• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) World Food Price Index down0.8%

      According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Price Index in January 2023 recorded 131.2 points, down 0.8% from the previous month (132.2 points). Grain prices rose slightly, but prices fell for all other items.  In January 2023, the grain price index recorded 147.4 points, up 0.1% from 147.3 points in December 2022. Wheat fell in price as production increased compared to expectations in Australia and Russia.Corn prices rose due to strong demand for Brazilian corn and concerns over drought in Argentina, despite the decline in U.S. corn export prices.Rice prices rose on the back of rising domestic demand and the exchange rate in some Asian exporters.  In the case of oil and fat prices, it was 140.4 points, down 2.9% from the previous month (144.6 points). Palm oil prices fell as demand for imports slowed as major importers recently secured large inventories. Soybean oil prices fell due to falling prices of other oils and fats and improved climate conditions in Argentina. The prices of rape seed oil and sunflower seed oil fell as export volume was sufficiently supplied.  In the case of meat, it was 113.6 points, down 0.1% from the previous month (113.7 points). Beef prices fell, especially in Australia and New Zealand, as the supply of cattle for slaughter increased. Despite of the spreading avian influenza, the price of poultry meat fell as the exportable volume of major countries continued to increase. Pork was supplied sufficiently in Brazil and the United States, and China's demand for imports for the Spring Festival was lower than expected, causing prices to fall.  In the case of dairy products, it was 136.2 points, down 1.4% from the previous month (138.2 points). Butter market demand slowed as prices were expected to continue to fall, and prices fell as supply from Australia and New Zealand also increased. Dry whole milk fell in price due to weak demand from major importers and increased supply from New Zealand, and skimmed milk fell due to overall slowing demand. On the other hand, cheese prices rose slightly in Western Europe due to the recovery in demand for dining out and retailing because of the New Year holiday.  In the case of sugar, it was 115.8 points, down 1.1% from the previous month (117.2 points). The main factors were the smooth harvest in Thailand and the improvement in production conditions due to good climate effects in Brazil. However, the drop was not significant because of concerns over low yields in India, rising gasoline prices in Brazil, increased demand for ethanol, and a strong Brazilian real currency.  

• "Spreading fake news, you'll be caught." Criticizing war in Russia leads to "Seven years in prison."

    A district delegate in Moscow, Russia, was sentenced to seven years in prison for criticizing the invasion of Ukraine.  According to the TASS News Agency on the 10th, the Moscow District Court sentenced Alexei Gorinov (60)for spreading false information about the Russian military and undermining the military's trust.  In April, Gorinov was arrested for saying that Russia "must pay silent tribute to the victims" or "act against the neighboring sovereign state" over its invasion of Ukraine.   The charges were 'criticism of special operations' and 'production of fake news'. Russia claims that they are carrying out a "special military operation" rather than invading Ukraine.    Currently, the Russian government is naming the invasion of Ukraine a "special military operation." Since the war began, the government has revised the law to allow anyone who spreads fake newsto face up to 15 years in prison. The act of mass-producing fake news includes opposing the war or criticizing the government.   Gorinov became the first personsentenced to prison under the revised law. But he is not the only one accused of producing fake news after criticizing the invasion of Ukraine.  Opposition politician Ilya Yasin was arrested by police in March after publicly opposing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, saying on his Twitter account, "Russians and Ukrainians should not be killed each other."    Police have also arrested an employee of the broadcasting station who broke into the evening news of Russian state-run broadcaster and opposed the Ukraine's war.  Political commentator Tatiana Stanovaya said authorities were warning opponents.   "The use of the term ‘war’ has become an annoyance to the authorities," he said. "It would be considered an act of terrorism and a long prison term for a political figure like Gorinov to make such a statement."

• Abe shooter, upset over mother’s donations to religious group...Estimation of sole crime

  Yamagami Tetsuya, a suspect who shot and killed former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, was reported to have said, "I killed Abe because I thought he was related to a religious group my mother was into."  Local media reported on 9th that Yamagami made a statement to the effect that "my mother fell into religious groups and made a lot of donations, which ruined family life."  Citing the name of a particular religious group, the Asahi Shimbun said, "I had a grudge," adding, "I tried to aim the religious group leader, but it was difficult, and I thought Abe had something to do with it."  As a result, analysts say that he acted alone for personal reasons, not as a surety criminal targeting former Prime Minister Abe, who is politically right-wing.  The Mainichi Shimbun also reported that the suspect stated to the effect that "He intended to target this official" citing the name of a certain religious group official, but the religious group official was not at the scene of the incident.  In particular, it is reported that he arrived at the crime scene by train finding out the schedule of campaigning for the upper house election through LDP’s website.  In addition, police seized a black-taped homemade gun at the scene of the crime and seized severalguns and gunpowder in a raid athis home.  The suspect was reported to have told police that he had bought parts on the Internet and made his own handgun.  Abe was taken to hospitalafter Yamagami was shot seven to eight meters away during a street campaign rally in Nara, and died of excessive bleeding at 5:03 p.m on 8th.

• 필리핀, 따알화산 분출

    7월 1일 목요일 저녁, 필리핀의 따알화산에서 소규모 분화가 지속되었다. 오후 6:26분, 7:41분, 8:20분에 발생하였으며, 8:07분에는 분화구 호수 융기도 관측되었다. 2분 정도 지속되는 분화로 인해, 연기가 최대 3000미터 상공까지 다다랐고, 목요일 하루 동안 배출된 이산화황의 양은 13,287톤에 이르렀다. 화산이 분출되고 난 이후, 필리핀의 지역재난관리위원회는 긴급 회의를 가졌으며, 일부 지역을 피난시켰다. 따알화산 인근 5개의 바랑가이에 강제 대피령이 내려졌으며, 총 3,523가구, 14,495명이 대피소로 피신하고, 당국은 백신을 보내 입소자들에게 접종할 계획이다.

• 인도 첫 한국인 코로나 확진자 발생

    하루새 4000명 가까이 증가새를 보이고 있는 인도에서 첫 한국인 코로나 확진자가 발생 했습니다   현지 교민 사회에 따르면 인도 남동부에 위치한 타밀나두주에 한 여성교민이 바이러스 양성 판정을 받고 병원에서 치료중인 것으로 전해졌습니다.   가족 감염은 음성으로 판정되었으며 상태는 안정적인 것으로 밝혀졌습니다   인도에서는 현재 8만1970명이며 사망자는 2천649명에 이릅니다.                                                                                                                                        

• 제1회 마스터 천공 컵 종합무도 호주대회 및 제18회 재호주대한 태권도대회 개최

  제1회 천공 컵 종합무도 호주대회에서 천공이 참석한 가운데 기념촬영을 하고 있다. [리더스타임즈] 대한민국을 세계로 미래로라는 슬로건으로 3월 5일 호주 시드니 허스트빌 아쿠아틱 레져센터에서 호주 무도인과 재한국인 무도인들이 모인 가운데 태권도, 검도, 우슈, 해동검도, 무예타이 무도인들이 참석하여 겨루기, 시연대회가 성황리에 열렸다. 재호주 대한태권도협회 권성근 회장은 인사말에서 무도 정신 회복과 도덕성 회복을 통한 폭력 범죄가 난무하는 이때 슬기로운 범죄 퇴치에 무도인들의 지혜를 구했다. 이날 마스터 천공은 호주 잼버리 단제에 청소년의 올바른 길에 써달라며, 후원금을 전달 했으며, 마크 쿠레 호주 다문화 장관은 무도를 통한 화합과 정신건강에 도움을 준 재호주대한태권도협회, 세계종합무도협회, 마스터 천공께 고마움을 전했다. 제1회 천공 컵 종합무도 호주대회에서 선수들이 겨루기 시범을 하고 있다 이날 참석한 주요 인사로는 마크 쿠레 (호주 다문화 장관, 노인복지부 장관, 국회의원), 제이슨 리 호주 국회의원, 샘 엘미어 호주 조지리버 지방의원, 벤왕 호주 조지리버 지방의원, 크레그 충 전, 시드니 지방의원, 상옥 전, 스트레트필드 시장, 크리스티나 우 조지리버 전 지방의원. 손광석 한국종합무술연합회장, 재호주대한체육회 신필립 회장, 유문길 초대 재호주 대한태권도협회 총재, 윤치관 제2대 재호주 대한태권도협회 총재, 멜번 김정윤 재호주 대한태권도협회 고문, 유선우 재호주 대한태권도협회 고문, 하지우 전 재호주 대한체육회 회장 현 재호주대한 권투협회 회장, 최성환 재호주 상공회의소 회장, 성희정 재호주 대한태권도협회 총재, 권도사 재호주 대한태권도협회 회장, 이성도 재호주 대한태권도협회 수석부회장, 한용규 재호주 대한태권도협회 기술 감독, 임호진 재호주 대한태권도협회 위원회원, 조우 인그라티 재호주 대한태권도협회 뉴사우스웰스 회장, 이강웅 재호주 대한태권도협회 퀸스랜드 지부 회장 겸 재호주 대한태권도협회 사무총장.제임스 히난 재호주 대한태권도협회 빅토리아 지부 회장, 이재호 재호주 대한태권도협회 켄베라 지부 회장, 데릭 머래이. 재호주 대한태권도협회 위원, 클라디아 머래이. 경기진행위원장이 참석했고 각국에서의 축전으로는 세계무술고수총연맹 권호열 총재 축전, 템버린 베이 보이스카우트 일동, 독일 축전, 이티오피아 축전, 태국 축전, 필리핀 축전, 튀르키예, 인도. 브라질등 많은 나라에서 축전을 보내 왔으며, 1,000여명의 무도인과 가족들이 참석하여 자리를 빛냈다.

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  2023-03-07

• 미국 대형유통사 ‘달러스토어’, 이색적인 쇼핑문화로 국내 입점 가시화

    편의점의 간편함과 대형마트의 가성비를 모두 갖춰 가파른 매출 성장을 보이며 미국 유통가에 돌풍을 일으킨 ‘달러스토어’가 '놀이가 소득이 되고, 소득이 문화가 된다'라는 독특한 캐치프레이즈로 HBGA가 대한민국 유통시장에 도전장을 내밀었다.   달러스토어는 미국 생활용품 전문 유통업체로, 고품질의 미국 생활용품을 균일가 1달러에 유통하는 전략으로 미국 유통업체를 선도하고 있다. 한국은 HBGA(주), 라온빌드와의 공동사업으로 달러스토어를 독점 운용하며, 3월부터 전국 체인점을 모집하고 있다.    달러스토어는 빅데이터 기반으로 고객이 필요한 제품구성, 직간접 제조를 통해 중간이윤을 최소화, 소비자에게 부담 없는 가격으로 가격과 브랜드 포지셔닝으로 기존 경쟁사를 견제하는데 유용한 전략을 활용하여 매출 상승을 추구하고 있다.     달러스토어가 제공하는 저렴한 가격대의 자체 브랜드 제품들은 기존 브랜드의 동종 제품들에 비해 기능이나 성능 면에서 거의 차이가 없어 가성비에 민감한 Z세대 소비자들 사이에서 특히 인기가 높다.   BGA는 달러스토어 매장 안에 공연장을 넣어 고객들에게 연예인들 주기적인 공연을 제공하며 가맹점주의 기대수익 극대화 전략을 실행한다고 밝혔다. 또한 달러스토어 체인사업을 통한 매출 이익의 일부를 자사 회원인 앰배서더와 '파천김'(파란천사 김재희)을 통해 사회적 약자들에게 기부할 예정이다.     한편, HBGA 온라인 결제 PG사를 기반으로 자체 시스템 구축, 직간접 제조와 유통, 모바일상품권(쿠폰), K-POP・콘서트・공연・스포츠티켓 판매, 유명연예인・스포츠스타 소장품 판매, 커머스등 기존 사업 모델에 더해 소비자와 판매업체를 연결해주는 오픈마켓으로 서비스 영역을 확장할 계획이다.    HBGA(주)는 온・오프라인 마켓과 체인사업으로 다양한 수익성을 강화하고, 고객의 혜택과 상품의 선택권을 확대할 수 있을 것으로 기대한다. 또한, 포인트결제, 보안 기능에 특화해 자체 개발한 차세대 멀티플랫폼 HB+P 가맹점 모집 서비스를 운영 중이다.     HBGA(주)는 PG(결제대행)라이선스를 보유한 회사로 온・오프라인상 간편결제와 제휴카드 시스템을 제공해 고객의 편의성을 높일 예정이다.    달러스토어를 통해 한국에서도 코스트코 등에 납품되는 고품질의 물건을 몇 천 원 수준으로 저렴하게 살 수 있게 됐다.  

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  2023-02-27

• Korea Fair in India Chennai 2022

    There are about 4,000 people living in Chennai who love Korean culture. In such city, the 2022 India Korea Fair held from November 17 to 20.          The fairjointly organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA - Chennai), the Consulate General of Chennai, the Korean Tourism Organization, the Inco Center, and the Express Avenue Mall. Regarding Chennai's growing interest in Korean culture, KOTRA Chennai said, "Chennai has Hyundai and Samsung factories, making it an industrial city. However, we didn't have many opportunities to tell people about our culture. It is said that K-drama, K-pop, and K-movies are familiar with people in cities today thanks to the OTT platform. So I think this is the right time to prepare for this event."    The event, which offered a glimpse of fascinating Korean culture, showcased K-consumer products from more than 20 exhibitors representing cosmetics, food, electronics, fashion and jewelry. The exhibition list includedSK International, Daring Diva, Mirabel Cosmetics, Lisen, K-love India, Myopa Korean stores and Borotic Industries. Customers can freely test things including K-food and cosmetics.   Furthermore, Busan, South Korea's second-largest city competing to host the World Expo 2030, had its own exhibition hall. The event also featured a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) desk to promote economic cooperation. The pavilion of the Korea Tourism Organization provided information on attractive tourist attractions in Korea.  

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  2022-12-04

• French Article

      Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, named after the patron saint of Paris, was founded by French Canadians around 1735, making it the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri. Much of Ste. Geneviève’s charm is due to the exceptional preservation of the original colonial settlement  Still maintaining houses built by the French in the 18th century, Ste. Genevieve attracts tourists through many early French settlers’ homes. Beauvais-Amoureux Historic House, for example, was built in 1792 with a steeply-pointed roof, reminiscent of early French Canadian architecture. Other historic buildings are the Bolduc & LeMeilleur Houses built with vertical log structures, representing the colonial Americans' living conditions. Having visited the historic housing sites at Ste. Geneviève’s National Registered Historic District, I found myself fully immersed in each room. The plentiful French early Empire furniture in every living quarter caught my attention instantly. At the Felix Vallé Historical House Site, a fully operating fresh garden was still cultivated in the original brick and frame outbuildings.  Sainte Genevieve Catholic Parish also depicts French influence on the previously French, Louisiana Purchase territory. Catholic church in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, is the first organized European church west of the Mississippi River. The interior is filled with original stained glass windows and paintings from the French colonial era. Last but not least, the Louis Bolduc House Museum is a prime example of traditional French Colonial architecture. In 1792, Louis Bolduc, a successful merchant built a one-story house at the new village site. Still owned by the Bolduc family descendants until the 1940s, the Louis Bolduc House now turned into a museum for colonial French artifacts and furnished pieces. If you visit the States, make sure to explore the French influence on towns like Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.   - Alex Lee,  senior (12th grade) at Thomas Jefferson School in St. Louis, Missouri.-   

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  2022-11-08

• 태국, 내년부터 외국인 관광객에 입국세 징수

    [리더스타임즈] 태국 관광부 장관 Pipat Ratchakitpraken은 외국인 관광객 대상 입국세 징수를 내년 초 시행할 예정임을 밝혔다. Pipat 장관은 Naresuan 대학에서 적정 외국인 관광객 입국세를 연구 중이며 연구는 이달 내 마무리 될 것이라고 첨언했다. 해당 연구에서는 입국 수단별(항공, 육로 등) 적정 입국세를 산정할 예정이다. 징수된 입국세는 외국인 관광객 보험에 사용되어 태국 정부가 사고로 상해를 입은 외국인 치료비를 전액 부담하지 않도록 하기위함이다. 태국 정부는 코로나 이전 한해 3~4억THB(약 8~12백만USD)을 외국인 관광객 치료 비용으로 지출했다. 한편 태국의 국가관광정책위원회는 1월부 300THB(약 8USD) 외국인 관광객 입국세를 징수하는 태국 관광청의 제안을 승인했다. [출처:https://en.vietnamplus.vn/thailand-to-start-collecting-entry-fee-from-foreign-tourists-early-next-year/236768.vnp]

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  2022-09-12

• Myanmar's military extends state of national emergency for six months..."Preparing for the election"

  Bloomberg reported that the Myanmar military will extend the national emergency period for six months until February 1, 2023 on the grounds of election preparation.    According to the news agency, U MyintSwe approved a request for an emergency extension of military coup leader Min Aung Hlaing at a meeting of the Defense Security Committee in Naypyidaw, during which he discussed activities and current political situations.   "We need more time to prepare for the election to fit the new election system.And the people need to be widely educated about it," Chief Commander Min Aung Hlaingtold at state-run MRTV.  On February 1 last year, Myanmar's military staged a coup, claiming that there was injustice in the November 2020 general election, in which the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi won a landslide victory, and declared a one-year emergency. At that time, the military promised to punish those responsible for irregularities in the general elections and to hand over power to the people by holding a new general election after the emergency. According to this statement, he had to hold a general election in February this year, but in January, heextended the national emergency for another six months. Under Myanmar's constitution, the emergency could be extended for six months on two occasions.  During the national emergency, the military can "legally" suppress democratic forces. According to the ‘Assistance Association for Political Prisoners’,established by exiled Myanmar activists, the military government recently conducted its first capital punishment in 30 years against four activists known to be close to Suu Kyi's national adviser, and 2,100 civilians have died since the coup.  Meanwhile, Suu Kyi, who was arrested after the coup, was indicted on about 10 charges, including violation of COVID-19 quarantine measures, instigation and bribery. If Suu Kyi is convicted in future trials in connection with all charges, she is expected to be sentenced up to 100 years in prison.  

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  2022-08-06

• "Aftermath of COVID-19 lockdown, Macao casino sales in July are the lowest ever"

    Bloomberg News reported on the 1st that casino sales in Macao reached an all-time low last month in the aftermath of the urban blockade following the spread of COVID-19.  According to the Macao Gambling Inspection and Coordination Bureau (GICB), casino industry sales fell 95% to $49 millionlast month, the lowest level since related statistics began in 2009.  This is above the expert's forecast of a 97% decrease, but it is still 98% less than the level before COVID-19.  In Macao, casinos are responsible for 80% of government tax revenue.  Following February 2020, which was the early days of COVID-19, the Macao government againsuspended casino operations early last month by taking measures to block the city from spreading COVID-19.  The Chinese border blockade is maintained, and a negative certificate of COVID is requiredwhen entering casinos or restaurants.   Bloomberg pointed out that although Macao's casino industry is stretching again, it is difficult to expect a meaningful recovery in sales as it is not easy for the main customers to visit, who are mostly Chinese.    In the aftermath of the strict ZERO-COVID policy, Macao has handed over the "Throne" position of the world casino, which has been maintained since 2006, to Las Vegas.  Sanford Bernstein, an analyst at market information provider Vitaly Umanskysaid border control is stifling the recovery of the Macao casino industry.    Bernstein added that the strengthening of the crackdown on illegal gambling by Chinese authorities since late last year is also a negative factor for the Macao casino industry.

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  2022-08-06

• Raid on Ukrainian Kievin 54 days

    Russia resumed missile strikes on Ukraine's capital, Kiev and other major cities in 54 days. It is believed that the Russia has resumed air strikes in the rear area due to strong counterattacks in Donbas and the southern part of the main front by Ukraine. Ukrainian troops launched a major counterattack on the southern state of Kherzon using U.S.-backed weapons.   According to AP, the Ukrainian capital of Kiev was attacked by a Russian missile. "The infrastructure of the Vyshhorod in the Kiev region has been attacked," said OleksiyKuleba, governor of Kiev.Vyshhorod is a village about 20km north of Kiev city center.   Along with Kiev, major northern cities such as Chernihiv and Zhytomyr were also attacked. "A number of missiles have been fired from Belarus," said Governor. It is estimated that about 25 missiles were fired from Belarus and airlifted outside Kiev, Chernihiv and Zhytomyr.   Russia has recently stopped air strikes in areas near Kiev, focusing on the eastern Donbas region and the southern front, but it is believed that it has launched another air strike to disrupt the rear area as Ukrainian troops hit back in the southern region.  In particular, the Ukrainian military is considered to be launching a strong counterattack by blocking Russia's key supply routes based on the U.S.-backed HIMARS. In particular, the recovery operation is known to have begun in earnest as it succeeded in isolating Russian troops in the Kherson area.   The British Ministry of Defence said in a statement posted on Twitter that "Ukrainian counterattack in Kherson is gaining momentum." Ukraine used new long-range artillery to damage at least three bridges on the Dnipro River, where Russia relies on supply of controlled areas.And Russia's 49th unit is stationed on the west coast of the Dnipro River, which seems to be very vulnerable.  If Ukrainian troops recover the Kherzon area through a counterattack, the aspect of war is expected to change significantly. The Kherson area is a key point connecting Donbas and Crimea. Therefore, if the Ukrainian army takes over this region again, the war is expected to be prolonged as it is more likely to restore the entire territory.

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  2022-08-02

• The international community condemns Russia’s attack on Ukrainian port.

    Despite the conclusion of the grain export negotiations through the Black Sea, voices of international condemnation are pouring in against Russia for attacking the infrastructure of Odessa, one of the major grain export ports in Ukraine.  According to AFP, U.N. Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack at the port of Odessa, Ukraine.  Haq stressed that the agreement between Russia, Ukraine and Turkey must be fully implemented.   On the previous day, the United Nations, along with Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, signed a final agreement on grain exports through the Black Sea. In order to solve the global food shortage, the government has decided to set up a safe route for opening the way to export grain and fertilizer from Ukraine andRussia.  However, the international community has been criticizing Russia for bombing missiles at the infrastructure of Odessa, which was one of the grain export ports that were supposed to guarantee safe routes.The attack was committed just after a day since the agreement was reached in Istanbul.  Rousseff Borrell, a senior foreign and security policy representative in charge of EU foreign policy, said "The EU condemns Russian missile strikes on the port of Odessa." "Once again, it shows Russia's complete disregard for international law and commitment."British Foreign Minister Liz Truss stressed that Russian attack is proof that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted.  Turkish Defense Minister HulushiAkar, who served as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine with the United Nations, also told the state-run Anadolu news agency that "This incident really worries us."  However, despite such concerns from the international community, concerns are growing over the possibility that the grain export agreement itself may fail.

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  2022-08-02

• Trump "only announcement left to run for president"...A 2024 return match with Biden?

      Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he has decided to run for president in 2024 and is considering whether to announce his candidacy before or after the upcomingmidterm election in November. There have been reports thatTrump is willing to run for the next presidential election, but the possibility has increased further as he himself revealed it in an interview.   "I am very confident that I will win if I decide to run" Trump said in an online edition of New York Magazine published on the 14th, adding, "I think I have already made a decision." There is nothing more to consider."   Trump expressed his thoughts on the next presidential election by saying, "My big decision is to make it before or afterthe midterm election." He responded to an interview by phone in Alaska, where he visited for the campaign on the 9th.   Trump said it would be advantageous for Republican presidential hopefuls to give up running if he announceshis candidacy early. "If Ideclare to run, many others will not even be able to run," Trump said. "If they run, there will be a backlash. People want me to run.”  For now, Trump is leading various polls among Republican presidential candidates. According to Real Clear Politics poll average, Trump's approval rating is 53%, more than double that of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (20.5%). Trump has been discussing with his aides how to announce his candidacy this summer, the Washington Post said. Citing multiple sources, WP saidTrump is considering announcing his candidacy in September. Another source said it is 70 percent likely to declare before the November midterm elections.   On the other hand, some close aides are advisingTrump that he does not need to rush to announce his candidacy as he still has great influence in the Republican Party.  IfTrump announces his presidential bid, there is a possibility that he will face President Joe Biden again. President Biden and the Democratic camp still maintain their position thatBiden will seek re-election.    Trump plans to give a public speech in Washington, DC for the first time since his retirement.    

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  2022-07-22

실시간 지구촌 기사

• 제1회 마스터 천공 컵 종합무도 호주대회 및 제18회 재호주대한 태권도대회 개최

  제1회 천공 컵 종합무도 호주대회에서 천공이 참석한 가운데 기념촬영을 하고 있다. [리더스타임즈] 대한민국을 세계로 미래로라는 슬로건으로 3월 5일 호주 시드니 허스트빌 아쿠아틱 레져센터에서 호주 무도인과 재한국인 무도인들이 모인 가운데 태권도, 검도, 우슈, 해동검도, 무예타이 무도인들이 참석하여 겨루기, 시연대회가 성황리에 열렸다. 재호주 대한태권도협회 권성근 회장은 인사말에서 무도 정신 회복과 도덕성 회복을 통한 폭력 범죄가 난무하는 이때 슬기로운 범죄 퇴치에 무도인들의 지혜를 구했다. 이날 마스터 천공은 호주 잼버리 단제에 청소년의 올바른 길에 써달라며, 후원금을 전달 했으며, 마크 쿠레 호주 다문화 장관은 무도를 통한 화합과 정신건강에 도움을 준 재호주대한태권도협회, 세계종합무도협회, 마스터 천공께 고마움을 전했다. 제1회 천공 컵 종합무도 호주대회에서 선수들이 겨루기 시범을 하고 있다 이날 참석한 주요 인사로는 마크 쿠레 (호주 다문화 장관, 노인복지부 장관, 국회의원), 제이슨 리 호주 국회의원, 샘 엘미어 호주 조지리버 지방의원, 벤왕 호주 조지리버 지방의원, 크레그 충 전, 시드니 지방의원, 상옥 전, 스트레트필드 시장, 크리스티나 우 조지리버 전 지방의원. 손광석 한국종합무술연합회장, 재호주대한체육회 신필립 회장, 유문길 초대 재호주 대한태권도협회 총재, 윤치관 제2대 재호주 대한태권도협회 총재, 멜번 김정윤 재호주 대한태권도협회 고문, 유선우 재호주 대한태권도협회 고문, 하지우 전 재호주 대한체육회 회장 현 재호주대한 권투협회 회장, 최성환 재호주 상공회의소 회장, 성희정 재호주 대한태권도협회 총재, 권도사 재호주 대한태권도협회 회장, 이성도 재호주 대한태권도협회 수석부회장, 한용규 재호주 대한태권도협회 기술 감독, 임호진 재호주 대한태권도협회 위원회원, 조우 인그라티 재호주 대한태권도협회 뉴사우스웰스 회장, 이강웅 재호주 대한태권도협회 퀸스랜드 지부 회장 겸 재호주 대한태권도협회 사무총장.제임스 히난 재호주 대한태권도협회 빅토리아 지부 회장, 이재호 재호주 대한태권도협회 켄베라 지부 회장, 데릭 머래이. 재호주 대한태권도협회 위원, 클라디아 머래이. 경기진행위원장이 참석했고 각국에서의 축전으로는 세계무술고수총연맹 권호열 총재 축전, 템버린 베이 보이스카우트 일동, 독일 축전, 이티오피아 축전, 태국 축전, 필리핀 축전, 튀르키예, 인도. 브라질등 많은 나라에서 축전을 보내 왔으며, 1,000여명의 무도인과 가족들이 참석하여 자리를 빛냈다.

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  2023-03-07

• 미국 대형유통사 ‘달러스토어’, 이색적인 쇼핑문화로 국내 입점 가시화

    편의점의 간편함과 대형마트의 가성비를 모두 갖춰 가파른 매출 성장을 보이며 미국 유통가에 돌풍을 일으킨 ‘달러스토어’가 '놀이가 소득이 되고, 소득이 문화가 된다'라는 독특한 캐치프레이즈로 HBGA가 대한민국 유통시장에 도전장을 내밀었다.   달러스토어는 미국 생활용품 전문 유통업체로, 고품질의 미국 생활용품을 균일가 1달러에 유통하는 전략으로 미국 유통업체를 선도하고 있다. 한국은 HBGA(주), 라온빌드와의 공동사업으로 달러스토어를 독점 운용하며, 3월부터 전국 체인점을 모집하고 있다.    달러스토어는 빅데이터 기반으로 고객이 필요한 제품구성, 직간접 제조를 통해 중간이윤을 최소화, 소비자에게 부담 없는 가격으로 가격과 브랜드 포지셔닝으로 기존 경쟁사를 견제하는데 유용한 전략을 활용하여 매출 상승을 추구하고 있다.     달러스토어가 제공하는 저렴한 가격대의 자체 브랜드 제품들은 기존 브랜드의 동종 제품들에 비해 기능이나 성능 면에서 거의 차이가 없어 가성비에 민감한 Z세대 소비자들 사이에서 특히 인기가 높다.   BGA는 달러스토어 매장 안에 공연장을 넣어 고객들에게 연예인들 주기적인 공연을 제공하며 가맹점주의 기대수익 극대화 전략을 실행한다고 밝혔다. 또한 달러스토어 체인사업을 통한 매출 이익의 일부를 자사 회원인 앰배서더와 '파천김'(파란천사 김재희)을 통해 사회적 약자들에게 기부할 예정이다.     한편, HBGA 온라인 결제 PG사를 기반으로 자체 시스템 구축, 직간접 제조와 유통, 모바일상품권(쿠폰), K-POP・콘서트・공연・스포츠티켓 판매, 유명연예인・스포츠스타 소장품 판매, 커머스등 기존 사업 모델에 더해 소비자와 판매업체를 연결해주는 오픈마켓으로 서비스 영역을 확장할 계획이다.    HBGA(주)는 온・오프라인 마켓과 체인사업으로 다양한 수익성을 강화하고, 고객의 혜택과 상품의 선택권을 확대할 수 있을 것으로 기대한다. 또한, 포인트결제, 보안 기능에 특화해 자체 개발한 차세대 멀티플랫폼 HB+P 가맹점 모집 서비스를 운영 중이다.     HBGA(주)는 PG(결제대행)라이선스를 보유한 회사로 온・오프라인상 간편결제와 제휴카드 시스템을 제공해 고객의 편의성을 높일 예정이다.    달러스토어를 통해 한국에서도 코스트코 등에 납품되는 고품질의 물건을 몇 천 원 수준으로 저렴하게 살 수 있게 됐다.  

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  2023-02-27

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) World Food Price Index down0.8%

      According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Food Price Index in January 2023 recorded 131.2 points, down 0.8% from the previous month (132.2 points). Grain prices rose slightly, but prices fell for all other items.  In January 2023, the grain price index recorded 147.4 points, up 0.1% from 147.3 points in December 2022. Wheat fell in price as production increased compared to expectations in Australia and Russia.Corn prices rose due to strong demand for Brazilian corn and concerns over drought in Argentina, despite the decline in U.S. corn export prices.Rice prices rose on the back of rising domestic demand and the exchange rate in some Asian exporters.  In the case of oil and fat prices, it was 140.4 points, down 2.9% from the previous month (144.6 points). Palm oil prices fell as demand for imports slowed as major importers recently secured large inventories. Soybean oil prices fell due to falling prices of other oils and fats and improved climate conditions in Argentina. The prices of rape seed oil and sunflower seed oil fell as export volume was sufficiently supplied.  In the case of meat, it was 113.6 points, down 0.1% from the previous month (113.7 points). Beef prices fell, especially in Australia and New Zealand, as the supply of cattle for slaughter increased. Despite of the spreading avian influenza, the price of poultry meat fell as the exportable volume of major countries continued to increase. Pork was supplied sufficiently in Brazil and the United States, and China's demand for imports for the Spring Festival was lower than expected, causing prices to fall.  In the case of dairy products, it was 136.2 points, down 1.4% from the previous month (138.2 points). Butter market demand slowed as prices were expected to continue to fall, and prices fell as supply from Australia and New Zealand also increased. Dry whole milk fell in price due to weak demand from major importers and increased supply from New Zealand, and skimmed milk fell due to overall slowing demand. On the other hand, cheese prices rose slightly in Western Europe due to the recovery in demand for dining out and retailing because of the New Year holiday.  In the case of sugar, it was 115.8 points, down 1.1% from the previous month (117.2 points). The main factors were the smooth harvest in Thailand and the improvement in production conditions due to good climate effects in Brazil. However, the drop was not significant because of concerns over low yields in India, rising gasoline prices in Brazil, increased demand for ethanol, and a strong Brazilian real currency.  

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  2023-02-13

• Korea Fair in India Chennai 2022

    There are about 4,000 people living in Chennai who love Korean culture. In such city, the 2022 India Korea Fair held from November 17 to 20.          The fairjointly organized by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA - Chennai), the Consulate General of Chennai, the Korean Tourism Organization, the Inco Center, and the Express Avenue Mall. Regarding Chennai's growing interest in Korean culture, KOTRA Chennai said, "Chennai has Hyundai and Samsung factories, making it an industrial city. However, we didn't have many opportunities to tell people about our culture. It is said that K-drama, K-pop, and K-movies are familiar with people in cities today thanks to the OTT platform. So I think this is the right time to prepare for this event."    The event, which offered a glimpse of fascinating Korean culture, showcased K-consumer products from more than 20 exhibitors representing cosmetics, food, electronics, fashion and jewelry. The exhibition list includedSK International, Daring Diva, Mirabel Cosmetics, Lisen, K-love India, Myopa Korean stores and Borotic Industries. Customers can freely test things including K-food and cosmetics.   Furthermore, Busan, South Korea's second-largest city competing to host the World Expo 2030, had its own exhibition hall. The event also featured a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) desk to promote economic cooperation. The pavilion of the Korea Tourism Organization provided information on attractive tourist attractions in Korea.  

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  2022-12-04

• French Article

      Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, named after the patron saint of Paris, was founded by French Canadians around 1735, making it the oldest permanent European settlement in Missouri. Much of Ste. Geneviève’s charm is due to the exceptional preservation of the original colonial settlement  Still maintaining houses built by the French in the 18th century, Ste. Genevieve attracts tourists through many early French settlers’ homes. Beauvais-Amoureux Historic House, for example, was built in 1792 with a steeply-pointed roof, reminiscent of early French Canadian architecture. Other historic buildings are the Bolduc & LeMeilleur Houses built with vertical log structures, representing the colonial Americans' living conditions. Having visited the historic housing sites at Ste. Geneviève’s National Registered Historic District, I found myself fully immersed in each room. The plentiful French early Empire furniture in every living quarter caught my attention instantly. At the Felix Vallé Historical House Site, a fully operating fresh garden was still cultivated in the original brick and frame outbuildings.  Sainte Genevieve Catholic Parish also depicts French influence on the previously French, Louisiana Purchase territory. Catholic church in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, is the first organized European church west of the Mississippi River. The interior is filled with original stained glass windows and paintings from the French colonial era. Last but not least, the Louis Bolduc House Museum is a prime example of traditional French Colonial architecture. In 1792, Louis Bolduc, a successful merchant built a one-story house at the new village site. Still owned by the Bolduc family descendants until the 1940s, the Louis Bolduc House now turned into a museum for colonial French artifacts and furnished pieces. If you visit the States, make sure to explore the French influence on towns like Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.   - Alex Lee,  senior (12th grade) at Thomas Jefferson School in St. Louis, Missouri.-   

  • Global News
  • 지구촌

  2022-11-08

• 태국, 내년부터 외국인 관광객에 입국세 징수

    [리더스타임즈] 태국 관광부 장관 Pipat Ratchakitpraken은 외국인 관광객 대상 입국세 징수를 내년 초 시행할 예정임을 밝혔다. Pipat 장관은 Naresuan 대학에서 적정 외국인 관광객 입국세를 연구 중이며 연구는 이달 내 마무리 될 것이라고 첨언했다. 해당 연구에서는 입국 수단별(항공, 육로 등) 적정 입국세를 산정할 예정이다. 징수된 입국세는 외국인 관광객 보험에 사용되어 태국 정부가 사고로 상해를 입은 외국인 치료비를 전액 부담하지 않도록 하기위함이다. 태국 정부는 코로나 이전 한해 3~4억THB(약 8~12백만USD)을 외국인 관광객 치료 비용으로 지출했다. 한편 태국의 국가관광정책위원회는 1월부 300THB(약 8USD) 외국인 관광객 입국세를 징수하는 태국 관광청의 제안을 승인했다. [출처:https://en.vietnamplus.vn/thailand-to-start-collecting-entry-fee-from-foreign-tourists-early-next-year/236768.vnp]

  • Global News
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  2022-09-12

• Myanmar's military extends state of national emergency for six months..."Preparing for the election"

  Bloomberg reported that the Myanmar military will extend the national emergency period for six months until February 1, 2023 on the grounds of election preparation.    According to the news agency, U MyintSwe approved a request for an emergency extension of military coup leader Min Aung Hlaing at a meeting of the Defense Security Committee in Naypyidaw, during which he discussed activities and current political situations.   "We need more time to prepare for the election to fit the new election system.And the people need to be widely educated about it," Chief Commander Min Aung Hlaingtold at state-run MRTV.  On February 1 last year, Myanmar's military staged a coup, claiming that there was injustice in the November 2020 general election, in which the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi won a landslide victory, and declared a one-year emergency. At that time, the military promised to punish those responsible for irregularities in the general elections and to hand over power to the people by holding a new general election after the emergency. According to this statement, he had to hold a general election in February this year, but in January, heextended the national emergency for another six months. Under Myanmar's constitution, the emergency could be extended for six months on two occasions.  During the national emergency, the military can "legally" suppress democratic forces. According to the ‘Assistance Association for Political Prisoners’,established by exiled Myanmar activists, the military government recently conducted its first capital punishment in 30 years against four activists known to be close to Suu Kyi's national adviser, and 2,100 civilians have died since the coup.  Meanwhile, Suu Kyi, who was arrested after the coup, was indicted on about 10 charges, including violation of COVID-19 quarantine measures, instigation and bribery. If Suu Kyi is convicted in future trials in connection with all charges, she is expected to be sentenced up to 100 years in prison.  

  • Global News
  • 영어뉴스

  2022-08-06

• "Aftermath of COVID-19 lockdown, Macao casino sales in July are the lowest ever"

    Bloomberg News reported on the 1st that casino sales in Macao reached an all-time low last month in the aftermath of the urban blockade following the spread of COVID-19.  According to the Macao Gambling Inspection and Coordination Bureau (GICB), casino industry sales fell 95% to $49 millionlast month, the lowest level since related statistics began in 2009.  This is above the expert's forecast of a 97% decrease, but it is still 98% less than the level before COVID-19.  In Macao, casinos are responsible for 80% of government tax revenue.  Following February 2020, which was the early days of COVID-19, the Macao government againsuspended casino operations early last month by taking measures to block the city from spreading COVID-19.  The Chinese border blockade is maintained, and a negative certificate of COVID is requiredwhen entering casinos or restaurants.   Bloomberg pointed out that although Macao's casino industry is stretching again, it is difficult to expect a meaningful recovery in sales as it is not easy for the main customers to visit, who are mostly Chinese.    In the aftermath of the strict ZERO-COVID policy, Macao has handed over the "Throne" position of the world casino, which has been maintained since 2006, to Las Vegas.  Sanford Bernstein, an analyst at market information provider Vitaly Umanskysaid border control is stifling the recovery of the Macao casino industry.    Bernstein added that the strengthening of the crackdown on illegal gambling by Chinese authorities since late last year is also a negative factor for the Macao casino industry.

  • Global News
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  2022-08-06

• Raid on Ukrainian Kievin 54 days

    Russia resumed missile strikes on Ukraine's capital, Kiev and other major cities in 54 days. It is believed that the Russia has resumed air strikes in the rear area due to strong counterattacks in Donbas and the southern part of the main front by Ukraine. Ukrainian troops launched a major counterattack on the southern state of Kherzon using U.S.-backed weapons.   According to AP, the Ukrainian capital of Kiev was attacked by a Russian missile. "The infrastructure of the Vyshhorod in the Kiev region has been attacked," said OleksiyKuleba, governor of Kiev.Vyshhorod is a village about 20km north of Kiev city center.   Along with Kiev, major northern cities such as Chernihiv and Zhytomyr were also attacked. "A number of missiles have been fired from Belarus," said Governor. It is estimated that about 25 missiles were fired from Belarus and airlifted outside Kiev, Chernihiv and Zhytomyr.   Russia has recently stopped air strikes in areas near Kiev, focusing on the eastern Donbas region and the southern front, but it is believed that it has launched another air strike to disrupt the rear area as Ukrainian troops hit back in the southern region.  In particular, the Ukrainian military is considered to be launching a strong counterattack by blocking Russia's key supply routes based on the U.S.-backed HIMARS. In particular, the recovery operation is known to have begun in earnest as it succeeded in isolating Russian troops in the Kherson area.   The British Ministry of Defence said in a statement posted on Twitter that "Ukrainian counterattack in Kherson is gaining momentum." Ukraine used new long-range artillery to damage at least three bridges on the Dnipro River, where Russia relies on supply of controlled areas.And Russia's 49th unit is stationed on the west coast of the Dnipro River, which seems to be very vulnerable.  If Ukrainian troops recover the Kherzon area through a counterattack, the aspect of war is expected to change significantly. The Kherson area is a key point connecting Donbas and Crimea. Therefore, if the Ukrainian army takes over this region again, the war is expected to be prolonged as it is more likely to restore the entire territory.

  • Global News
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  2022-08-02

• The international community condemns Russia’s attack on Ukrainian port.

    Despite the conclusion of the grain export negotiations through the Black Sea, voices of international condemnation are pouring in against Russia for attacking the infrastructure of Odessa, one of the major grain export ports in Ukraine.  According to AFP, U.N. Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement that U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack at the port of Odessa, Ukraine.  Haq stressed that the agreement between Russia, Ukraine and Turkey must be fully implemented.   On the previous day, the United Nations, along with Ukraine, Russia, and Turkey, signed a final agreement on grain exports through the Black Sea. In order to solve the global food shortage, the government has decided to set up a safe route for opening the way to export grain and fertilizer from Ukraine andRussia.  However, the international community has been criticizing Russia for bombing missiles at the infrastructure of Odessa, which was one of the grain export ports that were supposed to guarantee safe routes.The attack was committed just after a day since the agreement was reached in Istanbul.  Rousseff Borrell, a senior foreign and security policy representative in charge of EU foreign policy, said "The EU condemns Russian missile strikes on the port of Odessa." "Once again, it shows Russia's complete disregard for international law and commitment."British Foreign Minister Liz Truss stressed that Russian attack is proof that Russian President Vladimir Putin could not be trusted.  Turkish Defense Minister HulushiAkar, who served as a mediator between Russia and Ukraine with the United Nations, also told the state-run Anadolu news agency that "This incident really worries us."  However, despite such concerns from the international community, concerns are growing over the possibility that the grain export agreement itself may fail.

  • Global News
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  2022-08-02