Cluster: Archive

Silver surfers gain access to the world

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 At a time when emails and text messages are becoming a major source of news, Switzerland is offering support to those who still get lost in the world wide web. The Swiss organisation for the elderly, Pro Senectute, is offering computer workshops for older people who may find the new technology daunting. “Computerias” – informal…

ABB stakeholders give green light to rights issue

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 The issue of 840 million shares is part of a multibillion-dollar package to give the power and automation technology group a fresh financial start. It comes one day after ABB completed the first stage of its refinancing plan with a bond sale worth €650 million on Wednesday. Addressing the special shareholders’ meeting in Zurich, chief…

Profit-sharing scheme helps Indian slums

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 But some of the city’s poor are seeing their lives improve thanks a profit-sharing scheme launched by a high-tech company. The initiative was started by a group of Indian businessmen who wanted to come to the aid of New Delhi’s slums and shanty towns, without relying on outside donors. So they created Panther, an internet…

Outsourcing feeds India’s computer industry

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 The $13 billion (SFr17.6 billion) sector employs an estimated 750,000 people and includes giants like Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and Wipro. “India is beginning to make its mark as a global service provider,” said Phiroz Vandrevala, a director at TCS. “Our main obstacle is the artificial barriers put up by industrialised nations, which block…

Finland leads the technology pack

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 In fact, almost 90 per cent of Finns own a mobile phone, and one in two regularly surfs the web. However, first impressions of the capital, Helsinki, do not call to mind a metropolis surfing the crest of the technology wave. On a damp, autumn day the austerity of the city’s sombre facades does little…

Why the screen has not killed off the written word

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 According to the latest PISA study, carried out in 43 countries, Finnish young people figure among the most assiduous readers. But for how much longer? “Among old school Finns, reading is a tradition,” said Sini Sovijärvi, “in the current climate, people have a need for an intelligent pastime.” According to this producer of educational programmes…

Foreign investors dominate Czech media

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 But the euphoria that came with the restoration of press freedom is slowly giving way to fears that the Czech media is being stifled by foreign investors. In Prague’s historic cafés, the wind of freedom is blowing. Customers leaf through newspapers and magazines of every kind while sipping coffee. Many of the city’s old literary…

Swiss publishers stamp mark on Eastern Europe

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 Despite difficult beginnings following fall of Communism, Ringier, Edipresse and Macquard Media have all managed to produce popular newspapers and magazines. In the heart of the Czech capital, Prague, the imposing headquarters of the Ringier group stand out in a street lined with sombre buildings in need of renovation. Inside, it is a hive of…

Swiss firms cosy up to Chinese dragon

This content was published on Nov 20, 2003 During his five-day visit to China, Swiss President Pascal Couchepin is aiming to smooth the way for closer economic and business ties between the two nations. Shortly after Couchepin’s arrival, Beijing announced that Switzerland would be granted Approved Destination Status (ADS), a decision that is expected to draw vast numbers of Chinese tourists to the…

Swiss youths turn to alcohol and drugs

This content was published on Nov 19, 2003 It found that while a majority of 16- to 20-year-olds were in good health, 30 per cent admitted to emotional problems, depression and eating disorders. Stress and an uncertain future are at the core of Swiss youths’ concerns, the survey of 7,400 adolescents showed. It was carried out last year by three university institutes with…

Cluster: Archive

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Cluster: Archive

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Silver surfers gain access to the world

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ABB stakeholders give green light to rights issue

More

Profit-sharing scheme helps Indian slums

More

Outsourcing feeds India’s computer industry

More

Finland leads the technology pack

More

Why the screen has not killed off the written word

More

Foreign investors dominate Czech media

More

Swiss publishers stamp mark on Eastern Europe

More

Swiss firms cosy up to Chinese dragon

More

Swiss youths turn to alcohol and drugs

Popular Stories

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