Category: News Desk

Infographic: Is Higher Education A Worthwhile Investment?


The spiralling cost of higher education has led many to wonder whether attaining a degree is really worth the price tag. While one’s educational status has always been seen as a barometer for prospective employers, many businessmen have also achieved significant success without a formal education. 

How much does an education cost and can you really put a price tag on a degree? Check out this infographic, which examines the return-of-investment on a degree or a diploma, and determine whether you should be pursuing a costly education in order to achieve future career goals.

US Oil Production To Rise 74 Percent By 2022: Report


The United States will see a significant boom in crude oil production over the next ten years, said a report by Platts’s energy data analytics unit Bentek Energy on Monday, with production expected to increase to an average of 11.6 million barrels per day (bpd) by 2022 – compared to 6.7 million bpd today.

Greece To Seek ‘Millions’ From Germany As World War II Reparations


Greece’s finance ministry has set up a “working group” of researchers to go through historical records for damages caused by Germany during World War II, claimed a report by AFP on Tuesday, with the Greeks prepared to seek financial reparations beyond an agreement reached in 1960.

Chinese Whispers Intensify After ‘Mysterious Disappearance’ Of Nation’s Next Leader


“Where is Xi Jinping?” – that was the question on most Chinese lips and China observers on Monday after the nation’s Vice-President, and presumed leader-in-waiting, failed to show up for yet another scheduled meeting with a foreign dignitary – making it his fourth no-show since his last public appearance in Beijng on September 1.

France’s Richest Man Seeks Belgian Citizenship Ahead Of ‘Wealth Tax’


Bernard Arnault, the richest man in France and the fourth richest man in the world, has applied to be a naturalised Belgian citizen ahead of a 75 percent tax on the wealthy in France, reported Bloomberg News on Sunday, sparking concern of a potential mass exodus of the rich over president Francois Hollande’s recent reforms.

Spain’s Most Indebted Region Gambles On Casino Complex To Reinvigorate Economy


The Spanish region of Catalonia, with an estimated debt of around 42 billion euros ($53 billion), has announced plans to build a 4.8 billion euro ($6 billion) casino and entertainment complex in its capital of Barcelona, which the local government hopes will generate over 20,000 jobs for the region.

China Announces $2.2 Billion Subsidy Scheme For Energy-Saving Appliances


China’s Finance Ministry will provide up to 14 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) in subsidies to buyers who purchase energy-saving products, including computers and air-conditioners, said a report by Xinhua on Monday, in its latest effort to save energy and raise market share of energy-saving products to more than 40 percent.

EU Banking Supervisor Could Be Ready By Early 2013


The European Union’s financial services commissioner, Michel Barnier, is ready to unveil his proposal for a single banking watchdog across the entire eurozone, said a report by AFP on Sunday, in a move that will give the European Central Bank (ECB) supervisory power over 6,000 eurozone banks in the process.

Greece Gets Creative To Catch Tax Evaders


Greek tax inspectors have been staking out island resorts and rock concerts in order to track tax evaders for unpaid fines and assets, said a report by Reuters on Thursday, as the government steps up efforts to raise extra tax revenues in order to plug the nation’s gaping budget deficit.

UK Education Watchdog Urge Elite Universities To Admit More Poor Students


The head of the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) in the U.K., a non-departmental public body dedicated to promoting equitable access for undergraduate applicants, has called on the top universities across the country to reach out to more talented students from poor homes, after the latest data showed that the proportion of poor students at elite universities had fallen.