Paperjam.lu

Only seven of VW’s main model lines have been cleared in the WLTP. Photo: Julian Hochgesang/Unsplash 

Half VW models in Germany not compliant

Only half of VW branded passenger cars in Germany comply with new tougher emissions regulations, according to the manufacturer. Reuters reports that cars in the EU must comply with the new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) by September. Only seven of VW’s main model lines have been cleared. The top-selling Golf model is among vehicles waiting to be cleared. Reuters quoted Evercore ISI analysts as saying delays caused by testing will cause profitability of the brand to drop to 2% by the third quarter.

Robots on rocks

Japan’s space agency says robots on board a craft sent into space almost four years ago will explore an asteroid in September. The Hayabusa-2 reached Ryugu asteroid in June this year, the BBC reports. At one kilometre wide, the rock is a relic from the earliest days of our solar system. Studying it could answer questions about the evolution of planet Earth.

Dudelange is in heaven!

Dudelange is in heaven! reports the Luxemburger Wort after F91 Dudelange won 3-2 against Cluj of Romania on Thursday. The win makes the club the first in Luxembourg to qualify to play in the European Cup pools. Danel Sinani scored the first two goals, and Dave Tuppel the third. L’avenir called it a historic day for Luxembourg football, pointing out that at one point Dudelange was leading 3-0.

Depardieu denies allegations

French actor Gérard Depardieu is being investigated over accusations of rape and sexual assault, euronews reports. The 69-year-old denies the allegations made by a female actor. The BBC cites French media in reporting that the alleged crimes occurred in August at a Paris residence of Depardieu’s.

Filmmaker jailed for spying

An Australian filmmaker, who was found guilty of spying, has been sentenced to six years’ jail in Cambodia, The Guardian reports. James Ricketson, 69, says the claims are “fanciful and ludicrous”. He was arrested in June 2017 for flying a drone at a political rally and has been incarcerated since then. The verdict was given on Friday morning in Phnom Penh.

Provocative cartoon contest stokes anger

A Dutch cartoon competition by the Dutch far-right opposition leader has provoked protestors to march on the Pakistani capital. The far-right protestors threatened to blockade Islamabad unless the country cuts diplomatic ties with the Netherlands over the contest for cartoons depicting Islam’s Prophet Muhammed, Al Jazeera reports. Physical depictions of God or the Prophet are banned in Islam. The competition was created by Geert Wilders who, on Thursday, dropped the contest following death threats, The Guardian reports.

Today’s breakfast briefing was written by Jess Bauldry