31 Mar, 2016

Drone Regulations Coming From FAA Spring/Summer 2016

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ATLANTA, GA, 30 March 2016,  (PRWEB) – What is that mechanical thing soaring above everyone’s heads at the park or buzzing around the neighbor’s backyard? Recent attendees to electronics trade shows, photography expos, or camera stores have seen them for sale: drones, or Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). Drones are a new, relatively affordable tool for capturing aerial […]

31 Mar, 2016

World Faces Shared Challenge to Build Peace, End Injustices, UN Chief Says at Dag Hammarskjöld Lecture in Sweden

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United Nations, 30 March 2016, (UN News) – Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks, as prepared for delivery, at the Dag Hammarskjöld lecture on “Evolving Threats, Timeless Values: The United Nations in a Changing Global Landscape”, in Stockholm, today: I thank the Government and people of Sweden for a very warm welcome.  It is a […]

31 Mar, 2016

Cultural Leaders Well-Placed for Forging Greater Appreciation of Diversity: UN Secretary-General’s message to Forum d’Avignon in France

United Nations, 30 March 2016, (UN News) – Following is UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message to the Forum d’Avignon, held in Bordeaux, France, on 31 March: Thank you for the opportunity to send greetings to all participants at the Forum d’Avignon.  Culture is a powerful force for advancing the founding the United Nations goals of peace, development […]

31 Mar, 2016

UN official Urges Move Beyond ‘Mere Condemnations’ in Seeking Best Way to Middle East Peace

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United Nations, 24 March 2016, (UN News) – Amid the current bloody wave of escalating violence, including stabbings and shootings in Israel and the occupied West Bank, the international community must move beyond mere condemnations and send a clear message to both sides that a two-State solution was the best road to peace, the Secretary-General’s […]

31 Mar, 2016

Visit the World’s First Divorce School, Launching April 1

TORONTO, ON, 30 March 2016, (PRWEB) – As part of Divorce Marketing Group’s 20th anniversary initiatives, The Divorce School will be launched on April 1. Divorce professionals and those who have experienced the process first-hand will offer advice and guidance to participants – who are either considering divorce, going through divorce, or already divorced. Having difficulties dealing with a […]

31 Mar, 2016

Overseas born Aussies highest in over a century

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Canberra, 30 March 2016, ABS media release – The proportion of Australians who were born overseas has hit its highest point in over 120 years, with 28 per cent of Australia’s population born overseas, according to figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). “Australia has traditionally had a high proportion of migrants, […]

29 Mar, 2016

Lee Kuan Yew’s formula for tackling the “cancer” of global terrorism

Imtiaz Muqbil

The first death anniversary of former Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew on March 23 was a good opportunity to visit the island nation. This micro-country has compensated for its lack of natural resources by growing its people resources, creating one of the world’s best-run, least-corrupt societies with an uncompromising focus on multi-culturalism and rule […]

28 Mar, 2016

9th Forum for Islamic Businesswomen to be held in Riyadh

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 28 March 2016 (25 Jumaada al-Akhir 1437). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA TOURISM MALAYSIA PROMOTES “JOHOR HOLIDAY PACKAGES” Tourism […]

27 Mar, 2016

Now open: Apply to become an anti-corruption young leader this summer

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Berlin, Germany, 24 March 2016, (Transparency International) – What are you doing this summer?  Get a head start and apply for Transparency International School on Integrity taking place in Vilnius, Lithuania from 4-10 July 2016. Since 2010, the School on Integrity has welcomed some 700 students, graduates and young professionals from around 90 countries to its seven-day highly intensive […]

27 Mar, 2016

Review Of “The Occupation Of The American Mind: Israel’s Public Relations War In The United States”

By Robert Jensen In the conflict over the land of Palestine, Israel’s overpowering military superiority has produced decisive battlefield victories. But just as crucial to Israeli dominance in that region is its supremacy in the U.S. news media, which is captured in the title of an important new film from the Media Education Foundation, “The […]

26 Mar, 2016

Visit ASEAN@50: Golden Celebration Campaign Unveiled at ITB Berlin 2016

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Berlin (ASEAN media release) – The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, was established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, by the founding fathers of the original ASEAN countries; namely Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The nations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar and Viet Nam have since joined this regional […]

25 Mar, 2016

The west’s Islamophobia is only helping the Islamic State – The Washington Post

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The promise of the “global war on terror” was that “it was better to fight them there than here.” That promise brought mass violence to Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine, Yemen and Somalia — in the name of peace in the West. That formula has clearly failed. Tuesday’s bombings in Brussels come on the heels of […]

25 Mar, 2016

‘Assault on one minority community is attack on all,’ Ban says on Day to eliminate racism

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 21 March 2016 – Observing the world’s day set aside to bolster efforts on eliminating racial discrimination, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged increased global efforts towards that aim and declared that “an assault on one minority community is an attack on all.” This year, the the International Day […]

25 Mar, 2016

UNESCO chief welcomes the liberation of Syria’s Palmyra world heritage site

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 24 March 2016 – The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today welcomed the liberation of the Palmyra archeological site, a martyr city inscribed on the agency’s World Heritage list. “[Palmyra] carries the memory of the Syrian people, and the values of cultural diversity, tolerance […]

25 Mar, 2016

“Thainess” at the Crossroads — Ex-Prime Minister Flags the Real Issues Facing Thailand

By Anand Panyarachun

Following is the full text of a speech entitled “In Search of Thailand’s New Normal”, delivered by two-time former Thai Prime Minister Anand Panyarachun at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on 23 March 2016. It should be must reading for all those seeking to better understand the dynamics of change facing one of the […]

25 Mar, 2016

Heavy Easter traffic projected at Singapore-Malaysia overland border checkpoints

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SINGAPORE, March 21 (NNN-Bernama) — Traffic flow through the land checkpoints at Woodlands and Tuas is expected to be heavy on the upcoming Good Friday holiday on March 25. Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) said travellers can expect heavy departure traffic from March 24 while arrival traffic is expected to be particularly heavy on March […]

25 Mar, 2016

Caste systems violate human rights and dignity of millions worldwide – New UN expert report

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GENEVA (21 March 2016) UN Human Rights Council media release – At least 250 million people worldwide still face appalling and dehumanising discrimination based on caste and similar systems of inherited status warned the United Nations Special Rapporteur on minority issues, Rita Izsák-Ndiaye, during the presentation of the first comprehensive UN report on caste-based discrimination* […]

25 Mar, 2016

Meet the 56 Australian millionaires who pay next to no income tax – Sydney Morning Herald

Paying tax has become optional for 56 of Australia’s highest earners. Newly-released tax statistics show each of the 56 paid next to no income tax in 2013–14, not even the Medicare Levy, even though each earned more than $1 million. But escaping tax cost the millionaires dearly. The same document shows 27 of the 56 […]

25 Mar, 2016

Statement of the International Sociological Association concerning academic freedom and violence in India – The Hindu

In an environment of anti-intellectualism, and majoritarian attacks on individual and collective attempts at informed debate and social critique both within and outside institutions of higher education, our responsibility as members of a professional association is especially grave. As sociologists we believe that allowing the untrammelled use of the charge of sedition to quell dissent […]

25 Mar, 2016

Windfall Profits: Terrorism to Generate 23% Surge in Global Video Surveillance Market

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LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 23, 2016  – Technavio analysts expect the global video surveillance market for 2016-2020 to reach USD 64 billion by 2020 growing at a CAGR of almost 23%, according to their latest report. According to Amrita Choudhury, lead analyst at Technavio for IT Security research, “Rising instances of criminal activities in government organizations and […]

21 Mar, 2016

Experts volunteer to save non-Muslim heritage in Turkey

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 21 March 2016 (12 Jumaada al-Akhir 1437). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA LAUNCHES E-VISA FOR CHINESE TOURISTS Effective […]

20 Mar, 2016

Taking aim at alcohol abuse | The Japan Times

The government will try to reduce excessive drinking in Japan, according to a draft plan to be endorsed by the Cabinet in May. The government says it will establish at least one medical institution specializing in alcoholism in each prefecture, while setting numerical targets to reduce the lifestyle-related diseases that result from heavy drinking. The […]

19 Mar, 2016

U.S. hospitality workers union releases list of responsible, irresponsible private equity, real estate managers

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CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 17, 2016 – In recent years, private equity and private equity real estate managers have raised record amounts of capital from pension funds, foundations, endowments, and other institutional investors to back big hotel and casino investments and the growing hospitality industry. Now UNITE HERE, the union of hospitality workers throughout North America, is […]

18 Mar, 2016

ASEAN integration: Two Thai, Malaysian Banks Appointed Cross Currency Dealers to grow direct Ringgit-Baht Trade

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 14 March 2016, (Bernama)— Bank Negara Malaysia (“BNM”) and Bank of Thailand (‘BOT”) have respectively appointed CIMB Bank and CIMB Thai as Appointed Cross Currency Dealers (“ACCD”) for the settlement of ringgit-baht trade under the newly launched Local Currency Settlement Framework. The Local Currency Settlement Framework had been jointly established by BNM and […]

18 Mar, 2016

Proposal to create a truly united 2017 ASEAN Games in KL

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Putrajaya, Malaysia, 16 March 2016, (Bernama) – In a bold move to set the standard in world sports, the Paralympic Council of Malaysia has proposed that the 29th SEA Games and the 9th ASEAN Para Games, slated to be held in August 2017 in Kuala Lumpur, be combined into one integrated medal event for all sports […]

18 Mar, 2016

UN Asia-Pacific HQ to mark 23 March, World Water Day 2016, with launch of report on ‘Water and Jobs’

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Bangkok, 17 March 2016, (UNESCAP News) – World Water Day 2016 will be commemorated by the United Nations at the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok from 9:00am to 11:45am, Wednesday 23 March. The event will feature the launch of the World Water Development Report 2016, focusing on the theme “Water and Jobs.” ESCAP, UNESCO and […]

18 Mar, 2016

UNCTAD-ESCAP train government statisticians to upgrade technology data to facilitate growth and improve public well-being

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Geneva, Switzerland, 18 March 2016, (UNCTAD/ESCAP News) – Benchmarking progress in building the information economy in Asia-Pacific least developed countries (LDCs) is crucial as governments in the region seek to reap the economic benefits of information and communications technologies (ICTs). The use of ICTs, such as mobile telephony and internet services, is increasing in such […]

18 Mar, 2016

IMAX launches ‘Big Picture’ initiative, partnering with UN to amplify action on environment issues

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 17 March 2016 – IMAX Corporation, the company that creates entertainment technology best known for its big-screen IMAX theatres, has partnered with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to launch an ambitious corporate social responsibility initiative called ‘Big Picture,’ which aims to address the host of environmental, societal and economic […]

18 Mar, 2016

NTT Communications Launches Online Program to Teach Practical Japanese to Staff in Overseas Offices

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Tokyo, Japan, 15 March 2016, (Bernama-Business Wire) — NTT Communications Corporation (NTT Com), the ICT solutions and international communications business within NTT (NYSE:NTT), announced the launch of VLJ Online Japanese Conversation, a Japanese conversation learning service via video call, as a new product of Visual Learning Japanese (VLJ), its cloud-based Japanese-study service with learning website […]

18 Mar, 2016

Aussie Opens New Business to Let People Give Vent to Stress, Sorrow by Smashing Things

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Melbourne, Australia, 17 March 2016, (NNN-Xinhua) — An Australian entrepreneur has opened up a business in Melbourne where heartbroken, jilted or frustrated people can smash assorted items in a room as a way to relieve stress. Within the space, known as ‘The Break Room’, paying customers are given a baseball bat and allowed to smash […]

16 Mar, 2016

Out of money: Saudi Arabia shot itself in the foot by dropping oil prices

Tehran, March 13, IRNA / (sputniknews.com) – Riyadh has shot itself in the foot by adopting a predatory pricing policy in the oil market aimed at wiping its competitors out; now the House of Saud is reaping a whirlwind it sowed. Back in 2014 Saudi Arabia decided to drop oil prices in order to expel […]

16 Mar, 2016

Terrorism and communal violence must carry same stigma and punishment – Harsh Mander, Hindustan Times

In both popular, social common sense and the ways in which the laws are designed and implemented in India, there is an implied hierarchy of crimes, in which gravest crimes are seen to be those connected with terror and violence, meriting harsh laws, criminal procedures that severely curtail human rights of the accused, and stricter […]

16 Mar, 2016

World’s Biggest Cruise Ship starts sea trial

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12 March 2016, (China Daily) – The Harmony of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, set off on Thursday on its first sea trial from Saint-Nazaire in western France, with just two months to go before delivery. The city’s STX France shipyards began building the 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) mammoth for US cruise […]

16 Mar, 2016

Filipino airport taxi driver gets a kiss for his honesty

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6 March 2016, (Manila Bulletin) – Officials of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) lauded the honesty of a taxi driver, who returned two trolley bags that were left in his cab by an arriving passenger from Kalibo, Aklan Saturday night. Emilio Q. Balhin, driver of a Harurot taxi, returned two pink trolley bags that […]

16 Mar, 2016

Revenge of the Lower Classes and the Rise of American Fascism – Chris Hedges – Truthdig

There are tens of millions of Americans, especially lower-class whites, rightfully enraged at what has been done to them, their families and their communities. They have risen up to reject the neoliberal policies and political correctness imposed on them by college-educated elites from both political parties: Lower-class whites are embracing an American fascism. These Americans […]

16 Mar, 2016

ADB US$27 mln loan to upgrade roads in Laos

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VIENTIANE, 14 March 2016, (ADB News Release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) have signed an agreement for a $27 million loan to support road asset management and maintain over 300 kilometers of national and local roads in the provinces of Attapu, Salavan and […]

16 Mar, 2016

Chinese Commentary: The human rights record of the “human rights defender”

BEIJING, China, 13 March 2016, (CNTV) – The state-run China Central Television on Sunday aired a documentary that reveals the United States’ double standards on human rights-related issues, whereby the U.S. pokes its nose into other countries’ internal affairs while leaving many of its own problems unsolved. Based on extensive media reports both inside and […]

16 Mar, 2016

Falling oil prices lead to higher taxes, lower wages, hiring cutbacks in Gulf – manpower survey

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PRWEB UK) 14 March 2016 – Average private sector pay rise across the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council is set to be lower in 2016 than at any time over the past ten years, despite the rising cost of living caused by cuts in government subsidies, according to the […]

15 Mar, 2016

Indonesia sets up Palestine consulate but Israeli curbs force ceremony to be held in Amman

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Jakarta (ANTARA News) 14 March 2016 – Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi has said that Indonesia’s honorary consul to Palestine could serve effectively to promote bilateral relations between Indonesia and Palestine. “I hope the honorary consul in Ramallah could play an active role in fostering brotherhood between the Indonesian and Palestinian people,” she said […]

14 Mar, 2016

“Turquoise Mountain: Artists Transforming Afghanistan” opens at The Smithsonian

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 14 March 2016 (05 Jumaada al-Akhir 1437). Pls click on any of the headlines below to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA LAUNCHES E-VISA FOR CHINESE TOURISTS Effective […]

14 Mar, 2016

UN statistical body agrees to global indicators to measure sustainable development goals

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11 March 2016, (UN News Centre) – The United Nations Statistical Commission today agreed on a set of global indicators that will measure success towards the new sustainable development agenda, which will lead anti-poverty efforts through 2030. On the last day of its 47th session, the Commission approved a draft global indicator framework intended for […]

14 Mar, 2016

Thailand: Terminal 2 at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport Officially Opened

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Bangkok, Thailand, 8 March 2016, (NNN-Bernama) — Terminal 2 at Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, which has been officially opened, is expected to boost the airport’s capacity to be able to cater up to 30 million passengers annually from 29 million currently, Thai News Agency (TNA) reported. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited (AOT) President Nitinai […]

14 Mar, 2016

China’s Anbang to Acquire America’s Strategic Hotels for $6.5 billion

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13 March 2016, (People’s Daily Online) – China’s Anbang Insurance Group has agreed to acquire America’s Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc. for around $6.5 billion, according to Bloomberg on Saturday. The deal comes just three months after Strategic Hotels’ current owner, private equity firm Blackstone Group, took the company private for around $6 billion. Strategic […]

14 Mar, 2016

Jewish activists “making sure there’s a price to pay for supporting Israel’s propaganda machine”

Message from Jewish Voice for Peace Executive Director Rebecca Vilkomerson Dear Friend, I want to try something a little bit different. No request to sign a petition or call your Congressional representative — just an update about what our team has been working on over the last month, and what we’ve got on deck for […]

14 Mar, 2016

Come and See: A Kairos Perspective of Tourism and Pilgrimage in Palestine

There are several different forms that tourism takes in Palestine: tourism organized directly by Israel; tourism organized by other countries with Israel’s coordination and approval, including religious pilgrimages; “political thrill” tourism; and Birthright Israel programs, which are free trips Israel that Israel offers to any Jew in the world as a birthright and which many […]

14 Mar, 2016

Palestinians sue billionaire Sheldon Adelson for Israeli war crimes – The Electronic Intifada

A group of Palestinians and Palestinian Americans are seeking $34.5 billion dollars in damages from wealthy individuals and companies they accuse of financing and profiting from Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank and other abuses of their rights. The plaintiffs include Palestinians who have lost family members in Israeli attacks in the West Bank […]

14 Mar, 2016

BDS India Convention Calls For Total Boycott Of Israel

March 8, 2016 — An appeal for the total boycott of Israel was made at the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions(BDS) India Convention held on 6 March 2016 at New Delhi’s Gandhi Peace Foundation as a mark of protest against the apartheid policies and the genocidal campaign of Israel against Palestine. The intellectuals and activists coming from […]

14 Mar, 2016

Israel again blocks Indonesian Foreign Minister from opening consulate in Palestine

Imtiaz Muqbil

Israel escalated its global war on Islam last week by blocking Indonesian foreign minister Retno Marsudi from travelling to Ramallah, Palestine, to dedicate an honorary consulate because of her refusal to first meet with Israeli officials in Jerusalem. This is the second time an Indonesian Foreign Minister has been denied access to Ramallah. In 2012, […]

14 Mar, 2016

Americans Are Buried Under a Mountain of Debt – Gallup

Two-thirds of Americans say they have enough money to live comfortably, with more traditionalists (76%) and baby boomers (67%) saying they do than millennials (62%) and Gen Xers (61%). Those who say they don’t have enough money to live comfortably appear to be using their credit cards to supplement their available resources with high-interest credit. […]

14 Mar, 2016

How credit card companies know what we will do in the future – Sydney Morning Herald

Australia is a world leader in the march towards a cashless economy. But our enthusiasm for electronic payments has gifted credit card companies with a crystal ball. Only a handful of nations make more cashless transactions per person than Australia. The proportion of purchases involving cash slumped from 70 per cent in 2007 to 47 […]

14 Mar, 2016

Canadian PM: I have more Sikhs in Cabinet than Modi – The Hindu

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, known for his witty repartees, told an American audience here that he has more Sikhs in his Cabinet than his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. The quip came when Mr. Trudeau was taking 10 questions from students at the American University in northwest Washington during his state visit to the U.S. […]

13 Mar, 2016

Government agencies can function better as ‘model’ businesses – Report

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Australia, 10 March 2016, (ASBC News) – Government agencies across Australia can clearly improve the way is which they conduct business with the private sector, according to a major report on government business behaviour by the Australian Small Business Commissioner. If government agencies improved their performance and were examples of good business behaviour the benefits to […]

13 Mar, 2016

Afternoon siestas ward off fatigue, boost productivity – Australian Centre for Sleep Research

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Australia, 10 Mar 2016, (RIRDC News) -As we head into another busy time of year, grain and cotton growers especially are being encouraged to consider the benefits of giving in to the urge to have a post-lunch siesta. New research shows the impact of fatigue on farmers is as bad as having an above-the limit […]

12 Mar, 2016

New study reveals contrasting views of women’s roles in the workplace, at home, and in society

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Montreal, Canada (PRWEB) March 05, 2016  – The Suffragettes and activists like Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, and Coretta Scott King dreamed of a world where women would be viewed as being on the same footing as men. It is unlikely, however, that they would have anticipated a recent and fervent backlash to feminism, lead by […]

12 Mar, 2016

Kyoto taxis specializing in foreign tourists begin one-year trial | The Japan Times

KYOTO, Mar 1, 2016  Kyodo– A one-year trial run for taxis aimed at non-Japanese tourists started Tuesday in the city of Kyoto, the first such service in Japan aimed at enhancing the experience for overseas visitors. The “foreigner-friendly taxis” accept credit cards, have space for two large suitcases and drivers who are able to communicate […]

12 Mar, 2016

U.S. Baby Boomers Regret Not Having Travelled Enough – British Airways Survey

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 11, 2016 – A British Airways survey of 2,000 U.S. baby boomers (aged 55 and over) shows that the generation born between 1946 and 1961 have a newfound interest in seeing the world as they enter into retirement, but not everyone’s prepared for long-haul travel. The survey data shows that despite working […]

12 Mar, 2016

No freedom without dissent – The Hindu

There is an opinion that India has come into its natural inheritance only after the election of a majority government in May 2014. It is argued that the past 60-odd years of the Indian Republic were a mere epilogue to an empire and a Western era that had not fully died in 1947. The Nehruvian […]

12 Mar, 2016

The issue of nationalism: A sinister pattern underway – The Hindu

Everything is projected through the lens of a narrow Hindutva definition of nationalism, leaving no room for tolerance and pluralism. Questioning the death penalty is attacked as anti-national; studying in Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is anti-national; being a human rights worker in Chhattisgarh is anti-national; the ‘right to report’ is anti-national; and asking for transparency […]

12 Mar, 2016

Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia Urged to End Indefinite Detention of Rohingya Refugees

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Bangkok, March 11, 2016—Fortify Rights media release – The Governments of Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia should end the indefinite detention of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar and provide them with full protection, said Fortify Rights and the Burmese Rohingya Organization UK (BROUK) in a new briefing published today. Almost ten months after human trafficking syndicates abandoned […]

10 Mar, 2016

News for Gay Travellers: UNAIDS piloting new mobile platform to better inform HIV patients, improve health care

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9 March 2016, (UN News Centre) – Starting this month, a thousand people living with HIV in Côte d’Ivoire will receive additional health information through their mobile phones, the United Nations agency leading the world’s HIV/AIDS response announced today. The four-month pilot project in Abidjan is part of a collaboration between the Joint UN Programme […]

10 Mar, 2016

EU Funds Grants to 30 Palestinian NGOs

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Ramallah, Palestine, 9 March 2016, (WAFA) – Thirty Palestinian civil society organizations signed on Wednesday individual grants agreements with the Palestinian Central Elections Commission. Funded by the European Union, the grants will promote the engagement and participation of Palestinian public in future national elections, as well as enhance and increase Palestinians’ participation in electoral and […]

10 Mar, 2016

World Bank Helps Promote Safe Travel for Women in Public Transport Systems

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Washington DC, 08 March 2016, (World Bank News Feature) When you take public transportation, whether a metro or a bus, you may not automatically think about gender differences. But men and women’s experiences with transport systems differ greatly, particularly when related to their physical security and safety. Recent research has shown high levels of violence […]

10 Mar, 2016

FREE Download: UN report lists grim toll of Asia-Pacific natural and man-made disasters in 2015

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Bangkok (ESCAP News) 10 March 2016 — The Asia-Pacific region continued to be the world’s most disaster prone region in 2015. According to a new report by United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the region accounted for over half the world’s 344 disasters in 2015, resulting in over 16,000 […]

8 Mar, 2016

Factors Driving Growth in Global Luggage Market

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Dublin, Ireland, 03 March 2016, (Business Wire)- Changing lifestyles, increasing urbanization, and growing interest of people in tourism are the key drivers of the global luggage market. The increasing travel and tours, growing business activities, and increasing numbers of educational courses are further propelling the demand for luggage. The fluctuating recreation patterns and increasing disposable […]

8 Mar, 2016

Step into the World of Virtual Japanese Art with ANA

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Tokyo, Japan, 29 February 2016, (Business Wire)-As part of its “IS JAPAN COOL” initiative, Japan’s largest airline ANA shines the spotlight on art-based tourism in Japan. Visitors can now experience the world of Japanese contemporary art before even stepping foot into the country, made possible through ANA’s “IJC Museum“, a virtual art gallery that can […]

8 Mar, 2016

Australia releases 2015 University Student Experience Survey National Report

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Australia, 4 March 2016, (The Department of Education and Training Media Centre)-More than one in four Australian university students want better support or higher quality learning materials, according to the latest national snapshot of student experiences. Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the 2015 Student Experiences Survey should help focus efforts so more […]

8 Mar, 2016

European Cities Attract Growing Numbers of Tourists, Despite a Troubled Year

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Vienna, Austria, 7 March 2016, (PR Newswire) — European Cities Marketing has demonstrated the dominant and most dynamic aspect of European tourism: city tourism, which for years has continued to grow twice as fast as national tourism. Based on the preliminary results of the upcoming European Cities Marketing Benchmarking Report, European cities maintained their strong […]

8 Mar, 2016

UN highlights need to close critical gender gaps in Asia-Pacific on Int’l Women’s Day

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Bangkok, Thailand, 8 March 2016, (ESCAP News) – For the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to succeed, we must root out the causes of inequality between women and men by addressing unequal gender relations and tackling structural barriers such as discriminatory legislation and macro-economic policies, prejudicial social norms and harmful practices, the United Nations underscored at a forum here today. […]

8 Mar, 2016

ILO: Large gender gaps remain across broad spectrum of global labour market

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Geneva, Switzerland, 7 March 2016, (ILO News) – Despite some modest gains in some regions in the world, millions of women are losing ground in their quest for equality in the world of work, according to a new report prepared by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as part of the ILO’s Women at Work Centenary Initiative . […]

8 Mar, 2016

Measuring Effectiveness of Technology to Promote Employee Well-being Proves Challenging

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New York, USA, 3 March 2016, (Business Wire)–New research by Xerox Human Resources Services in conjunction with the National Business Group on Health® demonstrates employers’ willingness to invest in emerging technologies aimed at improving employee well-being despite challenges measuring impact and return on investment. The biannual study, “Emerging Technology to Promote Employee Well-being,” examines the current use and […]

8 Mar, 2016

Trades Union Call for More Investment in the Care Economy: A Pathway to Growth

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Brussels, Belgium, 8 March 2016 (ITUC OnLine)– A new study released today by the ITUC shows that investment into the care economy of 2% of GDP in just 7 countries would create over 21 million jobs and help countries overcome the twin challenges of ageing populations and economic stagnation. The report http://www.ituc-csi.org/CareJobs which analysed the […]

8 Mar, 2016

Women earned on average 16% less than men in the EU – Report

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Brussels, Eurostat media release, 08 March 2016 – In 2014, the gender pay gap stood at 16.1% in the European Union (EU). In other words, women earned on average 84 cents for every euro a man makes per hour. Across Member States, the gender pay gap in 2014 ranged from less than 5% in Slovenia […]

7 Mar, 2016

Oman Names Its First Budget Airline “Salam Air”

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 07 March 2016 (27 Jumaada al-Awwal 1437). Pls click on any of the headlines to go to the story. ============ A WORD FROM MY SPONSORS: TOURISM MALAYSIA MALAYSIA LAUNCHES E-VISA FOR CHINESE TOURISTS Effective 01 […]

5 Mar, 2016

FBI win in encryption case against Apple will end global privacy, personal freedoms – UN human rights chief

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United Nations, (UN News Centre) 4 March 2016 – The top United Nations human rights official today urged United States authorities to proceed with great caution in their legal efforts to break the encryption on an iPhone linked to the investigation into the mass killings in San Bernardino, California, saying the case could have broader […]

4 Mar, 2016

European taxpayers fork out another €252.5 million to support Palestinians

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Brussels, 1 March 2016, European Commission – Press release – The European Commission has approved a €252.5 million assistance package supporting the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian refugees. It is the first part of the EU’s 2016 annual support package in favour of Palestine. High Representative/ Vice-President Federica Mogherini, said: “The European Union renews its concrete […]

4 Mar, 2016

Beijing center helps woo foreign talent

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Beijing, Republic of China, 02 March 2016, (China Daily)-A special service center was launched in Beijing on Tuesday offering permanent residence services to foreigners in the Zhongguancun high-tech hub as authorities seek to attract more overseas talent and investment. The center will offer visa, residential permit and permanent residence services to foreigners who start businesses […]

4 Mar, 2016

Iranian musician forced to stop Cologne concert after audience members jeer and shout ‘speak German’ – The Independent

An Iranian harpsichordist has described his shock after being forced to stop a concert in Cologne following calls to “speak German” and jeering. Mahan Esfahani, who has won numerous awards and teaches at London’s prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama, was performing at the Kölner Philharmonie when the furore broke out on Sunday. As […]

4 Mar, 2016

UN panel to probe hidden history of African and Indigenous descendants of colonialism and enslavement in U.S.

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New York, USA, 01 March 2016, (PRWEB) – With African and Indigenous descendants of Colonialism and Enslavement in the United States as a primary case study, United Nations NGO, the United States Sustainable Development Corporation has announced March 23 to convene experts and leaders who will sit on an inaugural panel to promote a more […]

4 Mar, 2016

Thai King’s Sufficiency Economy Seen as an International Development Model

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Bangkok, Thailand, 2 March 2016, (Thailand PRD News) -Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha stated that Thailand has adopted His Majesty the King’s Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy as a guideline for development, with the people at the center, for more than 40 years. The Prime Minister highlighted Thailand’s experience in practicing the Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, […]

4 Mar, 2016

Commission Established to Boost Malaysian Aviation Industry

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Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1 March 2016 (NNN-Bernama) — The government has established the Malaysian Aviation Commission in order to boost up the nation’s aviation industry to a greater height. Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the commission, established under the Malaysian Aviation Commission Act 2015 would be overseen by the Ministry of Transport. “It will […]

4 Mar, 2016

Russian tourists rushing back to China

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BEIJING, 1 March 2016, (China Daily)-After four years of decline, there was a huge increase in the number of Russian tourists visiting China in January, new figures show. In total, 144,200 Russians visited in the first month of 2016－up 46.9 percent on the same period last year, according to a recent report released by China […]

4 Mar, 2016

Union Bank Survey: Small Business Owners Less Optimistic about U.S. Business Climate in 2016

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New York, USA, 25 February 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) –Union Bank today announced the results of its annual Small Business Economic Survey, which shows small business owners are more pessimistic about the national economy in 2016 than last year, yet remain hopeful about the future of their own businesses. The survey also found 39 percent of female respondents […]

4 Mar, 2016

Ban says Europe’s border restrictions not in line with international law ‘or human decency’

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Madrid, Spain, 1 March 2016, (UN News Centre) – In Spain this evening, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon praised the country’s efforts to address some of “the most urgent issues on the international agenda,” including the plight of asylum seekers fleeing across the Mediterranean, and the devastating war in Syria. At a press conference in […]

1 Mar, 2016

From Birthright to HP, Israel Gave Billions to Private Contractors Without Tenders – Ha’aretz

Israel’s government has spent 31.6 billion shekels ($8.1 billion) over the last five years awarding contracts to companies and other organizations without any kind of competitive bidding process, an analysis conducted by the Public Knowledge Workshop for The Marker shows. More than 3,900 bodies, the biggest by far a company called Sarel that purchases medical […]

1 Mar, 2016

Human Rights Council Report: Increasingly Complex and Widening Conflicts Took Huge Toll on Children in 2015

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New York, USA, 15 February 2016, (UN News) – Increasingly complex and widening conflicts have taken a huge toll on children in much of the Middle East in 2015, with parts of Africa and Asia facing protracted and relapsing wars that show no signs of abating, wrote Leila Zerrougui, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General […]

1 Mar, 2016

Report Finds U.S. Families Struggle Over a Decade to Get Help for Mental Illness

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Washington DC, USA, 23 February 2016,  (PRWEB)-At least 8.4 million Americans are providing care to an adult with an emotional or mental health issue, and nearly three quarters report that caregiving causes high emotional stress, finds a new study from the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with Mental Health America and the National Alliance […]

1 Mar, 2016

Translator of Quran receives Germany’s Rumi award

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Tehran, Iran, 14 February 2015, (IRNA News) – A Quranic researcher and translator of the Quran from Afghanistan received the Rumi Award for 2015 Book of the Year in Islamic Studies in German language. According to the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, the Foundation for Islamic Studies in Germany granted the award to Ahmad Milad […]

1 Mar, 2016

Muslim groups in the West set up co-ordinating body to defend interests, combat Islamophobia

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Washington DC, USA, 4 February 2016, (ICNA News) – The US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), a coalition of leading national and local American Muslim groups, today joined with leaders from Muslim organizations in the West to issue the “Washington Declaration” announcing the formation of a coordinating body to deal with issues of common concern. […]

1 Mar, 2016

South Africa Opens Solar-Powered Airport

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Pretoria, South Africa, 27 February 2016, (NNN-SAnews) — Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa has congratulated the Department of Transport on the official opening of South Africa’s – and Africa’s – first solar-powered airport in George. Transport Minister Dipuo Peters launched the project that is spearheaded by the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) at a […]

1 Mar, 2016

Europe’s restrictive measures place added hardships on refugees and asylum-seekers – UN

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United Nations, 23 February 2016, (UN News Centre) – The United Nations refugee agency said today it is concerned by recent restrictive practices adopted in a number of European countries that are placing additional undue hardships on refugees and asylum-seekers across Europe, creating chaos at several border points, and putting particular pressure on Greece as […]

1 Mar, 2016

Counter-terrorism measures threaten remittances sent to Somali diaspora – UN rights experts

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United Nations, 18 January 2016, (UN News Centre)-Expressing concern over the impact on vital remittances from diaspora countries into Somalia caused by “necessary but less considered counter-terrorism regulations,” United Nations rights experts today warned the measures may “severely affect the human rights” of Somali people, while urging regulation-setting governments to guarantee the flow of such […]

1 Mar, 2016

2016 Risk Outlook: Terrorism, Instability, Cybercrime and the Weaponization of Refugees

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Washington DC, USA, 23 February 2016, (PRWEB) -The latest Clements Worldwide Risk Index revealed that concerns over risks from terrorism have doubled over the past 6 months and 16% of organizations had losses due to political unrest over the last year. These results, and what they mean for global organizations in 2016, were the subject […]

1 Mar, 2016

FREE Download: Human Rights Centre urges political parties to halt erosion of Australia’s democracy

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Canberra, 23 February 2016, (HRLC News)-Australia’s political parties must stop eroding many of the vital foundations of Australia’s democracy, the Human Rights Law Centre said in a new report launched in Canberra yesterday. Civil society leaders joined the launch to highlight the critical role that civil society plays in a healthy and robust democracy. “Open […]

1 Mar, 2016

ADB Backs First Climate Bond in Asia in Landmark $225 Million Philippines Deal

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Manila, Philippines, 29 February 2016, (ADB News)-The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has backed the issuance of the first Climate Bond in Asia and the Pacific. ADB will provide credit-enhancement to the Philippine firm AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI), a subsidiary of AboitizPower Corporation (AboitizPower), for the Tiwi-MakBan geothermal energy facilities. The PHP10.7 billion ($225 million equivalent) […]

1 Mar, 2016

ADB to hold workshop on Investigation and Compliance Strategies to Combat Tax Evasion

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Tokyo, Japan, 9 – 11 March 2016, (ADB News) – Senior tax officials responsible for policy and operations for tax investigation and compliance are to attend a workshop, Tax Evasion: Investigation and Compliance Strategies, on 9–11 March 2016 at the Asian Development Bank Institute, Tokyo, Japan. The purpose of the workshop is to share knowledge […]

1 Mar, 2016

Chinese commentary: US-led TPP can’t crush Chinese economy

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Beijing, 05 February 2016, (People’s Daily Online)-The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) was signed by ministers from its 12 member nations in New Zealand on 04 February 2016. It will take effect after lawmakers from each of these countries ratify it. It looks like it will only be a matter of time before the process is complete. […]

1 Mar, 2016

Europe stresses strong Privacy Shield in data transfer flow pact with U.S.

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Brussels, 29 February 2016, European Commission Press release – The European Commission today issued the legal texts that will put in place the EU-U.S. Privacy Shield and a Communication summarising the actions taken over the last years to restore trust in transatlantic data flows since the 2013 surveillance revelations. In line with President Juncker’s political […]