Factfile on the impact of air pollution on human health
Other News
Odd facts about the giraffe
NAIROBI, Kenya (AFP) — One of the most under-studied large mammals in Africa, research has shown the giraffe has silently been going extinct, with numbers dropping 40 percent in the past three decades. Here are some unusual facts about one of the most distinctive-looking creatures on the continent. Neck The giraffe’s best-known feature can be longer than most people are tall. However, like humans it still only has seven vertebrae. Each is about 25 centimeters […]
Japan cabinet approves biggest defence budget
TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet on Thursday approved Japan’s biggest annual defense budget in the face of North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats and a territorial row with China. The Cabinet approved 5.13 trillion yen ($43.6 billion) in defense spending for the fiscal year starting in April, up 1.4 percent from the initial budget for the current fiscal year. It marks the fifth straight annual increase and reflects the hawkish Abe’s […]
NBA: Lakers great Bryant welcomes third daughter
LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — Former Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa, shared a first picture of their third daughter, Bianka, on Twitter on Wednesday. “@vanessabryant and I are beyond excited to welcome our newest baby girl, Bianka!!” Bryant tweeted on Wednesday, with a picture of the sleeping infant, born earlier this month, bundled in pink. “”#BabyBlessing #SweetBaby #AnotherAngel.” Vanessa added, “Kobe and I are beyond excited to welcome our […]
Stress can be your friend too
(PIA) — A faculty and licensed psychometrician from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) said that viewing “stress” as a helpful part of life can lead to better health, sound emotional well-being, and improved work productivity. In a stress management seminar organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 held recently, UPV psychology faculty Helen Grace Fernandez, who spoke to the PIA-6 staff, said that people can also view stress in a ‘positive light’ and […]
Japan, Indonesia to cooperate on maritime security
TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japan and Indonesia agreed Wednesday to cooperate on maritime security at a time when both countries are embroiled in sea rows with China. Beijing asserts sovereignty over almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea, despite rival claims from Southeast Asian neighbours. Indonesia has no dispute with China over ownership of reefs or islets. But China’s expansive claims overlap with Indonesia’s exclusive economic zone — waters where a state has […]
Trump calls Berlin assault an ‘attack on humanity’
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday condemned the Holiday market attack in Berlin as an “attack on humanity.” Trump emerged from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida to speak briefly with reporters, who asked him to elaborate on a statement made just after the attack in which he described it as an Islamist attack on Christianity. “It’s an attack on humanity. That’s what it is,” he replied. “An attack on humanity and […]
Filipinos react to James Taylor’s cancelled concert
MANILA, Philippines (Reuters) — Filipinos reacted negatively to American musician James Taylor’s decision to cancel his concert in Manila next year to protest the government’s war on drugs, while musicians praised him for taking a stand on the crackdown’s rising death toll. The Grammy award-winning artist apologized to fans on December 21 for scrapping his February concert, saying in a statement that he agreed with dealing with drugs offenders under the law, but was against […]
‘Rogue One’ expected to hold top spot at Holiday box office
“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” is set to dominate the festive box office this year just like “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” did in 2015. According to Variety.com, the sci-fi spinoff looks set to add another $125 million to its domestic take over the holiday period. It has already pulled in $323.5 million at the worldwide box office. While the top spot may be a given, a number of new releases are vying for […]
Tax-free ‘Balikbayan’ boxes starting December 25
MANILA, Philippines (Eagle News) — Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) can now send their balikbayan boxes tax free, starting December 25, as long as it is worth less than 150,000 pesos. “The Bureau of Customs is happy to announce that to our millions of OFWs, starting this (December 25), balikbayan boxes with value not exceeding P150,000 will be exempt from duties and taxes,” BOC acting spokesperson for enforcement and intelligence operations Neil Anthony Estrella said […]
NBA: Cavaliers post convincing win over Bucks
LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) — The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Milwaukee Bucks for the second time in as many days on Wednesday, and this time, they didn’t need overtime to do it. Kyrie Irving scored 31 points and handed out a career-high 13 assists and LeBron James scored 29 points and pulled down nine rebounds in a 113-102 victory over the Bucks in Cleveland. The victory came a day after the Cavaliers needed overtime […]
President Duterte offers holiday ceasefire to NPA, MNLF, MILF rebels
(Eagle News) – President Duterte announced a holiday ceasefire for rebels, urging members of the New People’s Army (NPA), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to join their families this holiday season. Addressing members of the military during the 81st anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Wednesday, December 21, the President said he himself will be guaranteeing […]
