U.S. updates jet-engine technology transfer policy with India
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States has updated its policy on gas-turbine engine technology transfer to India, a move that should lead to expanded cooperation in production and design of jet-engine components, a joint statement said on Thursday.
Zimbabwe activists call for tougher action against child marriages
BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Thobekile Mpofu was 15 when she got pregnant to a 41-year-old man who quickly accepted responsibility and married her, avoiding possible legal action for having sex with an underage girl.
Islamic State oil is going to Assad, some to Turkey, U.S. official says
LONDON (Reuters) – Islamic State militants have made more than $500 million trading oil with significant volumes sold to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and some finding its way to Turkey, a senior U.S. Treasury official said on Thur…
Walk across U.S.-Mexico border is easier on new airport bridge
(Reuters) – Air travelers crossing the heavily fortified border from Tijuana, Mexico into the United States can now bypass the often hours-long wait with a five-minute stroll across a brand new pedestrian bridge.
U.N. hopeful of Yemen aid boom, helped by new shipping verification
GENEVA (Reuters) – Yemen’s peace talks next week are an opportunity to bring in urgent humanitarian aid for millions of people who have been deprived of vital supplies since the war escalated nine months ago, the U.N. humanitarian chief said on Thursda…
Ecuador’s Correa quips he nearly ‘brings down’ new Argentine leader
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Latin America’s left-wing leaders may expect a more complicated relationship with Argentina’s new, conservative president Mauricio Macri than with his predecessor, but none likely expected almost “bringing him down” on his firs…
Jamaica activist challenges anti-gay law in bid to end violence, discrimination
KINGSTON, Jamaica (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Three years ago, gay rights activist Maurice Tomlinson fled his native Jamaica for Canada, fearing for his safety after news of his marriage to a man instigated death threats.
Syrian opposition to meet government for talks in early January
RIYADH (Reuters) – A joint team of Syria’s political and armed opposition will meet the government next month for talks seeking a political solution to nearly five years of conflict, the chairman of a Saudi-hosted opposition conference said on Friday.
Imprisoned Saudi blogger on hunger strike, wife says
MONTREAL (Reuters) – Imprisoned Saudi blogger Raif Badawi has been on a hunger strike since Tuesday after being transferred to a “new isolated” prison, his wife, Ensaf Haidar, said on Thursday.
Brazil’s speaker plays for time to dodge corruption probe
BRASILIA (Reuters) – Brazilian lawmakers almost came to blows on Thursday in a heated committee hearing that failed for a sixth time to decide whether to investigate lower house speaker Eduardo Cunha for lying about his bank accounts in Switzerland.
