16 Dec, 2012

Suspect Suspended in Air India Charters Cabin Crew Roster Malpractice Probe

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Ministry of Civil Aviation, 14-December, 2012 –  Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ajit Singh has taken a serious note of the complaints of irregularities, corruption and malpractices in the Cabin Crew Roster Section of Air India Charters Ltd. (AICL) and has ordered penal action against the officials involved. When a complaint in this regard […]

16 Dec, 2012

India, Pakistan Move to Ease Visa Curbs, Boost Bilateral Business and Trade

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New Delhi, Ministry of Home Affairs, 14-December, 2012 – Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde, Home Minister of India and Mr. A. Rehman Malik, Pakistan Interior Minister jointly operationalized the new Visa Agreement between India and Pakistan on 14 December, 2012 at New Delhi. However, the Visa-on-Arrival will come into effect from 15 January, 2013 and the Group […]

16 Dec, 2012

Indian, Chinese Real Estate Giants Sign US$1.5 billion Tie-up Deal

By Wang Ying in Shanghai (China Daily)

Shanghai, 15 Dec 2012 – The Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, a well-known commercial property developer, has decided to cooperate with Reliance Group, a large conglomerate led by the Indian billionaire Anil Ambani, to develop real estate projects in India. A worker at Wanda Plaza in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province. Dalian Wanda Group has […]

16 Dec, 2012

2013 CFO Outlook: Worry about the “Fiscal Ciff”, Curbs on Travel Costs

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– December 11, 2012 – With an eye toward seizing opportunities in 2013, a majority of senior finance executives in the U.S. plan to invest in their companies to drive growth and expect to achieve higher revenues and profits next year. In fact, a new American Express survey of 200 U.S. CFOs and […]

16 Dec, 2012

Workers in 10 Countries Call for an End to the Silencing of Workers at Walmart

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MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 14, 2012 – US Walmart workers were joined by Walmart workers in nine countries on Friday to call for an end to Walmart’s attempts to silence workers for speaking out for changes at the world’s largest employer. As Walmart workers and community supporters marched in front of a Walmart store in Miami, workers […]

15 Dec, 2012

PATA, Saved By A Crisis-Free Year, Lays Plans for 2013

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – Saved from collapse by the absence of a global crisis in 2012, the Pacific Asia Travel Association is looking ahead to 2013 with fingers crossed.  Specific plans falling into place could help it turn the corner and regain financial stability. An annual conference has been set for Bangkok between April 26-30, the annual […]

15 Dec, 2012

Soviet-style disintegration awaits US: Gorbachev

The last head of state of the former Soviet Union, Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev, has warned the US of an imminent Soviet-like collapse if Washington persists with its hegemonic policies. Speaking at a Thursday conference on the future of the Middle East and the Black Sea region in the Turkish city of Istanbul, Gorbachev noted that […]

13 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: IATA Study Sees Travel Distribution Transformed by 2017

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Geneva (IATA Media Release) 13 Dec 2012 – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the publication of an independent study identifying major trends that are transforming the travel distribution landscape. The Future of Airline Distribution – A Look Ahead to 2017 was commissioned by IATA and written by Henry H. Harteveldt, co-founder of Atmosphere […]

13 Dec, 2012

Five Tips to Eliminate Stress This Holiday Season

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ATLANTA-December 11, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–The holidays should be a time of peace and joy, at least according to the seasonal greeting cards. But the holiday season can also be a time of stress, beset by money worries, frenzied to-do lists and family tension. Stress can have a negative impact on your health, resulting in increased blood […]

13 Dec, 2012

Chinese Young Consumers Boost Online Shopping Spree

Edited and translated by Liang Jun, Huang Beibei and Ma Xi, People's Daily Online

Beijing, (People’s Daily Online / China Youth Online), December 12, 2012 – Cui Wanzhi, a 36-year-old man, owns four stores on Taobao and one store on Tmall, two websites operated by the Alibaba Group. On this years’ Singles Day, November 11, Cui’s five online shops realized some 35,000 transactions worth millions of yuan. But his […]

13 Dec, 2012

Americans Living Longer but Getting Sicker – Survey

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MINNETONKA, Minn.-  December 11, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Americans are living longer due to several medical advances, but unhealthy behavior and preventable illness threaten quality of life, according to United Health Foundation’s 2012 America’s Health Rankings®. While premature, cardiovascular and cancer deaths have declined since 1990 by 18.0 percent, 34.6 percent and 7.6 percent, respectively, Americans are experiencing troubling […]

13 Dec, 2012

10 Ways a Vacation Can Help You Live Longer – Travelocity.ca

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TORONTO- December 11, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Whether you believe in the Mayan calendar prediction that the world is ending on December 21, 2012, or you’re feeling the pressure of the upcoming holidays, Travelocity.ca wants to help you live life as stress-free as possible. The holidays can bring much joy, but they can also cause great stress, so Travelocity.ca […]

13 Dec, 2012

77% of Brand Marketers Have Blended Work and Personal Lives – Pitney Bowes Survey

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STAMFORD, Conn.-December 11, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Where do you keep your smart phone when your head hits the pillow at night? Is it within arm’s reach or tucked away in another room? According to a survey conducted by Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI) at the Direct Marketing Association’s DMA: 2012 Conference & Exhibition, 69 percent of 175 […]

13 Dec, 2012

Twelve Habits For a Healthier 2013

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PASADENA, Calif.-December 12, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Kaiser Permanente Southern California wants you to take a 12 minute break and think about how you’re going to achieve total health this New Year to become a better you! Total health means taking care of the mind, body and spirit. How we feel both mentally and spiritually influences our overall […]

13 Dec, 2012

One in Four U.S. Employees Plans to Work During 2012 Holiday Vacation – Survey

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DENVER- December 12, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Holiday vacations usually mean lazy days spent lounging around a fire, eating big dinners with family and friends, and maybe even hitting the slopes or escaping to a secluded tropical beach. But for some it also includes responding to work emails, catching up on lingering projects, and keeping the boss at bay. […]

13 Dec, 2012

In Bad Economy, Cost is All That Counts, Airline Perks Matter Little, Qualtrics Survey Shows

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PROVO, Utah-December 12, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Qualtrics,  a global provider of enterprise data collection and survey software, today released the results of a Holiday Travel Survey that show a continued staggering economy is forcing big discounts to the top of the wish list for this year’s holiday travellers. Qualtrics partnered with Research Now to survey more than […]

13 Dec, 2012

India Sets Visa Rules for Pakistan Cricket Fans

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Ministry of Home Affairs, 11-December, 2012 — Central Government has granted permission for hosting the India-Pakistan Cricket series involving 3 One day internationals and 2 Twenty-20 matches from 25th December, 2012 to 6th January, 2013 in India. It has been decided that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would send 50 VIP tickets […]

13 Dec, 2012

Turkey supports Palestine to join UN agencies: Palestinian FM

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RAMALLAH, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) — Turkey will support Palestine, now a non-member observer state in the United Nations, to join other bodies of the international organization, Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister Riad al-Maliki said Wednesday. Turkey offered the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) a team of experts to advise on legal and political dimensions and what steps […]

13 Dec, 2012

Five Unbelievably Creepy Surveillance Tactics | Alternet

Since the erosion of Americans’ civil liberties depends on high levels of public apathy, some of the most dangerous privacy breaches take place incrementally and under the radar; if it invites comparisons to Blade Runner or Orwell, then someone in the PR department didn’t do their job. Meanwhile, some of the biggest threats to privacy, […]

13 Dec, 2012

China: U.S. “Double Standards Harmful to Mideast Peace”

People's Daily Online Editorial

December 12, 2012 – The international conference concerning the establishment of a free zone of nuclear weapons or other mass destruction weapons in the Middle East was originally scheduled to be held in Helsinki from Dec. 18 to Dec. 20. The international community wants to help reduce security threats in the Middle East and inject […]

13 Dec, 2012

China Upgrades Rights for Foreigners Who Get Residency

By CHEN XIN

BEIJING, Dec.12 (Xinhuanet / Chinadaily.com.cn) —  Foreigners who obtain permanent residency will have the same pension, employment and property rights as Chinese citizens, under new regulations announced on Tuesday. Access to schools for their children will also be on par with Chinese citizens the rules endorsed by central government departments in September state. The only rights […]

13 Dec, 2012

Sunflower brings beauty, profit to small town in central Thailand

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BANGKOK, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — At this time of the year, Chong Sarika, a small town in Lopburi province, some 150 kilometers north of this capital city, comes alive as the golden hue of sunflowers that are in bloom covers the entire town. The small town in central Thailand is now dubbed as the ” […]

12 Dec, 2012

Parents ‘should drink alcohol less in front of their children’ – The Independent

Parents should drink less in front of their children if they want to prevent their offspring becoming binge drinkers, a new report suggests today. The authors of research by the think-tank Demos said it was “not enough” for parents to wait until their children were in bed before opening the bottle, because their interviews suggested […]

12 Dec, 2012

Campaign To Avoid Infant Formula: 86 Nations Pledge to Protect Every Feeding Mother

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New Delhi, December 10 (World Breastfeeding Conference News Release): After the three day-long extensive conference, 86 countries including more than 100 representatives from 50 Governments, 30 UN representatives and 150 civil society groups successfully concluded the future strategies to put breastfeeding on the global agenda and pledged to protect every feeding mother. The Valedictory ceremony […]

12 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: ILO Report on Global Employment Trends for Women 2012

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GENEVA, 11 December 2012 (ILO News) – Women face higher unemployment rates than men globally, with no improvements likely in the coming years, according to an International Labour Organisation report. The ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Women 2012 (click on the link to download free) looks at gender gaps in unemployment, employment, labour force participation, vulnerability, […]

12 Dec, 2012

ASEAN, BRICS Surge Set to Help Thai Tourism Cross 20 Million Mark

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – Significant increases in arrivals from the ASEAN countries, China, Russia and India have helped the Thai tourism industry chalk up 19.7 million visitors in January-November 2012, up 13.57% over Jan-Nov 2011, according to latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism & Sports. Brazil and South Africa, the remaining two BRICS countries which […]

11 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: Accenture Global Consumer Survey

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec 5 2012 – In 2012, one in five consumers switched companies they buy from, including wireless phone, internet service, and retailers, according to new research released today by Accenture (NYSE: ACN). This marks a five percent increase in switching over 2011 levels. However, the eighth annual Accenture Global Consumer Survey also found […]

11 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: AirPlus Survey Outlook 2013

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ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE) — December 05, 2012 – In the latest edition of The Wire…from AirPlus, 97 corporate travel managers from the United States and Europe share their opinions about the issues that will most impact the corporate travel industry in 2013.  The Wire…from AirPlus is a monthly pulse report for the business travel industry […]

11 Dec, 2012

Chinese Official Hopes India Will Not Be “Wooed Or Ordered By Anyone Else”

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo has given an interview to the resident correspondent in Beijing from Press Trust of India, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The full text of the interview is as follows: Editor’s Note Future relations between India and China will be a critical factor in […]

11 Dec, 2012

ADB to Assist Member Nations in Implementing Islamic Finance Standards

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MANILA, 11 December 2012 (ADB News Release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will help grow access to Islamic finance in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan with a $750,000 technical assistance (TA) grant to help implement prudential standards developed by the Islamic Finances Services Board (IFSB). “Islamic finance can provide access to the unbanked and […]

11 Dec, 2012

Shanghai Joins Beijing in 72-hour Visa-free Stay for Transit Travellers

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhuanet and cntv.com) — Shanghai will allow transit passengers from 45 countries to stay in the city for up to 72 hours without a visa, following a similar announcement by Beijing. Shanghai’s municipal authorities said the transit policy was recently approved by the State Council. The city has already been offering certain […]

10 Dec, 2012

Al-Ahram Arts Centre Opens in Cairo With Century of Egyptian Art

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 10 December 2012 (26 Muharram 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. Watch Islamic Travel Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil’s landmark TEDx lecture on Peace through Tourism. Click […]

10 Dec, 2012

Indian Vice-President’s Lecture on “Virtue in Public Life” Tackles Corruption, Governance

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Following is the text of address by the Vice President of India, Prof M. Hamid Ansari at the Annual Bhimsen Sachar Memorial Lecture on ‘Virtue in Public Life’ organised by Servants of People Society & Bhimsen Sachar Memorial Committee here on 07 December, 2012: ============= I deem it a privilege to be invited to deliver […]

10 Dec, 2012

British rule was crime against humanity: author ‘corrects’ history – Hindustan Times

This is a powerful indictment of what passes off euphemistically as the benevolent Raj. British colonial rule of India and China (two countries under study), author Rajendra Prasad says, was nothing short of a terrible crime against humanity. In what is undoubtedly a path-breaking study, Prasad dives into newspapers, books, pamphlets, booklets, journals, confidential notes, […]

9 Dec, 2012

Bollywood favourite Sabyasachi pushes sari revival | GulfNews.com

As the platform-heeled models sashay past the flash of cameras to the sound of U2, Sabyasachi Mukherjee surveys the progress of his campaign to drag the sari from the back of the closet onto the catwalk. “Too many women think of the sari as something that is very backward and not cool,” said the award-winning […]

9 Dec, 2012

First Forum on BRICS Economies Charts Way Forward, Mulls Development Bank

(People's Daily Online)

Beijing, December 07, 2012  – The first Forum on the Economic Situations of BRICS Countries was held in Beijing on Dec. 4, and attended by about 200 diplomats, officials, experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs from 26 countries and regions. They had an in-depth discussion of the economic situations and prospects of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, […]

9 Dec, 2012

Work/Life Balance Incentives to Become as Coveted as Monetary Perks in 2013

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SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)– December 06, 2012 — Fierce, Inc., leadership development and training experts, today announces its predictions for management and business communications for 2013. These predictions are based upon the company’s training experiences with organizations ranging from global Fortune-level businesses to startups and non-profits across the country. Fierce expects to see business communications and leadership methods continue to be dominated by the […]

9 Dec, 2012

College Grads Warned About Their Online Profiles, Digital Baggage Could Hurt Job Chances

AMSTERDAM & SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–College graduates in the U.S. who display drunken photos on their social media profiles reduce their chances of securing an interview by 84 percent, AVG Technologies’ latest Digital Diaries study reveals. The study of human resources professionals in the states, also found that more than 90 percent of them search for […]

9 Dec, 2012

UCLA Lists the Hot Jobs for 2013 in the U.S.

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LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)– December 05, 2012 – Some of America’s best jobs for growth, advancement and salary increases in 2013 are in informational technology, engineering, health care, finance, construction, and management, according to recent government and private industry reports. The key to success in 2013 and beyond, according to UCLA Extension, is a sound career […]

9 Dec, 2012

Health Net Offers Ways to Help Make 2013 a Year of Good Health

LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 07, 2012 — Leading a healthy lifestyle tops many Americans’ lists of New Year’s resolutions. But exactly what defines good health? As calendars will soon be turning to 2013, Health Net, Inc.(NYSE: HNT) is sharing several important questions and answers that should be reviewed before embarking on any health-improvement program. “We all […]

9 Dec, 2012

Dentsu Announces “2012 Hit Products in Japan”: Smartphones Lead for 3rd Year in a Row

TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 07, 2012 –Dentsu Inc. announced today the release of its “2012 Hit Products in Japan” report. Produced as part of a series that has been chronicling hit products since 1985, the latest report examines and generalizes major trends that represented the consumer mindset in 2012. It is based on an Internet survey of […]

9 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: Ford Motors’ Inaugural Trend Report On Key Consumer Insights for 2013

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NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Ford is releasing its first-ever trend report, Looking Further with Ford, revealing predictions about consumer habits and behaviors expected to shape 2013 and beyond. From the return of trust in companies and brands to the rise of personal accountability, global data from Ford’s trend report suggest the year […]

9 Dec, 2012

EU Issues e-commerce Warning About Buying Games, Books, Videos or Music On-line

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Brussels, 6 December 2012, European Commission, Press release – Just in time for the holidays and gifts shopping season, the European Commission today publishes the results of an EU wide screening of websites selling games, books, videos and music which can be downloaded to a computer or mobile device. The check shows that over 75% […]

9 Dec, 2012

European Commission Issues New Guidelines to Remind Staff of Whistleblowing “Obligations”

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Brussels, 6 December 2012, European Commission Press release – The Commission has today adopted new guidelines on whistleblowing to encourage staff to come forward and report any information pointing to corruption, fraud and other serious irregularities that they discover in the line of duty. The EU already has some of the strictest whistleblowing rules in […]

9 Dec, 2012

Noam Chomsky: What the American Media Won’t Tell You About Israel | Alternet

December 3, 2012 – An old man in Gaza held a placard that read: “You take my water, burn my olive trees, destroy my house, take my job, steal my land, imprison my father, kill my mother, bombard my country, starve us all, humiliate us all, but I am to blame: I shot a rocket […]

9 Dec, 2012

120 Malaysian Volunteers Enter Gaza To Provide Aid

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Gaza Strip (Palestine), Dec 7 (NNN-Bernama) – One hundred and twenty Malaysians volunteers have entered the Gaza Strip as members of the Aman Palestin Solidarity Mission 2012 to deliver donations costing RM1.8 million. The volunteers, among them professionals, artistes and students, entered the Gaza Strip at 5.40 pm local time (11.40 pm Malaysian time) Thursday […]

9 Dec, 2012

Chinese Commentary: US Has No Right to Frequently Disturb the World

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(People’s Daily Online) December 06, 2012 – The U.S. Republican and Democratic parties have not made any substantive progress in the first round of fiscal cliff talks, arousing worries that the country may fall off the fiscal cliff. The stalled budget talks reflect significant differences between the two parties’ governance styles. Objectively speaking, U.S. politicians […]

8 Dec, 2012

Chinese ‘Top 10 Concerns’ Survey Reflects People’s Anxiety

Imtiaz Muqbil

HEFEI, ( Xinhua) 2012-12-07 – A survey on what Chinese men and women worry about these days has revealed a gender divide, as male respondents reported worrying about not having enough money while female respondents said they fret about aging. Twenty million Internet users responded to the survey carried out by Chinese search engine Baidu, which […]

8 Dec, 2012

The Demographic Challenge: Older Americans Worry About Being “Thrown Over Economic Cliff”

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WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Pennsylvania volunteers and staff today met with members of the state’s Congressional delegation and other key members of Congress involved in the lame duck discussions to avert a so-called “fiscal cliff.”  The AARP volunteers and staff urged the members of Congress not […]

8 Dec, 2012

An 116-Year-Old’s Secrets for Longevity

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12/6/2012 (Source: AARP Blog) – Besse Brown Cooper, who passed away at age 116 on Dec. 4 in Georgia, was remarkable not just because she was the oldest person on the planet, but because she was for long one of the healthiest. Cooper, who was born in 1896 in Tennessee and lived in a log cabin […]

8 Dec, 2012

National Geographic Unveils New Phase of Genographic Project: Grant Applications Sought

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WASHINGTON (Dec. 5, 2012)—The National Geographic Society today announced the next phase of its Genographic Project — the multiyear global research initiative that uses DNA to map the history of human migration. Building on seven years of global data collection, Genographic continues to shine new light on humanity’s collective past, yielding tantalizing clues about humankind’s […]

8 Dec, 2012

US$6 billion Election bill: What a Waste of Corporate Money

JURIST Guest Columnist Ciara Torres-Spelliscy

JURIST Guest Columnist Ciara Torres-Spelliscy of the Stetson University College of Law discusses the proposed statutory and regulatory reforms that could curb the rising levels of spending by corporations in political campaigns… Source: JURIST – Forum, Dec. 3, 2012, http://jurist.org/forum/2012/12/torres-spelliscy-campaign-finance.php . The US has just gone through its most expensive election ever. The projected price […]

8 Dec, 2012

Pew Research Center: Anti-Americanism Down in Europe, but a Values Gap Persists

By Richard Wike, Associate Director, Pew Global Attitudes Project

Released: December 4, 2012 – Europeans generally reacted to President Obama’s re-election with a mixture of excitement and relief, just as they did four years ago. For many across the Atlantic, Obama’s 2008 victory signaled the end of the Bush-era estrangement between the U.S. and its Western allies, and the emergence of an America that […]

8 Dec, 2012

Archbishop Tutu Awarded 2012 UNESCO/Bilbao Prize for Promoting Human Rights

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PARIS, (UnescoPress) 28.11.2012 – UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, has designated Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu from South Africa as laureate of the 2012 UNESCO/Bilbao Prize for the Promotion of a Culture of Human Rights. Archbishop Desmond Tutu was selected by an International Jury in recognition of his exceptional contribution to building a universal culture of human […]

8 Dec, 2012

Beijing to Give 72-hour Transit Visas for 45 Nationalities As of Jan 1, 2013

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BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) — Air travelers, including U.S. businessman David Brockman, are set to benefit from the announcement that Beijing will start a 72-hour visa-free stay policy for citizens of 45 countries in 2013. The move will bring much convenience to the likes of Brockman, who frequently flies to China, as getting a visa […]

8 Dec, 2012

Shashi Tharoor: “Most Important Way To Improve the World – Educate Girls”

Shashi Tharoor

Speech Delivered by Dr Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, India, on “Educating Women—The Quest for Equality” at the 18th Justice Sunanda Bhandare Memorial Lecture on 5 December 2012 It is a matter of great privilege for me to have been invited to deliver the 18th Justice Sunanda Bhandare Memorial Lecture. I […]

6 Dec, 2012

Advice Website Cites Three Most Common Travel Scams

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(PRWEB) December 05, 2012 – A2Z Vacations offers tips and advice to help its members make the most of their experiences throughout the year. This time of the year can be especially difficult. As top destinations fill with tourists from around the world, they also fill with less than honest people out to take advantage […]

6 Dec, 2012

Browsers/Apps More Popular than Swipe/Tap Method for Mobile Holiday Purchasing

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Worthington, OH (PRWEB) December 05, 2012 – Not only will holiday shoppers be using smartphones and tablets for “showrooming” this holiday season—many also plan to make purchases directly from their devices. Just under half of Mobile Users (45.0%) say they are somewhat or very likely to make a purchase this holiday season using a mobile […]

6 Dec, 2012

Social Cruise Review Website First to Offer “Verified Reviews”

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New York City (PRWEB) December 05, 2012 – Cruiseline.com, the  social cruise review website community allowing consumers to post and read reviews as well as interact with each other in forums about cruise-related topics, was launched today. Cruiseline.com boasts 36,000 current reviews of which 18,000 are verified cruise reviews. Verified cruise reviews offer consumers objective, […]

6 Dec, 2012

Study Shows National Aquarium Generates $319.6m in economic impact for Baltimore, Maryland, District of Columbia

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Baltimore, Maryland (PRWEB) December 05, 2012 – National Aquarium continues to be a major economic force for the Baltimore City, the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia, supporting $319.6 million in annual economic impact and 3,347 jobs as evidenced in a 2012 economic impact study conducted by Sage Policy Group, Inc. (Sage) that […]

6 Dec, 2012

Revealed: US, UK launched 1,200 drone strikes in recent wars

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Recent conflicts in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq have seen almost 1,200 drone strikes over the past five years, according to new data released to the Bureau. The information, much of it classified until now, shows that US Air Force drones carried out most of the 1,168 attacks. However British crews are also responsible for a […]

6 Dec, 2012

UNESCO’s Latest 31 Additions to Intangible Heritage List To Preserve Art, Music & Traditions

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PARIS, More than 600 experts, officials and practitioners from more than 110 countries met at UNESCO Headquarters from 3 to 7 December to take stock of the world’s intangible cultural heritage and the global measures underway to safeguard it. The 24 members of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage are taking […]

6 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: Maritime Transport 2012 Identifies Key Trends, Challenges

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Geneva, 4 December 2012 – A glut of new carrying capacity — and declining rates and levels of competition — are continuing and worrisome trends among firms providing maritime transport, UNCTAD’s annual survey of the shipping industry reveals. World seaborne trade – a measure of demand for shipping, port and logistics services – climbed by […]

6 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: State of Australian Cities Report 2012

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Canberra, Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, 04 December 2012 – While Australia’s major cities remain among the world’s most liveable and are increasingly powered by the knowledge industries of the future, they are also more than ever being affected by extreme weather events and struggling to house the continuing influx of new residents. These are […]

6 Dec, 2012

TSA creating all new watch list for Americans

Being absent from a federal no-fly list might not mean you won’t be hassled the next time you enter an US airport. The Transportation and Security Administration is constructing a new list of known “low risk” passengers. According to the November 19 Federal Register newsletter put out by the US government, the TSA is trying […]

5 Dec, 2012

“Big Brother” Grows Bigger: Online Public Records Search Available for Adults in All 50 U.S. States

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Detroit, Michigan (PRWEB) December 04, 2012 — Public records are one thing that leave a paper trail that can be documented. The Inteligator company is now offering its public records search tool online for adults to use. This service is available in all 50 states although not all states release all forms of public data. […]

5 Dec, 2012

Agoda Launches New App for iPad

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Singapore (PRWEB) December 04, 2012 – Hotel booking website Agoda.com, part of Nasdaq-listed Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), has built on the success of its iPhone app with the release of its iPad app, designed specifically to take advantage of Apple’s groundbreaking portable tablet. Available now for free in the iTunes store, the iPad app lets […]

5 Dec, 2012

China Moves to Expand Confucius Institutes Worldwide

By Qu Yingpu, Zhao Huanxin and Cheng Yingqi (China Daily)

Beijing, 2012-12-03 – Confucius, the ancient Chinese teacher and philosopher, was renowned for many things, including extensive travels during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). It is little wonder that those affiliated with the institutes that have taken his name are similarly itinerant. While Confucius preached moral codes and ways of governance, the Confucius […]

5 Dec, 2012

India Set to Host 130m People for Kumbh Mela 2013, World’s Largest Spiritual Gathering

Imtiaz Muqbil

ALLAHABAD, India – A World Parliament of Religions and an International Conference on Ayurveda & Yoga are to be among the highlights of the Kumbh Mela, a spectacular commemoration of Hindu and Indian spirituality, culture and heritage to be held between January to mid-February 2013. Held every 12 years, this unique event is expected to […]

4 Dec, 2012

As U.S. Population Ages, So Does Religiousness – Survey

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Editor’s Note: Ageing populations will lead to growing interest in religions and travel for religious reasons. This Gallup poll report indicates that the linkage between age and religious interest is now being tracked, especially in order to monitor the social and political impact it could have in the United States. The same trend will duplicate […]

4 Dec, 2012

Holiday Smartphone Buying and Safety Tips for Parents

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OVERLAND PARK, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Smartphones are sure to top many teens’ and tweens’ holiday wish lists. According to Nielsen, American teenagers between 13 and 17 years old demonstrate the most dramatic increase in U.S. smartphone adoption, growing from 36 percent of teens who own mobile phones saying they owned a smartphone in July 2011 to 58 […]

4 Dec, 2012

Chinese Sports Boss: Big events aren’t for everyone

By Sun Xiaochen in Ninghai, Zhejiang province

2012-12-03 (China Daily) – Holding major sporting events is not a panacea for every city in China, a top sports official has warned. Inspired by the Olympic legacy of Beijing, from which mass fitness campaigns and related business ventures have thrived since the 2008 Games, more and more cities have embraced major sports events, public […]

4 Dec, 2012

Eight habits that accelerate brain aging – People’s Daily Online

According to Doctor of Medicine Kato Toshinori, a famous Japanese expert in brain image diagnosis, the following bad habits will threaten to strain the brain and accelerate its aging. Read the rest: Eight habits that accelerate brain aging – People’s Daily Online.

3 Dec, 2012

Saudi female blogger: Why don’t men cover their faces?

My cousin and I are staring outside the window. We are looking at the garden where my male cousin and his friends are playing. This is the garden where we used to play together. They used to be our friends once upon a time, these are the boys we used to play with. But what […]

3 Dec, 2012

Paris Institute Exhibit Marks “25 Years of Arab Creativity”

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 03 December 2012 (19 Muharram 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

3 Dec, 2012

Africa: Unmasking Racist World Bank – allAfrica.com

This article is about the twin evils that have bedeviled the World Bank’s relationship with Africa as a continent and Africans as human beings. The first is structural: it concerns a ‘democracy deficit’ in the bank’s governance architecture that has denied Africa a voice in the institution’s boardroom. The second is cultural: it involves institutional […]

3 Dec, 2012

Australian Paedophile Flees Sri Lanka

BERNARD McGRATH, the Australian paedophile wanted by a NSW court on more than 250 child sex charges, has again escaped law enforcement agencies, fleeing Sri Lanka this week. McGrath, wanted since June, was reportedly living on a tea plantation in the highlands of Sri Lanka, having skipped out of New Zealand ahead of an order […]

2 Dec, 2012

Rio de Janeiro Inaugurates the World’s Tallest Floating Christmas Tree

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The 17th Bradesco Seguros Christmas Tree, the world’s tallest floating Christmas tree, according to the Guinness Book of Records, was inaugurated Saturday night, December 1st, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with a free major event that included world-renowned Brazilian singers Simone and Emilio Santiago. With this year’s […]

1 Dec, 2012

Spend it again, Sam – People’s Daily Online

Don’t be distressed if you had missed the world’s largest online shopping spree on Nov 11, when Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group alone reported sales of 19.1 billion yuan ($3.06 billion) on the unofficial “Singles’ Day”. Chinese e-retailers are keen to have another shopping festival soon – after the spending frenzy that produced about three […]

1 Dec, 2012

China: Five reasons why US universal values are not working in Mideast

People's Daily Online Commentary

December 01, 2012 – In 2012, the United States has been suffering repeated setbacks in its strategies in the Middle East. Firstly, it has a decline in the soft power and a loss of support of local people. According to mass observation of U.S. Zogby Company, 78 percent of Arabians hate the United States and […]

1 Dec, 2012

US won’t follow Israel ‘like a stupid mule’ – Brzezinski — RT

In the event that Israel attacks Iran before Iran crosses the US red line, Zbigniew Brzezinski does not think there is any “implicit obligation” for the US “to follow, like a stupid mule, whatever the Israelis do.” “If they decide to start a war, simply on the assumption that we will be automatically drawn into […]

1 Dec, 2012

Camera Insurance – Top Tips for Using a Camera Abroad

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(PRWEB UK) 30 November 2012 — With winter upon us, the Camera Insurance team were discussing holidays, and how often people take cameras abroad with them. Whilst getting great photographs of a trip is important, it is also important to remember some basic safety advice. Here are some top tips to protecting photography equipment whilst […]

1 Dec, 2012

Health Insurance Advisory for India’s USA-Bound Worldwide Visitors

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Orlando, FL (PRWEB) November 30, 2012 – India Network Foundation, sponsor of Accident and Sickness Insurance programs for visitors to the US, announced today a travel alert to seniors visiting abroad to carefully review contract language to ensure the highest level of medical insurance claims when visiting the United States. A recent examination of India […]

1 Dec, 2012

Tips to Avoid Holiday Translation Errors

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Brno, Czech Republic (PRWEB) November 30, 2012 – Online translations have come a long way, but not far enough to send reliable holiday greetings without a little help from Santa’s linguistic elves. With the wrong translation, your holiday messages can quickly become a lump of coal. Translate “happy holidays” from English to French using an […]

1 Dec, 2012

Nine New Model Principles of “Active Aging” Unveiled

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Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) November 30, 2012 — A new model of active aging was introduced today by the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) at the ICAA Conference 2012 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Established in 2001, ICAA has led, connected and defined the active-aging industry for the past 11 years. The association’s new, industry-shifting model—the […]

1 Dec, 2012

U.S.Workers Call for a Fair Share of National Wealth

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New York, NY (PRWEB) November 30, 2012 – Statement by Andrew Friedman, Executive Director of the Center for Popular Democracy: Recent weeks have seen extremely courageous efforts by America’s most vulnerable and exploited workers to stand up for themselves and their families. Workers at fast food giants like [McDonald’s, at Walmart warehouses and stores, and […]

30 Nov, 2012

Booz Allen Lists Top 10 Financial Services Cyber Risk Trends for 2013

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE), November 29, 2012 – Ask any customer what they expect from their bank or financial services firm today, and two words come through loudly and clearly: security and privacy. Commercial and institutional customers have come to expect seamless service, properly cleared transactions and fast, accurate information. But news about major cybersecurity breaches […]

30 Nov, 2012

7 biggest mysteries of human body

Like all other female apes, women’s breasts fill with milk when they have newborn babies to feed. But female humans alone have bloated bosoms at all other times, too. Scientists can’t agree on what ― or who ― our “permanently enlarged breasts” are for. Most evolutionary biologists think breasts serve the purpose of attracting men, […]

29 Nov, 2012

WMO Report: Record Arctic Sea Ice Melt, Multiple Extremes and High Temperatures in 2012

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GENEVA/DOHA, 28 November 2012 (WMO)  –  The years 2001–2011 were all among the  warmest on record, and, according to the World Meteorological Organization, the first ten months indicate that 2012 will most likely be no exception despite the cooling influence of La Niña early in the year. WMO’s provisional annual statement on the state of […]

29 Nov, 2012

Nobel Peace laureates call for Israel military boycott over Gaza assault

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November 28, 2012 – A group of Nobel peace prize-winners, prominent artists and activists have issued a call for an international military boycott of Israel following its assault on the Gaza Strip this month, according to a report by Chris McGreal at Guardian UK. The letter also denounces the US, EU and several developing countries for what it describes […]

29 Nov, 2012

World AIDS Day Message: Business Leaders Seek End To HIV Travel Curbs

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United Nations, Nov 28 2012 (UN News) – In a move jointly sponsored by the United Nations agency dealing with the global HIV/AIDS response, more than 40 top business leaders today called for the repeal of laws and policies restricting freedom of movement of people living with HIV. “Every individual should have equal access to […]

29 Nov, 2012

States Have Obligation To Eliminate Violence Against Women – UN

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United Nations, Nov 28 2012 (UN News) — Countries have a responsibility to implement national policies to end violence against women, United Nations officials stressed today, adding that urgent action is needed to stop one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. “Each and every State has an obligation to develop or improve the […]

29 Nov, 2012

Soccer Stars Help Launch UN-Inter Milan Partnership To Help Young People

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United Nations, Nov 28 2012 – Soccer stars Luis Figo and Francesco Toldo were at the United Nations today for the launch of a new partnership between the world body and the charitable organization Inter Campus, which the Italian soccer team Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan) runs to help disadvantaged youth. The retired players spoke of […]

29 Nov, 2012

Middle East Headed for Unpredictable Future, U.N. Security Council Told

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United Nations, 27 Nov 2012 (UN Dept of Public Information) – Following the Gaza escalation, which last week brought the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the “brink of a crisis that could have engulfed the region”, it was more vital than ever not only to bring a sustainable end to violence, but to achieve a fair and […]

29 Nov, 2012

Free Download: IBM Analytics Report Shows Black Friday Retail Surge

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ARMONK, N.Y., Nov. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — According to IBM (NYSE: IBM), US shoppers once again took advantage of early promotions this holiday season, driving a 17.4 percent increase in online sales Thanksgiving Day. This increase set the stage for 20.7 percent growth on Black Friday.  The biggest surge came from mobile consumers, with sales […]

29 Nov, 2012

Reading, Writing and Playing Games May Help Aging Brains Stay Healthy

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CHICAGO, Nov. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Mental activities like reading and writing can preserve structural integrity in the brains of older people, according to a new study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). While previous research has shown an association between late-life cognitive activity and better mental acuity, […]

29 Nov, 2012

Fetal Alcohol Exposure Affects Brain Structure in Children

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CHICAGO, Nov. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Children exposed to alcohol during fetal development exhibit changes in brain structure and metabolism that are visible using various imaging techniques, according to a new study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Alcohol use by expectant mothers can lead to problems […]

28 Nov, 2012

Carter & Brundtland: A Vote for Palestine Is a Vote for the Rule of Law

By GRO HARLEM BRUNDTLAND and JIMMY CARTER

Op-Ed Contributor Column published in the New York Times: November 25, 2012 If the recent rocket attacks on Israel and Israeli air strikes on Gaza tell us anything, it is that the status quo in the Middle East is not a safe choice for Israelis or Palestinians. In the current political climate, it is highly […]

28 Nov, 2012

Attn: Students. Airbus call for entries in €30,000 “Fly Your Ideas” challenge

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Students wanting to help shape the future of flight still have time to take part in the global Airbus Fly Your Ideas challenge. Airbus is asking students worldwide to develop ideas for a more sustainable aviation industry. The winners will share the top prize of €30,000; the runners-up €15,000. Those wanting to get involved can […]

28 Nov, 2012

Jakarta faces massive layoffs following salary hike: The Jakarta Post

The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) has said that at least 10,000 workers could lose their jobs when the Jakarta administration implements the new minimum wage at Rp 2.2 million (US$228) next year. Apindo wages and social security division head Hariyadi Sukamdani said Tuesday that the 44 percent increase would hit employers hard. “Until now, 100 […]