Stories for March 2nd 2021

Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 09:58 UTC
Argentine president attacks opposition, Judiciary, media and economic powers

In a defiant speech before the Legislative that launched the campaign for the October midterm elections, Argentine president Alberto Fernandez on Monday opened the 139th Congressional period of ordinary sessions with a barrage of attacks on the opposition, Judiciary, media and the concentrated economic powers.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 09:57 UTC
After thirty years of prolific research, RRS James Clark Ross makes final call to the Falklands

The RRS James Clark Ross (JCR) made her final call to her homeport of the Falkland Islands on Monday March first, since after thirty years of service, the JCR will be sold at the end of her 20/21 Antarctic season.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 09:54 UTC
Bolsonaro promises to sign on Tuesday a decree suspending a tax on diesel to prevent a truckers strike

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday he would suspend a tax on diesel fuel, to try and placate truckers, but the government would instead hike taxes on banks to offset lost revenue.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 09:39 UTC
Pablo Escobar's original four hippos in Colombia, could number 1,400 by 2034

Hippopotamuses are increasing in Colombia despite being an alien species in South America. Their existence in the country began with the import of four individuals by drug lord Pablo Escobar. The four hippopotamuses later escaped into the wild.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 09:31 UTC
EU will formally propose a digital vaccination passport by end of March

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU executive would propose a digital vaccination passport later this month, she said on Monday. Members of the bloc will then decide whether to press ahead with the scheme to allow each other to recognize citizens' proof of vaccination.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 08:56 UTC
After all Americans have been vaccinated, US willing to discuss the issue with Mexico

Reuters – The Joe Biden administration downplayed the prospect of sharing coronavirus vaccines with Mexico, arguing it is focused on getting its own population protected against a pandemic that has killed more than 500,000 Americans.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 08:55 UTC
UK officials tracking one of six individuals affected with a Covid-19 Manaus variant

U.K. health officials are anxious to trace one of six individuals infected with a more contagious variant of the coronavirus, initially identified in Brazil. Up to six cases of the new strain — dubbed P.1 and considered a “variant of concern” by global health experts — have been detected in the U.K., with three cases in Scotland and three in England.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 08:53 UTC
WHO warns it is unrealistic to think the pandemic will be done by end of the year

The World Health Organization warned on Monday that it is unrealistic to think the world will be done with the Covid-19 pandemic by the end of the year. WHO emergencies director Michael Ryan said it might however be possible to take the tragedy out of the coronavirus crisis by reducing hospitalizations and deaths.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 08:53 UTC
Venezuela has 323 “political detainees” in jail, mostly awaiting trial

Venezuela’s Penal Forum estimates that Nearly three-quarters of all political detainees are awaiting trial for more than two years, the group said on Monday, arguing it is a sign that authorities use pretrial detention as a punishment.
Tuesday, March 2nd 2021 - 08:20 UTC
Successful first flight test of pilotless fighter jet, a Boeing and Australian Air Force project

Boeing Co and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) said on Tuesday they had completed the first flight test on a pilotless fighter-like jet designed to operate in conjunction with crewed aircraft.