By Kevin Peachey Personal finance correspondent, BBC News Some Barclaycard customers will see their minimum repayments rise from Tuesday, at a time when finances are already stretched owing to Covid and Christmas. The new requirements are tailored to each customer, although some may see a significant rise in demands. But the changes will also see […]
Russia has accused Western countries of encouraging rallies in support of opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Tens of thousands defied a heavy police presence to join the rallies on Saturday. More than 3,500 were detained, monitors say. But President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman the next day claimed only “a few” people had turned out. European Union foreign […]
China has overtaken the US as the world’s top destination for new foreign direct investment, according to UN figures released on Sunday. New investments into America from overseas companies fell by almost half last year, leading to the loss of its number one status. In contrast, UN figures show direct investment into Chinese firms climbed […]
A high-ranking North Korean diplomat has defected to South Korea, media reports say. Ryu Hyun-woo was acting ambassador to Kuwait and is thought to have fled with his family in September 2019, the Maeil business daily said. The reports said he wanted to ensure a better future for his children. This echoes the case of Jo […]
Chinese and Indian troops have reportedly clashed again in a disputed border area, with injuries on both sides, Indian media reports say. The clash reportedly took place in north Sikkim three days ago. Tensions have been high between the two countries since a deadly clash in another disputed border area. At least 20 Indian soldiers […]
By Daniel Thomas Business reporter, BBC News Brexit UK firms that export to the EU say they are being encouraged by the government to set up subsidiaries in the bloc to avoid disruption under new trade rules. Firms have been hit by extra charges, taxes and paperwork, leading some to stop exporting to the EU […]
Soutik Biswas India correspondent A newly formed political party in India, launched by a film star, has promised salaries to housewives if voted to power. A prominent MP welcomed the idea, saying it will “monetise the services of women homemakers, enhance their power and autonomy” and create a near-universal basic income. This is a compelling debate, especially […]
Taiwan has reported a large incursion by Chinese warplanes for the second day running, a show of force that coincides with the first days of US President Joe Biden’s term of office. Sunday’s operation involved 15 aircraft and happened a day after a similar drill led to a warning from Washington. China sees democratic Taiwan […]
Russian police have detained more than 3,000 people in a crackdown on protests in support of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, monitors say. Tens of thousands of people defied a heavy police presence to join some of the largest rallies against President Vladimir Putin in years. In Moscow, riot police were seen beating and dragging […]
Coronavirus pandemic More than 25 million cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed across the United States. Experts say the true number is likely to be higher. More than 417,500 in the US have died with the virus. The daily number of deaths has exceeded 4,000 in recent weeks – including on Wednesday when Joe […]
