Stories for March 2008

Thursday, March 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Credit crisis could “wipe” 800 billion from financial system

The mounting global credit crisis could develop into a financial “contagion” and could wipe 800 billion US dollars of value from the books of US and global financial institutions, an official of the International Monetary Fund said.
Thursday, March 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Russia's Gazprom to develop Bolivia's top natural gas deposits

The world's largest gas company, Russia's Gazprom and Bolivia's government owned oil corporation YPFB signed this week in La Paz an accord to explore for gas in three of the country's southern fields.
Thursday, March 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil offering frigates and subs to Middle East

Encouraged by Brazil's resurgent economy, ship builders are making a strong bid to enter the naval market in the region with an array of weaponry including submarines. A leader in naval technology, Rio-based, Emgepron (Empressa Gerencial De Projetos Navais) is displaying its products at the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition Conference (Dimdex 2008).
Thursday, March 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Herbivorous fish can help save the Great Barrier Reef corals

A healthy fish population could be the key to ensuring coral reefs survive the impacts of climate change, pollution, over fishing and other threats. Australian scientists found that some fish act as “lawnmowers”, keeping coral free of kelp and unwanted algae.
Thursday, March 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Lack of Argentine gas forces Methanex redundancies

Methanex in the extreme south of Chile announced this week it will have to cut its work force in approximately 15% because of the insufficient supply of Argentine natural gas.
Thursday, March 20th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Controversy over public image support for Cristina Kirchner

A controversy over the support for Argentine president Cristina Kirchner has been triggered by the publication in the Buenos Aires press of a public opinion poll which shows her rating falling six points to 47%.
Wednesday, March 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil considering higher taxes for new oil explorations

Brazil is considering raising taxes paid by companies to explore for new oil and gas fields in the country to take into account recent big finds in the sub-salt cluster, Brazilian energy Minister Edison Lobao said on Tuesday.
Wednesday, March 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Gurkhas hand back medals in protest and justice

Thousands of retired Gurkha soldiers are to gather outside Parliament to campaign for justice and fair treatment.
Wednesday, March 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Dengue panic in Brazil: 19.169 cases and 30 deaths in 2008

Six children have died of the mosquito transmitted disease in the last 24 hours reported Brazilian health authorities from Rio do Janeiro, totaling 30 fatal cases so far this year which is almost the 31registered in the twelve months of 2007.
Wednesday, March 19th 2008 - 21:00 UTC
Brazil resumes construction of nuclear power plant

Following on Brazil's National Energy Policy Council recommendations the President Lula da Silva administration has given the green light for the resumption of construction of the third reactor at the Angra nuclear power plant, reports Sao Paulo's Gazeta Mercantil.