Stories for October 16th 2019

Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 18:35 UTC
Russia eyeing a controlling stake in lithium project in Chile's Atacama desert

Uranium One Group, a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear company Rosatom, may buy a controlling stake in a lithium project in Chile’s Atacama salt flat from Wealth Minerals Ltd, the Canada-listed company said on Tuesday.
Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 18:28 UTC
Housing disaster in Brazil: seven-story building collapses in Fortaleza

A seven-story building collapsed in northeastern Brazil on Tuesday, killing at least one person, trapping others — and drawing new attention to the unsettling frequency with which buildings in Brazil suddenly fall.
Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 18:24 UTC
Women's rally in Argentina ends with attacks on churches and a “boob protest”

A rally happening during Argentina’s annual “National Encounter of Women” on Sunday included a topless protest (”Tetazo) against the cathedral of La Plata, the city hosting the event this year. The rally, organized by Argentina’s leading leftwing party, wasn’t officially supported by the organizers of the women’s event.
Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 18:10 UTC
Brazil following closely the Vatican does Synod fear bad international press

A Brazilian diplomat said last week that the administration of President Jair Bolsonaro doesn’t fear the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon taking place this month at the Vatican, but that the Catholic bishops “involuntarily reinforce the campaign of the European lobbies, who are very afraid of the competition of Brazilian agriculture.”
Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 17:54 UTC
Brazilians allowed to double purchases in duty free shops to US$ 1.000

Brazilian Minister of Economy, Paulo Guedes, signed a resolution on Monday raising the limit of purchases in duty-free shops from US$ 500 to US$ 1,000. The new value for purchases from foreign and domestic airports and border free shops, starts January 1, 2020.
Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 17:40 UTC
Brazilian economy still on the takeoff tarmac, lack of confidence blamed

Brazil's economy is on an erratic path, according to economic activity data released for the third quarter of 2019. The economy shows no signs of a consistent recovery, and economic activity still depends on household consumption, trade, and the service sector.
Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 09:14 UTC
FIFA pledges stiffer punishments globally for racist incidents

Soccer body FIFA on Tuesday said it may extend punishments globally after racist incidents, including monkey chants directed at black players, marred a match between Bulgaria and England.
Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 09:09 UTC
EU Parliament equates communism with Nazism triggers a torrent of complaints

A number of communist parties, as well as progressive sections in Europe, have condemned a controversial resolution passed by the European Parliament in September.
Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 08:54 UTC
Mercosur expects to conclude trade deals with Singapore and South Korea next year

Mercosur aims to conclude free trade agreements Singapore and South Korea by next year, as it also eyes deals with several other Asian countries, a Brazilian diplomat said on Tuesday.
Wednesday, October 16th 2019 - 08:41 UTC
First China built icebreaker begins its maiden voyage to Antarctica

China's first domestically built polar icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, will start its maiden voyage to the Antarctic from the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen this week.