2 Jun, 2016
Path to happiness lies in good health and a good job, OECD Better Life Index shows
Paris, 31 May 2016, OECD media release – Being healthy and having a good job are two of the most important ingredients associated with subjective well-being, according to the latest data from the OECD’s Better Life Index. It shows life satisfaction is generally highest in Denmark, Norway and other Nordic nations, as well as in […]
more…2 Jun, 2016
Now Available: An Unrivalled hiSTORY of Asia-Pacific Travel & Tourism
Bangkok – Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil, the Asia-Pacific Travel & Tourism industry’s leading journalist-cum-historian, has curated 36 years of reports, notes, research and interviews into an unrivalled collection of Travel & Tourism hiSTORY. Now available for public presentation via lectures, university courses and/or keynote speeches, this authoritative and compelling collection of STORIES […]
more…1 Jun, 2016
Singapore travel agents association ushers in “next-generation” Executive Committee
Singapore – The newly-reelected President of the National Association of Travel Agents of Singapore (NATAS) has set his sights on fulfilling three major objectives which in fact apply not just to his constituency but the global travel agency community at large. Mr. Devinder Ohri was re-elected NATAS President at the 37th Annual General Meeting (AGM) […]
more…31 May, 2016
1.7 M Expat Workers in Oman in April 2016
Muscat, May 28 (ONA) —- The total number of expatriate workers in the Sultanate witnessed an increase by the end of April 2016 totaling 1,763,710 workers increasing by 1% when compared with 1,747,097 workers by the end of March 2016. The report issued by the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI) revealed that expatriate […]
more…31 May, 2016
Hotels Will Lead Global Public Relation Robots Market Through 2020 – Technavio Report
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– May 30, 2016 – According to the latest market study released by Technavio, the global public relation robots market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 26% during the forecast period. This research report titled ‘Global Public Relation Robots Market 2016-2020’ provides an in-depth analysis of the market in terms of […]
more…31 May, 2016
Halal, Vegan Drive Ethical Label Market Projects 5% Growth per Year by 2020
London, 26 May 2015,(Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) — Global Market Research Company Euromonitor International launched today the new Ethical Labels database, responding to the growing movement towards sustainability, social responsibility and transparency on labels. According to the new research, halal and vegan labels are set to grow by a compound annual growth rate of over 5 percent […]
more…31 May, 2016
Philippines: Peace panels affirm partnership for continuity of Bangsamoro peace process
KUALA LUMPUR, 31 May 2016, (PNA) — The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels concluded their May 29-30 special meeting in the Malaysian capital with the signing of the Declaration of Continuity of the Partnership of the GPH and MILF in the Bangsamoro Peace Process. In a […]
more…31 May, 2016
New global poll: Corporate greed, corruption fraying trust in democracies
Brussels, 31st May 2016 (ITUC Online): Multinational companies are putting the brakes on global growth with a business model built on low wages according to a new poll from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) released at the OECD Forum in Paris, the annual meeting of high income developed economies. Sharan Burrow, General Secretary, ITUC […]
more…31 May, 2016
ASEAN meeting to monitor effectiveness of competition policy and law enforcement
BANGKOK, 27 May 2016 (ASEAN media release) – A Brainstorming Session to Monitor the Effectiveness of Competition Regimes in ASEAN was held on 25-26 May in Bangkok, Thailand. The session is part of the initiative to develop an Assessment Toolkit on Competition Enforcement and Advocacy tailored to the ASEAN context under the ASEAN Competition Action […]
more…30 May, 2016
300+ Stakeholders Convene for Meeting to Broaden Asia-Pacific Tax Collection
JAKARTA, Indonesia, (BUSINESS WIRE), 26 May 2016 – Fiscal officials from 15 Asia-Pacific countries met this week with leading academic specialists and private-sector representatives in Jakarta, Indonesia for the 13th annual “Asia-Pacific Tax Forum.” The meeting, organized by the International Tax and Investment Center (www.iticnet.org), in cooperation with the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance, […]
more…30 May, 2016
Thai Medical agencies join hands to seek herbal cures for cancer
BANGKOK, 19 May 2016 (NNT) – An agreement has been signed by three medical bodies on their cooperation to research and develop cancer drugs from herbal ingredients. Participating in the agreement signing ceremony were heads of the three agencies, which consist of the National Cancer Institute, the Department of Medical Services and the Government Pharmaceutical […]
more…30 May, 2016
Upgraded marketing, training facilities offered to Thai restaurants
Bangkok, 27 May 2016 (PR Department) – The Ministry of Commerce is starting to push for the promotion of the Thai restaurant business as a rising star in the country’s service industry. Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn said that the policy to promote the restaurant business would generate more income for the country. It focuses on […]
more…30 May, 2016
“Indonesians’ assets kept abroad are larger than those at home” – VP Jusuf Kalla
Jakarta (ANTARA News), 29 May 2016 – Indonesia is lagging behind other countries in economic development because of its own wrong policies, not because it lacks capability or potential, Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla said. “If we had not spent too much money on fuel subsidies in the past 10 years, we would have earned […]
more…30 May, 2016
California hails Small Businesses as “economic engines”
SACRAMENTO, Calif., (BUSINESS WIRE), 25 May 2016 -Today, over 20 California governmental agencies, 25 small business organizations and 90 California State Legislators come together to recognize small business owners from across the state for their hard work and success. The annual event honors a few of the millions of small businesses that serve as the […]
more…30 May, 2016
U.S. now seeking ways to quell “excessively long” airport security lines
WASHINGTON, (BUSINESS WIRE), 26 May 2016 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today applauded the members of the House Homeland Security Committee for introducing legislation intended to help reduce the excessively long security lines experienced by passengers, particularly at the country’s largest airports. The Checkpoint Optimization and Efficiency Act of […]
more…30 May, 2016
91 major reservoirs of India report huge water shortage
New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, 27 May 2016 – The water storage available in 91 major reservoirs of the country for the week ending on May 26, 2016 was 26.816 BCM which is 17% of total storage capacity of these reservoirs. This was 55% of the storage of corresponding period of last year and 79% of storage of average of last ten years. The […]
more…30 May, 2016
Gallup chairman warns universities: Disruption Is Coming
By Jim Clifton GALLUP, 19 MAY 2016 (The Gallup Organization) – Do we need universities anymore? What if they ran out of customers? Google announced it is hiring employees without college degrees, and Ernst & Young made a similar decision in the U.K. last fall. Both organizations see less value in a traditional college degree. […]
more…28 May, 2016
U.S. behind dwindling leftist influence in Latin America: Argentinian Professor
HAVANA, May 13 (Xinhua) — The U.S. government aims to stamp out progressive governments in Latin America with the help of its conservative allies, Argentine political observer Atilio Boron told Xinhua. During a recent conference in Havana, the Harvard-educated professor and author said Washington launched a plan in 2013 to reinstate its influence in Latin […]
more…28 May, 2016
Chinese commentary: ‘Money politics’ erodes US political systems
BEIJING, (Xinhua), May 17, 2016 – With estimated record spending, the 2016 presidential election will be one of the most “money-burning” in the US history, which demonstrated that “money politics” is eroding the US political systems. Bloomberg has predicted that 10 billion US dollars will be spent on the 2016 US election, which has outnumbered […]
more…28 May, 2016
The Price of “Growth”: Asia Pacific Fast Losing its Unique Biodiversity – UNEP report
Nairobi/Bangkok, 22 May 2016 – Despite some progress in tackling growing threats to biodiversity and ecosystems on its lands, forests and waters, Asia and the Pacific is fast losing its unique flora and fauna. The rapid economic growth in the Asia Pacific region, accompanied by increased resource use by a growing urban and middle-class population […]
more…27 May, 2016
China launches app to guide visually disabled
Beijing, (China Daily) 2016-05-18 – A new app connecting millions of visually handicapped people with volunteers was launched in Beijing on Tuesday. The free app, see4me.org, has two channels－one for visually disabled users and one for volunteers. It allows the visually disabled to post requests, such as medical instructions or having mail read to them. […]
more…27 May, 2016
For F&B Managers: Top 12 Ways World Can End Hunger, Stem Environmental Damage from Food Systems
Nairobi, 25 May 2016 (UNEP media release) – A major overhaul of the global food system is urgently needed if the world is to combat hunger, use natural resources more efficiently and stem environmental damage, the International Resource Panel (IRP) says. In its latest report, the IRP – a consortium of 34 internationally renowned scientists, […]
more…27 May, 2016
Forget travel & tourism, here’s where the real money is….
When UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon addressed media at the World Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul on 24 May 2016, he made some shocking revelations about the state of human suffering. About 130 million people have been displaced by wars, conflicts and natural disasters worldwide. The UN needs 245 billion dollars a year to care for them. […]
more…25 May, 2016
First star-rating report of Travel & Tourism press releases launched
Bangkok – Travel Impact Newswire has launched what is claimed to be the first report conferring a star-rating on travel and tourism industry press releases. In a revolutionary effort to “disrupt” the generally low-quality content and structure of industry releases, and force improvements, Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil has set the ball rolling […]
more…21 May, 2016
354 European human rights, church groups, trade unions & political parties call on EU to back right to boycott Israel
The European Coordination of Committees and Associations for Palestine (ECCPalestine) issued this Press Release on May 18, 2016 : More than 300 human rights and aid organisations, church groups, trade unions and political parties from across Europe have called on the EU to uphold its legal responsibilities and hold Israel accountable for its violations of […]
more…21 May, 2016
Cvent Reveals 2016 List of World’s Top Meeting Destinations
TYSONS CORNER, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 17, 2016 – Cvent, Inc. (NYSE: CVT), a leading cloud-based enterprise event management company, today revealed its annual list of the top 50 cities for meetings and events in the United States, and the top 25 cities in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and the Asia Pacific (APAC) regions. […]
more…21 May, 2016
Terror Attacks Spark Fears of Veteran Travellers by More than 50%, New Study Shows
ALEXANDRIA Va., May 20, 2016 – The Association of Corporate Travel Executives expresses its condolences to the families of those lost aboard EgyptAir MS804 flight from Paris to Cairo. While the cause remains unknown at this time, this crash will create fear and anxiety to travellers considering the rise in number of terrorist attacks. In a […]
more…21 May, 2016
Faith Matters: Fear-mongering vs. fearlessness
By Jimmy E. Jones 05/20/16 New Haven Register – “So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself — nameless, unreasoning terror, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” In spite of these eloquent words uttered during his first […]
more…19 May, 2016
Chinese consortium prepares for Singapore-Malaysia rail bidding
Beijing, (China Daily) May 14, 2016 – A Chinese consortium is preparing to bid for the high-speed project linking Malaysia’s Capital Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, a source with China Communications Construction Group said on Friday. The source in Beijing-based CCCG, a major construction enterprise of transportation infrastructure and dredging projects, said that consortium members are […]
more…19 May, 2016
Xinhua commentary: World not safer with the US as its policeman
By CHEN WEIHUA Washington DC., 2016-05-13 (China Daily) – When Elizabeth Trudeau, director of US State Department Press Office, read a statement on Tuesday about a US Navy surface ship “exercising the right of innocent passage” while transiting near China’s Yongshu Reef that day, she said it was to uphold the rights and freedoms of […]
more…19 May, 2016
ADB, Japan-Assisted Project to Promote Tourism Jobs in Mon State, Myanmar
18 May 2016 – YANGON, MYANMAR (ADB media release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar today signed an agreement for a $3 million grant to support the development of tourism-based micro and small enterprises in Mon state. The grant, from the Japan Fund for […]
more…19 May, 2016
Demonising Muslims in media, avoiding root causes, makes violence more likely, new study shows
PHILADELPHIA, May 17, 2016, (AFSC media release) – Islamophobia is at work in our national media, according to an original content analysis by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), a Quaker peace and justice organization. The analysis shows a disturbing narrative link between Muslims and extremism, and then over-represents violent responses to politically motivated conflict. […]
more…16 May, 2016
WTTC Report on Peace & Tourism Wipes Palestine Off the Map
A report issued by the World Travel & Tourism Council to stress the link between tourism and peace has effectively wiped the globally recognised state of Palestine off the map. The serious omission has proved why tourism will never be able to seriously contribute to global peace unless groupings like the WTTC and indeed, many […]
more…13 May, 2016
The leading intellectual who will NEVER be invited to speak at a travel industry summit
Bangkok – He is often referred to as the “world’s leading intellectual.” His name is Prof Noam Chomsky, and Wikipedia describes him thus: “An American linguist, philosopher, cognitive scientist, historian, logician, social critic, and political activist. Sometimes described as “the father of modern linguistics”, Chomsky is also a major figure in analytic philosophy, and one […]
more…13 May, 2016
Chinese Commentary: Rising nationalism, growing identity crisis spoil Europe Day
STRASBOURG, May 8 (Xinhua) — Europe Day, celebrated by all European countries annually on May 9, takes place this year around the theme of diversity, a notion often claimed to be at the heart of the European project. This 2016 edition, however, has been spoiled by the rise of nationalists in a European Union (EU) […]
more…13 May, 2016
Post-80s and 90s born first-class passengers surging in China
Beijing, chinadaily.com.cn, 2016-05-06 — China’s post-80s and 90s born have surpassed the 70s to become the major force of first-class and business-class passengers, and the number is still growing, according to the first season report issued by Ctrip on Wednesday. The report shows that among these two kinds of seats takers, those born in 80s […]
more…13 May, 2016
New Data Shows U.S. Female-Headed Households See Higher Levels of Poverty, Hunger
WASHINGTON, 06 May 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE)–Women, particularly single mothers, are disproportionately affected by poverty and hunger, according to a new analysis, Hunger and Poverty among Female-Headed Households, released today by the Bread for the World Institute. “Female-headed households make up just over half of American low-income households with children,” said Asma Lateef, director of Bread for the […]
more…11 May, 2016
More countries commit to tackle tax evasion, avoidance in now “unstoppable movement”
Paris, OECD news release – 11/05/2016 – The OECD and the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes announced today that Bahrain, Lebanon, Nauru, Panama and Vanuatu have now committed to share financial account information automatically with other countries. With these new commitments, 101 jurisdictions around the world have committed to […]
more…11 May, 2016
Israel imposes travel ban on BDS movement co-founder Omar Barghouti
Palestinian BDS National Committee / Mondoweiss — May 10, 2016 – Israel has officially refused to renew the travel document of Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement co-founder Omar Barghouti in a move that amounts to a travel ban and is an escalation of its attacks on Palestinian human rights defenders who nonviolently advocate for […]
more…10 May, 2016
Jewish fanatic settlers continue Palestinian land-grabs
JERUSALEM, May 9, 2016 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers on Monday raided and took over a Palestinian-owned home in the Old City neighborhood of Jerusalem, claiming it was their property. Witnesses told WAFA that a group of settlers guarded by policemen broke into a three-storey building owned by local Youzbashi clan. The seized home overlooks the […]
more…10 May, 2016
Hundreds of travel, tourism, aviation companies, consultants listed in Panama Papers disclosure
The travel & tourism industry is set to face a major crackdown by global tax authorities worldwide in the wake of the Panama Papers leaks which show a listing of hundreds of hotels, travel, tourism and aviation companies and individuals. A search of the database by this editor showed 113 companies with “hotel” in their […]
more…9 May, 2016
UN Chief’s Action Plan exposes travel industry’s flawed response to security concerns
A Plan of Action to Prevent Violent Extremism authored by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon has exposed how the travel & tourism has long pursued a flawed and imbalanced strategy towards safety & security issues. The Plan also offers some concrete suggestions to “refocus priorities”, presenting a very important challenge to the travel & tourism […]
more…2 May, 2016
Report: Half of older Australians living with disability
Canberra, Australian Bureau of Statistics Media Release, 29 April 2016 – Just over half (50.7 per cent) of Australians aged 65 and over reported living with disability in 2015, compared to one in 8 (12.5 per cent) aged under 65, according to new data published today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). First results […]
more…1 May, 2016
Can The Travel & Tourism Industry Think?
In 1998, Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani, Professor in the Practice of Public Policy and Dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, published a book called “Can Asians Think?” One review of the book says: “Asia’s economies are poised to surpass those of Europe and North America […]
more…27 Apr, 2016
Australia bans drones at ANZAC day events
Canberra, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, 26 April 2016 — People with drones are being warned not to fly near ANZAC Day ceremonies or marches. Civil Aviation Safety Regulations generally do not allow drones to be flown near or over groups of people or within 30 metres of people. Drones could also pose a safety risk […]
more…26 Apr, 2016
UN launches toolkit for floods early warning in transboundary river basins
Bangkok (ESCAP News) 26 April 2016 — Asia and the Pacific, the world’s most disaster prone region, is home to many transboundary river basins that are perennially affected by large scale flooding. Recent advances in science and technology, especially space technology applications, have enabled longer lead times of up to five to eight days for […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
Arab-Americans launch campaign against blatant NYPD Surveillance of their communities
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | April 21, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) strongly encourages Arab residents of New York City and those impacted by the NYPD mass surveillance program to comment on the Proposed Modifications to the “Handschu Guidelines” for Investigations Involving Political Activity. Click here to read ADC’s comments on the proposed modifications to the […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
Europe-wide campaign launched to promote sustainable work and healthy ageing for all
Brussels, 15 April 2016, European Commission press release — The European Commission and the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) in cooperation with the Netherlands EU Presidency have launched a two-year Europe-wide campaign: Healthy Workplaces for All Ages, which is the world’s biggest campaign in this area. Focusing on sustainable work and […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
‘Two-state solution in danger,’ warns new report from UN office on Middle East peace process
United Nations, 14 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – The viability of a two-state solution, which envisages peaceful co-existence of both Israel and Palestine, is in danger due to the negative trends on the ground, including recent violence, ongoing settlement activity, demolitions, incitement, and the absence of Palestinian unity, a new United Nations report warned […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
Oil & Conflicts signal beginning of the end for Gulf travel boom
In a report that signals the beginning of the end of the Gulf inbound and outbound travel boom, the International Monetary Fund has forecast a bleak future for the Gulf countries whose fragile economies are set to be rocked by low oil prices, raging regional conflicts and the emergence of Iran. In a media briefing […]
more…23 Apr, 2016
Investing in treatment for depression and anxiety leads to four-fold return – UN report
United Nations, 13 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – Depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy $1 trillion each year, and every one dollar invested in scaling up treatment leads to a return of four dollars in better health and ability to work, according to a new study led by the United Nations health […]
more…22 Apr, 2016
Experts Convene in Bangkok for Session on Advancing Standardization of Geographical Names
NEW YORK, 21 April (United Nations Statistics Division) — The twenty-ninth session of the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names will convene from 25 to 29 April, at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Conference Centre in Bangkok. Organized by the Statistics Division of the United Nations Department […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Governments, religious ideologies, oligarchs all now a threat – World Press Freedom Index 2016
The 2016 edition of the World Press Freedom Index, which Reporters Without Borders (RSF) published on 20 April, 2016, shows that there has been a deep and disturbing decline in respect for media freedom at both the global and regional levels. Ever since the 2013 Index, RSF has been calculating indicators of the overall level […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Palestinians losing US$285m a year under “arrangements” with Israel – World Bank
BETHLEHEM, Palestine, Apr 19 (NNN-MA’AN) – The Palestinian Authority (PA), is losing up to $285 million a year, under its current economic arrangements with Israel, the World Bank said. The global financial institution announced the finding, in Brussels, a day before it presents its full report to the Ad Hoc Liaison committee, which decides on […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Australia to launch campaign to curb domestic violence that claims one life every week
Canberra, 20/04/2016 Media release, Minister for Social Services and Minister for Women – An A$30 million national campaign designed to help break the cycle of violence against women and their children will begin on Sunday 24 April. “Stop it at the start” targets the disrespectful attitudes and behaviours adults might dismiss or ignore in young […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Chocolate industry exposé : Companies get richer, farmers get poorer
Geneva, 21 April 2016, UNCTAD press release – Cocoa farmers in some of the world’s poorest countries are scarcely benefitting from a value chain which sees goods made from their crops, such as chocolate and cocoa butter-based cosmetics, sold for a premium in developed economies, a new UNCTAD report has found. The report, the Cocoa […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
FREE Download: ADB publication “Together We Deliver 2015: Partnerships Against Poverty”
Manila, ADB media release, April 2016 – Strong partnerships create better outcomes by improving coordination, providing specialized knowledge and expertise, and convening larger amounts of financing for ADB projects. Fourteen stories from across Asia and the Pacific highlight successful projects that demonstrate development impact, best practices, and innovation. They were implemented through the hard work of ADB’s developing member countries […]
more…21 Apr, 2016
Card fraud cost Australia A$2.1 billion in 2014-15
Canberra, 20 April 2016, Australian Bureau of Statistics media release – Australia experienced card fraud of $2.1 billion during 2014-15, double the $1 billion in 2010-11, according to new Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) figures. William Milne, Director of the ABS National Centre for Crime and Justice Statistics said even after reimbursements from financial institutions, […]
more…12 Apr, 2016
Zero Dollar tours damage Thai tourism industry
BANGKOK, 11 April 2016 (NNT)-The government is working alongside the Thai tourism sector to stop overseas ‘Zero Dollar’ tour agencies damaging Thailand’s tourism industry. Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Major General Sansern Keawkamnerd said the government has received many complaints from tourists who traveled to the country on ‘Zero Dollar’ tours. They were tricked into buying […]
more…12 Apr, 2016
Trouble Ahead! U.S. Baby Boomers’ Retirement Fears on the Rise
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 12, 2016 – The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) today released a new research report that found less than a quarter of Baby Boomers, 24 percent, are confident they will have enough savings to last throughout their retirement years. This is the lowest level since IRI began this research study in 2011, when […]
more…12 Apr, 2016
Bangkok’s biggest gay party to have free HIV/AIDS testing campaign during Songkran holiday
12 April 2016 (Bangkok) APCOM media release – During Thailand’s festive Songkran Festival, which runs from 13 to 15 April each year, Bangkok has been hosting Songkran celebration exclusively catered to gay men. In addition to the city’s pink districts being a magnet for gay locals and tourists, the City of Angels is eminently known […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Indian President warns countrymen about “vested interests” stoking communal conflict
New Delhi, 09-April-2016 Press Information Bureau, Government of India President’s Secretariat- The President of India, Prof Pranab Mukherjee said pluralism and tolerance have been the hallmark of our civilization. India’s strength lies in her diversity. He was delivering a memorial lecture today (April 9, 2016) at New Delhi organized by the Arjun Singh Sadbhavna Foundation […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
China’s cross-border e-commerce bids farewell to ‘tax-free’ age
Beijing, 2016-04-08 (Xinhua) — A change of China’s tax policy on retails sales on cross-border e-commerce platforms has triggered mixed feelings among buyers and sellers as the policy is expected to raise retail prices.According to the new rules, retail goods purchased online will no longer be treated as personal postal articles but as imported goods, […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Social media is making us depressed: Learn to turn it off – The Independent
Do Facebook and Twitter make us happier? The answer it would seem is: no. A recent survey found as many as one in five people say they feel depressed as a result of using social media. That might come as a surprise to the generation under 30; social media is part of their DNA and […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Thailand launches scheme to upgrade rural products to global standards
Bangkok 8 April 2016, Royal Thai Government PR Department – The Government has launched a project to upgrade OTOP products through the use of science, technology, and innovation, in an effort to enhance the image of OTOP as international products. OTOP stands for “One Tambon (meaning subdistrict) One Product.” It is a local entrepreneurship stimulus […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Thai taxi driver honoured for returning cash-filled briefcase to HK visitor
Bangkok, 6 April 2016 Royal Thai Governnment PR department) – Suvarnabhumi Airport has presented a certificate of honor to a taxi driver for his good deed, as he returned a briefcase containing cash, credit cards, and other documents to a Hong Kong traveler. General Manager of Suvarnabhumi Airport Sirote Duangratana said that the taxi driver, […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Global tax administrations ready to act on “Panama Papers”
OECD news release – Paris, 8 April 2016 – Government officials from around the world have called on the OECD to convene a special project meeting of the Joint International Tax Shelter Information and Collaboration (JITSIC) Network to explore possibilities of co-operation and information-sharing, identify tax compliance risks and agree collaborative action, in light of […]
more…10 Apr, 2016
Palestinians mark 68th anniversary of Deir Yassin massacre by Jewish terrorists
BETHLEHEM, Palestine, Apr 9 (NNN-MA’AN) – Palestinians on Saturday (today), marked the 68th anniversary of the massacre of more than 100 Palestinians civilians, carried out by Zionist forces at the village of Deir Yassin. Deir Yassin has long been a symbol of Israeli violence for Palestinians, because of the particularly gruesome nature of the slaughter, […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
85 Checkpoints: Israel’s Travel Curbs on Palestinians Violate 4th Geneva Convention
RAMALLAH, April 7, 2016 (WAFA) – Increasing Israeli checkpoints in the occupied Palestinian Territories punish the entire Palestinian population, which is a form of collective punishment, and therefore violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement Thursday. The statement said: “In addition to the 85 fixed checkpoints in the […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Public spending on Thai New Year holiday will likely hit three-year high
BANGKOK, 7 April 2016 (NNT) – The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting has forecast that the public spending during the Songkran festival this year will be over 124 billion baht—the highest in three years—due to government’s stimulus measures. The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting conducted a survey on public spending on the Songkran […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Global Heritage sites threatened by industrial activities: WWF report
Geneva, 06 April 2016, (WWF News) – Nearly half of all natural World Heritage sites are threatened by harmful industrial activities, according to a new WWF report. These sites provide vital services to people and the environment, but are at risk worldwide from activities including oil and gas exploration, mining and illegal logging. The report, […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Exposing the Exposers: Powerful force is behind Panama Papers
Beijing, 5 April 2016, (Global Times commentary) – A huge leak of confidential documents from Mossack Fonseca, a Panama-based law firm alleged to have been a facilitator of money laundering for its clients has shocked international public opinion. Over 11 million documents were passed to German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung by an anonymous source. These documents have […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
China doubles dam water release to help drought-hit Vietnam
Beijing, 7 April 2016, (China Daily) – The village where Vo Linh Hue lives is dotted with oyster farms, but in recent weeks farmers there have done nothing but clear dead oysters from the ponds. Ben Tre province, in Vietnam’s southern Mekong Delta, is experiencing the worst drought in recent history, and saline intrusion has […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
China Unveils First Report on Quality of Higher Education
Beijing, 7 April 2016, (Xinhua) – A new national report on the quality of higher education in China has been released, suggesting more needs to be done to develop an ‘innovative spirit’ among Chinese college students. Research for the latest report began in 2012, as a joint effort among China’s Ministry of Education and a […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
FedEx Forecasts Annual Global Economic Megatrends
MEMPHIS, Tenn., 7 April 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) – FedEx, the worldwide provider of transportation, e-commerce and business services, announces the launch of the 2016 Access 25—a list of 25 people, places and ideas defining global connectivity. This year’s list reveals three global economic megatrends that focus on the ways mobility is reshaping the globe—empowering individuals, fueling […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Suvarnabhumi airport Facilitation Center to help passengers during Songkran festival rush
BANGKOK, 7 April 2016 (NNT) – Suvarnabhumi airport’s deputy director Phatchara Phornyutthaphong confirmed that a “Passenger Facilitation Center” is open at the international airport from April 8-18, 2016, to ensure safety and provide conveniences for passengers during the Songkran festival. The center, located on the fourth-floor lobby behind the R line ticketing booth in the […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
Japanese taxpayers provide $7M to support UNICEF work in Palestine
RAMALLAH, 6 April 2016, (WAFA) – The Government of Japan has donated $7 million in support of UNICEF’s humanitarian and development response to children in Palestine. This new grant will enable UNICEF and partners to implement interventions which are critical for children’s well-being and protection from violence, and to ensure their access to basic services […]
more…8 Apr, 2016
China to inject $927b into high-tech, infrastructure
Beijing, 7 April 2016, (Chinadaily.com.cn) – China will invest more in the country’s high-tech research and development, as well as infrastructure development, including railway, fixed assets, water conservancy projects, the Securities Daily reported on Thursday. Total investment is estimated to exceed 6 trillion yuan ($926.6 billion) this year, half of which will be special funds […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
A more sustainable world will be a safer world, UN chief tells LA World Affairs Council
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 April 2016 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon continued his programme in California today, where he received an honorary doctorate from Loyola Marymount University, after addressing yesterday the Los Angeles World Affairs Council, where he gave the audience an overview of United Nations efforts to meet today’s global challenges, from humanitarian […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
Chinese commentary: Eliminating root causes of terrorism indispensable to nuclear security
BEIJING, 30 March 2016, (Xinhua) – As world leaders grapple with intensified nuclear security threats, they should not be distracted by the immediate urgency of safeguarding nuclear facilities and slack off in addressing the fundamental problem of terrorism. Eliminating the root causes of terrorism is essential to nuclear security, as that’s the only way to […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
UN condemns Israel’s large-scale Bedouin home demolitions in occupied West Bank
United Nations, 6 April 2016, (UN News Centre) – The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has condemned today’s large scale home demolitions by Israeli authorities in the Bedouin refugee community of Um al Khayr in the South Hebron Hills. As a result, according to UNRWA, 31 […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
Muslim-Americans file lawsuits challenging FBI’s watch list
5 April 2016, (The Detroit News) – A Michigan-based advocacy group for Muslim-Americans filed two federal lawsuits Tuesday challenging the FBI’s terrorist watch list, saying it’s time to act because the list has expanded. Officials with the Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations filed the suits, one on behalf of 18 Muslim-Americans, including a 4-year-old, […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
OECD Secretary-General on the “Panama Papers”: Secrecy of global tax evasion must end
The following is the full text of the statement issued by OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurría on the “Panama Papers” PARIS, 4 April 2016, (OECD News) – The “Panama Papers” revelations have shone the light on Panama’s culture and practice of secrecy. Panama is the last major holdout that continues to allow funds to be hidden offshore […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
Australia to Expand Sports Development Programs to Asia
Australia, 6 April 2016, (MFA Media Release) – The Australian Government is expanding its sport for development program into Asia. Under the new Asian Sports Partnerships (ASP) Australian national sporting organisations will deliver innovative sports programs which produce development outcomes in Asia. The ASP provides $4 million over 2015-17 and the first tranche of $2 […]
more…7 Apr, 2016
Arab-Americans urged not to cooperate with FBI’s latest anti-Muslim surveillance program
Washington, D.C. | www.adc.org | March 25, 2016 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee demands that the FBI cancel the launch of its controversial “Shared Responsibility Committee” program. Since learning about the program last fall, ADC has frequently expressed serious concerns about the initiative, which is part of the government’s Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) program. Today, […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Thai PM concerned over taxi scams
BANGKOK, 3 April 2016 (NNT) – The Prime Minister has expressed his concern regarding taxi scams in Thailand, urging fellow drivers to help report misconducts to authorities. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has addressed the persisting issue of Thai taxi scams, such as demanding inappropriately high fares particularly to tourists, saying that he believes most […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Campaign to Promote Thainess and Water Saving during Songkran Celebration 2016
Bangkok, 2 April 2016, (Thailand PRD News) – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has launched a campaign to promote Thainess and water saving during the Songkran celebration 2016. It has also announced the arrangements of special activities to celebrate Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, in Bangkok and other parts of the country. The […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Australian Securities and Investments Commission releases market integrity report
Canberra, ASIC media release, 04 April 2016 – The Australian Securities and Investments Commission, ASIC, has released its six-monthly report on market integrity focusing on the three areas of deterrence, standards and education, and behavioural change. In its new short form, Report 475 Market Integrity Report: July to December 2015 (REP 475), covers the work […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Transparency International calls for global action to stop secret companies
Berlin, 04 April 2016, TI media release – A global investigation into the use of secret companies by the rich, powerful and corrupt has shown how a network of lawyers, bankers and others around the world hide illicit wealth. Transparency International calls on the international community to act immediately to adopt transparency laws to outlaw secret […]
more…5 Apr, 2016
Islamophobia in the Netherlands on rise
Amsterdam, 17 March 2016, (IINA) – A third of the mosques in the Netherlands have experienced at least one incident of vandalism, threatening letters, attempted arson, the placement of a pig’s head, or other aggressive actions in the past 10 years, according to research by Ineke van der Valk, an author and researcher at the […]
more…4 Apr, 2016
ASEAN parliamentarians call for transparency and tax justice in light of Panama Papers revelations
JAKARTA, 4 April 2016 — Parliamentarians from across Southeast Asia today issued a collective call for greater transparency amidst new revelations of widespread tax avoidance by elites worldwide. A leak of over 11 million confidential documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, which became public on Sunday, has revealed abuse of offshore tax havens by […]
more…3 Apr, 2016
Road Safety: 26,000 killed in Europe traffic accidents in 2015, social cost €100 billion
Brussels, 31 March 2016, European Commission Press release – The 2015 road safety statistics published today by the European Commission confirm that European roads remain the safest in the world despite a recent slowdown in reducing road fatalities. The 2015 road safety statistics published today by the European Commission confirm that European roads remain the safest […]
more…2 Apr, 2016
The Role Of Media In Tourism Security
Six years ago, on 15 June 2010, I delivered a keynote speech on The Role Of Media In Tourism Security at an International Summit on Tourism Safety & Security, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Here are two excerpts: (+) Indeed, this is the age of the early warning system. Just as you (safety and security experts) depend […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
ForwardKeys stats shows full impact of Brussels attacks on air bookings
London, ForwardKeys media release, via Tarsh Consulting, 1 April 2016 – The bomb attacks in Brussels have severely affected flight bookings to the Belgium capital, according to the latest data from ForwardKeys, which monitors future travel patterns by analysing 14 million reservation transactions each day. In the days following the attacks on 22 March, net […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
UN Women’s Commission votes overwhelmingly to support Palestinian Women, only US and Israel vote against
United Nations, 23 March 2016, (UN News) – Civil society groups today urged Governments to redouble their efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, as the sixtieth session of the Commission on the Status of Women completed its general discussion. In other business on the penultimate day of its annual […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
UN General Assembly Stresses Vital Importance of Remembering How Enslaved Africans Shaped Modern World
29 March 2016, (UN News) – Most people, including those of African descent, would prefer not to remember slavery due to feelings of pain or guilt, yet it was vitally important to underscore the many ways in which enslaved Africans and their descendants had ultimately shaped the modern world, the General Assembly heard today as […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
Fukushima presents documentary animation film “Five years after the Great East Japan Earthquake”
FUKUSHIMA, Japan, 29 March 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) – The Fukushima prefectural government released a series of documentary animations entitled “Letters to the Future -On Our Way There-” on February 15, 2016. Presented as an anthology based on true stories, the animations depict events that occurred after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the various emotions […]
more…1 Apr, 2016
Thailand awards 32 billion baht contract to expand Bangkok mass transit system
TOKYO, 30 March 2016, (BUSINESS WIRE) – Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) (TOKYO:7011), Hitachi, Ltd. (Hitachi) (TOKYO:6501) and Sumitomo Corporation (Sumitomo) (TOKYO:8053) were awarded a contract by State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to design and build an Electric and Mechanical (E&M) system, as a full turn-key package, for Red Line Construction Project. The contract price is […]
more…31 Mar, 2016
Drone Regulations Coming From FAA Spring/Summer 2016
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 […]
more…31 Mar, 2016
World Faces Shared Challenge to Build Peace, End Injustices, UN Chief Says at Dag Hammarskjöld Lecture in Sweden
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 […]
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