Archive for November, 2012
30 Nov, 2012
Booz Allen Lists Top 10 Financial Services Cyber Risk Trends for 2013
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE), November 29, 2012 – Ask any customer what they expect from their bank or financial services firm today, and two words come through loudly and clearly: security and privacy. Commercial and institutional customers have come to expect seamless service, properly cleared transactions and fast, accurate information. But news about major cybersecurity breaches […]
more…30 Nov, 2012
7 biggest mysteries of human body
Like all other female apes, women’s breasts fill with milk when they have newborn babies to feed. But female humans alone have bloated bosoms at all other times, too. Scientists can’t agree on what ― or who ― our “permanently enlarged breasts” are for. Most evolutionary biologists think breasts serve the purpose of attracting men, […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
WMO Report: Record Arctic Sea Ice Melt, Multiple Extremes and High Temperatures in 2012
GENEVA/DOHA, 28 November 2012 (WMO) – The years 2001–2011 were all among the warmest on record, and, according to the World Meteorological Organization, the first ten months indicate that 2012 will most likely be no exception despite the cooling influence of La Niña early in the year. WMO’s provisional annual statement on the state of […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
Nobel Peace laureates call for Israel military boycott over Gaza assault
November 28, 2012 – A group of Nobel peace prize-winners, prominent artists and activists have issued a call for an international military boycott of Israel following its assault on the Gaza Strip this month, according to a report by Chris McGreal at Guardian UK. The letter also denounces the US, EU and several developing countries for what it describes […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
World AIDS Day Message: Business Leaders Seek End To HIV Travel Curbs
United Nations, Nov 28 2012 (UN News) – In a move jointly sponsored by the United Nations agency dealing with the global HIV/AIDS response, more than 40 top business leaders today called for the repeal of laws and policies restricting freedom of movement of people living with HIV. “Every individual should have equal access to […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
States Have Obligation To Eliminate Violence Against Women – UN
United Nations, Nov 28 2012 (UN News) — Countries have a responsibility to implement national policies to end violence against women, United Nations officials stressed today, adding that urgent action is needed to stop one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. “Each and every State has an obligation to develop or improve the […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
Soccer Stars Help Launch UN-Inter Milan Partnership To Help Young People
United Nations, Nov 28 2012 – Soccer stars Luis Figo and Francesco Toldo were at the United Nations today for the launch of a new partnership between the world body and the charitable organization Inter Campus, which the Italian soccer team Internazionale Milano (Inter Milan) runs to help disadvantaged youth. The retired players spoke of […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
Middle East Headed for Unpredictable Future, U.N. Security Council Told
United Nations, 27 Nov 2012 (UN Dept of Public Information) – Following the Gaza escalation, which last week brought the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to the “brink of a crisis that could have engulfed the region”, it was more vital than ever not only to bring a sustainable end to violence, but to achieve a fair and […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
Free Download: IBM Analytics Report Shows Black Friday Retail Surge
ARMONK, N.Y., Nov. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — According to IBM (NYSE: IBM), US shoppers once again took advantage of early promotions this holiday season, driving a 17.4 percent increase in online sales Thanksgiving Day. This increase set the stage for 20.7 percent growth on Black Friday. The biggest surge came from mobile consumers, with sales […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
Reading, Writing and Playing Games May Help Aging Brains Stay Healthy
CHICAGO, Nov. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Mental activities like reading and writing can preserve structural integrity in the brains of older people, according to a new study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). While previous research has shown an association between late-life cognitive activity and better mental acuity, […]
more…29 Nov, 2012
Fetal Alcohol Exposure Affects Brain Structure in Children
CHICAGO, Nov. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Children exposed to alcohol during fetal development exhibit changes in brain structure and metabolism that are visible using various imaging techniques, according to a new study being presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Alcohol use by expectant mothers can lead to problems […]
more…28 Nov, 2012
Carter & Brundtland: A Vote for Palestine Is a Vote for the Rule of Law
Op-Ed Contributor Column published in the New York Times: November 25, 2012 If the recent rocket attacks on Israel and Israeli air strikes on Gaza tell us anything, it is that the status quo in the Middle East is not a safe choice for Israelis or Palestinians. In the current political climate, it is highly […]
more…28 Nov, 2012
Attn: Students. Airbus call for entries in €30,000 “Fly Your Ideas” challenge
Students wanting to help shape the future of flight still have time to take part in the global Airbus Fly Your Ideas challenge. Airbus is asking students worldwide to develop ideas for a more sustainable aviation industry. The winners will share the top prize of €30,000; the runners-up €15,000. Those wanting to get involved can […]
more…28 Nov, 2012
Jakarta faces massive layoffs following salary hike: The Jakarta Post
The Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo) has said that at least 10,000 workers could lose their jobs when the Jakarta administration implements the new minimum wage at Rp 2.2 million (US$228) next year. Apindo wages and social security division head Hariyadi Sukamdani said Tuesday that the 44 percent increase would hit employers hard. “Until now, 100 […]
more…28 Nov, 2012
New curriculum to focus on religion, civics and history : The Jakarta Post
The Education and Culture Ministry and the House of Representatives Commission X overseeing education and youth affairs have agreed that the new curriculum for 2013 will focus more on the character building of students. Although Commission X has yet to approve the content of a draft prepared by the ministry, chairman of the commission Agus […]
more…27 Nov, 2012
Global Internet User Survey Reveals Attitudes, Usage, and Behavior
WASHINGTON & GENEVA, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A worldwide survey of more than 10,000 Internet users in 20 countries conducted by the Internet Society revealed attitudes towards the Internet and user behavior online. The Global Internet User Survey is one of the broadest surveys of Internet user attitudes on key issues facing the Internet. This year’s survey covered […]
more…26 Nov, 2012
Rising World Power India Promotes Word Power at Bangkok Literary Forum
Bangkok – Three well-known Indian authors in English, Amitav Ghosh, Jahnavi Barua, and Vikas Swarup, made stellar presentations at the first international conference organised in Bangkok to build literary bridges between South and Southeast Asia. Although the event’s theme topic was “Indian Writing in English,” the discussions became a sweeping examination of the changes shaping […]
more…26 Nov, 2012
Listing of “World’s 500 Most Influential Muslims” Published
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 26 November 2012 (12 Muharram 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.
more…25 Nov, 2012
Everyone Pays the Price of America’s Failed Palestinian Policy
November 23, 2012 – More than 160 Palestinians and 5 Israelis are dead, and as the smoke clears over Gaza, the Israelis will not be more secure and Palestinians’ hopes for self-determination remain dashed. It is time for a significant re-evaluation of the American policies that have contributed to this morass. The failure of America’s […]
more…25 Nov, 2012
ASEAN leaders agree to 12-month extension of deadline for regional integration
Leaders of the Association of South East Asian Nations Asean have agreed to extend the deadline to realize economic, political and social integration among the 10 countries to the end of 2015 from the originally-envisioned Jan 1, 2015. The extended timeframe, coming amidst increasing pressure on Asia as the global economy wobbles, reflects sober assessment […]
more…24 Nov, 2012
US$5,000 App Challenge Targets Increased Socio-Economic Inclusion
Dubai, 22 November, 2012 – A cash prize of USD 5,000 is offered to the winner of a new ITU Application Challenge seeking to uncover apps extending the reach of mobile health, mobile money, e-learning, e-government and intelligent transport systems. The ICT Innovation Application Challenge aims to promote sustainable, equitable economic growth in emerging economies by unearthing […]
more…24 Nov, 2012
Nov 25: New Initiatives Mark Int’l Day to End Violence Against Women
United Nations, 20 November—In her message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November, UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet is calling for bold action and decisive leadership to galvanize efforts to end the pandemic of violence against women and girls, which claims more casualties and victims than terrorism. [See […]
more…22 Nov, 2012
10 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka, and Contribute to Peace, Jobs & Reconciliation
Colombo — The historic transition towards an Asian Century is generating a treasure trove of both symbolic and real images of the shift from swords-to-plowshares. One of the most thought-provoking is the conversion of Sri Lanka’s former military headquarters in a prime location on the Colombo seafront into an area for mega-projects. Once dotted with […]
more…20 Nov, 2012
The REAL America Rises: Report Weighs Ethics & Costs of Generals Turning Consultants
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE) – November 19, 2012 – Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and Brave New Foundation released Strategic Maneuvers, a new report and short film revealing the extent of the Pentagon’s revolving door phenomenon, in which retired high-ranking generals and admirals cash in on their years of military experience by taking […]
more…20 Nov, 2012
China Seeks to Create a Positive Image for its Globe-Trotting Tourists
Chinese are said to be the world’s second worst tourists, after Americans. Tiffany Tan and Liu Xiangrui find there is some truth to the accusation, but the situation is improving as more Chinese travel abroad. Beijing, November 19, 2012 – In September, a flight carrying 200 people from Zurich to Beijing had to turn around […]
more…19 Nov, 2012
Free Download: Fifth OIC Annual Report on Islamophobia
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 19 November 2012 (05 Muharram 1434). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story.
more…17 Nov, 2012
Tips From Bangkok’s Best Tailor: 5 Defining Factors to Look Good In A Suit
Dressing well isn’t calculus. Yet many men are bad at it. Why this is so is men are missing the basic knowledge about it and the audacity to not be swayed by recent fad. Having said that let’s look into what the 5 critical defining factors are: Good fit. Without a doubt, this is the […]
more…17 Nov, 2012
Christian Leaders in Palestine Call on Europe to Support UN Bid
BETHLEHEM, November 15, 2012 (WAFA) – 100 Christian community leaders in the holy land called on European countries, Thursday in a statement published on Kairo Palestine wire, to support Palestine’s bid to become a non-member state in the United Nations. Hereby is the full statement: Palestine, the Holy Land is our homeland. Our roots here […]
more…16 Nov, 2012
Memo to President Obama in Asia: You Won the Nobel Peace Prize, Now Earn it
Welcome to Asia and Thailand, my adopted country. It is apt that you should begin your second term in office by coming first to three Buddhist-majority countries, all of which will play a major role in the future of the Asian Century. Your primary agenda, to promote the interests of the American people, may be […]
more…15 Nov, 2012
Work set to roll in 2013 on Laos-China railway
Vientiane, Vientiane Times, 15 Nov 2012 – Construction of the US$7 billion high-speed railway linking Vientiane to the Laos-China border is set to kick off next year, with the project scheduled for completion in 2018, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Deputy Minister Latta-namany Khounnyvong told Vientiane Times on Thursday that Laos […]
more…15 Nov, 2012
European Travel Commission Report Shows How Poor Economies are Impacting Travel
Brussels, 14 November 2012 – The European Travel Commission (ETC) has just published its third quarterly report on European Tourism in 2012 – Trends & Prospects. The report shows that people are still travelling but downtrading both in terms of expenditure and trips. There is much uncertainty ahead. The full report can be downloaded free by […]
more…14 Nov, 2012
Early Warning Alert Nov 29: Next Global Crisis Looms as Israel Gears to Block Palestine Statehood
CAIRO, November 13, 2012 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Monday night said that the date for voting on the resolution the Palestinian Authority will submit to the United Nations to become a non-member state will be on November 29. He said, during a speech at the meeting of the Extraordinary Session of the Arab League […]
more…14 Nov, 2012
Australia to Grow Work and Holiday Visa Country List for Young People
Canberra, 13 November 2012, Ministry of Immigration & Citizenship – Australia will begin talks with the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Poland, and the Slovak Republic on establishing reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangements, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today. ‘The start of discussions for these new […]
more…14 Nov, 2012
More Flights Approved Between Australia and Thailand
Canberra, Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, 13 November 2012 -Australia and Thailand have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on air services, allowing for more flights between Australia and Thailand. The new MOU will allow Australian and Thai airlines to increase their flights in this key travel market—each side can now operate up to […]
more…14 Nov, 2012
Australia Report Forecasts Doubling of Domestic Air Passengers by 2030
Canberra, 13 Nov 2012, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport – The number of air passenger movements through Australian capital and non-capital city airports is predicted to double to 279 million within the next two decades showing our city airports are set to become even busier in the future. This is the key finding of the […]
more…13 Nov, 2012
An open letter to President Obama from the world’s poorest countries
The following is an open letter from the chair of the Least Developed Countries group, Pa Ousman Jarju. November 8, 2012 Dear President Obama, As the lead negotiator for the world’s 48 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in the United Nations climate change negotiations, I congratulate you on your re-election. I also want to express my […]
more…12 Nov, 2012
Brunei–Malaysia Islamic Tour Packages Launched In UK
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 12 November 2012 (27 Dhul Ḥijjah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.
more…11 Nov, 2012
Indian Ex-Film Star, Now Tourism Minister, Cites “Paradigm Shift” in Marketing Campaign
Ministry of Tourism, 09-November, 2012 – India Tourism has launched two new campaigns: an International Campaign called ‘Find What You Seek’ and a Domestic Campaign called ‘Go Beyond’. Both were launched at last week’s World Travel Market 2012 in London. The Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi said the launch of these campaigns reflects a […]
more…11 Nov, 2012
Indian-Born Professor at Columbia Univ Wins Kyoto Prize for Global Achievement
KYOTO, Japan–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 10, 2012 – Professor Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, an Indian literary critic and educator and Professor at Columbia University, was one of three eminent people conferred the annual Kyoto Prize, Japan’s highest private award for global achievement. She was honoured with the Arts and Philosophy Prize in the field of Thought and […]
more…11 Nov, 2012
Indian Carriers Get Air Traffic Rights to Historic City of Najaf, Iraq
Ministry of Civil Aviation, 9 November 2012 – The historic Islamic city of Najaf, Iraq, is among a number of cities that will be accessed by Indian carriers under new international traffic rights approved by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ajit Singh for the next three seasons i.e. winter 2012, summer 2013 and […]
more…11 Nov, 2012
At Awards Ceremony, India Hails Role of Handloom, Handicraft Sectors
Ministry of Textiles, 09-November, 2012 – The President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee today conferred 20 Shilp Guru Awards, 18 Sant Kabir Awards along with 74 National Awards to master craftspersons and master weavers at a function in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Congratulating all the awardees for their “contribution in preserving, promoting and enriching the […]
more…10 Nov, 2012
Social Casino Games Raking It In as Gambling Scourge Goes Global
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 09, 2012–Global revenues from social casino games have now reached $1.6 billion announced Gaming Club. According to new research from SuperData, an online games research company, social casino gamers are spending almost twice as much as their regular social gamer counterparts. In July, paying social casino gamers spent $78 online compared to $43 […]
more…10 Nov, 2012
2012 Taiwan Cycling Fest Highlights New National Transport System
TAIPEI, Taiwan–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 08, 2012 — Since 2010, the government has actively organized a series of activities for two Taiwan Cycling Festivals. It has converted the fruits of a new transportation system – namely an extensive network of bicycle paths – into a new tourism resource. To help the world learn that Taiwan is […]
more…9 Nov, 2012
FREE Download: OECD Reports Examine Global Growth Trends Until 2060
Paris, 9 Nov 2012, (OECD Media release) – There will be major changes in the composition of world GDP (taken as sum of GDP for 34 OECD and 8 non-OECD G20 countries), according to an OECD report released today. The following is a brief summary with links below for free downloading of the full reports.
more…9 Nov, 2012
FREE Download: UN Statistical Yearbook for Asia-Pacific 2012
Bangkok (UN ESCAP Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section) (8 Nov 2012) – Asia and the Pacific has made impressive gains in improving the living conditions of its people and promoting economic growth but faces wide development gaps, particularly in basic health care and gender equality. According to the Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific […]
more…9 Nov, 2012
Warning from China: US ‘dual-deterrence’ is self-defeating
(People’s Daily Online), November 08, 2012 – Japan’s new ambassador to the United States has recently pointed out that the U.S. government does not remain neutral on the Diaoyu Islands issue because the it does not oppose Japan’s “nationalization” of the Diaoyu Islands and indicates the applicability of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty instead, claiming that […]
more…9 Nov, 2012
China Voice: Time for Renewed U.S. Policy Toward China
BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) — With Barack Obama successfully defending his presidency in the U.S. election and a new leadership of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) soon to be elected, it is the right time for the Obama Administration to rethink its policy on China. More than three decades have passed since the […]
more…9 Nov, 2012
Chinese Leader: Corruption Could Lead to “Fall of the State”
(Xinhua), 2012-11-08, BEIJING – Chinese leader Hu Jintao delivered a report on Thursday at the opening of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The following are key quotes from his report: On Scientific Outlook on Development — The most important achievement in our endeavors in the past ten years is […]
more…9 Nov, 2012
Hilton Worldwide To Undertake First “Annual Global Week of Service”
MCLEAN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)-November 08, 2012 – Between November 11 – 18, Hilton Worldwide team members across 90 countries and territories will celebrate the company’s first Global Week of Service. This event will feature hundreds of projects around the globe and unite the company’s approximately 300,000 team members in more than 3,900 locations in their passion […]
more…8 Nov, 2012
EU Plans Visa Revamp to Grow Tourism, Economies
Brussels, European Commission Media release, 07 Nov 2012 – In a strategic Communication adopted today, the Commission examines how the implementation and development of the common visa policy could help growth in the EU by facilitating travel opportunities for third country nationals willing to visit the EU. With a total of 18.8 million jobs in […]
more…7 Nov, 2012
Will Obama Now Honour his 2009 Pledge To Make Peace With Islamic World?
On June 4, 2009, the same year he won the Nobel Peace Prize, President Barack Obama stood behind a podium at Cairo’s Al Azhar University, one of Islam’s most eminent centres of learning, and delivered his famous speech to the Islamic world. His objective was reset the United States’ relations with Islam and make “a […]
more…6 Nov, 2012
India Sets New Policy Measures to Tackle Massive Ageing Society Challenge
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 06-November, 2012 – The first ever National Conference on Ageing was held by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment here today. Inaugurating the two day conference the Minister, Kumari Selja said “It is a well-known fact that the 21st century is witnessing a gradual transition to an ageing […]
more…6 Nov, 2012
As A New World Order Emerges, Will the East-West Transition be Peaceful?
BANGKOK – A former U.S. market trader who spent five years in jail “for telling the truth” has forecast the continuing economic and financial decline of what he called a “brain-dead” United States, a shift towards Asia which will last for about 200 years, a second-term win for President Barack Obama and a “high probability” […]
more…5 Nov, 2012
Afghan Hidden Treasures Exhibition to Tour Australia in 2013-14
A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 05 November 2012 (20 Dhul Ḥijjah 1433). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story.
more…4 Nov, 2012
Agricultural Cooperatives Can Help End Global Hunger, Says UN Food Agency
31 October 2012, Rome (FAO Press release) – One of the only chances small-scale food producers have to gain competitive access to local and global markets is by banding together in cooperatives, FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva told a meeting of the World Cooperatives Congress in Manchester today. The International Year of Cooperatives is […]
more…4 Nov, 2012
New Report Details Web Tracking in Politics
November 01, 2012, WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) released its latest report, Web Crawlers: How Candidates and Political Groups Track You Online. New research by CREW found visitors to the websites of the presidential candidates, party committees, and top-spending outside groups in 2012 are being tagged by dozens of sophisticated […]
more…4 Nov, 2012
11 Reasons Why I Am Giving the 2012 WTM London a Miss
After 25 years of covering the World Travel Market London, I am giving this year’s show a miss. Here’s why: 1. Britain and Europe are no longer as important as sources of visitors, ideas and industry innovations. The rise of Asia and the emergence of new source markets such as Russia, Brazil, Latin America and […]
more…2 Nov, 2012
Rediscovering the Awakening Dragon: A Journey to Renaissance
Beijing, October 29, 2012 – To have a deeper understanding of the present, it is, often times, necessary to get a grip on history first, or to say, where China’s present notion of innovation came from and how it unfolded into reality. It came right from a national congress 10 years ago, a historical series […]
more…2 Nov, 2012
Six-Point Plan to Help Small Businesses Boost Brand in New Economy
Wilmington, NC (PRWEB) October 31, 2012 – As the year winds down, most businesses will spend these final weeks scrutinizing over revenue growth, operation expenditures and other financial factors. In short, the 4th Quarter represents final exam time for companies – and in many cases – the strength of their marketing in 2012 could determine […]
more…2 Nov, 2012
Joint German-French visa center to increase Chinese tourists
2012-10-31 – Germany and France officially opened the first joint visa application center in Beijing on Tuesday, to ease the application process and attract more Chinese to Europe. The newly built center can make the process of applying for a visa more convenient, but Chinese are still required to provide extensive material in the application […]
more…2 Nov, 2012
Cricket Matches, Visas Open Up as Indo-Pak Ties Thaw
ISLAMABAD, DAWN.COM, 1 Nov 2012: Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved four agreements signed with neighbouring India, including a much-anticipated agreement on a liberalised visa regime aimed at promoting bilateral trade between the two countries. The cabinet’s ratification Wednesday came more than a month and a half after the agreement’s initial signing on Sept 8, […]
more…1 Nov, 2012
Chinese Commentary: “Grotesque income gaps undercut social harmony”
October 30, 2012 – A comprehensive report in 2010 titled “China’s Wealth Gap Is Testing the Limit of Social Toleration” is still compelling reading for policy makers today. Authored by a Xinhua team, the report pointed to the danger of accelerating concentration of social wealth in the hands of the few, and the yawning gap […]
more…1 Nov, 2012
New Website Explores American Indian Culture
(PRWEB) October 31, 2012 – Native American folklore and history is being explored on a new website that just launched to provide visitors with valuable information about American Indian tribes in the United States. “I’m excited to announce the launch of this new website,” said Shelly Vickerson with NativeAmericanHistoryandCulture.com. “Hopefully, visitors will leave with a […]
more…1 Nov, 2012
Accused UBS trader ‘played God’ over $2.1b loss
A banker accused of Britain’s biggest fraud played God as he carried out “unprotected, unhedged, incautious and reckless” trades, a court has heard. Kweku Adoboli, 32, allegedly gambled away £1.4 billion ($2.19 billion) in “off-book” operations while working for Swiss bank UBS during the global financial crisis. The Ghanaian-born former public schoolboy has told jurors […]
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