Stories for 2018

Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 09:46 UTC
China increases its military budget 8.1% to US$ 175bn; regional powers “nervous”

China revealed on Monday that it will raise its military budget by US$ 175 billion for the 2018 fiscal year, 8.1% increase that is the largest military spending hike in three years. According to Premier Li Keqiang, the additional funding will “advance all aspects of military training and war preparedness, and firmly and resolvedly safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.”
Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 09:36 UTC
Beijing anticipates 6.5% growth, steady rise in foreign trade and prudent and neutral monetary policy

China aims to expand its economy by around 6.5% this year, the same as in 2017, while pressing ahead with its campaign to reduce risks in the financial system, Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday. The goal was kept unchanged even though the economy grew 6.9% last year and exceeded the government's target.
Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 09:31 UTC
Argentine seafood exports in 2017 totaled 475,591 tons and US$ 1,8bn

Argentine seafood exports grew by almost 7% in volume and around 16% in dollar value during 2017, according to the final figures published by the Under-secretariat of Fisheries in its latest Report. Data from the Economics Department, based on information from INDEC shows that fisheries exports totaled US$ 1,978bn, a 16.4% higher compared to 2016, while the volume was up 6.9% to 475,591 tons.
Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 09:22 UTC
Falklands' calamari fishery: vessels equipped with robust seal exclusion devices

Falkland Islands Director of National Resources, John Barton, reported that after a slow start, fishery catches were beginning to pick up: trawlers had started operating and there were only a few jiggers still to collect their licenses.
Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 09:15 UTC
Washington state phases out Atlantic salmon farming following the collapse of a marine net-pen

After a lengthy debate, Washington State Legislature has passed a bill phasing out Atlantic salmon net-pen farming ban in the state waters. The approved bill would end state leases and permits for operations that grow nonnative finfish in state waters when current leases expire in 2022.
Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 09:10 UTC
Drifting jigger towed outside the Falklands' Conservation zone

The Taiwanese jigger Hung Shun 1 which on 24 February caught fire to the north of the Falkland Islands capital Stanley, last Sunday was towed outside the Islands Conservation zone. When the incident took place last month all 58 crew members were swiftly and safely evacuated to another fishing vessel Lung Soon Fa 1, which was in the area at that time.
Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 09:00 UTC
Falklands: Public Accounts Committee reviews commodity prices

During its last constitutional review, which concluded in 2008, the Falkland Islands established a Public Accounts Committee (PAC). This was based on such committees elsewhere in the world and has now been in operation for a number of years. It has an independent Chair and community members, though two Members of the Legislative Assembly also sit on the Committee at any point in time.
Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 08:59 UTC
UK supermarkets ban sales of energy drinks to children under 16

Sales of energy drinks to children under 16 have been banned in most major UK supermarkets, amid concerns about high levels of sugar and caffeine. Boots is also joining supermarkets such as Asda, Waitrose, Tesco and the Co-op in introducing the rule.
Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 06:56 UTC
“Legacy” argument no longer stands for the Macri government, warns political analyst

The argument of the “legacy” from the Kirchner years no longer stands, since normally on the third year of an elected government public opinion becomes more demanding, explained Argentine political analyst Rosendo Fraga commenting on the latest events in Argentina and the administration of president Mauricio Macri.
Tuesday, March 6th 2018 - 06:49 UTC
A month after leaving the Falklands, “Tarini” has reached Cape Town

Indian Naval Sailing Vessel (INSV) ‘Tarini’ has reached Cape Town in South Africa. This has marked the successful circumnavigation which started in September last year. The all-women crew has created history with the voyage as it is the first-ever Indian circumnavigation by an all-women crew.