🐦 Singapore culls 'pest' birds, but populations keep booming 🐦

Authorities in Singapore are conducting culls on birds deemed pests, such as pigeons and crows, at places like Sungei Tengah Lodge. These actions target species like the common pigeon and house crows within the metropolis. Since resuming crow shooting in March, 500 crows have reportedly been shot, despite an estimated population over 160,000. Ecologists argue that rapid urbanization provides ideal conditions for these birds to thrive despite the culling efforts. Conservationists suggest that culling might not solve the issue and could even lead to population increases.

💜 Vanessa Bryant on facing unimaginable grief

Vanessa Bryant shared in a PEOPLE interview about her immense grief following the loss of Kobe Bryant and their daughter Gianna. She stated that lying in bed crying would not change the reality of her family being forever changed. This tragic event happened in a helicopter accident, over six and a half years ago. Kobe and Gigi continue to motivate her to keep going and be better every day. Now, she focuses on their legacy and being a strong single parent for her daughters. 😔

♿ Airline kicked wheelchair user, then apologized

Disability advocate Shane Hryhorec was removed from a Virgin Australia flight because staff incorrectly assessed his portable wheelchair motor. This incident occurred when he flew from Melbourne to Adelaide on a Virgin Australia flight. The removal happened despite Hryhorec explaining the Batec power add-on could be separated. Virgin Australia later admitted their ground and cabin staff made an error in assessing the equipment. The airline is now offering a full refund and reviewing staff training protocols. 😔

🚨 Nearly 3 Lakh URLs Flagged for Takedown

Around 2.98 lakh URLs were sent for takedown between March and July 2026 by government departments. States were responsible for 82% of these requests, totaling 2.44 lakh. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) flagged 51,000 URLs concerning scams. This action follows the amendment of IT Intermediaries Rules 2021 to a three-hour takedown window. Moving forward, I4C continues to flag transnational financial frauds and CSAM.

🧐 Yes Bank loan deal faces EOW probe

A fresh complaint has been filed with the Mumbai Police's EOW regarding Yes Bank's assignment of a Rs 600-crore PPIPL loan to Suraksha ARC. Suspended PPIPL director Rakesh Kumar Wadhawan lodged the complaint questioning the loan's valuation and transfer process. The loan, allegedly secured by assets worth over Rs 2,000 crore, was assigned for about Rs 155.3 crore around August 20, 2026. The complaint also flags fund movements and an increase in Suraksha ARC’s voting share. The EOW is asked to investigate if the transactions followed transparent procedures. 🧐

📉 Global bond sell-off spikes long-term yields 📈

A global sell-off in government bonds pushed long-term yields to multi-year highs across markets. In the US, the 30-year Treasury yield surpassed 5.3% on this week's turmoil. This surge is driven by worries over persistent inflation and rising government debt levels globally. For instance, US debt reached $40 trillion this week, increasing risk perception. However, the US Treasury announced it will double debt buybacks from $2 billion to at least $4 billion through November.

🎮 Modern Warfare 4 beta drops with new features

The upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta will feature a campaign mission and support for the Nintendo Switch 2. This early access phase runs from August 21 to August 25 for pre-order customers across multiple platforms. The open beta follows from August 28 to September 1, introducing more maps and the Switch 2 support. A new PC feature allows shaders to compile in the background to reduce load times. The full game is slated for release on October 23 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch 2.

🦇 Did you know about Batman's early days?

Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27 back in May 1939. Cartoonist Bob Kane received sole credit, but his collaborator was Bill Finger in the early days. The character's iconic elements came from Finger's input, despite his lack of credit initially. Warner Bros. and DC finally corrected the credits to include Bill Finger starting from Gotham (Fox). This recognition came after a 2014 documentary and a 2015 family campaign.

⚽ Premier League 2026/27 season preview is here

Arsenal starts the 2026/27 Premier League season defending their title after winning in 2025/26. This campaign features three promoted clubs returning, alongside top teams battling for European spots. Record-equalling nine clubs will compete in European competitions, including five in the UEFA Champions League. The 2025/26 season saw 115 goals scored in the 90th minute or later, showing high intensity. Coventry City, Hull City, and Ipswich Town are among the new arrivals joining the league. ⚽

🔥 Ashton Hall's insane shoot with Conor McGregor

Fitness influencer Ashton Hall collaborated with Conor McGregor for an action-packed shoot for Mac Energy. The video, shared by Hall, featured him jumping from a helicopter and clearing a vehicle before McGregor appeared with a gun. This intense shoot happened just eight days after McGregor underwent knee surgery in early August. The collaboration was striking because McGregor chose to participate despite doctor's advice to rest following his knee injury. Both men confirmed the project was a major moment for their respective brands and careers. 🚁

✈️ IndiGo dominates Indian skies with record market share

IndiGo significantly boosted its market dominance in July, achieving a record 67.4% domestic air traffic share. This gain occurred in India, where IndiGo outperformed Akasa Air, which dropped to 5.5%, and SpiceJet, which fell to 1.6%. Overall domestic passenger traffic contracted by 5% compared to last year, due to rising jet fuel costs. Analysts suggest this share rise might be temporary, dependent on fuel cost normalization and capacity restoration. The sector faces headwinds from high fares and reduced demand from price-sensitive travellers. ✈️