carnival in Rio
Judges in Brazil have scrapped a ban on religious symbols being displayed during Rio de Janeiro’s famed Carnival due to start in two weeks’ time.
The ruling overturned a 2007 decree issued by municipal authorities who thought the exhibition of crosses or statues of saints unseemly in a street parade where near-naked women are the norm.
The Rio judges said the ban constituted a violation of freedom of expression and was a form of censorship. (more…)
about Brazil, Paraíba and João Pessoa
Ten Brazilian banks are among the 500 most valuable banking brands in the world, according to a survey conducted by British institution Brand Finance, in partnership with magazine The Banker. Bradesco Bank appears as the highest ranked national brand, in the 9th position, with an estimated value of US$ 13.29 billion.
Next on the ranking are Itaú (US$ 6.91 billion, 25ª position), Banco do Brasil (US$ 6.69 billion, 26ª position), Unibanco (US$ 1.85 billion, 80ª position), Nossa Caixa (US$ 440 million, 232ª position), Banrisul (US$ 284 million, 311ª position), Banco do Nordeste (US$ 220 million, 349ª position), BM&FBovespa (US$ 176 million, 398ª position), Redecard (US$ 159 million, 419ª position) and BIC (US$ 118 million, 490ª position). (more…)
about Brazil, Paraíba and João Pessoa
A controversial plan to build an immense dam in Brazil’s rainforest endorsed this week has attracted a formidable bloc of opponents: ecologists, indigenous Indians and Sting.
The facility, in Belo Monte in the northern state of Para, will be the third-biggest hydroelectric dam in the world once built, after the Three Gorges dam in China and Brazil’s existing Itaipu dam. (more…)
about Brazil, Paraíba and João Pessoa
Twelve children were killed and 25 injured when a school bus collided with a truck in central Brazil.
The children, aged from six to 14, were returning home from Montividiu public school.
The accident occurred Monday when the truck driver lost control and rammed the vehicle into the bus coming from opposite direction, a Goias military police spokesman said.
Nine children, a woman and the drivers of both the vehicles died on the spot, police said.
The number of passengers on the bus has not been determined because it was the first day of school and a roster of riders had not yet been prepared, they said.
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about Brazil, Paraíba and João Pessoa
Lula & Dilma Rousseff
Michelle Bachelet and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, two outgoing South American presidents have reached record popularity according to the latest January public opinion polls. Bachelet from Chile and Brazil’s Lula, both have over 80% of approval.
President Lula who this year completes the fourth year of his second mandate and will be leaving office next January 1st, 2011, has an approval rating of 81%, according to the latest release from consultants Sensus. (more…)
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