31 Dec, 2014

Confucius hometown offers free tours for Analects-chanting foreigners

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Qufu City, (Xinhua)  2014-12-28 – Foreigners who can recite five famous quotes of Confucius will be given free tours to his birthplace, according to a new policy by China’s Qufu city aimed at promoting the wisdom of the ancient philosopher. The city in east China’s Shandong province says from Friday foreigners can get free tickets […]

31 Dec, 2014

Chinese Commentary: Is the world becoming more dangerous?

By Zhou Bo

Beijing, (Chinadaily.com.cn)  2014-12-30 – Is the world becoming more dangerous? This question was recently asked by strategists, scholars and foreign policy practitioners from across the world at Ditchley Park, Oxfordshire, without an affirmative answer. Looking back at 2014, the sky of the West didn’t have much of a silver lining. The key words that marked […]

31 Dec, 2014

New website launched to mark Malaysia’s Chairmanship of ASEAN 2015

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PUTRAJAYA, Dec 23 (Bernama) — In conjunction with the assumption of Chairmanship of ASEAN 2015 by Malaysia from 1 January 2015, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched a dedicated website http://asean2015.gov.my to provide extensive coverage, information, updates and news on important events that will take place in 2015 during the Chairmanship. This dedicated website […]

31 Dec, 2014

As oil prices fall, Qatar National Bank predicts more global economic upheaval in 2015

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Doha, December 21 (QNA) – As 2014 comes to an end, the global economy shows signs of weakness with significant downside risks. Some of these risks are likely to materialise next year, leaving the global economy in worse shape than in 2014, QNB said in its Economic Commentary today. The following is the full text […]

31 Dec, 2014

Islamophobia on the rise in Germany

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ANKARA, December 26, 2014 (Anadolu Agency) – Since 17,500 Germans stood in front of the Dresden City Opera House on Monday chanting, “No more lies. We are the people,” it has become clear that the far right is again on the rise in Germany. The Patriotic Europeans against the Islamization of the Occident group has […]

31 Dec, 2014

UN vote on Palestine guarantees more Middle East conflict in 2015

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 30 December 2014 – Falling short of the required number of positive votes and faced with a veto from one of its permanent members, the United Nations Security Council today failed to adopt a draft resolution that would have affirmed the “urgent need” to reach within 12 months a peaceful […]

27 Dec, 2014

Israeli Bus Driver Hurls Racist Abuse at Muslim Female Students

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NAZARETH, December 25, 2014 (WAFA) – An Israeli bus driver made racist remarks on Wednesday against a group of Palestinian female students studying at the Tel Aviv University when they got on the bus, because they were wearing the Islamic attire and headscarf. In a phone call with the bus company Dan, CEO Shmuel Refaeli, […]

27 Dec, 2014

Phuket, Phang-nga remember 10th anniversary of tsunami

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BANGKOK, 26 December 2014 (NNT) – State agencies in Phuket and Phang-nga today held memorial services for December 2004’s tsunami that killed at over 5,000 people in Thailand, on the 10th anniversary of the disaster. The Phuket provincial administrative organization and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center Region 18 hosted a lecture attended by community […]

27 Dec, 2014

Marking 10 years since Indian Ocean tsunami, UN says world better prepared for natural disasters

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 26 December 2014 – It has been ten years since a massive tsunami swept across the Indian Ocean killing more than 200,000 people and devastating coastline communities from Indonesia to Somalia. Today, the world is much better prepared to mitigate such disasters, senior United Nations officials have declared. Caring has […]

26 Dec, 2014

China warns officials against extravagance during holiday season

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BEIJING, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) — The central authorities have warned officials to rein in spending and luxury gifts during a season known for over consumption. The circular, which was recently issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, underscored that officials must remain frugal and […]

25 Dec, 2014

Israel allows only 500 Gaza Christians to visit Bethlehem

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Dec 24, 2014, PressTV – Israeli forces have announced that they will maintain severe restrictions on Christians arriving from the Gaza Strip for this year’s festivities while there is no restriction for Christians from around the world to visit the city. This year, only a few hundred Christians living in the coastal enclave, either younger […]

25 Dec, 2014

China Focus: 40 mln employees face pension reform

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BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — About 40 million members of government, Party, and public institution staff will be affected by the reform of China’s pension system. China’s Vice Premier Ma Kai on Tuesday reported on the social security system at the ongoing bi-monthly session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, saying the basic […]

25 Dec, 2014

Construction starts on new Beijing airport on Friday

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BEIJING, Dec. 24 (Xinhua) — Work will begin on Beijing’s new airport on Friday, according to a senior Chinese official. The international aviation hub will be constructed on the principles of frugality, efficiency, convenience and comfort, Zhou Laizhen, deputy director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), said on Wednesday. The airport is designed […]

24 Dec, 2014

China’s rich-poor income gap rises to “alarming level”

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Beijing, (ecns) 2014-12-24 — China’s income gap has widened to an alarming level, much higher than that of Russia and the US, according to the 4th Income Distribution and Enterprises Salary Reform Summit. The average salary among the top 20 percent high-income earners is about 10.7 times higher than that of the bottom 20 percent […]

24 Dec, 2014

Chinese customs seize more than 3,000 crocodile skins

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XIAMEN, (Xinhua) 2014-12-24 – Customs authorities in East China’s Fujian province seized a staggering 3,022 crocodile skins illegally shipped from Taiwan. In mid-June, a Fujian-based trade company lodged a declaration for a batch of frozen fish balls from Taiwan, but later customs officers found 1,328 crocodile skins disguised by the fish balls in the port […]

24 Dec, 2014

Billion-dollar Investment Opportunities Seen in Cuba

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WASHINGTON, Dec 24 (NNN-CARIBBEANNEWS) — A leading investment group has identified billions of dollars worth of opportunities in Cuba following US President Barack Obama’s announcement of plans to re-establish relations with the Caribbean island nation. The Cuba Business Outlook, produced by the business intelligence group Global News Matters, reported many opportunities — with investments required […]

24 Dec, 2014

Princess Cruises “Relaxation Report”: Holiday season sees women get more stressed than men

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SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Dec. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — With the holidays in full swing, a new survey released by Princess Cruises found that this is a more stressful time for women than men, with women feeling more pressure cooking meals and hosting parties, while men feel more stress by shopping and receiving unwanted gifts. The survey […]

24 Dec, 2014

Chinese commentary: In New World Order, U.S “Should Stop Trying to Play God”

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BEIJING, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) — China on Tuesday conducted an interim review of the implementation of a government action plan on human rights protection, highlighting the considerable progress it has made since 2012 and pledging to strive for greater improvement. The meeting, which gave floor to state organs and agencies at various levels to report […]

24 Dec, 2014

Hundreds of Singaporeans Visit al-Aqsa Mosque in Solidarity with Palestinians

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JERUSALEM, December 23, 2014 (WAFA) – Hundreds of Muslim Singaporeans Tuesday visited al-Aqsa Mosque in the city of Jerusalem as an act of support, in light of the recent heightened Israeli measures against worshipers and protection of Israeli settlers, which have spiked tensions in the old city. This visit comes at a time of mounting […]

24 Dec, 2014

Palestinian President: All I Want from Christmas is Justice

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RAMALLAH, December 22, 2014 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday called upon the international community to recognize the State of Palestine on the 1967 border and support the United Nations initiative to set a deadline to end the Israeli occupation. “This Christmas, we deliver a very special message to the world: All I want from […]

24 Dec, 2014

Palestine Advocates Protest Israeli Diamond Store in NYC for Human Rights Violation Complicity

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NEW YORK, December 22, 2014 (WAFA) – A total of 40 New York human rights advocates protested on Saturday at the Israeli billionaire Lev Leviev’s flagship Madison Avenue diamond store, which is known for being complicit in the Israeli occupation and settlement activities in the West Bank. The advocates had been gathering for eight years […]

21 Dec, 2014

More European Groups Call for Formal Recognition of Palestine

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STRASBOURG, December 18, 2014 (WAFA) – In yet another supportive gesture in favor of the Palestinian statehood bid, the European United Left/Nordic Green Left European Parliamentary Group (GUE/NGL MEPS) called on member states to formally recognize a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. The group welcomed the European Parliament […]

20 Dec, 2014

International Cruise Victims Applauds Legislation to Increase Public Access to Cruise Safety Info

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PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 15, 2014 – International Cruise Victims (ICV) is pleased to announce the passage of new legislation which will require a numerical accounting of missing persons as well as requiring that all applicable alleged crimes committed on cruise ships be reported publicly regardless of the investigative status of the incident. In a bipartisan fashion, […]

20 Dec, 2014

New initiative launched to support Americans to study in China

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WASHINGTON – (Xinhua) – 2014-12-18 – China and the United States launched a new fellowship initiative on Wednesday to support mid-career American professionals to study in China. The initiative, known as Zhi-Xing China-Perfect World U.S.-China Young Leaders Fellowships, aims to sponsor 15 to 20 American professionals who are interested in Chinese culture and China-related work […]

20 Dec, 2014

European Union Helps Consumers by Capping Credit Card Fees While U.S. Lags

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WASHINGTON, December 18, 2014, (BUSINESS WIRE)–The following press release was issued by Merchants Payments Coalition: American merchants applaud the European Union for taking steps to cap card fees at a seventh of what U.S. retailers pay their banks. The 28 countries of the European Union agreed with a committee of the EU’s Parliament to cap […]

19 Dec, 2014

Palestinian President: Independent State by 2017

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RAMALLAH, December 18, 2014 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday said the bid aims for the conduct of serious negotiations with Israel to put an end to the military occupation and establish an independent Palestinian state by the year 2017. During a televised speech at the Palestinian leadership meeting, Abbas said the Palestinian bid for […]

19 Dec, 2014

Geneva Conference Addresses Israeli Violations of International Law

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GENEVA, December 17, 2014 (WAFA) – The High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions met in Geneva on Wednesday to discuss Israel’s failure to comply with international law with regards to the Palestinian inalienable rights, according to Palestine’s Permanent Mission in Switzerland. The meeting discussed Israel’s impunity by a High Contracting Party and disregard of […]

19 Dec, 2014

Jewish Fanatics Break into Al-Aqsa Mosque amid Growing Tensions

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JERUSALEM, December 16, 2014 (WAFA) – A group of Jewish extremists on Wednesday broke into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem in a provocative tour, shortly following clashes that erupted throughout the city last night after Israeli army killed a Palestinian in nearby Qalandia refugee camp. Local media sources said one of the Jewish […]

19 Dec, 2014

Air France Flight Forced To Land Because Of … Chili Peppers

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SANTO DOMINGO, Dec 19 (NNN-AGENCIES) — An Air France flight from Santo Domingo to Paris made an emergency landing in Ireland on Sunday after an alarm indicated the possibility of fire or smoke in the cargo hold, according to the Irish Independent. The culprit turned out to be chili peppers – yes, chili peppers – […]

19 Dec, 2014

Gulf Arab economies respond tactically to offset oil price plunge

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DUBAI, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — The question of how much the fall in oil prices will affect the Gulf Arab economies in 2015 is the” talk of the town” in the region with officials and business executives differing in their assessments. The drop in oil would not change the bullish prospects for the United Arab […]

19 Dec, 2014

China announces major holiday dates for 2015

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BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — The State Council, China’s cabinet, announced major holiday dates for 2015: New Year’s Day: Jan. 1 – Jan. 3, with Jan. 4 (Sunday) as a working day. Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year): Feb. 18 – Feb. 24. Feb.15 (Sunday) and Feb. 28 (Saturday) are working days. Qingming (Tomb-Sweeping Day): […]

19 Dec, 2014

ADB, Cambodia Sign Loans to Boost Tourism, Water Supply and Financial Sectors

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PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA, ADB Media release, 18 December 2014 – Cambodia’s Minister of Economy and Finance Aun Pornmoniroth and Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed loan agreements totaling $67 million for three support operations which will further improve the country’s water supply, tourism, and financial sectors. The loan agreements cover the Third Financial Sector Program–Subprogram […]

19 Dec, 2014

Drone shot down in Beijing suburb, operators charged

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Beijing, (Chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-12-16 — Three people have been charged with involuntarily endangering public security by flying drones for surveying and mapping, according to a recent report in People’s Liberation Army Daily. The drone forced several commercial airliners to alter their paths or delay their flights before it was shot down by air force, the report […]

19 Dec, 2014

GMS summit in Thailand: China eyes bigger role in boosting connectivity

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BANGKOK, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s expected attendance at a Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) summit in Thailand signals China’s more active role in efforts to bolster regional economy and connectivity and to expand the scope of cooperation. Also on Li’s agenda is the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on China-Thailand […]

19 Dec, 2014

World wood production up but paper stagnant as electronic publishing grows – UN report

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 18 December 2014 – Continuing steady growth in 2013 for the fourth consecutive year, global wood production has fully recovered from the economic downturn of 2008-2009, though production of pulp and paper stagnated largely due to a decline in consumption in China, data released by the United Nations’ Food and […]

19 Dec, 2014

Chinese commentary: Water more important for Asian security than tanks and warships

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(People’s Daily Online), December 18, 2014 – When talking about Asian security, many analysts tend to start with the number of naval vessels and warplanes each country possesses. The recent water crisis in the Maldives has reminded us that the Asian security issue should be viewed comprehensively. On Dec. 15, a desalination plant in Male […]

17 Dec, 2014

Tourist Influx Helps Rural Lao PDR Thrive

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Vientiane, Lao PDR, ADB Feature | 8 December 2014 – When Noy Sae Lee was a young woman in northwest Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in the 1970s, her small ethnic Lanten community subsisted on slash-and-burn cultivation, virtually isolated from the outside world, save for limited trade in opium and wildlife in this fabled […]

17 Dec, 2014

Ancient Trade Route Boosts Tourism, Commerce Within Greater Mekong Subregion

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Vientiane, Lao PDR, ADB News Feature, 12 December 2014 – A modern highway and bridge connecting three countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion are reviving an ancient trade route and bringing new life to local communities. More than 1,200 years ago, during the Tang Dynasty, merchants in Yunnan, People’s Republic of China (PRC) began forging trade routes to […]

17 Dec, 2014

$50 Billion Greater Mekong Plan to Focus on Building Economic Corridors

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VIENTIANE, LAO PDR (ADB media release) 12 December 2013 – Member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have agreed to draw up a $50 billion pipeline of potential projects under a new Regional Investment Framework (RIF), including investments in non-traditional areas like railways and multisector projects to be made over the next decade. “The […]

17 Dec, 2014

Global Coalition Launched to Help the World’s Poorest Access Affordable Health Coverage

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12 DECEMBER 2014 (Rockefeller Foundation media release) – A new global coalition of more than 500 leading health and development organizations worldwide is urging governments to accelerate reforms that ensure everyone, everywhere, can access quality health services without being forced into poverty. The coalition was launched today, on the first-ever Universal Health Coverage Day, 12 […]

17 Dec, 2014

EU Agrees Money Laundering Transparency Reforms, but Full Access Denied

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17 December 2014 (Released by Transparency International Liaison Office to the European Union)  – Transparency International has welcomed new landmark legislation to tackle money laundering and anonymous shell companies in the European Union. The revisions to the 4th Anti-Money Laundering Directive agreed by the European Parliament and EU Council are an important step forward in […]

14 Dec, 2014

Chinese resort island offers reward to whistleblowers for reporting tourist fraud

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Sanya, Hainan island, (chinadaily.com.cn ) 2014-12-12 – Sanya is going to reward citizens who report tourist fraud on the popular tropical island, up to 50,000 yuan ($8,080), starting next year, according to the local authorities. Two complaint hotlines have been set for the public to disclose problems in the island’s tourist industry, typically legal taxis, […]

14 Dec, 2014

German Travel market holds its ground in a difficult 2014 environment

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Berlin, (DRV media release) 10 Dec 2014 – The Germans bank on classical seadise travel destinations and fulfil themselves dreams in respect of long-haul trips: Greece, Tunisia, the Canary Islands as well as the Caribbean destinations Cuba, Dominican Republic and Mexico are the vacation countries of the Germans which record the highest growth rates this […]

11 Dec, 2014

Top 10 Holiday Survival Tips for Staying Sober Through the Party Season

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Statesboro, GA (PRWEB) December 10, 2014 — Willingway, a renowned treatment center for alcoholism and drug addiction, has helped patients find the best chance at recovery for more than 45 years. And they know how bittersweet and difficult the holidays can be for people in recovery from addiction. Robbin Mooney, Willingway’s Director of Communications, said, […]

11 Dec, 2014

New ITU Global Initiatives reports offer solutions for development, disaster management

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Doha, 9 December 2014 (International Telecommunications Union) – The Advisory Boards of the ITU m-Powering Development and Smart Sustainable Development Model Initiatives released their first reports in Doha, Qatar, at an extraordinary meeting of each of the Boards, which met on the eve of ITU Telecom World 2014 in session 7-10 December. “These reports are the […]

11 Dec, 2014

Spotlighting racism, stigma, UN launches Int’l Decade of People of African Descent

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 10 December 2014 – People of African descent still face racism in every country, region and continent of the world, said United Nations General Assembly President Sam Kutesa as the word body today kicked off its International Decade of People of African Descent. “Over the next ten years, people everywhere […]

10 Dec, 2014

China Voice: U.S. should clean up its own human rights issues

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BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — As Human Rights Day approaches, high-profile cases of violations within American borders and by its agencies abroad are being scrutinized, especially as it pertains to be a defender of civil liberties globally. United Nations human rights chief Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Nov. 25 urged the U.S. to examine race-related […]

10 Dec, 2014

Crisis-hit Italians cut Christmas shopping: study

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ROME, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — As Christmas, the most popular feast day in Italy on Dec. 25, gets close, household spending continues the record drops in the crisis-plagued country. According to a recent report by consumer group Codacons, Christmas spending since before the outbreak of the global economic crisis has fallen by as much as […]

10 Dec, 2014

Australia holds national summit to curb “endemic” domestic violence

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Canberra, 8 December 2014 – The Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Women, Senator Michaelia Cash today delivered the opening address for the inaugural National Domestic Violence Summit, emphasising that all Australians have a role to play in changing the attitudes that create and sustain the endemic culture of violence in Australia. “Ensuring the whole […]

10 Dec, 2014

Pope sends message of peace, hope

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Manila, December 7, 2014, Manila Bulletin – Today, the Catholic Church marks the Second Sunday of Advent, with Church rites centering on preparations for the celebration of Christmas, which the Holy Father considers as “the hope for humanity.” Pope Francis’ list of prayer intentions for the year 2014 includes a message of peace and hope […]

10 Dec, 2014

Nationwide rail project amongst new pacts signed by China, South Africa

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Beijing, (China Daily), 2014-12-05 – China and South Africa signed 11 agreements, including one on transportation, on Thursday in Beijing as top leaders of the world’s second-largest economy and the African economic powerhouse laid the groundwork for cooperation for the next decade. The memorandum on cooperation between CSR Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive and Transnet, South Africa’s […]

10 Dec, 2014

US should respond to public demands for greater police accountability – Ban

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 4 December 2014 – In the wake of a grand jury decision in New York yesterday not to indict a police officer in the chokehold death of Eric Garner, an unarmed man, in July, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged the United States to do “anything possible to […]

10 Dec, 2014

Interview with Amina J. Mohammed, U.N. Chief’s Special Adviser on Post-2015 Development Planning

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 4 December 2014 – Amina J. Mohammed has served since June 2012 as the Special Adviser to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Post-2015 Development Planning. The Nigerian national brings to the position more than 30 years of experience as a development practitioner in the public and private sectors, as well as […]

10 Dec, 2014

Road to Dignity by 2030: UN chief launches blueprint towards sustainable development

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United Nations, (UN News Centre), 4 December 2014 – Calling for inclusive, agile and coordinated action to usher in an era of sustainable development for all, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today presented the United Nations General Assembly with an advance version of his so-called “synthesis report,” which will guide negotiations for a new global agenda centred […]

10 Dec, 2014

Iconic image spotlighting plight of Palestine refugees, illuminates UN headquarters

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 3 December 2014 – To mark the climax of the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, an iconic image from the newly digitized photo archives of the UN agency tasked with assisting Palestinian refugees throughout the Middle East was projected yesterday onto buildings in eight cities around the […]

8 Dec, 2014

Aviation: EU allocates €3 bn to deliver the Single European Sky

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European Commission – Press release, Brussels, 05 December 2014 – Today the European Commission will sign a new partnership agreement, involving major Air Traffic Management (ATM) stakeholders. Airlines, airport operators and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) will receive up to €3 bn in EU funding, in order to implement common projects and modernise Europe’s Air Traffic Management […]

8 Dec, 2014

Australia releases FREE guide to help consumers dealing with debt collectors

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Canberra, ACCC and ASIC media release, 5 December 2014 – The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) have launched ‘Dealing with debt collectors: Your rights and responsibilities’ a free guide that helps consumers in trouble with debt understand their options so they know how to deal with […]

8 Dec, 2014

Corruption just as rampant in Private Sector, SEA-PAC meeting told

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) — Stringent reforms should be urgently drawn up by all regional anti-corruption agencies to curb corruption in the private sector, said Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed. “The government must install a strong deterrent tool to curb corruption in the private sector. They (the private […]

8 Dec, 2014

ASEAN Business Club Launches Lifting-The-Barriers Reports 2014

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KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) — In conjunction with the ASEAN Business Club (ABC) Delegation’s visit to Malaysia, the ABC in partnership with the CIMB ASEAN Research Institute (CARI) launched the second set of Lifting-The-Barriers (LTB) Reports today – another set of seven white papers outlining bottlenecks and barriers, coupled with workable solutions for an […]

5 Dec, 2014

Retirement Readiness a Significant Issue for U.S. Employers/Employees, Towers Watson Survey Finds

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ARLINGTON, VA, November 19, 2014 (Towers Watson Media release) — More than three-quarters of large and midsize U.S. employers that sponsor 401(k) and 403(b) defined contribution (DC) plans say retirement readiness has become a major issue for their employees, according to a new survey by global professional services company Towers Watson (NYSE: NASDAQ: TW). A […]

3 Dec, 2014

GetVoIP Study: 21% of Tech Employees Admit to Stealing from Work, Especially During Holiday Hustle

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New York, NY (PRWEB) December 02, 2014 – GetVoIP, a one-stop hub for tech industry news, today released the results of their most recent survey, which asked American tech employees: “Have you ever stolen an object from your work/employer?” An amazing 21% of tech employees confess to stealing from their employer. Out of the 21% […]

3 Dec, 2014

Asian Parliamentarians Condemn Israel’s Offensive on Palestinian Holy Sites

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LAHORE, December 2, 2014 (WAFA) – The plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), convened in the city of Lahore in Pakistan, condemned on Tuesday the Israeli violations on holy sites in the Palestinian Territory, particularly al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, including provocative visits by Jewish fanatics into the Muslim holy site. The APA, […]

3 Dec, 2014

European media see U.S. racial discrimination, wealth gap as root causes of Ferguson case

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BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) — The Ferguson incident has come as a result of a deep-rooted mindset of racial discrimination and the increasingly widening wealth gap in the United States, major newspapers of some European countries say. Greek media have been following the incident, which has sparked widespread protests after a white police officer shot […]

3 Dec, 2014

Tripwire Survey: Online Shoppers Easily Duped by Fake “Brand” Promotions

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Portland, Oregon (PRWEB) December 02, 2014 – Tripwire, Inc., a leading global provider of advanced threat, security and compliance solutions, today announced the results of a consumer survey conducted by One Poll and Dimensional Research on holiday shopping security practices. The survey evaluated online cybersecurity awareness of 2,011 consumers from the U.S. and U.K., and […]

2 Dec, 2014

Malaysia, Philippines, Iran among 13 countries which have eradicated hunger ahead of 2015-deadline – UN report

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United Nations, UN News centre, 1 December 2014 – Honouring their outstanding progress in fighting hunger, 13 countries were commended today by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) today for achieving food security milestones ahead of the UN global 2015 target deadline and urged continued momentum to end the suffering of 805 million […]

1 Dec, 2014

Dutch extremist MP calls for removal of all mosques in Netherlands

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THE HAGUE – Anadolu Agency- November/27/2014 – A Dutch right-wing political party has demanded Netherlands be cleared of mosques, amid an ongoing row over the integration of Muslim and Turkish minorities in the country. Machiel de Graaf, a member of Dutch anti-immigration and anti-Islam Party for Freedom (PVV), asked all mosques in the country to […]

1 Dec, 2014

Dentsu Announces “2014 Hit Products in Japan”: Robot cleaners, hybrid cars, apps, and more

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TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 27, 2014 –Dentsu Inc. announced today the release of its “2014 Hit Products in Japan” report. Produced as part of a series that has been chronicling hit products since 1985, the latest report examines major trends that represented the consumer mindset in 2014. It is based on an Internet survey of Japanese consumers […]

1 Dec, 2014

Israel’s Gaza attack led to US$47m drop in El Al Q3 profits over last year

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LOD, Israel–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 26, 2014 – El Al’s CEO, David Maimon: “The results of the third quarter reflect the effect of the ‘Operation Protective Edge,’ which caused significant harm to revenues and as a result El Al requested government assistance. This is the first time since the Second Lebanon War in 2006 in which El […]

29 Nov, 2014

Opening the windows: European Commission commits to enhanced transparency

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European Commission – Press release, Strasbourg, 25 November 2014 – The European Commission today gave a boost to transparency by committing to publishing information about who meets its political leaders and senior officials and to providing greater access to documents relating to the negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the United […]

29 Nov, 2014

Beijing municipal parks launch APEC travel routes

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-11-28 – Six municipal parks in the Chinese capital have launched different tourism routes to promote sites in the parks, which were visited by global leaders and their spouses during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting earlier this month, according to Beijing Municipal Administration Center of Parks. The parks have made special arrangements […]

29 Nov, 2014

Gaza Patients Need Israeli Approval to Cross Border to Egypt for Treatment

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JERUSALEM, November 27, 2014 – (WAFA) – The patient applications that were granted approval for Gazans by Israeli occupation authorities to cross Erez crossing for medical treatment dropped by 5.78%, reported the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). “In October, the total number of permit applications to cross Erez (which included casualty […]

29 Nov, 2014

3 Dec: International Day for Persons with Disabilities

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United Nations, 28 November 2014, UN News Centre – Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to be observed on 3 December: This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities focuses on the theme, “Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology”. Technology has changed the world, bringing knowledge […]

29 Nov, 2014

European Socialists and Democrats Welcome Initiatives of National Parliaments to Recognize State of Palestine

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BRUSSELS, November 27, 2014 (WAFA) – European Socialists and Democrats (S&D) member of parliament (MEP) and vice-president for foreign affairs Victor Boştinaru welcomed the initiatives of national parliaments to recognize the Palestinian state, stressing that, “This recognition and the negotiations must go hand in hand because together they represent a challenge and an opportunity but […]

27 Nov, 2014

Andalusian Parliament to Host Global Conference Supporting Palestinian Rights

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United Nations, 25 Nov 2014 — The United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People joined by United Cities and Local Governments, the Andalusian Fund of Municipalities for International Solidarity and the Junta of Andalusia will convene the International Conference of Local Governments and Civil Society Organizations in Support […]

27 Nov, 2014

Health & Wellness: Obesity-related cancers rising, especially in developed countries – UN report

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 26 November 2014 – Being overweight or obese have become major risk factors for developing cancer, particularly among women and in more developed countries, the specialized cancer agency of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) reported today. Overweight and obesity are responsible for an estimated 481,000 – or 3.6 […]

27 Nov, 2014

Ritual dancing, bread-making among cultural practices added to UNESCO heritage list

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 26 November 2014 – Brazil’s martial art of Capoeira, Burundi’s ritual dance of the royal drum and the preparation of Lavash – a popular flatbread integral to Armenian cuisine – are among the eight elements added today to the United Nations-endorsed list of the world’s intangible cultural heritage – part […]

26 Nov, 2014

Palestinian Statehood Would “Contribute to Elimination of Violence, Extremism and Terrorism” – President

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PRETORIA, November 26, 2014 – (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas stated Wednesday that resolving the Palestinian question would contribute to the eradication of violence, religious extremism and terrorism. Abbas made these remarks during a joint press conference with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma in Pretoria, the executive de facto national South African capital, where […]

26 Nov, 2014

Sign up for FREE PATA Webinar on The New Era of “Prepare, Prevent, Pre-empt”

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BANGKOK, November 25, 2014 (PATA media release) — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is offering a free webinar to members and non-members on crisis preparedness and prevention. This year marks the 10th anniversary since the deadly December 26, 2004 tsunami that devastated many coastlines across Asia. With a third of the global population, rising […]

26 Nov, 2014

Indian VP’s warning: “Development” must not come at the cost of human rights, freedom and justice

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New Delhi, (Press Information Bureau) — The Vice President of India Prof Dr M. Hamid Ansari has emphasized the need for continual oversight to ensure that liberty is not smothered in material prosperity. Delivering the Eighth V.M. Tarkunde Memorial Lecture on “Citizens and State Conduct” on 21 November, he said that the comprehension and advocacy […]

26 Nov, 2014

China launches annual pass for 800 tourist attractions, only 150 yuan

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-25 – A national tourism annual pass that is accessible to more than 800 attractions in China for 2015 is now available to purchase in Beijing. Priced at 150 yuan ($24), the annual pass covers 806 parks, scenic areas and museums in 16 provinces and municipalities, with the majority free for multiple entries […]

26 Nov, 2014

China to accelerate water conservation projects

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BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) — China will step up construction of major water conservation projects, especially in rural areas and central and western regions. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday that governments should accelerate 172 water conservation programs that have strong economic and social importance, during a visit to the Ministry of Water Resources. […]

26 Nov, 2014

Health & Wellness: ECRI Institute Lists Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2015

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PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Nov. 25, 2014, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — What could possibly go wrong in hospitals? Many things, according to ECRI Institute, an independent nonprofit that researches the best approaches to improving patient care. Hazards caused by medical technology are a prime example—because hazards can lead to accidents and patient harm. To help hospitals reduce technology-related risks, […]

26 Nov, 2014

Accor Hotels releases findings of 2014 Social Media Monitor

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Accor Hotels media release – Nov 26, 2014 – The 2014 Accorhotels Social Media Monitor found that 4 out of 5 respondents follow brands on social media, with the Chinese and Vietnamese the most keen, and those from Japan, Australia and New Zealand the least. Generally speaking, women and younger travellers are more likely to […]

26 Nov, 2014

Top Universities releases list of Best Cities for Students 2015

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LONDON, Nov. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Paris tops for the third consecutive year the QS Best Student Cities, a ranking of the world’s top cities for students, released today on TopUniversities.com. Melbourne (2nd) gains three places while London drops to the third position. The ranking, compiled by the team behind the QS World University Rankings, […]

25 Nov, 2014

‘Peace process hangs from a thread,’ UN warns ahead of Day of Solidarity with Palestinians

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 24 November 2014 – United Nations officials today voiced their solidarity with the people of Palestine, while calling on both sides involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to cease acts of violence, overcome their differences, and resume peace talks with a clear framework towards resolving the decades-long dispute. “Regrettably, as we […]

24 Nov, 2014

90 NGOs call for end to “abusive” working conditions of 2.4m migrant workers in Gulf

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Brussels, 23 November 2014 (ITUC OnLine) – Labor ministers from Gulf and Asian countries meeting on November 26 and 27, 2014, should improve labor law protection, reform abusive immigration policies, and increase dialogue with trade unions and nongovernmental groups, 90 human rights organizations and unions said today. Millions of contract workers from Asia and Africa, […]

23 Nov, 2014

Int’l Conference Endorses Formation of Global Solidarity Network with Palestinians

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RAMALLAH, November 21, 2014 (WAFA) – At the closing session of the ‘International Conference of Local Authorities in Solidarity with the Palestinian People’, international participants endorsed the formation of an international network of solidarity with the Palestinian people, under the title, ‘The International Network in Solidarity with the Palestinian Local Authorities.” The aim of this […]

23 Nov, 2014

Adults not protecting us from hurt, mistreatment, dangerous labor, say one-third of world’s children

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RICHMOND, Va.–BUSINESS WIRE –November 20, 2014  — Twenty-five years after world governments ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a seminal, multinational agreement that set out basic protections for the globe’s children, a crescendo of children’s voices – an astonishing one in three children around the world – today say that adults are […]

23 Nov, 2014

Consumer Watchdog Praises European Parliament’s Call To Break Up Google

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 21, 2014, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Consumer Watchdog today praised an expected call from the European Parliament to break up Google to end the Internet giant’s monopolistic dominance, a remedy that the public interest group proposed more than four years ago. The Financial Times first reported today that the European Parliament is expected to […]

22 Nov, 2014

How to Avoid a Holiday Spending Hangover: Tips for the Shopping Season

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Beloit, WI (PRWEB) November 21, 2014 — With consumer sentiment the highest it’s been since the recession, shoppers are expected to open their wallets a bit wider this year. Will holiday spending leave shoppers in the red? Not if they plan wisely and use some common sense Sound Advice tips from First National Bank and […]

21 Nov, 2014

China Focus: High speed rail brings changes to western China

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BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) — China’s high speed rail scheme is expanding to the country’s west, bringing changes to the local development. The Lanxin high-speed railway linking Xinjiang’s Urumqi with Lanzhou, capital city of the northwestern province of Gansu, will be put into service by the end of this year, providing a fast and modern […]

21 Nov, 2014

Rail Travellers in Belgium Join the Mobile Work Revolution

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BRUSSELS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 19, 2014 — An agreement between Regus and railway operator NMBS will provide workspaces, co-working hubs, and meeting rooms for train clients in Belgium. From early 2015, instant-access Regus Express business lounges will open across the country’s rail network. The launches will extend Regus’ network in Belgium to 21 locations, and transform business […]

21 Nov, 2014

China’s groundwater plagued by pollution

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Beijing (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-19 – A report released by China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) revealed the majority of China’s groundwater is plagued by pollution, Xinhua News Agency reported Wednesday. The ministry described the water quality in an estimated 60 percent of the 4,778 groundwater monitoring sites across the country as “bad” or “very bad” in […]

19 Nov, 2014

ASEAN To Develop SME Sector Under Malaysia’s Stewardship – PM Najib

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Nov 19 (NNN-Bernama) — Asean will develop a comprehensive regional small and medium enterprise (SME) sector under Malaysia’s chairmanship, Najib Tun Razak said. The prime minister said the commitment reflected the importance of the SME sector in the Malaysian economy and the region. “I hope to announce a strategic plan to this […]

18 Nov, 2014

Mediterranean Citizens’ Assembly Call on their Countries to Recognize Palestine

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MARSEILLE, November 16, 2014 (WAFA) – The fifth meeting of the Mediterranean citizens’ assembly (MCA), held on Sunday in the French city of Marseille, called on the governments of their countries to recognize the state of Palestine. At the closing session of the 3-day meeting, the Mediterranean citizens, stressed that ending the Israeli occupation of […]

18 Nov, 2014

International Cruise Victims Applauds Court Ruling Which Reinstates Negligence Suit against Cruise Line

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PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)-November 17, 2014-ICV applauds a quantum leap forward in advancing the rights of cruise ship passengers as a result of a ruling by the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals which has modernized outdated federal maritime law by recognizing the right of passengers who become victims of medical malpractice to hold the cruise lines […]

18 Nov, 2014

IOGT World Congress in Thailand advances cause of alcohol-free hotels

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Cha-am – Thailand may seem a most unlikely place to hold a convention on curbing the harmful consumption of alcohol. But that is exactly what happened between Oct 26-31 when the Regent Cha-am hotel in the seaside resort of Cha-am, about 200 kms southwest of Bangkok, hosted the largest worldwide community of non-governmental organisations committed […]

18 Nov, 2014

China nabs 288 financial crime suspects overseas

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-17 – China has rounded up 288 financial crime suspects overseas since Fox Hunt 2014, a special operation in July that moved against suspects hiding abroad, the public security authority said on Monday. Of those caught, 126 were brought back to confess their crimes and 81 are suspected of being involved in financial […]

18 Nov, 2014

New Yorkers to Protest Israeli “Cultural Ambassador” Idan Raichel

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NEW YORK, November 17, 2014 (WAFA) – On the evening of Tuesday, November 18, New York human rights advocates will gather for a music- and dance-filled protest of Israeli musician Idan Raichel, who will perform at Symphony Space with Vieux Farka Touré. Raichel is a self-proclaimed cultural ambassador for the state of Israel, and upon […]

16 Nov, 2014

Ayutthaya makes list of 16 Greatest Cities In Human History

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AYUTTHAYA, 15 November 2014 (NNT) – Ayutthaya has been selected as one of the Greatest Cities in Human History in a ranking compiled by businessinsider.com, according to an official. According to the deputy governor of Ayutthaya Weerawut Putraserani, Ayutthya has been listed as the 13th of the 16 Greatest Cities in Human History by businessinsider.com. […]