International

Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 05:47 UTC
Catalonia to appeal Rajoy's measures; if not successful it will pursue the case in international courts

Catalonia’s political leaders intend to bring a legal challenge to prevent the Spanish government from removing them from office and taking over running the region to stop its push for independence, a spokesman has said.
Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 02:47 UTC
Xi reaffirms his grip on China and his approval is an encouragement “that will spur me on.”

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday unveiled the new lineup of the ruling Communist Party highest body, whose members will rule alongside him as he embarks on a second five-year term as party leader with an agenda to spread prosperity and expand the global influence of the world's second largest economy.
Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 02:38 UTC
CO2 emissions are making oceans more acidic and threatening sea life

Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are making oceans more acidic and threatening all sea life, a new scientific report claims. The eight-year study, called the “Biological Impacts of Ocean Acidification” and part of the German-led Bioacid program, finds that juvenile sea creatures will be especially harmed.
Thursday, October 26th 2017 - 02:26 UTC
World wine production at its lowest in 50 years; Europe hard hit, but Argentina will see 25% increase

World wine production is having a historically bad year. Europe, home to the world's leading wine producers, is making wine at significantly lower levels than usual – and that's because of “extreme weather events” such as frost and drought that have damaged vineyards, according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine, (OIV)
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 11:51 UTC
MSC Cruises has organized its second world cruise, setting sail in 2020

MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe and South America, announced the opening of sales for its second world cruise, setting sail in 2020 on board MSC Magnifica. MSC Voyagers Club members can begin booking today, and all other passengers can book beginning November 23.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 11:36 UTC
Saudi Arabia announces plan to build US$ 500bn new city and a bridge connecting with Egypt

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman announced plans to build a new city on the Red Sea coast, promising a lifestyle not available in today’s Saudi Arabia as he seeks to remake the kingdom in a time of dwindling resources.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 10:15 UTC
Europe tells Malta it must bring to light the killing of journalist Daphne Caruana

”Malta must show to Europe and the world that its rules and regulations are healthy and robust,” European Commission first vice-president Frans Timmermans said. “If problems of a more general or systemic nature are brought to light, they must also be addressed, regardless of the consequences.”
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 09:54 UTC
Catalan parliament convened for Thursday to respond to Madrid

The ruling Catalan separatist coalition has said the regional parliament will hold a meeting on Thursday which many fear will become a cover for a vote on declaring independence from Spain.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 09:35 UTC
Weak pound makes UK one of the best-value travel destinations, says Lonely Planet

The weak pound has made the UK one of the world's best-value travel destinations, according to publisher Lonely Planet. Sterling has fallen sharply against the dollar and the euro since last year after ongoing Brexit uncertainty.
Wednesday, October 25th 2017 - 08:57 UTC
Australia and France fresh push for East Antarctica MPA in CCAMLR meeting

Australia and France have kicked off a fresh push this week to create a vast marine sanctuary in pristine East Antarctica, hoping to build on the success of landmark deal secured last year at a key annual conservation summit.