CANBERRA, (PNA/Xinhua) — An Internet tool which can provide over 40 million specimen records to people, achieved “a significant leap” forward in bringing Australia’s biodiversity information together online, making it easy to…
Year: 2013
New Zealand eases sanctions in run-up to Fiji elections
WELLINGTON, (PNA/Xinhua) — The New Zealand government on Thursday announced a program to assist Fiji in proposed elections next year and the easing of some sanctions as the Pacific island nation emerges…
VN lawmakers agree to make health insurance compulsory
HANOI, (PNA/VNS) — Vietnamese lawmakers yesterday agreed that health insurance should be made compulsory to ensure there was more participation. They were attending the 21st session of the National Assembly Standing Committee….
Roundup: S.Korea freezes policy rate ahead of FOMC meeting
SEOUL, (PNA/Xinhua) — South Korea’s central bank on Thursday froze its policy rate at 2.5 percent, keeping its wait- and-see stance for four straight months, ahead of the September Federal Open Market…
9 killed in car bombings in Egypt’s Sinai
CAIRO, (PNA/Xinhua) — At least nine people were killed and 17 others, including seven civilians, were injured in two car bomb attacks on security personnel in Rafah city in Egypt’s North Sinai,…
Mekong basin countries target double-digit tourism growth
HO CHI MINH CITY, (PNA/VNS) -– Five Southeast Asian countries, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, are targeting a double-digit growth rate of international visitors annually by 2015 under the theme “Five…
Greenpeace rings alarm over new Russian nature-reserve bill
MOSCOW, (PNA/RIA Novosti) -– Greenpeace called on Russians on Wednesday to sign an online petition against a parliament bill that could leave their nation’s nature reserves “defenseless” against destruction by “unprincipled” officials…
Nadal to play Davis Cup for Spain
LONDON, (PNA/Xinhua) — Just four days after winning the US Open on Monday, Rafael Nadal will play in the Davis Cup for the first time since 2011. The London Standard quoted the…
Sugary drinks possible cause of gout: New Zealand study
WELLINGTON, (PNA/Xinhua) — Sufferers of gout might soon be advised to add sugary drinks to the list of foods that can cause the painful and crippling affliction to flare up, according to…
Brunei’s APEC body presents report focusing on free trade, sustainable development
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, (PNA/Xinhua) –Brunei’s APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) has presented its report to the government, pushing for trade liberalization and sustainable economic development. The report stresses on prioritizing its activities…
Almasor bags Philtoa’s Peoples Choice Award
By Johnny C. Nunez LEGAZPI CITY, (PNA) — For being the largest crowd drawer, the Almasor (Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon) Tourism Alliance booth at the Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) 2013 held September 6-8, at the…
Expert: Russia and US have 50/50 chance to reach breakthrough in Syrian settlement
MOSCOW, (PNA/Itar-Tass) — Russia and the United States have the chance to reach a breakthrough in the settlement of the crisis in Syria, academician Sergei Rogov said. Rogov, who is director of…
Tropical storm Humberto turns into hurricane
HAVANA, (PNA/Xinhua) — Tropical storm Humberto reached hurricane strength early Wednesday, with maximum sustained wind speed at 120 kilometers per hour (kph), the Cuban Meteorology Institute (Insmet) said. According to Insmet Forecast…
United legend Yorke calls for patience with Moyes
By Kimathi Kamau NAIROBI, (PNA/Xinhua) — Former Manchester United, Dwight Yorke, on Wednesday asked the club’s fans to give new manager, David Moyes, time to build his own side away from the…
S. Korea picks U.S. exit, Syria crisis as economic downside risks
SEOUL, (PNA/Xinhua) — Bank of Korea (BOK), South Korea’s central bank, on Thursday picked an exit of U.S. monetary stimulus and Syrian crisis as downside risk factors. “Downside risks remained such as…