30 Jun, 2012

Marketing Survey: Millennials Unlikely To Support Wine-makers That “Try Too Hard”

Napa, CA (PRWEB) June 29, 2012 – Millennials show the least interest towards Millennial targeted wines according to a new national survey conducted by Invictus Marketing, a Napa based interactive marketing agency. The 2012 Millennial Targeted Wines survey report is issued publicly and a copy can be downloaded directly at the Invictus Marketing website. The […]

29 Jun, 2012

New “Beijing Treaty” Firms Up Copyright Protection for Audiovisual Performances

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Beijing, June 26, 2012 – The diplomatic conference to finalize a new treaty for audiovisual performers was concluded on June 26, 2012 as negotiators from member states of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) signed the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances (BTAP) –  so-named in recognition of the city that hosted the final round of […]

29 Jun, 2012

Stay Out of World Heritage Sites, Global Mining, Energy Giants Warned

Imtiaz Muqbil

26 June 2012 — The global rush for energy and minerals is likely to tempt many multinational corporations to venture into World Heritage Sites, and a report by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) warns that they do so at the risk of their reputations and public image. The report, the result of […]

29 Jun, 2012

UN Enlists Fashion Industry to Help Fight Poverty

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) – 28 June 2012 – The United Nations today announced its partnership with the fashion industry to fight poverty and provide assistance to millions of women and children worldwide through the Fashion for Development (F4D) initiative. “The fashion industry in the past several years has redefined how to market, how […]

29 Jun, 2012

Parents: 5 Tips To Protect Kids From Abuse And Violence

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San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 29, 2012 – Many parents are overwhelmed by fear for their kids, asking how they can protect their children from people like Jerry Sandusky, a former Penn State coach who held a position of respect and power in his community and was recently convicted of 45 counts of child abuse, […]

29 Jun, 2012

As Eurozone Crisis Bites, EC Targets Tax Fraud And Evasion

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Brussels, 27 June 2012, European Commission Press release – Minimum sanctions for tax crimes, a cross-border tax identification number, an EU tax-payer’s charter and stronger common measures against tax havens. These are just some of the concrete ideas that the Commission has put forward today to improve the fight against tax fraud and evasion in […]

29 Jun, 2012

New Aviation Procedures Published to Mitigate Impact of Volcanic Eruptions

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MONTREAL, 26 June 2012 (ICAO Press Release) –  The International Volcanic Ash Task Force (IVATF), a special multidisciplinary group established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in response to the Eyjafjallajökull eruption in April 2010, has delivered a series of practical tools and recommendations to significantly mitigate the impact of future volcanic events on international […]

29 Jun, 2012

China Offers US$15 Billion for Latin America Development

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SANTIAGO, June 27 (Xinhua) — Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivered a speech at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and Caribbean (ECLAC) on Tuesday. In order to deepen strategic relations with the region, he announced the creation of a cooperation fund for the region with an initial input of US$5 billion to promote, […]

29 Jun, 2012

South-South Trade Surging, Travel Sure to Follow

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Geneva, 26 June 2012 (UNCTAD News Release) – South-South trade has grown dramatically in the past decade to about a quarter of the value of world trade, says UNCTAD’s newly-launched South-South Trade Monitor. The online publication, to be issued twice a year, monitors trade among developing countries. As trade is a precursor of travel trends, […]

29 Jun, 2012

U.S. Mayors: “Papers Please” Provision Will Pose Ethnic, Racial Profiling Challenge

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Washington, D.C. June 25, 2012 – The following statement was issued by U.S. Conference of Mayors President, Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter in reaction to the Supreme Court’s Arizona v. United States decision Immigration Law, also known as the ‘Papers Please’ Provision. As with all such statements, it is diplomatically and carefully worded in order […]

28 Jun, 2012

Africa Admits It Was “Ambushed” at Rio+20 Talks

Imtiaz Muqbil

ADDIS ABABA — The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has admitted that African leaders lost the battle at the negotiating table of the recent Rio+20 Earth summit. An official announcement posted on the ECA website on June 25 says frankly that the final outcome document, “The Future We Want”, only looks ahead towards creating […]

27 Jun, 2012

China Advocates South America Trade Deal

By Qin Jize in Buenos Aires and Wang Chenyan in Beijing

2012-06-27, (China Daily) – A free trade deal between China and Mercosur, the South American trade bloc, was proposed on Monday by Premier Wen Jiabao. Analysts said that the deal, if signed, will carry a number of benefits for the highly complementary economies. “We share extensive common interests and we have great potential for further […]

27 Jun, 2012

10 Tips For a Better Night’s Sleep

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(PRWEB) June 26, 2012 – Not getting enough sleep can leave individuals feeling tired, less-focused, depressed and more‚ but with busier work schedules and more daily stresses, many Americans are finding it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. Aware of this growing problem, http://www.liporidpm.com presents the top secrets to a better […]

27 Jun, 2012

China to Slash Work Permit Periods for Foreigners

By Zhao Yinan in Beijing and Xu Jingxi in Guangzhou

2012-06-27 (China Daily) – The minimum length for residential work permits for foreigners will be slashed from 180 days to just 90, according to the latest draft of a new immigration law currently under review. The draft law on exit-entry administration is receiving its third review from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress […]

27 Jun, 2012

2012 Shaping Up as Worst Year Ever for Journalists

By Peter Richards

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, Jun 25 2012 (IPS) – It’s the type of honour roll that journalists would prefer not to be on. But as an emotional Allison Bethel-McKenzie read out the names of the 72 journalists who have made that grim list so far this year, even Trinidad and Tobago’s president, George Maxwell Richards, […]

27 Jun, 2012

Chinese Middle Class Key to Consumption

By Hong Liang (China Daily)

Beijing, 2012-06-26 (China Daily) – Economists have been talking for years about the need to boost domestic consumption to achieve more balanced and sustainable economic growth. To be sure, consumer spending, especially in the larger cities, has been increasing rapidly in the past decade or so. But the rate of increase has persistently lagged behind […]

27 Jun, 2012

China’s Building Boom: Symbol of Affluence or Trap of Luxury?

Shu Xing, China Youth Daily

Beijing, June 26, 2012 (Edited and translated by People’s Daily Online) – I just returned from Shenyang a few days ago and learned that Shenyang is planning the construction project to prepare for the next National Games. One day later, I was told that an indoor stadium, which had cost 800 million yuan and was […]

27 Jun, 2012

China Urges ASEAN To Be Independent

Beijing, June 25, 2012 (China Daily) – China has urged members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations not to be a bystander or “a tool of major powers” to cope with the new challenges in the current global political and economic atmosphere. “ASEAN should exercise its independent judgment to move this region forward. If […]

27 Jun, 2012

Why Are Chinese Listed Companies Withdrawing From US Market?

Source: People's Daily, Author: Yuan Quan and Xie Weiqun

Beijing, June 26, 2012, (People’s Daily Online) – Alibaba.com Limited officially delisted from the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited on June 20, 2012. Delisting seems incredible but the Alibaba.com Limited was not the only one choosing to withdraw from the stock market. On Nov. 2, 2011, Harbin Electric Inc. officially withdrew from the NASDAQ […]

27 Jun, 2012

Chinese Experts: U.S. Economy Cannot Survive on “Cardiac Stimulants”

Source: People's Daily Overseas Edition, Author: Luo Lan

Beijing, June 25, 2012 (People’s Daily Online) — The market is paying extremely close attention to the question that whether the United States will launch a third round of quantitative easing (QE3) soon. The Federal Reserve is still holding the conference, but the market’s anticipation on the QE3 has strengthened. On June 19, the three […]

27 Jun, 2012

China’s Gender Ratio Imbalance Set to be Big Problem for “Leftover Men”

Edited and translated by People's Daily Online

Beijing, June 26, 2012 – China’s sex ratio at birth has been rising in the past 30 years. The sex ratio at birth is also known as newborn infant sex ratio. Under natural circumstances, the ratio of every 100 newborn girls to 103 to 107 newborn boys is normal. As the death rate of boys […]

27 Jun, 2012

Top 50 Most Valuable Latin American Brands 2012

NEW YORK, June 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Millward Brown, in conjunction with BrandAnalytics and WPP, today announce the inaugural BrandZ Top 50 Most Valuable Latin American Brands. The value of the BrandZ Latam Top 50 is dominated by retail, financial, communication, beer and energy brands. Petrobras, the Brazilian energy giant, topped the ranking with a […]

27 Jun, 2012

RehabTech Asia Expo Aims to Improve Quality of Life for Disabled and Aged

Imtiaz Muqbil

Singapore – Asia’s first and only trade event for the assistive technology (AT), integrated care and rehabilitation engineering (RE) industry will be held from 27 February to 1 March 2013 at Singapore EXPO Convention & Exhibition Centre. The co-organisers are Fiera Milano S.p.A. and Singex Exhibition Ventures Pte Ltd., supported by Singapore Exhibition & Convention […]

26 Jun, 2012

Chinese Company Develops New Technology to Evaluate Digital Advertising

BEIJING, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ — Since the advent of the new media, most marketers have fancied going digital with their campaigns. Investments in digital advertising are increasing in leaps and bounds, though still small compared to traditional TV advertising. Despite increasing at a faster pace, investment in digital media is challenged by key concerns […]

26 Jun, 2012

“Radical Openness,” Theme of TEDGlobal 2012 Conference

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EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — TED, the nonprofit devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, opens its annual Europe-based TEDGlobal conference today in Edinburgh, Scotland. The conference, this year themed “Radical Openness,” shares the same format as its twin event in Long Beach, CA: inspired leaders, thinkers, makers, and performers from around the globe take […]

26 Jun, 2012

Indonesia To Host Major Conference On Disasters In Asia

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BANGKOK, 26 June, 2012 (ISDR Press Release) – The Indonesian government today announced details of the Fifth Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction which it will host in October as the region counts the cost of record-breaking disaster losses over the last year. Indonesia made disaster risk reduction a national priority following the 2004 […]

25 Jun, 2012

U.S. Pilots Seek “Level Playing Field” to Compete Against Foreign Airlines

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In a white paper released on June 12 titled “Leveling the Playing Field for U.S. Airlines and Their Employees,” the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) outlines the clear solutions that the U.S. government must pursue to create a strong U.S. airline industry and fairly position U.S. airlines and their employees to compete and […]

25 Jun, 2012

European Giants Will Wipe Out Local Firms In ASEAN Exhibitions Boom

Imtiaz Muqbil

BANGKOK – The rapid expansion of European exhibition conglomerates in the ASEAN and Asian regions could drive local exhibition companies to “extinction,” the head of the Asian Federation of Exhibition & Convention Associations (AFECA) warned last week. Speaking at the first Thailand MICE International Forum (TMIF) 2012 on June 21, Mr. Edward Liu said that […]

25 Jun, 2012

PATA Finance Chief Says Adieu After Three Difficult Years

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – Ms. Nawarat Khamsai has resigned as the first Chief Financial Officer of the Pacific Asia Travel Association, effective July 31. Although she described her move as being nothing beyond a normal completion of a three-year term of duty, it will create further image problems for the financially-beleaguered association as it seeks to maintain […]

24 Jun, 2012

As democracies become dictatorships, what future for democracy?

Imtiaz Muqbil

Originally Published:  24 June 2012 One of the most important geopolitical trends in the emerging world order is the slow conversion of democracies into dictatorships, even while they pretend to be defenders of democracy or, still worse, delude themselves into thinking they are defending democracy. As the U.S. government, the self-appointed curator and exporter of […]

21 Jun, 2012

Most Wanted Features of Dream Aircraft: No Kids, No Kicks

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EDINBURGH, Scotland, June 19, 2012–(BUSINESS WIRE) — The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner is set to take to the UK skies this August, and promises passengers a more pleasurable flying experience with larger windows and LED lighting, but a new survey of over 1000 passengers by Europe’s leading flight comparison site Skyscanner reveals what people really […]

21 Jun, 2012

New Yorkers Get Help Cutting Valet Parking Wait Times

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NEW YORK, June 19, 2012 — (BUSINESS WIRE)–Central Parking System, Inc. today announced it has expanded its relationship with Zingle and its text-for-your-car solution. Zingle’s customized solution for Central Parking, known as TEXT N GO, which allows customers to text their valet ticket number and then receive an automatic text response confirming when their car […]

21 Jun, 2012

WorldPay: 1.5% of Airline Online Booking Revenue Lost to Fraud

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SAN FRANCISCO June 19, 2012 — (BUSINESS WIRE)–Globally, 66% of airline merchants are seeing fraud levels stay the same or increase as they lose 1.5% of booking revenue to fraudulent transactions, according to the global Perfect Passenger Payment insights report, commissioned by WorldPay. Worryingly, this could be set to increase, with 29% of airlines reporting […]

21 Jun, 2012

Denver Airport to Create “Largest Digital Experience” for Advertisers

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DENVER, June 19, 2012, (BUSINESS WIRE) — Clear Channel Airports announced it will implement a first-of-its kind digital advertising program at Denver International Airport, the fifth-busiest U.S. airport and eleventh-busiest airport in the world. The Clear Channel Airports program will place Denver International Airport at the forefront of digital video advertising. The installation plan includes […]

21 Jun, 2012

U.S. Consumers See Airline Service Improving, Fast Food Growing as Economy Falls

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ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 19, 2012 — (BUSINESS WIRE)–Major airlines are doing a better job of satisfying their passengers this year, according to a report released today by the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI). At 67 (on a scale of 0 to 100), customer satisfaction with the airline industry matches its best level in a […]

21 Jun, 2012

Worldwide Spend on Security Products and Services Tops $19 Billion

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LONDON, June 20, 2012, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Globally small and medium business Security Market (on-premise and cloud) spend is expected to experience an overall compounded annual growth rate of over 10% for the period of 2011 through 2016. Cloud security services currently accounts for nearly 17% of this total spending and is projected to increase to 24% […]

21 Jun, 2012

Maritz Poll: Online Consumers Want Companies to Listen, Respond

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ST. LOUIS, June 07, 2012, (BUSINESS WIRE)–With an ever-growing number of publicly accessible online communication choices available to consumers, a recent Maritz Research Consumer Preferences study shows consumers overwhelmingly want their voices to be heard by companies via the web. They expect companies to be listening and the study also reveals that 85 percent of […]

21 Jun, 2012

Global Study Finds Brands Can Capitalise on “New Mom” Movement

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CANNES, France, June 20, 2012, (BUSINESS WIRE) — Yahoo! (NASDAQ:YHOO), the premier digital media company, and Starcom MediaVest Group, shared findings from their year-long, global study, ‘Brave New Moms: Navigating Technology’s Impact on Family Time,’ at the 2012 Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. The study revealed that across generations, age and countries, 84% of […]

20 Jun, 2012

Free Download: Cross-Border Stats Highlighted at Mekong Tourism Forum 2012

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Chiang Rai, 12 June 2012 — Cross-border tourism is set to be one of the primary beneficiaries of the growing overland connectivity between the Greater Mekong Subregion countries (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Yunnan Province of Southern China). The six countries share the unique advantage of being all land-linked, which means that road and […]

19 Jun, 2012

Myanmar Tourism Industry Warned About Downsides of Gold Rush

Imtiaz Muqbil

CHIANG RAI: The Myanmar tourism industry heard more warnings at the June 13-14 Mekong Tourism Forum to beware the downsides of the tourism gold-rush. Industry stalwarts stressed that they were well aware of the emerging issues, and offered assurances that every effort would be made to do things right. Marking the 20th anniversary since the […]

19 Jun, 2012

Thai Royal Projects Chief: Global Rich-Poor Income Gap Could Trigger Next World War

Imtiaz Muqbil

CHIANG RAI, North Thailand: In a powerful, historic speech at the Mekong Tourism Forum on June 13, a man who has played a key role in one of the world’s most successful opium-eradication projects warned of another world war if the global rich-poor income gap is not addressed. Mr. Disnadda Diskul, Secretary-General of Thailand’s Mae […]

13 Jun, 2012

New “No Sweat” Design Allows Commuters To Run, Bike or Walk to Work

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Manchester, MA (PRWEB) June 12, 2012 – For people that would love to ride a bike or run to work but can’t find a place to shower, change, or secure their gear and get ready for the work day, there is a solution! GreenSpace has pioneered a project that promises to revolutionize the workday commute. […]

13 Jun, 2012

Global Students Compete To Achieve Change in Volvo Adventure Awards

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Rockleigh, N.J. (PRWEB) June 12, 2012 — Students from all over the world united in Gothenburg at the Volvo Adventure Awards to battle it out to be crowned winner of the world-class environmental education programme. After experiencing tough competition across more than 45 countries, just 12 teams remained to fight for the coveted Volvo Adventure […]

13 Jun, 2012

Savvy Summer Travelers Find Free Ways to Communicate on Phones, Devices

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Marina del Rey, CA (PRWEB) June 12, 2012 — Summer travelers agree that it’s costly to communicate on the road and are looking for alternatives to save money, according to a new survey by leading free mobile communications app, textPlus. Over 500 respondents shared their habits when it comes to communicating while traveling both domestically […]

13 Jun, 2012

Female Traders Surge in Money Markets, Do More Research, Take Less Risk

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LONDON, June 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Figures show that the average annual profit of the top 20 female traders with City Index is £271,225. Who are they and how do they do it? Since 2001, the number of female traders opening accounts with City Index has risen by 1434%; with the number of trades being […]

12 Jun, 2012

Thai Royal Projects to Get More Global Prominence at Mekong Tourism Forum

Imtiaz Muqbil

CHIANG RAI, North Thailand – In yet another indicator of their growing popularity on the global travel scene, Thailand’s royal projects are to be the subject of the opening keynote speech at the Mekong Tourism Forum that got under way here today. Mr Disnadda Diskul, Chairman, Doi Tung Development Project, will address the June 13 […]

12 Jun, 2012

Cleared of Trumped Up Graft Charges, Tourism Malaysia Chief Returns to Work

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KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 (Bernama and Malaysian media reports) — Datuk Mirza Mohammd Taiyab Beg has returned to duty, as Tourism Malaysia director-general, effective June 11, the tourism promotion agency said in a statement. The decision for Mirza’s return was made by the disciplinary board of Tourism Malaysia following his acquittal by the Sessions Court, […]

12 Jun, 2012

Ahead of Rio+20, Global Trades Union Demand “New Development Paradigm”

ITUC Media Release

Rio de Janeiro, 11 June 2012: The 3 day Trade Union Assembly organised jointly by the ITUC and Sustainlabour started today ahead of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development that is due to start next week. Trade unions have been lobbying world leaders, who will meet next week to revitalise commitments around sustainability, employment, […]

11 Jun, 2012

Are Security Agencies Spying on Muslim Travellers Worldwide?

Imtiaz Muqbil

A lawsuit filed on June 6 against the New York Police Department exposing how it allegedly spies on Muslim communities, businesses, mosques and individuals has raised serious questions about whether security and intelligence agencies of the U.S. and its geopolitical allies also similarly spy on Muslims, especially Muslim travellers, worldwide. With patience running thin amongst […]

11 Jun, 2012

OECD’s First Pensions Report: Those Who Live Longer, Will Have To Work Longer

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Paris, 11 June 2012 – In a move that could impact on travel trends from the industrialised countries, especially by the growing numbers of senior citizens, the OECD report has issued a report calling for a revamp of pension schemes in order to keep ageing citizens at work for several years beyond present retirement age. […]

11 Jun, 2012

New Service Strives to Help More Americans Get Passports – Fast

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(PRWEB) June 10, 2012 – Based on a study published by Data.gov, states such as New Jersey and Alaska have the highest passport ownership rates above 60% of the population. However, inland states such as Mississippi have passport ownership rates as low as 20% of the population. Such a figure is good news for expedited […]

10 Jun, 2012

U.S. Muslims sue NYPD for “unconstitutional surveillance”

Imtiaz Muqbil

Originally Published:  10 June 2012 In a move that could well have global ramifications involving the legal border-line between national security and rule of law, a group of Muslim communities, businesses, mosques and individuals in the U.S. last week filed a lawsuit against the New York City Police Department over allegations of unconstitutional surveillance. The […]

8 Jun, 2012

Myanmar, Bhutan Tourism Market Briefs — Free Download

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BANGKOK, 7 June 2012 – Country presentations by Myanmar and Bhutan were among the highlights of briefing sessions organised at the Thailand Travel Mart Plus Amazing Gateway to The Greater Mekong Subregion (TTM+2012) during 06-08 June 2012. Other countries that made presentations are Vietnam, Cambodia as well as Thailand itself. A sixth presentation was on […]

8 Jun, 2012

In Parting Shot, Ousted Thai Airways Chief Blows Whistle on Festering “Poor Governance”

Imtiaz Muqbil

BANGKOK – Making an unscheduled departure well before the official end of his four-year contract, the President of Thai Airways International has blown the whistle on a several instances of alleged poor governance, corruption and nepotism. Addressing the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand (FCCT) on June 1, Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand admitted having failed to adequately […]

7 Jun, 2012

Planned Israeli Settlements In West Bank Violate International Law, Says UN Envoy

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United Nations, 7 June 2012 (UN News Centre) – A top United Nations envoy today reiterated that all settlement construction in the occupied Palestinian territory represents a breach of international law, after the Israeli Government announced it will build 300 new units in the Beit El settlement. “All settlement construction – whether on private Palestinian […]

7 Jun, 2012

Muslim Advocates Files First Lawsuit By Victims of NYPD Spying Program

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(Newark, NJ) – June 6, 2012 – Today, Muslim Advocates filed an unprecedented lawsuit against the New York Police Department challenging its policy of targeting innocent American Muslims for surveillance based on their faith.  It is the first lawsuit by victims of the NYPD’s discriminatory spying program. The lawsuit, Hassan, et al. v. City of New York, […]

6 Jun, 2012

Travel Agents Head List of Occupations Most Likely to Gain Weight – CareerBuilder Survey

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CHICAGO, June 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Workplace treats have your pants feeling a little tighter than usual? A new CareerBuilder survey found two-in-five workers (44 percent) said they have gained weight at their current job, on par with previous studies. Twenty-six percent of workers gained over 10 pounds, and 14 percent gained over 20 pounds. […]

6 Jun, 2012

Telecoms Union Calls for Reduced e-Waste By Stretching Life of Device

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Geneva, 5 June 2012 (International Telecommunications Union) – Participants at the 7th ITU Symposium on ICTs, the Environment and Climate Change have issued a Declaration that encourages ICT manufacturers to make their products more easily upgradable without need for replacing the entire device. The call to promote a life cycle approach in the design of […]

6 Jun, 2012

Economic Slump, Geopolitical Change Affecting Workers Worldwide, Survey Shows

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6 June 2012 (International Trades Union Congress): 2011 was a difficult and often dangerous year for workers throughout world, with those who dared stand up for their trade union rights facing dismissal, arrest, imprisonment and even death. That in essence is the picture that emerges from the annual survey of trade union rights violations published […]

6 Jun, 2012

Asia’s “Green Challenge”: Changing Consumption Patterns, Emission Cuts & Management of Water & Chemicals

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6 June 2012 – On the eve of the landmark Rio+20 conference in Brazil, the UN Environment Programme has issued the following Global Environment Outlook 5 (GEO 5) summary for Asia and the Pacific Region:

5 Jun, 2012

UN Environment Programme Names Its ‘2012 Champions Of The Earth’

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New York, 4 Jun 2012: A country president, a banker, an aeronaut, a scientist, a renewable energy businessman and a conservationist were today named as the six winners of the United Nations Champions of the Earth 2012 award, given to those whose actions and leadership have had a positive impact on the environment. “As the world […]

5 Jun, 2012

UN Security Council Told: If Opportunity Missed, Dangerous ‘One-State’ Solution Could Result

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United Nations, (UN Department of Public Information) 29 May 2012 – Describing a mix of positive potential in the recent “quiet engagement” between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, as well as concurrent destabilizing events, the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process warned the Security Council this morning that if current opportunities were not seized […]

5 Jun, 2012

As Power Shifts, West Will Lose Ability To Push The Rest

Prof Ramesh Thakur

CANBERRA, 4 June 2012 — The United Nations is located at the cross-section of Interdependence Avenue and Multilateral Cooperation Street in Manhattan. But its destiny lies at the intersection of Indifference Avenue and Hostility Street in Washington. That was the case, at least, under the George W. Bush administration through the mode of John Bolton, the United […]

5 Jun, 2012

Jobs for Youth Top Priority In Post-Conflict Nations: UN Peacebuilding Chief

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United Nations,  4 Jun 2012 (UN News Centre) — United Nations officials today stressed the need for partnerships across governments, the private sector and civil society to urgently tackle the challenge of job creation in post-conflict countries, especially for young people, who make up the bulk of these populations. “Job creation, especially for young people, […]

5 Jun, 2012

Changing Face of Landscape Where Jesus Once Walked

Mazin Qumsiyeh Ph.D.

BETHLEHEM (4 June 2012) : It seems like yesterday that we watched Israeli tanks rolling down the hills towards our sleepy town of Beit Sahour 45 years ago today. As a child it was the most frightening sight. The second stage of the Zionist expansion on the land of Palestine unleashed terror that our generation […]

5 Jun, 2012

UN Chief Upholds Role of Women, Youth in Peaceful Settlement of Palestine Conflict

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Paris, (UN Department of Public Information) 30 May 2012 – Stressing the important role of Palestinian women and youth in achieving a durable peace between Israel and the Palestinians, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for a greater say for both groups in decision-making, as he kicked off the United Nations International Meeting in Support of the […]

5 Jun, 2012

Impact of Israeli Occupation on Housing, Health Care, Jobs for Palestinian Women, Youth

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PARIS, (UN Department of Public Information) 30 May 2012 — The Israeli occupation’s harsh socio-economic impact on Palestinian youth and women and the subsequent challenges and home-grown and global efforts to improve their lot were examined this afternoon as the United Nations International Meeting on the Question of Palestine held its first plenary session in […]

5 Jun, 2012

Speakers Outraged at Israeli Attacks on Palestinian Civilians

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PARIS, (UN Department of Public Information), 31 May 2012 — The role of information technology in Palestinian social cohesion and state-building, strategies to bolster education and the need to hold Israel to account for human rights abuses in the Occupied Palestinian Territory were examined this morning as the United Nations International Meeting on the Question […]

5 Jun, 2012

Call for Different Kind of Diplomacy to Resolve Palestine Conflict

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PARIS, (UN Department of Public Information) 31 May 2012 — The need to change the Israeli mindset towards Palestinians, dismantle Israeli settlements, apply rights-based diplomacy to end the conflict, and better coordinate civil society and United Nations efforts on the ground took centre stage as the United Nations International Meeting on the Question of Palestine […]

5 Jun, 2012

China-Bashing U.S. Politicians “Playing A Foolish Game”

Chen Weihua (China Daily)

Beijing (1 June 2012) – People in China get upset by the China-bashing rhetoric of people like Mitt Romney, who won the Republican presidential nomination on Tuesday, or the celebrity businessman, Donald Trump. But is it worth getting angry at their crowd-pleasing antics? I think it is better just to ignore them. Even the conservative […]

5 Jun, 2012

Chinese Commentator Urges Efforts to Counterbalance U.S. Domination of Global Opinion Market

By Wang Lili (China Daily)

Beijing (2 June 2012) – China urgently needs to carry out more effective public diplomacy if it is to overcome the misunderstandings, prejudice and suspicions that people in other countries have toward it. Public diplomacy is an indispensable part of a country’s approach to foreign relations as well as an important supplement to its traditional […]

5 Jun, 2012

China Continues to Prop Up Growth in Arrivals to Australia

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Canberra, 04 June 2012 (Australian government media release) — New figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show visitors to Australia grew by a slow 1% April 2012, compared to April 2011. China provided most of this growth with a 34% increase in April 2012. It helped offset a 28% decline in arrivals […]

5 Jun, 2012

Spending Boost To Help Make More Australian Students “Asia Literate”

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Canberra, 4 June 2012 (Australian government media release) — More students will be encouraged to learn Asian languages and cultures with the Gillard Government providing another $87, 000 funding to support the work of the Asia Education Foundation (AEF), School Education Minister Peter Garrett said today. The funding will go towards three projects which will […]

5 Jun, 2012

New Branding Slogan Sealed: “All That Glitters is Not Gold, But Myanmar Is”

Imtiaz Muqbil at the World Economic Forum East Asia Summit

Bangkok, (1 June 2012) – With the tourism gold rush in full swing, Burmese Vice Minister for Hotels & Tourism U Htay Aung says the industry will “learn from the mistakes” of other countries in ASEAN. However, he is realistic enough to recognise that that may be easier said than done.

5 Jun, 2012

ILO Report Outlines Dire Situation Of Workers In Israeli-Occupied Territories

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GENEVA (ILO News), 04 June 2012 – The situation of workers in the occupied Arab territories is extremely worrying and remains precarious according to the annual report of the International Labour Organization (ILO) submitted to the 101st Session of the International Labour Conference. This is above all due to the realities of the occupation on […]

2 Jun, 2012

India Mulling Mandalay-Imphal Bus Service To Boost Travel to Myanmar

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In an address to business leaders and academics in Myanmar on May 29, 2012, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said India is considering the launch of a bus service from Mandalay to Imphal, capital of the Northeast Indian state of Manipur. He also met with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and announced that she had been […]

2 Jun, 2012

Blaming the Victim in Palestine is Like Saying Colonialism was Good for the Natives

by Yousef Munayyer

Jun 1, 2012 — In the wake of the commemoration of the Nakba last month, several Zionist commentaries appearing in both several Israeli publications and American publications have highlighted a similar and disturbing trend; they blame the victims of the Nakba for their fate. So what does it take to describe the depopulation of 500 […]

2 Jun, 2012

Careers & Dreams Delayed as 12% of US Young Adults Remain Jobless

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WASHINGTON, June 01, 2012, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Generation Opportunity, one of America’s largest organizations connecting with young adults through a strategy of social media outreach coupled with on-the-ground grassroots organizing, is today releasing the non-seasonally adjusted (NSA) 18-29 unemployment rate data for May: The youth unemployment rate for 18-29 year olds specifically (NSA) for May 2012 is […]

2 Jun, 2012

Facebook Hit By Class Action Lawsuit for Alleged U.S. Securities Act Violations

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 1, 2012 –(BUSINESS WIRE) — The U.S. law firm, Pearson, Simon, Warshaw & Penny, LLP filed on May 31, 2012, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, a securities class action against Facebook, Inc., its officers and directors who signed Facebook’s registration statement, and the lead underwriters […]