News Rounds: Syria’s crisis continues with the added threat of sexual violence, Indian inventor creates a smart phone for the blind and more |
Syrian university bombed, at least 52 people dead and dozens wounded (GlobalPost) – Explosions at the University of Aleppo killed at least 52 people and wounded dozens on Tuesday, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Meanwhile, the Red Cross reports that sexual violence is a major problem for the many hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees who have fled from one form of chaos to another.
Indian designer creates smartphone for the blind (SciDev) – An Indian designer is developing a smartphone with tactile text that can be used by blind or visually impaired people.
Development and the death of Aaron Swartz (Center for Global Development) – Aaron Swartz, who died on January 11th, worked and fought for key freedoms of our time: the right to information, to share knowledge and ideas, and to speak freely. Says Owen Barder: “The death of Aaron Swartz has made me think about how important it is for development that we continue to fight his fights, and continue to build what he began.”
Coca-Cola Launches Anti-Obesity Ad (Time) – Coca-Cola, the largest beverage company in the world, has produced a two-minute pro-calorie counting commercial set to air on television. That should do it.
UN launches worldwide appeal for food crisis aid to Zimbabwe (VOA) — The United Nations has launched a worldwide appeal for humanitarian assistance to Zimbabwe. The U.N. acknowledged there already had been some improvements in Zimbabwe’s humanitarian situation.
Kenya: Kibaki Approves His Sh25m Retirement Bonus (AllAfrica) — President Mwai Kibaki has approved a bill that awarded him a Sh25 million send-off packages as well as other retirement benefits. (Note: It’s possible Kibaki may yet donate some of the funds he’s awarding himself to fight corruption ….)
Cuba confirms 51 cholera cases in Havana (BBC) — Cuba’s health ministry has confirmed a cholera outbreak in Havana with 51 people infected – the biggest incidence of the disease there in decades.