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Archive for April, 2012

30 Apr, 2012

Beijing Theaters to Get Ticket-Price Subsidy

BEIJING (China Daily) 30 April 2012 – The Beijing municipal government has decided to subsidize large and medium-sized theaters, encouraging them to offer more low-price tickets to audience. From Monday to December, 15 theaters with capacities from 500 to 3,000 seats will get subsidy every month for performances such as Chinese operas, dramas, dance operas, […]

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29 Apr, 2012

Story of Canada’s Midnight Sun Mosque To Become a Documentary

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TORONTO (Islam Online) – The fascinating story of the Midnight Sun Mosque, the world’s northernmost mosque, is now being made into a documentary film by Canadian filmmakers, Saira and Nilufer Rahman. The film, to be called Arctic Mosque, will tell the story of the 4,000 km journey the mosque took in 2010 from the prairie […]

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29 Apr, 2012

Cruise Industry Report Woos Travel Agents

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 27, 2012. (BUSINESS WIRE)–Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced today the launch of a new report calling for a travel-industry dialogue aimed at elevating the role of the travel agent industry, a critical sales force for the entire travel and tourism industry. CLIA’s new report, “From Travel Agent to ‘Travel Advisor’: […]

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29 Apr, 2012

Tips to Help Senior-Citizens Avoid Falling In Homes & Hotels

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LOS ANGELES April 27, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) – As the profile of global travellers changes to reflect ageing societies, the design and supply of travel industry products and services will also have to change accordingly. The following media release will help address one of the most serious risks facing older travellers: the threat of falling […]

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29 Apr, 2012

AP Wins Pulitzer Prize for Reports on Surveillance of New York’s Muslims

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(Islam Online) 17 April 2012 – The Associated Press (AP) won a Pulitzer Prize for investigative reporting Monday for documenting the New York Police Department’s widespread spying on Muslims. The AP’s series of stories showed how New York police, with the help of a CIA official, created a unique and aggressive surveillance program to monitor […]

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29 Apr, 2012

Saudi Cities Topped Gulf States Hotel Revenue Growth in Q1 2012

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LONDON, 27 April 2012 (STR Press release) – During the first quarter of 2012, the major markets across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reported mixed results in revenue per available room (RevPAR) following mostly positive performance for year-end 2011, according to STR Global, the leading provider of market data to the hotel industry. Jeddah, Saudi […]

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29 Apr, 2012

Exposed: How the Israeli/Jewish lobby has influenced U.S. policy since 1948

Originally Published: 29 April 2012 The Washington DC-based Institute for Research: Middle Eastern Policy (IRmep) last week released the full set of video presentations on a workshop organised last March 3, 2012 to expose the workings of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its covert/overt efforts to influence U.S. government policy since 1948. […]

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28 Apr, 2012

UN Celebrates Legacy Of Jazz As A Force Of Social Transformation

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UN Headquarters (UN News) 27 April 2012 – The United Nations today kicked off celebrations for the first annual International Jazz Day with a concert in Paris, which will be followed by another in New Orleans on Saturday, and another at UN Headquarters in New York on Monday. The International Jazz Day, which falls on […]

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28 Apr, 2012

EU Opens “New Chapter” in Relations with Myanmar

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Burma/Myanmar, 27 April 2012 (EU Press Release) – Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice President of the Commission, will travel to Burma/Myanmar from 28 to 30 April. She will inaugurate the Office of the European Union to Burma/Myanmar in Yangon on 28 April and hold meetings with President U Thein Sein as well […]

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28 Apr, 2012

Chinese Lawmakers Call For Dual Nationality Check

By Zhao Yinan

Beijing, 2012-04-28 (China Daily) — Lawmakers have urged the government to address the trend of holding dual nationality, which is illegal in China. Jin Shuoren, a member of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said on Thursday that although being a citizen of two or even more countries at the same time is not allowed […]

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28 Apr, 2012

China Sets US$10 Billion Credit Line For Projects in Central, Eastern Europe

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WARSAW, April 26 (Xinhua) — China will set up a 10 billion U.S. dollar line of credit to support cooperative projects with central and eastern Europe. Visiting Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao announced the plan at a China-Central and Eastern Europe business forum here, saying it would accelerate the two sides’ practical cooperation. Wen said the […]

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28 Apr, 2012

Japan’s Golden Week Holiday Rush Sees Many Flocking to Support Crisis-Hit Areas

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Tokyo, April 28, 2012, Kyodo – Major airports, highways and railway stations across the nation were crowded with vacationers Saturday as the annual Golden Week spring holiday season began, with departures for overseas destinations peaking at Narita airport. Areas in the northeast devastated by the March 2011 quake and tsunami also saw many tourists taking […]

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27 Apr, 2012

World Leaders Draw Roadmap Attracting Young Women to Careers in Technology

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New York, 26 April 2012 (International Telecommunications Union) – Global leaders from the US, Europe, Africa and Asia joined together today to debate and define a roadmap that will help break down barriers and overturn outmoded attitudes in a bid get more girls into technology-related studies and careers. A high-level dialogue held at New York’s […]

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27 Apr, 2012

World Buddhist Forum Opens in HK, Panchen Lama Speaks on Dharma

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HONG KONG, April 26 (Xinhua) — The Third World Buddhist Forum opened Thursday in Hong Kong with more than 1,000 monks and scholars from over 50 countries and regions discussing the role of Buddhism in the construction of a harmonious society and peaceful world. The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, one of the two […]

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26 Apr, 2012

Survey Finds Women More Likely to Exercise if It Feels Like Play, Not Work

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ATLANTA, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — A new survey from the American Cancer Society finds women are 10 percent less likely than men to make time for physical activities they enjoy and that 40 percent of women said they would be more physically active in their free time if it felt less like work and […]

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26 Apr, 2012

What Stressed Out Moms Want Most on Mother’s Day

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New York, NY (PRWEB) April 25, 2012 – Moms today feel more stressed out than ever – and for Mother’s Day an astounding 93 percent would rather be treated to a relaxing experience like a dinner out, spa visit, or a trip than receive material gifts like jewelry, flowers, or candy. Those are among the […]

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26 Apr, 2012

UNCTAD Warning to Global Aviation: Biofuels Will Worsen Food Price Pressures

In a clear early-warning to the global aviation and transportation industry, the UN Conference on Trade & Development (UNCTAD) has asserted that growing usage of biofuels is already contributing to higher food prices, and indicated that the problem could get worse in future. The Commodities and Development Report 2012 (UCDR), a new UNCTAD publication launched […]

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25 Apr, 2012

Australia Provides Financing “Security” for Airports Development

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24 April 2012, (Minister for Infrastructure & Transport) – The Federal Labor Government has today announced that all federally leased airports will be offered the protection of a Tripartite Deed, giving them greater certainty in securing financing for infrastructure developments. The following statement was issued by Minister for Infrastructure & Transport Anthony Albanese: Last year, […]

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25 Apr, 2012

PATA’s Whistleblowing Ex-Chairman Wins Recognition Award

Veteran Indian tour operator Ram Kohli, who chaired PATA between 2004-05 and later blew the whistle on what he now refers to as a “culture of corruption”, won the PATA Chairman’s Award at a ceremony during the annual conference in Kuala Lumpur, April 21. The award was conferred by PATA’s Immediate Past Chairman (2010-2012) Hiran […]

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24 Apr, 2012

TAT Slags “Insulting” Remarks by AirAsia Commercial Marketing Exec

Bangkok, 24 April 2012 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand has taken a senior marketing official of AirAsia to task for “insulting” its personnel and making a number of inaccurate and “ignorant” remarks about TAT policies and activities. In a strongly-worded letter to the editor published in the Bangkok Post today, TAT Governor Suraphon Svetsreni […]

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24 Apr, 2012

Israeli Ambassador Tries to Censor U.S. Media Report on Plight of Palestinian Christians

American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee

Washington DC, (23 April 2012) -The following statement was issued today by the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), the largest grassroots Arab-American civil rights and civil liberties organization in the United States: Last night, 60 Minutes aired a segment entitled “Christians of the Holy Land” that offered American viewers an unprecedented look into the lives and circumstances […]

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23 Apr, 2012

Indian Finance Minister: “Hard Decisions” Needed to Steer Economy in Asian Century

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Press Information Bureau, 21 April 2012 – Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee provided a comprehensive analysis of the challenges facing the Indian economy in the context of the emergence of the new world order and an Asian Century. The following is the full text of his speech entitled, ‘India and the World – Short and […]

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23 Apr, 2012

2.9 Billion Litres of Sewage Dumped Into Ganges Annually – Indian PM

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New Delhi, (Press Information Bureau) 17 April 2012 – India’s increasing urbanisation, industrialisation and population are leading to 2.9 billion litres of sewage being discharged into the mainstream of the River Ganges every year, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh told the Third Meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in New Delhi. “We […]

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23 Apr, 2012

UN Human Rights Official to Report on Status of Native Americans

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GENEVA / NEW YORK (22 April 2012) – United Nations Special Rapporteur James Anaya will visit the United States of America from 23 April to 4 May 2012, to examine the situation of indigenous peoples in that country. This will be the first mission to the USA by an independent expert designated by the UN […]

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23 Apr, 2012

New OECD Report: Lack of Finance Most Critical Problem Facing Global SMEs

Paris, (19 April 2012) – The importance of small and medium sized enterprises to the Thai tourism industry is cited in a report issued by the Paris-based Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development. Thailand and Korea are the only Asian countries covered by the report, and the reference is the only one to “tourism” in […]

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23 Apr, 2012

Pacific Islands Face Severe Water Threat – UNEP Report

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Bangkok, 23 April 2012 (UNEP Press Release) – The unique freshwater challenge facing many small islands in the Pacific is spotlighted in a new report released by the UN Environment Programme today. The report, “Freshwater under Threat – Pacific Islands”, found that the almost total reliance on rain-fed agriculture across all islands puts economies and […]

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23 Apr, 2012

Law Firm Suggests Anti-Terrorism Style Measures to Curb U.S. School Shooting Rampages

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Miami, FL (PRWEB) April 18, 2012 – Although the United States has been able to curb terrorist attacks on its soil by following draconian security measures in the aftermath of 9/11, it is ironic that it is still unable to curb shooting attacks in its schools, colleges, offices and other public places. Now a law […]

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22 Apr, 2012

How China Plans to Internationalise the Renminbi

By Xiao Gang (China Daily)

Beijing, April 21, 2012 – Just a few years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine that the global use of the renminbi would spread so fast. However, today we can see the situation has changed greatly. In 2011, China and its trade partners conducted cross-border renminbi trade settlements valued at 2.58 trillion yuan […]

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22 Apr, 2012

Chinese Commentary: Arabs Should Reduce Dependence on the U.S.

Qin Tian (People's Daily) Edited and Translated by People's Daily Online

Beijing, April 21, 2012 – It is a general impression of the world that the Arab people do not like the United States. At the country level, it could be said that Arab countries both “hate” and “like” the United States. Their interests are not completely in common. People usually believe that the United States […]

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22 Apr, 2012

U.S. Strategy Shift Boosts Visa Issuance For Chinese

Chen Jia (China Daily)

Washington (China Daily) 20 April  2012 – The United States, hoping to rev up its economy through greater travel from China, is on the way to meeting President Barack Obama’s 2012 goal of a 40 percent boost in the processing of visas from the country. US consular officials in China issued more than 453,000 visas […]

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21 Apr, 2012

Stark Reminder of the REAL Global Challenges on Int’l Mother Earth Day

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Apr 20 2012, UN News Centre – Ahead of International Mother Earth Day on Sunday, senior United Nations officials today drew attention to global issues affecting the planet. In a message to mark the occasion, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the annual observance honours “our one and only planet and the place of human beings in […]

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21 Apr, 2012

UN Urges Countries to Spend Less On Swords, More on Ploughshares

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Apr 17 2012 (UN News Centre) – The top United Nations official on disarmament affairs today encouraged world leaders to reassess their countries’ defence needs, explore confidence-building measures for global security, and consider shifting priorities and resources to international social, economic and human development. In her message to mark the Global Day of Action on […]

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20 Apr, 2012

Decade of Action To Cut 1.3 Million Annual Road Deaths, Millions Of Injuries

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UN Headquarters, 19 April 2012, Department of Public Information – Recognizing the global public health and development burden resulting from road traffic crashes, the General Assembly today adopted a consensus resolution welcoming the national and local launches of the Decade of Action for Road Safety 2011-2020 in over 100 countries, the regional launches, and other global […]

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20 Apr, 2012

First Database Released On National Responses To Global Economic Crisis

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Geneva, 20 April 2012, (ILO News) – The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank (WB) have created a comprehensive new database that for the first time lists and examines the policy responses taken by 77 countries since the start of the financial and economic crisis. The information contained in the database was collected […]

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20 Apr, 2012

UNCTAD Roundtable Addresses Impact of Israeli Occupation on Palestinians

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Doha, Qatar, 19 April 2012 (UNCTAD Press Release) – Participants in a round table debate here recommended greater links between the Palestinian economy and Arab countries and steps to reduce the impact of the measures imposed by the occupation and the forced Palestinian dependence on the Israeli economy. They also said greater “policy space” for […]

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20 Apr, 2012

Developing Countries Seek New Economic Deal, Spurn “Free Market” Neoliberalism

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Doha, Qatar, 19 April 2012 (UNCTAD Press Release) – Ministers of the world’s 48 least developed countries (LDCs), meeting here in advance of the UNCTAD XIII quadrennial conference, adopted a declaration reaffirming the LDCs’ support for the concept – long advocated by UNCTAD – of the “developmental State.” The document also called for strengthening of […]

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17 Apr, 2012

Welcome to Palestine Campaign: Airlines Help Israel Block Visits by Peace Activists

Mazin Qumsiyeh, Ph.D,

Bethlehem, April 15 (Welcome to Palestine Campaign Press release) – We did not have to show our 1,500 visitors Israeli racism, arrogance, and human rights violations; the Israeli government showed them and also showed the whole world.  Calling itself a democracy, this outlaw state denied the right of people from around the world to come […]

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17 Apr, 2012

UNESCO: Timbuktu’s Cultural Heritage Set to be Looted, Trafficked

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PARIS, (UN News Centre) April 16, 2012 – Reports that rebels have over-run and looted centres containing thousands of ancient books and documents in Mali’s historic city of Timbuktu has led the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to appeal to all relevant authorities to be on the alert against […]

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17 Apr, 2012

India: “Left-wing Extremism” Now the “Most Formidable” Internal Security Threat”

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New Delhi, April 16, 2012 (Press Information Bureau) – Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram provided a comprehensive round-up of India’s internal security situation at a Conference of the State Chief Ministers on Internal Security in New Delhi on April 16. Mr Chidambaram said that “left-wing extremism” has now […]

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16 Apr, 2012

Gallup Poll: Bulgaria, Yemen Top Countries With Most “Suffering”, Thailand, Brazil Least

Elizabeth Mendes, www.gallup.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. 13 April 2012 — An average of 13% of adults worldwide rated their lives poorly enough to be considered “suffering,” according to Gallup surveys in 146 countries in 2011. The percentage rating their current and future lives poorly enough to be considered suffering was as high as 45% in Bulgaria and as low […]

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15 Apr, 2012

German Poet Günter Grass’ warning to Israel

Originally Published:  15 April 2012 In 1988, the Booker Prize winning British-Indian novelist Salman Rushdie published a novel entitled “The Satanic Verses”. Many Muslim groups, highly offended by what they perceived to be its defamatory references to the Prophet Muhammad, organised global protests. The Iranian government also issued a fatwa against him, but later rescinded […]

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15 Apr, 2012

“Welcome to Palestine” Campaign: Letter to Global Church Leaders & News Update

Mazin Qumsiyeh, Ph.D.

Bethlehem, 15 April 2012 – The following is the full text of a letter from Welcome to Palestine Campaign to Global Church Leaders in the spirit of the Kairos document (http://kairospalestine.ps/). As Palestinian Christians celebrate Easter, we Palestinians also welcome international visitors to Palestine as has always happened this season for hundreds of years. This […]

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15 Apr, 2012

“Women in Travel” Forum in Bangkok to Highlight History, Leadership Roles

Bangkok – Web In Travel, a leading regional conference on travel distribution, marketing and technology, is hold its first WITX-Women In Travel on April 27 at the Dusit Thani hotel in Bangkok. The one-day conference aims to put the spotlight on women leadership and vision in travel and tourism and share insights into the women’s […]

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14 Apr, 2012

Scotland To US Visitors: Head For Olympics via Glasgow, Edinburgh

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EDINBURGH, Scotland, April 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Scotland is the ideal destination for visitors to the UK this summer.  If you’re seeking an alternative to the London Olympics you need look no further than Scotland, and the many fantastic direct routes on offer to both Glasgow & Edinburgh. Visitors can take advantage of the fantastic direct […]

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14 Apr, 2012

Creative Experiential Tour: “Remarkable Women of Taos, Northern New Mexico”

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Taos, New Mexico (PRWEB) April 13, 2012 — “Experiential travel”, the newest buzzword when it comes to travel trends, is made even easier by exotic and authentic Taos, New Mexico, with the addition of innovative paid as well as free self-guided tour itineraries for the creative tourism traveler. Unlike “theme park” travel where destinations are […]

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14 Apr, 2012

Europe Probes Privacy, Competitive Threats As Mobile Technology Spreads

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Brussels, 12 April 2012 (Europa Press Release) – The “Internet of Things” (IoT) is a future in which everyday objects such as phones, cars, household appliances, clothes and even food are wirelessly connected to the Internet through smart chips, and can collect and share data. The European Commission wants to know what framework is needed […]

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14 Apr, 2012

U.S. Congressional Candidate Calls for Release of Israeli Nuclear Whistleblower

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New York, NY (PRWEB) April 12, 2012 – 21 April 2012, marks the first day in the 9th year since Mordechai Vanunu, Israel’s Nuclear Whistle Blower emerged from 18 years in a windowless tomb sized cell after telling the truth and providing the photographic proof that led nuclear physicists to conclude Israel had manufactured upwards […]

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14 Apr, 2012

“Welcome to Palestine” Campaign Gains Traction; Australia Blasts Settlement Expansion

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JERUSALEM, April 12, 2012 (WAFA) – An Israeli peace group Thursday called on the Israeli government not to stop international activists who plan to fly into Tel Aviv airport next week to demonstrate their support for the Palestinians. Under the slogan, “Welcome to Palestine,” some 1000 activists are planning to fly into Israel starting Sunday […]

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14 Apr, 2012

Stats Show U.S. Usage of Wireless Broadband Skyrocketed 123% Between 2010-11

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WASHINGTON, April 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The amount of wireless data transmitted by Americans continues to increase at an impressive rate, according to the CTIA-The Wireless Association® semi-annual survey released today. The annual U.S. wireless data traffic grew 123 percent from 2010 (388 billion megabytes) to 2011 (866.7 billion megabytes). According to the survey, there […]

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13 Apr, 2012

Civil Liberties in the US: Big Brother is Getting Bigger

Jack A. Smith, Global Research, April 10, 2012

Source: The Activist Newsletter. Government surveillance and attacks on the privacy of American citizens were bad enough under the Bush regime but they are getting even worse during the Obama years. In addition to retaining President George W. Bush’s many excesses, such as the Patriot Act, new information about the erosion of civil liberties emerges […]

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13 Apr, 2012

Countries Not Investing Enough in Water, Sanitation Projects – Report

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Geneva – 12 April 2012 – While access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) has considerably improved globally, services coverage could slip behind if adequate resources are not secured to sustain routine operations, warns the 2012 UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water – or “GLAAS” – released today by WHO and UN-Water. […]

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13 Apr, 2012

U.S. Small Businesses Say Complexity of Tax Code Is As Bad As Taxes

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Small Business Association (NSBA) today released the 2012 Small Business Taxation Survey which provides detailed insight on how America’s small-business community is being impacted by federal taxes. Released just days before the April 17 income tax deadline, the survey’s key message is: Complexity and inconsistency within the […]

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12 Apr, 2012

UN Debate on Food Price Spikes Exposes Commodity Market Manipulation, Control

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UN Headquarters, 11 April 2012, UN Department of Public Information — With more than a billion hungry people around the world now facing increasingly unstable food prices, collective will was needed to end excessive market speculation in food and other commodities, experts emphasized today as the General Assembly took stock of the “human tragedy” disproportionately […]

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12 Apr, 2012

UN Highlights Role Of Business Sector In Achieving Sustainable Development

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Apr 11 2012, UN News Centre: The business and industry sectors play a key role in leading countries towards sustainable development, a top United Nations official said, adding that their collaboration and partnerships with governments are essential to accelerate progress around the world. “Business leaders have the power to make decisions today that can affect […]

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12 Apr, 2012

Dementia Cases Set To Triple By 2050 But Still Largely Ignored

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Geneva, (World Health Organization News Release) 11 April 2012 – Worldwide, nearly 35.6 million people live with dementia. This number is expected to double by 2030 (65.7 million) and more than triple by 2050 (115.4 million). Dementia affects people in all countries, with more than half (58%) living in low- and middle-income countries. By 2050, […]

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12 Apr, 2012

Myanmar Plans To Seek World Heritage Status for Pyu Ancient Cities

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10 Apr 2012, (UNESCO News Release): Myanmar authorities are advancing in their preparations towards nominating the Pyu Ancient Cities to the World Heritage List. International and national experts attended a seminar convened by UNESCO and the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library of the Myanmar Ministry of Information and Culture from 4-6 April 2012 […]

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12 Apr, 2012

“Welcome to Palestine” Campaigners Battle Israeli Lies, Pressure

Mazin Qumsiyeh, Ph.D.

Bethlehem, 11 April 2012 – The Welcome to Palestine 2012 campaign had a successful inaugural press conference in Bethlehem (with support from the Mayor and Governor) while the Israeli establishment continues to show hysterical reaction. Below is a youtube video taken at the conference and links to stories, some showing Israeli paranoia about allowing peaceful […]

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11 Apr, 2012

Asian Development Bank Highlights Tourism’s Critical Role in Recovering, Diversifying Economies

BANGKOK / MANILA — Travel & tourism is playing an increasingly critical role in helping Asia-Pacific countries recover from a wide range of problems, ranging from economic downturns to geopolitical crises and natural disasters, according to an Asian Development Bank report issued today. The Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2012, the ADB’s flagship annual economic publication, […]

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10 Apr, 2012

Poll Shows Majority in U.S. Has No Appetite for Iran Conflict

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NEW YORK, April 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — As the United States has removed itself from one extended military conflict in the Middle East — in Iraq — another one possibly looms on the horizon, brought on by Iran’s suspected nuclear program and, among other things, Israel’s desire to abolish it. The U.S. has a tricky […]

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10 Apr, 2012

Global Mayan Conference Gathers to Dispel Notion of 2012 “Apocalypse”

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Yreka, California (PRWEB) April 09, 2012 — While Hollywood movie makers, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and various unauthorized ‘experts’ have shared opinions about what the end of the Mayan Calendar means, the Maya have remained very quiet about the astronomical event. That is, until now. On April 12-15, Mayan spiritual leaders, scientists and anthropologists will […]

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10 Apr, 2012

Gulf Recruitment Survey Shows Impact of Regional Turmoil on Job Market

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Dubai, (PRWEB) April 09, 2012 — The Gulf region continues to create jobs despite the impact of the Arab Spring in 2011, according to a survey by Dubai-based online recruitment firm, GulfTalent.com. The oil and gas, healthcare and retail sectors are enjoying the largest headcount expansion, while banking and construction fare the worst. The 2012 […]

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10 Apr, 2012

BRICS Pose Challenge to U.S.-Dominated Global Architecture

RAMESH THAKUR, The Japan Times

CANBERRA, April 10, 2012— From a turn of phrase by Jim O’Neill of Goldman Sachs in 2001, a grouping was born in 2009. BRICS (Brazil, Russia, China, India and South Africa) make up two-fifths of the world’s population, one-fifth of world gross domestic product and one-seventh of world trade. Yet, they account for two-thirds of […]

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9 Apr, 2012

Challenging the Israeli Siege: Easter and the “Welcome to Palestine” Campaign

Mazin Qumsiyeh, Ph.D.

Easter is here with its past memories, present joys, and future hopes. Church bells in Bethlehem remind us of ancient traditions. The roar of Israeli jets overhead (on another bombing mission to Gaza?) remind us of the present. Stories of freedom and resurrection, past and future, mix as I see a Palestinian Christian child offering […]

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9 Apr, 2012

India to Push Its Culinary Advantage, Establish 10 Spice Export Parks By End-2012

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New Delhi, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 08-April, 2012 – In a move that will further enhance the quality and popularity of Indian cuisine worldwide, the Spice Board of India, a unit of the Ministry of Commerce, will establish 10 spice parks across the country by end-2012. A total of Rs. 167 crores have been […]

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9 Apr, 2012

China’s Over-65 Population Hits 123 Million

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BEIJING, April 7 (Xinhua) — A total of 123 million Chinese were aged over 65 by the end of 2011, about 9.1 percent of the total population, the Health Aging Symposium announced Saturday. Chinese seniors aged 80 or above are expected to take up 30 percent of the population aged 65 or above in 2050, […]

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8 Apr, 2012

Honey Farming Makes Bangladeshi A Successful Entrepreneur

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RAJSHAHI, April 7 (BSS) – Honey farming has made Jarjish of Shayampur village under Paba upazila of the district a successful honey entrepreneur. After taking loan of Taka 25,000 from Rajshahi Krishi Unnayan Bank in 2004, he had started the farming at different crop fields with six boxes and collected 400 kilograms of honey on […]

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8 Apr, 2012

Islamic World Plans Education/Research Network

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RABAT, 3 April (IINA)-Capitalizing on young talents in the Arab and Muslim world, a pan-Islamic group is planning an education and research network to enhance cooperation between talented Arab and Muslim youth. “A pan-Islamic research and education network will provide a helping hand in quickly translating the initiative for an Islamic space for higher education […]

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8 Apr, 2012

Indonesia’s Foot-Tapping Dangdut Music To Go Global

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April 3 2012, Jakarta (ANTARA News) – Soon, Indonesians will not be the only ones shaking their bodies and swinging their hips to dangdut music, but so will people in America and other countries. Indonesia’s dangdut musicians are planning to propose that dangdut be included on the UNESCO’s cultural heritage list. In Washington DC, Indonesian […]

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8 Apr, 2012

Will PATA Regain Its Past Glory?

BANGKOK: Twenty years ago, the Pacific Asia Travel Association, PATA, was the pre-eminent travel industry organisation of the Asia Pacific, recognised as its primary authority and “voice”. Its membership totalled a formidable 2,060 in 1994. Its annual conference was the place to be for marketing, networking, research and lobbying. Cities queued up to bid for […]

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6 Apr, 2012

Arab Christians Denied Chance to Celebrate Good Friday

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JERUSALEM, April 6, 2012 (WAFA) – While Christians from all over the world were able to attend the Good Friday celebrations in the Old City of Jerusalem, Palestinian Christians were denied this opportunity. Israel has imposed a total closure on the occupied territories preventing Christians from the West Bank and Gaza Strip the chance to […]

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5 Apr, 2012

Close to Being Wiped Off the Map: Jews Control 85% of Historical Palestine

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RAMALLAH, March 29, 2012 (WAFA) – Jews constitute around 52% of the total population living in historical Palestine and utilize more than 85% of the total area of the land, press release issued by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics said Thursday. Arabs make the remaining 48% but are allowed to utilize only 15% of […]

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5 Apr, 2012

Watching the Watchers: Arab-Americans Resent Being Under the NY Police Microscope

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Washington, DC, www.adc.org, March 30, 2012 — As part of the ongoing Arabesque Lecture Series, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) hosted an event titled NYPD: The Community under a Microscope. This was the sixth lecture in the 2011-2012 series. (The event was streamed live online via ADC-TV. Click here to watch a full recording of […]

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5 Apr, 2012

Global Downturn Hits Aid Funding to Developing Countries – OECD

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Paris, 4 April 2012, OECD News Release – – In 2011, members of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the OECD provided USD 133.5 billion of net official development assistance (ODA), representing 0.31 per cent of their combined gross national income (GNI). This was a -2.7 % drop in real terms compared to 2010, the […]

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5 Apr, 2012

More Chinese Mainland Tourists Get Nod to Visit Taiwan

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BEIJING/TAIPEI, (Xinhua), 2012-04-02 — Residents of ten additional Chinese mainland cities will be allowed to travel to Taiwan as independent tourists, according to a deal reached between organizations from both sides of the Strait on Sunday. Residents of Tianjin, Chongqing, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Chengdu will be allowed to visit Taiwan individually starting from April […]

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5 Apr, 2012

Hotel Survey Results “Surprise”: Brands Less Important Than Claimed

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Costa Mesa, California (Burba Hotel Network) April 5 2012 – The results are in for BHN’s first hotel opinion survey, covering the likes, dislikes and preferences of hotel insiders. More than 1,000 hotel insiders from around the world responded to the survey, and here are their opinions. Location, Location, Location What is the first consideration […]

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5 Apr, 2012

Indian Hospitality Sector Needs 200,000 Trained People Yearly – Minister

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New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, April 4, 2012 – With the Ministry of tourism  targeting over 12 % growth rate in in-bound as well as domestic tourists, it has been projected that tourism sector will generate additional jobs of about 2.5 crore, both direct and indirect, during the 12th Five year Plan. This was stated […]

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4 Apr, 2012

Imtiaz Muqbil’s Opening Remarks, Int’l Luxury Travel Mart, Cannes, Dec 4, 2006

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Bon Apres Midi, Namaskar and Sawasdee Khrap. Thanks to Strategic Vision and Reed Travel Exhibitions for the invitation to moderate at this panel discussion. We have four eminent panellists, Raymond Bickson, Michael Hobson, Elena Vetrova and Mimma Viglezio, with a broad range of experience in attracting the luxury clientele from the key markets of Russia, […]

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4 Apr, 2012

Blitz in Telecoms Usage Projected To Reduce Business, MICE Travel

Geneva, 2 April 2012 – Broadband can help transition the world towards a low carbon-economy and address the causes and effects of climate change, according to a new report by the Broadband Commission for Digital Development. The Broadband Bridge: Linking ICT with Climate Action makes a number of clear suggestions on how the growing power […]

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4 Apr, 2012

Timbuktu, Ancient Islamic City of Trade And Learning, Under Attack

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BAMAKO, Mali, 2 April, (Agencies/IINA)-Booms from rocket launchers and automatic gunfire crackled Sunday around Mali’s fabled town of Timbuktu, known as an ancient seat of Islamic learning, for its 700-year-old mud mosque and, more recently, as host of the musical Festival in the Desert that attracted Bono in January. On Sunday, nomadic Tuareg who descended […]

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4 Apr, 2012

India Okays 160 Tourism Projects During 2011-12, Boosts Highway Development

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New Delhi, April 3, 2012 (Press Information Bureau) – According to the Annual Report of the Ministry of Tourism for the year 2011-12 released here today, the Ministry has approved 160 tourism projects for an amount of Rs. 710.02 crores for tourism infrastructure augmentation to States/Union Territories upto 31st December, 2011. The Ministry has given […]

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4 Apr, 2012

Islamic Bank Approves Nearly US$ 390 Million For Development Projects

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KHARTOUM, Sudan, 2 April (IINA) – The 282nd meeting of the Board of Executive Directors of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in Khartoum, has approved US$ 389.3 million of new financing as a boost to the ongoing development drive in the Muslim world and Muslim communities in different parts of the world. Chaired by IDB […]

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4 Apr, 2012

African Cinema Explodes on the Web To Combat Colonial Mindset, Force Change

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NEW YORK, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — As the democratic process in Africa grows momentum and the people express their will, news from the Continent continues to dominate the headlines. The people are increasingly challenging the status quo, their efforts recalling the works and philosophy of the late author and director Ousmane Sembene, known as […]

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4 Apr, 2012

EU Aviation Ban Update Now Lists 46 Indonesian, 51 Philippines Carriers

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Brussels, 03 April 2012  (Source: European Union Media release) – The European Commission today adopted the 19th update of the European list of air carriers which are for safety reasons subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union. The list of 279 carriers includes 46 in Indonesia and 51 in the […]

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3 Apr, 2012

U.S. Jewish Billionaire Wins Former Shepherd Hotel Land; Palestinian Owners to Fight On

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JERUSALEM, April 2, 2012 (WAFA) – The Israeli Supreme Court Monday rejected an appeal by the heirs of the late Jerusalem mufti, Hajj Amin Husseini, against the Israeli government sale of the residence, also known as the Shepherd Hotel, located in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah. Editor’s Comment This report is further proof […]

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3 Apr, 2012

America’s Double Standards in the War on Terror

David Frakt, Associate Professor, Barry University School of Law

Source: David Frakt, Double Standards in the War on Terror, JURIST – Forum, Apr. 2, 2012 Over the last decade, the US has developed a very interesting double standard when it comes to the killing of American citizens. During the Bush administration, we developed the rule of “we can kill you, but you can’t kill […]

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3 Apr, 2012

Ageing Societies to be Theme of World Health Day, April 7

Source: World Health Organization

Ageing and health – to which each and every one of us can relate – is the theme of this year’s World Health Day to be marked on April 7. Using the slogan “Good health adds life to years”, campaign activities and materials will focus on how good health throughout life can help older men […]

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3 Apr, 2012

American Way is The Wrong Way: World Happiness Report 2012

UN Headquarters, April 2 – Although it is the world’s pre-eminent economic superpower, the United States is also a key example of a country where material affluence has been accompanied by widening social and economic inequalities, high levels of uncertainties and anxieties, declining social trust and all-time low levels of confidence in government, according to […]

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3 Apr, 2012

US$43 million ADB Loan to Uplift Tourism Infrastructure in India

New Delhi, (Press Information Bureau) April 2, 2012 – The Government of India (GOI), Asian Development Bank (ADB) and States of Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand today signed a $43.84 million loan agreement for the second tranche of Infrastructure Development Investment Program for Tourism. The Program was approved in 2010 for a total loan package of […]

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2 Apr, 2012

BRICS Summit Unites With A Clear Voice: No Attack on Iran

The travel & tourism industry has received a clear mandate to rally public opposition to a potential Israeli-U.S. attack on Iran. The Delhi Declaration, a joint communique issued on March 29 after a summit by the leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) contains the unequivocal statement: “The situation concerning Iran cannot […]

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2 Apr, 2012

China Plans New System to Facilitate Cross-border Yuan Use, Improve Trade

By Wang Xiaotian (China Daily) 31 March 2012

China’s central bank has decided to develop a new international payment system to facilitate cross-border renminbi clearance among market players, Financial News, a publication run by the People’s Bank of China, reported on Friday. The newspaper said the decision was made after technical feasibility studies with commercial lenders, citing an anonymous source in charge of […]

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1 Apr, 2012

Can the BRICS create change we can believe in?

Originally Published: 01 April 2012 The final outcome document issued after the March 29 summit of the leaders of Brazil, South Africa, Russia, China and India is officially known as the Delhi Declaration. It actually reads like a Delhi Declaration of Independence, a blueprint for the emerging new world order that will have a profound […]

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