Presenting news from around the world…………

From Russia……

Russia Attacked by Outer Space!

In one of the most spectacular meteorological displays in modern history, the Russian city of Chelyabinskon was struck by a meteorite that caused widespread panic, damage and injuries. The injuries were primarily minor and mostly a result of windows that shattered from the sonic booms caused by the meteorite. More than 33 million dollars in damage (approximately one billion Rubles) had been reported as of today. Over 1000 people have been treated for injuries that resulted from the meteorite’s impact.

Russia Seeks to Prevent Future Meteor Strikes

Russian government official Dimitri Rogozin has been given the difficult task of determining solutions to prevent future meteor strikes. Presciently, in 2011, the Russian government sought to establish an international initiative to monitor meteors and prevent the type of meteor strike that took place on February 15, 2012. In hindsight, perhaps it was not a great idea to turn over our space program to Red Bull. 

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 From Nigeria……

Seven Foreigners Kidnapped by Nigerian Gunmen

Seven foreign workers in Northern Nigerian have been kidnapped by armed gunmen. No group has claimed responsibility; however, the Islamic militant group Boko Haram has been terrorizing the area for several years. Kidnapping is an easy way to earn cash and foreigners are a particularly lucrative target. As the world’s economy struggles, people are looking for work in countries that are not always safe environments for foreigners. The recent mass kidnapping attempt at an oil facility in Algeria resulted in the deaths of 39 foreign workers. The victims in Nigeria are from the countries of Britain, Lebanon, Greece and Italy.

Updated: March 10, 2013. The 7 workers were murdered by the terrorist group Boko Haram.

http://www.punchng.com/news/unending-war-against-terrorism/

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From Ecuador……

President Rafael Correa Re-elected for Third Term

Continuing the political trend in South America, leftist Rafael Correa has been re-elected to a third term as Ecuador’s President. Correa, 49, has a Master of Science and Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois. His leftist policies have won him popular support within the country. He won over 58% of the vote and has promised to continue the populist policies of his first two terms.

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From Korea……

Top 1% Account for 16.6% of National Income

Income disparity is growing in South Korea. The top 1% in South Korea are accounting for a larger percentage of the National Income. In the U.S., the top 1% of wage earners account for 17.7% of the National Income, while in Canada the rate is 13.3% and only 9.2% in Japan. While the top 1% continues to see their wealth grow, the employment prospects for younger South Koreans continue to trend downward.

Young People's Job Prospects Grow Grimmer

South Korea has not been as negatively impacted by the global recession as other countries. However, as in countries from Spain and Greece to Ireland and America, the global recession has greatly impacted the employment opportunities for those between the ages of 15 to 29.   

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From Germany……

Horsemeat Scandal Widens

The European horsemeat scandal is widening. Within the last month, horsemeat that was mis-labeled as beef has been sold to consumers all over Europe. Horsemeat has now been found in foods (both prepared foods such as frozen lasagna and packaged ground beef) sold in supermarkets in Great Britain, Ireland, Sweden and France. No horsemeat has been found to have been sold in Germany, but German supermarkets are pulling any suspected products as a precaution.

Most importantly, this scandal has brought to light the extremely complicated food supply chain within the European Union. It has been nearly impossible to pinpoint exactly when the horsemeat was mislabeled. Following the mad cow disease scare in the 1990s many laws were enacted to make it simpler to trace the origin of meat sold in European countries. This scandal highlights our complex food supply system and why it is always best to buy local when the option exists.