Politics

Tuesday, April 30th 2019 - 09:16 UTC
MasterCard and Visa agree to charge 40% less on non-EU credit and debit cards

Mastercard and Visa have both agreed to cut their fees for tourists using their cards in the EU, after a long-running battle with the European Commission. The credit card firms will now charge retailers around 40% less on non-EU credit and debit cards payments.
Tuesday, April 30th 2019 - 09:11 UTC
Russian beluga whale spy “turns in” to Norwegian fishing vessels

A beluga whale found off Norway's coast wearing a special Russian harness was probably trained by the Russian navy, a Norwegian expert says. Marine biologist Prof Audun Rikardsen said the harness had a GoPro camera holder and a label sourcing it to St Petersburg. A Norwegian fisherman managed to remove it from the whale.
Tuesday, April 30th 2019 - 08:56 UTC
US Navy sends warships through the Taiwan Strait; for Beijing a highly contentious issue

The US military said it sent two Navy warships through the Taiwan Strait on Sunday as the Pentagon increases the frequency of movement through the strategic waterway despite opposition from China.
Tuesday, April 30th 2019 - 08:55 UTC
Japan's emperor Akihito prepares to abdicate, first time in over 200 years, and to hand the throne to Naruhito

Japan's Emperor Akihito prepared on Tuesday to become the country's first monarch to abdicate in more than 200 years, handing the Chrysanthemum Throne to his son and ushering in a new imperial era.
Tuesday, April 30th 2019 - 08:45 UTC
US measles cases increasing among unvaccinated children and adults

American health officials report that more than 700 people have been infected by measles this year, marking a 25-year high for the infectious disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Monday that cases had been recorded in 22 states and were mostly affecting unvaccinated children.
Monday, April 29th 2019 - 09:59 UTC
Socialists win the most votes in Spain but now must try and work a coalition

Spain’s Socialist leader Pedro Sanchez, fresh from a win for his party in national elections on Sunday, said the only conditions he would place on forming a coalition government would be respecting the constitution and promoting social justice.
Monday, April 29th 2019 - 09:58 UTC
Bolsonaro sons aim at the pragmatic vice-president Mourao calling him “traitor”

A barrage of criticism this week from the sons of Brazil’s right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro aimed at the vice president has laid bare stark divisions in his cabinet, raising serious concerns from senior members of his four-month-old government.
Monday, April 29th 2019 - 09:57 UTC
Guaidó ambassadors will try to win the support from Russia and China

Ambassadors designated by Juan Guaido, the Venezuelan opposition leader recognized by most Western nations as the country's president, have met in Colombia to discuss how to win the support of China and Russia, staunch allies of President Nicolas Maduro.
Monday, April 29th 2019 - 09:55 UTC
Labour deputy leader has called for a “confirmatory ballot” on Brexit

Labor's deputy leader has stepped up calls for his party to promise a referendum on any Brexit deal in its European elections manifesto. Tom Watson urged party members to message Labor's ruling national executive committee to call for a “confirmatory ballot” pledge.
Monday, April 29th 2019 - 09:54 UTC
Sturgeon declares a “climate emergency” and insists with a second referendum on Scottish independence

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has declared a “climate emergency” in her speech to the SNP conference. The SNP leader told delegates in Edinburgh she was inspired after meeting young climate campaigners who had gone on strike from school.