Archive for May, 2015
31 May, 2015
Jewish millionaire buys abandoned church to expand Israeli settlements — Haaretz
TEL AVIV, May 28, 2015 (WAFA) – Recent works to renovate an abandoned church in the southern West Bank are aimed at allowing illegal Jewish newcomers to settle in the site, Wednesday revealed the Israeli daily Haaretz. According to the daily, a non-profit organization controlled by American millionaire Irving Moskowitz is the owner of the […]
more…31 May, 2015
Israel to demolish 14 Palestinian-owned homes in Jordan Valley
JERICHO May 28, 2015 (WAFA) – The Israeli authorities Thursday handed several Palestinian residents eviction and demolition notices of their 14 homes, located in two Palestinian towns in the Jordan Valley area, according to local sources. Israeli forces handed several Palestinians notices notifying them of their intent to demolish their 14 homes. The order gave […]
more…31 May, 2015
Palestinian hotels report 33% drop in guests in Jan-March 2015
RAMALLAH, May 27, 2015 (WAFA) – The number of hotel guests in the first quarter of 2015 was 33% lower than in the first quarter of 2014 and 35% lower than in the previous quarter, said a Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics (PCBS) press release on Wednesday. PCBS said that, during the first quarter of […]
more…31 May, 2015
Will HK’s position as shopping mecca be hurt after mainland’s tax cuts?
HONG KONG, May 27 (Xinhua) — Chinese mainland announced Monday that it will cut import taxes on clothing, cosmetics and some other goods beginning June 1, a move some analysts said might undermine Hong Kong’s position as a shopping mecca. The Ministry of Finance said that it will slash duties by half, on average, on […]
more…31 May, 2015
Seeing green gardens could help boost workers’ productivity, say Aussie researchers
MELBOURNE, May 25 (Xinhua) — Green gardens on city rooftops may not only be good for the environment but boost workers’ productivity too, Australian researchers said on Monday. A University of Melbourne study showed students which took a short 40-second break from a boring task by looking at a green rooftop performed markedly better on […]
more…31 May, 2015
Chinese flock to ‘Morality Bank’ which aims to reward good Samaritans
Changchun, (Xinhua/China Daily), 2015-05-27 – A morality bank in a northeastern Chinese city has seen residents flocking to open accounts that enable them to exchange good deeds for free services. Citizens in Yanji, Jilin province, can accumulate credits with the bank, operated by Danying Community, through tasks such as collecting plastic bags off the streets […]
more…31 May, 2015
U.N. Regional HQ in Bangkok opens Accessibility Centre to support Persons with Disabilities
Bangkok, 28 May 2015, UNESCAP media release – The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) today opened a state-of-the-art Accessibility Centre at the ESCAP Conference Centre in Bangkok to support the participation of persons with disabilities in United Nations intergovernmental processes and meetings. In a landmark move to make […]
more…31 May, 2015
Pupils experience day as special needs individuals | GulfNews.com
Abu Dhabi: Mir Rayyan Sultan’s beloved grandfather is facing gradual loss of vision, and the 11-year-old often wonders what it might be like for him. So, when his school offered him a chance to experience a day as a special needs individual, he volunteered to go about his day blindfolded. “I thought it would be […]
more…31 May, 2015
Chinese Commentary: Cuba’s removal from “terror list” raises more questions about U.S. credibility
BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) — In Washington, Cuba’s removal from the U.S. list of so-called “state sponsors of terrorism” was hailed as a diplomatic accomplishment. However, while most of the world is willing to see a thaw in U.S.-Cuba ties after more than five decades of enmity, the delisting also raised more questions about the […]
more…30 May, 2015
Winners of European 2015 Natura 2000 Award Winners announced
Brussels, (European Commission media release) 21 May 2015 – The six winners of the 2015 Natura 2000 Awards were announced at a Ceremony in Brussels on 21 May 2015. The six winners include projects from Denmark, Germany, Spain, France and a trans-boundary project that involves nine Danube countries. Winners have been selected for each of […]
more…30 May, 2015
“State of Nature” assessment draws mixed picture for Europe’s habitats and species
Brussels, 20 May 2015, European Commission Press release – The Commission has adopted a new report providing the most comprehensive picture yet on the ‘State of Nature in the EU’. The findings show that the majority of birds have a secure status, and some species and habitats are doing better. Targeted conservation actions have brought […]
more…30 May, 2015
UN meeting examines Role of Social Media in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
ASTANA, 27 May, UN News Centre — The 2015 International Media Seminar on Peace in the Middle East concluded today, with two panel discussions that explored how social media both hindered and advanced audiences’ acceptance of Israeli-Palestinian narratives, as speakers throughout the day analysed the media’s role in promoting a facts-based discourse about the recent […]
more…30 May, 2015
Event Planner, PR & Advertising Manager amongst Best Jobs for Women in 2015
CARLSBAD, Calif., May 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Dental hygienist, event planner and public relations manager have been named among the best jobs for women in the new CareerCast report on the Best Jobs for Women, while such STEM jobs as biomedical engineer, statistician and actuary also made the list. “Because technological jobs are such a bedrock of […]
more…28 May, 2015
Third Etihad-funded report counters U.S. airlines’ fiction about job-losses caused by open-sky policies
Abu Dhabi, 28 May 2015 (Etihad Airways media release) -Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will contribute US$2.9 billion to the US economy and support 23,400 American jobs this year, according to new research by the global consultancy Oxford Economics. The study, commissioned by Etihad Airways, projects that by 2020, the […]
more…28 May, 2015
China to invest $900b in Belt and Road Initiative
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-05-28 – China has announced plans to boost the Belt and Road trade by creating economic corridors and investing nearly $900 billion in countries along the route. Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli said the country is mulling six economic corridors with countries along the Belt and Road trade route to better connect Asia and Europe […]
more…28 May, 2015
North Korea joins the bandwagon, seeks investment for planned tourism zone
PYONGYANG, MAY 28 (NNN-XINHUA) — The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) will introduce various preferential policies to attract investment for a planned international tourist zone, officials in charge of the project say. The development of Wonsan-Mt. Kumgang international tourist zone, a key project approved by the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly last June, […]
more…28 May, 2015
Hainan’s first Tourism Development Index shows strong growth momentum
HAIKOU, China, May 25, 2015 /Xinhua-AsiaNet/– Hainan’s tourism authority released an index report on the island’s tourism development over the past five years on May 20th, in an effort to evaluate the development of its tourism industry and provide a reference for potential industry investors. The index report, which is the first of its kind […]
more…27 May, 2015
Bangkok to Bethlehem: UNWTO Conference to Spotlight Biggest Block To Global Travel
An historic conference on Religious Tourism to be organised by the UN World Tourism Organisation between June 15-16 in Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ (Peace be upon Him), may facilitate the removal of one of the greatest obstacles to global travel & tourism flows and advance a settlement of one of the world’s thorniest […]
more…25 May, 2015
Chinese Palace Museum to limit daily visitor number to 80,000
BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2015-05-17 – The Palace Museum in Beijing will launch a pilot scheme to limit the daily visitors’ number by 80,000 on June 13, according to the museum’s announcement Sunday. The Palace Museum will also impose a real-name registration system for tickets buying at the same time. All the group tour ticket booking will […]
more…25 May, 2015
Absolutely Nothing: A U.S. Veteran’s Savage Indictment of the Iraq War
The Wikipedia says Operation Iraqi Freedom started on the 20th of March, 2003, which is just another reason why you shouldn’t believe anything you read in the Wikipedia (don’t, just don’t). That’s not correct, the war began a day earlier. See, I was there on the night the war really started, at precisely 2200 hours, […]
more…25 May, 2015
Global poor pay the price of crises caused by the uber-rich: Civil Society groups
Bangkok — The global uber-rich who control the vast majority of the world’s wealth are responsible for an equivalent proportion of global problems, while the billions of poor pay the heaviest price, according to a caucus of Asia-Pacific civil society (CSOs) that concluded here on 18 May 2015. Representatives of 125 non-governmental organisations, convening in […]
more…25 May, 2015
Esfahan: The City that’s “Half the World”
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 25 May 2015 (06 Sha’baan 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA TO CELEBRATE A YEAR OF GREAT FESTIVALS […]
more…24 May, 2015
China forging ahead with widespread anti-graft drive
BEIJING, 2015-05-24 (Xinhua) – Despite the investigation and prosecution of hundreds of officials across the country, the countercorruption drive is showing no signs of letting up. In the two years of the campaign, the anti-graft watchdog has ousted corrupt officials all the way from low-level “flies” to high-ranking “tigers.” Yu Yuanhui, a member of the […]
more…24 May, 2015
Winners of “One Billion Acts of Peace Hero” Awards Announced
DENVER (PRWEB) May 22, 2015 — The PeaceJam Foundation announced the winners of its One Billion Acts of Peace Campaign Hero Awards. These awards recognize the importance of action in helping to change the world. “One Billion Acts of Peace is creating a new generation of young leaders committed to positive change in themselves, their […]
more…24 May, 2015
Golf gains ground amongst Chinese professional women, housewives
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-05-23 – Shenzhen resident Chen Xing is among the lucky ones whose job is also her passion. The 40-year-old loves playing golf, and is the director of the club member affair department with Shenzhen Golf Association, an non-government organization that aims to promote golf among Shenzhen residents and beyond, and the only […]
more…23 May, 2015
Airlines of Indian Ocean island nations to form alliance
ANTANANARIVO, May 22 (NNN-Xinhua) — Airlines in Indian Ocean countries and regions will be grouped in an alliance called “Vanilla Alliance” from June, the foreign ministers of Comoros, La Reunion, Madagascar, Mauritius and Seychelles made the decision in Madagascar’s capital. Agreement of the alliance will be signed on June 18 in Madagascar by Air Austral, […]
more…23 May, 2015
Modest global growth set to continue for rest of year, says UN economic report
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 22 May 2015 – A new United Nations report released today says that modest paced global economic growth continues, and predicts a gradual improvement in the situation over the second half of 2015 and into next year. According to the UN World Economic Situation and Prospects Update as of mid-2015 […]
more…23 May, 2015
Major banks plead guilty to rigging foreign currency markets
Washington DC, May 20, 2015, U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs — Five major banks – Citicorp, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Barclays PLC, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and UBS AG – have agreed to plead guilty to felony charges. Citicorp, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Barclays PLC, and The Royal Bank of […]
more…22 May, 2015
Don Futterman: How to destroy American Jewish support for Israel — Haaretz
By Don Futterman While young minority activists across American college campuses are rejecting Israel and isolating their Jewish classmates, Israel has chosen a government of settlers and religious extremists. Add to that the Jewish community’s ambivalent response to liberal or progressive Jewish students who question Israel’s policies, and we may be creating the perfect storm […]
more…22 May, 2015
On World Day, UN warns global cultural diversity ‘under attack’
Paris, (UNESCO media release) 21 May 2015 – As the planet’s cultural diversity comes under continued attack from militant groups espousing virulent forms of intolerance, the international community must fight back through openness and acceptance of the world’s myriad traditions, the United Nations cultural agency declared today. In a statement marking the World Day for […]
more…22 May, 2015
Second Etihad-funded study dissects U.S. airlines’ open-sky subsidies gibberish
Abu Dhabi, (Etihad Media release) – 22 May 2015 — Despite claims by the Big Three U.S. airlines, the market for air travel from the U.S. to the Indian Sub-Continent has expanded significantly from 2009 to 2014 with U.S. airlines and their European partners actually flying 223,000 more passengers during that period. This is only […]
more…19 May, 2015
Modi’s first year in power a disaster for India: CPM head Yechury | The Indian Express
Dubbing the Narendra Modi Government’s performance in its first year as a “disaster”, CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury on Tuesday said the NDA dispensation at the Centre will be better known for bypassing parliamentary procedures. “We are seeing a very dangerous and disastrous trend emerging after the BJP came to power an year ago. […]
more…19 May, 2015
NSA Whistleblower William Binney: Seeking Blackmail Power, U.S. Officials Enabled 9/11
William Binney, a 31-year NSA veteran, blew the whistle on the agency when he realized technology that he had developed to protect Americans was being used to spy on them. In a wide-ranging, 45-minute discussion (produced by Josh Scheer with support from KPFK Radio), he and Truthdig Editor-in-Chief Robert Scheer discussed who’s responsible for the […]
more…19 May, 2015
Australians lose over $80 million to scams in 2014, mostly via online dating
Canberra (ACCC media release) May 18 news release — The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Targeting Scams Report reveals that 91,637 Australians scam complaints were made to the ACCC last year, with $81,832,793 reported lost. “This Fraud Week, the ACCC is urging consumers to ‘Get smarter with their data’ as stolen personal information underpins almost […]
more…19 May, 2015
China seeks more balanced growth via new Gross Ecosystem Product index
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online) May 18, 2015 – Gross Ecosystem Product (GEP), is a concept that complements and contrasts with GDP. It puts a price on the natural environment and tells people the value of the products and services that nature offers. Urban GEP is a creation of Yantian district in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province. […]
more…18 May, 2015
U.S. Labour Unions highlight annual income gap: Workers $36,000, CEOs $13.5 million
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 14, 2015 — As Americans rally behind initiatives to raise pay for working families, CEO pay for major U.S. companies has skyrocketed. According to new AFL-CIO Executive PayWatch data, CEO pay increased nearly 16 percent in 2014, while Walmart and the Walton family continue to drive inequality nationwide. The Executive PayWatch website, the […]
more…18 May, 2015
California Forum on Health Effects of Cell Phones and Wireless Technology
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)-May 14, 2015-An Expert Forum on Cell Phone and Wireless Risks will be held at the Commonwealth Club of California on June 22nd from 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Co-organized by ElectromagneticHealth.org and Environmental Health Trust, the focus will be on the special risks to children and other vulnerable populations from cell phone and wireless […]
more…18 May, 2015
Gallup Global Survey: U.S. Leadership Loses Ground in Africa, Asia
WASHINGTON, D.C. (www.Gallup.com) May 14, 2015 — Although the leadership of the U.S. earned the highest approval ratings of any major world power asked about in 2014, approval of U.S. leadership dropped to a new low in Africa last year, and tumbling support in Central Asia erased the big gains in the larger Asia region […]
more…18 May, 2015
Africa’s Longest Canopy Walkway Opens in Nigeria
A compilation of stories of interesting events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 18 May 2015 (29 Rajab 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA TO CELEBRATE A YEAR OF GREAT FESTIVALS 2015 The […]
more…17 May, 2015
China opens hotline for the disabled
(Xinhua) BEIJING, May 14 — China opened the 12385 hotline to provide consultation and guidance for disabled people, according to the China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF). The hotline offers details on disability-related laws, regulations, judicial explanations and department-specific policies as well as guidance on rehabilitation, education, employment, poverty relief and cultural and sports activities, the […]
more…17 May, 2015
Accepting criticism can make your job more enjoyable, research study shows
Montreal, QC (PRWEB) April 25, 2015 – Getting that corner office with the great view might make work life more fun. Getting a raise might make a job more enjoyable. Even better coffee in the break room might make the workday more pleasurable. Here’s something else that will improve our job satisfaction, according to researchers […]
more…17 May, 2015
The A$1.8m cost of entertaining foreign leaders in Australia – Sydney Morning Herald
Taxpayers forked out nearly $1.8 million to wine, dine and entertain foreign dignities during a flurry of high-profile diplomatic engagements in Australia. Documents prepared by the department serving Prime Minister Tony Abbott show hosting just five world leaders – Japan’s Shinzo Abe, Britain’s David Cameron, France’s Francois Hollande, China’s Xi Jingping and India’s Narendra Modi […]
more…17 May, 2015
Aviation, railways to top Chinese PM’s agenda for Latin America
Beijing, (China Daily) May 14, 2015 – China will sign aircraft, currency and agricultural deals during Premier Li Keqiang’s visit to Latin America next week. In addition, work will start on a feasibility study of plans for a transcontinental railroad project involving China, Brazil and Peru that will link the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Li […]
more…17 May, 2015
Israel Blocks Catholic Peace Movement Secretary-General Entry to Palestine
BETHLEHEM, May 16, 2015 (WAFA) – Pax Christi International, a global Catholic Peace movement, deeply deplored Israel’s refusal to grant its Secretary General entry to Palestine to attend the World Assembly and 70th Anniversary Celebrations that took place in Bethlehem on May 13. “Refused entry into Palestine/Israel by the Israeli authorities, José’s absence is a […]
more…16 May, 2015
PATA 2015 events in Leshan and Bengaluru: What India can learn from China
The Indian Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi is in China this week for an official visit. He no doubt will see just how far ahead China is of India on just about every aspect of development. Anyone who travels through the world’s most populous country cannot but be impressed by the smooth highways, well-functioning airports […]
more…16 May, 2015
Chinese Commentary: U.S. needs to work on own human rights record first before blaming others
Beijing, (Xinhua) May 13, 2015 – The United States, a self-proclaimed human rights watchdog, needs to examine itself critically and improve its own human rights record before blaming other countries for their violations. The UN Human Rights Council reviewed the U.S. human rights record Monday and found that the “preacher of human rights” itself was […]
more…16 May, 2015
Will Israelis filmed killing Palestinian teens on Nakba Day get away with murder? | The Electronic Intifada
On 15 May 2014, an Israeli Border Police officer took aim at Nadim Nuwara and pulled the trigger of his M16 rifle. The live bullet struck Nuwara, 17, in the chest and exited through his back, killing him at the scene. CCTV cameras captured the shooting, allowing for detailed forensic video, sound and spatial analysis […]
more…16 May, 2015
Road signs with Muslim names defaced in Delhi – Hindustran Times
New Delhi – Signs of roads in the national capital named after Muslim personalities such as Emperor Akbar and Firozshah have been defaced and posters of the right-wing group Shiv Sena Hindustan were pasted on them. The names on the signs were blackened late on Wednesday. The posters in Hindi read: “Islamisation in India will […]
more…15 May, 2015
Arabs strike back: Etihad-funded study exposes US$71.5 bln in U.S. airline subsidies
Abu Dhabi, May 15 (Etihad Airways media release) — Research commissioned by Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has quantified a range of government and court-sanctioned benefits and concessions received by the three biggest US carriers, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and American Airlines Group, and other airlines with which they […]
more…14 May, 2015
The downside of Myanmar’s tourism boom, and 11 simple tips to stem the rot
Bangkok – Regional and international ecotourism experts are to convene for a May 19-21 conference in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar to discuss ecotourism in protected areas. According to the publicity material, topics include using ecotourism to finance nature conservation, transboundary heritage trails and much more! Before reaching for the sky, Myanmar needs to focus on […]
more…13 May, 2015
Risky drinking rising amongst women of higher income, education – OECD report
Bangkok — Changing lifestyles and increasing upward mobility amongst women is leading to a new kind of gender equality — women are becoming just as heavy drinkers as men. A report on harmful alcohol use in the OECD countries, released by the Paris-based organisation on May 12, says, “People with more education and higher socioeconomic […]
more…12 May, 2015
“Tourism is NOT just a holiday”: Indian NGOs blast “flawed” Draft Tourism Master Plan 2015
New Delhi, May 10, Media Release by the Bengaluru-based NGO Equations – A coalition of 35 Indian non-government organisations has blasted the draft national tourism policy 2015 released by the central government as paving the way for a complete privatisation of the country’s tourism industry, with scant regard being paid to the interests of local […]
more…11 May, 2015
Muslim MPs up to record 13 in UK Polls
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 11 May 2015 (22 Rajab 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA TO CELEBRATE A YEAR OF GREAT FESTIVALS […]
more…11 May, 2015
Still no ASEAN brand logo at ATM Dubai country pavilions
Dubai – Malaysian Tourism Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Nazri bin Abdul Aziz has publicly provided his official commitment to ensure that all ASEAN member countries display the ASEAN logo at their country pavilions at future travel trade shows worldwide. He made this pledge at the Malaysian press conference in his capacity as representative of a […]
more…10 May, 2015
U.S. airlines’ “subsidies” allegations show American corporations cannot be trusted
The U.S. airlines’ dossier pointing fingers at the Gulf airlines over alleged subsidies and anti-competitive actions is so parochial and pathetically flawed that it does not deserve the respectability being showered on it. Indeed, it is a reflection of U.S. corporate hypocrisy, a clear indicator of how the Americans react when they get beaten at […]
more…10 May, 2015
Antitrust: European Commission launches e-commerce sector inquiry to probe market abuse
Brussels, 06 May 2015, European Commission – Press release – The European Commission has today launched an antitrust competition inquiry into the e-commerce sector in the European Union. The inquiry, as announced by Commissioner Margrethe Vestager in March, will allow the Commission to identify possible competition concerns affecting European e-commerce markets. It complements actions launched […]
more…10 May, 2015
In China, right balance needed between traditional and online taxi firms
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-05-06 – US-based taxi app provider Uber has been frequently hitting the headlines in recent months for being the target of regulatory crackdowns or law suits with regulators and taxi companies in a number of cities outside the US. In the latest incident, its office in Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong province, was raided […]
more…9 May, 2015
At ATM Dubai, Gulf carriers in full battle cry against U.S. airlines’ claims of “subsidies”
Dubai – Chief executives of Etihad, Qatar Airways and Emirates are due in Washington DC for May 14 meetings with U.S. government officials to rebut allegations that their airlines are subsidised by their respective governments, giving them an unfair competitive advantage over U.S. airlines and their code-share and alliance partners. At the Arabian Travel Market […]
more…9 May, 2015
Drugs and terrorism threat: thousands of Sydney airport staff not security-checked – Sydney Morning Herald
Sydney – Thousands of airport staff are working without federal police or ASIO clearance, security experts warn in the wake of a drug smuggler’s claim that Sydney baggage handlers were part of his criminal network. Peter Gardner, a 26-year-old dual Australian-New Zealand citizen who could face execution in China after he was caught last year […]
more…9 May, 2015
South African Jews apologize to displaced Palestinians — Haaretz
There were once 600 homes in the village. Prickly-pear cactus are scattered about. The 800 wells dug into the hill bear witness to the lives and memories the JNF sought to erase. Only the cemetery remains intact, rows of neglected graves surrounded by barbed wire, which the DPs say the Israeli authorities have forbidden them […]
more…8 May, 2015
Southeast Asian Rice Cultures come to life in Bangkok
Bangkok – Performers and scholars from all over Southeast Asia will gather in Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, between 11-14 May 2015 for a special event celebrating the rice cultures of the region. The Spiritual Dimensions of Rice Culture in Southeast Asia looks beyond rice as an agricultural product and provides a glimpse into the importance of […]
more…7 May, 2015
UN environment chief warns of ‘tsunami’ of e-waste at conference on chemical treaties
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 4 May 2015 – The head of the United Nations body tasked with setting the global environmental agenda today stressed the need to limit the use of dangerous chemicals and to find a solution to the masses of electronic waste building up around the world, as a Conference of Parties […]
more…7 May, 2015
Smartphone mania drives Chinese families apart
Beijing, (China Daily), 2015-05-06 – People should switch off their smartphones for an hour every day to prevent the use of mobile apps from eroding family ties and restricting direct communication between people, say researchers. The call was prompted by a survey carried out by Marriage and Family, a monthly magazine affiliated with the All-China […]
more…7 May, 2015
Thailand launches first campaign specifically to attract more Muslim visitors
Dubai — Thailand has launched a new campaign to position the Buddhist-majority kingdom as a Muslim-friendly destination and attract a larger share of the rapidly growing market for halal tourism. Launching the campaign at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on 06 May 2015, Minister of Tourism and Sports Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul noted that it would […]
more…4 May, 2015
Obama’s Grandmother Performs Umrah
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 04 May 2015 (15 Rajab 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA TO CELEBRATE A YEAR OF GREAT FESTIVALS […]
more…3 May, 2015
Britain’s richest see their wealth rocket during recession
LONDON, April 26 (Xinhua) — Just days after it was reported more than a million Britons have had to turn to food banks to feed their families, the long-awaited rich-list for 2015 published Sunday reveals Britain’s wealthy have become even richer. Recession, what recession, screamed London’s Sunday Times (ST) as it reported how the 1,000 […]
more…3 May, 2015
ADB Report: Toward Better Multimodal Railway Hubs in China
Asian Development Bank media release — The People’s Republic of China has surpassed the rest of the world in building its high-speed rail network in the last 10 years. The country has built nearly 10,000 kilometers of high-speed rail lines since 2007. The development of high-speed rail (HSR) is one of the key priorities in […]
more…3 May, 2015
EU adopts consular protection rules for European citizens abroad
BRUSSELS, April 20 (Xinhua) — The European Union (EU) on Monday adopted a directive on consular protection for European citizens living or travelling outside the EU. The agreement clarifies when and how EU citizens in distress in a country outside the EU have the right to receive assistance from other EU countries’ embassies or consulates. […]
more…3 May, 2015
News Analysis: Palestinians count on Asian-African conference to internationalize their cause
RAMALLAH, April 15 (Xinhua) — The Palestinians are facing severe difficulties and they are eager to see their hope of establishing an independent state on the territories Israel occupied in 1967 come true, according to analysts and observers. Analysts say the Palestinian participation in the upcoming Asian-African Conference scheduled to convene in Indonesia on April […]
more…3 May, 2015
Gwadar Port: Driver for Connectivity between South Asia and East Asia
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), April 23, 2015 — During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan, the proposed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that links Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Pakistan’s Gwadar Port has drawn attention in both countries. The corridor will “serve as a driver for connectivity between South Asia and […]
more…3 May, 2015
The Future of Mobility: Toyota Foundation Launches First Pilot Program in Thailand
TOKYO, Apr, 22 2015 – (JCN Newswire) – More people everywhere are about to get moving. Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF) today announced that it is launching its first pilot program. The program, which will be in Bangkok, Thailand, reflects the Foundation’s philosophy of combining Toyota’s knowledge with the expertise of partners to enable more people […]
more…3 May, 2015
Xinhua Interview: Situation in Gaza miserable with high unemployment rate: Palestinian minister
GAZA, April 30 (Xinhua) — The daily living situation is seriously miserable in the blockaded Gaza Strip, where unemployment rate in the impoverished coastal enclave climbed to 60 percent, a senior Palestinian official told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on the eve of the International Labor Day. Ma’moun Abu Shahla, minister of labor in the […]
more…3 May, 2015
China national plan targets healthy growth of traditional medicine
(Xinhua) BEIJING, April 28 — A new plan to protect traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) resources will ensure quality and bolster long-term growth of the sector nationwide. On Monday, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine jointly released a plan for the protection and development of TCM materials […]
more…3 May, 2015
Uber office raided in Chinese crackdown on unlicensed taxis
(Xinhua) 2015-05-01 GUANGZHOU – The office of US taxi-hailing app Uber in southern Chinese city of Guangzhou was raided on Thursday, with a number of mobile phones seized, a city official confirmed on Friday. The company is suspected of unlicensed operation and conducting illegal business by allowing private car owners to offer taxi services, an […]
more…3 May, 2015
Indian Tourism Ministry invites comments on draft new National Tourism Policy
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 01-May-2015 – The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is in the process of formulating a National Tourism Policy 2015 for development and promotion of tourism in the country. A draft Policy, based on inputs / suggestions received from stakeholders, eminent personalities and experts in the field of Tourism, State […]
more…3 May, 2015
Japan, Thailand host Palestinian tourism delegation on study trip
Bangkok – A delegation of Palestinian tourism officials and private sector executives has just completed a study tour of Thailand as part of efforts by the Japanese and Thai governments to help upgrade the quality of the tourism industry in the Israeli-occupied state. Funding for the delegation’s visit between April 26-May 2 was provided by […]
more…2 May, 2015
Trans-Sulawesi railway project to begin soon, using Chinese tracks | The Jakarta Post
The central government will start the construction of a 143-km railway line from Makassar to Parepare, both cities in South Sulawesi, in early July and will buy the tracks direct from China, an official has confirmed. Director General of Railways of the Transportation Ministry Hermanto Dwi Atmoko said the local administrations had committed to complete […]
more…1 May, 2015
US panel questions Hindu fundamentalist parties over attacks on religious minorities – The Times of India
NEW DELHI: A US panel tracking international religious freedom has, in its latest report on India, noted that religious minorities in the country were exposed to “derogatory” comments by leaders of the ruling BJP as well as “violent attacks and forced conversions by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)” since the […]
more…1 May, 2015
India traditional crafts set to fall into hands of powerloom lobbies
Bengaluru, (Media release from the NGO Equations) — With the move to repeal The Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, there is yet another attempt at mechanising the traditional crafts forms, that would eventually render lakhs of artisans jobless. The argument of the powerloom lobbies is that the same textile product, like a […]
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