Female circumsion should be a priority like HIV
Some 200 million girls and women are impacted by FGM worldwide, according to U.N. data, but some activists said this was a ‘massive underestimate’
Photo: UNICEF
Aditi Bhaduri
The rising specter of the Islamic State in India – I
Indian Muslims in general and especially those in conflict theatres of Kashmir have not made common cause with the alleged sufferings of their fellow Muslims elsewhere in the world;, the prospect of living in a caliphate has also not held out much of an attraction for them.
Photo: Quartz
Promoting gender equality a ‘crucial contribution’ to protecting our oceans
Women are engaged in all aspects of interaction with our ocean, yet their voices are often missing at the decision-making level, the head of the United Nations cultural agency said on World Oceans Day, emphasizing that “we must ensure diversity and gender inclusiveness at all levels” to set a balanced course for humanity and foster innovative solutions for the ocean.
Photo: Arne Hoel/World Bank
Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ 2.0
One fundamental change in India’s policy under Modi has been to avoid directly countering China’s expanding commercial footprint inside India’s neighbouring nations. China has created an added challenge for India in that the southern country’s work with its neighbours appears diminished, even disinterested, in comparison to the high speed delivery of China’s mega projects.
Global growth forecasts downgraded by World Bank
The World Bank has lowered its expectations of global economic growth for this year in a new report. It says that, although the picture for poorer countries is expected to stabilize in 2020, economic momentum remains weak.
Photo: World Bank
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to visit Iran soon
Tokyo: Japan is arranging for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to visit Iran in the near future, Japan’s government spokesman said on Thursday, although details of the trip are being worked out.
Photo: Japan Times
Uzbekistan’s Namangan to host International Investment Forum
On June 7-8, 2019, Namangan will host International Investment Forum “Invest in Namangan”, which is organized by Namangan region’s khokimiyat together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other involved agencies of Uzbekistan.
Racial Overtones of Chinese Development in Kenya
It is dubious that the Belt and Road Initiative is healthy for Kenya’s long-term development. People should pay close attention to the debt relation between China and Kenya, and above all should prioritize the treatment and welfare of Kenyan workers who are most directly affected by the two countries’ growing relationship.
Photo:PSCU
Amidst air pollution crisis, humble bicycle back again in China
Cars have replaced bicycles as the primary means of transport in many Chinese cities but, with air pollution a major problem for the country, the bike is making a comeback, thanks to digital technology, and some 21st Century thinking.
Photo: Yimin Feng
Mothers and newborns at risk because of ‘catastrophic’ healthcare costs: UNICEF
Pregnant women are putting their lives and their babies at risk because of “catastrophic” and prohibitive healthcare costs before, during and after childbirth, UNICEF said on Monday.
Photo: UNICEF/Jan Zammit