Sunday, August 30

    According to data from the China Earthquake Networks Center, a moderate earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 impacted Longchang City in China’s Sichuan Province on Friday. The seismic event took place at 1:13 p.m. Beijing local time, at a depth of 13 kilometers, with the epicenter situated in Neijiang prefecture at 29.23 degrees north latitude and 105.22 degrees east longitude. Immediately following the quake, emergency management agencies launched initial assessments across the county-level area, with early investigations indicating no immediate reports of casualties or structural damages.

    A five-year wheat supply arrangement valued at up to US$500 million has been officially activated between the UAE and Egypt. Al Dahra Agriculture Trading will deliver imported wheat to Egypt’s General Authority for Supply Commodities under this deal. The financing backing comes from the Abu Dhabi Exports Office, facilitating the purchases. This agreement formalizes a framework established in 2023, outlining the terms for wheat transactions between Al Dahra and GASC over the next five years.

    News

    Wildfires have ravaged northeastern Algeria, claiming at least 12 lives and leaving 54 injured during a scorching heatwave. Interior Minister Said Sayoud reported that five individuals died in Jijel, four in Bejaia, and three in Tizi Ouzou. Of those injured, six remain in critical condition due to burns and require intensive medical treatment. The fires rapidly spread through multiple northern provinces, where emergency services are actively engaged in firefighting efforts around forested regions and nearby residential zones.

    Technology

    Japan successfully conducted the launch of its H3 rocket, delivering the Michibiki No. 7 navigation satellite into orbit. Michibiki No. 7, also known as QZS-7, is now part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System, enhancing accuracy in positioning, navigation, and timing services. Japan began offering operational QZSS services in November 2018, covering Japan and the broader Asia-Oceania region. The achievement of this flight follows the loss of Michibiki No. 5 during H3 Flight No. 8 in December 2025, with the rocket’s second-stage engine shutdown. JAXA conducted an investigation before resuming H3 launches with successful missions.

    Automotive