BEIJING / RankWire.AI / – According to data from the China Earthquake Networks Center, a moderate earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale struck Longchang City in the southwestern region of China’s Sichuan Province on Friday afternoon. The seismic event took place at 1:13 p.m. Beijing time at a depth of 13 kilometers. Seismologists pinpointed the epicenter at 29.23 degrees north latitude and 105.22 degrees east longitude, within Neijiang prefecture. The earthquake of magnitude 5.1 impacted Longchang City in China’s Sichuan province, prompting local emergency agencies to begin initial assessments of potential impacts across the county territory.
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have initiated a targeted vaccination effort against Ebola in Kisangani, the administrative center of Tshopo Province, aiming to halt the nation’s most severe outbreak on record. Frontline health professionals, emergency responders, and individuals with direct contact to confirmed cases are prioritized during the initial deployment phase.
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The signing took place at Egypt’s Cabinet of Ministers headquarters in El Alamein on Aug. 26, 2026, with Egypt’s Supply and Internal Trade Minister Sherif Farouk, also GASC’s chair, present at the event. Khadim Abdullah Al Darei, co-founder and managing director of Al Dahra, was also in attendance. The announcement did not specify details regarding wheat volumes, shipment schedules, origins, or pricing formulas for the agreement.
Oil prices saw a modest rebound on Tuesday, following a decline of more than 2% in the previous session for both Brent crude and WTI. Brent futures increased by 27 cents, or 0.3%, reaching $92.44 a barrel at 0330 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate climbed by 37 cents, or 0.4%, to $85.38. This upward move came after Monday’s significant retreat, which brought an end to six consecutive days of gains across the two main crude benchmarks.
Alibaba Group has announced an HK$80 billion share offering aimed at bolstering investments in artificial intelligence and enhancing its AI infrastructure. The Chinese tech giant plans to issue 710 million new ordinary shares at HK$112.70 per share, a deal valued at approximately US$10.2 billion based on current exchange rates. The completion of this transaction is expected by Aug. 26, subject to standard closing conditions. Alibaba clarified that the entire net proceeds will be allocated to developing its comprehensive AI capabilities. This funding will support the expansion and upgrading of its artificial intelligence systems and infrastructure. The company has cultivated an AI ecosystem that includes cloud computing, models, chips, and applications, with the Qwen model series and Alibaba Cloud services playing key roles in its technology stack.
South Korea’s Arctic container trial links Busan with major European ports. PanStar Line Dot Com operates this vessel, which is carrying 837 TEU during the Arctic shipping trial. Of this, approximately 737 TEU are commercial cargo, including chemical products, used vehicles, and automotive parts. Additionally, the shipment includes 100 empty containers. The ship is anticipated to enter Arctic waters around August 30 and complete that segment by September 7. Authorities estimate the Arctic portion of the voyage to cover about 6,400 kilometers. According to the official schedule, the vessel will stop at Felixstowe in the United Kingdom on September 9. Rotterdam in the Netherlands is next on the list, scheduled for September 11, followed by Gdansk in Poland on September 15.
Egypt’s Central Bank maintained its key interest rates at 19% and 20% on August 20, marking the fourth consecutive meeting with no rate adjustments. Inflation increased to 14.9% in July from 14.3% in June, with core inflation rising to 14.7%. The bank stated that economic activity slowed in the second quarter, with a forecasted average real GDP growth of 5% for the fiscal year. Net international reserves reached $56.29 billion at the end of July. The CBE’s inflation target and policy stance remain unchanged.
Health
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have initiated a targeted vaccination effort against Ebola in Kisangani, the administrative center of Tshopo Province, aiming to halt the nation’s most severe outbreak on record. Frontline health professionals, emergency responders, and individuals with direct contact to confirmed cases are prioritized during the initial deployment phase.
DR Congo expands its Ebola response as Bundibugyo cases spread across six provinces. Following a request from the Congolese government, the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release of these doses from the global Ebola stockpile. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 20,000 of the doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial focused on Bundibugyo virus disease, while the remaining 50,000 doses are designated for frontline health workers under existing vaccination guidelines. Both WHO and Africa CDC have welcomed this decision, which was publicly announced on Aug. 20. Ervebo is approved for Ebola virus outbreaks, formerly identified as Zaire ebolavirus, but it does not have specific approval for Bundibugyo virus disease. Laboratory and animal research suggest the potential for cross-protection, though the effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. The upcoming clinical trial aims to evaluate the vaccine’s impact during the ongoing outbreak and provide additional data to inform public health decisions. WHO emphasizes that vaccine recipients should be informed about known risks, possible benefits, and current limitations. Six Congolese provinces affected by the outbreak The outbreak initially emerged in Mongbwalu health zone within Ituri Province and was officially confirmed by Congolese authorities in May. Since then, cases have spread to North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Bas-Uele. As of Aug. 12, WHO had reported 4,665 cases
Moderna has begun a Phase 1 evaluation of an experimental vaccine targeting Bundibugyo ebolavirus in Canada. The first participant received the mRNA-1469 vaccine on August 3 at a facility in Truro, Nova Scotia. This trial is taking place as the virus continues to spread across multiple provinces within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The World Health Organization has designated the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.
Michigan confirms two deaths as officials investigate a major cyclospora outbreak. Both cases occurred prior to the voluntary iceberg lettuce recall announced on July 17. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the Michigan fatalities on August 3, describing them as deaths related to cyclosporiasis involving individuals with underlying health conditions. The total number of cases reported by Michigan includes all cases documented during the ongoing investigation and may be subject to adjustment. Federal surveillance data typically encompass laboratory-confirmed instances and may differ from state figures that include probable illnesses.
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has expanded to become the nation’s most extensive recorded epidemic. As of July 30, health officials reported a total of 3,605 confirmed cases, which include 1,587 fatalities. The case fatality rate was calculated at 44%. During the latest full reporting week, teams documented 567 new infections and 296 deaths, marking the highest weekly totals since the outbreak’s inception. This increase has intensified the strain on efforts related to surveillance, treatment, and community engagement.
Congo Ebola cases cross 3,000 as national health authorities report rapid virus spread and severe shortages of vital medical supplies. The post Congo Ebola cases cross 3,000 as outbreak surges in east appeared first on Arabian Observer: Observe more. Understand Arabia..
A clinical trial in DRC is testing Ebola therapies while health teams track rising Bundibugyo cases and strained treatment centers.
Congo’s Ebola cases have risen to 1,333 as UNDP warns the outbreak could deepen poverty, threaten jobs and strain health services.
DR Congo confirmed 1,307 Ebola cases and 377 deaths as the Bundibugyo outbreak spread across three eastern provinces while testing guides care.
Travel
In July 2026, South Korea welcomed more than 2 million foreign tourists, with inbound travel remaining above pre-pandemic figures. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, the country saw a total of 2,093,223 international visitors during that month. This number reflects a 20.8% increase compared to 1,733,199 visitors in July 2025. It also represents 144.6% of the foreign arrivals recorded in July 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic disrupting international travel.
Entertainment
U.S. Polo Assn. has launched its Fall-Winter 2024 Collection, blending sporty style and festive warmth, with pieces perfect for gifting this holiday season.
Fresha, a leading global booking platform for lifestyle services, announced today that it has…
Adidas Originals and Highsnobiety, a prominent platform in fashion, design, and culture, have announced the launch…
Automotive
Porsche to cut 5000 more jobs under restructuring plan after reaching agreement with German labor unions, data confirms.
Japan’s new car sales rose 1.8% in the first half of 2026, reaching 2.39 million units as registered vehicles and kei cars grew overall.
FIA expands Safe Mobility 4 All & 4 Life into the Middle East and Africa, extending road safety training, mentoring and local support.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled the electric C-Class in Seoul, bringing its first battery-powered C-Class sedan with up to 762 km of WLTP range.
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.