Stories for October 2008

Tuesday, October 21st 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UK public sector debt back to 1997 level: almost half of GDP

The takeover of Northern Rock has helped push the United Kingdom's public sector debt to almost half of gross domestic product (GDP) in the last year, just off highs seen over a decade ago when Labour came to power.
Tuesday, October 21st 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Crisis will get Obama elected forecasts Lula da Silva

Brazilian President Lula da Silva believes the ongoing financial crisis will lead to the election of Democrat Barack Obama as US president.
Monday, October 20th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Dutch government with 13.4 billion USD stake in ING bank

The government of the Netherlands has said it will invest 13.4 billion US dollars in banking and insurance company ING Groep NV to boost its capital position.
Monday, October 20th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Italy discovers containers of Chinese milk with melamine

Italy has discovered two containers of milk and one of yogurt containing melamine, the industrial chemical that contaminated milk powder in China and hospitalised thousands of babies, the Health Ministry announced Sunday.
Monday, October 20th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
IMF head investigated over sex scandal with employee

The International Monetary Fund is investigating allegations that its chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, had an improper relationship with a female employee. IMF lawyers have opened an independent probe into the charges, first reported Saturday by The Wall Street Journal.
Monday, October 20th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Ulster scientist begins sponge research in Falkland Islands

Ulster Museum Marine Biologist, Claire Goodwin has begun diving in the shallows of Falklands waters in order to research sponges of the Islands having been awarded a prestigious Shackleton Scholarship.
Monday, October 20th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Changes in US-Latam relations with Obama, anticipates Krugman

Economy Nobel Laureate Paul Krugman anticipated that relations between the United States and Latinamerica will change significantly if the Democratic candidate Barack Obama is elected president in two weeks time.
Monday, October 20th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Chile de-mining with sophisticated Pentagon equipment

The first week of November the Chilean Ministry of Public Works in coordination with the Chilean Army are scheduled to begin a new de-mining phase in the extreme north of the country to continue eliminating antipersonnel and anti tank mines, reports the Santiago de Chile press.
Monday, October 20th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
UK unemployment forecasted 5% as recession advances

The United Kingdom is already in a recession which could last for three quarters and will see unemployment rising to 5%, according to the Ernst & Young ITEM club, reports the British press.
Monday, October 20th 2008 - 20:00 UTC
Wild West spirit in Patagonia waters, says The Economist

Under the heading of “Fishy business; Patagonia's troubled waters”, The Economist gives a realistic insight into the Argentine fishing industry and the Wild West mentality that prevails in the so-called Argentine Sea, which threatens the economic and conservation stability and future of this activity.