30 Jul, 2013
India Launches App to Apply for Passports
NEW DELHI, July 30 (NNN-Bernama) — Have an android or iOS platforms phone? Then tracking passport application will be just a matter of pushing some buttons with India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Monday launching a mobile application. In the next couple of months, people in India will be able to even apply for passport […]
more…30 Jul, 2013
London’s Recovery: Post-Olympic Legacy or Promotion?
London, 30 July 2013 (JacTravel Media Release) – One year on from the Olympic Games, much ballyhoo has been made about the legacy of the Olympics and a resurgence of tourists to London this summer is cited as a positive impact of staging the Games. However, research by online travel wholesaler JacTravel suggests that the […]
more…30 Jul, 2013
As Egypt Tourism Suffers, Rest of Africa Projected to Boom
30 July 2013, LONDON— Latest analysis by STR Global, leading provider of data on the hotel industry, reveals that despite high levels of inflation and political uncertainty, Africa is proving that it is a growing tourist and business destination as hotels in a number of key markets are reporting performance increases for year-to-date (YTD) June […]
more…30 Jul, 2013
Australia to be first country to have Ambassador for disability-inclusive development
Canberra, 29 July 2013, Minister for International Development Media Release – Minister for International Development, Melissa Parke, today announced the Government’s decision to establish a new Australian Ambassador for Disability-Inclusive Development. Minister Parke said the ambassador will advocate for people with disability in developing countries to have access to the same opportunities as others and […]
more…30 Jul, 2013
Cyber Crime, Data Theft Among Top Concerns For Tax Professionals
PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 29, 2013 – Handling sensitive consumer data such as social security numbers and bank account information is a core part of a tax professional’s job, yet many feel inadequately protected from cyber crime-related risks, according to a recent poll of National Association of Tax Professionals’ (NATP) members. The survey of 633 tax professionals […]
more…30 Jul, 2013
China debates internationalizing its education system
Beijing (China.org.cn) July 26, 2013 – With high school graduates emerging as a conspicuous group pursuing study abroad in recent years, the internationalization of fundamental education has come into the spotlight. Statistics from the Ministry of Education indicate that in 2011, 76,000 high school graduates enrolled in undergraduate programs overseas, and the number has increased […]
more…30 Jul, 2013
World Economic Forum Business Leaders Back Middle East Peace Talks
Geneva, Switzerland, 29 July 2013 (WEF Media Release) – The World Economic Forum’s Breaking the Impasse Initiative (BTI), an effort of over 300 Palestinian, Israeli and international business and societal leaders, welcomes and supports the steps announced by US Secretary of State John Kerry for a resumption of direct peace talks between the Israelis and […]
more…30 Jul, 2013
UN Survey Focuses On How Persons With Disabilities Cope During Disasters
United Nations, Jul 29 2013 (UN News Centre) – A United Nations online survey launched today seeks to provide insight into how to reduce risk and help persons with disabilities around the world cope with and prepare for disaster events. The first-ever survey of its kind, produced by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction […]
more…30 Jul, 2013
19 Aug Deadline for Unique Award Recognising Innovative Disabled-Friendly Practises
Bangkok – Airports, convention centres, hotels, museums and other travel & tourism-related organisations in the Asia-Pacific region which have delivered innovative products and services to cater to people with disabilities (PwDs) are invited to apply for the ESCAP-Sasakawa Disability-Inclusive Business Award. Designed to support the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons with Disabilities, 2013–2022, the […]
more…29 Jul, 2013
Remarkable inventions amongst finalists of Australia’s 7th National Disability Awards
Canberra, 25 July 2013, Media Release, Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers – Australia’s first ever fully accessible theatre performance for deaf, blind, sighted and hearing audiences, an apprenticeship employment program for people with disability and an iPad and iPhone application that personalises care needs for use by all people with disability are among the […]
more…29 Jul, 2013
Airport Security Without the Hassle
July 27, 2013 – The chance of dying in an airplane is vanishingly small. The chance of being killed by a terrorist in an airplane is smaller still. Mark Stewart, a civil engineer who studies probabilistic risk, has put the odds at one in 90 million a year. Looking at these figures dispassionately, one might […]
more…29 Jul, 2013
U.S. Poverty Levels “Spreading Everywhere,” According to Urban Institute
Beverly Hills, California (PRWEB) July 28, 2013 – The Urban Institute Center for Research recently released a series of maps charting the progression of poverty in the United States since 1980. Using census data for all of the country’s large metropolitan areas, the maps illustrate that poverty is spreading everywhere — up 29 percent in […]
more…28 Jul, 2013
Chinese Online Giant Alibaba Plans Big Expansion in Lifestyle Services
Beijing, July 26, 2013, (China Daily) – Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding Ltd plans to boost its presence in China’s online market, and is adding services to ease consumers’ daily lives, from ordering food to booking movie tickets. Online shopping has become a new way of life for many Chinese consumers looking for greater […]
more…27 Jul, 2013
Vietnamese President to U.S. President: Mutual Respect Needed in Guiding Future Ties
WASHINGTON DC, (Vietnam News Agency) – Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang used the word “respect” four times in a keynote speech outlining his country’s future relations with the United States. Speaking at the Centre of Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on July 25 during his just-concluded official visit to the US, he said: “What we […]
more…27 Jul, 2013
Hays Releases Quarterly List of HotSpot Jobs in Japan
Tokyo, July 24, 2013 – (ACN Newswire) – Accountancy, sales and compliance professionals are in demand in Japan’s jobs market as organisations invest selectively in headcount, according to recruiting experts Hays in Japan. The recruiter has released its latest Hays Quarterly Hotspots list of jobs in demand, and a driving factor is the focus of […]
more…27 Jul, 2013
Jakarta Fashion Week Oct 19-25: Indonesia’s Muslim Wear To Lead World Market
Jakarta, Indonesia, July 25, 2013 – (ACN Newswire) – Jakarta Fashion Week, one of the biggest fashion weeks in Southeast Asia, will once again raise up the best creations of Indonesian designers to world in 2013. JFW 2014 will present the latest collections of local and foreign designers which will inspire next year’s fashion trends. […]
more…27 Jul, 2013
Gallup Poll: Palestinians Have Little Trust in U.S. Role as Middle East Peace Broker
BEIRUT, July 26, 2013 (Gallup Organisation) — Ahead of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry’s announcement last week that Israel and the Palestinians have agreed in principle to resume peace talks, most Palestinians remained skeptical about the U.S. commitment to brokering a solution. Nearly three in four Palestinians Gallup interviewed in late May and early […]
more…27 Jul, 2013
Pressure to Perform: Cyclists Who Dope Are Same As Wall Street Cheats, UC Davis Study Finds
DAVIS, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–23 July 2013 –Cyclists who dope in the Tour de France do so for the same reason traders on Wall Street might cheat—because of extreme pressure to perform, according to a new University of California, Davis, study. The study, co-authored by Professor Donald Palmer, an expert on organizational wrongdoing at the UC Davis […]
more…27 Jul, 2013
Europeans get useful tips to enjoy a worry-free summer holiday
European Commission Release, Brussels, 26 July 2013 — With the holiday season already starting and millions of Europeans intending on travelling within and outside the European Union, there are certain travel considerations that every European should be aware of. Whether these concern having a health insurance, resolving travel disputes with an operator or travelling with […]
more…27 Jul, 2013
UN Unveils ‘Free & Equal’ Campaign To Promote Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Rights
United Nations, Jul 26 2013 (UN NEWS CENTRE) – With consensual, same-sex conduct a criminal offence in more than one-third of the world’s countries, the United Nations human rights office today launched its first global public education campaign to raise awareness and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) equality. ‘Free & Equal,’ a […]
more…26 Jul, 2013
Missouri Court Rejects Monsanto Claim that It Had No Duty to Cancer Victims
ST. LOUIS, Mo.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 24, 2013 – Attorneys at Dallas-based Allen Stewart, P.C. have announced that a panel of three judges from Missouri’s Eastern District Court of Appeals have unanimously rejected Monsanto’s claim that the PCB producer owed no duty to individuals who developed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma from exposure to toxic PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). Reversing […]
more…26 Jul, 2013
Oath Keepers Campaign Urges More U.S. Govt Whistleblowers to Come Forward
ARLINGTON, Va., July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Oath Keepers has placed three back-lit signs on the subway platform in the Washington Metro Pentagon Station, group founder Stewart Rhodes announced today. “The first sign at the Pentagon Station is done in the style of the theater scene from George Orwell’s 1984 and features Director of National […]
more…26 Jul, 2013
Chinese Tea tops shopping list of foreign tourists
Beijing, 2013-07-25 (China.org.cn) – Chinese tea was the most purchased commodity among foreign visitors to Beijing in 2012, according to the 2013 Beijing Tourism Green Paper published July 9 by the Social Sciences Academic Press of China. A survey of 4,800 foreign tourists’ purchases found that nearly 40 percent of respondents bought Chinese tea while […]
more…26 Jul, 2013
Time To Recalibrate the Europe-China Strategic Partnership
The world’s largest developing country and biggest bloc of developed countries need to deepen their strategic partnership Beijing, 2013-07-25 – Many Europeans believe that China, one of the European Union’s 10 so-called strategic partners, behaves more like a competitor. And many Chinese, for whom the EU is just one of more than 70 strategic partners, […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
More nations turn to Chinese currency for investment and trade settlement
Beijing, 2013-07-22 (China Daily) – Although the money markets have gone into a tizzy recently, there have been some unrelated developments that clearly underscore the growing global influence of China’s currency, the yuan also known as renminbi. Indications that the yuan is well on its way to becoming an “international” currency heightened after important currency […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
Chinese President eyes ‘golden water route’ along the Yangtze
(China Daily), July 22, 2013 – President Xi Jinping called for increased cooperation among Yangtze River ports to transform the region into a “golden water route”, during a surprise visit to the Yangluo Container Port, in Wuhan New Port, on Sunday morning. “We were not informed about President Xi’s visit in advance, so our workers […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
Gulf Grows in Black-White Views of U.S. Justice System Bias
July 22, 2013, PRINCETON, NJ, (Gallup Organization) — While 68% of blacks say the American justice system is biased against blacks, 25% of whites agree. Blacks’ attitudes about the justice system have remained virtually constant over the past 20 years, but whites have become less likely to perceive bias. The new results are based on […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
Health & Wellness Update: Depression Costs U.S. Workplaces $23 Billion in Absenteeism
WASHINGTON, D.C., July 24, 2013, (Gallup Organization) — Workers in the U.S. who, at some point in their lives, have been diagnosed with depression miss an estimated 68 million additional days of work each year than their counterparts who have not been depressed — resulting in an estimated cost of more than $23 billion in […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
Chinese Commentator Questions Value of English Courses Abroad
July 24, 2013 (Source/Jiefang Daily) – The excessive costs of studying overseas have begun to attract public concern. Research into overseas travel and study agencies indicates that a substantial proportion of families who sponsor their children on further education courses abroad are low-income wage earners. Mr. Zhu works at a state-owned enterprise. Last year, he […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
Safety worries mount for Chinese tourists, residents abroad
2013-07-24, (China Daily) – A series of incidents involving Chinese citizens overseas has shocked the country and prompted public concern about the safety of Chinese people when traveling abroad. Six students from the nation were attacked at a house in Hostens, southwestern France, on the night of June 15 by three local men who had […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
India Publishes Tourism Stats for 2012
Ministry of Tourism, 23-July, 2013 – The number of domestic tourist visits (DTVs) to States/UTs registered an increase of 19.87% during the year 2012 over 2011 as compared to an increase of 15.6% in 2011 over 2010. According to the latest statistics on tourism in India released by Ministry of Tourism here today during the […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
China Plans Robust Reform to Expand Railway Network
Beijing, 2013-07-25, (China Daily) – Premier Li Keqiang called on Wednesday for reform of funding methods for railways and for accelerated rail construction in central and western regions. Experts said the measures are part of efforts to stabilize economic growth, which slowed to 7.5 percent in the second quarter, and will help China’s industrial sector […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
U.S. Must Curb “Step-Motherly” Treatment of Chinese Investors
Beijing (China Daily), 2013-07-24 – The fifth China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue, held earlier this month, has produced tangible results in a wide range of areas of long-term strategic importance. One of the most important outcomes of the meeting was the decision to resume negotiations on a “Bilateral Investment Treaty”, because it will have a […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
Against Backdrop of Taj Mahal, India Launches Campaign to Clean Up Tourist Sites
Agra, Ministry of Tourism, 24-July, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K Chiranjeevi launched the Project “Clean India Campaign” at Taj Mahal, Agra today. Taj Mahal is the second heritage site to be covered under this project. The first project was at Qutub Minar Delhi which was adopted by India Tourism Development Corporation in June […]
more…25 Jul, 2013
U.N. Designates 19 Nov As World Toilet Day To Boost Sanitation Upgrades
United Nations, Jul 24 2013 (UN News Centre) – In a bid to make sanitation for all a global development priority, the United Nations General Assembly today designated 19 November as World Toilet Day, urging changes in both behaviour and policy on issues ranging from enhancing water management to ending open-air defecation. Adopting a new […]
more…24 Jul, 2013
World’s oldest and largest species in decline – IUCN Red List
Geneva, 02 July 2013, International Union for Conservation of Nature news release – The latest update of The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species shows worrying declines for conifers – the world’s oldest and largest organisms – freshwater shrimps, cone snails and the Yangtze Finless Porpoise. The Santa Cruz Pupfish, a lizard known as the […]
more…24 Jul, 2013
Health & Wellness Update: Medication for ageing conditions not matching needs
16 JULY 2013 | GENEVA/COPENHAGEN (World Health Organization media release) – For the first time, EU countries have more people over 65 years of age than under 15 years of age. Echoing the trend seen in Europe, much of the rest of the world, including low-and middle-income countries, is moving in a similar direction. A new […]
more…24 Jul, 2013
European Consumer Protection Survey Monitors Online Purchasing Trends, Trust Factors
Brussels, 23 July 2013, European Commission Press release – Protection of consumer rights still varies greatly between EU countries. Only 35% of Europeans are confident buying online from sellers in other EU countries and seven out of ten consumers do not know what do to when they receive products that they did not order. These […]
more…24 Jul, 2013
European Commission & Council tell G20 summit: Global economy needs REBALANCING
Brussels, 23 July 2013 (European Commission media release) – In a joint letter to the 28 EU Heads of State and Government European Commission President José Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman Van Rompuy inform about the key issues coming up for discussions at the G20 summit in Saint Petersburg on 5-6 September 2013. […]
more…24 Jul, 2013
Japan Post postcard contest shows some traditions still surviving
09 July 2013, Universal Postal Union — Japan Post has announced the winners of a postcard-design competition, which put a twist on a New Year’s tradition and the UPU among the judges. Nobuhiro Sato won the best photo card category (above) and thanked the world for their sympathy during the Japan earthquake of 2011. Fumiko […]
more…24 Jul, 2013
UNWTO to organise 1st International Congress on Pilgrimages and Tourism
Madrid, July 2013, UNWTO –To raise awareness among the international community about the growing importance of pilgrimage and spiritual tourism in the light of tourism development is among the main objectives of the first International Congress on Pilgrimages and Tourism, to be held in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in September 2014. UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, […]
more…24 Jul, 2013
IMF Adopts New Measures to Enhance Transparency, Openness
Washington D.C., (IMF Strategy, Policy, and Review Department) July 22, 2013 – In the latest review of its Transparency Policy, the IMF’s Executive Board has endorsed new measures aiming to increase the amount, timeliness, and accessibility of information that the IMF makes available to the public, the institution announced. Under the Transparency Policy, the publication of […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
China’s Imports of French wine go sour
Beijing, (China Daily), July 22, 2013 – China’s imports of French wines have fallen amid fears that a trade spat between the European Union and China – the world’s fifth-largest wine market – might lead to higher import tariffs on European wine. Last month, China opened an anti-dumping probe into European wine, which could lead […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
Korean, Asiana Pilots: Avoid Speculation, Await Final Report on SF Crash
SEOUL, South Korea–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 21, 2013 – The Asiana Pilots Union (APU) and Air Line Pilots Association of Korea (ALPA-K) today issued the following statement on the events and investigation surrounding the crash of Asiana Flight 214. “Accidents that occur in aviation are not due only to a single cause, but from many causes. The list […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
Reaction to Guangdong airport bomber: Each unfairly treated person is a potential bomb
Beijing, (China Daily), July 22, 2013 – Guangdong provincial authorities promised on Sunday to look into the alleged unjust treatment of a disabled man who police say set off an explosive device the day before at Beijing Capital International Airport. The Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department said in a statement that the police must thoroughly […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
Boost for VFR Travel: China Launches New Visas to Boost Family Reunions
Beijing, 2013-07-23, (China Daily) – Relatives of foreign residents in China will soon have more opportunities to visit their loved ones, thanks to new visa rules announced on Monday. Under regulations from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, an S visa will be created for family members of professionals from overseas. Spouses, young […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
Iraq Tourism Minister Blasts U.S. For Not Returning Stolen Relics
BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 22 (NNN-NINA) – Iraqi Tourism Minister, Lava al-Samism, lashed out at the US for taking out and keeping tens of thousands of Iraq’s artifacts illegally. “The US is illegally and illicitly keeping about 90,000 pieces of Iraq’s archaeological artefacts, and Washington has refrained from returning them to Iraq,” al-Samism said. He noted […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
European Data Privacy Chief says key Entry/Exit System proposal is “costly, unproven and intrusive”
Brussels, 19 July 2013, European Commission Press Release – There is no clear evidence that the Commission Proposals to create a smart border system for the external borders of the EU will fulfil the aims that it has set out, said the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) today. Following the publication of his opinion which […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
China shuts down travel agency in GlaxoSmithKline bribery case
Shanghai, 2013-07-19 – Shanghai’s tourism authority shut down a travel agency that is under bribery investigation in connection with British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, Xinhua News Agency said on Thursday. Shanghai Linjiang International Travel Agency is suspected of falsifying bills, according to Shanghai Tourism Administration. The agency was ordered to suspend business and overhaul internal procedures. […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
The Taxman Cometh: Tourism Multinationals to Face Global Heat Over Tax Evasion, Avoidance
Paris, OECD Media Release, 19/07/2013 – National tax laws have not kept pace with the globalisation of corporations and the digital economy, leaving gaps that can be exploited by multi-national corporations to artificially reduce their taxes. OECD’s Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) offers a global roadmap that will allow governments to […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
Healthcare Study Identifies Significant Access Barriers in India
NEW DELHI, India–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 19, 2013 – While progress has been made in India over the past decade from both public and private sector initiatives, significant challenges persist in providing quality healthcare on an equitable, accessible and affordable basis across all regions and communities, according to a new IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics study. […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
Gallup Organization to Pay $10.5 Million to Resolve Whistleblower Lawsuit
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)—15 JULY 2013 The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that it has reached a settlement with the Gallup Organization over charges that Gallup had violated the False Claims Act and the Procurement Integrity Act in connection with federal contracts. Gallup has agreed to pay $10.5 million to resolve these allegations that were […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
Guizhou aims to become “Switzerland in the East”
GUIYANG, 2013-07-21 (Xinhua) — Well-preserved ecological environment and abundant tourism resources have emboldened officials in southwest China’s Guizhou Province to build their hometown into a “Switzerland in the East”. At an international environmental protection forum held in Guiyang,capital of Guizhou Province, Saturday, local officials said geological resemblance between their hometown and Switzerland gives them advantages […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
China sends strong signal of “deep-water” economic reform
BEIJING, 2013-07-21, (Xinhua) — In freeing up lending rates, China has sent a strong signal that it is feeling its way in the “deep water” of reform, moving toward a more open, market-oriented economy. On Friday, China’s central bank announced the sooner-than-expected removal of controls on bank lending rates, effective on Saturday. It canceled the […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
Reflections on Helen Thomas: Gutsy Journo Who Kept U.S. Presidents On Their Toes
FALLS CHURCH, Va., July 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Kind words came today from the President of the United States and the President of the White House Correspondents Association on the passing this morning, at age 92, of legendary White House correspondent Helen Thomas. As President Obama said in his short statement, “Helen was a true […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
Whistleblower law firm probes Expedia Vacation-Waiver Program
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 19, 2013 – Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, a consumer-rights law firm, is investigating claims that Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) may be violating a number of consumer-protection laws in its marketing of its Vacation Waiver program. The firm is investigating potential issues experienced by individuals who purchased an Expedia Vacation Waiver for travel with […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
Filipino Bishops: GDP Grows, So Why Do the Poor Remain Poor?
Manila, Philippines July 21, 2013 (Manila Bulletin) — The 7.8 percent growth in the first quarter of the year was something that the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III crows about. Yet, according to the Catholic prelates Filipinos continue to be poor, unable to benefit from this economic growth. Without any evident trickledown effect […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
EU eyes flexible visa rules for China tourists
Beijing, 2013-07-20, (China Daily) – The European Union is working on “flexible rules” for visa applications to woo Chinese travelers in a bid to boost the region’s tourism industry, said a top official from the European Commission on Friday. Antonio Tajani, vice-president of the European Commission, told a news conference in Beijing that the commission […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
In Sri Lanka, As One Disastrous Conflict Ends, Another Looms
Colombo – Organized attacks on Muslims which began almost two years ago continue unabated while the government remains indifferent, impatient Muslims thinking of turning to streets to highlight their grievance and Muslims worldwide closely monitoring developments here. Growing feeling within the Muslim community is that though these attacks look isolated, but they are well organized […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Thai Central Bank Governor Outlines Opportunities, Challenges Facing The Asian Century
Bangkok — The following is the full text of the speech by Dr. Prasarn Trairatvorakul, Governor, Bank of Thailand At The Nation’s 43rd Anniversary International Conference, 19 July 2013. The theme of the conference was “Asia Driving the World.” Distinguished CEO and Chairman, Members of Asia News Network, Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen, It is […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Singapore Science Festival 2013 Opens Bigger and Better
Singapore, July 19, 2013 – (ACN Newswire) – The Singapore Science Festival 2013 kicks off today with the launch of X-periment!, a weekend science carnival held from July 19th to July 21st, by Guest-of-Honour Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) at the Central Atrium in Marina Square. The Festival, […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Post-2015 Framework “Must Prioritise Help for World’s 1 Billion Disabled”
United Nations, Department of Public Information (17 July 2013) – Many of the 1 billion disabled people around the world lacked the protections to which they were entitled, even though 132 countries had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a senior official of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs said […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Historic First Performance by Chinese and Indian dulcimers
2013-07-18 – For the first time, the Chinese dulcimer yangqin and the Indian dulcimer santoor were played together with a symphony orchestra at a recent concert in Beijing titled East Meets East. “I hope we can keep our own music idioms but at the same time find some common ground,” says yangqin player Liu Yuening, […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Chinese courts to create credit blacklists
BEIJING, July 19, (Xinhua) — Chinese courts will create credit blacklists and make them available to the public, according to a regulation promulgated by the country’s top court on Friday. The regulation, which will take effect from Oct. 1, will urge people who lose their credibility in enforcing judicial execution to perform their duties as […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
EU Justice Commissioner: U.S. Surveillance is a violation of trust
Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner, made the following remarks at the DLD Women Conference 2013/Munich, 15 July 2013. I’m glad about the opportunity to ‘break new ground’, with you. For me, personally, the DLD is as an extremely useful platform to ‘break new ground’ – some of you might recall […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
Detention Watch Releases Infographic Revealing “Ugly Truth” About U.S. Immigration Detention
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 17, 2013 – “Detention: The Whole Truth,” an infographic series today released by Detention Watch Network illustrates the shockingly unjust and inhumane system detained immigrants face in the United States. The three-part series reveals an immigration system fraught with bed quotas, denied due process, deplorable conditions, and a billion-dollar private prison industry […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
Incheon named “World Book Capital 2015”
19.07.2013 – UNESCOPRESS – The city of Incheon (Republic of Korea) was named World Book Capital for the year 2015 by an international committee of experts representing the book industry and UNESCO, that met on 16 July at the Organization’s Headquarters. The city of Incheon was chosen “on account of the quality of its programme […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
Europe weighs ways to cut 89 million tons of annual food waste
Brussels, 15 July 2013, European Commission Press release – In Europe we waste about 89 million tons of food every year. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said: “This is morally and economically unacceptable and is all the more horrific when you consider the true scale of the resources required to produce those 89 million tons! We […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
The U.S. Drone Strike that Killed His American Grandson – Who Will Be Held Accountable?
A former agricultural minister in Yemen says his 16-year-old grandson, a U.S. citizen, was killed by an American drone strike in 2011. Now, two years later, Nasser al-Awlaki still has very little information about the circumstances surrounding his grandson’s death. Al-Awlaki described his story in an op-ed written for the New York Times. Al-Awlaki’s grandson, Abdulrahman, […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
Special Report on Nelson Mandela day: The Future of “Freedom” and Its Impact on Travel
On July 18, the world marked Nelson Mandela Day with sombre reminders of his contribution to the cause of global freedom and democracy. On the same day, however, two whistleblowers were seeking refuge in an embassy and an airport transit lounge, seeking to escape the wrath of the U.S., a country that former President George […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
WTO report: Developing World, Demographics, Technology Driving Rapid Change in World Trade
Geneva, 18 July 2013, WTO PRESS RELEASE – The future of world trade, and the global trading system, will be shaped by a range of economic, political and social factors, including technological innovation, shifts in production and consumption patterns, and demographic change, according to the 2013 World Trade Report published by the WTO on 18 […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
On International Day, UN Pays Tribute To Nelson Mandela, a former Prisoner of Conscience
United Nations, Jul 18 2013 – The United Nations today marked Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrating the South African leader’s 95th birthday and honouring his dedication to public service, social justice and reconciliation, inspiring millions around the world. To commemorate the Day, the UN is joining a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to “Take […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Fascinating Factoids about the social status of Europe, in one pocketbook
Brussels, 17 July 2013, Eurostats press release – How many foreign citizens live in an EU Member State? And how many of them come from another EU Member State? How is the risk of poverty influenced by the level of education? Are there more females or more males among the student population in the EU? […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Cleanliness, Safety Issues Dominate Indian National Tourism Conference
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 18-July, 2013 – A National Tourism Ministers’ Conference was held here today to discuss the future strategies for realising the full tourism potential of the country. The Conference was chaired by Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi. State and Union Territory Tourism Authorities were represented either through their Tourism Ministers […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Ramadan 2013: Fasting for the body, food for the soul – The Independent
Dr Michael Mosley’s Horizon investigation in 2012, which studied the effects of intermittent fasting, and in which he fasted two days out of every week (living on 600 calories during his fasting days) spawned the popularity of the 5:2 diet. Dr Mosley presented medical evidence for the life-extending and life-improving benefits of fasting on the […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Myanmar faces ageing population, must fast-track development, says OECD-ESCAP report
OECD – Paris, 18 July 2013 – Myanmar faces a crucial few years to come to ignite economic growth and embark on a higher, more sustainable and more equitable development trajectory. The challenge is even more important as the country’s population will start ageing in 2017, says the Multi-dimensional Review of Myanmar: Initial Assessment which […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Chinese economist warns: Prepare for shockwaves as U.S. exits Quantitative Easing
Beijing, 2013-07-16, (China Daily) – The three main economic issues discussed at the fifth Sino-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington last week were increasing bilateral trade, facilitating structural reforms and enhancing cooperation in financial markets. The most important financial issue for the world’s two largest economies, however, is how to deal with the possible […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
European Citizens’ Dialogue: “We should whine less, believe in ourselves more”
Heidelberg, 16 July 2013 (European Commission) – The Vice-President of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, and the Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, today held one of the Citizens’ Dialogues on the future of Europe that have been initiated by the Commission. After twenty-four dialogues in fourteen EU Member States, it was the turn of […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
New alcohol-free bar debuts in London’s trendiest district – The Independent
The last time dry bars could be described as being in vogue, we had a Queen Empress on the throne and men still wore stove pipe hats. And yet, bang in the middle of London’s most trendy borough, a new one is set to open this weekend. Called Redemption, it harks back to the inglorious […]
more…17 Jul, 2013
“Fish cannot go to court”: EC seeks opinions on improving access to environmental justice
Brussels, 15 July 2013, European Commission Press release – The European Commission has launched a public consultation on ways to improve access to justice in the field of the environment. Access to justice – the right to challenge decisions or omissions by public bodies that are suspected of not complying with environmental law – is […]
more…17 Jul, 2013
Secret court allows Yahoo to disclose U.S. surveillance data requests
July 16, 2013 – [JURIST] – (University of Pittsburgh School of Law) – The US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) on Monday granted a motion by Yahoo to declassify a 2008 FISC judgment that required the company to comply with government requests for user information under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The FISC also […]
more…17 Jul, 2013
Whistleblower Doctor Exposed Illegal Activities That Forced U.S. Hospital to Pay $39 Million
Editor’s Comment This press release by the U.S. law firm Goldberg Kohn, reproduced verbatim, indicates that whistleblowers are not only coming forward but also getting legal support, which is being publicised by the lawyers. It should set off warning bells in the health & wellness sector, and the medical system as a whole. If treated […]
more…16 Jul, 2013
Little respite seen for youth, low-skilled workers worst hit by jobs crisis in OECD countries
Paris, (OECD media release) 16/07/2013 – Unemployment in OECD countries will remain high through 2014, with young people and the low-skilled hit hardest, according to a new OECD report. Download the data in Excel for all OECD countries The Employment Outlook 2013 says that jobless rates will fall only slightly over the next 18 months, […]
more…16 Jul, 2013
Indian Tourism Minister: 180 Monuments up for “adoption” by corporate sector
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 15-July, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi has called for the active involvement of the corporate sector to “adopt important tourist sites and monuments as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.” Chairing the meeting of National Tourism Advisory Council here today, he noted that the Indian […]
more…15 Jul, 2013
GM crops remain problematic for Asian countries
HARBIN, July 13 (Xinhua) — The role of genetic modification (GM) technology in Asian agriculture remains unclear and individual countries have adopted different approaches to tackle the sensitive subject. At a food security meeting held by ASEAN Plus Three (APT) countries this week, participants from ASEAN countries, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) […]
more…15 Jul, 2013
Fanatic Jewish settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex
Ramallah, 15 July 2013 (IINA) – A group of fanatic Jewish settlers yesterday stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex in occupied Jerusalem for prayers, a Palestinian official said. Sheikh Najeh Bkeirat, the Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex manager, said that 180 settlers, including 18 rabbis, entered the compound through the Al-Magharebah gate. Bkeirat added that settlers walked around […]
more…14 Jul, 2013
78% of CEOs Say Ad & Media Agencies Are Not Performance-Driven Enough
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 11, 2013 — 78% of CEOs around the world believe Ad & Media Agencies are not performance-driven enough and do not focus enough on helping to generate the (real and P&L-quantifiable) business results they expect their Marketing departments to deliver. That’s one of the findings tracked by The Fournaise Marketing Group – […]
more…14 Jul, 2013
Free meals help mosque show Islam to Japan – The Japan Times
As the Muslim monthlong fasting period known as Ramadan began Tuesday, Tokyo Camii, the largest mosque in Japan, began providing free “iftar” (evening meals) to 200 visitors, regardless of religion, to introduce residents to Islamic culture. The first day began with “azan,” the Muslim call to prayer recited at dusk. Azan is called before every […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
Chinese cinemagoers tired of watching American superheroes saving the world
Beijing, (China Daily), 2013-07-12 – It seems to be the best of times for China’s film industry. With Tiny Times raking in 263 million yuan ($42.89 million) in the last four days of June (it was released on June 27), the domestic film market registered its highest half-yearly box office returns -10.9 billion yuan in […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
China Tells U.S. to “Review the Past” in Defining the Future
WASHINGTON, July 11 (Xinhua) — U.S. and Chinese officials concluded their fifth round of annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) here on Thursday. In this first annual dialogue held after a leadership change in the world’s two major countries, the two sides forged ahead to find a new path for a new type of major-country […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
China eyes energy-saving, IT industries to spur domestic demand
BEIJING, July 12 (Xinhua) — China is to speed up development in the energy-saving industry and promote consumption of IT-related products and services as it looks to spur domestic demand and push economic upgrading. Stimulating growth in the two sectors is a multi-purpose approach aimed at easing resource restraints, unleashing consumption potential, stimulating effective investments […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
India Visa on Arrival Scheme +38% in First Half 2013
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 12-July, 2013 – Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme of the Government continues to be popular with foreign tourists. It registered a growth of 22.9 percent during June, 2013 as compared to June, 2012. During the month, a total number of 1,062 VoAs were issued as compared to 864 during June, […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
UN Rights Chief Urges Protection For Individuals Revealing Human Rights Violations
United Nations, Jul 12 2013 United Nations, (UN News Centre) – A senior United Nations official today stressed the need to respect the right to privacy, using the case of United States citizen Edward Snowden to illustrate the urgent need to protect individuals who reveal human rights violations. “Snowden’s case has shown the need to […]
more…12 Jul, 2013
€600 million research to unblock European airspace congestion
Brussels, 10 July 2013, European Commission Press release – The European Commission has today announced €600 million of new funding to unblock congestion in Europe’s airspace. The Commission is looking to head off a capacity crunch as the number of flights is forecast to increase by 50% over the next 10-20 years. The goal is […]
more…12 Jul, 2013
European Commission launches strategy to globalise universities, attract students
Brussels, 11 July 2013, European Commission Press release – The international higher education landscape is changing dramatically in shape and size, with greater competition from countries such as China and India. This calls for an overhaul in the way Europe’s 4,000 universities operate – not only internationally, but also in how they deliver education to […]
more…12 Jul, 2013
China issues timetable for govt info disclosure, foreign travel included
BEIJING, 2013-07-10, (Xinhua) – The State Council, China’s Cabinet, on Wednesday issued a timetable for disclosing government spending on receptions, vehicles and overseas trips, as well as information on investigations into major accidents. According to the State Council’s plan, provincial governments should disclose their spending on the three items starting from 2013, and municipal and county […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
Travel to benefit by more competition in mobile communications, says OECD
Paris, (OECD media release), 11/07/2013 – OECD countries must ensure mobile markets remain open and competitive in order to sustain innovation and meet rising demand for data services, according to a new OECD report. It indicates that travel could be a major beneficiary of this. Communications Outlook 2013 says that revenues from data services are […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
Chinese institutions eyeing properties abroad
Shanghai, 2013-07-11, (China Daily) — Limited investment options and abundant liquidity are prompting Chinese investors to look abroad for alternative opportunities, and a real estate consultancy is forecasting that mainland individuals will put up to 1.1 trillion yuan ($179 billion) into global real estate markets. Chinese individuals, property developers and institutions have increased their holdings […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
China: US’ “double standards on global network security must end”
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online) July 10, 2013 – The Prism incident has exposed a worldwide problem of network security. Long-term, large-scale network monitoring and data theft by the United States in other countries has aroused international concern and provoked international reflection on network security rules. Few countries would now disagree on the importance of ensuring […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
China Offering Grants to Lure Native Talent Back Home
Beijing, 2013-07-11, (China Daily) – China is offering financial grants and other benefits to boost its ability to lure top experts in science and engineering back home from posts overseas. Zhan Wenlong, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said it is making full use of recruitment plans such as the One Hundred Talents Program […]
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