15 May, 2013
FREE Download ILO Report: Global Employment Trends for Youth 2013 – A Generation at Risk
GENEVA (ILO News) 08 May 2013 – Two thirds of working age youth in some developing countries are either unemployed or trapped in low-quality jobs, according to the ILO Global Employment Trends for Youth 2013 report. In six of the ten countries surveyed, over 60 per cent of young people are either unemployed, working but […]
more…15 May, 2013
UNWTO Reports Global Tourism Receipts Grew by 4% in 2012
Madrid, Spain, 15 May 2013 – Receipts from international tourism in destinations around the world grew by 4% in 2012 reaching US$ 1075 billion. This growth is equal to the 4% increase in international tourist arrivals which reached 1035 million in 2012. An additional US$ 219 billion was recorded in receipts from international passenger transport, […]
more…14 May, 2013
Massive Cost-Cutting Operation Signals Start of Time-Bound Overhaul at Air India
NEW DELHI, 14 MAY 2013 – The Minister for Civil Aviation Mr Ajit Singh, addressing a press conference here, has said that the Government has accepted the recommendations of Prof. Dholakia Committee Report on Cost Cutting in Air India and sent it to the national airline for immediate implementation. The Committee has made total 47 […]
more…14 May, 2013
Enjoy A Weekend In Chiang Mai, And Help A Severely Burned Boy
Chiang Mai – A special ‘charity’ weekend package in Chiang Mai for 31 May – 02 June 2013 includes 2 night’s accommodation at the Imperial Mae Ping Hotel, and a fundraising Gala Dinner & Dance on 01 June in the hotel’s Grand Hall. Proceeds from the dinner will help to cover the cost of continuing […]
more…11 May, 2013
US$823 a Night St Regis is New York City’s Most Expensive Hotel
NEW YORK- May 07, 2013-(BUSINESS WIRE)–The St. Regis Hotel has just earned the distinction of being the most expensive hotel in New York City. A new survey from NewYorkHotels.org has revealed this finding after comparing the hotel rates of all luxury hotels in NYC over the past 12 months. The rate for a standard double […]
more…11 May, 2013
Global Airports Passenger Traffic up 4.6% in March
Montréal, 10 May 2013 (Airports Council International) – The market for international travel remains buoyant for the month of March. The Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific all posted double digit gains in international passenger traffic of +16.4, +14.1 and +10.9% respectively. Although overall passenger traffic grew by +4.6 percent, domestic traffic showed signs of weakness […]
more…11 May, 2013
Government to Promote Development of Aviation Hubs in India
Ministry of Civil Aviation 10-May, 2013 – The Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Ajit Singh informed that the Government has approved the proposal of Ministry of Civil Aviation to constitute an Inter-Ministerial Committee under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Civil Aviation for suggesting various measures to overcome the bottlenecks in the development of aviation hubs at […]
more…8 May, 2013
ETC Report: Europe Tourism Continues In Midst of Economic Slump, but Growth Slows
Brussels, 8 May 2013 – The European Travel Commission (ETC) has published the first quarterly report on European Tourism in 2013 – Trends & Prospects. International arrivals and nights to Europe for the first months of 2013 point to a slower, but continued growth for most of the reporting destinations. As 2012 was a strong […]
more…8 May, 2013
UNCTAD Report: Palestinian Economy In East Jerusalem Left In ‘Development Limbo’ Under Israeli Occupation
Geneva, 8 May 2013 – The Palestinian economy in East Jerusalem has been progressively isolated and constricted and now wields less than half of the economic influence that it had in 1993, a new UNCTAD report says. A disabling economic environment, high and rising rates of poverty, faltering industry and services, restricted investment, housing shortages, […]
more…7 May, 2013
After Bangladesh Tragedy, UN Urges Businesses, Consumers To Better Know Their Supply Chains
United Nations, May 6 2013 (UN News Centre) – In the wake of the deadly tragedy at a garment factory in Bangladesh, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today challenged the United Nations Global Compact to strengthen its engagement in promoting safe and sustainable employment and opportunity. “Businesses around the world are waking up to the urgency of […]
more…7 May, 2013
UNCTAD Meeting Hails Vital Role Of SME Entrepreneurs In Economic Growth
Geneva, 6 May 2013 (UNCTAD Media release) – The founding of new businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), makes economies more stable, spurs economic growth, and plays a major role in innovation and job creation, a series of experts has said. A high-level segment of the Investment, Enterprise and Development Commission on 29 April […]
more…7 May, 2013
China Experiencing a Craze For Thai Buddha Amulets
Beijing, May 06, 2013 – Since ancient times, wearing an amulet was supposed to endow the owner with either a protective quality, or would herald the coming of good luck and fortune. These days, when high-profile Chinese celebrities have turned to wearing an amulet as a fashion statement, the market in China, whether the wearers […]
more…5 May, 2013
India Inaugurates Int’l Centre for Environment Audit & Sustainable Development
Vice President’s Secretariat, 04-May, 2013 – The Vice President of India Mr M. Hamid Ansari has said that India has been active in international forums relating to environmental protection, and is party to 94 multilaterals environmental agreements such as the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora […]
more…5 May, 2013
Chinese Journalism Professor: Master information flow, instead of becoming its slave
Beijing, 2013-05-04 – Most people today face the problem of information overflow. Virtually we can’t avoid being the target of a variety of news, stories and commercials that play on our curiosity. A majority of us communicate with the world through what are collectively called the three screens: the TV screen, the computer screen and […]
more…4 May, 2013
China Bids to Attract Talent: Five-year Visas for Foreigners on Way
Beijing, 2013-05-04 – Foreign talent will soon be eligible for China visas valid for up to five years, under a draft regulation. The draft was released by the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council on Friday, and public opinion is being sought for a month. It states that China will grant two new types […]
more…4 May, 2013
World Press Freedom Day: U.N. Decries ‘Grim Catalogues’ of Attacks on Journalists
United Nations, Department of Public Information, 03 May 2013 – The increasing violence across the world against traditional and new media journalists alike undermined the very foundation of democratic societies, good governance, freedom of expression, and the right to receive and impart information and ideas, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, said […]
more…4 May, 2013
U.N. Committee on Information Urges Systemic “Culture of Communications and Transparency”
New York, Department of Public Information, 2 May 2013 – Concluding its two-week annual session this afternoon, the Committee on Information emphasized that public information and communications should be at the heart of the United Nations’ strategic management, with a “culture of communications and transparency” permeating all levels so the Organization could best promote an […]
more…4 May, 2013
At Awards Ceremony, Indian Leaders Call for “Morally Energising” Films Which Promote Cultural Harmony
President of India Pranab Mukherjee marks 100 years of Indian Cinema, postal stamps of 50 iconic movie personalities. Confers Film Awards at 60th NFA Function Government to launch Centenary Award recognising Paradigm Transformation in Film making Mahadev Auditorium to become Hub for Alternate Cinema New Delhi, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, 03-May, 2013 – The […]
more…4 May, 2013
Indian Finance Minister’s Speech at ADB AGM: “India – Next Wave of Inclusive growth”
New Delhi, Ministry of Finance, 03-May, 2013 – Following is the Speech of the Union Finance Minister Mr P. Chidambaram at India Day: “India – Next Wave of Inclusive Growth” today at the Asian Development Bank Meeting at IEML, Greater Noida today: President, ADB, President, FICCI, delegates to the ADB Annual meeting and friends, I […]
more…4 May, 2013
Renovated Gallery of South Indian Paintings Opens at National Museum, New Delhi
New Delhi, Ministry of Culture, 03-May, 2013 – Union Minister for Culture Mrs. Chandresh Kumari Katoch today re-opened the renovated gallery of Tanjore and Mysore Schools of South Indian Paintings at the National Museum, New Delhi for public. The Gallery comprises 88 paintings. Although almost every painting is unique, some of the masterpieces are examples […]
more…3 May, 2013
OECD Week 28-30 May 2013 To Focus on Jobs, Equality and Trust
Paris, (OECD Media release), May 2, 2013 – “It’s all about people”— this message is at the heart of the debate for the discussions at the 2013 annual OECD Week bringing together the annual OECD ministerial meeting and the OECD Forum where the key issues on the global agenda are debated between all stakeholders – […]
more…3 May, 2013
China Tightens Regulation Over Wealth Management Products
BEIJING, May 2 (Xinhua) — China’s banking regulator has moved to tighten its regulation over banks’ wealth management products to dissolve risks in the shadow banking system that may jeopardize the country’s financial stability. The China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) said on Thursday that it would strictly control the direction of investment by wealth management […]
more…3 May, 2013
“China Ready” becomes new motto of Aussie tourism
SYDNEY (Xinhua) May 02, 2013 — A radical reshaping is taking place in Australia’s lucrative tourism market, with tourism operators partnering with leading Chinese brands in an attempt to become “China Ready” for Australia’s fastest growing and most cherished market. It’s a market with an impressive annual 12 percent growth and one that by 2020 […]
more…3 May, 2013
Africa’s Anti-Apartheid Strategies Can Help Free Palestine, UN Meeting in Addis Ababa Told
ADDIS ABABA, 30 April, Department of Public Information — As the United Nations International Meeting on the Question of Palestine wrapped up its session today, experts urged African Governments to share their negotiating and institution-building tactics, create a continent-wide solidarity movement, and launch a regional peace initiative to help Palestinians remove barriers to statehood. “We have […]
more…3 May, 2013
FREE Download: Report Shows There Are No Jobs Americans Won’t Do
WASHINGTON, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Supporters of the Schumer-Rubio amnesty argue that the bill’s large increase in future legal immigration will have little impact on the employment of natives because immigrants do only jobs American’s don’t want. But a detailed analysis of 472 separate occupations by the Center for Immigration Studies shows there are only […]
more…3 May, 2013
Harris Poll: U.S. Workers Increasingly Worried about Pay, Perks & Prospects
NEW YORK, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — American workers are increasingly worried about their income and benefits security, as well as their employability, with aggregated concerns regarding these issues showing a slight increase since last month (from 56% in March to 57% in April). This combined measure shows a strong and increasing concern, particularly among older […]
more…3 May, 2013
Make Walking Safe campaign bids to help cut annual toll of 270,000 pedestrian deaths
2 May 2013 | GENEVA, (World Health Organisation media release) – More than 270 000 pedestrians lose their lives on the world’s roads each year accounting for 22% of the total 1.24 million road traffic deaths. WHO is calling on governments to take concrete actions to improve the safety of pedestrians. Under the banner “Make […]
more…2 May, 2013
Myanmar targets 3 mln tourists by 2015
YANGON, May 1 (Xinhua) — Myanmar targeted the number of tourist arrival to 3 million by 2015, a near triple of the 2012 figure, official media reported Wednesday. In meeting with Norwegian Ambassador to Myanmar Katja Nordgaard in Nay Pyi Taw on Tuesday, Htay Aung elaborated on progress in drafting Tourism Master Plan with the […]
more…2 May, 2013
China’s farming heritage, innovation to stem agriculture trade gap with New Zealand
WELLINGTON, April 30 (Xinhua) — The tide of agricultural exports from New Zealand to China could begin to balance out under a new bilateral agreement to promote agricultural cooperation, the head of New Zealand’s farming industry body told Xinhua Tuesday. The Strategic Plan on Promoting Agricultural Cooperation signed by the two countries’ agriculture ministers last […]
more…2 May, 2013
Survey Identifies Hurdles to Making Travel Purchases from Mobile Devices
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 29, 2013 – Travelers are regularly searching for flights, hotels and ground transportation using mobile devices, yet less than half are making mobile purchases. New research from FlightView digs into the mobile purchasing behavior of 3,186 travelers, revealing the shocker: more than 80 percent of respondents say concerns about mobile security and transaction […]
more…2 May, 2013
Call for Greater Expat Employee Scrutiny After U.K. “English Teacher” Nabbed in China
(China Daily) April 30, 2013 – More efficient measures should be taken to ensure that foreigners with criminal records are banned from working in China, senior officials with the department that oversees attracting and managing international professionals said on Monday. The officials’ remarks came after a British man who is wanted for allegedly raping a […]
more…2 May, 2013
Census 2011: Indian Population Pegged at 1.21 Billion
Ministry of Home Affairs, 30-April, 2013 – Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde, Union Home Minister released the Primary Census Abstract-Data Highlights of Census 2011 in a function organized by the Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India here today. On this occasion Union Home Minister congratulated all stake holders for completing the 2011 Census […]
more…1 May, 2013
OECD Report Warns of Debt Threat to Japan’s Growth Prospects
23/04/2013 – Japan is poised for an economic expansion, but long-term growth prospects remain contingent on additional efforts to revitalise the economy and reduce unsustainable levels of public debt, according to the OECD’s latest Economic Survey of Japan. The new Survey, presented in Tokyo by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría, forecasts the Japanese economy will grow […]
more…1 May, 2013
Indian airlines cleared to unbundle services and charge for them
Ministry of Civil Aviation, 29-April, 2013 – The Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Ajit Singh, has decided to permit scheduled airlines to unbundle certain services and to charge fees for these services separately. This is based on the recommendations of the Nathan Economic Consultants in their report on “Economic Regulations to Airlines Ticket Pricing in […]
more…1 May, 2013
FREE Download: Australian Consumer Commission Report Shows Numbers Up, Service Standards Down at Airports
Canberra, 30 April 2013 (ACCC Media Release) – The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has released its annual Airport Monitoring Report for 2011-12 calling for increased investment to avoid excessive congestion in the future. The ACCC is required to report annually on the performance of Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney Airports. “The 2011-12 report […]
more…30 Apr, 2013
Palestinian students beat visa, travel curbs to win top prizes in robotics challenge
25 April 2013, West Bank, (UNRWA media release) – UNRWA school in the West Bank receives first prize for team work and second prize for their robot in an international robotics challenge. The First Lego League (FLL) is an internationally attended robotics competition, challenging youth between the ages of 9 to 16 years to use […]
more…30 Apr, 2013
PATA Seeks To Rebuild Value and Business, But Regaining Trust Will be Key
Graphs and charts indicating PATA’s Financial Status BANGKOK — The PATA summit and its associated events, held in Bangkok between 25-28 April, closed on an optimistic note that the worst is over for the 62-year-old association and that best is yet to come. But the self-congratulatory back-thumping is tinged by a sense of caution that […]
more…29 Apr, 2013
Building Workers’ Power: ITUC May Day statement 2013
29 April 2013, International Trades Union Congress: Working people are facing sustained and often brutal attacks on their rights in every region of the world. Inequality and unemployment are hitting record levels, as governments continue to follow the failed and destructive policy of austerity-at-any-cost, and the onslaught against collective bargaining continues. The future of an […]
more…29 Apr, 2013
Europe scores lowest on Gallup Economic Confidence Index, Asia highest
WASHINGTON, D.C. April 29, 2013 — Economic confidence worldwide has improved little since the height of the downturn in 2009. Gallup’s global Economic Confidence Index improved eight points over this time period, rising to 18 last year from 10 in 2009. Europe, with a score of -35, has the lowest economic confidence of all regions, […]
more…28 Apr, 2013
Europe bids to help workers exercise rights to free movement
Brussels, 26 April 2013 – The European Commission has today proposed measures to ensure the better application of EU law on people’s right to work in another Member State and so make it easier for people to exercise their rights in practice. Currently there is a persistent problem with public and private employers’ lack of […]
more…28 Apr, 2013
Barbados Tourism To Give Cash Vouchers to Boost Arrivals, Length of Stay
27 April 2013 – (Ministry of Tourism media release) – Weeks after the Central Bank of Barbados reported a weak 2013 first quarter performance by the country’s tourism industry, the authorities have come up with a plan to put the sector back on a growth path. The Minister of Tourism of Barbados, Richard Sealy has […]
more…27 Apr, 2013
Xinhua: Short-sellers “crying wolf” again on Chinese economy
BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) — Some investment gurus, if they can be called that, periodically express their pessimism about the Chinese economy and short sell Chinese stocks, but it turns out theirs is nothing but a game of crying wolf. Their bearish tone has mostly proven to be a shortcut for securing handsome profits, with […]
more…27 Apr, 2013
Indian Met Office Forecasts Normal Southwest Monsoon Rainfall during 2013
Ministry of Earth Science, 26-April, 2013 – The year 2013 will most like have a normal Southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall for the country as a whole i.e. 96 to 104% of Long Average. during June to September. This was announced by the Union Minister of Earth Sciences & Science and Technology Mr S.Jaipal Raddy at […]
more…27 Apr, 2013
USA, Iran Wrestling Teams to Compete in Historic Friendly Event in LA, May 19
LOS ANGELES, April 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — USA Wrestling and Beat the Streets-Los Angeles, Inc. has announced that the United States and Iran will come together in a friendly international wrestling competition Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The event will also be a major opportunity for the Keep Olympic […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
Former Palestinian Prisoners to Speak at Brussels Conference on May 18
Brussels, (Palestinian Return Centre) – Arrangements for the 11th Palestinians in Europe conference are running smoothly and more guests have been confirmed. The 11th Conference, organized by the General Secretariat of the Palestinians in Europe Conference, The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), will be held in Brussels, Belgium on Saturday 18th May 2013. The one-day conference […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
EC seeks public views on Google’s offers to address anti-trust concerns
Brussels, 25 April 2013, European Commission Press release – The European Commission is inviting comments from interested parties on commitments offered by Google in relation to online search and search advertising. The Commission has concerns that Google may be abusing its dominant position in the markets for web search, online search advertising and online search […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
Flawed U.S. Terrorism Policies will Create Long-term Problems, with Limitless Costs
Beijing, 2013-04-25 – The Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people and injured more than 170, the shootout that followed on the campus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a massive explosion in a fertilizer plant in Texas made up a black week for the United States and highlighted domestic security issues. Police later identified […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
More Chinese travel abroad from second & third-tier cities
Beijing, April 25, 2013 – More people from smaller Chinese cities are traveling abroad, new research released on Wednesday showed. Thanks to the country’s rapid economic development, residents of second- and third-tier cities have plans and are able to go overseas for their holidays, according to the China Outbound Tourism Development 2013 report, released by […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
Asia’s Soaring Consumption Of Raw Materials Unsustainable, UN Warns
United Nations, Apr 24 2013 (UN News Centre) – The Asia-Pacific region, which has overtaken the rest of the world in consumption of raw materials as affluence and manufacturing increase, must boost its resource efficiency or risk losing ground in lifestyle, economic growth and environmental sustainability, according to a UN report released today. From 1970-2008, […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
PATA Youth Forum Hears “Anarchy” Warning if Thai Tourism Growth Neglects Sustainability
BANGKOK – Decrying the corruption and poor law enforcement plaguing the Thai tourism industry, three “NextGen” Thai executives have warned of “anarchy” and a looming crisis if the problems are left unaddressed. One executive also warned of another round of cut-throat pricing competition when the next crisis hits. The strong words rang out loud during […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
Israeli airport security given green light to search tourist emails — RT News
Israel’s attorney general says security officials can continue to access emails of foreign tourists landing at Ben-Gurion Airport. If they refuse, they can be denied access to the country. Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein defended the practice in a statement, saying that such searches “are performed only in exceptional instances, after other relevant incriminating indications are […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
Turkey Launches Online-based Visa for Trade, Tourism Visitors
Ankara, 24 April 2013 (Anadolu Agency) – Turkey on Wednesday launched a new online-based visa issuance system for foreign nationals visiting the country for tourism or trade purposes only. The e-visa system replaces ‘sticker’ and ‘stamp-type’ visas formerly issued at the borders, and for the time being it is only available for foreigners arriving in […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
India Reports Rapid Decline in Child Sex Ratio between 2001-11
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 23-April, 2013 – As per the Census, the child sex ratio (0-6 years) has shown a sharp decline from 927 females per thousand males in 2001 to 914 females per thousand males in 2011. The government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy entailing schemes and programmes and awareness generation/advocacy measures, […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
India Expands Visa On Arrival Facility to More Airports, Plans More Steps to Ease Access
Ministry of Home Affairs, 23-April, 2013 – The third Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on Tourism Sector has decided to extend facility of Tourist Visa on Arrival at Goa, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi airports. The Government of India has permitted Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) facility for the citizens of 11 countries viz. Japan, Singapore, Finland, […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Review of the Indian Economy 2012-13 – Highlights
New Delhi, 23-April, 2013 – Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister released the ‘Review of the Economy 2012-13’ at a Press Conference in New Delhi today. Following are the highlights of the document: Economy to grow at 6.4% in 2013-14 The Advance Estimates of CSO have pegged the growth of Agriculture at […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
Chinese Draft Law to curb tourism price hikes
Beijing, 2013-04-24, China Daily – The third draft of China’s Tourism Law, which was delivered to lawmakers on Tuesday, seeks to curb price inflation at scenic spots — a trend that is making tourists nationwide unhappy. The draft proposes strict controls on the costs of tickets to access natural scenery and ancient relics. Such areas, […]
more…24 Apr, 2013
UNWTO’s Most Spectacular Asia-Pacific Meeting Venue: Hyderabad’s “Mirror in the Sky”
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India — If there is one over-arching reason why delegates will never forget the UNWTO’s Joint Commission meetings of South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific held here between 12-14 April 2013 it is because of the spectacular venue, the Taj Falaknuma Palace hotel, the jewel in the crown of the palatial […]
more…24 Apr, 2013
CAIR Decries Inflammatory Anti-Muslim Rhetoric on Boston Bombing
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/23/13) (CAIR media release) –- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today decried the wave of inflammatory anti-Muslim rhetoric following the Boston Marathon bombings and the revelation that the suspects in the case are Muslim. CAIR also noted that Americans of all faiths have […]
more…23 Apr, 2013
Indian Tourism Minister to Inaugurate New Campus of IITTM at Noida
Ministry of Tourism, 22-April, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K.Chiranjeevi will inaugurate the new campus of Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITM) at Noida on 23 April 2013. Spread over 10 acres of land in Sec 62 of Noida, the campus has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 27.70 crore. IITTM […]
more…23 Apr, 2013
First Time in India: Volunteer Guide Programme at National Museum, New Delhi
Ministry of Culture, 22-April, 2013 – The Union Minister of Culture Mrs. Chandresh Kumari Katoch has asked the National Museum to be ready to engage in collaborative programmes with other museums, with a view to increase their expertise, and to develop a pool of highly trained manpower in this sector. Inaugurating “Path Pradarshak” Volunteer Guide […]
more…23 Apr, 2013
Univ of NSW woos Chinese students by accepting Gaokao scores for admissions
SYDNEY, April 22 (Xinhua) — With Australia’s ‘Asia Literacy’ looming as a key issue in the upcoming federal election, Aussie universities, led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have launched a furious campaign to woo Chinese students and the potential boom in knowledge they provide. In a ground breaking policy launched this week […]
more…23 Apr, 2013
Tour for UNWTO Delegates Helps Andhra Pradesh Promote Its Buddhist Heritage
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India — Andhra Pradesh has joined the growing number of states promoting Buddhist pilgrimage travel to India. Capitalising on the presence of so many tourism representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries with a sizable Buddhist population at the April 12-14 meeting of the UNWTO Joint Commissions for […]
more…22 Apr, 2013
Tit-for-tat: China Blasts U.S. Human Rights Record
BEIJING, (China Daily) — The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China published a report titled “Human Rights Record of the United States in 2012” last Sunday. It was in response to the U.S. State Department’s release of its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012, which the Chinese describe as […]
more…22 Apr, 2013
UNWTO Chief: Visas, Security Issues “Not Out of our Hands”
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India – The UN World Tourism Organisation has called on the global travel & tourism industry to stop assuming that visas and security-related travel restrictions are “out of our hands” and work towards ensuring that 98% of legitimate global travellers do not become inadvertent victims of rules aimed at the remaining 2%. […]
more…22 Apr, 2013
PM’s Speech to Civil Servants Highlights Complexities of Governing India
Prime Minister’s Office, 21-April, 2013 – Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech at Civil Services Day function in New Delhi today: “I am very happy to be with you today, as you begin your deliberations on the occasion of the 8th Civil Services Day. In these inaugural remarks, I […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Beware the Labelling of Terrorist Attacks – People’s Daily Commentary
Beijing April 20, 2013 – Before or after the Boston marathon blast on April 15, other regions in the world have not been peaceful, either. The terrorist attacks toward civilians in Somalia, Iraq and Pakistan have all caused severe casualties. It’s a day that will go down in history along with other violent U.S. incidents […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
U.N. Forum on Forests Adopts Pacts on Conservation, Financing
ISTANBUL, 19 and 20 April, Department of Public Information— Calling on Governments to recognize that forests and the socioeconomic benefits they provide were essential to human development, the United Nations forum working to build global consensus on implementation of forest-related agreements concluded its tenth session late this evening, also deciding to consider setting up a […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Japan to mull relaxing visas for S.E. Asian tourists – The Japan Times
The government will examine relaxing visa requirements to encourage more tourists from emerging nations in Southeast Asia to visit Japan, sources in the Abe administration said Saturday. The move comes as the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has determined it is necessary to lure more travelers from fast-growing economies to attain its goal of […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Scammed tourists begin class action – Sydney Morning Herald
Australian holidaymakers are pursuing a class action lawsuit against one of the world’s largest banks after hundreds of false accounts were used in an international travel scam. Over the past 18 months, tourists have wired millions of dollars into accounts with London-based Barclays Bank to pay for luxury accommodation in dream destinations around the world. […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Palestinian NGO Study Says Israel’s Water Policy in West Bank is Apartheid
RAMALLAH, April 16, 2013 (WAFA) – Israel’s policies and practices in relation to water in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) amount to a system of “water-apartheid,” said a new study by the human rights group, al-Haq, published Tuesday. The report, “Water For One People Only: Discriminatory Access and ‘Water-Apartheid’ in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” said […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Bedouin Community Faces “Transfer” as Israel Continues to Wipe Palestine Off the Map
JERUSALEM, April 20, 2013 (WAFA) – In an attempt to uproot Palestinians from locations in the Israeli-controlled Area C of the West Bank, the Israeli Defense Minister has recently approved a master plan to forcibly transfer approximately 2500 Bedouins from the Jahalin tribe to a small, concentrated area in Nwei’mah, adjacent to Jericho, according to […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
S.F. Bay Area Group Leads Historic Israel-Palestine Effort to Remove Landmines From Bethlehem
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– April 19, 2013 — Representatives of a Bay Area non-profit group which spearheaded a historic Palestine and Israel agreement to remove landmines from the City of Bethlehem will travel to the Holy Land to oversee the first removal and detonation of mines. Heidi Kühn, Founder and CEO of Roots of Peace, […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
EC Vice President: European Union has “Deep Structural Flaws”, Needs Redesign
19 April 2013 – Text of the speech by Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission at the Bratislava Global Security Forum – GLOSEC/Brussels, “A new vision for redesigning Europe”. As posted on the EC website. Ladies and Gentlemen The motto of the European Union, as I am sure you all know, is ‘United in […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Joint Statement: Muslim, Sikh, South Asian, Arab American Groups Urge Unity & Restraint
Muslim Advocates, South Asian Americans Leading Together, Sikh Coalition, and the National Network for Arab American Communities issued the following joint statement urging Americans to unite in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon attacks. April 19, 2013 – Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with the victims of the Boston Marathon attacks. We are grateful […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
‘They were set up, FBI followed them for years’- Tsarnaevs’ mother to RT USA
Russian ‘Alpha’ Special Forces team-veteran and vice-president of its International Association, Aleksey Filatov, believes there is more to the case than meets the eye. He emphasizes, firstly, that the origin and religious beliefs of the suspect, along with the specifics of the bombing, have all been carefully pre-meditated and planned by someone within the United […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
UN Experts Urge World Bank to Raise Human Rights Standards For Project Finance
GENEVA (18 April 2013) (UN OHCHR media release) – A group of United Nations independent experts on extreme poverty, indigenous peoples, right to food and foreign debt called on the Word Bank to adopt human rights standards, during the upcoming review this weekend of its environmental and social policies—also known as ‘safeguard policies’—which apply to […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Indian tourists third most likely to steal hotel items: Study – Indian Express
Indian tourists have been ranked third in the list of nationalities that nick items from a hotel room as 38 per cent of them confessed they have stolen from a hotel, according to a new global survey. The survey by an online accommodation booking service found that 35 per cent of global travellers steal hotel […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Hate Crimes in Massachusetts, New York Follow Boston Bombings
WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/18/13 (CAIR media release) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said hate incidents in Massachusetts and New York occurred following the deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon. CAIR reports that a mother of Middle Eastern heritage wearing an Islamic headscarf, or hijab, […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Israeli “Expert” on “Islamic Terrorism” Stirs the Pot, Offers Advice to U.S.
NEW YORK, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — As the entire nation joins Boston in mourning three deaths and massive injuries and amputations, Americans are once again facing the reality of homeland terrorism and resurrecting questions of security. David Rubin, Israeli terrorism expert, draws parallels between Boston and Israel, a nation plagued by long-term terrorism. Editor’s […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Arab-Americans Issue Advisory: Be Cautious, Report Hate Crimes
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | April 18, 2013 — As a result of a recent increase in attacks and discrimination targeting Arab and Muslim Americans following the bombing in Boston, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is asking that all members of the affected communities exercise extreme caution and immediately report any incidents of harassment, abuse, […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Holiday scams leave British travellers £1.5m out of pocket – The Independent
Thousands of British travellers are being swindled out of millions of pounds each year through scams involving flights, accommodation and religious pilgrimages. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has identified 1,000 separate holiday scams in the UK last year that cost consumers more than £1.5m. Read the rest: Holiday scams leave British travellers £1.5m out […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Survey: Solid Majority of Iranian Americans Oppose Military Strike on Iran
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– April 18, 2013 – The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) today released the findings of its 2013 National Public Opinion Survey of Iranian Americans. The results demonstrate that Iranian Americans retain close ties to Iran and want to see a democratic Iran that respects human rights. A majority are supportive of […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
David Sirota: Why I Hope the Boston Bomber is a White American | Alternet
I’m not the kind of person who hopes to ever find conservative Fox News host Bill O’Reilly agreeing with me. But with my Salon piece on the Boston bomber now on the front page of Drudge, I think it is worth pointing out that last night O’Reilly effectively agreed with my piece by confirming the […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Trades Union Report Blasts IMF Over Jobs Market Prescriptions
17 April 2013: IMF labour market advice, as part of the Troika, undermines democracy and risks economic dictatorship across Europe and beyond warned the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and will create more divisions and social unrest, without producing any economic benefits. The ITUC Frontlines 2013 report, “Ideology without economic evidence: IMF attacks on collective […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
Turkey Becomes First Country With Ambassador To Palestine
RAMALLAH, April 17 (NNN-TODAY’S ZAMAN) – Turkey has become the first country with an ambassador to Palestine after its envoy in Ramallah, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, presented his letter of credentials to President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday. Reflecting the upgraded status of Palestine from an entity to a non-member state by a UN vote in November, […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
Chinese Expert: US should re-think anti-terrorism strategy
April 18, 2013 – Monday’s terrorist bombings in Boston is the major terrorist attack the United States has suffered since September 11, 2001. Although the scale and losses is not on par with the 9/11, it happened at the sensitive moment when the U.S. is accelerating withdrawal from Afghanistan and continuously concentrating anti-terrorism front, which […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Annual Australian Alcohol Poll Cites “Carnage” and “Devastating Harms”
Canberra, 18 April 2013, (Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education) – Australians are drinking to get drunk in greater numbers and feeling guilty afterwards, but remain overwhelmingly in favour of fixing our collective national hangover. This year’s Annual Alcohol Poll found that in 2013, 40 per cent or 4.5 million Australians drank to get drunk, […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
U.S. Muslims mobilize to prevent Boston backlash | Religion News Service
On his show, conservative host Glenn Beck opined that “no American citizen blows up random people; that’s a Middle Eastern scene, that’s not an American scene. When our crazies go off, they target the government, not streets that are crowded with people.” On Monday afternoon, the New York Post had to pull a story that […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Chinese Buddhist Monks fight to keep UNESCO out
Xi’an, (Global Times) – April 17, 2013 – Getting up at 4 am. Morning prayer. Breakfast. Studying Buddhist classics. More prayer. Master Kuanshu’s daily routine is an example of that practiced in temples for millennia. In the past few days, however, Kuanshu and other monks have diversified their habits a bit to handle interviews from […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Indigenous Brazilian Activist Fights To Save His Tribe And The Amazon Rainforest
United Nations, Apr 16 2013 – Almir Narayamoga Surui was born into an indigenous Amazonian tribe – the Paiter-Surui – in Rondonia in north-west Brazil at a time when his people had very little contact with the world outside of the forest. He is the first member of the Surui to attend college, and for […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Indian Finance Minister’s Speech at Harvard: “The Rise of the East: Implications for the Global Economy”
Following is the Text of the Speech of the Union Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidamabarm delivered on 16 April 2013 at the South Asian Institute and Mahendra Humanities Center at Harvard University: “It is a great pleasure to be back in the grounds of Harvard University and a great honour to be invited to speak […]
more…16 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: McKinsey Institute – Shaping a New Growth Formula
April 2013 (McKinsey Global Institute) – Beginning in the 1960s, South Korea has set economic-development records with a growth formula that focused on heavy-industry and manufactured exports. GDP has tripled in just the past 20 years, and South Korea became the first nation to go from being a recipient of aid from the Organisation for […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
Debunking ten misconceptions of the ideal of the Chinese dream
April 12, 2013 – As the ruling ideology of China’s new leadership, the Chinese dream has drawn worldwide attention. However, following this heightened attention have come a raft of interpretations and appeals, some of which are misconceptions. Misconception one: Chinese dream is equal to China’s dream. President Xi Jinping has elaborated the Chinese dream, stressing […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
Indian Visa on Arrival Scheme up 63%
Ministry of Tourism, 12-April, 2013 – The Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme of the Government for foreign tourists registered a growth of 63% during March, 2013. During the month, a total number of 2,107 VoAs were issued as compared to 1,287 VoAs issued during March, 2012. The following are the other important highlights of VoAs […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Employee-Employer Relations Under Strain in Europe, Says New Report
The on-going economic crisis poses a serious challenge to the dialogue between workers’ and employers’ representatives and governments according to a report published today by the European Commission. The report shows that recent government reforms have not always been accompanied by fully effective social dialogue, leading to increasingly conflictual industrial relations in Europe. László Andor, […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
“Airlines for America” Hammers Huge Passenger Tax Hike in White House Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)- 11 April 2013 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today announced its strong opposition to the FY2014 White House budget proposal, which seeks to offset the federal deficit by imposing billions of dollars in new and higher aviation taxes and fees on the backs of […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
U.S. Companies Report $63 Billion Wasted as “Why Are We Meeting?” Meetings Increase
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. companies report an increase in wasteful meetings, now costing $63 billion annually. The average employee is spending 31 hours per month in unproductive meetings (often the result of ineffective brainstorming), while 47% indicate that meetings are the #1 time-waster, leaving everyone asking, “why are we meeting?”…reports a […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: U.S. Small Business Survey on Taxes Cites Complexity as Primary Problem
WASHINGTON, April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Small Business Association (NSBA) today released the 2013 Small Business Taxation Survey which provides detailed insight on how America’s small-business community is being impacted by federal taxes. Complexity and inconsistency within the tax code continue to be a major problem for small businesses, and one-in-four report spending 120 […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
Alcohol Justice Announces Youth Video Winners: Free Sports From Alcohol Ads
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Three young filmmakers were awarded top prizes today for their entertaining counter-alcohol ads submitted to the 2013 Free Our Sports™ Youth Film Festival. The contest challenged them to help expose and eliminate global alcohol advertising, sponsorships, branding and promotions from every sport, from college games to the NFL […]
more…10 Apr, 2013
U.N. Debate On Terrorism Exposes Deep Chasms Over Who Holds Whom Responsible
United Nations, (Department of Public Information), 08 April 2013 – The time was “propitious” for the General Assembly committee charged with negotiating a comprehensive anti-terrorism convention to take the necessary decisions, especially on the outstanding issues that had — for years — hampered substantive progress on such an instrument, said its long-time Chairman, as he […]
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