22 Jul, 2015

U.S. Civil Liberties groups ask Appeals Court to halt NSA’s resumption of bulk phone records collection

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New York, (ACLU media release) July 14, 2015 —  The American Civil Liberties Union and the New York Civil Liberties Union today asked the U. S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit to halt the National Security Agency’s bulk collection of Americans’ call records, arguing that immediate action is necessary because the government has resumed […]

22 Jul, 2015

Kenya to host thousands of investors at Global Entrepreneurship Summit July 25-26

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NAIROBI, July 18 (NNN-KBC) — Kenya will play host to thousands of investors and business leaders here next week when the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, which has been billed as the biggest meeting of business minds in Africa, is officially opened by United States President Barack Obama. The July 25-26 summit will test Kenya’s capacity to […]

22 Jul, 2015

Chinese commentary: Bank account freeze of Russia Today exposes West’s hypocrisy over free press

BEIJING, July 17, (Xinhua) — Barclays’ freeze of the account of Russia’s Rossiya Segodnya, commonly known as Russia Today (RT), once again shows the West’s double standards over free press. The British bank on Monday announced the freeze of the account of RT’s representative office in London with neither details nor explanation, according to Sputnik, […]

22 Jul, 2015

“The Halal Guys” Restaurant of New York to open in Toronto

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Toronto, (IINA), 20 Jul 2015 – The Halal Guys, famous Middle Eastern street food vendors from New York City, will be coming to Toronto but the date is yet to be announced, according to Canadian CBC news. The halal-certified restaurant will have five franchises in the city, adding to 200 franchises across the United States […]

22 Jul, 2015

Devalued ruble sees more Chinese tourists heading for Russia

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-07-21, – Russia is expected to earn more revenue from big-spending Chinese tourists who spent $1 billion there in 2014, a figure helped by a devalued ruble amid Western sanctions and tourism promotions between the two countries, Russian news website gazeta.ru reported. Chinese tourists accounted for 16% of all foreign tourists in Russia […]

22 Jul, 2015

Summary transcript of U.N. Security Council Session Endorsing Agreement on Iran’s Nuclear Programme

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United Nations, UN media release, 20 July 2015 – The Security Council today coalesced around a sweeping resolution that endorsed the 14 July agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme, setting out a rigorous monitoring mechanism and timetable for implementation, while paving the way for the lifting of United Nations sanctions against that country. Unanimously adopting resolution 2231 (2015), the […]

22 Jul, 2015

First half of 2015 ‘hottest six months on record’ – UN

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 21 July 2015 – From January to June 2015, the globally averaged temperature over land and ocean surfaces was the hottest for such period on record, the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported today, citing new highs across the planet in June, with heatwaves across South Asia, Europe and […]

22 Jul, 2015

UAE passes law to bar all forms of racial, social, cultural, ethnic discrimination

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ABU DHABI, 20th July 2015 (WAM) — Attorney-General of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on Monday stressed that the new law issued today by the UAE against any form of discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, creed, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin, following a Decree by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed […]

22 Jul, 2015

As Ramadan Ends, Jewish fanatics Resume Provocative Visits to Al-Aqsa Mosque compound

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JERUSALEM, July 20, 2015 (WAFA) – Unable to organize provocative visits to Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa Mosque during the fasting month of Ramadan, when Palestinian Muslims maintain a permanent presence in the holy site, Jewish settlers on Monday resumed their regular daily visits to the holy site. WAFA correspondent said groups of settlers entered the site gradually […]

22 Jul, 2015

Jewish fanatics Set Banners in Bethlehem Calling for Confiscating More Palestinian Lands

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BETHLEHEM, July 20, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers Monday put up banners in multiple areas in Bethlehem district calling for more Palestinian lands to be confiscated for the purpose of settlement construction and expansion, according to local and security sources. Ahmad Salah, coordinator of the Anti-Settlement Committee in the village of al-Khader, south of Bethlehem, […]

22 Jul, 2015

Airbnb Launches Global Product Suite for Business and Corporate Travel

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SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 20, 2015 — Airbnb, the leading community-driven hospitality company, announced the global expansion of its Business Travel program with the launch of a new product suite aimed at making Airbnb easier to use for companies. As of July 20, companies around the world can swiftly sign in to Airbnb and have access […]

19 Jul, 2015

Int’l Criminal Court Prosecutor told to review decision not to investigate Israeli attack on aid flotilla

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The Hague, International Criminal Court Press Release, 16/07/2015 — On 16 July 2015, Pre-Trial Chamber I of the International Criminal Court (ICC), composed of Judges Joyce Aluoch, Cuno Tarfusser and Péter Kovàcs, by majority, Judge Péter Kovács dissenting, granted the request of the Union of Comoros to review the decision of the ICC Prosecutor not […]

19 Jul, 2015

China begins assembly of first self-developed seaplane

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Beijing, 18 July 2015, (China Daily), China started the assembly on Friday of its first domestically developed seaplane, which is expected to take a big share in the international market. “Since the first day of its development, the AG-600 has been designed for the global market. We are confident in its market prospects because the […]

17 Jul, 2015

Majority of Brits harmed by other people’s drinking – Alcohol Studies report

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Edinburgh, 13 July 2015 (Institute of Alcohol Studies media release) – More than half of Scots and three-quarters of people from North West England are harmed by another person’s drinking, according to a new report released today. Produced by the Institute of Alcohol Studies with the University of Sheffield School of Health and Related Research […]

16 Jul, 2015

Ex-ASEAN Secretary-General urges U.N. to adopt King Bhumibhol’s “Sufficiency Economy” as development model

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Geneva/Paris July 2015 (TSDF media release): – Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, President of Future Innovative Thailand Institute (FIT), and a former ASEAN Secretary-General and Foreign Minister of Thailand, recently addressed audiences at UNCTAD Geneva and UNESCO Paris highlighting His Majesty King Bhumibhol’s Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) amidst Globalization and application of this Philosophy in Cultures and […]

16 Jul, 2015

Turkey, Germany see economic gains from termination of Iran sanctions

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Ankara, July 15, IRNA – Turkish Economy Minister Nihat Zeybekci’s said on Wednesday successful finalizing of Iran-major powers’ nuclear negotiations is a very positive development of which Turkey will gain most benefits. ‘Phased termination of the multilateral and bilateral anti-Iranian sanctions will lead to paving the path for economic cooperation with Iran and making investments […]

16 Jul, 2015

China donates 700 tons of rice to ease suffering of Palestinians

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GAZA, July 15 (Xinhua) — The Chinese government donated 700 tons of rice to the population of the Palestinian Gaza Strip Wednesday. Chen Xingzhong, director of the Chinese Office in Palestine (Ambassador-Level) supervised the delivery. The delivery was made through the Palestinian Red Crescent Society in the Gaza Strip. About 300 locals attended the ceremony […]

16 Jul, 2015

73 European Parliament Members Call On EU To End Support To Israeli Military Companies

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RAMALLAH, Palestine, July 15 (NNN-WAFA) – About 73 members of the European Parliament issued a letter to European Union High Representative, Federica Mogherini and Jan Robert Smits – Director-General of DG Research and Innovation, asking the EU to end its support to Israeli military companies. The unique cross-party initiative is the first time many MEPs […]

16 Jul, 2015

New Book “Cyber Fraud: The Web of Lies” Exposes Threat to Small Businesses

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Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) July 13, 2015 — In February 2014, Former U.S. Marine, cyber security expert and ethical hacker Bryan Seely used a loophole in Google Maps to record telephone calls made to the FBI and Secret Service. He did it to highlight the ways that criminals use these loopholes to defraud individual consumers, unfairly […]

16 Jul, 2015

Iranian-Americans Applaud Nuclear Agreement between World Powers and Iran

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 14, 2015 — The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) applauds today’s historic announcement that the P5+1 coalition (U.S., U.K., France, Russia, China, and Germany) and Iran have successfully negotiated a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action agreement over Iran’s nuclear program. “As an organization that represents the Iranian American community, PAAIA supports efforts […]

15 Jul, 2015

Kashmir Muslims hold world record Iftar

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Srinagar, Kashmir, India (IINA) 13 Jul 2015 – Championing the largest Iftar ever recorded in Asian history, a Muslim group in Kashmir invited people for a historical fast breaking meal in India-administered district, making a new world record, according to media reports. “We are organizing this open-to-all event to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan,” […]

15 Jul, 2015

Jeddah creates Guinness world record with longest Iftar table

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Jeddah (IINA) 08 Jul 2015 – The ongoing Ramadan festival called “Ramdanana Kida” (Our Ramadan was like this) at the historic Balad district of Jeddah has set a new Guinness world record for the longest connected Iftar table. Iftar is the meal eaten by Muslims to break their fast after sunset during Ramadan. Jeddah’s longest […]

15 Jul, 2015

China’s carbon emissions growth rate in decline: report

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LONDON, (Xinhua) 2015-07-14 – Despite the continued increase in global carbon emissions in China, the growth rate of carbon emissions has been “in a steady decrease” since 2005, and was near zero in 2014, according to a new climate report released Monday. The report, commissioned by Britain’s Foreign Office, was written by experts from Britain, […]

15 Jul, 2015

Bangkok Photo Exhibition to Support “Hand-in-Hand We Stand for Nepal” Project

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Bangkok – A new photo exhibition that showcases Nepal’s rich history takes place at the Park Ventures Phloenchit on the 13-15 July 2015 from 10 am – 6 pm daily. Rare photographs belonging to renowned photographer Kiran Man Chitrakar whose family has held the lineage of Royal Court photographers for three generations will be on […]

15 Jul, 2015

Hong Kong PolyU Study Finds Performance Gains needed in Chinese State-Owned Hotels

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Hong Kong, 14 July 2015, HK Polytechnic University School of Hotel and Tourism Management media release – Chinese state-owned hotels need to enhance their performance and market competitiveness, according to the Dr Kam Hung and Professor Hanqin Qiu of the School of Hotel and Tourism Management (SHTM) at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, along with […]

15 Jul, 2015

With 3,000 people aged 90+, China’s Zhongxiang recognized as World Longevity Area

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Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), July 13, 2015 – Zhongxiang city of central China’s Hubei Province was recognized as a “World Longevity Area” on the 4th International Conference on Population Aging, which was held in Malta recently, according to China News Service reports on July 9. Zhongxiang is the third Chinese city to win the title […]

15 Jul, 2015

Chinese-built Lamu port on course to transform Kenya, E. Africa

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NAIROBI, July 12, (Xinhua) — Sam Mwabili has achieved a monumental feat that is the envy of his peers since he joined China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Group in June to build the first three berths of Lamu port, initial part of a mega project connecting eastern and central African region. The assistant engineer’s job […]

15 Jul, 2015

Australian Federal Police cancel Eid dinner after backlash from Muslim community

The Australian Federal Police has cancelled an annual Ramadan dinner after Muslim community leaders vowed to boycott the event. In a sign of deepening fractures between the Muslim community and Australian authorities, a petition was circulated on July 2, urging imams and other representatives to boycott dinners in Sydney and Melbourne because they were a […]

15 Jul, 2015

20-Somethings Want Tangible Benefits From Employers, Not A “Fun Culture” – Research Study

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ATLANTA, GA (PRWEB) July 13, 2015 – Millennials will comprise seventy-five percent of the global workforce by 2025 and they know they are the most desired hire in the job market today. Companies need to pay attention to what this demographic wants, if they hope to compete for their attention and retention. Pinpoint Market Research […]

15 Jul, 2015

Why is the United States Still Terrorizing Laos? – Centre for Research on Globalization

Last month, the United States announced a new aid package of $15 million for the unexploded ordnance (UXO) sector in Laos. The aid package—the highest annual amount the US has ever given for UXO cleanup in Laos—brings to total about $85 million the US has given to Laos for UXO cleanup since 1993. This is […]

15 Jul, 2015

Report Explores Seven Key Trend Sets Informed by Community College Presidents

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Chandler, AZ (PRWEB)July 13, 2015 — The latest iteration of the League for Innovation Trends Report finds that community colleges are focused on student access and completion, high expectations for students around learning outcomes, and adapting learning models for effectiveness and scale. The League for Innovation in the Community College trends surveys are designed to […]

14 Jul, 2015

Israel to build mall, hotel on historic Muslim cemetery

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Jerusalem (IINA), 14 Jul 2015 – The Israeli Occupation have approved plans to build a residential neighborhood over the ruins of an ancient Muslim cemetery in West Jerusalem, Anadolu Agency reported, according to Israeli media. “The Jerusalem District Committee for Planning and Building last week approved construction of 192 residential units, a 480-room hotel and a […]

13 Jul, 2015

Safety Tips for Water Activities This Summer

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SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 10, 2015 — With the water recreation season in full swing this summer, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reminds customers to be safe around lakes, rivers and other waterways. Recreationists should take added precautions as severe drought conditions throughout the state have changed water levels and created hazardous conditions. PG&E operates […]

13 Jul, 2015

Global Study on Beauty Devices Forecasts US$54.1 billion market by 2020

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DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 10, 201 — Research and Markets has announced the addition of the “Global Market Study on Beauty Devices: Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2020” report to their offering. The global beauty devices market is expected to grow from an estimated USD 19,389.1 million in 2014 to USD 54,186.9 million in 2020 at […]

13 Jul, 2015

China police find clues of illegal stock trading

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BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2015-07-12 – An investigation team led by China’s Vice Minister of Public Security Meng Qingfeng has found clues that certain trading firms have suspectedly manipulated futures trading in the stock market. The team is currently carrying out further probes. It did not give other details. The investigation team visited the head office of […]

12 Jul, 2015

A photowalk through historic Hyderabad, Pakistan – DAWN.COM

Hyderabad, one of Pakistan’s most historic cities, has sadly not received the recognition it deserves. The history of this land on the Ganju Takkar hillock can be traced back to the Mauryan era (322-185 BC). The heritage and culture has been overlooked to an extent where even the city’s own residents, in general, are not […]

12 Jul, 2015

Wimbledon announces Wheelchair Tennis Singles events from 2016

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London, 12 July 2016 (Wimbledon media release): The All England Club announced today that Wimbledon will feature wheelchair tennis singles events for men and women from The Championships 2016. Richard Lewis, Chief Executive of The All England Club, said: “Spectators and audiences of Wimbledon have been enjoying wheelchair doubles for 10 years and, on this […]

12 Jul, 2015

Jewish fanatics set fire to olive trees west of Bethlehem

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BETHLEHEM, July 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers Sunday set fire to dozens of olive trees belonging to a Palestinian resident in the village of Nahalin to the west of Bethlehem, according to witnesses. They informed WAFA that the olive trees planted in a land adjacent to the illegal Israeli settlement of Bet Ayn, were […]

12 Jul, 2015

UNRWA Commissioner General: Root Causes of Gaza Conflict Remain Unaddressed

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JERUSALEM, July 8, 2015 (WAFA) – Commissioner General of the UNRWA, Pierre Krahenbuhl, said in a Wednesday statement that a year after the Israeli devastating war on Gaza, which claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people, the root causes of the conflict remain unaddressed. He said, “The despair, destitution and denial of dignity resulting […]

12 Jul, 2015

New book explores “The Path of Least Resistance: The Evolution of Capitalism and Politics in America”

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Harlingen, Texas (PRWEB) July 06, 2015 – The Path of Least Resistance: The Evolution of Capitalism and Politics in America is a thought-provoking look into the economic transformation associated with the U.S. economy over the past 40 years. The book explores the evolution of the global economy and the macroeconomic consequences associated with its use. […]

12 Jul, 2015

MH17: Clearer picture on the cause, Malaysia committed to seeking the truth

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SEPANG, Malaysia July 11 (NNN-Bernama) — The criminal investigation team now has a clearer picture on the probable cause of the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 tragedy in Ukraine on July 17 last year, said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. He said the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) comprising the Netherlands as coordinator, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia […]

12 Jul, 2015

Chinese Premier urges more jobs, better life for disabled

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BEIJING, July 11 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has urged enhancing vocational skills of the disabled and boost their employment and business creation. Li made the remarks in a written instruction for the fifth national vocational skill competition for disabled people and the second national Abilympics held in Wuhan City in central China from […]

12 Jul, 2015

Find your spiritual escape with a New Phenomenon: Champing – Camping in churches

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Churches Conservation Trust UK media release — Find peace with a night by candlelight in one of England’s treasured country churches, with The Churches Conservation Trust’s ‘champing’ breaks. Champers enjoy a two-day, one-night break at one of three historic churches, with the building to themselves, surrounded by rural simplicity and hundreds of years of history. […]

10 Jul, 2015

MasterCard faces European Commission probe over cross-border rules, interchange fees

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Brussels, 09 July 2015, European Commission media release — The European Commission today has sent a Statement of Objections to MasterCard. The Statement of Objections outlines the Commission’s preliminary view that MasterCard’s rules prevent banks from offering lower interchange fees to retailers based in another Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA), where interchange […]

10 Jul, 2015

PalFest: Connecting Ireland and Palestine through Art

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DUBLIN, July 9, 2015 (WAFA) – Marking the first anniversary of the 50-day devastating Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, hundreds of international and Palestinian activists organized a four-day long arts festival to demonstrate firm solidarity and denounce and remind the world about the deadly Gaza aggression through art as a universal language. The festival, […]

10 Jul, 2015

Senior Israeli Military Officers Recommend Easing Gaza Border Restrictions

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TEL AVIV, July 8, 2015 (WAFA) – Several senior Israeli military officers Wednesday recommended taking measures to ease restrictions imposed on the Gaza Strip, reported Israeli media. Israeli daily Haaretz reported on unnamed senior Israeli military officers recommending that the opening of Gaza border crossings be expanded. The recommendations involve allowing “thousands of Palestinians to […]

10 Jul, 2015

China, S. Africa agree to push for greater role for BRICS in int’l affairs

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UFA, Russia, (Xinhua), July 09, 2015 — China and South Africa agreed here on Thursday to stand together to safeguard the common interests of emerging market economies and developing countries. The pledge was made during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his South African counterpart, Jacob Zuma, ahead of the BRICS and Shanghai Cooperation […]

10 Jul, 2015

China expects 2.6 trillion yuan in transport investment this year

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BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhua) — The Chinese transport sector is poised to attract 2.6 trillion yuan (425 billion U.S. dollars) of investment for this year as authorities strive to accelerate infrastructure construction. “The transport sector showed signs of improvement in the first half. If there are no major changes, we are very confident of realizing […]

9 Jul, 2015

ASEAN invites Youth to Creative Industry Fair, 28-30 August

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JAKARTA, 3 July 2015, ASEAN Secretariat News – The biggest event for ASEAN youth to advance the creative industry will be held on 28-30 August in Jakarta. ASEAN Youth Creative Industry Fair (AYCIF) is the first competition of its kind where it aims to spotlight at innovative and creative works from youths of ASEAN and […]

8 Jul, 2015

UN health agency recommends taxing tobacco products to curb deadly global smoking

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 7 July 2015 – Only one in 10 of people now live in countries that levy taxes of more than 75 per cent on a pack of cigarettes despite the fact that raising taxes on tobacco products is one of the most effective – and cost-effective – ways to reduce […]

8 Jul, 2015

15th Global Barometer Survey Results for Exhibition Industry 2015-16 released

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Paris – July 7, 2015 (UFI media release): Results of UFI’s 15th Global Barometer survey indicate positive turnover expectations for 2015 and the first half of 2016, with in all regions an average of 6 exhibition companies out of 10 declaring increases. When compared to 2014, this appears to be a rather stable situation for […]

8 Jul, 2015

New Australian award created to combat racism

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Canberra, (AHRC media release) 7 July 2015 – The Australian Human Rights Commission is proud to announce the creation of the ‘Racism. It Stops With Me’ Award. “The new Award recognises an organisation which has made an extraordinary contribution to reducing or preventing racism in Australia,” said President Gillian Triggs. The Racism. It Stops With […]

7 Jul, 2015

Power of Spiritual Travel: Record 14 million visit Mecca in 16 days of Ramadan

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JEDDAH, 7 July 2015 (Arab News): More than 14 million worshippers and pilgrims visited Makkah in the first 16 days of Ramadan, a 40 percent increase compared to the same period last year. These figures were unveiled at a meeting of the Central Haj Committee, chaired by Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, a local publication […]

7 Jul, 2015

U.S. Disability group launches nationwide advertising campaign: “Shattered”

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Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) July 06, 2015 – Disability Justice launched its nationwide advertising campaign “Shattered” on July 6, 2015. “Shattered” depicts what the Social Security disability advocacy group’s clients have all experienced: the feeling of a life broken because a disability prevents them from working. Disability Justice’s Partner Thomas Giordano, Jr. believes that “Shattered” will […]

7 Jul, 2015

British PM missing the lessons of 7/7 | GulfNews.com

Like Blair, the current British Prime Minister, David Cameron, is preoccupied with ‘spin’; the main debate exercising the British establishment at the moment is whether or not the media should call Daesh the ‘Islamic State’ or by its Arabic acronym, Daesh. With this extremist entity continuing to expand across Iraq and Syria, and with outposts […]

7 Jul, 2015

Save the Children blog – Gaza one year on: The lasting scars of war on children

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By Daisy Baldwin Monday 6 July 2015 , Save the Children – In the silence of the rubble, a tinny tune starts up. For a moment I think it sounds like an ice-cream van but a colleague tells me it’s the desalination truck letting people know that they can buy water. It is summer again […]

7 Jul, 2015

“Islam” As A Conduit For Western Terrorism – Ghali Hassan, Countercurrents

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by Ghali Hassan In his recent address to a summit on “countering violent terrorism” in Washington, President Barack Obama repeatedly stressed the need to talk “squarely and honestly” about the “root causes” of terrorism. As a master of deceit, President Obama did his best to cover up the U.S. vicious role in global terrorism. In […]

7 Jul, 2015

Ramadan is a good time to question crude stereotypes – Sydney Morning Herald

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By Jeremy Hillman As with other religions, Islam contains teachings that can be misappropriated by those seeking power, vengeance or destruction. Yet, for the overwhelming majority of Muslims in Australia and around the world, their lives are a daily quest for one thing: peace. Understanding this better might turn out to be a more potent […]

7 Jul, 2015

A glimpse of Palestinian reality few American Jews ever see — Ha’aretz

The everyday inequalities of life in the West Bank are unfamiliar to the average American. Matters such as the quality of school your child goes to, the amount of water available to you, and the number of hours you’ll wait at a checkpoint to go to work in the morning are just a few of […]

6 Jul, 2015

Interfaith Ramadan dinners in Detroit seek to promote unity

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Detroit, Michigan, (IINA), Monday 06 Jul 2015 – Hundreds of people packed a Dearborn Heights mosque last week for an interfaith Ramadan dinner that featured Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders preaching message of unity and tolerance, according to Detroit Free Express. The event falls on a Jewish day of fasting, an overlap that organizers say […]

6 Jul, 2015

Religious harmony in Bangladesh as Buddhist monks share food with Muslims

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DHAKA, July 5 (Xinhua) — Not far from Dhaka’s main railway station in Kamalapur, two contemplative traditions are producing a surprising and timely insight. Muslims, who are encouraged to ponder the grace of creation during the month of fasting, and Buddhist monks, who live a strict, rule-bound life of meditation, are building bridges of interfaith […]

5 Jul, 2015

Hotel Workers Union: What is really at stake in the Greek crisis

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1 July 2015 Editorial by the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Restaurant, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers’ Associations (IUF) A spectre is haunting Europe – the spectre of a democratic alternative to austerity. The Syriza government of Greece incarnates that alternative, which is why the European Commission and the European Central Bank (ECB) have allied […]

5 Jul, 2015

Cuba, US join hands to protect Hemingway’s legacy

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HAVANA, (Xinhua) 2015-06-21 — Two Cuban and US cultural institutions announced that they will continue to work together to protect US writer Ernest Hemingway’s legacy. The announcement was made by Cuba’s National Council for Cultural Heritage and the US Finca Vigia Foundation.X The two institutions have joined together once again to protect the 1954 Nobel laureate’s […]

5 Jul, 2015

Thai-China railway talks making good progress

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BANGKOK, July 2 (NNN-XINHUA) — China and Thailand have made concrete progress in their talks on the construction of a railway in Thailand which will connect the northeastern Thai province on Nong Khai with Bangkok and Rayong Province in eastern Thailand on the Gulf of Thaialnd, says the Chinese chief negotiator, Wang Xiaotao. Wang said […]

5 Jul, 2015

Israel Again Closes Gaza’s Lone Commercial Border Crossing

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GAZA, July 1, 2015 (WAFA) – Israel closed on Wednesday Karm Abu Salem, also known as Kerem Shalom, the only commercial border crossing between Israel and Gaza located to the southeast of Rafah, preventing entry of aid, construction material and fuel into the besieged Gaza Strip. Chairman of the Presidential Committee for the Coordination of […]

5 Jul, 2015

‘Free landing’ of Taiwan residents on Chinese mainland begins

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Beijing, (Xinhua) 2015-07-02 – Lu Yee-yen arrived at Xiamen City on the mainland on board the New Golden Dragon on Wednesday morning, thirty minutes after leaving Kinmen County, Taiwan.She got off the ship and had entered the mainland in a minute, without producing any entry permit. “So convenient, really great,” She said, showing her travel […]

5 Jul, 2015

An American Muslim perspective on the Fourth of July

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By Nihad Awad 07/03/2015 – This Fourth of July weekend, friends and families around the country will gather together to celebrate the freedoms we cherish as Americans, those for which countless generations have struggled and sacrificed so much. Women mourn during a vigil for three Muslims killed at a condominium in Chapel Hill, N.C. in […]

5 Jul, 2015

Japan’s Transport Ministry draws up bill to restrict drone flights | The Japan Times

TOKYO – The transport ministry has drawn up a bill aimed at introducing restrictions on drone flights, following incidents earlier this year, including one in April in which a small unidentified drone was flown on to the roof of the prime minister’s office in central Tokyo. The bill to amend the aviation law, submitted to […]

3 Jul, 2015

Applications open for first ASEAN People’s Awards, with US$10,000 in prize money each

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JAKARTA, (ASEAN secretariat News) – The search is on for the Recipients of the ASEAN People’s Awards. Ten outstanding individuals and/or organisations from ASEAN Member States will be honoured for their contributions to ASEAN community building. The Recipients will be recognized at the next ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this November where their work will […]

3 Jul, 2015

Rabbi Michael Lerner: U.S. needs to replace Independence with Interdependence

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By Rabbi Michael Lerner, Network of Spiritual Progressives There is much to celebrate in the goodness of the United States, even while acknowledging all of the nation’s problems. We spiritual progressives invite people of all faiths, as well as the nonreligious, to avoid celebrating “bombs bursting in air” and all other displays of American nationalist […]

2 Jul, 2015

Silversea Cruises projects arrival of new ultra-luxury flagship in April 2017

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Hong Kong– July 2, 2015)– Silversea Cruises has announced that their new flagship, the “Silver Muse”, is to be delivered in April 2017. The ultra-luxury ship is being built by Fincantieri and at 40,000 grt accommodates 596 guests, representing an exciting evolution of the Silver Spirit that will redefine ocean travel, enhancing the small-ship intimacy […]

2 Jul, 2015

125 CEOs, Business Leaders Call for Accurate Labelling to Identify Food Containing GMOs

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 01, 2015 – One hundred twenty-five (125) U.S. CEOs and business leaders from across the country called on President Barack Obama to keep his 2007 campaign pledge to give Americans the right to know what is in their food by directing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to require food companies to label […]

2 Jul, 2015

New Australian visa policy takes effect to attract the rich and talented

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Canberra, 1 July 2015, Joint media release by the Minister for Trade and Investment and Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection — New arrangements for investor visa applicants that will encourage investment into innovative Australian research and development and emerging local companies come into effect today. Expressions of Interest for the enhanced Significant Investor […]

2 Jul, 2015

UN issues first-ever heatwave warning guidelines as global temperatures soar

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 1 July 2015 – Two United Nations agencies have unveiled a series of new guidelines aimed at addressing the health risks posed by the increasing number and intensity of climate change-related heatwaves affecting the planet, as warm weather alerts spread across Europe following soaring temperatures that killed hundreds of people […]

1 Jul, 2015

Shopping discounts for Cambodians against corruption

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Phnom Penh, 29 June 2015, Transparency International media release — More than 8,000 people in Cambodia are now enjoying discounts in shops across the capital Phnom Penh thanks to their new Anti-Corruption Card, which Transparency International Cambodia is offering to all those who sign their Declaration against Corruption. Image: Transparency International Cambodia The card, which […]

1 Jul, 2015

Vietnam Airlines becomes world’s second operator of the A350 XWB

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Ho Chi Minh City, 30 June 2015, (Vietnam Airlines media release) – Vietnam Airlines has become the second airline in the world to operate the all-new A350 XWB, following a special ceremony in Toulouse yesterday. The A350-900 aircraft was delivered to global lessor AerCap on lease to the airline for operation on long haul routes […]

1 Jul, 2015

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts Group’s “Escape the Ordinary” promotions until 31 Aug 2015

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Hong Kong, 1 July 2015 (Media release) – From extra perks to value add-ons, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts invites guests to take a summer trip and “Escape the Ordinary” at more than 80 Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders hotels worldwide until 31 August 2015. Room or suite reservations confirmed at Best Available Rate as part of […]

1 Jul, 2015

Hospitality workers union flags labour dispute at LA DoubleTree by Hilton, being sold by UBS

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LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)– June 30, 2015: The following media release was issued by UNITE HERE: The DoubleTree by Hilton in Downtown Los Angeles is a hotel with an ongoing labor dispute. The DoubleTree by Hilton is currently up for sale by owner United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). For more information on the dispute visit: dontbuythedoubletree.org […]

1 Jul, 2015

DOCOMO launches Free Wi-Fi Service for Overseas Climbers to Use on Mt. Fuji

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TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 30, 2015 — NTT DOCOMO, INC. (TOKYO:9437) (NYSE:DCM), the Japanese mobile operator that provides each customer with innovative, convenient and secure mobile services, announced today the launch of a free Wi-Fi® service in collaboration with Shizuoka and Yamanashi prefectures to encourage overseas climbers to make use of DOCOMO’s Wi-Fi network on the slopes […]

1 Jul, 2015

United Church of Christ casts landslide vote to boycott companies profiting from Israel’s occupation of Palestine

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Cleveland, JUNE 30, 2015 (UCC PIN Media release) – The United Church of Christ Palestine-Israel Network (UCC PIN) is pleased to announce that today the plenary of the 30th General Synod taking place in Cleveland passed Resolution #4, calling for boycotts and divestment from companies that profit from Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands. “As disciples […]

1 Jul, 2015

Iranian Americans tell 2016 U.S. Presidential candidates to avoid offensive generalisations

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Thirty-seven prominent Iranian Americans, consisting of current and former government officials, foreign policy experts, scientists, business leaders, authors and media personalities, sent an open letter urging the 2016 presidential candidates to refrain from broad generalizations about the Iranian people when discussing the prospective nuclear agreement taking shape between the P5+1 and Iran. The letter […]

30 Jun, 2015

Trade unions blast “troika” policies for triggering Greece crisis

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Geneva, 29 June 2015, (ITUC media release) – The closure of Greece’s banks, at least until after the surprise 5 July referendum announced by the Greek government on the demands set by the “troika”, underlines the folly of putting ideology ahead of economic sense, according to the International Trade Union Confederation. Sharan Burrow, ITUC General […]

30 Jun, 2015

Israeli Navy Seizes Gaza-Bound Freedom Flotilla III

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GAZA, June 29, 2015 (WAFA) – The Israeli Navy on Monday boarded and seized a boat leading a four-vessel flotilla of international activists bound for Gaza, to prevent them from reaching the blockaded coastal enclave, according to media sources. Petros Stergiou, a spokesperson for the flotilla, said that organizers lost contact with the Marianne at […]

30 Jun, 2015

Wheel:Life Publishes Accessible US Travel Guidebook for Wheelchair Users

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Atlanta, GA (PRWEB), June 29, 2015 – Wheel:Life, an online community for wheelchair users worldwide, has published Discovering: An Accessible US Travel Guide for Wheelchair Users as a new e-book on Amazon.com. Wheel:Life publications center on sharing resources and support for people who use wheelchairs. These accessible travel suggestions were crowdsourced by the Get Out […]

30 Jun, 2015

Lux* Maldives rolls out project to conserve coral reefs

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26 June 2015 (Media Release) — The LUX* Maldives Marine Biologist Center is to start implementing a coral reef monitoring project as part of continuing efforts to safeguard the biodiversity and resilience of coral reefs throughout the South Ari Atoll. The project aims to preserve and protect the marine ecosystems around Dhidhoofinolhu island and increase […]

30 Jun, 2015

European Cities Marketing opens membership to national and regional organisations

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Dijon, France, 26 June 2015 (ECM media release) – While keeping its focus on city tourism, European Cities Marketing, the leading association of cities in Europe, opens the door to regional or national tourist offices, convention bureaux and multi-functional urban marketing agencies established by regions or nations in Europe. During its last General Assembly in […]

30 Jun, 2015

Mandarin Oriental to manage second luxury property in Beijing

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Hong Kong, 29 June 2015 (Mandarin Oriental media release) – Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage its second luxury property in the heart of Beijing, scheduled to open in 2017, in the Wangfujing district of the capital city. Mandarin Oriental Wangfujing, Beijing will be located in the new premier mixed use […]

30 Jun, 2015

Unicorn Hospitality Signs Sales & Marketing Pact With Maekok River Village Resort

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BANGKOK, 29 June, 2015 – Hotel management consultancy Unicorn Hospitality has signed an agreement to manage Maekok River Village Resort in Chiang Mai for global sales and marketing, as the company continues its growth by focusing on representing small and medium-sized boutique hotels and resorts in Thailand. Maekok River Village Resort in Chiang Mai is […]

30 Jun, 2015

GfK Global Study Tracks Satisfaction Levels with Leisure Time in 22 Countries

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 29, 2015 – Coinciding with the beginning of summer and the vacation season, the latest GfK study examined satisfaction levels with amounts of leisure time around the world – and United States consumers ranked as happiest with their time off. In US, 7 in 10 are satisfied The study shows that 69% […]

30 Jun, 2015

Beijing, Shanghai to offer tax refunds to overseas tourists

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BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2015-06-29 — Overseas tourists visiting Beijing and Shanghai will be able to obtain tax refunds on their purchases as of Wednesday, customs authority said Monday. Beijing and Shanghai have both filed plans to Ministry of Finance (MOF), the General Administration of Customs (GAC) and State Administration of Taxation, the GAC said in a […]

29 Jun, 2015

Jamaica launches two business models to track economic impact of sports events

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Kingston, Jamaica: June 26, 2015, (Jamaica Tourist Board media release): — The Minister of Tourism and Entertainment, Dr. Wykeham McNeill, has charged tourism and sports stakeholders to work together to maximize the potential of sports tourism and its benefits to Jamaica. He stated that, “given the strength of Brand Jamaica and our prominence in sports […]

29 Jun, 2015

Coalition Formed To Preserve Travel Distribution Channel Choice

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June 25, 2015, WASHINGTON, DC (BTC media release) – The Business Travel Coalition (BTC) today  announced that in response to the Lufthansa Group’s (LHG) recently revealed policy to surcharge and discriminate against the travel agency channel, it has formed AirChannelChoice.travel as a broad coalition of global stakeholders to promote travel distribution system choice for travel […]

27 Jun, 2015

West Bank museum to ‘keep Palestine’s memory alive’ – Al Jazeera English

Birzeit, occupied West Bank – The steady thud of hammers echoed throughout the valley and a large crane swung overhead as dozens of construction workers laboured in the summer heat. Located on the campus of Birzeit University, a Palestinian academic institution in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the half-finished building – the Palestinian Museum – is […]

27 Jun, 2015

AIIB Constitution ready for signing, projected launch by end 2015

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BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) — Representatives of 57 prospective founding countries of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) will meet in Beijing next Monday to sign the constitution of the bank, creating a legal framework for the existence of the entity. “This will be a significant event. The constitution will lay a solid foundation for […]

27 Jun, 2015

Healthier Lifestyles Pumping Up Global Sports and Energy Drinks Markets, mainly in Asia-Pacific

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Wellesley, Mass. (PRWEB), June 25, 2015 – Rapidly growing economies in China and India have significantly increased demand for sports foods in the past 10 years. BCC Research predicts in its new report that these emerging markets will approach and even surpass double-digit growth rates from 2015 to 2020. The global market for sports nutrition […]

27 Jun, 2015

Progressive Insurance Offers Motorcycle Accident-avoidance Advice as Summer Riding Heats Up

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MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 26, 2015 — The summer travel season is peak time for passionate motorcycle riders and after a brutal winter, they’re anxious to make the most of every mile. If fact, more motorcycle riders are hitting the road than ever before with new motorcycle sales up more than eight percent through the […]

27 Jun, 2015

UnionPay issues report on Chinese outbound travel for summer 2015

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Beijing, UnionPay International media release, 2015-06-24 – UnionPay International issued the “Report of 2015 Outbound Tourism Tendency of Summer Vacation” on June 24, which indicates that the outbound tourism of Chinese visitors is characterized with larger gross scale, higher transaction frequency, more scattered destinations and more rational purchase. Regards to the latest tendency of outbound […]

27 Jun, 2015

UnionPay cards now accepted for Turkey’s E-Visa application

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2015-06-17, UnionPay media release – Tourists who have recent plans to travel to Turkey will find that they can pay the visa fee by UnionPay cards as they apply for an E-Visa. UnionPay International announced today Turkey’s electronic visa application page is now accepting UnionPay cards (card number starting with 62), providing more convenient and […]

27 Jun, 2015

NEC tests disaster warning system in the Philippines

Tokyo, June 24 2015 – NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), in collaboration with the Philippine government’s Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the state-run broadcasting company, People’s Television Network (PTV), has built and conducted a field trial for a disaster information system enabling the provision of disaster-related information through the use of terrestrial digital broadcasting. […]

27 Jun, 2015

New assessment system to test if Malaysian graduates are ready for work

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Selangor, Malaysia, Jun, 24 2015 – (ACN Newswire) – Researchers in Malaysia are recommending an assessment tool for measuring whether university graduates have the practical skills required to enter the work force. Called the Graduate Employability Model (GEM), this tool would aim to address employability issues that currently plague Malaysian higher education. According to the […]