Tag: expects

Turkey expects thriving tourism season despite earthquake

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Ankara: Turkey’s Mediterranean coast is expected to see a large number of tourists flowing in this summer despite the devastating earthquakes in February, industry professionals have said.
As temperatures rise, “Turkish Riviera”, the southern part of the country famed for its Turquoise coast and ancient heritage sites, is entering the start of its peak tourism season, Xinhua news agency reported.
Sector representatives reported a decline in reservations following the deadly February 6 earthquakes in the southeastern parts of Turkey, but things soon returned to normal, they said.

“Last year’s favorable data on foreign arrivals and revenues have given us hope this year at the start of the summer season,” Burhan Sili, chair of the Alanya Touristic Hoteliers Association, told the news agency in a recent interview.
Turkey’s tourism income in 2022 saw an all-time high, jumping to $46.3 billion with 51 million foreign visitors, the country’s statistical authority announced in January.
Sili said that demand dropped in the aftermath of the devastating tremors but then picked up in a couple of weeks, making a full recovery.
Alanya, a main tourist destination on the Mediterranean coast, saw a 55-percent increase in foreign tourist arrivals in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year, according to figures released by the local governorate in early April.
Sili said the tourists from Russia and the European countries, especially Germany and Britain, will make up a large share of the arrivals.

“Overall, we estimate that we will close the 2023 season with a better performance than 2022 in terms of the number of arrivals and revenues,” Sili added.
Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy said in January that foreign arrivals are expected to reach 60 million in 2023, before hitting $90 million in 2028, while the income will reach $56 billion this year and $100 billion in five years.
The sharp depreciation of the Turkish currency against hard currencies since the start of 2022 has also made Turkiye an affordable destination for European nationals that are witnessing a rising cost of living.
Kaan Sahinalp, the Turkey representative of German travel giant TUI, was also upbeat about the 2023 outlook, indicating that the country is in for a better year than 2022.
Sahinalp pointed out that the weak lira generally favours foreign travelers on a budget and that Turkey is likely to be once again one of the top choices for many foreigners.
The tourism sector plays an important part in the country’s economy, which saw a widening current account deficit in recent years. The industry also provides the livelihood of over two million people in the country.
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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 10, 2023
Trump’s lawyer expects to make motion to dismiss charges

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The move to dismiss the charges against Donald Trump (pictured) won’t come until after his arraignment Tuesday, Joe Tacopina said. | Evan Vucci/AP Photo
Joe Tacopina, one of former President Donald Trump’s lawyers, said Sunday that he eventually expects to move to dismiss the charges against the former president.
“I very much anticipate a motion to dismiss coming because there’s no law that fits this,” Tacopina told Dana Bash on CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Trump was indicted Thursday by a Manhattan grand jury in a case related to hush money his lawyer, Michael Cohen, paid to porn actress Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 presidential election. The exact charges against the former president have yet to be unveiled.
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( With inputs from : www.politico.com )

April 2, 2023
China expects Saudi, Iran to improve ties under Beijing brokered peace deal

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Beijing: Weeks after China brokered a landmark peace deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said he expects both countries to improve their ties as arch-rivals in the Middle East faced an array of challenges to implementing it.
Xi in his phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman said it is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighbourliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing, official media here reported.
China is ready to continue to support the follow-up process of the Saudi-Iranian talks, Xi said, referring to the China-negotiated peace deal between the arch-rivals to end their hostilities.
The agreement signed on March 11 in Beijing was regarded as a major diplomatic coup for China’s efforts to emerge as a major power rivalling the US to enlarge its strategic influence especially in the Middle East.
“The Iran-Saudi rapprochement has been touted as a momentous development in the region. But how it ultimately impacts the Middle East remains a very open question, as the long adversarial powers are fighting a proxy war in Yemen and continue to support opposing sides across the region,” said a report by the US Institute of Peace.
“Amid perceived US retrenchment from the Middle East, the deal is a diplomatic win for China as it increasingly seeks to present an alternative vision to the US-led global order,” it said.
Following the Iran-Saudi deal, Xi during his March 20 visit to Russia made a strong pitch for Russia-Ukraine peace talks to end their current war.
In his phone call with the Saudi Crown Prince, Xi said with the joint efforts of China, Saudi Arabia and Iran successfully held and achieved significant results, helping the two countries to improve their relations.

It is a significant demonstration effect on enhancing the unity and cooperation of regional countries and easing regional tensions, and thus having been widely praised by the international community, he said.
It is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Iran will uphold the spirit of good neighbourliness and continue to improve their relations on the basis of the results of their talks in Beijing, Xi said, adding that China is ready to continue to support the follow-up process of the Saudi-Iranian talks.
As Xi and Crown Prince Mohammed held talks for the successful implementation of the deal, both countries appear to be building a “more meaningful” relationship with a landmark USD 10 billion deal to construct a state-of-the-art refining complex in north-eastern Liaoning province.
Under the deal announced on Sunday, Riyadh will invest in the integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex to consolidate energy ties amid uncertainty over Russian supplies, the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Tuesday.
For now, analysts expect China to continue buying heavily discounted Russian crude, but there are fears that US-led sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine “could greatly disrupt the global oil supply chain, leading to big price fluctuations”, Joey Zhou, a Shanghai-based petrochemicals analyst, told the Post.
“We expect Middle Eastern companies would be willing to participate in [more] joint ventures with Chinese firms to ensure they have a secure outlet for their oil,” he said.
“To obtain a more competitive position for feedstock costs, Chinese producers are also likely to welcome Saudi or Emirati funds by involving them in existing or new plans for integrated refinery and petrochemical complexes,” Zhou said.
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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 28, 2023
Donald Trump expects to be arrested on next week on Tuesday

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Washington: Saying that he expects to be arrested next week on Tuesday, former US President Donald Trump on Saturday urged his supporters to launch mass protests, the media reported.
In a post on Truth Social, the former US President wrote that “illegal leaks” from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office indicate that he “will be arrested on Tuesday of next week”, Xinhua news agency reported.
“Take our nation back,” Trump said, issuing a call for his supporters to protest.
The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is reportedly investigating whether Trump falsified business records in connection with an alleged hush-money payment made to an adult film star during the 2016 presidential campaign.
Trump’s lawyer has said he has no plans to participate in the probe, and the Republican, who served as US president from January 2017 to January 2021, has denounced the investigation as a witch hunt.
The case in question is one of several cases in which the 76-year-old is currently being investigated, although he has not yet been charged in any and denies wrongdoing in each, the BBC reported.
His lawyer, however, said there had been no communication from law enforcement (regarding the arrest), and the former president’s post was based on media reports, the BBC reported.
Prosecutors have been looking at a possible indictment of Trump with reports suggesting it could come next week.

If he is indicted, it would be the first criminal case ever brought against a former US president.
Trump has pledged to continue his campaign to become the Republican nominee in the 2024 presidential election, even if he is indicted.
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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 18, 2023
Qualcomm expects Apple may use its own 5G modems in iPhones

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San Francisco: Chip maker Qualcomm CEO said that it is expecting that Apple may move into making in-house 5G modem chips for its 2024 iPhones, at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2023 in Barcelona.
Although Apple’s most recent iPhone 14 models use Qualcomm modems, the company has been attempting to go it solo in the wireless connectivity market for several years, reports CNBC.
“We’re making no plans for 2024, my planning assumption is we’re not providing (Apple) a modem in ’24, but it’s their decision to make,” Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon, was quoted as saying.
The report said that the tech giant bought Intel’s modem business in 2019, and there had been speculation it would begin using in-house parts this year.
Amon said that Qualcomm had told investors back in 2021 that it did not expect to provide modems for the iPhone in 2023, but Apple then decided to continue for another year.
However, he did not confirm whether Apple would pay Qualcomm QTL licenses if it moves to its own modems, but said royalty was “independent from providing a chip”, the report mentioned.
Meanwhile, Qualcomm has announced that its Snapdragon satellite technology is coming to most Android smartphones.
The company said that the “Snapdragon Satellite” will be used in the upcoming smartphones from Honor, Motorola, Nothing, Oppo, Vivo and Xiaomi.

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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 2, 2023
JK Govt Expects Rs 150 Cr Property Tax In Fiscal 2023-24

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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Housing and Urban Development Department, Principal Secretary, H Rajesh Prasad on Wednesday said that imposition of a property tax is mandatory likewise other parts of the country while ten percent of rebate can be availed by those early submitting the tax, which can also be paid in two equal instalments.
He added that the implementation of a property tax is required, just like in other regions of the nation, and that those who pay it early or in two equal installments can receive a 10% discount.
In a press conference at the Convention Centre, Prasad told a group of journalists, “We have started with a baby step. There is still a long way to go to enhance the financial structure and make them surplus.
The Principal Secretary added, “Moreover, as per Act 10% refund can be received by early filing of Property Tax,” stating that “Property Tax is to be charged annually and can be paid in two equal instalments and it would not be burdening common citizen.”
Rahul Yadav, the commissioner of the Jammu Municipal Corporation, Sapna Kotwal, the joint director of the DIPR in Jammu, and other officers stood on either side of him.
He added that the department generated income of Rs. 115 crores while spending Rs. 850 crores on operations.
Prasad continued, noting, “This action is in the advantage of the people and no disinformation or mis-campaign be launched to mislead masses.” He stated that with the application of the Property Tax, an estimated Rs 150 crores in revenue collection is expected in 2023–2024.
According to Prasad, the interests of the underprivileged and other societal groups would also be taken into account.

He continued by saying that a strong and efficient system of local self-government is essential to the efficient operation of a democracy. Having sufficient financial resources available to the institutions of self-government is a fundamental precondition for the existence of such a system, and the more these resources are mobilised at the local level by these governments, the better for these governments’ efficient operation.
“Property taxes are one of the fundamental pillars of municipal funding around the world. He continued, “The Government of India and the Finance Commissions it established have consistently and strongly advocated using this resource.
“As a result, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir announced the property tax in an effort to strengthen municipal organisations’ financial situation and enable them to deliver better municipal services. Tax rates in the UT of J&K are announced in a way that the effects on small firms and households are minimal and progressive in nature.” he added.
J&K has announced reduced property tax rates in comparison to neighbouring states and UTs, according to Prasad, who also noted that property tax is being imposed for the first time in J&K.
Notably, Jammu and Kashmir is one of the few Indian states and union territories where property taxes have not been implemented yet.
Property in the Old City or Sarwal will be subject to reduced property taxes compared to upmarket areas like Gandhi Nagar. Property tax is related to the local stamp duty tax, therefore property valuation of the various areas is captured differently. Moreover, weighting for the property’s age, use type, and building style, among other factors, is employed to arrive at the Annual Taxable Value in a more thorough manner, he added.
According to the new tax formula, he claimed, residential properties with a build-up area up to 1500 sq ft are also discounted, assuring relief for residential properties in the LIG and MIG categories. Residential properties with an area of up to 1000 sq ft would be exempt from property taxes.
It is important to note that most stores, particularly those in neighbourhood and historic markets, fall into this group.
With minimal tax repercussions for individuals, this new property tax policy will assist municipal bodies in raising funds for greater municipal services. More people are expected to start enterprises in Jammu and Kashmir as a result of improved municipal services, he said.
Prasad continued by stating that property tax revenue will be used to repair infrastructure, develop new parks and playgrounds, and maintain existing facilities, considerably improving the services provided by Municipal bodies.

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( With inputs from : kashmirlife.net )

February 22, 2023
Togadia expects Modi, Shah to formulate population control law, UCC before 2024 polls

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Raipur: Former Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Pravin Togadia on Sunday described India’s rising population as a “ticking time bomb” and stressed the need to formulate a law to prevent its explosion and the resulting adverse effects.
He also expressed hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah will introduce a law for population control and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections.
Togadia, president of Antarrashtriya Hindu Parishad, was talking to reporters in Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur ahead of addressing a public meeting in Basna area of state’s Mahasamund district
When asked about the demand to bring a population control law, Togadia said, “The rising population and population imbalance are a time bomb and when it explodes it will lead to civil wars in cities and villages. Therefore, in order to prevent such a situation there is a need to formulate a population control law.”
“I believe that Narendrabhai Modi and Amitbhai will go to the 2024 election after formulating laws regarding population control, UCC and construction of temples in Kashi and Mathura. These moves will not only protect Hindus, but also their (Bharatiya Janata Party’s) votes,” he added.
Replying to another question, he said Bharat is already a Hindu rashtra and we wanted to establish it as a Hindu political state. India is a Hindu majority country and we will not allow Hindus to feel insecure anywhere in India.
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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 19, 2023
Pfizer reports record revenue, expects Covid-19 vaccines to be commercialized later this year

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In its 2022 fourth-quarter earnings call, company executives said that they expect sales of Covid-19 vaccines to decrease, in part because they still have shots that the government purchased last year to distribute.
The decline in revenue also comes in part because an estimated 24 percent of the population will receive a Covid-19 vaccine this year, down from 31 percent in 2022 as fewer people comply with federal recommendations.
“Fewer people are expected to receive their primary doses,” Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said. “And for the most part only those who are older or at higher risk are expected to continue receiving more than one booster per year.”
Pfizer expects to account for about two thirds of Covid vaccinations, and Bourla estimated about 102 million shots of its vaccine, called Comirnaty, would be distributed this year. The company is not expecting any new Covid variants that would prompt more people to get vaccinated.
The company also noted that the U.S. government had previously purchased a set number of Covid-19 vaccines; but moving forward, there will be less demand once the vaccine is sold on the commercial market.
Company executives did not mention how much they plan to charge for their Covid products on the commercial market but have previously stated it would be somewhere between $110 and $130 per dose. Moderna, which also makes an mRNA Covid-19 vaccine, has floated a price of $110 to $130 per dose.
On Monday, the White House announced that it would end the Covid-19 emergency declarations in May. And last week, the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee discussed the steps it would need to take for a simplified Covid-19 vaccine regimen as it moves toward a model of managing the virus on a yearly basis, similar to the way flu shots are developed and administered.
Pfizer has its sights set on future iterations of Covid-19 vaccines, which it expects will be needed as immunity wanes as the virus continues to mutate.

“We expect to see an increase in Covid-19 vaccination rates assuming the successful development and approval of a Covid-flu combination product,” Bourla said, noting that about half of eligible adults receive a flu shot annually.
Other products in the pipeline: Pfizer also noted that it expects to launch its RSV vaccine for adults 60 and older this year. The FDA said Tuesday that it would convene its external vaccine advisory committee to discuss its application in late February.
The company is also developing an mRNA-based flu vaccine and an mRNA-based shingles vaccine.
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( With inputs from : www.politico.com )

February 1, 2023
Singapore tourism expects to bounce back to pre-Covid level by 2024

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Singapore: Driven by strong demands from key markets like India, Indonesia and Malaysia, the Singapore tourism sector recovered strongly in 2022 to exceed the Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) original forecast of 4 to 6 million visitors last year.
Last week, STB revealed that tourist arrivals to Singapore reached 6.3 million in 2022 led by Indonesia with 1.1 million visitors, followed by India at 686,000 visitors while 591,000 residents of Malaysia came to Singapore on visitor passes in 2022. In a statement, it added, “barring unexpected circumstances, tourism activity is now expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024.”
When the final numbers are in, tourism receipts (TR) are expected to reach between SGD 13.8 to 14.3 billion (USD 10.5 to 10.8 billion) which is 50 to 52 per cent of the pre-pandemic level achieved in 2019.
TR reached SGD 8.96 billion (USD 6.8 billion) between January to September 2022. The top TR-generating markets were Indonesia, India and Australia, which contributed SGD 1.1 billion, SGD 704 million, and SGD 633 million respectively, excluding sightseeing, entertainment and gaming.
One of the key measurements for the tourism industry is the length of stay. Singapore is a small island that has in the past been challenged to increase the attractiveness of the city as a destination for travellers. In 2019 which was the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic, the average length of stay was 3.36 days.
However, in the latest figures released, visitors appear to be spending more time in Singapore compared with the period before the pandemic.
For the last three quarters of the year (April-December 2022) when Singapore no longer required quarantine for fully-vaccinated travellers, the average length of stay was approximately 4.81 days. Indians stayed an average of 8.08 days, which is almost twice the overall average length of stay.
Indian visitors to Singapore are also generally more youthful. For Indian residents, those aged between 25 to 34 form the largest group of visitors in 2022 with 199,940. Those between 35- and 44 years old form the second largest group with 151,300, while those aged from 45 to 54 are third biggest with 82,340.

Two of the key factors which increased the post-pandemic appeal of the country were the focus on bringing more events to Singapore and new attractions.
Following the easing of border restrictions in the second quarter of 2022, the number of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) events grew exponentially as the city was one of the first in the region to fully reopen.
Marquee international events returned to Singapore, including Food and Hotel Asia – Food & Beverage and Food and Hotel Asia – HoReCa, which took place as two dedicated trade shows for the first time, ITB Asia, and Singapore Fintech Festival, which attracted a record turnout from over 115 countries. STB also secured new events like FIND: Design Fair Asia as well as Global Health Security Conference 2022 and the 14th World Stroke Congress.
Sports and leisure events also recovered strongly. The Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix was held for the first time in three years in 2022 and drew a record crowd of 302,000, half of which were from abroad. Other events include the Tour de France Prudential Singapore Criterium (held for the first in Southeast Asia), the Singapore Food Festival, Christmas Wonderland, Christmas on A Great Street at Orchard Road, the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown and ZoukOut Singapore.
Singapore also ramped up new attractions and experiences during the pandemic to attract more foreign visitors. These include the Children’s Museum Singapore; Avatar: The Experience at Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa’s Night Luge, Scentopia, Wings of Time and Central Beach Bazaar; a new gallery at ArtScience Museum’s Future World: “Exploring New Frontiers”; A Minion’s Perspective Experience at Resorts World Sentosa; Mr Bucket Chocolaterie at Dempsey; and the Singapore Night Safari’s new amphitheatre and refreshed Creatures of the Night show.
STB expects the tourism sector to continue its growth momentum this year, on the back of increasing flight connectivity and capacity, and China’s gradual reopening. International visitor arrivals are expected to reach around 12 to 14 million visitors, bringing in approximately SGD 18 to 21 billion (USD 13.6 to 15.9 billion) in tourism receipts – around two-thirds to three-quarters of the levels in 2019.
New or refreshed attractions are also planned for 2023, such as Bird Paradise @ Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and new experiences in Orchard Road such as the Trifecta integrated sports facility. STB will also support business and leisure events monetary over the next two years.
Keith Tan, Chief Executive, STB, said: “Our 2022 tourism performance underscores Singapore’s appeal as a leading business and leisure destination for post-pandemic travellers. To sustain our growth in 2023 and beyond, we will expand our partnerships, build up a rich year-round calendar of events, ramp up investment in new and refreshed products and experiences, and continue to support industry efforts to build the capabilities they need to meet consumer demands.”
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( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

January 23, 2023