The plans of Japan’s government for a quick financial recovery took another blow yesterday when they announced the third straight quarter of economic contraction.
The economy shrank .1% in the fourth quarter of the year. Analysts had been predicting a small rise in the economy after dipping into recession after the third quarter. The drop has been attributed to a drop in key market exports. Continue reading
The recession across the eurozone increased significantly during the fourth quarter of 2012 according to official figures released today.
The 17 nations that make up the euro showed an economic shrinkage of .6% in the final three months of the year, the sharpest decrease since 2009 and the first time ever the eurozone has shown contraction over every quarter in a calendar year. Continue reading
What was initially considered a 4.9 magnitude earthquake in North Korea turned out to be a nuclear bomb test in defiance of United Nations resolutions.
The North Korean government confirmed the test about three hours after the U.S. Geological Survey reported a “shallow, 4.9 magnitude earthquake near a nuclear facility.” What was initially feared to be a potential nuclear accident has turned into a completely different fear. Continue reading
The Centers for Disease Control have confirmed the first cases of a completely drug-resistant strain of tuberculosis in South Africa. The CDC report is calling the infection “virtually untreatable.”
Tuberculosis is the second most fatal infectious disease worldwide after HIV. Continue reading
Mali’s government has not given the United Nations permission to send a peacekeeping force in the wake of their war with Islamic terrorists saying they’re “hesitant” to allow the foreign troops on their soil.
“We do not have a clear green light from the government of Mali yet for a peacekeeping operation,” Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson told the BBC. He added that outside nations involved in providing logistical and military support to Mali so far are in favor of the mission. Continue reading
Jamaica is planning its second debt swap in three years in an attempt to reduce the staggering debt which is crippling the government.
The country’s debt is currently 140% of the nation’s gross domestic product. The ratio is one of the highest debt to GDP ratios in the world. The debt swap is being done in an attempt to appease demands of the International Monetary Fund. Continue reading
A coffee tree fungus has blighted the nation’s coffee crops to the point the government has declared an Agricultural Emergency. The fungus, which causes trees to lose their leaves, has infected at least 70% of the nation’s coffee crop.
The infection, called “coffee rust”, results in fewer beans and significantly lowered quality of beans. Continue reading
A second case of the extremely deadly SARS-like virus that first appeared in the Middle East, has been confirmed in England.
The patient who is currently in intensive care at a Manchester hospital had recently traveled to the Middle East. Continue reading
Tornadic storms ripped through Mississippi Sunday evening injuring at least 16 people. No deaths have been reported but two of the injured are described to be in critical condition.
A tornado that struck Hattiesburg has caused major damage. Mayor Johnny DuPree said there was a blessing to the storm striking on Sunday night. Continue reading
The Pacific coast of South America is experiencing massive flooding after torrential rain deluged the region. At least six people are confirmed dead in Peru.
Arequipa in the southern part of the country has thousands left without electricity and clean drinking water due to the massive flooding. Peruvian authorities have declared a state of emergency for Arquipa and the surrounding regions. The country’s national meteorological service told the Andina news agency that the total rainfall in seven hours matched the average rainfall for three months. Continue reading
