30 Jun, 2017

Asia Premiere of banned documentary film “Sittwe” on Myanmar’s Rakhine State

======

Bangkok – Sittwe is a short documentary about two teenagers affected by conflict in Burma’s Rakhine state. The film was banned to premiere at the Human Rights, Human Dignity International Film Festival in Myanmar by government censors. It will be shown at the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand in Bangkok at 7pm, Wednesday July 5, […]

30 Jun, 2017

ASEAN to further empower persons with disabilities

PHUKET, 23 June 2017 (ASEAN media release) – The 3rd ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) Regional Dialogue on the Mainstreaming of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in the ASEAN Community was held on 19-21 June 2017 in Phuket, Thailand. The dialogue focused on the issues pertaining to access to justice, persons with […]

30 Jun, 2017

APEC Helps Small Fashion Houses Go Global

======

Hong Kong – China | 23 June 2017 — Trade officials from APEC member economies and the USD1.3 trillion fashion industry have sewn a new partnership to make it easier for up and coming designers in the Asia-Pacific to build their brands and trade internationally. Under the arrangement, officials, together with fashion designers and industry […]

30 Jun, 2017

Muslim lynchings by cow vigilantes batter India’s image

======

India’s image is taking a global battering these days. Here is a collection of news items, both in India and abroad, showing the public relations crisis facing the country as it abandons its once cherished democratic, secular credentials and steadily drifts towards becoming a Hindu theocracy Modictatorship. The impact of this on travel & tourism […]

27 Jun, 2017

U.S. Supreme Court Muslim Travel Ban: Get set for chaos, confusion, maelstrom and more Islamophobia

Imtiaz Muqbil

The following is a roundup of reactions by four advocacy groups representing Muslims, the Arab-American community and the Business Travel community. ADC Troubled by the Supreme Court’s Decision to Partially Reinstate Travel Ban Washington, D.C., June 26, 2017 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination (ADC) condemns the Supreme Court’s decision to partially reinstate the Arab and Muslim […]

26 Jun, 2017

Israel’s failing P.R. campaign: The more Americans know, the less favorable they are

The news out of Israel is that a survey by an American Zionist group says that Israeli PR (or hasbara) isn’t working, and the more Americans learn about Israel, the less favorably they feel about the country. The Times of Israel describes the data as devastating: “‘Devastating’ survey shows huge loss of Israel support among […]

26 Jun, 2017

Everbridge Research: Growing Mobile Workforce Expects Companies to Help Protect Them While Traveling

======

BURLINGTON, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 21, 2017 — Everbridge, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVBG), a global software company that provides critical event management and enterprise safety applications to help keep people safe and businesses running, today announced the findings of its research into the safety of mobile, remote and traveling workers. The report, “Protecting the Modern Mobile Workforce,” focuses […]

25 Jun, 2017

EIA: Leaked EU-Japan Trade Agreement Would Increase Illegal Logging Globally

======

WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–June 23, 2017 – Draft documents published today set the terms for a new trade agreement between the European Union (EU) and Japan (JEFTA) that, in its current form, would likely result in increased illegal logging and timber smuggling, including within Europe’s last remaining virgin forests. The documents, posted to the website www.trade-leaks.org by […]

25 Jun, 2017

China e-commerce market to grow 19% in 2017: report

======

SHANGHAI, June 22 (Xinhua) — The e-commerce market in China is expected to grow by about 19 percent year on year in 2017, a report said on Thursday. China has entered “a new retail era” characterized by online and offline (o2o) retail that has created huge potential and demand, especially for customized products, according to […]

25 Jun, 2017

As of 2019, Beijing’s new 7-runway airport to be world’s biggest aviation hub

======

Beijing, (CRI Online) June 24, 2017 — The new airport under construction south of Beijing will become the world’s biggest aviation hub, reports the financial media company Bloomberg. Located on the southern part of Daxing district, along the border with Hebei province, the new airport is planned to go into service in 2019. “There are […]

23 Jun, 2017

Thousands lose jobs as restive Kashmir’s tourism economy dwindles –  Hindustan Times

At the Dal Lake in Srinagar, Rizwan Ahmad Bhat stands next to his shikara (a traditional boat), named Do Badan Ek Jan (two bodies, one soul), waiting for tourists. Last year this time, the lake was packed with visitors exploring its waters and the views of the surrounding Zabarwan hills. This summer, the lake and […]

23 Jun, 2017

China counts 1.58 million high-net-worth individuals in 2016

======

By Sun Wenyu Beijing, (People’s Daily Online)  – China’s population of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI), defined as those who have investable assets in excess of 10 million RMB, reached 1.58 million in 2016, according to the China Private Wealth Report, jointly issued by China Commercial Bank (CMB) and management consulting firm Bain on June 20. The […]

22 Jun, 2017

Nominations for 2017 Australian Disability Awards Open

======

Canberra, 21 June 2017 – The Hon Jane Prentice MP, Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services has announced that nominations are now open for the 2017 National Disability Awards. Individuals, workplaces, and service providers, who have improved the lives of Australians with disability, are encouraged to submit a nomination for the Awards before […]

22 Jun, 2017

China to standardize use of English on public signs

======

By Kou Jie Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), June 21, 2017 — Chinese authorities on June 20 issued a national standard for the use of English in the public domain, eradicating poor translations that damage the country’s image. The standard, jointly issued by China’s Standardization Administration and General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, aims to […]

22 Jun, 2017

China to launch 2nd phase of cross-border interbank payment system for RMB

======

SHANGHAI, June 21 (Xinhua) — The second phase of the Cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) will be launched in Shanghai to promote the global use of the Chinese currency and the Belt and Road Initiative. The upcoming launch of CIPS Phase II in Shanghai will further boost the building of the international financial center there, […]

22 Jun, 2017

Voice of China: US should look in the mirror before lecturing the world on human rights

======

By Curtis Stone Beijing, (People’s Daily Online), June 20, 2017 – Responding to US President Donald Trump’s announcement on June 16 that he is reversing steps to normalize relations with Cuba, the Cuban government said the US is in no position to lecture on human rights. In a speech described by the Cuban government as “full […]

22 Jun, 2017

Here’s why you should read this new anthology on the Israel-Palestine conflict — Hindustan Times

======

The book was launched on June 18 to commemorate this month’s anniversary of the 1967 Mideast War, in which Israel took control of the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. Hebrew and Arabic versions are to hit bookshelves in Israel and the Palestinian territories later this week. Speaking to reporters at Jerusalem’s American Colony […]

22 Jun, 2017

China takes measures to boost sharing economy

======

BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) — A guideline to further boost the blossoming of sharing economy was approved at a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday. According to the guideline, the sector will enjoy easier access, greater policy transparency, and better protection of legitimate rights of platform companies, resources providers and […]

21 Jun, 2017

Are we sleepwalking towards another major Middle East war? – Sydney Morning Herald

Julien Barnes-Dacey, an analyst with the European Council on Foreign Relations, worries that the new US administration has not learnt the lessons of its predecessors in Iraq. Barnes-Dacey writes: “A fight against Iranian proxies in eastern Syria is likely doomed to failure and would distract attention away from other important areas of the country. A […]

21 Jun, 2017

This woman’s ‘thank you’ note to Pakistan for defeating India in cricket is a must read | The Indian Express

After the match, many took to social media and even news media to lambast Indian skipper Virat Kohli and the rest of the team for the poor performance. The ‘mauka mauka’ ad man ruled the Internet space as the green T-shirt finally worked its magic and Pakistan beat India in ICC Champions Trophy final by […]

20 Jun, 2017

Muzzling freedom of expression in India – The Hindu

By Kapil Sibal What I eat is part of my freedom of expression. It is part of my identity. Also my desire to eat what I want, unless prohibited by law, is a matter of my choice. Exercise of choice is part of a person’s individuality. No one can pre-empt my right to exercise that […]

20 Jun, 2017

Switzerland tops World Innovation Index; India and other emerging markets on the rise

======

United Nations, (UN News Centre) 15 June 2017 – Innovation is a key development tool that could boost economies and provide a way out of the growing squeeze on the world’s food resources – one of the major challenges of the 21st century – according to a new United Nations report. “Innovation is the engine […]

20 Jun, 2017

Qatar Blockade: Global Trades Union blasts Gulf royal families for jeopardising lives of migrant millions

======

Brussels, 19 June 2017 (ITUC OnLine):  Concerns over the conditions of migrant workers in Qatar are mounting, as the blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other countries continues.  Workers from Bangladesh, India and Nepal are telling of essential food prices doubling with the sealing of the Saudi border and closure of air […]

19 Jun, 2017

Australia opens Great Barrier Reef cruise ship policy for public consultation

======

Canberra, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, 16/06/2017 – Public feedback is invited on a draft policy for cruise ship operations in the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s draft policy brings together all current management arrangements for cruise ships operating across the Reef and promotes ecologically-sustainable activities. Great Barrier Reef […]

19 Jun, 2017

Theme Index and Museum Index 2016 shows Asian waterparks making a big splash

======

HONG KONG, June 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The 2016 TEA/AECOM Theme Index and Museum Index, an annual study of attendance at top theme parks, water parks and museums around the world, reveals mixed results for calendar year 2016. While attendance at the top 25 global theme parks dipped by 1.1 percent, the world’s top 10 […]

19 Jun, 2017

ASEAN, EU to boost student mobility in the ASEAN region

======

MANILA, 14 June 2017 (ASEAN secretariat media release) – Today, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippines’ Commission for Higher Education (CHED), and the European Union (EU) joined forces to organise the First ASEAN Student Mobility Forum in Manila to capture and promote the benefits of student mobility in ASEAN. About 200 students […]

19 Jun, 2017

A Darkened Age – The Rule of Law in Protecting Morality and Humanity

======

JURIST Guest Columnist, David M. Crane, of Syracuse University School of Law discusses the importance of the rule of law in restoring the ideals of humanity and morality on a global scale… There is a growling of a discontent, an unrest, just below the surface, festering ready to erupt into a boil of frustration. The […]

19 Jun, 2017

One Professor’s Journey from Israeli-occupied Palestine to Israeli-occupied USA

======

By Prof Mazin Qumsiyeh I spent 40 hours on grueling travel between Palestine and the USA and my documents (and luggage) were checked 15-20 times along the way. The Israeli occupied United States is not much different from Israeli occupied Palestine. I will not bore you with details of going from Bethlehem to Jordan. I […]

14 Jun, 2017

Global aviation growth projects need for 530,000 pilots, 550,000 technicians over 20 years

======

Bangkok, 14 June 2017 – The world’s passenger aircraft fleet above 100 seats is set to more than double in the next 20 years to over 40,000 planes as traffic is set to grow at 4.4 percent per year, according to Airbus’ latest Global Market Forecast 2017-2036. Over this period, increasing numbers of first time […]

14 Jun, 2017

Asia-based HIV Workers Explore Innovative Use of Social Media to Combat Rising Infection Rate

======

BANGKOK, June 14, 2017 (APcom Press release) – Reducing rising rates of HIV transmission among Asian gay men through the innovative use of digital communications is the focus of a special event which opened today in Bangkok. Connecting Asia is a three-day regional consultation – the first event of its kind in Asia – that […]

14 Jun, 2017

153 detained for airline ticket fraud following worldwide Interpol operation

Imtiaz Muqbil

Lyon, France, 13 June 2017, (Interpol media release) – An international operation targeting airline fraudsters has resulted in the detention of 153 individuals suspected of using tickets purchased with stolen, compromised or fake credit card details. Involving 64 countries, during the sixth Global Airport Action Days from 6 to 8 June, 84 airlines and eight […]

13 Jun, 2017

U.S. Extremist Anti-Islam Rallies a ‘Bust,’ Counter-Protests Far Overshadowed Hate Marches

======

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said anti-Islam rallies held around the country on Saturday were a “bust” and were far overshadowed by counter-demonstrators who outnumbered the Islamophobes and their white supremacist and anti-government allies almost 10-to-1. SEE: NY Anti-Sharia […]

13 Jun, 2017

EXPO-2017 Exhibition Opens in Astana

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, June 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — The EXPO-2017 International Specialized Exhibition dedicated to Future Energy opened in Astana with a magnificent light and multimedia show. “This is a new achievement in the promotion of our country and Kazakhstan’s national brand in the international arena. As we have selected Future Energy as the theme of […]

13 Jun, 2017

Mekong Tourism Forum 2017: Prospering, but for what Purpose?

Imtiaz Muqbil

Luang Prabang, Laos – One of the most powerful messages of the Mekong Tourism Forum held in this UNESCO world heritage site between 7-9 June was the contrast between the core argument advocated by the keynote speaker and the rest of the programme content. While Anna Pollock, the UK-based Founder of Conscious.Travel, flagged clear warnings […]

12 Jun, 2017

Holy month of Ramzan makes the Hindu-Muslim bond stronger in Old Delhi – Hindustan Times

For members of the Muslim community, the holy month of Ramzan involves fasting, devotion and charity. In Old Delhi, the month holds significance for its Hindu brethren, too. In a show of solidarity, many are choosing to not eat anything for the whole day. Mohd. Shaan, owner of Kallan Sweet Shop in Old Delhi, tells […]

10 Jun, 2017

Number of Potential Migrants Worldwide Tops 700 Million – Gallup Polls

======

WASHINGTON, D.C. 8 June 2017 (Gallup Polls) — After cooling off in the wake of the Great Recession, worldwide, people’s desire to migrate permanently to another country showed signs of rebounding between 2013 and 2016. Gallup found 14% of the world’s adults — which translates to nearly 710 million people — saying they would like […]

10 Jun, 2017

Time to impose visa curbs on U.S. citizens globally

Imtiaz Muqbil

Bangkok – An extremist anti-Muslim hate group is planning to hold rallies across 29 cities in the United States on June 10 to highlight what it calls the threat of “Sharia law”. Although the website of ACT for America describes these rallies as being opposition to female genital mutilation, honor killings and violence towards the […]

6 Jun, 2017

Will the U.S. Neocons’ Long War Ever End? by Nicolas J S Davies

======

America’s Long War or Global War on Terror has taken some ugly turns as the West’s continued war-making in the Muslim world leads to new terrorism against Western targets, with no end in sight, explains Nicolas J S Davies. Source: www.tikkun.org/nextgen/will-the-neo-cons-long-war-ever-end June 5, 2017 – The recent news from Kabul (in Afghanistan), from Manchester and […]

6 Jun, 2017

From a Vietnamese farm to Forbes: The start-up that wowed Subic Ecotourism Fest

Imtiaz Muqbil

Subic Bay, the Philippines – Of the many erudite presentations at the Subic Ecotourism Festival held between 28 May – 2 June, the most inspiring was the story of how a young Vietnamese girl overcame poverty, illiteracy, an alcoholic father and single motherhood to land up on the cover of Forbes Asia magazine as a […]