Stories for December 2018

Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 08:58 UTC
“Collapse of civilization on the horizon” because of climate change declared Sir David Attenborough

The collapse of civilization and extinction of much of the natural world is “on the horizon” due to climate change, Sir David Attenborough declared at the opening day UN climate talks in Poland.
Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 08:58 UTC
Benchmark emerging-market stocks index waiting for Brazil's Bolsonaro

Brazil’s presence in the benchmark emerging-market stock index could rise again should incoming President Jair Bolsonaro deliver on his promises to shore up the finances of Latin America’s largest economy, according to MSCI Inc chief executive Henry Fernandez.
Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 08:57 UTC
Argentine federal security officers given more tolerance to use lethal weapons

A tough new ruling has come into effect in Argentina allowing federal security officers to appeal to lethal weapons when faced with criminal actions. Resolution 956/2018, signed by Security minister Patricia Bullrich says lethal weapons can be used when “other non violent means are not effective”.
Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 08:48 UTC
Australian drought hits wheat estimates: lowest crop in a decade

Australia on Tuesday lowered its wheat production forecast by 11% to the smallest in a decade amid a crippling drought across the country’s east coast that may cut exports from the world’s fourth biggest supplier.
Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 08:41 UTC
Qatar exits OPEC on January to concentrate as world's largest LNG exporter

Qatar said it will quit OPEC to focus on gas in a swipe at Saudi Arabia, the de facto leader of the oil exporting group which is trying to show unity in tackling an oil price slide. Doha, one of OPEC’s smallest oil producers but the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, is embroiled in a row with OPEC members Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 08:36 UTC
Britain confirms appointments of Armed Services top echelon including First Sea Lord

British Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson has confirmed that the Queen has approved the new appointment of First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff. Vice Admiral Tony Radakin CB is to be promoted Admiral and appointed First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, in succession to Admiral Sir Philip Jones.
Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 08:28 UTC
Yellow vests' protests reflect widespread anger and challenge to Macron's reforms

Protesters from France's “gilet jaunes” (yellow vests) movement have pulled out of a meeting with PM Edouard Philippe scheduled for Tuesday. Some members of the group said they had received death threats from hard-line protesters warning them not to enter into negotiations with the government.
Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 08:25 UTC
A seven year old boy reviewing toys has generated US$ 22 million in YouTube

A seven-year-old boy who reviews toys has been revealed as YouTube's highest-earning star, raking in US$ 22m. The estimate by Forbes magazine found that Ryan of Ryan Toys Review pipped Jake Paul by US$ 500,000 for the 12 months to June. Videos are posted most days and one promoting a blue giant mystery egg-bearing Ryan's face has had more than a million views since Sunday.
Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 08:17 UTC
Refusal to publish Brexit deal triggers contempt of Parliament debate in Commons

The UK government may have broken Parliamentary rules by not publishing Brexit legal advice, the Commons Speaker has said. John Bercow said there was an “arguable case” that a contempt of Parliament has been committed.
Tuesday, December 4th 2018 - 06:03 UTC
Transition official confirms Brazil will split Labour Ministry in three

The current competences of Brazil's Labour Ministry will be spread into three other ministries when President-elect Jair Bolsonaro takes office next year, Onyx Lorenzoni announced Monday in a radio interview. Lorenzoni is the current minister of transition and will head the Civil House under Bolsonaro.