Stories for February 2021

Wednesday, February 10th 2021 - 08:50 UTC
“Hope” in Martian orbit becomes the first Arab interplanetary mission

After seven months, the Hope craft launched by the United Arab Emirates has successfully entered the orbit of Mars. Next up are China's Tianwen-1 and the US's Mars 2020. February is full of nail-biting moments of truth for three countries — indeed, the world — as three separate Mars missions approach the red planet.
Wednesday, February 10th 2021 - 08:49 UTC
US Senate voted to impeach ex president Donald Trump, 56 to 44

AFP – The United States Senate voted to proceed with the impeachment trial of former President Donald Trump, and rejected defense arguments that it was unconstitutional. His lawyers argued that Mr. Trump should not face a trial in the Senate for inciting insurrection because he was no longer president.
Wednesday, February 10th 2021 - 08:49 UTC
US deeply concerned with Haiti's fragile institutions

The United States is “deeply concerned” about Haiti's fragile institutions after fresh political turmoil engulfed the volatile Caribbean nation over the weekend and the government of President Jovenel Moise forcibly retired three Supreme Court judges who posed a threat to his leadership.
Wednesday, February 10th 2021 - 03:44 UTC
Falklands' vaccination program in the Camp might be delayed due to weather conditions

The Falkland Islands Government Air Service, FIGAS, has advised that the weather conditions are not particularly favourable for the planned vaccination flights due to take place in Camp and the Outer Islands on Wednesday.
Tuesday, February 9th 2021 - 09:43 UTC
Fernandez expects IMF to grant Argentina more flexible repayment terms

President Alberto Fernández believes the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should grant Argentina more “flexible” terms on the repayment terms of the debt and warned that increasing inflation could lead his government to again hike export taxes, the president said in an interview on Sunday with newspaper Página/12.
Tuesday, February 9th 2021 - 09:20 UTC
YPF closer to restructuring its debt, expecting to concentrate in boosting shale deposits in Patagonia

Argentina’s state-managed oil giant expects to avoid a costly default next month after it won support for a debt swap from a large creditor group. The so-called Ad Hoc Bondholder Group, which holds 45% of YPF’s 2021 notes, expressed support for the exchange after the company increased its cash sweetener over the weekend.
Tuesday, February 9th 2021 - 09:01 UTC
Bolsonaro preparing a new round of emergency cash transfer to millions of Brazilians

Brazil is preparing a fresh round of emergency cash transfers to millions of poor, President Jair Bolsonaro said on Monday. “I think there will be an extension,” Bolsonaro said in an interview with the TV program Brasil Urgente.
Tuesday, February 9th 2021 - 09:00 UTC
Chagossian people claiming billions of dollars from the US government

The Chagossian people are seeking billions of dollars in damages from the United States under the Foreign Claims Act. The United Nations General Assembly, African Union, and International Court of Justice have all found that the forcible deportation of the Chagos Islanders a generation ago to make way for the US military base at Diego Garcia was unlawful and the continued military occupation is a serious violation of international law, according to a release from Chagossians’ lawyer, Dr, Jonathan Levy.
Tuesday, February 9th 2021 - 08:43 UTC
Health officials support the AstraZeneca vaccine: “don't panic” says WHO

Health officials around the world and from WHO, gave their backing to the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19, after a study showing it had little effect on the variant now spreading quickly in South Africa rang a global alarm.
Tuesday, February 9th 2021 - 08:43 UTC
Argentine oilseed crushers say they reached a deal to hold down domestic edible oil prices

Despite confusing news from Argentina following president Alberto Fernandez's announcement that he is prepared to reimpose levies on grains and oilseeds exports if food prices keep increasing, oilseed crushers said they had reached a deal with the government to hold down domestic edible oil prices.