Stories for March 30th 2019

Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 08:15 UTC
Argentina election year: Macri increases spending on energy subsidies

Argentina will increase spending on energy subsidies by more than US$ 100 million this year to compensate gas companies hit by delayed domestic price increases, a source at the nation's energy secretariat said.
Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 08:13 UTC
Argentina begins commemoration acts of Malvinas War

In anticipation of the 37th anniversary of the start of the South Atlantic conflict, 2 April 1982, the Argentine football association and Army have organized a raft of events to pay homage to the 649 combatants fallen during the invasion of the British South Atlantic Islands claimed by Argentina.
Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 08:10 UTC
UK business groups “devastated” with Parliament handling of Brexit debate

Business groups have said they are “devastated” after Parliament's latest rejection of the prime minister's EU withdrawal plan. They urged MPs and the government to find a solution and stave off the “nightmare” of a no-deal Brexit.
Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 08:08 UTC
Huawei sales top US$ 100bn despite US campaign on fears of security threat

Chinese telecoms giant Huawei said revenues topped US$ 100bn in 2018 despite a US-led campaign against the business on fears it poses a security threat. The firm said revenue for 2018 hit 721.2bn yuan (US$ 107bn), while net profit jumped 25% to 59.3bn yuan.
Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 08:04 UTC
EU bans use of plastic cutlery and cottons buds by 2021

Single-use plastic items such as straws, forks and knives as well as cotton buds will be banned in the European Union by 2021 following a vote by EU lawmakers last Wednesday as the bloc pushes manufacturers to step up their recycling efforts.
Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 08:02 UTC
Brazil central bank cautious as outside shocks and domestic political tension mount

Brazil’s central bank will take its time analyzing the economic impact from an increasing number of shocks from abroad and rising political tension at home that appear to be slowing the government’s reform process, its president said.
Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 07:56 UTC
Travelers scrambling to travel to Brazil following visa requirement changes

Travelers are scrambling to get plane tickets to Brazil now that the country has erased the need for a visa. Australian, Canadian, Japanese and American tourists will no longer need a visa starting June 17, 2019, and a new Kayak survey revealed searches for flights have shown double-digit increases.
Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 07:55 UTC
Brazil's jobless rate rose for the second straight month and stands at 12.4%

Brazil’s jobless rate rose in February for the second straight month, government data showed on Friday, adding to pressure on new President Jair Bolsonaro to reignite a sluggish economic recovery.
Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 07:52 UTC
Single ticket in Wisconsin wins third largest jackpot in US lottery: US$ 768.4 million

A single ticket sold in the state of Wisconsin matched all six numbers in the Wednesday night Powerball drawing to win the third-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history. Due to strong ticket sales, the jackpot climbed to an estimated US$ 768.4 million at the time of the drawing with a cash option of US$ 477 million.
Saturday, March 30th 2019 - 07:45 UTC
The Independent Group applies to become political party and field candidates for EU parliament election

The Independent Group (TIG) of MPs has applied to become a political party to take part in European elections in May if they go ahead. The group intends to call itself Change UK, and has named Heidi Allen as its interim leader.