Stories for August 2019

Friday, August 9th 2019 - 08:13 UTC
German lawmakers propose higher VAT rate on meat to combat global warming

Green and Social Democrat (SPD) politicians in Germany say the 7% sales tax (VAT) rate on meat should be raised to 19% to help curb global warming and fund animal welfare improvements.
Friday, August 9th 2019 - 08:03 UTC
Large cruise vessels banned from Venice's historic centre

Large cruise ships are to be banned from entering Venice's historic centre, the Italian government says. Ships weighing more than 1,000 tons will be rerouted away from certain waterways from September. The move follows an accident in June in which a ship collided with a dock, injuring five people.
Friday, August 9th 2019 - 07:56 UTC
Despite the trade dispute, China's exports rose 3.3% during July

Chinese exports rose unexpectedly in July, beating expectations for a fall, as trade tensions with the US continued to simmer. Official figures showed exports rose 3.3% last month, compared to forecasts for a 2% drop. Imports fell 5.6% in July, less than the expected 8.3% decline.
Thursday, August 8th 2019 - 22:50 UTC
World food security increasingly at risk due to 'unprecedented' climate change impact, new UN report warns

More than 500 million people today live in areas affected by erosion linked to climate change, the UN warned on Thursday, before urging all countries to commit to sustainable land use to help limit greenhouse gas emissions before it is too late.
Thursday, August 8th 2019 - 22:22 UTC
UN rights chief bemoans unilateral sanctions on Venezuela, fearing ‘far-reaching implications’

A new set of unilateral sanctions imposed by the United States on Venezuela this week prompted the concern of the United Nations’ top rights official on Thursday, who said in a statement that she feared they would have a “potentially severe impact” on the human rights of the South American nation’s “long-suffering” people.
Thursday, August 8th 2019 - 20:50 UTC
Falklands' Mare Harbour Ro-Ro facility upgraded for Point Class vessels

UK/Dutch VolkerStevin was contracted for the of upgrading Mare Harbour in the Falkland Islands, a job which was completed six weeks ahead of schedule and within budget. The improvements to the roll on roll off jetty were part of a £19m contract with VolkerStevin for design and construction.
Thursday, August 8th 2019 - 09:59 UTC
Boris Johnson talks to Chilean president Piñera about trade and bilateral close links

Chilean president Sebastián Piñera revealed that last Thursday he had a phone call from UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and they discussed bilateral issues.
Thursday, August 8th 2019 - 09:55 UTC
Puerto Rico finally has a governor, ex Justice secretary Wanda Vazquez

Puerto Rico got its third governor in less than a week on Wednesday just hours after the bankrupt US territory's Supreme Court ruled that Pedro Pierluisi's assumption of the office was unconstitutional and ordered him to leave.
Thursday, August 8th 2019 - 09:40 UTC
End of game: Brazil considers tech companies like Google and Facebook as media companies

A Brazilian agency which sets the commercial rules of the advertising market has approved a resolution to classify technology companies like Google and Facebook as media companies, a move which could subject digital platforms to the same rules faced by other media.
Thursday, August 8th 2019 - 09:30 UTC
Thousands march in support of Maduro chanting “Yankee go home”

Thousands of supporters of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro marched through the capital Caracas on Wednesday in protest against attempts by US President Donald Trump to asphyxiate the ruling regime.