Egypt’s central bank has kept its key interest rates steady on August 20, marking the fourth consecutive policy meeting without changes. The overnight deposit rate remains at 19%, with the overnight lending rate unchanged at 20%. Meanwhile, the main operation rate and discount rate are both held at 19.5%. These levels have been in place since the bank’s February rate reduction. CBE policy rates remain unchanged as Egypt reports 14.9% annual urban inflation.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has obtained a distribution of 70,000 Ebola vaccine doses as its Bundibugyo outbreak continues to expand. According to health officials, as of Aug. 18, there have been 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 fatalities. The epidemic now affects 56 health zones across six different provinces. Additionally, authorities have documented 1,115 recoveries. Meanwhile, 730 patients remain under isolation or receiving hospital treatment as response teams operate in affected communities in eastern and northeastern DR Congo.
News
An earthquake measuring 6.1 in magnitude struck offshore near Indonesia’s North Sumatra province on Tuesday, causing tremors felt across various regions of Sumatra. The seismic event took place at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, which corresponds to 06:02:23 UTC. Its epicenter was located approximately 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency. Officials reported the quake occurred at a depth of 29 kilometers beneath waters off the west coast of Sumatra.Indonesia’s South Nias earthquake prompts monitoring after tremors spread across Sumatra.
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
The 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class adds an illuminated grille, optional lit hood star, and DIGITAL LIGHT headlamps, pairing new styling cues with flagship cabin tech and comfort features.
Tesla’s China-made EV sales rose 9.9% in November 2025, reaching 86,700 units, signaling a strong recovery for the automaker in the world’s largest EV market.
STUTTGART, November 19, 2025: Porsche has introduced the first fully electric version of its flagship SUV, the Cayenne, marking a pivotal moment in the brand’s…
BERLIN, Oct. 25, 2025: Porsche AG reported an operating loss of €967 million for the third quarter of 2025, its first quarterly loss since the…