China is on course to overtake other nations for the number of Christians living in the communist country.

It already has more Christian churchgoers than most European countries.

The world's largest fast food chain, McDonald's, is struggling to keep on top of its game.

Sales in the US took a knock when sales fell during the first three months of 2013. The drop of 1.7% was more than had been predicted.

An earthquake of magnitude 3.3 on the Richter scale was felt on Monday in the Olhão area and was registered by Mainland Seismic Network stations at 18.40, according to the Portuguese Institute of Ocean and Atmosphere.

Portugal has been voted the ‘Best Holiday Destination for Aviation’ among 25 European countries competing in the Zoover Awards, according to Turismo de Portugal.

The awards are divided into categories such as destinations, tourist attractions and accommodation. The country earned a score of 9.12 on a scale of 0 to 10.

The commencement of weekly charter flights between Paris and Beja airport in Portugal’s Alentejo region has been postponed.

The plan to carry French tourists to and from the region may still go ahead in May this year according to the French-owned airports operator ANA which is in charge of Beja airport.

The risk of further EU taxpayer-backed bailouts has been curbed by the EU.

MEPs have voted in favour of creating a new European authority which will be able to wind up or restructure failing banks.

The world’s supply of diamonds has been eroding over the last two decades.

Coupled with a sharp rise in demand from China’s burgeoning middle class, analysts believe the price of diamonds is set to go up.

Killings committed by the mafia in Italy have dropped by 80% over the last 20 years, according to the United Nations.

There was a high point in 1992 when nearly 350 murders were reported. This fell dramatically in 1993 and 1994, but was followed by spikes through the late 1990s.