DATA POINT- Our birth rate is declining: Egypt’s birth rate fell to 2.85 children per woman in 2021, from 3.5 in 2014, according to CAPMAS’ 2021 Health Survey (pdf). The falling number of births per woman is inching closer to the government’s target as part of its “Two is Enough” population control program, which aims to reduce the fertility rate to 2.4 children per woman by 2030.

ALSO- The number of girls aged 0-19 who have been (illegally) subjected to FGM is down to 14%, compared with 21% in 2014.

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FROM THE DEPT. OF IRONY- Zoom execs don’t think a fully-remote workplace is the way to go: Working from the office remains an essential component of work life — but not to get work done, since the workplace has evolved into a social environment, Zoom executives tell the Wall Street Journal. An office’s main function now is to facilitate collaboration and build camaraderie, rather than perform productive work, they said. Companies all over the world are struggling with adjusting back to post-covid work life, as some employees head back to the office, others stay at home, and managers try to figure out how to get work done and have ideas flow even when you can’t be in the same room.

Few companies have greater financial incentives than Zoom to get the future of work right. After their once-niche product acquired a household name early in the pandemic, Zoom’s stock price skyrocketed, and the company was momentarily worth more than Exxon Mobil at its peak market capitalization of USD 159 bn last year — but has now dropped to around USD 24 bn. So far, they have learned that many people, including those at Zoom, want to work both in an office and remotely. Office work is better for team activities like meetings, training, and mentoring. In contrast, remote work is better for solitary jobs like writing, coding, and in-depth thought, Stanford University economist Nick Bloom told the WSJ.

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Automakers are bringing back their most iconic models minus the carbon footprint. If super sharp, futuristic Tesla-type cars do not appeal to you, fret not. Now you can have your muscle car and be environmentally conscious too, the Washington Post reports. Ford, Volkswagen, Jaguar, and Dodge are among the big household names opting for the upgrade. Imagine charging the legendary 1960s Volkswagen bus before taking it for a spin. Exciting — but the only hiccup is the price tag, with the electrified version of the vehicle retailing at USD 65k. (A hefty price, but we’ll think of it as a long-term investment — both for the planet and our monthly fuel expenditures.)

Will it feel the same, though? Are you really driving a Dodge Charger Daytona if people don’t hear you coming? Parent company Stellantis took into account important details like engine sound and will incorporate an electronic roar for a more authentic experience.