Stories for February 2024

Tuesday, February 6th 2024 - 10:37 UTC
Paraguay successfully issues bonds in local currency

The Government of Paraguay made history Monday by issuing international bonds worth US$ 500 million for the first time in local currency, it was reported in Asunción. “Paraguay makes history by issuing for the first time bonds in guaraníes in the international market. This means that from now on Paraguayan companies will be able to issue abroad, both in guaraníes and dollars, since they will have a reference interest rate to do so,” President Santiago Peña said.
Tuesday, February 6th 2024 - 10:15 UTC
UK Royal Navy leads NATO largest exercise since the Cold War

The Royal Navy's flagship HMS Queen Elizabeth's departure to lead the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War has been cancelled at the last minute after an “issue” with a propeller shaft was spotted during final checks.
Tuesday, February 6th 2024 - 10:13 UTC
Lula and Tedros discuss dengue vaccine and other issues

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Monday discussed producing a vaccine against dengue during their meeting at the Planalto Palace, Agencia Brasil reported. Also participating at the gathering was Health Minister Nísia Trindade.
Monday, February 5th 2024 - 19:30 UTC
King Charles III undergoing treatment for cancer

Buckingham Palace confirmed in a statement Monday that King Charles III is undergoing treatment for cancer unrelated to the enlarged prostate for which the 75-year-old monarch underwent surgery on Jan. 29.
Monday, February 5th 2024 - 11:01 UTC
Bukele announces victory in El Salvador elections

El Salvador's Nayib Bukele declared himself the winner “with more than 85% of the votes” before the official results of Sunday's elections were released. “According to our numbers, we have won the presidential election with more than 85% of the votes and a minimum of 58 of 60 Assembly deputies,” he stressed on social media.
Monday, February 5th 2024 - 11:01 UTC
Chile: Multiple wildfires leave 112 dead; could be more, Boric warns

According to the latest bulletin from Chilean authorities Sunday, at least 112 people had been killed as wildfires kept multiplying nationwide during the weekend, particularly in the Valparaiso region. Some 40,000 people have been left homeless or displaced, it was also reported.
Monday, February 5th 2024 - 10:53 UTC
Falklands oil industry: UK complete support, but no financial backing for islands’ bonds

Exploring the viability of the oil industry in the Falkland Islands is building up since its Readiness program in 2014 and has been further boosted by recent agreements among companies interested in developing potential projects, but it recently also faced an unexpected technical hurdle from the UK Treasury Department. Nevertheless, London once again ratified support for the Falkland's right to explore and exploit its natural resources.
Monday, February 5th 2024 - 10:51 UTC
BAS autonomous drone, Windracers ULTRA, to survey Antarctica at lower cost and lower carbon footprint

A team have arrived at Rothera Research Station, ready to start testing the new Windracers ULTRA autonomous drone in Antarctica. If successful, the new drone platform could represent a major addition to British Antarctic Survey’s scientific capability on the frozen continent – offering the potential to do more science at a lower cost, with a lower carbon footprint than traditional crewed aviation.
Monday, February 5th 2024 - 10:50 UTC
Brazil reinforcing military presence in Roraima bordering Venezuela and Guyana

A total of 28 armored vehicles have been deployed to the State of Roraima as the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva takes additional precautions amid mounting tension between Venezuela and Guyana over the oil-rich Essequibo region, Agencia Brasil reported.
Monday, February 5th 2024 - 10:49 UTC
Argentine SMEs report sharp drop in sales

Argentina's Chamber of Small and Medium-sized Businesses (CAME) released a report Sunday pointing out that retail sales had suffered an interannual drop of 28.5% last month as a result of the loss in purchasing power by consumers affected by President Javier Milei's latest measures. Sales also fell by 6.4 % from December, CAME said.