3 Dec, 2013

FREE Download: Asia-Pacific Statistical Yearbook 2013

=========

Bangkok (UN ESCAP Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section) 3 December 2013 –  The development community must work together to place statistical capacity building at the center of the post-2015 development agenda to ensure that high quality data and information are available to people and governments to support more effective decision-making, the United Nations said today. Reflecting on […]

2 Dec, 2013

The Price of War: Imaging Shows Impact of Blast-induced Brain Injuries in Veterans

=========

CHICAGO, Dec. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Using a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), researchers have found that soldiers who suffered mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) induced by blast exposure exhibit long-term brain differences, according to a study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Recent […]

2 Dec, 2013

Alarm as HIV cases soar among gays

=========

Beijing, (People’s Daily Online)  December 01, 2013 – Programmatic coverage for men having sex with men remains inadequate across the Asia and the Pacific region, Director of UNAIDS Asia and the Pacific Steven Kraus told People’s Daily Online on Sunday. Male-to-male sex becomes the prominent contributing factor to new HIV infections, pointed out by UNAIDS […]

2 Dec, 2013

Confucius classroom hubs opened in Northern Ireland

=========

(Xinhua) November 30, 2013 – Eight Confucius Classroom Hubs under the Confucius Institute at Ulster University opened Friday in Northern Ireland to meet children’s needs in learning the Chinese language and culture. “Northern Ireland has maintained good relationship with China,” said Peter Robinson, the first minister of Northern Ireland, who attended the opening ceremony at […]

2 Dec, 2013

Visiting Maldives “like stepping into a new life”

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Muqbil

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 02 December 2013 (28 Muharram 1435). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ MALAYSIA’S TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS – DECEMBER 2013 Wrap up 2013 with more exciting events before Visit Malaysia Year […]

2 Dec, 2013

LinkedIn just a little too keen to make connections – Sydney Morning Herald

We need to talk about LinkedIn. LinkedIn is the world’s most popular professional networking site, with 238 million users. It rakes in a truckload of money from not very subtle advertising, subscriptions and recruitment agencies and its shares are currently valued at $US231 each. But unlike its social networking friends, Twitter and Facebook, something seems […]

2 Dec, 2013

Tracking Lobbyists: European Transparency Register grows 10%

=========

Brussels, 29 November 2013, European Commission Press release – The latest annual report on the European Parliament and European Commission’s joint Transparency Register shows that more interest representatives have registered than ever before. Almost 6,000 organisations have now signed up – an increase of 10% on last year’s report. A recent academic study referenced in […]

2 Dec, 2013

FREE Download: 30% drop in organized crime leads to 7.5% rise in Mexico Peace Index

=========

28 Nov 2013 – Peace has improved by 7.5% over the last two years in Mexico as a result of a 30% decrease in organized crime, according to the 2013 Mexico Peace Index. The report analyses peace in Mexico over the last decade and identifies the key socio-economic factors associated with peace and violence. It […]

1 Dec, 2013

Sethi: The Sikh American air travel “security” humiliation continues

Arjun Sethi is a lawyer in Washington. A few weeks ago, I headed to the airport for a flight from Washington to Boston. When I arrived, I began a familiar routine. I scanned the flight schedule board, checked in my bag and headed to security. There, I removed my jacket, scarf, shoes and belt. A […]

1 Dec, 2013

Life after ‘Yolanda’ | Manila Bulletin

Three weeks ago “Yolanda” was just a name. But for Filipinos who suffered the wrath of super typhoon Yolanda, the name is now synonymous to fear, death, destruction and despair. It’s a name that no mother would want to give a newborn girl ever again. Yolanda has killed 5,560 Filipinos in the short time that […]

30 Nov, 2013

Israel opens synagogue beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque

=========

Jerusalem, 28 November 2013 (IINA) – Ignoring the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide, Israel has reportedly opened a new synagogue under Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Al-Quds (Occupied East Jerusalem), threatening a possible destabilizing of the foundations of the third holiest site in Islam. “We only saw these synagogues during our tours; otherwise we would […]

30 Nov, 2013

Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar to Bat for UNICEF, Promote Hygiene and Sanitation in S. Asia

=========

MUMBAI, India, 28 November 2013 – International cricket sensation Sachin Tendulkar has become UNICEF Ambassador for South Asia during a signing ceremony in Mumbai, India. In this capacity Mr. Tendulkar will support UNICEF’s work in promoting hygiene and sanitation in South Asia. Known as the “Master Blaster,” Tendulkar is widely acknowledged as one of the […]

30 Nov, 2013

Black Friday Protests Against “Poverty Pay” Sweep Walmart Stores in U.S.

=========

November 29, 2013 –(BUSINESS WIRE)–Calling for better jobs, Walmart workers and community supporters across the nation are holding 1500 protests against the mega-retailer today, in one of the largest mobilizations of working families in recent history. As part of the protests already underway, workers, faith leaders and community supporters are risking arrest in at least […]

30 Nov, 2013

Indian Media in Disrepute as Journalists Seek Glamour, Stardom, New Book Says

=========

Vice President’s Secretariat, 29-November-2013 – The Vice President of India Prof M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled “Journalism – Ethics and Responsiblities” edited by senior journalist Ms. Seema Mustafa at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said, “This book is timely and puts the searchlight on a contemporary issue of great […]

29 Nov, 2013

Commission tightens key EU rules to curb tax avoidance

=========

Brussels, 25 November 2013, European Commission Press release – Today the Commission proposed amendments to key EU corporate tax legislation, in order to significantly reduce tax avoidance in Europe. The proposal will close loopholes in the Parent-Subsidiary Directive, which some companies have been using to escape taxation. In particular, companies will no longer be able […]

29 Nov, 2013

Promoting Women Entrepreneurs: “What if it had been Lehman Sisters?”

=========

Brussels, European Commission, 28 November 2013 – Full text of the speech by Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda, at the Women in Parliaments Global Forum Today we face an economic crisis that threatens us all. We need to invest in jobs for the future, growth for the future, […]

29 Nov, 2013

The India Story: Minister Outlines Policy Priorities for 2014 and Beyond

=========

Singapore, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 27-November-2013 – The Minister for Information & Broadcasting Mr Manish Tewari today delivered Fullerton Lecture at IISS, Singapore. Text of the speech is as follows: Honourable Dr. Tim Huxley, Executive Director, IISS, Asia, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you for inviting me to speak to this august gathering. […]

29 Nov, 2013

Ram Leela and a new Pakistani love affair with India – Times of India

By Kingshuk Nag LAHORE, TNN, Nov 28, 2013 : Popular conversation in Lahore’s affluent society these days revolves around whether they have seen Bollywood’s latest release, ‘Ram Leela’, which is running to packed audiences in many cinema halls. This is not the only movie being lapped up by the denizens of Lahore. Though the reviews […]

29 Nov, 2013

How much Indian democracy’s ‘software’ lags behind its ‘hardware’ – The Times Of India

By Dileep Padgaonkar 27 November 2013 – Administrative and legal processes are now underway to get to the bottom of four high-profile cases involving, directly or otherwise, an assault on the dignity of women. They include a Supreme Court judge, the editor and managing editor of an influential weekly magazine, a former home minister of […]

29 Nov, 2013

Typhoon Haiyan: Double tragedy for farmers feared | Manila Bulletin

Manila, Philippines – The Philippines faces a double tragedy if Filipino farmers who were directly affected by the devastation of super-typhoon “Yolanda” are not provided with immediate assistance, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned. It would be a double tragedy, explained Dominique Burgeon, director of FAO’s Emergency and Rehabilitation Division, if […]

29 Nov, 2013

Serve the rich: banks go easy on India’s big loan defaulters – Hindustan Times

The year 2002 appears impossibly distant to contemporary India. Mobile-phone ownership jumped 75%, yet no more than 6 million Indians owned mobile phones (as compared to more than 800 million today). Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee spoke of “shameful events” in Gujarat, and inaugurated the Delhi Metro. It was a year of destruction but also […]

29 Nov, 2013

New South Wales publishes list of most violent nightclubs

The state’s most violent licensed venues could be forced to implement a ban on shots and glassware earlier than midnight under a further crackdown by Hospitality Minister George Souris. Mr Souris has released the latest violent venues list, which is again topped by the Ivy nightclub on George Street, which recorded 26 assaults in the […]

29 Nov, 2013

Jakarta extends bans on co-operation with Oz

Prime Minister Tony Abbott’s hopes for a quick resumption of co-operation with Indonesia appear dashed after Jakarta outlined a road map to restoring relations that could take up to a year to implement. And Indonesian foreign minister Marty Natalegawa has again highlighted that the lack of the word “sorry” in Mr Abbott’s letter last week […]

29 Nov, 2013

Shenzhen gets new air terminal

By Lin Jing in Shenzhen

Guangdong (China Daily) 2013-11-28  – Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport opens its new terminal on Thursday morning, with flights focusing on destinations in Southeast Asia. The massive white building – shaped like an airplane ready for take off – is three times the size of the airport’s other terminals combined, and is capable of processing 45 […]

29 Nov, 2013

Chinese Courts ordered to make trials more transparent

By CAO YIN in Shenzhen

Guangdong, (China Daily), 2013-11-28 – China’s top court issued instructions on Wednesday for all courts to publicly disclose the progress of trials, judgments and whether sentences have been enforced, to improve judicial transparency. Zhou Qiang, president of the Supreme People’s Court, said transparency is key to providing independent verdicts and boosting trust in the legal […]

29 Nov, 2013

First UNWTO Conference in Ninh Binh Helps Spiritual Tourism Come of Age in Asia

Imtiaz Muqbil

Ninh Binh, Vietnam — The Asia-Pacific travel & tourism industry entered a new phase of its history with Nov 21-22 convening of the first conference on spiritual tourism in Asia. Set against the backdrop of the spectacular bronze Buddha images in the Bai Dinh pagoda in Ninh Binh, about 90 kilometres south of the Vietnamese […]

28 Nov, 2013

Asia Times Online: The drone victim and ‘Malala’

Meet Nabeela Rehman, a nine-year-old girl from Pakistan’s restive Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). Nabeela is not an international youth icon like her compatriot, Malala Yusufzai, though her story is no less traumatic. In the first week of November, Nabeela quietly traveled all the way to Washington from Waziristan to ask the United States Congress […]

28 Nov, 2013

Asia Times Online: A ‘Modi’-fication’ of Indian politics

There is a new aspect to Modi – his ability to tell tall tales. The Pinocchio side to Modi is slowly revealing itself both in the case of his economic policies and also the yarns that he has been spinning. The web of deceit spans the current to the past ie from Gujarat’s socio-economic health […]

28 Nov, 2013

U.N. Committee Passes Resolution on ‘Right to Privacy in the Digital Age’

=========

United Nations, 26 Nov 2013, Department of Public Information – The UN Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) approved 18 draft resolutions today, including one on “The right to privacy in the digital age”. “Through this resolution, the General Assembly establishes, for the first time, that human rights should prevail irrespective of the medium and […]

28 Nov, 2013

China Proposes Easier Travel, Visas with Central and Eastern Europe states

=========

BUCHAREST, Nov.26 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made a six-point proposal Tuesday on deepening cooperation with Central and Eastern European (CEE) nations while attending a China-CEE leaders’ meeting. First, he said China and CEE countries should intensify economic and trade cooperation, doubling China-CEE trade volume in five years and discussing a framework agreement for […]

28 Nov, 2013

UN Gen Assembly votes to declare 2014 Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People

=========

United Nations, 26 November 2013, Department of Public Information – Sending a strong message of support for the Middle East peace process, albeit with the traditionally divergent views on how to achieve its aims, the General Assembly today adopted six draft resolutions on the question of Palestine and the situation in the Middle East overall. […]

27 Nov, 2013

Making Pancakes to Taking Care of the Elderly: Five cool robots the EU is funding

=========

Brussels, 25th November 2013, European Commission Memo – It’s EU Robotics Week time again. For the third consecutive year, the achievements of Europe’s researchers and inventors working in robotics are celebrated in over 300 events from November 25th to December 1st. Here are some examples of the best EU-funded Robotics projects. RoboHow – Can a […]

27 Nov, 2013

Major Report Details Potential Costs of Climate Change in the Pacific – ADB

=========

Sydney, 26 November 2013, ADB Media release – The economic loss suffered by the Pacific region could range from 2.9% to as high as 12.7% of annual GDP by 2100, according to a new study from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Economics of Climate Change in the Pacific includes modeling of future climate over the […]

27 Nov, 2013

EU unveils moves to boost free movement of people, and curb abuse

=========

Brussels, 25 November 2013, European Commission Press release – The joint responsibility of Member States and the EU institutions to uphold EU citizens’ rights to live and work in another EU country is underlined in a policy paper just adopted by the European Commission. To support Member States’ efforts to do so, the Commission’s paper […]

27 Nov, 2013

The bad neighbor story: Malaysia yesterday, Australia today? | Jakarta Post

On Indonesian news websites, two topics have attracted hundreds of comments: Islam and Malaysia. But now Malaysia has been replaced by Australia as the bad neighbor in Indonesian stories. The Indonesian government has been active in pursuing claims and taking a stand against Australia’s stance, compared to the relatively tamer reactions in squabbles with Malaysia. […]

27 Nov, 2013

Indonesia demands code of ethics for Australia relations

=========

Jakarta (ANTARA News) November 26 2013 – Indonesia has demanded a protocol and a code of ethics for future cooperation with Australia following recent revelations of Australian spying in the country. “To me, this must be a prerequisite and, at the same time, a stepping stone for bilateral relations. I have already proposed it to […]

27 Nov, 2013

Different groups see Oz as common enemy | Jakarta Post

The ongoing friction between Indonesia and Australia over wiretapping allegations can be seen as a blessing in disguise as it is uniting groups with different ideologies to voice their concerns over what they deem is tantamount to a violation of Indonesia’s sovereignty. Paramilitary groups like Laskar Merah Putih, the Forum of Indonesian Veterans and Police […]

27 Nov, 2013

Indonesia-Australia ties: More people-to-people, less G-to-G | Jakarta Post

By Risti Permani Adelaide – As an Indonesian that is actively involved in various Australia-based programs — not only GoLive Indonesia, a project promoting discussions on various topics, the Indonesia Diaspora Network South Australia but also several agricultural research projects focusing on Indonesia and Indonesian communities — seeing any damage to the Indonesia-Australia relationship has […]

27 Nov, 2013

Poll: 7 out of 10 EU citizens say helping developing countries benefits them too

=========

Brussels, 26 November 2013, European Commission Press release – Tackling poverty in developing countries should be one of the main priorities of the European Union, according to 66% of EU citizens. Seven out of ten people (69%) believe that helping these countries is also good for the EU, benefiting its citizens. These are some key […]

27 Nov, 2013

China continues campaign against “official extravagance”, travel included

=========

BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2013-11-26 — In the latest move in China’s anti-waste campaign, central authorities on Monday issued a written regulation to standardize fund management and ban Party and government extravagance. The regulation, which contains 65 items and 12 chapters, outlined the proper management of funds for various uses, including official travel, receptions, meetings, official vehicles […]

26 Nov, 2013

Australia-Indonesia rift over spying deepens – Sydney Morning Herald

Indonesia has said that talks with Australia over people smuggling and asylum seekers have stalled because of the phone-tapping row, flatly contradicting Immigration Minister Scott Morrison. As Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono declined for the third day to make a public statement about the letter he has received from Prime Minister Tony Abbott, the extent […]

26 Nov, 2013

11 Tips for Packing & Shipping Festive Season Gifts, Courtesy of FedEx

=========

BANGKOK, November 26, 2013 – With the year rapidly drawing to a close, consumers and businesses around the world are gearing up for the festive season. To help ensure that the holiday shipping process is hassle-free for both retailers and shoppers, here are 11 packing & shipping tips courtesy of FedEx: (+) Tip 1: Prep […]

26 Nov, 2013

US accused of war of attrition in trade talks – Sydney Morning Herald

The United States has been accused of negotiation by exhaustion in last-minute talks in Salt Lake City ahead of the final ministers’ meeting that will decide the makeup of the Trans Pacific trade deal between Australia and eleven other nations. Information leaking from the closed official-level talks suggests the United States is giving no ground […]

26 Nov, 2013

Australian Unions vote to seek leave for workers who experience domestic violence

=========

25 November, 2013, Media Release – White Ribbon Ambassador and ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said Australian Unions will support a special resolution at the ACTU Executive on Tuesday for paid domestic violence leave to be included as a minimum entitlement in the 2014 modern award review. “Australia is already leading the world with over 1.2 […]

26 Nov, 2013

EU moves to close tax loophole used by Google, Amazon and Starbucks – The Independent

The European Commission has announced plans to close a loophole which has allowed large corporations to pay tax in countries with lower rates, even if they only own one letterbox there. As part of efforts to get companies to pay a fair share of tax in the countries where they make most of their profits, […]

26 Nov, 2013

Amazon workers have “increased risk of mental and physical illness” – The Independent

Amazon workers could face an increased risk of “mental and physical illness”, a leading stress expert has claimed, after being shown undercover footage of working conditions at one warehouse. Night shifts can involve up to 11 miles of walking with staff expected to collect orders every 33 seconds, a BBC investigation has alleged. Undercover reporter […]

26 Nov, 2013

Farmland expansion threatens Great Wall of China

=========

Beijing, (CNTV), November 25, 2013 –  The Great Wall of China is famous for being the largest man-made structure in the world. It stretches some 1,500 miles from end to end. Unfortunately, the Great Wall is now facing massive destruction from farmland expansion and construction. Can you imagine that this is the most iconic monument […]

25 Nov, 2013

Have no illusions about Modi’s idea of India – Hindustan Times

With the entry of Narendra Modi in the electoral fray as the BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, it is becoming clearer by the day that Muslims are going to be the biggest elephant in the room in the run-up to what, many believe, might turn out to be one of the most communally polarised elections in […]

25 Nov, 2013

India Inaugurates “The Mughals: Life, Art & Culture” Exhibit

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Muqbil

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 25 November 2013 (21 Muharram 1435). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ MALAYSIA’S TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS – DECEMBER 2013 Wrap up 2013 with more exciting events before Visit Malaysia […]

25 Nov, 2013

Businesspeople reject US$10 levy for tourists – Jakarta Post

Tour operators in Bali have expressed their objection to the planned US$10 levy on every tourist proposed by the provincial administration and legislative council. The provincial administration and legislature are currently drawing up a draft ordinance related to efforts to preserve the culture and environment, funds for which would be derived from every foreign visitor […]

25 Nov, 2013

Battle lines drawn against Oz – Jakarta Post

As the diplomatic spat intensifies, Indonesia warned Australia on Tuesday that it would relax preventive measures against boat people using the archipelago as a stepping stone for their onward journeys to Australia. Following a request from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for a review of areas of bilateral cooperation on Tuesday, the National Police and the […]

25 Nov, 2013

Police guarantee safety for Aussie tourists – Jakarta Post

Amid tensions in the relationship between Indonesia and Australia over phone-tapping revelations, National Police chief Gen. Sutarman guaranteed the safety of all Australian tourists visiting Indonesia. Sutarman also stressed that the police would protect Australian assets in the country. “The safety of Australian tourists in Bali should be guaranteed. That’s our responsibility,” Sutarman told journalists […]

25 Nov, 2013

Boeing’s “Future of Washington” ad features Airbus | GulfNews.com

Washington: An advertisement placed in The Seattle Times on Wednesday by a group hoping to encourage Washington state to keep up its fight to secure the coveted work on the new Boeing 777 includes a notable miscue. At the top of the full-page ad, under the all-caps text “The Future of Washington,” is pictured not […]

25 Nov, 2013

Watchdog NGOs urge adoption of UN resolution against unlawful surveillance

=========

Nov 22, 2013 [University of Pittsburgh Law School, JURIST] – Five human rights groups urged the UN General Assembly on Thursday to adopt a resolution protecting the right of privacy against unlawful surveillance. In a letter to the assembly, the groups, Amnesty International, Access, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Privacy International and Human Rights Watch, claimed […]

25 Nov, 2013

U.S. Aviation Set to Be Hit by Doubling of Security Taxes

=========

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 21, 2013 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines brought together a wide-ranging aviation industry coalition today to oppose increasing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) passenger security tax and urged Congress not to close a budget deal on the backs of airline passengers and shippers who […]

25 Nov, 2013

Pakistan PM calls for visa-free travel with India – Times of India

LAHORE: Increasingly under pressure in his country over the continuing drone attacks by US agencies in Pakistani areas, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif made a strong plea over the weekend for speedily resuming peace ties with India. “We must aim to dismantle visa requirement between the two countries,” Sharif said choosing the unusual venue of the […]

25 Nov, 2013

Sexual harassment at workplace: Women who dared to speak – The Times of India

MUMBAI: It’s been a year of shame, but also hope. Littered with cases of sexual harassment at the workplace, 2013 is about to wrap up on a dark note. What’s heartening though, is the measured courage displayed by the young women involved in all cases, including a law graduate who blogged about a retired SC […]

24 Nov, 2013

Indian VP Urges Plastic Surgeons to Help Deprived Millions with Physical Deformities

=========

24-November-2013, Vice President’s Secretariat – The Vice President of India Prof. M. Hamid Ansari inaugurated the “48th Annual Conference of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSICON)” in Mumbai today. Following is the text of his inaugural address: “I am happy to be here in Mumbai for the inauguration of the 48th Annual Conference […]

24 Nov, 2013

Indian Finance Minister tells Diaspora: Rebalancing of Global Economic Power Under Way

=========

Singapore, Ministry of Finance, 21-November-2013 – Full text of the speech of the Union Finance Minister Mr P. Chidambaram on “Opportunities and Challenges for Diaspora Investments in India” at the Second South Asian Diaspora Convention in Singapore. “It is said that ‘you can take an Indian out of India, but you cannot take India out […]

24 Nov, 2013

New Technology Detects “Changes in Crowd Behavior” To Promote Security

=========

Tokyo, Nov 7, 2013 – (JCN Newswire) – NEC Corporation has developed what it claims to be the world’s first (*) “crowd behavior analysis technology” that utilizes security camera footage to understand the behavior of crowds and to detect abnormalities. This technology is expected to contribute to greater safety and security through the early detection […]

24 Nov, 2013

FREE Download: Health Study Forecasts Global Spending on Medicines to Reach $1 Trillion in 2014

=========

PARSIPPANY, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 19, 2013–Greater access to medicines by the world’s rapidly expanding middle class, together with stronger economic prospects in developed nations, will bring total spending on medicines to the $1 trillion threshold in 2014 and to $1.2 trillion by 2017, according to new research released today by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. […]

24 Nov, 2013

UN Launches International Year of Family Farming 2014

=========

22 November 2013, New York (FAO press release) – The United Nations has launched the 2014 International Year of Family Farming to stress the vast potential family farmers have to eradicate hunger and preserve natural resources. In both developed and developing countries, over 500 million family farms, defined as farms that rely primarily on family […]

20 Nov, 2013

There’s a rule book, Modi Saheb – DAWN.COM

After the snooping allegations were made at a press conference at the Press Club in Delhi Friday, a gentleman claiming to be the lady’s father, Pranlal Soni, said the family had long-standing relations with Modi and had asked the Chief Minister to “take care” of her. The father’s statement confirmed the identity of “saheb” as […]

19 Nov, 2013

Summary: China’s 60-Point Reform Plan to Chart Development Course for Next Decade

=========

Beijing, 2013-11-16 (China Daily) – The Decision on Major Issues Concerning Comprehensively Deepening Reforms was adopted at the close of the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee on Tuesday. The following is an abridged version of the full text of the document: I—Significance and principles 1. Reform and opening-up has been a […]

19 Nov, 2013

ILO Plans Emergency Jobs Programme for 5 million typhoon-hit Filipino workers

=========

MANILA – Five million workers have been affected by the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) that struck the Philippines last week, according to the latest ILO estimates. “This figure is equivalent to the population of Norway,” said ILO Philippine Office Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson. “But this is not just a matter of numbers: these […]

19 Nov, 2013

India Holds National Integration Week, 19-25 November

=========

Ministry of Home Affairs, 18-November-2013 – With a view to foster and reinforce the spirit of Communal Harmony, National Integration and pride in vibrant, composite culture and nationhood, the “Quami Ekta Week” (National Integration week) will be observed all over the country, from the 19th to 25th November, 2013. The National Foundation for Communal Harmony […]

19 Nov, 2013

Huge Gulf aircraft order worries U.S. airlines group, pilots

=========

November 18, 2013, WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, said Monday that record-breaking aircraft orders from Middle Eastern carriers, totaling $162.6 billion, underscore the need for a U.S. National Airline Policy, in which the U.S. government recognizes the critical role that U.S. carriers play in connecting America […]

19 Nov, 2013

Eastern Visayas: Philippines’ 3rd poorest region

Eastern Visayas, hardest hit by killer typhoon Yolanda, is the country’s third poorest region with 37 percent of its population or an estimated 4.2 million people living below poverty line, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) latest report. In 2012, about 37.2 percent of Region VIII’s estimated 4.2 million people were living below […]

19 Nov, 2013

Paying benefits ‘does not make unemployed lazy’ – The Independent

Paying high levels of benefits to the unemployed does not lead to them becoming lazy, or lacking motivation to find a job according to a European-wide study charting the well-being of claimants. Comparing how joblessness affected the life satisfaction of people in 28 countries, the report from the University of Edinburgh found that there was […]

19 Nov, 2013

‘Royal Concierge’: UK spy agency’s hotel surveillance ring – The Independent

Britain’s secret listening service, GCHQ, uses a spying system codenamed “Royal Concierge” to carry out detailed surveillance on foreign diplomats and government delegations at more than 350 hotels across the world, Germany’s Der Spiegel magazine reported on Sunday. The disclosures, based on intelligence data leaked by the US whistleblower Edward Snowden, follow reports that British […]

18 Nov, 2013

India’s historical hijacker – GulfNews.com

Modi’s identification with Patel is an effort at character-building by association. His own image has been tarnished by his inaction (or worse) during the massacre of more than a thousand Gujarati Muslims in a pogrom on his watch in 2002. Modi would rather be perceived as embodying Patel’s decisiveness than as the destructive bigot his […]

18 Nov, 2013

World’s First Underground Mosque Opens in Turkey

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Muqbil

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 18 November 2013 (14 Muharram 1435). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS MALAYSIA’S TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS – DECEMBER 2013 Wrap up 2013 with more exciting […]

18 Nov, 2013

What’s wrong with today’s younger generation? – The Independent

By Yasmin Alibhai-Brown I find myself welling up with contempt for middle-class, young adults born in rich nations. Note to young daughter: I don’t mean all of you who are good and great, but the many more who understand nothing and want everything, the me generation. Perhaps this deep gloom was brought on the latest […]

18 Nov, 2013

UK spy agency taps hotel reservations targeting diplomats – Snowden leaks — RT News

Constantly on the move, top officials and diplomats prefer to stay in high-end establishments and boutique hotels with premier service standards. And since the number of high-class hotels in the world is finite, British Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) came up with the idea of turning them into a huge net to fish for secrets in […]

16 Nov, 2013

Regulating Financial Institutions Critical to Avoiding Spread of Global Risk, UN meeting hears

=========

United Nations, 13 Nov 2013, (Department of Public Information) – International financial stability was tied to the regulation of financial institutions so they did not accumulate too much risk, José Antonio Ocampo, Professor in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, today told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial). Delivering the keynote […]

16 Nov, 2013

Global warming more about people than carbon emissions – 2013 World Social Science Report

=========

Paris, 12.11.2013 – UNESCOPRESS – The new edition of the World Social Science Report emphasizing the social sciences’ indispensable contribution to human survival in the face of climate change, was launched on 15 November at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Published by UNESCO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Social Science […]

16 Nov, 2013

Hindu alliance supports move to limit tourist access to Bali temples | The Jakarta Post

Youths grouped under the Hindu Alliance Caring for Bali (Aliansi Hindu Peduli Bali) declared their support for the plan to limit tourist access to temples throughout Bali. The statement was conveyed by the group at the Bali Legislative Council office on Thursday. “We understand that temples have been part of the tourist attraction for years. […]

16 Nov, 2013

Applications Open for Int’l Training Course on Managing Risks of Climate Change

=========

BANGKOK – The Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) is to hold an international training course on “Managing risk in the face of climate change” from 09 -20 December 2013at the Swissotel, Nai Lert Park, Bangkok. This training programme is designed for managers, policy makers, specialists and researchers who are professionally involved in the management of […]

16 Nov, 2013

FREE Download: Pew Report Tracks News Use Across Social Media Platforms

By Jesse Holcomb, Jeffrey Gottfried and Amy Mitchell

Nov 14, 2013 (Pew Research Journalism Project) – How do different social networking websites stack up when it comes to news? How many people engage with news across multiple social sites? And what are their news consumption habits on traditional platforms? As part of an ongoing examination of social media and news, the Pew Research […]

16 Nov, 2013

Philippines: Newly Open Roads, Airports Allow In More Aid But Fuel Shortage Remains

=========

United Nations, (UN News Centre) – Nov 15 2013 – With substantial progress in opening up airports and clear roads in typhoon-hit regions of the Philippines, United Nations agencies and partners are scaling up their support of Government efforts to provide relief, but a major fuel shortage is hampering access to millions of affected people. […]

16 Nov, 2013

Myanmar violence ‘sickens world’ | Arab News

YANGON, Myanmar: Former US President Bill Clinton said sectarian violence in newly opened Myanmar sickens the world as he met with political and civic leaders Thursday to discuss challenges facing the emerging democracy following a half-century of military rule. The attacks on Muslims are a topic many in this predominantly Buddhist nation of 60 million […]

15 Nov, 2013

European SMEs Worst Hit By Lack of Access to Finance, Survey Shows

=========

Brussels, 14 November 2013, European Commission Press release – Access to finance is still among the top concerns of the EU’s small and medium sized enterprises and younger and smaller firms are the most badly affected, according to the “Access to Finance” survey released today by the European Commission and European Central Bank. About one […]

15 Nov, 2013

UN Report Highlights Power of Creativity, Culture and Tourism as Job Creators

UNESCO Media Release

Paris, 14 Nov 2013 – World trade of creative goods and services totalled a record of US$ 624 billion in 2011 and more than doubled from 2002 to 2011. At the same time, creativity and culture also have a significant non-monetary value that contributes to inclusive social development, to dialogue and understanding between peoples. This […]

15 Nov, 2013

Thai Princess: GDP Growth No Longer Sufficient to Determine Economic Success

Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol

Full text of the Keynote Opening Address by Princess Bajrakitiyabha Mahidol, Ambassador of Thailand and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Vienna, on the topic: “Investing in the rule of law, crime prevention and criminal justice for the post-2015 United Nations development agenda”. The Bangkok Dialogue on the Rule of Law, Siam Kempinski […]

14 Nov, 2013

Trust in governments at record low: OECD report

=========

Paris, 14/11/2013 (OECD media release) – The global economic crisis has undermined trust in government. Today only four out of ten citizens in OECD countries say they have confidence in their national authorities. Not surprisingly, trust declined in the countries hit hardest by the crisis, such as Ireland, Greece, Slovenia and Portugal. But measures can […]

14 Nov, 2013

Travel, business, citizens and environment to benefit from free European satellite data

=========

Brussels, 13 November 2013, (European Commission Press release) – The European Commission will provide free, full and open access to a wealth of important environmental data gathered by Copernicus, Europe’s Earth observation system. The new open data dissemination regime, which will come into effect next month, will support the vital task of monitoring the environment […]

14 Nov, 2013

WMO Status of Climate in 2013: High temperatures, many extremes worldwide

=========

Geneva, 13 November 2013  (WMO media release) – The year 2013 is currently on course to be among the top ten warmest years since modern records began in 1850, according to the World Meteorological Organization. The first nine months, January to September, tied with 2003 as the seventh warmest such period on record, with a […]

14 Nov, 2013

Qatar World Cup, crucial opportunity to improve migrants’ situation – UN rights expert

=========

GENEVA / DOHA (13 November 2013) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, François Crépeau, urged the Qatari authorities to use the 2022 World Cup to improve the situation of migrant workers and their families in the country. Qatar has the highest ratio of migrants to citizens in the world; […]

14 Nov, 2013

Call for Entries: 2014 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation

=========

Bangkok,  12  November  2013  –  Entries  are  now  being  accepted  for  the  2014  UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The Awards recognize the successful efforts of private sector and public-private initiatives in conserving or restoring structures, places and properties  of  heritage  value  in  the  region.  The  Awards  emphasize  the  importance  of  the conservation process, […]

14 Nov, 2013

S. Korea adopts tourist goods certification to attract Chinese travelers

=========

Beijing (Xinhua) 2013-11-13 – South Korea adopted a certification program of tourist goods to attract more travelers from China by scaling down rip-off sightseeing practices, an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Monday. “Competition became fiercer among domestic travel agencies to attract more Chinese tourists,” an official at the municipal government told Xinhua. […]

14 Nov, 2013

Where is the global leadership? | The Japan Times

OSAKA – The American-led global economic and financial system is broken — you have only to look at the shenanigans in Washington these last few weeks to see that — so where are the clear thinkers who can dream of a plan to fix things, and where are the practical politicians who dare to try […]

14 Nov, 2013

19 Best European Destinations for Barrier-free and Sustainable Tourism

=========

Brussels, 11 November 2013 (European Commission media release) – The European tourism sector remains strong amidst the economic crisis (IP/13/878), but European destinations must continue finding ways to stay competitive and expand into new markets. One of the tourism sectors in Europe that still remains largely untapped is accessible tourism for senior citizens and people […]

13 Nov, 2013

The True Patriots in Congress Trying to End NSA Tyranny – Truthdig

By Robert Scheer Good old George can stop spinning in his grave. Yes, that George, our most heroic general and inspiring president, who warned us in his farewell address “to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism. …” It’s an alert that’s been ignored in the nation’s hysterical reaction to the attacks of 9/11 that […]

13 Nov, 2013

Big Security firms pay no corporation tax despite profiting from billion-pounds contracts – The Independent

Private contractors carrying out billions of pounds worth of Government work face a “crisis of confidence” from the public, the National Audit Office (NAO) said, as it emerged that two of them paid no corporation tax last year. The public spending watchdog highlighted a number of investigation it has carried out into alleged abuses by […]

13 Nov, 2013

‘Narendra Modi is a poster boy of India’s failure to punish the violent’ – Indian Express

Two top members of a US Congress constituted commission on religious freedom have expressed sadness over nomination of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi as the prime ministerial candidate of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), terming him as the “poster boy” of India’s failure to punish the violent. “It was another son of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi, […]

12 Nov, 2013

Time to tap the holistic potential of Asia-Pacific’s forests

=========

Rotorua, 08/11/2013, (Food and Agriculture Organization) – The forest sector across Asia and the Pacific has enormous untapped potential to increase the prosperity of countries, industries and improve the livelihoods of millions. But to achieve that, greater, coordinated efforts are needed by forest managers, governments and the private sector. Leading forestry experts and policy makers […]

12 Nov, 2013

FREE Download: Six-Point Plan to Promote Health & Wellness at Work

=========

MANCHESTER, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 11, 2013 – Promoting Health & Wellness at Work is the latest Blue Paper from promotional items retailer 4imprint and is available now as a free download. The health of the nation is rarely out of the news; couple this with an ageing workforce, sick days costing nearly £29billion a year (1), […]

12 Nov, 2013

Healthcare sector to face shortage of 12.9 million workers in coming decades

=========

11 November 2013 | RECIFE, BRAZIL, (World Health Organization) – The world will be short of 12.9 million health-care workers by 2035; today, that figure stands at 7.2 million. A WHO report released today warns that the findings – if not addressed now – will have serious implications for the health of billions of people […]

12 Nov, 2013

Chris Hedges: The Revolutionaries in Our Midst – Truthdig

NEW YORK—Jeremy Hammond sat in New York’s Metropolitan Correctional Center last week in a small room reserved for visits from attorneys. He was wearing an oversized prison jumpsuit. The brown hair of the lanky 6-footer fell over his ears, and he had a wispy beard. He spoke with the intensity and clarity one would expect […]

11 Nov, 2013

Chinese commentator highlights U.S. double standards over “freedom of speech”

By Ku Ma (China Daily)

It’s a big pity that the Western media rushed to join in the debate sparked by Chen Yongzhou, a Chinese tabloid journalist who was detained on charges of defaming a construction equipment maker, while only a few of them paid much attention to Jimmy Kimmel’s “kill every one in China” comment, which should surely have […]