Stories for December 15th 2017

Friday, December 15th 2017 - 14:53 UTC
Brazilian beef exporters expect a record year in 2018: 1.68 million tons

Brazilian beef exporters expect shipments to grow 10% in 2018 after rising an estimated 9% this year despite corruption and food safety scandals that temporarily closed off major markets. Trade group Abiec on Thursday said Brazil, the world’s largest beef exporter, would likely sell 1.68 million tons of beef abroad next year, up from 1.53 million tons in 2017. Revenue is expected to rise about 11% to US$6.9 billion in 2018, after a 13% rise this year to US$6.2 billion.
Friday, December 15th 2017 - 10:56 UTC
Russian wheat for Brazil as Moscow and Brasilia look to increase bilateral trade

Brazil’s government published a decree laying out procedures importers will have to follow to be able to buy and unload Russian wheat in Brazil, a step aimed at improving trade ties with Moscow. The decree, which takes effect immediately, outlines the documents importers will have to submit to bring Russian wheat to be processed in Brazil, which had not been previously allowed.
Friday, December 15th 2017 - 10:50 UTC
Brazil postpones until February 19 vote on bill to reform pensions system

The lower house of Brazil’s Congress will delay a vote on a bill trimming social security benefits until Feb. 19, Speaker Rodrigo Maia said on Thursday, pushing a decision on the cornerstone of President Michel Temer’s fiscal reforms into an election year.
Friday, December 15th 2017 - 10:45 UTC
Internet neutrality repealed; legal challenges from consumer advocates announced

The US Federal Communications Commission has voted to repeal sweeping 2015 net neutrality rules, in a move that gives internet service providers a free hand to slow or block websites and apps as they see fit, or charge more for faster speeds. The approval of FCC chairman Ajit Pai's proposal marked a victory for internet service providers like AT&T, Comcast and Verizon Communications and could recast the digital landscape.
Friday, December 15th 2017 - 08:38 UTC
Falklands' call for “the world's greenest cruise ship”, MS Roald Amundsen

From an environmental perspective, it’s easy to see how cruise ships have long been one of the harshest modes of travel. They’re big, slow, fuel-hungry, and rife with excess. However, forward-thinking cruise line Hurtigruten is looking to change the game with the launch of what they’re calling “the world’s greenest cruise ship.”
Friday, December 15th 2017 - 08:25 UTC
Volkswagen reveals its role during Brazilian military dictatorship: no apologies planned

Volkswagen said on Thursday that a historian commissioned by the carmaker found that some of the security staff at Volkswagen do Brasil had cooperated with the country’s former military regime.
Friday, December 15th 2017 - 07:51 UTC
Violent protests in Buenos Aires as Congress attempted to discuss a pensions reform plan

A trade union-organized march in Buenos Aires descended into violence Thursday, with thousands of protesters clashing with police as they demanded lawmakers reject a controversial pension reform plan. Riot police used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets against demonstrators, who threw stones and burned barricades made of rubbish outside the doors of Argentina's congress.
Friday, December 15th 2017 - 07:35 UTC
Venezuelan opposition receives European Union prize for human rights

Venezuela’s opposition received a European Union prize for human rights and urged the world to keep a close eye on an upcoming presidential election where it aspires to end two decades of socialist rule in the OPEC nation. Foes of President Nicolas Maduro failed to dislodge him during months of street protests this year that turned violent killing more than 125 people, and have been dismayed to see him consolidate his power in recent months.
Friday, December 15th 2017 - 07:01 UTC
Argentina prepares to fight Zica with sterile mosquitoes by radiation

After its success in controlling a devastating fruit fly with nuclear technology, Argentina is gearing up to fight a new enemy: mosquitoes that transmit Zika, in addition to dengue and chikungunya. The method applied in both cases is the sterile insect technique, SIT, an insect birth control method that uses irradiation to sterilize and release insects to suppress pest populations.
Friday, December 15th 2017 - 01:55 UTC
Brazil will join the UN peace force in Central Africa Republic with 750 troops

Brazil will join the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, Minusca, the United Nations has announced. This is an important decision since Brasilia looks to maintain a high profile in UN peace operations and show its increased interest in Africa.