Stories for February 3rd 2011

Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 21:17 UTC
With inflation pressures ‘contained’, ECB leaves interest rates unchanged

European Central Bank (ECB) has kept interest rates in the Euro zone unchanged at a record low 1%, despite fears of increasing inflation. Speaking at a press conference after the rate decision, the ECB president Jean-Claude Trichet claimed that inflation pressures remained contained.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 19:12 UTC
Falklands receives 6.000 cruise visitors in one day; 90% satisfaction rate

FALKLAND Islands Tourist Board statistics showed a 90% satisfaction rate yesterday on the busiest day ever in Stanley’s cruise ship visitor history.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 17:31 UTC
British scientists develop blood test for the human version of BSE (mad cow)

The first reliable blood test for the fatal Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) – said to be 100,000 times more accurate than the current method – has been developed by British scientists.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 17:05 UTC
Air traffic strong recovery in 2010, but oil prices derail 2011 prospects

Air traffic increased 8.2% in the passenger business and 20.6% in freight according to the full 2010 report from the International Air Transport Association, IATA. Middle-East, Asia-Pacific and Africa regions were above average in passenger transport and Latinamerica led in cargo expansion.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 16:40 UTC
World food prices at historic peak in January seventh month running, says FAO

World food prices surged to a new historic peak in January, for the seventh consecutive month, according to the updated FAO Food Price Index, a commodity basket that regularly tracks monthly changes in global food prices.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 06:35 UTC
Chavez celebrates 12 years in office and anticipates six more

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez celebrated Wednesday his twelfth anniversary in power saying he is ready to battle for six more years in elections next year. Chavez said in a televised speech that “the battle has begun” for his 2012 re-election.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 06:31 UTC
Cairo’s Tahir Square battle rages on; snipers shooting on protestors

Gunfire has rung out in the early hours of Thursday around Cairo's Tahrir Square, where Egyptian anti-government protesters are camping out. At least two people are reported dead. On Wednesday three died in clashes with supporters of President Hosni Mubarak.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 01:53 UTC
Spain’s second biggest bank boosted by strong Latin American profits

BBVA, Spain's second-biggest bank, reported on Wednesday a full year 9.4% net profit increase in 2010 as solid results from Latin America offset continued weakness in its domestic market.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 01:50 UTC
Spain celebrates 20th anniversary of Cervantes Institute in 44 countries

Spain’s Cervantes Institute to promote Spanish language and culture is marking its 20th anniversary with more than 6,500 activities at the 77 centres is has opened in 44 countries and among this year’s plans is the inauguration of a centre in Gibraltar.
Thursday, February 3rd 2011 - 01:47 UTC
Major scientific feat: reactor turns solar energy into storable hydrocarbon fuel

Researchers have unveiled a prototype reactor which mimics plant life, turning the Sun’s energy to make hydrocarbon fuel, according to an article published in the latest edition of Science.