Good morning! Morning Minutes is a round-up of stories that will break on Monday, Aug 8, and which we think you'd be interested in.

It appears on weekdays, available by 7am.

Comfort DelGro's record drive

Transport giant ComfortDelGro will attempt to enter the Singapore Book of Records today (Aug 8) , by getting its staff and drivers to take part in the largest mass workout. The event is part of the group's National Day Observance Ceremony, which will be attended by Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan.

Japanese emperor to give address amid abdication rumours

Japan's Emperor Akihito will make a video address to the nation at 3pm (2pm Singapore time) today (Aug 8) during which the 82-year-old is expected to say he is having difficulty carrying out his official duties, amid speculation that he may abdicate. The issue is a sensitive one because there is no provision in the Imperial House Law for him to abdicate, and raising the idea would be considered political because it would require a parliamentary amendment. Yet under the Constitution, which was written by occupying US forces after Japan's defeat in World War II, the emperor was reduced to being a ceremonial figurehead who cannot say anything even remotely political.

And while the Japanese public overwhelmingly think the monarch should retire, the idea faces stiff opposition from Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's conservative base, who worry abdication will trigger debate about allowing a woman to become emperor. Crown Prince Naruhito, 56, has only one daughter.

DBS to release Q2 results