Sport: Siranush Andriasyan wins Armenian Women’s Chess ChampionsipReview of January 13-20 sports events. January 20, 2011 Chess Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian defeated Russia’s Ian Nepomniachtchi to climb to the 3rd place in the standings with 2.5 points at the 73rd Tata SteelChess tournament on Wijk-aan-Zee. In the next round he will play v. Vladimir Kramnik (Russia). Gabriel Sargissian scored 2.5 points in tournament B, beating Wouter Spoelman of the Netherlands. In round 5, he will rival Li Chao (China). Armenia and world: Referendum in Sudan cannot affect recognition of NKR independenceWhat Artsakh people have is a will to independence and they need no precedent in the form of a referendum that takes place thousands of miles away from Stepanakert. January 18, 2011 On January 31 there may appear a new state in Africa. It will appear as a result of a peaceful referendum held in Sudan. How long the quiet coexistence of the two parts of one country will continue is too difficult to predict. But since the 90s of the past century, when there started the chain of independence, no mother country has tolerated the new reality. IT & Telecom: Over 40 mln calls made in Armenia on New Year’s eveReview of January 10-16 information technology and telecommunication events. January 16, 2011 Communication sector proceeds grossed 152,4 bln in January–November 2010 in Armenia, exceeding 2009’s index by 0,3%. According to the National Statistical Service of Armenia, proceeds from IT and communication (ITC) services totaled AMD 174 billion, growing by 1,1% compared with 2009 results. ITC share comprises 24,6% of the total volume of services rendered in Armenia. Economy: Armenian authorities resolved to secure economic growthTigran Sargsyan: it is evident that the world will not return to its pre-crisis economic model. However, the new model has not been developed yet, what is a serious challenge. January 15, 2011 The world economy is moving from a post-crisis bounce-back phase of the recovery to slower but still solid growth this year and next, with developing countries contributing almost half of global growth, according to the World Bank’s latest Global Economic Prospects 2011. Society: Brand or not brand: behind the windows of Yerevan boutiquesThere is a rumor that representation of original Zara Spanish brand will open in Yerevan soon. January 14, 2011 Are the clothes sold in expensive shops original? Is the new collection similar to that presented abroad? These are the questions frequently asked by purchasers. But it's not easy to find the answer to them. Shops do not pursue a transparent policy while “masters” counterfeit the original, thus disappointing fashion lovers. Culture: Baku myths about ‘Albanian crosses’ or Azerbaijani Culture Minister’s liesArmenian khachkars can be seen in any corner of the world where Armenians used to live. Azerbaijan is not an exception. November 25, 2010 As a “worthy” representative of Azerbaijani leadership, Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev disseminated lies about the meetings of the Intergovernmental Committee for Intangible Cultural Heritage of UNESCO, in Nairobi Nov 15-19. Politics: Armenian political parties distributing seats in NA 1.5 years prior to parliamentary electionReview of November 7-12 domestic events. November 13, 2010 Political events in Armenia focused on the possible outcomes of the 2012 parliamentary election. | Revolut launches in Armenia Fast and free money transfers, no hidden fees 4 rules for business success An ultimate guide Millions of dollars in investments and stimulation of economy 3 Armenian startups en route to becoming unicorns Azerbaijan's brutal beheadings and torture of Armenians A non-exhaustive summary of war crimes |