Stories for 2019

Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 09:28 UTC
Xi receives Piñera, praises Chile and calls for a pragmatic cooperation

China and Chile should connect their development strategies and promote interconnectivity between Chile and other Latin American countries, President Xi Jinping said on Wednesday.
Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 09:27 UTC
Tories call for more clarity from PM May as to how long she will remain in office

Senior Tories have ruled out changing their rules to allow an early challenge to Theresa May's leadership, but have asked for more clarity about how long she will remain in office. Under current rules, MPs cannot hold a new confidence vote in her leadership until December - 12 months on from last year's vote which she won.
Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 09:20 UTC
Brazil and Argentina exports taking over US corn markets

US corn exports are facing increased competition from Brazil and Argentina, the two South American nations that are offering cargoes at competitive prices on the back of high crop output, a trend that could put downward pressure on Chicago corn prices in coming months, analysts said.
Thursday, April 25th 2019 - 08:59 UTC
Facebook profits and users rising, but company will set aside US$ 3bn for US FTC investigation into privacy practices

Facebook has said it will set aside US$ 3bn to cover the potential costs of an investigation by US authorities into its privacy practices. While it has provided for a heavy toll from the investigation by the US Federal Trade Commission, the final cost could be US$ 5bn, it said.
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.