In recent years, Japan stunned traditional whisky-makers Scotland, Ireland, and America by exploding onto the international market and winning over connoisseurs of the tipple long considered an exclusive dominion. Now, entrepreneurs in France — a country better known for its mastery of wine and cognac — seem to have taken heart from Japan’s success, with […]
Malaysia says former PM Najib’s office ordered changes to 1MDB audit report
The office of former Malaysian premier Najib Razak ordered changes to a 2016 audit report of scandal-plagued state fund 1MDB, including removing mention of financier Low Taek Jho’s presence at a board meeting, authorities said. Financier Low has been described as a central player in the alleged corruption and money laundering at 1MDB, according to […]
Haiti prime minister promises jobs in answer to unrest
Haiti’s Prime Minister Jean-Henry Ceant on Saturday promised a crash program to create jobs in poor neighborhoods after a tense week marred by violence and protests against the government. In a speech posted on Facebook, Ceant said public works programs to clean canals, build roads and pick up trash will begin on Monday. “These are […]
Ex-Nissan chief Ghosn denies allegations: media
Nissan’s former chairman Carlos Ghosn has denied allegations of financial misconduct, claiming he had no intention of making false reports, Japanese media said Sunday. The Brazil-born tycoon, who has not spoken publicly since he was arrested last Monday, told prosecutors he did not intend to understate his income on financial reports, public broadcaster NHK said. […]
Thousands protest in ‘feminist tidal wave’ against sexist violence
Tens of thousands of people rallied across Europe on Saturday against sexist violence, with more than 30,000 turning out in Paris. Demonstrations across France drew around 50,000 people in all, according to organiser Caroline de Haas, to answer a citizen collective’s call for a “feminist tidal wave” of outrage against gender violence brought into sharp […]
Dodging traffic, and death, on Manila’s railway carts
As soon as the train rumbles past, the men heave their home-made pushcarts back onto the tracks and passengers hop aboard — cheating death and beating Manila’s notorious traffic. Scores of commuters in the city of about 12 million are propelled to their destinations daily by so-called “trolley boys” pushing metal carts that ply a […]
Clashes on Champs-Elysees as French protesters rage against taxes
Anti-government protesters clashed with French police on the Champs-Elysees in Paris on Saturday, leaving the area cloaked in tear gas and smoke from fires on a fresh day of demonstrations against President Emmanuel Macron. Demonstrators wearing the yellow, high-visibility vests that symbolise their movement threw projectiles at police preventing them from moving along the famed […]
Trump says asylum seekers to wait in Mexico, incoming government denies
US President Donald Trump tweeted on Saturday that migrants at the US-Mexico border would stay in Mexico until their asylum claims were individually approved in US courts, but Mexico’s incoming government denied they had struck any deal. Mexico’s incoming interior minister said there was “no agreement of any type between the future government of Mexico […]
No doctors, nurses or painkillers: surviving pregnancy in Venezuela
Yoli Cabeza was sent from one hospital to another before finally giving birth to her daughter Yusmari in the corridor of a maternity ward because her contractions came quicker than medical help. The 37-year-old was diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy but that didn’t spare her from Venezuela’s medical “roulette” — the practice of referring patients […]
Hand in hand, Koreas seek to end UNESCO wrestling
North and South Korea have long grappled over their joint symbols at the United Nations culture organisation UNESCO, but they could share the honours this week when twin applications for traditional Korean wrestling come up for consideration. The two Koreas are still technically at war after the 1950-53 conflict ended with an armistice rather than […]