Centre-right Maltese lawmaker Roberta Metsola, chosen Tuesday as only the third woman to head the European Parliament, is viewed as a political moderate despite controversy over her anti-abortion stance. Elected on the day she turns 43, the politician from the European Union's smallest nation becomes the youngest president ever to run the chamber.She takes over at a time of mourning for the legislature as it marks the sudden death last week of its speaker David Sassoli.Metsola, a member of the biggest parliamentary bloc, the European People's Party, was already the frontrunner to replace the center-left Italian parliament chief under a deal struck by the main political groupings.She is no stranger to the EU's byzantine corridors of power after serving as Sassoli's top vice president of the chamber."I think we have a convincing candidate: young, female, from a small country," Manfred Weber, the EPP's parliamentary chief, said.Metsola's career has been intertwined with her Mediterranean homeland's membership of the EU -- and her rise to a job usually dominated by lawmakers from bigger powers could help shine the spotlight on often overlooked countries.As a student, she campaigned for the successful "Yes" vote when Malta decided to join the EU in 2003. She then headed to the elite College of Europe in Bruges that turned out Eurocrats, and went on to work in Brussels.She was eventually elected as an MEP on her third try, in 2013, on the ticket of Malta's Nationalist Party."It took me almost 10 years to become a member of the European Parliament. I could have given up," the mother of four sons wrote. MEPs had been expected to elect Metsola as president despite her anti-abortion stanceBut Metsola has insisted she would put her personal stance to one side and represent the majority view of the parliament as president. "On sexual and reproductive health and rights, the position of the European Parliament is clear," Metsola told the newspaper Malta Today."As president of the Parliament my duty is to represent the view of the Parliament and if I am elected, I will do my duty as I have always done."(AFP)SourceWires,News. “France 24.” France 24, www.france24.com, 18 January. 2022, https://www.france24.com/en/news-wires. Picture @Reuteurs

We believe that the most important tool you can receive to ensure your success in today's local and global society is a higher education from a reputable university. Education lessens the challenges you will face in life. The more knowledge you gain, the more opportunities for individuals to advance their careers and personal growth will become available. Higher education in Portugal is aligned with that of the rest of Europe, with Portuguese Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorates being equivalent across the continent. Portugal, like the rest of the world, distinguishes between research-oriented universities and more practice-oriented polytechnics. The majority of courses are taught in Portuguese, but an increasing number of courses are taught in English, particularly at the Master's level. Here are the top 8 Universities of 2022 in Portugal, Based on The World University Ranking. Statistic Source 1. Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Catholic University of PortugalThe Universidade Católica Portuguesa, established by Holy See decree in 1967, is a Higher Education Institution based on the core values of humanism, with an international vocation, with the goal of promoting qualified education and integral formation, reference knowledge and research, and innovation at the service of the common good. 2. Universidade NOVA de Lisboa / Nova Univerity of LisboaThe Universidade NOVA de Lisboa was established on August 11, 1973, and is the youngest of Lisbon's three state universities. Integrated within a framework of higher education expansion and diversification, the University adopted a new model within the Portuguese system that emphasized interdisciplinary approaches and technological developments while also safeguarding offerings in traditional academic domains such as medicine, sciences, and humanities. 3. Universidade De Porto / University of PortoThe University of Porto, founded in 1911, is a model institution for higher education and scientific research in Portugal. The University of Porto combines high-quality education focused on individual vocations and talents as well as market needs with the claim of being Portugal's greatest scientific birthplace. It is committed to transforming the talent and innovation of its 14 faculties, one business school, and more than 50 research centers into social assets. The University of Porto has the richest academic community in Portugal, attracting the country's top students, a highly qualified scientific and teaching staff, and an increasing number of international students, teachers, and researchers. Its fully equipped campus, which is embedded within the city, ensures an optimal academic, scientific, social, and cultural experience. 4. Universidade De Lisboa (Ulisboa) / University of LisboaUniversidade de Lisboa (ULisboa) is Portugal's largest and most prestigious university, as well as one of Europe's leading research institutions. ULisboa was founded in July 2013, following the merger of the former Universidade Técnica de Lisboa and Universidade de Lisboa. It is the heir to a university tradition that dates back seven centuries. 5. Universidade Beira Interior (UBI) / University Beira InteriorNowadays, UBI is a national and international reference institution, in the spheres of education, research, innovation and entrepreneurship.  More and more concerned about quality, UBI has invested in the creation of well-equipped laboratories, in the expansion of its facilities, in the involvement in research projects of national and international scope, and in a qualified teaching staff. Two of the hallmarks of this University are the provision of laboratories in all teaching areas and teacher-student proximity education. With approximately 7000 students, this institution has now more than 29 undergraduate or master courses, about 40 2nd cycle/master courses and about 25 3rd cycle/doctorate courses, distributed by its five faculties: Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty of Arts and Letters and Faculty of Health Sciences. Currently, in terms of human resources, UBI has more than 600 teachers and 270 employees throughout its five faculties and services.  6. Universidade de Coimbra / University of CoimbraBy signing “Scientiae Thesaurus Mirabilis”, King Denis created the oldest university of the country and one of the oldest in the world. Dated from 1290, the document originated the General Study, recognized in the same year by Pope Nicholas IV. A century after the birth of the nation, the University of Coimbra germinated. It started operating in Lisbon but, in 1308, it was transferred to Coimbra, alternating between the two cities until 1537, when it settled in the city of river Mondego. Initially confined to the Royal Palace, the University spread throughout the city of Coimbra, while modifying its landscape and making it the University City. It later enlarged with the creation of a second Campus, dedicated to Engineering and Technology, and with a third Campus devoted to Health Sciences. To study at the University of Coimbra is to pursue the intellectual history of the country in the school that graduated some of the most distinguished personalities of national culture, science and politics. 7. ISCTE De Lisbon / University Institute of Lisbon The ISCTE - University Institute of Lisbon was founded in 1972 as one of Portugal’s first modern universities, with the central aim of studying labor and social dynamics in a rapidly changing world. Since its establishment, the university has expanded its disciplinary reach into four schools: ISCTE Business School, the School of Sociology and Public Policy, the School of Technology and Architecture and the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. 8. University of Algarve / University of Algarve The University of Algarve is a unique institution. First of all, as it is the only Portuguese university created by the Law of the Assembly of the Republic, having received unanimous approval from Parliament. The Academy is recognized for the quality of its teaching in several fields, namely in the areas of Health Sciences and Technologies; Economy, Management and Tourism; Social and Education Sciences; and Exact and Natural Sciences, also standing out at the international level in various rankings. These are the Top 8 Universities in Portugal, as Portugal offers residence by investment, which entitles you to the same benefits as a Portuguese resident, including access to educational facilities throughout the country. To learn more about Portugal Residency by Investment, click here. Statistic Source : https://www.timeshighereducation.com/ Banner Image by Henrique via UnplashPosted By Derry Khudlori

TALISKER WHISKY ATLANTIC CHALLENGE:ARRIVING IN ANTIGUA IN JANUARY 2022 An adventure that will take participants over 4,800 kilometers (2,600 nautical miles) west from San Sebastián in La Gomera, Canary Islands (28oN 18oW) to Nelson's Dockyard English Harbor, Antigua and Barbuda (17oN 61oW). The annual race kicks off in early December, with up to thirty teams from all over the world competing. The race structure creates an environment in which teams from all over the world congregate in the race village of San Sebastián on the Canary Islands' La Gomera. The energy is palpable as people help one another prepare for the challenge of crossing the Atlantic Ocean. All with the same goal in mind: rowing across an ocean in a rowing boat. WORLD CUP FOR UNDER 19 MEN'S CRICKET: 14 JANUARY – 5 FEBRUARY 2022 For the first time, the West Indies will host the 14th edition of the ICC Under 19 Men's Cricket World Cup. The event, which showcases the game's future stars, will see sixteen teams travel to the Caribbean to compete in 48 matches across four host countries from 14 January to 5 February. The Super League will be held in Antigua and Barbuda from January 26 to February 5, 2022, at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium and Coolidge Cricket Grounds. The "Super League" round will include four quarterfinals, two semi-finals, the final, and seven other games to determine teams for positions three through eight. The semi-finals will be held on 1 February at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium and on 2 February at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. The final will also be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium on February 5th. For more information, visit www.icc-cricket.com/home-page.   TEST SERIES BETWEEN WEST INDIES AND ENGLAND, ANTIGUA TEST MATCH, 8-12 MARCH 2022 The West Indies will host England for a three-match Test Series to compete for the newly created Richards-Botham Trophy. This new trophy honors two cricket legends, Sir Vivian Richards of Antigua and Barbuda and Lord Ian Botham of England, whose friendship and on-field heroics became synonymous with some of their respective teams' greatest Test match moments. The highly anticipated Test series will begin on March 8, 2022, at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua. CWI has also confirmed that fully vaccinated England fans will be welcomed throughout the tour. More information can be found at www.windiescricket.com/updates.   THE ANTIGUA & BARBUDA INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD ON APRIL 18, 2022. The skies will be filled with colorful and traditional home-made kites during this festival, as the young and young at heart participate in this Easter Monday tradition. Hundreds of kite-flyers gather at Devil's Bridge National Park during the peak of the windy season for this fantastic family-friendly festival. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/CPKites.   2022 ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK 30 APRIL – 6 MAY  Antigua Sailing Week, one of the Caribbean's most prestigious regattas, takes place each year at the end of April. A diverse group of sailors from all over the world are looking forward to a grand return to action at the Caribbean's oldest, premier regatta. The 53rd edition will begin on Saturday, April 30, 2022, with the Peters & May Round Antigua Race. Following that, there will be five days of competitive racing off Antigua's rugged south coast, which will conclude on Friday, May 6, 2022. More information can be found at www.sailingweek.com. Source : https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/Visit Antigua & Barbuda. 2022, Banner Image by Rick Jemison via Unplash | Posted By Derry Khudlori

On October 31, 2021 Indonesia officially became the presidency to the Group of Twenty (G20) since Italy (as the G20 Presidency of 2021) handed over the presidency to Indonesia in Rome, Italy. Indonesia will become the presidency of G20 for a full year in 2022, beginning on December 1, 2021. The theme of the G20 presidency is "Recover Together, Recover Stronger." Indonesia, through this theme, invites the entire world to work together to achieve a stronger and more sustainable recovery. The more integrated the global economy, the more successful a country's response to the pandemic and economic recovery will be if it is not followed by similar success in other countries. Indonesia has the opportunity to encourage the world's collective efforts through the G20 forum. Three big benefits for Indonesia by becoming the G20 Presidency, namely the economic benefits, social and political development. From an economic point of view, some direct benefits projected to be achieved by becoming the G20 Presidency (especially if meetings are carried out physically) The G20's True Authentic Roles Handling the Global Financial Crisis of 2008One of the G20's most notable achievements was its assistance in overcoming the 2008 global financial crisis. The G20 has also altered the face of global financial governance by launching large-scale coordinated fiscal and monetary stimulus packages. The G20 also encourages the IMF and other major development banks to increase their borrowing capacity. The G20 is credited with getting the world back on track for growth, as well as pushing for important financial reforms. Taxation Policy.The G20 has prompted the OECD to advance the exchange of tax-related data. The G20 produced the precursor to the OECD's Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) report in 2012, which was later finalized in 2015. Currently, 139 countries and jurisdictions are cooperating to combat tax evasion through BEPS. Contribution to the control of the global epidemic Covid-19. Deferral of foreign debt payments for low-income countries, injection of Covid-19 handling of more than $5 trillion USD (Riyadh Declaration), reduction/abolition of import duties and taxes, reduced duties on vaccines, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, medical devices, and drugs are among G20 initiatives in dealing with the pandemic. Other Issues.G20 also has important role on other international issues, including international trading, climate, and development. On 2016 a new collective principle which related to international investment. G20 also has support the political movement which had peaking on the Paris Agreement on Climate change on 2015. And the 2030 agenda for sustainable development. The three major issues that will be addressed during Indonesia's G20 presidency are as follows Global Health Architecture Economic and digital transformation Energy Transition The following are the pillars of Indonesia's G20 presidency in 2022: Strengthen the partnership environment. Enhance productivity. Increase the durability and reliability. Ensure long-term, inclusive growth. Strengthen the global collective leadership. Finance Track Priority Agenda of Indonesian G20 Presidency in 2022: Exit Strategy to Support RecoveryDiscussing how G20 will protect member countries on the road to economic recovery (particularly developing economies) from the spillover effect of exit policies in countries further along their economic recovery journey (typically advanced economies). Addressing the Scarring Effect to Secure Future GrowthAddressing the scarring effect of the crisis to increase productivity and growth in the long term, while paying due attention to the labour market, households, corporate sector and financial sector. Payment System in Digital EraStandardising cross-border payments (CBP) as well as the General Principles for Developing CBDC. Sustainable FinanceDiscussing climate risk and the risk of transitioning towards a low carbon economy as well as sustainable finance from a macroeconomic and financial stability perspective. Digital Financial InclusionUtilising open banking to increase productivity, as well as support the economy and financial inclusion for underserved communities, such as women, young people and MSMEs, including cross-border aspects. International TaxationDiscussing international taxation, particularly implementation of the joint OECD/G20 inclusive framework on tax planning strategies known as Base Erosion and Profit Sharing (BEPS). The members of the G20 are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union. Spain is also invited as a permanent guest. The Summit meeting will be take place in Bali, by November 2022. Source:Presidensi G20 Indonesia 2022,https://www.bi.go.id/id/G20/Default.aspx#sejarah-pendirian.Translated and Posted By Derry Khudlori