Stories for April 2019

Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 08:50 UTC
WHO guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behavior and sleep for children under 5 years of age

Children under five must spend less time sitting watching screens, or restrained in prams and seats, get better quality sleep and have more time for active play if they are to grow up healthy, according to new guidelines issued by the World Health Organization.
Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 08:37 UTC
UK approves “non-core” Huawei 5G data network despite warnings of security risk

The UK government has approved the supply of equipment by Chinese telecoms firm Huawei for the UK's new 5G data network despite warnings of a security risk. There is no formal confirmation but the Daily Telegraph says Huawei will build “non-core” components such as antennas.
Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 08:23 UTC
Strong criticism of North Ireland politicians at journalist Lyra McKee's funeral ceremony

A priest received a standing ovation at Lyra McKee's funeral when he asked why it took her death to unite politicians. Politicians attended a vigil in Londonderry after her murder, and also her funeral in Belfast on Wednesday.
Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 08:17 UTC
Second independence referendum by 2021 if Scotland is taken out of the EU, First Minister Sturgeon tells Holyrood

Nicola Sturgeon has said she wants to hold a second referendum on Scottish independence by 2021 if the country is taken out of the EU. The first minister told Holyrood that she would introduce legislation soon to set the rules for another vote. But she indicated that she would need the agreement of the UK government before actually holding a referendum.
Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 08:09 UTC
Closer ties between China and the Development Bank of Latin America

The head of a top Latin American financial institution believes China's Belt and Road Initiative, or BRI, could help inject new dynamism into the world economy, as well as generate new ideas to foster more connectivity between Asia and Latin America. Luis Carranza Ugarte, executive president and CEO of CAF－Development Bank of Latin America－is attending the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing this week.
Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 06:57 UTC
Former First Sea Lord furious with gender controversy in referring to ships

The decision to scrap the “she” title for boats will “insult generations of sailors”, the former head of the Navy says. In a piece published in the Daily Mail, Admiral Lord Alan West, former First Sea Lord, has spoken out after a British maritime museum began referring to ships it exhibits as “it” in a bid to appear gender neutral.
Wednesday, April 24th 2019 - 11:36 UTC
Argentina trying to sell its soy bumper crop to China

Argentina is pushing to increase agricultural trade with commodities-hungry China, as farmers on the country’s Pampas grains belt prepare for what is expected to be a bumper soybean harvest over the weeks ahead.
Wednesday, April 24th 2019 - 09:22 UTC
Brazilian ex president Lula could be partially free by next September

Brazil's jailed former leftist president, Lula da Silva, could gain partial freedom within five months following a court decision on Tuesday to reduce his sentence in one of two corruption convictions.
Wednesday, April 24th 2019 - 09:19 UTC
Brazilian markets fly as pension reform receives political backing in Congress

Brazilian markets rose on Tuesday after the path was cleared for a congressional committee vote on pension reform, a sign that the government is finally getting political backing for the most important element of its economic reform agenda.
Wednesday, April 24th 2019 - 09:16 UTC
“Sincerely”, Cristina Fernandez book of anecdotes to be launched on Friday

Two times Argentine president Cristina Fernandez is launching a book next Friday, a collection of personal anecdotes and momentous experiences of her political life, anticipation of its official presentation in the Buenos Aires Book Fair on 9 May.