Tech News Highlights:
Monster Drone Launch: Reports out of China state that China’s civilian drone makers are testing larger payloads as the government is focusing on rapidly building a low-altitude delivery economy. The aviation regulator is seeing it grow to a 2-trillion-yuan ($279-billion) industry by 2030.
Yesterday morning saw the test flight of its biggest-yet unmanned cargo aircraft designed for civilian use, as the world’s top drone-making nation steps up test flights of autonomous aerial vehicles (UAVs) that could ultimately ferry everything from takeaway’s to people.
With a massive payload capacity of 2 metric tons, the twin-engine aircraft, with a wingspan of 16.1 m, and a height of 4.6 m, that was developed by Sichuan Tengden Sci-tech Innovation Co, took off in the Sichuan province on Sunday on its inaugural flight, according to the Chinese state media. The drone flew for a period of 20 minutes without any reported technical issues.
Stuck in Space: Nasa astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, have now spent more than two months on the International Space Station (ISS) in what was supposed to be only an 8-day stay. The spacecraft that took them there was Boeing’s new Starliner, that is now in doubt of being able to return the two astronaughts safely back to Earth. NASA senior officials detailed the problems with components in the Starliner’s multiple thrusters. Until engineers have confidence in the propulsion system, an immediate flight home for Williams and Wilmore in Starliner is looking increasingly unlikely. Although no final decision has been made, one possible scenario is to send the spacecraft back to Earth, autonomously, without them, however undocking the spacecraft without anyone inside is not possible at this stage.
Markets:
Market News: The Dollar has opened marginally firmer this morning ahead of Wednesday’s key US inflation number. Data is expected to show inflation cooling further and reinforcing a September rate cut by the Fed. The Dollar is currently trading at 1.0920 against the Euro, 1.2767 against the Pound, and 147.18 against the Yen. The Rand is currently trading flat at R18.30 as it remains stuck in a R18.20/R18.40 range for now. Besides Wednesday’s CPI number, we also have US retail sales numbers being released this week that could impact markets further.
Commodities: Gold is trading largely unchanged at $2,432 this morning as it consolidates last week’s rebound from below the $2,400 mark. The yellow metal is being supported by the US rate cut expectations and the volatile geopolitical tensions continuing to build in the Middle East. Platinum and Palladium have both started the new week firmer with Brent crude trading flat below the $80 mark at $79.80.
Olympic Wrap-Up:
Final Medal Podium:
The USA took top honours overall with 126 medals – 40x Gold, 44x Silver and 42x Bronze, with People’s Republic of China second with 91 medals – 40x Gold, 27x Silver and 42x Bronze. Japan took third spot with 20 Gold medals, Australia fourth with 18 Gold Medals and host country France closing off the top-5 with 16 Gold Medals.
African Final Standings
- Kenya – Total of 11 Medals in 17th position: 4 x Gold, 2x Silver and 5 x Bronze medals
- South Africa – Total of 6 Medals in 44th position: 1 x Gold, 3x Silver and 2 x Bronze medals
- Ethiopia – Total of 4 Medals in 47th position: 1 x Gold, 3x Silver medals
Other News:
Sudan Flood Devastates Refugees: Reports are indicating that more than 11000 refugees have been displaced again, due to widespread flooding in the eastern province of Kassala in Sudan. The refugees who had been displaced by Sudan’s civil war were forced to relocate once more, as flood waters rose and engulfed theschool complex they were staying in. UNHCR provided emergency tents and relocated the families, but described the devastation as severe and said the requirement for urgent aid and assistance was critical. Forecasts predict more storms this week.
DRC Prisons Reform: Constant Mutamba, the Minister of Justice of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Constant Mutamba, announced the release of 527 prisoners from the central prison of Makala in Kinshasa over the weekend. He also stated that prisoner releases would continue as the government addresses prison over-crowding and the release of prisoners who were unjustly detained. The Justice department is overseeing a complete overhaul of the prisons and health facilities The Minister also announced the construction of a new prison in Maluku, on a site he had recently visited.
DRC Deadly attack: There have also been deadly attacks in The Beni territory, in the North Kivu province of DRC, which took place Saturday. These attacks were reportedly by ADF rebels affiliated with the Islamic State group. The death toll of those killed has been estimated to be 18 people, but it is still uncertain what te final death toll will be as the region is too unstable for rescuers to go retrieve the dead. The ADF, originally mainly Muslim Ugandan rebels, have established a presence over the past three decades in eastern DRC, killing thousands of civilians.
