
In the global race for rare metals, Team China wins gold
Sep 09, 2016 10:41 am UTC| Insights & Views
Just as oil and gas has raised the stature of countries like Saudi Arabia in the age of oil, countries that dominate the production of metals are set to benefit similarly in the rare metal age. Rare metals, which are...

With Uzbekistan's dictator dead, Russia seeks to extend its influence
Sep 09, 2016 10:34 am UTC| Insights & Views
The death of Islam Karimov, a dictator who ran Uzbekistan since its creation a quarter-century ago, has kicked off a new round of geopolitical competition in Central Asia. Despite the rise of China in the region, Russia...

The police are being militarised – should we be worried?
Sep 09, 2016 10:29 am UTC| Insights & Views Life
Faced by a wave of public concern, the Metropolitan Police has paused its planned trial of what it refers to as spit guards, but which journalists have dubbed spit hoods. These wire mesh devices are placed over the head of...

Pharmacists may accept re-dispensing medication, but will patients?
Sep 09, 2016 10:25 am UTC| Insights & Views Health Law
Not a week goes by without a financial crisis in the NHS making the headlines. Cutbacks and closures are a constant threat as money runs dry for trusts and health boards across the country. The need for cash is reaching a...
Yuan’s inclusion in SDR likely to lead to capital flows of $31 billion for direct allocation
Sep 09, 2016 08:34 am UTC| Commentary Insights & Views Economy
The International Monetary Funds new Special Drawing Rights basket which includes the yuan will take effect on October 1. The weights of the basket currencies will be in the manner of 41.73 percent for the US dollar, 30.93...

Polish central bank signals possibility of rate hike in H2 2017
Sep 08, 2016 08:41 am UTC| Insights & Views Economy Central Banks
Polish 10-member Monetary Policy Council left the seven-day reference rate at 1.5 percent Wednesday largely in line with expectations. The central bank, which ended an easing cycle in March last year, also kept its lombard...

Urban food systems may be just a 'side dish' at Habitat III
Sep 08, 2016 08:06 am UTC| Insights & Views Life
The year 2016 is crucial for both food and cities. In October, UN member states will convene for the Habitat III conference in Quito, Ecuador, to discuss guidelines for sustainable urban development for the next 20...