International

Thursday, May 16th 2013 - 19:34 UTC
Solar activity at its 11-year peak; major flares could impact Earth over the weekend

Between Sunday and Monday, and within a 24 hour period, the sun has let lose three major flares, all in the X range. Solar flares are rated on a scale with X flares being among the largest possible. The latest flare erupted Monday night and registered as an X3.2, which is so far the most powerful solar flare of 2013.
Thursday, May 16th 2013 - 07:07 UTC
Falklands’ war: Defense releases stats on deaths of military personnel

A comprehensive statistical study of the deaths of personnel deployed to the Falklands since the end of the conflict has been published in the UK. The study, by Britain’s Defense Analytical Services and Advice (DASA) was published on Tuesday 14 May and is the first of its kind.
Thursday, May 16th 2013 - 05:25 UTC
US scientists with cloning techniques created human embryonic stem cells

For the first time, Oregon State researchers in the US have used cloning techniques to create human embryonic stem cells that could offer hope for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes and multiple sclerosis.
Thursday, May 16th 2013 - 03:28 UTC
Communist Germany allowed Western pharmaceutical firms testes new drugs in hospital patients

Western pharmaceutical firms allegedly conducted drug tests on unwitting patients in communist East Germany. The lucrative clinical trials enabled the GDR government to bring much needed hard currency according to a report from Deutsche Welle.
Wednesday, May 15th 2013 - 22:21 UTC
UK parliament rejects EU referendum amendment despite 114 Tories votes

A total of 114 Conservative MPs have backed an amendment to the Queen's Speech “expressing regret” an EU referendum bill was not part of the government's agenda for the year ahead. Euro-sceptic Tories forced the vote as part of efforts to make Prime Minister David Cameron's pledge for a poll in 2017 binding.
Wednesday, May 15th 2013 - 22:15 UTC
EU recession for the sixth consecutive quarter; France joins the club with 0.2% contraction

Wednesday’s economic growth numbers make it official: the Euro zone is in its longest recession since records began in 1995. The 17-nation economy shrank by 0.2% between January and March, compared with last quarter's decline of 0.6%, deepening the bloc's recession as economic output fell for the sixth consecutive quarter.
Wednesday, May 15th 2013 - 22:09 UTC
Vatican promises transparency and annual reports from the scandal-hit IOR

As part of ongoing efforts to promote transparency and chip away at the myths surrounding what is commonly called the Vatican bank, its new president announced it will have a website by the end of the year and will publish its annual report, according to the Catholic Sentinel.
Wednesday, May 15th 2013 - 07:29 UTC
Spain no longer discusses Argentina’s ‘sovereign decision to seek energy sector control”

Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister José Manuel García Margallo said the Spanish government is no longer “discussing” Argentina’s “sovereign decision to seek energy sectors’ control.” “It could seem to me a mistake, but it is the responsibility” of the Argentine government, García Margallo stated.
Wednesday, May 15th 2013 - 07:21 UTC
Chinese Vice-president asks Venezuelan government for efficiency in joint-projects

Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao on Tuesday asked the Venezuelan government for efficiency in managing an agro-industrial plant it has begun building near Caracas with a 52 million dollars investment from Beijing.
Tuesday, May 14th 2013 - 23:00 UTC
New WTO chief says it’s time for ‘modulating’ ambition and pushing protectionism back

Brazil’s Roberto Azevedo vowed to revive the deadlocked World Trade Organisation, as he was confirmed this week as the incoming leader of the body which sets the rules for global commerce.