30 Apr, 2016

Workers in Dubai claim their rights through legal channels | GulfNews.com

“There has been a growing trust between workers and our department because of the direct communication. This trust increased from 87 per cent in 2011 to 93 per cent in 2015. Complaints are being addressed within 45 minutes of receiving them,” Lt Colonel Al Helli said.“Special attention is given to group complaints, as any delays […]

27 Apr, 2016

We were in love for 12 years… How can they call it love jihad: Ashitha Babu | The Indian Express

Her mother warned her “there would be no happy ending” as she was a Hindu, and he a Muslim. But with their families and police beside them, the story of Ashitha Babu and Shakeel Ahmed has turned out different. On April 17, Ashitha and Shakeel of Mandya city, both 29, got married, after 12 years […]

27 Apr, 2016

Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque renamed “Solomon’s Stables” in Israel tourist map

Among the map’s many omitted Christian sites is the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, whose bell tower is one of the most recognizable features of the Old City’s skyline. The fourteen stations along the infamous Via Dolorosa – the path Jesus walked before his crucifixion – are also unlisted, even though they are a major […]

27 Apr, 2016

Airbnb is ‘ravaging’ black neighbourhoods in New York City and trying to hide it, officials say – The Independent

New York City policymakers and affordable housing advocates have criticised Airbnb following a report the company released claiming it benefits “predominantly black” neighbourhoods. Critics call the company’s release of this information a “duplicitous” and “disingenuous” PR push, a smokescreen to obscure how Airbnb is actually “ravaging” black neighbourhoods in New York City by taking rental […]

27 Apr, 2016

Statue of Nelson Mandela unveiled in Israeli-occupied West Bank – The Jakarta Post

A 6-meter-high (20-foot) bronze statue of Nelson Mandela has been unveiled in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Ramallah’s Mayor Mussa Hadid said Tuesday the statue was a gift from the Johannesburg municipality. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Johannesburg’s Mayor Parks Tau took part in the unveiling. Hadid says the statue reflects the “special relationship […]

27 Apr, 2016

Australia bans drones at ANZAC day events

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Canberra, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, 26 April 2016 — People with drones are being warned not to fly near ANZAC Day ceremonies or marches. Civil Aviation Safety Regulations generally do not allow drones to be flown near or over groups of people or within 30 metres of people. Drones could also pose a safety risk […]

26 Apr, 2016

US town promises terrorized Saudi students security | Arab News

WASHINGTON: Idaho State University in Pocatello has taken new security measures to ensure the safety of Saudi and Gulf students who have been subjected to harassment, thefts and in one instance physical attack in recent weeks. Saudi Cultural Attaché Mohammed Al-Eissa said in a press statement that the university and the authorities in Pocatello have […]

26 Apr, 2016

UN launches toolkit for floods early warning in transboundary river basins

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Bangkok (ESCAP News) 26 April 2016 — Asia and the Pacific, the world’s most disaster prone region, is home to many transboundary river basins that are perennially affected by large scale flooding. Recent advances in science and technology, especially space technology applications, have enabled longer lead times of up to five to eight days for […]

25 Apr, 2016

Indonesian Christians, Muslims look forward to visiting a free Jerusalem

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 25 April 2016 (18 Rajab 1437). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA FIRST WTM CONNECT ASIA TO BE HELD IN […]

25 Apr, 2016

UK ‘preferred’ destination for Middle East travellers in 2015

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DUBAI – Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest global provider of sales, marketing and distribution services to independent luxury hotels, has announced that room nights from outbound business originating from the Middle East region increased by 21% in 2015, when compared with 2014. According to Preferred Hotels & Resorts boking data, the UK, France, […]

25 Apr, 2016

DUKES Dubai hotel spices up its culinary offering in partnership with Indian restaurant Khyber

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DUBAI – Indian food is one of the most popular cuisines in Britain, which is why it’s only natural for English hospitality brand DUKES to be bringing the best of Indian fine dining to the stellar line-up of restaurants at its upcoming property on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Khyber at DUKES Dubai was officially announced […]

25 Apr, 2016

Launch of dedicated Wellness & Spa Lounge at ATM 2016 to highlight rapid growth of high value tourism

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DUBAI – This year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) is shining a light on the burgeoning wellness tourism sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which has been identified as the second fastest growing market in the world for spas after Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the 2014 Global Spa and Wellness Economy Monitor […]

25 Apr, 2016

Biggest ever ATM 2016 to focus on mid-market travel

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DUBAI – Arabian Travel Market (ATM) organiser, Reed Travel Exhibitions, is all set for this year’s event, which is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 25-28 April 2016. Following the success of last year’s spotlight theme, which was family travel, the focus for the 23rd edition is on mid-market tourism – a […]

25 Apr, 2016

Nepal, the Philippines and Taiwan shortlisted for ATM New Frontiers Recovery Award 2016

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Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has revealed the 2016 shortlist for its annual New Frontiers Recovery Awards, with three Asian nations nominated for this year’s award, which will be announced on Thursday 28th April during ATM. The shortlisted destinations Nepal, the Philippines and Taiwan have all been recognised for dealing with the dual impact of significant […]

25 Apr, 2016

TIME Hotels Rewards Extra Loyalty program, partners with VOILÀ Hotel Rewards in global loyalty programme first

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UAE-based TIME Hotels has announced the launch of TIME Hotels Rewards Extra, a new brand loyalty programme designed to recognise its growing community of globe-trotting guests with a raft of benefits including room upgrades, luxury amenities, priority reservations amongst others. Developed in partnership with VOILÀ Hotel Rewards, a world-leading provider of loyalty programmes for independent […]

25 Apr, 2016

Crystal Lagoons develops technologies to produce water without using energy

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Dubai: Crystal Lagoons, the patented technology developer of giant crystalline lagoons, is reporting strong worldwide interest in new technology developed by the company to deal with humanity’s biggest problem – potable fresh water shortage – which affects over one billion people worldwide. Crystal Lagoons’ experimental desalination technology project is a ‘zero energy’ solution that would […]

25 Apr, 2016

Dubai developer Seven Tides to launch hospitality division at ATM 2016

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Marking its first Arabian Travel Market (ATM) appearance under the brand banner of Seven Tides Hospitality, the new hospitality division of Dubai developer Seven Tides International, will unveil its latest development plans for the beach club and provide an update on its latest project the British-themed DUKES Dubai on Palm Jumeirah. Speaking about the new […]

25 Apr, 2016

Kuwait to invest US$1 billion in tourism sector by 2025

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Kuwait returns to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016, which takes place 25-28 April, as investment into the travel and tourism sector is forecasted to grow by 4.3% per annum over the next decade through to 2025, with a total investment figure of KWD 276 million (USD 1 billion). Kuwait’s strategy for long-term tourism growth received […]

25 Apr, 2016

ATM 2016 gives responsible tourism green light

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Dubai – Responsible tourism will headline several seminar theatre sessions at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2016 as government legislation, increased focus on the traveller footprint and the impact of natural disasters on country economies put the spotlight on the importance of effective sustainable travel strategies. In 2015, ATM welcomed over 50 exhibitors with a responsible […]

25 Apr, 2016

Oman to showcase US$35 billion 25-year tourism vision at ATM 2016

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Oman continues to work on leveraging its international profile, which saw inbound tourism numbers rise by an average of 7.4% per annum in the decade 2005-14 and 1.4 million international tourism arrivals targeted by 2019, up from 1.1 million in 2015. The Reed Travel Exhibitions team were in Muscat last Februrary, to meet with key […]

25 Apr, 2016

Qatar tourism receipts to reach $7.2 billion by 2025

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According to the Qatar Tourism Authority 3 million visitors arrived in 2015, Doha targets 4 million by 2020; expanding tourism product to boost tourism GDP contribution in the next decade with significant investment into new rail network, hotel pipeline and leisure facilities Qatar’s tourism and hospitality industry is building momentum as it enters the second […]

25 Apr, 2016

Bahrain targets tourism receipts worth US$1 billion by 2020

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Bahrain returns to ATM this year to showcase its expanding hotel and tourism infrastructure with an active hotel pipeline of 13 properties, 3,000 hotel rooms and with tourism expected to contribute US$1 billion by the end of the decade. The increase in rooms, which are split between the luxury and four-star brackets, is set against […]

25 Apr, 2016

TIME Hotels Management offers insight to Tomorrow’s World at ATM 2016

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UAE-based hospitality company, TIME Hotels Management, is highlighting the impact it is making on local and regional communities at Arabian Travel Market 2016 thanks to an impressive roster of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, including the recently-launched digital platform, Tomorrow’s World (www.tomorrowsworld.ae). The forward-thinking website makes it easy for hotel guests, and all those with […]

25 Apr, 2016

Four Crystal Lagoons to feature in US$250 million development in Egypt’s Sokhna mountains

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Crystal Lagoons, the patented technology developer of giant crystalline lagoons and only global company with the technological capability to make the development of giant controlled manmade bodies of water economically viable, has joined forces with Egyptian real estate development company, TatweerMisr, to develop the first man-made lagoons in the Sokhna mountains. The development will bring […]

25 Apr, 2016

Stellar seminar line-up sets the agenda at ATM 2016

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More than 50 wide-ranging seminar and tech theatre sessions are scheduled at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which is taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre from 25-28 April 2016. Panellists will be flying in from around the world to contribute to discussions, with topics including mid-market travel, luxury, aviation, technology trends, spa and wellness tourism, […]

25 Apr, 2016

UAE’s Al Khoory Hotels to open 1,100 three and four star rooms by 2019

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The mid-market hospitality sector is set to grow significantly in the UAE, over the next few years, primarily due to the upcoming Expo2020 envisioned by Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum – Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Ruler of Dubai. Other contributing factors for the growth are […]

23 Apr, 2016

Arab-Americans launch campaign against blatant NYPD Surveillance of their communities

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Washington, DC | www.adc.org | April 21, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) strongly encourages Arab residents of New York City and those impacted by the NYPD mass surveillance program to comment on the Proposed Modifications to the “Handschu Guidelines” for Investigations Involving Political Activity. Click here to read ADC’s comments on the proposed modifications to the […]

23 Apr, 2016

Europe-wide campaign launched to promote sustainable work and healthy ageing for all

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Brussels, 15 April 2016, European Commission press release — The European Commission and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) in cooperation with the Netherlands EU Presidency have launched a two-year Europe-wide campaign: Healthy Workplaces for All Ages, which is the world’s biggest campaign in this area. Focusing on sustainable work and […]

23 Apr, 2016

‘Two-state solution in danger,’ warns new report from UN office on Middle East peace process

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United Nations, 14 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – The viability of a two-state solution, which envisages peaceful co-existence of both Israel and Palestine, is in danger due to the negative trends on the ground, including recent violence, ongoing settlement activity, demolitions, incitement, and the absence of Palestinian unity, a new United Nations report warned […]

23 Apr, 2016

Oil & Conflicts signal beginning of the end for Gulf travel boom

Imtiaz Muqbil

In a report that signals the beginning of the end of the Gulf inbound and outbound travel boom, the International Monetary Fund has forecast a bleak future for the Gulf countries whose fragile economies are set to be rocked by low oil prices, raging regional conflicts and the emergence of Iran. In a media briefing […]

23 Apr, 2016

Investing in treatment for depression and anxiety leads to four-fold return – UN report

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United Nations, 13 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion each year, and every one dollar invested in scaling up treatment leads to a return of four dollars in better health and ability to work, according to a new study led by the United Nations health […]

22 Apr, 2016

Experts Convene in Bangkok for Session on Advancing Standardization of Geographical Names

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NEW YORK, 21 April (United Nations Statistics Division) — The twenty-ninth session of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names will convene from 25 to 29 April, at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Conference Centre in Bangkok. Organized by the Statistics Division of the United Nations Department […]

21 Apr, 2016

Governments, religious ideologies, oligarchs all now a threat – World Press Freedom Index 2016

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The 2016 edition of the World Press Freedom Index, which Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published on 20 April, 2016, shows that there has been a deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom at both the global and regional levels. Ever since the 2013 Index, RSF has been calculating indicators of the overall level […]

21 Apr, 2016

Grounding Vijay Mallya – The Hindu

Mr. Mallya’s elbow room is shrinking, and he must know that he is not merely battling the legal consequences of corporate loans gone bad. He is also battling a widespread perception that the loans went bad because of his profligate ways, poor management and possible malfeasance. His flamboyant lifestyle has been central to contributing to […]

21 Apr, 2016

Palestinians losing US$285m a year under “arrangements” with Israel – World Bank

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BETHLEHEM, Palestine, Apr 19 (NNN-MA’AN) – The Palestinian Authority (PA), is losing up to $285 million a year, under its current economic arrangements with Israel, the World Bank said. The global financial institution announced the finding, in Brussels, a day before it presents its full report to the Ad Hoc Liaison committee, which decides on […]

21 Apr, 2016

Israel rabbi to paramedics: ‘Leave Palestinians to die’ – AJE News

Jerusalem – There is mounting evidence that Israeli ambulance crews are withholding treatment from Palestinians injured during a wave of attacks over the past six months, according to rights groups. Physicians for Human Rights in Israel, a medical watchdog group, found that wounded Palestinians had been left untreated for as long as two hours. In […]

21 Apr, 2016

Australia to launch campaign to curb domestic violence that claims one life every week

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Canberra, 20/04/2016 Media release, Minister for Social Services and Minister for Women – An A$30 million national campaign designed to help break the cycle of violence against women and their children will begin on Sunday 24 April. “Stop it at the start” targets the disrespectful attitudes and behaviours adults might dismiss or ignore in young […]

21 Apr, 2016

Chocolate industry exposé : Companies get richer, farmers get poorer

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Geneva, 21 April 2016, UNCTAD press release – Cocoa farmers in some of the world’s poorest countries are scarcely benefitting from a value chain which sees goods made from their crops, such as chocolate and cocoa butter-based cosmetics, sold for a premium in developed economies, a new UNCTAD report has found.  The report, the Cocoa […]

21 Apr, 2016

FREE Download: ADB publication “Together We Deliver 2015: Partnerships Against Poverty”

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Manila, ADB media release, April 2016 – Strong partnerships create better outcomes by improving coordination, providing specialized knowledge and expertise, and convening larger amounts of financing for ADB projects. Fourteen stories from across Asia and the Pacific highlight successful projects that demonstrate development impact, best practices, and innovation. They were implemented through the hard work of ADB’s developing member countries […]

21 Apr, 2016

Meet The Heroic Mothers Who Raise Children With Special Needs – DAWN.COM

There was silence in the maternity ward. Then, nervous whispers. “The nurses looked scared,” says Rabia Aziz, recalling the moment of birth. “I sensed uneasiness behind the screen of the C-section. And then they asked, ‘Would you like to see your baby?’” Little Aaliya was born with an oddly shaped skull, no fingers and fused […]

21 Apr, 2016

Is India a secular nation? | The Indian Express

by Madhav Godbole It is my conviction that India’s survival as a multireligious, multilingual, multiracial, multicultural society will depend on how successful it is in working its secularism. No society can prosper or be at peace with itself if one-fourths of its population feels neglected, deprived and unwanted. It is disconcerting to see that, in […]

21 Apr, 2016

Card fraud cost Australia A$2.1 billion in 2014-15

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Canberra, 20 April 2016, Australian Bureau of Statistics media release – Australia experienced card fraud of $2.1 billion during 2014-15, double the $1 billion in 2010-11, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures. William Milne, Director of the ABS National Centre for Crime and Justice Statistics said even after reimbursements from financial institutions, […]

19 Apr, 2016

Dubai aims to be world’s most disabled-friendly city

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 18 April 2016 (11 Rajab 1437). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA FIRST WTM CONNECT ASIA TO BE HELD IN […]

17 Apr, 2016

Bernie Sanders smashes the Israel status quo – CNNPolitics.com

Regardless of the debate’s impact on the primary, Sanders managed to put down a new marker in the ongoing debate over support for Israel in Democratic Party politics. “It’s a pretty extraordinary moment for Democrats,” Sheinkopf said. “It signals without question what other people already know: that the great love affair between the United States […]

17 Apr, 2016

Australians are hiding $11 billion in spending from their loved ones – Finder

What do we have to hide? It’s often the case in a relationship that an innocently placed white lie can be a wise move in terms of keeping the ship sailing smoothly. Whether you accidentally killed the family goldfish and managed to swap it out before anyone noticed, or just didn’t want your other half […]

12 Apr, 2016

Zero Dollar tours damage Thai tourism industry

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BANGKOK, 11 April 2016 (NNT)-The government is working alongside the Thai tourism sector to stop overseas ‘Zero Dollar’ tour agencies damaging Thailand’s tourism industry. Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Major General Sansern Keawkamnerd said the government has received many complaints from tourists who traveled to the country on ‘Zero Dollar’ tours. They were tricked into buying […]

12 Apr, 2016

Trouble Ahead! U.S. Baby Boomers’ Retirement Fears on the Rise

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WASHINGTON, D.C., April 12, 2016 – The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today released a new research report that found less than a quarter of Baby Boomers, 24 percent, are confident they will have enough savings to last throughout their retirement years. This is the lowest level since IRI began this research study in 2011, when […]

12 Apr, 2016

The angry Indian needs to be angriest about himself – Hindustan Times

In 1973, an honest police officer called Inspector Vijay swore vengeance against those who had killed his family. Vijay was played by the then relatively unknown Amitabh Bachchan and Zanjeer saw the birth of both a star and the ‘angry young man’. Over 40 years later, the angry young Indian has spilled over from fiction […]

12 Apr, 2016

Bangkok’s biggest gay party to have free HIV/AIDS testing campaign during Songkran holiday

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12 April 2016 (Bangkok) APCOM media release – During Thailand’s festive Songkran Festival, which runs from 13 to 15 April each year, Bangkok has been hosting Songkran celebration exclusively catered to gay men. In addition to the city’s pink districts being a magnet for gay locals and tourists, the City of Angels is eminently known […]

11 Apr, 2016

First Ski Park Inaugurated In Bamyan, Afghanistan

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of stories of interesting events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 11 April 2016 (04 Rajab 1437). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA FIRST WTM CONNECT ASIA TO BE HELD IN PENANG WTM […]

11 Apr, 2016

England’s Muslim cricketer stopped at Birmingham Airport on return from World T20 – The Independent

The England cricketer Moeen Ali says he was stopped by border officers on his return to the country from the T20 world cup in India. Ali arrived at Birmingham Airport on Saturday afternoon ahead of the start of Worcestershire’s county cricket season, but was detained by members of the UK Border Force for 40 minutes. […]

11 Apr, 2016

Airports, Designed for Everyone but the Passenger – New York Times

Airports have been drastically transformed since the 1970s, when you could smoke anywhere, stroll leisurely through security and hug your loved one at the gate before boarding the plane. Passing through security these days takes forever and sometimes borders on harassment. The lighting is brighter than a World Series night game. Almost all the chairs […]

10 Apr, 2016

Indian President warns countrymen about “vested interests” stoking communal conflict

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New Delhi, 09-April-2016 Press Information Bureau, Government of India President’s Secretariat- The President of India, Prof Pranab Mukherjee said pluralism and tolerance have been the hallmark of our civilization. India’s strength lies in her diversity. He was delivering a memorial lecture today (April 9, 2016) at New Delhi organized by the Arjun Singh Sadbhavna Foundation […]

10 Apr, 2016

China’s cross-border e-commerce bids farewell to ‘tax-free’ age

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Beijing, 2016-04-08 (Xinhua)  — A change of China’s tax policy on retails sales on cross-border e-commerce platforms has triggered mixed feelings among buyers and sellers as the policy is expected to raise retail prices.According to the new rules, retail goods purchased online will no longer be treated as personal postal articles but as imported goods, […]

10 Apr, 2016

Chinese commentary: US presidential candidates find it easy to fool gullible US public with lies

By Chen Weihua Washington DC, 2016-04-08, (China Daily) – As a close observer of several US presidential elections, I have found the 2016 race bemusing in both predictable and unpredictable ways. The most baffling is that so many Americans say they support Hillary Clinton when various polls show that the majority think she is less […]

10 Apr, 2016

Social media is making us depressed: Learn to turn it off – The Independent

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Do Facebook and Twitter make us happier? The answer it would seem is: no. A recent survey found as many as one in five people say they feel depressed as a result of using social media. That might come as a surprise to the generation under 30; social media is part of their DNA and […]

10 Apr, 2016

Thailand launches scheme to upgrade rural products to global standards

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Bangkok 8 April 2016, Royal Thai Government PR Department – The Government has launched a project to upgrade OTOP products through the use of science, technology, and innovation, in an effort to enhance the image of OTOP as international products. OTOP stands for “One Tambon (meaning subdistrict) One Product.” It is a local entrepreneurship stimulus […]

10 Apr, 2016

Thai taxi driver honoured for returning cash-filled briefcase to HK visitor

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Bangkok, 6 April 2016 Royal Thai Governnment PR department) – Suvarnabhumi Airport has presented a certificate of honor to a taxi driver for his good deed, as he returned a briefcase containing cash, credit cards, and other documents to a Hong Kong traveler. General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport Sirote Duangratana said that the taxi driver, […]

10 Apr, 2016

Global tax administrations ready to act on “Panama Papers”

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OECD news release – Paris, 8 April 2016 – Government officials from around the world have called on the OECD to convene a special project meeting of  the Joint International Tax Shelter Information and Collaboration (JITSIC) Network to explore possibilities of co-operation and information-sharing, identify tax compliance risks and agree collaborative  action, in light of […]

10 Apr, 2016

Palestinians mark 68th anniversary of Deir Yassin massacre by Jewish terrorists

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BETHLEHEM, Palestine, Apr 9 (NNN-MA’AN) – Palestinians on Saturday (today), marked the 68th anniversary of the massacre of more than 100 Palestinians civilians, carried out by Zionist forces at the village of Deir Yassin. Deir Yassin has long been a symbol of Israeli violence for Palestinians, because of the particularly gruesome nature of the slaughter, […]

9 Apr, 2016

India’s slogan-shouting debate: You can’t force patriotism like you can’t force a smile – The Hindu

Patriotic slogans are like smiles — outward manifestations of an inner state. You cannot force people to be patriotic, just as you cannot force them to keep smiling for 10 years for reasons they know not. The mindset of coercion is driven by raw, adversarial power. It bristles with hostility towards a person, group or […]

8 Apr, 2016

85 Checkpoints: Israel’s Travel Curbs on Palestinians Violate 4th Geneva Convention

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RAMALLAH, April 7, 2016 (WAFA) – Increasing Israeli checkpoints in the occupied Palestinian Territories punish the entire Palestinian population, which is a form of collective punishment, and therefore violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement Thursday. The statement said: “In addition to the 85 fixed checkpoints in the […]

8 Apr, 2016

Public spending on Thai New Year holiday will likely hit three-year high

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BANGKOK, 7 April 2016 (NNT) – The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting has forecast that the public spending during the Songkran festival this year will be over 124 billion baht—the highest in three years—due to government’s stimulus measures. The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting conducted a survey on public spending on the Songkran […]

8 Apr, 2016

US government, Jewish billionaire funded Panama Papers to attack Putin – WikiLeaks

Washington is behind the recently released offshore revelations known as the Panama Papers, WikiLeaks has claimed, saying that the attack was “produced” to target Russia and President Putin. Trends Panama Papers On Wednesday, the international whistleblowing organization said on Twitter that the Panama Papers data leak was produced by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting […]

8 Apr, 2016

Global Heritage sites threatened by industrial activities: WWF report

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Geneva, 06 April 2016, (WWF News) – Nearly half of all natural World Heritage sites are threatened by harmful industrial activities, according to a new WWF report. These sites provide vital services to people and the environment, but are at risk worldwide from activities including oil and gas exploration, mining and illegal logging. The report, […]

8 Apr, 2016

Exposing the Exposers: Powerful force is behind Panama Papers

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Beijing, 5 April 2016, (Global Times commentary) – A huge leak of confidential documents from Mossack Fonseca, a Panama-based law firm alleged to have been a facilitator of money laundering for its clients has shocked international public opinion. Over 11 million documents were passed to German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung by an anonymous source. These documents have […]

8 Apr, 2016

China doubles dam water release to help drought-hit Vietnam

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Beijing, 7 April 2016, (China Daily) – The village where Vo Linh Hue lives is dotted with oyster farms, but in recent weeks farmers there have done nothing but clear dead oysters from the ponds. Ben Tre province, in Vietnam’s southern Mekong Delta, is experiencing the worst drought in recent history, and saline intrusion has […]

8 Apr, 2016

China Unveils First Report on Quality of Higher Education

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Beijing, 7 April 2016, (Xinhua) – A new national report on the quality of higher education in China has been released, suggesting more needs to be done to develop an ‘innovative spirit’ among Chinese college students. Research for the latest report began in 2012, as a joint effort among China’s Ministry of Education and a […]

8 Apr, 2016

FedEx Forecasts Annual Global Economic Megatrends

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MEMPHIS, Tenn., 7 April 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) – FedEx, the worldwide provider of transportation, e-commerce and business services, announces the launch of the 2016 Access 25—a list of 25 people, places and ideas defining global connectivity. This year’s list reveals three global economic megatrends that focus on the ways mobility is reshaping the globe—empowering individuals, fueling […]

8 Apr, 2016

Suvarnabhumi airport Facilitation Center to help passengers during Songkran festival rush

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BANGKOK, 7 April 2016 (NNT) – Suvarnabhumi airport’s deputy director Phatchara Phornyutthaphong confirmed that a “Passenger Facilitation Center” is open at the international airport from April 8-18, 2016, to ensure safety and provide conveniences for passengers during the Songkran festival. The center, located on the fourth-floor lobby behind the R line ticketing booth in the […]

8 Apr, 2016

Japanese taxpayers provide $7M to support UNICEF work in Palestine

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RAMALLAH, 6 April 2016, (WAFA) – The Government of Japan has donated $7 million in support of UNICEF’s humanitarian and development response to children in Palestine. This new grant will enable UNICEF and partners to implement interventions which are critical for children’s well-being and protection from violence, and to ensure their access to basic services […]

8 Apr, 2016

China to inject $927b into high-tech, infrastructure

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Beijing, 7 April 2016, (Chinadaily.com.cn) – China will invest more in the country’s high-tech research and development, as well as infrastructure development, including railway, fixed assets, water conservancy projects, the Securities Daily reported on Thursday. Total investment is estimated to exceed 6 trillion yuan ($926.6 billion) this year, half of which will be special funds […]

7 Apr, 2016

A more sustainable world will be a safer world, UN chief tells LA World Affairs Council

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 April 2016 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon continued his programme in California today, where he received an honorary doctorate from Loyola Marymount University, after addressing yesterday the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, where he gave the audience an overview of United Nations efforts to meet today’s global challenges, from humanitarian […]

7 Apr, 2016

Chinese commentary: Eliminating root causes of terrorism indispensable to nuclear security

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BEIJING, 30 March 2016, (Xinhua) – As world leaders grapple with intensified nuclear security threats, they should not be distracted by the immediate urgency of safeguarding nuclear facilities and slack off in addressing the fundamental problem of terrorism. Eliminating the root causes of terrorism is essential to nuclear security, as that’s the only way to […]

7 Apr, 2016

UN condemns Israel’s large-scale Bedouin home demolitions in occupied West Bank

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United Nations, 6 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has condemned today’s large scale home demolitions by Israeli authorities in the Bedouin refugee community of Um al Khayr in the South Hebron Hills. As a result, according to UNRWA, 31 […]

7 Apr, 2016

Muslim-Americans file lawsuits challenging FBI’s watch list

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5 April 2016, (The Detroit News) – A Michigan-based advocacy group for Muslim-Americans filed two federal lawsuits Tuesday challenging the FBI’s terrorist watch list, saying it’s time to act because the list has expanded. Officials with the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed the suits, one on behalf of 18 Muslim-Americans, including a 4-year-old, […]

7 Apr, 2016

OECD Secretary-General on the “Panama Papers”: Secrecy of global tax evasion must end

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The following is the full text of the statement issued by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría on the “Panama Papers” PARIS, 4 April 2016, (OECD News) – The “Panama Papers” revelations have shone the light on Panama’s culture and practice of secrecy. Panama is the last major holdout that continues to allow funds to be hidden offshore […]

7 Apr, 2016

Australia to Expand Sports Development Programs to Asia

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Australia, 6 April 2016, (MFA Media Release) –  The Australian Government is expanding its sport for development program into Asia. Under the new Asian Sports Partnerships (ASP) Australian national sporting organisations will deliver innovative sports programs which produce development outcomes in Asia. The ASP provides $4 million over 2015-17 and the first tranche of $2 […]

7 Apr, 2016

Arab-Americans urged not to cooperate with FBI’s latest anti-Muslim surveillance program

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Washington, D.C. | www.adc.org | March 25, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee demands that the FBI cancel the launch of its controversial “Shared Responsibility Committee” program. Since learning about the program last fall, ADC has frequently expressed serious concerns about the initiative, which is part of the government’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) program.  Today, […]

5 Apr, 2016

Thai PM concerned over taxi scams

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BANGKOK, 3 April 2016 (NNT) – The Prime Minister has expressed his concern regarding taxi scams in Thailand, urging fellow drivers to help report misconducts to authorities. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has addressed the persisting issue of Thai taxi scams, such as demanding inappropriately high fares particularly to tourists, saying that he believes most […]

5 Apr, 2016

Campaign to Promote Thainess and Water Saving during Songkran Celebration 2016

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Bangkok, 2 April 2016, (Thailand PRD News) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a campaign to promote Thainess and water saving during the Songkran celebration 2016. It has also announced the arrangements of special activities to celebrate Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, in Bangkok and other parts of the country. The […]

5 Apr, 2016

Australian Securities and Investments Commission releases market integrity report

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Canberra, ASIC media release, 04 April 2016 – The Australian Securities and Investments Commission, ASIC, has released its six-monthly report on market integrity focusing on the three areas of deterrence, standards and education, and behavioural change. In its new short form, Report 475 Market Integrity Report: July to December 2015 (REP 475), covers the work […]

5 Apr, 2016

Transparency International calls for global action to stop secret companies

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Berlin, 04 April 2016, TI media release – A global investigation into the use of secret companies by the rich, powerful and corrupt has shown how a network of lawyers, bankers and others around the world hide illicit wealth. Transparency International calls on the international community to act immediately to adopt transparency laws to outlaw secret […]

5 Apr, 2016

Pakistani ghazal maestro’s event in Delhi cancelled after Hindu extremist threats – Hindustan Times

The music launch of a movie starring Pakistani ghazal maestro Ghulam Ali, scheduled to be held in Delhi on Monday, was cancelled, with the director claiming security threats. However, the management of Royal Plaza, where the event was to be held on Monday afternoon, said it was cancelled as there was “no information about it” […]

5 Apr, 2016

Scandic Hotels Group Recognised as One of Sweden’s Most Gender Equal Listed Companies

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STOCKHOLM, 29 March 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) – Scandic is one of Sweden’s most equal opportunity employers. This was highlighted in AllBright’s recently published White List that also shows that every fifth business leader is a woman. In this respect, Scandic has three female leaders on its Executive Management team and two on its Board of Directors. […]

5 Apr, 2016

Post Brussels attacks, Indian domestic flyers now have to remove footwear, belts – The Hindu

Amid a heightened alert in the wake of Brussels terror attacks, security agencies have stepped up vigil at sensitive airports in the country with passengers being made to take off their footwear and belts and go through detailed frisking. At major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Ahmedabad, CISF and local police […]

5 Apr, 2016

Islamophobia in the Netherlands on rise

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Amsterdam, 17  March 2016, (IINA) – A third of the mosques in the Netherlands have experienced at least one incident of vandalism, threatening letters, attempted arson, the placement of a pig’s head, or other aggressive actions in the past 10 years, according to research by Ineke van der Valk, an author and researcher at the […]

4 Apr, 2016

Iraq Invasion – Anniversary of The Biggest Terrorist Attack in Modern History

Since ISIS was spawned by the Iraq “liberation” (“Operation Iraqi Liberation” – OIL) it is worth revisiting Tony Blair’s speech to Parliament on 20th March 2003, the day of the invasion. “On Tuesday night I gave the order for British forces to take part in military action in Iraq. Tonight British servicemen and women are […]

4 Apr, 2016

ASEAN parliamentarians call for transparency and tax justice in light of Panama Papers revelations

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JAKARTA, 4 April 2016 — Parliamentarians from across Southeast Asia today issued a collective call for greater transparency amidst new revelations of widespread tax avoidance by elites worldwide. A leak of over 11 million confidential documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, which became public on Sunday, has revealed abuse of offshore tax havens by […]

4 Apr, 2016

Bangladesh hosts first World Grandmother Day

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 04 April 2016 (26 Jumada Al-Akhir 1437). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA FIRST WTM CONNECT ASIA TO BE HELD […]

4 Apr, 2016

The Panama Papers: How the world’s rich and famous hide their money offshore – The Guardian

The hidden wealth of some of the world’s most prominent leaders, politicians and celebrities has been revealed by an unprecedented leak of millions of documents that show the myriad ways in which the rich can exploit secretive offshore tax regimes.The Guardian, working with global partners, will set out details from the first tranche of what […]

4 Apr, 2016

Muslim boy teased with ‘bomb’ jokes as US teacher calls him terrorist – Hindustan Times

A 12-year-old Muslim boy accused his teacher of targeting him for his religion by calling him a “terrorist” in front of his peers in the US state of Texas, prompting school authorities to probe the incident. Waleed Abushaaban, a 7th grade student in First Colony Middle School has been the butt of “bomb” jokes and […]

3 Apr, 2016

Post Brussels attacks, Indian domestic flyers now have to remove footwear, belts – The Hindu

Amid a heightened alert in the wake of Brussels terror attacks, security agencies have stepped up vigil at sensitive airports in the country with passengers being made to take off their footwear and belts and go through detailed frisking. At major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai and Ahmedabad, CISF and local police […]

3 Apr, 2016

Wars, the War on Terror, With Us or Against Us – Juan Cole – Truthdig

Thirteen years after the illegal US invasion of Iraq, it is worth considering its full impact on this country and on the region. Bush-Cheneyism had a number of key pillars, among which these were prominent: 1. Aggressive unilateral warfare, with the domestic advantage of making the public rally around the flag. 2. Conspiracy-theory amalgamation of […]

3 Apr, 2016

Conflict of Interest: Americans in the Israeli military – The Jerusalem Fund

In the latest unrest gripping the Occupied Palestinian Territories, 21-year old Tuvya Weisman was stabbed and killed. Weisman was an Israeli settler and off-duty sergeant in the IDF, but he also happened to be a US citizen. The US State Department issued the following press statement regarding the attack: “We condemn in the strongest possible […]

3 Apr, 2016

300-year-old gurdwara in Peshawar reopens after 64 years – Times of India

Situated in Peshawar’s Jogiwara locality, the 300-year-old gurdwara is considered to be an architectural masterpiece and is said to have been established at the time of the 10th Sikh Guru, Gobind Singh, who died in 1708. However, with most Sikh families moving away from Jogiwara after Partition, the gurdwara was neglected for 66 years. In […]

3 Apr, 2016

World first? Bihar MLAs pledge not to drink, pass bill on prohibition – Hindustan Times

Bihar legislators vowed on Wednesday to stay away from liquor and inspire others, before they unanimously passed a law to initiate alcohol prohibition in the state. Those found making or selling home-made liquor that kills consumers may get the death penalty, or a life sentence if someone is left seriously sick, according to the legislation. […]

3 Apr, 2016

19 reasons you might feel unloved at work – Sydney Morning Herald

One of the biggest reasons people leave their jobs is because they feel unappreciated. “People come to work for more than a pay cheque,” says Lynn Taylor, a national workplace expert,leadership coach, and author of Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behaviour and Thrive in Your Job. “They want to feel […]

3 Apr, 2016

Back to the Hindutva basics – The Hindu

The BJP may have aggressively trained its guns on the Congress over the weekend at its first national executive meeting after its defeat in Bihar last year, but it is clear that its electoral setbacks and its failure to fix the economy are forcing it back to its basics of divisive communalism. There was a […]

3 Apr, 2016

On paper, electrified villages — in reality, darkness – The Hindu

The Centre claims to be fulfilling the Prime Minister’s plan for full rural electrification. But a close check of its own real-time data shows that the gap between official claims and ground reality is stark. Haldu Khata, a village in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh, is one of the 7,008 villages that the government claims […]