Winter storm brings snow to Spain’s Barcelona, Balearics

View of Tibidabo Hill covered in snow in Barcelona, Spain, 27 February 2023. EFE/ Alejandro Garcia

Madrid, Feb 28 (EFE).- Barcelona and the Balearic Islands have witnessed a rare dusting of snow as Storm Juliette brought frigid temperatures and strong winds to the normally mild Spanish regions. Maximum level red weather alerts were in place for Mallorca on Tuesday as winds were expected to reach up to 90 kilometers per hour … Read more

Tanker with 800,000 liters of industrial oil sinks off Philippine coast

A file picture of a patrol boat in front of an oil refinery in Batangas, south of Manila, Philippines. EFE/FILE/MARK R. CRISTINO

Manila, Feb 28 (EFE).- A tanker carrying 800,000 liters of industrial oil capsized off the coast of Romblon, in the center of the Philippine archipelago, authorities said Tuesday. It remains to be known whether toxic products have spilled into the sea from the MT Princess Empress, the authorities added. Joselito Sino Cruz, the port manager … Read more

Japan’s space agency announces first new astronauts since 2009

Japan's new H3 rocket is seen after the cancellation of its launch at the Tanegashima Space Center located on Tanegashima island, Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, 17 February 2023. EFE-EPA/JIJI PRESS JAPAN OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/

Tokyo, Feb 28 (EFE).- The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced its first new astronaut candidates since 2009 on Tuesday. World Bank senior disaster risk reduction specialist Makoto Suwa, 46, and Japanese Red Cross Medical Center surgeon Ayu Yoneda, 28 were selected from a record 4,127 applicants in JAXA recruitment’s process conducted since April 2022. … Read more

Britain’s BAE Systems unveils first Australian-made military drone

British company BAE Systems presented its first unmanned vertical takeoff and landing vehicle made in Australia on Tuesday, a device capable of carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance and air strikes against "hostile targets" on the ground. EFE/ Bae Systems EDITORIAL USE ONLY/ONLY AVAILABLE TO ILLUSTRATE THE ACCOMPANYING NEWS (MANDATORY CREDIT)

Sydney, Australia, Feb 28 (EFE).- British company BAE Systems presented Tuesday its first unmanned vertical takeoff and landing vehicle manufactured in Australia, a device capable of carrying out surveillance, reconnaissance and air strikes against “targets hostiles” on land. The “SRINX,” as it has been called, can transport a payload of up to 160 kilograms, including … Read more

China’s economic reform pioneer Li Yining dies at 92

Li Yining, Standing Committee Member of the 12th PCC National Committee, attends a press conference of the fifth session of the 12th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (PCC) National Committee at the Great Hall of the People (GHOP) in Beijing, China, 06 March 2017. EFE-EPA FILE/WU HONG

Shanghai, China, Feb 28 (EFE).- Li Yining, one of the most influential economists during the period when China began to reform and open up its economy in the late 1970s, has died at the age of 92, official news agency Xinhua reported Tuesday. The economist, who was widely known as “Mr Stock Market Li” due … Read more

Japan sanctions more politicians, military personnel, Russian bank

A file picture of Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno. EFE/FILE/Kimimasa Mayama

Tokyo, Feb 28 (EFE). — The Japanese government announced Tuesday fresh sanctions against political and military officials, as well as a Russian bank, in addition to an additional ban on Japanese exports of components that can be used in the war in Ukraine by Moscow. The latest measures were approved by the Cabinet, and include … Read more

Antitrust authorities take legal action over Tokyo 2020 bribery

The emblem at Japan Sport Olympic Square is displayed on the wall of the building near the National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, 29 November 2022. EFE-EPA FILE/KIMIMASA MAYAMA

Tokyo, Feb 28 (EFE).- The Japan Fair Trade Commission sued six companies Tuesday, including the country’s largest advertising agency, Dentsu, for allegedly rigging bids for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games test events. Japanese financial authorities believe the companies, which also include the second-largest national advertising company Hakuhodo and event management firm Cerespo, colluded with Tokyo … Read more

North Korea’s Kim urges ‘radical change’ in agricultural production

A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un presiding over the 7th enlarged plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) at the office building of the WPK Central Committee in Pyongyang, North Korea, 26 February 2023 (issued 27 February 2023). EFE-EPA/KCNA EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Seoul, Feb 28 (EFE).- North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, called for “a radical change in the agricultural production within a few years” during an important meeting of the country’s ruling party aimed at improving crop yields and rural development, state media reported Tuesday. Kim delivered a speech to conclude the discussion on the first item … Read more

Messi wins The Best FIFA men’s player of the year honors

Argentine great Lionel Messi holds his trophy after winning the 2022 The Best FIFA men's player of the year award at a ceremony in Paris, , on 27 February 2023. The 35-year-old Messi won the prize just over two months after leading his country to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a tournament where he was named the most outstanding player. EFE/EPA/YOAN VALAT

Paris, Feb 27 (EFE).- Argentine great Lionel Messi added a new trophy Monday night to his massive collection, taking home honors for the 2022 The Best FIFA men’s player of the year. The 35-year-old Messi won the prize just over two months after leading his country to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, … Read more

Yellen to Zelenskyy in Kyiv: US will keep helping Ukraine as long as needed

Kyiv (Ukraine), 27/02/2023.- A handout photo made available by the Ukrainian presidential press service shows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) shaking hands with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen (R) in Kyiv, Ukraine, 27 February 2023. Yellen arrived in Ukraine to meet with top officials amid Russia's invasion. EFE/EPA/PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE HANDOUT HANDOUT HANDOUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY/NO SALES

Kyiv (EFE).- US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Monday in Kyiv told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Washington will continue helping the beleaguered East European country to defend itself against the Russian invasion as long as necessary. “I bring to Kyiv a clear message from President Biden and the American people: We will stand with … Read more