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Archive for August, 2015

31 Aug, 2015

China’s important contribution to WWII victory little known to Europeans: German ex-chancellor

by Xinhua writers He Mengshu, Ban Wei

BERLIN, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) — China made a very important contribution to the victory in the World War II (WWII), which was little known to Europeans, former German chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has said. Schroeder is among dozens of foreign statesmen invited to witness the military parade of China to celebrate the WWII victory. The event […]

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31 Aug, 2015

Chinese-built modern airport boosts Western Kenya’s economy

NAIROBI, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) — The economy of Kenya’s western region has experienced a dramatic revival following the modernization of Kisumu International Airport by a Chinese company. Located on the edge of Kenya’s third largest city, the upgraded Kisumu International Airport is now a busy transport hub connecting the country to the wider eastern African […]

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31 Aug, 2015

Thousands of Australian undergrads to get funding for study abroad in 2016

Canberra,  28 August 2015, Australian government Joint Media Release — Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop and Minister for Education and Training Christopher Pyne today released details of the 461 mobility projects that will be funded in 2016 under the New Colombo Plan. The New Colombo Plan is a signature initiative of the Australian Government […]

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31 Aug, 2015

Islamic Tourism: Lombok to host 2nd Travel Mart & ASEAN Seminar

The city of Mataram, Lombok, Indonesia has been chosen by the Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia, to host the 2nd World Islamic Tourism Mart & ASEAN Joint Seminar on Islamic Tourism from 22nd to 24th October 2015. WITM-JOSIT is a joint collaboration between WiTM Event and the Ministry of Tourism, Indonesia. This is going to be […]

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31 Aug, 2015

India’s IATA agents blast “foreign airlines” trying to “dictate terms in Indian skies”

The IATA Agents Association of India (IAAI) has sent out a circular claiming that Lufthansa’s upcoming Distribution Cost Charge is illegal, and will “drive the final nail in the Travel Agents’ coffin” if implemented on 1 September 2015. Adopting a stridently nationalistic tone, the circular says, “IAAI will not allow any foreign airlines to dominate […]

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31 Aug, 2015

Guidebook planned in Japan to accommodate needs of Muslim tourists

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 31 August 2015 (16 Dhul Qa’dah 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA CELEBRATES A YEAR OF GREAT FESTIVALS […]

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29 Aug, 2015

Costs Forcing U.S. Military Families To Scale Back Summer Vacations

FORT WORTH, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 06, 2015 — Sequestration and economic worries are prodding America’s career military families to scale back their rest and relaxation plans again this summer. The First Command Financial Behaviors Index® reveals that 47 percent of middle-class military families (commissioned officers and senior NCOs in pay grades E-6 and above with household […]

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29 Aug, 2015

World’s largest anti-corruption conference to be held in Malaysia, 2 – 4 September

Berlin, 27 Aug 2015, (Transparency International media release) – The 16th International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) will take place from 2 – 4 September 2015 in Putrajaya, Malaysia under the theme “Ending Impunity: People. Integrity. Action.” All too often, those in power who steal from the public purse are able to escape justice. The IACC will […]

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29 Aug, 2015

Young Europeans more attracted by cross-border access to online content: survey

BRUSSELS, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) — For almost one in three Europeans, it would be important to be able to have cross-border access to online content when traveling in another European Union (EU) country, according to Eurobarometer survey findings released Friday. The younger the people are, the more they are attracted by cross-border opportunities, as the […]

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29 Aug, 2015

Iran ready to reciprocally waive visa requirements

Isfahan, Aug 28, IRNA – Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said foreign nationals whose respective countries facilitate Iranians’ entry to their land without visas do not require visas to visit Iran. ‘To promote relations, we are ready to reciprocate the countries’ plans to allow Iranians visit their lands without obtaining visas,’ he told reporters on […]

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29 Aug, 2015

Boeing Sees 20-year Demand in China for 6,330 Airplanes Valued at Nearly $1 Trillion

BEIJING, Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing (NYSE: BA), China’s leading provider of commercial airplanes, today projected a demand in the country for 6,330 new airplanes over the next 20 years. Boeing released its annual China Current Market Outlook (CMO) today in Beijing, estimating the total value of those new airplanes at $950 billion. “Despite the […]

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29 Aug, 2015

China Southern offers African buyers discounts to attend 118th Canton Fair

GUANGZHOU, China, Aug. 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — This autumn the Canton Fair will boost Sino-African trade through the continuation of its successful partnership with China Southern Airlines (CSA). CSA is offering all African attendees discounted flights between Nairobi and Guangzhou for the 118 th session of the Fair – taking place between October 15 and […]

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29 Aug, 2015

First “outsider” Governor at TAT cements era of new leadership for Thai tourism

Bangkok – The Tourism Authority of Thailand entered a new era with the appointment of a 49-year-old, Japanese-trained economist as its first “outsider” Governor. The appointment of Mr. Yuthasak Supasorn brings to an end a tradition of appointing people from within that has been the unwritten rule ever since the TAT was founded in 1960. […]

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28 Aug, 2015

PATA Travel Mart Preview: As Confidence Returns, Bottom-line Improves

Bangkok – The Pacific Asia Travel Association is on track to convert a US$700,000 deficit in 2014 into a US$134,000 surplus this financial year, thanks to stronger membership growth, a surge in profitable events and sell-out PATA Travel Mart, PATA CEO Mario Hardy said last week. In a PTM preview interview, Mr. Hardy said the […]

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28 Aug, 2015

China-Thailand Railway project gets green light

By Kong Defang

Bangkok, August 27, 2015, People’s Daily Online) – After many ups and downs, China has finally won the railway cooperation project with Thailand.  Zhu Xijun, general manager of the Southeast Asia Company of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), said on Aug. 26 that after six rounds of negotiation, both sides plans to sign the inter-governmental […]

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28 Aug, 2015

Think China is the source of global financial volatility? Think again

BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) — China is not the main cause of the current chaos in the global financial market. Problems in the West are more to blame. Turmoil has swept financial markets across the globe over the last few weeks, slashing stock prices, jolting the value of major currencies, and beating commodity prices to […]

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28 Aug, 2015

Interview: Volatilities are “natural consequence” of China’s economic transition

by Xinhua writers Zheng Qihang, Guan Jianwu WASHINGTON, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Recent volatilities of Chinese stock markets and the currency depreciation are “natural” in such an economic transition as China is undergoing, chairman of the Principal Financial Group said. Larry Zimpleman, also chief executive officer of the Principal Financial Group, said in a recent […]

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28 Aug, 2015

European migrant crisis blowback for U.S.-created turmoil in Middle East

BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) — While Europe is struggling to cope with massive influx of refugees from Africa and the Middle East, the United States should refrain from taking a not-in-my-backyard attitude and reflect on its Middle East policy, which directly or indirectly displaced thousands of people. Europe has been inflicted by the illegal migrants […]

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28 Aug, 2015

India’s population growth slowing for all; on sex ratio, Muslims better than Hindus | The Indian Express

The fertility rate is falling faster in Muslims than in Hindus. Data from the last three National Family Health Surveys (NHFS) show that the gap between Muslim and Hindu fertility rates is narrowing — the difference came down from 1.1 in NFHS 1 (1992-93) to 0.4 in NFHS 3 (2005-06). But the difference in fertility […]

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28 Aug, 2015

Catholics to observe Global Day of Prayer for the Environment on Sept. 1

Manila, August 27, 2015, Manila Bulletin – In keeping with Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, the Philippine Roman Catholic Church will observe the Global Day of Prayer for the Environment on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Dubbed “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation,” prayer services will be observed in all Catholic churches across […]

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27 Aug, 2015

Respected U.S. Biblical scholar changes stance on Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Louisville, Kentucky (PRWEB)August 25, 2015 – Walter Brueggemann, a respected and prolific biblical scholar, provides candid commentary about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in his new book Chosen? Reading the Bible amid the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict (Westminster John Knox Press). Encouraging his contemporaries to reconsider their stance as well, Brueggemann offers a no-holds-barred perspective on the ongoing situation […]

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27 Aug, 2015

China drafts first law to curb domestic violence

Beijing, (Xinhua), August 24, 2015 – Chinese legislators are working on a law specifically on domestic violence that highlights prevention and introduces habeas corpus. The bill was tabled to the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee for a first reading on Monday. The draft clearly defines the responsibilities of different social groups in preventing domestic […]

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27 Aug, 2015

Asia’s largest glass viewing platform to open soon in China

Beijing, (People’s Daily Online)  August 24, 2015 – Located on the top of a cliff 1,200 meters above sea level, the glass viewing platform of Tian-Sheng-San-Qiao in Wulong county of Chongqing stretches 11 meters from the edge of the cliff, with the length of 26 meters and vertical height of 280m from the bottom of […]

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27 Aug, 2015

Office Workers Survey: Clashes over Temps, Last Cup of Coffee, and Even Singing and Stealing Lunches!

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) August 25, 2015 — These days folks fight at work over more than promotions. A new national survey of working Americans reveals more than half battle co-workers over office cleanliness and temperature settings. And when things don’t go their way, employees will secretly change the temperature, persuade the person in charge to […]

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27 Aug, 2015

Chinese newspaper details how corrupt officials try to evade investigation

BEIJING, (Xinhua), 2015-08-09 – As China’s anti-graft campaign deepens, it seems that corrupt officials have also learnt some lessons from the fallen “tigers and flies,” high-ranking officials and lowly bureaucrats. Newspaper details how corrupt officials try to evade investigation A newspaper affiliated to the top anti-graft body on Saturday published a report detailing how corrupt […]

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27 Aug, 2015

Australia allocates A$11.9 million to preserve Indigenous languages

Canberra, 26 August 2015,  (Minister for the Arts) – The Australian Government today announces $11.9 million for 2015-16 to support work to revive and maintain Australia’s Indigenous languages. The Indigenous Languages and Arts program aims to showcase, protect and encourage participation in traditional and contemporary Indigenous artistic expression to strengthen pride in identity and culture […]

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27 Aug, 2015

ADB Opens Online Photo Contest for Amateurs on the Impacts of Climate Change

MANILA, PHILIPPINES, ADB News Release – Climate change may well be the greatest challenge of our age and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) today kicked off an online photo contest to find the best images representing the impacts of climate change on the people and environments in Asia and the Pacific. “It is said that […]

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26 Aug, 2015

Is U.S. Taxpayer Money Subsidizing Jewish Terrorism Against Arabs? – Haaretz

JTA – Taxpayer dollars in the United States and Israel are subsidizing Jewish terrorism against Arabs, a complaint filed with the New York state Attorney General’s Office alleges. The accusations follow a recent expose by Israel’s Channel 10 about the work of the 13-year-old Israeli nonprofit Honenu, which provides financial support to Jews convicted of […]

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24 Aug, 2015

China’s business travel spending projected to surge by 15.6% this year

By Wang Wen

Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-08-21 — Business travel spending in China is expected to grow by around 15.6 percent this year to about 126 billion yuan ($19.7 billion), making it the slowest growth in the last three years, said a new report. According to the 2015 Chinese business travel management report from iResearch Consulting Group, a […]

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24 Aug, 2015

Thailand Leads World with Policy to Advance Good Health via Religious Practices

Bangkok 16 August 2015, (Public Relations Department) — The Ministry of Public Health is pushing for a national policy to promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging people to focus on their religious practices, along with medical treatment, exercise, and healthy diet. The national policy, to be implemented from 2016 to 2020, was raised for discussion […]

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24 Aug, 2015

ASEAN SMEs urged to venture into online trading

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Aug 21 (NNN-Bernama) — ASEAN small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been urged to venture into e-commerce or online trading to extend the reach of their products or services. ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) chairman Munir Majid said this was the future and currently in ASEAN, only one per cent of the […]

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24 Aug, 2015

With Slave Trade Remembrance Day, UN marks start of Int’l Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024)

United Nations, (UN News Centre), 23 August 2015 – By teaching, communicating and transmitting the history of the slave trade the world can reinforce the rights and the dignity of people of African descent and, together, fight against all forms of racism and discrimination, the head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization […]

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24 Aug, 2015

Indonesian Minister launches national anti-prostitution movement

Antara, Jayapura, Indonesia, August 21 2015 – Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa launched on Friday a national prostitution-free movement in Jayapura, Papua, in an attempt to eradicate sex work in the country by 2019. The launch was marked with the closure of a red-light district in East Sentani, Papua, with its sex workers being […]

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24 Aug, 2015

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare releases snapshot of Aussie lives

Is life getting better in Australia? Cabinet leaks and fake Twitter accounts aside, isn’t that what it’s all really about? As our politicians huffed and puffed about gay marriage and fear-mongered over Chinese workers, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare released its biennial (every two years) snapshot of the nation’s welfare this week. Its […]

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24 Aug, 2015

People with disabilities thrive in Sino-German firm

Taicang city, Jiangsu province (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-08-18 – Taicang Sino-German Handicapped Technology Co (TSGHT) has come to the limelight nearly five months after its opening on March 26 in Taicang city, Jiangsu province. According to Lu Xiaochen, one of the 12 disabled people working at the facility, the company is expected to turn a profit after […]

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24 Aug, 2015

Xiamen Airport becomes 5th in China to offer 24×7 operations

Xiamen, (chinadaily.com.cn), 2015-08-19 — After one month of trial operation, Gaoqi International Airport in Xiamen, Fujian province will officially launch its around-the-clock clearance service on August 26. The service will put the airport on a shortlist of five Chinese airports to offer such services, following Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu. The move will enable Gaoqi […]

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24 Aug, 2015

Forbidden City shut down until Sept 3

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) — The Forbidden City will not open to the public from Aug. 22 to Sept. 3, the Palace Museum confirmed Friday. North to the Tian’anmen Square, the 600-year-old imperial palace is the center point for the upcoming military parade on Sept. 3, which will mark the 70th anniversary of the victory […]

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23 Aug, 2015

Sea-locked Indonesia to stress maritime advantage as main development sector

Jakarta (ANTARA News) 21 August 2015 – Indonesia is one of the worlds largest maritime countries, with some 5.8 million square kilometers of sea territory, while its land territory covers only 1.9 million square kilometers. Its coastline is some 92 thousand kilometers long, making it the second-longest after Canada. The country is the largest archipelagic […]

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23 Aug, 2015

Uzbekistan hosts Melodies of the East Music Festival

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 August 2015 (09 Dhul Qa’dah 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA CELEBRATES A YEAR OF GREAT FESTIVALS 2015 […]

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21 Aug, 2015

In Pictures: Multi-faith ceremony to mourn Bangkok bomb victims, pray for safety & security

Bangkok – A multi-faith ceremony comprising of representatives of Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism was held at 0700 hrs on Aug 21 to mourn the victims of the 17 Aug bomb blast which killed 21 innocent civilians and injured dozens more, most of them tourists. The ceremonies began at the Erawan shrine with prayers […]

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20 Aug, 2015

UN health agency kicks-off campaign honouring world’s health workers

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 14 August 2015 – The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing to launch a campaign aimed at honouring the sacrifices and efforts of thousands of international health workers deployed to the frontlines of the world’s most pressing crises, the United Nations agency has announced. The online campaign – to be […]

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20 Aug, 2015

Air India Express launches direct flights Varanasi – Sharjah

New Delhi, Ministry of Civil Aviation, 17-August-2015 – The Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ashok Gajapathi Raju and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Culture (Independent Charge) and Tourism (Independent Charge), Dr. Mahesh Sharma today jointly inaugurated direct flight of Air India’s budget arm, Air India Express, between Varanasi and Sharjah. The Varanasi-Sharjah […]

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20 Aug, 2015

Italy targets Iran trade opportunities

ROME, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) — Following the easing of sanctions against Iran decided in the nuclear deal signed on July 14 in Vienna, all the requisites are now in place for Italy to rekindle its ancient relationship with Tehran. Last year, the Italian exchange with Iran amounted to nearly 1.6 billion euros (1.8 billion U.S. […]

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20 Aug, 2015

Tobacco company wants schools survey for insights into children and teens

Sydney – A global tobacco giant is using freedom of information laws to obtain data from surveys by thousands of Victorian school children and teenagers that reveal their attitudes to smoking and alcohol. Public health advocates believe “Big Tobacco” may use the data to hone their marketing of cigarettes to teenagers, as well as to […]

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20 Aug, 2015

Israel Army Demolishes Structures in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Targets Another House in Hebron

WEST BANK, August 19, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli authorities demolished on Wednesday two residential units in Jerusalem and Ramallah, as well as notified to demolish the house of a prisoner in Hebron, according to local and media sources. Local sources said an Israeli police force accompanied by heavy machinery broke into Wadi al-Jouz neighborhood in […]

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20 Aug, 2015

Malayalam gets global push, new status in Germany – The Times of India

Malayalam is set to get its first big global push. In October, the University of Tubingen in Germany will be setting up a chair dedicated to the teaching of and research in Malayalam. It is being named after Hermann Gundert, a missionary scholar who lived and worked in Tellichery in the 19th century and did […]

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20 Aug, 2015

Arab-American group seeks data to monitor discrimination by Israeli border authorities

Washington, DC | www.adc.org | August 17, 2015 – Over the course of the past few months, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has observed an increase in the number of U.S. Citizens of Arab descent who have been arbitrarily detained, interrogated, and denied entry to Palestine through Israeli controlled borders. Take Action: If you or someone […]

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20 Aug, 2015

It’s Time to Admit It. Israeli Policy Is What It Is: Apartheid — Bradley Burston, Ha’aretz

By Bradley Burston Aug 17, 2015 What I’m about to write will not come easily for me. I used to be one of those people who took issue with the label of apartheid as applied to Israel. I was one of those people who could be counted on to argue that, while the country’s settlement […]

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20 Aug, 2015

World Bank Project Provides Hospitality and Tour Guide Training to Palestinians

WEST BANK, August 17, 2015 (World Bank media release)—Spanning more than 300 kilometers in the West Bank, and continuing across Jordan, Israel and the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt, the Abraham trekking path is considered one of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations. Along the path, which follows the footsteps of Abraham, a prominent historical figure […]

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20 Aug, 2015

Short commutes better than sex, Londoners say — The Independent

It turns out having a short commute is more important to Londoners than pretty much everything, including sex or their earnings. According to a survey of over 10,000 Londoners by Time Out, one of the largest factors that related to improved wellbeing was a short commute. Wellbeing was on average 8.3 per cent higher among […]

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20 Aug, 2015

Multi-faith religious rites for Bangkok bomb victims on Aug 21

BANGKOK, 19 August 2015 (NNT) – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has announced that it will be holding a religious ceremony for the Ratchaprasong bomb victims on 21 August 2015. The Director-General of the BMA’s Culture, Sport and Tourism Department Pranee Sattayaprakop has chaired the preparatory meeting for the religious ceremony, which will be held […]

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20 Aug, 2015

UAE Foreign Ministry advises its citizens abroad: Don’t attract attention with expensive attire

Abu Dhabi, August 18, 2015, WAM — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has urged UAE nationals travelling abroad to follow travel guidelines and procedures, out of keenness to facilitate citizens’ travel and ensure their safety while abroad. The ministry called on travellers to register themselves and their young and old family members in the […]

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20 Aug, 2015

FDA approves first pill to boost female libido but warnings persist

Washington — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first prescription drug designed to boost sexual desire in women, a milestone long sought by a pharmaceutical industry eager to replicate the blockbuster success of impotence drugs for men. But stringent safety measures on the daily pill called Addyi mean it will probably never […]

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20 Aug, 2015

Air China to Commence Beijing-Mumbai Nonstop in Oct

BEIJING, Aug. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Air China will commence Beijing-Mumbai nonstop service on October 25, 2015. As the forthcoming only service from Mainland China to Mumbai, it will spare passengers departing from Beijing for Mumbai the trouble of having to make a detour by transferring in Hong Kong, Singapore and Bangkok and make it […]

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19 Aug, 2015

In Pictures: Less than 48 hours after blast, reopened Erawan Shrine is the new Bangkok tourist hot-spot

Bangkok — Less than 48 hours after the Aug 17 bomb blast at the Erawan shrine, one of Bangkok’s most popular tourist spots has reopened and become an even bigger tourist attraction. Hundreds of tourists are converging at the shrine as well as the elevated walkway overlooking it to pray, make their offerings and just […]

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19 Aug, 2015

South Korea to lure tourists with tax breaks on breast augmentation

SEOUL, BLOOMBERG, AUG 18, 2015 – South Korea is taking duty-free shopping to a whole new level, with plans to exclude face lifts, breast enlargements and liposuction from value-added tax for tourists. Desperate to boost tourism after an outbreak of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus hurt the economy, the country will give tourists […]

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19 Aug, 2015

Asian broadcasters conference proceeding normally in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai — The Thai Government Public Relations Department (PRD) is hosting the 41st Annual Gathering and 14th AIBD General Conference and Associated Meetings in Chiang Mai province from 18 to 20 August 2015. AIBD stands for “Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development.” It is a unique regional inter-governmental organization servicing countries of the United Nations […]

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19 Aug, 2015

TAT: No Cutbacks in Global Marketing Campaigns

Bangkok – Adopting a strong lead-from-the-front policy position, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is to maintain all its global marketing and promotion campaigns as normal, the TAT’s Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications Mr. Sugree Sithivanich has confirmed. The decision to stay the course, one of the key elements of Thailand’s crisis-management plan, is designed to […]

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18 Aug, 2015

Paris deluxe hotels counting the cost of the Airbnb revolution – The Independent

Well-to-do holidaymakers are streaming out of Paris’s grandest suites and in to luxury flats: or so say France’s oldest and most prestigious hoteliers. They have declared war on Airbnb for taking their customers in the world’s most visited city and say the flat-sharing site is not playing by the same rules. “It’s an unfair competition,” […]

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18 Aug, 2015

Thai tourism industry again in crisis-management mode following Bangkok bomb attack

Bangkok – The Thai tourism industry was again in crisis mode on August 18 in the wake of a bomb blast at a downtown spiritual shrine popular with tourists. Heavy-duty meetings were under way nationwide between the public and private sectors on how to handle the aftermath of the blast which security authorities have publicly […]

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17 Aug, 2015

Orlando Airport To Open $250,000 Muslim Prayer Room

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 August 2015 (02 Dhul Qa’dah 1436). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA CELEBRATES A YEAR OF GREAT FESTIVALS […]

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17 Aug, 2015

Now Everyone Can Buy: Thailand’s Best Brands-free SME “Mega-mall” in Pictures

Babgkok – The Thai tourism industry is striving to position Thailand as a value-for-money Quality Destination and boost shopping as a means of raising national incomes, promoting a more fair and balanced distribution of economic progress and creating jobs. However, one major opportunity to meet that objective does not get its fair share of promotion […]

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15 Aug, 2015

Airbnb Horror Story Points to Need for Precautions – The New York Times

Early in the evening of July 4, Micaela Giles’s mobile phone started sounding alerts, and a series of messages straight out of a horror movie began scrolling down her screen. Her 19-year-old son told her that his Airbnb host in Madrid had locked him in the fourth-floor apartment where he was supposed to be staying […]

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15 Aug, 2015

Indian rapper ‘overwhelmed’ by success of protest song against Unilever – The Guardian

A rapper whose protest song about corporate pollution in an idyllic hill town in southern India has dragged the issue into the spotlight says she is totally overwhelmed by its phenomenal success, which has prompted a personal response from the CEO of Unilever. Sofia Ashraf’s skit Kodaikanal Won’t – named after a tourist resort in […]

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15 Aug, 2015

The brothers who funded Blair, Israeli settlements and Islamophobia

Tony Blair is again in the headlines, this time after Labour leadership frontrunner Jeremy Corbyn publicly voiced the opinion of millions of British citizens: that the former prime minister should stand trial on charges of war crimes if the evidence suggests that he broke international law during the 2003 invasion and occupation of Iraq. Blair’s […]

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14 Aug, 2015

University Survey: More Than One-Third of U.S. Working Adults Consider Themselves “Intrapreneurs”

PHOENIX–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 13, 2015 — Nearly all of today’s working U.S. adults (93 percent) believe they possess at least some entrepreneurial qualities, and 43 percent of adults either currently own or want to own their own business. While the allure of business ownership is strong, employees are seeking opportunities to perform like entrepreneurs within their […]

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14 Aug, 2015

Consumer watchdog group turns up heat on Lufthansa over 16 Euro ticket surcharge

13 August 2015, WASHINGTON, DC – AirChannelChoice.travel, a Business Travel Coalition (BTC) initiative, today transmitted a stern letter – with 10 pages of industry comments – to Lufthansa (LHG) Chairman and CEO Mr. Carsten Spohr rejecting his organization’s Distribution Cost Charge (DCC) – a 16 Euros surcharge for tickets purchased anywhere other than through LHG […]

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14 Aug, 2015

“Muslim-free” businesses growing across U.S.

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 8/13/2015), CAIR media release –  The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said that an Oklahoma survival equipment store has joined the growing number of businesses nationwide that have declared themselves “Muslim-free.” CAIR also questioned why, despite repeated requests for action, the U.S. Department […]

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14 Aug, 2015

UN report: ‘Unprecedented’ rise in infant mortality in Israeli-blockaded Gaza

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 13 August 2015 – A new study carried out by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has revealed that the infant mortality rate in the Gaza Strip has risen for the first time in 50 years, with the agency’s health director […]

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14 Aug, 2015

Israel’s new face of Jewish extremism is a 20-year-old mother – The Independent

Aviya Morris is the fresh new face of Jewish extremism. A soft-spoken young mother who wants to see the Muslim walls tumble down and a new Israel rise. This is her dream. She admits that it could “lead to world war”. That would be the fault of Arabs and the international community, she says. Ms […]

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13 Aug, 2015

Nearly 40,000 sign UK Petition Demanding Arrest of Netanyahu for War Crimes

LONDON, August 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Some 39,000 Britons have signed a petition that calls on their government to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon his arrival in the UK next month. The petition entitled “Benjamin Netanyahu to be arrested for war crimes when he arrives in London” has been made available at a […]

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13 Aug, 2015

Why We’re Sick and Tired of Wellness | Alternet

By Kali Holloway / AlterNet August 11, 2015 In big-picture terms, wellness sounds like a pretty good idea right about now. Around the world, obesity rates are climbing (astoundingly, the planet’s “1.6 billion overweight and obese now outnumber the malnourished by nearly 2-to-1”). Noncommunicable illnesses such as heart attack and diabetes have supplanted starvation and […]

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13 Aug, 2015

Chinese Communist Party expels former senior tourism official for corruption

BEIJING, Aug. 12, (Xinhua) — Huo Ke, former deputy director of the China National Tourism Administration, has been expelled from the Party and public office for graft and leaking Party and state secrets, the anti-graft authority said Wednesday. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the Communist Party of China (CPC) found that Huo […]

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13 Aug, 2015

Chinese Commentary: RMB devaluation warrants no currency war

BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) — While China’s newly announced revision of the yuan’s central parity rate formation system earned applause from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), some U.S. lawmakers, not surprisingly, began to grumble again about China’s currency reform. Accusations that China is manipulating the Renminbi (RMB) to gain a trade advantage do not hold […]

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13 Aug, 2015

China Focus: Beijing looks to neighbouring cities to accommodate elderly

BEIJING, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) — Beijing is planning large communities for senior citizens in nearby cities as part of the capital’s effort to achieve coordinated development in the region. A 300,000-square-meter pilot community in Gaobeidian City of Hebei Province is currently under construction and similar facilities are expected if it proves successful, Li Wanjun, head […]

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13 Aug, 2015

U.S. Security Experts Demand Immediate Suspension of Security Clearances for Hillary Clinton and staff members

ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 12, 2015 — Scott Taylor, President of Special Operations Education Fund (OPSEC), announced today that OPSEC is again calling upon Secretary of State John Kerry to immediately suspend any and all security clearances presently held by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; her former Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills, her former Deputy […]

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13 Aug, 2015

U.S. Congress and Its Leaders Suffer Continued Low Level of Public Approval – Gallup Polls

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Now on August recess, members of Congress returning to their districts may receive a skeptical reception from constituents, as 14% of U.S. adults approve of the job Congress is doing, down slightly from 17% in July. These results come from a Gallup poll conducted Aug. 5-9. Congressional leaders can point to a […]

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13 Aug, 2015

How credit-card swipe fees take the travelling public for a ride – Merchants Payments Coalition

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–August 12, 2015  – As Americans go on vacation, they might complain about noisy hotel neighbors or delayed flights. But many don’t realize the banks put the damper on their fun too by making it more expensive. According to a survey by Choice Hotels International, eight of ten Americans will travel this summer. Whether […]

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13 Aug, 2015

Aug 12 International Youth Day survey: What do young people in Asia think about corruption?

12 August was International Youth Day. Transparency International reflected on the opportunities and challenges that young people face around the world. Berlin, Transparency International news release, 12 August 2015 — For too many, corruption remains a daily curse – from extortion at the hands of officials, often in schools and universities, to frustration when bribes […]

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13 Aug, 2015

Korea Palestine Center Opens in Hebron, Occupied Palestine

RAMALLAH, August 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has celebrated the completion of the follow up project for Korea Palestine Center of the Hebron Municipality on the 6th of August, with contribution of around $300,000. This follow up consisted of procurement of equipment such as desktops, laptops, transport car, IT and network […]

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13 Aug, 2015

Israeli arms exports under scrutiny for ‘helping to fuel conflict in South Sudan’ – The Independent

For years there have been persistent reports of Israel selling arms to regimes with records of egregious human rights abuses without the issue being discussed or questioned at home. But that is changing. Eitay Mack, a young lawyer, is trying to break through the wall of secrecy around Israeli weapons exports and is pressing for […]

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13 Aug, 2015

As Barcelona has found, it’s possible for a city to have too many tourists – The Independent

Can tourism be too much of a good thing? When all the undoubted benefits are outweighed by the sheer aggravation, when numbers and money, the measurable things, are eclipsed by less quantifiable downsides, such as congestion, jobs that remain low-paid and insecure, and a deterioration in life quality for permanent residents? One European city thinks […]

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12 Aug, 2015

Drone Restrictions Supported by a Majority of Americans, says FindLaw Survey

EAGAN, Minn., Aug. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — The first drone delivery of a package that was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration recently took place. But an overwhelming majority of Americans say they support restrictions on the use of drones as they become more commonplace, according to a new survey by FindLaw.com, the most popular legal […]

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12 Aug, 2015

Tokyo tops Asia-Pacific cities with highest hotel rates in Q2 2015: HRS Hotel Price Radar

Singapore, 12 August 2015 – Hotel room rates in Tokyo, Sydney and Singapore emerged as the most expensive in Asia Pacific between April to June 2015, according to the HRS Q2 2015 Hotel Price Radar, released by HRS Corporate, a global hotel solutions provider. With an average room rate of S$258, Tokyo also showed one […]

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12 Aug, 2015

AirAsia marks 300-million-guests milestone

Jakarta, August 11, 2015 – AirAsia, claimed to be the world’s “best low cost airline” for seven consecutive years, reached another milestone with 300 million guests flown. The milestone was commemorated with a string of celebrations starting from Terminal 3, Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, to The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta, Pacific Place. Jodie Lazuardie, a 30-year-old Art Director […]

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12 Aug, 2015

47TH ASEAN Economic Meet in Kuala Lumpur to finalise formation of AEC

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Aug 11 (NNN-Bernama) — The 47th ASEAN Economic Meeting, to be held here from Aug 22 to Aug 25, will put the finishing touches to the formal establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by year-end. Minister of International Trade and Industry, Mustapa Mohamed, said the meeting will discuss the implementation of […]

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12 Aug, 2015

Google’s Restructuring Changes Nothing About Its Impact On Consumers’ Privacy, Consumer Watchdog Says

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Aug. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Google’s announcement today that it is creating a new holding company called “Alphabet” changes nothing about the company’s impact and challenges it poses for consumers, the nonprofit public interest group Consumer Watchdog said. “A rose by any other name is still a rose and Google by any […]

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12 Aug, 2015

Israeli Defense Minister Breaks into Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron

HEBRON, August 11, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon Tuesday morning broke into the Ibrahimi Mosque in the Old City of Hebron. WAFA correspondent reported that Ya’alon broke into the Ibrahimi Mosque under tightened security protection. He said in anticipation of Ya’alon’s provocative visit, Israeli forces closed down all of the old market […]

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12 Aug, 2015

Germany benefits massively from Greek crisis: study

BERLIN, Aug. 10 (Xinhua) — Germany received significant benefits from the Greek crisis in recent years, saving more than 100 billion euros (about 109.7 billion U.S. dollars) in interest payments on its debts, a study found on Monday. Investors look for safe haven investments when facing uncertainties, said Halle Institute for Economic Research (IWH). Germany, […]

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12 Aug, 2015

141 emergency landings by Indian carriers in over three years

New Delhi Aug 11, 2015, PTI — Various Indian carriers have had 141 incidents of emergency landings due to medical and technical reasons in nearly four years, the government said on Tuesday. “During the last three years and the current year, there have been a total of 141 incidents of emergency landings due to medical […]

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12 Aug, 2015

Chinese govt encourages people to work less, travel more

Beijing, (Xinhua/ECNS/chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-08-11 — The Chinese government is encouraging people to work 4.5 days a week in a bid to bolster tourism amid the flagging economy. In summer, if conditions permit, more flexibility should be given to employees to help them take vacations using Friday afternoons, Saturdays and Sundays, according to a document published Tuesday […]

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12 Aug, 2015

ASTA blasts Marriott for “Misleading Direct Booking Campaign”

Alexandria, VA, Aug 11, 2015 — The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) has criticised Marriott Hotels and Resorts’ new marketing campaign designed to drive direct bookings via its website as being ” disparaging to travel agents, but also misleading to the traveling public.” In a statement issued by President and CEO Zane Kerby, ASTA […]

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12 Aug, 2015

Saudi tourists advised to exercise caution, set good example | Arab News

RIYADH: Saudi nationals on vacation during summer or intending to spend a few days away from home, either in other Gulf countries or European nations have been advised to exercise caution and know the culture and basic rules of those countries. Local tourism industry player Bandar bin Khalid Al-Hokair said Saudi nationals should preserve the […]

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12 Aug, 2015

Australia needs to figure out its own place in Asia | The Jakarta Post

Australia is struggling with existential uncertainty. Is it part of Asia? Does it want to become part of Asia? Its economic future and hence prosperity, is increasingly tied to Asia. China is by far its largest trading partner and Australia is also trading more and more with its Asian neighbors. But that is probably as […]

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11 Aug, 2015

Saudi Arabia may go broke before the US oil industry buckles – Sydney Morning Herald

If the oil futures market is correct, Saudi Arabia will start running into trouble within two years. It will be in existential crisis by the end of the decade. The contract price of US crude oil for delivery in December 2020 is currently $US62.05, implying a drastic change in the economic landscape for the Middle […]

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11 Aug, 2015

Rogue drones a growing nuisance across the U.S. – The Washington Post

By Craig Whitlock Rogue drone operators are rapidly becoming a national nuisance, invading sensitive airspace and private property — with the regulators of the nation’s skies largely powerless to stop them. In recent days, drones have smuggled drugs into an Ohio prison, smashed against a Cincinnati skyscraper, impeded efforts to fight wildfires in California and […]

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11 Aug, 2015

Iran researchers make biodiesel from weed

Tehran, PressTV, Aug 10, 2015 — Iranian researchers have produced biodiesel from the flixweed crop as a potential renewable energy substitute for non-renewable fossil fuels. Under a project to deliver a new generation of green transport fuel, researches at the Islamic Azad University produced 2 liters of biomass with a capacity to turn into a biofuel. […]

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11 Aug, 2015

Why Mysore (Mysuru) topping India’s clean city rating is no surprise | The Indian Express

The emergence of the heritage city of Mysuru as the cleanest city in the country in the pre-Swacch Bharat rankings released last week is testimony to the importance of imbibing a culture of cleanliness over decades and generations. The number one rank for Mysore among 476 evaluated cities in India comes as no great surprise […]

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11 Aug, 2015

Global Caucus of The People Travel & Tourism Loves to Hate

Manila — About 150 leading global NGO activists and social movement leaders will meet in Quezon City, the Philippines, between August 13-14 to discuss the downsides of Asia’s growth paradigm and chart strategies to help alternative perspectives get more traction in the mainstream development agenda. Under the theme “Whose New Asia?”, the International Conference on […]

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11 Aug, 2015

Asia-Pacific’s Largest Musical Instruments Fair to be held in China this October

SHANGHAI, Aug. 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Music China, a major music instrument fair in China, will be held from October 14-17, 2015 . Music China 2015 aims to offer a wealth of face-to-face opportunities between buyers and sellers crucial for ongoing business growth within a challenging economy. Launched in 2002, Music China is now the largest music […]

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