· June, 2013

Stories about Development from June, 2013

Thailand Cuts Rice Subsidy Price

  30 June 2013

The Thailand government has announced the reduction of rice subsidy price that it gives to four million farmers. The program was meant to improve the savings of farmers. Critics blame the rice pledging program for the huge financial losses in the rice sector.

Brazilian Tribe Opens Indigenous Education Center

  30 June 2013

An education center created by the Paiter-Surui tribe in the Brazilian Amazon that will offer professional courses to the area's indigenous has finally opened. They hope a cluster of buildings will grow to serve as the site of the future Paiter-Surui Indigenous University of Brazil, the first of its kind in the country.

Father of China's Great Firewall to Quit His Job as University President

  28 June 2013

Fang Binxing, an information security expert nicknamed the “father of China’s Great Fire Wall”, has resigned as president of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. His abrupt decision to step down--made during a university commencement speech --has ignited uproar online and touched a nerve with China’s Internet-savvy community.

Mozambique's First Civic Hackathons

  25 June 2013

Mozambique's Ministry of Science and Technology is sponsoring the country's first civic hackathons, with the support of Sweden and Finland. The second, slated for the end of June, will focus on mobile apps in natural disaster management and flooding scenarios, frequent in the country. First prize is worth €2,000.

Counseling Service for Mental Health In India

  21 June 2013

Ugich Konitari introduces iCALL (initiating Concern for All), a counseling service for Indians via email and telephone. At this social venture of Tata Institute of Social Sciences, qualified psychologists are waiting to listen talk, and give people helpful information, guidance and encouragement.

Inter-oceanic Canal Project Leads to Doubt and Rejection in Nicaragua

  20 June 2013

A controversial law granting a Chinese company the concession to build an inter-oceanic canal in Nicaragua has generated great discussion among the population. Although the law was passed by the National Assembly as a matter of urgency, a feasibility study of the real impact on the country has not yet been conducted.

‘China Open Mic': Examining China's Development Footprint in Africa

  19 June 2013

The arrests and the release of Chinese gold miners was the topic of the very first China Open Mic Google hangout organised by China Open Mic Sunday, June 16, 2013. China Open Mic (@ChinaOpenMic) is an open space that aims to inform and transform thinking on China in global development in the digital age.

India Stops 160-year-old Telegram Service

  16 June 2013

India's state-owned telecommunications company Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has announced that it is discontinuing its telegram service beginning 15 July 2013 due to declining use of service and huge losses. Many social media users have reminisced over the rich history of the 160-year-old service.

Mozambique: Medical professionals end unsuccessful strike

  16 June 2013

After striking for 27 days, Mozambique's medical professionals announced the end of their collective protest over inadequate compensation, without any concession from government. The strikers claimed they wanted to end the suffering of the nation's people. On @Verdade's Facebook page, readers expressed their frustration with the situation, speculating about how...

Delays, Political Turmoil Plague Madagascar As Elections Near

  10 June 2013

Political stalemate, financing issues, and logistical hurdles threaten to derail Madagascar's overdue upcoming presidential elections, the country's first since a coup in 2009 plunged the island into political crisis. The government has postponed elections again, moving the date a month later than scheduled to 23 August, 2013.

Chinese Messaging App Eyes India

  8 June 2013

Lighthouse Insights reports that WeChat, the mobile messaging service from the Chinese Internet giant Tencent has targeted Indian market highlighting its Voice Chat feature and by launching a massive ad campaign involving Bollywood stars.

Jail for NGO Workers in Egypt

The sentencing of 43 Egyptian and foreign employees in non-governmental organisations [NGOs] to jail terms of up to five years, has sparked anger on social media networks – and on the ground. The move is seen as a warning for human rights organisations, and those promoting democracy.

Chinese Allegedly Mine Gold Illegally in Ghana

  7 June 2013

Xinhua News reported that 124 Chinese allegedly involved in illegal gold mining were arrested and detained in Ghana. Nationalists demanded the Chinese government to protect and avenge its citizens. On the other hand, more reflective comments criticized the discrimination against African people in Chinese gold mining business in Ghana. Offbeat...

What are Citizens’ Main Concerns in Benin ?

  3 June 2013

Tite Yokossi unpacks a poll by the Zinsou Foundation that asked the citizens of Benin what are their main concerns today [fr]. The first concern listed was the low purchasing power of public servants. The other main concerns are access to education, access to clean water, health care and electricity,...