Stories for November 29th 2011
Mexico’s mariachi music named to UNESCO list of “intangible cultural heritage”
Mexico celebrated as mariachi music was named to UNESCO's list of “intangible cultural heritage” in need of preservation. The Mexican music was among the new entries chosen by envoys at a meeting in Indonesia to be inscribed on the UN cultural agency's list of intangible heritage items.
Poverty in Latam at lowest level in 20 years; but 174 million are still below the line
Poverty and indigence in Latin America and the Caribbean are at their lowest in twenty years according to the latest report from the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, ECLAC, released on Tuesday in Chile.
Global temperature in 2011, the tenth highest on record, says WMO
Global temperatures in 2011 are currently the tenth highest on record and are higher than any previous year with a La Niña event, which has a relative cooling influence. The 13 warmest years have all occurred in the 15 years since 1997. The extent of Arctic sea ice in 2011 was the second lowest on record, and its volume was the lowest.
Price Index new weightings should help Brazil with inflation target and rate cuts
Brazil’s statistics agency released Monday new weightings for items in its benchmark IPCA price index, adapted to changing family consumption patterns, which should help policymakers fine-tune complying with targets and keep cutting interest rates.
UNASUR considers strengthening emergency fund for balance of payments problems
The Union of South American Nations, Unasur, may decide this week to strengthen an emergency fund to help countries in balance of payments problems, the Brazilian Finance Ministry’s international affairs secretary said.
Argos steps down from the current Falklands oil exploration round
Argos Resources Limited, the Falkland Islands based exploration company focused on the North Falkland Basin, reported on Tuesday it has decided not to participate in the current drilling campaign in the area with the Ocean Guardian rig, which is now likely to end in December 2011.
American Airlines files for bankruptcy; plans to cut drastically labour costs
American Airlines and its parent company AMR Corp filed for bankruptcy on Tuesday after failing to win a labour deal with pilots and suffering from mounting fuel costs.
Russian ambassador thanks RAF S&R chopper team including Prince William
The Russian Ambassador has thanked the crew of the RAF Search and Rescue Flight, which included Prince William, for their attempts to rescue the crew of a sinking Russian cargo vessel this weekend.
Ice Patrol HMS Protector steaming for its deployment to Antarctica
The Royal Navy's new ice patrol ship, HMS Protector left Portsmouth Monday for a seven-month deployment surveying and patrolling the frozen continent of Antarctica. The 5.000-tons ice-breaking ship completed an intensive period of sea trials and training prior to deploying to the Antarctic Peninsula.
UK opens new consulate in Recife, next to northeast Brazil main trade and sea hub
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne on Tuesday opened a new Consulate General in Recife, Brazil - the city which became home to one of the first ever British missions in South America in 1808.
