North Korea will merge time zones with South starting May 5
North Korea will synchronize its time with South Korea as early as this week, Pyongyang announced on Monday. The North created its own time zone in 2015, turning back the clocks by 30 minutes to defy Japanese colonial legacy. The decision to return to the same time is one of the many symbolic highlights of the historic Friday summit between North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. The state-run KCNA...
Scientists study reindeer migration across Putorana Plateau
Scientists of the Siberian Federal University will study migration routes of the reindeer across the Putorana Plateau in the Krasnoyarsk territory, the University’s press service said on Wednesday. “The University’s expedition is working in Evenkiya to place seven satellite collars,” the University said. “Another stage of the Evenki Reindeer (the University’s program of reindeer studies – TASS) is aimed at...
Delhi chokes on toxic smog after Diwali festival
New Delhi was shrouded in a thick blanket of toxic smog Monday after millions of Indians lit firecrackers to mark the Diwali festival, with authorities reporting record levels of pollution in parts of the capital. The reading for the number of pollutants in the atmosphere breached the 1,000 microgram mark for the first time in one neighbourhood in south Delhi — 10 times the World Health Organisation’s recommended level. Gufran Beig,...
Tunisia looks to branch out into wine tourism
Although Tunisia’s tourism industry seems to be going through an unending chill, Mohamed Ben Sheikh is convinced there are good days ahead thanks to the nation’s vineyards. Standing on a hillside on his land, he says, “Our country is rich in local produce.” Among these assets, the ancient culture of winemaking is undergoing something of a revival in this overwhelmingly Muslim-majority country which has a...
Strong twin quakes rock central Italy
Two strong earthquakes rocked central Italy Wednesday, toppling buildings and injuring dozens of people, according to initial reports, two months after a devastating tremor killed nearly 300 in the same region. The first 5.5 magnitude quake sent people running out of their houses, likely saving lives when the second, more destructive, 6.1 magnitude one struck two hours later. But rescuers working through the night and in the rain were...