Easy credit poses tough challenge for Russian economy

Aug 18,2019
New machines popping up in Russian shopping centres seem innocuous enough -- users insert their passport and receive a small loan in a matter of minutes. But the devices, which dispense credit in Saint Petersburg malls at a sky-high annual rate of 365 percent, are another sign of a credit boom that has authorities worried.
Hong Kong protesters call for intl. support
Aug 17
University students in Hong Kong staged a mass rally on Friday evening aimed at gaining international support for anti-government protests.
System outage causes delays at US airports
Aug 17
Thousands of travelers at airports across the United States have run into long delays due to a computer systems failure at the Customs and Border Protection agency. Officials say the system is coming back online.
Krosa damages Nagara River tourist boats
Aug 16
Tropical storm Krosa has damaged the boats used by tourists to view cormorant fishing on the Nagara River in Gifu City, central Japan.
Thailand launches cloud-seeding operations to tackle drought 
Aug 16
The Thai government on Friday launched additional rain-making operations in the Northern, Northeastern and Central regions to tackle serious droughts.
India's Modi warns of 'unchecked population explosion'
Aug 16
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned Thursday of the risks of an "unchecked population explosion" in the nation of 1.3 billion people, the first time he has raised the issue, and called for family planning measures.
North Korea fires two 'unidentified projectiles': Seoul
Aug 16
North Korea fired two unidentified projectiles into the sea on Friday and launched a scathing attack on "foolish" calls for dialogue from South Korean President Moon Jae-in.