All posts by admin

02Sep/22

happiness curve is wrong: many people do not get happier as they get older

David Bartram, University of Leicester

On average, happiness declines as we approach middle age, bottoming out in our 40s but then picking back up as we head into retirement, according to a number of studies. This so-called U-shaped curve of happiness is reassuring but, unfortunately, probably not true.

Continue reading

01Sep/22

Will Pakistan floods spur better climate disaster planning?

  • Disasters globally worsened by lack of planning
  • Cash shortages, lack of political will contribute to risks
  • Disasters often share causes, pointing to ideas for action

By Laurie Goering

LONDON, Aug 31 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – A third of Pakistan is underwater, with at least 1,100 people dead – including 380 children – but monsoon rains “on steroids”, likely fuelled by climate change, are not the only cause of the nation’s misery.
Continue reading

01Sep/22

South African tech entrepreneurs tackle digital divide in townships

  • Tech education taken to South Africa’s townships
  • WiFi access and apps could boost informal economy
  • But technology alone is not the answer, experts warn

By Kim Harrisberg

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 1 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Moss Marakalala was 11 when he first used a laptop at an after-school programme in Johannesburg, sparking an interest in technology that inspired him to provide young people like himself from South African townships with digital education. Continue reading

01Sep/22

IMF Executive Board Approves New Extended Credit Facility (ECF) Arrangement for Zambia

August 31, 2022

 




The IMF Board approves SDR 978.2 million (about US$1.3 billion) 38-month ECF arrangement for Zambia to help restore macroeconomic stability and foster higher, more resilient, and more inclusive growth. Continue reading

26Aug/22

The inside story of the CIA v Russia – from cold war conspiracy to ‘black’ propaganda in Ukraine

In the early 1990s, Senator Patrick Moynihan campaigned for the abolition of the CIA. The brilliant campaigner thought the US Department of State should take over its intelligence functions. For him, the age of secrecy was over.

In a New York Times opinion piece, Moynihan wrote:

Continue reading

23Aug/22

Ancient frogs in mass grave died from too much sex – new research

Daniel Falk, University College Cork

Frogs once lived alongside dinosaurs. About 45 million years ago, the North Sea covered half of Germany. It’s incredible to think these little creatures survived the dinosaurs’ extinction. But a lower level mass death did take place in what is now called the Geiseltal region in central Germany and the cause has long remained a mystery.

Continue reading

23Aug/22

US tech monitors for gunfire but critics say targets Black areas

  • U.S. homicides jump 44% in two years
  • Government may fund divisive gunshot detection systems
  • Critics say the tech is biased and doesn’t work

By Carey L. Biron

WASHINGTON, Aug 22 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – When Toledo experienced a spike in gun violence, the Ohio city police force turned to a simple if controversial tool: it miked up part of the city to capture the sound of gunfire.
Continue reading

23Aug/22

Deezer defines the power of music in engaging campaign to attract Gen Z

Deezer (DEEZR), is repositioning its brand to attract younger users. As a first step, a new marketing campaign launched on August 22 in France, Germany and Brazil. Award-winning French agency Buzzman was chosen as the main partner for the campaign, and the wider brand development. Continue reading

23Aug/22

Workplace romance: four questions to ask yourself before dating someone from the office

Chantal Gautier, University of Westminster

In the digital age, online dating and swiping right are the status quo for romance. Practically gone are the days of meeting “the one” in a pub. But what about flirting by the water cooler or over Zoom? The consensual office relationship has been both a romance trope and a taboo for decades.

Continue reading