The Phoenix spacecraft has “tasted” Martian water for the first time, scientists reported.

Oil giant Shell today said it had awarded a £521,945 (€746,200) pay-off to its former finance chief.

The crisis over the reserves of oil giant Shell claimed its third scalp today with the departure of finance chief Judy Boynton.

Oil group Shell today stayed silent on reports that its finance chief was on the verge of quitting.