Stories for October 2017

Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 06:16 UTC
Key ex minister of Cristina Fernandez and Nestor Kirchner jailed on corruption charges

Julio De Vido, an ex-minister in former Argentine President Cristina Fernandez's government, was jailed after turning himself in to authorities on Wednesday, marking an anti-corruption milestone in a country known for impunity.
Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 06:04 UTC
Bloomberg describes Brexit as the “single stupidest thing any country has ever done”

Michael Bloomberg, the billionaire media mogul and former mayor of New York, has said Brexit is the “single stupidest thing any country has ever done” apart from the election of Donald Trump as US president. Bloomberg argued that “it is really hard to understand why a country that was doing so well wanted to ruin it” with the Brexit vote, in a series of outspoken remarks made at a technology conference in Boston a fortnight ago.
Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 05:56 UTC
Hammond “confident” despite admitting an “urgent and pressing” Brexit transition period

Philip Hammond has said he is “confident” businesses will be given the Brexit certainty they need although he sidestepped calls to ensure transition principles are guaranteed by Christmas. The UK Chancellor acknowledged the principles of a transition period are “urgent and pressing”, also telling MPs the Government wants them agreed with the European Union “as soon as possible”.
Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 05:47 UTC
Catalonia to appeal Rajoy's measures; if not successful it will pursue the case in international courts

Catalonia’s political leaders intend to bring a legal challenge to prevent the Spanish government from removing them from office and taking over running the region to stop its push for independence, a spokesman has said.
Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 02:47 UTC
Xi reaffirms his grip on China and his approval is an encouragement “that will spur me on.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday unveiled the new lineup of the ruling Communist Party highest body, whose members will rule alongside him as he embarks on a second five-year term as party leader with an agenda to spread prosperity and expand the global influence of the world's second largest economy.
Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 02:38 UTC
CO2 emissions are making oceans more acidic and threatening sea life

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are making oceans more acidic and threatening all sea life, a new scientific report claims. The eight-year study, called the “Biological Impacts of Ocean Acidification” and part of the German-led Bioacid program, finds that juvenile sea creatures will be especially harmed.
Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 02:26 UTC
World wine production at its lowest in 50 years; Europe hard hit, but Argentina will see 25% increase

World wine production is having a historically bad year. Europe, home to the world's leading wine producers, is making wine at significantly lower levels than usual – and that's because of “extreme weather events” such as frost and drought that have damaged vineyards, according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine, (OIV)
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 11:51 UTC
MSC Cruises has organized its second world cruise, setting sail in 2020

MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe and South America, announced the opening of sales for its second world cruise, setting sail in 2020 on board MSC Magnifica. MSC Voyagers Club members can begin booking today, and all other passengers can book beginning November 23.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 11:36 UTC
Saudi Arabia announces plan to build US$ 500bn new city and a bridge connecting with Egypt

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman announced plans to build a new city on the Red Sea coast, promising a lifestyle not available in today’s Saudi Arabia as he seeks to remake the kingdom in a time of dwindling resources.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 10:15 UTC
Europe tells Malta it must bring to light the killing of journalist Daphne Caruana

”Malta must show to Europe and the world that its rules and regulations are healthy and robust,” European Commission first vice-president Frans Timmermans said. “If problems of a more general or systemic nature are brought to light, they must also be addressed, regardless of the consequences.”