Stories for January 13th 2009

Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Lula da Silva warns Brazilians of “tough” first quarter

Brazilian president Lula da Silva warned of a “worrisome and tough” first quarter but promised the government is prepared to inject more resources to the economy to help combat the effects of the global crisis and stimulate activity.
Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay: emergency aid for drought striken farmers

Uruguay declared on Monday an “agriculture emergency” and announced measures to help farmers address the very serious “rain deficit” which is threatening crops, livestock and the provision of fresh produce. The package includes importing fodder and cow feed for dairy farms as well as postponing tax and social security payments, and energy bills.
Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Court approves UK's “super bank”: Lloyds TSB + HBOS

The formation of a UK “super bank” has been rubber-stamped with a court giving its approval for Lloyds TSB's takeover of HBOS. The Court of Session in Edinburgh gave the green light to the deal after a legal hearing lasting all day.
Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
IMF needs another 150 billion to aid emerging markets

The International Monetary Funds may need up to 150 billion US dollars in additional funds to assist emerging markets and poorer countries suffering through the intensifying global economic slump, IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn said.
Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Mrs. Kirchner back to business on a light, private agenda

Contrary to Buenos Aires press speculation and apparently to medical counselling, Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner retook on Monday afternoon her agenda at the official residence of Olivos, although at a lighter pace and with breaks for short walks in the gardens.
Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Wildlife in Falklands Scotland School linking program

Education officers from Edinburgh Zoo have headed to the Falkland Islands to teach local children about Scottish wildlife, according to a report from the News Scotsman.
Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Boiling kettles, Google search and carbon dioxide

Two search requests on the internet website Google produce “as much carbon dioxide as boiling a kettle”, according to a Harvard University academic. US physicist Alex Wissner-Gross claims that a typical Google search on a desktop computer produces about 7g CO2.
Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Pesticides and chemicals ban controversy in the EU

The European Parliament has voted to tighten rules on pesticide use and ban at least 22 chemicals deemed harmful to human health. The UK government, the Conservatives and the National Farmers' Union all oppose the new rules, saying they could hit yields and increase food prices. The rules have not yet been approved by the 27 member states' governments.
Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
Uruguay raises basic rate to 10% to combat inflation

Uruguay's Central bank this week raised its reference interest rate by 2.25 percentage points to 10% in an attempt to contain inflation which last year closed at 9.19%, above government target and the highest since 2003.
Tuesday, January 13th 2009 - 20:00 UTC
China close to Latam: becomes formal member of IDB

China formally joined the Inter-American Development Bank in a signing and flag placement ceremony held on Monday at the IDB's headquarters in Washington, DC. The Asian giant became the Bank's 48th member nation, contributing 350 million US dollars to various programs.