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Chinese consumer inflation rose more than expected in July to hit a five-month high, data showed on Aug. 9, providing some much-needed positive news on the world's number-two economy.

The reading comes as authorities struggle to kickstart activity among the country's army of consumers, with officials last week issuing a set of directives aimed at boosting buying.

A South Korean ruling party lawmaker was struck on the head with a rock on a street in Seoul's upscale Gangnam district on Thursday by an unidentified assailant, Yonhap news agency reported.

Bae Hyun-jin, 40, was taken to hospital, the report said, adding her condition was "not life threatening".

Kathimerini was granted access to the home of Manos Hadjidakis, one of 20th century's most prominent Greek composers, to watch rehearsals for the Manos Hadjidakis Cycle, a series of performances by the Greek National Opera at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

Pop superstar Justin Bieber pipped Lady Gaga at the MTV Europe Music awards on Nov. 6, snapping up the lion's share as megastar Beyonce was left empty-handed.

In the high-energy show in the Dutch port of Rotterdam, the chart-topping Canadian singer's legendary army of fans dubbed "Beliebers" helped him slay Gaga's "monsters" to see him win three awards including for Biggest Fans.