Author Archive
5 Apr, 2013
Survey Finds American Attitudes Transformed by Housing Crisis, Lifestyle Changes
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– April 03, 2013 – After decades of equating homeownership with the American Dream, post-housing crisis realism about the risks and rewards of owning a home have led to greater support for rental housing and a more balanced approach in national housing policy, according to a new survey of housing attitudes released today. The […]
more…5 Apr, 2013
Australia Advances Asian Century Agenda
Prime Minister’s office, Canberra, 04 APRIL 2013 – The Australian Government has appointed an additional three senior figures with extensive experience in Asia to the Strategic Advisory Board on Australia in the Asian Century. Mr Hamish Tyrwhitt, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Leighton Holdings, Professor Margaret Gardner AO, Vice-Chancellor of RMIT, and Ms Rebecca Dee-Bradbury, […]
more…5 Apr, 2013
10 Things to Never Do on Facebook if You Are in a Relationship
SANTA MONICA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 03, 2013 – Now that you’re in a happy, healthy relationship, there are some Facebook rules that need following to ensure it stays that way. eHarmony Advice: 10 things to never do on Facebook if you are in a relationship: 1. Hide things from your spouse or significant other. If you […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
How Digital Technology Has Helped Unleash a Devastating New Era of Propaganda | Alternet
Whereas a generation ago, dissent and biting satire were allowed in the “mainstream”, today their counterfeits are acceptable and a fake moral zeitgeist rules. “Identity” is all, mutating feminism and declaring class obsolete. Just as collateral damage covers for mass murder, “austerity” has become an acceptable lie. Beneath the veneer of consumerism, a quarter of […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
India Awards MSMEs, Hails them as Key Driver of Growth
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises, 03-April, 2013 – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee presented the National Awards to the successful Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and also to the Banks for Excellence in Micro & Small Enterprises Lending, at a function here today. Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Indian PM on the Economy: Corrective Strategies Need Correct Analysis of the Problem
Prime Minister’s Office, 03-April, 2013 – Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s address at the CII National Conference and Annual General Meeting, in New Delhi today: “I am delighted to be here today to inaugurate the CII annual meeting for 2013. I have always believed that both government and business […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
India Injects Deadlines, Transparency into Hotel Project Approval Process
Ministry of Tourism, 03-April, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K Chiranjeevi today launched a web based Public Service Delivery System for Hotel approval and classification with a view to bring in transparency in granting approvals for hotel projects and classification status to functioning hotels. Speaking on the occasion the Minister said that with the […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
India Inaugurates Tagore Centre for Global Thought in London
Ministry of Culture, 03-April, 2013 – Mrs Chandresh Kumari Katoch, Minister of Culture, India inaugurated the Tagore Centre for Global Thought at India Institute, King’s College, London on 2nd April, 2013. Set up as part of the Tagore Commemoration celebrating 150th birth anniversary of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, this Tagore Centre will enhance Tagore-related, academic intellectual […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Ten years after SARS, what has China learned?
BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) — The news of two men dying from a new variant of bird flu has reminded Chinese of the SARS pandemic that hit the country one decade ago. Many are wondering if the government will handle the situation any better than it did in 2003, should another pandemic break out. For […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Melbourne Airport bids to be Australia’s gateway for huge Chinese market
MELBOURNE, April 3 (Xinhua)– The continuous influx of tourists and goods from China during the last couple of years has prompted Australian authorities to develop its aviation industry and transport infrastructure to meet the booming demand. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Chris Woodruff, chief executive officer of Melbourne Airport, said they are getting ready […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Reign of terror by Juggle-Bandhi : Jug Suraiya’s blog-The Times Of India
While gender terrorism has been a chronic disease in Indian society, the gang rape of the young woman whom the TOI named Nirbhaya seems to have opened a Pandora`s box of gender assaults being reported from across the country. It is not that these savage crimes did not occur previously; it is that media attention […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Chomsky: The Cruelty That Keeps Empires Alive | Alternet
The need to humiliate those who raise their heads is an ineradicable element of the imperial mentality. In the case of Israel-Palestine, there has long been a near-unanimous international consensus on a diplomatic settlement, blocked by the United States for 35 years, with tacit European acceptance. Contempt for the worthless victims is no small part […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Multinationals in Crosshairs as Australia Moves to “Improve Transparency” of Business Tax System
Canberra, 3 April 2013 (Media release by the Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting for Deregulation) – Large corporate entities would be required to disclose tax payable as part of proposals floated in a discussion paper released today, said Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury. The discussion paper follows the Government’s earlier announcement that it intends to change the […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Investigative Journos Strike Again: Expose How Shady Global Tax Havens Help Make the Rich Richer
The policy of incessantly calling for lower taxes, a fundamental platform of travel industry organisations such as the World Travel & Tourism Council, is set to face a major rethink in the wake of a global media investigation of tax havens and the massive network of crony-ridden schemes designed to help the mega-rich avoid and […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Feature: Gaza fishery stagnant after Israel tightens blockade – Xinhua
GAZA, April 3 (Xinhua) — The Israeli decision to reduce Gaza’s fishing zone from six nautical miles to only three nautical miles off the coastline “spoiled the fishing season,” 55-year-old fisherman Mohamed Bakker said. “Why does Israel punish us?” Bakker complained while sitting on the off-white sands of Gaza beach beside his fishing boat, referring […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Women tourists avoiding India after sex attacks | GulfNews.com
New Delhi: The number of foreign women tourists visiting India has dropped by 35 per cent in the past three months following a spate of sex attacks that have made global headlines, a new survey has found. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) says overall tourist arrivals are down 25 per […]
more…3 Apr, 2013
Agoda.com Celebrates Sinhalese New Year with Great Sri Lanka deals
Singapore (PRWEB) April 03, 2013 – Agoda.com, part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq:PCLN), is offering new deals on the striking island of Sri Lanka to celebrate the Sinhalese New Year, a major event for the ethnic population and the biggest holiday of the year. Similar to other astrologically-determined New Year celebrations in Southeast Asia, such […]
more…3 Apr, 2013
Islamic Finance Institute Boosts Training, Certification to Promote Entrepreneurship
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PRWEB) April 03, 2013 – Growing numbers of professionals are choosing to set off on their own rather than join an Islamic bank. With hiring at an all time low, and an overall sense that banks are not the place where the bigger problems of humanity get solved, a new kind […]
more…3 Apr, 2013
India Launches First Wi-Fi Pilot Project on Kolkata-New Delhi Express Train
Ministry of Railways, 02-April, 2013 – The Minister of Railways Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal launched Wi-Fi- facility as a pilot project on Howrah Rajdhani Express (train no. 12302, which runs between Kolkata-New Delhi), here today. To introduce internet access in moving train was a technological challenge considering that the train passes through all type of […]
more…3 Apr, 2013
War and politics from a left-Christian perspective: Crumbling Official 9/11 Story Calls US Legitimacy into Question
Were the Twin Towers, and the thousands of people inside them, blown to bits by explosives? That is what many of the 9/11 victims’ family members believe. Robert McIlvaine, whose son Bobby was murdered in the Twin Towers on 9/11, has stated that roughly half the family members share his suspicion that the Towers were […]
more…3 Apr, 2013
World Social Forum 2013 Activists Blast State of the World, Seek Alternative Paradigms
The World Social Forum is barely known to the travel & tourism industry, compared to the much higher profile of the World Economic Forum. While the CEOs, Ministers and Heads of State head for the WEFs, those at the receiving end of their decisions head for the WSFs in an attempt to hold them accountable. […]
more…3 Apr, 2013
One of Canada’s largest student association endorses BDS against Israel – | Haaretz Daily
One of the largest student association in Canada passed a resolution endorsing the global boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign against Israel. With the passage late last week of the resolution, York University’s student association joins two others in Canada – the University of Toronto and Concordia University graduate student associations – in endorsing the BDS […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
“Retail Therapy” Survey: What American Men and Women Buy to Improve their Mood
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Ebates.com, the pioneer and leader in online cash back shopping, today announced results from its Retail Therapy survey that found more than half (51.8%) of Americans shop and spend money to improve their mood, including 63.9% of women and 39.8% of men. One out of three (39.2%) American women believe retail therapy improves […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Hurun Report: Top 10 richest people in Beijing 2013
Beijing, March 25, 2013 – Wang Jianlin, chairman of property giant Wanda Group is the richest person in Beijing with a total personal wealth of 78 billion yuan (US$12.4 billion) in 2013, according to the latest Hurun Global Rich List. 41 of the 357 richest Chinese individuals from this year’s so-called “Nine-Zero Club”reside in Beijing, […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Global economy improving but Europe lags behind, says OECD
PARIS, 28/03/2013 (OECD Media release) – Global economic activity is picking up, but the continuing crisis in the euro area is delaying a meaningful recovery, the OECD said in its latest Interim Economic Assessment. The Assessment, presented in Paris by Chief Economist Pier Carlo Padoan, says that the G7 economies are expected to grow at […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Chinese skiers bring boon to Austrian companies
2013-04-01 – Millions of people in China are now getting into the growing craze of new stylish winter sports – skiing, an ideal getaway that offers breathtakingly exciting experiences and brings one closer to nature. In the past few years, China has built a number of ski resorts to sate the appetite of surging winter […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Two Chinese cities join bid to cool real estate market
2013-04-01 (China Daily) – Authorities in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, two large cities in Guangdong province, announced detailed regulations on Sunday to further cool the real estate market amid expectations of rising property prices this year. According to the regulations, Guangzhou, the provincial capital, will provide land for residential use of up to 5.95 square kilometers […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Europe is Chinese shoppers’ favourite destination
Beijing, 2013-04-01 – European nations were the most favorite shopping destinations for Chinese buyers in 2012 and they are set to spend even more shopping overseas, according to a report by Global Blue, a tourism shopping service provider. Chinese shoppers spent a record 3 billion euros ($3.9 billion) on duty-free shopping in 2012, an increase […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Apple to face enhanced legal supervision in China
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhuanet) — China’s commerce market watchdogs have called for tightened supervision of Apple Inc’s disputed warranty policy in response to customers’ complaints that the iPhone-maker adopted differential policies for repair and return services in China. The State Administration for Industry and Commerce said it has issued a notice asking local industry and […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Durban to get Confucius Institute
March 28, 2013 (CRI Online) – China and South Africa plan to strengthen ties in education and culture. One of the outcomes of President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to South Africa ws an agreement for a Confucius Institute at the Durban University of Technology. South Africa is one of the countries on the continent with […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
6 Danes investigated for urinating on Shanghai road
March 26, 2013 – Shanghai police said they are investigating reports of six foreign tourists drunkenly urinating on a low barrier on an elevated road in full view of traffic on Saturday afternoon. The driver of the bus carrying them told police the men forced him to stop and nearly caused an accident. Police started […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Hate, Congress and the FBI: Rethinking How We Track Hate Crimes in America | SikhNet
About two months ago, a woman in New York City, Erika Menendez, was charged with second-degree murder as a hate crime. Menendez was responsible for the death of Hindu American Sunando Sen: He was crushed by an oncoming train when she pushed him onto the tracks of an elevated subway station. Queens District Attorney Richard […]
more…1 Apr, 2013
When George Bush invaded Iraq, life imitated art – Voices – The Independent
Born-again Christians often don’t realise their ‘God-given’ right to invade Iraq destroyed one of the oldest Christian communities in the Middle East Read the rest: When George Bush invaded Iraq, life imitated art – Robert Fisk – The Independent.
more…1 Apr, 2013
Indian Tourism Ministry Approves Billions for Mega-Circuit Projects in Three States
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 1 April 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi has approved Central Finance Assistance (CFA) totalling IR 137.37 crore (one crore is 10 million) for mega-circuit tourism projects in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Kerala. Details: Andhra Pradesh Rs. 45.88 crore has been approved for the development […]
more…1 Apr, 2013
Racist rant: tourists abused on Sydney bus
In the video, a Caucasian man yells at a middle-aged man and woman of Korean appearance about the Japanese bombing of Australia during World War II and calls the pair “f—ing bastards”. Before the camera started rolling, the man yelled racist taunts such as, “Do you f—ing speak English?”, “Japanese c—s” and “why did you […]
more…1 Apr, 2013
Israeli Defence Forces must stop arresting children – Haaretz Daily
Twenty-seven Palestinian children were ambushed and arrested by Israel Defense Forces soldiers in Hebron on March 20. Eighteen of them were less than 12 years old, the minimum age at which they can legally be held responsible for a crime. This large-scale roundup was arbitrary. Soldiers arrested every child they saw on the street − […]
more…1 Apr, 2013
The Treason of the Intellectuals – Chris Hedges – Truthdig
The rewriting of history by the power elite was painfully evident as the nation marked the 10th anniversary of the start of the Iraq War. Some claimed they had opposed the war when they had not. Others among “Bush’s useful idiots” argued that they had merely acted in good faith on the information available; if […]
more…1 Apr, 2013
10 Great Branding Campaigns that Shaped Asia-Pacific Tourism
Two award-winning travel trade journalists have teamed up to offer a unique perspective on the future of the Asia-Pacific travel industry, based on a detailed analysis of the successes and failures of the past. This includes a look at the great branding campaigns that have shaped the industry, the major mistakes the industry has made, […]
more…1 Apr, 2013
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Honours Four Tour Companies
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 01 April 2013 (20 Jumaada al-Awwal 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.
more…31 Mar, 2013
The War in Iraq Ten Years Later – How Cheerleader Journalism Fueled the Fire
We can imagine that George Bush, Dick Cheney, Tony Blair and the other masterminds behind the Iraq war and occupation have lost little sleep over the destruction they’ve wrought. The narcissism and sociopathic personalities they share seem, sadly, to be all too common among the political and military leaders around the world, in Bush’s America […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
Popular Resistance: Easter Resurrection of Palestine
“What would Jesus do” is a question that hovers in the background of this troubled land. Well, actually the land does not have feelings to be troubled so let us say the troubled inhabitants of this land. I am certainly troubled as most Palestinian Christians and Muslims are. We are troubled because we cannot even […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
China’s online sales surge in 2012
BEIJING, 2013-03-28, (Xinhua) – China’s online retail sales boomed last year, as more consumers have gravitated toward online shopping for its convenience and personalized services. Online retail sales reached 1.32 trillion yuan ($210.39 billion) in 2012, a jump of 64.7 percent from the previous year, according to data issued by the Internet Society of China […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
U.S. Firm filing lawsuits on behalf of brain tumor victims, allegedly from cell-phones
New York, NY (PRWEB) March 27, 2013 – Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a nationwide law firm representing clients in cell phone radiation lawsuits, notes that a new study has found that radiation from cell phones may cause damage to brain tissue. According to a report from the Daily Mail, researchers with Finland’s Radiation and Nuclear Safety […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
Beijing announces new rules to cool property market
BEIJING, 2013-03-30, (Xinhua) – The municipal government of Beijing on Saturday spelled out detailed rules aimed at cooling the property market following the central government’s fresh regulatory plan earlier this month. Single adults with a permanent Beijing residence registration, who have not made purchases in the city before, are allowed to buy only one apartment, […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
Xinhua Wrapup: Results of Chinese Leader’s First Foreign Trip
BRAZZAVILLE 2013-03-30 – (Xinhua) – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday left Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of the Congo, for Beijing, concluding his first foreign visit after taking office with fruitful results. The Republic of the Congo is the last leg of Xi’s four-nation tour from March 22 to 30, which also included Russia, […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
Interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine Growing Globally
Beijing, 2013-03-27 – Chinese mainland accounts for 2% of herbal medicine sales worldwide. While some Chinese scholars propose abolishing traditional Chinese medicine, foreign pharmaceutical institutions and industries are pursuing them. More than 100 countries and regions around the world have set up TCM institutions, with the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea investing heavily […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
Colbert King: A too-candid camera at Starbucks – The Washington Post
It was a Saturday in April, a good day for sightseeing in our nation’s capital. After walking around, William A. Yockey, his wife, Lindsay, and their 5-year-old daughter, K.Y., visited a Starbucks coffee shop in the 300 block of Seventh Street NW, a few blocks from the U.S. Capitol and the Mall. As it turned […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
Sundown in America – NYTimes.com
As the federal government and its central-bank sidekick, the Fed, have groped for one goal after another — smoothing out the business cycle, minimizing inflation and unemployment at the same time, rolling out a giant social insurance blanket, promoting homeownership, subsidizing medical care, propping up old industries (agriculture, automobiles) and fostering new ones (“clean” energy, […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
White men have much to discuss about mass shootings – The Washington Post
Imagine if African American men and boys were committing mass shootings month after month, year after year. Articles and interviews would flood the media, and we’d have political debates demanding that African Americans be “held accountable.” Then, if an atrocity such as the Newtown, Conn., shootings took place and African American male leaders held a […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
PressTV – Horror in Israel: 30,000 Mossad spies exposed
The hack, initially exposing a hidden network of 30,000 covert operatives, some openly labeled “hitman,” came only days after Israel admitted to their 2010 act of piracy and terrorism against the Freedom Flotilla.Now the Israeli regime has filled the internet with threats against “Anonymous,” if detailed information on their terror cells is leaked.After all, who […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
BRICS Changing the Ageing Global Order
Beijing, 2013-03-30 – The BRICS group is five years old, and the modest agreement among the five member states to establish a development bank and pool of currency reserves moves it beyond a dialogue forum for cooperative mechanisms and challenges the 60-year hegemony of the undemocratic Bretton Woods. BRICS’ next step should be a transition […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
Indian Minister Interacts With People Nationwide Via Google Hangout on Road Safety issues
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 29-March, 2013 — Dr. CP Joshi, the Minister for Road Transport & Highways interacted with people to discuss road safety issues here this evening via Google Hangout. People from all over the country such as Bangalore, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Gandhinagar, Roorkee, Andhra Pradesh, Gurgaon, Udaipur, Chennai and Bilaspur, Chattisgarh […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
Indian PM: BRICS Countries Will Reshape Global System
Prime Minister’s Office, 28-March, 2013 – The following is a transcript of the media interaction with Indian PM Manmohan Singh on return from the BRICS Summit in Durban. I have just concluded a very satisfying visit to South Africa for the fifth BRICS Summit. As you would have seen from the BRICS Declaration, a number […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
India Targets Energy Independence by 2030
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, 24-March, 2013 – The Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas Dr. M. Veerappa Moily, speaking at National Editors’ Conference here today, said that his government will work towards securing Energy Independence for India. Stressing need for increasing domestic oil & gas production, he said, “Our government will make every […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
India Outlines Initiatives to Ensure a “Corruption Free, Transparent Administration”
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, 24-March, 2013 – Government has taken several initiatives to ensure a transparent and corruption free Administration. Speaking at the National Editor’s conference in New Delhi, Shri V. Narayanasamy, Minister Of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, P.G. & Pensions highlighted the series of steps taken to […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
India Reminds Africa that Gandhi’s Anti-Colonialism Revolution Began There
Prime Minister’s Office, 28-March, 2013 – Following is the text of the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement at the BRICS Leaders – Africa Dialogue Forum in Durban on March 27, 2013: “I am pleased to have this opportunity for a dialogue on how BRICS, and in particular India, could contribute to and benefit from […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
April is U.S. National Alcohol Awareness Month: “Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow”
Malibu, CA (PRWEB) March 29, 2013 – April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, an observance put on by the NCAAD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) that promotes knowledge and education regarding all aspects of alcohol abuse and addiction. National Alcohol Awareness Month is in its 27th official year, with the slogan for 2013 […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
FREE Download: Insights into Shopping, Eating Behaviors of Cooks Worldwide
SEATTLE, March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Allrecipes, the digital food brand with more than one billion annual visits, today published highlights of its global survey of more than 7,000 home cooks for the new 2013 Global Food Trends Measuring Cup Report, revealing insights on the shopping, cooking, and eating behaviors of family-focused women around the […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
FREE Download: NYU Research Shows Corruption Soars When Politicians are Placed Above the Law
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– March 26, 2013 – There is now hard data to validate the anecdotal evidence that political immunity fosters corruption. In a new study entitled “Immunity,” (click on the link to DOWNLOAD FREE) NYU Stern Assistant Professor of Economics Vasiliki Skreta and her co-authors, Karthik Reddy of Harvard Law School and Moritz Schularick […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
Ten years on, Western leaders have learned nothing from Iraq disaster – Globaltimes.cn
Does the 10th anniversary of Washington’s Iraq War mean anything to the leaders who took us into war? No. Because, so far, there has been no indication that they have learned any lessons. Then US president George W. Bush and UK prime minister Tony Blair lied to their respective government and people in order to […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
Thousands set to attend “11th Palestinians Europe Conference” in Belgium
Brussels, 28 March 2013, Palestine Return Centre Media release — Preparations for the annual Palestinians in Europe conference are running smoothly. The 11th Conference, organized by the General Secretariat of the Palestinians in Europe Conference, The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), will be held in Belgium on Saturday 18th May 2013. Under the theme of this […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
India Plans Women-Only City Buses
Ministry of Urban Development, 28-March, 2013 – Ministry of Urban Development has recently advised the States to examine provision of separate city buses for women in all million plus cities. The Ministry has also issued an “Advisory” to all the States to implement the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) specifications as per the “Urban Bus Specifications” […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
Layoffs by multinationals trigger panic among Chinese employees
SHANGHAI, March 28 (Xinhua) — Chinese employees of multinationals are finding their jobs no longer secure and enviable as a massive round of layoffs has hit such companies. HSBC Life Insurance Co. fired 22 staff and 138 insurance agents working for its life insurance joint venture in Shanghai on March 20. The move has sparked […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
Startling USTA Survey Results Reveal U.S. Entry Process Deters Millions of Visitors
WASHINGTON, DC., March 19, 2013 (U.S. Travel Association Media Release) – Overseas travelers are avoiding the United States due to lengthy and inefficient customs and entry procedures at the nation’s gateway airports according to a new survey released today by Consensus Research Group and the U.S. Travel Association. By experience and word of mouth, at […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
Little-known U.S. surveillance tool raises concerns by judges, privacy activists – The Washington Post
Federal investigators in Northern California routinely used a sophisticated surveillance system to scoop up data from cellphones and other wireless devices in an effort to track criminal suspects — but failed to detail the practice to judges authorizing the probes. The practice was disclosed Wednesday in documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
Facebook and the disintegration of the human – Al Jazeera
The ostensible function of social networking sites is, of course, to bring people closer together. The same function is attributed to the process of neoliberal globalisation. Despite obvious superficial increases in interconnectedness in both cases, however, the fundamental outcome is alienating. In the latter instance, ‘interconnectedness’ has been characterized by enhanced disparity in socioeconomic conditions […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
Why Thailand and Greece spell tragedy for Australian travellers
More than 100 Australians died in Thailand and a further 60 died in Greece last year, making these two countries – for different reasons – among the places where Australians are most likely to meet their end while overseas. While the deaths in Thailand were largely due to illness or accident, most in Greece were […]
more…28 Mar, 2013
Nokia India slapped with Rs 2,000 cr fine over tax evasion – Indian Express
The Income Tax department has served a Rs 2,000 crore demand notice on Finnish mobile firm maker Nokia for alleged evasion of taxes in its business transactions in the country. The department had on March 21 asked the firm to submit the amount of Rs 2,000 crore in about a week’s time, I-T department sources […]
more…28 Mar, 2013
The Alternative Power Structure to the American Empire Keeps Growing Stronger | Alternet
The BRICS meet in Durban, South Africa, this Tuesday to, among other steps, create their own credit rating agency, sidelining the dictatorship – or at least “biased agendas”, in New Delhi’s diplomatic take – of the Moody’s/Standard & Poor’s variety. They will also further advancethe idea of the BRICS Development Bank, with a seed capital […]
more…28 Mar, 2013
Full Text: BRICS Declaration Reflects Rise of New World Order
Indian Prime Minister’s Office, 27-March, 2013 – The following is the full text of the eThekwini Declaration and Action Plan issued after the 5th BRICS Summit in Durban, South Africa. 1. We, the leaders of the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Russian Federation, the Republic of India, the People’s Republic of China and the Republic […]
more…28 Mar, 2013
Abraaj Group exhibits extraordinary Middle Eastern art – Ahram Online
The Abraaj Group Art Prize 2013 was awarded to proposals of installations by five emerging artists from the Middle East: Iman Issa from Egypt; Hrair Sarkissian from Syria; Vartan Avakian and Rayyane Tabet from Lebanon, and Huma Mulji from Pakistan. The artists have been working with guest curator Murtaza Vali for the past six months […]
more…27 Mar, 2013
Senior churchman says Christians, Muslims need Israeli military’s OK to pray
In the run up to Easter Week, a very special time for Christians, the Patriarch pointed out that access to their holy places will be limited, difficult and in the control of the Israelis. “It is impossible for any external pressure to change anything,” he added. “Israel alone decides whether to go forward with peace […]
more…27 Mar, 2013
FREE Download: Cornell Research Centre Study on the Chinese Outbound Market
The international hotel industry has taken note of a large and rapidly growing market—Chinese travelers, who now number more than 70 million. In a study of Chinese tour operators, a new report from the Cornell Center for Hospitality Research (CHR) explores the wants and needs of this important market. Available at no charge from the […]
more…27 Mar, 2013
China’s economic slowdown puts peaceful rise in focus
SHANGHAI, March 24 (Xinhua) — An economic slowdown will be a defining feature for China in the coming decade, testing the wisdom of its new leaders and shaping future diplomacy, according to experts. The country’s economic expansion is expected to slow to a year-on-year average of 7.2 percent between 2011 and 2025, said Li Xuesong, […]
more…27 Mar, 2013
Russian oligarch exposed over Israeli citizenship | National Post
A Russian oligarch who has maintained high-level influence in Moscow since the close of the Cold War resigned his seat in Russian parliament Tuesday after the National Post revealed he held dual citizenship and had extensive assets in Canada. Vitaly Malkin tried for almost 20 years to relocate to Canada, investing millions in Toronto, but […]
more…27 Mar, 2013
Women on the move – WITX to spark new thinking on loyalty, corporate travel and authentic leadership
Singapore, 27 March 2013 — Hyatt has introduced Hyatt Has It – a service that will offer all guests essentials such as a phone charger, curling iron, steamer, yoga mat, makeup remover wipes, and razor to keep, borrow or buy. While it is aimed at all guests, a particular focus is women business travellers who […]
more…27 Mar, 2013
FREE Download: Report to help guide Australia’s Tourism Distribution Strategy
The findings of a comprehensive review of how Australian tourism product is distributed internationally have been published by Tourism Australia and its state and territory tourism partners. The “Distribution 2020: Situational Analysis” report provides industry with an overview of current distribution approaches and potential models for the future across Australia’s key holiday markets. Tourism Australia […]
more…27 Mar, 2013
Planned BRICS bank holds promise
Beijing 2013-03-26 – The feasibility of establishing a development bank and currency reserve is expected to be hot topics of discussion at the BRICS summit in Durban, South Africa, on March 26 and 27. Developmental financial cooperation has become an important issue for BRICS member states, especially for Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa, because […]
more…27 Mar, 2013
Minister Outlines Plans to Make India the Biggest Aviation Market by 2020
Ministry of Civil Aviation, 26-March, 2013 – Speaking at a function in the capital on the occasion of Aviation Day, the Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Ajit Singh said that, India would be the third largest aviation market by 2020. Addressing senior representatives of the aviation industry, Shri Ajit Singh informed that studies suggest, the […]
more…26 Mar, 2013
EU Demography Report: Ageing populations, and 40% of children born outside marriage
Brussels, Eurostat News Release, 26 March 2013: The current demographic situation in the EU27 is characterised by continuing population growth as well as by an ageing population. On 1 January 2012, the EU27 population was estimated at 503.7 million, a growth of 6% compared with 1992. Over the same period, the share of those aged […]
more…26 Mar, 2013
EU Quarterly Review: Deepening Social Crisis as Youth Joblessness Hits New Peak
Brussels, 26 March 2013, European Commission Press release – The employment and social situation in the EU remained critical in the fourth quarter of 2012 with employment receding overall and unemployment rising further, while households’ financial situation remained serious according to the European Commission’s latest Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review. The adverse effects of […]
more…26 Mar, 2013
10 CATASTROPHES: IRAQ 10 YEARS AFTER by Chandra Muzaffar
Kuala Lumpur – 10 years after the Anglo-American invasion of Iraq a number of analysts have come to the tragic conclusion that the most immoral and unjust war in recent years has generated nothing but a series of catastrophes. The 10 catastrophes that we have outlined below represent only a small portion of a horrendous […]
more…26 Mar, 2013
The 147 People Destroying the World | Alternet
Can 147 people perpetuate economic injustice – and make it even worse? Can they subvert the workings of democracy, both abroad and here in the United States? Can 147 people hijack the global economy, plunder the environment, build a world for themselves that serves the few and deprives the many? There must be some explanation […]
more…26 Mar, 2013
FREE Download: Study proposes ways to help EU attract more foreign students, researchers
Brussels, 25 March 2013, European Commission Press release – The EU needs to attract talented non-EU students and researchers who can contribute to our growth and competitiveness with their knowledge and skills. Moving to Europe temporarily is an opportunity embraced by over 200.000 students and researchers from outside the EU every year. However, far too […]
more…26 Mar, 2013
Honouring Over 15 Million Victims Of Slave Trade, UN Calls For End To Remnants Of Slavery
United Nations, Mar 25 2013 – The United Nations today honoured the memory of an estimated 15 million innocent victims who suffered over four centuries as a result of the transatlantic slave trade, while highlighting the plight of millions more who still endure the brutality of modern slavery. Speaking at the commemoration of the International […]
more…26 Mar, 2013
More revelations of Australian-Israeli spy make a mockery of global border controls
Additional investigative reporting by leading Australian and German newspapers have unearthed new details about what led to the suicide-death of Australian-Israeli spy Ben Zygier and further highlighted the security threat posed by potentially hundreds of Israeli dual-passport holders worldwide. Details of the months-long investigation initiated by Fairfax Media, publisher of the Sydney Morning Herald in […]
more…25 Mar, 2013
Indonesia’s Lion Air Now One of World’s Fastest Growing Airlines
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 25 March 2013 (13 Jumaada al-Awwal 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.
more…24 Mar, 2013
Outrage as Israelis Deny Christians Access to Jerusalem in Holy Week
RAMALLAH, March 24, 2013 (WAFA) – Member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee Hanan Ashrawi, on the holy occasion of Palm Sunday and beginning of the Holy Week in Jerusalem, spoke of her outrage at the increasing denial of entry to Jerusalem for Palestinian Christians, saying “there should not even be a question of […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
China’s media challenge in Africa: Battling the Western Perspective
2013-03-22 – Even a cursory look at the African media will reveal its uncanny similarity between Eurocentric media trends and the contours of Sub-Saharan African press, which can be attributed to historical reasons. The contact Africa has had with the West over the years has a lot to do with how the average African processes […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
India Plans 10 More Convention-Exhibition Centres
Ministry of Tourism, 22-March, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi called on Union Finance Minister Mr P. Chidambram here today and urged him for higher budgetry allocation for Tourism Ministry. Mr Chiranjeevi told the Finance Minister that the tourism sector directly and indirectly contributes to more than 6% of the GDP of the […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
China, Russia move toward full-fledged strategic partnership
MOSCOW, March 22 (Xinhua) — Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, held talks here Friday and vowed to enhance their countries’ comprehensive strategic cooperation. During their meeting in the Kremlin, Putin extended his warm welcome to Xi, and said the fact that Xi selected Russia as the first foreign country […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
Indian President’s Speech on “The Future of Indian Universities”: Help Reset the “Moral Compass”
Presidents Secretariat, 21-March, 2013 – Indian President Pranab Mukherjee delivered the following address at a conference on “The Future of Indian Universities: Comparative Perspectives on Higher Education Reforms for a Knowledge Society” hosted by O.P. Jindal Global University. The full text follows: 1. I am thankful to O.P. Jindal Global University for organising this conference. […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
India Holds National Editors Conference on Social and Infrastructure Issues
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 22-March, 2013 – The Press Information Bureau, New Delhi is organizing a two day National Editors’ Conference on Social and Infrastructure issues from March 23, 2013. The Conference will be inaugurated by the Finance Minister Mr P. Chidambaram at Vigyan Bhawan. The two day Conference will deliberate on crucial policy […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
More Chinese Returning Home from Studies Abroad
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) — A total of 272,900 Chinese students returned home after finishing their education abroad in 2012, up 46.6 percent from 2011, said a senior human resources official on Thursday. Since China’s reform and opening up began in 1978, 1.09 million Chinese who studied abroad have returned home, said Yin Weimin, minister […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
Chinese Coastal resort embraces surging Russian tourists
SANYA, March 22 (Xinhua) — Russian tourists are flocking to China’s southernmost costal resort of Sanya in Hainan Province as they seek tropical beaches and get away from their country’s winter chill. The city of Sanya is the only tropical tourist destination in China, with annual average temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius. It has seen […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
Russian, Chinese Leaders Launch “Tourism Year of China”
MOSCOW, March 23 (Xinhua) — Visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, pushed for tourism cooperation when addressing the opening ceremony of the Year of Chinese Tourism in Russia on Friday evening. Putin, the host, said in a speech that cultural cooperation forms an important part of the comprehensive strategic cooperative […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
China, Brazil to ink deal on currency swap
BEIJING, March 22 (Xinhua) — Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Friday that the People’s Bank of China (PBC) and Brazil’s Central Bank are expected to sign a currency swap accord soon. Hong made the remarks when asked to comment on remarks made on Thursday by Brazilian Trade and Industry Minister Fernando Pimentel. Pimentel said […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
India Frees up Aircraft-buying process, Need for Government approval dropped
Ministry of Civil Aviation, 21-March, 2013 — In a major decision taken by Minister of Civil Aviation, Mr Ajit Singh, the Government has done away with the control over acquisition of aircraft by scheduled and non-scheduled operators, private operators and flying training institutes. The permission for actual induction of aircraft will no longer be required […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
South Africa-China friendship association launched
JOHANNESBURG, March 21 (Xinhua) — The South Africa-China People’s Friendship Association (SACPFA) was officially launched in Johannesburg on Thursday, turning a brand new page in the history of non-governmental diplomacy between the two countries. SACPFA President Manne Dipico said at the founding ceremony that the SACPFA is the only people’s association designed to promote friendship […]
more…23 Mar, 2013
China: Three Relevations from Iraq War 10th Anniversary
Beijing, March 22, 2013, (People’s Daily Online) – March 20 marks the tenth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, amid a series of more than 20 attacks across Iraq killed 56 people between March 19 and 20. Clearly, it makes a mockery of the claim that war will bring stability and prosperity to Iraq. Nearly […]
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