G20: Shortage of jobs is hindering economic recovery September 10, 2014 Not enough jobs are being created in the G20 economies, and this is hindering prospects for economic growth according to a report by the OECD, ILO and World Bank Group. The G20 consists of the world's 20 biggest economies, which together account for an estimated 85 per cent of global GDP and 80 per [...]
From floods and snowstorms to balmy December days: Why UK winter weather is about to get even more extreme September 10, 2014 If you thought British winters were bad, get ready for even more unpredictable weather. Conditions will swing from very mild and wet to extremely cold and snowy in the decades to come, according to a new report. By looking at the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), a seasonal measurement of barometric pressure variations over the [...]
It’s official: Having children makes you happier (but not for the reason you’d think) September 10, 2014 The good news is that having children does bring happiness to most people – but this isn't just because of the children themselves. It's largely the result of avoiding disappointment about not having children… According to a report published today in the journal Human Reproduction, women who want children but cannot have them are [...]
Defence secretary Michael Fallon announces plan to arm Iraqi government against Islamic State September 9, 2014 The UK will send weapons to the Iraqi government to help it fight the Islamic State (IS), Michael Fallon said today. The defence secretary said he is "committed" to assisting the Iraqi government and to helping Kurdish forces defend themselves against the militants. According to the BBC, he added he wanted to help [...]
Europe can cut reliance on Russian gas, report claims September 9, 2014 The European Union can – and should – reduce its reliance on Russia as a source of gas, a new report into climate change has suggested. Think tank Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) claims that a 35 per cent cut in the EU's energy usage by 2030 – recommended by the European Commission [...]
Where is Ebola worst in West Africa? Liberia to experience surge in cases September 9, 2014 The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts there will be a huge rise in Ebola cases in Liberia. It said the disease is spreading “exponentially” in the country, and that thousands of people will become infected there over the next three weeks. Conventional methods to control the outbreak were "not having an adequate impact", [...]
How do Islamic bonds work without interest? By generating profit September 9, 2014 Goldman Sachs announced last week that it is planning to issue its first Islamic bond, and has already set the ball rolling by meeting potential backers in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. With a wealth of potential investors to tap into in the Middle East, it is no surprise that Goldman has taken [...]
Protalix share price slumps on Ebola vaccine doubts September 8, 2014 Shares in Israeli pharmaceutical company Protalix fell on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) yesterday, after comments made by the company's chief executive cast doubts on its ability to develop an anti-Ebola drug quickly and effectively. On Saturday, Israel's Channel 2 reported that the company's facility in the north of the country was one [...]
EU bonus cap troubles: UK gave out the world’s biggest bonuses in 2013 September 8, 2014 UK banks could face with action from the European Commission if they attempt to sidestep the new EU bonus cap coming in this year. The new rule, which will apply to bonuses awarded from 2014 onwards, caps bankers' bonuses at a year's basic salary. If shareholders agree, this can be increased to double their [...]
Older, drier, with more cash to splash: What will happen to the UK if Scotland votes yes to independence? September 8, 2014 If the Scots decide to leave on 18 September, what do the statistics tell us about how the rest of the UK will change? Population drops by eight per cent The UK will lose eight per cent of its population if Scotland chooses to leave, dropping from 64m to 59m. At the [...]
