Stories about Economics & Business from August, 2014
A Home-Grown Campaign in Bhutan Is Giving Refurbished Shoes to Thousands Who Need Them
Bhutanese entrepreneur Dawa Drakpa cleans and recycles old footwear and distributes them to those who can't afford a decent pair. Nearly 1 percent of the country's population have received shoes.
A Private Hospital in Bangaldesh Held a Patient's Body Ransom Because the Family Couldn't Pay Up Immediately
The deficiencies in Bangladesh's government hospitals and the uncertainties regarding service prompts people to chose private hospitals -- at a huge expense.
Experts Say Technical Issues Are Behind Egypt's Power Outages, but the Prime Minister Blames the Muslim Brotherhood
Egyptians suffer from daily hours-long blackouts while government officials make contradicting statements regarding the cause.
Cubans Join Authorised Users of Google Chrome
Google Chrome finally becomes “legal” in Cuba and blogger Yoani Sanchez says that she gleans great satisfaction from “knowing that the opinions of citizens interested in the free flow of...
Two Years Ago, Tens of Thousands of Macedonians Took to the Streets Against Poverty and Corruption
Macedonians are marking two years since the beginning of the "AMAN" protests that called for an end to social disparity and corruption in the country, one of Europe's poorest.
Moscow Shutters 4 McDonalds for Poor Sanitation, But You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
Russia closed four McDonald's locations in Moscow for "sanitary violations" in what some say is another stage of the sanctions war. The RuNet exploded with disbelief—and photos of Russian bathrooms.
How the Merger of Two of its Largest Providers May Transform the French Telco Market
The recent merger between French telcos SFR and Numericable is but another example of the broader trend that dominates today’s telecommunications market: operators are seeking to integrate their products in...
Pope Francis’ New Wheels Cause a Stir in South Korea
Pope Francis' inaugural visit to South Korea caused a media frenzy, thanks in part to scenes of the pontiff riding around in a Kia, instead of a bulletproof sedan.
Journalist and Democracy Advocate Ahmed Rizwan Abdulla Missing in the Maldives
The prolific social media user is vocal against hatred in the name of religion and has not been shy about criticizing the Maldives Islamist Adhaalath Party and other political parties.
Derailed Train Exposed Inefficient Philippine Mass Transport System
Scores were injured when a train overshot its stop at a busy intersection in south Manila. The crash ignited an intense discussion about the weak and inefficient mass transportation system...
Russia Just Doubled Its Internet Surveillance Program
At first glance, "SORM 2.0" seems redundant, but the reform of police surveillance online could vastly expand the reach of the Kremlin.
Video: Listen to Nairobi Coffee Shop Entrepreneur
Meet Peter Owiti, coffee shop entrepreneur in Nairobi, Kenya: The story of Peter Owiti, the brains behind Pete’s Coffee shop, speaks volumes of the great deal of effort that is...
How the ‘Boycott McDonald’s’ Campaign for Gaza is Hurting Some Muslims in Malaysia
The campaign was organized to pressure companies accused of supporting Israel. But McDonald's in Malaysia says it is hurting their workers and their families.
Investors Should Explore Nigeria Despite Negative Reports
Chris Akor's investors’ guide to Nigeria intends to demonstrate how the negatives reports about Nigeria have no basis in reality and that investors who have ignored the reports have been...
One of Russia's Richest Men May Be Its Most Tortured Patriot
Since he landed on an American sanctions list, life has gotten tough for Gennady Timchenko, one of Putin's closest allies. But the oligarch, a Finnish citizen, considers Russia his home.
This Meat Advertisement Is Now Illegal in Russia
Russian police have banned a meat product commercial for breaking the country's advertising laws, which forbid the depiction of illegal acts, including traffic violations and the endangerment of children.
Improving Internet Access in Cambodia
Danièle Adler, a consultant in communications strategy, gives an overview of the significant improvement of the IT sector in Cambodia: Six years ago, fewer than 10,000 Cambodians had a web...
Religion and Spirituality Get Tech Savvy in India
Indian tech entrepreneurs and start-ups have taken on ventures trying to tap on Indians' passion on religion and spirituality. This raises issues like whether marketing “God’s” products are ethical.
Investment Deal with China Leaves Jamaicans With More Questions Than Answers
I AM SO FLABBERGASTED: WHO gives a FOREIGN government the RIGHT to CHOOSE WHICH LAND IT WANTS? As part of an investment exchange, the Jamaican government has agreed to give...
Mexico’s Minimum Wage is Criminally Low. Is It Unconstitutional?
The minimum wage in Mexico is equivalent to $5 US dollars. Just what can you buy with that?
More Than a Half Century Later, How Should Jamaica View Its Independence Day?
The learning curve for a people who historically never had a say continues to be a steep one, especially in a climate where corruption was already entrenched.
