12 Dec, 2013
$50 Billion Greater Mekong Plan to Focus on Building Economic Corridors
VIENTIANE, Laos, 12 December 2013 (ADB media release) – Member countries of the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) have agreed to draw up a $50 billion pipeline of potential projects under a new Regional Investment Framework (RIF), including investments in non-traditional areas like railways and multisector projects to be made over the next decade. “The next generation […]
more…12 Dec, 2013
ASEAN businesses see integration as opportunity, not threat: survey
JAKARTA, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) — Business communities in the 10 member countries of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hold that the upcoming regional economic integration would not disrupt their business, saying it would even give them opportunity rather than threat. It was learned from the results of a recent survey carried out by ASEAN […]
more…12 Dec, 2013
UN Awards Human Rights Campaigners for Standing Up to Abuses and Injustice
United Nations, 10 December 2013, Department of Public Information – The 2013 United Nations Prize in the Field of Human Rights was awarded today to five individuals and one judicial body at the General Assembly’s commemorative meeting to mark the sixty-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The 2013 recipients were Biram Dah […]
more…11 Dec, 2013
Indian Studies Prove Radiation Effect of Long-term Mobile Phone Use
New Delhi, Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, 10-December-2013 – Recently two reviews have been published from the School of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi regarding effect of mobile phone radiation. Both the reviews are based on the review of published studies conducted on animals and in in-vitro system. Giving this information in […]
more…11 Dec, 2013
First ADB US$60m Loan to Myanmar to Grow Nationwide Electricity Grid
09 December 2013, ADB media release – Some 480,000 households in four regions in Myanmar will have better access to a more reliable supply of electricity to support their daily activities with a $60 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the first project loan since re-engaging with Myanmar, which will rehabilitate sections of […]
more…11 Dec, 2013
Travel one of many sectors feeling ripple-effect of China’s high air pollution
Shanghai (China Daily) December 10, 2013 – Heavy air pollution is taking its toll on Shanghai’s department stores and shopping malls as people reduce their outdoor activities. By contrast, the number of tourists opting for vacations on islands and in forests that promise fresh air away from the suffocating haze is on the rise. Following […]
more…11 Dec, 2013
China initiates shift away from GDP-obsessed economic path
BEIJING – 2013-12-10 (Xinhua) China has promised to cut the weight of GDP when assessing the work of local governments, but the country has not scrapped economic development, central authorities said Tuesday. The Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee issued a document on Monday promising to shift away from GDP-obsessed […]
more…11 Dec, 2013
Western holiday consumption lifts China’s exports, but pressure remains
BEIJING, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) — China’s exports grew faster in November thanks to Christmas consumption in Western countries and a recovering global economy, but pressure remains for future growth, experts said. The country’s trade surplus hit 33.8 billion U.S. dollars in November, the highest since 2008, as exports gained 12.7 percent year on year and […]
more…11 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: Middle East’s 157 Billionaires Dominate Region’s Wealth
SINGAPORE, Dec. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The Middle East’s billionaires – with a combined net worth of US$354 billion – hold a higher percentage of total wealth than in any other region in the world, findings from the Wealth-X and UBS Billionaire Census 2013 show. Forty percent of the Middle East’s ultra high net worth (UHNW) […]
more…11 Dec, 2013
Pakistani Economist To Head UN’s Asia-Pacific Regional Development Arm
United Nations, (UN News Centre) Dec 10 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has appointed seasoned economist Shamshad Akhtar of Pakistan as the new head of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). Ms. Akhtar will succeed Noeleen Heyzer of Singapore, who will continue to serve as Special Adviser of […]
more…11 Dec, 2013
New Thai-Laos Bridge Opens, Completing ‘Missing Link’ in North-South Regional Corridor
11 December 2013, Asian Development Bank media release – A new bridge straddling the Mekong River between Thailand and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is open for business, signaling completion of physical works along one of the Greater Mekong Subregion’s (GMS) most critical economic corridors. The opening of the Houayxay-Chiang Khong bridge completes the North-South […]
more…10 Dec, 2013
Amnesty International brings claim against UK over state surveillance
9 December 2013 – Amnesty International has today announced it has issued a claim against the UK over concerns that the organization’s communications have been unlawfully accessed by the UK intelligence services. In June disclosures made by the US whistleblower Edward Snowden revealed that the USA was routinely accessing the communications of millions of people […]
more…9 Dec, 2013
PR Newswire Survey: Companies in China Assess Content Marketing Trends, ROI Impact
BEIJING, Dec. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — PR Newswire today released its annual survey report, “Content Marketing Trends and ROI Impact Assessment by Companies in China”. The pool for this year’s survey was made up of a fixed list of corporate brand PR specialists, marketers and C-suite corporate executives, all of whom received invitations to complete […]
more…9 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: Women in Europe still work 59 days ‘for free’, Gender Pay Gap Report finds
Brussels, 9 December 2013, European Commission Press release – 16.2%: that’s the size of the gender pay gap, or the average difference between women and men’s hourly earnings across the EU, according to the latest figures released today by the European Commission. The figure has not moved an inch in the space of a year. […]
more…9 Dec, 2013
EU relaxes use of electronic devices on aircraft
Brussels, 9 December 2013, European Commission Press release – The EU’s Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has today updated its guidance on the use of portable electronic devices on board (PED), including smartphones, tablets and e-readers. It confirms that these devices may be kept switched on in “Flight Mode” (non-transmitting mode) throughout the journey (including taxiing, […]
more…7 Dec, 2013
Survey Reveals Business, Personal Impacts of Oct 2013 U.S. Federal Government Shutdown
HERNDON, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 03, 2013 – The 16-day shutdown of the U.S. government in October 2013 had widespread business and personal impacts that reached far beyond the federal sector and well outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, according to findings of a survey released today by ORI, a market research and strategic business intelligence firm. […]
more…7 Dec, 2013
European Commission: Five festive season tips to avoid on-line fraud
Brussels, 6 December 2013, European Commission Press release – 12% of internet users across the EU have already fallen victim to online fraud. 8% have had to deal with identity theft. A new report by the European Consumer Centre Network (ECC-Net) takes a look at the scams faced by consumers when shopping online. The report […]
more…7 Dec, 2013
European Commission Assesses a Year of Progress in Battle Against Tax Evasion, Avoidance
Source: European Commission Brussels, 5 December 2013 Why has the Commission made fighting tax fraud and evasion a priority? Every year, billions of euros of public money are lost in the EU due to tax evasion and tax avoidance. As a result, Member States suffer a serious loss of revenue, as well as a dent […]
more…7 Dec, 2013
Nelson Mandela: A Jewish Perspective by Rabbi Michael Lerner
Jews love and loved Nelson Mandela. He inspired us with his insistence that the old regime of apartheid would crumble more quickly and fully when faced with revolutionary love and compassion than when faced with anger and violence. Mandela also challenged us to think deeply about whether the current situation in Israel/Palestine reflects the ethic […]
more…6 Dec, 2013
U.S. Public Feels Country Losing Global Respect, Power and Prestige – Pew Research Report
WASHINGTON DC, (Dec 3, 2013) Pew Research Centre – Growing numbers of Americans believe that U.S. global power and prestige are in decline. And support for U.S. global engagement, already near a historic low, has fallen further. The public thinks that the nation does too much to solve world problems, and increasing percentages want the […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
Another NSA Whistleblower Warns of Surveillance, Hidden Traps in TPP Deal
MOSCOW–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Edward Snowden was not the first major whistleblower the National Security Agency has faced. Before him, there was former senior executive with the NSA Thomas Drake who made major headlines of his own. In a new exclusive interview with the Voice of Russia, Drake, a former senior executive with the NSA, spoke about his […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: FAO Report to help strengthen forest producer organizations
25 November, 2013, Guilin/Rome (FAO Media release) – Strengthening forest producer organizations should contribute significantly to reducing poverty, improving livelihoods and enhancing economic development of smallholder forest owners and farmers, FAO said today at the International Conference on Forest Producer Organizations, taking place in Guilin, China, 25-28 November 2013. Being part of a producer organization […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
ITU Moves to Boost Critical Radio Communication Links During Disasters, Crises
Geneva, 29 November 2013 – ITU held a Workshop on Emergency Broadcasting to highlight the importance of international cooperation needed to enhance the reach of broadcasting in emergency situations, such as in the Philippines, which was recently devastated by Typhoon Haiyan and the cyclones that have battered the coastal districts of eastern India. A new […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
No easy death: Ageing populations will need to work longer, save more – OECD report
Paris, (OECD News release) 26/11/2013 – Recent reforms of pension systems have helped to contain the rise in future costs resulting from ageing populations and increasing life expectancy. Governments now need to do more to encourage people to work longer and save more for their retirement to ensure that benefits are adequate enough to maintain […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
European Commission names and shames banking giants for collusion, rigging, misconduct
Brussels 4 December 2013 – Introductory remarks by Joaquín Almunia, Vice President of the European Commission responsible for Competition Policy at a Press conference on cartels in the financial sector. Today the Commission has taken decisions in two cartel cases in the financial sector. We have reached settlements with 8 financial institutions which violated EU antitrust rules […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: UNCTAD Review of Maritime Transport 2013
Geneva, Switzerland, (05 December 2013) – Driven by rising domestic demand in China and by increased intra-Asian and South–South trade, international seaborne trade performed relatively well in 2012, with volumes increasing by 4.3 per cent, reaching 9.2 billion tons for the first time ever, UNCTAD’s Review of Maritime Transport 2013 (RMT13)1 reports. World container port […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
Disability no barrier to one Chinese young boy’s can-do spirit
Beijing, (China Daily) 2013-12-03 – When he talks about his disability, Yi Xiaoyuan has a serious look on his face. His voice doesn’t halter and his gaze doesn’t wander. He has been in a wheelchair for 10 years, since he was 11 years old and his rheumatoid arthritis worsened. With his mother sitting next to […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
China unveils plan for resource-dependent cities
(Xinhua ) 2013-12-03, BEIJING – China on Tuesday unveiled a development plan for 262 cities it identified as resource-dependent — those that are rich in natural resources — in an effort to guide their growth onto a more sustainable track. The plan, the first national framework on sustainable development of resource-dependent cities, put the cities […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
About 75% of Chinese PwD’s unemployed
Beijing (CNTV) December 04, 2013 – December 3rd marks the United Nations World Day for Persons with Disabilities. This year’s theme is: “Break Barriers, Open Doors.” But despite many reforms in China to boost their employment, opportunities for handicapped job-seekers in the world’s second-largest economy remain far from equal, with just over one in four […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
PwD’s Must Be Able To Reap Benefits Of Development, UN Officials Stress
United Nations, (UN News Centre), Dec 3 2013 – Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations is calling for global efforts to ensure that the more than one billion people worldwide who live with some form of disability can reap the benefits of development and fully participate in society. “We must […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
Accessibility Centre for PwD’s Inaugurated At UN Headquarters
United Nations, (UN News Centre) Dec 4 2013 – Hailing a new facility that enables greater participation of persons with disabilities in intergovernmental processes at Headquarters as “a model of the digital United Nations we are are trying to create,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today the initiative showed the Organization is making strides towards creating […]
more…5 Dec, 2013
Singapore hotel wins first Asia-Pacific award for dedication to Persons with Disabilities
Bangkok, Dec 3, 2013 – The Holiday Inn Singapore Orchard City Centre became the first hotel winner of a newly launched award to recognise Asia-Pacific companies creating meaningful jobs for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Two other winners of the ESCAP-Sasakawa Award For Disability-Inclusive Business in Asia and the Pacific were the Indian information technology company […]
more…3 Dec, 2013
Increasing Chinese tourists embrace fear of extreme and outdoor sports
MELBOURNE, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) — The cabin door opened when the green light was flashing, Liu Kang moved forward to sit at the edge of the door with his tandem master. Everyone was pretty scared, and they stepped out of the plane after someone behind Liu was shouting “embrace the fear”. With a 60-second free […]
more…3 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: Pacific Region Faces Rising Fiscal Challenges in 2014 – ADB Report
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND, 2 December 2013 – Fiscal pressures are expected to increase in the Pacific in 2014, according to the latest issue of the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Pacific Economic Monitor, launched today at the offices of the New Zealand Aid Programme. Public spending for post-cyclone recovery in Samoa is likely to slow progress […]
more…3 Dec, 2013
China’s tea growers take the less travelled road in Africa and Europe
2013-12-02 (China Daily) – What started 5,000 years ago with a haphazard gust of wind dropping foliage into the boiling pot of a wandering Chinese emperor has brewed into a cultural cornerstone worth billions in any currency. China may be the world’s largest tea producer — growing about 2 million tons annually — but international […]
more…3 Dec, 2013
China’s General aviation sector ‘set for takeoff’
Beijing 2013-11-30 (China Daily) – The general aviation industry in China is poised for a boom, with the authorities encouraging its development, but the money pouring into the sector may lead to a bubble, industry experts said. The Civil Aviation Administration of China and the General Staff Headquarters of the People’s Liberation Army jointly released […]
more…3 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: Asia-Pacific Statistical Yearbook 2013
Bangkok (UN ESCAP Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section) 3 December 2013 – The development community must work together to place statistical capacity building at the center of the post-2015 development agenda to ensure that high quality data and information are available to people and governments to support more effective decision-making, the United Nations said today. Reflecting on […]
more…2 Dec, 2013
The Price of War: Imaging Shows Impact of Blast-induced Brain Injuries in Veterans
CHICAGO, Dec. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Using a special type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), researchers have found that soldiers who suffered mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) induced by blast exposure exhibit long-term brain differences, according to a study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Recent […]
more…2 Dec, 2013
Alarm as HIV cases soar among gays
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online) December 01, 2013 – Programmatic coverage for men having sex with men remains inadequate across the Asia and the Pacific region, Director of UNAIDS Asia and the Pacific Steven Kraus told People’s Daily Online on Sunday. Male-to-male sex becomes the prominent contributing factor to new HIV infections, pointed out by UNAIDS […]
more…2 Dec, 2013
Confucius classroom hubs opened in Northern Ireland
(Xinhua) November 30, 2013 – Eight Confucius Classroom Hubs under the Confucius Institute at Ulster University opened Friday in Northern Ireland to meet children’s needs in learning the Chinese language and culture. “Northern Ireland has maintained good relationship with China,” said Peter Robinson, the first minister of Northern Ireland, who attended the opening ceremony at […]
more…2 Dec, 2013
Tracking Lobbyists: European Transparency Register grows 10%
Brussels, 29 November 2013, European Commission Press release – The latest annual report on the European Parliament and European Commission’s joint Transparency Register shows that more interest representatives have registered than ever before. Almost 6,000 organisations have now signed up – an increase of 10% on last year’s report. A recent academic study referenced in […]
more…2 Dec, 2013
FREE Download: 30% drop in organized crime leads to 7.5% rise in Mexico Peace Index
28 Nov 2013 – Peace has improved by 7.5% over the last two years in Mexico as a result of a 30% decrease in organized crime, according to the 2013 Mexico Peace Index. The report analyses peace in Mexico over the last decade and identifies the key socio-economic factors associated with peace and violence. It […]
more…30 Nov, 2013
Israel opens synagogue beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque
Jerusalem, 28 November 2013 (IINA) – Ignoring the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide, Israel has reportedly opened a new synagogue under Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Al-Quds (Occupied East Jerusalem), threatening a possible destabilizing of the foundations of the third holiest site in Islam. “We only saw these synagogues during our tours; otherwise we would […]
more…30 Nov, 2013
Black Friday Protests Against “Poverty Pay” Sweep Walmart Stores in U.S.
November 29, 2013 –(BUSINESS WIRE)–Calling for better jobs, Walmart workers and community supporters across the nation are holding 1500 protests against the mega-retailer today, in one of the largest mobilizations of working families in recent history. As part of the protests already underway, workers, faith leaders and community supporters are risking arrest in at least […]
more…30 Nov, 2013
Indian Media in Disrepute as Journalists Seek Glamour, Stardom, New Book Says
Vice President’s Secretariat, 29-November-2013 – The Vice President of India Prof M. Hamid Ansari released a book entitled “Journalism – Ethics and Responsiblities” edited by senior journalist Ms. Seema Mustafa at a function here today. Addressing on the occasion, he said, “This book is timely and puts the searchlight on a contemporary issue of great […]
more…29 Nov, 2013
Commission tightens key EU rules to curb tax avoidance
Brussels, 25 November 2013, European Commission Press release – Today the Commission proposed amendments to key EU corporate tax legislation, in order to significantly reduce tax avoidance in Europe. The proposal will close loopholes in the Parent-Subsidiary Directive, which some companies have been using to escape taxation. In particular, companies will no longer be able […]
more…29 Nov, 2013
Promoting Women Entrepreneurs: “What if it had been Lehman Sisters?”
Brussels, European Commission, 28 November 2013 – Full text of the speech by Neelie Kroes, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for the Digital Agenda, at the Women in Parliaments Global Forum Today we face an economic crisis that threatens us all. We need to invest in jobs for the future, growth for the future, […]
more…29 Nov, 2013
First UNWTO Conference in Ninh Binh Helps Spiritual Tourism Come of Age in Asia
Ninh Binh, Vietnam — The Asia-Pacific travel & tourism industry entered a new phase of its history with Nov 21-22 convening of the first conference on spiritual tourism in Asia. Set against the backdrop of the spectacular bronze Buddha images in the Bai Dinh pagoda in Ninh Binh, about 90 kilometres south of the Vietnamese […]
more…28 Nov, 2013
U.N. Committee Passes Resolution on ‘Right to Privacy in the Digital Age’
United Nations, 26 Nov 2013, Department of Public Information – The UN Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian and Cultural) approved 18 draft resolutions today, including one on “The right to privacy in the digital age”. “Through this resolution, the General Assembly establishes, for the first time, that human rights should prevail irrespective of the medium and […]
more…28 Nov, 2013
China Proposes Easier Travel, Visas with Central and Eastern Europe states
BUCHAREST, Nov.26 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Li Keqiang made a six-point proposal Tuesday on deepening cooperation with Central and Eastern European (CEE) nations while attending a China-CEE leaders’ meeting. First, he said China and CEE countries should intensify economic and trade cooperation, doubling China-CEE trade volume in five years and discussing a framework agreement for […]
more…28 Nov, 2013
UN Gen Assembly votes to declare 2014 Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People
United Nations, 26 November 2013, Department of Public Information – Sending a strong message of support for the Middle East peace process, albeit with the traditionally divergent views on how to achieve its aims, the General Assembly today adopted six draft resolutions on the question of Palestine and the situation in the Middle East overall. […]
more…27 Nov, 2013
Making Pancakes to Taking Care of the Elderly: Five cool robots the EU is funding
Brussels, 25th November 2013, European Commission Memo – It’s EU Robotics Week time again. For the third consecutive year, the achievements of Europe’s researchers and inventors working in robotics are celebrated in over 300 events from November 25th to December 1st. Here are some examples of the best EU-funded Robotics projects. RoboHow – Can a […]
more…27 Nov, 2013
Major Report Details Potential Costs of Climate Change in the Pacific – ADB
Sydney, 26 November 2013, ADB Media release – The economic loss suffered by the Pacific region could range from 2.9% to as high as 12.7% of annual GDP by 2100, according to a new study from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Economics of Climate Change in the Pacific includes modeling of future climate over the […]
more…27 Nov, 2013
EU unveils moves to boost free movement of people, and curb abuse
Brussels, 25 November 2013, European Commission Press release – The joint responsibility of Member States and the EU institutions to uphold EU citizens’ rights to live and work in another EU country is underlined in a policy paper just adopted by the European Commission. To support Member States’ efforts to do so, the Commission’s paper […]
more…27 Nov, 2013
Indonesia demands code of ethics for Australia relations
Jakarta (ANTARA News) November 26 2013 – Indonesia has demanded a protocol and a code of ethics for future cooperation with Australia following recent revelations of Australian spying in the country. “To me, this must be a prerequisite and, at the same time, a stepping stone for bilateral relations. I have already proposed it to […]
more…27 Nov, 2013
Poll: 7 out of 10 EU citizens say helping developing countries benefits them too
Brussels, 26 November 2013, European Commission Press release – Tackling poverty in developing countries should be one of the main priorities of the European Union, according to 66% of EU citizens. Seven out of ten people (69%) believe that helping these countries is also good for the EU, benefiting its citizens. These are some key […]
more…27 Nov, 2013
China continues campaign against “official extravagance”, travel included
BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2013-11-26 — In the latest move in China’s anti-waste campaign, central authorities on Monday issued a written regulation to standardize fund management and ban Party and government extravagance. The regulation, which contains 65 items and 12 chapters, outlined the proper management of funds for various uses, including official travel, receptions, meetings, official vehicles […]
more…26 Nov, 2013
Australian Unions vote to seek leave for workers who experience domestic violence
25 November, 2013, Media Release – White Ribbon Ambassador and ACTU Secretary Dave Oliver said Australian Unions will support a special resolution at the ACTU Executive on Tuesday for paid domestic violence leave to be included as a minimum entitlement in the 2014 modern award review. “Australia is already leading the world with over 1.2 […]
more…25 Nov, 2013
Watchdog NGOs urge adoption of UN resolution against unlawful surveillance
Nov 22, 2013 [University of Pittsburgh Law School, JURIST] – Five human rights groups urged the UN General Assembly on Thursday to adopt a resolution protecting the right of privacy against unlawful surveillance. In a letter to the assembly, the groups, Amnesty International, Access, Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), Privacy International and Human Rights Watch, claimed […]
more…25 Nov, 2013
U.S. Aviation Set to Be Hit by Doubling of Security Taxes
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 21, 2013 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines brought together a wide-ranging aviation industry coalition today to oppose increasing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) passenger security tax and urged Congress not to close a budget deal on the backs of airline passengers and shippers who […]
more…19 Nov, 2013
Summary: China’s 60-Point Reform Plan to Chart Development Course for Next Decade
Beijing, 2013-11-16 (China Daily) – The Decision on Major Issues Concerning Comprehensively Deepening Reforms was adopted at the close of the Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee on Tuesday. The following is an abridged version of the full text of the document: I—Significance and principles 1. Reform and opening-up has been a […]
more…19 Nov, 2013
ILO Plans Emergency Jobs Programme for 5 million typhoon-hit Filipino workers
MANILA – Five million workers have been affected by the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) that struck the Philippines last week, according to the latest ILO estimates. “This figure is equivalent to the population of Norway,” said ILO Philippine Office Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson. “But this is not just a matter of numbers: these […]
more…19 Nov, 2013
India Holds National Integration Week, 19-25 November
Ministry of Home Affairs, 18-November-2013 – With a view to foster and reinforce the spirit of Communal Harmony, National Integration and pride in vibrant, composite culture and nationhood, the “Quami Ekta Week” (National Integration week) will be observed all over the country, from the 19th to 25th November, 2013. The National Foundation for Communal Harmony […]
more…19 Nov, 2013
Huge Gulf aircraft order worries U.S. airlines group, pilots
November 18, 2013, WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, said Monday that record-breaking aircraft orders from Middle Eastern carriers, totaling $162.6 billion, underscore the need for a U.S. National Airline Policy, in which the U.S. government recognizes the critical role that U.S. carriers play in connecting America […]
more…16 Nov, 2013
Regulating Financial Institutions Critical to Avoiding Spread of Global Risk, UN meeting hears
United Nations, 13 Nov 2013, (Department of Public Information) – International financial stability was tied to the regulation of financial institutions so they did not accumulate too much risk, José Antonio Ocampo, Professor in the School of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University, today told the Second Committee (Economic and Financial). Delivering the keynote […]
more…16 Nov, 2013
Global warming more about people than carbon emissions – 2013 World Social Science Report
Paris, 12.11.2013 – UNESCOPRESS – The new edition of the World Social Science Report emphasizing the social sciences’ indispensable contribution to human survival in the face of climate change, was launched on 15 November at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Published by UNESCO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Social Science […]
more…16 Nov, 2013
Applications Open for Int’l Training Course on Managing Risks of Climate Change
BANGKOK – The Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) is to hold an international training course on “Managing risk in the face of climate change” from 09 -20 December 2013at the Swissotel, Nai Lert Park, Bangkok. This training programme is designed for managers, policy makers, specialists and researchers who are professionally involved in the management of […]
more…16 Nov, 2013
FREE Download: Pew Report Tracks News Use Across Social Media Platforms
Nov 14, 2013 (Pew Research Journalism Project) – How do different social networking websites stack up when it comes to news? How many people engage with news across multiple social sites? And what are their news consumption habits on traditional platforms? As part of an ongoing examination of social media and news, the Pew Research […]
more…16 Nov, 2013
Philippines: Newly Open Roads, Airports Allow In More Aid But Fuel Shortage Remains
United Nations, (UN News Centre) – Nov 15 2013 – With substantial progress in opening up airports and clear roads in typhoon-hit regions of the Philippines, United Nations agencies and partners are scaling up their support of Government efforts to provide relief, but a major fuel shortage is hampering access to millions of affected people. […]
more…15 Nov, 2013
European SMEs Worst Hit By Lack of Access to Finance, Survey Shows
Brussels, 14 November 2013, European Commission Press release – Access to finance is still among the top concerns of the EU’s small and medium sized enterprises and younger and smaller firms are the most badly affected, according to the “Access to Finance” survey released today by the European Commission and European Central Bank. About one […]
more…15 Nov, 2013
UN Report Highlights Power of Creativity, Culture and Tourism as Job Creators
Paris, 14 Nov 2013 – World trade of creative goods and services totalled a record of US$ 624 billion in 2011 and more than doubled from 2002 to 2011. At the same time, creativity and culture also have a significant non-monetary value that contributes to inclusive social development, to dialogue and understanding between peoples. This […]
more…14 Nov, 2013
Trust in governments at record low: OECD report
Paris, 14/11/2013 (OECD media release) – The global economic crisis has undermined trust in government. Today only four out of ten citizens in OECD countries say they have confidence in their national authorities. Not surprisingly, trust declined in the countries hit hardest by the crisis, such as Ireland, Greece, Slovenia and Portugal. But measures can […]
more…14 Nov, 2013
Travel, business, citizens and environment to benefit from free European satellite data
Brussels, 13 November 2013, (European Commission Press release) – The European Commission will provide free, full and open access to a wealth of important environmental data gathered by Copernicus, Europe’s Earth observation system. The new open data dissemination regime, which will come into effect next month, will support the vital task of monitoring the environment […]
more…14 Nov, 2013
WMO Status of Climate in 2013: High temperatures, many extremes worldwide
Geneva, 13 November 2013 (WMO media release) – The year 2013 is currently on course to be among the top ten warmest years since modern records began in 1850, according to the World Meteorological Organization. The first nine months, January to September, tied with 2003 as the seventh warmest such period on record, with a […]
more…14 Nov, 2013
Qatar World Cup, crucial opportunity to improve migrants’ situation – UN rights expert
GENEVA / DOHA (13 November 2013) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants, François Crépeau, urged the Qatari authorities to use the 2022 World Cup to improve the situation of migrant workers and their families in the country. Qatar has the highest ratio of migrants to citizens in the world; […]
more…14 Nov, 2013
Call for Entries: 2014 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation
Bangkok, 12 November 2013 – Entries are now being accepted for the 2014 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The Awards recognize the successful efforts of private sector and public-private initiatives in conserving or restoring structures, places and properties of heritage value in the region. The Awards emphasize the importance of the conservation process, […]
more…14 Nov, 2013
S. Korea adopts tourist goods certification to attract Chinese travelers
Beijing (Xinhua) 2013-11-13 – South Korea adopted a certification program of tourist goods to attract more travelers from China by scaling down rip-off sightseeing practices, an official at the Seoul Metropolitan Government said on Monday. “Competition became fiercer among domestic travel agencies to attract more Chinese tourists,” an official at the municipal government told Xinhua. […]
more…14 Nov, 2013
19 Best European Destinations for Barrier-free and Sustainable Tourism
Brussels, 11 November 2013 (European Commission media release) – The European tourism sector remains strong amidst the economic crisis (IP/13/878), but European destinations must continue finding ways to stay competitive and expand into new markets. One of the tourism sectors in Europe that still remains largely untapped is accessible tourism for senior citizens and people […]
more…12 Nov, 2013
Time to tap the holistic potential of Asia-Pacific’s forests
Rotorua, 08/11/2013, (Food and Agriculture Organization) – The forest sector across Asia and the Pacific has enormous untapped potential to increase the prosperity of countries, industries and improve the livelihoods of millions. But to achieve that, greater, coordinated efforts are needed by forest managers, governments and the private sector. Leading forestry experts and policy makers […]
more…12 Nov, 2013
FREE Download: Six-Point Plan to Promote Health & Wellness at Work
MANCHESTER, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 11, 2013 – Promoting Health & Wellness at Work is the latest Blue Paper from promotional items retailer 4imprint and is available now as a free download. The health of the nation is rarely out of the news; couple this with an ageing workforce, sick days costing nearly £29billion a year (1), […]
more…12 Nov, 2013
Healthcare sector to face shortage of 12.9 million workers in coming decades
11 November 2013 | RECIFE, BRAZIL, (World Health Organization) – The world will be short of 12.9 million health-care workers by 2035; today, that figure stands at 7.2 million. A WHO report released today warns that the findings – if not addressed now – will have serious implications for the health of billions of people […]
more…11 Nov, 2013
India’s 2014 Diaspora Caucus to Focus on Tapping the Energy of Young People
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, 05-November, 2013 – The 12th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention to be held in Delhi from 7th to 9th January 2014 will have ‘Engaging Diaspora: Connecting Across Generations’ as its theme. One of the focus areas of the PBD this year is a Youth PBD on 7th […]
more…11 Nov, 2013
Transparency Int’l calls for more whistleblower protection, oversight of govt surveillance
10 November 2013 (Transparency International Secretariat) – Measures to protect whistleblowers and increase oversight of government surveillance are essential to restore public trust in government, Transparency International said in a resolution passed by its 2013 Annual Membership Meeting today. The resolution called on governments to respect the right to privacy in safeguarding national security, saying […]
more…11 Nov, 2013
Hundreds in Chicago protest against ABC’s racial rhetoric
CHICAGO, Nov. 7- (Xinhua) – About 400 Chinese scholars, students and Chinese Americans gathered on Thursday in front of the building of the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) Chicago Branch to protest against its rhetoric of racial discrimination. Protesters held placards reading “Stop Racism,” “Don’t let kids grow up in hatred,” “Teach kids love, not kill,” “Killing […]
more…10 Nov, 2013
U.S., Israel lose voting rights for failing to resume funding: UNESCO
PARIS, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced Saturday that the United States and Israel lost their voting rights at the organization for not paying due contributions since November 2011. The U.S. and Israel stopped to pay their dues to the UN cultural organization in protest of UNESCO’s […]
more…10 Nov, 2013
Psychological survey reveals stress levels rising in Australia
A new survey conducted by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) has revealed Australians are experiencing increased levels of stress and reduced wellbeing in the past 12 months. The Stress and Wellbeing in Australia 2013: A state-of-the-nation survey– released today to mark the start of National Psychology Week (10 – 16 November) -looked at the stress […]
more…10 Nov, 2013
New Book Exposes Central Banks’ Destructive Policies, Warns of More Financial Crises
HOBOKEN, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 07, 2013 – When Lehman Brothers went bankrupt and AIG was taken over by the US government in the fall of 2008, the world almost came to an end – stock markets went into free fall as trillions of dollars of wealth were wiped out. While the initial crisis is long gone, […]
more…10 Nov, 2013
Holiday Shopping Survey Finds U.S. Consumers Dialing Down the Holidays
RIVERWOODS, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 07, 2013 – Americans are planning to celebrate this holiday season without all the fuss, according to the latest Discover Annual Holiday Shopping Survey. Gift cards are the most popular gift of the season, both to give and receive, and a majority plan to skip the hustle and bustle of holiday travel. […]
more…8 Nov, 2013
India Approves Collective Landing Permits for Group Tourists
Ministry of Tourism, 08-November, 2013 – The Government has issued an order relating to Collective Landing Permit for Group tourists as per the notification issued by Ministry of Home Affairs. The facility of Collective Landing permit for Group tourists will be available at the following airports and seaports: Airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, […]
more…8 Nov, 2013
Major Upgrade for Incredibleindia.org to Enhance Functionality, User-Friendliness
Ministry of Tourism, 07-November, 2013 – Ministry of Tourism has added three more services on its website www.incredibleindia.org to provide more comprehensive information to tourists at one place. The objective of the new changes is to put the entire gamut of tourism services online, from the initial planning of the trip to the final visit […]
more…8 Nov, 2013
Chinese see English literacy as gateway to good jobs, travel opportunities
(China Daily), 2013-11-06 – English literacy in the Chinese mainland is expanding as people view mastery of the language as an invaluable bargaining tool for jobs. But the country still ranks low globally, a recent report shows. The mainland climbed two notches from 36th place last year to 34th on an annual list showing the […]
more…8 Nov, 2013
Beijing to cut new car quota by 37.5%
BEIJING, 2013-11-07, (Xinhua) – The Beijing municipal government will slash its new car registration quota by 37.5 percent starting from 2014 and give more stake to new energy vehicles as part of its efforts to curb air pollution. According to an interpretation of a five-year vehicle emission reduction plan (2013-2017), the number of newly registered […]
more…8 Nov, 2013
China expected to pursue new growth model
BEIJING, (Xinhua) 2013-11-07 – The upcoming policy meeting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is expected to unveil a package of measures to deepen reforms to achieve sustainable economic development, said experts. The Third Plenary Session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, which is expected to steer the country to an historic turning point, […]
more…8 Nov, 2013
China urges developed countries to meet climate financing commitments
Beijing, (Xinhua) November 05, 2013 – A senior Chinese official on Tuesday urged developed countries to keep their commitments on climate financing and outline concrete actions ahead of a number of key meetings on climate change. Developed nations should promise to inject funds of no less than the fast-start funding between 2013 and 2015, said […]
more…8 Nov, 2013
Call to limit tourist access to Balinese Hindu temples
Bali, 2013-11-07, (Jakarta Post) – Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika has proposed that temples be excluded as tourist destinations on the island to limit, or even prevent, tourists visiting the places of worship. “Further discussion with the island’s tourist industry will be necessary to consider the proposal. It is high time for us to limit […]
more…8 Nov, 2013
240 Asia-Pacific Sites To Benefit From Milestone U.N. Pact To Boost Dry Ports
Bangkok – A total of 240 Asia-Pacific sites in and around cities stretching from Istanbul to Zamboanga city have been identified for future development as dry-ports under a landmark agreement signed here today. The move will set the stage for the next phase of economic growth in the world’s most populous region by linking coastal […]
more…7 Nov, 2013
Online Chinese travel search platform Qunar makes debut on Nasdaq
Beijing, (Xinhua) 2013-11-05 – A prominent search-based online commercial platform for the Chinese travel industry, Qunar Cayman Islands Limited, debuted Friday at the Nasdaq Global Market with the pricing of 15 U.S. dollars a share for its initial public offering (IPO). Shares of the Beijing-based company, under the ticker symbol of QUNR at the Nasdaq, […]
more…7 Nov, 2013
Chinese luxury shoppers get more sophisticated
Beijing 2013-11-05, (China Daily) – Chinese luxury consumers are getting more sophisticated, as they increasingly look for unique products and expect professional services. It’s widely known that Chinese tourists are supporting the global luxury market, but the reasons behind the overseas trips of Chinese luxury consumers are changing. “Finding unique items not available in their […]
more…7 Nov, 2013
To Shape Policy Agenda, EC invites votes on what Europe could look like in 2050
Brussels, 5 November 2013 (European Commission Media Release) – What future do you want? In 2050, will the economy be fundamentally altered because home 3D printers mean you can press a button to print your own clothes, a new sofa or kitchen table? Will cancer be a thing of the past thanks to nano-robots which […]
more…7 Nov, 2013
Why bogus overseas colleges target Chinese students
Beijing, November 06, 2013, (People’s Daily Online) – The bogus college, also known as a ‘diploma mill’, general refers to an unaccredited higher education institution that offers fake academic degrees for money. To create a semblance of authenticity and to lure students, many of them choose names that closely resemble the names of respected and […]
more…
Loading ...
