Business

3 Apr 2019; DW: Muslim head coverings have always been a controversial topic, as they embody so many issues, whether women's rights worldwide or Western prejudice and discrimination against Muslims.  

Now that the first exhibition dedicated to fashion consciousness of women in Islam is opening at Frankfurt's Museum Angwandte Kunst, the debate surrounding headscarves has been rekindled in Germany.

3 Apr 2019; DW: German Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Peter Altmaier (above right), said on Wednesday that he saw great potential for future cooperation with Russia despite "political differences."

"The Russian automotive market continues to be a key market for German car manufacturers. The opening of the first plant of Mercedes-Benz Cars in Russia is a landmark for the commitment of Mercedes-Benz in Russia, but also that of German ventures in Russia overall," Altmaier said.

3 Apr 2019; DW: Members of Britain's Parliament have passed a motion to rule out the United Kingdom leaving the European Union without a withdrawal deal.

The bill, put forward by Labour lawmaker Yvette Cooper, would force Prime Minister Theresa May to ask the EU for an extension to stop a no-deal Brexit.

LISBON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Foreign investment in housing in the Urban Rehabilitation Area (ARU) in Lisbon skyrocketed to 676 million euros in 2018, accounting for 28 percent of the total of 2.39 billion euros invested, according to a Portuguese real estate company, quoted by Portuguese Lusa News Agency on Wednesday.

LOS ANGELES, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China's leading electric vehicle maker BYD has rolled out the 300th bus at its Lancaster manufacturing plant in the U.S. state of California, the company said on Wednesday.

The 300th bus, a 35-foot BYD K9S model transit bus, is one of three built for the Capital Area Transit System of Baton Rouge, capital of the U.S. state of Louisiana, the company said in a release.

BRUSSELS, April 3 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker appeared to close the door on Wednesday before British Prime Minister Theresa May's request for a second short extension of Brexit, saying it would not be possible if the withdrawal agreement was not approved by the British House of Commons by April 12.

MOSCOW, April 3 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and visiting Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Wednesday agreed to further develop the strategic partnership of the two countries and enhance their comprehensive cooperation in various fields.

The two leaders discussed at their first meeting a wide range of key issues on the bilateral agenda, according to a joint statement of the presidents published on the Kremlin's website.

MANILA, April 3 (Xinhua) -- China's economy will continue to grow above 6 percent this year and next in line with the Chinese government's growth target of 6 to 6.5 percent, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a report released on Wednesday.

The latest Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2019, ADB's flagship economic publication, said China's economy is forecast to grow 6.3 percent in 2019 and 6.1 percent in 2020.

WASHINGTON, April 3 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Wednesday warned Turkey against purchasing the S-400 air defense system from Russia, despite Ankara's firm stance on the deal.

"Turkey must choose," Pence said at an event in Washington to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Washington, Apr 3; PTI/GANASHAKTI:  The US has approved the sale of 24 multi-role MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters to India at an estimated cost of USD 2.6 billion, the State Department has announced, boosting the Indian Navy's anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare operations as China expands its presence in the Indian Ocean.

Designed for hunting submarines as well as knocking out ships and conducting search-and-rescue operations at sea, the Lockheed Martin-built helicopters, would replace India's aging fleet of British-made Sea King helicopters.