24 Jul, 2013
Japan Post postcard contest shows some traditions still surviving
09 July 2013, Universal Postal Union — Japan Post has announced the winners of a postcard-design competition, which put a twist on a New Year’s tradition and the UPU among the judges. Nobuhiro Sato won the best photo card category (above) and thanked the world for their sympathy during the Japan earthquake of 2011. Fumiko […]
more…24 Jul, 2013
UNWTO to organise 1st International Congress on Pilgrimages and Tourism
Madrid, July 2013, UNWTO –To raise awareness among the international community about the growing importance of pilgrimage and spiritual tourism in the light of tourism development is among the main objectives of the first International Congress on Pilgrimages and Tourism, to be held in Santiago de Compostela, Spain, in September 2014. UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai, […]
more…24 Jul, 2013
IMF Adopts New Measures to Enhance Transparency, Openness
Washington D.C., (IMF Strategy, Policy, and Review Department) July 22, 2013 – In the latest review of its Transparency Policy, the IMF’s Executive Board has endorsed new measures aiming to increase the amount, timeliness, and accessibility of information that the IMF makes available to the public, the institution announced. Under the Transparency Policy, the publication of […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
China’s Imports of French wine go sour
Beijing, (China Daily), July 22, 2013 – China’s imports of French wines have fallen amid fears that a trade spat between the European Union and China – the world’s fifth-largest wine market – might lead to higher import tariffs on European wine. Last month, China opened an anti-dumping probe into European wine, which could lead […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
Korean, Asiana Pilots: Avoid Speculation, Await Final Report on SF Crash
SEOUL, South Korea–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 21, 2013 – The Asiana Pilots Union (APU) and Air Line Pilots Association of Korea (ALPA-K) today issued the following statement on the events and investigation surrounding the crash of Asiana Flight 214. “Accidents that occur in aviation are not due only to a single cause, but from many causes. The list […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
Reaction to Guangdong airport bomber: Each unfairly treated person is a potential bomb
Beijing, (China Daily), July 22, 2013 – Guangdong provincial authorities promised on Sunday to look into the alleged unjust treatment of a disabled man who police say set off an explosive device the day before at Beijing Capital International Airport. The Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department said in a statement that the police must thoroughly […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
Boost for VFR Travel: China Launches New Visas to Boost Family Reunions
Beijing, 2013-07-23, (China Daily) – Relatives of foreign residents in China will soon have more opportunities to visit their loved ones, thanks to new visa rules announced on Monday. Under regulations from the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, an S visa will be created for family members of professionals from overseas. Spouses, young […]
more…23 Jul, 2013
Iraq Tourism Minister Blasts U.S. For Not Returning Stolen Relics
BAGHDAD, Iraq, July 22 (NNN-NINA) – Iraqi Tourism Minister, Lava al-Samism, lashed out at the US for taking out and keeping tens of thousands of Iraq’s artifacts illegally. “The US is illegally and illicitly keeping about 90,000 pieces of Iraq’s archaeological artefacts, and Washington has refrained from returning them to Iraq,” al-Samism said. He noted […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
European Data Privacy Chief says key Entry/Exit System proposal is “costly, unproven and intrusive”
Brussels, 19 July 2013, European Commission Press Release – There is no clear evidence that the Commission Proposals to create a smart border system for the external borders of the EU will fulfil the aims that it has set out, said the European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) today. Following the publication of his opinion which […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
China shuts down travel agency in GlaxoSmithKline bribery case
Shanghai, 2013-07-19 – Shanghai’s tourism authority shut down a travel agency that is under bribery investigation in connection with British pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, Xinhua News Agency said on Thursday. Shanghai Linjiang International Travel Agency is suspected of falsifying bills, according to Shanghai Tourism Administration. The agency was ordered to suspend business and overhaul internal procedures. […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
The Taxman Cometh: Tourism Multinationals to Face Global Heat Over Tax Evasion, Avoidance
Paris, OECD Media Release, 19/07/2013 – National tax laws have not kept pace with the globalisation of corporations and the digital economy, leaving gaps that can be exploited by multi-national corporations to artificially reduce their taxes. OECD’s Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) offers a global roadmap that will allow governments to […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
Healthcare Study Identifies Significant Access Barriers in India
NEW DELHI, India–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 19, 2013 – While progress has been made in India over the past decade from both public and private sector initiatives, significant challenges persist in providing quality healthcare on an equitable, accessible and affordable basis across all regions and communities, according to a new IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics study. […]
more…22 Jul, 2013
Gallup Organization to Pay $10.5 Million to Resolve Whistleblower Lawsuit
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)—15 JULY 2013 The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced today that it has reached a settlement with the Gallup Organization over charges that Gallup had violated the False Claims Act and the Procurement Integrity Act in connection with federal contracts. Gallup has agreed to pay $10.5 million to resolve these allegations that were […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
Guizhou aims to become “Switzerland in the East”
GUIYANG, 2013-07-21 (Xinhua) — Well-preserved ecological environment and abundant tourism resources have emboldened officials in southwest China’s Guizhou Province to build their hometown into a “Switzerland in the East”. At an international environmental protection forum held in Guiyang,capital of Guizhou Province, Saturday, local officials said geological resemblance between their hometown and Switzerland gives them advantages […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
China sends strong signal of “deep-water” economic reform
BEIJING, 2013-07-21, (Xinhua) — In freeing up lending rates, China has sent a strong signal that it is feeling its way in the “deep water” of reform, moving toward a more open, market-oriented economy. On Friday, China’s central bank announced the sooner-than-expected removal of controls on bank lending rates, effective on Saturday. It canceled the […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
Reflections on Helen Thomas: Gutsy Journo Who Kept U.S. Presidents On Their Toes
FALLS CHURCH, Va., July 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Kind words came today from the President of the United States and the President of the White House Correspondents Association on the passing this morning, at age 92, of legendary White House correspondent Helen Thomas. As President Obama said in his short statement, “Helen was a true […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
Whistleblower law firm probes Expedia Vacation-Waiver Program
SEATTLE–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 19, 2013 – Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP, a consumer-rights law firm, is investigating claims that Expedia (NASDAQ:EXPE) may be violating a number of consumer-protection laws in its marketing of its Vacation Waiver program. The firm is investigating potential issues experienced by individuals who purchased an Expedia Vacation Waiver for travel with […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
Filipino Bishops: GDP Grows, So Why Do the Poor Remain Poor?
Manila, Philippines July 21, 2013 (Manila Bulletin) — The 7.8 percent growth in the first quarter of the year was something that the administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III crows about. Yet, according to the Catholic prelates Filipinos continue to be poor, unable to benefit from this economic growth. Without any evident trickledown effect […]
more…21 Jul, 2013
EU eyes flexible visa rules for China tourists
Beijing, 2013-07-20, (China Daily) – The European Union is working on “flexible rules” for visa applications to woo Chinese travelers in a bid to boost the region’s tourism industry, said a top official from the European Commission on Friday. Antonio Tajani, vice-president of the European Commission, told a news conference in Beijing that the commission […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
In Sri Lanka, As One Disastrous Conflict Ends, Another Looms
Colombo – Organized attacks on Muslims which began almost two years ago continue unabated while the government remains indifferent, impatient Muslims thinking of turning to streets to highlight their grievance and Muslims worldwide closely monitoring developments here. Growing feeling within the Muslim community is that though these attacks look isolated, but they are well organized […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Thai Central Bank Governor Outlines Opportunities, Challenges Facing The Asian Century
Bangkok — The following is the full text of the speech by Dr. Prasarn Trairatvorakul, Governor, Bank of Thailand At The Nation’s 43rd Anniversary International Conference, 19 July 2013. The theme of the conference was “Asia Driving the World.” Distinguished CEO and Chairman, Members of Asia News Network, Distinguished Guests; Ladies and Gentlemen, It is […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Singapore Science Festival 2013 Opens Bigger and Better
Singapore, July 19, 2013 – (ACN Newswire) – The Singapore Science Festival 2013 kicks off today with the launch of X-periment!, a weekend science carnival held from July 19th to July 21st, by Guest-of-Honour Mr Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) at the Central Atrium in Marina Square. The Festival, […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Post-2015 Framework “Must Prioritise Help for World’s 1 Billion Disabled”
United Nations, Department of Public Information (17 July 2013) – Many of the 1 billion disabled people around the world lacked the protections to which they were entitled, even though 132 countries had ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, a senior official of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs said […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Historic First Performance by Chinese and Indian dulcimers
2013-07-18 – For the first time, the Chinese dulcimer yangqin and the Indian dulcimer santoor were played together with a symphony orchestra at a recent concert in Beijing titled East Meets East. “I hope we can keep our own music idioms but at the same time find some common ground,” says yangqin player Liu Yuening, […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
Chinese courts to create credit blacklists
BEIJING, July 19, (Xinhua) — Chinese courts will create credit blacklists and make them available to the public, according to a regulation promulgated by the country’s top court on Friday. The regulation, which will take effect from Oct. 1, will urge people who lose their credibility in enforcing judicial execution to perform their duties as […]
more…20 Jul, 2013
EU Justice Commissioner: U.S. Surveillance is a violation of trust
Viviane Reding, Vice-President of the European Commission, EU Justice Commissioner, made the following remarks at the DLD Women Conference 2013/Munich, 15 July 2013. I’m glad about the opportunity to ‘break new ground’, with you. For me, personally, the DLD is as an extremely useful platform to ‘break new ground’ – some of you might recall […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
Detention Watch Releases Infographic Revealing “Ugly Truth” About U.S. Immigration Detention
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 17, 2013 – “Detention: The Whole Truth,” an infographic series today released by Detention Watch Network illustrates the shockingly unjust and inhumane system detained immigrants face in the United States. The three-part series reveals an immigration system fraught with bed quotas, denied due process, deplorable conditions, and a billion-dollar private prison industry […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
Incheon named “World Book Capital 2015”
19.07.2013 – UNESCOPRESS – The city of Incheon (Republic of Korea) was named World Book Capital for the year 2015 by an international committee of experts representing the book industry and UNESCO, that met on 16 July at the Organization’s Headquarters. The city of Incheon was chosen “on account of the quality of its programme […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
Europe weighs ways to cut 89 million tons of annual food waste
Brussels, 15 July 2013, European Commission Press release – In Europe we waste about 89 million tons of food every year. Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik said: “This is morally and economically unacceptable and is all the more horrific when you consider the true scale of the resources required to produce those 89 million tons! We […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
The U.S. Drone Strike that Killed His American Grandson – Who Will Be Held Accountable?
A former agricultural minister in Yemen says his 16-year-old grandson, a U.S. citizen, was killed by an American drone strike in 2011. Now, two years later, Nasser al-Awlaki still has very little information about the circumstances surrounding his grandson’s death. Al-Awlaki described his story in an op-ed written for the New York Times. Al-Awlaki’s grandson, Abdulrahman, […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
Special Report on Nelson Mandela day: The Future of “Freedom” and Its Impact on Travel
On July 18, the world marked Nelson Mandela Day with sombre reminders of his contribution to the cause of global freedom and democracy. On the same day, however, two whistleblowers were seeking refuge in an embassy and an airport transit lounge, seeking to escape the wrath of the U.S., a country that former President George […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
WTO report: Developing World, Demographics, Technology Driving Rapid Change in World Trade
Geneva, 18 July 2013, WTO PRESS RELEASE – The future of world trade, and the global trading system, will be shaped by a range of economic, political and social factors, including technological innovation, shifts in production and consumption patterns, and demographic change, according to the 2013 World Trade Report published by the WTO on 18 […]
more…19 Jul, 2013
On International Day, UN Pays Tribute To Nelson Mandela, a former Prisoner of Conscience
United Nations, Jul 18 2013 – The United Nations today marked Nelson Mandela International Day, celebrating the South African leader’s 95th birthday and honouring his dedication to public service, social justice and reconciliation, inspiring millions around the world. To commemorate the Day, the UN is joining a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to “Take […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Fascinating Factoids about the social status of Europe, in one pocketbook
Brussels, 17 July 2013, Eurostats press release – How many foreign citizens live in an EU Member State? And how many of them come from another EU Member State? How is the risk of poverty influenced by the level of education? Are there more females or more males among the student population in the EU? […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Cleanliness, Safety Issues Dominate Indian National Tourism Conference
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 18-July, 2013 – A National Tourism Ministers’ Conference was held here today to discuss the future strategies for realising the full tourism potential of the country. The Conference was chaired by Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi. State and Union Territory Tourism Authorities were represented either through their Tourism Ministers […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Ramadan 2013: Fasting for the body, food for the soul – The Independent
Dr Michael Mosley’s Horizon investigation in 2012, which studied the effects of intermittent fasting, and in which he fasted two days out of every week (living on 600 calories during his fasting days) spawned the popularity of the 5:2 diet. Dr Mosley presented medical evidence for the life-extending and life-improving benefits of fasting on the […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Myanmar faces ageing population, must fast-track development, says OECD-ESCAP report
OECD – Paris, 18 July 2013 – Myanmar faces a crucial few years to come to ignite economic growth and embark on a higher, more sustainable and more equitable development trajectory. The challenge is even more important as the country’s population will start ageing in 2017, says the Multi-dimensional Review of Myanmar: Initial Assessment which […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
Chinese economist warns: Prepare for shockwaves as U.S. exits Quantitative Easing
Beijing, 2013-07-16, (China Daily) – The three main economic issues discussed at the fifth Sino-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue in Washington last week were increasing bilateral trade, facilitating structural reforms and enhancing cooperation in financial markets. The most important financial issue for the world’s two largest economies, however, is how to deal with the possible […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
European Citizens’ Dialogue: “We should whine less, believe in ourselves more”
Heidelberg, 16 July 2013 (European Commission) – The Vice-President of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, and the Prime Minister of Baden-Württemberg, Winfried Kretschmann, today held one of the Citizens’ Dialogues on the future of Europe that have been initiated by the Commission. After twenty-four dialogues in fourteen EU Member States, it was the turn of […]
more…18 Jul, 2013
New alcohol-free bar debuts in London’s trendiest district – The Independent
The last time dry bars could be described as being in vogue, we had a Queen Empress on the throne and men still wore stove pipe hats. And yet, bang in the middle of London’s most trendy borough, a new one is set to open this weekend. Called Redemption, it harks back to the inglorious […]
more…17 Jul, 2013
“Fish cannot go to court”: EC seeks opinions on improving access to environmental justice
Brussels, 15 July 2013, European Commission Press release – The European Commission has launched a public consultation on ways to improve access to justice in the field of the environment. Access to justice – the right to challenge decisions or omissions by public bodies that are suspected of not complying with environmental law – is […]
more…17 Jul, 2013
Secret court allows Yahoo to disclose U.S. surveillance data requests
July 16, 2013 – [JURIST] – (University of Pittsburgh School of Law) – The US Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) on Monday granted a motion by Yahoo to declassify a 2008 FISC judgment that required the company to comply with government requests for user information under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The FISC also […]
more…17 Jul, 2013
Whistleblower Doctor Exposed Illegal Activities That Forced U.S. Hospital to Pay $39 Million
Editor’s Comment This press release by the U.S. law firm Goldberg Kohn, reproduced verbatim, indicates that whistleblowers are not only coming forward but also getting legal support, which is being publicised by the lawyers. It should set off warning bells in the health & wellness sector, and the medical system as a whole. If treated […]
more…16 Jul, 2013
Little respite seen for youth, low-skilled workers worst hit by jobs crisis in OECD countries
Paris, (OECD media release) 16/07/2013 – Unemployment in OECD countries will remain high through 2014, with young people and the low-skilled hit hardest, according to a new OECD report. Download the data in Excel for all OECD countries The Employment Outlook 2013 says that jobless rates will fall only slightly over the next 18 months, […]
more…16 Jul, 2013
Indian Tourism Minister: 180 Monuments up for “adoption” by corporate sector
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 15-July, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K. Chiranjeevi has called for the active involvement of the corporate sector to “adopt important tourist sites and monuments as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects.” Chairing the meeting of National Tourism Advisory Council here today, he noted that the Indian […]
more…15 Jul, 2013
GM crops remain problematic for Asian countries
HARBIN, July 13 (Xinhua) — The role of genetic modification (GM) technology in Asian agriculture remains unclear and individual countries have adopted different approaches to tackle the sensitive subject. At a food security meeting held by ASEAN Plus Three (APT) countries this week, participants from ASEAN countries, China, Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK) […]
more…15 Jul, 2013
Fanatic Jewish settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex
Ramallah, 15 July 2013 (IINA) – A group of fanatic Jewish settlers yesterday stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex in occupied Jerusalem for prayers, a Palestinian official said. Sheikh Najeh Bkeirat, the Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex manager, said that 180 settlers, including 18 rabbis, entered the compound through the Al-Magharebah gate. Bkeirat added that settlers walked around […]
more…14 Jul, 2013
78% of CEOs Say Ad & Media Agencies Are Not Performance-Driven Enough
LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– July 11, 2013 — 78% of CEOs around the world believe Ad & Media Agencies are not performance-driven enough and do not focus enough on helping to generate the (real and P&L-quantifiable) business results they expect their Marketing departments to deliver. That’s one of the findings tracked by The Fournaise Marketing Group – […]
more…14 Jul, 2013
Free meals help mosque show Islam to Japan – The Japan Times
As the Muslim monthlong fasting period known as Ramadan began Tuesday, Tokyo Camii, the largest mosque in Japan, began providing free “iftar” (evening meals) to 200 visitors, regardless of religion, to introduce residents to Islamic culture. The first day began with “azan,” the Muslim call to prayer recited at dusk. Azan is called before every […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
Chinese cinemagoers tired of watching American superheroes saving the world
Beijing, (China Daily), 2013-07-12 – It seems to be the best of times for China’s film industry. With Tiny Times raking in 263 million yuan ($42.89 million) in the last four days of June (it was released on June 27), the domestic film market registered its highest half-yearly box office returns -10.9 billion yuan in […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
China Tells U.S. to “Review the Past” in Defining the Future
WASHINGTON, July 11 (Xinhua) — U.S. and Chinese officials concluded their fifth round of annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) here on Thursday. In this first annual dialogue held after a leadership change in the world’s two major countries, the two sides forged ahead to find a new path for a new type of major-country […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
China eyes energy-saving, IT industries to spur domestic demand
BEIJING, July 12 (Xinhua) — China is to speed up development in the energy-saving industry and promote consumption of IT-related products and services as it looks to spur domestic demand and push economic upgrading. Stimulating growth in the two sectors is a multi-purpose approach aimed at easing resource restraints, unleashing consumption potential, stimulating effective investments […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
India Visa on Arrival Scheme +38% in First Half 2013
New Delhi, Ministry of Tourism, 12-July, 2013 – Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme of the Government continues to be popular with foreign tourists. It registered a growth of 22.9 percent during June, 2013 as compared to June, 2012. During the month, a total number of 1,062 VoAs were issued as compared to 864 during June, […]
more…13 Jul, 2013
UN Rights Chief Urges Protection For Individuals Revealing Human Rights Violations
United Nations, Jul 12 2013 United Nations, (UN News Centre) – A senior United Nations official today stressed the need to respect the right to privacy, using the case of United States citizen Edward Snowden to illustrate the urgent need to protect individuals who reveal human rights violations. “Snowden’s case has shown the need to […]
more…12 Jul, 2013
€600 million research to unblock European airspace congestion
Brussels, 10 July 2013, European Commission Press release – The European Commission has today announced €600 million of new funding to unblock congestion in Europe’s airspace. The Commission is looking to head off a capacity crunch as the number of flights is forecast to increase by 50% over the next 10-20 years. The goal is […]
more…12 Jul, 2013
European Commission launches strategy to globalise universities, attract students
Brussels, 11 July 2013, European Commission Press release – The international higher education landscape is changing dramatically in shape and size, with greater competition from countries such as China and India. This calls for an overhaul in the way Europe’s 4,000 universities operate – not only internationally, but also in how they deliver education to […]
more…12 Jul, 2013
China issues timetable for govt info disclosure, foreign travel included
BEIJING, 2013-07-10, (Xinhua) – The State Council, China’s Cabinet, on Wednesday issued a timetable for disclosing government spending on receptions, vehicles and overseas trips, as well as information on investigations into major accidents. According to the State Council’s plan, provincial governments should disclose their spending on the three items starting from 2013, and municipal and county […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
Travel to benefit by more competition in mobile communications, says OECD
Paris, (OECD media release), 11/07/2013 – OECD countries must ensure mobile markets remain open and competitive in order to sustain innovation and meet rising demand for data services, according to a new OECD report. It indicates that travel could be a major beneficiary of this. Communications Outlook 2013 says that revenues from data services are […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
Chinese institutions eyeing properties abroad
Shanghai, 2013-07-11, (China Daily) — Limited investment options and abundant liquidity are prompting Chinese investors to look abroad for alternative opportunities, and a real estate consultancy is forecasting that mainland individuals will put up to 1.1 trillion yuan ($179 billion) into global real estate markets. Chinese individuals, property developers and institutions have increased their holdings […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
China: US’ “double standards on global network security must end”
Beijing, (People’s Daily Online) July 10, 2013 – The Prism incident has exposed a worldwide problem of network security. Long-term, large-scale network monitoring and data theft by the United States in other countries has aroused international concern and provoked international reflection on network security rules. Few countries would now disagree on the importance of ensuring […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
China Offering Grants to Lure Native Talent Back Home
Beijing, 2013-07-11, (China Daily) – China is offering financial grants and other benefits to boost its ability to lure top experts in science and engineering back home from posts overseas. Zhan Wenlong, vice-president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said it is making full use of recruitment plans such as the One Hundred Talents Program […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
Anti-Tobacco Advertising Measures Growing Strongly Worldwide – WHO Report
10 July 2013 | Panama City, Panama (World Health Organization) – At 2.3 billion, the number of people worldwide covered by at least one life-saving measure to limit tobacco use has more than doubled in the last five years, according to the WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2013. The number of people covered […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
Australia sets up A$36m centre to support businesses in the Asian Century
Canberra, 08 Jul 2013 (Australian government media release) – Australia’s small to medium-sized businesses will get the support they need to take up new opportunities in Asian markets under a new $36 million national investment unveiled today. Trade Minister Richard Marles and Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the new National Centre for Asia Capability […]
more…11 Jul, 2013
UN Secretary-General: “Dangerous Polarization Taking Place Within Myanmar”
United Nations, Jul 10 2013 (UN News Centre) – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today told a group of Myanmar’s international partners that continued support will be vital for the country, which has taken some important steps in the past year, but faces a number of challenges, including national reconciliation and communal violence. “The Government and people […]
more…10 Jul, 2013
Australia launches world-first technology to help vision-impaired enjoy live theatre
Canberra, (Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers), 9 July 2013 – From today, a cutting-edge new app will enable people who are blind or vision impaired to enjoy live theatre by providing high-quality audio descriptions on their mobile devices, including smart phones and tablets. Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers Amanda Rishworth today launched the […]
more…10 Jul, 2013
Global Corruption Barometer: Bribery still very high but people ready to fight back
Berlin, 9 July 2013 (Transparency International) – More than one person in two thinks corruption has worsened in the last two years, according to the world’s largest public opinion survey on corruption from Transparency International, but survey participants also firmly believe they can make a difference and have the will to take action against graft. […]
more…10 Jul, 2013
Latin American Nations Voice Concerns To UN Chief Over Rerouting Of Bolivian Leader’s Plane
United Nations, Jul 9 2013 (UN News Centre) – Five Latin American nations voiced their concerns to Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today about the recent incident in which the aircraft carrying Bolivian President Evo Morales was not allowed by several European nations to fly over their airspace on suspicion that United States whistleblower Edward Snowden was […]
more…9 Jul, 2013
Privacy Rights Group Petitions U.S. Supreme Court to Halt NSA Surveillance
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 8, 2013) (epic.org media release) — The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) has filed an emergency petition with the United States Supreme Court in order to stop the NSA’s surveillance of domestic telephone communication records. EPIC said that the “ongoing collection of the domestic telephone records of millions of Americans” had created […]
more…9 Jul, 2013
IATA opposes Hyderabad airport’s proposed 100% hike in landing fees
New Delhi, July 8, IRNA — Civil aviation industrys apex body, International Air Transport Association (IATA) has opposed the GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHAIL) plan for an 100 per cent increase in international aircraft landing fee. The move will hurt airline operations, IATA has said, requesting the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) to […]
more…9 Jul, 2013
China’s Ping An Insurance to buy Lloyds Building in London: Savills
LONDON, July 8 (Xinhua) — Ping An Insurance Group agreed to purchase the Lloyds Building from Commerz Real, a German closed-end fund, for 260 million pounds (388 million U.S. dollars), London-based property broker Savills said Monday. The transaction represents the first purchase by a Chinese insurance company in Britain. The Lloyds Building, a landmark property […]
more…9 Jul, 2013
Chinese job seekers abroad urged to look before they leap
Beijing, (China Daily) – Beijing, July 08, 2013 – Chinese people seeking employment abroad should sign proper contracts, receive safety training, research their destination countries thoroughly and only work through companies qualified to supply staff abroad, experts say. Huang Leping, director of the Beijing Yilian Legal Aid and Research Center of Labor, an NGO dedicated […]
more…9 Jul, 2013
Travel, MICE cuts included in Chinese govt’s austerity campaign
BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) — The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has issued a circular ordering China’s central government agencies to cut their general expenditures in 2013 by 5 percent, a move to push the frugality campaign launched by the country’s new leadership. According to the circular, a whole slew of fees shall be cut, including […]
more…9 Jul, 2013
China Exclusive: Study tours suspended after Asiana plane crash
HANGZHOU, July 8 (Xinhua) — Overseas study tours have been suspended after Saturday’s plane crash in San Francisco, which killed two Chinese girls from east China’s Zhejiang Province. Quzhou Municipal Education Bureau in Zhejiang has told schools and related agent institutions to suspend all summer camps and study tours. Two teenage girls from a middle […]
more…9 Jul, 2013
Jobless Chinese Youths Turning to Booming Security Industry
Beijing, (China Daily) – July 08, 2013 – When Bu Yanchuan graduated from Nanjing Normal University in 2009, he didn’t dare tell his parents and friends that he could only find a job as a security guard with a meager salary of 2,500 yuan ($408) per month. Now, the 26-year-old with a degree in international […]
more…9 Jul, 2013
Social, Economic Inequalities Will Trigger Future Crises – UN Secretary-General
United Nations, Jul 8 2013 (UN News Centre) – Senior United Nations officials today emphasized that the international community must tackle social and economic inequalities between regions and within countries, adding that this is crucial to achieve sustainability and avert future crises. “If inequalities continue to widen, development may not be sustainable,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon […]
more…8 Jul, 2013
In China, thinking small begins to yield results
Beijing, July 08, 2013, (China Daily) – You can spot them all across China in different shapes and sizes, ranging from small restaurants, hair salons and shops to a host of enterprises that make a variety of goods. Though these micro and small enterprises have been largely inconspicuous, they are often the essential springboard for […]
more…7 Jul, 2013
European Parliament to probe US surveillance, seeks more whistleblower protection
Brussels, 04-07-2013, European Parliament Media release – Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee will conduct an “in-depth inquiry” into the US surveillance programmes, including the bugging of EU premises and other spying allegations, and present its results by the end of this year, says a resolution passed by the full House on Thursday. Parliament’s President and political […]
more…7 Jul, 2013
Ageing populations are an opportunity, not a threat, “if coupled with smart policies”
Geneva, UN Economic Commission for Europe, 01 July 2013 – Current population dynamics in Europe, North America and Central Asia must be seen as an opportunity, not a threat, senior officials of UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, and the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) said at the opening of the high-level ICPD regional […]
more…7 Jul, 2013
World Meteorological Report: 2001-2010 Was a Decade of Climate Extremes
GENEVA, 3 July 2013, (World Meteorological Organization) – The world experienced unprecedented high-impact climate extremes during the 2001-2010 decade, which was the warmest since the start of modern measurements in 1850 and continued an extended period of pronounced global warming. More national temperature records were reported broken than in any previous decade, according to a […]
more…7 Jul, 2013
Powerful Posters Bring Wildlife Protection Message to Millions on Shanghai Metro
Shanghai, 1 July, 2013 (UNEP Media release) – A major poster campaign aimed at sensitizing the public to the true cost of illegal wildlife products such as ivory and rhino horn is reaching millions of travellers on the Shanghai metro system each day. The recent spike in elephant killings in Africa, now at their highest […]
more…6 Jul, 2013
India Taps Kuwaiti, UAE Funds to Finance US$1 Trillion Infrastructure Projects
Ministry of Finance, 05-July, 2013 – Mr Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance said that Infrastructure Debt Funds (IDFs) are going to play a key role in the financing of the overall requirements of Infrastructure funding. He added that higher ratings would make an IDF competitive in the refinancing market. Mr […]
more…6 Jul, 2013
Renovated gallery of Decorative Arts reopened at National Museum, New Delhi
New Delhi, 5 July 2013 – Chandresh Kumari Katoch, Union Minister of Culture here today re-opened the renovated gallery of Decorative Arts-I at the National Museum. Decorative arts are those arts related to the design and decoration of objects of utility. Artifacts of this group are crafted for daily, ceremonial and religious uses from a […]
more…6 Jul, 2013
Australia says passenger movement charge helping fund tourism development
04 July 2013 – Australian Tourism Minister Gary Gray said 20 per cent of the additional revenue raised by the passenger movement charge was given back to the industry through grants. This includes the four-year $48.5 million Asian Marketing Fund and the $48.5 million Tourism Industry Development Fund, which help to stimulate tourism demand by […]
more…6 Jul, 2013
Australia Takes First Asian Century Step, Launches Indonesia Country Strategy
CANBERRA, 2013-07-05 (Xinhua) – Visiting Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Friday launched Towards 2025: Indonesia Country Strategy, part of the Australia in the Asian Century initiative in Indonesia capital Jakarta. The strategy outlines how Australians can harness and develop the skills needed to deepen and strengthen the engagement with the country’s important northern neighbor, […]
more…6 Jul, 2013
China Issues Guidelines to Stabilise Capital Flows
Beijing, (China Daily), 2013-07-06 — A specific guideline to stabilize capital flows was issued by the central government on Friday. It particularly encourages more private funds to take part in reform of financial institutions at various levels. The State Council, or the nation’s cabinet, said China’s financial system and economy are “stable and sound”, with […]
more…6 Jul, 2013
Multinationals in China face increased scrutiny
Beijing, 2013-07-06, (China Daily) – China is expanding its investigations into the food, dairy and pharmaceutical industries, raising questions about whether the days of “supranational treatment” for multinationals have ended. The investigations signal that these companies face increased scrutiny of their operations in the country. The State Administration for Industry & Commerce is investigating the […]
more…6 Jul, 2013
Chinese Retail Industry Projects Steady Growth
Beijing, 2013-07-05 (China Daily) – Despite China’s slowing economic growth, the retail industry in the world’s second-largest economy will maintain sustainable growth in the medium and long term, commerce officials said on Thursday. Meanwhile, the industry is undergoing a transformation and the government will make more efforts to enhance its quality and efficiency and to […]
more…6 Jul, 2013
China, Pakistan ink landmark transport pact to access Gwadar Port
Beijing, 2013-07-06, (China Daily) – China and Pakistan signed an agreement on Friday on the blueprint for a huge transport project linking northwestern China to the Arabian Sea. Observers said the project, named the “China-Pakistan economic corridor”, will open a new route for China’s goods and energy. It will also give a strong boost to […]
more…6 Jul, 2013
European Alliance for Apprenticeships Launched to Help Alleviate Youth Joblessness
Brussels/Leipzig, 2 July 2013 – European Commission Press release – The European Alliance for Apprenticeships is launched today by Commissioners Androulla Vassiliou (Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth) and László Andor (Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion) at the 2013 WorldSkills competition in Leipzig, Germany. The Alliance will help to fight youth unemployment by improving the quality […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
Glenn Greenwald: Top Officials Are Lying to Our Faces About U.S.Govt Spying | Alternet
What kind of journalist – or citizen – would focus more on Edward Snowden’s tonal oddities and travel drama than on the fact that top US officials have been deceitfully concealing a massive, worldwide spying apparatus being constructed with virtually no accountability or oversight? Just ponder what it says about someone who cares more about, […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
African-Americans Compare Treatment of Palestinians to U.S. Segregation Laws
WASHINGTON, July 2, 2013 (WAFA) – African Americans, including Angela Davis and actress Lisa Gay Hamilton, released a statement reaffirming parallels between Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and discrimination against African Americans living under Jim Crow in the United States, a press release by the US Campaign to End the Israeli Occupation said on Monday. The […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
EU Contributes €2.4M for Preservation of Palestinian Heritage in Jerusalem
JERUSALEM, July 3, 2013 (WAFA) – The European Union (EU) and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) signed on Tuesday a €2.4 million agreement with Al-Quds University aimed at the preservation of Palestinian cultural heritage in Jerusalem’s Old City, an EU press release said. The agreement was signed in the presence of Michael Köhler, director […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
Activists Protest G4S Security Company’s Cooperation with Israel
BRUSSELS, July 1, 2013 (WAFA) – Dozens of activists took off to the streets of Brussels on Friday to inform people about a British-Danish security company based in the UK that is involved in the detention of Palestinian children. The activists denounced the fact that G4S, a private military and security company that is allegedly […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
U.S. still dodging key question on Snowden’s revelations
Beijing, 2013-06-28, (China Daily) – Yahoo News has done an interesting analysis of the 444 briefings through June 18 by White House Press Secretary Jay Carney and found 13 distinct ways in which he dodges reporters’ questions. For example, he replied with “I don’t have the answer” 1,905 times; “I would refer you to someone […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
Value of education rises in crisis but investment in this area is falling, says OECD report
PARIS, 25/06/2013 (OECD News release) – The jobs gap between well-educated young people and those who left school early has continued to widen during the crisis. A good education is the best insurance against a lack of work experience, according to the latest edition of the OECD’s annual Education at a Glance. Unemployment rates are […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
Vietnamese Websites fined for granting on-line visas illegally
Hanoi, 01/07/2013 (Vietnam News Agency) – Information and Communications inspectors have punished websites using the gov.vn domain name for granting visas illegally. Vietnamvisa.gov.vn had its domain name registered by the People’s Committee of the Dang Xa Commune in Gia Lam district, visavietnam.gov.vn was registered by the Statistics Office of northern Bac Giang Province’s Luc Ngan […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
Loving partner, money, social activity key to happiness – study
Press Trust of India, Melbourne July 2, 2013 – A loving partner, a household income of up to USD 100,000 and finding a purpose in life is the new “golden triangle of happiness”, a new Australian research has claimed. Having a good intimate relationship was rated higher than money and being fat was no barrier […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
Amnesty Int’l: US bid to hunt down whistleblower “gross violation of human rights”
2 July 2013, (Amnesty International media release) — The US authorities’ relentless campaign to hunt down and block whistleblower Edward Snowden’s attempts to seek asylum is deplorable and amounts to a gross violation of his human rights Amnesty International said today. “The US attempts to pressure governments to block Snowden’s attempts to seek asylum are […]
more…5 Jul, 2013
Europe Plans To Change Rules To Allow State Subsidies For Airports, Airlines
Brussels, 3 July 2013, European Commission – In a major policy shift, the European Commission has initiated a review of EU state aid rules so as to pave the way for public financing of airports and start-up aid to airlines. The draft review proposal has now been placed for public comment. The following are the […]
more…4 Jul, 2013
STOP using Google, Facebook if you fear US spying, says Germany | Mail Online
Interior Minister Hans-Peter Friedrich told reporters in Berlin on Wednesday that ‘whoever fears their communication is being intercepted in any way should use services that don’t go through American servers.’ Friedrich says German officials are in touch with their U.S. counterparts ‘on all levels’ and a delegation is scheduled to fly to Washington next week […]
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