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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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28 Nov, 2012

New curriculum to focus on religion, civics and history : The Jakarta Post

The Education and Culture Ministry and the House of Representatives Commission X overseeing education and youth affairs have agreed that the new curriculum for 2013 will focus more on the character building of students. Although Commission X has yet to approve the content of a draft prepared by the ministry, chairman of the commission Agus […]

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27 Nov, 2012

Global Internet User Survey Reveals Attitudes, Usage, and Behavior

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WASHINGTON & GENEVA, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A worldwide survey of more than 10,000 Internet users in 20 countries conducted by the Internet Society revealed attitudes towards the Internet and user behavior online. The Global Internet User Survey is one of the broadest surveys of Internet user attitudes on key issues facing the Internet. This year’s survey covered […]

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26 Nov, 2012

Rising World Power India Promotes Word Power at Bangkok Literary Forum

Imtiaz Muqbil was the only travel industry journalist to cover this inaugural event

Bangkok – Three well-known Indian authors in English, Amitav Ghosh, Jahnavi Barua, and Vikas Swarup, made stellar presentations at the first international conference organised in Bangkok to build literary bridges between South and Southeast Asia. Although the event’s theme topic was “Indian Writing in English,” the discussions became a sweeping examination of the changes shaping […]

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26 Nov, 2012

Listing of “World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims” Published

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 26 November 2012 (12 Muharram 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

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25 Nov, 2012

Everyone Pays the Price of America’s Failed Palestinian Policy

Yousef Munayyer, Executive Director, The Jerusalem Fund

November 23, 2012 – More than 160 Palestinians and 5 Israelis are dead, and as the smoke clears over Gaza, the Israelis will not be more secure and Palestinians’ hopes for self-determination remain dashed. It is time for a significant re-evaluation of the American policies that have contributed to this morass. The failure of America’s […]

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25 Nov, 2012

ASEAN leaders agree to 12-month extension of deadline for regional integration

Leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations Asean have agreed to extend the deadline to realize economic, political and social integration among the 10 countries to the end of 2015 from the originally-envisioned Jan 1, 2015. The extended timeframe, coming amidst increasing pressure on Asia as the global economy wobbles, reflects sober assessment […]

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24 Nov, 2012

US$5,000 App Challenge Targets Increased Socio-Economic Inclusion

International Telecommunications Union

Dubai, 22 November, 2012 – A cash prize of USD 5,000 is offered to the winner of a new ITU Application Challenge seeking to uncover apps extending the reach of mobile health, mobile money, e-learning, e-government and intelligent transport systems. The ICT Innovation Application Challenge aims to promote sustainable, equitable economic growth in emerging economies by unearthing […]

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24 Nov, 2012

Nov 25: New Initiatives Mark Int’l Day to End Violence Against Women

Compiled and edited by Imtiaz Muqbil

United Nations, 20 November—In her message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November, UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet is calling for bold action and decisive leadership to galvanize efforts to end the pandemic of violence against women and girls, which claims more casualties and victims than terrorism. [See […]

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22 Nov, 2012

10 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka, and Contribute to Peace, Jobs & Reconciliation

Imtiaz Muqbil visited Sri Lanka between Nov 16-21 as a guest of Jetwing Hotels Chairman Hiran Cooray

Colombo — The historic transition towards an Asian Century is generating a treasure trove of both symbolic and real images of the shift from swords-to-plowshares. One of the most thought-provoking is the conversion of Sri Lanka’s former military headquarters in a prime location on the Colombo seafront into an area for mega-projects. Once dotted with […]

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20 Nov, 2012

The REAL America Rises: Report Weighs Ethics & Costs of Generals Turning Consultants

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE) – November 19, 2012 – Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and Brave New Foundation released Strategic Maneuvers, a new report and short film revealing the extent of the Pentagon’s revolving door phenomenon, in which retired high-ranking generals and admirals cash in on their years of military experience by taking […]

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20 Nov, 2012

China Seeks to Create a Positive Image for its Globe-Trotting Tourists

By Tiffany Tan and Liu Xiangrui (China Daily)

Chinese are said to be the world’s second worst tourists, after Americans. Tiffany Tan and Liu Xiangrui find there is some truth to the accusation, but the situation is improving as more Chinese travel abroad. Beijing, November 19, 2012 – In September, a flight carrying 200 people from Zurich to Beijing had to turn around […]

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19 Nov, 2012

Free Download: Fifth OIC Annual Report on Islamophobia

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 19 November 2012 (05 Muharram 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story.

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17 Nov, 2012

Tips From Bangkok’s Best Tailor: 5 Defining Factors to Look Good In A Suit

Raja Gulati

Dressing well isn’t calculus. Yet many men are bad at it. Why this is so is men are missing the basic knowledge about it and the audacity to not be swayed by recent fad. Having said that let’s look into what the 5 critical defining factors are: Good fit. Without a doubt, this is the […]

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17 Nov, 2012

Christian Leaders in Palestine Call on Europe to Support UN Bid

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BETHLEHEM, November 15, 2012 (WAFA) – 100 Christian community leaders in the holy land called on European countries, Thursday in a statement published on Kairo Palestine wire, to support Palestine’s bid to become a non-member state in the United Nations. Hereby is the full statement: Palestine, the Holy Land is our homeland. Our roots here […]

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16 Nov, 2012

Memo to President Obama in Asia: You Won the Nobel Peace Prize, Now Earn it

An Open Letter from Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil

Welcome to Asia and Thailand, my adopted country. It is apt that you should begin your second term in office by coming first to three Buddhist-majority countries, all of which will play a major role in the future of the Asian Century. Your primary agenda, to promote the interests of the American people, may be […]

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15 Nov, 2012

Work set to roll in 2013 on Laos-China railway

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Vientiane, Vientiane Times, 15 Nov 2012 – Construction of the US$7 billion high-speed railway linking Vientiane to the Laos-China border is set to kick off next year, with the project scheduled for completion in 2018, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Deputy Minister Latta-namany Khounnyvong told Vientiane Times on Thursday that Laos […]

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15 Nov, 2012

European Travel Commission Report Shows How Poor Economies are Impacting Travel

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Brussels, 14 November 2012 – The European Travel Commission (ETC) has just published its third quarterly report on European Tourism in 2012 – Trends & Prospects. The report shows that people are still travelling but downtrading both in terms of expenditure and trips. There is much uncertainty ahead. The full report can be downloaded free by […]

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14 Nov, 2012

Early Warning Alert Nov 29: Next Global Crisis Looms as Israel Gears to Block Palestine Statehood

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CAIRO, November 13, 2012 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Monday night said that the date for voting on the resolution the Palestinian Authority will submit to the United Nations to become a non-member state will be on November 29. He said, during a speech at the meeting of the Extraordinary Session of the Arab League […]

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14 Nov, 2012

Australia to Grow Work and Holiday Visa Country List for Young People

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Canberra, 13 November 2012, Ministry of Immigration & Citizenship – Australia will begin talks with the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Poland, and the Slovak Republic on establishing reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangements, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today. ‘The start of discussions for these new […]

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14 Nov, 2012

More Flights Approved Between Australia and Thailand

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Canberra, Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, 13 November 2012 -Australia and Thailand have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on air services, allowing for more flights between Australia and Thailand.  The new MOU will allow Australian and Thai airlines to increase their flights in this key travel market—each side can now operate up to […]

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14 Nov, 2012

Australia Report Forecasts Doubling of Domestic Air Passengers by 2030

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Canberra, 13 Nov 2012, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport – The number of air passenger movements through Australian capital and non-capital city airports is predicted to double to 279 million within the next two decades showing our city airports are set to become even busier in the future. This is the key finding of the […]

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13 Nov, 2012

An open letter to President Obama from the world’s poorest countries

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The following is an open letter from the chair of the Least Developed Countries group, Pa Ousman Jarju. November 8, 2012 Dear President Obama, As the lead negotiator for the world’s 48 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in the United Nations climate change negotiations, I congratulate you on your re-election. I also want to express my […]

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12 Nov, 2012

Brunei–Malaysia Islamic Tour Packages Launched In UK

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 12 November 2012 (27 Dhul Ḥijjah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

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11 Nov, 2012

Indian Ex-Film Star, Now Tourism Minister, Cites “Paradigm Shift” in Marketing Campaign

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Ministry of Tourism, 09-November, 2012 – India Tourism has launched two new campaigns: an International Campaign called ‘Find What You Seek’ and a Domestic Campaign called ‘Go Beyond’. Both were launched at last week’s World Travel Market 2012 in London. The Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi said the launch of these campaigns reflects a […]

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11 Nov, 2012

Indian-Born Professor at Columbia Univ Wins Kyoto Prize for Global Achievement

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KYOTO, Japan–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 10, 2012 – Professor Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, an Indian literary critic and educator and Professor at Columbia University, was one of three eminent people conferred the annual Kyoto Prize, Japan’s highest private award for global achievement. She was honoured with the Arts and Philosophy Prize in the field of Thought and […]

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11 Nov, 2012

Indian Carriers Get Air Traffic Rights to Historic City of Najaf, Iraq

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Ministry of Civil Aviation, 9 November 2012 – The historic Islamic city of Najaf, Iraq, is among a number of cities that will be accessed by Indian carriers under new international traffic rights approved by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ajit Singh for the next three seasons i.e. winter 2012, summer 2013 and […]

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11 Nov, 2012

At Awards Ceremony, India Hails Role of Handloom, Handicraft Sectors

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Ministry of Textiles, 09-November, 2012 – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee today conferred 20 Shilp Guru Awards, 18 Sant Kabir Awards along with 74 National Awards to master craftspersons and master weavers at a function in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Congratulating all the awardees for their “contribution in preserving, promoting and enriching the […]

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10 Nov, 2012

Social Casino Games Raking It In as Gambling Scourge Goes Global

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LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 09, 2012–Global revenues from social casino games have now reached $1.6 billion announced Gaming Club. According to new research from SuperData, an online games research company, social casino gamers are spending almost twice as much as their regular social gamer counterparts. In July, paying social casino gamers spent $78 online compared to $43 […]

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10 Nov, 2012

2012 Taiwan Cycling Fest Highlights New National Transport System

Tourism Bureau, Taiwan

TAIPEI, Taiwan–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 08, 2012 — Since 2010, the government has actively organized a series of activities for two  Taiwan Cycling Festivals. It has  converted the fruits of a new transportation system – namely an extensive network of bicycle paths – into a new tourism resource. To help the world learn that Taiwan is […]

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9 Nov, 2012

FREE Download: OECD Reports Examine Global Growth Trends Until 2060

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Paris, 9 Nov 2012, (OECD Media release) – There will be major changes in the composition of world GDP (taken as sum of GDP for 34 OECD and 8 non-OECD G20 countries), according to an OECD report released today. The following is a brief summary with links below for free downloading of the full reports.

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9 Nov, 2012

FREE Download: UN Statistical Yearbook for Asia-Pacific 2012

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Bangkok (UN ESCAP Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section) (8 Nov 2012) – Asia and the Pacific has made impressive gains in improving the living conditions of its people and promoting economic growth but faces wide development gaps, particularly in basic health care and gender equality. According to the Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific […]

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9 Nov, 2012

Warning from China: US ‘dual-deterrence’ is self-defeating

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(People’s Daily Online), November 08, 2012  – Japan’s new ambassador to the United States has recently pointed out that the U.S. government does not remain neutral on the Diaoyu Islands issue because the it does not oppose Japan’s “nationalization” of the Diaoyu Islands and indicates the applicability of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty instead, claiming that […]

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9 Nov, 2012

China Voice: Time for Renewed U.S. Policy Toward China

Editor: Mu Xuequan

BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) — With Barack Obama successfully defending his presidency in the U.S. election and a new leadership of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) soon to be elected, it is the right time for the Obama Administration to rethink its policy on China. More than three decades have passed since the […]

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9 Nov, 2012

Chinese Leader: Corruption Could Lead to “Fall of the State”

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(Xinhua), 2012-11-08, BEIJING – Chinese leader Hu Jintao delivered a report on Thursday at the opening of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The following are key quotes from his report: On Scientific Outlook on Development — The most important achievement in our endeavors in the past ten years is […]

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9 Nov, 2012

Hilton Worldwide To Undertake First “Annual Global Week of Service”

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MCLEAN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)-November 08, 2012 – Between November 11 – 18, Hilton Worldwide team members across 90 countries and territories will celebrate the company’s first Global Week of Service. This event will feature hundreds of projects around the globe and unite the company’s approximately 300,000 team members in more than 3,900 locations in their passion […]

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8 Nov, 2012

EU Plans Visa Revamp to Grow Tourism, Economies

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Brussels, European Commission Media release, 07 Nov 2012 – In a strategic Communication adopted today, the Commission examines how the implementation and development of the common visa policy could help growth in the EU by facilitating travel opportunities for third country nationals willing to visit the EU. With a total of 18.8 million jobs in […]

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7 Nov, 2012

Will Obama Now Honour his 2009 Pledge To Make Peace With Islamic World?

On June 4, 2009, the same year he won the Nobel Peace Prize, President Barack Obama stood behind a podium at Cairo’s Al Azhar University, one of Islam’s most eminent centres of learning, and delivered his famous speech to the Islamic world. His objective was reset the United States’ relations with Islam and make “a […]

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6 Nov, 2012

India Sets New Policy Measures to Tackle Massive Ageing Society Challenge

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Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 06-November, 2012 – The first ever National Conference on Ageing was held by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment here today. Inaugurating the two day conference the Minister, Kumari Selja said “It is a well-known fact that the 21st century is witnessing a gradual transition to an ageing […]

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6 Nov, 2012

As A New World Order Emerges, Will the East-West Transition be Peaceful?

BANGKOK – A former U.S. market trader who spent five years in jail “for telling the truth” has forecast the continuing economic and financial decline of what he called a “brain-dead” United States, a shift towards Asia which will last for about 200 years, a second-term win for President Barack Obama and a “high probability” […]

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5 Nov, 2012

Afghan Hidden Treasures Exhibition to Tour Australia in 2013-14

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 05 November 2012 (20 Dhul Ḥijjah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

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4 Nov, 2012

Agricultural Cooperatives Can Help End Global Hunger, Says UN Food Agency

31 October 2012, Rome (FAO Press release) – One of the only chances small-scale food producers have to gain competitive access to local and global markets is by banding together in cooperatives, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva told a meeting of the World Cooperatives Congress in Manchester today. The International Year of Cooperatives is […]

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4 Nov, 2012

New Report Details Web Tracking in Politics

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November 01, 2012, WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) released its latest report, Web Crawlers: How Candidates and Political Groups Track You Online. New research by CREW found visitors to the websites of the presidential candidates, party committees, and top-spending outside groups in 2012 are being tagged by dozens of sophisticated […]

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4 Nov, 2012

11 Reasons Why I Am Giving the 2012 WTM London a Miss

After 25 years of covering the World Travel Market London, I am giving this year’s show a miss. Here’s why: 1. Britain and Europe are no longer as important as sources of visitors, ideas and industry innovations. The rise of Asia and the emergence of new source markets such as Russia, Brazil, Latin America and […]

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2 Nov, 2012

Rediscovering the Awakening Dragon: A Journey to Renaissance

By Li Zhenyu (People's Daily Online)

Beijing, October 29, 2012 – To have a deeper understanding of the present, it is, often times, necessary to get a grip on history first, or to say, where China’s present notion of innovation came from and how it unfolded into reality. It came right from a national congress 10 years ago, a historical series […]

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2 Nov, 2012

Six-Point Plan to Help Small Businesses Boost Brand in New Economy

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Wilmington, NC (PRWEB) October 31, 2012 – As the year winds down, most businesses will spend these final weeks scrutinizing over revenue growth, operation expenditures and other financial factors. In short, the 4th Quarter represents final exam time for companies – and in many cases – the strength of their marketing in 2012 could determine […]

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2 Nov, 2012

Joint German-French visa center to increase Chinese tourists

Zhou Wa in Beijing and Fu Jing in Brussels (China Daily)

2012-10-31 – Germany and France officially opened the first joint visa application center in Beijing on Tuesday, to ease the application process and attract more Chinese to Europe. The newly built center can make the process of applying for a visa more convenient, but Chinese are still required to provide extensive material in the application […]

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2 Nov, 2012

Cricket Matches, Visas Open Up as Indo-Pak Ties Thaw

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ISLAMABAD, DAWN.COM, 1 Nov 2012: Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved four agreements signed with neighbouring India, including a much-anticipated agreement on a liberalised visa regime aimed at promoting bilateral trade between the two countries. The cabinet’s ratification Wednesday came more than a month and a half after the agreement’s initial signing on Sept 8, […]

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1 Nov, 2012

Chinese Commentary: “Grotesque income gaps undercut social harmony”

By Wan Lixin (Shanghai Daily)

October 30, 2012 – A comprehensive report in 2010 titled “China’s Wealth Gap Is Testing the Limit of Social Toleration” is still compelling reading for policy makers today. Authored by a Xinhua team, the report pointed to the danger of accelerating concentration of social wealth in the hands of the few, and the yawning gap […]

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1 Nov, 2012

New Website Explores American Indian Culture

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(PRWEB) October 31, 2012  – Native American folklore and history is being explored on a new website that just launched to provide visitors with valuable information about American Indian tribes in the United States. “I’m excited to announce the launch of this new website,” said Shelly Vickerson with NativeAmericanHistoryandCulture.com. “Hopefully, visitors will leave with a […]

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1 Nov, 2012

Accused UBS trader ‘played God’ over $2.1b loss

A banker accused of Britain’s biggest fraud played God as he carried out “unprotected, unhedged, incautious and reckless” trades, a court has heard. Kweku Adoboli, 32, allegedly gambled away £1.4 billion ($2.19 billion) in “off-book” operations while working for Swiss bank UBS during the global financial crisis. The Ghanaian-born former public schoolboy has told jurors […]

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31 Oct, 2012

Lexus Launches Global Award for Next Generation of Innovators

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Toyota City, Japan, Oct 30, 2012 – (JCN Newswire) – Lexus announces the launch of the Lexus Design Award, an international design competition targeting next generation of innovators around the world. The Lexus Design Award is aimed to provide an opportunity for innovators to work with a world-famous designer as a mentor to create prototypes […]

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31 Oct, 2012

Mobile Phone Operator Survey: World Prefers Obama By a Long Shot

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BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — Jana, a Boston-based mobile startup, released the results of its 2012 Presidential election survey on Tuesday. The survey, conducted with the Jana Research platform, polled Jana’s members in emerging markets on their preferences in the upcoming United States election. Jana’s proprietary technology can target and reward 3.48 billion consumers […]

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31 Oct, 2012

UPS Expects to Deliver 300 Packages/Second on Peak Holiday Season Day

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MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 29, 2012 /CNW/ – UPS (NYSE: UPS) is preparing to deliver more than half a billion packages around the world this holiday season, an all-time record for the global logistics giant. In the month leading up to Christmas, UPS expects to deliver 527 million packages surpassing last year’s record of 480 million. […]

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31 Oct, 2012

U.S. Business Jet Market Still in Recession-Related Slump

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Utica, NY (PRWEB) October 30, 2012 – Today, the JETNET iQ State of the Market Briefing at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 2012 convention in Orlando, Florida was hosted by Rollie Vincent, JETNET iQ Creator/Director, and featured Paul Cardarelli, JETNET Director of Sales & Marketing, and industry veteran Susan Sheets Brogan, JETNET iQ Director, […]

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31 Oct, 2012

Contingency Planning: Free Guide to Protecting Against Data Loss

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OSHKOSH, Wis.–(BUSINESS WIRE)- October 30, 2012 – Contingency planning: A guide to managing your company’s data is this month’s Blue Paper and podcast and infographic from promotional products retailer 4imprint. It offers meaningful advice about data storage and data backup strategies. It doesn’t matter if your company is goods or service-oriented —- information is the […]

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30 Oct, 2012

Political Discussions in Workplace Cause Co-worker Tension: Survey

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SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)- October 25, 2012 – An overwhelming 78.1 percent of workers who participated in a new survey conducted by Fierce, Inc., leadership development and training consultants, claim that political discussions in the office are detrimental to professional relationships, causing tension among coworkers. Of those respondents, 26.6 percent claim political conversations temporarily harm or even […]

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29 Oct, 2012

Harvard Professor: Sovereign Debt Defaults by U.S., Japan, Germany “A Real Worry”

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United Nations, 25 Oct 2012, (UN Department of Public Information) – Any international plan to combat the risks of sovereign debt default must be capable of handling a potential crisis in one of the world’s largest economies, the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) of the 67th UN General Assembly heard today. Delivering the keynote address […]

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29 Oct, 2012

UN Expert Names, Seeks Boycott of Global Companies Profiting from Israeli Settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territories

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United Nations, 25 Oct 2012, Department of Public Information – A United Nations expert today called for boycotting businesses that were profiting from Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian lands until they brought their operations in line with international human rights and humanitarian law, as he presented his annual report to the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian […]

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29 Oct, 2012

Boxing Champ Muhammad Ali’s Peace Gardens Top 100 Worldwide

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 29 October 2012 (13 Dhul Ḥijjah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

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29 Oct, 2012

US pulls Pakistani cricket star from flight for “interrogation” on drones

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistani politician Imran Khan has said he was pulled off a New York-bound plane by US immigration officials and interrogated about his view on American drone strikes in his country. Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf PTI, was headed to New York to attend a fund raiser organised by his party when he was […]

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28 Oct, 2012

High-Profile Backlash Against ‘Body Shaming’ a Welcome Trend

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October 24, 2012 EDMONDS, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A publication for plus-size models recently joined a chorus of prominent women who have been criticizing the practice of “body shaming,” and the magazine’s actions could be another step in the direction of reducing the prevalence of eating disorders in the U.S., according to Dr. Gregory Jantz, founder of The […]

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28 Oct, 2012

Travelzoo Reports Declines in Third Quarter 2012 Results

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October 25, 2012 NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Travelzoo Inc., (NASDAQ: TZOO) a global Internet media company, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012, with revenue of $35.4 million, a decrease of 8% year-over-year. Operating income was $4.2 million, down 55% year-over-year. Net income was $3.4 million, with earnings per share of $0.22, […]

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28 Oct, 2012

Research Finds Serious Gap Between Executives’ Knowledge Of Social Media and Its Use at Their Companies

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October 25, 2012, STANFORD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Less than a third of companies today use social media to support their corporate strategy and risk management practices, according to new research conducted by Stanford University’s Rock Center for Corporate Governance, the Center for Leadership Development and Research at the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and The Conference Board. […]

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28 Oct, 2012

Survey Shows U.S. Gen-Xers Becoming More Frugal But Remaining Positive

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October 23, 2012, CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Generation X, those born after the post World War II baby boomers, generally has a positive outlook on the economy, but that doesn’t mean they are free spenders. In fact, they are more frugal than baby boomers and seniors, according to SymphonyIRI’s Q3 2012 MarketPulse™, the ongoing survey series that analyzes […]

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28 Oct, 2012

Two-Thirds of Nations Experience Reputation Decline in 2012 Nation Brands Index

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The world’s most highly regarded countries continue to lead in global image, but the troubled world economy has also left its mark, with two-thirds of measured nations suffering declines in their reputation over the past year. These are among the results from the 2012 Anholt-GfK Roper Nation Brands IndexSM (NBI), an annual global […]

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28 Oct, 2012

How To Protect Your Family from Online Predators This Holiday Season

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October 23, 2012, PENNINGTON, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–This holiday season, the Family iBoard® – a private social network designed to keep families connected no matter where they live – reminds families to keep online safety top of mind as consumers spend more time on social networks to plan holiday gatherings, and chronicle them by sharing photos and […]

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28 Oct, 2012

Final U.S. Presidential Debate Generates Firestorm of Abusive Comments in Social Media

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October 23, 2012 REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–An analysis of social media discussions during the final Presidential Debate tonight shows that channels are dominated by insulting, profane comments about both candidates. Conducted by Impermium, the leader in user-generated content protection for websites and social media destinations, the analysis demonstrated that a small number of very vocal […]

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28 Oct, 2012

Lifestyle Index Points to Steady Increase in U.S. Consumer Spending

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October 24, 2012, WILMINGTON, Del.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Chase today released the third quarter (Q3) 2012 findings of the Chase Freedom Lifestyle Index, a quarterly barometer of consumer trends based on aggregated Chase Freedom cardholder spending data. According to the Chase Freedom Lifestyle Index, overall cardholder spending increased 4 percent in Q3 of 2012, compared to the same […]

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28 Oct, 2012

U.S. Consumers Have Saved for Holiday Shopping, But Seek Value for Dollar: Accenture Survey

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October 24, 2012 NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The majority of U.S. consumers – 51 percent – have already made their holiday shopping plans this year and say they will be buying gifts with cash that they have set aside specifically for the holidays, according to Accenture’s (NYSE: ACN) annual consumer holiday shopping study. The Accenture Holiday Shopping […]

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27 Oct, 2012

U.S. Dental Association Survey: Kids Get “Too Much Candy” At Halloween

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October 24, 2012 SEATTLE & CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The American Dental Association (ADA) and PopCap Games today announced the results of a new survey targeting trick-or-treating children (ages 5 to 13) in the U.S., looking at kids’ views and perceptions of Halloween. Approximately 94% of all American children participate in trick-or-treating, and 65% of them consider Halloween […]

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27 Oct, 2012

Ameritrade Survey: Investors Rank Their Confidence – or Lack Thereof – in the Stock Market

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October 25, 2012 OMAHA, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The economy, market performance and fiscal spending are the issues weighing the heaviest on retail investors’ confidence in the stock market today, according to the latest Investor Sentiment Poll released by TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation (NYSE:AMTD). Surprisingly, market “glitches,” which have received ample media coverage, were largely ignored by investors […]

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27 Oct, 2012

IDeaS Cornell Revenue Management Scholarships for Six Hospitality Professionals

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October 23, 2012 MINNEAPOLIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–IDeaS Revenue Solutions, a provider of pricing and revenue management software, services and consulting to the hospitality industry, has awarded six hospitality professionals with the fall 2012 IDeaS Cornell Revenue Management Scholarship. Currently in its fourth year, the scholarship program with The Cornell University School of Hotel Administration is designed to […]

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27 Oct, 2012

Survey Reveals Top Five Strategies for Student Success Guide for Parents

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October 23, 2012 SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–School Improvement Network, a provider of teacher effectiveness resources and training, today released the results of the company’s latest national survey titled, “Top 5 things Parents Should Know to Ensure Student Success.” Over 7,000 K-12 educators responded and revealed an overwhelming consensus of five essentials parents should know to […]

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27 Oct, 2012

Warning: The Coming U.S. Fiscal Tsunami Threat To Future Generations

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October 23, 2012, STANFORD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Hoover Institution Press today released Entitlement Spending: Our Coming Fiscal Tsunami, by David Koitz. Although the nation’s largest entitlement programs—Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security—are perceived as pillars of the U.S. governmental safety net, Koitz argues that those programs are actually the largest drivers of a severe and impending fiscal crisis. […]

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25 Oct, 2012

Costa Antunes Out as Macau Tourism Chief, But Will Remain PATA Chairman

PATA Chairman João Manuel Costa Antunes is to step down from his full-time job of 24 years as director of the Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO), effective December 20, but will continue to chair the Bangkok-based association for the rest of his two-year term until April 2014. According to Macau’s Secretary for Social Affairs and […]

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25 Oct, 2012

U.S. Islamic Group Asks New York City Council to Stop Police ‘Baiting’ of Muslims

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(New York, NY, 10/23/12) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today called on the New York City Council to pass legislation that would increase oversight of the NY Police Department and cut the department’s unconstitutional spying program, including the aggressive “baiting” of Muslims by NYPD informants. CAIR-NY said the […]

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25 Oct, 2012

Travellers To Foot Big Chunk of US$2,595 Billion Global Homeland Security Bill Over 10 Years

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The global market for homeland security equipment is expected to generate US$2,595 billion in business between 2012-2022, according to a market research report released by Strategic Defence Intelligence (SDI). Demand will be driven by security threats such as terrorism, illegal border infiltration, piracy, drug trafficking, cyber espionage and critical infrastructure security, among several others. The […]

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25 Oct, 2012

Australia Alerts Diwali Revellers to Biosecurity-related Import Curbs

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Canberra, 24 October 2012 – (Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry) – The Diwali festival sees a large number of customary gifts come through Australia’s airports and mail centres. However, this gift exchange doesn’t come without its share of biosecurity risks that may impact on our environment, agriculture and tourism industries. Commonly known as the […]

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25 Oct, 2012

$300 Million ADB Loan To Overhaul Ageing Water, Sewer Systems in Colombo

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Colombo, Asian Development Bank (25 October 2012) – The ADB is providing $300 million in loans to overhaul the quality, coverage, and management of water and wastewater services in the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. “Parts of Colombo’s water supply distribution network are over 100 years old and some areas only get water for less than […]

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25 Oct, 2012

U.S. Anti-Domestic Violence Group Boosts Fund-Raising Efforts, With UBM Help

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VENICE, Calif., Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — A Window Between Worlds (AWBW), the only national nonprofit using art to help end domestic violence, is celebrating its 21styear of service to communities in Los Angeles and across the country. AWBW has experienced tremendous growth and is celebrating stepping into the next decade with new events and opportunities […]

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25 Oct, 2012

Wisconsin Terrorist Was a Wife-Beater, But Easily Bought a Gun – U.S Mayors

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The bipartisan coalition of Mayors Against Illegal Guns today announced that the gun used to kill three people and injure at least four more at a spa in Brookfield, Wisconsin was bought from an unlicensed private seller advertising on Armslist.com – a popular firearms vendor New York City […]

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22 Oct, 2012

Over SR1 Billion Projects Implemented at Holy Haj Sites

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 22 October 2012 (06 Dhul Ḥijjah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story.

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22 Oct, 2012

Why The “People Industry” Has a “People Problem”

imtiaz muqbil at the ITB Asia 2012 in Singapore

With the Asia-Pacific travel & tourism industry facing a major human resources crunch, attracting people to work in it has become as much of a challenge as getting them to stay in it. To address that issue, ITB Asia 2012 organised its first Future Leaders Forum, inviting about 100 of the top students at five […]

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20 Oct, 2012

Indian PM: Building Peace Begins At Home First

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Prime Minister’s Office, 19-October, 2012 – Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has reiterated that India’s peace, stability and security depends entirely on its ability to solve its internal problems and ensure that its neighbouring countries also tackle their own problems with “poverty, strife and underdevelopment.” His speech to the Combined Commanders’ Conference in New […]

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20 Oct, 2012

India, New Zealand Pledge US$1m / Year for Wide-Ranging Educational Exchange

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Ministry of Human Resource Development, 19-October, 2012 – Mr. Kapil Sibal, Union Minister of Human Resource Development and Steven Joyce, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, New Zealand co-chaired the first meeting of the India-New Zealand Education Council held today. The Council has been constituted to draw up a framework and devise mechanisms of […]

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20 Oct, 2012

India Pulls Ailing Airline Kingfisher’s Operating Permit

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Ministry of Civil Aviation, 20-October, 2012 – The Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) has suspended the Scheduled Operator’s Permit of Kingfisher Airlines dated 26.08.2003 with effect from 20th October, 2012 till such time the Kingfisher Airlines submits a concrete and reliable revival plan ensuring safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable Scheduled Air Transport Services to the satisfaction […]

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19 Oct, 2012

Women Gain in US Company Boardrooms – 2012/20 Gender Diversity Index

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BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE) – October 17, 2012 – Women now hold 15.6% of the boardroom seats of America’s largest public companies, a one percentage point gain over last year, according to the latest 2020 Women on Boards Gender Diversity Index of Fortune 1000 Companies released today. Smaller companies (numbers 501 – 1000) showed the largest gain […]

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19 Oct, 2012

Norwegian Cruise Line Orders Huge New Ship with Option for Second

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MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE) – October 17, 2012 – Norwegian Cruise Line announced today that it has reached an agreement with Meyer Werft Gmbh of Germany to build a new cruise vessel, for delivery in October 2015, with the option for a second ship for delivery in spring 2017. The new ship, at 163,000 gross tons and […]

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19 Oct, 2012

“Boutique” ASEAN Airlines To Regroup, Rebrand for New AEC Era

imtiaz muqbil at the ITB Asia 2012 in Singapore

Two medium-sized ASEAN airlines, Bangkok Airways and Royal Brunei Airlines, are regrouping and restructuring their financial and operational structures in preparation for the era of open skies under the 2015 ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Bangkok Airways, which positions itself as Asia’s first “boutique airline”,  is preparing for a public listing in the first half of […]

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18 Oct, 2012

Cruising, Senior Citizens Offer Huge Niche-Market Potential for Travel Agents

imtiaz muqbil at the itb asia 2012 in Singapore

The National Association of Travel Agents of Singapore has identified cruising and Asia’s ageing population as two key niche-markets that offer considerable business future potential for travel agents. Nearly 400 agents turned up for a session on the “Future of Tourism in Asia” organised by NATAS alongside the ITB Asia to hear representatives of both […]

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18 Oct, 2012

Singapore Airlines Lists Challenges, Responses for Managing in a “Turbulent World”

imtiaz muqbil at the itb asia 2012 in Singapore

Singapore Airlines has outlined the key challenges and responses facing airline managements in a much more “volatile and turbulent world.” Mr Mak Swee Wah, Executive Vice President (Commercial), Singapore Airlines, presented this list in a session on the “Future of Tourism in Asia” organised by the National Association of Travel Agents of Singapore (NATAS) at […]

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16 Oct, 2012

Indian Aviation Minister Outlines Full National Plan, Projects and Strategy

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New Delhi, 12 Oct 2012 (Ministry of Civil Aviation) – Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ajit Singh, addressing the Economic Editors’ Conference in New Delhi today, said that the Government’s decision to allow 49% FDI by foreign airlines in Indian carriers will help in rapid growth of airline sector in India. The Minister highlighted […]

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15 Oct, 2012

New Online Platform to Learn Arabic Music

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Muqbil

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the Islamic world for the week ending 15 October 2012 (29 Dhul Qa’dah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

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14 Oct, 2012

“U.S. Blame-game Players Should Apologize to Chinese People”

By Chen Weihua (China Daily)

Beijing, 2012-10-12 – Regardless of who wins the Nov 6 election, US President Barack Obama and the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney, both owe Chinese people an apology for their indecent use of fear-mongering about the Asia nation in their campaigns. Both candidates have tried hard and often to use China as a bogeyman, by spreading […]

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14 Oct, 2012

Indian Activists: Don’t Let Israeli Apartheid Onstage!

Official InCACBI Statement, Full Text

New Delhi, October 11, 2012 – In solidarity with the Palestinians and their just demand for freedom, equality and justice, Indian academics, artists and activists came together in 2010 as the Indian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (InCACBI) to support the international campaign for the academic and cultural boycott of Israel. […]

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14 Oct, 2012

China: Will Economic War (Including Cancelled Trips) Awaken Japan?

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Beijing, (People’s Daily Online Commentary), October 13, 2012  – Chinese consumers have expressed their outrage at Japan’s illegal “nationalization” of China’s Diaoyu Islands through voluntary actions. The spontaneous economic war launched by angry Chinese people against Japan mainly focuses on two aspects: temporarily stop buying Japanese cars and cancel trips to Japan. Statistics showed that […]

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