29 Sep, 2014

Islamic Fashion Market estimated at $322 billion by 2018

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 29 September 2014 (05 Dhul Ḥijjah 1435). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA NOW YOU CAN BUY EXQUISITE MALAYSIAN HANDICRAFTS ONLINE […]

28 Sep, 2014

A ‘Goebbels propaganda prize’ for the corporate western media? – English pravda.ru

by Professor Arthur Noble Pravda (‘Truth’) is indeed aptly named: its factual, accurate and objective reporting on current geopolitical events stands in stark contrast to the lies that are churned out and regurgitated daily by the Western media, for which ‘Falsehood’ would be an appropriate collective description. To counteract the farce of the Nobel Peace […]

28 Sep, 2014

2014: Clash of civilizations? – pravda.ru

At the beginning of the Millennium, much was said about a clash of civilizations between the West and Islamist movements, terminology which was unacceptable to the former and more and more used by the latter. Today, we see increased intrusion by the West not only in Islamic States but also in Eastern Europe and growing […]

28 Sep, 2014

Airport Cameras Get Even More Orwellian | Alternet

By Sander Venema A few days ago I read an article about how TNO (the Dutch Organization for Applied Scientific Research, the largest research institute in the Netherlands) developed technology for smart cameras for use at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. These cameras — installed at Schiphol airport by the Qubit Visual Intelligence, a company from The […]

28 Sep, 2014

European MEP denied entry to Russia – pravda.ru

European Parliament member Rebecca Harms was denied entry to Moscow, which caused extreme dissatisfaction from the German Ministry for Foreign Affairs. “The refusal from the Russian authorities to deny entry (to Harms) in the country is unacceptable,” a message posted on the official Twitter account of the German Foreign Ministry said, RIA Novosti reports. Harms […]

27 Sep, 2014

U.S. Immigrant Population Hits Record 41.3 Million

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — A new report by the Center for Immigration Studies finds that nearly one in six adults in the U.S. is foreign-born. The report, based on newly released Census Bureau data, also found that the nation’s immigrant population (legal and illegal) grew by 1.4 million from July 2010 to July 2013. […]

27 Sep, 2014

Consumers Are Poor at Judging Probability: Stanford Graduate School of Business Research

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STANFORD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 24, 2014 – It’s a typical afternoon, which means that you’re on Facebook instead of doing whatever it is you’re supposed to be doing. You notice an ad from a company you follow — say, Chevrolet — offering you a chance to win a car if you sign up for a newsletter. […]

27 Sep, 2014

European Languages Survey: English, French, German Most Popular but Spanish Growing

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Brussels, (Eurostat News Release) – On the occasion of the European Day of Languages, celebrated each year on 26 September, Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, publishes data on language learning at school. The general objectives of this event are to alert the public to the importance of language learning, to promote the […]

27 Sep, 2014

Capgemini Report: Role of Social Media in Shopper Journeys Overhyped, Trust & Privacy Key Issues

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PARIS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 25, 2014 – A global report by Capgemini, a provider of consulting, technology and outsourcing services, reveals that consumers consider social media a less important part of their customer journey – from awareness, through to post-sale activity – compared to two years ago, suggesting that the social media hype in the consumer goods […]

27 Sep, 2014

Ultra-Orthodox Jews cause ’11-hour long nightmare’ on flight to Israel – The Independent

A flight from New York to Tel-Aviv descended into an “11-hour long nightmare” after ultra-orthodox Jewish passengers on board refused to sit next to women, delaying take-off and causing further disruption during the flight. On Wednesday, the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the El Al flight to Israel was carrying a large number of ultra-Orthodox Jews […]

26 Sep, 2014

PURE Rooms Launches Booking Engine for Allergy Travel Hotels

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Buffalo, NY (PRWEB) September 16, 2014 — Health-conscious hotels looking to reach travelers online can now find an additional tool in the PURE Rooms website. PURE Rooms, which provides allergy travel accommodations at nearly 300 hotels nationwide, has recently launched a new booking engine that will enable travelers to reserve an allergy-friendly room at these […]

26 Sep, 2014

Chinese Commentary: As possibility of Third World War exists, China needs to be prepared

By Han Xudong

Beijing,  (Global Times), September 16, 2014 – As the Ukrainian crisis deepens, international observers have become more and more concerned about a direct military clash between the US and Russia. Once an armed rivalry erupts, it is likely to extend to the globe. And it is not impossible that a world war could break out. […]

26 Sep, 2014

International students eye China, not just for language this time

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Beijing, (Global Times), September 23, 2014 – On August 25, 24-year-old American Chris Campbell landed in Beijing, excited, looking forward to life as an international student here. But he was also well aware that he would face six to eight hours of classes each day, with another four to five hours of preparation as well. […]

26 Sep, 2014

More than 630 million Chinese to hit the road during Oct 1-7 Golden Week Holiday

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Beijing – (People’s Daily Online)   September 25, 2014 – According to the Ministry of Transportation, during the coming National Day Holiday, there will be a significant increase in the volume of road and waterway passenger transportation. It estimates that road passenger volume in the golden week will exceed 630 million and the average daily volume […]

26 Sep, 2014

ADB issues Asian Development Outlook 2014 Update

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Manila, ADB media release, Sept 25, 2014 — Developing Asia is continuing along a stable growth path. Although US policy could still surprise markets the effect on developing Asia would be modest compared to the shock caused in 2013 by anticipated tightening. Demand does not threaten to reignite inflation, as regional economies continue to produce […]

26 Sep, 2014

Gallup Polls: World Faces Shortage in Purpose Well-Being

by Melanie Standish and Dan Witters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – September 23, 2014 – Gallup Polls – Fewer than one in five adults worldwide can be considered thriving — or strong and consistent — in levels of purpose well-being, as measured by the inaugural Gallup-Healthways Global Well-Being Index in 2013. Residents living in the Americas are the most likely to be thriving […]

26 Sep, 2014

$800 Million ADB Facility to Help Sri Lanka Upgrade 2,200 kms of Poor Rural Roads

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Colombo, 25 September 2014 (ADB Media release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved an $800 million loan facility to fund rural and national road upgrades in six provinces in Sri Lanka that will significantly improve access of remote communities to markets, services, and jobs. “Providing all-weather road access to towns and villages in […]

26 Sep, 2014

Gallup Polls: Americans Continue to Say a Third Political Party Is Needed

by Jeffrey M. Jones

PRINCETON, NJ – September 24, 2014 – Gallup Polls – A majority of U.S. adults, 58%, say a third U.S. political party is needed because the Republican and Democratic parties “do such a poor job” representing the American people. These views are little changed from last year’s high. Since 2007, a majority has typically called […]

22 Sep, 2014

Challenges Facing Financial Officers in the Airline Business

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ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 17, 2014  — What makes the difference between success and failure in the airline industry? During his keynote address at the first World Financial Symposium in Abu Dhabi, John E. Luth, the founding partner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Seabury Group, a global advisory and professional services firm, […]

22 Sep, 2014

New smartphone app gives sight to the blind | The Japan Times

SAN FRANCISCO – Jonathan Mosen, who has been blind since birth, spent a recent evening snapping photos of packages in the mail, his son’s school report and labels on bottles in the fridge. In seconds, he was listening to audio of the printed words the camera had captured, courtesy of a new app on his […]

22 Sep, 2014

Bypolls message for BJP: the Hindu voter is secular – Hindustan Times

Do you know what I find most heartening about the recent by-election results? It’s the loud, clear and firm message from India’s Hindu voters. My bet is it will resonate across our political firmament for a while to come. India’s Hindu voters — and I use that description deliberately — have refused to accept the […]

22 Sep, 2014

Japan’s high-speed shinkansen marks its 50th year | The Japan Times

Oct. 1 will be the 50th anniversary of the inauguration of the shinkansen super-express trains. The shinkansen has become the envy of the world, studied, imitated and emulated, but never quite matched. Though the younger generation may take it as a given, the “bullet train” will continue to be an important part of Japanese life […]

22 Sep, 2014

Free Admission To Egyptian Museums On World Tourism Day Sept 27

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 22 September 2014 (27 Dhul Qa’dah 1435). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA NOW YOU CAN BUY EXQUISITE MALAYSIAN HANDICRAFTS ONLINE Malaysian […]

22 Sep, 2014

UNWTO Congress Merges Power of Pilgrimages & Tourism to Drive Spiritual & Material Growth

Imtiaz Muqbil

Santiago de Compostela, Galicia, Spain — The global travel industry took another giant leap forward with the organisation of the first Congress on Tourism and Pilgrimages in this historic UNESCO World Heritage site city between 17-19 September. In what proved to be a unique interaction, religious leaders of all castes and creeds became tourism promoters, […]

21 Sep, 2014

Backlash of hate crimes against Muslims in Australia – Sydney Morning Herald

A car has been damaged and daubed with offensive comments, threatening letters have been sent and women have been abused in the street. A backlash of hate crimes against the Muslim community after the police raids last week has also sparked a rash of social media comments such as “this is how they should deal […]

21 Sep, 2014

Largest Survey of This Generation of Veterans Reveals Devastating Toll of America’s Global Wars

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 16, 2014 — Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) today released the results of their 2014 Annual Alumni Survey. Based on the responses of more than 21,000 wounded veterans, it includes the largest sample size of service members injured since 9/11 and is the most statistically relevant survey response of that population to date. […]

21 Sep, 2014

Appeal to Pro-Palestinian Christians to Visit Palestine as Gesture of Solidarity

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RAMALLAH, September 16, 2014 – (WAFA) – Premier Rami Hamdallah called on Tuesday pro-Palestinian Christians, especially US Christians, to visit the occupied Palestinian Territory as a gesture of solidarity. The Premier made his call during a meeting with a delegation from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops at his office in Ramallah. The meeting […]

21 Sep, 2014

US Campaign to End Israeli Occupation Holds Annual Conference in San Diego

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SAN DIEGO, September 17, 2014 – (WAFA) – Seventy five pro-Palestinian US organizations churches among other member groups of the US Campaign to End Israeli Occupation will hold their annual conference in San Diego, California. The conference, which will start on Friday, September 19 and end on Sunday, September 21, is titled the Mainstreaming of […]

21 Sep, 2014

Over 800 million world’s population hungry, says UN report

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UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — One in nine people in the world — or more than 800 million — suffer from hunger, a UN spokesman said here Tuesday, adding that the number of hungry people has dropped by more than 100 million in the past ten years and by more than 200 million in […]

21 Sep, 2014

Survey lists 10 problems Chinese feel plague their society

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-09-17 – Twenty-four percent has cited the credibility deficit of the government as a main reason behind the lack of trust in Chinese society, according to a survey conducted by People’s Tribune, a magazine of People’s Daily. The survey finds more than 80 percent of respondents think of Chinese society as “sub-healthy” and 40.4 percent  believe that a crisis of […]

21 Sep, 2014

China outlines six-point proposal for future relations with ASEAN

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NANNING, Sept. 16 (Xinhua) — Following is the translated version of the full text of a speech by Zhang Gaoli, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China at the 11th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business […]

21 Sep, 2014

Wealth-X and UBS Launch 2014 Report on the World’s Billionaires

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The second edition of the Wealth-X and UBS Billionaire Census 2014 has been released. The only comprehensive, global study on the composition and dynamics of this top-tier segment of the world’s ultra affluent population, the 2014 edition identifies key trends and statistics on the world’s ultra high net worth (UHNW) population. Writing in the foreword, […]

21 Sep, 2014

A4A Applauds House Action to Protect Travelers from More Security Tax Hikes

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 17, 2014 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, applauded unanimous House passage of bipartisan legislation authored by Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA), along with House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ranking Member Bennie Thompson (D-MS), to protect airline customers […]

21 Sep, 2014

Sept 21 Int’l Day of Peace Message: Give New Meaning to www – World Without Wars

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 19 September 2014 – With John Lennon’s iconic song “Imagine” as the backdrop, the United Nations today marked the International Day of Peace underscoring that all people have the right to peace. “We must douse the fires of extremism and tackle the root causes of conflict,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said […]

17 Sep, 2014

15 lessons a man should have learned by age 30 – Sydney Morning Herald

Patrick Smith I have something in common with Prince Harry: we both turn 30 this year. While he’s been working tirelessly on the Invictus Games, I’ve been trying – and failing – to come to terms with waving goodbye to my twenties. Here, to mark the tombstone – I mean milestone – of our 30th […]

16 Sep, 2014

New Gallup-Healthways Global Well-Being Index Upgrades Ways to Measure What Makes Life Worth Living

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WASHINGTON & NASHVILLE, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–September 16, 2014 – As part of their ongoing partnership in innovation, global well-being improvement company Healthways (NASDAQ: HWAY) and management consulting firm Gallup have released their inaugural analysis of the state of global well-being. More than 133,000 surveys in 135 countries or other areas led to the new report, entitled, […]

16 Sep, 2014

5,000 overseas students trained for master’s degree in teaching Chinese

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BEIJING, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) — China has trained more than 5,000 overseas students pursuing Master of Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages (MTCSOL) degrees. Since the MTCSOL was set up in 2007, 5,052 students from more than 100 countries have studied in China. About 3,500 have graduated, most of whom have returned to their […]

16 Sep, 2014

In major milestone, 150 states ratify UN disability convention

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 15 September 2014 – Guyana became the latest country to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which is widely regarded as the first international human rights treaty of the twenty-first century and one of the fastest to be ratified. “The 150th ratification is evidence […]

15 Sep, 2014

Gallup Polls: Americans’ trust in all branches of federal govt at or near record lows

by Jeffrey M. Jones

PRINCETON, NJ, September 15, 2014 (Gallup media release) — Americans’ trust in each of the three branches of the federal government is at or near the lows in Gallup’s trends, dating back to the early 1970s. Americans’ trust in the legislative branch fell six percentage points this year to a new low of 28%. Trust […]

15 Sep, 2014

Chris Hedges: How the U.S.-Israeli power elites lie to justify state terror – Truthdig

Chris Hedges gave this speech Saturday at the Sauk County Fairgrounds in Baraboo, Wis., before a crowd of about 2,000. I would like to begin by speaking about the people of Gaza. Their suffering is not an abstraction to me. I was the Middle East bureau chief for The New York Times. I spent seven […]

15 Sep, 2014

Chinese Commentary: Snowden nails US lie on its economic spying

By Chen Weihua

(China Daily) 2014-09-13 – The US government is an expert at taking the moral high ground when it comes to justice. But instead of being apologetic after the devastating revelations made by former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden in June last year, its top US officials, President Barack Obama included, have been claiming that […]

15 Sep, 2014

Bureau of Investigative Journalism files case challenging UK govt over media surveillance

by Rachel Oldroyd

Brussels, (BIJ media release), September 14, 2014 – The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is asking a European court to rule on whether UK legislation properly protects journalists’ sources and communications from government scrutiny and mass surveillance. The Bureau’s application was filed with the European Court of Human Rights on Friday. If the court rules in […]

15 Sep, 2014

Snowden leak: U.S. Govt tapping expats to help maintain global “supremacy”

Imtiaz Muqbil

From students to academics and businesspeople, American expatriates and citizens are being tapped to provide the U.S. government with information on anything that could help uphold its global supremacy, especially in the sectors of business, science, technology and defence, according to the latest Edward Snowden leak published by journalist Glenn Greenwald on 05 September. The […]

15 Sep, 2014

Israel Denies Palestinian Education Minister Travel Permit to Gaza

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RAMALLAH, September 14, 2014 (WAFA) – The Israeli authorities on Sunday prevented Minister of Education Khawla Shakhshir access to the Gaza Strip for the opening of the new school year, which was delayed by almost three weeks due to the recent Israeli aggression on the coastal enclave. A press release by the Ministry of Education […]

15 Sep, 2014

Israeli Professor blasts Europeans for looking the other way as Israel unleashed “holocaust” in Gaza

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BRUSSELS, Belgium, Sept 14 (NNN-KUNA) – A well-known Israeli academic and human rights activist, lambasted the Israeli atrocities being committed against the Palestinians in Gaza, but also condemned the West’s double-faced policy on the Palestine question. “I am a linguist and therefore very conscious of the power of words. What has been happening in Gaza […]

15 Sep, 2014

New Authority To Restore Historic Cairo

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 15 September 2014 (20 Dhul Qa’dah 1435). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA NOW YOU CAN BUY EXQUISITE MALAYSIAN HANDICRAFTS ONLINE […]

14 Sep, 2014

Mumbai to host Cultural Hub Along the Lines of NY Times Square

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New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 12-September-2014 – The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Tourism and Culture, Mr Mrpad Naik today announced that the Ministry of Tourism would help the Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra to create a cultural hub, most of it open air, in Mumbai. Mr Naik announced that Ministry of […]

14 Sep, 2014

Myanmar: UN officials urge greater humanitarian, development support for Rakhine

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 11 September 2014 – Two senior United Nations officials have called for increased humanitarian assistance and development efforts to meet the needs of all communities in Myanmar’s Rakhine state following a visit there this week. “Stability and sustainable peace can be achieved in Rakhine state when the needs of all […]

14 Sep, 2014

Global NGOs Warning: Mega-corporations trying to hijack UN Climate-Change Summit

Full text of statement circulated by Focus on the Global South, Bangkok.

Invitation to sign on statement to denounce corporate takeover of Climate Summit (Español, Français, Italiano below) We call upon all fellow social movements, peoples organizations and environmental and climate justice movements to sign on this statement and join us in this call to action. On the 23rd of September, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, […]

14 Sep, 2014

Activist pinpoints the four main factors destroying Indonesian forests

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Jakarta (ANTARA News), 12 September 2014 – The non-governmental environmental organization Wahana Lingkungan Hidup (WALHI) stated that four factors cause destruction to forests in Indonesia. “The four factors are industrial plantations, oil palm plantations, mining, and forest concessions,” manager of WALHI’s Forests and Plantations, Zenzi Suhadi, stated here on Friday. He noted that the four […]

13 Sep, 2014

Asia Times Online : Gaza and the Threat of World War

“There is a taboo,” said the visionary Edward Said, “on telling the truth about Palestine and the great destructive force behind Israel. Only when this truth is out can any of us be free.” For many people, the truth is out now. At last, they know. Those once intimidated into silence can’t look away now. […]

13 Sep, 2014

Gurdwara a symbol of communal harmony in flood-hit Srinagar – Hindustan Times

The Shahid Bunga Gurdwara in Burzulla area of the city has emerged as a major relief centre for people who have been affected by the devastating floods in the Kashmir valley. Mohammad Amin and Nazeer Ahmed from Allauchi Bagh are among over 1,500 Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and Ladakhis who have registered at the control room […]

13 Sep, 2014

Hindu tradition of tolerance is showing strain, says eminent Indian jurist – Hindustan Times

Eminent jurist Fali Nariman hit out at the Narendra Modi government on Friday calling it ‘majoritarian’, and also expressed the view that Hinduism is losing its tolerance. Arguing that the ‘Hindu tradition of tolerance is showing strain’, he said, “My apprehension is Hinduism is changing its benign face because…it is believed and proudly proclaimed by […]

13 Sep, 2014

Raging conflicts trigger boom in sales of security hardware – The Guardian

“Warriors”, says the sign emblazoned in huge letters across the top of the Marriott conference center in downtown Oakland. It refers to the Golden State Warriors, the hometown basketball team who have their practice facilities here, but it might equally apply to the unusual gathering inside the hotel. Sprawled across the ground floor of the […]

13 Sep, 2014

Amazon deforestation jumps 29% – theguardian.com

The destruction of the world’s largest rainforest accelerated last year with a 29% spike in deforestation, according to final figures released by the Brazilian government on Wednesday that confirmed a reversal in gains seen since 2009. Satellite data for the 12 months through the end of July 2013 showed that 5,891 sq km of forest […]

13 Sep, 2014

Taxi service for the disabled launched in Jakarta

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The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, September 11 2014 –  Indonesia’s largest taxi operator, Blue Bird Group, launched on Wednesday its new line of taxis designed for the disabled, Blue Bird Lifecare Taxi, the first of its kind in the country. The first five custom-made Nissan Serena Blue Bird taxis have power slide-up seats to ease access […]

13 Sep, 2014

BBC News – Israeli intelligence veterans refuse to spy on Palestinians

Dozens of veterans of an elite Israeli military signals intelligence unit have said they will no longer serve in operations against Palestinians. Forty-three past and present reservists signed a letter about Unit 8200, which carries out electronic surveillance. They said the intelligence it gathered – much of it concerning innocent people – was used to […]

13 Sep, 2014

World Bank Report: How the Israeli Blockade is Destroying the Palestinian Economy

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JERUSALEM, September 11, 2014 (World Bank media release) – Private sector is a key driver for economic growth and job creation but Palestinian enterprises have remained hostage to political instability, unresolved conflict, and continued restrictions on movement, access, and trade. “An active private sector is much needed to fuel economic and social progress in the […]

13 Sep, 2014

Malaysian PM: MH17 Tragedy Shows Lack of Standards on Flight Path Safety

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KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 (NNN-Bernama) — Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak has said the tragedy of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17 has exposed an “uncomfortable truth”, that there are no clear standards to determine whether a flight path is safe. The prime minister pointed out that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) – the […]

13 Sep, 2014

UK to further relax visa rules for Chinese

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-09-12 – The United Kingdom is to relax its tough rules on visas for Chinese travelers, in a bid to appease UK businesses and China’s leaders, the Telegraph reported. Visitors from China can use the European Schengen visa when changing planes at UK airports, instead of being forced by current rules to obtain […]

13 Sep, 2014

How Billionaires Like the Koch Brothers, Sheldon Adelson and Sam Walton Are Destroying America | Alternet

Sheldon Adelson, Charles and David Koch, Sam Walton, Rupert Murdoch, Linda McMahon, or hedge fund honchos like John Paulson and Steven Cohen all conform in one way or another to this historic profile. Powers to be reckoned with, they presume to know best what we should teach our kids and how we should do it; […]

13 Sep, 2014

Chinese commentary: Is the US part of the problem, or part of the solution?

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(People’s Daily Online), September 10, 2014 – Libyan militias recently took control of Tripoli, the capital of Libya, while Libya’s government has lost control over most of its state offices. The Middle East is unstable. The conflicts in Iraq and Syria have lasted for years; the Bashar al-Assad government is still fighting against anti-government activists; […]

13 Sep, 2014

Ten years after 2004 Tsunami, Indian Ocean Warning System Exercise Passes the Test

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12.09.2014 – UNESCOPRESS – The Tsunami Warning System established under the auspices of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO in the Indian Ocean following the December 2004 disaster is functioning effectively. This was demonstrated in a simulation exercise conducted on 9 and 10 September 2014, with the participation of 24 countries of the Indian […]

11 Sep, 2014

Impact of Japan-China islands dispute fades but cloud remains

By ZHANG YUNBI in Beijing and CAI HONG in Tokyo

(chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-09-09 -Public opinion polls in both China and Japan revealed that the impact of the Diaoyu Islands dispute on bilateral ties is showing signs of moderating, yet pessimism about future ties continues. The 10th Public Opinion on China-Japan Relations survey, co-sponsored annually by China Daily and Japanese nonprofit think tank Genron NPO, was released […]

11 Sep, 2014

ISIS, Love Jihad And Peaking of Islamophobia by Ram Puniyani

The ‘social common sense’ is so heavily weighted against Islam and Muslims that to talk of reason in understanding religion and its abuse for political goals seems to be a very difficult exercise. To understand that religions are for morality and peace is accepted for other religions but not for Islam in popular perception. Many […]

11 Sep, 2014

Threats force closure of Muslim-owned hotel in Gujarat – Countercurrents.org

Hotelier Mustafa Patel from Gujarat- owner of Jyoti Hotel – is a very sad these days. His famous hotel– which used to lie on Viramgam highway, merely ninety minute drive from Ahmedabad, is now closed. Anyone who has travelled on that road would vouch about its quality preparations, all the employees who worked with him […]

11 Sep, 2014

The IS behemoth, yet another Western project gone wrong – DAWN.COM

It is a typical summer flick, but it holds a great lesson for the global power politics. Hercules, released earlier in the summer, shows how the son of Zeus fights against tyrants only to realise later that he has been tricked into fighting against the good guys. President Barak Obama must also feel very Herculean. […]

11 Sep, 2014

Ensuring privacy will build both trust and business, survey of mobile apps developers shows

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Canbera, Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, 10 September 2014 – Clear, concise information about privacy practices builds customer trust and is good for business, according to privacy authorities that took part in this year’s global sweep of more than 1200 mobile apps. As mobile apps increase in popularity, many of them are seeking access […]

11 Sep, 2014

Australia Most Expensive Place for Foreign Study – HSBC Report

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HSBC media release, 10 Sept 2014 – Australia is the most expensive destination for overseas students, according to research from HSBC. The average international student would need USD42,000 a year to meet university fees and living costs in the country. The research was carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of HSBC’s Retail Banking and […]

11 Sep, 2014

Indonesian Conglomerate to Invest US$5b in ASEAN retail and healthcare, property – The Business Times

[SINGAPORE] Indonesian conglomerate Lippo Group is looking to invest up to US$5 billion in healthcare, food retailing and telecoms mainly in the Philippines, Vietnam and Myanmar over the next three to five years, its top executive said. “Partly, it’s diversification, but partly also new growth markets,” James Riady, chief executive of one of the biggest […]

11 Sep, 2014

Dynamic Modi faces daunting challenges | The Japan Times

Finally, an urgent task awaiting the new government is the need to build cohesion out of diversity. The Muslim population of India is close to 15 percent and this community is a vibrant part of India. Yet, on every economic and social measure, it ranks low. While the reasons for this are complex, the reality […]

10 Sep, 2014

Brits spend a year of their life being hungover – The Independent

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The average Briton spends over a year of their life nursing a hangover – and it takes women two hours longer than men to recover. People will spend on average 315 days of their lives battling with inevitable headaches and nausea caused by a hard night’s drinking, Macmillan Cancer Support estimates. People in the north […]

9 Sep, 2014

Facebook addiction can leave you lonely, depressed – Hindustan Times

Do you often feel you have wasted time on Facebook or termed it as a meaningless activity but still cannot let your eyes move away from the screen? You are at the risk of developing depression. According to new research, while the social networking site is there to help you stay in touch with your […]

9 Sep, 2014

A mirage called ‘Modi Magic’ – Sitaram Yechury, Hindustan Times

In Japan, he thundered, that in his first 100 days as prime minister, he has performed miracles. Stating that he was new to national politics, apprehensive of moving to Delhi, he had nevertheless reversed the ‘paralysis’ that had gripped India under the earlier government. Justifying this claim, he quoted statistical data pompously announced by the […]

9 Sep, 2014

GDP contraction revised to deeper than estimated 7.1% | The Japan Times

The economy shrank more than estimated in the April-June quarter, revised data showed Monday, piling pressure on the Abe administration to delay another consumption tax hike and the Bank of Japan to expand its stimulus. The figures will come as a blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as his program aimed at rejuvenating growth struggles […]

9 Sep, 2014

Two trillion becquerels of radioactive material may have escaped No. 1 | The Japan Times

Some 2 trillion becquerels of strontium-90 and cesium-137 may have flowed into the bay of Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s crippled Fukushima No. 1 plant during the 10 months to May this year, it was learned Sunday. The amount exceeds by 10 times the limit of radioactive material releases Tepco set before the March 2011 meltdown […]

9 Sep, 2014

For Israel, the beginning of wisdom is to admit mistakes – Avi Shlaim, The Guardian

By any objective criterion, the outcome of the (Gaza) conflict was a draw. But for a small and poorly armed militia to stand its ground against one of the mightiest armies in the world is a remarkable achievement. Not only did its fighters stand firm, they also succeeded in imposing on the enemy what it […]

8 Sep, 2014

Website launched for Palestine Museum of Natural History

Compiled by Imtiaz Muqbil & Sana Shamsi

A compilation of progressive, positive, inspiring and motivating events and developments in the world of Islam for the week ending 08 September 2014 (13 Dhul Qa’dah 1435). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA NOW YOU CAN BUY EXQUISITE MALAYSIAN HANDICRAFTS ONLINE […]

7 Sep, 2014

Chomsky: U.S. Plunges Cradle of Civilization into Disaster, While Its Oil-Based Empire Destroys the Climate – Alternet

September 5, 2014 | It is not pleasant to contemplate the thoughts that must be passing through the mind of the Owl of Minerva as the dusk falls and she undertakes the task of interpreting the era of human civilization, which may now be approaching its inglorious end. The era opened almost 10,000 years ago […]

7 Sep, 2014

ITU, UNICEF Release Industry Guidelines on Child Online Protection

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Geneva, 5 September 2014, (ITU/UNICEF media release) – The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and partners of the Child Online Protection Initiative, today released updated Guidelines to strengthen online protection for children. “The revolution in online communications have created tremendous opportunities for young people today, but at the same time they have […]

7 Sep, 2014

Between Gaza and Israel, a Border Crossing in Need of Travelers – NYTimes.com

EREZ CROSSING, at the Israel-Gaza border — At 375,000 square feet, the terminal through which travelers pass between Israel and the Gaza Strip is a vast, high-tech hangar with a capacity of 45,000 people per day. Current traffic: 400 or fewer. It was built, for about $60 million, starting in 2005, the year Israel withdrew […]

4 Sep, 2014

Exposed: How Pro-Israel Groups Conceal Their Right-wing Links from Hollywood Celebs, Media

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NEW YORK, September 3, 2014 – (WAFA) – The Los Angeles group Creative Community for Peace (CCFP) conceals its right-wing identity from Hollywood celebs and media, said the New York Campaign for the Boycott of Israel (Adalah-NY) in a press release issued Tuesday. In a press release titled Did LA pro-Israel group conceal right-wing identity from Hollywood celebs and […]

4 Sep, 2014

China plans railway network across Silk Road countries

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(China Daily), September 03, 2014 – China is negotiating with the governments of Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Pakistan to build three connective railroads to improve regional trade on the Silk Road economic belt. Huang Shengqiang, head of the China Port Management Office, said China has already opened 25 international airports and land ports as well […]

4 Sep, 2014

Six ways to fine-tune your body language — Sydney Morning Herald

It’s not just first impressions that count. Your everyday body language can be what determines whether people like or trust you – and ultimately whether they want to do business with you. If someone has already made up his or her mind about you it can be very difficult to change, so making sure your […]

4 Sep, 2014

Beijing govt officials face tighter outbound travel curbs

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-08-29  — Beijing government officials intending to go abroad for personal reasons face greater restrictions amid the nation’s crackdown on corrupt officials trying to flee overseas, Beijing Youth Daily reported. According to a circular issued in May by the capital city’s authority supervising civil servants, those taking a leading role in a division […]

4 Sep, 2014

The EU and Russia Policy: Happily Forgotten Lies – RIA Novosti

MOSCOW, September 2 (RIA Novosti) – Some of the world’s worst criminals claimed that they committed their crimes in a fit of forgetfulness or oblivion, without actually realizing they were doing something wrong. Khodorkovsky for example complained to the German magazine Der Spiegel that he “sometimes suffers from memory holes.” But of all the powerful […]

4 Sep, 2014

Palestinian director Suha Arraf decries Israeli discriminatory treatment – Hindustan Times

Villa Touma’s importance lies in the fact that the movie caused a tempest, weeks before its premiere in Venice. Made by a Palestinian director (known for works such as The Syrian Bride and The Lemon Tree), Villa Touma was largely funded by Israeli organisations. But when Arraf decided to call it a Palestinian film, Tel […]

4 Sep, 2014

Bilingual babies are smarter, Singapore University research shows

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Singapore, Sept 2, 2014 – (ACN Newswire) – A team of investigators and clinician-scientists in Singapore and internationally have found that there are advantages associated with exposure to two languages in infancy. As part of a long-term birth cohort study of Singaporean mothers and their offspring called GUSTO – seminally a tripartite project between A*STAR’s […]

4 Sep, 2014

UN conference ponders ways to curb decline in fish population

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 3 September 2014 – Fishermen in coastal Samoan villages say there are less fish than there used to be and worry that the fish populations will soon disappear altogether, but participants at a United Nations conference on forming partnerships with small island developing states are vowing to prevent that from […]

4 Sep, 2014

Erosion of Gaza’s economy worsens amid Israeli military operations, blockade – UN

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 3 September 2014 – Even before the latest crisis in the Gaza Strip, the tiny enclave’s local economy was in a state of total collapse, chiefly due to the accumulated impact of a crushing seven-year blockade and two devastating Israeli military operations in November 2012 and December 2008, according to […]

4 Sep, 2014

Toyota Long-distance Driving Challenge to Train Personnel, Encourage Sustainability and Make Better Cars

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Tokyo, Sept 3, 2014 – (JCN Newswire) – To inspire plans for future models and provide valuable training opportunities, Toyota Motor Corporation today began a project in which Toyota employees put themselves and vehicles to the test over vast distances in Australia, a country with a famously wide variety of roads. Many consider Australia to […]

4 Sep, 2014

Palestinian buyer braves it through Gaza tunnels to China’s Canton Fair

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GUANGZHO, China, Sept. 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — China has long maintained that the dispute between Palestine and Israel should be resolved through negotiations and communication, not violence. In that spirit, Canton Fair, China’s biggest trade event, has always welcomed both Palestinian and Israeli businessmen. For Palestinian businessmen, especially those in Gaza strip, a visit to […]

3 Sep, 2014

Nepal puts temporary ban on domestic helpers going to Gulf countries

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KATHMANDU, Sept 2 (NNN-Bernama) — Nepal has temporarily stopped issuing work permits to women seeking to go abroad as domestic helpers in the Gulf countries. The government has decided not to issue housemaid work permits and conveyed it to labour receiving countries in the Gulf region requesting them not to employ Nepali women in the […]

3 Sep, 2014

With nearly 3 billion now online, UN-backed forum opens to debate key Internet issues

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Istanbul, UN News Centre, 2 September 2014 – The ninth annual meeting of the United Nations-backed Internet Governance Forum (IGF) has opened in Istanbul, Turkey with more than 2,500 participants who will debate over the next four days key issues “that could affect every Internet user today and tomorrow.” The first day heard discussions on […]

3 Sep, 2014

Modi’s 100 days: Biding his time, circling the wagons – Al Jazeera

If there is one arena where the Modi government and the prime minister personally are seen as having done poorly in their first 100 days, it is in their failure to control BJP leaders and members engaging in hate speech and divisive politics. Although the Uttar Pradesh assembly does not go to the polls till […]

2 Sep, 2014

Mark World Day for Decent Work – October 7, 2014

Statement by Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, ITUC

Geneva, 2 Sept 2014 (ITUC media release) — The world is on an unsustainable path. Vast numbers of working people face insecurity in their jobs and the highest levels of inequality in living memory. One half of working families have experienced unemployment or reduced working hours in the past two years, while 1.2 billion people […]

2 Sep, 2014

Transparency Int’l blitz to unmask crooks, cronies and the corrupt in Switzerland

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2 September 2014 (Media release)  Transparency International Switzerland – Switzerland must make it much harder for the corrupt to hide behind secret companies if the country wants to keep criminal activity out of its financial system, Transparency International Switzerland said today as it launched the “Unmask the Corrupt” campaign in Switzerland. Currently, Switzerland does not […]

2 Sep, 2014

Being Palestinian Got Me Barred from Visiting Palestine | Alternet

By Amanda Michelle This is my first time at the Israeli-controlled border between Palestine and Jordan. I am traveling with 15 young Arab-Americans, mostly Palestinian, to do community service work and connect with our heritage and homeland.​ We have arrived at the Allenby Bridge anxious & apprehensive, having heard countless stories of harassment by Israeli […]

2 Sep, 2014

2014 UNESCO Asia‐Pacific Heritage Award Winners Announced

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BANGKOK, 2 September 2014, (UNESCO media release) — A total of 14 projects from 10 countries, including Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, New Zealand and Thailand, have been recognized in this year’s UNESCO Asia‐ Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. A panel of international conservation experts met in June to review 46 entries from […]

2 Sep, 2014

Global Unions Call to Action on Gaza / Thousands of postcards for peace to be delivered to UN Chief

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Geneva (ITUC media release) – The International Trades Union Confederation is horrified by the appalling death toll of civilians in Gaza. Schools, hospitals and the only power station have been bombed, drawing heavy condemnation from the United Nations, several of whose personnel have also lost their lives. The targeting of civilians is against international law […]