Iranian brigadier general states country will continue ballistic missile development programme despite US sanctions March 28, 2016 An Iranian military commander has claimed Iran will continue to develop ballistic missiles, despite the US introducing sanctions on companies linked to the scheme. "Even if they build a wall around Iran, our missile programme will not stop," brigadier general Amir Ali Hajizadeh was quoted as saying by the Tasnim news agency, according to Reuters. "They [...]
Terror in the heart of Europe: British security services on high alert after double attacks in Brussels March 22, 2016 British security services are on high alert after Brussels was hit by what are thought to be double suicide attacks, leaving at least 31 people dead. Police believe at least 11 people were killed in two explosions at Zaventem Airport. A further 80 people are thought to have been wounded in the blast. Belgian media reported that [...]
Limited Eurostar service resumes between London, Lille and Brussels following Brussels attacks, as company advises those travelling tomorrow to leave an hour for check-in March 22, 2016 Eurostar resumed a limited service between London and Lille and Brussels this evening after initially suspending trains to Brussels following this morning's attacks. Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by today's events in Brussels. Please find the latest disruption info here: https://t.co/9y6G8LCyrQ — Eurostar (@Eurostar) March 22, 2016 At least 30 people have [...]
North Korea fires several short-range missiles days after UN Security Council condemned ballistic missile tests and US introduced new sanctions March 21, 2016 North Korea fired five unidentified short-range missiles off its east coast on Monday, according to South Korean officials. The missiles were launched from the northeasten city of Hamhung, South Hamgyong province, into the East Sea at around 3.19pm (6.49am GMT) local time and covering a distance of 200km, according to the joint chiefs of staff of South Korea's [...]
Shell and Saudi Aramco break up 20 year US refinery joint venture March 17, 2016 Shell and Saudi Aramco have announced the end of their 20-year US refinery joint venture and divided up a number of US assets between themselves. The Motiva joint venture, formed in 1998, had operated as a 50/50 refining and marketing joint venture between the London-listed oil giant and Saudi Arabian national oil company. "Motiva's performance [...]
People in Venezuela have been told not to turn up for work next week because of an electricity crisis March 16, 2016 Venezuela has decided to extend its Easter celebrations by three days next week due to massive electricity shortages hitting the country. The country's president Nicolas Maduro has given everyone, both private and public sector employees, an extra three day off work. State employees were told last weekend they should stay home for the week. Venezuela is currently [...]
President Obama rejects plans for offshore oil drilling on Atlantic coast of the US March 15, 2016 The US government has decided to abandon plans to allow new offshore oil drilling on the south east coast of the US, citing local opposition, current market dynamics, and conflicts with competing commercial and military ocean uses. The US Interior Department said in a statement today that it had "heard from many corners that now [...]
Chipotle share price loses its spice as company reports dip in sales due to food-safety issues March 15, 2016 Shares in Chipotle Mexican Grill have fallen by over three per cent in after hours trading, after the company revealed a 26.1 per cent decline in sales at established restaurants in February. The group, which owns hundreds of restaurants throughout the US, and also several locations in the UK, said it expects to report a loss [...]
US marijuana industry could be worth $44bn by 2020 if legalisation and business trends continue March 15, 2016 The US marijuana industry could be adding as much as $44bn (£35bn) to the country's economy by 2020, according to a new study from Marijuana Business Daily. Figures in the 2016 Marijuana Business Factbook show that the cannabis industry's value could more than triple from 2016 projections of $14-$17bn, if current business and legalisation trends [...]
Fitch: European Central Bank’s cheap lending will offer limited relief to Eurozone banks March 14, 2016 Ratings agency Fitch has said Eurozone bank profits will continue to come under pressure despite a new wave of cheap lending from the central bank. The European Central Bank (ECB) offered a new round of so-called targeted longer-term refinancing operations last week – cheap loans to banks that are available so long as banks lend more to the real economy. [...]