11 Oct, 2012

New Book Set to Fuel Debate Over CEO Pay:Performance Ratio

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–October 10, 2012 —  Are CEOs paid for their performance? They should be, says Executive Pay at a Turning Point, Demonstrating Pay for Performance & Other Best Practices in Corporate Governance. Written by the partners and consultants of Pay Governance, LLC, an independent executive compensation advisory firm, this new book finds close alignment […]

11 Oct, 2012

Promoting Healthy Ageing Can Help Reduce Rising Health Costs – EIU/Pfizer Report

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– October 10, 2012 – In 2050, the number of people aged 60 years and older worldwide will increase from 605 million to nearly 2 billion. While it’s good news that people are living longer, the number of older adults who will be affected by long-term, chronic conditions will increase, leading to a […]

11 Oct, 2012

Unhappiness at Work – Too Difficult to Overcome?

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Canberra, Comcare Media release – 10 Oct 2012 — Dreading coming to work and stressing out at the prospect of another day of unhappiness in the workplace is one of the reasons for an increasing number of mental health claims in Australia. Comcare mental stress claims at work have increased by 23 per cent since […]

9 Oct, 2012

Indian VP Calls For More Women Leaders in Global Parliaments

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Vice President’s Secretariat, 03-October, 2012 – The Vice President of India and Chairman, Rajya Sabha,  Prof Dr M. Hamid Ansari has said that women comprise nearly half the number of humans in any society and are equal shareholders. However, they still face prejudices and stereotypes that translate into unacceptable social value judgments. Addressing  the 7th […]

9 Oct, 2012

India Proposes Free Supply of Essential Medicines to People

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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 03-October, 2012 – The Government of India has proposed an initiative for free supply of Essential Medicines in Public Health Facilities in the country aiming to provide affordable health care to the people by reducing out of pocket expenses for medicine. This initiative will promote rational use of medicines […]

9 Oct, 2012

U.S. Should Learn from U.K. “To Decline Gracefully”

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(People’s Daily Online) October 08, 2012  – Maybe the United States should learn from Britain “to decline gracefully,” Professor Meghnad Desai, an Indian-born member of the British House of Lords, said in his recent article, “America, Enjoy the Downward Slide.” Americans have said similar things before. However, American leaders are obsessed with “building a peaceful […]

9 Oct, 2012

Europe Sees Hope in The Seas To Create Growth and Jobs

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Brussels, 8 October 2012, European Commission Press release – A European agenda for creating growth and jobs in the marine and maritime sectors was adopted today by European Ministers for maritime policy and the European Commission, represented by President Jose Manuel Barroso and Commissioner Maria Damanaki at a conference in Limassol organised by the Cypriot […]

9 Oct, 2012

Take This Australian Police Survey To Ward Off Identity Theft

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Canberra, October 08 2012 (AFP Media release) – The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has established an identity crime survey to help the global public test their vulnerability to identity crime, one of the fastest growing categories of global crime, with some studies estimating annual increases of 10%. The survey coincides with National Identity Fraud Awareness […]

9 Oct, 2012

New EU-UNESCO Pact on Education, Culture, Science & Human Rights

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Brussels, 8 October 2012, European Commission Press release – A new deal that will boost cooperation, dialogue and help to share information and best practice between the European Union (EU) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was signed between the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, the High Representative of the Union for […]

9 Oct, 2012

World Congress of Religions on Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Institute of World Religions of the Washington Kali Temple, Burtonsville, MD and The Council for a Parliament of the World’s Religions, Chicago, announced the holding of World Conference of Religions 2012 in Washington, DC from 30 November 2012 to 2 December 2012. Dr. Pradip Ghosh, an eminent educator, Philanthropist, and co-convener […]

9 Oct, 2012

Ernst & Young Barometer: Low Economic Confidence Clouds U.S. Deal-making

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NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Waning global economic confidence has dealt mergers & acquisitions (M&A) activity another blow as boardrooms and CEOs are hunkered down in the United States (US), according to Ernst & Young’s latest Capital Confidence Barometer, (click HERE to download FREE) based on a survey of more than 1,500 senior executives […]

9 Oct, 2012

Gallup Poll: Germans Exercise More Than Britons, But Eat Less Healthy

by Anna Manchin

BRUSSELS October 8, 2012, Gallup News release — Germans score slightly better than Britons on the Gallup-Healthways Healthy Behavior Index, which measures four elements of a healthy lifestyle. Germany’s lead on the index, however, is primarily due to German women, who score six points higher than UK women and 11 points higher than German men. […]

8 Oct, 2012

The Maimed

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By Chris Hedges Oct 7, 2012: Chris Hedges gave this talk Oct 7 night in New York City at a protest denouncing the 11th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan. The event, at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, was led by Veterans for Peace. Many of us who are here carry within us death. The smell of decayed […]

8 Oct, 2012

Chinese Golden Week Holiday Wrap-up: Domestic, Overseas Travel Hits Record

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By Zhao Qian (Global Times) October 08, 2012 – A record number of Chinese tourists travelled overseas during the eight-day Golden Week holiday from September 30 to October 7 and greatly contributed to local consumption, but shopping and visiting places of interest are not their only reasons for travel any more. Around 100,000 Chinese visitors were […]

8 Oct, 2012

Australian World War II Veterans, Aged 88-95, To Hold Memorial in Egypt

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 08 October 2012 (22 Dhul Qa’dah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story.

7 Oct, 2012

India Okays Five More Airports As International Gateways

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Ministry of Civil Aviation, 04-October, 2012 – The Union Cabinet today approved the declaration of Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, Lucknow: Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport Varanasi and airports at Tiruchirapalli, Mangalore and Coimbatore as international airports, to fulfill the demand of State Governments, and to offer improved international connectivity, wider choice of services at competitive cost […]

7 Oct, 2012

Indian President: Univ Students Need to Acquire a “Deeper Sense of Purpose”

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Presidents Secretariat, 03-October, 2012  – Indian President Pranab Mukherjee says there is a real need for today’s university students to remind themselves of the high expectations that society has of them. Addressing the convocation of the Lalit Narayan Mithila University, he told the graduating students: “Each one of you should have a deep sense of […]

7 Oct, 2012

Top 3 Things the U.S. Presidential Debate Can Teach Job Seekers

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IRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)- October 04, 2012-CareerBliss, an online career community helping people find happiness at every step in their careers, shares the top three lessons from the 2012 presidential debate for job seekers and those looking to improve their career. At the first of the three debates, President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Governor Mitt Romney […]

5 Oct, 2012

Japanese Carmakers in China Feel the Pinch of Geopolitical Island Dispute

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Beijing, September 29, 2012 (Global Times) – Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp on Monday resumed its production at all of its nine factories in China that had been halted since September 18, despite the ongoing territorial dispute between China and Japan over the Diaoyu Islands. “The situation is developing, and there might be changes [regarding […]

4 Oct, 2012

Imtiaz Muqbil’s Presentation at the “Thrilla in Manila” PATA Debate

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MANILA: On 27 September 2012, Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil and PATA CEO Martin Craigs faced off in an historic debate, arguably the first of its kind at a travel industry forum. Marketed as the “Thrilla in Manila”, it was held at the PATA Youth Forum held alongside the PATA Travel Mart in […]

4 Oct, 2012

Flashback: PATA’s Landmark Total Tourism Survey 2005 (Free Download)

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In August 2005, PATA published a comprehensive survey of its members designed to monitor their concerns over the then rising gale storms of change, and help them navigate through it. After a brief flurry of publicity, the survey disappeared from PATA’s radar screen. Today, as the 61-year-old association ponders its future and ability to cope […]

3 Oct, 2012

AirPlus Report Sees More Corporate Travel Hotel Bookings in 2013

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ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In this month’s edition of The Wire…from AirPlus, nearly half of the corporate travel managers who responded to a late summer survey by AirPlus expect to see an increase in hotel room nights in 2013. Forty-five percent of those surveyed expect their company’s total hotel nights to increase, while 44 percent expect their […]

3 Oct, 2012

Youth Shifting Attitudes On Money & Social Issues; Realism Replacing Idealism

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CHICAGO, (BUSINESS WIRE), October 02, 2012 – A newly released study of nearly 6,000 young people finds that the generation often criticized for being coddled and entitled has become more realistic than idealistic in its attitudes toward money and career preparation. Announced today, the study findings suggest that Millennials who came of age as economic […]

3 Oct, 2012

Linking Northeast India to Southeast Asia Will Boost All Economies

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Ministry for Development of North-East Region 01-October, 2012 – The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mr Paban Singh Ghatowar has said that over the two decades, economic and strategic connections with Southeast Asia has increased manifold. Addressing the 158TH Annual […]

3 Oct, 2012

India’s Village Industries “More Relevant in an Age of Globalisation”

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Ministry of Rural Development, 01-October, 2012 – Union Minister for Rural Development Mr Jairam Ramesh said that village industries and particularly Khadi have become more relevant in India in an age of privatization, liberalization and globalization. Talking to media after inaugurating an Exhibition on Gandhiji Textiles of Peace here, Mr Ramesh said, his endeavor will […]

3 Oct, 2012

New Tunnel Highway to Provide All-Weather Access to Laddakh

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Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 02-October, 2012 – In a major initiative to expedite the improvement of infrastructure in the State of Jammu & Kashmir and also to facilitate all-weather road connectivity between Srinagar and Leh, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, has decided to construct a tunnel called “Z-Morh” Tunnel on Srinagar-Leh […]

3 Oct, 2012

China to Build More High-Speed Railways

by Xinhua writer Han Qiao

BEIJING, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) — China is aiming to build separate passenger and freight networks within its railway system, one of the world’s busiest. It may come true on some bustling lines in 2015, when a high-speed passenger transport network is expected to become fully operational. According to a five-year plan on China’s transport system […]

3 Oct, 2012

8 In 10 Jobseekers Search For Jobs Whilst At Work – Research

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(PRWEB UK) 2 October 2012 – Job hunting can be a time consuming process and those that work full time may find it difficult to give finding a new position the full attention that it is required. The research finding such a high number of jobseekers searching for jobs whilst they are at work does […]

3 Oct, 2012

How Qantas’ Re-Timed Connection Flights in Asia Will Benefit Consumers

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Melbourne, Au (PRWEB) October 02, 2012 – In its weekly video blog, Business Travel Management goes over important benefits that the Qantas-Emirates partnership will offer to consumers. Aside from the expected benefits of redeeming and earning frequent flyer points across both airlines, BTM also goes over the implications of re-timed flight connections in Asia and […]

3 Oct, 2012

Knight Frank Releases Highlights of Global Property Trends

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London, UK (PRWEB UK) 2 October 2012 – Knight Frank LLP, a leading independent property advisor, today announced its financial results for the year ended 31 March 2012 as well as a roundup of global property trends. Highlights: Global Outlook The prime residential London market has seen very strong performance over the past year, with […]

3 Oct, 2012

Sitting For Long Causes Lower Back Pain: What Can Be Done?

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Portland, Oregon (PRWEB) October 02, 2012 – Lower back pain seems to be at the top of the list for a lot of first time personal training clients. According to Portland personal trainer Kisar Dhillon (pictured), one of the biggest key factors when questioning potential clients is that a lot of them sit for long […]

3 Oct, 2012

Turkish-born Poet Offers Insight to “Universal Oneness”

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Irvine, CA (PRWEB) October 02, 2012 – “During the last two years a stream of over 50 poems came through me reflecting the Universal Truth,” explains author and poet Ozay Oktay. Now, having the opportunity to reach out to others with his inspiring prose, Oktay comes forth with his new book, “ONENESS: Awakening of the […]

3 Oct, 2012

“Open Trade, Open Minds” Key To Coping With An Uncertain Future: WTO Chief

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Washington DC, (WTO News Release) 1 October 2012 – World Trade Organisation Director-General Pascal Lamy, in a speech at the Brookings Dialogue in Washington, D.C. on 1 October 2012, said that “the challenges of the future will be no less complex or challenging than those we face today. In fact, there is every reason to […]

2 Oct, 2012

Youth Unemployment Storm Gathering – Global Trades Union

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2 October 2012 (International Trades Union Congress): With the global economic crisis still hitting working people hard in every part of the world, trade unions around the world will once again organise mobilisations, events and activities on October 7 to demand decent jobs and full respect for workers’ rights. A special campaign website launched by […]

2 Oct, 2012

Asian Development Bank to Promote Islamic Finance in Asia

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MANILA, 2 October 2012 – A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate international cooperation between the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in promoting the development of Islamic finance in common developing member countries was signed today at the ADB headquarters in Manila. “The importance of Islamic Finance in the […]

2 Oct, 2012

PATA’s Future Challenges: Empower, mPOWER and People Power

Imtiaz Muqbil

Manila – When Mr. Runeep Sangha, 57, a former senior executive of American Express, Citibank and Lionel India Ltd, took over as Executive Director of the PATA India Chapter last August 1, he decided to take a simple step to better understand the members’ “wants and needs”: Just ask them. Soon, the roughly 240 chapter […]

1 Oct, 2012

Saudi Arabia Launches Largest Expansion of Prophet’s Mosque

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 01 October 2012 (15 Dhul Qa’dah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

30 Sep, 2012

Air New Zealand Launches Global Search for “The Great Walker”

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 25, 2012 – A global search is underway to find four adventurers to take on the challenge of a lifetime by completing all of New Zealand’s nine famous Great Walks in just nine weeks. The winners will embark on an unforgettable journey to experience New Zealand’s striking landscape – beech forests, […]

30 Sep, 2012

India to Give Tourists from Buddhist Countries Visa on Arrival

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Ministry of Tourism, 29-September, 2012 – Union Tourism Minister Mr Subodh Kant Sahai has said that tourist from countries having sizable Buddhist population such as Thailand and Malaysia would be provided the facility of Visa on Arrival (VOA). Inaugurating a two-day International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi today, he said his Ministry had also decided to […]

28 Sep, 2012

Railway Summit To Be Held in Bangkok

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BANGKOK – The 7th Rail World Summit 2012 is to be held in Bangkok between 24-26 October, for the first time outside China. The three-day summit will address the most critical industry issues in Southeast Asia and globally and will draw attendees from government, railway authorities, projects, equipment and technology companies, aiming to help to […]

28 Sep, 2012

Global Buddhist Conclave To Be Held in Varanasi

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Ministry of Tourism, 27-September, 2012 – Union Tourism Minister Minister Mr Subodhkant Sahai will inaugurate the Second International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi on September 29, 2012. The conclave is being held with a view to showcasing and projecting the Buddhist Heritage of India. The Conclave invitees include the International Buddhist scholars, tour operators and media […]

28 Sep, 2012

Australia Releases Tips for Safe Bank Transactions via Smartphones, Tablets

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Canberra, September 26 2012 ( Australian Bankers’ Association-Australian Federal Police Joint Media Release) – Banks and police have produced some handy information to help people safely bank and transact with their smartphones and tablets. The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have prepared a fact sheet: “Banking on the go – […]

26 Sep, 2012

Amid ‘Time Of Turmoil,’ UN Chief Says World In A Race Against Time

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United Nations HQ, Sep 25 2012 (UN News Centre) – Citing widespread insecurity, the squandering of vast funds on deadly weapons instead of economic development, and the growing impact of climate change, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned the world today that it is in a race against time to save itself. “This year, I […]

26 Sep, 2012

Asia’s Pension Systems Unprepared for Rapidly Aging Populations – ADB

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 25 September 2012 (ADB Media release) – Pension systems in many parts of developing Asia are unprepared and underfunded to meet the needs of the region’s rapidly aging population, especially as globalization breaks down traditional family support, says a new book launched today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). “Across Asia, great divides […]

26 Sep, 2012

Global Water Report Identifies Tourism Growth as Part of the Problem

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Bangkok, 24 September 2012 (UNEP Media release and Travel Impact Newswire) – A study of almost 200 major international water-related projects over the past 20 years has identified a suite of existing and emerging challenges and how science can offer remedies. The report also clearly identifies tourism growth as being part of the problem. The […]

24 Sep, 2012

PressTV – Americans are literally being worked to death

Even though our incomes are going down, Americans are spending more time at work than ever before. In fact, U.S. workers spend more time at work than anyone else in the world. But it was not always this way. Back in 1970, the average work week for an American worker was about 35 hours. Today, […]

24 Sep, 2012

Muslim Woman, 29, Named Culture Minister Of Norway

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Muqbil

A compilation of stories of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 24 September 2012 (08 Dhul Qa’dah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

24 Sep, 2012

Wellness Gurus: Spas Only “Temporary Refuge” Against “Global Feng Shui”

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – Health and wellness professionals attending the World Spa and Well-being Convention 2012 between Sept 19-21 agreed that efforts to help over-worked, over-stressed individuals relax and recharge can provide only temporary refuge in a turbulent, chaotic world. Although herbal and spa treatments go a little deeper, tackling the root-cause of stress may require an […]

24 Sep, 2012

Free Download: First Global Broadband Report

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United Nations, 23 September, 2012 – The Broadband Commission for Digital Development has released its first-ever country-by-country snapshot of the state of broadband deployment worldwide. The State of Broadband 2012: Achieving Digital Inclusion for All report evaluates the roll-out of broadband around the world and tracks progress towards achieving the four advocacy targets set by the […]

23 Sep, 2012

Poll: Foreign retailers still have eyes firmly on China

September 22, 2012, (China Daily) – Top international retailers still consider China as a top target market for future growth, as the population continues to become wealthier and people migrate in greater numbers to the bigger cities. According to the Global Retail Index, a survey carried out among 200 retailers worldwide, international retailers view China […]

23 Sep, 2012

China Voice: Is Chinese economy sliding into dangerous position?

BEIJING, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) — In the past few weeks, there has been growing debate at home and abroad about China and its economic growth, with rhetoric speculating about an imminent economic blowout in the world’s second-largest economy. It’s interesting to observe the difference between what pessimists predict about China’s economy and what’s actually going […]

23 Sep, 2012

I’ll say it my way – Hindustan Times

Think of a sharp practice in human affairs and you will find its very master in India, or of a genre of human roguery, of political skullduggery, of financial chicanery, of professional trickery and India will show you its finest guru in a virtuoso performance as well as forms of selfishness so saw-toothed as could […]

23 Sep, 2012

Another Blistering Blast by China: US Suffers ‘Arab Winter’

People's Daily Online Editorial

September 20, 2012 – The American film “Innocence of Muslims” has triggered a wave of anti-US protests across the Middle East, which is spreading quickly to other regions. It reveals flaws of the U.S. Mideast policy and the Arab spring is turning into the Arab winter. The anti-US protests started in Benghazi, the cradle of […]

22 Sep, 2012

Free Download: Nielsen Research on African-American Consumers

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)- September 21, 2012 – A consumer group which continues to experience population growth, has unique generational behavioral trends and characteristics, and a projected buying power of $1.1 trillion by 2015, African-Americans are still a viable market segment full of business opportunities, according to the African-American Consumers: Still Vital, Still Growing 2012 Report released […]

22 Sep, 2012

Free Download: Handbook to Help Negotiate Better Hotel Deals

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LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)- September 19, 2012 -The Global Hospitality Group® today announced the publication of the 2nd edition of The HMA Handbook, a practical guide for hotel owners, developers, investors and lenders negotiating, re-negotiating or terminating hotel management agreements (HMAs). Co-authored by Group Chairman, Jim Butler and Partner and Senior Member of the Group, Robert […]

21 Sep, 2012

Once High-Flying Indian Aviation Sector Still in a Rut

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Ministry of Civil Aviation, 21-September, 2012 – Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ajit Singh has said that providing affordable air connectivity to remote and interior areas of the country, the North Eastern Region and Tier-II & III cities of India is high on his priorities. For this new and innovative solution in the form […]

21 Sep, 2012

India, China to Boost Tourism Contacts in HRD, Data-Swaps, Tours & Investment

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Ministry of Tourism, 21-September, 2012 – India and China have expressed their willingness to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation. This was decided at a meeting between Mr. Zhu Shanzhong, Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration and Shri Girish Shankar, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Tourism in New Delhi today. It was also decided that exchange visit […]

21 Sep, 2012

India, Pakistan Take More Steps To Spur Trade, Transport Links

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Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 21-September, 2012 – India and Pakistan have made further progress on a number of trade and transportation issues, including border-controls,  railway and airline connectivity. Two key decisions involve launching the first direct flights between Islamabad – New Delhi and establishing a Joint Business Council amongst top business leaders. The moves […]

21 Sep, 2012

China Again Makes Clear: No War, No Threats, No More Sanctions on Iran

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) — China is not in favor of putting excessive pressure or imposing new sanctions on Iran over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program, a senior Chinese diplomat to the UN said here on Thursday. Wang Min, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the statement at a Security Council meeting, where […]

21 Sep, 2012

Tourism Sector Search Engines Launched in 5 Indian Languages

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Ministry of Communications & Information Technology – 20-September, 2012 – The Dept. of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), Min. of Communications & IT has doubled Raj Bhasha fortnight celebrations by gifting further technology support to Indian languages. Mr. J Satyanarayana, Secretary, DeitY, launched here today SANDHAN, the Indian language search engine for tourism domain. This […]

21 Sep, 2012

Print Media Can Help “Retain Relevance in Changing Times” – Indian VP

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Vice President’s Secretariat 20-September, 2012 – The Vice President of India Prof M. Hamid Ansari re-launched the “Frontline” magazine at a function here today. He commended the editors and publishers for this initiative aimed at retaining relevance in changing times for a newer readership. Addressing on the occasion he said that to him personally, ‘Frontline’ […]

21 Sep, 2012

Seven Mistakes Businesses Make When Planning for Emergencies

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CINCINNATI – September 18, 2012 – (BUSINESS WIRE)–According to a 2012 study of more than 1,300 U.S. workers, 75 percent of employees believe their company is not well-prepared for a natural disaster1. Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), a leader in first-aid and safety products, today announced seven mistakes businesses make during emergency planning in recognition of […]

19 Sep, 2012

Sikhs, Arab-Americans Unite in Call to Confront U.S. “Domestic Extremism”

Imtiaz Muqbil

Washington DC, 19 Sept 2012 – Two minority rights groups in the United States have made statements this morning to a Senate hate-crime hearing calling for an end to racial profiling, inciteful rhetoric and a watch on white supremacists and other domestic extremists to the same level as “attackers from abroad.” In what could prove […]

19 Sep, 2012

E.C. Set to Restore Preferential Trade With Myanmar

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Brussels, 17 September 2012, European Commission Press release – Myanmar is set to benefit once again from a special, advantageous trade arrangement with the EU following recognition by the international community of the country’s recent efforts to improve the political, social and labour environments there. Today the European Commission has adopted a proposal to bring […]

19 Sep, 2012

“Peaceful Settlement of Conflict” To Be Overarching Theme of 2012 U.N. General Assembly

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United Nations, 18 Sept 2012 (UN News) – Faced with extraordinary challenges including terrorism, widespread geopolitical instability and the urgent need for sustainable development, the General Assembly — through a host of new initiatives and an unflagging commitment to the United Nations founding principles — must contribute more to the destiny of the planet, said […]

19 Sep, 2012

Another Chinese Commentary Tells U.S. to Change Its Middle East Policies

By He Wenping (China Daily)

September 19, 2012 – Despite US facilitating regime changes, widespread anger shows it needs to change its policies toward Arab countries. On the surface, the latest wave of anti-US rage in the Middle East, which left Chris Stevens, the United States’ ambassador to Libya, and three other embassy staff members dead, was triggered by a […]

19 Sep, 2012

Chinese Tour Operator Takes Japan Tours Off The Shelf

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Beijing, (People’s Daily Online) September 18, 2012 – China Comfort Travel Group Co., Ltd., one of the largest Japan tour wholesalers in China, halted its plan of transporting 50,000 tourists to Japan to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan relations. Chairman of China Comfort Travel Group Li Jilie said in an interview […]

18 Sep, 2012

Global Labour Union Launches “New News Site” To Combat Corporate Injustice, Lies & Cover-ups

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Brussels, (International Trades Union Congress) News Release) – 17 September 2012: “Equal Times ”, a new ITUC-supported internet platform for news, opinion, investigative reports and activism, is officially launched today. With a Brussels-based editorial team and more than 50 journalists around the world contributing articles, Equal Times “will bring you stories the mainstream media simply […]

18 Sep, 2012

U.S. Hotel Group Plays “Happiness” Card to Market Weekend Breaks

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MCLEAN, Va.- September 13, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–A national survey* released today by Hampton Hotels uncovered that one in three Americans (33 percent) claims they are a “completely different person” on the weekends than they are during the week. The survey, which delves into consumers’ weekend mindset, shows that more positive, outgoing and friendly personality traits emerge […]

18 Sep, 2012

Bloomberg Launches New Corporate Sukuk Index for Islamic Finance

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KUALA LUMPUR, September 17, 2012 –(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bloomberg today announced further commitment to the Islamic finance market with the launch of a Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) corporate sukuk index, developed with the Association of Islamic Banking Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) and Bursa Malaysia. The Bloomberg AIBIM Bursa Malaysia Corporate Sukuk Index will serve as a benchmark for investors […]

18 Sep, 2012

Ageing UK Workforce Raises Concern about Health Issues And Impact On Business

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London, (PRWEB) September 18, 2012 – Aviva’s annual Health of the Workplace report reveals that companies are already starting to see a change in their workforce demographics, prompting fears that ageing workforce health issues will affect their company. The removal of the Default Retirement Age, increased longevity and continued financial pressures on the over 55s […]

17 Sep, 2012

A picture of war: the CIA’s drone strikes in Pakistan: TBIJ

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism has been recording every reported CIA drone strike in Pakistan. The result is our extensive database which details every known attack and the numbers killed in a covert war that has been bitterly fought since 2004. Our detailed analysis has found that 344 strikes have killed between 2,562 and 3,325. […]

17 Sep, 2012

Seminar highlights health benefits of Islamic lifestyle

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 17 September 2012 (01 Dhul Qa’dah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story.

17 Sep, 2012

Exclusive: The Challenge of Changing India’s Image in Thailand

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok, 17 September 2012 – Three years after being appointed to head the first Indian Cultural Centre in Thailand, Renuka Narayanan is returning home a changed woman. In the process of actively promoting Indian culture, and raising the image of India and Indians, she herself has gained a greater depth of knowledge about Thailand and […]

16 Sep, 2012

Indian PM Outlines Policies, Opportunities, Threats for 12th Five-Year Plan

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Rigorous planning is underway for India’s 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17). Given the uncertainties of global, regional and local crises, both man-made and otherwise, planning ahead for a country the size of India always poses a major challenge. This dispatch contains policy statements by both the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister […]

15 Sep, 2012

As U.S. Workforce Ages, So Does Workplace Generational Harmony, Survey Shows

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FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE) – September 13, 2012 – Despite a demographic shift that is making the nation’s workforce older, a national survey commissioned by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) finds that working Americans from different generations – Baby Boomers and their Gen X and Millennial counterparts – value each other in the […]

15 Sep, 2012

Depression Hits Adults Aged 65+ More When Other Chronic Conditions Are Present

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MINNETONKA, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE) – September 13, 2012 – The impact of depressive symptoms is often greater among people with one or more chronic conditions or health concerns, according to a new study by AARP Services, Inc. (ASI), a wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of AARP, and UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company. The study, “The […]

15 Sep, 2012

Western Business Performance Coach Proves That Eastern Ways are Best

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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Performance coach Erin Owen; who has consulted with and coached hundreds of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and private individuals from more than 10 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia; has released her first book: Refuel, Recharge, and Re-energize: The Conscious Entrepreneur’s Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Time […]

15 Sep, 2012

Gallup Poll: Women Better at Using Their Strengths Throughout the Day

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 12, 2012) Gallup News — The majority of American adults say they are not able to use their strengths to do what they do best throughout the day — with 57% saying they use them for six hours or fewer each day. About one in four report that they use their strengths […]

15 Sep, 2012

India Makes Sweeping Changes in FDI Rules for Aviation, Retail & Broadcasting

Imtiaz Muqbil

New Delhi, 14 September 2012 – In a move that will further change the socio-cultural-economic landscape of India, the government has approved regulatory changes to open up more foreign investment in three critical sectors of the economy: aviation, retail and broadcasting. The official policy announcement talks up the benefits, viz, create jobs nationwide, promote economic […]

14 Sep, 2012

ITU Acts to Cut Roaming “bill shock” Charges for Consumers

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Geneva, 14 September 2012 (ITU Media release) – International Telecommunication Union members from the public and private sectors have agreed on measures to reduce ‘bill-shock’ whereby consumers are faced with unexpected and excessive charges for mobile roaming. They have approved a number of measures to empower consumers and encourage operators to lower tariffs. These measures […]

14 Sep, 2012

Finally Awakening, U.S. Senate Committee Sets Hearings on “Threat of Domestic Extremism”

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Washington, DC | www.adc.org | September 13, 2012 – Given the significant rise in hate crimes and repeated attacks on places of worship, including the massacre at the Sikh Gurdwara in Wisconsin, the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary announced that it will hold a hearing entitled “Hate Crimes and the Threat of Domestic Extremism” […]

14 Sep, 2012

“Apply Int’l Law Uniformly and Not à la Carte,” UN Independent Expert Urges World Govts

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GENEVA (13 September 2012) UN News – The newly appointed UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Alfred de Zayas, today called on States to move forward to overcome “the many obstacles to the realization of an international order that is more democratic and more equitable.” “This vision can […]

13 Sep, 2012

The Hindu : Why terrorists aren’t scared of sanctions

In 1999, soon after a string of terrorist attacks against U.S. diplomatic missions in East Africa, the U.N. passed a resolution calling on all member states to “freeze the assets of, prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by, and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer of arms and military […]

13 Sep, 2012

Airline Crews blamed for 40% of smuggling in Shanghai

By Zhao Wen (Shanghai Daily)

September 13, 2012 – Airline crews accounted for about 40 percent of the suspects who smuggled items into the city on flights so far this year, Shanghai Customs announced yesterday. Customs detected 185 cases of smuggling in the first eight months of this year. Passengers accounted for the majority, at 108 cases, and airline crew […]

13 Sep, 2012

Xinhua Commentary Squarely Blames U.S. Mideast Policies for Libya Attacks

By Wu Liming

BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) — The attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions in Egypt and Libya on Tuesday were hair-raising, and the death of U.S. ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens was tragic. On the surface, the attacks stemmed from a U.S.-made film that “defames Islam’s Prophet Mohammed.” But their causes run deeper than that, highlighting America’s […]

13 Sep, 2012

OECD Report Forecasts Riskier Global Investment Environment

OECD MEDIA RELEASE

Paris, 13 September 2012 – According to new OECD data, international mergers and acquisitions are set to fall sharply in 2012 to USD 675 billion, down 34% on 2011(USD 1 trillion). According to Michael Gestrin, the report’s author, this decline is largely explained by uncertainty over prospects for global economy and international business fears of […]

13 Sep, 2012

ASEAN Integration: Human Rights Groups Sound Warning

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BANGKOK – In his speech at an Assumption University Forum in Bangkok on August 24, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuwan warned that the process of ASEAN integration would create both winners and losers. He was referring primarily to the economic sector, with the losers being those who may not be able to take full advantage […]

13 Sep, 2012

Report: US strikes on Iran would risk major war

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WASHINGTON AP — U.S. military strikes on Iran would shake the regime’s political control and damage its ability to launch counterstrikes, but the Iranians probably would manage to retaliate, directly and through surrogates, in ways that risked igniting all-out war in the Middle East, according to an assessment of an attack’s costs and benefits. The […]

12 Sep, 2012

Widespread distrust of US extends beyond Middle East, poll shows – The Guardian

American influence on the world stage is being sapped by widespread distrust of US intentions, not just in the Middle East and south Asia but also among traditional European allies, according to a survey of global opinions. Suspicion of America outweighed faith in its good intentions by large margins in the Arab world and Pakistan, […]

12 Sep, 2012

Western support for Afghanistan war collapsing, survey shows – guardian.co.uk

Public support for the war in Afghanistan is collapsing in western and Nato member countries, with 53% of Europeans and 44% of Americans favouring the immediate withdrawal of all troops, an international survey shows. Large majorities – 75% of European respondents and 68% of Americans – support either withdrawal or an immediate troop reduction, according […]

12 Sep, 2012

Eleven enduring mysteries of 9/11 — RT

Today, as the world pauses to remember the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, it is also important to remember the inexplicable things that happened – and didn’t happen – that tragic day. After all, 9/11 is solely responsible for diminishing hard-fought US civil rights, as well as triggering wars […]

12 Sep, 2012

11 Disastrous Years Post-9/11: Whither Global Travel & Tourism?

Imtiaz Muqbil

Editor’s Note: Six reports, studies and statements released on or just prior to 9/11 clearly show how the winds of change are affecting the United States, internally and externally. Compiled exclusively by Travel Impact Newswire, they are designed to initiate some soul-searching by the U.S. and global travel and tourism industries, both of which have […]

12 Sep, 2012

Food on global casino | The Asian Age

Food is our nourishment. It is the source of life. Growing food, processing, transforming and distributing it involves 70 per cent of humanity. Eating food involves all of us. Yet, it is not the culture or human rights that are shaping today’s dominant food economy. Rather speculation and profits are designing food production and distribution. […]

12 Sep, 2012

FBI begins installation of $1 billion face recognition system across America — RT

Birthmarks, be damned: the FBI has officially started rolling out a state-of-the-art face recognition project that will assist in their effort to accumulate and archive information about each and every American at a cost of a billion dollars. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reached a milestone in the development of their Next Generation Identification […]

12 Sep, 2012

US pays $104 mln to whistleblower who reported employer — RT

The US government is bribing Americans to spy and report on fellow citizens’ finances. By giving financial rewards to whistleblowers who report on tax misconduct, the IRS hopes to catch those who don’t report all their earnings. Bradley Birkenfeld, a convicted criminal who smuggled and sold diamonds that he carried in a toothpaste tube, was […]

10 Sep, 2012

The day that didn’t change a thing : Asia Times Online

Seventy-seven Norwegians may sound like chump change compared with the almost 3,000 Americans that died on the day that changed everything forever and ever Amen. But for Norway’s 7 million people, last year’s attacks killed proportionately more of them than the number of Americans killed on September 11, 2001. Norwegian politicians are not climbing over […]

10 Sep, 2012

Canada appeases Israel on Iran: Asia Times Online

On Friday, the conservative and strongly pro-Israel government in Canada announced that it was cutting off diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and put the Middle East country on its list of “terror-sponsoring” states, a move that instantly won the praise and admiration of Israeli leaders and condemnation from Tehran, as well as […]

10 Sep, 2012

Andalusian art in the mosques of Islamic Cairo – Islamic Heritage – Ahram Online

Imtiaz Muqbil

Just like Ithaca, the term “Al-Andalus” has become not just the name of a place, but rather an equivalent to paradise lost. Geography and history tell us that Al-Andalus was the territory in the Iberian Peninsula ruled by Muslims between 711 and 1492. Nevertheless, culturally speaking, the imprint of Al-Andalus can be seen and experienced […]

10 Sep, 2012

PressTV – A world infected with US-Israel psychological operations

Deception is the basis of any military education, the basis of business practices, the basis of diplomacy, the underlying basis of the world’s currencies and economic systems and, more than ever, how civilization with 5000 years of learning and advancement can justify unbridled killing of the innocent or “collateral” as justifiable for a “common good” […]