Egypt’s central bank keeps its policy rate corridor at 19%-20% after its August meeting. Official data show that the annual urban inflation rate increased to 14.9% in July from 14.3% in June. According to the CBE’s calculation, core inflation rose to 14.7% from 14.3% during the same period. In July, both headline and core inflation showed no monthly change. The Central Bank of Egypt explained that adverse base effects contributed to the higher annual inflation figures. The urban consumer price index is compiled by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics. This August hold signifies the fourth consecutive pause following meetings in April, May, and July. The last time the CBE adjusted its rates was on February 12, when it reduced the key rates by 100 basis points, bringing the overnight deposit and lending rates to 19% and 20%, respectively. The main operation and discount rates also declined to 19.5%. Since then, the Monetary Policy Committee has kept the entire rate structure unchanged at each meeting. Inflation climbs yearly while monthly price stability persists The central bank noted that real economic activity continued to slow during the second quarter, based on its latest estimates. This follows a 5% growth in real gross domestic product during the first quarter of 2026. The CBE projects an average real GDP growth of about 5% for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It also anticipates that
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International Youth Day 2026 highlights youth inclusion, skills and shared global aspirations. According to the UN, young generations face significant challenges such as economic instability, digital access, and climate change, which are often transnational and demand coordinated responses. Guterres urged for improved access for young people to essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, emphasizing that these competencies will influence the future and foster broader societal participation. The theme for 2026 emphasizes the diverse circumstances shaping young people’s lives and maintains a shared focus on opportunity and well-being, connecting youth development with global solidarity and common challenges.
A U.S. appeals court has permitted more than 3,000 federal lawsuits concerning alleged social media addiction to move forward. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed appeals from Meta Platforms and TikTok on Aug. 10. These companies challenged the lower court rulings that kept the legal processes active. The appeals court noted their appeals were filed prematurely. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is overseeing the consolidated federal cases in Oakland.
Over 167,900 People Displaced as Typhoon Dolphin Expands Flood Response Efforts FUZHOU, CHINA / RankWire.AI / – The China Meteorological Administration has increased flood alert measures following Typhoon Dolphin’s landfalls and the resulting heavy rainfall and floods across eastern China. In Fujian Province, authorities evacuated approximately 167,900 residents from vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas by 7 a.m. Monday. Meanwhile, Shanghai had already evacuated around 215,600 people from high-risk zones by late Sunday. The storm made two landfalls in Zhejiang Province on Sunday before moving inland and gradually losing strength.
ATKA, ALASKA / RankWire.AI / – The Alaska Earthquake Center has reported that a magnitude 5.0 earthquake struck southeast of Atka late Saturday in Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. The seismic activity was recorded at 7:36 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time on August 8, which corresponds to 03:36 UTC on August 9. The quake’s epicenter was approximately 48 miles, or 77 kilometers, southeast of Atka. Seismologists indicated that the event occurred at a depth of roughly 10.6 miles, or 17 kilometers.
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Travel
Etihad Airways plans to introduce seasonal nonstop flights connecting Abu Dhabi and Gothenburg beginning December 17, 2026. The route will operate four times per week until March 21, 2027, linking the UAE capital with Sweden’s second-largest city during the winter travel season. Ticket sales for the new Abu Dhabi to Gothenburg service are already open. Flights will run between Zayed International Airport and Göteborg Landvetter Airport. Etihad’s Abu Dhabi-Gothenburg service will operate four times weekly this winter. This route will mark Gothenburg’s first direct air link with the United Arab Emirates, providing its inaugural nonstop connection to the Middle East and Asia.
South Korea experienced a tourism surplus of $596.6 million in June 2026, marking the strongest monthly figure since the onset of COVID-19. This represents an improvement of $1.44 billion compared to June 2025, when the tourism balance was at an $846.8 million deficit. Data from the Korea Tourism Organization indicate that June’s surplus ranks as the second-highest monthly record ever, with only October 2008 surpassing it at $661.5 million.
The Spanish government has implemented short-term border inspections for individuals arriving from Italy via air and sea routes. These measures commenced at midnight on Aug. 8 and are scheduled to last until Sept. 7. Spain’s decision to introduce these checks followed Italy’s own temporary border controls on arrivals from Spain. The new procedures involve additional document verification along routes that typically operate under the European Union’s Schengen system of internal travel.
Dubai-based airline flydubai announced on Wednesday a significant increase in its European route offerings, aiming to meet growing international travel demand by adding more services to key Italian hubs. As reported by Emirates News Agency, flydubai is expanding its presence in Italy through additional flights to Milan-Bergamo and Naples, strengthening direct transport links between the United Arab Emirates and Southern Europe. Beginning July 31, 2026, the airline will operate a double daily service between Dubai International Airport and Milan-Bergamo Airport, while also increasing its flights to Naples International Airport to a daily schedule.
Health
DR Congo expands its Ebola response as Bundibugyo cases spread across six provinces. The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following a request from the government for doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO stated that 20,000 doses will be used in a Phase 3 clinical trial targeting Bundibugyo virus disease. The remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline health workers and those involved in current vaccination efforts. WHO and Africa CDC have welcomed the decision, which was announced on Aug. 20. Ervebo holds a license for outbreaks caused by Ebola virus, formerly known as Zaire ebolavirus. However, it has not received approval specifically for Bundibugyo virus disease. WHO notes that laboratory and animal studies suggest possible cross-protection, but the effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial will evaluate the vaccine’s performance during the outbreak and aim to generate additional evidence to guide public health decisions. WHO recommends that recipients be informed about known risks, potential benefits, and the vaccine’s current limitations. The outbreak now spans six provinces in Congo The epidemic originated in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province, with the Congolese authorities confirming the first cases in May. Since then, the outbreak has spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. By Aug. 12, WHO documented 4,665 cases and 2,184 deaths across
Technology
UN urges stronger safeguards for children. The warning comes as young people rely heavily on online spaces for education, communication, information, and civic participation. The report says children and adolescents are still developing skills needed to assess the information they encounter online. The UN groups the threats into three categories covering technology, distribution systems, and harmful content. Technology-related risks include misuse of digital tools and artificial intelligence. Content risks include disinformation, online harassment, and hate speech. The report calls for technology companies and AI developers to incorporate child rights and safety into the design of products and services.