30 Sep, 2012

Air New Zealand Launches Global Search for “The Great Walker”

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EL SEGUNDO, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 25, 2012 – A global search is underway to find four adventurers to take on the challenge of a lifetime by completing all of New Zealand’s nine famous Great Walks in just nine weeks. The winners will embark on an unforgettable journey to experience New Zealand’s striking landscape – beech forests, […]

30 Sep, 2012

India to Give Tourists from Buddhist Countries Visa on Arrival

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Ministry of Tourism, 29-September, 2012 – Union Tourism Minister Mr Subodh Kant Sahai has said that tourist from countries having sizable Buddhist population such as Thailand and Malaysia would be provided the facility of Visa on Arrival (VOA). Inaugurating a two-day International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi today, he said his Ministry had also decided to […]

28 Sep, 2012

Railway Summit To Be Held in Bangkok

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BANGKOK – The 7th Rail World Summit 2012 is to be held in Bangkok between 24-26 October, for the first time outside China. The three-day summit will address the most critical industry issues in Southeast Asia and globally and will draw attendees from government, railway authorities, projects, equipment and technology companies, aiming to help to […]

28 Sep, 2012

Global Buddhist Conclave To Be Held in Varanasi

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Ministry of Tourism, 27-September, 2012 – Union Tourism Minister Minister Mr Subodhkant Sahai will inaugurate the Second International Buddhist Conclave at Varanasi on September 29, 2012. The conclave is being held with a view to showcasing and projecting the Buddhist Heritage of India. The Conclave invitees include the International Buddhist scholars, tour operators and media […]

28 Sep, 2012

Australia Releases Tips for Safe Bank Transactions via Smartphones, Tablets

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Canberra, September 26 2012 ( Australian Bankers’ Association-Australian Federal Police Joint Media Release) – Banks and police have produced some handy information to help people safely bank and transact with their smartphones and tablets. The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have prepared a fact sheet: “Banking on the go – […]

26 Sep, 2012

Amid ‘Time Of Turmoil,’ UN Chief Says World In A Race Against Time

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United Nations HQ, Sep 25 2012 (UN News Centre) – Citing widespread insecurity, the squandering of vast funds on deadly weapons instead of economic development, and the growing impact of climate change, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon warned the world today that it is in a race against time to save itself. “This year, I […]

26 Sep, 2012

Asia’s Pension Systems Unprepared for Rapidly Aging Populations – ADB

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MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 25 September 2012 (ADB Media release) – Pension systems in many parts of developing Asia are unprepared and underfunded to meet the needs of the region’s rapidly aging population, especially as globalization breaks down traditional family support, says a new book launched today by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). “Across Asia, great divides […]

26 Sep, 2012

Global Water Report Identifies Tourism Growth as Part of the Problem

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Bangkok, 24 September 2012 (UNEP Media release and Travel Impact Newswire) – A study of almost 200 major international water-related projects over the past 20 years has identified a suite of existing and emerging challenges and how science can offer remedies. The report also clearly identifies tourism growth as being part of the problem. The […]

24 Sep, 2012

PressTV – Americans are literally being worked to death

Even though our incomes are going down, Americans are spending more time at work than ever before. In fact, U.S. workers spend more time at work than anyone else in the world. But it was not always this way. Back in 1970, the average work week for an American worker was about 35 hours. Today, […]

24 Sep, 2012

Muslim Woman, 29, Named Culture Minister Of Norway

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Muqbil

A compilation of stories of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 24 September 2012 (08 Dhul Qa’dah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

24 Sep, 2012

Wellness Gurus: Spas Only “Temporary Refuge” Against “Global Feng Shui”

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – Health and wellness professionals attending the World Spa and Well-being Convention 2012 between Sept 19-21 agreed that efforts to help over-worked, over-stressed individuals relax and recharge can provide only temporary refuge in a turbulent, chaotic world. Although herbal and spa treatments go a little deeper, tackling the root-cause of stress may require an […]

24 Sep, 2012

Free Download: First Global Broadband Report

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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 […]

23 Sep, 2012

Poll: Foreign retailers still have eyes firmly on China

September 22, 2012, (China Daily) – Top international retailers still consider China as a top target market for future growth, as the population continues to become wealthier and people migrate in greater numbers to the bigger cities. According to the Global Retail Index, a survey carried out among 200 retailers worldwide, international retailers view China […]

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 […]

23 Sep, 2012

I’ll say it my way – Hindustan Times

Think of a sharp practice in human affairs and you will find its very master in India, or of a genre of human roguery, of political skullduggery, of financial chicanery, of professional trickery and India will show you its finest guru in a virtuoso performance as well as forms of selfishness so saw-toothed as could […]

23 Sep, 2012

Another Blistering Blast by China: US Suffers ‘Arab Winter’

People's Daily Online Editorial

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 […]

22 Sep, 2012

Free Download: Nielsen Research on African-American Consumers

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)- September 21, 2012 – A consumer group which continues to experience population growth, has unique generational behavioral trends and characteristics, and a projected buying power of $1.1 trillion by 2015, African-Americans are still a viable market segment full of business opportunities, according to the African-American Consumers: Still Vital, Still Growing 2012 Report released […]

22 Sep, 2012

Free Download: Handbook to Help Negotiate Better Hotel Deals

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LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)- September 19, 2012 -The Global Hospitality Group® today announced the publication of the 2nd edition of The HMA Handbook, a practical guide for hotel owners, developers, investors and lenders negotiating, re-negotiating or terminating hotel management agreements (HMAs). Co-authored by Group Chairman, Jim Butler and Partner and Senior Member of the Group, Robert […]

21 Sep, 2012

Once High-Flying Indian Aviation Sector Still in a Rut

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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 […]

21 Sep, 2012

India, China to Boost Tourism Contacts in HRD, Data-Swaps, Tours & Investment

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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 […]

21 Sep, 2012

India, Pakistan Take More Steps To Spur Trade, Transport Links

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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 […]

21 Sep, 2012

China Again Makes Clear: No War, No Threats, No More Sanctions on Iran

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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 […]

21 Sep, 2012

Tourism Sector Search Engines Launched in 5 Indian Languages

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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 […]

21 Sep, 2012

Print Media Can Help “Retain Relevance in Changing Times” – Indian VP

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Vice President’s Secretariat 20-September, 2012 – The Vice President of India Prof M. Hamid Ansari re-launched the “Frontline” magazine at a function here today. He commended the editors and publishers for this initiative aimed at retaining relevance in changing times for a newer readership. Addressing on the occasion he said that to him personally, ‘Frontline’ […]

21 Sep, 2012

Seven Mistakes Businesses Make When Planning for Emergencies

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CINCINNATI – September 18, 2012 – (BUSINESS WIRE)–According to a 2012 study of more than 1,300 U.S. workers, 75 percent of employees believe their company is not well-prepared for a natural disaster1. Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ: CTAS), a leader in first-aid and safety products, today announced seven mistakes businesses make during emergency planning in recognition of […]

19 Sep, 2012

Sikhs, Arab-Americans Unite in Call to Confront U.S. “Domestic Extremism”

Imtiaz Muqbil

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 […]

19 Sep, 2012

E.C. Set to Restore Preferential Trade With Myanmar

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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 […]

19 Sep, 2012

“Peaceful Settlement of Conflict” To Be Overarching Theme of 2012 U.N. General Assembly

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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 […]

19 Sep, 2012

Another Chinese Commentary Tells U.S. to Change Its Middle East Policies

By He Wenping (China Daily)

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 […]

19 Sep, 2012

Chinese Tour Operator Takes Japan Tours Off The Shelf

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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 […]

18 Sep, 2012

Global Labour Union Launches “New News Site” To Combat Corporate Injustice, Lies & Cover-ups

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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 […]

18 Sep, 2012

U.S. Hotel Group Plays “Happiness” Card to Market Weekend Breaks

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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 […]

18 Sep, 2012

Bloomberg Launches New Corporate Sukuk Index for Islamic Finance

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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 […]

18 Sep, 2012

Ageing UK Workforce Raises Concern about Health Issues And Impact On Business

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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 […]

17 Sep, 2012

A picture of war: the CIA’s drone strikes in Pakistan: TBIJ

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism has been recording every reported CIA drone strike in Pakistan. The result is our extensive database which details every known attack and the numbers killed in a covert war that has been bitterly fought since 2004. Our detailed analysis has found that 344 strikes have killed between 2,562 and 3,325. […]

17 Sep, 2012

Seminar highlights health benefits of Islamic lifestyle

compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Muqbil

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 17 September 2012 (01 Dhul Qa’dah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story.

17 Sep, 2012

Exclusive: The Challenge of Changing India’s Image in Thailand

Imtiaz Muqbil

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 […]

16 Sep, 2012

Indian PM Outlines Policies, Opportunities, Threats for 12th Five-Year Plan

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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 […]

15 Sep, 2012

As U.S. Workforce Ages, So Does Workplace Generational Harmony, Survey Shows

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FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE) – September 13, 2012 – Despite a demographic shift that is making the nation’s workforce older, a national survey commissioned by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) finds that working Americans from different generations – Baby Boomers and their Gen X and Millennial counterparts – value each other in the […]

15 Sep, 2012

Depression Hits Adults Aged 65+ More When Other Chronic Conditions Are Present

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MINNETONKA, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE) – September 13, 2012 – The impact of depressive symptoms is often greater among people with one or more chronic conditions or health concerns, according to a new study by AARP Services, Inc. (ASI), a wholly owned, taxable subsidiary of AARP, and UnitedHealthcare, a UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) company. The study, “The […]

15 Sep, 2012

Western Business Performance Coach Proves That Eastern Ways are Best

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PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Performance coach Erin Owen; who has consulted with and coached hundreds of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and private individuals from more than 10 countries in the Americas, Europe and Asia; has released her first book: Refuel, Recharge, and Re-energize: The Conscious Entrepreneur’s Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Time […]

15 Sep, 2012

Gallup Poll: Women Better at Using Their Strengths Throughout the Day

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 12, 2012) Gallup News — The majority of American adults say they are not able to use their strengths to do what they do best throughout the day — with 57% saying they use them for six hours or fewer each day. About one in four report that they use their strengths […]

15 Sep, 2012

India Makes Sweeping Changes in FDI Rules for Aviation, Retail & Broadcasting

Imtiaz Muqbil

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 […]

14 Sep, 2012

ITU Acts to Cut Roaming “bill shock” Charges for Consumers

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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 […]

14 Sep, 2012

Finally Awakening, U.S. Senate Committee Sets Hearings on “Threat of Domestic Extremism”

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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” […]

14 Sep, 2012

“Apply Int’l Law Uniformly and Not à la Carte,” UN Independent Expert Urges World Govts

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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 […]

13 Sep, 2012

The Hindu : Why terrorists aren’t scared of sanctions

In 1999, soon after a string of terrorist attacks against U.S. diplomatic missions in East Africa, the U.N. passed a resolution calling on all member states to “freeze the assets of, prevent the entry into or transit through their territories by, and prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale and transfer of arms and military […]

13 Sep, 2012

Airline Crews blamed for 40% of smuggling in Shanghai

By Zhao Wen (Shanghai Daily)

September 13, 2012 – Airline crews accounted for about 40 percent of the suspects who smuggled items into the city on flights so far this year, Shanghai Customs announced yesterday. Customs detected 185 cases of smuggling in the first eight months of this year. Passengers accounted for the majority, at 108 cases, and airline crew […]

13 Sep, 2012

Xinhua Commentary Squarely Blames U.S. Mideast Policies for Libya Attacks

By Wu Liming

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 […]

13 Sep, 2012

OECD Report Forecasts Riskier Global Investment Environment

OECD MEDIA RELEASE

Paris, 13 September 2012 – According to new OECD data, international mergers and acquisitions are set to fall sharply in 2012 to USD 675 billion, down 34% on 2011(USD 1 trillion). According to Michael Gestrin, the report’s author, this decline is largely explained by uncertainty over prospects for global economy and international business fears of […]

13 Sep, 2012

ASEAN Integration: Human Rights Groups Sound Warning

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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 […]

13 Sep, 2012

Report: US strikes on Iran would risk major war

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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 […]

12 Sep, 2012

Widespread distrust of US extends beyond Middle East, poll shows – The Guardian

American influence on the world stage is being sapped by widespread distrust of US intentions, not just in the Middle East and south Asia but also among traditional European allies, according to a survey of global opinions. Suspicion of America outweighed faith in its good intentions by large margins in the Arab world and Pakistan, […]

12 Sep, 2012

Western support for Afghanistan war collapsing, survey shows – guardian.co.uk

Public support for the war in Afghanistan is collapsing in western and Nato member countries, with 53% of Europeans and 44% of Americans favouring the immediate withdrawal of all troops, an international survey shows. Large majorities – 75% of European respondents and 68% of Americans – support either withdrawal or an immediate troop reduction, according […]

12 Sep, 2012

Eleven enduring mysteries of 9/11 — RT

Today, as the world pauses to remember the eleventh anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the United States, it is also important to remember the inexplicable things that happened – and didn’t happen – that tragic day. After all, 9/11 is solely responsible for diminishing hard-fought US civil rights, as well as triggering wars […]

12 Sep, 2012

11 Disastrous Years Post-9/11: Whither Global Travel & Tourism?

Imtiaz Muqbil

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 […]

12 Sep, 2012

Food on global casino | The Asian Age

Food is our nourishment. It is the source of life. Growing food, processing, transforming and distributing it involves 70 per cent of humanity. Eating food involves all of us. Yet, it is not the culture or human rights that are shaping today’s dominant food economy. Rather speculation and profits are designing food production and distribution. […]

12 Sep, 2012

FBI begins installation of $1 billion face recognition system across America — RT

Birthmarks, be damned: the FBI has officially started rolling out a state-of-the-art face recognition project that will assist in their effort to accumulate and archive information about each and every American at a cost of a billion dollars. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reached a milestone in the development of their Next Generation Identification […]

12 Sep, 2012

US pays $104 mln to whistleblower who reported employer — RT

The US government is bribing Americans to spy and report on fellow citizens’ finances. By giving financial rewards to whistleblowers who report on tax misconduct, the IRS hopes to catch those who don’t report all their earnings. Bradley Birkenfeld, a convicted criminal who smuggled and sold diamonds that he carried in a toothpaste tube, was […]

10 Sep, 2012

The day that didn’t change a thing : Asia Times Online

Seventy-seven Norwegians may sound like chump change compared with the almost 3,000 Americans that died on the day that changed everything forever and ever Amen. But for Norway’s 7 million people, last year’s attacks killed proportionately more of them than the number of Americans killed on September 11, 2001. Norwegian politicians are not climbing over […]

10 Sep, 2012

Canada appeases Israel on Iran: Asia Times Online

On Friday, the conservative and strongly pro-Israel government in Canada announced that it was cutting off diplomatic ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran and put the Middle East country on its list of “terror-sponsoring” states, a move that instantly won the praise and admiration of Israeli leaders and condemnation from Tehran, as well as […]

10 Sep, 2012

Andalusian art in the mosques of Islamic Cairo – Islamic Heritage – Ahram Online

Imtiaz Muqbil

Just like Ithaca, the term “Al-Andalus” has become not just the name of a place, but rather an equivalent to paradise lost. Geography and history tell us that Al-Andalus was the territory in the Iberian Peninsula ruled by Muslims between 711 and 1492. Nevertheless, culturally speaking, the imprint of Al-Andalus can be seen and experienced […]

10 Sep, 2012

PressTV – A world infected with US-Israel psychological operations

Deception is the basis of any military education, the basis of business practices, the basis of diplomacy, the underlying basis of the world’s currencies and economic systems and, more than ever, how civilization with 5000 years of learning and advancement can justify unbridled killing of the innocent or “collateral” as justifiable for a “common good” […]

10 Sep, 2012

ADB: Eurozone Crisis Threatens Emerging East Asia’s Booming Bond Markets

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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 […]

10 Sep, 2012

Australia Warns Asian Travellers About Food Import Rules for Upcoming “Autumn Moon Festival”

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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 […]

10 Sep, 2012

Why India’s Small Towns Are Not Benefitting from Economic Progress

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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, […]

10 Sep, 2012

Toyota’s Three NextGen Products Impacting the “Future of Mobility”

Imtiaz Muqbil

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 […]

9 Sep, 2012

China To Host Int’l Forum For Muslim Entrepreneurs In Yinchuan

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Muqbil

  A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 10 September 2012 (23 Shawwala 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.

9 Sep, 2012

Iraq: Inside the Belly of CIA Beast – Countercurrents

Much to the bitter disappointment of international community, a report recently declassified by CIA reveals that a war that started in the name of democracy in Iraq in 2003 and claimed the lives of more than one million innocent Iraqis and thousands of US-led troops was waged on the basis of an unfortunate series of […]

9 Sep, 2012

9th World Hindi Conference to be held in Johannesburg

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The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India with the support of Hindi Shiksha Sangh, South Africa and other stakeholders is organizing the Ninth World Hindi Conference [WHC] in Johannesburg, South Africa from 22-24 September, 2012. The Conference will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre. The tradition of the World Hindi Conferences began with […]

9 Sep, 2012

New Visa Pact Signed as India, Pakistan Move to Facilitate Travel, Rebuild Bridges

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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 […]

9 Sep, 2012

Future Mass Transit Rail Plans May Threaten Bangkok’s Heritage

Imtiaz Muqbil

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 […]

8 Sep, 2012

Indian PM Tells Police Chiefs Of Concern Over “Deteriorating” Communal Relations

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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 […]

8 Sep, 2012

The Hindu : Call to prevent plundering of education sector

In an open session organised by the SFI at Sellur, N. Ram, former Editor-in-Chief, The Hindu, expressed concern that education had become completely commercialised and it had become like a business. “Top corporate houses and industrialists are giving concept papers to Government and they are being implemented. It is all the more worse with medical […]

7 Sep, 2012

Australia Identity Theft Survey Reveals Extent of Threat, Suggests Protective Measures

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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, […]

7 Sep, 2012

PATA CEO, Travel Impact Newswire Editor Team Up for “Thrilla in Manila” Debate

Joint PATA-Travel Impact Newswire Announcement

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 […]

7 Sep, 2012

NYPD Opens Up New Bureau–in Israel | Alternet

Looks like the trigger-happy NYPD is jet setting all over the world, exporting its particularly oppressive strategy of law and order. Among other offenses–such as killing unarmed African American children, stopping and frisking 700,000 (mostly black and brown) people a year and illegally surveilling thousands of Muslim Americans–the NYPD has recently come under fire for […]

7 Sep, 2012

When Did Dissent Become a Crime? America’s Police State on Steroids at the Conventions | Alternet

The biggest impact of militarized policing is not at the conventions themselves, but in the long term. The two political conventions coincide with the Summer Olympics. The international games proved to be a handy way to push out the poor from city centers by constructing stadiums and Olympic villages that are repurposed for tourism, consumption […]

7 Sep, 2012

PressTV – Obama once again bows down to Israel over Palestine

As a former law professor, President Obama knows something about international law and US constitutional law which he taught at the University of Chicago. But he repudiated both, besmirched his academic bona fides, violated Democratic Party rules and hurt his campaign on 12/5/12 by ordering the Democratic Party to summarily change earlier a twice debated […]

7 Sep, 2012

Univ of Toronto Study: Morning People are Happier Than Late-Nighters

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Sparta, NJ (PRWEB) September 06, 2012 – A new study from the University of Toronto suggests what many suspected all along; that morning risers are happier than their late night counterparts and have a more positive and upbeat outlook. The results, which entailed the habits of two groups, young adults and older adults, also identified […]

7 Sep, 2012

Washington Post Breaks Lockstep on Israel and Iran | Focal Points, the Blog of FPIF

Maybe — facetiousness alert! — the United States should call Israel’s bluff: we’ll bomb Iran for you if you make your nuclear-weapons program public, sign the NPT, and open your program to IAEA inspections. via Washington Post Breaks Lockstep on Israel and Iran | Focal Points, the Blog of FPIF.

7 Sep, 2012

Democratic Leaders Undermine Israeli-Palestinian Peace and Their Own Procedures | FPIF

The craven way in which the Jerusalem amendment was pushed through demonstrates that the Democratic Party is not a democratic party. It has shown to the world an essentially authoritarian mindset, both in terms of its willingness to undermine international law in its support of the expansionist goals of allied right-wing governments as well as […]

7 Sep, 2012

Patrick Pexton: What about Israel’s nuclear weapons? – The Washington Post

Among the less benign reasons U.S. sources don’t leak is that it can hurt your career. Said Perkovich: “It’s like all things having to do with Israel and the United States. If you want to get ahead, you don’t talk about it; you don’t criticize Israel, you protect Israel. You don’t talk about illegal settlements […]

6 Sep, 2012

Five Resolutions to Keep Your Family Healthy

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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 […]

6 Sep, 2012

Innovations in Onboard Meal Menus Drives Global In-Flight Catering Services Market

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San Jose, California (PRWEB) September 03, 2012 – As the competition heats up in the airline industry to attract and retain passengers, various airlines are devising innovative strategies that differentiate them from competitors and simultaneously allow them to operate at lower costs. In this direction, services provided in-flight remain pivotal in offering unique flight experiences, […]

6 Sep, 2012

U.S. Shoppers Warned: Buy Foreign Made Products And the Next Job Loss Could be Yours

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Arcanum, OH (PRWEB) September 04, 2012 – The following message has been issued to serve as a reminder to all U.S. shoppers during this Labor Day shopping season: All American Clothing Co. and Josh Miller, producer of the upcoming documentary film ‘Made in the USA: The 30 Day Journey” were both involved in making the […]

6 Sep, 2012

Shrinking U.S. Middle Class Threatens Economic Growth, Says Financial Newsletter

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New York, NY (PRWEB) September 04, 2012  – According to Michael Lombardi, lead contributor to Profit Confidential, the American middle-class segment is shrinking, as it currently makes up about 51% of the U.S population, compared to 61% in 1971. As Lombardi notes, economic growth occurs when there is a rising demand for goods and services, […]

6 Sep, 2012

Cultural Awareness Author Offers Key To Calming Hostilities In Afghanistan

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(PRWEB) September 04, 2012  – CNN reports while U.S. commander General John Allen blames the latest string of insider attacks by members of the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) against Western troops on shortened tempers due to Ramadan and the oppressive August heat, the Afghan government complains that foreign troops continually ignore key aspects of […]

6 Sep, 2012

Higher Fees Spell Changes For U.K. Students Planning Gap Year Break

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Brighton, UK (PRWEB UK) 4 September 2012 — A-level results day – and, for many, the days that follow – is a particularly stressful time for A-level students. This year, faced with higher university fees and changes to the admissions system, an increased number of young people found themselves chasing fewer places through Clearing and […]

6 Sep, 2012

Small London Travel Firm Taps India’s Best Homestays, Guest Houses, B&Bs

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London, UK (PRWEB UK) 3 September 2012 – A new breed of independent travellers to India are using a small London travel company called Home & Hospitality to tap into local knowledge, handpicked homestays, bed & breakfasts and trusted guides to create bespoke and culturally authentic travel experiences and tours in India. Independent travellers in […]

6 Sep, 2012

Five Unique Uses For Smartphones

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Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) September 01, 2012  – Technological developments have transformed what’s possible with smartphones, but sometimes even these gadgets are used for jobs outside of the norm. Gadget insurance brand, Protect Your Bubble, reveals its list of the five most unconventional uses for mobile phones: 1.    A medical guide for life saving surgery A British […]

6 Sep, 2012

Study Reveals Differences Between Men and Women Leaders

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Omaha, NE (PRWEB) September 01, 2012  – Quantum Workplace released a 2012 leadership research study revealing the public perceptions of men’s and women’s leadership skills. It’s been well established that significant employment and income gaps exist between men and women leaders, yet a connection has not been drawn between these gaps and each group’s leadership […]

6 Sep, 2012

Central Park Skywriting to Promote Peace Following Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting

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New York, NY (PRWEB) August 31, 2012  – A skywriting message flew over Central Park on Sunday, August 26, 2012 to commemorate victims of the shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek on August 5. The message was organized by Taj Chahal, an entrepreneur who is spreading acceptance for the Sikh community. […]

5 Sep, 2012

Sec-Gen Surin: ASEAN Identity, Cultural Integration As Important As Economics To Avoid Conflict

Exclusive Report by Imtiaz Muqbil, Executive Editor, Travel Impact Newswire

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 […]

4 Sep, 2012

‘Judaization’ of Jerusalem targets Islamic relics – Muslim cleric — RT

The occupation regime treats Palestinians in a way that is far from humane. They are cruel, oppressive, they don’t have mercy. There is one issue that is not reported in the media – I am talking about Palestinian women who don’t always get a chance to give birth at a hospital. The occupiers stop ambulances […]

4 Sep, 2012

Chinese Companies Expanding Abroad Urged to be Wary of Investment Risks

China Daily Commentary

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 […]

4 Sep, 2012

US, China Corporate Profit Gap Growing

By Chen Yang (Global Times)

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 […]

4 Sep, 2012

India Details Projects to Clean Up Polluted Rivers

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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 […]

4 Sep, 2012

Secrets of the Chinese Travelers

(China Daily)

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 […]

4 Sep, 2012

How World Opinion is Kidnapped by West’s “Int’l Community” Rhetoric

People's Daily Online

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 […]