ECONOMY

Nov 28 2024POLITICS

The Politics of Food: Nutrition vs. Business in South Africa and Ghana

Imagine you're sitting in a room where big decisions about food are made. In South Africa and Ghana, those decisions often prioritize business interests over nutrition. Why is that? Let's dive into the political game of food policy. In these countries, food systems are ruled by a mix of governments

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Nov 28 2024BUSINESS

China's Factory Profits Dive: What's Behind the Slump?

Did you know that China's factory profits took a nosedive last month? Yep, they dropped by 10% compared to the same time last year. And guess what? This is the second month in a row that factory profits have taken a hit. In September, they plummeted by a whopping 27. 1%, the biggest drop since the s

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Nov 26 2024BUSINESS

Digital Economy's Impact on Job Polarization

The digital economy's growth in China has led to significant job polarization. This means there are more high-skilled and low-skilled jobs, with fewer mid-skilled ones. Researchers have analyzed provincial data from 2010 to 2020 to understand why this happens. They used a method called fuzzy set qua

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Nov 25 2024FINANCE

China Stands Firm: No Changes in Loan Rate Despite Yuan Pressure

China's central bank, known as the People's Bank of China (PBOC), has decided to keep the medium-term loan rate frozen at 2. 0%. This comes at a time when the yuan, the country's currency, is feeling some heat. The PBOC handed out loans worth 900 billion yuan (that's about $124. 26 billion) to some

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Nov 24 2024HEALTH

Back to Work: Are Interventions Worth It?

Ever wondered if going back to work after a health issue is worth all the fuss? Let's zoom in on Norway, where sick leave is hitting an all-time high since 2009. Policy makers are scratching their heads, trying to figure out which interventions work best. Researchers used some clever strategies like

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Nov 22 2024BUSINESS

Why Oil Isn't Always a Blessing: Yemen's Story

You'd think having lots of oil would make a country rich, but that’s not always the case. Some countries with plenty of natural resources have slower economic growth. This is what people call the "resource curse. " Most studies look at rich countries, but what about a place like Yemen, which is new

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Nov 21 2024LIFESTYLE

Escape to Italy: Homes for $1, Aimed at Americans Tired of Politics

Are you fed up with the political climate in the U. S. ? A small village in Italy called Ollolai has an unusual offer for you. They're selling houses for as little as $1. The idea is to attract Americans and others who want a change of scenery and a more balanced life. This isn't just a giveaway; th

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Nov 20 2024TECHNOLOGY

Food and Tech: How Two Companies Are Boosting Malaysia's Digital Economy

In 2024, Malaysia's digital economy is expected to hit a whopping US$7. 88 billion! That's a lot of money. Two companies, Good Foodie Media and Involve Asia, are playing a big part in this growth. These companies are part of MDEC's FOX Programme, which helps high-growth businesses become tech supers

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Nov 20 2024ENVIRONMENT

Sports Industry Goes Green: Circular Economy and Policy Enablers

The world of sports products is known for its hefty environmental footprint. From generating lots of waste to using up resources and pumping out carbon emissions, the industry is in dire need of change. One solution that's gaining traction is the circular economy (CE). This approach aims to reduce w

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Nov 18 2024POLITICS

New Jersey Congresswoman Aims to Fix State Economy in Governor’s Race

Meet Mikie Sherrill, a U. S. Representative from New Jersey who just tossed her hat in the ring for governor. She's a former federal prosecutor and Navy helicopter pilot, known for flipping a Republican-held district blue in the 2018 midterms. Now, with Democratic Governor Phil Murphy’s term ending,

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