Wednesday☕️

19 Feb 2025 — 5 min read

Economics & Markets:

Geopolitics & Military Activity:

On February 18, 2025, M23 rebels took control of Kamanyola, a town in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kamanyola is located about 25 kilometers (15 miles) south of Bukavu and 75 kilometers (47 miles) north of Uvira, near the border with Burundi. This capture is a major development because it brings the rebels closer to Burundi, a country with a history of tense relations with Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting M23. Over the past few months, M23 has expanded its control across eastern Congo, already taking over key cities like Goma and Bukavu. Their latest advancement raises concerns that the conflict could escalate further, potentially involving neighboring countries.

M23 was originally formed in 2012 by former members of the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), who rebelled against the Congolese government, claiming that a previous peace agreement had been broken. The group is mostly made up of ethnic Tutsis and has long been accused of receiving military and financial support from Rwanda, though Rwanda denies this. The resurgence of M23 in recent years has worsened the humanitarian crisis in the region, forcing thousands to flee their homes. The fall of Kamanyola not only increases M23’s control over the region but also raises fears that the conflict could spread, drawing in other countries and further destabilizing Central Africa.

Environment & Weather:

Privacy & Security:

A recent Dark Web post has surfaced, alleging the sale of 17 billion stolen credentials on a marketplace. These credentials span from 2017 to 2024, indicating a massive collection of leaked data from various breaches over the years. According to listings on the site, the price for a selected number of targeted accounts ranges from $150 to $500, while bulk purchases are also available. This marketplace is just one of thousands on the dark web that facilitate the sale of stolen login information, allowing cybercriminals to exploit compromised accounts for financial gain, identity theft, and other malicious activities.

The best way to protect yourself from these types of threats is to change your passwords immediately if your credentials have been exposed in a breach. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. With 2FA, even if hackers obtain your login credentials, they would still need an extra layer of verification—such as an email confirmation, phone code, or biometric authentication—to successfully access your account. Without this additional security step, most cybercriminals will be unable to break in, making 2FA one of the strongest defenses against credential-based attacks.

Space:

Yesterday, February 18, 2025, Rocket Lab successfully launched its Electron rocket from Launch Complex 1B on the Māhia Peninsula in New Zealand. The mission, titled “Fasten Your Space Belts,” carried multiple small satellites into low Earth orbit, contributing to various commercial and scientific endeavors.

The Electron rocket, known for its rapid deployment capabilities, has become a cornerstone in the small satellite launch industry. With a payload capacity of up to 320 kilograms to low Earth orbit, Electron offers tailored launch solutions for a diverse range of customers. The “Fasten Your Space Belts” mission exemplifies Rocket Lab’s ongoing efforts to support the growing demand for dedicated small satellite launches, enabling timely and cost-effective access to space for organizations worldwide.
Yesterday, February 18, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 Block 5 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The mission, known as Starlink Group 10-12, carried 23 Starlink v2-mini satellites into low Earth orbit, expanding SpaceX’s satellite-based internet coverage. This marked SpaceX’s 455th overall mission and the 21st launch of the year.

A key highlight of this launch was the first-ever Falcon 9 booster landing within Bahamian territorial waters. This milestone was made possible through a new agreement between SpaceX and The Bahamas Government, which allows booster recoveries in the region in exchange for SpaceX providing an exhibit showcasing its rocket hardware and spacesuits. Additionally, SpaceX has committed to offering Starlink internet connectivity to select schools and first responders in The Bahamas as part of this partnership.

Statistic: