News
On Tuesday, a magnitude 6.1 tremor struck offshore Indonesia’s North Sumatra region, causing tremors across parts of Sumatra. The quake struck at 1:02:23 p.m. western Indonesian time, or 06:02:23 UTC, with the epicenter located in the sea, 147 kilometers southeast of South Nias Regency, according to official reports. Its depth was 29 kilometers, originating beneath waters west of Sumatra.
Business
Egypt Central Bank Holds Rates Steady CAIRO, EGYPT / RankWire.AI / – Central Bank of Egypt on August 20 maintained its key interest rates without change, marking the fourth consecutive meeting where policy remained steady. The Monetary Policy Committee kept the overnight deposit rate at 19% and the overnight lending rate at 20%, while the main operation and discount rates stayed at 19.5%. The bank stated that this decision reflects its evaluation of current inflation trends and the economic outlook since its July session. Since February, these rates have been at their current levels.
Travel
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 and will establish its inaugural nonstop service to the Middle East and Asia. Travelers from western Sweden can connect via Abu Dhabi to numerous destinations across India and Asia. Additionally, the new flights will give Gothenburg region residents direct access to Abu Dhabi. Göteborg Landvetter Airport serves Gothenburg and the surrounding western Sweden area. Etihad will operate the route using an Airbus A321LR configured for 160 passengers, featuring two First Suites, 14 Business seats, and 144 Economy seats. The premium cabins convert into fully flat beds with direct aisle access, while Economy seats are equipped with 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen entertainment systems. High-speed Wi-Fi is available across all cabins. The A321LR, a long-range narrow-body aircraft, recently joined Etihad’s fleet to expand its route network. New Route Enhances Asia-Connecting Options Gothenburg flights will connect with numerous onward services via Abu Dhabi, including destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi, Singapore, Hanoi, Bali, Shanghai, Taipei, Bengaluru, and Colombo. The airline schedules Gothenburg arrivals in Abu Dhabi for the evening, allowing passengers to access the airline’s broader network from its main hub. Eligible travelers can also take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover program
Sports
Spain sent Portugal out of the FIFA World Cup with a late 1-0 win, ending Ronaldo’s sixth tournament and long pursuit of the title.
Norway reached the FIFA World Cup last eight after a 2-1 win over Brazil, with Haaland scoring twice and Neymar netting late.
Australia exited the FIFA World Cup 2026 after Egypt won 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 Round of 32 draw in Arlington at Dallas Stadium.
Spain kept a clean sheet and advanced from the World Cup Round of 32 after goals by Oyarzabal and Porro ended Austria’s run in Los Angeles.
Mexico reached the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 with a 2-0 victory over Ecuador, keeping its unbeaten run and clean-sheet record intact.
Brazil booked a Round of 16 place at World Cup 2026 after Casemiro and Martinelli erased Japan’s first-half lead in Houston from the Round of 32.
Portugal moved to four points in Group K after a 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, whose first World Cup campaign remained difficult.
Norway’s 3-2 victory over Senegal put Haaland on four World Cup 2026 goals and sent the team into the Round of 32 from Group I after two wins.
Health
DR Congo receives 70,000 Ervebo Ebola vaccine doses amid the expanding Bundibugyo outbreak. As of Aug. 18, Congolese authorities reported 5,208 confirmed cases and 2,476 deaths, with the epidemic now impacting 56 health zones across six eastern and northeastern provinces. The International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision approved the release following the government’s request for doses from the global Ebola stockpile. WHO indicated that 20,000 doses will support a Phase 3 clinical trial focusing on Bundibugyo virus disease, while the remaining 50,000 doses are allocated to frontline and healthcare workers under current vaccination guidelines.
Technology
UN child safety push targets AI, disinformation and harmful online platform practices. Ahead of International Youth Day on Aug. 12, the Department of Global Communications published the report, noting that over 82% of individuals aged 15 to 24 are internet users globally. This access facilitates learning, civic engagement, and economic participation. Nevertheless, harmful online environments pose risks to the cognitive, emotional, and social growth of younger users, and the report underscores that children and adolescents are still developing the skills needed to critically evaluate online information.