DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ More than 1 in 3 tree species are at risk of going extinct, new analysis shows
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-28 | by ( Rachel Ramirez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —The world’s trees are in critical danger, with a staggering number of tree species teetering on the brink of extinction, according to a new global analysis released Monday. The decade-long project found that more than one in three tree species are threatened with extinction, underscoring the scale of the crisis facing our planet’s ecosystems. Kadir van Lohuizen/NOOR/Redux/FILEThe highest portion of threatened trees is found on islands like Fiji, Cuba and Madagascar. The Red List is considered the most comprehensive global source for threatened species and extinction information. Being listed as a threatened species means that the species faces the risk of extinction, sending a serious warning sign that calls on governments and organizations to take urgent conservation efforts to prevent a species’ extinction.

Persons: ” Grethel Aguilar, ” Aguilar, Kadir van Lohuizen, Aguilar Organizations: CNN, International Union for Conservation, IUCN Locations: Cali , Colombia, Colombia, Fiji, Cuba, Madagascar, South America

☆ Lost biblical tree resurrected from 1,000 year-old seed
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-03 | by ( Katie Hunt | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Botanists have grown a long-lost tree species from a 1,000-year-old seed found in a cave in the Judean Desert in the 1980s. But the scientists conducting the new research weren’t able to identify the type of tree from the seed alone. However, the sample didn’t match any of the known Commiphora species in her database. The tree, which the study authors believe may have a biblical connection, is seen at 12 years old. Yet the tree, which is related to the myrrh tree that’s famed for its resin, never gave off any kind of scent.

Persons: Dr, Sarah Sallon, Louis, Sallon, tsori, “ Sheba, ”, Guy Eisner, Elaine Solowey, ” Sallon, Andrea Weeks, Weeks, it’s, “ guggulterols, Louise Colville, Colville wasn’t, “ Organizations: CNN, Natural Medicine Research, Hadassah University Medical, Communications, Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, George Mason University, Royal Botanic Locations: Judean, Jerusalem, Gilead, Jordan, Israel, Africa, Madagascar, Fairfax , Virginia, Kew, London

☆ Perfumes, Candles, Toothpaste — Vanilla Is in Everything. And It’s Under Threat. - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-04 | by ( Aimee Nezhukumatathil | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Once you notice vanilla, you’ll smell it everywhere. From custard to candles, we live in a world suffused with vanilla. Extracted from the bean pod of a delicate orchid, vanilla must be grown under exceptionally precise conditions along a very narrow band of the earth, between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. In 2017, a Category 4-equivalent cyclone decimated an estimated 30 percent of the vanilla vines in Madagascar, which produces 80 percent of the vanilla used around the globe. As a result, the price of vanilla bean pods surged to nearly $300 a pound.

Organizations: University of Oxford, Karolinska Institute, Cancer Locations: Sweden, Madagascar, Mexico, Tahiti

☆ I work on the world's largest residential yacht that's like the Four Seasons on steroids. Some guests have lived on it for over 20 years.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Claire Turrell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

There are 165 apartments on the ship, and we have an average of 200 residents on board. I was previously the general manager for the Intercontinental in Vienna, and before that, I worked for the Four Seasons. The World superyacht in Madagascar The WorldAs it's not a cruise ship, we don't have a captain's table or welcome drinks. We have had politicians and TV stars on board in the past, but we don't divulge any of the ship's residents. The pool deck for The World residents The WorldI'm a great believer that service should be felt but not seen.

Persons: —, Thomas Legner, We've, It's, it's, we've, Rembrandt Organizations: Service, Business, Intercontinental, Exclusive Resorts, Staff, Michelin Locations: Vienna, Antarctica, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar, Wadi Rum, Jordan, Fremantle, Australia

☆ Breaking in New Sports at the Olympics
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-25 | by ( Photographs Philip Montgomery | Text Sam Anderson | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +6 min

Breaking Into the Olympics Breaking, sport climbing and skateboarding may seem untraditional, but they embody the true spirit of the games. >> Top: Sunny Choi, who will compete in breaking, quit her corporate job to focus on the Games. Bottom: Victor Montalvo’s signature breaking moves include the back flip into flare and the Super Montalvo. Here in 2024, the Games have added multiple new events, including breaking — popularly known as break dancing — and kayak cross. >> Sport climbing is broken into three formats: speed; bouldering (shorter climbs); and lead, which requires ropes and harnesses.

Persons: you’re, Kronos, Sunny Choi, Victor Montalvo’s, Super Montalvo, “, ”, Stephen Miller, Kroton, Colin Duffy, let’s, Paige Heyn Organizations: Olympic, Super, Wrestling, Boxing Locations: England, North America, Madagascar, Greece, —, Athens

☆ Tara Shakiti will be the first artist from Madagascar to send her work to the moon
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-24 | by ( Leah Collins | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —From a young age, award-winning artist Tara Shakti knew she wanted to pursue a career creating paintings that empowered other women. Tara Shakti will be the first Malagasy artist to have her work sent to the moon. The main criterion for nomination is that artists’ work should have been included in a curated exhibit, collection, anthology or similar. Tara ShaktiThe artist was invited by Peralta to submit her work for the project after he discovered her paintings through social media earlier this year. “To have my work launched to the moon is an honor of immeasurable magnitude,” Shakti told CNN in an email.

Persons: Tara Shakti, Shakti, ”, “, NASA ”, Samuel Peralta, ” Peralta, Peralta, Leonardo da Vinci, Shakti's, Shakti’s, NASA’s, Tara Shakti “, Tara Shakti’s, Ada Limón, Didi Mendez, they’re Organizations: CNN, SpaceX, NASA, Codex Polaris, Heavy, Embassy of, NASA’s Europa Clipper Locations: Madagascar, Africa, Florence, Paris, Canadian, Toronto, New York, Embassy, Embassy of Madagascar, France, Cuban American

☆ Finally, an answer to a mystery surrounding these 1,000-year-old trees
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Tom Page | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

A team of international academics successfully sequenced the genomes of each of the eight baobab species, examining their relationship with one another and concluded that they originated in Madagascar. "Avenue of the Baobabs" in Western Madagascar is one of the most spectacular collections of the unusual trees. Gavinevans/Creative CommonsOnly one baobab species is not included in the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species: A. digitata, which populates mainland Africa. The likelihood of finding fossil evidence to rubberstamp the conclusions of the genetic data is slim, Dr. Wan conceded. So perhaps these majestic trees may retain some of their mystery after all.

Persons: ”, Wan Jun, Nan, Wan, Seheno, Andriantsaralaza, “, Dr, Organizations: CNN, Biologists, Gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, University of Antananarivo, Queen Mary University of London, IUCN, USAID Locations: Madagascar, Africa, Australia, Wuhan, Hubei, China, baobabs, Queen, Western Madagascar, “

☆ Move over diamonds, these little-known gemstones are heating up
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Sarah Royce-Greensill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Experts say that this previously overlooked gemstone is rocketing in desirability and value, as collectors look beyond the so-called “Big Four’” (diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires) for more affordable, niche gemstones that may just be a shrewd investment. “Spinels and Paraiba tourmalines have seen a steady increase in demand over the last decade.”Boghossian's paraiba and diamond set features paraibas and fancy yellow diamonds. Experts posit that only one Paraiba tourmaline is mined for every 10,000 diamonds — and while similar hues are found in Madagascar, the scarcity of Brazilian stones has seen prices soar. At Bonhams, Tonkin said prices for top-quality Paraiba tourmalines reached $75,000 per carat in 2022, compared with $4,800 per carat in 2009. “These incredibly vibrant, clean gemstones really stirred something in me,” she explained in an email.

Persons: Olivia Young, Ouroboros, Ruby, Bonhams, ”, Jennifer Tonkin, Rahul Kadakia, Lily Gabriella, ” Charles Abouchar, “, Tonkin, Roberto Boghossian, Moti Ferder, Ferder foresees, Lily Gabriella's, Lily Gabriella Likewise, Minka, Lucy Crowther, ” Crowther, Young Organizations: CNN, Imperial State Crown, Abouchar SA, Lugano Diamonds, Paraiba tourmalines, Big Locations: Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, British, Burma, London, Geneva, Paraiba, ” Boghossian's paraiba, paraiba, Brazilian, Madagascar, Bonhams, Paraiba tourmalines, Memphis, India

☆ A Crowning Achievement in a Neighborhood’s Fight Against Air Pollution
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-29 | by ( Patricia Leigh Brown | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The East Canfield Village neighborhood of Detroit is not the most likely place to encounter a monumental sculpture of an African crown glittering with gold lowrider paint and soaring high into the trees. Weber’s sculpture, “New Forest, Ancient Thrones,” in the newly designed East Canfield Art Park, was unveiled May 18 in a procession led by West African drummers. The sculpture melds crowns worn by two African queens — Ranavalona III of 19th-century Madagascar, who led her kingdom’s resistance to French colonizers before being exiled, and Idia of Benin, whose military derring-do during her son’s reign in the 16th century helped fend off tribal invaders. Weber’s métier is working in industrial corridors in redlined neighborhoods helping communities of color heal from the effects of environmental and social ills, often a lengthy and collaborative process. He is part of a growing movement called regenerative art, which seeks to revitalize links between communities and their ecosystems.

Persons: Jordan Weber, — Ranavalona III Organizations: Canfield Art, West Locations: Canfield Village, Detroit, Canfield, Madagascar, Benin

☆ Safaris aren't the only tourist attraction in Africa. From cruises to wine tasting, here's what else you can do
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Harriet Akinyi | Penny Sadler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

Bungy jumping at Soweto Towers, a decommissioned power station in Johannesburg, South Africa. Explore the beachAfrican beach towns combine beauty and culture, in places like Seychelles, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Ghana, Namibia and Egypt. In addition to being a popular stop for world cruises, East and South Africa have their own ocean cruise routes which follow the coastlines and visit offshore islands. But South Africa is the continent's crown jewel. The wine country of Franschhoek, outside of Cape Town, South Africa.

Persons: Toubkal, there's, Thomas Janisch, Zina Bencheikh, Madagascar's Tsingy, Carlo Morucchio, Kenya's Masai Mara, King Charles III, Queen Camilla, Mombasa's, Samir Hussein, Luciemarie Swanepoel, Jeremy Villasis, Peter Unger, Kate Powell, Intrepid's Bencheikh, Kevin Bubolz, Wrenelle Stander, Michele Westmorland Organizations: bungie, Getty, Intrepid Travel, UNESCO, Heritage, Wireimage, Diamonds, Sainte, Cruises, Stone, Queen, Cruise Line, MSC, Continental, Penguin Locations: Africa, Morocco's, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Nyangani, Zimbabwe, Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa, Europe, East, Namibia, Victoria Falls, Zambia, Jinja, Uganda, Morocco, Seychelles, Kenya, Mozambique, Mauritius, Zanzibar, Ghana, Egypt, Mombasa, Mombasa's Fort Jesus, Fort Jesus, Kaya, Zanzibar's Stone, Madagascar, Swanepoel, Durban, Cape, Kivu, Silversea, Continental Europe, Middle East, Port, Ethiopia, Wesgro, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Cape Town , South Africa

☆ Benin: The country’s past, present, and future is on display for the first time at the 60th Venice Biennale
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-02 | by ( Daniel Renjifo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Ancestral African art is a linchpin of identity and a source of inspiration to creatives across the continent. For the first time in the 60-year history of the renowned Venice Biennale in Italy – an arts and culture festival lasting eight months, hosted every other year – Benin is presenting a national pavilion. Hazoumé hopes the exhibition will reiterate his message and inspire other African artists to own their past to fuel creativity. Ishola Akpo sets up his piece titled “Iyalode” at the Benin national pavilion in Venice, Italy. Moufouli Bello draws inspiration from children’s books, Gèlèdé philosophy and Yoruba traditions in this piece titled “Egbe Modjisola," on display at the Benin national pavilion in Venice, Italy.

Persons: Emmanuel Macron, Romuald Hazoumé's, Jacopo La, Jacopo La Forgia, Romuald Hazoumé, Chloé, Ishola Akpo, Moufouli Bello, we’ll, Hazoumé, Florian Kleinefenn, ” Nwagbogu, “, ”, Gèlèdé, Chloé Quenum, Akpo, I’ve, Nwagbogu, ” Hazoumé Organizations: CNN, French, Smithsonian Museum of African, US, Venice Biennale, African Artist Foundation, Biennale Locations: Africa, West, Benin, Nigeria, Kingdom of Benin, Venice, Italy, “, Rouge, curating, France, Madagascar, Ghana, Uganda, Cameroon

☆ The beautiful African paradise islands that most tourists don’t know about
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Joe Yogerst | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —A couple of African paradise islands have been on the radar of avid world travelers for some time. Shellfish Bay on the island’s windward side shelters one of East Africa’s most spectacular beaches, a crescent of white sand framed by 100-meter dunes. Bazaruto Island Resort, the island’s top digs, can arrange scuba diving and snorkeling, sailing on traditional dhow boats, guided 4x4 wildlife safaris, sandboarding on the dunes and other outdoor activities. Lamu’s best beaches are on the island’s windward side, around a 30–40-minute walk via Shela village. — and an ancient stone nilometer for measuring the river’s water level — reflect the island’s importance during pharaonic times.

Persons: São Filipe, Denis, Ponta, Ariadne Van Zandbergen, Dar es Organizations: CNN, Ethiopian Airways, oneworld, Getty, UNESCO, Heritage, Cabo Verde Airlines, Overseas, Paris Orly, Animalia Museum, Egypt, Vogue, Reserve, Dar es Salam Locations: Mauritius, Seychelles, Canary, Africa, Madagascar, Addis Ababa, Bazaruto, Mozambique, East, sandboarding, Johannesburg, Vilanculos, Lamu, Kenya, Manda, Malindi, Nairobi, JamboJet, Fogo, Cape Verde, Cabo Verde, West Africa, Pico, Verde’s, Praia, Overseas Territory, Réunion, French Caribbean, L’Hermitage, Saint, Paris, Antananarivo, Elephantine, Egypt, Aswan, Bissagos, Guinea, Bissau, Bubaque, Pemba, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Tanga, Dar, FlightLink

☆ New map shows just how extreme last month was for the planet
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Rachel Ramirez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

Unusually warm oceans. Low snow cover in North America and record low levels of Antarctic sea ice. The map shows the world’s most significant “climate anomalies,” or weather events that were unexpected for this time of year. The Northern Hemisphere also experienced an unusually warm winter. Correction: A previous version of this story misstated how low Antarctic sea ice was last month.

Organizations: CNN, National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, Northern, North Locations: North America, Antarctica, Great, Europe, Ecuador, Madagascar, Africa

☆ MH370 investigation: 10 years on, is the world any closer to finding Malaysia Airlines flight?
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Chris Lau | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

A helicopter takes off from Chinese warship Jinggangshan during an early search for the missing Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines flight 370 on March 11, 2014. Beijing-bound Malaysia Airlines flight 370 dropped off the radar shortly after departing Kuala Lumpur in the small hours of March 8, 2014. Families of passengers from China and Malaysia on board MH370 during a remembrance event commemorating the 10th anniversary of its disappearance, in Subang Jaya, Malaysia, on March 3, 2024. Hasnoor Hussain/ReutersAviation experts tell CNN that improved detection technology will likely bring families closer to the missing plane than they ever have been, if a search were to be relaunched. Phoenix Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) Bluefin-21 is craned over the side of Australian Defense Vessel Ocean Shield in the search for missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370 on April 14, 2014.

Persons: MH370, Jiang Hui, ” Jiang, “, ”, Jiang Cuiyun, It’s, V.P.R Nathan, Anne Daisy, Hasnoor Hussain, Anthony Loke, Grace Subathirai Nathan, Adli Ghazali, Oliver Plunkett, it’s, ” Geoffrey Thomas, AirlineRatings.com, Leut Kelli Lunt, Richard Quest, Richard Godfrey, Godfrey, Fred Dufour, AirlineRatings’s Thomas, ” Godfrey, “ I’m, Sarah Bajc, Phil Wood, Bajc, Jiang Organizations: CNN, Malaysia Airlines, Reuters, Reuters Aviation, Malaysian, Transport, Malaysian Transport, Anadolu Agency, Getty, Boeing, Underwater, Australian Defense, Australia Department of Defence, CNN’s, Aviation, Radio, British Aerospace, MH370, British Locations: Beijing, China, Kuala Lumpur, Africa, Malaysia, Subang Jaya, United States, Madagascar, Putrajaya, Australia, Malaysian, Perth, AFP, Asia, Panama, Zhuji

☆ Biden administration sanctions makers of commercial spyware used to surveil US
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Bad actors have used commercial spyware to target at least 50 US government officials, the Biden administration said last year as it unveiled an executive order banning federal agencies from using the technology. In 2021, the US government said NSO Group’s spyware had been used against roughly a dozen State Department employees serving in Africa. The US government has sought to build international support for curbing the use of commercial spyware, and last month, it announced visa restrictions for anyone seeking to enter the United States who has been involved in the commercial spyware industry. The use of commercial spyware “has been linked to arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings in the most egregious of cases,” the State Department said at the time. On Tuesday, the Biden administration vowed to watch closely for signs that Intellexa may seek to circumvent the sanctions.

Persons: Washington CNN —, ”, Tal Jonathan Dilian, Sara Aleksandra Fayssal Hamou, Côte, Biden, Oregon Democratic Sen, Ron Wyden Organizations: Washington CNN, Biden, Treasury Department, Intellexa Consortium, US, Google, Pegasus, Intellexa, Amnesty International, State Department, Commerce Department, Oregon Democratic Locations: Egypt, Armenia, Greece, Madagascar, Côte d’Ivoire, Serbia, Spain, Indonesia, Africa, States

☆ Done with diamonds? Gemstone engagement rings are capturing hearts and market share
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Courtney Reagan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"We're seeing a shift in much larger center stone engagement rings, primarily as a result of lab-grown diamonds, and sapphires and rubies tend to be very hot," Daga said. A decade ago, about 5% of engagement rings were colored gemstones, according to Daga. watch nowIndustry giant Signet Jewelers is seeing the same gemstone trend in the wedding category as well as in fashion pieces. Beyond engagement rings, Signet said amethyst and ruby are always popular stones for the Valentine's season. Solidcolours | Istock | Getty ImagesWholesale prices for sapphire gemstones are up 12% per year over the past three years, Daga said.

Persons: Craig Hastings, Ankur Daga, Daga, Jared, Kay, Signet, Beth Gerstein, Gerstein, Boonyakiat, Tourmalines Organizations: Industry, Signet, Getty, Istock, Rolex Locations: London, Madagascar, Angara, Kashmir, Sri Lanka, Zambia, Colombian

Surgical castration “will always be pronounced” for those guilty of raping a child under the age of 10, according to the law's wording. Cases of rape against children between the ages of 10 and 13 will be punished by surgical or chemical castration. The younger the child, the greater the punishment,” Randriamanantenasoa said. Chemical castration is the use of drugs to block hormones and decrease sexual desire. Several countries and some U.S. states — including California and Florida — allow for chemical castration for some sex offenders.

Persons: Andry Rajoelina, Landy Mbolatiana Randriamanantenasoa, Randriamanantenasoa, “, ” Randriamanantenasoa, Jessica Lolonirina Nivoseheno, ” Organizations: —, Senate, Constitutional Court, Amnesty, AP Locations: ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, California, Florida, africa

☆ In Bid to Curb Immigration, France to Scrap Birthright Citizenship in Mayotte
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

Located close to the impoverished Comoro islands off the East African coast, the former French colony has become the centre of fierce social unrest, with many residents blaming undocumented immigration for the deteriorating conditions. Much poorer than mainland France, Mayotte has been shaken by gang violence and social unrest for decades. Since January, island residents have been staging strikes and erecting roadblocks to protest against what they say are unacceptable living conditions, paralyzing large parts of local infrastructure. It comes less than three weeks after France's highest court scrapped large parts of a new immigration law designed to toughen access to welfare benefits for foreigners and curb the number of new arrivals into the country. Immigration is a hot-button issue in France, one of Europe's strongholds for far right anti-immigration parties.

Persons: Gerald Darmanin, Darmanin, Emmanuel Macron, Tassilo Hummel, Sophie Louet, Bernadette Baum Organizations: PARIS Locations: Mayotte, Madagascar, France, Republic

☆ How Chanel No. 5 Became a Necklace
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Lindsay Talbot | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

In 1920, following the successful launch of her couture house in Biarritz, France, and her subsequent move to Paris’s Rue Cambon, where she opened her flagship boutique, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel decided to create her first fragrance. She commissioned the French Russian perfumer Ernest Beaux to develop “a woman’s perfume, with a woman’s scent” — which, unlike most single-note options of the era, had a bold floral composition. Months later, he presented Chanel with an array of aromatic vials, and she chose the one labeled five. The bottle was topped with a square glass stopper with two interlocking sans-serif C’s, marking the debut of Chanel’s now-iconic logo. In 1924, the stopper was redesigned as a bevel-cut octagon, but it has otherwise remained largely the same for the past century.

Persons: Gabrielle “ Coco ” Chanel, Ernest Beaux, Chanel, Beaux, “, men’s toiletries, —, Boy Capel Locations: Biarritz, France, Russian, Grasse, Madagascar, Brazilian, —, Chanel’s

☆ Madagascan President's Ex-Aide Offered Influence for Bribes, London Jury Told
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

By Sam TobinLONDON (Reuters) - Madagascan President Andry Rajoelina's ex-chief of staff offered to use her influence to obtain bribes from precious stone miner Gemfields in exchange for help with lucrative mining rights, prosecutors told a London court on Tuesday. Romy Andrianarisoa, 47, is accused of seeking substantial payments from Gemfields between 2021 and 2023 to help the company expand its business into Madagascar. Prosecutor Alex Leach told jurors at Southwark Crown Court that Andrianarisoa was, at the time of the alleged offending, a "trusted adviser" to Rajoelina. At the meeting, Andrianarisoa "made it clear she had direct influence on the president", Leach added. He said Gemfields later approached Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) after it became clear Andrianarisoa and her associate Philippe Tabuteau were seeking a bribe.

Persons: Sam Tobin LONDON, Andry Rajoelina's, Romy Andrianarisoa, Andrianarisoa, Alex Leach, Leach, Sean Gilbertson, Gemfields, Britain's, Philippe Tabuteau, Tabuteau, Sam Tobin, Bernadette Baum Organizations: Southwark Crown, Crime Agency, NCA, Gemfields Locations: London, Gemfields, Madagascar, Southwark, Tabuteau

☆ My family of 4 spent a night on a private houseboat in India for $300 — it was a unique, luxurious way to see such a beautiful place
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-05 | by ( Asia London Palomba | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

My family paid $300 for a night on a private two-bedroom houseboat in southern India. We spent the day sailing the backwaters of the river city of Alleppey, and were served three meals. We've spent the holidays hiking volcanoes in Indonesia, traveling by train through Vietnam, and swimming in the Indian Ocean in Madagascar. This past Christmas, my family and I spent two weeks traveling through the southern Indian region of Kerala. The highlight of our trip was spending Christmas on a private houseboat for 25,000 rupees, or about $300.

Persons: —, We've Organizations: Service Locations: India, Alleppey, Asia, Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, Madagascar, Kerala

☆ Pope Francis says Africa’s criticism of same-sex blessing a “special case”
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-29 | by ( Nimi Princewill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Pope Francis has addressed criticism over his consent to priests to bless same-sex couples, saying the pushback from African bishops was “a special case” influenced by culture. African Catholic bishops said in a letter the pope’s endorsement “caused a shockwave” on the continent and “has sown misconceptions and unrest in the minds of many”, including pastors. Kazakhstani bishops Tomash Peta and Athanasius Schneider jointly described blessings for same-sex unions as a contradiction to the age-long practice and doctrine of the Catholic Church. “To bless couples in an irregular situation and same-sex couples is a serious abuse of the most Holy name of God,” said the preachers who head the Archdiocese of Saint Mary in the country’s capital Astana. French Archbishop Hervé Giraud said last month he could bless a gay couple as he believed such a blessing was not an acceptance of a same-sex union.

Persons: Pope Francis, “, Francis, ”, Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, Tomash Peta, Athanasius Schneider, of Saint Mary, Hervé Giraud, ” Giraud Organizations: CNN, Italian, Stampa, Catholic Church, of, “, Catholic, La Croix Locations: Africa, Madagascar, Uganda, Asia, of Saint, Astana, Europe, France, Austria, Germany, Sens

☆ The sexiest new hotels for 2024
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-05 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +23 min

This list tries to do just that – spotlight the hotels opening (or reopening, as one of them is) in 2024 that make us want to visit for the hotel alone. Properties with a little bit of oomph – the sexy hotels of 2024, as we like to call them. For spring 2024, Costa Rica’s on the cards, with this beachfront hotel at surfer central Santa Teresa, on the Pacific Coast. Existing ones have been refurbished, and new pool villas, suites and bungalows have been added to the mix. Pool villas are cute cabins with patio doors opening on the open-to-the-elements plunge pools, while the bungalows will be wood-clad, tropical spaces.

Persons: Will, ”, that’s, King Charles, Maria, Casa Lucia Argentina, swank, Kit Kemp, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth, George, Gran, Palazzo Cordusio, Cordusio, There’s, Emanuele II, Mina Al, Ras, Anantara Mina Al Arab, Ras Al Khaimah, Mina Al Arab, Al Riffa, Mollie's, who’ll, KAI Akiu, Hoshino, Rupert Peace, Michel Rojkind, Moxy Banff, Marie, they’re, Philippe Kjellgren, It’ll, Aman, you’ve, you’ll, Roma, Romeo Roma, Romeo, starchitect Zaha Hadid, Rome’s Piazza, Costa Rica’s Organizations: CNN, Casa Lucia, Bacan, Leinster, Collins, Gran Meliá, Milan, Galleria, Tunisia –, Soho, Manchester TV, Beatles, Granada Studios, Old Granada Studios, Soho House, Resorts, Michelin, Guadalupe, Moxy, VW, Brisbane . Tourism, Queensland, Casa, Hoxton, Popolo, Princeton, Hotels, Ivy League, Mercure, Darwin, Training Academy Locations: Matca, Transylvania, Romania, Romanian, Brașov, Maria, Helsinki, Finland, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Retiro, Dublin, Ireland, Merrion, Georgian Dublin, Uganda, Rwanda, Queen, Edward, Milan, Italy, Meliá, Piazza, Duomo, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, Arabian, Dubai, Ras Al, Oman, Mina, Al, Tunisia, Douz, Sahara, Matmata, Manchester, Japan, Tokyo, Akiu, Sendai, superlatives, Kempinski, Dresden, Germany, grande, Taschenbergpalais, Baja California, Mexico, Valle, Mexican, Valle de Guadalupe, Canada, Banff, Brisbane, Australia, Brisbane ., Dios, Peru, Casa, Andina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peruvian, Folegandros, Greece, Santorini, –, Hoxton Vienna, Austria, Hoxton, Vienna, Ennismore, Landstrasse, Sainte, Marie, Madagascar, Aman Nai, Bangkok, Thailand, Aman, Nai Lert, Thai capital’s, Rome, Naples, starchitect, New Jersey, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, Morocco, Coast, Darwin, Larrakia, Northern Territory

☆ Chinese court starts hearing lawsuits against Malaysia Airlines over missing flight MH370
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-27 | by ( Nectar Gan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Jiang Hui speaks with CNN in an interview in Beijing on November 21, 2023, days before a Chinese court began hearing lawsuits over the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370. All of them are international companies headquartered outside China, though Malaysia Airlines, Boeing and Roll-Royce have offices in China. In Malaysia, two young boys who lost their father on the flight sued Malaysia Airlines for breach of contract and the Malaysian government for negligence in 2014. In China, families who signed a settlement agreement with Malaysian Airlines received 2.5 million yuan ($350,000) in compensation. Only a few dozen Chinese families signed initially, but over the years more have opted to settle.

Persons: Jiang Hui, Jiang Cuiyun, MH370, Jiang, ” Jiang, Royce, Covid, “, ”, – Organizations: Beijing CNN —, Malaysia Airlines Flight, CNN, Court, Maylasia Airlines, Boeing, Malaysia Airlines, Allianz, Rolls, Malaysian, Malaysian Airlines Locations: China, Beijing, Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Chaoyang District, United States, Africa, Australia, Mauritius, Madagascar

Still, the queen conch is one of many vulnerable species not included on Mexico's national endangered species list. In the meantime, species like the queen conch have lacked federal environmental protection and moved steadily toward extinction. Political Cartoons View All 1267 ImagesOfficials accept proposals to list species only during set periods for public comment. In particular, Mexico lists 535 species as endangered, its worst risk rating, whereas IUCN lists nearly 1,500 species in Mexico as either endangered or critically endangered. If a species is included on Mexico’s list in any category, all commercial uses of that species are banned.

Persons: Alejandro Olivera, ” Olivera, It's, Olivera, Angélica Cervantes Maldonado, Rodrigo Jorge, Jorge Organizations: MEXICO CITY, —, Center for Biological Diversity, Fish, Wildlife Service, National Autonomous University, U.S . National Oceanic, Atmospheric Administration, The International Union for Conservation of, IUCN, UNESCO Locations: MEXICO, Banco Chinchorro, Belize, Mexico, Mexican, La Paz, of California, The U.S, elkhorn, Caribbean, Ecuador, Madagascar, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Gulf of California

Search resuls for: "Madagascar"

25 mentions found