International

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 10:55 UTC

  Mercosur-EU deal at stake at Montevideo Summit starting Thursday

  

  The Southern Common Market (Mercosur) hopes to clinch the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) during the two-day regional bloc's Summit starting Thursday in Montevideo with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as the main guest.

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 09:54 UTC

  Chile: “Israel” street renamed in condemnation of ongoing events in Middle East

  

  The City Hall of Ñuñoa, one of the municipalities within the Santiago Metropolitan Region, approved a street name change as a response to ongoing international conflicts: the street República de Israel will be renamed in solidarity with Palestine and condemnation of Tel Aviv's military actions in the Gaza Strip against local people. The decision was approved by 7 votes to 1 during Wednesday's council meeting, after a consultation with the neighbors.

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 09:46 UTC

  French PM loses vote of no confidence for the first time since 1962

  

  French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has been forced to resign after losing a vote of no confidence Wednesday prompted by budget disputes. However, he will likely stay as a caretaker PM until President Emmanuel Macron finds a replacement. Barnier's appointment took Macron nearly two months after July’s parliamentary election. The National Assembly approved the motion by 331 votes, far exceeding the minimum 288 needed. The political standoff has unsettled financial markets, with borrowing costs rising sharply amid fears of prolonged instability.

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 09:32 UTC

  Western military pressure has been unable to stop Houthis attacks along the Red Sea, IISS report

  

  The Houthis are growing in strength and trade through the Red Sea is declining despite ongoing international military pressure on the rebel group, a study has warned. The report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said missions such as Operation Prosperity Guardian, Operation Poseidon Archer and EUNAVFOR Aspides had made little impact.

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 06:05 UTC

  Shipping sectors benefit from the Red Sea blockade, boosting demand for ships and higher fares

  

  But the Red Sea shipping scenario with the Houthis attacks, and to a smaller extent, the drought in Panama – have had as can be expected in such situations, some sectors that can benefit. That is why most shipping sectors have experienced the strongest growth in ton-miles registered this year since 2010, helping prop up rates to highly profitable levels

• Thursday, December 5th 2024 - 01:41 UTC

  Innovations in digital payments: Trends for the upcoming 2025

  

  Digital payments have evolved rapidly over the last decade, reshaping how we transact, save, and invest. As we approach 2025, new innovations promise to further enhance the digital payments experience.

• Wednesday, December 4th 2024 - 10:46 UTC

  Reform leader Farage questioning the Chagos Islands deal; allegedly Trump advisors are against it

  

  The UK's deal to return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is “strongly supported” by the United States, according to the Government. In October, it was confirmed the islands would once again come under Mauritian control, although Diego Garcia would remain a military base for the US and UK, with Britain maintaining a 99-year lease over it.

• Wednesday, December 4th 2024 - 06:18 UTC

  Frustrated Antarctica cruise, caused by mechanical issue, prompts protests and hunger strikes on board

  

  A mechanical issue onboard a Swan Hellenic vessel led to the difficult decision to abandon Antarctica on a cruise whose very point was to visit Antarctica. When full refunds were not offered, hunger strikes began onboard, according to abundant cruise industry media.

• Wednesday, December 4th 2024 - 06:11 UTC

  Patagonian Shelf Waters Abloo in austral spring, NASA Earth Observatory

  

  An austral spring 2024, a phytoplankton bloom off the coast of Argentina painted the waters blue and green. Blooms are common in the region this time of year, but clouds often block the view from above.

• Tuesday, December 3rd 2024 - 20:46 UTC

  China Eastern Airlines pivotal in Chilean exports

  

  The role of China Eastern Airlines carrying Chilean exports into the Asian giant was highlighted Monday in Beijing, on the opening day of the Chile Week event. China's share in Chile's forestry and livestock shipments rose from 13% in 2013 to 30% in 2023, it was also explained.