24 Sep, 2012
Free Download: First Global Broadband Report
United Nations, 23 September, 2012 – The Broadband Commission for Digital Development has released its first-ever country-by-country snapshot of the state of broadband deployment worldwide. The State of Broadband 2012: Achieving Digital Inclusion for All report evaluates the roll-out of broadband around the world and tracks progress towards achieving the four advocacy targets set by the […]
more…23 Sep, 2012
China Voice: Is Chinese economy sliding into dangerous position?
BEIJING, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) — In the past few weeks, there has been growing debate at home and abroad about China and its economic growth, with rhetoric speculating about an imminent economic blowout in the world’s second-largest economy. It’s interesting to observe the difference between what pessimists predict about China’s economy and what’s actually going […]
more…23 Sep, 2012
Another Blistering Blast by China: US Suffers ‘Arab Winter’
September 20, 2012 – The American film “Innocence of Muslims” has triggered a wave of anti-US protests across the Middle East, which is spreading quickly to other regions. It reveals flaws of the U.S. Mideast policy and the Arab spring is turning into the Arab winter. The anti-US protests started in Benghazi, the cradle of […]
more…21 Sep, 2012
Once High-Flying Indian Aviation Sector Still in a Rut
Ministry of Civil Aviation, 21-September, 2012 – Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ajit Singh has said that providing affordable air connectivity to remote and interior areas of the country, the North Eastern Region and Tier-II & III cities of India is high on his priorities. For this new and innovative solution in the form […]
more…21 Sep, 2012
India, China to Boost Tourism Contacts in HRD, Data-Swaps, Tours & Investment
Ministry of Tourism, 21-September, 2012 – India and China have expressed their willingness to strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation. This was decided at a meeting between Mr. Zhu Shanzhong, Vice Chairman of China National Tourism Administration and Shri Girish Shankar, Addl. Secretary, Ministry of Tourism in New Delhi today. It was also decided that exchange visit […]
more…21 Sep, 2012
India, Pakistan Take More Steps To Spur Trade, Transport Links
Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 21-September, 2012 – India and Pakistan have made further progress on a number of trade and transportation issues, including border-controls, railway and airline connectivity. Two key decisions involve launching the first direct flights between Islamabad – New Delhi and establishing a Joint Business Council amongst top business leaders. The moves […]
more…21 Sep, 2012
China Again Makes Clear: No War, No Threats, No More Sanctions on Iran
UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 20 (Xinhua) — China is not in favor of putting excessive pressure or imposing new sanctions on Iran over Tehran’s controversial nuclear program, a senior Chinese diplomat to the UN said here on Thursday. Wang Min, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, made the statement at a Security Council meeting, where […]
more…21 Sep, 2012
Tourism Sector Search Engines Launched in 5 Indian Languages
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology – 20-September, 2012 – The Dept. of Electronics & Information Technology (DeitY), Min. of Communications & IT has doubled Raj Bhasha fortnight celebrations by gifting further technology support to Indian languages. Mr. J Satyanarayana, Secretary, DeitY, launched here today SANDHAN, the Indian language search engine for tourism domain. This […]
more…19 Sep, 2012
Sikhs, Arab-Americans Unite in Call to Confront U.S. “Domestic Extremism”
Washington DC, 19 Sept 2012 – Two minority rights groups in the United States have made statements this morning to a Senate hate-crime hearing calling for an end to racial profiling, inciteful rhetoric and a watch on white supremacists and other domestic extremists to the same level as “attackers from abroad.” In what could prove […]
more…19 Sep, 2012
E.C. Set to Restore Preferential Trade With Myanmar
Brussels, 17 September 2012, European Commission Press release – Myanmar is set to benefit once again from a special, advantageous trade arrangement with the EU following recognition by the international community of the country’s recent efforts to improve the political, social and labour environments there. Today the European Commission has adopted a proposal to bring […]
more…19 Sep, 2012
“Peaceful Settlement of Conflict” To Be Overarching Theme of 2012 U.N. General Assembly
United Nations, 18 Sept 2012 (UN News) – Faced with extraordinary challenges including terrorism, widespread geopolitical instability and the urgent need for sustainable development, the General Assembly — through a host of new initiatives and an unflagging commitment to the United Nations founding principles — must contribute more to the destiny of the planet, said […]
more…19 Sep, 2012
Another Chinese Commentary Tells U.S. to Change Its Middle East Policies
September 19, 2012 – Despite US facilitating regime changes, widespread anger shows it needs to change its policies toward Arab countries. On the surface, the latest wave of anti-US rage in the Middle East, which left Chris Stevens, the United States’ ambassador to Libya, and three other embassy staff members dead, was triggered by a […]
more…19 Sep, 2012
Chinese Tour Operator Takes Japan Tours Off The Shelf
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online) September 18, 2012 – China Comfort Travel Group Co., Ltd., one of the largest Japan tour wholesalers in China, halted its plan of transporting 50,000 tourists to Japan to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the normalization of China-Japan relations. Chairman of China Comfort Travel Group Li Jilie said in an interview […]
more…18 Sep, 2012
Global Labour Union Launches “New News Site” To Combat Corporate Injustice, Lies & Cover-ups
Brussels, (International Trades Union Congress) News Release) – 17 September 2012: “Equal Times ”, a new ITUC-supported internet platform for news, opinion, investigative reports and activism, is officially launched today. With a Brussels-based editorial team and more than 50 journalists around the world contributing articles, Equal Times “will bring you stories the mainstream media simply […]
more…18 Sep, 2012
U.S. Hotel Group Plays “Happiness” Card to Market Weekend Breaks
MCLEAN, Va.- September 13, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–A national survey* released today by Hampton Hotels uncovered that one in three Americans (33 percent) claims they are a “completely different person” on the weekends than they are during the week. The survey, which delves into consumers’ weekend mindset, shows that more positive, outgoing and friendly personality traits emerge […]
more…18 Sep, 2012
Bloomberg Launches New Corporate Sukuk Index for Islamic Finance
KUALA LUMPUR, September 17, 2012 –(BUSINESS WIRE)–Bloomberg today announced further commitment to the Islamic finance market with the launch of a Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) corporate sukuk index, developed with the Association of Islamic Banking Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM) and Bursa Malaysia. The Bloomberg AIBIM Bursa Malaysia Corporate Sukuk Index will serve as a benchmark for investors […]
more…18 Sep, 2012
Ageing UK Workforce Raises Concern about Health Issues And Impact On Business
London, (PRWEB) September 18, 2012 – Aviva’s annual Health of the Workplace report reveals that companies are already starting to see a change in their workforce demographics, prompting fears that ageing workforce health issues will affect their company. The removal of the Default Retirement Age, increased longevity and continued financial pressures on the over 55s […]
more…17 Sep, 2012
Exclusive: The Challenge of Changing India’s Image in Thailand
Bangkok, 17 September 2012 – Three years after being appointed to head the first Indian Cultural Centre in Thailand, Renuka Narayanan is returning home a changed woman. In the process of actively promoting Indian culture, and raising the image of India and Indians, she herself has gained a greater depth of knowledge about Thailand and […]
more…16 Sep, 2012
Indian PM Outlines Policies, Opportunities, Threats for 12th Five-Year Plan
Rigorous planning is underway for India’s 12th Five Year Plan (2012-17). Given the uncertainties of global, regional and local crises, both man-made and otherwise, planning ahead for a country the size of India always poses a major challenge. This dispatch contains policy statements by both the Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister […]
more…15 Sep, 2012
India Makes Sweeping Changes in FDI Rules for Aviation, Retail & Broadcasting
New Delhi, 14 September 2012 – In a move that will further change the socio-cultural-economic landscape of India, the government has approved regulatory changes to open up more foreign investment in three critical sectors of the economy: aviation, retail and broadcasting. The official policy announcement talks up the benefits, viz, create jobs nationwide, promote economic […]
more…14 Sep, 2012
ITU Acts to Cut Roaming “bill shock” Charges for Consumers
Geneva, 14 September 2012 (ITU Media release) – International Telecommunication Union members from the public and private sectors have agreed on measures to reduce ‘bill-shock’ whereby consumers are faced with unexpected and excessive charges for mobile roaming. They have approved a number of measures to empower consumers and encourage operators to lower tariffs. These measures […]
more…14 Sep, 2012
Finally Awakening, U.S. Senate Committee Sets Hearings on “Threat of Domestic Extremism”
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | September 13, 2012 – Given the significant rise in hate crimes and repeated attacks on places of worship, including the massacre at the Sikh Gurdwara in Wisconsin, the US Senate Committee on the Judiciary announced that it will hold a hearing entitled “Hate Crimes and the Threat of Domestic Extremism” […]
more…14 Sep, 2012
“Apply Int’l Law Uniformly and Not à la Carte,” UN Independent Expert Urges World Govts
GENEVA (13 September 2012) UN News – The newly appointed UN Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Alfred de Zayas, today called on States to move forward to overcome “the many obstacles to the realization of an international order that is more democratic and more equitable.” “This vision can […]
more…13 Sep, 2012
Xinhua Commentary Squarely Blames U.S. Mideast Policies for Libya Attacks
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) — The attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions in Egypt and Libya on Tuesday were hair-raising, and the death of U.S. ambassador to Libya Christopher Stevens was tragic. On the surface, the attacks stemmed from a U.S.-made film that “defames Islam’s Prophet Mohammed.” But their causes run deeper than that, highlighting America’s […]
more…13 Sep, 2012
ASEAN Integration: Human Rights Groups Sound Warning
BANGKOK – In his speech at an Assumption University Forum in Bangkok on August 24, ASEAN secretary-general Dr Surin Pitsuwan warned that the process of ASEAN integration would create both winners and losers. He was referring primarily to the economic sector, with the losers being those who may not be able to take full advantage […]
more…13 Sep, 2012
Report: US strikes on Iran would risk major war
WASHINGTON AP — U.S. military strikes on Iran would shake the regime’s political control and damage its ability to launch counterstrikes, but the Iranians probably would manage to retaliate, directly and through surrogates, in ways that risked igniting all-out war in the Middle East, according to an assessment of an attack’s costs and benefits. The […]
more…12 Sep, 2012
11 Disastrous Years Post-9/11: Whither Global Travel & Tourism?
Editor’s Note: Six reports, studies and statements released on or just prior to 9/11 clearly show how the winds of change are affecting the United States, internally and externally. Compiled exclusively by Travel Impact Newswire, they are designed to initiate some soul-searching by the U.S. and global travel and tourism industries, both of which have […]
more…10 Sep, 2012
ADB: Eurozone Crisis Threatens Emerging East Asia’s Booming Bond Markets
10 September 2012 (ADB Media release) – Emerging East Asia’s local currency bond markets have expanded to nearly $6 trillion, but policymakers in the region should brace themselves for further shock and volatility from the global financial markets, says a report published by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). “Our local currency bond markets are emerging […]
more…10 Sep, 2012
Australia Warns Asian Travellers About Food Import Rules for Upcoming “Autumn Moon Festival”
7 September 2012, Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – A gift of mooncakes to mark the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is a practice celebrated by Asian communities around the world. However, the tradition poses a biosecurity threat if it brings unwanted pests and diseases into Australia. Each year the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry […]
more…10 Sep, 2012
Why India’s Small Towns Are Not Benefitting from Economic Progress
India’s economic progress is not trickling down to its far-flung rural areas, exacerbating the rich-poor income gap and forcing rural-urban migration. Indian economic journalist Paromita Shastri addresses these questions in her book How India’s Small Towns Live (or Die), an extensive study of 30 small towns spread over the states of Rajasthan, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, […]
more…10 Sep, 2012
Toyota’s Three NextGen Products Impacting the “Future of Mobility”
Emerging from a series of financial and quality-control problems, as well as the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Toyota Motors Corp has published its Sustainability Report 2011 identifying trends that will change the “future of mobility” and the kind of products and services that will be needed to match those trends. It projects demand for three key […]
more…9 Sep, 2012
New Visa Pact Signed as India, Pakistan Move to Facilitate Travel, Rebuild Bridges
ISLAMABAD, Sept 8 (APP): Pakistan and India on Saturday signed new liberalized visa regime giving more concessions and simplifying the procedure to grant visa with a view to promote people to people contacts and enhance trade and business activities between two neighbours. The new visa regime agreement was signed here by Indian External Affairs Minister […]
more…9 Sep, 2012
Future Mass Transit Rail Plans May Threaten Bangkok’s Heritage
Bangkok – A group of Thailand’s leading culture and heritage institutions has sent an open letter to the Bangkok Governor urging him to ensure that the Thai capital’s future development plans preserve the city’s historic, archaeological, artistic and architectural monuments, buildings and districts. The letter says that many of the city’s older areas, especially around […]
more…8 Sep, 2012
Indian PM Tells Police Chiefs Of Concern Over “Deteriorating” Communal Relations
New Delhi, 08-September, 2012 (PM’s Office) – Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, has sounded a warning about a deterioration of communal relations in India, and rued the role of SMS text messages in exacerbating the situation. In an address to the Annual Conference of National Police Chiefs, Dr Singh noted that communal tensions would only […]
more…7 Sep, 2012
Australia Identity Theft Survey Reveals Extent of Threat, Suggests Protective Measures
4 September 2012 (Australian Attorney-General’s Department, Minister for Emergency Management) – Almost 90 per cent of Australians surveyed are concerned about identity theft and 61 per cent think identity theft will increase over the next 12 months according to new research released today. Attorney-General Nicola Roxon said that while Australians are concerned about identity theft, […]
more…7 Sep, 2012
PATA CEO, Travel Impact Newswire Editor Team Up for “Thrilla in Manila” Debate
September 6, 2012, Bangkok: The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is to break new ground in the conduct and content of industry forums globally by holding the first-ever debate on the future of travel and tourism between the PATA CEO and a leading regional travel journalist. To focus on the topic, “The Future of Travel […]
more…6 Sep, 2012
Five Resolutions to Keep Your Family Healthy
Albany, NY (PRWEB) September 04, 2012 – As the kids head back to school and the cooler weather settles in, now is the time to mark new beginnings. Forget Jan. 1 – here are some “fall resolutions” that are easy to make and stick to. 1. REVAMP YOUR DIET AND EXERCISE PLANS Breakfast: Don’t skip […]
more…5 Sep, 2012
Sec-Gen Surin: ASEAN Identity, Cultural Integration As Important As Economics To Avoid Conflict
BANGKOK – In a frank and forthright SWOT analysis of the future of regional integration, ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Surin Pitsuwan has warned that the birth of the ASEAN Community will create both “winners and losers”, and the management of ethnic, religious and identity differences in one of the world’s most culturally diverse regions will be […]
more…4 Sep, 2012
Chinese Companies Expanding Abroad Urged to be Wary of Investment Risks
September 03, 2012 – The Ministry of Commerce’s latest estimates show that China’s outbound direct investment reached 74.65 billion yuan ($11.8 billion) in 2011, a historical high. At the same time, it noted more than 27 percent of the enterprises that State-owned companies have set up overseas reported losses for that year. That loss percentage […]
more…4 Sep, 2012
US, China Corporate Profit Gap Growing
Beijing, September 03, 2012 – The profit gap between China’s 500 largest enterprises and their US counterparts is growing wider, with the economic slowdown seriously affecting profits at domestic manufacturing companies, the China Enterprise Confederation (CEC) said over the weekend. China’s top 500 enterprises, ranked by annual revenue, made a combined profit of 2.1 trillion […]
more…4 Sep, 2012
India Details Projects to Clean Up Polluted Rivers
03-September, 2012 (Ministry of Environment & Foests) – The following information was given by the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment and Forests, Mrs Jayanthi Natarajan to the Parliament. The Ganga Action Plan (GAP) was launched by the Government in 1985, for pollution abatement activities in identified polluted stretches of river Ganga and later […]
more…4 Sep, 2012
Secrets of the Chinese Travelers
New couples celebrating their weddings in Sanya, in South China’s Hainan province. Sanya is one of the most popular tourist packages bought by online shoppers in China, according to a survey by Taobao, China’s largest online marketplace. (Photo/China Daily September 03, 2012 – Hong Kong, Beijing and Hainan province’s Sanya remain the most popular tourist […]
more…4 Sep, 2012
How World Opinion is Kidnapped by West’s “Int’l Community” Rhetoric
September 01, 2012 – Since the Industrial Revolution in Britain, the self-centered way of thinking that long formed in Western powers has been swelling with the constantly consolidated powers. One of the performances is that some Western politicians often make improper comments in the name of “international community” when they talk about the international affairs […]
more…3 Sep, 2012
Europe to Foster Wireless Innovation Through Sharing of Radio Spectrum
Brussels, 3 September 2012, European Commission Press release – The European Commission today unveiled plans to deal with the exponential growth in mobile and wireless data traffic by enabling wireless technologies, including broadband, to share the use of the radio spectrum. With new technologies it is possible to share radio spectrum amongst several users – […]
more…3 Sep, 2012
Students at S. African university boycott Israel – Yahoo! News
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Students at South Africa‘s University of the Witwatersrand say they are adopting an academic and cultural boycott of Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian people. A statement Monday says the school’s student representative council is calling for an immediate investigation into any academic, financial and cultural relations with Israeli institutions. Read more: […]
more…3 Sep, 2012
European Heritage Days: 50 Countries Open Rarely Seen Sites
Brussels, 03 September 2012, European Commission Press release – Over the coming month, more than 20 million people are expected to take advantage of free access to thousands of rarely opened sites and special events as part of the European Heritage Days, which take place every September in 50 countries across Europe. “The European Heritage […]
more…1 Sep, 2012
Exhibition Association Warns Members About “Misleading” Directory Scams
31 Aug 2012 – UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry, has warned members to beware of scams purporting to provide “misleading directory services.” Published in the September 2012 edition of its newsletter, the full text of the warning reads thus: In the past we have provided you with information concerning a scam perpetrated […]
more…1 Sep, 2012
Travel Managers Survey: Risk Management Remains Top Issue
30 Aug 2012 (AirPlus International) – Risk management remains top of mind amid ongoing worldwide economic, political and ecological uncertainty. As worldwide economic and political situations remain volatile, the issue of traveler safety and security continues to be an ongoing challenge for travel managers. Add in the increasing frequency and rising strength of natural disasters […]
more…31 Aug, 2012
India-Asean Pledge To Finalise Services Agreement by December
Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 31-August, 2012 – At the 10th ASEAN-India Economic Ministers Consultations in Siem Reap, Cambodia today, Union Minister for Commerce, Industry & Textiles, Mr Anand Sharma, and the ASEAN Economic Ministers reviewed the impressive growth in total trade since the signing of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement. Since 2011, bilateral […]
more…31 Aug, 2012
India Imposes Stringent Mobile Radiation Standards
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology, 31-August, 2012 – Effective 1st September 2012, India will be among the select few countries in the world to have stringent EMF (Electromagnetic Frequency) Radiation Standards, established in the interest of public health, for mobile towers and mobile handsets. Indian standards would now be 10 times more stringent than […]
more…31 Aug, 2012
China, Egypt Back Palestine Statehood
BEIJING, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) — China and Egypt have reaffirmed their support for an independent State of Palestine, according to a joint press communique issued here on Thursday. The independent state should have full sovereignty established on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, said the communique, which also backed […]
more…31 Aug, 2012
“Marginal Drop” in Indian Forest Cover
Ministry of Environment and Forests, 29-August, 2012 – The details of the India State of Forest Report, 2011 (ISFR) published by Dehradun –based Forest Survey of India is as follows:- • India State of Forest Report 2011 is the twelfth such report. The first report was published in 1987. • Forest and tree cover of […]
more…31 Aug, 2012
India Sets Up New Department of Disability Affairs
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 30-August, 2012 – A new Department of Disability Affairs has been set up as per the Cabinet Secretariat’s notification dated 12.05.2012 to ensure greater focus on policy matters regarding disability issues. Having a separate budget will help strengthen existing schemes, formulation of new schemes, promotion of technological innovation and […]
more…31 Aug, 2012
India To Spend Billions on Upgrading Railways
New Delhi, 30-August, 2012 (Ministry of Railways) – India is projecting private investment of more than IRs 79.83 crores in a range of railway projects to be developed under the upcoming 12th and 13th Five-Year Plans, Minister of State for Railways Shri K. H. Muniyappa said in a reply to a question in Lok Sabha […]
more…30 Aug, 2012
India Pushes Reinvigorated Non-Aligned Movement, Reform of Global Governance
Tehran, 30-August, 2012 (Indian Prime Minister’s Office) – Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s address delivered today at 16th NAM Summit in Tehran: “I congratulate His Excellency Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on assuming the Chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement. Mr. Chairman, India will extend […]
more…30 Aug, 2012
Burmese Trade Union Leader Cleared to Return from Exile
29 August 2012 (ITUC Press Release): The International Trades Union Congress (ITUC) has welcomed the imminent return to Burma of the leader of the country’s trade union movement, Maung Maung, following a decision by the government to remove some 2,000 people from a black-list of over 6,000 banned from entering the country. Maung Maung is […]
more…30 Aug, 2012
U.S. Office Workers Say Promotions Depend More On Politics Than Hard Work
NEW YORK & SUNNYVALE, Calif.- 29 August 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–PARADE Magazine teamed up with Yahoo! Finance for the Job Happiness Survey to discover how Americans view their jobs, working cultures, career priorities, and prospects. Based on the findings, it is clear that Americans are putting more value on every penny earned. Below are some of the […]
more…29 Aug, 2012
National Security? Or Job Security for the Security Apparatus?
The following press release issued following an American Legion National Security Symposium makes clear that hyping up the threat to U.S. national security is all about creating job security for the defense and military apparatus which is becoming increasingly worried about the consequences of a reduced military budget. The transport, travel & tourism industry is […]
more…29 Aug, 2012
NY Stock Exchange CEO Report Urges Less Regulation, Reduced Debt, Lower Taxes
NEW YORK-August 28, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–Global CEOs and U.S. small business owners are strongly urging political leaders and candidates for office to focus tax reform, regulation, the size of government and entitlements, and the national debt to stimulate the economy, growth and job creation, according to a newly released report from NYSE Euronext (NYX). Among those […]
more…29 Aug, 2012
China’s Economic Transition Starts
Beijing, August 28, 2012 – China’s economy grew by 7.6 percent in the second quarter of this year, continuing a downward trend that began two years ago. At such a time, it’s important that we make the economy stable for the present to ensure that long-term development occurs. The slowdown is the result of a […]
more…29 Aug, 2012
U.S. State Dept to Spend $750 Million to Revamp Visa, Consular Services
ARLINGTON, Va.-August 28, 2012-(BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. Department of State has selected Accenture Federal Services as one of nine prime contractors to provide technical support and consulting services under a $750 million Development, Modernization, Enhancement (DME) contracting vehicle. The DME has a one-year base, with four, one-year options. The State Department’s DME is an indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) […]
more…29 Aug, 2012
European Commission to Probe Proposed Buyout of Aer Lingus by Ryanair
Brussels, 29 August 2012 – European Commission Press release – The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation (phase II) under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of Aer Lingus by the low cost carrier Ryanair, which was notified to the Commission on 24 July 2012. Both are major players in the Irish […]
more…27 Aug, 2012
Droughts Flag Need to Better Manage Water Resources, Safeguard Food Security
27 August 2012, Stockholm/Rome (FAO media release) –Drought in some parts of the world has hurt global grain production and contributed to food price spikes virtually every other year since 2007, highlighting the need to transform the way water is used – and wasted – throughout the entire food chain. This is one of the […]
more…27 Aug, 2012
Indonesia’s Mbaru Niang Tops 2012 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards
Bangkok, 27 August 2012 — Mbaru Niang, a village of traditional houses in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia has been honoured with the Award of Excellence in the 2012 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. The two Awards of Distinction include the Sethna Buildings in Mumbai, India and the Water Systems in […]
more…27 Aug, 2012
How Much Water Will 2 Billion Tourists Guzzle?
A major United Nations report being discussed at the World Water Week now underway in Stockholm provides ample food for thought for the travel & tourism industry: Can it cope with the pressures of managing the generation, consumption and disposal of water by more than two billion international and domestic tourists annually? From Kenya to […]
more…25 Aug, 2012
EXCLUSIVE: Thai “Salesmonk” Urges Visits to Buddhist Sites in Pakistan
BANGKOK – A prominent Thai Buddhist monk has called on the world’s Buddhists to visit Pakistan if they wish to get a better idea of Buddhist history and the centres of learning that contributed to its spread. Describing himself as a “salesmonk” rather than a “salesman” for the Buddhist heritage sites of Pakistan, the Venerable […]
more…24 Aug, 2012
Global Experts Poll: Economic Confidence at Lowest Level in Five Quarters
Geneva, Switzerland, 22 August 2012 (World Economic Forum media release) – Confidence in the state of the world economy is at its lowest ebb since the World Economic Forum started its Global Confidence Index five quarters ago. The relative optimism of the previous quarter evaporated against a backdrop of slowing growth in the US and […]
more…23 Aug, 2012
MasterCard Survey: Parents of College Freshmen Worried About Children’s Ability to Manage Money
PURCHASE, N.Y.- August 21, 2012 -(BUSINESS WIRE)–Almost 65 percent of parents of college-aged young adults worry most about their child’s ability to manage money and spend wisely, according to a recent MasterCard Student Transition survey. In fact, two in five parents believe their young adults will run out of money in the first month of […]
more…23 Aug, 2012
Shoppers Leave Stores, Buy Online for Discounts as Low as 2.5%
ST. LOUIS – August 20, 2012 – (BUSINESS WIRE)–Forty-five percent of customers shopping in-store at brick and mortar locations will walk out and complete their purchase online for a discount as low as 2.5%, new research from GroupM Next examining the showrooming trend reveals. This number jumps to 60% of shoppers who will leave and […]
more…23 Aug, 2012
Hotel Chain Survey Reveals Mobile Device Habits of Business Travelers Worldwide
STAMFORD, Conn.- August 20, 2012 -(BUSINESS WIRE)–When today’s road warriors hit the trail, they are armed with three or four mobile devices to help them stay connected to office and home. They are more inclined to carry a tablet than a laptop. And, when these business travelers communicate with the home front from their hotel […]
more…22 Aug, 2012
U.N. Agencies Warn of Impact of Growing Droughts
21 August 2012 (WMO/UNCCD) – The drought gripping the United States of America and the ripple effects on global food markets underline the vulnerability of our inter-connected world to a natural hazard that is expected to increase in future. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and other UN agencies […]
more…22 Aug, 2012
NYPD Muslim Spying Admission Reveals: Millions Spent, No Leads Generated
(NEW YORK, NY, 8/21/12, CAIR Press release) — The New York chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NY) today said that a recent admission by the New York Police Department (NYPD) that its program of spying on the Muslim community produced no criminal leads and did not result in a single terror-related case demonstrates […]
more…22 Aug, 2012
Historic Pact Opens New Road Transport Route Between China, Viet Nam
22 August 2012 (ADB Press release) – For the first time, buses and trucks will be able to cross overland between the rugged southern regions of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the remote northern regions of Viet Nam using a 1,300 kilometer route spanning from Ha Noi to Shenzhen made possible through a […]
more…22 Aug, 2012
New Deal for Shipworkers: UN Treaty To Take Effect in 12 Months
21 August 2012 (ILO News Release) – A comprehensive range of labour standards for the world’s 1.2 million merchant sailors, covering decent working conditions and health and safety issues, is now set to go into effect following its final two required ratifications, the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) announced today. The ratification of the […]
more…21 Aug, 2012
China: U.S. Must Hand Over Internet Control To The World
Although the travel & tourism industry has moved rapidly to capitalise on the business-generating opportunities of the Communications and Information Revolution, it is lagging way behind in understanding how this same revolution is impacting on safety, security, privacy, health, society and fundamental democratic human rights. Actions being taken, or sometimes not taken, by governments, multinational […]
more…21 Aug, 2012
Travelocity Reveals Top 10 Most Popular Destinations for U.S. Labor Day Weekend
SOUTHLAKE, Texas–August 15, 2012–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching, and many travelers are looking to get away one final time before summer ends. Travelocity analyzed its Labor Day booking data to find the price to beat as well as the most popular Labor Day destinations, and some spots that are gaining in popularity this […]
more…18 Aug, 2012
India Economic Outlook 2012-13: Free Download
Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister released the document ‘Economic Outlook 2012-13’ at a Press Conference in New Delhi on 17 August. Following are the highlights of the document: Economy to grow at 6.7 per cent in 2012/13 Farm sector GDP projected to grow at 0.5 per cent in 2012/13 […]
more…17 Aug, 2012
China, India, Russia, Bangladesh New Targets of Tobacco Industry, Survey Shows
WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The world’s largest tobacco use survey, published today in The Lancet, underscores the enormity of the global tobacco epidemic – especially in low- and middle-income countries that are being targeted by the tobacco industry – and the urgent need for countries to implement proven strategies that reduce tobacco use […]
more…17 Aug, 2012
Pew Survey: Further Decline in Credibility Ratings for Most U.S. News Organizations
Pew Research Centre, 16 August 2012 – For the second time in a decade, the believability ratings for major news organizations have suffered broad-based declines. In the new survey, positive believability ratings have fallen significantly for nine of 13 news organizations tested. This follows a similar downturn in positive believability ratings that occurred between 2002 […]
more…17 Aug, 2012
More Attrition in PATA Management
Bangkok – PATA management ranks are set to dwindle further with the upcoming departure of Mrs Ben (Benjakallayanee) Montgomery, Regional Director – Greater Mekong, at the end of September following the PATA Travel Mart in Manila. Mrs Ben, 38, will join Centara Hotels and Resorts as Director, Strategies Management as of 1 October 2012. Her […]
more…15 Aug, 2012
Lessons Not Learnt: Arab Americans Report More Attacks on Places of Worship
Washington, DC (www.adc.org) August 15, 2012 – The American-Arab Anti-Discriminaton Committee (ADC), reports a dramatic surge of violent activity and harassment directed at places of worship, less than two weeks after the tragedy that occured at the Sikh Gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. In total there has been nearly a dozen cases of attacks and […]
more…15 Aug, 2012
China’s Private Firms Plan Overseas Investments, the “Going Out” Strategy
August 15, 2012 – Recently, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), together with 12 government departments under the State Council including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, jointly issued “The Implementing Opinions on Encouraging and Guiding Private Enterprises to Actively Develop Overseas Investment (The Opinions),” the first comprehensive policy […]
more…15 Aug, 2012
ASEAN Religious, Cultural Harmony As Critical As Economic Integration – Prof Yusuf
Bangkok – The religious and cultural heritage of ASEAN countries is one of its major tourism assets. Ways to safeguard it from becoming a social and geopolitical liability will be discussed at a seminar on religious pluralism in ASEAN to be organised for the first time at Assumption University in Bangkok between Aug 23-24. Funded […]
more…15 Aug, 2012
Key British Airports report 4.1% fall in July traffic, partly due to Olympics
London, 14 August 2012 (BAA media release) – 9.6m passengers passed through BAA’s five airports in July 2012, down 4.1% on July 2011. This included a drop of 4.4% at Heathrow to 6.6m passengers. The drop was more pronounced in the second half of the month and it is likely that the Olympics played a […]
more…14 Aug, 2012
‘Muslim for a Month:’ Tourists take Islamic ‘pray-cations’ – CNN.com
Muslim for a Month, run by Bowler’s NGO World Weavers, is part of a new breed of cultural immersion tourism being dubbed “pray-cations.” It promises travelers a rich, meaningful experience, by exposing them to religious beliefs and practices “in a country where spirituality is still very much alive,” he said. Bowler, a Thailand-based Australian, has […]
more…14 Aug, 2012
Global Drought Conditions Raise Threat of Next Crises: Rising Food Prices & Water Wars
The long-forecast global water wars are about to become a reality. A 17% shortfall in India’s monsoon rains so far this year is only one indicator of a looming global drought that could trigger ripple-effect problems worldwide. These include increased prices of food crops, speculative activity, growing socio-economic and geopolitical tensions and environmental disasters as […]
more…13 Aug, 2012
Sales & Marketing Jobs Top Salary Scales in Gulf, Survey Shows
DUBAI, August 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Neither the international financial downturn, nor the economic impact of the Arab spring over the past year have taken the shine off salaries for gulf jobs in the past year. The 2012 Gulf Business salary survey of Middle East jobs was calculated by taking the average salary across the […]
more…13 Aug, 2012
Int’l Day of Prayer for Peace – 21 Sept
The World Council of Churches calls on the churches and congregations around the world to observe an International Day of Prayer for Peace on 21 September. The day coincides with the International Day of Peace initiated by the United Nations. The participants are especially invited to pray and act together for a just peace in […]
more…12 Aug, 2012
Inaugural United States of Aging Survey Released, Free Download
WASHINGTON & MINNETONKA, Minn. – August 08, 2012, (BUSINESS WIRE)–A new survey from the National Council on Aging (NCOA), UnitedHealthcare and USA TODAY finds that most older Americans feel their best years are still to come, but not all are prepared for the health and financial challenges of aging. As millions of these adults will […]
more…12 Aug, 2012
CAIR: Shots Fired at Illinois Mosque
(CHICAGO, IL, 11 August 2012) — The Chicago office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Chicago) said today that two air rifle shots were fired last night at the outer wall of the Muslim Education Center (MEC) mosque in Morton Grove, Ill. The shots were heard by worshipers who were outside the mosque and were […]
more…11 Aug, 2012
China Calls for Political Reform in U.S., Economic Reform in Europe
In yet another sign of a new emerging world order and a rebalancing of the global poles of power, two commentaries published recently in the official Chinese media have told 1) the U.S. to start a serious process of political reform, and 2) the European Union to undertake some serious financial & economic reform. They […]
more…11 Aug, 2012
Blessing for Trade Shows: Indian Customs To Be Open 24 Hours at Major Seaports, Airports
New Delhi, Prime Minister’s Office, 07-August, 2012 – One of the major constraints for international trade has been the non-availability of customs clearance and other facilities at Indian airports and seaports round the clock, seven days a week. This means that import and export cargo, delivered at a time when clearance facilities are unavailable, have […]
more…11 Aug, 2012
Press Release Makes Clear Who Will Profit From Increased Use of Drones in Civilian Space
DUBLIN–(Research & Markets) — TechNavio’s analysts forecast the Global Unmanned Aerial Vehicle market to grow at a CAGR of 4.28 percent over the period 2011-2015. One of the key factors contributing to this market growth is the increasing share of the defense budget. The Global Unmanned Aerial Vehicle market has also been witnessing an increase […]
more…11 Aug, 2012
Protests Lead to Israeli Pullout from First Int’l Culture Summit in Edinburgh
10 August 2012 – Human rights campaigners today welcomed the Scottish Government’s confirmation that Israel will not be represented at the first International Culture Summit hosted in the Scottish Parliament building next week. A coalition of campaign groups labelled “Don’t dance with Israeli apartheid”, which had planned to protest any official Israeli presence, said that […]
more…11 Aug, 2012
Third mass shooting in a month leaves 3 dead at Alabama nightclub — RT
According to an ongoing tally kept by the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, the United States is experiencing an average of 20 mass shootings each year. Read more: Third mass shooting in a month leaves 3 dead at Alabama nightclub — RT.
more…11 Aug, 2012
On Int’l Youth Day Aug 12, UN Chief Warns Of Risk Of Creating A ‘Lost Generation’
United Nations, Aug 10 2012 (UN News Centre) – Ahead of the International Youth Day, and amidst an economic crisis which has affected young people the most, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for greater and more meaningful inclusion of youth into decision-making processes around the world, while also warning of a possible “lost […]
more…10 Aug, 2012
Wiping Palestine Off the Map: Israel to Demolish 8 West Bank Villages
Ramallah, 19 Ramadan 07 August (IINA) – Israeli occupation forces carried out their latest barbaric acts of violence. The main road leading to eight Palestinian villages were closed indefinitely in preparation for the demolition of all the properties. Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak issued a demolition order for the territory in South Hebron Hills saying […]
more…10 Aug, 2012
Press Release Makes Clear Who Will Profit from Airport Body Scanners
SAN DIEGO, August 09, 2012 – (BUSINESS WIRE) — Tek84 Engineering Group, LLC, announced today that its new body scanner, model AIT84, has been approved for use in Israeli airports. Following this approval a unit was installed at Ben-Gurion Airport (TLV) for operational pilot tests. “We have spent two years developing this next-generation product,” said […]
more…10 Aug, 2012
“We Are All Sikhs”: Call for Summit To Tackle “Extreme Hate, Bigotry” in U.S.
A rainbow alliance of over U.S. 170 civic, faith-based, immigrant rights, and civil rights organizations has called on U.S. President Obama to host a summit to address the “hate-fueled sentiment and bigoted rhetoric that has become much too frequent in our public and political discourse.” Says the statement issued on Aug 9, “The level of […]
more…9 Aug, 2012
Australia Wins “Gold” for Best Olympics Tourism Website Design
San Diego, CA (PRWEB) August 09, 2012 – Australia has won a “Gold Medal” for the best-designed Olympics Tourism website. The USA won “silver” and Germany the “bronze.” The “Website Olympics” was launched in honor of the 2012 Summer Olympics, by Bop Design, a San Diego web design agency. It evaluated the tourism websites of […]
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