The Argentine government has accelerated the processes for the construction of the Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline, with Energía Argentina signing a contract with Tenaris for over $500 million for pipe provision. Enarsa's president, Agustín Gerez, estimates significant savings in import costs once the pipeline is operational by June 20, 2023. The project, announced by President Alberto Fernández, aims to increase gas transport capacity from Vaca Muerta, reducing fuel imports and strengthening supply to Buenos Aires. The funding is secured, with contributions from the Solidarity Contribution and the Energy Secretariat's budget.

Progressive leaders across Latin America celebrated Gustavo Petro's victory in Colombia's presidential election. Argentine President Alberto Fernández, Brazilian ex-president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, Honduran President Xiomara Castro, and Bolivian President Luis Arce all expressed their congratulations and support. They emphasized the historical significance of Petro's win and its potential to strengthen regional unity and democracy.

The National Government has sent a project to the Chamber of Deputies proposing modifications to current money laundering regulations to align with international standards. The initiative aims to update the Penal Code and provide the Financial Information Unit (UIF) with appropriate tools to prevent and combat money laundering, terrorism financing, and the financing of weapons of mass destruction proliferation. The proposal coincides with another project sent to the Deputies to grant autonomy to the UIF, a requirement set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the external debt agreement.

The Colombian gene bank at Palmira, managed by CGIAR affiliates Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, plays a crucial role in preserving agricultural biodiversity. The facility stores 67,000 plant varieties, including beans, cassava, and forages, and has been instrumental in developing pest-resistant and biofortified crops. Advances in genome mapping and gene-editing are enhancing crop resilience to climate change. Despite significant progress, the loss of global crop diversity remains a pressing issue, with 75% lost over the past century. The gene bank's efforts are vital for safeguarding food security and biodiversity.

Rodolfo Hernández, a 77-year-old businessman and former mayor of Bucaramanga, is a controversial and populist candidate in Colombia's presidential elections. Known for his unconventional campaign strategies and strong social media presence, Hernández has garnered significant support in his hometown and the surrounding region. Despite facing corruption allegations and making several public gaffes, his anti-establishment rhetoric and attacks on traditional political elites have resonated with many voters. The upcoming election is expected to be closely contested between Hernández and his leftist opponent, Gustavo Petro.

The article discusses the geopolitical implications of an Iranian-Venezuelan plane detained in Argentina, focusing on the alleged ties of its captain, Gholamreza Ghasemi, to Iran's Quds Force. Paraguayan Intelligence Minister Esteban Aquino confirmed these ties, contradicting statements by Argentine officials. The situation has sparked international concern and criticism from various political figures, including a heated exchange between Argentine presidential spokesperson Gabriela Cerruti and opposition leader Cristian Ritondo. The article also highlights the responses from neighboring countries and Jewish organizations demanding further investigation.

Half a century after his death, the mystery surrounding Chilean poet Pablo Neruda's demise remains unresolved. Allegations suggest he was murdered on the orders of Gen Augusto Pinochet's dictatorship, but forensic investigations have yet to provide a definitive answer. Despite finding traces of a deadly bacterium in his remains, experts caution there is no conclusive proof of foul play. The case continues under the scrutiny of Chilean judicial authorities, with further tests potentially forthcoming.

Guyana's economy has experienced significant growth due to the discovery of offshore oil deposits. President Irfaan Ali emphasizes the urgency of maximizing the benefits from this newfound oil wealth, acknowledging that time is limited for the South American country to capitalize on these resources.

Guyana's President Irfaan Ali discussed the country's efforts to capitalize on its newfound oil wealth amidst global shifts away from fossil fuels. With 11 billion barrels in reserves, Guyana's economy, the fastest-growing in the world, expanded by 62% last year and is projected to grow by 37% this year according to the IMF. Despite favorable growth, Ali acknowledged the challenges posed by climate change commitments and the global energy mix's reliance on oil and gas. He confirmed Guyana's respect for existing contracts with Exxon and expressed confidence in resolving the territorial dispute with Venezuela at the International Court of Justice.

Guyana is rapidly developing its oil and gas reserves, which are among the largest discovered in recent years, positioning the country for significant economic growth. President Irfaan Ali acknowledges the urgency of capitalizing on this wealth amid global efforts to reduce fossil fuel dependence. Despite the potential for economic prosperity, Guyana faces challenges, including a territorial dispute with Venezuela and the need to honor existing contracts with Exxon. The country's economy is growing at an unprecedented rate, with substantial increases in GDP per capita expected.

Guyana is rapidly developing its oil industry to capitalize on its significant reserves, with President Irfaan Ali emphasizing the urgency due to global shifts towards renewable energy. Despite the booming economy and substantial per capita growth, the country faces challenges, including a territorial dispute with Venezuela and criticism over contracts with Exxon. Ali remains confident in Guyana's legal standing and future economic prospects, while acknowledging the ongoing global reliance on fossil fuels.

Miami real estate agencies are seeing an increase in inquiries from Colombian citizens looking to move their money out of the country by investing in properties in the United States. This surge follows the victory of Petro in the recent elections.

Colombians are increasingly looking to Miami real estate as a safe haven for their capital following the election of left-wing president Gustavo Petro. Real estate companies in Miami report a surge in inquiries from Colombians, indicating concerns about Petro's proposed tax policies and restrictions on the hydrocarbon sector. The trend is part of a broader regional capital flight from Latin America. While some wealthy Colombians are moving their money or considering relocation, US companies in Colombia remain committed, citing the country's strong institutions. However, extractive industries like Drummond and ExxonMobil face uncertainty under Petro's administration.

Winter holidays in Argentina for 2022 will be from July 11 to 29, with each province having its own start and end dates. Río Negro, one of the first provinces to start the holidays, offers various destinations for tourists seeking adventure, including Bariloche, Las Grutas, and El Bolsón. The province is divided into four central regions: the Cordillera, the Coast, the Steppe, and the Valley, each offering unique experiences. Highlights include Cipolleti's Cretaceous Valley, El Bolsón's mountain adventures, and Las Grutas' warm coastal waters and beach activities.

The National Social Security Administration (ANSES) will continue its pending payment schedules after the long weekend with holidays on June 17 and 21. Payments for the Universal Child Allowance (AUH), Pregnancy Allowance (AUE), pensions, and other benefits like the Accompany Program will resume on June 22. The second installment of the $9000 IFE 4 bonus will also continue, with payments scheduled according to the last digit of the beneficiaries' DNI. The article provides detailed payment schedules for various benefits affected by the holidays.

The winter solstice of 2022 will occur on Tuesday, June 21, marking the beginning of winter in Argentina and other regions in the Southern Hemisphere. This astronomical event signifies the longest night of the year and the start of the 'dry season.' Historically, the winter solstice has been associated with spiritual rebirth and various cultural celebrations. In Argentina, the winter solstice will occur at 06:13, and the National Festival of the Longest Night is celebrated in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. Winter vacations in Argentina will vary by province, starting either from July 11 to 22 or from July 18 to 29.

The extended weekend in June 2022 in Argentina, which started on Friday the 17th and ended on Monday the 20th, saw 2.3 million people traveling to various tourist destinations across the country. The next public holiday after June 20th will be on Saturday, July 9th, which is the Argentine Independence Day. The following long weekend will be in August, from Saturday the 13th to Monday the 15th. The article also lists the remaining public holidays for 2022 and the most visited destinations during the June extended weekend, with occupancy rates for various regions.

President Joe Biden fell off his bicycle during a ride in Delaware, where he was spending the weekend with his wife, Jill Biden. The incident occurred when Biden stopped to greet neighbors, losing his balance. The Secret Service quickly assisted him, and the White House confirmed he did not require medical attention. The event was captured by journalist Nikki Schwab. Biden also commented on potential tariff reductions on China and expressed satisfaction with a bipartisan gun control bill. The article references past incidents involving Biden, including a previous fall on Air Force One stairs.

Argentina faces a potential hyperinflationary scenario, with inflation rates reaching record highs. The Central Bank has increased interest rates, but analysts remain skeptical about the government's ability to control inflation. The Instituto de Estudios sobre la Realidad Argentina y Latinoamericana (IERAL) warns of similarities to past hyperinflation periods, though it notes that fiscal discipline and international financial support could mitigate risks. The government struggles with low reserves and external shocks, while domestic economic challenges persist, including excessive spending and a stagnant economy.

In the new episode of Aftermarket, hosted by Julián Yosovitch and Andrés Vilella Weisz and sponsored by El Cronista, they discussed the dollar's rally and the adverse context the Argentine Government is facing both locally and internationally with Ramiro Marra, legislator of the City of Buenos Aires and Director of Bull Market Brokers.

The article provides the results of the Quiniela Nacional and Provincia lottery for June 18, 2022. It lists the winning numbers and explains the structure and rules of the lottery, including the concept of 'tope de banca' used to prorate payments when the prize amount exceeds a certain limit. The lottery is described as the most popular game of chance in Argentina, organized and controlled by the lotteries of each province and the City of Buenos Aires.

The Argentine Chamber of Medicinal Specialties (CAEME) emphasized the importance of intellectual property in the development of COVID-19 vaccines, in response to the World Trade Organization's decision to temporarily suspend vaccine patents. CAEME and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) expressed disappointment with the WTO's decision, arguing that intellectual property is not a barrier to vaccine expansion and is essential for innovation and global health security. They highlighted the role of intellectual property in the rapid development and scaling of effective vaccines, with 13.9 billion COVID-19 vaccines produced to date and over 380 voluntary partnerships for vaccine production involving technology transfer.

Gene banks around the world, overseen by CGIAR, are preserving crop biodiversity and developing varieties that can withstand climate change effects such as heat, drought, and flooding. The Svalbard gene bank in Norway, which stores duplicates of all CGIAR seeds, is part of a global effort to safeguard agricultural diversity. Despite successes, gene bankers face a race against time as 75% of global crop diversity has been lost in the past century due to the adoption of genetically uniform high-yielding varieties.

The Argentine Institute of Capital Markets (IAMC) disclosed in a report the stocks that rose and fell the most in May, considering the 24 most traded Argentine deposit certificates (cedear). Advanced Microdevices, Exxon, Tenaris, Citigroup, and Vista Oil & Gas were among the top risers, while Mercado Libre, Twitter, Walmart, Globant, and Barrick Gold saw the most significant declines.

Kate Bush's 1985 song 'Running Up That Hill' has surged in popularity, reaching number one on iTunes downloads, following its feature in Netflix's 'Stranger Things'. The song, from Bush's album 'Hounds of Love', plays during key moments in the show, adding drama and has been given new meaning within the series' context. Originally written to depict the story of a man and a woman from different worlds, the song now resonates with the theme of understanding and avoiding unnecessary suffering.

Argentina and Italy will face each other in the Finalissima at Wembley Stadium, a match that revives the title clash between the champions of America and Europe after 29 years. The historical record between the two teams includes 15 matches, with Italy leading with six wins, Argentina with four, and five draws. Key matches include encounters in World Cups from 1974 to 1990, with notable players like Diego Maradona and significant moments such as penalty shootouts.

The blue dollar began June with a decline, dropping by 1 peso to 203 pesos for buying and 206 pesos for selling, reducing the exchange rate gap to 71% compared to the official wholesale rate and 64% relative to the retail average. The informal exchange rate has shown moderate fluctuations in recent weeks, maintaining relative calm in the currency market. Financial exchange rates remained stable, with the MEP and CCL showing minimal changes. The official retail dollar remained unchanged at 125.25 pesos at Banco Nación and increased slightly to 125.87 pesos on average across financial institutions, while the wholesale rate rose to 120.32 pesos. The Central Bank continues its daily devaluation pace, consistent with previous days, showing an approximate monthly rate of 4% and an annualized rate of 60%.

Ski resorts in Argentina are preparing for a record winter vacation season with significant investments in infrastructure and amenities. Cerro Catedral has implemented a $22 million master plan, including new slopes, lifts, and artificial snow systems. Cerro Bayo has invested $200 million to expand its facilities, while Cerro Chapelco aims to enhance its global reputation with new services and activities. The reactivation of national tourism has led to a surge in winter vacation bookings, with expectations of high occupancy rates.

Rodolfo Hernández, a 77-year-old businessman, has emerged as a significant contender in Colombia's presidential race, securing 28% of the votes in the first round and positioning himself against leftist Gustavo Petro in the runoff. Hernández's rise, marked by his populist approach and social media savvy, contrasts with Petro's established political career. The upcoming election will test both candidates' strategies, with Hernández needing to consolidate right-wing support and Petro aiming to appeal to a broader electorate. Hernández's eclectic policy proposals and a pending corruption trial add complexity to his candidacy.

The upcoming Colombian presidential election, with Gustavo Petro leading in the polls, could significantly alter the political landscape in Latin America. Petro, a former M-19 guerrilla, proposes radical changes to Colombia's economic model and foreign policy, including rethinking the US-Colombia alliance and legalizing the drug trade. His rise is fueled by widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo and a hunger for change among Colombians. If elected, Petro's government would be the most radical in Colombia's modern history, potentially impacting relations with the US and neighboring Venezuela.

In 1980, the M-19 guerrilla movement kidnapped US envoy Diego Asencio and other ambassadors in Bogotá, holding them hostage for two months before releasing them in Cuba. This event was part of the guerrillas' campaign against the Colombian establishment and perceived Yankee imperialism.

Federico Gutiérrez, the leading center-right candidate, urges Colombian business elites to take more action against social inequality to prevent future street protests. He positions himself as the main contender against leftist Gustavo Petro, emphasizing the need for a new model of social consciousness.

Félix Chero was appointed as Peru's justice minister, becoming the 46th minister in President Pedro Castillo's government within eight months, highlighting the frequent ministerial changes in the current administration.

Pedro Castillo's government in Peru is experiencing severe instability, with frequent changes in cabinet positions and high turnover among ministers and advisors. Castillo's inability to maintain a stable government has led to political dysfunction and declining approval ratings. The opposition, particularly from right-wing parties and business elites, has been relentless in its efforts to unseat him, citing incompetence and corruption. The term 'moral incapacity' from the Peruvian constitution has been frequently used as a tool to attempt to remove presidents, contributing to the ongoing political turmoil.

Peru is experiencing severe political instability under President Pedro Castillo, who has made numerous cabinet changes in just eight months. Castillo's government faces criticism for incompetence and corruption, with significant opposition from rightwing parties and the business elite. The political turmoil has led to erratic government policies and declining approval ratings for both the president and congress. Despite the instability, the Peruvian economy remains relatively resilient. The upcoming impeachment vote poses a significant threat to Castillo's presidency, with potential outcomes including his removal, resignation, or continued governance amidst ongoing political strife.

Gustavo Petro, a left-wing candidate, won a decisive victory in Colombia's primary election, positioning him as the frontrunner for the presidential election on May 29th. His coalition, the Historic Pact, also performed well in legislative elections, becoming one of the largest blocs in the next parliament. Petro's policies include winding down the oil industry, land reform, and a wealth tax. He is expected to face multiple challengers, including Sergio Fajardo, Federico Gutiérrez, Ingrid Betancourt, Óscar Iván Zuluaga, and Rodolfo Hernández. If no candidate secures over 50% of the vote in the first round, a run-off will be held on June 19th.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro described recent talks with a US delegation as 'respectful' and 'cordial' amid Washington's consideration of banning Russian energy imports. The discussions are part of a broader effort by the West to find alternatives to Russian oil.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro described recent talks with a US delegation as 'respectful' and 'cordial,' marking the first high-level meeting between the two nations since 2019. The discussions, held in Caracas, focused on energy security as the US seeks alternative oil supplies amid sanctions on Russia. The meeting signals a potential policy shift for the US, which had imposed sanctions on Venezuela under the Trump administration. White House press secretary Jen Psaki confirmed the ongoing talks, emphasizing the need to engage with various energy producers globally.

A high-level US delegation met with Venezuelan officials to explore easing sanctions on Venezuelan oil amid global supply concerns due to the Russia-Ukraine war. This marks a significant policy shift as the US had severed diplomatic ties with President Nicolás Maduro in 2019. The move aims to reduce reliance on Russian oil and potentially increase Venezuelan oil production. The article highlights mixed reactions, including criticism from Republican figures and insights from experts on the potential geopolitical and economic impacts.

Colombia has seen a strong economic recovery from the pandemic downturn, with impressive GDP growth and surges in retail sales and manufacturing output. However, economists warn of persistent structural issues in taxation, pensions, and the labor market. The upcoming presidential elections raise concerns of a potential shift to the left, as frontrunner Gustavo Petro proposes significant policy changes, including a ban on oil exploration. Investors are cautious, and the OECD report underscores the challenges the next government will face, including low tax revenues and poor intergenerational mobility. The central bank has already responded to inflation risks with a significant interest rate hike.

The Administración Federal de Ingresos Públicos (AFIP) has launched a new invoicing system designed to simplify the issuance of tickets and receipts for small taxpayers and social monotributistas. The system can be accessed via mobile devices or computers and allows users to generate invoices in three simple steps. The tool aims to streamline the invoicing process for various trades and small businesses, and it includes features such as the ability to issue credit notes and store invoice history. The initiative also includes a provision for the state to permanently cover the tax component of the monotributo for certain categories.

Ireland, known for its high quality of life, job opportunities, and stunning landscapes, has become a popular destination for Argentinians. The Embassy of Ireland in Argentina has announced new vacancies for the 2022 Working Holiday Visa program, which was previously closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year, 400 spots are available, and the age limit has been exceptionally raised to 37 years. Applicants must meet several requirements, including having sufficient funds, a valid passport, and insurance. The application process involves sending an email to express interest, with the first 200 emails receiving an appointment to apply for the visa.