by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | tourist attractions, tourists, tours, travel destinations, vietnam
In the first three months of this year, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed approximately 1.64 million international tourists, marking an increase of 18.2% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, Hanoi saw 1.85 million overseas visitors, representing a rise of 17%.
Over the same period, according to the HCMC Department of Tourism, the city saw an influx of more than 8.57 million domestic visitors, representing a rise of 6.3% compared to the previous year.
Tourism earnings increased by 26.7% compared to the previous year, reaching VND56.66 trillion (US$2.21 billion), which represents 21.8% of the 2025 target.
The department stated that to keep promoting the city’s attractions and unique tourism offerings, they have collaborated with various enterprises and the People’s Committees of Thu Duc City and different districts to encourage the creation of cross-district tourist experiences.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of national reunification (April 30, 1975–2025), the local tourism industry has initiated various promotional efforts across social media channels. These campaigns aim to unveil an identity kit accompanied by a messaging theme “Discover Your Vibe,” alongside fifty visual graphics featuring prominent landmarks and symbolic sites around the city.
According to a report from the Hanoi Department of Tourism issued on Tuesday, the city saw 7.3 million tourists and generated approximately VND29.93 trillion in income during the first quarter of the year.
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s two most populous urban centers, were listed amongst
Southeast Asia’s safest cities
as reported by the statistics website Numbeo.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | controversies, environmental pollution, environmentalism, soccer, sports
-
FANS HIT OUT AT ‘MOST TERRIBLE NATIONAL ANTHEM PERFORMANCE’ ON OPENING DAY
The
Los Angeles
The Dodgers intended for the spotlight of Opening Day to shine exclusively on their recent World Series win. Nonetheless, demonstrations from supporters targeting team owner Mark Walter marred the event.
Scores of Los Angeles fans gathered outside Dodgers Stadium as part of an organization known as Dodger Fans Against
Fossil Fuels
, objecting to the team’s sponsorship agreement with Phillips 66.
Considered a major oil firm, Phillips 66 possesses the 76 gas stations, known for their promotional presence at Dodger Stadium.
“And what we’re seeing here is just greenwashing,” group co-founder Zan Dubin told the audience.
Los Angeles Times.
It tries to link the positive emotions and memories and loyalty we hold for our cherished champion team with major oil companies, thus normalizing them and making their presence seem insignificant. Obviously, we understand that oils, gases, and fossil fuels play a role in this issue.
climate change
, and we have reached a critical juncture.'”
The scientists are informing us that we’ve entered a phase where certain impacts of climate change will be unstoppable for hundreds of years. Our campaign began last summer in 2024 with an open letter addressed to Mark Walter. This initiative has since garnered signatures from more than 27,000 individuals.
Dubin mentioned that the organization also has backing from California.
Senate
Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez penned a letter to Walter requesting the removal of the sponsorship. Neither the fan group nor Gonzalez has received any response as reported.
My cofounder of the campaign, Lisa Kaas Boyle, isn’t present with us today as she resides in Pacific Palisades. Previously, she lived in Pacific Palisades but had to leave due to losing her house during the LA wildfires. We should remember that experts have confirmed these fires became more severe because of climate change.
We’re here addressing climate change and encouraging the Dodgers to take the correct path. Next year, the World Cup will be held in Los Angeles, where the organizers are backed by Saudi Aramco oil. Additionally, we know that the Olympics are set to arrive in LA soon. My query is: When the Olympics reach LA, will Dodger Stadium stand as an emblem of environmental responsibility, or serve merely as advertising space for major petroleum companies?
More to come.
Read more
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | nuclear energy, nuclear engineering, nuclear power plants, nuclear reactors, power plants
By Albert Oppong-Ansah, GNA
On March 27, Accra – The Ghana News Agency reported that Ghana has chosen the United States and China as suppliers for its initial nuclear power facilities; however, no official agreement has been finalized yet.
NuScale Power based in the United States and Regnum Technology Group, along with their Japanese partners, plan to construct Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Meanwhile, China National Nuclear Corporation will be responsible for building a Large Reactor (LR).
Dr. Stephen Yamoah, the Executive Director of Nuclear Power Ghana, revealed this information to the Ghana News Agency during a media engagement in Accra on Wednesday.
He stated that the LR project will have a capability of 1,200 megawatts, whereas the SMR units will consist of 12 modules with each producing 77 megawatts, amounting to a combined total of 924 megawatts.
Dr. Yamoah stated that the LR would adopt a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) financing approach, including local investment involvement, whereas the funding for the SMRs would be facilitated via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
Ghana has entered into a framework agreement with the suppliers, and specialists are collecting environmental and marine information to identify the site for the facility.
Mr. Archibold Buah-Kwofi, who serves as the Acting Director of the Nuclear Power Institute, emphasized the importance of having reliable and cost-effective power sources for the country’s progress. He pointed out that Ghana’s current energy supply predominantly depends on fossil fuels and hydropower, with only one percent coming from renewable resources.
“We must expedite the implementation of nuclear power to ensure our energy security,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for strong regulatory systems and competent personnel.
It is anticipated that nuclear power will lessen dependence on fossil fuels, alleviate climate change impacts, and improve energy security.
The administration aims to incorporate one gigawatt of nuclear energy into the electricity grid by the year 2034.
The facility will aid in industrialization, offset the reduction in hydraulic resources, reduce electricity rates for businesses, facilitate water desalination, and generate employment opportunities.
The choice of vendors was made after an extensive procedure, beginning with 16 submissions in response to the government’s request.
A technical group, under the guidance of the Energy Ministry, narrowed down the options from five to select the final two.
Ghana’s pursuit of nuclear technology, which was halted due to a coup in the 1960s, was reignited in 2006 with assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Several African countries are aiming for nuclear energy as a solution to their power issues and to boost economic development.
GNA
KAS
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | energy sector, gas prices, motor fuel, oil and fuel prices, petroleum
Drivers can expect to see an increase of around one peso per liter in the selling price of petroleum products over the next week, potentially marking two consecutive weeks of rising fuel charges.
According to global oil trade over the last four days, the projected increases per liter are as follows:
-
Gasoline – ₱0.85 to ₱1.35
-
Diesel – ₱0.75 to ₱1.25
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Kerosene – ₱0.95 to ₱1.10
The Assistant Director of the Oil Industry Management Bureau at the Department of Energy, Rodela Romero, linked the expected increase in fuel prices to several global factors that influenced the sentiment in the petroleum markets.
-
Sanctions imposed by the US on Iran might take away one million barrels per day from worldwide supply.
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Russia and Ukraine keep targeting energy facilities.
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US warning of taxes on countries purchasing Venezuelan petroleum
Petrol companies declare their official pricing changes each Monday, effective from Tuesday onwards.
Starting Tuesday, March 25, local oil firms increased the cost per liter of gasoline by P1.10 along with raising diesel and kerosene rates by P0.40 each.
The recent price changes have resulted in this year’s cumulative adjustment for gasoline and diesel standing at an overall increase of P3.25 per liter. Meanwhile, kerosene has experienced a total year-to-date reduction of P0.30 per liter.
—VAL, GMA Integrated News
This article
Major increase in fuel prices anticipated next week
was originally published in
GMA News Online
.
by admin | Mar 28, 2025 | elections, news, news media, politics, politics and government
MANILA, Philippines
– Over 41,000 aspirants for local offices in the May 12 election will begin their campaigns on Friday.
According to data provided by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), there will be a total of 41,342 contenders vying for positions such as district representative, governor, vice governor, member of the provincial board, mayor, vice mayor, and councilor in the forthcoming elections.
The 45-day campaign period for local candidates will run until May 10.
In light of this, Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia cautioned all contenders on Thursday to adhere rigorously to the established campaign regulations.
READ:
Operation Baklas was stepped up as the election season for local positions approaches.
Where can we typically find campaign posters in Cebu for the 2025 elections?
Local election intensifies as posters are layered one over another – Comelec
To local candidates, always keep in mind the guidelines set by the Comelec,” he stated. “Avoid being obstinate.
According to Comelec Resolution No. 11086, acceptable forms of campaign materials include pamphlets, flyers, cards, decals, stickers, or similar documents where neither dimension exceeds 8 1/2 inches wide nor 14 inches long. Additionally, hand-drawn or printed messages encouraging votes for specific parties or candidates for public positions are permitted. Posters or stands limited to sizes up to 2 feet tall by 3 feet wide, as well as banners measuring a maximum of 3 feet high by 8 feet long when shown during gatherings or rallies at the venue, also comply with these regulations.
Applicants can utilize campaign resources through mobile units and vehicles, be they powered by engines, people, or animals, with or without audio equipment like loudspeakers and lighting fixtures; purchase ads in printed publications or broadcasts; leverage privately-owned outdoor structures such as static posters or LED billboards; employ moving advertisements inside public transportation vehicles; and display signs at their party offices.
Campaign period: Materials
In contrast, individuals aiming to secure positions at the local level are barred from using LED displays situated alongside roads and streets for their promotional materials. They’re also not allowed to use LCD screens mounted on public building walls or comparable equipment managed by local government entities, GOCCs, or governmental departments and offices. Additionally, they cannot utilize motor vehicles employed as police cruisers, emergency response units, or other related functions—vehicles which may belong to local governments, GOCCs, or state-run organizations, especially those with official tags—and this restriction extends to publicly operated transit systems like MRT, LRT, PNR trains, among others.
Additionally, it is deemed unlawful to place election propaganda on waiting sheds, pavements, streets, lampposts, electrical poles and lines, traffic signs, and various billboards installed on state-owned land. This also includes pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, elevated roadways, bridge structures, major arterial roads, median strips of highways and city streets, educational institutions, community shrines, village administrative centers, governmental facilities, healthcare centers, publicly funded constructions, and any building therein. Furthermore, placing such materials inside areas managed by the government and used for public transportation—such as bus depots, airports, harbors, docking points, piers, railway stations, and similar locations—is prohibited.
Political advertisements
According to Comelec regulations, for political ads on TV and radio, each local candidate can broadcast up to 60 minutes of television commercials per channel and up to 90 minutes of radio spots per station.
For every candidate vying for either national or local elective posts, the largest permissible dimensions for their politically themed print ads are restricted to one-quarter of a page in broadsheet format and half a page in tabloid format. Additionally, these adverts may not appear more frequently than thrice weekly within any single newspaper.
Those who participate in outdoor campaign ads are limited to just one month of advertising on either a static or an LED billboard, with these billboards spaced at least 500 meters apart from each other.
Garcia mentioned that he instructed the local Comelec staff to install additional shared poster spaces in their respective zones.
Regarding the conduct of campaign rallies, Garcia stated that aspirants and political organizations must follow guidelines set forth by local government entities, which includes obtaining the required permissions.
“Additionally, ensure that you won’t create disruptions in the streets or lead to major traffic jams,” he said.
The election official stated that those who violate these guidelines will receive notifications that will be sent to the relevant candidates.
“Do not ignore the notifications to take down. This is preliminary to filing a case against you,” Garcia further stated.
(PNA)
