This past year full of safety measures and different types of lockdowns has been hard on everyone. If you’re an adventurous person, you may have felt like you’re missing out on so much. Unfortunately, that was probably true. However, as soon as the risk of the pandemic gets lower, you should already be ready to start travelling again. If you lack inspiration when it comes to deciding where you should go next, worry not. Here are some of the most interesting ideas if you want your next travel to be the adventure of your life.
Category: Europe
Bruno Le Maire: “One of the Best Motorway Networks in the World” – The Strength of the French Model
Large infrastructure projects, such as the construction of motorways, can take many years to complete and can have costs reaching into the billions. It is this scale that demands efficient models for their completion. Public-private partnerships are a versatile mechanism for directing private investment and expertise at national projects, bringing them about at much reduced cost to taxpayers.
Tea and Technology – London to Be Reinvented as Technology Start-up Hub
London’s tech industry as a whole is booming beyond belief. The sector has shown relentlessness in its pursuit of innovation which has seen new sectors emerge and old ones transform, adopting a more contemporary way of working. The tech companies in London have, together, driven growth into the industry whilst creating jobs.
Russia, US Geopolitical and Spy Games
The relationship between the US and Russia continues to be tense. At present, there are multiple spy games that are taking place between a myriad of nations. Furthermore, Russia and the US have made provocative statements and proposals pertaining the retaliatory sanctions. In addition,
Bulgaria accused the Kremlin of being involved in the explosions at the military depots in Bulgaria. Bulgaria also expelled an employee of the Russian Embassy in Sofia. At the same time, the Bulgarian officials appealed to the Russian government to aid in the investigation into the explosions. Maybe they want to trap the Russians into participating in the investigation.
Post-Brexit Alchemy – How the UK Seizes Opportunity
Brexit was prophesied as a disaster, but Britain is sitting rather comfortably in the new European order. The United Kingdom’s (UK) withdrawal negotiations with the European Union (EU) were arduous, to say the least. Talks were characterised by intransience from Brussels and sheer immovability from the UK’s unflappable chief negotiator, David Frost. But an eleventh-hour agreement now outlines future EU-UK relations and Britain has reason to be pleased.
US and Russia Geopolitics – Will There Be War in Donbas?
The tensions continue to escalate in the Donbas region. The US controls the policy of the Ukrainian authorities, hence no other country in the world has direct influence on the Ukrainian government, but the US administration. Furthermore, the United States and the United Kingdom declared their full support of the Ukraine.
4 Persuasive Statements That Overcome Clients’ Objections
Clients’ objections are mainly experienced in sales, including in health-related industries. Objections feature statements or questions raised by a potential client that signals the client’s reduced interest or relative unwillingness to purchase a product or service. The ability to meritoriously resolve clients’ objections calls for critical skills among businesses.
Unemployment During COVID 19-Widening the Gap Between Rich and Poor
Many changes took place with the pandemic hit. While everyone was dealing with the pandemic to the same level, the virus was affecting younger individuals and those with no solid educational qualifications in a significantly worse way. The Government had to implement social assistance and risk-sharing mechanisms to safeguard the vulnerable from future economic hardships.
Okonjo-Iweala Proclaims WTO Must Change
The Nigerian top economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Monday during her first speech as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) assured that the institution cannot continue to function in the same way as it has been up to now and must streamline its procedures and offer results if it wants to return to being an internationally relevant institution.
US — EU Sanction Russian Government Officials Over the Arrest of Alexei Navalny
The United States and the European Union jointly announced on Tuesday sanctions against senior Russian government officials in the case of opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was arrested and jailed upon arrival in Moscow in January after being poisoned last year and seeking treatment in Germany.
Russia — Putin Keeping Very Close Watch On Navalny
Alexei Navalny, arrived Sunday in a region 200 kilometers east of Moscow to be admitted to a prison where he will serve his sentence. The Moscow public surveillance commission said in a statement that Alexei Navalny had been moved to an establishment of the Russian penitentiary services in the Vladimir region.
Ukraine — The Donbass War 2.0
The outcome of the Minsk talks will be war. This week the situation deteriorated in the Donbass region. The Minsk Protocol is essentially a tool to stop the open confrontation between Donbass and Ukraine. However, the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) is preparing for war and clearly Russia will be backing the endeavor.
6G Technology, the Race for Telecommunication Dominance
The battle for 6G is already intensifying, although this communication standard remains purely theoretical, but it highlights how geopolitics is fueling the technological rivalry, especially between the US and China. However, it is highly likely the 6G technology will not be available until 2030.
European Central Bank Says Go Into Debt
News sources reported that Yannis Stournaras, a member of the European Central Bank Management Committee and Governor of the Central Bank of Greece, said that the European Central Bank should increase its debt purchases to cope with rising borrowing costs.
Khashoggi — Assassins Used Saudi Seized Planes
The Saudi assassination squad that traveled to Istanbul and killed and dismembered journalist Jamal Khashoggi arrived in Turkey using two private planes that belong to the Saudi monarchy. The information is courtesy of top secret documents obtained by CNN, as part of a Canadian civil lawsuit.
Standard Chartered Misses Profits, Resumes Dividends
Standard Chartered Group announced that as of the end of December last year, its statutory profit before tax was $2.51 billion, down 56.56% year-on-year. This fell short of analysts’ estimates of $2.55 billion. The group resumed its dividend and paid a final dividend of 9 cents per share.
EU Imposes New Sanctions on Venezuela, Russia
The European Union on Monday approved new sanctions against Venezuela and added 19 officials in the government of President Nicolás Maduro to its list of people subject to restrictive measures for their role in “acts and decisions that threaten democracy” in the country after the fraudulent elections held in December.
HSBC Exits U.S. Retail Banking Business
HSBC Holdings will announce its 2020 annual results on Tuesday, and the investment community is concerned about the results of its strategic review. The British Financial Times quoted a person familiar with the matter as saying that HSBC will revisit its “pivot to Asia” business strategy and withdraw from retail banking in the United States.
Russia — Putin Focuses A Full Day of Negotiation with Lukashenko
The president of Russia Vladimir Putin and the president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko will hold the talks in Sochi this week. The talks are on the eve of the February 23rd, which traditionally is the holiday that honors men in Russia. Lukashenko arrived in Sochi well an advance and this is the first time, Lukashenko left Belarus after the beginning of the protests.
Russia — Judge Sentences Navalny Despite European Court of Human Rights Appeal
Russia has decided that Vladimir Putin’s main rival, Alexei Navalny should remain behind bars. International pressure and the request of the European Court of Human Rights that the politician be set free with immediate effect apparently fell on deaf ears as the Putin led administration failed to be convinced to free the Russian firebrand opposition politician.
Alabama — Politician Encourages Amazon Workers to Unionize
Alabama’s Amazon warehouse workers have gotten a boost in their bid to unionize. Stacey Abrams, a Georgia democrat has encouraged the workers to vote to join the union. On a video posted on Saturday, the leader called on the workers to form a union so that they make their jobs more ‘secure, safer and stronger.’
Russia — ‘NATO Threat to Whole World’
The Russian Gosduma made a statement pertaining the NATO actions, which pose political and military threats not only to Russia, but also to the whole world. Moscow naturally wants to weaken the alliance. The statement was made by the First Deputy Head of the State Duma Committee on the International Affairs Dmitry Novikov.
UK — Amazon Accused of Treating Workers Unfairly
The Bureau of Investigative Journalism has decried this move adding that the employees have been treated as disposable labor and have been left with a struggle to clear their bills. It also said that workers received fewer shifts than what was indicated in the advertisement.
Harry and Meghan Family Divorce
Buckingham Palace announced following Harry’s confirmation to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, that he and Meghan would formally and finally step away from their royal duties just weeks before a 12-month trial separation was set to end.
Russian Opposition Locked Away
On February 20th, Alexey Navalny had two court hearings. Alexey Navalny returned to Russia in January 2021 and has been detained at the Moscow airport. Subsequently, he was given a prison sentence of the 2.8 years. Navalny legal team appealed the sentence and on February 20th, his appeal was heard.
6 Best Cruises Around the World for a Memorable Journey
Are you ready to sail the waters and indulge in the new cruising adventure? Exploring the world on a cruise ship is the best way to get around and get to know the culture and country. You’re comfortably sitting on the deck with the mild wind blowing in your face while having the perfect sight of the buildings and people on the land.
The “Buy-In” Strengthens Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin, the most popular and valued cryptocurrency, continues to break records. on Friday, it passed the high threshold of $ 1 trillion in capitalization, according to data from CoinMarketCap. The valuation of the cryptocurrency also exceeded $54,000, continuing the rise at the highest levels ever.
Russian’s Third Vaccine Utilizes Whole Virus
Russia registered third coronavirus vaccine. Coronavirus continues to be a serious barrier for the world economies. Currently, there over 111 million infected and over 2.4 million deaths around the globe. The new vaccine was developed by the Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences.
German Russian Dual Citizen Charged Treason
Russia announced Demuri Voronin has been charged with treason. Voronin is a dual citizen of Russia and Germany. It would be imperative for Germany to take a pro active approach to aid him. Clearly, the Russian citizen Alexei Navalny was aided by Germany, including providing him with the German security services proaction, during Navalny stay in Germany.
Coronavirus — Sputnik V Gaining Popularity
The Coronavirus pandemic continues to be at the forefront of major news around the globe. Currently, there are over 110 million cases and over 2.4 million deaths around the world. The Russian Sputnik V vaccine is becoming very popular in Latin America and the demand for the vaccine continues to increase.
Uber Eats It – Drivers are Employees, UK Court Rules
Uber must consider its drivers in the United Kingdom as employees, and not as independent contractors, the country’s Supreme Court ruled on Friday. The ruling dismisses an appeal by the company against a previous ruling, noting that Uber sets ride rates and exerts significant control over the drivers who use the app.
UK — January Retail Sales Worse than Expected
The United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics announced that retail sales in the United Kingdom decreased by 8.2% month-on-month in January, which is expected to decrease by 2.5%. The year-on-year decrease is 5.9%, which is expected to decrease by 1.3%. During the period, retail sales excluding energy decreased by 8.8% month-on-month.
Eurozone’s February Manufacturing PMI Beats Expectations
IHS Markit announced that the initial value of the Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for the manufacturing industry in the Eurozone in February was 57.7, and the expected value is 54.3. During the period, the initial value of the service industry PMI was 44.7, and the expected value was 45.9.
Could Russia Lose Belarus?
The President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, and the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, have a scheduled meeting in Sochi next week. It is expected that the talks will include discussions regarding the financial and economic spheres. There is also a possibility to unify the credit operations between Russia and Belarus.
France: No Plans to Withdraw from Sahel
The French President Emmanuel Macron has said that France has no intention of withdrawing its troops in the Sahel region. This move is aimed at continual fight against militants in the region, who have continued to wreak havoc. The French troops have been in the country for eight years in an operation that has seen 55 troops killed.
Zero Stars — France Fines Google Over Hotel Ratings
The General Directorate for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) in France has fined Google over €1.1 million after finding that the search engine company had committed breaches of data protection rules in its search results. In 2021, the European Court of Justice ruled that Google misled users when it came to hotel star rating systems.
Updates on the European Union and Russia
Last week, very strong statements were made by the Kremlin regarding the possibility of ending all ties with the European Union. The tensions between Russia and the European Union are ongoing. Nevertheless, the recent events with Alexey Navalny, and the response by the West, is pushing Russia too far.
France, Sahel Countries to Hold Virtual Summit
The heads of states of the G5 Sahel region are scheduled to take part in a two-day summit to be held in Chad. The main aim of the meeting is to discuss the fight against armed groups in the region. The G5 Sahel countries include Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Niger.
Turkey — Propaganda Machine at Work
The president of Turkey Recep Erdogan is actively pushing his agenda and falsely claiming that Turkey has geopolitical, economic, scientific and technical prospects. The PR machine constantly produces “new” publications and social media posts to cater to the wide range of audience.
Russia — Putin May Disable Foreign Internet Service Providers and Social Media
The Russian president Vladimir Putin stated on February 14th that he does not rule out disabling all foreign internet service providers and the social media. The measures could come into effect, if there will be disguised attacks on Russia and the new sanctions.
Putin — West Is Using Navalny As “Containment Policy”
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday accused Western countries of using the country’s currently imprisoned opposition politician, Alexeï Navalny as part of Russia’s “containment policy.” “The stronger we become, the stronger the containment policy”, he argued.
The Hague —Karim Khan Elected ICC Chief Prosecutor
A majority of the 72 signatory countries of the Rome Statute on Friday elected the British Karim Khan as the new chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court ( ICC ) to replace Fatou Bensouda, who took office in 2012. The new chief prosecutor will be the third to hold this position in the history of the organization.
EU — Russia Threatens to Cut Ties if New Sanctions
Russia threatened to break ties with the European Union on Friday if it dares slam it with new sanctions. The Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, assured that Moscow is ready to break relations with Brussels if the umbrella body, comprising of 27 member states, introduces new sanctions that cause risks in sensitive sectors of the Russian economy.
Disney Takes Substantial Hit, Still Profitable
Disney’s performance in the last quarter was unexpectedly profitable. In the first quarter of this fiscal year, it recorded a profit of $17 million, a year-on-year decrease of 99%. After deducting special items, the profit per share was 32 cents, which was better than the market’s expected loss of 41 cents.
UK Economy Suffers Worst Contraction Since 1709
The United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics announced that last year’s gross domestic product (GDP) contracted by 9.9%, the biggest decline in recent records. In the fourth quarter of last year alone, it recorded a quarter-on-quarter growth of 1% to avoid falling into a technical recession again.
Everything You Need to Know About Elevator Shoes
Elevator shoes are shoes that have a thicker section of the insole around the heel. This thickened section of the insole helps the wearer appear anywhere from two to five inches taller.
One of the most popular brands of elevator shoes is guidomaggi, an Italian luxury brand that was founded by Emanuele Briganti. Briganti’s passion for men’s fashion led him to create a high quality elevator shoe.
5 Ways Brexit Has Impacted British Imports and Exports to the EU
Ever since the UK voted to leave the EU in June 2016, British businesses have had to deal with many uncertainties. Even as Brexit drew closer, there was little indication of what form it would take, or how trade would be affected.
A withdrawal agreement which kept the UK within the EU’s single market until 31st December 2020 prevented new regulations being created during this time, and a post-Brexit trade deal was finally struck by EU and UK negotiators on December 24th 2020.
Volkswagen, Microsoft Team Up on Self-Driving Cars
German car manufacturer Volkswagen AG announced that it will further strengthen the development of autonomous driving solutions, expand cooperation with Microsoft in cloud technology, and use its computing and data functions to provide autonomous driving experiences faster worldwide.
EU Lowers Growth Forecast in Eurozone
The European Union lowered the economic growth rate of the Eurozone this year to 3.8%, which was previously expected to rise 4.2%. Among them, the economy is expected to contract by 0.9% year-on-year in the first quarter. The EU pointed out that the current risk is still quite high.
English
Amharic
Arabic
Armenian
Azerbaijani
Belarusian
Bengali
Bulgarian
Chichewa
Chinese (Simplified)
Chinese (Traditional)
Croatian
Czech
Danish
Dutch
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
French
Georgian
German
Greek
Gujarati
Hausa
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Javanese
Kazakh
Korean
Kurdish (Kurmanji)
Kyrgyz
Lao
Lithuanian
Luxembourgish
Macedonian
Malay
Malayalam
Marathi
Mongolian
Myanmar (Burmese)
Nepali
Norwegian
Pashto
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Punjabi
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Sindhi
Slovak
Slovenian
Somali
Spanish
Sudanese
Swahili
Swedish
Tajik
Tamil
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukrainian
Urdu
Uzbek
Vietnamese
Yoruba