World news

  • NewsReuters

    EU to impose tariffs on Russian grain imports, FT reports

    The European Commission is in coming days expected to impose a duty of 95 euros ($103.26) per tonne on cereals from Russia and Belarus, FT said, adding that tariffs of 50% would also be placed on oil seeds and derived products. The reported move comes as farmers across the European Union call for changes to restrictions placed on them by the bloc's Green Deal plan to tackle climate change, and for the re-imposition of customs duties on imports of agricultural products from Ukraine that were wai

    1-min read
  • BusinessReuters

    For sterling, the next Bank of England move is anyone's guess

    Money market pricing and short-term trading signals make the idea of the first Bank of England rate cut coming in late summer look like a clear bet. Economists and strategists are predicting a starkly different outcome for interest rates and the pound. The BoE is expected to hold rates at a 16-year high of 5.25% this week, but economists anticipate the first cut far sooner than traders expect.

    2-min read
  • LifestyleThe Guardian

    Country diary: A riot of colour on every verge and bank

    Mani, Greece: Spring is approaching full throttle here, with peacock anemones the best of the abundant flowers

    2-min read
  • NewsAssociated Press

    The first outside legal analyses of Vatican's 'trial of the century' are in, and they're critical

    Several prominent lawyers have published stinging academic critiques and legal opinions about the Vatican’s recently concluded “trial of the century,” highlighting violations of basic defense rights and rule of law norms that they warn could have consequences for the Holy See going forward. The opinions cite Pope Francis’ role in the trial, since he secretly changed Vatican law four times during the investigation to benefit prosecutors.

    5-min read
  • NewsAssociated Press

    Hong Kong lawmakers hold special session, nearing vote on law that could further quash dissent

    Hong Kong's lawmakers met in a special session to resume debate on a proposed national security law Tuesday, paving the way to grant the government more power to quash dissent in the southern Chinese city. The legislation is widely seen as the latest step in a sweeping political crackdown that followed pro-democracy protests in 2019. It would come on top of a similar law imposed by Beijing four years ago that has already largely silenced opposition voices in the financial hub.

    3-min read
  • NewsAssociated Press

    Notre Dame Cathedral's restoration has been a 5-year journey of dedication and recovery

    The restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris following a tragic blaze in April 2019 is a story of dedication and recovery. A monumental effort to restore the cathedral's grandeur is launched, and French President Emmanuel Macron pledges to complete it within five years. June 2020 — The pandemic delays work at the cathedral, but removing charred scaffolding that had encased the spire amid previous restoration works marked a significant step.

    2-min read
  • BusinessThe Guardian

    RBA rates decision: interest rate unchanged for third meeting in a row as Australian borrowers granted reprieve

    Cash rate held steady at 12-year high of 4.35% in move widely expected by economists

    4-min read