18 Apr, 2015
Jewish Fanatic Settlers Storm al-Aqsa Mosque Yards, Assault Female Worshippers
JERUSALEM, April 12, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers, who stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque yards under Israeli police protection, assaulted on Saturday a number of Palestinian female worshippers, according to witnesses. Witnesses said that Palestinian worshippers were attacked by settlers after attempting to fend off the former’s attempts to tour the yards of the Mosque. Settlers assaulted […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Kuwaitis the world’s fattest people
KUWAIT, April 12 (NNN-KUNA) — Kuwait tops the world in terms of number of obese people, a health official said Saturday, and noted percentage of people being obese could reach 73. Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Affairs Dr. Qais Al-Duwairi warned against threats posed by heart and brain diseases, and artery blockage which have become very […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Direct flight to link China’s Guangzhou with Nairobi
(Xinhua) NAIROBI, April 16 — A direct air route between China’s Guangzhou and the Kenyan capital Nairobi is set to begin operation in August, the China Southern Airlines said Wednesday. “African countries and China have established strong economic ties. The launch of a direct flight connecting Nairobi and Guangzhou will ease travel and promote trade,” […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
New security alliance to counter match-fixing and manipulation of sports competitions
Doha, 15 April 2015 (UNODC PRESS RELEASE) – The International Centre for Sport Security (ICSS) has announced a new partnership with UNODC today to help strengthen cross-border investigations and prosecutions into match-fixing and the manipulation of sports competitions. Announced at a high level meeting at the 13th United Nations Crime Congress exploring global data-sharing for […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Fighting terrorism by violating human rights will backfire — UN Human Rights experts
GENEVA (16 April 2015) – Human rights and freedoms should not be sacrificed for political convenience in the fight against terrorism, two United Nations human rights experts have said today. “It is only by strict adherence to international human rights standards that counter-terrorism strategies can ultimately succeed,” said Ben Emmerson, Special Rapporteur on the promotion […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Work-life balance now an important criteria for Chinese job-seekers
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-04-09 – Companies need to take personal concerns into account when advertising for staff, because job hunters in China now think a work-life balance is as important as a higher salary, according to a survey from human resources firm Hudson Global Inc. The Hiring Report 2015 said that 61 percent of the […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Israel to Turn Jerusalem Historical School into Synagogue
JERUSALEM, April 7, 2015 (WAFA) – Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage has warned of Israeli bids advised by the so-called Temple Mount groups to officially turn the historical Tankaziya School, located within al-Aqsa Mosque compound, into a Jewish synagogue. The Israeli authorities turned the school into a synagogue for enlisted soldiers and a military […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Palestinian leader: Israel considers itself above the law
MOSCOW, April 14, 2015 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Tuesday slammed Israel’s longstanding policy of deception, saying that it would no longer fool anybody. Speaking at the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, which conferred upon him honorary doctorate degree, Abbas stated that the world is still witnessing Israel’s aggression and racism against the Palestinian people […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
UN to hold high-level interfaith meeting to promote tolerance, counter extremism
UNITED NATIONS, April 16 (Xinhua) — Top UN officials are scheduled to convene a high-level interfaith meeting next week in order to promote tolerance and fight violent extremism, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric announced here Thursday. On April 21-22, President of the 69th session of the General Assembly Sam Kutesa, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and High […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
Lessons of history must be learnt: Transcript of Chinese PM Li Keqiang’s Interview with FT Editor Lionel Barber
BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhuanet) — On the afternoon of 31 March 2015, Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council gave an exclusive interview to Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times, at the Great Hall of the People. The transcript is as follows: Li Keqiang: Good to see you again, Mr. Barber. I recall that […]
more…18 Apr, 2015
China: Upcoming Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to operate in ‘transparent way’
Beijing (China Daily) 2015-04-16 – Financial transparency, corporate governance and high standards in top management skills will be the cornerstones of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Already 57 countries have joined the AIIB with South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany and Italy all signing up as founding members. In keeping with such a […]
more…16 Apr, 2015
Re-energised PATA Travel Mart 2015 now a far better deal than ITB Asia
Bangkok — The 2015 PATA Travel Mart to be held in South Indian high-tech metropolis of Bengaluru between Sept 6-8 is set to offer far more value for money than the ITB Asia. A comparison of the rates of the two events shows that the Singapore-based ITB Asia 2015 has more than doubled its basic […]
more…15 Apr, 2015
UN rights experts welcome Blackwater sentencing, urge greater accountability for private security
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 14 April 2015 – The outsourcing of national security to private firms creates risks for human rights and accountability, the United Nations working group on the use of mercenaries confirmed today as it welcomed the sentencing of four former Blackwater Worldwide personnel for the 2007 killing of 14 unarmed Iraqi […]
more…15 Apr, 2015
China gets 40-year rights at Pakistani port
(chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-04-14 – China has been granted operation rights for 40 years at a port in Gwadar, a strategic deep-water seaport in Pakistan, Hong Kong-based Pheonix TV reported on Tuesday. Infrastructure construction is nearly complete and the port could be put into full use by the end of the year, Dostain Khan Jamaldini, chairman of […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
State trips cater for Xinjiang pilgrims heading to Mecca
(China Daily) Updated: 2015-04-14 – Arrangements for Muslims in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region who wish to take part in State-organized visits to Mecca for the annual hajj pilgrimage are being enhanced by the local authorities. Aisha Imish, a senior religious leader in Baicheng in the south of the region, participated in one of the […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
Global Post Offices Seek to Redefine Themselves in the Digital Era
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 13 April 2015 – In a message delivered today to delegates at the World Strategy Conference for the United Nations postal agency, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined the essential role to be played by postal services in global efforts to build a sustainable future. “As the world shapes a new sustainable […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
Over 20,000 Expected at U.S. Convention to Combat Islamophobia
(NEW YORK, NY, April 13, 2015) (ICNA media release) – As part of an ongoing campaign, the Islamic Circle of North America will hold a public convention at the Baltimore Convention Center this weekend to combat Islamophobia and highlight the universal message of peace and love by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
Human Rights Watch: Israeli settlements using and abusing Palestinian child labour
April 13, 2015, (Jerusalem) HRW media release – Israeli settlement farms in the West Bank are using Palestinian child labor to grow, harvest, and pack agricultural produce, much of it for export, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The farms pay the children low wages and subject them to dangerous working conditions […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
UN agency unveils new online tool to reduce risks to aircraft in conflict zones
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 13 April 2015 – The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has launched a new website issuing warnings about risks to aircraft in conflict zones, which aims to serve as a single source for up-to-date assessments from States and relevant international organizations to reduce risks to civil aviation arising […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
Toilets in Shanghai, Chongqing and Beijing are tops with tourists
(chinadaily.com.cn/Xinhua) 2015-04-13 – Toilet conditions at tourist attractions need to be improved nationwide, and the cities having the best toilets for tourists are Shanghai, Chongqing and Beijing, according to a survey report released by the China Tourism Academy (CTA) last week. The first quarter, nationwide tourist satisfaction survey by CTA shows that the overall feedback […]
more…14 Apr, 2015
“Pretties” and children models banned from Shanghai auto show
Beijing (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-04-09 -Scantily clad models and children are banned from the 16th Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition opening on April 22, the Shanghai Morning Post reported on Thursday. Models at auto shows have often been criticized for causing distractions by wearing fewer and fewer clothes. Pretty women could certainly attract the crowds but prevented […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
World Bank: Israeli Restrictions Prevent Development of Palestinian Energy Sector
JERUSALEM, April 8, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli restrictions have prevented construction of power network in large parts of West Bank (Area C, 60% of the West Bank), and the absence of peace and stability continues to discourage private investment in the sector, Wednesday announced the World Bank in a press statement on the electricity and […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
Wiping Palestine Off the Map: Israel Seizes More Land for Settlement Expansion in Hebron
HEBRON, April 8, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli forces Wednesday took over a thousand dunums of Palestinian-owned land located between the towns of Beit Ummar and Beit Fajjar in the Hebron district for the benefit of settlement expansion, according to a local activist. Anti-settlement activists in Beit Ummar, Yousif Abu Maryya, informed WAFA that Israeli forces […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
At thematic debate, UN chief urges efficient private sector funding for post-2015 development
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 8 April 2015 – The international community needs a financial framework capable of confronting the multifaceted crises of the day in a predictable and effective manner if it is to delineate a successful post-2015 sustainable development agenda, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon confirmed. Delivering the opening remarks to the UN […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
Swiss commodity multinationals face transparency pressure at UNCTAD conference
Geneva, 8 April 2015 (UNCTAD media release) – Representatives from the Swiss Government, individual trading companies and transparency advocates will discuss the current lack of publicly available information about commodity trading in Switzerland at UNCTAD’s sixth annual Global Commodities Forum at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on 13–14 April 2015. The Forum continues a […]
more…9 Apr, 2015
PATA CEO steps up to the plate, denounces racial profiling in travel
Bangkok – Pacific Asia Travel Association CEO Mario Hardy has become the first head of a major international travel organisation to speak out against the scourge of racial profiling in the travel & tourism industry. Writing in his April 8 blog headlined “Ambassadors for Tourism, for good and for peace…”, Mr Hardy said, “Today, I […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
Chinese attractions slash entrance fees to bring in tourists
NANCHANG, April 5 (Xinhua) — The Lushan Conference Hall, where Mao Zedong convened a historic meeting in 1959, exemplifies one of the late communist leader’s theories: whoever wins the people wins the war. The site at scenic Lushan Mountain, Jiangxi Province, has just reversed the tide in its battle for visitors. Last year, it received […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
Survey: U.S. College Student Loan Amounts, Financial Stress Levels on the Rise
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–April 02, 2015 – The third-year results of Money Matters on Campus, a survey of 43,000 college students across the U.S., show that students are taking out more and larger student loans, yet report feeling less prepared to manage their money than any other aspect of college life. Further, though students reported a higher […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
Drought-hit California launches public education campaign to cut water use by 25%
SACRAMENTO, Calif. April 02, 2015 –(BUSINESS WIRE)–On the heels of Governor Jerry Brown’s announcement yesterday of the first-ever statewide mandatory water reductions, Save Our Water – California’s conservation education program – is launching Keep Saving CA, a statewide public education campaign to help Californians make lasting and permanent reductions in the amount of water they […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
On International Day, UN underlines role of sport in promoting development, peace
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 April 2015 – On the second annual International Day of Sport for Development and Peace today, top United Nations officials stressed the important role that sport can play in achieving sustainable progress and change. “Sport has the power to help develop the potential of individuals, communities and nations,” said […]
more…7 Apr, 2015
11 Ways The Cricket World Cup Can Make the World a Better Place
The recent Cricket World Cup competition in Australia and New Zealand was watched by more than two billion people worldwide. Amidst the sporting frenzy and the heavy-duty competitive pressure, there was much to learn. Constructive, well-meaning competition is good for the system. Although all tournaments must end with only one winner, they are accompanied by […]
more…2 Apr, 2015
International Criminal Court welcomes Palestine as State Party to the Rome Statute
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 1 April 2015 – The International Criminal Court (ICC) welcomed the Palestine as the 123rd State Party to its founding Rome Statute today, in a ceremony held at the seat of the Court in The Hague in The Netherlands. “Accession to a treaty is, of course, just the first step,” […]
more…2 Apr, 2015
Air disaster by German suicide-pilot elevates importance of treating mental ill-health in workplace
The Germanwings air-disaster triggered by an alleged suicide-pilot came just weeks after the Paris-based Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released a report highlighting the impact of mental ill-health on communities, companies and countries. Whereas the report’s primary focus was on economic impact and productivity, the human-life cost of the aviation disaster has elevated […]
more…1 Apr, 2015
China-funded Mekong bridge, road build hope for better local lives in northeast Cambodia
STUNG TRENG, Cambodia, April 1, (Xinhua) — Spanning the Mekong River in far northeastern Cambodia, the newly-built 1.73-km Mekong bridge, along with a 143-km road, have raised hope for better living conditions of residents in this far northeastern region.The bridge and road, linked Stung Treng province’s rural parts and its provincial town, are crucial for […]
more…29 Mar, 2015
UNWTO to convene first conference on Food Tourism
Madrid (UNWTO media release) — The Basque Culinary Center and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), in collaboration with Basquetour, the Gipuzkoa Foral Deputation and the Donostia-San Sebastián Town Hall are organizing the 1st UNWTO Affiliate Members World Forum on Food Tourism, 27-29 April 2015 in San Sebastián, Spain. Food is a fundamental element of all […]
more…27 Mar, 2015
Botswana Conference Highlights Fight Against Illegal Trade In Wildlife
KASANE, BOTSWANA, March 26 (NNN-XINHUA) — Delegates attending a conference on illegal wildlife trade in Botswana have agreed to step up actions to fight the illegal trade of wildlife products, and to protect elephants, rhinos and other endangered species. The Kasane Conference on the Illegal Wildlife Trade wrapped up Wednesday in the northern Botswana town […]
more…27 Mar, 2015
Malaysia’s Fast Track Clearance Pass Can Now Be Processed In Singapore
SINGAPORE, March 26 (NNN-Bernama) — A new streamlined experience will avail greater convenience and save time for Singaporean motorists and pedestrians seeking to apply the MACS (Malaysia Automated Clearance System) pass that allows for smoother auto-gate processing at the Malaysian checkpoints. Third Link Pte Ltd, a vendor appointed by the Malaysian immigration authorities, has set […]
more…27 Mar, 2015
Malaysia Aims to Energise Halal Ecosystem via World Halal Summit starting 30 March
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (26 March 2015) – Malaysia will take another giant leap towards establishing the country as the global Halal hub when it hosts the World Halal Summit. Scheduled to be held from 30th March to 4th April 2015 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), WHS 2015 is set to be the largest […]
more…26 Mar, 2015
Jewish Fanatic Settlers Mobilize for Mass Entry to Al-Aqsa Mosque on Passover
JERUSALEM, March 25, 2015 (WAFA) – Jewish groups that define themselves by the name of the alleged ancient Temple are preparing for the Jewish holiday Passover by mobilizing the largest number of settlers to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque and perform religious prayers in its yards. According to the Islamic Institute of Waqf and Heritage, the Temple […]
more…26 Mar, 2015
UN marks Day of Remembrance with calls to end modern slavery
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 25 March 2015 – As the international community gathers to commemorate the millions of victims exploited by slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today warned that the insidious practice of forced bondage continued to reverberate around the world in various forms – from forced labour […]
more…25 Mar, 2015
Muslim woman in Hijab assaulted on Sydney train
Sydney, (IINA) 25 Mar 2015 – A hijab wearing Muslim woman was attacked by a man while she was onboard a train in Sydney, leaving her traumatized and terrified, media sources reported. Hina, who wanted to be identified only by her first name, was on her journey from the city’s Town Hall station to Parramatta […]
more…24 Mar, 2015
Thai Tourism Minister listens carefully as PATA finds its “Voice”
Bangkok — The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has long claimed to be the “voice” of the tourism industry in the world’s most populous and dynamic region. Over the last few years, failing to walk that talk has been a major contributor to its decline. Now, that is changing. On 19 March, the PATA Thailand […]
more…24 Mar, 2015
World Social Forum in Tunis can inspire activists to unite against the global power grab
By Adriano Campolina, chief executive, ActionAid International Tunis, March 25, 2015, The Guardian — There’s no snow, fewer celebrities, and a lot less glitz, but the World Social Forum’s 10th global meeting, which opens in Tunis on 24 March, is the critics’ answer to the Davos World Economic Forum. Here in Tunis, I’m meeting people who […]
more…21 Mar, 2015
ACLU Sues TSA for Records on Discredited US$1 billion ‘Behavior Detection’ Program at U.S. airports
March 19, 2015, NEW YORK – The American Civil Liberties Union and the NYCLU took the Transportation Security Administration to court today in an effort to uncover documents about a controversial passenger screening program used at airports nationwide., The program is called Screening Passengers by Observation Techniques, or SPOT. TSA “behavior detection officers” watch passengers […]
more…21 Mar, 2015
Chinese Commentary: America the Kibitzer on South China Sea
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) — Uncle Sam has long been in the grip of many addictions, such as muscle-flexing, preaching and borrowing, but there has turned out to be one more: kibitzing. The latest symptom of the obsession with unwanted counseling emerged into plain sight earlier this week, when Robert Thomas, commander of the U.S. […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
China’s global image on the upswing
Beijing, (China Daily), March 19, 2015 – China’s national image has been improving over the past few years, with President Xi Jinping becoming a highlight, according to a survey report. The global survey, based on 4,500 respondents from nine countries last year, found that China’s overall image has been increasingly recognized by the global community. […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
China rethinks how forex reserves are used as U.S. Treasuries holdings fall
BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) — The reduction of U.S. government bond holdings has signalled investment in U.S. Treasuries is gradually losing appeal to China’s massive foreign exchange (FX) reserves. According to data released this week by the U.S. Treasury Department.China cut its holdings by 5.2 billion U.S. dollars to 1.2391 trillion dollars in January, marking […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
Backed by Israeli troops, Jewish Fanatic Settlers Take over Property in East Jerusalem Neighborhood
JERUSALEM, March 18, 2015 (WAFA) – Armed Israeli settlers Wednesday took over a Palestinian property in East Jerusalem’s town of Silwan as well as two plots of land which belong to two different Palestinian families. Protected by large Israeli troops, armed settlers broke into Silwan and occupied a building, which houses four apartments, that belongs […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
Israel Demolishes Dozens of Residential Structures, Livestock Barns in Jordan Valley
JORDAN VALLEY, March 18, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli authorities early Wednesday demolished dozens of residential structures and livestock barns in the northern Jordan Valley localities of Makhoul and al-Hadidiya, according to a municipal source and local activist. Escorting bulldozers, Israeli forces broke into and cordoned the area off and prevented locals from approaching the structures […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
Israel Cuts 150 Olive Trees in Hebron, Burns Roots to Ensure Damage
HEBRON, March 18, 2015 (WAFA) – The so-called Israeli Civil Administration Wednesday sprayed the roots of around 150 Olive trees in the area of Mala southeast of Dahriya south of Hebron with Chemicals to kill the trees, under allegations of being planted in a state property. According to local sources, the Israeli army cut the […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
Buddhist monk shames branding gurus: “Are you really contributing to sustainability?”
Bangkok, March 28, 2015 – Thailand’s leading branding gurus got more than they bargained for at a conference on sustainability when the keynote speaker, a prominent Buddhist monk, ripped into the human frailties of greed, pride, egotism and conceit, all of which he said help meet corporate goals but are totally opposite to core Buddhist […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
March 21: Bali to go silent for Nyepi, all religious leaders to join in
The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, March 19 2015 – Preparations are gearing up for Nyepi, the Balinese Hindu Day of Silence, which falls on Saturday. This year’s celebration will offer another demonstration of Bali’s strong interfaith relations, as the celebration coincides with the Catholic period of Lent, where adherents fast and make penitence in preparation for […]
more…20 Mar, 2015
March 20 Int’l Happiness Day: Gallup Poll lists countries where people are most/least happy
Ahead of the United Nations’ International Day of Happiness, Gallup looks at the countries where the highest and lowest percentages of people are experiencing positive emotions daily. Story Highlights Top 10 countries for positive emotions are in Latin America At least 70% laugh/smile a lot, experience enjoyment, treated with respect, well-rested WASHINGTON, D.C. — As […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
China’s luxury big spenders: young, trendy and not so rich
Beijing, (Agencies) 2015-03-16 – Global luxury brands expanding in China are better off targeting the HENRYs – “high earners, not rich yet” – instead of the ultra-wealthy, as a slowing economy and a government that frowns on official excesses usher in an era of less showy spending. HENRYs believe less is more. These younger spenders […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
#HappySoundsLike: UN launches social media campaign to create world’s happiest playlist
United Nations, (UN News Centre), 16 March 2015 – Does happiness have a sound? And, if so, what does it actually sound like? That is the question the United Nations is asking as it launches its latest campaign – #HappySoundsLike – an appeal for the global citizenry “to nominate a song that brings a smile […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
Japan to loan $160m for Phnom Penh-Thailand highway
Phnom Penh, 16 Mar 2015, KYODO NEWS – Japan will extend about US$160 million in low-interest loans to Cambodia to improve a major road, a move that would increase transportation capacity and efficiency in the Mekong region. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told his Cambodian counterpart Hun Sen on Sunday that Japan would make the 19.2-billion-yen […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
U.N. under fire for US$2.3 million extra costs in business and first-class travel authorisations
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and his office management staff are under fire for authorising “exceptions” to the UN’s travel policies that cost global taxpayers an additional US$ 2.3 million for business- and first-class travel in 2012-14, mostly by “prominent” persons, for UN meetings around the world. Although the UN General Assembly had instructed Mr. Ban […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
India’s first private airport, majority owned by Changi, nears opening
Press Trust of India | Durgapur (West Bengal) March 16, 2015 — The country’s first private greenfield airport at Durgapur, promoted by Bengal Aerotropolis Projects Ltd (BAPL), is likely to be operational by April 14. “The final calibration of navigational aids at the airport by Airport Authority is done. Now, we expect to get final […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
Iran reports rise in foreign investment interest in tourism sector
Shahrekord, Chaharmahal-o Bakhtiari Prov, March 14, IRNA – The foreign investment demands in Iran tourism sector have recently increased, a senior official said on Sunday. Talking to IRNA, Head of the Organization for Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism, Masoud Soltanifar said so far, several foreign groups have voiced their readiness to made investment in Iran […]
more…17 Mar, 2015
China’s Spring Festival passengers up 3.5% to 2.81 bln
BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) — Chinese railways, roads, airlines and waterways carried a total of 2.81 billion passengers during the 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, known as “chunyun,” which concluded on Sunday. The figure is 3.5 percent up on last year, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Monday. A total of 2.42 billion passengers […]
more…16 Mar, 2015
Australian musicians to get A$900,000 in grants to promote their work locally and abroad
Canberra, Media statement by the Minister of the Arts, George Brandis – 13 March 2015 Today I am announcing close to $900,000 in grants to increase the exposure of Australian musicians to national and international audiences, and support the development of new work. Forty-two musicians will be supported by a range of music grants through […]
more…16 Mar, 2015
The Future of China: Full Transcript of Premier Li Keqiang’s Broad-ranging Press Conference
Beijing, Mar 15,2015, english.gov.cn — Fu Ying: Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Today we are delighted to invite Premier Li Keqiang to meet Chinese and foreign journalists and take your questions. We have a full house today. There are about eight to nine hundred journalists present at today’s press conference. But our time is limited […]
more…15 Mar, 2015
In Washington Post column, Jewish neocon calls for more war in Middle East
Following up on the anti-Iran speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the U.S. Congress earlier this month, another Jewish neocon has called openly for an attack on Iran. Reeking with shameless arrogance and shoulder-shrugging nonchalance about advocating more conflict and human suffering in an explosive and volatile region, Joshua Muravchik, a fellow at […]
more…15 Mar, 2015
India to step up economic projects for Northeast region, links with Myanmar, B’desh & Bhutan
New Delhi, Ministry for Development of North-East Region, 14-March-2015 – The members of the consultative committee attached to the Ministry for Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) in a meeting held here yesterday discussed the issues of promotion of Tourism, improvement of connectivity & other infrastructural projects in the region. During the first meeting of the […]
more…13 Mar, 2015
Chinese frugality drive takes toll on luxury hotel revenues
Beijing, (China Daily) 2015-03-11 – Five dozen luxury hotels in Beijing lost money in the past few years as tough policies and regulations took effect against government corruption and waste of public funds, an insider from the capital’s tourism authority said during the annual legislative session. Beijing saw 60 five-star hotels fall into deficit last […]
more…10 Mar, 2015
Australia to return questionably-procured cultural artefacts to China, India
The Australian Government has agreed to return two prized cultural artefacts originating in India and China to their home countries. Both were found to have been procured under questionable circumstances and are to be returned in accordance with the principles and legal obligations of the Australian Best Practice Guide to Collecting Cultural Material. Two media […]
more…8 Mar, 2015
FREE Download: EU report shows women earned on average 16% less than men in 2013
Brussels, 05 March 2015 (European Union Media release) – In 2013, the gender pay gap1 stood at 16.4% in the European Union (EU), ranging from less than 5% in Slovenia to more than 20% in Estonia, Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany. The gender pay gap represents the difference between average gross hourly earnings of […]
more…8 Mar, 2015
Gallup Polls: Nearly 2 Billion Women Worldwide Are Struggling, Suffering
WASHINGTON, D.C. (Gallup Polls Media release) — While International Women’s Day this Sunday will focus mostly on how the world thinks women are doing, it’s important to understand how the women of the world think they are doing. The best way to find this out is to ask them.This International Women’s Day, more than one […]
more…8 Mar, 2015
UN Member States must ‘step it up’ on gender parity to meet equality targets by 2030
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 March 2015 – The past 20 years has seen haltering progress on women’s rights issues and, in some areas, outright stagnation and regression, the head of the United Nations entity for gender equality and women’s empowerment said today. Briefing journalists at a press conference at in New York as […]
more…8 Mar, 2015
Women farmers pillar of food security – UN agencies
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 6 March 2015 – Ahead of International Women’s Day, United Nations food relief agencies gathered to remind the world that women farmers play a central role in achieving food and nutrition security, urging countries to step up efforts to empower rural women who too often do “backbreaking work” to harvest […]
more…8 Mar, 2015
Count Us In! – ITUC Statement on International Women’s Day 2015
The 4th Global Action of the World March of Women will bring together women activists from every continent on the planet, united in their demands for a sustainable and caring economy and for social justice, peace and democracy. Read the full statement
more…8 Mar, 2015
FREE Download: 50 Leading Companies for Women in the Asia-Pacific
Singapore, (APEC Media release) 6 Mar 2015 – In a small tin roof house in the Philippines, a group of women use crochet needles to sew recycled plastic bags into colorful fashion purses. The purses, designed by an artist, end up on the shelves of upmarket ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle in downtown Manila—providing valuable income to […]
more…6 Mar, 2015
Israeli Court Ruling Allows Jewish Prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound
JERUSALEM, March 4, 2015 (WAFA) – Palestinian organizations criticized the Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court ruling which ostensibly backs claims that Jews are allowed to pray in al-Aqsa Mosque compound. While Jewish extremists praised the ruling and considered it a “historic victory” as Israeli media sources reported, al-Aqsa Foundation for Islamic Waqf and Heritage published a report […]
more…6 Mar, 2015
Chinese Leaders’ Ten-Point Projections for the Future of China
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online) March 03, 2015 – The 3rd Session of the 12th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee of the People’s Republic of China opened on March 3, 2015 in Beijing, followed by the 3rd Session of the 12th National People’s Congress on March 5. 2015 is a crucial year for deeper […]
more…6 Mar, 2015
FREE Download: Report Reveals How Corrupt Capital Is Used to Buy Property in the UK
London, 04 March 2015, (Transparency International) — It is well-known that the global rich are buying up large parts of London. But who they really are and where their money comes from is too often a well-kept secret. They use secret offshore companies to buy the properties and don’t disclose their identities. These secret companies […]
more…6 Mar, 2015
Global Taxi Network begins to ponder its future
Brussels, 5 March 2015,(International Road Transport Union) – At its inaugural meeting today, the Advisory Committee of the IRU Global Taxi Network (GTN) addressed the issue of taxi service quality and current and future challenges facing taxis and hire cars with drivers. It notably expressed its support for the industry initiative to launch the GTN. […]
more…6 Mar, 2015
Gaza: UN humanitarian arm warns that Israeli blockade ‘undermining’ living standards
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 5 March 2015 – The living conditions of nearly 2 million Palestinians residing in the Gaza Strip have been undermined by the enduring blockade against the enclave, the United Nations humanitarian office reported today. The longstanding restrictions on the movement of people and goods to and from Gaza have led […]
more…6 Mar, 2015
History Lesson for ITB Berlin : 20 Years Since the Finest Travel & Tourism Speech Ever
March 6, 2015 — Today, the ITB Berlin 2015 will host a session to discuss the future of travel & tourism in Israel-Palestine. Speakers representing the Palestinians, Israelis and German ecumenical groups will share their visions on how “tourism can play an essential role in promoting peace and justice.” The programme says that although “both […]
more…5 Mar, 2015
FREE Download: Malaysia, Turkey, Singapore top Muslim Travel Index 2015
Malaysia is the world’s most Muslim-friendly tourism destination and Singapore holds that position among the non-Islamic countries, according to ratings compiled by the “MasterCard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2015”. Considered the most comprehensive research ever released on the Muslim travel market, it looks at in-depth data covering 100 destinations across the world creating an […]
more…5 Mar, 2015
OECD report cites “worrying” toll exacted by mental ill-health at workplace
Paris, (OECD media release) 04/03/2015 – Health and employment services should intervene earlier, involve key stakeholders and ensure they work together in order to help people with mental-health issues find work and stay in a job, according to a new OECD report. Entitled “Fit Mind, Fit Job: From Evidence to Practice in Mental Health and […]
more…5 Mar, 2015
New UN report urges funding boost for disaster risk reduction
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 4 March 2015 – A new United Nations report urging greater investment in risk prevention has underscored disaster risk reduction as a building block for future sustainable development, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon affirmed today as the Organization prepares for a pivotal upcoming global conference on the issue. Delivering remarks at the […]
more…5 Mar, 2015
UN health agency points to ‘solid evidence’ backing its call to reduce sugar intake
United Nations, UN News Centre, 4 March 2015 – New guidelines released by the United Nations health agency today recommended that adults and children worldwide reduce their daily sugar intake to boost health and stave off non-communicable diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) says intake of ‘free’ sugars – monosaccharides (such as glucose, fructose) and […]
more…4 Mar, 2015
Ten issues that will NOT be on the agenda at the brain-dead ITB Berlin
BANGKOK – In his March 3 speech at the opening of the 2015 ITB Berlin, UNWTO Secretary-General Dr Talib Rifai raised the game for the travel & tourism industry worldwide by citing a number of previously taboo issues that are reshaping the New World Order. Embedded within his speech were key phrases that should challenge […]
more…4 Mar, 2015
South Africa holds Israeli Apartheid Week
JOHANNESBURG, March 3, 2015 (WAFA) – South Africa Monday began a weeklong international campaign to shed light on the policies used by Israel against Palestinians and its Apartheid nature. Israeli Apartheid Week (IAW) is an annual international series of events (including rallies, protests, lectures, cultural performances, concerts, films and workshops) held in over 250 cities, […]
more…3 Mar, 2015
Indian visitor arrivals up 7.1% in 2014, another 50 tourism circuits planned
New Delhi, Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Tourism, 02-March-2015 – Foreign Tourist Arrivals during the period January-December 2014 were 74.62 lakh with a growth of 7.1%, as compared to the Foreign Tourist Arrivals of 69.68 lakh with a growth of 5.9% during January-December 2013 over the corresponding period of 2012. Foreign Exchange Earnings from tourism […]
more…3 Mar, 2015
Air pollution, corruption, wealth-gap top public concerns in China
Beijing, (chinadaily.com.cn) 2015-03-03 – Air pollution, corruption and the wealth gap are the three issues of most concern to readers ahead of the annual parliamentary sessions of China, dubbed as “two sessions”, according to an online survey by the China Daily website. The issue of pollution has grown in importance for people since last year’s […]
more…3 Mar, 2015
China’s anti-graft campaign maintains high public approval rating
Beijing, (People’s Daily), March 03, 2015 – China’s anti-graft campaign has attracted widespread attention from both the Party and the public. The campaign has proven remarkably successful since President Xi Jinping led the fight against corruption after taking office in 2012. Anti-corruption is believed to be a key topic at the upcoming two sessions, which […]
more…3 Mar, 2015
Venezuela sets deadline for U.S. to cut embassy staff
CARACAS, March 2 (Xinhua) — Washington has 15 days to reduce its 100-strong embassy staff in Caracas by some 80 percent, Venezuela said Monday. It’s up to Washington to decide which 17 diplomats will remain out of an estimated 100, a size similar to the staff at the embassy of the South American nation in […]
more…3 Mar, 2015
Iran plans “Resistance Economy” as a strategic policy: MP
Tehran, March 2, IRNA – An Iranian parliamentarian described resistance economy an issue which is of strategic importance for the country. Talking to IRNA on Monday, Ali Mohammad Ahmadi who is a deputy for Majlis Budget and Planning Committee, said that resistance economy offers a comprehensive and strategic plans for development of country’s economy not […]
more…3 Mar, 2015
China calls for better commercial services in overseas embassies
(Xinhua) BEIJING, March 2 — Senior Chinese leaders has urged diplomats in charge of commercial affairs to greatly contribute to economic ties between China and foreign countries they station. A four-day national conference on improving economic and commercial counseling services in foreign countries concluded on Monday, during which Vice Premier Wang Yang held discussions with […]
more…3 Mar, 2015
2,600+ people sign anti-Netanyahu, anti-war ad in New York Times
Source: Rabbi Michael Lerner, www.tikkun.org This is the ad, signed by over 2,600 people, that appears today in the New York Times, and tomorrow on Capitol Hill in “The Hiill” newspaper (read in every Congressional office and in the White House) can be viewed here: https://org.salsalabs.com/o/525/images/Final netanyahu ad.pdf If you like it, please sign it […]
more…2 Mar, 2015
Texting Jargon is harming Persian language, writing skills
Tehran, March 2, IRNA — Experts fear that the jargon of text messages has spawned a new online language and culture which is undermining the Persian language and writing skills. A special program on the subject of ‘SMS and Persian language’ was held at Tehran’s National Library’s Andhishegah (literally, thinking room) hall on Sunday (March […]
more…2 Mar, 2015
Chinese Commentary: 70 Years Since End of WWII, Time to Reflect on Past, Look to Future
UNITED NATIONS, March 1 (Xinhua) — The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War Thursday, calling upon all United Nations member states not to forget the tremendous sacrifices made and the horrendous atrocities committed during the war. The resolution, adopted by the 193-member General […]
more…1 Mar, 2015
Natural disasters in Asia-Pacific impact some 80 million people – UN study
BANGKOK, (UNESCAP media release) — In 2014, over half of the world’s 226 natural disasters occurred in the Asia and Pacific region. Although it was a year without a single large-scale catastrophe caused by an earthquake or tsunami, the region experienced severe storms, cross-border floods and landslides, which accounted for 85 percent of all disasters. […]
more…1 Mar, 2015
Most popular items Chinese tourists buy overseas
Beijing, 2015-02-27, (Xinhuanet) – Spring Festival is no longer a time solely for family reunions in China as more and more Chinese are traveling abroad during the holiday. Shopping has one of their most important missions during the weeklong vacation. From Japanese electronic toilet seats to Swiss luxury watches, Chinese tourists have been globe-trotting in […]
more…1 Mar, 2015
Venezuela to sanction U.S officials, require visas for Americans
CARACAS, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) — Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced Saturday that his government will deny visas to a number of United States officials whom he called “terrorists”, including former president George W. Bush and senators Marco Rubio and Bob Menendez. Speaking at an anti U.S. rally, Maduro said these measures were taken to ease […]
more…22 Feb, 2015
Jewish Fanatic Settlers Chop Down 36 Olive Trees in South Hebron Hills
AT-TUWANI, February 21, 2015 (WAFA) – Israeli settlers chopped down Friday 36 olive trees in the south Hebron hills, said Operation Dove, an Italian peace group, in a press release, The group said that on the morning of February 20, Palestinians in the South Hebron Hills awoke to find that 36 olive trees had been […]
more…22 Feb, 2015
On Mother Language Day, UN spotlights role of native tongue in education
United Nations, UN News Centre, 21 February 2015 – Mother tongue education is not only a force for quality learning, it is also essential to bolster multilingualism and respect for linguistic and cultural diversity at a time when societies are transforming quickly and many languages are under threat, the United Nations agency mandated with promoting […]
more…20 Feb, 2015
Beijing’s crowd control system to be rolled out nationwide
Beijing, (Xinhua), 2015-02-02 – Beijing is using a crowd analytics system to prevent stampedes at major commercial areas. It is hoped that the system will be rolled out nationwide. Beijing has used the system, which was developed by the Beijing Municipal Institute of Labor Protection (BMILP), for five years. The system provides real-time data on […]
more…20 Feb, 2015
Ten Reasons for the “War on Islam”
On February 19, U.S. President Barack Obama gave a speech at the Summit on Countering Violent Extremism, in which he declared that the United States is not waging a war on Islam. He made a similar assertion in his famous speech at Al Azhar University in Cairo in June 2009. Former U.S. President George W. […]
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