Former Disney CEO Bob Iger and venture capitalist Josh Kushner have agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers for a record $12.5 billion.

The Connected Vehicle Security Act aims to address national security risks associated with connected vehicles, which are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats due to their reliance on software and data transmission. The legislation targets foreign-controlled software in vehicles, balancing the need for security with the benefits of advanced automotive technology.

Chinese scientists have developed a strong, heat-resistant, and biodegradable bioplastic from bamboo cellulose. The material, which can be molded into complex shapes and retains 90% of its strength after recycling, decomposes in 50 days and costs approximately $2,302 per tonne to produce. This innovation could offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional plastics.

Vantage Data Centers, backed by Silver Lake and DigitalBridge Group, is considering an IPO or sale valued at $100 billion, potentially raising $10 billion. This move could make it the largest data center IPO to date, driven by AI-driven demand. The company is exploring exit options, including a stake sale, with discussions still in preliminary stages and no formal process launched.

Researchers at XM Cyber discovered a method to exploit four vulnerabilities in Microsoft SCCM, allowing a standard domain user to achieve remote code execution. The attack chain involves a broken authorization flaw, a path-traversal flaw, weak code-signing validation, and an unsigned DLL-loading path. Microsoft has patched the initial flaw but the remaining vulnerabilities are expected to be addressed in ConfigMgr 2609. The attack can escalate from an ordinary domain account to 'NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM' on the primary site server, compromising all managed clients and company assets.

Bill Ackman announced a significant portfolio overhaul, adding six new investments including Netflix, Visa, and Mastercard. This marks the largest change in years for Ackman's funds, which traditionally hold no more than a dozen companies. The new additions include eye care firm Alcon, exchange operator Intercontinental Exchange, and financial data provider S&P Global. Ackman believes these firms' earnings are poised for strong growth, which he sees as a key driver of investment value over time. Despite recent challenges, Ackman's funds have historically performed well.

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek announced on August 13 that it will increase API prices for its V4-Pro and V4-Flash models, introducing peak and off-peak pricing. The new rates, effective from August 17, will range from 50% to 1,100% above current prices, varying by model, token type, and usage time.

CiDi reported a 97% year-on-year revenue growth and a 204% increase in gross profit in its first half-year financial results since listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The company's total revenue reached RMB 804 million, with Autonomous Driving contributing 97.6% of this figure. Gross profit rose to RMB 212 million, and the adjusted net loss narrowed by 82% to approximately RMB 19.68 million, improving the adjusted net margin to -2.4%. CiDi's cash and cash equivalents increased to RMB 1.214 billion.

Ukrainian drones struck the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery in Russia's Bashkortostan, causing a fire and igniting a fourth attack in three days. The refinery, one of Russia's largest, processes up to 74 million barrels of oil annually. The attacks aim to pressure President Putin into a peace deal, but there is no sign of success. The incident also affected Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer, which evacuated its facility in the Salavat industrial zone.

Delta Air Lines temporarily disabled Wi-Fi on a flight from Las Vegas to Atlanta after an unauthorized network, dubbed 'Delta WiFi Fast,' appeared onboard. The incident, which coincided with passengers attending a cybersecurity conference, was not confirmed by Delta, but the airline assured that no systems were hacked and flight safety was not compromised. The crew turned off the Wi-Fi for about 30 minutes while the flight proceeded to Atlanta without an emergency declaration from air traffic control. Delta is investigating the matter with federal authorities and aviation regulators.

Servant of the Lake, a game that combines menial tasks with bizarre experiments, maintains its odd atmosphere and puzzle-solving gameplay in the full version. While the puzzles are generally not overly difficult, some, like arranging flowers, can be frustratingly obtuse. Despite occasional challenges, the game's charm lies in its calmly bizarre world and the satisfaction of solving puzzles, even if by accident.

Rusty Lake's new point-and-click adventure, Servant of the Lake, invites players to solve puzzles and uncover secrets within the Vanderboom family's isolated lakeside estate. As a new servant, players aid the eccentric family members while gradually revealing the darker aspects of their lives. The game features a full voice cast, integrated puzzles, and a compelling storyline.

Axio, a cyber risk quantification leader, has launched Axio AIR, an AI risk quantification tool on the Axio360 platform. Axio AIR provides a single, board-ready view of AI exposure and a prioritized path to mitigate AI risks. The tool addresses the challenge of AI adoption outpacing governance capabilities, with roughly 90% of enterprises having deployed AI.

Chinese AI startup DeepSeek announced on August 13 that it will increase API prices for its V4-Pro and V4-Flash models, introducing peak and off-peak pricing. The new rates, effective from August 17, will range from 50% to 1,100% above current prices, varying by model, token type, and usage time.

Xiaomi has announced the HyperOS 4 beta program, with the first batch of eight devices set to receive the Android 17 update on August 14, 2026. The beta testing will occur in three phases, starting in China and potentially expanding globally. Key improvements include a 17.5% faster response time and a 28.9% increase in application stability.

Canon's Peter Bragg discusses the intersection of technology and coral reef restoration in an interview with Sustainability Magazine, highlighting Canon's commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative solutions.

Anthropic has introduced a watermark for Claude, its AI tool, to differentiate AI-generated content from human writing. Tech experts express concerns about copyright, privacy, and the potential for biased judgment of AI-assisted work. Anthropic plans to release an API for watermark detection and assures that the watermark does not alter the quality or meaning of Claude's responses.

Developers of the cooperative puzzler Big Walk have not announced any future content plans, leaving players uncertain about the game's future. Despite the game's challenging nature and the possibility of players reaching halfway through after extensive play, the developers, House House, have stated that there are no expansion or DLC plans at this time. However, they encourage completionist players to create their own content using the game's freeform systems.

Research reveals that American AI models like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are inadvertently mimicking Chinese censorship when asked about sensitive topics, reflecting the data they were trained on. This includes state-controlled media, leading to biased responses. The issue stems from the AI's training process, which absorbs a wide range of internet content. Experts suggest that AI companies can address this by making their training data more transparent and adjusting their algorithms. Despite efforts by companies to ensure neutral responses, tests show a reluctance to criticize repressive governments, highlighting a need for further improvements in AI training practices.

Microsoft has faced a significant shift in its relationship with China, leading to the closure of at least 15 branch offices and joint ventures since 2010. Despite considering a market exit in 2023 due to geopolitical risks and limited economic returns, Microsoft decided to stay, citing profitable services to Chinese companies like TikTok's ByteDance. The company's AI and cloud businesses have been impacted by U.S. restrictions, but Microsoft remains in China, navigating the complex landscape of domestic software promotion and export controls.

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) plans to invest an additional ₹4,000 crore in Tamil Nadu, raising its total India investment to ₹14,500 crore. This investment aims to support product development, manufacturing, R&D, infrastructure, and future technology readiness, while creating around 400 jobs. The investment is part of DICV's next phase of BharatBenz growth in India, which has already placed over 2.2 lakh trucks and buses on Indian roads since 2012. The investment follows a non-binding MoU with the Tamil Nadu government and is expected to bolster India's role as a manufacturing and supply base within Daimler Truck's global network.

Honor Robot Phone introduces a groundbreaking 200MP camera with a real 4DoF titanium gimbal, capable of 360-degree rotation per second, offering superior stabilization compared to traditional optical and electronic methods. This innovation aims to match the performance of dedicated gimbal cameras, addressing the challenge of miniaturization while maintaining structural strength and high torque density.

Fox News host Bret Baier criticized President Trump's claims about the war with Iran, stating that the U.S. Navy does not control the Strait of Hormuz and that oil and gas supplies are still being restricted. Baier highlighted the significant decrease in vessel traffic through the strait and the impact on global energy prices, including a rise in gasoline costs and Brent Crude forecasts.

Xanadu Quantum Technologies and the University of Alberta have formed a partnership to develop quantum algorithms for cancer treatment, focusing on enhancing photodynamic therapy. The collaboration aims to create a quantum computing framework to accelerate the design of new photosensitizers, which are light-activated compounds used to destroy tumor cells with minimal side effects. This initiative seeks to overcome the limitations of classical simulations and experiments in predicting the properties of photosensitizers, such as their sensitivity to light and efficiency in killing cancer cells.

Xanadu Quantum Technologies and the University of Alberta have formed a partnership to develop quantum algorithms for cancer treatment. Led by Xanadu's algorithms team and Professor Alex Brown, the collaboration aims to create a quantum computing framework to speed up the design of new photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy. The project is part of Xanadu's broader efforts to advance quantum computing applications in healthcare. Xanadu has also recently signed several players, including Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espi, and Yan Diomare, filling all 25 first-team spots for their sports team.

Chicago Atlantic BDC, Inc. reported second quarter 2026 financial results, showing a net investment income of $7.7 million and a net increase in net assets of $6.1 million. CEO Peter Sack highlighted the strength of the portfolio and disciplined underwriting, with a 100% senior secured debt portfolio yielding 16.0%. The company ended the quarter with $73.9 million in liquidity and a pipeline of approximately $1.1 billion.

Rocket Lab Corporation has announced key milestones in its acquisition of Iridium Communications Inc. The U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino waiting period expired, and Rocket Lab filed a Form S-4 with the SEC to register securities for Iridium shareholders. Additionally, Rocket Lab and Iridium filed FCC applications to transfer control of Iridium's licenses to Rocket Lab.

A policy brief from the European Space Policy Institute warns that China's rapid advancement in orbital data centres could leave Europe behind, risking the continent's digital sovereignty. Despite European efforts, such as the EU-funded ASCEND project and collaborations with UK firm Open Cosmos, China's state-backed initiatives, led by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, are outpacing Europe's progress in this strategic sector.

Vantage Data Centers, backed by Silver Lake and DigitalBridge Group, is considering an IPO or sale, potentially raising $10 billion at a $100 billion valuation, making it the largest data center IPO to date. The decision is influenced by the surge in AI-driven demand for data centers, attracting significant investor interest.

Russia intensifies its military strategy in Ukraine by focusing on long-range ballistic missiles to target civilian areas and infrastructure, aiming to increase resistance costs and erode morale. The Kremlin views the Ukrainian homeland as a potential weak link, especially as the ground war stagnates and casualties rise. Russia's missile production is being prioritized, with reports of receiving missiles from allies like North Korea. The US faces challenges in replenishing depleted air defense systems due to the war in Iran.

Opendoor Technologies' stock dropped 3.5% to $3.379 after a large convertible note issuance overshadowed positive elements of a deal, despite a cooler-than-expected July CPI reading indicating a 3.4% annual rise in U.S. consumer prices.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) received the Green Leadership award at the Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards 2026 for its CF-Hotels initiative, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Thailand's tourism industry. The initiative provides tools for carbon footprint assessment and sustainability planning, and has been piloted in Krabi and Phang Nga as Low-Carbon Tourism Sandboxes.

Kaspersky's report reveals India as one of the top five APAC countries targeted by advanced persistent threats (APTs), with 75 million cyberattacks blocked in the first half of 2026. The region faces sophisticated cyber campaigns, with AI being used to enhance attack speed and adaptability. Despite some decline in certain attack categories, APTs remain a significant global threat, accounting for 24% of high-severity incidents in 2025.

Microsoft, once reluctant to leave China, has seen 15 of its branch offices shut down in the past five years due to geopolitical risks and a strategy of retreat. Despite considering an exit in 2023, Microsoft continues to operate in China, which accounts for just 1.5% of its global revenue. The company faces challenges from U.S. restrictions on technology exports and China's push for domestic software, impacting its AI and cloud businesses. Microsoft is not planning to exit China, but other U.S. tech giants are reassessing their presence amid rising tensions.

WhatsApp introduces on-device scam detection to alert users about suspicious links without sending chats to Meta, enhancing privacy and security. The feature aims to reduce spam and is being tested in India, leveraging end-to-end encryption and verifiability guarantees.

The 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis has disrupted the oil market, causing a shift from demand-driven to supply-driven regimes and leading to extreme price volatility and rapid inventory depletion. The crisis halted 27% of global crude flow, and even after the Strait reopens, normalization is expected to take months or years, indicating prolonged market disruption and elevated price risk.

Hancock Whitney (HWC) stock, which has risen about 30% over the past year, is downgraded to 'Hold' as its valuation is near fair value. The bank's strong performance is attributed to favorable interest rates and successful mergers and acquisitions, particularly in Sun Belt markets. Q2 results showed robust deposit and loan growth, resilient credit quality, and a solid CET1 capital ratio, supporting further expansion. The OFB acquisition is expected to bring cost synergies in 2024 and improve the CET1 ratio to ~11.3%. With shares near fair value ($79-$83), the analyst suggests waiting for a pullback to $75 before increasing exposure.

The board of Zuari Industries approved the acquisition of equity shares from its subsidiaries: Rs. 150 crore from Texmaco Infrastructure & Holdings and Rs. 30 crore from Zuari Agro Chemicals, totaling Rs. 180 crore, during a meeting on 13 August 2026.

Hinduja Group announces a Rs 2,500 crore investment in Tamil Nadu, focusing on renewable energy, electric mobility, and other sectors. The investment includes over 200 MW of clean energy projects and the operationalization of electric buses for public transport. The group aims to contribute to Tamil Nadu's growth and energy transition, leveraging its industrial base and renewable energy potential.

Propel Holdings (PRL:CA) is rated a Buy due to strong fundamentals, robust earnings growth, and attractive valuation. The company reported record Q2 results with revenues up 26%, adjusted EBITDA up 24%, and adjusted net income up 29% year-over-year. Forward PE ratios of 8.6x (2026) and 6.5x (2027) highlight compelling earnings yields of 11.3% and 14.9%. High insider ownership (28%) and 12 consecutive quarterly dividend increases bolster confidence in PRL:CA’s long-term prospects.

WhatsApp introduces a new scam-detection AI feature directly on users' phones to reduce spam, leveraging end-to-end encryption and verifiability guarantees. The update aims to alert users about suspicious links, enhancing security and user experience.

Eurovision Song Contest organisers have updated the rules to prevent winning countries involved in armed conflicts or sensitive geopolitical situations from hosting the next year's contest. This change follows boycotts by Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia due to Israel's participation amid the Gaza conflict. The EBU aims to provide clarity for performers and production teams.

The European Commission has classified Amazon's AWS and Microsoft's Azure as 'gatekeepers' under the Digital Markets Act, recognizing their significant market power despite not meeting usual size thresholds. This move reflects a broader trend of Big Tech's influence, which stems from control over infrastructure, platforms, and distribution systems, rather than just popularity. The designation highlights a settled hierarchy of platforms, with a clear divide between the top tier of companies like Google, Facebook, and Amazon, and all others, indicating less active competition and more entrenched market positions.

The Hinduja Group plans to invest ₹2,500 crore in Tamil Nadu's clean mobility sector, focusing on renewable energy, electric buses, and solar projects. The investment includes over 200 MW of renewable energy projects, electric mobility solutions, and other sectors like automotive and digital mobility. The MoU was signed with the Tamil Nadu government, aiming to support areas such as Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, and Coimbatore.

Minhaz Merchant's 'Era of India' explores the nation's historical and future economic potential, suggesting India could become the third-largest economy by 2030. The book examines India's past wealth, colonial exploitation, and its current geopolitical and economic rise, positing a significant shift in global power dynamics.

Centricity, a wealth management firm, has raised ₹280 crore in Series A funding led by SMBC Asia Rising, with participation from Lightspeed India Partners, Burman Family Office, RAAY Investments, Stride Venture, and Innoven Capital. The funds will bolster Centricity's technology, expand its wealth distribution platform, and grow its private wealth and NRI global client businesses. Founded in 2022, Centricity manages over ₹15,000 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM). Previously, it secured USD 4 million in pre-seed funding in 2022 and USD 18 million in seed funding in 2024.

Tactical Resources Corp. has completed a business combination with Plum Acquisition Corp. III, resulting in a four-for-one share consolidation and the creation of New PubCo, which will trade under the Nasdaq ticker 'TREO'. The deal positions Tactical to accelerate development of its Peak Project in Texas, a rare earth asset with existing infrastructure.

Vantage Data Centers, backed by Silver Lake and DigitalBridge Group, is considering an IPO or sale, potentially raising $10 billion at a $100 billion valuation, making it the largest data center IPO to date. The decision comes amid rising AI-driven demand for data centers, attracting significant investor interest.

The Virtus Silvant Mid-Cap Growth Fund outperformed the Russell Midcap Growth Index by 1.5% in the second quarter, with a 1.7% gain in the first quarter. The fund's performance was driven by strong contributions from companies like Circle Internet Group and Texas Pacific Land, while Richard Drury/DigitalVision via Getty Images was a notable stock contributor.

Eurovision has amended its rules to prevent countries at war or in sensitive geopolitical situations from hosting the competition. This follows a boycott by several European countries over Israel's participation. The winning country will now be automatically ineligible to host if their state or region is affected by conflict or instability. The changes aim to ensure the safety and integrity of the event, with additional rule modifications including raising the minimum performer age to 18.

Hinduja Group plans to invest ₹2,500 crore in Tamil Nadu, focusing on renewable energy, electric mobility, automotive, financial services, energy, battery charging infrastructure, and digital mobility solutions. The investment aims to support Tamil Nadu's growth and energy transition, with over 200 MW of renewable energy projects and the operationalization of electric buses for public transport. The group's businesses in the state include Ashok Leyland, Gulf Oil India, Hinduja Leyland Finance, Hinduja Housing Finance, Switch Mobility, Ohm Mobility, Gro Digital, and Hinduja Tech.

Covered call ETFs, or premium income ETFs, aim to boost portfolio income by combining asset ownership with option income through call writing. These funds, like the iShares U.S. Large Cap Premium Income Active ETF (BALI), may appeal to investors seeking a balance of growth and income. They hold assets such as stocks or bonds and generate additional income by selling call options on those assets.

The 'Vettri Tamil Nadu Investment Conclave 2026' in Chennai secured Rs 1,02,514 crore in investment commitments through 104 MoUs, expected to create over 1.21 lakh jobs. The data centre sector led with Rs 26,417 crore, followed by the automobile and renewable energy sectors. The state aims to decentralize growth, with Rs 40,700 crore for projects outside core districts. Kanchipuram attracted the highest investment. Foreign investors from 16 countries committed Rs 22,268 crore, with Australia, Germany, and Japan leading. The event underscores Tamil Nadu's ambition to become a global manufacturing and technology hub.

The Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, passed by Lok Sabha, proposes to exempt the dividend component of REIT distributions from tax, even if the SPV opts for a concessional corporate tax regime. This amendment is significant as it clarifies that not all REIT payouts are tax-free, and investors should refer to the distribution statement for accurate tax treatment. REITs, FDs, and equities have different tax rules, with FDs taxed as ordinary income, equities benefiting from preferential capital gains rates, and REITs facing a complex tax calculation due to mixed income components. The amendment aims to simplify the tax treatment of REIT dividends.

Portfolio manager Tony Genua has returned to the investment world, joining Ninepoint Partners to oversee the Global Select Fund. With a 40-year career focused on growth investing, Genua brings his expertise to a high-conviction fund of global stocks. He left AGF Investments at the end of 2024 and is now collaborating with former colleagues Sam Mitter and Jonathan Lo at Ninepoint. The fund aims to capitalize on the growth potential of a concentrated portfolio of international companies.

BreachLock, a global provider of offensive security solutions, has been named a Sample Vendor in the Gartner Hype Cycle for Security Operations 2026 for both Red Teaming as a Service (RTaaS) and Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS). This recognition reflects the growing importance of these services in helping security teams navigate complex security landscapes.

Researchers in China have developed a 2D memory chip called 'Guiyi' that stores data using a single electron, potentially revolutionizing energy efficiency and speed in data transfer. Published in Science, the device could address the high demands for storage in the AI era by significantly reducing power consumption and increasing capacity. Previous attempts to store data with a single electron faced challenges with weak signals, but the new device overcomes this by structuring the electron's trapping environment.