Children accused of witchcraft in the Congo

Reminiscent of the witch hunts of 16th century England, children in the Democratic Republic of Congo are being subjected to witch hunts and exorcisms in the form of torture and beatings. Religious leaders have reportedly beaten, starved, burned and in some cases murdered children in the name of God to ‘cure’ these children.
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Down’s syndrome opens new window in the fight against cancer

In recent times, it has been considered that those with Down’s Syndrome are protected from developing cancer. This was once believed to be because they simply did not live long enough to develop cancer but now chromosome research has shown the Down’s syndrome carrying extra chromosome 21 protects solid tumours growing and developing in the body.
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India’s economy sprints ahead

It has been predicted that if current trends continue India’s economy will have surpassed that of the UK in the next 10 years. Such a surge in growth is likely to lead to more than India’s financial rescues such as those seen in the cases of Land Rover and Jaguar this year.
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China looks to get cleaner

2006 saw China become the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gases and it is currently the world’s second biggest oil user. Now its government has announced that it will boost its ability to produce energy from cleaner sources to 35% of its total capacity by 2010.
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Primark chasing Europe

Having conquered the UK, Ireland and now Spain with over 188 stores, the giant discount clothing store is planning a further attack on Europe. The first strategic move will see the retailer open in the German city of Bremen followed by stores in Belgium by 2010.
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Shell shareholders revolt on pay

Despite missing targets, Shell has been awarding incentive bonuses to its staff - much to the shareholders’ frustration. During their annual general meeting 60% of shareholders voted against the executive pay plan meaning monies may have to be paid back.
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Russia and US begin nuclear talks

Russia and the US have started their three days of talks in Moscow on reducing the amount of nuclear weapons each has stockpiled.  It is hoped that a new treaty will emerge after these talks including limits on bombers and missiles.
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Household drill saves boy’s life

An Australian doctor had no choice but to use a household drill to save a boy’s life when the hospital was found to have inadequate equipment.  After a fall the boy had hit his head causing pressure to build, and the doctor had only one chance to complete the lifesaving procedure.
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Suzuki boosted by sales in India

For first quarter of 2009,Suzuki has avoided reporting a loss in profits. Suzuki, which controls half the car industry market in India, was able to cash in its growth.  However due to a continued fall in demand in the US, Europe and Japan, future sales are not predicted to be as high.
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Fighting to save the Coral Triangle

The Philippines government along with 5 other nations, has agreed to protect the Coral Triangle; an area which covers 1.6 million square kilometres and is surrounded by 6 countries. The corals ecosystems are facing extinction from climate change, overfishing and pollution and the Philippine national budget has allocated money to support conservation and research.
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China urges rich nations to cut emissions by 40%

As part of a new global climate change pact, China is encouraging rich nations are to reduce their greenhouse gases by 40% by the year 2020, has said developing countries should give 0.5 to 1% of their annual economic worth to help other nations cope with global warming. 
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Bombings in Baghdad and Kirkuk kill 23

A suicide bomber has killed at least 12 people including 3 US soldiers in a market in Baghdad’s Dora district. A second bomb, which went off in Kirkuk, was targeting members of the Awakening Council and killed eight people. The third bomb placed inside a Baghdad police station killed three recruits.
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