Stories for March 27th 2012

Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:52 UTC
Brazil extends tax cuts on appliances but manufacturers must not lay-off workers

Brazil announced extended tax cuts on appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines, and reduced levies on other goods, as it seeks to help manufacturers hurt by a slowdown in economic growth and a surge in imports.
Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:49 UTC
Brazil and India discussing military accord based on the French Rafale fighter jet

President Dilma Rousseff plans to use her New Delhi visit later this week to sound out Indian leaders on the French Rafale fighter jet, which she is considering buying to beef up Brazil's air force.
Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:45 UTC
Foot and mouth disease outbreak in Egypt with new virus strain

FAO warned that urgent action is required to control a major outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease and prevent its spread throughout North Africa and the Middle East, which could have serious implications for food security in the region.
Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:41 UTC
BRICS summit to agree on intra-trade and credit on local currencies

The five major emerging economies of BRICS -- Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa -- are set to inject greater economic momentum into their grouping by signing two pacts for promoting intra-BRICS trade at the fourth summit of their leaders in New Delhi on Thursday.
Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:31 UTC
World’s main food suppliers host FAO regional conference in Buenos Aires

Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO, opened Monday its Latin America and Caribbean Regional Conference in Buenos Aires which will extend until next Friday when it will announce the issues that will guide FAO actions worldwide.
Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:23 UTC
Chavez health situation more serious than revealed, says top specialist

A recognized Venezuelan intensive care doctor revealed in an interview with a Spanish newspaper that President Hugo Chavez has a tumour with three metastasis that have expanded to his liver, suprarenal glands and bladder.
Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:20 UTC
Spanish conservatives win in Socialist stronghold but fall short of full control

Spain's conservative People's Party won a regional election in Andalucia but did not secure the outright majority it expected, depriving Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of a symbolic boost to help him push through harsh spending cuts.
Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:17 UTC
Global stocks rally as Fed confirms easy monetary policy to fight unemployment

Global stocks rallied on Monday while the dollar retreated after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that in order to reduce unemployment, easy monetary policy should stay in place. The benchmark S&P 500 index closed at its highest level since May 2008.
Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:11 UTC
Import barriers and inflation change Argentina’s industrial production scenario

Argentina's industrial production fell unexpectedly in February, after 28 consecutive months of expansion, as weaker demand from Brazil hit the key automobile sector. Industrial output fell 0.8% from February 2011 and slid 1.4% from the previous month, said Indec.
Tuesday, March 27th 2012 - 12:08 UTC
Prince Charles and King of Norway visit HMS Liverpool in Bergen

Prince Charles and the King of Norway have visited HMS Liverpool in Bergen as she finishes her final exercise for the Royal Navy. The Type 42 destroyer is being decommissioned after 30 years and will be sailing into Portsmouth for the final time flying her decommissioning pennant.