Stories for February 16th 2011

Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 13:50 UTC
Up to 10% of rice sold in Chinese markets tainted with heavy metals

Recent research has concluded that 10% of the rice sold in China’s markets is likely to be tainted with heavy metals, but agricultural experts said the pollution is confined to particular regions and there is no call for panic.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 13:31 UTC
Brazil cuts defence budget but purchase of 36 new jets remains on the agenda

Brazil's government will cut 4,2 billion Brazilian Real (approximately 2.4 billion USD) from its 15.17 billion defense budget this year under proposed fiscal tightening, Defense Minister Nelson Jobim announced this week.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 13:23 UTC
Japan cuts short whaling season; Greenpeace says whale-meat market overstocked

The Japanese whaling fleet has called an early end to its whaling season in Antarctica a move which conservationists tentatively say could spell an end to whaling in the Southern Ocean. But Greenpeace Japan said there were other reasons to halt “scientific whaling”.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 06:18 UTC
Argentine Justice takes on the incident of the US Air Force plane cargo

Argentine Judge Ezequiel Berón de Astrada requested on Tuesday Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman; Security Minister Nilda Garré; and the US Embassy “all the information they have” on the incident regarding the US Air Force plane seized in Ezeiza international airport.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 06:14 UTC
US President Obama visits Brazil March 19 and 20

The Brazilian government confirmed on Tuesday that US President Barak Obama will make an official visit to Brazil on March 19 and 20.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 06:08 UTC
Bolivia will appeal to Central bank reserves to stockpile food staples

Bolivia prepared to tap its record 10 billion US dollars in central bank reserves to help boost agricultural production and stockpile food staples as a hedge against a looming global “food crisis” Finance Minister Luis Arce said.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 06:01 UTC
Chevron will appeal 8.6 billion ‘extortive’ fine imposed by Ecuador judges

US oil giant Chevron says it will appeal against an 8.6 billion US dollars fine imposed by Ecuador judges, carrying on a long-running row over pollution. Chevron's Kent Robertson told the BBC the case was an “extortion scheme”, and accused Ecuador's state-run firm of polluting the country's Amazon region.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 01:17 UTC
More Argentine measures “to preserve re-industrialization process”

Argentina extended the application of LNA non-automatic licenses to a list of new imported products, which include metallurgical products, electronics, some fabrics, high-range automobiles, bicycles and bicycle parts.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 01:12 UTC
Deutsche Bourse and NYSE Euronext become world’s largest exchange operator

Deutsche Boerse and NYSE Euronext announced Tuesday the creation of the world's largest exchange operator. A key compromise is an agreement to headquarter the combined group in both New York and Frankfurt.
Wednesday, February 16th 2011 - 01:09 UTC
Rio de Janeriro’s top cop forced to step down in midst of corruption scandal

The head of Río de Janeiro's state's civil police quit, becoming the latest victim of a drugs and corruption scandal that has shocked the police in Brazil's second city.