7 Aug, 2014

Tragic past of Hiroshima bombing must inspire future free of nuclear weapons – UN chief

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United Nations, 6 August 2014 (UN News Centre) – Remembering all those who died in the bombing of Hiroshima and, later, Nagasaki, some 69 years ago, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today said that the atrocious memories of that tragedy must inspire new generations to work towards a world free of nuclear weapons. “This solemn […]

7 Aug, 2014

Muslim Travel Index 2014 Lists 15 Top European Countries “Most Likely to be Visited”

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LONDON, 6 August 2014 — The Muslim Travel Index 2014, released today, has revealed a list of European countries that Muslim tourists from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Malaysia will visit in the future. According to the research, France topped the list with 30% saying they would like to visit in the near future. […]

5 Aug, 2014

GfK Urges Undergraduates to Experiment with Cutting-Edge Market Research Lenses

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 04, 2014–With its fourth annual Next Generation Competition, GfK is encouraging undergraduate students in North America to use a variety of cutting-edge market research “lenses” to understand what makes brands successful. The winning team will receive a trip to GfK’s North American headquarters in New York City (for two of its members […]

5 Aug, 2014

India clarifies: WTO deal blocked to end double standards of developed countries

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Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 05-August-2014 – The following is the full text of a statement by Minister of Commerce and Industry Nirmala Sitharaman in the Indian Lower House of Parliament regarding “India’s Stand in the WTO”. It clarifies the many misleading and deliberately deceptive international media reports about the reasons why India blocked the […]

5 Aug, 2014

Rabbi Mourns for a Judaism Being Murdered by Israel

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by Rabbi Michael Lerner, chair of the interfaith and secular-humanist-welcoming Network of Spiritual Progressives My heart is broken as I witness the suffering of the Palestinian people and the seeming indifference of Israelis. Tonight (August 4) and tomorrow (August 5), which mark Tisha B’av, the Jewish commemoration of disasters that happened to us through Jewish history, I’m […]

5 Aug, 2014

China’s Plenary session in Oct to focus on “vital role” of the rule of law

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Beijing, (China Daily),  July 30, 2014 – The rule of law will be high on the agenda during the Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th Communist Party of China Central Committee when it meets in October. The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, the Party’s top decision-making body, said […]

4 Aug, 2014

Palestinian babies, pregnant women dying to keep Israel safe, UN meeting hears

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United Nations, 31 July 2014, Department of Public Information – Damage to neighbourhoods and essential infrastructure in Gaza was clear, and it was past time for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, the Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) told the Security Council today […]

4 Aug, 2014

Israel bars dozens of Palestinians from travelling abroad

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Ramallah, Aug. 2 (Petra) — Israeli occupation forces on Saturday prevented dozens of Palestinians from the cities of Hebron and Tulkarim from travelling outside the West Bank through the al Karamah crossing. Many Palestinians said they work in Arab Gulf states and voiced fear that they might lose their jobs due to the Israeli step. […]

4 Aug, 2014

U.N. marks World Breastfeeding Week: Best Investment Mothers Can Make

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 1 August 2014 – The best thing a mother can do for her newborn is breastfeed – which does more than help children survive, it helps them to thrive with benefits that last a lifetime, said the United Nations today, kicking off World Breastfeeding Week. “Immediate breastfeeding within the first […]

4 Aug, 2014

Iran Rising: 10-year Certification Deal Signed for Vocational Education, Skills Enhancement

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Athens, Greece (PRWEB) August 02, 2014 – PEOPLECERT, the global certification organization, and the Iranian Technical & Vocational Training Organization (TVTO), today announced the signing of an agreement which commits the two parties to a 10-year cooperation plan for the elevation of technical skills and vocational education in Iran. Affiliated to the Iranian Ministry of […]

4 Aug, 2014

Women Leaders Afraid to Be Seen as ‘Bossy’, Network of Executive Women Town Hall Finds

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Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) August 03, 2014 – Almost half of those attending last week’s NEW Executive Leaders Forum say women are afraid to be seen as “bossy.” More than 200 leaders in the mostly female audience shared their opinions at a live Town Hall polling event, July 30 in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. The […]

4 Aug, 2014

Interfaith house of prayer to be built in Berlin

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Berlin, 02 August 2014 (IINA) – An imam, a rabbi, and a priest start praying together under the same roof. It may sound like the start of a joke, but hopes are high it will become reality in Berlin, The Associated Press reported. The three men are working together to build a common house of […]

4 Aug, 2014

UN Chief condemns Israeli deadly attack near UN school as ‘moral outrage and criminal act’

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 3 August 2014 – Amidst an ‘appalling’ escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip since the collapse of a brief 1 August ceasefire, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the killing today of at least 10 Palestinian civilians in shelling outside of a United Nations school in Rafah which had been […]

3 Aug, 2014

Muslim world condemns Dual-Citizen U.S. Jews fighting in Gaza

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Rabat, 29/07/2014 – The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) strongly condemned the flow of American Jewish volunteers to Israel to fight alongside Israeli forces attacking Gaza Strip for more than 22 days now by planes, tanks and rockets, brutally killing and injuring hundreds of children, women and elders, and destroying schools, hospitals and […]

1 Aug, 2014

July 2014 – The “Tragic Month” the U.N. Fiddled While the World Burned

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United Nations, 30 July 2014, Department of Public Information – Although the Security Council should be commended for overcoming divisions and adopting important measures in the face of several grave international crises, it remained clear that Council members were once again unable or unwilling to use their influence to find sustainable political solutions, the representative […]

1 Aug, 2014

Next-gen SITA Passport Control Kiosks Helping to Slash Immigration Queues

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ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 30, 2014–Air transport IT specialist, SITA, which was the first to implement Phase III Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks in the USA, today released a white paper detailing the benefits of the queue-busting technology. The paper shares case study examples which examine the successful implementation of the kiosks at Orlando International Airport (MCO). […]

1 Aug, 2014

Survey: The On-line Activities that Americans Most Want to Keep Private

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AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)- July 29, 2014 -WP Engine, a SaaS content management platform for websites and applications built on WordPress, announced today the results of its WP Engine Online Privacy Study. The survey was fielded by Harris Interactive to 2,100 Americans adults, and developed by WP Engine using the company’s expertise in content management and […]

1 Aug, 2014

Airline Trade Groups File Lawsuit to Protect Passengers from Security Cash-Grab

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WASHINGTON, July 30, 2014 (A4A/IATA media release) – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for leading U.S. airlines, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA), an international industry trade association representing some 240 airlines or 84 percent of global air traffic, filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. […]

1 Aug, 2014

EU-wide logo and “data protection impact assessments” aim to boost use of RFID systems

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European Commission, Press release, Brussels, 30 July 2014 – New EU-wide technical standards have been agreed that will help users of smart chips and systems comply with EU Data Protection rules and the Commission’s 2009 recommendation on RFID (see IP/09/740). A “data protection impact assessment” process has also been agreed. Practical effects of these new […]

31 Jul, 2014

British Council Survey: Brits Polite & Friendly but Drink Too Much

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London, 29 July 2014, British Council media release – Research by the British Council shows that the UK’s culture and history are our biggest draws in the eyes of the world – but the UK weather and food put the most people off. The research was carried out for the British Council by Ipsos MORI […]

31 Jul, 2014

Jews Can No Longer Claim to be a “Compassionate People” – by Rabbi David Seidenberg

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Introductory Note by Rabbi Michael Lerner, Director of Tikkun, Network of Spiritual Progressives: Rabbi David Seidenberg, one of the most creative rabbinic voices explicating the Jewish mystical tradition and championing the environment, presents an important Jewish religious perspective on the religious ethical issues raised by Israel’s war in Gaza. Please share these articles with anyone […]

31 Jul, 2014

12 Mega-Trends in Focus at Frost & Sullivan Conference in New Zealand

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AUCKLAND, New Zealand, July 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Mega trends are defined as transformative, global forces that define the future world with their far reaching impact on business, societies, economies, cultures and personal lives. Frost & Sullivan’s report, ‘World’s Top Global Mega Trends To 2025 and Implications to Business, Society and Cultures’ identifies 12 of these trends […]

31 Jul, 2014

UN health agency moves to allay travel industry fears over Ebola spread

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Geneva, UN News Centre, 30 July 2014 – The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) today advised that while travellers should be aware of Ebola, they will not contract the highly-contagious, often fatal disease unless they actually touch someone who is showing active symptoms. “So one can travel,” Gregory Hartl, WHO spokesperson on epidemic diseases […]

30 Jul, 2014

U.S. Transparent Airfares Act: Is it, or isn’t it?

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Is the U.S. Transparent Airfares Act really “transparent”? Depends on which side you are on. On July 28, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Act. It now goes to the Senate. The same day, Airlines for America (A4A), issued a statement lauding the House. The following day, the American Society of Travel Agents also […]

30 Jul, 2014

MH17: Who stands to gain? – by Prof Chandra Muzaffar

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Kuala Lumpur, 26 July 2014. — The Russian military has released military monitoring data which challenge allegations circulating in the media pertaining to the MH 17 crash in the Donetsk Region of Eastern Ukraine on July 17 2014. Questions have been raised about Kiev military jets tracking MH 17, Ukrainian air traffic controllers and the […]

30 Jul, 2014

Britain announces visa reform package in China

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Beijing, (Xinhua) 2014-07-29 – The British Home Office on Monday announced a variety of improvements to the visa system in China, including a 24-hour visa service, the expansion of mobile biometrics, and a new service enabling customers to apply for the British and Schengen visa at the same time. The mobile biometric service, which allows […]

29 Jul, 2014

Survey: Business Travelers Demand Better Day-of-Travel and In-Trip Alerts

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July 28, 2014, BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Business travelers crave proactive, personalized communication when they travel, yet most third-party travel providers are falling short, according to a new survey of more than 550 business travelers by FlightView, the day-of-travel information company. “Proactive travel alerts and notifications are a critical element of the business travel experience” “Proactive travel alerts […]

29 Jul, 2014

Another Expose Report: How U.S. Mass Surveillance is Harming Journalism, Law & Democracy

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(Washington, DC) July 28, 2014 (ACLU media release) – Large-scale US surveillance is seriously hampering US-based journalists and lawyers in their work, Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union said in a joint report released today. Surveillance is undermining media freedom and the right to counsel, and ultimately obstructing the American people’s ability […]

29 Jul, 2014

Too much “growth” a cause of frequent plane crashes?

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Beijing (People’s Daily Online), July 28, 2014 – July 2014 must be the darkest month in the aviation history. Three air disasters happened in eight days and 465 people were killed. Despite the varying circumstances of each crash, insufficient preventive measures is a common cause of the accidents. Zhang Qihuai, vice-president of Beijing Air Law […]

29 Jul, 2014

Chinese developers placing bets on casinos overseas

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Beijing, (China Daily), July 28, 2014 – Chinese real estate companies are trying to participate in overseas casino projects as the sluggish property market at home is leading to a drop in profits. In the first half of 2014, Jeju Island in South Korea and Queensland in northeast Australia became the most popular destinations for […]

29 Jul, 2014

Campaign Launched to Address Work/Life Conflicts of Today’s Families

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San Jose, CA (PRWEB) July 28, 2014 – In response to the increasing conflict between work and family life Americans face today, BlogHer, The Center for American Progress and The Huffington Post are teaming up to launch “Make Life Work,” a campaign to raise awareness and promote real solutions to the difficulties faced by families […]

27 Jul, 2014

Machinists Demand Apology over Boeing CEO ‘Cowering’ Comment

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 25, 2014 – The President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is calling on Boeing CEO Jim McNerney to apologize to Boeing’s workforce for offensive remarks made during a quarterly earning call with reporters on July 23, 2014. “The heart will still be beating, the employees will still be […]

25 Jul, 2014

New Partners Sign Up for Int’l Telecoms Union Be He@lthy, Be Mobile initiative

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Geneva, 23 July 2014 – The International Telecommunication Union today announces that global healthcare company GSK and Public Health England (PHE) will join Be He@lthy, Be Mobile, an initiative which it leads in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO). The new partnership and the continued evolution of digital health around the world are being […]

25 Jul, 2014

UN Human Rights Council agrees probe into war crimes, U.S. votes “no”

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 23 July 2014 – The United Nations Human Rights Council today decided to launch an independent inquiry into purported violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. Meeting in an emergency session today, the Council adopted a resolution agreeing to send the […]

25 Jul, 2014

Xinjiang’s privately funded railways face uncertain future

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URUMQI, July 24 (Xinhua) — Track-laying on the Hongliuhe-Naomaohu Railway, one of the largest privately funded rail projects in China, was just completed in early July, but insiders have already begun to worry about its future. The 435-km-long cargo line, with Xinjiang Guanghui Industry Investment Group Co. Ltd. as a major investor, aims to make […]

25 Jul, 2014

The new order of global networks depends on equality and joint governance

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Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), July 24, 2014 – Internet governance requires peaceful coexistence and the cooperation of the entire international community, with the goal of building a peaceful, confident, open and cooperative network, through the establishment of a multilateral, transparent and democratic system. During his recent speech to the Congress of Brazil, President Xi Jinping […]

25 Jul, 2014

Nobel peace laureates, celebrities call for military embargo on Israel

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Palestinian BDS National Committee on July 20, 2014- Israel has once again unleashed the full force of its military against the captive Palestinian population, particularly in the besieged Gaza Strip, in an inhumane and illegal act of military aggression. Israel’s ongoing assault on Gaza has so far killed scores of Palestinian civilians, injured hundreds and […]

24 Jul, 2014

HRW-Columbia Law School report exposes how U.S. created fake “Islamic terrorists”

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July 21, 2014 (Washington, DC) –The US Justice Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have targeted American Muslims in abusive counterterrorism “sting operations” based on religious and ethnic identity, Human Rights Watch and Columbia Law School’s Human Rights Institute said in a report released today. Many of the more than 500 terrorism-related cases […]

24 Jul, 2014

China’s RMB as next world currency – four challenges to be faced

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Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), July 24, 2014 – The Chinese renminbi (RMB) will become the world’s third largest currency after the U.S. dollar and Euro within five years as the country accelerates the promotion of its currency unit. A report by the International Monetary Institute of Renmin University of China and the Bank of Communications, […]

24 Jul, 2014

The positions of global governments on the Israeli attack on Gaza

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Editor’s Note: The following is a summary record of statements on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict made at the 7222nd meeting of the UN Security Council on 22 July 2014. It was distributed by the UN Department of Public Information. United Nations, 22 July 2014, Department of Public Information – Although a ceasefire was critical in ending […]

23 Jul, 2014

World’s First Foresight Encyclopedic Dictionary Available to the Public

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(PRWEB) July 23, 2014 – FUTURES, the world’s first Foresight Encyclopedic Dictionary, is now available to the public in both English and Spanish, and plans are in progress for other translations as well. It contains more than 1,000 terms used in futures research and studies. It offers an immersion into the field of foresight, including […]

22 Jul, 2014

Philippines’ Population Expected To Hit 100 Million On July 27

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KALIBO, the Philippines, July 22 (Bernama) — The Philippines’ population is expected to reach 100 million on July 27, Xinhua news agency reported. The Philippine Population Commission (POPCOM) said Tuesday the 100th million Filipino is anticipated to be born that day in one of six provinces under the jurisdiction of the Western Visayas region and […]

22 Jul, 2014

FREE Download: 3 in 10 Global Consumers Don’t Trust Retailers With Their Data – Survey

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NAPLES, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)-July 22, 2014-A global fraud study of more than 6,100 consumers across 20 countries revealed distrust among global consumers in retailers to protect their data. The new study, “Global Consumers: Concerned and Willing to Engage in the Battle Against Fraud,” is the second in a two-part series conducted by ACI Worldwide (NASDAQ: ACIW) […]

22 Jul, 2014

China, Venezuela sign 38 new agreements

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CARACAS, July 22 (NNN-Prensa Latina) — Venezuela and China signed 38 new cooperation agreements for the development which open the doors to a new historical stage of exchanges, Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro said. Maduro announced the construction and assembly of a third Venezuelan satellite with Chinese help and advice. Different joint funds between the two […]

22 Jul, 2014

Malaysian CEO Forum 2014 Flags Warning Signs of Looming Financial Crisis

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KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) — Economists and financial experts are predicting an imminent global financial crash, of equal or greater severity than the 1997 crisis, from which Malaysia recovered thanks to incisive policy decisions. The macroeconomic discipline imposed during the 1997 crisis helped Malaysia to weather the 2008 financial turmoil and Malaysia was spared […]

21 Jul, 2014

“The Anatomy of a Great Deception” Chosen to Headline 9/11 Truth Film Festival

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Detroit, MI (PRWEB) July 18, 2014 – The 9/11 documentary film, “The Anatomy of a Great Deception” received an invitation to headline the 2014 9/11 Truth Film Festival to be held from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM at the Grand Lake Theater in Oakland, California on September 11 2014. The fast-paced docu-thriller, which has been […]

21 Jul, 2014

Priority boost for development projects at Thai overland borders

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Bangkok – Thailand’s border checkpoint areas with Laos, Cambodia and Malaysia are to be prioritised for urgent development in preparation for the Integrated ASEAN Community in 2015, the country’s military chief announced on 18 July. In his nationwide weekly radio/TV broadcast, General Prayut Chan-o-cha Head of the National Council for Peace and Order, said the […]

21 Jul, 2014

Israeli soldiers spray sewage-smelling chemical on Manger Street in Bethlehem

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BETHLEHEM, July 20 (NNN-MA’AN) – Israeli forces sprayed homes and shops along Bethlehem’s Manger Street with a foul-smelling chemical on Friday night, following clashes with local youths protesting in solidarity with Gaza. On Friday evening, Israeli forces opened fire on youths in northern Bethlehem with stun grenades and rubber-coated steel bullets, after large marches broke […]

19 Jul, 2014

BRICS development bank headquarters in Shanghai bolsters China’s status

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BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhuanet) — A day after the world’s five largest developing countries picked Shanghai as the headquarters for their new 100 billion US dollar development bank, experts say it will help reinforce China’s central role in the group of five nations known as BRICS. The New Development Bank is designed to fund infrastructure […]

19 Jul, 2014

China pledges backing for transcontinental S. American railway project

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BRASILIA, July 17, (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Brazilian counterpart, Dilma Rousseff, vowed here Thursday to cooperate closely on a railway project that runs across the South American continent. In his talks with Rousseff, Xi called upon the two countries to carry out strategic cooperation in high-speed railway construction and make concerted […]

19 Jul, 2014

Chinese firms to buy 60 aircraft from Brazil’s Embraer

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BRASILIA, July 17, (Xinhua) — Two Chinese companies on Thursday signed a deal here with Brazil’s Embraer, a leading aircraft manufacturer, to buy 60 more E190 planes from the Brazilian firm. According to the newly signed deal, Tianjin Airlines and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) Leasing will buy twenty E190 aircraft from […]

19 Jul, 2014

China’s anti-corruption war: You can run but you cannot hide

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BEIJING, July 18, (Xinhua) — One disgraced ex-military chief; one fazed vice chairman of China’s top political advisory body; a handful of crushed vice governors; and close to 30 felled ministerial-level officials. The anti-corruption crusade of China’s current leadership since late 2012 has exposed a long, infamous list of fraudulent high-ranking officials, or “tigers” as […]

19 Jul, 2014

Russian Defense Ministry statement on the MH Boeing 777 crash

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Moscow, 18.07.2014 – The Defense Ministry of the Russian Federation released the following statement in connection with the crash of Malaysia Airlines Boeing 777. “In view of the objective investigation of the air crash of the Boeing 777 that crashed on the territory of Ukraine, it is necessary to conduct thorough investigation with the involvement […]

19 Jul, 2014

Alternative Crops Vital to Alleviating Poverty, Combatting Drugs Menace, UN hears

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United Nations, Department of Public Information, 15 July 2014 — Organized crime and illicit criminal activity undermined essential institutions like the rule of law and delivery of education and health, the United Nations leading expert on drugs and crime told the Economic and Social Council today. Opening a high-level panel discussion entitled “Sustainable development and […]

18 Jul, 2014

Thailand chosen for Asian launch of Nelson Mandela Distinguished Lectures

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BANGKOK: South Africa launched its Annual Nelson Mandela Distinguished Lecture in Asia by inviting former Thai Prime Minister Mr Anand Panyarachun to deliver the inaugural one at Thailand’s prestigious Chulalongkorn University. South African Ambassador to Thailand Ms Robina Marks initiated the lecture at the University’s Sasin Graduate Institute of Business Administration on July 18, which […]

18 Jul, 2014

Dangerous digital mass surveillance must face independent checks and balances – Pillay

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GENEVA (16 July 2014) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay warned Wednesday that studies by her office and others have revealed a “disturbing” lack of transparency about governmental surveillance policies and practices, “including de facto coercion of private sector companies to provide sweeping access to information and data relating to private individuals […]

18 Jul, 2014

UN: 67 minutes to take action, inspire change on Nelson Mandela Day

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 17 July 2014 – UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will be among citizens around the world who will be volunteering 67 minutes of their time on Friday, Nelson Mandela Day, to make a small gesture in solidarity with humanity – one minute for every year of the South African leader’s public […]

18 Jul, 2014

UN strengthens safety rules on lead content in infant formula and arsenic in rice

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17 July 2014, Geneva (FAO/WHO media release) – UN food standards body the Codex Alimentarius Commission this week adopted new standards to protect consumer health worldwide, including setting out maximum acceptable levels of lead in infant formula and of arsenic in rice. Jointly run by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World […]

18 Jul, 2014

Pew survey finds widespread global opposition to U.S. eavesdropping

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July 14, 2014 (Pew Research Centre) – Revelations about the scope of American electronic surveillance efforts have generated headlines around the world over the past year. And a new Pew Research Center survey finds widespread global opposition to U.S. eavesdropping and a decline in the view that the U.S. respects the personal freedoms of its […]

17 Jul, 2014

PATA Announces 2014 Grand and Gold Award Winners

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BANGKOK, July 17, 2014 — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has announced the winners of the 2014 PATA Grand and Gold Awards.  Sponsored by the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) for the last 19 years, this year’s awards recognise the achievements of 20 organisations and individuals. PATA will present 28 Grand and Gold Awards to such organisations […]

17 Jul, 2014

Shichahai wants college graduates as pedicab drivers – foreigners welcome

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(People’s Daily Online) July 16, 2014 – An official pedicab team in Shichahai of Beijing’s Xicheng District is planning to recruit drivers with a college diploma. Male, female, and even foreign candidates can apply for the post. According to a person in charge, the pedicab team is called “Houhai Baye”, referring to eight pedicab drivers […]

17 Jul, 2014

China bus explosion suspect blames gambling debts

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GUANGZHOU, (Xinhua) 2014-07-16 – The suspect in Tuesday’s bus explosion in Guangzhou, capital of South China’s Guangdong province has confessed that he set the vehicle on fire in anger after gambling losses, local police said Wednesday. Police caught the suspect, a 25-year-old man surnamed Ou, in downtown Guangzhou in a raid at 11:47 am on […]

17 Jul, 2014

Tit for tat: Malaysia To Impose Entry Permit Charge On Singapore Vehicles Entering Johor

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JOHOR BAHARU, Malaysia July 16 (NNN-Bernama) — The government has agreed to impose the vehicle entry permit (VEP) charge soon on Singapore vehicles entering Johor, said Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak. Announcing this Wednesday, he said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Wahid Omar, who oversees the Economic Planning Unit, had been informed of the […]

17 Jul, 2014

“Fight For Your Write” crusade launched to highlight benefits of handwriting

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SHELTON, Conn., July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Amid the evolution of smartphones and a decreased focus on writing in U.S. schools, BIC, a leading manufacturer of writing instruments, is introducing, “Fight For Your Write,” a new crusade to energize parents and educators about the importance of writing and its continued benefits for children. “Writing is an […]

17 Jul, 2014

As bombs rain on Gaza, U.S. Christian Leaders Begin Yearlong Study of Judaism in Israel

JERUSALEM, July 16, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Eighteen American Christian leaders from across the United States, representing diverse religious institutions, have begun studying Judaism in the 13-month Christian Leadership Initiative (CLI) in Israel this week. The intensive educational program is co-sponsored by the American Jewish Committee and the Shalom Hartman Institute (SHI). “CLI provides open space […]

17 Jul, 2014

UN human rights chief warns of ‘disturbing lack of transparency’ for digital mass surveillance

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 16 July 2014 – The top United Nations human rights official today warned of the “disturbing” lack of transparency in governmental surveillance policies and practices, “including de facto coercion of private sector companies to provide sweeping access to information and data relating to private individuals without the latter’s knowledge or […]

17 Jul, 2014

Call for entries: €200,000 awaits young entrepreneurs with ideas to change the world

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ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.-July 10, 2014 -(BUSINESS WIRE)–Building on the success of its first Unilever Sustainable Living Young Entrepreneurs Awards in 2013, Unilever once again invites young people worldwide to create and invent practical and innovative solutions to the world’s biggest sustainability challenges and enter them in this year’s Awards. Through the awards, which are open […]

16 Jul, 2014

Indian Environmentalist Awarded Gandhi Peace Prize: “Economics No Use Without Ethics”

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New Delhi, President’s Secretariat, 15-July-2014 – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee presented the Gandhi Peace Prize for the year 2013 to Mr Chandi Prasad Bhatt today at a function at Rashtrapati Bhavan. The following is the full text of the President’s speech on the occasion: It gives me immense pleasure in presenting the […]

16 Jul, 2014

New PKF Calculator Helps Predict Hotel Occupancy Tax Revenues

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ATLANTA–(BUSINESS WIRE)–PKF Hospitality Research, LLC (PKF-HR) today announced the release of the “Hotel Occupancy Tax Calculator,” an Excel-based tool that gives local agencies the ability to incorporate objectively developed forecasts into their estimates of future hotel occupancy tax collections. “The calculator helps agencies improve their projections and avoid operational inefficiencies, such as unjustified budget cuts, […]

16 Jul, 2014

Xinhua chief: BRICS news organizations must boost their global clout

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BEIJING, July 15 (Xinhua) — President Li Congjun of China’s Xinhua News Agency on Tuesday published an article urging news organizations in the world’s leading developing countries to join hands to play a bigger role in international communication. The full text of the article, titled “BRICS news organizations can play a bigger role in international […]

15 Jul, 2014

Palestinian Human Rights Groups to European Union: Practise What You Preach

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Text of Open Letter from Palestinian Human Rights Organizations regarding the EU’s responsibility to stop Israel’s targeting of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip TO: Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Ambassadors of the EU Political and Security Committee Date: 14 July 2014 Your Excellencies, On 8 July 2014, the European Union […]

15 Jul, 2014

Embraer Releases 20-Year Market Outlook Projecting 6,250 New Jet Deliveries

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Farnborough, UK, July 14 , 2014– Embraer has released its Market Outlook 2014-2033 which details the Company’s forecast for deliveries of new 70 to 130-seat jet aircraft over the next twenty years. The report examines the main drivers contributing to air transport growth and reviews projected deliveries by world region. The Market Outlook identifies a […]

15 Jul, 2014

Online gambling: EC recommends principles to protect consumers

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Brussels, 14 July 2014, European Commission Press release – The European Commission has today adopted a Recommendation on online gambling services. It encourages Member States to pursue a high level of protection for consumers, players and minors through the adoption of principles for online gambling services and for responsible advertising and sponsorship of those services. […]

15 Jul, 2014

UNICEF: “No child should have to suffer the terrifying impact of such violence”

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Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake on impact of violence on children in Gaza and Israel NEW YORK, 13 July 2014 – Children are bearing the brunt of the worsening violence in Gaza and Israel with at least 33 children killed in Gaza in recent days, and hundreds more injured. No child should have […]

14 Jul, 2014

Arab-Americans to boycott 2014 Ramadan Break-of-Fast event at White House

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Washington, DC | www.adc.org | July 14, 2014 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) will not be attending this year’s government iftars and calls upon members of the Arab and Muslim communities to join us in the boycott, including tonight’s White House Iftar hosted by President Barack Obama, given the government’s condoning of the current slaughter […]

13 Jul, 2014

The Handset Holiday – Just 30 Minutes to Book a Break on the Mobile

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LEEDS, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)-July 11, 2014 -It used to be something we spent weeks planning, now speedy Brits take less than 30 minutes to book their ‘Handset Holidays’. This summer a tech-savvy one in seven of us will make all our travel plans on the move – using a mobile phone to browse, choose and pay […]

12 Jul, 2014

Human rights activists rally in New York to push anti-Israel boycotts

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New York, NY, July 9, 2014— As Israel escalated its assault on the Palestinian people, more than 100 human rights activists gathered Monday evening near New York City’s iconic Brooklyn Bridge to mark the 9th anniversary of the July 9, 2005 Palestinian call for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) against Israel. The protestors spoke out […]

11 Jul, 2014

Bangladesh Prevails in Maritime Boundary Dispute with India

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 08, 2014  – An international arbitral tribunal in The Hague today awarded Bangladesh the vast majority of waters in the Bay of Bengal that were also claimed by India. By a vote of 4-1, the five-member tribunal agreed with Bangladesh that the “equidistance” method proposed by India for dividing the Parties’ maritime zones […]

11 Jul, 2014

World’s poor hardest hit by chronic diseases, says top UN health official

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 10 July 2014 – At a high-level review and assessment by the United Nations General Assembly of progress achieved in the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, UN World Health Organization (WHO) Director General Margaret Chan today expressed deep concern about projected trends, especially as poor populations, the least able […]

11 Jul, 2014

As Mega-Cities Grow, World Is Becoming Over-Urbanised, UN Report Warns

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 10 July 2014 – An additional 2.5 billion people are predicted to live in urban areas by 2050, the United Nations today reported, highlighting the need for a successful urban planning agenda and greater attention to be given to smaller cities where nearly half of all people currently reside. “Today, […]

11 Jul, 2014

700 Workplace-Violence Deaths a Year in U.S.: Report Flags Ways To Curb the Terror

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KANSAS CITY, Mo., July 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — With an average of 700 workers killed while at work each year, and an estimated 572,000 nonfatal crimes occurring annually in the workplace, no industry is free of the possibility of severe workplace violence. This is a concern that should be addressed by companies nationwide. In their […]

10 Jul, 2014

A Christian Call for Courageous Change in the Holy Land

Issued by the Justice and Peace Commission of the Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries in the Holy Land “A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more” (Jeremiah 31:15). A reality of violence and mourning Israel […]

10 Jul, 2014

Sharp drop in Chinese tourists to Vietnam since May

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HANOI, (Xinhua) 2014-07-09  – The number of Chinese visitors to Vietnam increased 34 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2014, but the number has declined sharply since May, a Vietnamese tourism official said on Wednesday. “Although fewer Chinese tourists came to Vietnam in May and June than during the January-April period, Vietnam saw an […]

10 Jul, 2014

India issued 15.3mn passports between 2010-14, more coming

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New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs, 09-July-2014 – As part of the Passport Seva Project (PSP), a  Mission Mode Project, implemented by the Government with a view to comprehensively overhaul passport issuance system, 77 Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) have been set up and operationalised as extended arms of the existing 37 Passport Offices across the […]

10 Jul, 2014

London Tops MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index 2014, Bangkok #2

LONDON-July 09, 2014 -(BUSINESS WIRE)–London tops the list as the destination of choice for international travellers for the third time in four years, according to the annual MasterCard Global Destination Cities Index released today. Now in its fourth year, the index provides a ranking of the 132 most travelled cities from around the world. Rounding […]

10 Jul, 2014

Australians drink, smoke less but getting fatter and worry more: study

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SYDNEY, July 9 (Xinhua) — Australians are smoking and drinking less but are getting fatter and more anxious, according to a new study released on Wednesday. The study by Roy Morgan Research blames unemployment rates for Australia’s high anxiety. Roy Morgan chief executive Michele Levine told the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC) there has been a […]

10 Jul, 2014

Ban says Israel’s construction of West Bank wall violates international law, fuels Mid-East tensions

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UNITED NATIONS, (UN News Centre), 9 July 2014 – At a special meeting to mark the 10th anniversary of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory ruling declaring illegal Israel’s construction of a separation wall in the West Bank, Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today called for a halt to the current violence between Israelis and […]

9 Jul, 2014

EC smartphone app upgraded to uphold passenger rights during summer holidays

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Brussels, 8 July 2014, European Commission Press release – The Commission’s free smartphone application for passenger rights has been upgraded just before the summer holidays to make it easy for all travellers to be informed about their rights in case something unexpected happens during their journey. Featuring existing EU rules on passenger rights, the app […]

9 Jul, 2014

Britain’s Largest Trade Union Slams Israel as Apartheid State

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LIVERPOOL, July 8, 2014 – (WAFA) – Britain’s largest trade union, Unite, condemned Tuesday Israeli crimes in the occupied Palestinian territory and joined the international campaign for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel. At the three-day annual meeting held in Liverpool, Unite adopted several motions in regard to the Palestinian cause. The first motion, […]

9 Jul, 2014

Beijing to invest 50 billion yuan to tackle air pollution

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Beijing (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-07-08 – The Chinese capital plans to invest 47.858 billion yuan ($7.662 billion) to combat air pollution in the next five years, with a special focus on coal-fired pollution, vehicle emissions, industrial pollution and dust, authorities have said. The funds were allocated by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Finance to support the city’s […]

9 Jul, 2014

UN report calls for urgent “decarbonisation”, says “Time is not on our side”

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 8 July 2014 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, introducing a new United Nations-backed report outlining pathways major industrial economies can use to cut their carbon emissions by mid-century, called today for broad cooperation and “bold” action or the world will face dangerous and irreversible climate disruption. “We know that we are […]

8 Jul, 2014

Chinese Commentary: Japan set to send younger generation back into battle

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Beijing, (People’s Daily Online) July 07, 2014  – Despite strong resistance from many Japanese and the Kōmeitō party, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe took a historic step away from Japan’s postwar pacifism on Tuesday afternoon by ending a ban that has kept the military from fighting abroad since 1945. On the surface this appears to be a […]

8 Jul, 2014

Wulong Scenic Area to sue “Transformers” producers for damaging tourism

By Huang Ying

Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-07-07  – Chongqing Wulong Scenic Area announced on July 7 that it will sue producers of the Hollywood blockbuster Transformers: Age of Extinction for failing to show its logo in the movie. Wulong Scenic Area said it signed a deal with producers of the movie in October. The movie’s producers promised to show […]

8 Jul, 2014

Philippines: Bangsamoro Peace Pact to remain bright spot amidst global conflict

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Statement of GPH Panel Chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the Proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law MANILA, July 7 (PNA) — “The implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is in the critical stage of processing a draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that the President can confidently submit to Congress and certify as urgent upon its adoption […]

8 Jul, 2014

UN Millennium Goals ‘scorecard’ spotlights successes, gaps and path towards ‘The Future We Want’

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 7 July 2014 – With the 2015 deadline for achieving the landmark Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) less that 550 days away, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today launched the final push towards the United Nations targets – many of which have been met or are within reach – and urged a strong, […]

8 Jul, 2014

Newswire Editor’s Lectures Strive to Help Bangladesh Boost Image, Grow Arrivals

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Dhaka – Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil delivered two lectures on June 19-20 to senior executives of the travel industry and travel media in Bangladesh, a rapidly-emerging destination on the Asia-Pacific travel & tourism stage. The topics, ‘Presenting Bangladesh in the Positive Way’ and ‘Stakeholders Role in Destination Marketing’, allowed a powerful interchange […]

6 Jul, 2014

New UN forum seeks to chart post-2015 global development agenda

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 30 June 2014 – As countries ramp up their efforts to achieve the set of anti-poverty targets known as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) ahead of the 2015 deadline, a new United Nations forum seeks to spur them on as well as to help them create the foundation for new […]

6 Jul, 2014

UN unveils roadmap to boost small-scale, family forest producers

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UN News Centre, 30 June 2014 – If small-scale forest and farm producers joined to form producer organizations, they could increase forest productivity and improve livelihoods of local communities, the United Nations agricultural agency and its partners today reported. In two separate co-publications, the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) wrote that indigenous peoples, local […]

6 Jul, 2014

Israel wants occupation, not peace – Full text of brilliant speech by Gideon Levy

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Speech delivered by Haaretz Columnist Gideon Levy at the Israel Conference on Peace, Tel Aviv, 06 July 2014 Israel does not want peace. There is nothing I have ever written that I would be happier to be proved wrong about. But the evidence is piling up. In fact, it can be said that Israel has […]

6 Jul, 2014

Hakuhodo Survey: People of ASEAN Share Four Holistic Lifestyle Attitudes

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BANGKOK, July 2 (ANTARA/Kyodo JBN-AsiaNet/Travel Impact Newswire) — In preparation for the integrated ASEAN Community in 2015, Japan’s second largest advertising agency Hakuhodo Inc has set up the Hakuhodo Institute of Life and Living ASEAN (HILL ASEAN), in Bangkok to get deeper, more holistic insights into the minds of ASEAN consumers. Preliminary results of the […]