Saudi Arabia Revealed As 2034 FIFA World Cup Hosts

Dec 13 2024

Saudi Arabia has officially been confirmed as the host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup, following FIFA’s announcement during a virtual congress led by President Gianni Infantino.

This comes after the decision to host the 2030 World Cup across six nations: Morocco, Portugal, and Spain as primary hosts, with Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina each staging one opening match to celebrate the tournament’s 100th anniversary.

Infantino emphasised the global reach of the 2030 tournament, calling it a unique way to honour a century of World Cup history with 48 teams and 104 matches across three continents. The opening match will take place in Montevideo, Uruguay.

For 2034, Saudi Arabia was the sole bidder, and its selection was met with applause from over 200 FIFA member federations. Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud hailed the decision as a “historic moment” for the Kingdom, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 transformation agenda.

However, the announcement has drawn criticism from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, which accused FIFA of failing to ensure proper human rights protections.

Steve Cockburn from Amnesty warned that the decision could endanger lives, while Saudi Arabia denied the allegations, asserting its commitment to national security and reform.

The 2034 World Cup marks another milestone in Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on the global stage.

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Honoring Malta’s Heroes: A Republic Day

Dec 13 2024

This Republic Day, Malta paid tribute to individuals who made a lasting impact on the nation. The ceremony at the Grandmaster’s Palace in Valletta recognized 20 individuals and one organization for their remarkable contributions.

Among those honored were Jake Vella, Karl Gouder, and Lorenzo Vella, who were awarded the ‘Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika’. President Myriam Spiteri Debono presented these awards to their families as a mark of respect and gratitude.

Jake Vella was just 15 when he passed away in August. Despite suffering from ROHHAD, a rare and life-threatening condition, Jake lived with extraordinary courage and kindness. He inspired many through his efforts to overcome his challenges. Jake also used his time to help others, raising money for abandoned animals and organizing swimming challenges.

Lorenzo Vella, a respected diplomat, passed away at 43 after a short illness. He dedicated his career to representing Malta abroad, serving as the head of Malta’s European Commission Representation. Lorenzo was admired for his professionalism, leadership, and commitment to strengthening Malta’s position on the international stage.

Karl Gouder, a former Nationalist MP and mayor of St Julian’s, died in September at the age of 45. He was known for his dedication to public service and his vision of unity and progress. As a media leader and politician, Karl worked tirelessly to bring people together and support the community he loved.

The ceremony also celebrated cultural icons like veteran actor Narcy Calamatta and poet Daniel Massa, whose contributions continue to inspire. The strength that these individuals gave still help inspire us to build Malta’s identity to this day.

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Elon Musk Becomes First Ever Person To Reach $400 Billion Net Worth

Dec 13 2024

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, continues to shatter records, becoming the first individual to achieve a net worth of $400 billion, according to Bloomberg.

The Billionaires Index reveals Musk’s fortune surged by 77% after the November elections, reaching an unprecedented $447 billion—exceeding the combined net worth of Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates.

Bloomberg also reported a valuation spike for Musk’s rocket company, SpaceX, now valued at approximately $350 billion.

Since early 2024, Musk has added an astounding $218 billion to his fortune.

His $100 million investment in social media platform X, now a major outlet for President-elect Donald Trump, has positioned Musk as a key political player with direct influence over the White House.

With billions in federal contracts awarded to his companies, including Tesla and SpaceX, Musk’s influence over U.S. policy continues to grow, cementing his dominance in the billionaire rankings.

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President Myriam Spiteri Debono Addresses Malta On 50th Republic Day

Dec 13 2024

In a speech marking Malta’s 50th Republic Day, President Myriam Spiteri Debono commended the nation’s progress while emphasising certain areas for improvement.

She first, acknowledged the contributions of past presidents, highlighting their roles in shaping Malta’s political landscape.

The President stressed the importance of consensus and collaboration for progress, exemplified by the establishment of local councils and electoral reforms. However, she noted that more needs to be done regarding the effectiveness of local councils and their coordination with central authorities.

To strengthen democratic institutions, the President called for increased scrutiny of governance and ethical behavior, particularly among members of Parliament. She advocated for examining the feasibility of full-time parliamentarians and addressing political party financing to ensure ethical governance.

President Spiteri Debono emphasised the importance of upholding the independence of the judiciary, the Attorney General, and the police, stressing that they must remain free from any form of pressure.

She also highlighted the need to implement recommendations from public inquiries, particularly the Sofia inquiry. Finally, she commended Malta’s achievements in human rights, economic growth, and education, urging continued progress in these areas.

Also present at the annual traditional Republic Day celebrations were Prime Minister Robert Abela, Leader of Opposition Bernard Grech and several other Maltese representaitves.

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