Politics

VW emissions scandal: EU seeks more powers over national car regulations

The European Union sought sweeping powers over national car regulations on 27 January, aiming to prevent a repeat of Volkswagens emissions test cheating scandal and sparking a tough debate as governments and industry resist change. Europes Industry Commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska said Brussels would be able to order spot checks on vehicles and order recalls under the proposed new rules. VW recently rejected a demand from the EUs industry commissioner to launch a compensation scheme for car owners in Europe affected by the emissions scandal.

Jan 28, 2016

Virat Kohli fan who hoisted Indian flag in Pakistan sent to jail

Umar Draz hoisted a flag at his home during India's Republic Day.

Jan 28, 2016

EU referendum: Unions ready to join fight to stay in Europe

Britains trade unions are close to joining the push to keep the country in the European Union, bringing grass-roots muscle to a fight that has so far been dominated by big business and bankers, the head of the countrys largest union group said. Unions will fight to stay in, emphasising jobs and workers rights, Frances OGrady, general secretary of the Trades Union Congress, said in an interview. Voters were not yet listening to the arguments because the campaign to date has had little to do with their everyday lives, she said.

Jan 27, 2016

David Cameron sparks anger after calling Calais refugees a bunch of migrants at PMQs

Labour and the SNP have blasted David Cameron after he described refugees in Calais as a bunch of migrants during an exchange at Prime Ministers Questions (PMQs). The Conservative leader made the remarks after Jeremy Corbyn visited the refugees across the English Channel on 22 January.

Jan 27, 2016

US eases air travel and export financing sanctions on Cuba

The United States announced changes to its sanctions on Cuba, lifting export payment and financing restrictions and facilitating airline travel in Washingtons latest move to ease the US embargo on the island. The amendments, which take effect on 27 January, will remove restrictions on payment and financing terms for authorized exports and re-exports to Cuba of items other than agricultural items or commodities, according to a statement from the Treasury and Commerce Departments.

Jan 27, 2016

Isis: Israel accuses Turkey of funding Daesh for oil

Israels defence minister Moshe Yaalon said on 26 January that Islamic State (Isis) militants had been funded with â€œTurkish moneyâ€, an assertion that could hinder attempts to mend fences between the two countries after years of estrangement. Yaalon said that the Turkish government wasnt pulling their weight in the fight against terrorism.

Jan 27, 2016