Stories for April 18th 2022

Monday, April 18th 2022 - 22:55 UTC
Pepe Mujica against blanket VAT reduction

Former Uruguayan President José “Pepe” Mujica said the Government's blanket cut to the VAT should apply only to the needy people; otherwise, it becomes a benefit to those who can actually afford to pay full tax.
Monday, April 18th 2022 - 22:47 UTC
Bolsonaro questioned over freedom of press by UN

Amid growing concerns on the part of the United Nations regarding attacks on the press, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced he had requested a meeting with representatives of the WhatsApp application to have it increase the number of participants in messaging groups.
Monday, April 18th 2022 - 22:45 UTC
Foreign powers hacked 10 Downing St smartphones, including the PM's

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson's private cell phone as well as other digital equipment used at 10 Downing Street has allegedly been hacked by the United Arab Emirates intelligence services using Israeli-developed technology, it was reported Monday.
Monday, April 18th 2022 - 22:00 UTC
Paraguay drops mandatory wearing of facemasks

Paraguayan Health authorities have lifted the mandatory wearing of facemasks nationwide in light of improving results in the fight against COVID-19.
Monday, April 18th 2022 - 16:58 UTC
Calendar coincidence for monotheist religions on Good Friday

Last Friday, Good Friday for Christians is when the mourning of the crucifixion of Jesus and this Sunday, Easter resurrection. This year the calendar also marked on Friday the eve of Pesach, commonly called Passover, for the Jewish people, which commemorates the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and the end of their slavery. Likewise for Muslims, Friday, within the month of Ramadan, (April 2/May 2) is their weekly holiday.
Monday, April 18th 2022 - 15:29 UTC
China lowers banks' reserves to stimulate the economy

China's central bank announced last Friday a flat reduction of 25 basis points of in banks' reserve requirements, as part of the anticipated pro-growth measures to stimulate the world´s second-largest economy. The slowing down of domestic consumption in the first half of the year, flared by the outbreaks in Shanghai, are expected to be stronger in the second half.
Monday, April 18th 2022 - 15:24 UTC
Refit Sikorsky S61N helicopter arrives at MPC in Falklands

Mount Pleasant Complex in the Falkland Islands welcomed the arrival of G-FLKI, a Sikorsky S61N helicopter, which recently arrived via the Falkland Islands Resupply Ship. G-FLKI is operated by British International Helicopters
Monday, April 18th 2022 - 10:07 UTC
Malvinas and joint condemnation of Russia, the trade off that never was at the EuroLat assembly

Last week the European-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly, EuroLat, met in Buenos Aires, hosted by Argentina, and the final declaration included as normally happens in this kind of meetings compromises agreed beforehand.
Monday, April 18th 2022 - 09:49 UTC
UK investing heavily in Antarctica and Arctic research to remain world leader in polar science

The UK is investing in modernizing its Antarctica and Arctic research facilities, with total funding of £670 million, including £290 million announced this week. As a world leader in polar science, UK research conducted in the region is of global importance. This is in addition to existing science funding activities.
Monday, April 18th 2022 - 09:40 UTC
Ecuadorian President lands in BA for River Plate tour

Ecuador's President Guillermo Lasso landed in Buenos Aires Sunday for his first official visit to the River Plate. He plans to meet Presidents Alberto Fernández of Argentina Monday and Luis Lacalle Pou of Uruguay Tuesday.