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August 19, 2007
Apollo Management takes $1 billion stake in NCL
Star Cruises Limited (HKSE: 678) says that private equity group Apollo Management LP has agreed to make a $1 billion cash equity investment in NCL Corporation Ltd ("NCL"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Cruises Ltd in return for 50 percent equity shares in NCL.
Apollo Management will have three seats on the NCL Board and Star Cruises will have two seats. These five seats are in addition to the non-voting status of the Chief Executive Officer. Apollo will have control of the board and will exert its influence primarily in strategy development and financial management through the board's interaction with the CEO and Executive Committee who will remain responsible for the day-to-day running of the company.
Star has several key consent rights regarding the most important decisions to be taken at the board level.
Apollo Management has over $33 billion of assets under management. Earlier this year it announced the acquisition of Harrahs Entertainment. Its cruise interests include Oceania Cruises brand, also aquired this year. Since buying the line, Apollo has supported the ordering of two new ships worth approximately $1 billion.
The proceeds of the Apollo investment will be used to refinance the existing NCL indebtedness, greatly increasing the liquidity available to fund a continuation of a newbuilding program that has seen the introduction of eight purpose-built Freestyle Cruising ships in just six years. The NCL owned fleet today (excluding four chartered ships) stands at 17,600 berths, with another 15,000 berths under construction and under option, including the new Norwegian Gem due for delivery in October this year.
As part of Apollo's investment in NCL, Apollo and Star have entered into a sub- agreement relating to NCL's U.S. flagged Hawaii operations under the NCL America brand ("NCLA"). According to Star Cruises, this sub-agreement is designed to support the business of NCLA in the near term and permit NCLA time to realize the benefits of various measures recently implemented to raise revenue yields and to lower crew turnover and payroll costs.
The sub-agreement provides for a deferred distribution with a value of approximately $500 million being made to Star by NCL during 2008, as results of the recent measures materialize.
Taken together with Apollo's $1 billion payment for 50 percent of the expanded equity, this added element of the transaction implies an approximate total pre-money enterprise valuation of NCL of $4 billion, based on $2.5 billion of NCL net debt as at 31 March 2007.
Completion of the transaction is expected early in Q4 2007 and is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approval, Star Cruises shareholder approval, and Star and NCL lender consents.
"Apollo's investment in the common stock of NCL means we have an equal partner who believes in the business as much as we do as evidenced by the significant financial commitment being made alongside Star Cruises," said Star Cruises Chairman and CEO Tan Sri K T Lim.
President of Star Cruises David Chua stated "We are indeed pleased with the proposed transaction, particularly as it enables NCL to put in place a strong capital structure that matches its long term growth strategy, while Star Cruises Asia will focus on its well established Asian franchise and its proven track record as the No. 1 cruise line in Asia Pacific. Equally important is our vast experience in Greater China after having called more than 10 ports since inception, such as Shanghai, Dalian, Qingdao, Xiamen, Sanya, Haikou and others. This will provide us with the opportunities to capitalize on our inherent strength in Asia."
Steve Martinez, Partner at Apollo Management LP added, "We are very excited to be forming this partnership with Star Cruises and are in full support of the existing NCL management team. Our investment will help NCL complete its transition into the youngest fleet in the cruise industry, with a truly original next generation product with its F3 concept ships. We believe the NCL brand has significant growth potential over many years to come."


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On Saturday, August 1, 2020 a new phase began in the government’s plan for tourism in Costa Rica, which will alternate openings and closings as a way of finding a balance between public health and the health of the economy.
Costa Rica received its first international commercial flight in four and a half months on August 3rd, 2020. This is the first of a small number of flights planned to come into the country since a state of national emergency was declared by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
A gradual opening is being proposed with a limited number of flights coming into Costa Rica from the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada. The hope is that this limited reopening of the borders will bring optimism to the micro and small companies that depend on tourism in Costa Rica while taking measures to keep safe the Costa Rican population in these pandemic times.
A negative COVID-19 PCR test from within 48 hours of flight time is requested of all passengers and crew members. Passengers and crew must wear masks in the terminals and on the flight, as well as keeping social distance where possible. Travel insurance is also mandatory to cover accommodation in case of quarantine and medical expenses for acute illness. Those arriving in Costa Rica are asked to fill out an epidemiological form and receive temperature measurements.
As an exception to the rule, the Costa Rican Health Chamber donated 13 PCR tests to the tourists on this first flight, which came from Spain, who did not meet this requirement in their approach. The test was applied upon arrival on Costa Rican soil and an isolation order was issued for 24 hours until the test showed a negative result.
A New Style of Tourism
Mass tourism will likely be a thing of the past and Costa Rica is changing its efforts to take better advantage of the country’s natural riches for this new tourism paradigm. The National Chamber of Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism of Costa Rica (Canaeco) indicated that the country is ahead on this front, having declared 25% of its territory to be national parks and 50% of Costa Rica’s landmass already reforested. Costa Rica also boasts a national energy grid that runs on almost 99% renewable energy annually, for which it is internationally acclaimed.
The first big change that tourism in Costa Rica will experience is the need to guarantee sanitary security and protocols for tourists to feel protected. There will also be an increased demand for small lodgings, less crowded destinations, high expectations for clean and open environments, and private experiences. Tourists will be thinking more about how the dollar they invest benefits the communities they reach. Therefore, it will be important to show how different community sectors participate in tourism activities and the impact of the ecological footprint it generates.
Opportunity for Wellness Tourism
The crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has created a golden opportunity for rural tourism entrepreneurs, especially those who can offer a wellness experience. There is a large niche of tourists willing to pay for these services and Costa Rica has great opportunities to project its strength in this area.
Treatment centers, spas and tourist activities such as open-air experiences that take place on organic farms, chocolate or coffee tours, hot springs and forest baths are just some of the quality tourism experience that Costa Rica already has on offer. Companies that feature this natural potential will likely find that they have the biggest draw for tourism. Quality will be the differentiating element.
Differentiation is key
Mauricio Ventura, former Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica and President of Sinergia Consulting Group, says that the reactivation of the tourism sector is an essential issue. Opening of airports and aid to entrepreneurs are a start but we must look further.
“COVID-19 transformed everything and makes us think that it is time to take advantage of the crisis. There are three phases: rescue companies, guaranteeing access to sources of capital; implement sanitary protocols permanently; and promote a national tourism campaign.”
It will be essential that Costa Rica take advantage of the biodiversity, culture and the offers of small and medium-sized companies to attract tourists. Mr. Ventura suggests that the future tourism trends in Costa Rica are likely be:
- Sanitary and biosecurity protocols in the facilities
- Small lodgings and boutique hotels
- Personalized gastronomic experiences
- Personalized tours in social bubbles
- Incorporation of technology to avoid contact with objects
- Humanize experiences
- Show the social impact of the operation on the communities and the ecological footprint
- Less crowded destinations
- Outings in less crowded seasons
- Green tourism with sustainable certifications

domain: news


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John Lewis and Boots have become the latest in a growing list of retailers closing stores, cutting jobs and restructuring as the impact of the coronavirus lockdown hits the retail sector. The news comes just a day after chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a £30bn plan aimed at saving UK jobs.
John Lewis will now not reopen eight of its 50 department stores, including two of its biggest shops in Birmingham and Watford, with the possible loss of around 1,300 jobs. All four of its smaller At Home-branded locations will close, as well as two travel outlets at Heathrow and St Pancras.
While the shops that are closing were “financially challenged” before the Covid-19 crisis, the pandemic has accelerated those issues. Before coronavirus, around 40% of John Lewis’s sales were online but it now expects that figure to be between 60% and 70% both this year and next.
The John Lewis Partnership (JLP), which owns both John Lewis and Waitrose, is prioritising ecommerce investment to cope with that shift and the company hopes some shop staff may be able to transfer to its online operations. Waitrose, for example, has doubled its online capacity since the pandemic began and expects this to grow further with a third online fulfilment centre opening.
Further investment in John Lewis’s online business is also planned. JLP is set to hear the results of a major strategic review into the future success of the business later this month. But more actions may need to be taken after profits fell 65% in January and its annual bonus dropped to the lowest level in decades.
JLP has already cut around a fifth of head office staff, including some in marketing.
Despite the gloom, JLP chairman Sharon White believes there are still reasons to be “optimistic”. She points to the strength of the John Lewis and Waitrose brands, as well as the organisation’s ability to adapt to the new needs of customers.
She adds: “There are many reasons to be optimistic about the Partnership’s future. Waitrose and John Lewis are two of the UK’s most loved and trusted brands, and we have adapted to the challenges of the pandemic by responding to the new needs of customers. We will soon announce the output of our strategic review which will ensure our brands stay relevant for future generations of customers.”
Elsewhere, Boots is launching a “significant” restructuring of its head office and store teams that it believes will result in a reduction in its headcount of more than 4,000 (or 7% of its workforce). It has not ruled out some of those jobs being in marketing.
The retailer has also been hard hit by Covid-19, with like-for-like sales falling by 48% in its third quarter, and 72% at its opticians business. While its pharmacy and healthcare services have been in high demand during the pandemic, its higher margin beauty and fragrance sales have been hit.
It, too, will be investing in online having experienced a 78% increase in online sales during the pandemic. And Boots believes the strength of its brand can position it for future growth, after seeing patient and customer satisfaction scores reach their highest ever levels, according to its internal tracker.
Boots UK managing director Sebastian James says: “The proposals announced today are decisive actions to accelerate our transformation plan and allow Boots to continue its vital role as part of the UK health system, and ensure profitable long-term growth. In doing this, we are building a stronger and more modern Boots for our customers, patients and colleagues.
“I am so very grateful to all our colleagues for their dedication during the last few challenging months. They have stepped forward to support their communities, our customers and the NHS during this time, and I am extremely proud to be serving alongside them.
“We recognise that today’s proposals will be very difficult for the remarkable people who make up the heart of our business, and we will do everything in our power to provide the fullest support during this time.”
The job losses at two of the high streets biggest names are just the latest to hit the retail sector as it struggles amid the economic fallout from coronavirus. Retailers ranging from Harrods to Topshop to Poundstretcher have announced redundancies, while brands such as Oasis and Warehouse have fallen into administration.


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In 2023, the global economy looks a lot different.
We’re familiar with the “glass ceiling,” which makes it harder for women to break into more advanced positions in the workplace.
Over the weekend, Silicon Valley Bank tanked and was taken over by the FDIC.
Since the collapse of FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried's bankrupted crypto empire, the industry has been in the Wild West.
To start off, we're looking into: What's happening at Disney? – Bob Iger was Disney's CEO for 15 years, retiring in December 2021.
When complaints about Chapek reached the board, it did something pretty shocking by calling back its former CEO.
Starbucks is such a major institution that there’s hardly a day when it’s not making the news. With Pumpkin Spice Lattes returning to the seasonal menu and the recent wave of unionized locations, you can’t escape the ’bucks. Now, the coffee chain is getting a new CEO.


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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A day long Dale Carnegie leadership seminar isn't only being offered at a reduced price, the money raised is going to the 2012 United Way of Greater Knoxville fund raising campaign.
Knoxville area businesses can send up to four employees to a day-long Dale Carnegie Leadership Seminar for less than a third of the standard cost - and the tuition paid goes directly to United Way of Greater Knoxville.
Dale Carnegie of Tennessee is partnering with Club LeConte to offer the program, “How to Communicate with Diplomacy and Tact,” on Wednesday, Dec. 12. The event also is open to individuals who want to improve their communications skills, again at a steeply discounted rate.
Participating businesses and individuals will reap more than good will. The daylong leadership training is ideal for anyone who interacts with the public - receptionists, customer service representatives, sales team members, and account executives - said Jim Christensen, corporate sales specialist at Dale Carnegie in Knoxville.
The corporate rate for four employees is $995; the individual rate is $250. The Dale Carnegie catalog price for the same seminar is $895 per person.
The cost includes lunch.* The seminar starts at 8:30 a.m. and wraps up at 5 p.m., followed by a two-hour reception at Club LeConte.
Seating is limited. To register, contact: Jim Christensen at 865-771-9745 or Jim.firstname.lastname@example.org


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Last fall’s Zodiac Starforce miniseries featured a team of magical girls handling real-life struggles while battling cosmic monsters. now it’s coming back for more.
The four-issue Zodiac Starforce: Cries of the fire prince launches on July 5, 2017, by the same creative team, Kevin Panetta and Paulina Ganucheau. It can be preordered from your local comic shop with diamond code MAY17 0042 at $3.99 for the first 32-page issue.
Zodiac Starforce #1With the success of Lumberjanes, we’re seeing a lot more comics with girl teams, a trend I welcome. Zodiac Starforce takes its influences from the manga-style magical girl group, such as that seen in Sailor Moon, but layering it with American schoolgirl life. There’s a twist here, as written by Kevin Panetta…
The Last Domino: Dark horse Joins ComiXologyThis news came out two months ago, but I wanted to capture it here, because I think it’s significant. On June 22, it was announced that Dark Horse, who previously had well established their own digital comic distribution platform, would make “their full digital catalog of collections, graphic novels, and manga”…
Captain marvel now available on home VideoTurns out a lot of people disagreed with me about the Captain marvel motion picture — it was a blockbuster success! It made over a billion dollars in ticket sales! and it’s now available for home viewing. Captain marvel launches today on your favorite digital platform, with the disc version coming…


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Subscription-based news website The Ken has raised $1.5 million in a Series A funding round led by Omidyar Network. The round was also included a mix of existing and new investors, although it did not mention the investors, apart from Sid Yog, the founder and Managing Partner of The Xander Group Inc. The publication made the announcement in a blog post today. "For the April-June quarter, our revenues were up 200% over the comparable period a year ago, and up 100% the immediately preceding quarter," it said. The Ken also claimed to have become profitable in April. In February 2017, the raised $400,000 from individual investors including Aprameya Radhakrishna, co-founder of TaxiForSure, Girish Mathrubhootham, founder and CEO at Freshdesk, Pinstorm founder Mahesh Murthy, Shan Krishnasamy co-founder of Freshdesk, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma and others. It isn't clear if any of these investors participated in the present round. The Ken was founded in 2016 by journalists Rohin Dharmakumar, Seema Singh and Ashish Mishra, and Deck App Technologies founder Sumanth Raghavendra. The publication provides one original narrative story each day, kept behind a paywall; one story a week is made free to read, and it’s worth noting that Paytm was the launch sponsor of the weekly free story. Note that we had reported in November that the Ken had raised funding from Vijay Shekhar Sharma, disclosed as a footnote to a story on Snapdeal. Vijay Shekhar Sharma has invested his personal capacity in media entities like Deal Street Asia, a publication…
- After CIC’s Decision, NIXI Resumes Publishing Dispute Resolution Decisions December 1, 2022
- The Delhi High Court ordered a sexually-explicit video to be taken off the internet December 1, 2022
- What India’s IT Minister has to say about the concerns around the new data protection bill December 1, 2022
- Tamil Nadu pushes for Aadhaar-EB card linking despite data risks December 1, 2022
- Info on Online Gambling Law’s Report & Consultation Can’t Be Provided: Tamil Nadu Govt December 1, 2022
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The Structure and Style of a Dogma Community: Conspiracy theories and organized Twitter engagement on Sushant Singh Rajput
Studying the 'community' supporting the late Sushant Singh Rajput (SSR) shows how Twitter was gamed through organized engagement
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A viewpoint on why the regulation of cryptocurrencies and crypto exchnages under 2019's E-Commerce Rules puts it in a 'grey area'
India's IT Rules mandate a GAC to address user 'grievances' , but is re-instatement of content removed by a platform a power it should...
Why ‘group privacy’ should be recognised, and how ‘non-personal’ data becomes a regulatory blindspot
There is a need for reconceptualizing personal, non-personal data and the concept of privacy itself for regulators to effectively protect data
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Amazon Launches the Amazon Prime Video VR for Virtual Reality Experiences
Amazon has spread its wings wide across many technological frontiers but virtual reality seems to have been the last hold-out. Beyond selling virtual reality devices on its ecommerce platform, Amazon seems to have resisted the temptation to throw its hat into the VR ring until now, a domain which has attracted some of the technology greats including Apple, Facebook, HTC, Samsung and Sony among other players.
Now Amazon has plunged right into virtual reality with a new VR video streaming service which it launched last week known as Amazon Prime Video VR. Amazon is seeking to tap into the growing market for virtual reality video content. When we think of VR content, what probably comes to mind is virtual reality games and VR apps that deliver various kinds of immersive experiences. However, there is a fast-growing niche for virtual reality video content.
The website for Amazon’s new Prime Video VR was launched on July 24 and it already offers a number of virtual reality experiences such as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Good Omens, The Man in High Castle and Jack Ryan. All the virtual reality content it currently offers are Amazon originals. However, there are other networks with virtual reality experiences which are on the platform including PBS and various independent producers.
The Prime Video VR will enable customers in the US and the UK to watch their favorite virtual reality titles inside their own VR movie theater on a number of devices such as Oculus Quest, Oculus Go as well as the Samsung Gear VR. On top of the massive library of movies and TV shows on Amazon, Prime Video VR will also give users access to some ten 360-degree videos at launch while continuing to incorporate additional VR-specific titles as time goes. Some of the VR-specific titles which are currently on offer include Greenland Melting, INVASION! and Return to Chernobyl.
How to Use the Amazon Prime Video VR
If you already have an Amazon Prime subscription, then you will be able to access the Amazon Prime Video VR at no extra cost. It is still possible to watch the virtual reality experiences without the subscription. You simply need to use the Amazon Prime Video VR app to access the experiences from your own collections. This, however, will not give you access to the exclusive content (such as titles that have been mentioned above) on the Amazon Prime Video VR.
You can download the Prime Video VR app from the Oculus Store using any compatible virtual reality headset. For this to work on Samsung Gear VR, the Oculus Store must have been installed on the mobile device. After you have downloaded the Amazon VR app from the Oculus store, you can sign in using your Amazon Prime account to access the content.
The Prime Video service offers a massive selection of content for users. By November 2018, it was the second largest video streaming service after Netflix by subscriber base.
The Amazon Prime Video VR service is likely to see a good uptake among virtual reality enthusiasts who already have Amazon accounts. It is also likely to attract a good number of new users who may want to try out the Amazon offering. VR streaming is still in its infancy and competition is not as stiff as in the conventional streaming services market. The prices for the new Amazon services may also be out of reach for the Amazon Prime users who may not have the virtual reality technology.
Adding the virtual reality service to Prime will not transform the tech giant into a VR leader overnight but it allows Amazon to lay the groundwork which it could leverage to make some inroads into the VR space, an attractive prospect that would add something new to the virtual reality space.
With the way the virtual reality headsets having been commodified in the past few years, it is unlikely Amazon will enter that hardware market at all. The platform market has also been zoned in by both Oculus and Valve’s Steam which currently command a massive share of the market. The industry is still nascent, though, and Amazon could make a play for this but it will take a massive effort for it to develop a heavyweight service that will compete with some of the established players. That leaves content and a distribution platform as the last low-hanging fruits for Amazon.
Building an app that has a massive content library seems to be the clear path for Amazon currently. The good thing is that Amazon has the resources necessary to build some serious content platform within its app. For now, the content will be limited to 360 videos but there is a high likelihood that it is going to expand and include full virtual reality content.https://virtualrealitytimes.com/2019/07/30/amazon-launches-the-amazon-prime-video-vr-for-virtual-reality-experiences/https://virtualrealitytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Amazon-Prime-Video-VR-service-600x288.jpghttps://virtualrealitytimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Amazon-Prime-Video-VR-service-150x90.jpgBusinessAmazon has spread its wings wide across many technological frontiers but virtual reality seems to have been the last hold-out. Beyond selling virtual reality devices on its ecommerce platform, Amazon seems to have resisted the temptation to throw its hat into the VR ring until now, a domain which...Sam OchanjiSam Ochanji[email protected]SubscriberVirtual Reality Times - Metaverse & VR


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Shell Cracker Factory Update and Impact at Utica Green Conference
Plastics processors should plan to attend
– Tom Gellrich, CEO and Founder, TopLine Analytics
PENN VALLEY, Pennsylvania, United States, September 14, 2021 /EINPresswire.com/ – Ten years after Royal Dutch Shell announced it was considering a site in southwestern Pennsylvania to build an ethane cracker, the Construction of the $ 10 billion project is coming to an end.
Earlier this year, the latest economic impact study of the Beaver County facility (by a trio of Robert University professors) predicts an annual boost in operations to the state’s economy by more $ 3.69 billion – $ 81.68 billion over the 40-year life of the huge complex.
Although this study, previous studies on the cracker complex and the predictions of economists, academics, etc. have detailed tax and employment impacts, Tom Gellrich says, let’s not forget the positive long-term benefits for plastics processors.
Gellrich, president and founder of consulting firm TopLine Analytics, says processors are licking their proverbial chops as the Shell cracker comes to an end.
Gellrich will be one of the guest speakers at the inaugural Utica Green conference on October 12, 2021 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, of which Encino Energy is the main sponsor. Shale Directories and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce produce the conference.
The cost savings by using the Shell facility over the ethylene and polyethylene now shipped from the US Gulf Coast can be enormous. One study assessed the transportation advantage, pellets shipped from Beaver County over the Gulf Coast, at nearly 25%.
âThe impact of the Shell cracker on plastic processors is immense,â Gellrich told Shale Directories. âWe encourage all plastics processors in the Appalachian Basin and beyond to attend the Utica Green conference,â commented Joe Barone, president and founder of Shale Directories. He further added: âThe opportunities presented to these companies are significant due to availability and attractive prices. ”
A potential customer powered by the Shell cracker could be the world’s largest retailer.
Walmart announced in March that it would spend over the next 10 years $ 350 billion on additional items made, grown or assembled in the United States rather than elsewhere.
âWe estimate that this spending will support more than 750,000 new jobs in the United States,â said John Furner, president and CEO of Walmart US. âWe have identified six priority categories to focus on: plastics; textiles; small electrical appliances; food preparation; pharmaceutical and medical supplies; and Goods not for Resale (GNFR).
âNo. 1 on Walmart’s list of categories it will focus on is plastic,â Gellrich said.
âThe future is very bright for the entire plastics supply chain, but the early players will achieve the greatest growth,â said Gellrich.
The fall event aims to create a platform to facilitate the exchange of ideas, drawing on representatives from energy companies, industry experts, regulators, government officials and the general public on the shares. Ongoing industry ESG and related topics. The Utica Green Conference is an important and topical conference for the energy industry and its stakeholders. Visit www.uticasummit.com to register or learn more.


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The Happy Egg Co is celebrating the sale of more than one million boxes of a dozen eggs in the US.
The brand, which launched into Kroger/Ralphs stores in California in October 2012, is now sold in more than 2,000 outlets, including Walmart.
“We are excited to see that US consumers are embracing our approach to hen welfare,” said David Wagstaff, COO of The Happy Egg Co USA.
The US speciality egg market, which includes free range, is tipped to grow 15% by value year on year [OC&C] and cage-free now accounts for 4% of the total US egg market by volume.
California is set to ban the use of standard caged egg production from the beginning of next year.


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“What can be blamed for the corruption of today’s young people?” concerned parents always wonder. Is it drugs? Rock and roll? The new pool table at the billiard hall? No, of course not – it’s video games! Since it’s a relatively new entertainment medium, the world of video games isn’t fully understood by the general public. If a game seems to oppose the values of the society in which it’s released, it can be heavily criticized, censored, or even banned from sale entirely – whether or not the backlash is legitimate in the first place.
Today we’re going to take a look at the top 10 video games that have been banned or recalled from sale in certain countries around the world. Some have been hit with the ban hammer for extreme violence and sexual content, while others have gotten themselves tangled up in lawsuits for shady business practices. Rather than ranking the games based on their actual quality, we’ve ordered them based on how controversial, intriguing, and impactful their stories of banishment are. Let’s get scandalous!
10. EA Sports MMA
- System: Xbox 360, PS3
- Publisher: EA Sports
- Developer: EA Tiburon
- Release Dates: Oct 19, 2010
Mixed martial arts is possibly the most combat-oriented professional sport on air today; so naturally, some countries would be opposed to letting children play a game based on it, right? Well, that’s not why EA Sports MMA was banned in Denmark in 2010. The country bans all marketing for energy drinks, and since ads for drinks like Monster and Rockstar were plastered all over the game, EA decided to cancel its release in Denmark only.
So why couldn’t EA simply replace the ads (which are just in-game textures) with something more friendly to Scandinavians? According to a statement the company released, "Our game authentically recreates the sport of MMA in every facet, including energy drink in-game sponsorships on fighter shorts, gear, and in fight venues." Now that’s some stubborn commitment to authenticity! Or maybe they just didn’t feel like going through more trouble for a game that wasn’t selling well in the first place...
9. Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony (New Dangan Ronpa V3: Minna no Koroshiai Shin Gakki)
- System: PS Vita, PS4, PC
- Publisher: Spike Chunsoft, NIS America
- Developer: Spike Chunsoft
- Release Dates: Jan 12, 2017 (JPN), Sep 26, 2017 (NA), Sep 29, 2017 (EU)
The Danganronpa visual novels are murder mysteries about school kids who try to get away with homicide. The subject matter is certainly pretty twisted, but the gameplay is much more about investigating murders than committing them (plus, all of the blood is a lovely bright pink color). Despite that, South Korea has refused to give a rating to Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony, which bans it from sale in the country. But all other games in the series have been released in South Korea with an Adults Only rating, so what’s so heinous about this most recent one?
Continuing on from our first entry, the ban doesn’t have much to do with the actual content of the game. In March of this year, a teenage girl was arrested for murdering and dismembering an 8-year-old child in South Korea. The girl allegedly spoke with a group on Twitter about things like how to remove human flesh from bones, which a widely viewed news report illustrated using Danganronpa-style visuals. None of the people involved actually play the games, but Sony decided to cancel Danganronpa V3’s South Korean release anyway for its perceived association with the crime. Since this is still a recent ban, it’s possible that it’ll be lifted eventually so that Korean fans can still get their fix of magenta-tinted murder.
8. Pokémon Go
- System: iOS, Android
- Publisher: Niantic, Inc.
- Developer: Niantic, Inc.
- Release Dates: Jul 22, 2016 (JPN), Jul 6, 2016 (NA), Jul 13, 2016 (EU)
Pokémon bans are nothing new. Its enormous worldwide popularity has made it an easy target for all kinds of regulatory groups. Jynx and gym leader Lenora’s designs were altered to avoid accusations of racial stereotyping, cards of Kadabra can no longer be produced following a copyright lawsuit from magician Uri Geller, and of course, Porygon and its evolutions have never been shown in the anime after the infamous seizure incident in its debut episode. So with Pokémon Go’s release on mobile phones in 2016 and the huge fad that followed, it was almost a guarantee that someone’s feathers would get ruffled.
Saudi Arabia banned the game when religious leaders decided to renew their fatwa (a non legally binding, but authoritative declaration by the high Islamic council) against the entire Pokémon franchise. It was first implemented in 2001 because of the game’s themes of evolution and gambling, as well as a six-pointed star in the trading card game resembling a Jewish Star of David. Other countries in the Middle East have also expressed concerns about Pokémon Go users entering sacred places like mosques to play the game. Despite the fact that Pokémon Go hasn’t been officially released in Saudi Arabia, many fans have illegally downloaded it onto their phones so they too can catch Pokémon in the real world.
7. Too Human
- System: Xbox 360
- Publisher: Microsoft Game Studios
- Developer: Silicon Knights
- Release Dates: Aug 19, 2008
Too Human is one of those games that’s plagued with endless development delays and then doesn’t amount to much once it finally limps its way onto shelves. Still, there’s nothing particularly violent or suggestive about it compared to every other generic action game in 2008. The real problem lies under the surface – notably in its engine, which uses thousands of lines of code pirated from Unreal Engine 3.
Developer Silicon Knights had sued Epic Games, the creator of the Unreal Engine, back in 2007 for supposedly using engine licensing fees to fund the development of Gears of War. But once the report about the stolen code came to light, Epic Games sued them right back and won $4.45 million in damages. In addition, the court ordered Silicon Knights to destroy all unsold copies of Too Human and a slew of their other games that used the same engine. Too Human was also wiped off of Xbox Live in 2012. Lesson learned: pay your licensing fees and never ever get on Epic Games’ bad side.
6. Silent Hill: Homecoming
- System: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
- Publisher: Konami
- Developer: Double Helix Games
- Release Dates: Cancelled (JPN), Sep 30, 2008 (NA), Feb 27, 2009 (EU)
Silent Hill is considered to be one of the most important and influential series in the entire survival horror game genre. Its distinct dread-filled atmosphere draws on aspects of Eastern culture and religion that make it especially eerie and unfamiliar to Western players. But Silent Hill: Homecoming, the first console Silent Hill title to be developed by a non-Japanese studio, wasn’t even released in Japan.
Konami didn’t state any specific reason as to why they decided not to release the title in the series’ home country, but we can take a guess. Australia instituted a ban against the game because of its extreme violence, including decapitations and eye gore; so presumably, Konami picked up on the backlash and quietly dropped Homecoming’s Japanese release from its schedule. It seems like the bloodier Western style of horror that this game used didn’t resonate across cultures like the other Silent Hill titles did the other way around.
5. Postal and Manhunt series
These games might’ve been created for the sole purpose of being banned. The Postal series features outrageously violent scenarios like the schizophrenic protagonist shooting up an Air Force base, while Manhunt focuses on exterminating your fellow man in the most realistically gruesome ways possible. Both series have been connected to murder cases and banned in places such as New Zealand because of their gleeful attitude towards killing, although Running With Scissors and Rockstar Games have stated that they don’t support real world violence.
Postal’s developer, Running With Scissors, says that its goal is to “make action-packed games which are fun, funny and possibly even politically correct,” while Rockstar’s official site boasts slogans like “home to the great unwashed hordes” and “bringing gaming to the family since 1998.” They’re both very much aware of their reputations and even use that as a selling point, so banning their games may actually be the publicity they wanted in the first place.
4. Six Days in Fallujah
- System: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
- Publisher: Konami
- Developer: Atomic Games
- Release Dates: Unreleased
A game set during the Iraq War, huh? That sounds interesting. Well, it’s possible that developer Atomic Games should’ve waited a few more than five years after the real Second Battle of Fallujah to allow people to reenact it in video game form. Even though it was developed in collaboration with war veterans and was meant to be a serious exploration of the events they went through, the game’s release was shut down in 2009 after criticism from the families of soldiers killed in that battle.
The short version of the game’s development and controversy is that publisher Konami dropped the project after the media rioted against it and Atomic Games weren’t able to defend their work alone. They have yet to find another publisher. It hasn’t been officially banned or cancelled, but Six Days In Fallujah is still a pariah in the video game industry because of its “too soon” content and it might never be released.
3. Spec Ops: The Line
- System: PS3, Xbox 360, PC
- Publisher: 2K Games
- Developer: Yager Development, Darkside Game Studios
- Release Dates: Jun 26, 2012 (NA), Jun 29, 2012 (EU)
Spec Ops: The Line blew people’s minds when it came out back in 2012. At first, it seemed to be a generic shooter about American soldiers trying to save a stranded commander in a ruined Dubai. But once it got going, it revealed itself to be a sobering deconstruction of both modern military shooters and the ethics of war that nobody saw coming. It topped many “best of the year” lists in 2012 and remains a must-play for anyone interested in games as art.
The United Arab Emirates didn’t see it that way, though. They banned a preview of the game, as well as its official website. Upon its release, all physical and digital sales of the game were banned in the UAE because it showed Dubai in a state of unending war and devastation. The ban remains in place today, so Emirati gamers still have to cross international borders to play this game that’s set in their own country.
2. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- System: PS2, Xbox, PC
- Publisher: Rockstar Games
- Developer: Rockstar North
- Release Dates: Oct 26, 2004
The Grand Theft Auto series as a whole has so many bans and censorship cases against it that Rockstar Games can practically wallpaper their office with the paperwork at this point. But, true to form, most of this is likely on purpose so that their games will get a counter-culture reputation and free advertising. But they may have gotten in over their heads in 2005 with the infamous Hot Coffee scandal in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Curious hackers found an unfinished minigame in both the console and PC versions of the game called “Hot Coffee”, which featured realistic interactive sex between the main character and his girlfriend. This led to lawsuits, after which the game was yanked off of shelves in America and its rating was changed from Mature to Adults Only. Rockstar eventually removed the minigame with a patch called “Cold Coffee”, but by that point the scandal had become one of the biggest tent poles for the “video games are corrupting our children” argument. Not that it’s slowed Rockstar down at all.
1. Night Trap
- System: Sega CD
- Publisher: Sega
- Developer: Digital Pictures
- Release Dates: Oct 15, 1992 (NA), May 1993 (EU)
This is the granddaddy of them all – the game that caused so much controversy that it resulted in the creation of the ESRB. Night Trap is an FMV game about trying to stop villains called “augers” from capturing a group of girls at a slumber party. In a 1993 US Senate committee meeting, opponents argued that the game featured “gratuitous, gory, sexualized violence against women at the hands of the player” and was “tantamount to child abuse.” Stores across the nation pulled the game from their shelves and Sega eventually took it off the market for good. For those who’ve never seen the game before, Night Trap’s most “violent” scene looks like this.
It’s incredibly tame by today’s standards, and probably even by 1992 standards as well. But both Night Trap and the original Mortal Kombat were deemed so harmful to children that the Entertainment Software Ratings Board was formed in America so that violent and suggestive content in video games could be regulated. For having such gigantic fallout against its barely objectionable content, Night Trap takes the top spot as the #1 banned video game at Honey’s Anime.
Whether or not you think these games deserved to be banned, they’re all intriguing examples of how video games and their culture have changed over the years. The controversies are bigger than ever now, but hopefully once the pearl-clutching parents and fist-wringing politicians have moved on to pointing fingers at the next new medium, video games will finally be able to catch a break. Just as long as they don’t pirate the Unreal Engine.
What did you think of our list? Did we miss any banned games that you want to hear about? If you’ve played any of them, do you think they deserved to get banned? Let us know in the comments and thanks for reading!


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Belgian professor warns of Belgium's dependence on China
Professor Jonathan Holslag warns of Belgium's dependence on China. In his just-published report, he points to the increasing role of the Chinese maritime sector in Belgian ports.
The largest container terminal in the port of Antwerp depends more than 80 per cent on COSCO Shipping, one of the two largest Chinese shipping companies. Many other Chinese companies also operate in the port of Antwerp and Zeebrugge. 'We have to be aware of that. They don't control pieces of land, they don't own those ports, but because of Chinese investments, our ports are very dependent on those shipping companies,' Holslag told VRT.
On top of that, China deliberately design ships that could later be used in conflicts. According to Holslag, the two largest Chinese shipping companies, COSCO Shipping and China Merchants would themselves admit to being a political tool and also actively participate in army exercises with the Chinese government army.
"In China, there is a certain regulation where people have to build ships according to certain military standards. Ships are built in such a way that they can carry tanks. Ferries have to meet standards so they can also be deployed on the high seas. So tanks and amphibious vehicles can be unloaded in the water,' he told VRT.
Holslag blames the Antwerp Port Authority for not taking enough account of the political intentions of those Chinese shipping companies. "We must learn our lessons from the conflict in Ukraine and focus on the resilience and security of our ports," Holslag says.
In a tweet he points out that our dependency possibly undermines our democracy. The professor warns that COSCO Shipping does not like the free market, that it depends largely on state capitalism, actually wants to make the European maritime sector small and wants to use our technology to become independent of it itself later. 'China wants to promote the Party ideology worldwide as " alternative" to our democracy. State compagnies are tools to attain this goal. Meanwhile we help these state compagnies.'
© BELGA PHOTO LUIS ACOSTA - Crew members of Chinese Cosco Shipping Rose container ship wave Chinese and Panamenian flag before China's President Xi Jinping and Panama's Juan Carlso Varela, arrive at the Cocoli locks in the expanded Panama Canal, in Panama City, Panama on December 3, 2018.


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When the first corona cases appeared in Germany at Webasto earlier this year, the company reacted quickly. Webasto boss Holger Engelmann is now sharply criticizing the handling of the virus in the Tönnies meat factories.
The Chairman of the Board of the Bavarian automotive supplier Webasto, Holger Engelmann, reacted with sharp criticism and lack of understanding to the massive Corona outbreak in the East Westphalian butchery in Tönnies. “I personally find the explosive spread of the virus in the Gütersloh district terrifying,” he said Süddeutsche Zeitung. “We have known for months what measures we can protect others. Failing to heed them is negligent and is fueling the rapid spread of Covid-19”.
Webasto, a manufacturer of car roofs, heaters and batteries, as well as charging stations for electric cars, hit the headlines earlier this year after an employee at its headquarters in Stockdorf near Munich had been infected with the Corona virus by a Chinese colleague. The Corona cases at Webasto in January and February are the first in Germany. In the course of a few days, the company checked infection chains, tested employees and sent a majority of the employees at the Stockdorf location to the home office.
“Even if the structures in the meat industry are not comparable to those in our industry and it is still not clear how and where exactly so many people could get infected so quickly,” says Engelmann to the address of the entrepreneur Clemens Tönnies: “We have company leaders a duty of care towards the people who work for them – that is ethical and anchored in labor law. ” Every entrepreneur must “have an interest in keeping his business running economically, and this is only possible with healthy employees”.
Engelmann criticizes above all a hesitation in Rheda-Wiedenbrück that he thinks is too long: “After the first positive tested workers” the company “would have had to react immediately, educate employees, test contact persons and, in coordination with the authorities, have put all the levers into action.” to interrupt the chain of infection “. In this way, says the Webasto boss, “one could probably have prevented the lockdown of an entire region”.


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One out of every ten exhibitors secure larger booths than planned.
Current Press Releases
MPMC’s campaign offers easy ways for companies and enthusiasts to get involved.
Professionals in the automotive specialty-equipment market will be
given a unique opportunity to learn everything they need to know about
successfully conducting business on the Internet at SEMA’s Internet
Symposium on Saturday, August 1, 2009, at the Pasadena Convention
Center in Pasadena, California.
2009 SEMA Show powered by Ford.
Forms available online; proceeds to benefit two children's charities.
Amendments lessen impact of vehicle scrappage program.
Program suspends 43-year rule requiring exhibitors to be paid in full before show time.
SEMA Show exhibitors can save more than 30% off advance retail prices.
SEMA Show organizers have announced a Leads Guarantee Program designed to reassure exhibitors that the 2009 event is on track to deliver high-quality buyers.
Proceeds raised at summer automotive events in Pasadena to benefit two children’s charities.


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Kaitaki lease renewed
17 April 2013 11:11AM
Interislander has today announced the decision to renew the lease on the Kaitaki ferry for another four years.
“Kaitaki has been our flagship since her arrival in 2005 and is the largest passenger ferry in New Zealand.
“With capacity for up to 60 trucks on each night sailing, and some trucks during daily passenger journeys, Kaitaki has been relied upon to carry time sensitive deliveries between North and South Island such as perishable goods, urgent courier shipments and retail products. She has served us very well over the last eight years," says Interislander General Manager Thomas Davis.
Interislander originally took out a five year lease on the 1650 passenger, 550 car capacity ferry from European owners Irish Continental Group in 2005, with an option for a three year extension in June 2010. This option was taken up and the lease was extended until 30 June 2013.
"The last two summers have been the busiest ever for Kaitaki, and with the growth in popularity of our Kaitaki Plus luxury lounge and anticipated future demand, we are confident we are making the right move in keeping the ship with Interislander."
Issued by KiwiRail (Contact: Sophie Lee, Senior Communications Advisor, KiwiRail (04) 498 3181 or (027) 435 9464 email@example.com)


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Malls are moving away from shopping to fill the wasteland of vacant retail space
Casinos, amusement parks, medical facilities, storage units, hotels, schools, offices and residences are being considered to replace stores.
Imagine more than 30 deserted King of Prussia Malls. That’s how much space battered mall owners need to fill heading into 2022, more than 90 million square feet. It’s no easy task, with dozens of retail chains already cutting back or shutting down, and it won’t get any better if the newest pandemic wave scares off shoppers.
So landlords are wooing businesses that have little or nothing to do with shopping. Casinos, amusement parks, medical facilities, storage units, hotels, schools, offices, and residences are fair game, as even healthy shopping centers are forced to rethink their game plans for next year and beyond.
“In 2030, you’re going to see most malls are going to be not considered a mall anymore,” said Greg Maloney, chief executive for Americas retail at real-estate services firm JLL. “They’re going to be considered a mixed-use asset.”
They might wind up looking like Mall of America outside Minneapolis, the biggest one in the U.S., whose layout includes Nickelodeon Universe and an aquarium. Or like Chattanooga, Tenn.-based CBL Properties, owner of about 100 less-prestigious malls and shopping centers, which in August added the 80,000-square-foot Hollywood Casino on an old Sears site at its York Galleria in Pennsylvania. It brought in industry giant Penn National Gaming Inc. with 500 high-tech slots, two dozen table games, and Barstool Sportsbook.
CBL has reason to believe it might help: A Live! Casino that replaced the old Bon-Ton department store at CBL’s Westmoreland Mall near Pittsburgh in November 2020 has produced double-digit traffic and sales gains over 2019.
That’s after CBL went broke in 2020 under the old model, which failed because it leaned heavily on department stores such as Bon-Ton and Sears to keep shoppers from defecting to online outlets. Hundreds of those anchors have shuttered, as have thousands of smaller retailers amid the pandemic, forcing CBL and at least two other big U.S. mall chains into bankruptcy.
The result: Vacancy rates nationwide climbed to 7.2% in the second quarter of this year from 4.9% pre-pandemic, according to JLL. For the lowest-tier “C” grade malls, vacancies were 12.4%. Even with the return of some shoppers, mall rents have barely budged since the first quarter of last year, rising only 1.3%. This doesn’t help companies such as Washington Prime Group and Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, two other mall chains that are trying to turn themselves around after emerging from bankruptcy.
CBL, which finished its Chapter 11 case in November, redeveloped more than 45 properties since 2015, including placing an Aloft Hotel in a property in Chattanooga, a representative said via email. It’s considering mixed-use redevelopments including grocery, hospitality, multifamily, medical, education, and offices.
Sometimes repurposing a store just won’t work, so in early in 2020, CBL decided to demolish a defunct Herberger’s in Bismarck, N.D., to make way for a pharmacy and restaurants that included a Five Guys and a Chick-fil-A.
“Both at good and bad malls, the best option from a real estate perspective could be developing apartments,” said Vince Tibone, a senior analyst at commercial real-estate analytics firm Green Street. But not everyone can pull this off; converting large spaces requires capital and ample time that operators may not have. Many former Sears stores, for example, are still vacant more than three years after that merchant filed for bankruptcy, Tibone said. A complete overhaul could take a decade, according to JLL’s Maloney.
It’s no wonder, given the weak profit outlook and the reluctance of new tenants to move in. Green Street’s forecast for net operating income growth at even the best malls is modest at 2.1% near-term and 1.3% long term, with negative growth for grade B and C centers.
“The occupancy rates for CBL and PREIT have generally been below average for a long time now,” said Bloomberg Intelligence analyst Lindsay Dutch. “I expect raising occupancy to remain a challenge for lower-quality mall portfolios.”
Some landlords have cut deals with tenants, agreeing to take a percentage of sales instead of a fixed sum. For PREIT, “it sort of worked to our benefit,” executive vice president Heather Cromwell said in an interview, because sales are up 17% over 2019.
Starting about five years ago, the mall operator tried to counter retail bankruptcies and closures by taking back properties from troubled chains, Cromwell said. That included replacing a Sears in Massachusetts with an Aldi and a Burlington Coat Factory.
Bond and stock markets are signaling skepticism. PREIT’s shares have traded only briefly above $3 since it emerged from bankruptcy in December 2020 and they now hover around $1.25. Washington Prime, which was taken over by creditor SVPGlobal, has seen its senior unsecured bond maturing in 2024 sink to a third of its value. Washington Prime declined to comment.


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According to The Insight Partners new research report titled “The global Dropshipping Market Forecast to 2027 – COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis,” published by The Insight Partners, the global dropshipping market is expected to reach US$ 591.77 billion by 2027, registering a CAGR of 18.3% during 2020–2027, the forecast period considered in the report. The scope of study involves understanding the factors contributing to the growth of the dropshipping market; it also includes estimation and forecast of the revenues as well as market size analysis, along with spotting significant market players and their key developments.
The dropshipping market is likely to experience substantial growth rate owing to a surge in online shopping and the growing trend of cross-border e-commerce trade. Thus, the demand for dropshipping services is principally influenced by the growth of the e-commerce platforms. The rising penetration of smartphones and rising disposable income in emerging markets are also driving the demand for dropshipping services. Dropshipping is implemented in numerous industries to offer various types of products, such as electronics, personal care, and toys; it also ensures the smooth delivery of goods to consumers. Introduction of advanced technologies has offered new opportunities to dropshipping model providers to move from traditional to online business mode.
Demand for dropshipping business model is increasing immensely in various APAC countries, such as India and China. It is one of the cost-effective models for entrepreneurs to start an e-commerce business. It enables an entrepreneur to sell products online without having to carry inventory. E-commerce sales in APAC countries are growing at a rapid pace making it one of the largest industries. For instance, as per IBEF, in 2017, e-commerce sales grew at an annual rate of 51%, making it the biggest opportunity for online retailers. Additionally, as per China Internet Information Center, China’s online retail sales surpassed US$ 1.29 trillion in 2018. Several smart products such as smart speakers and smartwatches are favored by consumers of this region, with sales upsurge of ~80% year-on-year. Sales of cosmetics and furniture also achieved swift growth in China.
The major stakeholders in the dropshipping ecosystem comprise manufacturers, wholesalers, suppliers, dropshipping companies, and end-user/customers. Manufacturers are the companies that produce products. Some of them would have a dropship program that enables other wholesalers to partner directly with them to retail their products. The wholesalers can sell the manufacturer’s products on their website and make a sale. They will forward the information to the manufacturer, and the manufacturer will pick, package, and ship the product to the end user/customer on behalf of the wholesalers. If a manufacturer does not have a dropshipping program, then they might choose to work with a wholesaler to provide their goods directly to end users.
The dropshipping market is most mature in the APAC region. The growth of the dropshipping market in the region is majorly due to tremendous growth in ecommerce industry. The region comprises several well-established ecommerce companies, which have attracted a significant percentage of the region’s population from the majority of the countries. The growth in ecommerce business has been shaping the revenue generation trends in the dropshipping market. High disposable income and penetration of smartphones among all age groups generate significant growth in demand for dropshipping services in the region, owing to the fact that dropshipping services help in saving time and money. This factor has attracted a huge percentage of the APAC population.
Get a Sample Copy of the Report@ https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00011190/
China-based AliExpress is among the leaders and forerunners in the ecommerce industry and dropshipping market. Majority of the manufacturing sectors across the globe rely on Chinese manufactured parts or components, and AliExpress is one of the key dropshippers that facilitate the B2B dropshipping services. Apart from AliExpress, numerous dropshipping market players exist in India, Hong Kong, and Japan as well as countries in Southeast Asia. The presence of a large number of dropshipping market players in the region is attributable to the growth of the dropshipping market in the APAC region.
The dropshipping market is expected to grow during the forecast period due to the rise in demand for B2B and B2C products among online shoppers. Increase in awareness about the advantages of dropshipping among the merchandises and customers is boosting the demand for dropshipping services, thereby driving the dropshipping market. In addition, rise of online retailers across APAC has pertained to the development of internet connectivity through the penetration of smartphones. According to the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA), the count of smartphones in the APAC region is expected to reach 3.9 billion by 2025. This figure reflects the upward trend in upcoming demand for ecommerce and the dropshipping market.
Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2019 in China, manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and online retailers are experiencing a downfall in their respective businesses due to disruption in supply chain management. This has had a negative impact on the dropshipping market players’ businesses, owing to delay in manufacturing and delivering the products to customers. India is currently one of the worst-hit countries in the APAC region, with huge disruption in the supply chain business. India is among the key countries in the APAC dropshipping market. Pertaining to the disruption in the supply chain as a result of extended lockdown measures and restriction in manufacturing facility operation, the dropshipping market in the country has been experiencing a negative impact.
The APAC region houses a number of dropshipping market players, which include AliExpress (China), Wiio (China), Baggood (China), CjDropshipping.com (Yiwu Cute Jewelry Co., Ltd.) (China), Dropship China Pro. (China), Dropshipzone.In (WOW Enterprises) (India), Bafulia (India), Shopperr (India), and Shopkyo (Japan).
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Dropshipping Market
According to the latest report from the World Health Organization (WHO), the US, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, UK, Russia, Turkey, Brazil, Iran, and China are some of the worst affected countries due to COVID-19 outbreak. The outbreak first began in Wuhan, China, during December 2019, and since then, it has spread at a fast pace across the globe. As of August 12, 2020, there are around 20,162,474 confirmed COVID-19 cases globally, with ~737,417 total deaths, and the number is growing at varying rates in different countries. The COVID-19 crisis is affecting the industries worldwide, and the global economy is anticipated to take the worst hit in 2020, which is likely to have impact on 2021 as well. The pandemic has disturbed dropshipping businesses and suppliers around the globe. Warehouses, suppliers, and delivery companies are not operating at their full capacity. This might cause some order delays. The factory shutdowns, travel bans, trade bans, and border lockdowns to combat and contain the outbreak have adversely affected the dropshipping industry.
Key Findings of Study:
Demand for dropshipping business model is increasing immensely in various APAC countries, such as India and China. It is one of the cost-effective models for entrepreneurs to start an e-commerce business. It enables an entrepreneur to sell products online without having to carry inventory. E-commerce sales in APAC countries are growing at a rapid pace making it one of the largest industries. For instance, as per IBEF, in 2017, e-commerce sales grew at an annual rate of 51%, making it the biggest opportunity for online retailers.
Additionally, as per the China Internet Information Center, China’s online retail sales surpassed US$ 1.29 trillion in 2018. Several smart products such as smart speakers and smartwatches are favored by consumers of this region, with sales upsurge of ~80% year-on-year. Sales of cosmetics and furniture also achieved swift growth in China.
In India, wholesale might cost businesses more money via the cost of goods and shipping charges. The shipping cost is high since individual entrepreneurs do not have access to government deals. However, dropshipping enables businesses to automate their business in order to focus on tasks that produce revenue. It also saves the cost of goods. With dropshipping, shipping goods can cost less and can sometimes even be free. The platform enables dropshippers in India to sell their products across the globe to grow their businesses quickly. Thus, growing demand for dropshipping services offers an opportunity for various entrepreneurs in Asian countries to start their business with fewer capital investments in inventory.
About The Insight Partners
The Insight Partners is a one-stop industry research provider of actionable solutions. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We are specialist in industries such as healthcare, media, and telecommunication.
Our research model is very simple. We believe in client servicing and delivering the best quality to our customers. Through our research content, we are making sure that our customers get value for their money along with better quality data and analysis.
Our research content is majorly focused on market trends in terms of market sizing, competitive landscaping, company analysis, regional or country analysis, etc. We provide a detailed break-up of segmentation in terms of geography, systems, products, and services, etc., which helps our clients to gain a deeper analytical understanding of various research topics.
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The coronavirus pandemic brought a multitude of public and private activities in our lives to an abrupt halt and forced us to make many changes during lockdown.
Bit by bit, the situation seems to be getting back to normal and some of the things that were left limbo are starting to return, including Made in Mallorca, which combines top-notch design with sustainability. All of the companies under this umbrella share a passion for artisanal products and regenerating local production.
The exhibition of the most recent creations by these artist-craftsmen in the Aljub de Es Baluard was shut down during the lockdown, but has now reopened.
So, Made in Mallorca 2020 can now get back to normal and those who didn’t have the opportunity to visit the exhibition before will be able to see it from Thursday, June 11 until Saturday, June 13.
It’s open from 1000 until 2000, there’s no entrance fee and visitors don’t need an appointment. Those who are in risk groups will have preferential access and all of the appropriate health and safety measures are in place.
Capacity has been reduced, entry will be organised to guarantee that space requirements are met and a face mask is mandatory to access the Aljub room.
After three forays to the London Design Fair and two in Palma, Made in Mallorca has added five new companies to the habitat sector since last year.
Made in Mallorca promotes the power of the place where things are made, the quality of the materials and the value of original creations and reflects the sincere link that exists between the product designer, the craftsman and the producer.
16 participants make up Made in Mallorca 2020:
Artesania Tèxtil Bujosa, Català Roig Ceramics, Contain Studio, La Peixera Design Editions, Huguet, Lafiore with Nico Guevara Studio, Lysende Logik, Maria Antònia Ramis, Mirenchu, 2Monos, Paparkone, Studio Jaia, Teixits Riera, Teixits Vicens, Tonia Fuster and 8Eight.


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SEOUL (Reuters) -- Microsoft and South Korea's top carmaker Hyundai Motor have agreed to build a music and information system to debut in cars sold in North America in 2010, the companies said today.
Microsoft and Hyundai said the first product under the partnership would be a voice-controlled system linking mobile devices to car stereo systems.
Later versions are expected to include multimedia and navigation-related features, the companies said.
The deal will add a new competitor to Ford Motor's Sync system, which allows a driver to use voice commands to control a system linking the car's audio system with a mobile phone and the iPod from Apple.
In a twist that promises to make the car-based system similar to the desktop computer market, the Hyundai data and entertainment device will be able to take on new features with software updates, the companies said.
The product deal marks a win for Microsoft, which has been working to open up the driver's seat as a new market for its software beyond its dominance in the office and living room.
The market for car-based information and data systems is expected to grow sharply in coming years, and automakers such as BMW and Chrysler have projects in the works to bring regular Internet access to vehicles.
For its part, Hyundai, and its affiliate brand Kia Motors, have struggled to shake a reputation for building vehicles in the U.S. market that compete more on price than styling or technology.
Sync, which Ford developed in partnership with Microsoft, has been a surprise hit for Ford. It was introduced first on Ford's entry-level Focus sedan and has been credited with helping to lift sales of that car and to help the struggling U.S. carmaker connect with younger car buyers.
In addition to the Ford deal, Microsoft Auto also provides the software system used in Fiat vehicles sold in Europe and Latin America.
Microsoft and Hyundai were set to sign the partnership agreement at a ceremony in Seoul attended by Bill Gates, Microsoft chairman, and Hyundai Kia Automotive Group Chairman Chung Mong-koo.
Financial terms of the licensing agreement between the two companies were not disclosed.


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Myanmar generated US$235.477 million from mineral exports between 1 April 2022 and end-January 2023 in the current financial year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
During the April-January period, the public sector performed mineral exports valued at $23.43 million whereas the private sector saw mineral exports worth $212.04 million.
The export items are gems and jewellery, gold, jade, pearl, diamond, lead, tin, tungsten, silver, copper, zinc, charcoal and other minerals.
Myanmar earned $564.457 million from mineral exports between April and 27 January in the last FY2021-2022.
Myanmar targets to achieve exports worth $15.5 billion and imports worth $14 billion in the 2022-2023 FY, the National Planning Law stated. —TWA/EM


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FINDLAY, Ohio (Aug. 27, 2013) — Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. is expanding its Discoverer light truck tire line with the Discoverer HT3, which is engineered for premium commercial-grade performance together with highway traction in all seasons.
The Discover HT3, designed to resist abnormal wear, according to Findlay-based Cooper, is now available nationwide in R and S speed ratings and in 17 sizes ranging from 15- to 18-inch rim diameters.
Scott Jamieson, Cooper's director of product management, said the HT3 "satisfies the needs of hard-working business owners" while "covering approximately 96 percent of the most popular light truck highway market sizes."
Features of the Cooper Discoverer HT3 include commercial-grade advanced technology, Cooper said, such as a silica-infused tread compound and full-depth 3D micro-gauge siping, a continuous shoulder rib providing superior resistance to irregular wear and a quieter ride.
Cooper said the Discover HT3 is designed for highway and commercial driving for light trucks and small fleet delivery vehicles, including Sprinter, Ford E-Series, Ram Cargo, Chevy Express and Nissan NV Cargo vans, as well as three-quarter and one-ton pickup trucks.


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Hilton Hotels (NYSE:HLT) was downgraded by Zacks Investment Research from a “hold” rating to a “sell” rating in a note issued to investors on Friday.
According to Zacks, “Shares of Hilton have declined sharply in the past six months. Earnings estimates for current and next year have witnessed downward revisions over the past 30 days, reflecting analyst's concern over the stock's growth potential. Moreover, cyclical nature of the hospitality industry and other macro woes along with the stock's stretched valuation pose concerns. Challenging economic conditions in some key operating regions along with stiff competition remain concerns for Hilton. Compared with other big hotel chains, Hilton is seen to have a lower mix of luxury and upper upscale rooms. However, we believe that the improving economic indicators — along with aggressive expansion strategies, industry-leading loyalty program, coupled with an asset-light business model — bode well for Hilton.”
Other analysts have also recently issued reports about the company. Cowen began coverage on Hilton Hotels in a research report on Monday, October 22nd. They issued an “outperform” rating and a $81.00 price objective for the company. Raymond James cut their price objective on Hilton Hotels from $96.00 to $82.00 and set a “strong-buy” rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, October 25th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price objective on Hilton Hotels from $93.00 to $84.00 and set an “outperform” rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 29th. Robert W. Baird set a $84.00 price objective on Hilton Hotels and gave the company a “buy” rating in a research report on Thursday, October 25th. Finally, B. Riley upgraded Hilton Hotels from a “neutral” rating to a “buy” rating and cut their price objective for the company from $91.00 to $85.00 in a research report on Thursday, October 25th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have issued a hold rating, thirteen have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The company currently has an average rating of “Buy” and a consensus price target of $84.61.
Hilton Hotels (NYSE:HLT) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 24th. The company reported $0.77 EPS for the quarter, beating the Zacks’ consensus estimate of $0.75 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $2.25 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts’ expectations of $2.41 billion. Hilton Hotels had a return on equity of 63.76% and a net margin of 15.51%. The business’s revenue was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.56 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Hilton Hotels will post 2.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.
Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Ancora Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Hilton Hotels in the 3rd quarter valued at $114,000. First Hawaiian Bank purchased a new stake in Hilton Hotels during the 3rd quarter worth about $152,000. Cerebellum GP LLC purchased a new stake in Hilton Hotels during the 3rd quarter worth about $187,000. MML Investors Services LLC purchased a new stake in Hilton Hotels during the 3rd quarter worth about $202,000. Finally, Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC increased its holdings in Hilton Hotels by 117.9% during the 3rd quarter. Steward Partners Investment Advisory LLC now owns 2,602 shares of the company’s stock worth $210,000 after purchasing an additional 1,408 shares during the period. 96.48% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.
Hilton Hotels Company Profile
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc, a hospitality company, owns, leases, manages, develops, and franchises hotels and resorts. It operates through two segments, Management and Franchise; and Ownership. The company engages in the hotel management and licensing of its brands to franchisees. It operates hotels under the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Curio – A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and Hilton Grand Vacations brands.
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This month, tech giants banned a fledgeling social media app called Parler. Amazon, Apple and Google all removed the app from their app stores and hosting services. According to Vox, “Amazon booted Parler from its Amazon Web Services, citing the risk to public safety. This followed Parler’s app being removed from the Google Play Store and Apple App Stores for its role in inciting violence.” The network has received criticism for its extreme free-speech position which led to extremist viewpoints gaining steam on the platform. But regardless of your personal political leanings, here’s why the Parler ban is a sign of things to come. And none of them are good. We’ll discuss concerns including:
When companies become too big, they throw the rulebooks out of the window. No longer does the concept of supply and demand apply to them. They are so essential, so entrenched, that they operate outside the normal market bounds. Don’t think that’s true? Chances are you use Amazon a lot (especially during this pandemic), now imagine if they raised the price of standard delivery and Prime by 30%. You’d probably still pay it. Why? Because they’re the biggest game in town and no one else even comes close to the convenience and selection they offer.
Who platforms allow to speak and who they don’t says a lot about their political agendas as an organisation. And before you think ‘platforms are neutral’, no they aren’t. People work at companies and people have biases (positive or negative). This applies to discrimination too. LCFI states, “consistently White portrayal of AI can amplify discrimination, including by: sustaining a racially homogenous workforce, perpetuating oppressive narratives of White superiority, misrepresenting the opportunities and risk of AI, and creating new power hierarchies that place ‘White’ machines in a position of power over non-White humans.”
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Texas Freeze Will Cost Ag Producers Millions in Lost Production
US dairy sector faces uncertain prospects in 2021
EU farmers contest South America trade pact
JRP France: Pork quality, sow postures and gut health
What’s the impact on EU when milk quotas ended?
USA: feedyards, Packers Disrupted By Weather and Energy Shortage
Mass depopulation on pig farms, what does science say?
Spain is Europe’s top pig meat exporter to China
India’s dairy sector remains strong and steady
China food security: time to boost domestic output as focus on imports ‘fundamenta...
Israeli farmers ‘at peace’ with govt over dairy imports
Syngenta boasts 5% feed efficiency boost in Enogen corn trait
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A nearly decade-long battle to honor the Beastie Boys on a Manhattan corner has finally succeeded.
Fans of the band have been pushing to rename the Lower East Side corner at Ludlow and Rivington streets “Beastie Boys Square.”
A former clothing store on the corner was used group’s second album cover, 1989’s “Paul’s Boutique.”
Previous attempts have been unsuccessful, but the New York City Council approved the move yesterday.
LeRoy McCarthy, an advocate for the approval of Beastie Boys Square says the new corner’s name “took a long time, but hip-hop don’t stop.”
What your favorite Beastie Boys’ song?


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Social media has been called a trend, a time-waster, and simply a form of entertainment. However, this particular method of communication has proven to be not only a lucrative form of advertising, but also a much less invasive one. Businesses that have an online presence see far more leads than those who stick to more traditional methods. Recently we have seen that social media marketing also closes a lot of deals. InsideView’s new infographic has the numbers to prove it. Around 90% of B2B companies are now using Facebook, and 53% are on Twitter. Recently, companies have discovered the marketing power of Pinterest, which is the fastest growing social media network in history. By creating a personable identity, and positive online image, these companies are able to reach a wider audience, and relate to them on deeper, more honest levels. Social media has made marketing and advertising entertaining and glamorous again, and there is no end in sight.
Kristina Carpenter is a writer for NowSourcing, Inc., which specializes in infogaphics and social media marketing.


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NEW YORK (AP) — Newspaper publisher Tronc has acquired the Daily News, a storied New York tabloid newspaper that won a Pulitzer Prize this year but has been buffeted by the changing media environment.Chicago-based Tronc Inc., the publisher of the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune, announced the deal Monday night, and the Daily News posted a story on its website.Tronc CEO Justin Dearborn said acquiring the paper and its popular website would "provide us with another strategic platform for growing our digital business, expanding our reach and broadening our services for advertisers and marketers," and both Tronc and Daily News executives said the company would maintain the quality of the paper's journalism.
NYS Entity Status
NYS Filing Date
MAY 22, 2014
NYS DOS ID#
NYS Entity Type
DOMESTIC BUSINESS CORPORATION
2014 - LAN LINE COMPUTER SERVICES, INC.
Around the Web
- Publisher Tronc acquires Daily News, storied NY tabloid
By JENNIFER PELTZ, Associated Press - Monday Sep 4, 2017
- Inside New York City’s Priciest Rentals
By CAROLINE BIGGS - Friday Sep 1, 2017
Some New Yorkers could afford to buy multimillion-dollar properties, but they’d rather rent a place for upward of $20,000 a month.
- Food & Wine Magazine Will Leave New York for Alabama
By STEPHANIE STROM - Friday Jun 23, 2017
The move reflects a changing business in which traditional food magazines, and a Manhattan address, are less important.
- Google Offers Concessions to Europe After Record Antitrust Fine
By JAMES KANTER - Wednesday Sep 27, 2017
The search giant is changing how it operates its online shopping service, signaling a new willingness to bow to tightening regulatory pressure around the world.
- Budget Bus Lines Flout the Rules With Little Consequence
By PATRICK McGEEHAN and WINNIE HU - Monday Sep 25, 2017
Even after deadly crashes like the one in Queens last week, discount bus companies are often able to stay in business and evade serious penalties.
- Expanding Teladoc Adds Network, Tech With $440M Best Doctors Deal
By David Holley - Tuesday Jun 20, 2017
Dallas—In Teladoc’s acquisition of Boston-based Best Doctors—a $440 million cash-and-stock deal that the companies announced Monday—Teladoc (NYSE: TDOC) is gaining a business that lets it offer more specialization in its telemedicine services. Best Doctors connects individuals who have tough decisions to make about treatments—or who want a second opinion about a diagnosis—with top-rated doctors worldwide. […]


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Taiwanese mobile phone maker HTC has just taken the lid off its new HTC One (M8), as the 2014 flagship mobile phone – with a similar design to the original HTC One, from 2013.
It comes with a larger 5-inch full high definition 1,920 x 1,080 screen, than the 4.7-inch display of last year’s model.
Powering it is a quad-core 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, which matches the CPU models found in the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Sony Xperia Z2.
On the rear is a new introduction to the series, Duo Camera. This allows for more depth to pictures, along with offering the ability to refocus the shot, after it is captured.
The front sports a 5MP snapper, capable of 1080p video recording, as is the rear.
There is also the HTC BoomSound, dual, stereo speakers, at the top and bottom of the screen.
2GB of RAM is onboard, along with 16GB of internal storage, where the capacity can be expanded.
That is thanks to the inclusion of the microSD card slot, with support for 128GB cards.
Android KitKat runs the mobile, with the new HTC Sense 6.0 overlay. That has seen some enhancements around BlinkFeed, and colour customisations to its sections.
Sense 6.0 will be rolling out to the HTC One, One mini and HTC One Max.
HTC One (M8) will be available Amber Gold, Glacial Silver and Gunmetal Gray – from today, onwards.
Check out more of our HTC One (M8) news coverage, on our sister title uSwitch Mobile


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South Korean Tencent affiliate Netmarble announced today that it will launch an initial public offering to the tune of $2.35 billion US. That works out to approximately 17 million newly issued shares.
As GI.biz explains, Netmarble is hoping to pay off debts and increase its holdings, building “towards a state goal of being in the top five global gaming companies by 2020.”
Reuters calls the IPO the second-largest for the country, sandwiched between two Samsung IPOs.
In the west, the company is probably best known for games like Lineage 2: Revolution, Prius, and Uncharted Waters; its recent partnership with Disney came with a license for Marvel and Star Wars titles as well.


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Bluffton stores prepare for Thanksgiving shoppers
As millions of Americans make their ways to national retailers during the weekend following Thanksgiving, local shops in Bluffton will once again get in on the action, too.
Most shops along Calhoun Street, which has been dubbed by business owners there as the "mall-ternative" on the weekend after Thanksgiving, will be open Friday morning.
Several of the stores will remain open later than usual to coincide with the Bluffton Old Town Merchants Society's Art Walk from 3 to 7 p.m. During that event, visitors will be able to tour galleries representing more than 200 artists, listen to music, enjoy refreshments and dine at restaurants along the corridor.
On Saturday, the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its annual Small Business Saturday campaign, an effort that organizers say allows small businesses to showcase their products and pump more money into the local economy.
Small Business Saturday is a national endeavor, started in 2010 by American Express, that encourages consumers to take advantage of local shops.
This year, the Bluffton businesses the chamber is spotlighting include Chicas Wedding and Boutique, Jacob Preston Pottery, Spartina 449 and The Store.
Businesses that are offering Small Business Saturday special offers are asked to contact Hannah Horne at the chamber at firstname.lastname@example.org.
Tanger gets early start
For those wishing to head to Tanger Outlets on Fording Island Road, officials announced last week the shopping center will open at 6 p.m. Thursday to allow consumers to get an earlier start on their holiday shopping.
The outlets will remain open until 2 a.m. Friday and reopen at 6 a.m. Friday
"We are offering our shoppers options so that family and friends can choose to come together Thanksgiving evening after they have enjoyed their celebrations as well as rise early on Friday to enjoy great savings and fashion," Tanger president and CEO Steven Tanger said in a news release.
"Our customers are increasingly requesting to shop early for the best deals, and our retail partners are eager to accommodate this new family tradition."
For more details and to see complete store hours, go to tangeroutlets.com.


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Car subscription provider Mycardirect has launched a new van business, called Myvandirect.
The new business offers access to a van from one to 24 months, on a flexible subscription basis.
CEO Duncan Chumley says that vans were always a key element of the Mycardirect business model, which launched in 2020, but, encouraged by an extremely positive market reaction, the decision was taken to add vans earlier than planned.
Small and medium sized vans are being offered with a range of powertrains, with Chumley saying that the demand for a van subscription service is being driven by the increase in online shopping.
Myvandirect allows business owners the option to change their vehicles and subscription length to suit business demands.
Chumley, the former managing director of Free2Move Lease, said: “We are delighted with the consumer response to the launch of Mycardirect and have been hugely encouraged by the demand for the addition of vans to our customer proposition. I am confident that this timely business expansion will see our customer base grow ever larger”.
Chumley launched the flexible car subscription service, which is aimed at consumers and the corporate sector, last year.
Included in the monthly subscription is home delivery and collection (mainland UK), servicing, maintenance and tyres, and insurance.


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Skoda Auto registers 125% growth in 2022, making it its ‘biggest year’ in India
Skoda Auto India has registered a 125% growth in 2022 over the previous year as it sold 53,721 units this year as compared to 23,858 units sold in the previous year. The sales for December 2022 stood at 4,788 units, compared to 3,234 units sold in December 2021, resulting in a 48% increase in the monthly sales volume.
The automaker is at the peak of its India 2.0 program, having exceeded the target of 225 sales and service touchpoints and today has close to 240 customer touchpoints across the country. This expansion is in line with the company's objective of maintaining momentum on India 2.0's customer centricity and customer satisfaction front by expanding its network and being closer to its customers.
Moreover, the company has fully digitalised its showrooms with immersive and interactive technologies that redefines the car-buying experience for its customers. Another achievement for Skoda this year has been that the Kushaq earned a full 5-star safety rating in the latest Global New Car Assessment Programme crash test. The SUV continues to remain the safest car and one to get a full 5-stars in both adult and child safety.
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Separately, the Skoda Slavia has been pushing double-digit sales growth of the premium mid-size sedan segment.
India is now the third largest market for Skoda, and bigger than China. Skoda sold more cars in India in the first 10 months of this year than it did in China in the same time period. A renewed focus under the India 2.0 strategy may have worked in favour of the Czechs and Kushaq emerged as the first model from the MQB-A0-IN platform which allows for up to 95 per cent of the parts to be localized.
The car maker also claims to have worked to expand its sales and service network in the country while also bringing down maintenance costs.


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Hilti sees profitable growth
21 September 2023 11:50
Hilti Group has recorded global sales amounting to 4.31 billion Swiss francs in the first eight months of this year. This corresponds to year-on-year growth of 11.3 percent according to a press release from the tool manufacturer based in Schaan. Appreciation of the Swiss franc against Hilti’s main currencies resulted in a negative currency impact of 6.3 percentage points. Thus, the growth amounted to 5.0 percent in Swiss francs.
The operating result of 466 million Swiss francs was 18.9 percent higher than the same period of the previous year. Net income also increased disproportionately to sales by 17.1 percent to 335 million Swiss francs. However, Hilti anticipates weakening of the levels of increase in operating result and sales by the end of the year.
CEO Jahangir Doongaji commented in the press release: “These results are in line with our expectations. While the overall supply chain situation is rapidly stabilizing, the construction market outlook remains uncertain and varies in different parts of the world.” He added that the group would continue with its long-term investments to strengthen the company strategically. ce/hs


text: Brazil rose from seventh to sixth economy in the world, according to report released on December 18th by the World Bank. The International Comparison Program compared the size of the economy of 146 countries. The document revealed that Brazil accounts for half of the economy of South America. According to the report, the Brazilian Government expenditures correspond to two-thirds of the expenditure of Governments in the region. The research is based on 2005 numbers, when all the wealth produced around the world totaled US$ 55 trillion. The study says that 40% of all goods and services produced came from developing countries. According to the World Bank, a change in the assessment formula allowed the elevation of Brazil and other countries, like China, that jumped from fourth to second place. The report used as the main measure, the purchasing power parity - which allows to evaluate the ability to purchase through local currency and no longer by simple conversion of local currency to the dollar. "With the purchasing power parity, it is possible to compare market size, structure of economies, and what money can be bought," says the report released by Bird. The document places the United States in first place and China in second. Japan is in third; Germany in fourth, and India in fifth. Brazil occupies the sixth position, the same as United Kingdom, France, Russia and Italy. Spain and Mexico were ranked in seventh place. By the new parameter, United States, China, Japan, Germany and India respond together for nearly half of the world economy.


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Mitesh Thacker, Technical Analyst, miteshthacker.com in a chat with ET Now gives his views on sugar stocks.
ET Now: Is sugar now becoming an increasing tough sector to trade in because just when you think charts are looking bullish they reverse, just when you think it is time to sell they start recovering?
Mitesh Thacker: No, they have gone into a mild. I have been waiting for Renuka Sugars to start trading below levels of about 35. That is where there will be a complete short term breakdown. Once that has been triggered, you might want to trade Renuka on the short side.
Among other sugar stocks, Balrampur Chini still looks pretty okay to me. It is hovering around the 200-day average. Bajaj Hindustan has also weakened out with yesterday's price movement, but that is practically more of a sideways move.
36.5-37 has been acting as a ceiling and around the levels of 32-33, the declines get arrested. So Renuka is the only sugar stock where there is a possibility of a good breakdown happening and a short trade being initiated.