30 Nov, 2014

Gadhimai Hindu festival: Global condemnation of slaughter of more than 5,000 buffaloes – The Independent

The slaughter of more than 5,000 buffaloes at the Gadhimai Hindu festival in Nepal has drawn global condemnation from animal charities. Many more buffaloes and farm animals including chickens, goats and pigs are due to be killed as part of what is thought to be the world’s largest animal sacrifice ritual. Devotees believe the event […]

30 Nov, 2014

Young Londoners flee capital for the regions | The Observer

Young ambitious thirtysomethings are leaving London in droves. Record numbers are turning their backs on the capital and flocking to England’s regional cities, according to an analysis of official data that suggests a significant exodus from London is under way. Figures released by the Office for National Statistics show that, in the year to June […]

29 Nov, 2014

Opening the windows: European Commission commits to enhanced transparency

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European Commission – Press release, Strasbourg, 25 November 2014 – The European Commission today gave a boost to transparency by committing to publishing information about who meets its political leaders and senior officials and to providing greater access to documents relating to the negotiations for a Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) with the United […]

29 Nov, 2014

Beijing municipal parks launch APEC travel routes

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-11-28 – Six municipal parks in the Chinese capital have launched different tourism routes to promote sites in the parks, which were visited by global leaders and their spouses during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting earlier this month, according to Beijing Municipal Administration Center of Parks. The parks have made special arrangements […]

29 Nov, 2014

Gaza Patients Need Israeli Approval to Cross Border to Egypt for Treatment

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JERUSALEM, November 27, 2014 – (WAFA) – The patient applications that were granted approval for Gazans by Israeli occupation authorities to cross Erez crossing for medical treatment dropped by 5.78%, reported the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). “In October, the total number of permit applications to cross Erez (which included casualty […]

29 Nov, 2014

3 Dec: International Day for Persons with Disabilities

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United Nations, 28 November 2014, UN News Centre – Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, to be observed on 3 December: This year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities focuses on the theme, “Sustainable Development: The Promise of Technology”. Technology has changed the world, bringing knowledge […]

29 Nov, 2014

European Socialists and Democrats Welcome Initiatives of National Parliaments to Recognize State of Palestine

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BRUSSELS, November 27, 2014 (WAFA) – European Socialists and Democrats (S&D) member of parliament (MEP) and vice-president for foreign affairs Victor Boştinaru welcomed the initiatives of national parliaments to recognize the Palestinian state, stressing that, “This recognition and the negotiations must go hand in hand because together they represent a challenge and an opportunity but […]

29 Nov, 2014

Macy’s says “huanying” to Chinese tourists

By AMY HE

New York, (China Daily USA), 2014-11-28 – The presence of a China-themed float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time was perhaps symbolic of the rising importance of Chinese customers to one of the world’s largest department stores. The Macy’s in Herald Square in New York has undergone a $400 million renovation […]

29 Nov, 2014

MILF decommissioning fighters starting Jan 2015 | Manila Bulletin

Manila The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has agreed to start the decommissioning of its estimated 11,000 fully armed combatants and weapons by January, 2015. However, ammunitions are not covered by the decommissioning in accordance with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF peace panel in the peace process […]

29 Nov, 2014

Airline surcharges fly high despite slump in fuel prices — Sydney Morning Herald

Passengers will be wishing Australia had taken a leaf out of Hong Kong’s book before the Christmas holidays, the busiest flying time of the year. Since January, the Chinese territory’s aviation regulators have forced Qantas and other airlines to drop passenger fuel surcharges on long-haul flights by almost a third to $HK628 ($95). ‘I can […]

29 Nov, 2014

The two signs you’re a workaholic – Sydney Morning Herald

There’s never been an easier time to be a workaholic. If you’re so inclined, you have at your disposal a number of contraptions and factors to get you hooked. There’s the ubiquitous ‘smart’ phone, with your job merely a tap away. There’s the ‘do more with less’ mantra, compelling you to fill the gap. And […]

28 Nov, 2014

Ex-Thai Foreign Minister calls on Israel to end “cage-like existence” of Palestinian people

Imtiaz Muqbil

United Nations Asia-Pacific HQ, Bangkok – Thailand is proud to have recognised the state of Palestine, and “does not wish to see a colonial-like situation happening to fellow human beings such as the Palestinians in this 21st century,” former Thai Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya told a high-level turnout here on Nov 25. In a keynote […]

27 Nov, 2014

Near-collisions between drones, airliners surge, new FAA reports show – The Washington Post

Pilots around the United States have reported a surge in near-collisions and other dangerous encounters with small drones in the past six months at a time when the Federal Aviation Administration is gradually opening the nation’s skies to remotely controlled aircraft, according to FAA records. Since June 1, commercial airlines, private pilots and air-traffic controllers […]

27 Nov, 2014

Andalusian Parliament to Host Global Conference Supporting Palestinian Rights

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United Nations, 25 Nov 2014 — The United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People joined by United Cities and Local Governments, the Andalusian Fund of Municipalities for International Solidarity and the Junta of Andalusia will convene the International Conference of Local Governments and Civil Society Organizations in Support […]

27 Nov, 2014

Durham County boots security firm G4S over profiteering from Israeli occupation

Source: Announcement by Jewish Voice for Peace

Landmark victory in North Carolina Thank Durham County for ending million dollar contract with occupation profiteer G4S Dear Supporter, Many of us were in the streets last night: protesting the injustice done in #Ferguson, demanding that #blacklivesmatter, re-committing to fighting against this system of injustice. A system we know will come down brick by brick. […]

27 Nov, 2014

Health & Wellness: Obesity-related cancers rising, especially in developed countries – UN report

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 26 November 2014 – Being overweight or obese have become major risk factors for developing cancer, particularly among women and in more developed countries, the specialized cancer agency of the United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) reported today. Overweight and obesity are responsible for an estimated 481,000 – or 3.6 […]

27 Nov, 2014

Ritual dancing, bread-making among cultural practices added to UNESCO heritage list

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 26 November 2014 – Brazil’s martial art of Capoeira, Burundi’s ritual dance of the royal drum and the preparation of Lavash – a popular flatbread integral to Armenian cuisine – are among the eight elements added today to the United Nations-endorsed list of the world’s intangible cultural heritage – part […]

27 Nov, 2014

Beijing mulls APEC car restrictions for long-term use

By Zheng Jinran

Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2014-11-26 – Beijing is considering turning a temporary restriction on private vehicles — a system based on odd-even license plate numbers that was used during the APEC meetings — into a long-term policy, drawing praise as well as concerns from the public. “We have received much positive feedback on the odd-even license plate traffic […]

26 Nov, 2014

Palestinian Statehood Would “Contribute to Elimination of Violence, Extremism and Terrorism” – President

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PRETORIA, November 26, 2014 – (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas stated Wednesday that resolving the Palestinian question would contribute to the eradication of violence, religious extremism and terrorism. Abbas made these remarks during a joint press conference with his South African counterpart Jacob Zuma in Pretoria, the executive de facto national South African capital, where […]

26 Nov, 2014

Sign up for FREE PATA Webinar on The New Era of “Prepare, Prevent, Pre-empt”

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BANGKOK, November 25, 2014 (PATA media release) — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is offering a free webinar to members and non-members on crisis preparedness and prevention. This year marks the 10th anniversary since the deadly December 26, 2004 tsunami that devastated many coastlines across Asia. With a third of the global population, rising […]

26 Nov, 2014

In U.S., 37% Do Not Feel Safe Walking at Night Near Home

by Andrew Dugan

WASHINGTON, D.C., 25 Nov 2014, Gallup.com — Fewer than four in 10 adults in the U.S. (37%) say there is an area within a mile of where they live where they would be afraid to walk alone at night, similar to Americans’ attitudes over the last decade and a half. Most Americans continue to feel […]

26 Nov, 2014

Indian VP’s warning: “Development” must not come at the cost of human rights, freedom and justice

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New Delhi, (Press Information Bureau) — The Vice President of India Prof Dr M. Hamid Ansari has emphasized the need for continual oversight to ensure that liberty is not smothered in material prosperity. Delivering the Eighth V.M. Tarkunde Memorial Lecture on “Citizens and State Conduct” on 21 November, he said that the comprehension and advocacy […]

26 Nov, 2014

China launches annual pass for 800 tourist attractions, only 150 yuan

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-25 – A national tourism annual pass that is accessible to more than 800 attractions in China for 2015 is now available to purchase in Beijing. Priced at 150 yuan ($24), the annual pass covers 806 parks, scenic areas and museums in 16 provinces and municipalities, with the majority free for multiple entries […]

26 Nov, 2014

Indonesian President sets new leadership standards during private Singapore visit | The Jakarta Post

Imtiaz Muqbil

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo returned to Indonesia on Sunday after completing a short trip to Singapore, where he attended his son’s graduation ceremony, snapped selfies with his son’s college friends and had a courtesy-call meeting with the prime minister of the city-state. Jokowi and First Lady Iriana arrived in Singapore on Friday evening to attend […]

26 Nov, 2014

China to accelerate water conservation projects

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BEIJING, Nov. 25 (Xinhua) — China will step up construction of major water conservation projects, especially in rural areas and central and western regions. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday that governments should accelerate 172 water conservation programs that have strong economic and social importance, during a visit to the Ministry of Water Resources. […]

26 Nov, 2014

Health & Wellness: ECRI Institute Lists Top 10 Health Technology Hazards for 2015

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PLYMOUTH MEETING, Pa., Nov. 25, 2014, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — What could possibly go wrong in hospitals? Many things, according to ECRI Institute, an independent nonprofit that researches the best approaches to improving patient care. Hazards caused by medical technology are a prime example—because hazards can lead to accidents and patient harm. To help hospitals reduce technology-related risks, […]

26 Nov, 2014

Accor Hotels releases findings of 2014 Social Media Monitor

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Accor Hotels media release – Nov 26, 2014 – The 2014 Accorhotels Social Media Monitor found that 4 out of 5 respondents follow brands on social media, with the Chinese and Vietnamese the most keen, and those from Japan, Australia and New Zealand the least. Generally speaking, women and younger travellers are more likely to […]

26 Nov, 2014

Advancing ASEAN cultural integration: Mosque tours workshop held in Bangkok

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – The goal of ASEAN cultural integration took a major step forward over the Nov 15-16 weekend with the first workshop on guiding visitors through Islamic mosques in Thailand. About 30 Muslim guides and travel industry executives attended the workshop organised by Imam Abdul Ahad (Mr. Thanarat Watcharapisud) of the Haroon Mosque, one of […]

26 Nov, 2014

Top Universities releases list of Best Cities for Students 2015

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LONDON, Nov. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Paris tops for the third consecutive year the QS Best Student Cities, a ranking of the world’s top cities for students, released today on TopUniversities.com. Melbourne (2nd) gains three places while London drops to the third position. The ranking, compiled by the team behind the QS World University Rankings, […]

25 Nov, 2014

‘Peace process hangs from a thread,’ UN warns ahead of Day of Solidarity with Palestinians

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United Nations, UN News Centre, 24 November 2014 – United Nations officials today voiced their solidarity with the people of Palestine, while calling on both sides involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to cease acts of violence, overcome their differences, and resume peace talks with a clear framework towards resolving the decades-long dispute. “Regrettably, as we […]

24 Nov, 2014

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan to perform at Nobel Peace Prize Concert

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 24 November 2014 (02 Safar 1436). 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 […]

24 Nov, 2014

Glimmer of Hope for Thailand: Uptick in Oct marks first monthly arrivals growth in 2014

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – A 67% surge in arrivals from China helped Thailand record an overall growth of 6.14% in visitors in October, the first month of positive growth this year. It was the first glimmer of hope that the third-quarter 2014 will generate an uptick, if not an outright upturn, in visitor arrivals and help Thailand […]

24 Nov, 2014

Muslims, Buddhists team up to bring about peace for Rohingya | The Jakarta Post

Muslims and Buddhists in Indonesia are joining forces to push for conflict resolution in Myanmar, where the Rohingya Muslim minority has been persecuted and denied citizenship for more than three decades. Indonesia’s largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said that in collaboration with the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) and the Council of Buddhist Communities (Walubi), […]

24 Nov, 2014

Foreign workers in demand amid tourism surge | The Japan Times

Demand for foreign workers has been strong in Japan over the past few years as the number of foreign tourists rises and an increasing number of domestic companies aim to expand their business abroad. Since its establishment in 2004, Globalpower Inc., a Tokyo-based staffing agency specializing in foreign nationals, especially those with strong Japanese-language skills, […]

24 Nov, 2014

90 NGOs call for end to “abusive” working conditions of 2.4m migrant workers in Gulf

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Brussels, 23 November 2014 (ITUC OnLine) – Labor ministers from Gulf and Asian countries meeting on November 26 and 27, 2014, should improve labor law protection, reform abusive immigration policies, and increase dialogue with trade unions and nongovernmental groups, 90 human rights organizations and unions said today. Millions of contract workers from Asia and Africa, […]

24 Nov, 2014

Thailand: Malls here, malls there, malls everywhere – The Nation

The proliferation of shopping malls here has reduced entertainment to acquisition, success to greed, interaction to purchasing, and humans to mere buyers and sellers. Our mall culture has sown the value of money and material things as absolute. Everything can be measured by the act of consumption. It is, in turn, providing a fertile petri […]

23 Nov, 2014

Spotlight on safe havens for corrupt Chinese officials

By Chen Weihua

Washington DC, (China Daily) 2014-11-21 – The United States has been waging wars all over the world trying to deny safe haven to extreme terrorists. But to many Chinese, the US itself has for too long been a safe haven for a large group of bad guys – corrupt Chinese officials on the run. These […]

23 Nov, 2014

Int’l Conference Endorses Formation of Global Solidarity Network with Palestinians

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RAMALLAH, November 21, 2014 (WAFA) – At the closing session of the ‘International Conference of Local Authorities in Solidarity with the Palestinian People’, international participants endorsed the formation of an international network of solidarity with the Palestinian people, under the title, ‘The International Network in Solidarity with the Palestinian Local Authorities.” The aim of this […]

23 Nov, 2014

UK employers told to look out for the signs of domestic violence – The Independent

In the advice from the Government’s health agency, managers will be asked to spot sudden shifts in behaviour, or changes to clothing and appearance which may disguise bruising, and are to be encouraged to approach staff sensitively and offer help. One in four women and one in six men experience domestic violence at some point […]

23 Nov, 2014

Adults not protecting us from hurt, mistreatment, dangerous labor, say one-third of world’s children

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RICHMOND, Va.–BUSINESS WIRE –November 20, 2014  — Twenty-five years after world governments ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, a seminal, multinational agreement that set out basic protections for the globe’s children, a crescendo of children’s voices – an astonishing one in three children around the world – today say that adults are […]

23 Nov, 2014

Consumer Watchdog Praises European Parliament’s Call To Break Up Google

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SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 21, 2014, /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Consumer Watchdog today praised an expected call from the European Parliament to break up Google to end the Internet giant’s monopolistic dominance, a remedy that the public interest group proposed more than four years ago. The Financial Times first reported today that the European Parliament is expected to […]

23 Nov, 2014

Broadway hotel fined a couple £100 for bad review on Tripadvisor — The Guardian

The Broadway, a labyrinthine budget hotel in Blackpool’s South Shore area, made international news this week, when it emerged it had charged a couple from Cumbria £100 for slagging it off on TripAdvisor. Tony and Jan Jenkinson found the charge on their credit card bill after describing the hotel as a “FILTHY, DIRTY ROTTEN STINKING […]

22 Nov, 2014

Denial is not a cure for historical abuse, truth is – Hindustan Times

History should not extend itself into the present and colour our evaluations of a people today. For example, we don’t need to settle scores with today’s British for the actions of their ancestors. And furthermore, if Indian Christians are not blamed for British excesses just because the British happened to be Christians, why should Indian […]

22 Nov, 2014

Modi, I will remain RSS swayamsevaks: Rajnath – Hindustan Times

Asked about the RSS, which is seen as the spiritual and ideological guide of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he said, “RSS is not an external force. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and I are both from the RSS. Where is the question of RSS influence? “The PM and I will remain RSS swayamsevaks all our […]

22 Nov, 2014

2002 Gujarat riots: US court seeks response to objections over PM Modi’s immunity | The Indian Express

A US court has asked the State Department to respond by December 10 to the objections raised by a rights group over the immunity granted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with a lawsuit filed against him for his alleged role in the 2002 Gujarat riots. The American Justice Center (AJC) had filed a […]

22 Nov, 2014

‘Papal visit can help bring peace to Mindanao’ | Manila Bulletin

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad yesterday said the forthcoming apostolic visit of Pope Francis to the country “as an opportunity to bring peace in Mindanao.” In an interview over Church-run Radio Veritas, Jumoad said that even if the Pope will not visit Mindanao, “the Prelature of Isabela in Basilan hopes that the historic visit will finally […]

22 Nov, 2014

Asia Times Online: A U.S. General’s Inside Account of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars

Why We Lost: A General’s Inside Account of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars, by Daniel P Bolger “I am a United States Army general, and I lost the Global War on Terrorism,” Lieutenant-General Daniel Bolger begins his history of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. “It’s like Alcoholics Anonymous; step one is admitting you have a […]

22 Nov, 2014

BBC News – Women bosses ‘more depressed’ than male counterparts

Women are more likely than men to display symptoms of depression when in a position of authority at work, according to US scientists. In men, authority, such as the ability to hire and fire people, decreases depressive symptoms, the study said. The study, published in the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, looked at 2,800 […]

22 Nov, 2014

How to Avoid a Holiday Spending Hangover: Tips for the Shopping Season

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Beloit, WI (PRWEB) November 21, 2014 — With consumer sentiment the highest it’s been since the recession, shoppers are expected to open their wallets a bit wider this year. Will holiday spending leave shoppers in the red? Not if they plan wisely and use some common sense Sound Advice tips from First National Bank and […]

21 Nov, 2014

Fears grow about Hindu ‘Modi-fication’ of education – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: Indians were flying aeroplanes, carrying out stem cell research and may even have been using cosmic weapons 5,000 years ago, according to the chairman of India’s leading historical organisation. Professor Y Sudershan Rao, the head of the Indian Council of Historical Research, has been criticized by fellow historians for comments that Hindu epics […]

21 Nov, 2014

UCLA students vote in favor of Israel divestment – Haaretz

The UCLA undergraduate student government passed a resolution that calls for the University of California to divest from American companies that are accused of abusing Palestinian human rights. The student government passed the divestment resolution by a vote of 8 to 2, with two abstentions on Tuesday night. The passing vote comes nine months after […]

21 Nov, 2014

China Focus: High speed rail brings changes to western China

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BEIJING, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) — China’s high speed rail scheme is expanding to the country’s west, bringing changes to the local development. The Lanxin high-speed railway linking Xinjiang’s Urumqi with Lanzhou, capital city of the northwestern province of Gansu, will be put into service by the end of this year, providing a fast and modern […]

21 Nov, 2014

Woman opens professional cuddling shop – The Independent

Professional cuddler Samantha Hess has opened a pro cuddling shop, where for $60 customers can get an hour’s worth of spooning and “the level of human contact that we want or need in order to be our optimal selves.” Located in Portland, Oregon, the shop is called Cuddle Up To Me and is already very […]

21 Nov, 2014

Rail Travellers in Belgium Join the Mobile Work Revolution

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BRUSSELS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–November 19, 2014 — An agreement between Regus and railway operator NMBS will provide workspaces, co-working hubs, and meeting rooms for train clients in Belgium. From early 2015, instant-access Regus Express business lounges will open across the country’s rail network. The launches will extend Regus’ network in Belgium to 21 locations, and transform business […]

21 Nov, 2014

India set to become the next lackey of Israel

While every other ally of Israel has distanced itself from Israel’s policies after its offensive in Gaza this summer – especially on settlements – India has pledged to strengthen its relations with the country. A visit by India’s Home Minister Rajnath Singh to Israel this month became an chance for India to proclaim its steadfast […]

21 Nov, 2014

Men fall in love faster than women, but wait longer to say so, survey finds – The Independent

Men appear to be shier than women when it comes to confessing their love to a new partner, but get that fuzzy feeling faster than women, according to new research. While women typically say ‘I love you’ three months earlier than men, it is actually men who succumb to love sooner– on an average of […]

21 Nov, 2014

Chinese commentary: US policies creating a time bomb in Asia-Pacific

By Li Haidong (China Daily)

Beijing, 2014-11-21, Chinadaily.com – Washington’s persistence in pushing its pivot to Asia strategy reveals the fragility of US power and its Cold War mentality Prior to his departure from the recently concluded G20 Summit in Australia, US President Barack Obama, in a speech at the University of Queensland on Saturday, stressed that the Asia-Pacific region […]

21 Nov, 2014

China’s groundwater plagued by pollution

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Beijing (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-19 – A report released by China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) revealed the majority of China’s groundwater is plagued by pollution, Xinhua News Agency reported Wednesday. The ministry described the water quality in an estimated 60 percent of the 4,778 groundwater monitoring sites across the country as “bad” or “very bad” in […]

21 Nov, 2014

New research opens door for travel & tourism to demand answers for failed “war on terror”

Imtiaz Muqbil

The Global Terrorism Index 2014 (GTI), released earlier this week, will provide the travel & tourism industry with powerful research to challenge the conventional wisdoms on the “war on terror” and start pursuing alternative perspectives. The report provides statistics clearly showing that nearly 15 years after 9-11 attacks, the trillions of dollars spent on combatting […]

20 Nov, 2014

Beware of cover for making anti-Muslim bigotry respectable – Sydney Morning Herald

In the case of contemporary anti-Muslim feeling, there are frequently racialised elements. Religion can be used as a surrogate for race. When we see verbal and other attacks against Muslim Australians, it is often accompanied by a nastiness that resembles racial hatred. Anti-Muslim sentiment can be based on negative racial stereotypes about people from the […]

20 Nov, 2014

A view of India based on hatred – Vir Sanghvi, Hindustan Times

But that doesn’t explain the rancour, the viciousness of the responses and the bitterness displayed by many of those attacking Nehru and especially by the angry army of abusive trolls on social media who spend their days posting abuse all the way from Vancouver to Versova. That anger stems from two entirely separate factors. The […]

20 Nov, 2014

Uber executive stirs up privacy controversy – The Washington Post

An Uber executive’s suggestion that the company should investigate the private lives of journalists has sparked a backlash against the popular car service, offering a potent reminder that tech companies are amassing detailed — and potentially embarrassing — records of users’ communications, Internet traffic and even physical movements. The controversy stemmed from remarks by Uber […]

19 Nov, 2014

ASEAN To Develop SME Sector Under Malaysia’s Stewardship – PM Najib

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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Nov 19 (NNN-Bernama) — Asean will develop a comprehensive regional small and medium enterprise (SME) sector under Malaysia’s chairmanship, Najib Tun Razak said. The prime minister said the commitment reflected the importance of the SME sector in the Malaysian economy and the region. “I hope to announce a strategic plan to this […]

19 Nov, 2014

The Right-wing route is wrong – Hindustan Times

The current flavour of the month for the chatteratti is the 125th birth anniversary of the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru. For the media, ‘Breaking News’ is generating a debate on why the Congress has not invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to its international seminar on Nehru’s worldview and legacy. The government of […]

18 Nov, 2014

Diabetes growing rapidly in GCC region | GulfNews.com

Dubai: Despite a slew of diabetes health awareness campaigns, the prevalence of the disease is soaring as the globe observes World Diabetes Day today. Type 2 diabetes is caused due to a decadent lifestyle and bad nutrition and the rate is not only climbing but it is expected to get far worse in the Middle […]

18 Nov, 2014

Mediterranean Citizens’ Assembly Call on their Countries to Recognize Palestine

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MARSEILLE, November 16, 2014 (WAFA) – The fifth meeting of the Mediterranean citizens’ assembly (MCA), held on Sunday in the French city of Marseille, called on the governments of their countries to recognize the state of Palestine. At the closing session of the 3-day meeting, the Mediterranean citizens, stressed that ending the Israeli occupation of […]

18 Nov, 2014

£10 charge to be introduced for up to 5.5m visitors to the UK, Labour says – The Guardian

Labour will seek to beef up its pitch to voters on immigration with a pledge to pay for 1,000 extra border guards by imposing a charge on visitors from the US and 55 other countries. Yvette Cooper, shadow home secretary, will criticise other parties for engaging in an “arms race of rhetoric” on the issue, […]

18 Nov, 2014

Asia Times Online: The siege of Julian Assange is a farce

The siege of Knightsbridge is a farce. For two years, an exaggerated, costly police presence around the Ecuadorean embassy in London has served no purpose other than to flaunt the power of the state. Their quarry is an Australian charged with no crime, a refugee from gross injustice whose only security is the room given […]

18 Nov, 2014

UK Budget cuts forcing cuts in school student exchange trips – The Independent

Whether a joyful summer away from the prying eyes of parents, or a tedious fortnight in a dreary provincial town, foreign exchanges have been a rite of passage for generations of British teenagers. But many children today are missing out on the mind-expanding opportunities offered by language and cultural exchanges, as budget cuts and safety […]

18 Nov, 2014

Facebook, Google and Apple lobby for curb to NSA surveillance – The Guardian

A coalition of technology and internet companies is lobbying to curb US National Security Agency surveillance powers and for more transparency on government data requests. The Reform Government Surveillance coalition, including Facebook, Google, Twitter, Microsoft and Apple, added its support for the race to pass a bill through the US Senate before the end of […]

18 Nov, 2014

International Cruise Victims Applauds Court Ruling Which Reinstates Negligence Suit against Cruise Line

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PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)-November 17, 2014-ICV applauds a quantum leap forward in advancing the rights of cruise ship passengers as a result of a ruling by the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals which has modernized outdated federal maritime law by recognizing the right of passengers who become victims of medical malpractice to hold the cruise lines […]

18 Nov, 2014

IOGT World Congress in Thailand advances cause of alcohol-free hotels

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Cha-am – Thailand may seem a most unlikely place to hold a convention on curbing the harmful consumption of alcohol. But that is exactly what happened between Oct 26-31 when the Regent Cha-am hotel in the seaside resort of Cha-am, about 200 kms southwest of Bangkok, hosted the largest worldwide community of non-governmental organisations committed […]

18 Nov, 2014

China nabs 288 financial crime suspects overseas

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Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2014-11-17 – China has rounded up 288 financial crime suspects overseas since Fox Hunt 2014, a special operation in July that moved against suspects hiding abroad, the public security authority said on Monday. Of those caught, 126 were brought back to confess their crimes and 81 are suspected of being involved in financial […]

18 Nov, 2014

New Yorkers to Protest Israeli “Cultural Ambassador” Idan Raichel

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NEW YORK, November 17, 2014 (WAFA) – On the evening of Tuesday, November 18, New York human rights advocates will gather for a music- and dance-filled protest of Israeli musician Idan Raichel, who will perform at Symphony Space with Vieux Farka Touré. Raichel is a self-proclaimed cultural ambassador for the state of Israel, and upon […]

17 Nov, 2014

Istanbul’s giant mosque to be “women-friendly,” architects say

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 17 November 2014 (24 Muharram 1436). 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 […]

16 Nov, 2014

16 Indian political parties to observe Dec 6 as communal harmony day in Bengal – The Times of India

KOLKATA: Sixteen Left parties on Sunday decided to observe Dec 6 – the day when the 16th century Babri mosque was destroyed in 1992 – as communal harmony and unity day across West Bengal by bringing out rallies and holding street corners. Making the announcement after a meeting of the Left parties, Communist Party of […]

16 Nov, 2014

Ayutthaya makes list of 16 Greatest Cities In Human History

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AYUTTHAYA, 15 November 2014 (NNT) – Ayutthaya has been selected as one of the Greatest Cities in Human History in a ranking compiled by businessinsider.com, according to an official. According to the deputy governor of Ayutthaya Weerawut Putraserani, Ayutthya has been listed as the 13th of the 16 Greatest Cities in Human History by businessinsider.com. […]

16 Nov, 2014

DOCOMO launches 10-language Translation App for Travelers to Japan

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Tokyo, Nov 6, 2014 – (JCN Newswire) – NTT DOCOMO, INC., a personalized mobile solutions provider for smarter living, announced today it will launch its Jspeak face-to-face mobile translation service for smartphones and tablets, targeting travelers from abroad, on November 10. Jspeak is modelled on DOCOMO’s Hanashite Hon’yaku, the mobile-based automatic translation service now offered […]

16 Nov, 2014

Health & Wellness: Regular consumption of nuts cuts by 29% chances of death by cardiac disease

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Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Nov 11, 2014 – (ACN Newswire) – Consuming nuts regularly reduces by 29% the chances of death by cardiovascular disease. This is one of the main conclusions presented in the III World Congress of Public Health Nutrition, which is being held in Las Palmas until the 14th of […]

16 Nov, 2014

Hitachi Unveils Train for the UK Intercity Express Programme

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Tokyo, Nov 13, 2014 – (JCN Newswire) – Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501, “Hitachi”) announced today that it has unveiled one of the trains being manufactured for the UK Department for Transport’s Intercity Express Programme (IEP), the order for which was received in July 2012. The new trains are scheduled to be completed by the end of […]

16 Nov, 2014

Sanctions on Russia: Europe’s loss, Thailand’s gain

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November 12, 2014, at 2230hrs (local time), Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister, had a bilateral talk with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev of the Russian Federation during his attendance at the 25th ASEAN Summit in Naypyidaw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Capt. Yongyuth Mayalarp, M.D., Government Spokesperson, revealed gist of the meeting as follows: The […]

16 Nov, 2014

Phone use may lead to brain cancer | The Indian Express

The longer someone talks over the phone – in terms of hours and years – the more likely is he/she to develop glioma, a deadly form of brain cancer, says a new study. Brain tumour rates were three times more among people, who spoke on cell or cordless phones after more than 25 years than […]

16 Nov, 2014

Israel bars outspoken Norwegian doctor from entering Gaza – The Independent

Israel has barred a Norwegian doctor from entering the Gaza Strip through its territory after he severely criticised its military campaign while volunteering at a Gaza hospital during the devastating conflict over the summer. There was no immediate Israeli confirmation of Norwegian media reports that Dr Mads Gilbert, a trauma surgeon and far-left political activist, […]

16 Nov, 2014

Israel denies Colombian foreign minister entry to Ramallah – Haaretz

Israel denied this week a request by Colombian Foreign Minister Maria Angela Holguin to visit Ramallah. According to a statement by the Foreign Ministry in Bogota, Israel would only permit Holguin to visit Ramallah if she agreed to visit Jerusalem on the same visit to the region. A senior official in the Israeli Foreign Ministry […]

16 Nov, 2014

PAL targets to be a five-star airline, starts NY flights March 15 – Manila Bulletin

Over the medium term, Philippine Airlines (PAL) targets to be one of the best in the world, with a five-star rating, from being a three-star today, as it focuses on a handful of American cities, beefs up both international and regional destinations via code-shares and expand in the local market. At the same time, the […]

16 Nov, 2014

In Pictures: ‘We are all Palestinians’ – Al Jazeera English

In attempting to develop links across Palestine’s fragmented geography, the second edition of “Qalandia International” – Palestine’s contemporary arts biennial – undoubtedly faced challenges. Whether the festival should even take place, given the recent bombardment of Gaza, was brought into question before this year’s launch in Ramallah. Yet, the organising committee decided the festival should […]

16 Nov, 2014

The Saffronization of India | Arab News

Muharram has for centuries been one of the most secular events in the subcontinent. Some of the finest lines hailing the sacrifice of Hussain may Allah be pleased with him have been penned by Hindu poets. Back home in Hyderabad, Hindu families turn up in large numbers to watch and take part in the procession, […]

14 Nov, 2014

It’s the geopolitics, stupid: ETC reports analyse impact of Ukraine standoff on Russian travel

Imtiaz Muqbil

Russian outbound travel to Europe has taken a hit in the wake of the geopolitical standoff over Ukraine and is likely to end the year with 1.2 million fewer visitors than last year. At the same time, travel from Europe and the United States to Russia has also suffered, according to a report by the […]

13 Nov, 2014

Ex-Tourism Authority of Thailand chief to be charged with bribery – The Nation

Bangkok – THE NATIONAL Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) has declared that it will file charges against former Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) governor Juthamas Siriwan, who has been accused of accepting bribes from Hollywood filmmakers. The charges will go to the Office of the Attorney-General in the next few weeks. The process of filing charges began […]

13 Nov, 2014

Int’l Trade Union Confederation: Secretive TPP Trade Talks Must Stop

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Brussels, 11 November 2014 (ITUC OnLine): The ITUC has called on governments to stop negotiations on the “Trans-Pacific Partnership” agreement, criticising the secrecy and corporate bias in the current negotiations. Sharan Burrow, ITUC General Secretary, said “This secretive trade deal is good for some multinational corporations, but deeply damaging to ordinary people and the very […]

13 Nov, 2014

NY Activists Plan Protest against Israel’s Batsheva Dance Company in Brooklyn

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NEW YORK, November 12, 2014 (WAFA) – Adalah-NY and other human rights activists will hold a protest on Wednesday evening in front of the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) against the U.S. premiere of Israeli Batsheva Dance Company’s ‘Sadeh21”, for its complicity in Israel’s violations of international law and refusal to take a stand against […]

13 Nov, 2014

Jewish fanatics attack Palestinian mosque, homes, factory

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RAMALLAH, November 12, 2014 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers at dawn Wednesday broke into the village of Mughayir, northeast of Ramallah, and set a mosque on fire, completely burning the first floor, according to local sources. The sources said that locals noticed fire at the mosque during the pre-dawn hours and rushed to help put it […]

13 Nov, 2014

Paedophile hunters: the vigilantes taking the law into their own hands – The Guardian

The pair of underage girls groomed for sex by a 50-year-old paedophile, Peter Mitchell, could not attend his sentencing at Derby crown court on Tuesday for one simple reason: they did not exist. The satisfaction of justice was instead enjoyed by a middle-aged married couple who have become the latest in a wave of vigilante […]

13 Nov, 2014

Who will support people who are ageing without children? – theguardian.com

By 2030, 2 million people are predicted to be over 65 without adult children, according to a 2014 report. This represents a huge demographic shift: approximately a quarter of people will get older without ever having had children. It’s astonishing that such a shift in society has been almost completely ignored in ageing debates. So […]

13 Nov, 2014

Palestine Signs US$3m Gaza Rubble Removal Agreement with Sweden

Imtiaz Muqbil

RAMALLAH, November 12, 2014 – (WAFA) – Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah signed on Wednesday a funding agreement with Sweden for the removal of rubble in the Gaza Strip. A three million dollars agreement was signed by Swedish Consul-General in Jerusalem Ann-Sofia Nilsson and UNPD Representative Frode Mauring at the Prime Minister’s Office in Ramallah to […]

13 Nov, 2014

Israel installing Electronic Gates at Entrances to Al-Aqsa Mosque

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JERUSALEM, November 12, 2014 – (WAFA) – The council of Islamic Waqf and the Supreme Muslim Council (SMC) warned Wednesday against Israel’s plans to install electronic gates at the entrances leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound in Jerusalem. The councils warned against a plan devised by the Israeli Internal Security Ministry to install e-gates at the […]

13 Nov, 2014

Former UK extremist denounces right-wing group as ‘disgusting’ – The Independent

A former member of extreme right-wing group Britain First who had a change of heart and left has branded the organisation’s latest actions “disgusting” – and visited two mosques to apologise. Matthew Lester, 26, who joined Britain First six months ago, spoke out to The Independent and condemned Paul Golding’s actions yesterday when he threatened […]

13 Nov, 2014

Banks fined £2.6bn, leaving London’s reputation in tatters – The Independent

In one of the darkest days in the histories of the City and Wall Street, six major banks were have been fined a total of £2.6bn by regulators. A seventh, Barclays, is still in talks over the size of its penalty. The punishments came after an inquiry by watchdogs in Britain, the US and Switzerland […]

13 Nov, 2014

What you’re not being told about US-China climate deal – The Independent

China and the US, the two biggest polluters in the world, have been secretly negotiating for nine months to agree what Barack Obama has dubbed a “historic” deal on reducing carbon emissions. The US has pledged to reduce emissions by 26-28 per cent by 2025 compared to 2005 levels and China pledged to reduce their […]

13 Nov, 2014

Australia falls behind in battle for Chinese tourists, TripAdvisor suggests

November 13, 2014 – Australia ranks just 17th on the list of the most popular international destinations for Chinese travellers despite our big push to attract them, according to new data from TripAdvisor. Data based on page views recorded on daodao.com – TripAdvisor’s official website in China – between September 2013 and September 2014 found […]