'The Independent'
spoke with travel experts , for their top destinations in , Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asia is home to some
of the most incredible temples
and palaces on the planet.
.
The region is also known for its spectacular
natural beauty and sprawling cities full
of various cultures and traditions.
The region is also known for its spectacular
natural beauty and sprawling cities full
of various cultures and traditions.
Here are the travel experts' top picks:.
Thailand, While known for its natural beauty and famous
white-sand beaches, Bangkok is one of
the most-visited cities in the world.
.
Thailand, While known for its natural beauty and famous
white-sand beaches, Bangkok is one of
the most-visited cities in the world.
.
Near the capital is the ancient city
of Ayutthaya, known for its reliquary
towers and gigantic monasteries.
Near the capital is the ancient city
of Ayutthaya, known for its reliquary
towers and gigantic monasteries.
According to 'The Independent,'
the best time to visit Thailand
is between November and April.
.
Vietnam, Natural attractions include the sand dunes at Mui Ne,
the Marble Mountains and the caves of Phong Nha.
Vietnam, Natural attractions include the sand dunes at Mui Ne,
the Marble Mountains and the caves of Phong Nha.
The biggest cities in Vietnam are Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi
and Da Nang, while Hoi An is known as the 'Venice of
Vietnam' for its canals and well-preserved Ancient Town.
.
The biggest cities in Vietnam are Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi
and Da Nang, while Hoi An is known as the 'Venice of
Vietnam' for its canals and well-preserved Ancient Town.
.
'The Independent' suggests that April
and September offer the best weather,
with lower temperatures and less humidity.
Indonesia, Indonesia consists of roughly 17,500 islands, including Sumatra and Bali.
.
The top destinations, outside of the capital, Jakarta,
and the island of Bali, include Lombok, Bromo
Tengger Semeru and Komodo National Park.
The top destinations, outside of the capital, Jakarta,
and the island of Bali, include Lombok, Bromo
Tengger Semeru and Komodo National Park.
From April to October, Indonesia
has its dry season and welcomes
the most tourists to the country.
The Thailand government has approved a visa extension plan for Indian and Taiwanese tourists for an additional six months in an effort to boost its slow economy... IndiaTimes
The heads of state from Japan, the Philippines, and the United States have jointly expressed "grave concern" regarding China's conduct in the contested South China Sea. Over recent years, Beijing has intensified its presence in this crucial maritime region, leading to heightened tensions, notably with the Philippines. This nation, among others in Southeast Asia, asserts territorial claims over portions of the sea adjacent to its shores. In response to a recent altercation near Second Thomas Shoal that resulted in injuries to Filipino soldiers and damage to vessels, President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines declared Manila's intention to enact countermeasures against China. The leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States expressed shared concerns over the People's Republic of China's (PRC) provocative actions in the South China Sea during the inaugural summit held in Washington, DC. This joint statement comes amid escalating tensions in the region.
#SouthChinaSea #China #Japan #Philippines #US #Tensions #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #SecurityConcerns #GeoPolitics
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Boeing Faces, Potential Criminal Charges , Following String of Incidents.
'The Independent' reports that federal officials have
issued a warning to Boeing regarding possible criminal charges due to the airliner's failure to improve safety. .
The government-issued warning comes after
a series of incidents, including two 737 Max
jet crashes within a five-month span. .
One crash occurred in Indonesia in
2018 and another took place in Ethiopia in 2019.
A total of 346 people were
killed in the two crashes.
Following those two crashes,
Boeing agreed to pay $2.5 billion and
make a number of safety improvements.
Feds now accuse Boeing of violating that deal and
claim the company could face further prosecution
following a series of incidents in recent months.
In January, an Alaska Airlines Boeing
737 MAX 9 had a door plug
blow off mid-flight. .
That incident resulted in the FAA
ordering all 171 MAX 9 jets be grounded
while the agency investigated the incident. .
For failing to fulfill completely the terms
of and obligations under the [deferred
prosecution agreement], Boeing is subject
to prosecution by the United States for
any federal criminal violation of which
the United States has knowledge, Department of Justice lawyers
letter to a federal judge, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that a number of whistleblowers
have accused Boeing of cutting corners when it comes to
quality and expertise in exchange for short-term profit.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
5 Tips, for Beginner Cyclists .
1. Safety first.
Look for a helmet that is
lightweight and comfortable.
Safety features like MIPS, multi-directional impact protection system, help protect you from different types of impact. .
2. Be aware of the
traffic environment
and road conditions.
Find a cycling guide to brush up on
road safety awareness, basic road
positioning, observation and anticipation.
3. Download a cycling app. .
A cycling app
can help you
optimize your trip.
'The Independent' recommends Bike Hub
Journey Planner which offers spoken
instructions, multiple routes and a
number of other handy features. .
4. Basic maintenance
is essential.
Most importantly, check
the tire pressure, brake lines,
brake pads and oil the chain. .
A local bike service center
can always help you. .
5. Find a cycling club. .
Finding other experienced cyclists
to ride with is a great way to become
a more competent rider. .
It's time to
hit the road.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
McDonald's Posts , Disappointing Q1 Results , Amid Ongoing Boycotts.
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
The company saw same-store sales rise by
1.9% worldwide between January and March,
below the Wall Street forecast of 2.1%.
Increased menu pricing and delivery demand
saw same-store sales in the U.S. increase by 2.5%.
In international markets, sales fell
by 0.2% for the first time since 2020.
Despite this, McDonald's said the company's revenue
increased 5% to reach $6.17 billion, while net income went
up 7% to $1.93 billion, in-line with Wall Street estimates.
'The Independent' reports that Muslim-majority
markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East
have been boycotting McDonald's for months.
The boycotts started after a McDonald's franchise in
Israel announced in October that it would provide free
meals for Israeli troops amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
In the months since then, the company has tried to limit
the fallout by taking over all 225 McDonald's in the country
with the purchase of Alyonal Limited, its Israeli franchise.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Negotiations on Global Treaty , to End Plastic Pollution , Reach Critical Phase .
'The Independent' reports that negotiators from around
the world have met to discuss what could become
a global treaty meant to end plastic pollution. .
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on
Plastic Pollution has begun agreeing on treaty language
at their fourth of five scheduled plastics summits.
The most ambitious and contentious
idea revolves around limiting how much
plastic can be manufactured globally.
As most plastics are made from fossil fuels
and chemicals, oil and gas exporters
have strongly objected to the limitations, along
with plastic-producing countries and companies.
According to Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical Associations,
the treaty also focuses on recycling and reuse. .
We want to see the treaty
completed. We want to work
with the governments on
implementing it. The private
sector has a role to play, Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical
Associations, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that the Scientistsā
Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty provided
scientific evidence on plastic pollution at
the negotiations.
I heard yesterday that thereās
no data on microplastics,
which is verifiably false:
21,000 publications on micro and
nanoplastics have been published, Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at Sweden's University of Gothenburg who co-leads the coalition, via 'The Independent'.
Ecuador's chief negotiator, Walter Schuldt stressed that
countries present at the negotiation share a common
vision of moving forward in the treaty process.
Because at the end of the day,
weāre talking about the survival
of the future of life, not only
of human life but all sorts
of life on this planet, Walter Schuldt, Ecuador's chief
negotiator, via 'The Independent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, āincluding non-participating
bystanders during last weekās protests.ā.
Googleās aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, āevery single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.ā
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Indonesia's Ibu volcano roared to life on Monday morning, unleashing a dramatic eruption that sent towering columns of thick grey ash soaring several kilometres into the atmosphere, according to reports from the country's volcanology agency. The remote island of Halmahera bore witness to this explosive event, as the volcano erupted at 9:12 am, its fury lasting for approximately five intense minutes. Watch the full story.
#Indonesia #MountIbu #Volcano #Eruption #AshClouds #VolcanicActivity #NaturalDisaster #RingOfFire #MountMerapi #MountRuang #Volcanology #GeologicalHazard #SafetyAlert #EmergencyResponse #DisasterPreparedness
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This Day in History:, US Withdraws From Vietnam.
March 29, 1973.
After eight years of an extremely
unpopular war with North Vietnam,
the last U.S. combat troops left South Vietnam.
Peace talks between the U.S. and communist
North Vietnam had begun in 1968, culminating with
a peace agreement signed in January of 1973.
Provision of the agreement included a
ceasefire throughout Vietnam, the withdrawal
of American troops and the release of POWs.
7,000 U.S. Defense Department civilians
remained in Saigon to assist the South in their
continued efforts against the North.
The remaining U.S. civilians would be airlifted out
of Saigon a year later when the city fell to the North.
58,000 American and an estimated
2 million Vietnamese lives
were lost in the war
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:00Published
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5 shook Indonesia's Java island, causing widespread tremors. Despite the intensity, there was no tsunami alert issued by the BMKG. The USGS reported the quake's depth at 68.3 kilometers (42 miles). Stay updated on the latest seismic activity.
#IndonesiaEarthquake #JavaIsland #Jakarta #JavaEarthquake #JakartaEarthquake #EarthquakeinIndonesia #JokoWidodo #Oneindia
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A magnitude-6.4 earthquake struck near Indonesia's Java island, causing tremors felt in Jakarta and prompting evacuations in another city. No immediate casualties or damage were reported, and no tsunami warnings were issued. Indonesia, situated on the Pacific "Ring of Fire," faces frequent seismic activity. Past quakes, like a 2021 Sulawesi tremor and the 2004 Aceh disaster, highlight the nation's vulnerability and the need for robust disaster preparedness.
#IndonesiaEarthquakes #Indonesia #Aceh #IndonesiaJava #JavaIsland #Earthquakenews #Earthquakeupdates #Worldnews #Indonesianews #Oneindia #Oneindianews
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