International

Thursday, October 29th 2009 - 02:32 UTC
Massive support for French farmers; Sarkozy blasts commodities speculation

French President Nicolas Sarkozy announced a 650-million Euro exceptional aid plan for France's subsidized but still struggling farmers, along with one billion Euros in cheap loans. He also called on the European Commission to limit market speculation on agricultural commodities prices.
Wednesday, October 28th 2009 - 14:26 UTC
Science explains why red wine with red meat, white wine with fish

A team of Japanese scientists found the scientific reason for one of the rules of thumb about the pairing between wine and food: “Red wine with red meat, white wine with fish”.
Wednesday, October 28th 2009 - 14:19 UTC
US pushing for a stronger Yuan, but China remain reluctant

The United States welcomes the rise in the Yuan's exchange rate in recent years but wants the currency to climb further, visiting Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said. However, a Chinese trade official said that despite pressure for the Yuan to appreciate, the currency would probably not see a major adjustment until the country's exports improve noticeably.
Wednesday, October 28th 2009 - 07:21 UTC
World’s largest cruise vessel, 225.282 tons delivered to Royal Caribbean

The final pieces are falling into place for “Oasis of the Seas” with the ship's future owners Royal Caribbean and homeport Fort Lauderdale in Florida State poised to introduce the world to the largest cruise ship ever built.
Wednesday, October 28th 2009 - 07:10 UTC
New Gibraltar governor ratifies UK support for self determination and defence

The new and modern Constitution “reaffirms the right of the people of Gibraltar to self-determination and the British Government’s commitment to uphold that right” said Sir Adrian Johns this week on the Swearing in Ceremony as Gibraltar’s 64th governor.
Tuesday, October 27th 2009 - 07:46 UTC
China launches stock market to help finance new industries

China is launching its long-awaited Nasdaq-style stock market in the southern city of Shenzhen. Twenty eight small- and medium-sized enterprises are expected to debut on the new exchange.
Tuesday, October 27th 2009 - 07:42 UTC
ING group to split banking and life insurance operations

Dutch ING Group on Monday announced that it will move towards a complete separation of its banking and life insurance operations. ING which was bailed out by the Dutch government said it would dispose of its insurance operations over the next four years and raising 7.5 billion Euros in a rights issue.
Monday, October 26th 2009 - 10:21 UTC
Fifth Type 45 destroyer “Defender” launched in Scotland

Thousands turned out on the banks of the Clyde in Scotland to cheer on the latest ship to make up the Royal Navy’s new Type 45 destroyer class. Defender sailed for the first time this week.
Saturday, October 24th 2009 - 16:56 UTC
UK suffering the longest recession since records began

The UK is now in the grip of the longest recession since records began, according to gloomy official figures. Hopes for an end to the recession were scuppered as the economy shrank by a shock 0.4% between July and September - a record sixth quarter in a row of decline.
Saturday, October 24th 2009 - 16:50 UTC
Rich Germans want to pay higher taxes to help with recovery

A group of rich Germans has launched a petition calling for the government to make wealthy people pay higher taxes. The group says they have more money than they need, and the extra revenue could fund economic and social programmes to aid Germany's economic recovery.