The official price of the US dollar at the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) increased by more than EGP 0.50, recording EGP 27.5538 for buying and EGP 27.6256 for selling on Monday, compared to EGP 27.0112 for buying and EGP 27.1131 for selling last Thursday. With this new increase, the price of the US currency increased by about EGP 2.84 within three working days at banks. The price of the American currency reached EGP 27.40 for buying and EGP 27.45 for selling at the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr. It reached EGP 27.45 for buying and EGP 27.55 for selling at the Commercial International Bank. The price of the Kuwaiti dinar jumped to EGP 89.9267 for buying and EGP 90.2374 for selling, while the price of the Saudi riyal reached EGP 7.3272 for buying and EGP 7.3521 for selling.

Egypt’s government on Monday moved to postpone any new projects not yet implemented and with a clear US dollar component, and to postpone spending on anything that isn’t of the utmost urgency. It also decided to rationalize all travel abroad for government delegates in extreme cases and after the approval of the Prime Minister, or in the event that the inviting party bears all travel costs with approval of the competent authority. The Official Egyptian Gazette published the new decision by the Prime Minister regarding the rationalization of public spending in the entities included in the state’s general budget and the economic public authorities. The Egyptian government decided that it is not permissible to authorize spending on prohibited items, as an exception, except in the cases estimated by the Prime Minister, after his approval and after reporting to the Finance Ministry so that it can carry out its affairs. In regards to dealing with foreign currency, the government decreed that it is necessary to obtain the approval of the Finance Ministry to authorize spending with foreign currency on any aspect, after coordination with the Central Bank of Egypt and all concerned authorities.

The President expressed hope that 2023 will witness more efforts in the field of civil work. The world and Egypt are currently facing pressure and harsh conditions on all people,” President Sisi said. He said that civil society organizations are playing a key role that the government cannot play on its own, as there are about 50,000 associations in Egypt. Sisi called on the alliance and all civil society entities to intensify their efforts during 2023. Given the ongoing global economic conditions, noting to that the alliance has announced a provision of LE 14 billion for charitable work.

Here are tips on how to start and stay active in winter. If you are not used to exercising, start by working out at home until you get into the habit of it. Working out with a friend or a committed group will help you stay motivated. If possible, do a quick 15-minute exercise before your work to kick start your day energetically. A lot of brands have designed workout gear and thermals that are suitable for winter to keep you extra warm while exercising.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack on Brazil’s federal government Sunday, calling for “democratic traditions” to be respected. “Deeply concerned about the news of rioting and vandalism against the State institutions in Brasilia,” Modi said in a Tweet Monday. “Democratic traditions must be respected by everyone. We extend our full support to the Brazilian authorities.”Modi joins a chorus of world leaders in condemning the violence in Brazil’s capital. US President Joe Biden said earlier that “the will of the Brazilian people must not be undermined.”

CAIRO - 9 January 2023: The National Alliance for Civil Development Work held its first conference, on Monday in the presence and honor of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Since the inauguration of the National Alliance for Civil Work, in March 2022, it has had a major role in enriching civil work, and provided an opportunity for partnership between civil society institutions to support the most needy groups. The National Alliance for Civil Development Action is the first alliance of its kind in Egypt. The National Alliance for Civil Work for Development participates in the national dialogue with the National Academy for Training, and has contributed to supporting the social protection umbrella with 9 billion pounds. 2023 AgendaThose successes achieved by the National Coalition for Civil Work give a strong impetus to achieve more in the field of civil work and support the most needy groups during the next stage.

The 18th edition of the Sawiris Cultural Award kicked off at the AUC -Tahrir Cultural Center in Cairo. The Sawiris Cultural Award celebrates every year literature and creativity, and recognize Egyptian writers and intellectuals for their creative excellence and their role in shaping society's consciousness. The Ceremony was held in the presence of a number of public figures, artists, celebrities, intellectuals, and media professionals. The ceremony housed a notable group of public figures including Dr. Nevine El Kabbaj, Minister of Social Solidarity, Dr. Mohamed Shaker, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, and Ambassadors of Sweden, Holland, UK, Italy, Japan, Switzerland and the EU, the cultural advisor for Palestine, the assistant Minister of Foreign affairs and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.

CAIRO - 8 January 2023: Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mohamed Shaker told the Middle East News Agency (MENA) that Egypt and Greece are in the process of selecting an international consulting firm that would prepare a feasibility study for an intended electricity linkage between both countries. The minister stated that the two countries can exchange electricity of around 2,000 megawatts. Minister Shaker highlighted the European interest in electricity linkage with Egypt, which has a surplus of renewable energy, and a strong distribution grid. With regard to electricity linkage with Saudi Arabia, the minister stated that 87 percent of the overhead power lines on Egyptian territories are finished. He noted that the target is finishing 1,500 megawatts in May 2025 and another 1,500 megawatts in November.

The United States is embarrassed by a prolonged House speakership election that has paralyzed the new Congress with scars left by the Capitol riot stinging even more on the second anniversary. That makes Washington elites desperate to seize the opportunity of midterm elections to gain the upper hand, according to the expert. Some of the rioters chanted “Hang Mike Pence” while making their way into the Capitol. McCarthy has previously vowed that House Republicans will seek to secure the southern US border, cut back on government spending, and launch rigorous investigations into the Biden administration. The Capitol riot also remains a source of partisan discord as House Republicans are preparing to review the Jan. 6 select committee’s findings and allegations.

The Egyptian Presidential Adviser for Religious Affairs Usama al-Azhari hailed late renowned Sheikh Mohamed Metwally al-Shaarawi as a symbol of science and patriotism. Azhari’s comments followed on controversy that erupted Thursday after liberal journalist Ibrahim Eissa criticized Shaarawi, who enjoys wide popularity in Egypt and the Arab world. Eissa accused the beloved sheikh as being “an extremist, Salafist sheikh, who is against Copts and insults women.”In a Facebook post, Azhari countered by calling Shaarawi is a symbol of knowledge, patriotism, and Egypt’s contribution to all the Arab and Islamic worlds. “Some have a vendetta against Shaarawi for an unknown reason,” he noted. Azhari continued: “There are those say that the honorable companions of the prophet are murderers and extremists, so it is not strange to hear something like this about Shaarawi, who protected people from extremism and terrorism.”“Fifty years ago, Shaarawi filled the world with knowledge, so we have not seen anyone shed blood, nor take up arms, nor become a terrorist because of a word he heard from Sheikh Shaarawi.”

KYIV, Jan 8 (MENA) - Russian forces attacked the Kherson region 19 times on January 7 during the so-called "Christmas truce". Yaroslav Yanushevych, the head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration, said this in a post on the Telegram messaging application carried by Ukrinform Sunday. The Russian forces reportedly "shelled the territory of the Kherson region 19 times. They fired artillery, MLRS, mortars, tanks and used UAVs", Yanushevych said. "Due to the attacks ... civilian infrastructure in the settlements of the Kherson and Beryslav districts was damaged," he wrote.

It is the first destination for Logos Hope in 2023, but not the first time for the ship to visit Egypt, for the floating book fair had a successful spell in Egypt in 2010. Logos Hope’s two-week book fair in Egypt opened on Thursday and will continue until Jan. 21. “I came to attend the opening of the world’s largest floating book fair and benefit from the valuable books it offers. Logos Hope was built in 1973 and purchased in 2004 by GBA Ships, a Germany-based non-profit charity organization. The ship received a warm welcome from Port Said authorities, which offered facilitations to Logos Hope in coordination with concerned Egyptian ministries.

CAIRO 7 January 2023: For many years, Upper Egypt women have suffered from some inherited customs and traditions, which have marginalized them and kept them away from participating in the political and social life. In a few years, and specifically with the launch of the 2017 Women's Year, Egypt witnessed fundamental changes into the conditions of women in general and Upper Egypt women in particular. The report reviews the most important axes for women's empowerment in Upper Egypt. Some governorates in Upper Egypt still need some interventions to raise the proportion of women's representation in leadership positions, according to the nature of each governorate. The Minister of International Cooperation announced that about 16.8 thousand women have been trained in Upper Egypt in the fields of agriculture and the development of special skills related to Egyptian crafts, in more than 70 villages of Upper Egypt.

CAIRO – 7 January 2023: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi sent on Saturday a delegate to greet the Seventh-day Adventist sect on Christmas and attend celebrations on the occasion. President Sisi delegated Police Major General Walaa Farid. Sisi visited the Cathedral of Nativity of Christ in the New Administrative Capital on Friday to congratulate Egyptians on Christmas. Sisi said that such “pleasant occasion brings us together on the love of the homeland and affirms that we are on the path of citizenship”. “We will never deviate from coexistence and genuine belief in the unity of the homeland and human community,” the president stated.

Sci-Fi horror film "M3GAN" was released in Egyptian cinemas on Wednesday, January 4th, 2023, by Four Star Films, which is managing the film's distribution in Egypt. The film follows M3GAN who is designed by brilliant toy-company roboticist Gemma. "M3GAN" is directed by Gerard Johnstone from a screenplay by Akela Cooper and a story by Cooper and James Wan, who also produced the film. He also produced several horror films, including ANNABELLE. The film stars Allison Williams (Gemma), Violet McGraw (Cady), Amie Donald (M3GAN), Jenna Davis — who does the voice of M3GAN — Ronny Chieng, and Brian Jordan Alvarez.