10 May, 2015
Antitrust: European Commission launches e-commerce sector inquiry to probe market abuse
Brussels, 06 May 2015, European Commission – Press release – The European Commission has today launched an antitrust competition inquiry into the e-commerce sector in the European Union. The inquiry, as announced by Commissioner Margrethe Vestager in March, will allow the Commission to identify possible competition concerns affecting European e-commerce markets. It complements actions launched […]
more…10 May, 2015
In China, right balance needed between traditional and online taxi firms
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-05-06 – US-based taxi app provider Uber has been frequently hitting the headlines in recent months for being the target of regulatory crackdowns or law suits with regulators and taxi companies in a number of cities outside the US. In the latest incident, its office in Guangzhou, South China’s Guangdong province, was raided […]
more…9 May, 2015
At ATM Dubai, Gulf carriers in full battle cry against U.S. airlines’ claims of “subsidies”
Dubai – Chief executives of Etihad, Qatar Airways and Emirates are due in Washington DC for May 14 meetings with U.S. government officials to rebut allegations that their airlines are subsidised by their respective governments, giving them an unfair competitive advantage over U.S. airlines and their code-share and alliance partners. At the Arabian Travel Market […]
more…8 May, 2015
Southeast Asian Rice Cultures come to life in Bangkok
Bangkok – Performers and scholars from all over Southeast Asia will gather in Srinakharinwirot University, Bangkok, between 11-14 May 2015 for a special event celebrating the rice cultures of the region. The Spiritual Dimensions of Rice Culture in Southeast Asia looks beyond rice as an agricultural product and provides a glimpse into the importance of […]
more…7 May, 2015
UN environment chief warns of ‘tsunami’ of e-waste at conference on chemical treaties
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 4 May 2015 – The head of the United Nations body tasked with setting the global environmental agenda today stressed the need to limit the use of dangerous chemicals and to find a solution to the masses of electronic waste building up around the world, as a Conference of Parties […]
more…7 May, 2015
Smartphone mania drives Chinese families apart
Beijing, (China Daily), 2015-05-06 – People should switch off their smartphones for an hour every day to prevent the use of mobile apps from eroding family ties and restricting direct communication between people, say researchers. The call was prompted by a survey carried out by Marriage and Family, a monthly magazine affiliated with the All-China […]
more…7 May, 2015
Thailand launches first campaign specifically to attract more Muslim visitors
Dubai — Thailand has launched a new campaign to position the Buddhist-majority kingdom as a Muslim-friendly destination and attract a larger share of the rapidly growing market for halal tourism. Launching the campaign at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on 06 May 2015, Minister of Tourism and Sports Mrs Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul noted that it would […]
more…3 May, 2015
Britain’s richest see their wealth rocket during recession
LONDON, April 26 (Xinhua) — Just days after it was reported more than a million Britons have had to turn to food banks to feed their families, the long-awaited rich-list for 2015 published Sunday reveals Britain’s wealthy have become even richer. Recession, what recession, screamed London’s Sunday Times (ST) as it reported how the 1,000 […]
more…3 May, 2015
ADB Report: Toward Better Multimodal Railway Hubs in China
Asian Development Bank media release — The People’s Republic of China has surpassed the rest of the world in building its high-speed rail network in the last 10 years. The country has built nearly 10,000 kilometers of high-speed rail lines since 2007. The development of high-speed rail (HSR) is one of the key priorities in […]
more…3 May, 2015
EU adopts consular protection rules for European citizens abroad
BRUSSELS, April 20 (Xinhua) — The European Union (EU) on Monday adopted a directive on consular protection for European citizens living or travelling outside the EU. The agreement clarifies when and how EU citizens in distress in a country outside the EU have the right to receive assistance from other EU countries’ embassies or consulates. […]
more…3 May, 2015
News Analysis: Palestinians count on Asian-African conference to internationalize their cause
RAMALLAH, April 15 (Xinhua) — The Palestinians are facing severe difficulties and they are eager to see their hope of establishing an independent state on the territories Israel occupied in 1967 come true, according to analysts and observers. Analysts say the Palestinian participation in the upcoming Asian-African Conference scheduled to convene in Indonesia on April […]
more…3 May, 2015
Gwadar Port: Driver for Connectivity between South Asia and East Asia
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), April 23, 2015 — During Chinese President Xi Jinping’s historic visit to Pakistan, the proposed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that links Kashgar in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and Pakistan’s Gwadar Port has drawn attention in both countries. The corridor will “serve as a driver for connectivity between South Asia and […]
more…3 May, 2015
Xinhua Interview: Situation in Gaza miserable with high unemployment rate: Palestinian minister
GAZA, April 30 (Xinhua) — The daily living situation is seriously miserable in the blockaded Gaza Strip, where unemployment rate in the impoverished coastal enclave climbed to 60 percent, a senior Palestinian official told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on the eve of the International Labor Day. Ma’moun Abu Shahla, minister of labor in the […]
more…3 May, 2015
China national plan targets healthy growth of traditional medicine
(Xinhua) BEIJING, April 28 — A new plan to protect traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) resources will ensure quality and bolster long-term growth of the sector nationwide. On Monday, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine jointly released a plan for the protection and development of TCM materials […]
more…3 May, 2015
Uber office raided in Chinese crackdown on unlicensed taxis
(Xinhua) 2015-05-01 GUANGZHOU – The office of US taxi-hailing app Uber in southern Chinese city of Guangzhou was raided on Thursday, with a number of mobile phones seized, a city official confirmed on Friday. The company is suspected of unlicensed operation and conducting illegal business by allowing private car owners to offer taxi services, an […]
more…3 May, 2015
Indian Tourism Ministry invites comments on draft new National Tourism Policy
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 01-May-2015 – The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is in the process of formulating a National Tourism Policy 2015 for development and promotion of tourism in the country. A draft Policy, based on inputs / suggestions received from stakeholders, eminent personalities and experts in the field of Tourism, State […]
more…3 May, 2015
Japan, Thailand host Palestinian tourism delegation on study trip
Bangkok – A delegation of Palestinian tourism officials and private sector executives has just completed a study tour of Thailand as part of efforts by the Japanese and Thai governments to help upgrade the quality of the tourism industry in the Israeli-occupied state. Funding for the delegation’s visit between April 26-May 2 was provided by […]
more…1 May, 2015
India traditional crafts set to fall into hands of powerloom lobbies
Bengaluru, (Media release from the NGO Equations) — With the move to repeal The Handlooms (Reservation of Articles for Production) Act, 1985, there is yet another attempt at mechanising the traditional crafts forms, that would eventually render lakhs of artisans jobless. The argument of the powerloom lobbies is that the same textile product, like a […]
more…30 Apr, 2015
PATA bottoms out, plans to rebuild chapters as part of U-shaped recovery plan
LESHAN, China – When immediate past PATA Chairman Scott Supernaw opened the Chapters Colloquium at the PATA annual summit on 25 April, he made a stunning public admission. Referring to a restructuring of chapters now under way, he took a page from PATA history, saying, “I personally think we made a mistake that we forced […]
more…29 Apr, 2015
China’s rapidly growing high-speed rail network boon for tourists
Beijing, (China Daily) April 04, 2015 – China’s rapidly growing high-speed rail network is making it easier－and cheaper－for tourists to travel around the country. With the growing popularity and development of high-speed rail in China, traveling around the country has become easier for tourists who want to spend less time on trains and more at […]
more…29 Apr, 2015
CareerBuilder analysis lists guides, masseuses among high-paying non-desk jobs
CHICAGO, April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Millions of Americans earn their living from behind a desk and computer screen, and while that’s a reality only likely to expand over the coming years, hundreds of non-desk jobs continue to grow and thrive, according to a new analysis of labor market data from CareerBuilder. Ninety percent of the […]
more…20 Apr, 2015
Dhaka to host Int’l Conference on Urban Health, May 24-27
The International Conference on Urban Health (ICUH) 2015 will be held from 24–27 May in Dhaka, Bangladesh under the theme of Urban Health for a Sustainable Future: The Post-2015 Agenda. ICUH is organized on a biannual basis by the International Society for Urban Health as an international forum for information exchange among urban health professionals […]
more…20 Apr, 2015
Report details Australian intellectual property trends
17 April 2015 (Australian government media release) – Parliamentary Secretary for Industry and Science Karen Andrews today released the Australian Intellectual Property Report 2015, a detailed breakdown of the latest intellectual property (IP) trends in Australia. “Intellectual property is a powerful tool for Australia’s economic development and national prosperity, it is a key part of […]
more…20 Apr, 2015
Australia charts 10-year plan to boost international education, training
Canberra, 20 April 2015, Austrade media release – Austrade, the Australian Government’s international education promotion agency, is holding a series of open workshops across Australia seeking input on future directions for Australia’s international education and training sector. The workshops are part of the AIE 2025 Roadshow and will help develop a long-term market plan, Australian […]
more…19 Apr, 2015
In memoriam: Thai tourism and aviation pioneer Chatrachai Bunya-ananta
One of Thailand’s most eminent aviation and tourism pioneers, Mr. Chatrachai Bunya-ananta, the first civilian to become President of Thai Airways International, passed away on April 18 at the age of 82. Ailing for several months with a blood infection, he had been in and out of hospital since December 2014. Mr. Chatrachai was one […]
more…19 Apr, 2015
China flags another 11.7% budget cut for official travel, transport & receptions
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-04-18 – Government budgets for overseas travel, official vehicles and receptions will be reduced by 11.7 percent this year to promote frugality, the Ministry of Finance said on Friday. It said 6.31 billion yuan ($1.03 billion) has been allocated to cover expenses related to these three categories. The budget for government vehicles, […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
China to blacklist badly-behaved tourists
Beijing (Xinhua) 2015-04-11 – China is starting to blacklist poorly-behaved tourists as it seeks to rescue the image of its citizens as holidaymakers. According to a regulation by the China National Tourism Administration (NTA) that entered effect this week, tourists will be blacklisted for offences including acting antisocially on public transport, damaging private or public […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Asia to benefit from China’s planned Infrastructure Investment Bank
(Xinhua) 2015-04-04 HANOI — The establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) initiated by China is expected to bring many advantages to the region, said a Vietnamese expert. Tran Viet Thai, deputy director of the Institute for Foreign Policy and Strategic Studies, under Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Diplomatic Academy, made the remark in […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Majority of British Parliamentary Candidates Agree Israel’s Gaza Blockade Should Go
LONDON, April 16, 2015 (WAFA) – British Candidates standing for election to Parliament in May have shown their support for an immediate lifting of Israel’s blockade of Gaza in an email survey co-ordinated by Palestine Solidarity Campaign. In a press release, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign affirmed that more than 670 declared candidates from all major […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Muslim sisters of New Zealand citizenship harassed at Brisbane airport
Christchurch City, New Zealand (IINA) 16 Apr 2015 – Two Christchurch Muslim sisters voiced their outrage after being treated as “a potential threat” at an Australian airport while they were on their way to see their father win a medical award, One News of New Zealand television network TVNZ, reported. Canterbury University student Nada Tawfeek, […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Calls for wildlife and forest crime to be treated as serious crime
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 13 April 2015 – Poaching and illicit trafficking of wild fauna and flora have a significant impact on species and entire ecosystems, local communities and their livelihoods, national economies, and national and regional security. On 13 April 2015, UNODC and the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
India’s National Foundation for Communal Harmony promotes book “Suleiman Charitra”
New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, 09-April-2015 — ‘Suleiman Charitra of Kalyana Malla,’ a book translated from Sanskrit by acclaimed writer and former diplomat Mr A.N.D. Haksar, was launched at a function here today in collaboration with the National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH). The classic literature, ‘Suleiman Charitra,’ is a work […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
China going after escapee corrupt officials abroad
(China Daily) April 13, 2015 — China’s anti-corruption system is receiving “high-quality” tips from around the world and is ready to take further action to catch more former public officials who have escaped abroad with ill-gotten gains. A senior official from the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection told China Daily that the top anti-graft […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
China to boost railway construction in central, western regions: premier
CHONGQING, April 11 (Xinhua) — China will speed up railway construction in central and western regions to lend steam to economic growth, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang noted Saturday. Railway construction is crucial to steadying growth, economic restructuring and improving public welfare and China will continue to focus on developing major railway projects in central and […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Transparency Int’l report: Unregulated lobbying in Europe opens door to corruption
15 April 2015, Transparency International Secretariat media release – Transparency International said today that Europe urgently needs lobbying reform. A new report from the anti-corruption group found that of 19 European countries assessed, only 7 have some form of dedicated lobbying law or regulation, allowing for nearly unfettered influence of business interests on the daily […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Israeli spies learn Quran, Islamic teachings
Tehran, April 11, IRNA – Israeli security forces have disclosed the regime’s spies are taught the Quran and Islamic ideology, among other things, to help them infiltrate Arab and Muslim communities more easily. Jacob Bieri, a former official with the Israeli spy agency Shin Bet (or Shabak), says the agency’s recruits go through special and […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Jewish Fanatic Settlers Storm al-Aqsa Mosque Yards, Assault Female Worshippers
JERUSALEM, April 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers, who stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque yards under Israeli police protection, assaulted on Saturday a number of Palestinian female worshippers, according to witnesses. Witnesses said that Palestinian worshippers were attacked by settlers after attempting to fend off the former’s attempts to tour the yards of the Mosque. Settlers assaulted […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Kuwaitis the world’s fattest people
KUWAIT, April 12 (NNN-KUNA) — Kuwait tops the world in terms of number of obese people, a health official said Saturday, and noted percentage of people being obese could reach 73. Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs Dr. Qais Al-Duwairi warned against threats posed by heart and brain diseases, and artery blockage which have become very […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Direct flight to link China’s Guangzhou with Nairobi
(Xinhua) NAIROBI, April 16 — A direct air route between China’s Guangzhou and the Kenyan capital Nairobi is set to begin operation in August, the China Southern Airlines said Wednesday. “African countries and China have established strong economic ties. The launch of a direct flight connecting Nairobi and Guangzhou will ease travel and promote trade,” […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
New security alliance to counter match-fixing and manipulation of sports competitions
Doha, 15 April 2015 (UNODC PRESS RELEASE) – The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) has announced a new partnership with UNODC today to help strengthen cross-border investigations and prosecutions into match-fixing and the manipulation of sports competitions. Announced at a high level meeting at the 13th United Nations Crime Congress exploring global data-sharing for […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Fighting terrorism by violating human rights will backfire — UN Human Rights experts
GENEVA (16 April 2015) – Human rights and freedoms should not be sacrificed for political convenience in the fight against terrorism, two United Nations human rights experts have said today. “It is only by strict adherence to international human rights standards that counter-terrorism strategies can ultimately succeed,” said Ben Emmerson, Special Rapporteur on the promotion […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Work-life balance now an important criteria for Chinese job-seekers
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-04-09 – Companies need to take personal concerns into account when advertising for staff, because job hunters in China now think a work-life balance is as important as a higher salary, according to a survey from human resources firm Hudson Global Inc. The Hiring Report 2015 said that 61 percent of the […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Israel to Turn Jerusalem Historical School into Synagogue
JERUSALEM, April 7, 2015 (WAFA) – Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage has warned of Israeli bids advised by the so-called Temple Mount groups to officially turn the historical Tankaziya School, located within al-Aqsa Mosque compound, into a Jewish synagogue. The Israeli authorities turned the school into a synagogue for enlisted soldiers and a military […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Palestinian leader: Israel considers itself above the law
MOSCOW, April 14, 2015 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday slammed Israel’s longstanding policy of deception, saying that it would no longer fool anybody. Speaking at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, which conferred upon him honorary doctorate degree, Abbas stated that the world is still witnessing Israel’s aggression and racism against the Palestinian people […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
UN to hold high-level interfaith meeting to promote tolerance, counter extremism
UNITED NATIONS, April 16 (Xinhua) — Top UN officials are scheduled to convene a high-level interfaith meeting next week in order to promote tolerance and fight violent extremism, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced here Thursday. On April 21-22, President of the 69th session of the General Assembly Sam Kutesa, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and High […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Lessons of history must be learnt: Transcript of Chinese PM Li Keqiang’s Interview with FT Editor Lionel Barber
BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhuanet) — On the afternoon of 31 March 2015, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council gave an exclusive interview to Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times, at the Great Hall of the People. The transcript is as follows: Li Keqiang: Good to see you again, Mr. Barber. I recall that […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
China: Upcoming Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to operate in ‘transparent way’
Beijing (China Daily) 2015-04-16 – Financial transparency, corporate governance and high standards in top management skills will be the cornerstones of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Already 57 countries have joined the AIIB with South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany and Italy all signing up as founding members. In keeping with such a […]
more…16 Apr, 2015
Re-energised PATA Travel Mart 2015 now a far better deal than ITB Asia
Bangkok — The 2015 PATA Travel Mart to be held in South Indian high-tech metropolis of Bengaluru between Sept 6-8 is set to offer far more value for money than the ITB Asia. A comparison of the rates of the two events shows that the Singapore-based ITB Asia 2015 has more than doubled its basic […]
more…15 Apr, 2015
UN rights experts welcome Blackwater sentencing, urge greater accountability for private security
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 14 April 2015 – The outsourcing of national security to private firms creates risks for human rights and accountability, the United Nations working group on the use of mercenaries confirmed today as it welcomed the sentencing of four former Blackwater Worldwide personnel for the 2007 killing of 14 unarmed Iraqi […]
more…15 Apr, 2015
China gets 40-year rights at Pakistani port
(chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-04-14 – China has been granted operation rights for 40 years at a port in Gwadar, a strategic deep-water seaport in Pakistan, Hong Kong-based Pheonix TV reported on Tuesday. Infrastructure construction is nearly complete and the port could be put into full use by the end of the year, Dostain Khan Jamaldini, chairman of […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
State trips cater for Xinjiang pilgrims heading to Mecca
(China Daily) Updated: 2015-04-14 – Arrangements for Muslims in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region who wish to take part in State-organized visits to Mecca for the annual hajj pilgrimage are being enhanced by the local authorities. Aisha Imish, a senior religious leader in Baicheng in the south of the region, participated in one of the […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
Global Post Offices Seek to Redefine Themselves in the Digital Era
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 13 April 2015 – In a message delivered today to delegates at the World Strategy Conference for the United Nations postal agency, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined the essential role to be played by postal services in global efforts to build a sustainable future. “As the world shapes a new sustainable […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
Over 20,000 Expected at U.S. Convention to Combat Islamophobia
(NEW YORK, NY, April 13, 2015) (ICNA media release) – As part of an ongoing campaign, the Islamic Circle of North America will hold a public convention at the Baltimore Convention Center this weekend to combat Islamophobia and highlight the universal message of peace and love by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
Human Rights Watch: Israeli settlements using and abusing Palestinian child labour
April 13, 2015, (Jerusalem) HRW media release – Israeli settlement farms in the West Bank are using Palestinian child labor to grow, harvest, and pack agricultural produce, much of it for export, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The farms pay the children low wages and subject them to dangerous working conditions […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
UN agency unveils new online tool to reduce risks to aircraft in conflict zones
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 13 April 2015 – The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has launched a new website issuing warnings about risks to aircraft in conflict zones, which aims to serve as a single source for up-to-date assessments from States and relevant international organizations to reduce risks to civil aviation arising […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
Toilets in Shanghai, Chongqing and Beijing are tops with tourists
(chinadaily.com.cn/Xinhua) 2015-04-13 – Toilet conditions at tourist attractions need to be improved nationwide, and the cities having the best toilets for tourists are Shanghai, Chongqing and Beijing, according to a survey report released by the China Tourism Academy (CTA) last week. The first quarter, nationwide tourist satisfaction survey by CTA shows that the overall feedback […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
“Pretties” and children models banned from Shanghai auto show
Beijing (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-04-09 -Scantily clad models and children are banned from the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition opening on April 22, the Shanghai Morning Post reported on Thursday. Models at auto shows have often been criticized for causing distractions by wearing fewer and fewer clothes. Pretty women could certainly attract the crowds but prevented […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
World Bank: Israeli Restrictions Prevent Development of Palestinian Energy Sector
JERUSALEM, April 8, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli restrictions have prevented construction of power network in large parts of West Bank (Area C, 60% of the West Bank), and the absence of peace and stability continues to discourage private investment in the sector, Wednesday announced the World Bank in a press statement on the electricity and […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
Wiping Palestine Off the Map: Israel Seizes More Land for Settlement Expansion in Hebron
HEBRON, April 8, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Wednesday took over a thousand dunums of Palestinian-owned land located between the towns of Beit Ummar and Beit Fajjar in the Hebron district for the benefit of settlement expansion, according to a local activist. Anti-settlement activists in Beit Ummar, Yousif Abu Maryya, informed WAFA that Israeli forces […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
At thematic debate, UN chief urges efficient private sector funding for post-2015 development
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 8 April 2015 – The international community needs a financial framework capable of confronting the multifaceted crises of the day in a predictable and effective manner if it is to delineate a successful post-2015 sustainable development agenda, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon confirmed. Delivering the opening remarks to the UN […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
Swiss commodity multinationals face transparency pressure at UNCTAD conference
Geneva, 8 April 2015 (UNCTAD media release) – Representatives from the Swiss Government, individual trading companies and transparency advocates will discuss the current lack of publicly available information about commodity trading in Switzerland at UNCTAD’s sixth annual Global Commodities Forum at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 13–14 April 2015. The Forum continues a […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
PATA CEO steps up to the plate, denounces racial profiling in travel
Bangkok – Pacific Asia Travel Association CEO Mario Hardy has become the first head of a major international travel organisation to speak out against the scourge of racial profiling in the travel & tourism industry. Writing in his April 8 blog headlined “Ambassadors for Tourism, for good and for peace…”, Mr Hardy said, “Today, I […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
Chinese attractions slash entrance fees to bring in tourists
NANCHANG, April 5 (Xinhua) — The Lushan Conference Hall, where Mao Zedong convened a historic meeting in 1959, exemplifies one of the late communist leader’s theories: whoever wins the people wins the war. The site at scenic Lushan Mountain, Jiangxi Province, has just reversed the tide in its battle for visitors. Last year, it received […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
Survey: U.S. College Student Loan Amounts, Financial Stress Levels on the Rise
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 02, 2015 – The third-year results of Money Matters on Campus, a survey of 43,000 college students across the U.S., show that students are taking out more and larger student loans, yet report feeling less prepared to manage their money than any other aspect of college life. Further, though students reported a higher […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
Drought-hit California launches public education campaign to cut water use by 25%
SACRAMENTO, Calif. April 02, 2015 –(BUSINESS WIRE)–On the heels of Governor Jerry Brown’s announcement yesterday of the first-ever statewide mandatory water reductions, Save Our Water – California’s conservation education program – is launching Keep Saving CA, a statewide public education campaign to help Californians make lasting and permanent reductions in the amount of water they […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
On International Day, UN underlines role of sport in promoting development, peace
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 April 2015 – On the second annual International Day of Sport for Development and Peace today, top United Nations officials stressed the important role that sport can play in achieving sustainable progress and change. “Sport has the power to help develop the potential of individuals, communities and nations,” said […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
11 Ways The Cricket World Cup Can Make the World a Better Place
The recent Cricket World Cup competition in Australia and New Zealand was watched by more than two billion people worldwide. Amidst the sporting frenzy and the heavy-duty competitive pressure, there was much to learn. Constructive, well-meaning competition is good for the system. Although all tournaments must end with only one winner, they are accompanied by […]
more…2 Apr, 2015
International Criminal Court welcomes Palestine as State Party to the Rome Statute
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 1 April 2015 – The International Criminal Court (ICC) welcomed the Palestine as the 123rd State Party to its founding Rome Statute today, in a ceremony held at the seat of the Court in The Hague in The Netherlands. “Accession to a treaty is, of course, just the first step,” […]
more…2 Apr, 2015
Air disaster by German suicide-pilot elevates importance of treating mental ill-health in workplace
The Germanwings air-disaster triggered by an alleged suicide-pilot came just weeks after the Paris-based Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released a report highlighting the impact of mental ill-health on communities, companies and countries. Whereas the report’s primary focus was on economic impact and productivity, the human-life cost of the aviation disaster has elevated […]
more…1 Apr, 2015
China-funded Mekong bridge, road build hope for better local lives in northeast Cambodia
STUNG TRENG, Cambodia, April 1, (Xinhua) — Spanning the Mekong River in far northeastern Cambodia, the newly-built 1.73-km Mekong bridge, along with a 143-km road, have raised hope for better living conditions of residents in this far northeastern region.The bridge and road, linked Stung Treng province’s rural parts and its provincial town, are crucial for […]
more…29 Mar, 2015
UNWTO to convene first conference on Food Tourism
Madrid (UNWTO media release) — The Basque Culinary Center and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in collaboration with Basquetour, the Gipuzkoa Foral Deputation and the Donostia-San Sebastián Town Hall are organizing the 1st UNWTO Affiliate Members World Forum on Food Tourism, 27-29 April 2015 in San Sebastián, Spain. Food is a fundamental element of all […]
more…27 Mar, 2015
Botswana Conference Highlights Fight Against Illegal Trade In Wildlife
KASANE, BOTSWANA, March 26 (NNN-XINHUA) — Delegates attending a conference on illegal wildlife trade in Botswana have agreed to step up actions to fight the illegal trade of wildlife products, and to protect elephants, rhinos and other endangered species. The Kasane Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade wrapped up Wednesday in the northern Botswana town […]
more…27 Mar, 2015
Malaysia’s Fast Track Clearance Pass Can Now Be Processed In Singapore
SINGAPORE, March 26 (NNN-Bernama) — A new streamlined experience will avail greater convenience and save time for Singaporean motorists and pedestrians seeking to apply the MACS (Malaysia Automated Clearance System) pass that allows for smoother auto-gate processing at the Malaysian checkpoints. Third Link Pte Ltd, a vendor appointed by the Malaysian immigration authorities, has set […]
more…27 Mar, 2015
Malaysia Aims to Energise Halal Ecosystem via World Halal Summit starting 30 March
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (26 March 2015) – Malaysia will take another giant leap towards establishing the country as the global Halal hub when it hosts the World Halal Summit. Scheduled to be held from 30th March to 4th April 2015 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), WHS 2015 is set to be the largest […]
more…26 Mar, 2015
Jewish Fanatic Settlers Mobilize for Mass Entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque on Passover
JERUSALEM, March 25, 2015 (WAFA) – Jewish groups that define themselves by the name of the alleged ancient Temple are preparing for the Jewish holiday Passover by mobilizing the largest number of settlers to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque and perform religious prayers in its yards. According to the Islamic Institute of Waqf and Heritage, the Temple […]
more…26 Mar, 2015
UN marks Day of Remembrance with calls to end modern slavery
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 25 March 2015 – As the international community gathers to commemorate the millions of victims exploited by slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today warned that the insidious practice of forced bondage continued to reverberate around the world in various forms – from forced labour […]
more…25 Mar, 2015
Muslim woman in Hijab assaulted on Sydney train
Sydney, (IINA) 25 Mar 2015 – A hijab wearing Muslim woman was attacked by a man while she was onboard a train in Sydney, leaving her traumatized and terrified, media sources reported. Hina, who wanted to be identified only by her first name, was on her journey from the city’s Town Hall station to Parramatta […]
more…24 Mar, 2015
Thai Tourism Minister listens carefully as PATA finds its “Voice”
Bangkok — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has long claimed to be the “voice” of the tourism industry in the world’s most populous and dynamic region. Over the last few years, failing to walk that talk has been a major contributor to its decline. Now, that is changing. On 19 March, the PATA Thailand […]
more…24 Mar, 2015
World Social Forum in Tunis can inspire activists to unite against the global power grab
By Adriano Campolina, chief executive, ActionAid International Tunis, March 25, 2015, The Guardian — There’s no snow, fewer celebrities, and a lot less glitz, but the World Social Forum’s 10th global meeting, which opens in Tunis on 24 March, is the critics’ answer to the Davos World Economic Forum. Here in Tunis, I’m meeting people who […]
more…21 Mar, 2015
ACLU Sues TSA for Records on Discredited US$1 billion ‘Behavior Detection’ Program at U.S. airports
March 19, 2015, NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union and the NYCLU took the Transportation Security Administration to court today in an effort to uncover documents about a controversial passenger screening program used at airports nationwide., The program is called Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques, or SPOT. TSA “behavior detection officers” watch passengers […]
more…21 Mar, 2015
Chinese Commentary: America the Kibitzer on South China Sea
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) — Uncle Sam has long been in the grip of many addictions, such as muscle-flexing, preaching and borrowing, but there has turned out to be one more: kibitzing. The latest symptom of the obsession with unwanted counseling emerged into plain sight earlier this week, when Robert Thomas, commander of the U.S. […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
China’s global image on the upswing
Beijing, (China Daily), March 19, 2015 – China’s national image has been improving over the past few years, with President Xi Jinping becoming a highlight, according to a survey report. The global survey, based on 4,500 respondents from nine countries last year, found that China’s overall image has been increasingly recognized by the global community. […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
China rethinks how forex reserves are used as U.S. Treasuries holdings fall
BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) — The reduction of U.S. government bond holdings has signalled investment in U.S. Treasuries is gradually losing appeal to China’s massive foreign exchange (FX) reserves. According to data released this week by the U.S. Treasury Department.China cut its holdings by 5.2 billion U.S. dollars to 1.2391 trillion dollars in January, marking […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
Backed by Israeli troops, Jewish Fanatic Settlers Take over Property in East Jerusalem Neighborhood
JERUSALEM, March 18, 2015 (WAFA) – Armed Israeli settlers Wednesday took over a Palestinian property in East Jerusalem’s town of Silwan as well as two plots of land which belong to two different Palestinian families. Protected by large Israeli troops, armed settlers broke into Silwan and occupied a building, which houses four apartments, that belongs […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
Israel Demolishes Dozens of Residential Structures, Livestock Barns in Jordan Valley
JORDAN VALLEY, March 18, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli authorities early Wednesday demolished dozens of residential structures and livestock barns in the northern Jordan Valley localities of Makhoul and al-Hadidiya, according to a municipal source and local activist. Escorting bulldozers, Israeli forces broke into and cordoned the area off and prevented locals from approaching the structures […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
Israel Cuts 150 Olive Trees in Hebron, Burns Roots to Ensure Damage
HEBRON, March 18, 2015 (WAFA) – The so-called Israeli Civil Administration Wednesday sprayed the roots of around 150 Olive trees in the area of Mala southeast of Dahriya south of Hebron with Chemicals to kill the trees, under allegations of being planted in a state property. According to local sources, the Israeli army cut the […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
Buddhist monk shames branding gurus: “Are you really contributing to sustainability?”
Bangkok, March 28, 2015 – Thailand’s leading branding gurus got more than they bargained for at a conference on sustainability when the keynote speaker, a prominent Buddhist monk, ripped into the human frailties of greed, pride, egotism and conceit, all of which he said help meet corporate goals but are totally opposite to core Buddhist […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
March 21: Bali to go silent for Nyepi, all religious leaders to join in
The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, March 19 2015 – Preparations are gearing up for Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu Day of Silence, which falls on Saturday. This year’s celebration will offer another demonstration of Bali’s strong interfaith relations, as the celebration coincides with the Catholic period of Lent, where adherents fast and make penitence in preparation for […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
March 20 Int’l Happiness Day: Gallup Poll lists countries where people are most/least happy
Ahead of the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, Gallup looks at the countries where the highest and lowest percentages of people are experiencing positive emotions daily. Story Highlights Top 10 countries for positive emotions are in Latin America At least 70% laugh/smile a lot, experience enjoyment, treated with respect, well-rested WASHINGTON, D.C. — As […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
China’s luxury big spenders: young, trendy and not so rich
Beijing, (Agencies) 2015-03-16 – Global luxury brands expanding in China are better off targeting the HENRYs – “high earners, not rich yet” – instead of the ultra-wealthy, as a slowing economy and a government that frowns on official excesses usher in an era of less showy spending. HENRYs believe less is more. These younger spenders […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
#HappySoundsLike: UN launches social media campaign to create world’s happiest playlist
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 16 March 2015 – Does happiness have a sound? And, if so, what does it actually sound like? That is the question the United Nations is asking as it launches its latest campaign – #HappySoundsLike – an appeal for the global citizenry “to nominate a song that brings a smile […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
Japan to loan $160m for Phnom Penh-Thailand highway
Phnom Penh, 16 Mar 2015, KYODO NEWS – Japan will extend about US$160 million in low-interest loans to Cambodia to improve a major road, a move that would increase transportation capacity and efficiency in the Mekong region. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen on Sunday that Japan would make the 19.2-billion-yen […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
U.N. under fire for US$2.3 million extra costs in business and first-class travel authorisations
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and his office management staff are under fire for authorising “exceptions” to the UN’s travel policies that cost global taxpayers an additional US$ 2.3 million for business- and first-class travel in 2012-14, mostly by “prominent” persons, for UN meetings around the world. Although the UN General Assembly had instructed Mr. Ban […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
India’s first private airport, majority owned by Changi, nears opening
Press Trust of India | Durgapur (West Bengal) March 16, 2015 — The country’s first private greenfield airport at Durgapur, promoted by Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd (BAPL), is likely to be operational by April 14. “The final calibration of navigational aids at the airport by Airport Authority is done. Now, we expect to get final […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
Iran reports rise in foreign investment interest in tourism sector
Shahrekord, Chaharmahal-o Bakhtiari Prov, March 14, IRNA – The foreign investment demands in Iran tourism sector have recently increased, a senior official said on Sunday. Talking to IRNA, Head of the Organization for Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, Masoud Soltanifar said so far, several foreign groups have voiced their readiness to made investment in Iran […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
China’s Spring Festival passengers up 3.5% to 2.81 bln
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese railways, roads, airlines and waterways carried a total of 2.81 billion passengers during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, known as “chunyun,” which concluded on Sunday. The figure is 3.5 percent up on last year, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Monday. A total of 2.42 billion passengers […]
more…16 Mar, 2015
Australian musicians to get A$900,000 in grants to promote their work locally and abroad
Canberra, Media statement by the Minister of the Arts, George Brandis – 13 March 2015 Today I am announcing close to $900,000 in grants to increase the exposure of Australian musicians to national and international audiences, and support the development of new work. Forty-two musicians will be supported by a range of music grants through […]
more…16 Mar, 2015
The Future of China: Full Transcript of Premier Li Keqiang’s Broad-ranging Press Conference
Beijing, Mar 15,2015, english.gov.cn — Fu Ying: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Today we are delighted to invite Premier Li Keqiang to meet Chinese and foreign journalists and take your questions. We have a full house today. There are about eight to nine hundred journalists present at today’s press conference. But our time is limited […]
more…15 Mar, 2015
In Washington Post column, Jewish neocon calls for more war in Middle East
Following up on the anti-Iran speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. Congress earlier this month, another Jewish neocon has called openly for an attack on Iran. Reeking with shameless arrogance and shoulder-shrugging nonchalance about advocating more conflict and human suffering in an explosive and volatile region, Joshua Muravchik, a fellow at […]
more…15 Mar, 2015
India to step up economic projects for Northeast region, links with Myanmar, B’desh & Bhutan
New Delhi, Ministry for Development of North-East Region, 14-March-2015 – The members of the consultative committee attached to the Ministry for Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) in a meeting held here yesterday discussed the issues of promotion of Tourism, improvement of connectivity & other infrastructural projects in the region. During the first meeting of the […]
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