
An ageing emperor steps down – and leaves Japan at an awkward crossroads
Aug 10, 2016 15:42 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Emperor Akihitos recent statement to the Japanese nation had been anticipated for some time, but it was nonetheless a startling moment. Akihito refrained from uttering the a-word, but the message was clear: he wants to...
Aug 10, 2016 15:36 pm UTC| Insights & Views Sports
Rio 2016 is a celebration of the biggest and best achievements of men and women athletes from all parts of the globe. The Olympics have been particularly useful for showcasing the sporting prowess of women to the world....

A tale of three surprisingly different street gangs around the world
Aug 10, 2016 15:14 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life Law
It can sometimes seem like there are gangs everywhere you look. At the Rio Olympics, fears of gang-related violence have resulted in intensive security much as in London four years ago. In Brussels, gang rivalries are the...

Local elections show that South Africa's women continue to play second fiddle
Aug 10, 2016 14:59 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Three events converge in August in South Africa: the 60th anniversary of the march by women to the Union Buildings; the finalisation of the local government elections; and the tenth anniversary of the trial of President...

Anger at violence against women in Peru spills over into protest
Aug 10, 2016 14:33 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life
For many women in Peru, violence is a part of life. Daily harassment on the streets, sexual abuse of minors, trafficking of women and girls, and the sexual, physical, emotional, and economic abuse of women in their own...
Aug 10, 2016 13:03 pm UTC| Central Banks Insights & Views
PBoCs interventions to depreciate CNY seems to be successful as the Chinese central bank (PBoC) continues to weaken its currency via the fixing, the fixing rates are generally in line with what the fixing model suggests so...

Housing construction could provide positive contribution to Australia's economic growth
Aug 10, 2016 12:28 pm UTC| Insights & Views Economy
In a report released by Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday, Australian home loans rose to a seasonally adjusted 1.2 percent, following a revised 0.8 percent decline in May. Following this increase, loans were 6.7...