check out these titles starting on Monday, August 24th. 🎮

🦈 Ancient shark graveyard found in Egypt's desert

Paleontologists discovered evidence of a thriving ancient marine ecosystem in the Egyptian desert. The findings are from the Abu-Tartur Plateau, part of the Duwi Formation layer. A total of at least seven different shark species were identified from the teeth found on the 14th discovery. This rich environment likely thrived due to nutrient-enriched waters rising from deeper in the ocean. These fossils offer clues to the dynamic life along the northern edge of Africa during the Cretaceous period. 🦈

⚽ Balde's Future Uncertain Amid Man Utd Interest

Alejandro Balde's departure from Barcelona is being discussed due to interest from Manchester United. The left-back reportedly met with his agent, keeping the exit door open if his role diminishes this season. Hansi Flick stated it is a difficult question regarding the player's future at the club. Flick emphasized the need for players to be confident in competing for their position. He wants every player to be one hundred percent committed to the team's success. ⚽

✨ Kidlit creators will beat AI, here's why

The author argues that children's literature creators (KC) will ultimately succeed against the rise of Artificial Intelligence. KC are positioned as essential because AI primarily curates content rather than creating original works from scratch. Legal battles, like Anthropic's $1.5 billion settlement, show AI's reliance on copyrighted material. These creators are driven by passion, not just money or fame, to craft imaginative stories. Therefore, the core human element in storytelling ensures KC maintains the upper hand. 📚

🏏 Gill's Colombo Challenge After Kohli's Era

Shubman Gill has a significant opportunity to establish himself in Colombo cricket. He is stepping into a space previously occupied by Virat Kohli in the Sri Lankan city. The comparison highlights his current trajectory against his predecessor's legacy. This chance comes as Indian cricket continues its strong global performance. Fans are now watching closely to see how he performs moving forward.

🧐 Modi's 'Sweet Jihad' Sparks Debate

The statement referred to as 'Cheeni jihad' has caused a stir across political circles. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the remark while attending an event in Uttar Pradesh. Specific figures or dates related to the statement were not provided in the source material. The comment has generated considerable discussion regarding its intended meaning and political implications. The ongoing reaction suggests further political commentary is expected from various stakeholders. 🧐

🦠 Ebola spreads fast in DRC; no vaccine for this strain

The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has escalated to 4,945 cases and 2,325 deaths as of August 17, 2026. The Bundibugyo virus strain is spreading across 54 health zones in six provinces, with no approved vaccines or specific treatments. The case fatality ratio has worsened to 46 percent, and the WHO warns it could exceed the 2014-2016 outbreak's toll. A study showed this is a brand new spillover event, with the virus adapting to humans. The crisis is worsened by the DRC's weakness, fueled by Western extractive interests. 🦠

🏏 Stokes slams ECB over Headingley's 2027 Ashes snub

Former Test captain Ben Stokes called the ECB's exclusion of Headingley from the 2027 Ashes schedule as 'shambolic'. This criticism followed England's win over Pakistan at Headingley, as newly appointed captain Joe Root had previously called it a 'shame'. The ECB selected five venues for 2027, omitting Headingley and Old Trafford from the northern England fixtures. Headingley has a strong history, including Stokes' 2019 unbeaten 135 against Australia. These venues are set to return to the Ashes rotation in 2031. 🏏

😥 Microsoft lays off young engineer in Hyderabad

A Microsoft software engineer in Hyderabad recently lost his job during company layoffs and shared his struggle on Reddit. His manager reportedly told him he was too young and assumed he had fewer responsibilities. This engineer is the sole earner supporting his parents, sister's education, and his father's loan. He has three years of experience in backend and full-stack engineering and is now seeking new roles. He is open to relocating and taking freelance or contract work to secure a new position. 😥