In 1867, Canterbury released 40 house sparrows to eat pests; 15 years later, they were poisoned
Times of India

In 1867, Canterbury released 40 house sparrows to eat pests; 15 years later, they were poisoned

New Zealand introduced house sparrows in 1867 hoping they would help farmers control crop-eating insects. The birds multiplied quickly and soon became a problem, feeding on grains and fruit and damaging wheat, barley and maize crops. Their rapid rise led to organised efforts to control them, including poisoned grain, shooting and bounties for eggs and heads. The story was part of a wider push to i...

Chinese treasury futures launch cements Hong Kong as premier yuan hub

Chinese treasury futures launch cements Hong Kong as premier yuan hub

SCMP

When the Hong Kong stock exchange launched five-year China government bond futures on August 3, it did more than simply expand the city’s derivatives product suite. As the only China government bond futures in the offshore market, the contract deserves attention as it finally gives international investors an exchange-traded tool to hedge against yuan interest rate exposure, strengthening Hong Kong...

Family of missing 18-year-old hiker ‘absolutely devastated’ as search continues in rugged NSW terrain

Family of missing 18-year-old hiker ‘absolutely devastated’ as search continues in rugged NSW terrain

The Guardian

Lily Hooper has not been seen since leaving for a hike in Nattai national park, south-west of Sydney, on 12 AugustGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastThe family of missing 18-year-old bushwalker Lily Hooper say they are “absolutely devastated” that she hasn’t been found after a multi-agency search.On Tuesday, search efforts for the teenager continued through the dense tree c...

Hong Kong scrambles to contain cholera outbreak in 1961 – from the SCMP archive

Hong Kong scrambles to contain cholera outbreak in 1961 – from the SCMP archive

SCMP

This article was first published on August 18, 1961. Hong Kong declared infected area Authorities adopt strict measures against cholera Stringent health measures to protect Hong Kong have been taken following the confirmation yesterday (August 17, 1961) of four cases of cholera and the declaration of the Colony as an infected area. There have been two deaths from the disease and another suspect ha...

ISS to host first spacewalk by Frenchwoman

ISS to host first spacewalk by Frenchwoman

France 24

Sophie Adenot is set to become the first French female astronaut to venture outside the International Space Station for a spacewalk on Tuesday, accompanied by American astronaut Anil Menon.

Disabled people in England to get 24-hour free bus travel – UK politics live

Disabled people in England to get 24-hour free bus travel – UK politics live

The Guardian

Burnham has announced a range of policies aimed at relieving pressure on financially squeezed households and businessesDisabled bus pass holders in England will be able to travel for free at all hours from April next year, the government has announced.Currently, disabled bus passes are valid for travel only on weekdays from 9.30am to 11pm unless local authorities fund an extension, as Greater Manc...

Zelenskyy says Ukraine will respond after 10 killed in overnight Russian attack – Europe live

Zelenskyy says Ukraine will respond after 10 killed in overnight Russian attack – Europe live

The Guardian

Ukraine launched over 600 drones at Moscow and surrounding areas overnightUkraine’s president Volodymyr Zelenskyy also responded to the overnight Russian attack, saying Ukraine “will definitely respond” by strikes on Russia.He said:“As of now, 10 people have been reported killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. Many people have been injured and are receiving all necessary medical ...

Hong Kong’s dim sum bond market hits new heights as State Grid deal draws record orders

Hong Kong’s dim sum bond market hits new heights as State Grid deal draws record orders

SCMP

Hong Kong’s offshore yuan bond market has seen another record-breaking deal – the largest single issuance by a Chinese state-owned enterprise – underscoring the growing appeal of the city’s dim sum bond market. State Grid Corporation of China raised 14.9 billion yuan (US$2.2 billion) through offshore yuan-denominated bonds, known as dim sum bonds, according to a statement on Monday from Bank of Ch...

Fake troops loot earthquake-hit homes in Japan’s Kumamoto

Fake troops loot earthquake-hit homes in Japan’s Kumamoto

SCMP

Men in military fatigues identical to those worn by Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Forces (SDF) are reportedly prowling evacuated communities in Kumamoto prefecture to loot abandoned homes and businesses in the aftermath of last month’s earthquake. An official at the prefectural government confirmed media reports of “fake SDF personnel” attempting to enter properties in affected areas, although she s...