Stories for November 2nd 2012

Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 23:12 UTC
UK confirms BAS first-class scientific research and Antarctica strategic presence

Plans to merge the British Antarctic Survey (closely linked to the Falkland Islands) and the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) have been ruled out, Science minister David Willetts announced. In a written statement he said the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) had decided not to proceed with the proposal.
Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 23:07 UTC
Falklands extends Rockhopper licences to evaluate further oil potential

The Falkland Islands government has granted a one year extension for Rockhopper Exploration’s production licences PL023 and PL024. The licences, in which Rockhopper has a 40% interest, have been extended until November 2013, with no requirement for the operator to perform further work on the licences in that time.
Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 08:36 UTC
CCAMLR fails to reach agreement on new marine protected areas in Antarctica

Governments meeting in Australia have failed to reach agreement on new marine protected areas for the Antarctic Ocean. A decision has been deferred until July 2013 when all the relevant science will be considered.
Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 08:28 UTC
Drought in US farms is helping Brazil’s exports of corn and ethanol

Brazil's trade ministry said the country's exports of corn and ethanol rose in October as foreign buyers turned to Brazil after the worst drought in 50 years ravaged US crops.
Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 08:22 UTC
The United States elections, as seen from India

By Rengaraj Viswanathan - In India, people are amused and puzzled, depressed and disinterested and occasionally inspired by the long and loud, colourful and typical American show that goes by the name of the presidential election.
Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 06:44 UTC
Chavez promises attendance, God willing, to Mercosur summit in Brasilia

President Hugo Chavez said on Thursday that he will be attending the coming Mercosur presidential summit next 7 December in Brasilia and assured Venezuela is speeding up so the country can display all its potential within the political and trade block.
Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 06:42 UTC
Brazil tax-incentives for foreigners to develop local debt markets and finance ‘investment projects’

Brazil granted a tax exemption to foreigners who buy mortgage-backed securities or invest in funds that purchase them after sales of new debt supported by real estate loans fell almost 50% this year.
Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 06:36 UTC
Dollar plunges against the Uruguayan Peso in October; massive inflow of capital

The US dollar suffered in Uruguay during October its greatest fall since January 2009 following on the increase of the Central bank basic rate to 9% at the end of September, which turned Uruguayan bonds far more attractive for foreign investors.
Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 06:33 UTC
Uruguayan central bank indicator shows inflation is close to 11% in 12 months

Uruguay’s central bank said that consumer prices, excluding the most volatile items, have increased almost 11% in the last twelve months to September. Fresh fruit and vegetables, cigarettes and public utility rates are considered ‘volatile prices’.
Friday, November 2nd 2012 - 06:16 UTC
A Panamanian view of the Falkland Islands

Yasmina Reyes is the Editor of the International Section of the La Prensa newspaper in Panama City and was one of the journalists from Central America that recently traveled to the Falkland Islands. She has written the guest post below about her experience.