Stories about Economics & Business from November, 2014
Solar Homes Helping to End ‘Power Discrimination’ in Bangladesh
45% of Bangladesh—mostly people living in rural areas—is without electricity access. The Solar Home System Project is revolutionizing that imbalance.
Another Celebrity Wants to Help Africa, And He's No ‘Band Aid’
When it comes to helping Africa, there is Bob Geldof's approach with "Band Aid," and then there is Akon's.
Greenpeace Activist Injured in Confrontation with Spanish Navy
Environmental activist suffers serious injuries after an armed assault by the Spanish Navy on a Greenpeace boat protesting oil exploration in Spain's Canary Islands.
Waited All Year for That Christmas Cake? If You're in Japan, Welcome to the Butter Shortage
The shortage in the lead-up to Christmas has coined a new Internet meme in Japan: butter refugees.
Ugandans Launch Hashtag Campaign Against Telecom Giant
Ugandans have grumbled for years about MTN's lousy service, but some Twitter users finally decided earlier this month to pool their influence and launch a consumer-rights hashtag campaign.
Japan's Appetite Is Pushing Bluefin Tuna to the Brink
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has placed bluefin tuna on its Red List of endangered species. Japan consumes about a quarter of the world's tuna catch.
Climate Change, Ebola, Ukraine: Brisbane's G20 Summit Wasn't Just About Economy
"#G20Brisbane will be remembered for Abbott's crushing failure to convince the rest of the world to ignore #climatechange"
Kathmandu's Big Facelift Ahead of the 2014 SAARC Summit
Preparations for the summit seem to be a hit with locals, but some already wonder what awaits the city, after the conference, when the repaired buildings fall into disrepair again.
There's a Dark Side to Alibaba's Massive Profits in China
Alibaba made $9.3 billion on China's Single's Day, a popular online shopping day. But much of its success is due to its cooperation with the Chinese government in punishing dissidents.
What World Leaders Should Discuss at Brisbane's G20 Summit
Brisbane, Australia, hosts the 2014 G20 summit on 15-16 November. Netizens are speculating about what should be priorities on the agenda.
Does the Kremlin Help Its Enemies?
There are certain news outlets in Russia you don’t expect to publish stories accusing the government of funding Vladimir Putin’s enemies, but that is exactly what happened last week.
Venezuela: E-Commerce Bill Would Give Authorities New Avenue for Online Censorship
The first draft of the e-commerce bill grants the telecommunications authority new powers to block websites found in breach of the bill's restrictions.
Chinese Web Users Are Skeptical as China and Japan Resume Official Dialogue
The two nations are at odds over a set of islands in the East China Sea. Beijing is also angry about Tokyo’s unwillingness to fully recognise its WWII atrocities.
People in Madagascar Are Fed Up With Power Cuts Leaving Them in the Dark
Madagascar's electricity company is facing major challenges to provide power for the whole country. Malagasy Internet users delve into the many issues with electricity provision and their causes.
Are Employee Transportation Allowances the Cause of Japan's Commuter Hell?
Many employers in Japan's affluent and densely populated Pacific Seaboard axis stretching between Tokyo and Osaka subsidize the substantial cost of train and bus tickets for regular, full-time employees.
The Internet Economy In Russia Is Slowing Down, Hampered by Crisis and Hostile Laws
Although Russia’s Internet economy appears to be growing, a close look at recent trends suggests that it's slowing down under the weight of the country’s economic crisis and draconian legislation.
Corporate Critics Say Vietnam's New Tech Regulations Are Bad for Business
Vietnam has drafted two Internet-related decrees which impose stricter regulations on tech companies, Internet users, and online transactions. Are these regulations necessary or are they excessive?
