28 Apr, 2013
Europe bids to help workers exercise rights to free movement
Brussels, 26 April 2013 – The European Commission has today proposed measures to ensure the better application of EU law on people’s right to work in another Member State and so make it easier for people to exercise their rights in practice. Currently there is a persistent problem with public and private employers’ lack of […]
more…28 Apr, 2013
Barbados Tourism To Give Cash Vouchers to Boost Arrivals, Length of Stay
27 April 2013 – (Ministry of Tourism media release) – Weeks after the Central Bank of Barbados reported a weak 2013 first quarter performance by the country’s tourism industry, the authorities have come up with a plan to put the sector back on a growth path. The Minister of Tourism of Barbados, Richard Sealy has […]
more…27 Apr, 2013
Xinhua: Short-sellers “crying wolf” again on Chinese economy
BEIJING, April 27 (Xinhua) — Some investment gurus, if they can be called that, periodically express their pessimism about the Chinese economy and short sell Chinese stocks, but it turns out theirs is nothing but a game of crying wolf. Their bearish tone has mostly proven to be a shortcut for securing handsome profits, with […]
more…27 Apr, 2013
Indian Met Office Forecasts Normal Southwest Monsoon Rainfall during 2013
Ministry of Earth Science, 26-April, 2013 – The year 2013 will most like have a normal Southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall for the country as a whole i.e. 96 to 104% of Long Average. during June to September. This was announced by the Union Minister of Earth Sciences & Science and Technology Mr S.Jaipal Raddy at […]
more…27 Apr, 2013
USA, Iran Wrestling Teams to Compete in Historic Friendly Event in LA, May 19
LOS ANGELES, April 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — USA Wrestling and Beat the Streets-Los Angeles, Inc. has announced that the United States and Iran will come together in a friendly international wrestling competition Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. at Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. The event will also be a major opportunity for the Keep Olympic […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
Former Palestinian Prisoners to Speak at Brussels Conference on May 18
Brussels, (Palestinian Return Centre) – Arrangements for the 11th Palestinians in Europe conference are running smoothly and more guests have been confirmed. The 11th Conference, organized by the General Secretariat of the Palestinians in Europe Conference, The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), will be held in Brussels, Belgium on Saturday 18th May 2013. The one-day conference […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
EC seeks public views on Google’s offers to address anti-trust concerns
Brussels, 25 April 2013, European Commission Press release – The European Commission is inviting comments from interested parties on commitments offered by Google in relation to online search and search advertising. The Commission has concerns that Google may be abusing its dominant position in the markets for web search, online search advertising and online search […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
Flawed U.S. Terrorism Policies will Create Long-term Problems, with Limitless Costs
Beijing, 2013-04-25 – The Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people and injured more than 170, the shootout that followed on the campus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a massive explosion in a fertilizer plant in Texas made up a black week for the United States and highlighted domestic security issues. Police later identified […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
More Chinese travel abroad from second & third-tier cities
Beijing, April 25, 2013 – More people from smaller Chinese cities are traveling abroad, new research released on Wednesday showed. Thanks to the country’s rapid economic development, residents of second- and third-tier cities have plans and are able to go overseas for their holidays, according to the China Outbound Tourism Development 2013 report, released by […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
Asia’s Soaring Consumption Of Raw Materials Unsustainable, UN Warns
United Nations, Apr 24 2013 (UN News Centre) – The Asia-Pacific region, which has overtaken the rest of the world in consumption of raw materials as affluence and manufacturing increase, must boost its resource efficiency or risk losing ground in lifestyle, economic growth and environmental sustainability, according to a UN report released today. From 1970-2008, […]
more…26 Apr, 2013
PATA Youth Forum Hears “Anarchy” Warning if Thai Tourism Growth Neglects Sustainability
BANGKOK – Decrying the corruption and poor law enforcement plaguing the Thai tourism industry, three “NextGen” Thai executives have warned of “anarchy” and a looming crisis if the problems are left unaddressed. One executive also warned of another round of cut-throat pricing competition when the next crisis hits. The strong words rang out loud during […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
Israeli airport security given green light to search tourist emails — RT News
Israel’s attorney general says security officials can continue to access emails of foreign tourists landing at Ben-Gurion Airport. If they refuse, they can be denied access to the country. Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein defended the practice in a statement, saying that such searches “are performed only in exceptional instances, after other relevant incriminating indications are […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
Turkey Launches Online-based Visa for Trade, Tourism Visitors
Ankara, 24 April 2013 (Anadolu Agency) – Turkey on Wednesday launched a new online-based visa issuance system for foreign nationals visiting the country for tourism or trade purposes only. The e-visa system replaces ‘sticker’ and ‘stamp-type’ visas formerly issued at the borders, and for the time being it is only available for foreigners arriving in […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
India Reports Rapid Decline in Child Sex Ratio between 2001-11
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 23-April, 2013 – As per the Census, the child sex ratio (0-6 years) has shown a sharp decline from 927 females per thousand males in 2001 to 914 females per thousand males in 2011. The government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy entailing schemes and programmes and awareness generation/advocacy measures, […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
India Expands Visa On Arrival Facility to More Airports, Plans More Steps to Ease Access
Ministry of Home Affairs, 23-April, 2013 – The third Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee on Tourism Sector has decided to extend facility of Tourist Visa on Arrival at Goa, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi airports. The Government of India has permitted Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) facility for the citizens of 11 countries viz. Japan, Singapore, Finland, […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Review of the Indian Economy 2012-13 – Highlights
New Delhi, 23-April, 2013 – Dr. C. Rangarajan, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister released the ‘Review of the Economy 2012-13’ at a Press Conference in New Delhi today. Following are the highlights of the document: Economy to grow at 6.4% in 2013-14 The Advance Estimates of CSO have pegged the growth of Agriculture at […]
more…25 Apr, 2013
Chinese Draft Law to curb tourism price hikes
Beijing, 2013-04-24, China Daily – The third draft of China’s Tourism Law, which was delivered to lawmakers on Tuesday, seeks to curb price inflation at scenic spots — a trend that is making tourists nationwide unhappy. The draft proposes strict controls on the costs of tickets to access natural scenery and ancient relics. Such areas, […]
more…24 Apr, 2013
UNWTO’s Most Spectacular Asia-Pacific Meeting Venue: Hyderabad’s “Mirror in the Sky”
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India — If there is one over-arching reason why delegates will never forget the UNWTO’s Joint Commission meetings of South Asia, East Asia and the Pacific held here between 12-14 April 2013 it is because of the spectacular venue, the Taj Falaknuma Palace hotel, the jewel in the crown of the palatial […]
more…24 Apr, 2013
CAIR Decries Inflammatory Anti-Muslim Rhetoric on Boston Bombing
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/23/13) (CAIR media release) –- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today decried the wave of inflammatory anti-Muslim rhetoric following the Boston Marathon bombings and the revelation that the suspects in the case are Muslim. CAIR also noted that Americans of all faiths have […]
more…23 Apr, 2013
Indian Tourism Minister to Inaugurate New Campus of IITTM at Noida
Ministry of Tourism, 22-April, 2013 – Union Tourism Minister Mr K.Chiranjeevi will inaugurate the new campus of Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITM) at Noida on 23 April 2013. Spread over 10 acres of land in Sec 62 of Noida, the campus has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 27.70 crore. IITTM […]
more…23 Apr, 2013
First Time in India: Volunteer Guide Programme at National Museum, New Delhi
Ministry of Culture, 22-April, 2013 – The Union Minister of Culture Mrs. Chandresh Kumari Katoch has asked the National Museum to be ready to engage in collaborative programmes with other museums, with a view to increase their expertise, and to develop a pool of highly trained manpower in this sector. Inaugurating “Path Pradarshak” Volunteer Guide […]
more…23 Apr, 2013
Univ of NSW woos Chinese students by accepting Gaokao scores for admissions
SYDNEY, April 22 (Xinhua) — With Australia’s ‘Asia Literacy’ looming as a key issue in the upcoming federal election, Aussie universities, led by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) have launched a furious campaign to woo Chinese students and the potential boom in knowledge they provide. In a ground breaking policy launched this week […]
more…23 Apr, 2013
Tour for UNWTO Delegates Helps Andhra Pradesh Promote Its Buddhist Heritage
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India — Andhra Pradesh has joined the growing number of states promoting Buddhist pilgrimage travel to India. Capitalising on the presence of so many tourism representatives from Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Japan, Korea and other Asian countries with a sizable Buddhist population at the April 12-14 meeting of the UNWTO Joint Commissions for […]
more…22 Apr, 2013
Tit-for-tat: China Blasts U.S. Human Rights Record
BEIJING, (China Daily) — The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China published a report titled “Human Rights Record of the United States in 2012” last Sunday. It was in response to the U.S. State Department’s release of its Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012, which the Chinese describe as […]
more…22 Apr, 2013
UNWTO Chief: Visas, Security Issues “Not Out of our Hands”
Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India – The UN World Tourism Organisation has called on the global travel & tourism industry to stop assuming that visas and security-related travel restrictions are “out of our hands” and work towards ensuring that 98% of legitimate global travellers do not become inadvertent victims of rules aimed at the remaining 2%. […]
more…22 Apr, 2013
PM’s Speech to Civil Servants Highlights Complexities of Governing India
Prime Minister’s Office, 21-April, 2013 – Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s speech at Civil Services Day function in New Delhi today: “I am very happy to be with you today, as you begin your deliberations on the occasion of the 8th Civil Services Day. In these inaugural remarks, I […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Beware the Labelling of Terrorist Attacks – People’s Daily Commentary
Beijing April 20, 2013 – Before or after the Boston marathon blast on April 15, other regions in the world have not been peaceful, either. The terrorist attacks toward civilians in Somalia, Iraq and Pakistan have all caused severe casualties. It’s a day that will go down in history along with other violent U.S. incidents […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
U.N. Forum on Forests Adopts Pacts on Conservation, Financing
ISTANBUL, 19 and 20 April, Department of Public Information— Calling on Governments to recognize that forests and the socioeconomic benefits they provide were essential to human development, the United Nations forum working to build global consensus on implementation of forest-related agreements concluded its tenth session late this evening, also deciding to consider setting up a […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Japan to mull relaxing visas for S.E. Asian tourists – The Japan Times
The government will examine relaxing visa requirements to encourage more tourists from emerging nations in Southeast Asia to visit Japan, sources in the Abe administration said Saturday. The move comes as the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has determined it is necessary to lure more travelers from fast-growing economies to attain its goal of […]
more…21 Apr, 2013
Scammed tourists begin class action – Sydney Morning Herald
Australian holidaymakers are pursuing a class action lawsuit against one of the world’s largest banks after hundreds of false accounts were used in an international travel scam. Over the past 18 months, tourists have wired millions of dollars into accounts with London-based Barclays Bank to pay for luxury accommodation in dream destinations around the world. […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Palestinian NGO Study Says Israel’s Water Policy in West Bank is Apartheid
RAMALLAH, April 16, 2013 (WAFA) – Israel’s policies and practices in relation to water in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) amount to a system of “water-apartheid,” said a new study by the human rights group, al-Haq, published Tuesday. The report, “Water For One People Only: Discriminatory Access and ‘Water-Apartheid’ in the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” said […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Bedouin Community Faces “Transfer” as Israel Continues to Wipe Palestine Off the Map
JERUSALEM, April 20, 2013 (WAFA) – In an attempt to uproot Palestinians from locations in the Israeli-controlled Area C of the West Bank, the Israeli Defense Minister has recently approved a master plan to forcibly transfer approximately 2500 Bedouins from the Jahalin tribe to a small, concentrated area in Nwei’mah, adjacent to Jericho, according to […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
S.F. Bay Area Group Leads Historic Israel-Palestine Effort to Remove Landmines From Bethlehem
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– April 19, 2013 — Representatives of a Bay Area non-profit group which spearheaded a historic Palestine and Israel agreement to remove landmines from the City of Bethlehem will travel to the Holy Land to oversee the first removal and detonation of mines. Heidi Kühn, Founder and CEO of Roots of Peace, […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
EC Vice President: European Union has “Deep Structural Flaws”, Needs Redesign
19 April 2013 – Text of the speech by Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission at the Bratislava Global Security Forum – GLOSEC/Brussels, “A new vision for redesigning Europe”. As posted on the EC website. Ladies and Gentlemen The motto of the European Union, as I am sure you all know, is ‘United in […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Joint Statement: Muslim, Sikh, South Asian, Arab American Groups Urge Unity & Restraint
Muslim Advocates, South Asian Americans Leading Together, Sikh Coalition, and the National Network for Arab American Communities issued the following joint statement urging Americans to unite in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon attacks. April 19, 2013 – Our thoughts and condolences continue to be with the victims of the Boston Marathon attacks. We are grateful […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
‘They were set up, FBI followed them for years’- Tsarnaevs’ mother to RT USA
Russian ‘Alpha’ Special Forces team-veteran and vice-president of its International Association, Aleksey Filatov, believes there is more to the case than meets the eye. He emphasizes, firstly, that the origin and religious beliefs of the suspect, along with the specifics of the bombing, have all been carefully pre-meditated and planned by someone within the United […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
UN Experts Urge World Bank to Raise Human Rights Standards For Project Finance
GENEVA (18 April 2013) (UN OHCHR media release) – A group of United Nations independent experts on extreme poverty, indigenous peoples, right to food and foreign debt called on the Word Bank to adopt human rights standards, during the upcoming review this weekend of its environmental and social policies—also known as ‘safeguard policies’—which apply to […]
more…20 Apr, 2013
Indian tourists third most likely to steal hotel items: Study – Indian Express
Indian tourists have been ranked third in the list of nationalities that nick items from a hotel room as 38 per cent of them confessed they have stolen from a hotel, according to a new global survey. The survey by an online accommodation booking service found that 35 per cent of global travellers steal hotel […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Hate Crimes in Massachusetts, New York Follow Boston Bombings
WASHINGTON, D.C., 4/18/13 (CAIR media release) — The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said hate incidents in Massachusetts and New York occurred following the deadly bombings at the Boston Marathon. CAIR reports that a mother of Middle Eastern heritage wearing an Islamic headscarf, or hijab, […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Israeli “Expert” on “Islamic Terrorism” Stirs the Pot, Offers Advice to U.S.
NEW YORK, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — As the entire nation joins Boston in mourning three deaths and massive injuries and amputations, Americans are once again facing the reality of homeland terrorism and resurrecting questions of security. David Rubin, Israeli terrorism expert, draws parallels between Boston and Israel, a nation plagued by long-term terrorism. Editor’s […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Arab-Americans Issue Advisory: Be Cautious, Report Hate Crimes
Washington, DC | www.adc.org | April 18, 2013 — As a result of a recent increase in attacks and discrimination targeting Arab and Muslim Americans following the bombing in Boston, the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is asking that all members of the affected communities exercise extreme caution and immediately report any incidents of harassment, abuse, […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Holiday scams leave British travellers £1.5m out of pocket – The Independent
Thousands of British travellers are being swindled out of millions of pounds each year through scams involving flights, accommodation and religious pilgrimages. The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has identified 1,000 separate holiday scams in the UK last year that cost consumers more than £1.5m. Read the rest: Holiday scams leave British travellers £1.5m out […]
more…19 Apr, 2013
Survey: Solid Majority of Iranian Americans Oppose Military Strike on Iran
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– April 18, 2013 – The Public Affairs Alliance of Iranian Americans (PAAIA) today released the findings of its 2013 National Public Opinion Survey of Iranian Americans. The results demonstrate that Iranian Americans retain close ties to Iran and want to see a democratic Iran that respects human rights. A majority are supportive of […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
David Sirota: Why I Hope the Boston Bomber is a White American | Alternet
I’m not the kind of person who hopes to ever find conservative Fox News host Bill O’Reilly agreeing with me. But with my Salon piece on the Boston bomber now on the front page of Drudge, I think it is worth pointing out that last night O’Reilly effectively agreed with my piece by confirming the […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Trades Union Report Blasts IMF Over Jobs Market Prescriptions
17 April 2013: IMF labour market advice, as part of the Troika, undermines democracy and risks economic dictatorship across Europe and beyond warned the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and will create more divisions and social unrest, without producing any economic benefits. The ITUC Frontlines 2013 report, “Ideology without economic evidence: IMF attacks on collective […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
Turkey Becomes First Country With Ambassador To Palestine
RAMALLAH, April 17 (NNN-TODAY’S ZAMAN) – Turkey has become the first country with an ambassador to Palestine after its envoy in Ramallah, Şakir Özkan Torunlar, presented his letter of credentials to President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday. Reflecting the upgraded status of Palestine from an entity to a non-member state by a UN vote in November, […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
Chinese Expert: US should re-think anti-terrorism strategy
April 18, 2013 – Monday’s terrorist bombings in Boston is the major terrorist attack the United States has suffered since September 11, 2001. Although the scale and losses is not on par with the 9/11, it happened at the sensitive moment when the U.S. is accelerating withdrawal from Afghanistan and continuously concentrating anti-terrorism front, which […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Annual Australian Alcohol Poll Cites “Carnage” and “Devastating Harms”
Canberra, 18 April 2013, (Foundation for Alcohol Research & Education) – Australians are drinking to get drunk in greater numbers and feeling guilty afterwards, but remain overwhelmingly in favour of fixing our collective national hangover. This year’s Annual Alcohol Poll found that in 2013, 40 per cent or 4.5 million Australians drank to get drunk, […]
more…18 Apr, 2013
U.S. Muslims mobilize to prevent Boston backlash | Religion News Service
On his show, conservative host Glenn Beck opined that “no American citizen blows up random people; that’s a Middle Eastern scene, that’s not an American scene. When our crazies go off, they target the government, not streets that are crowded with people.” On Monday afternoon, the New York Post had to pull a story that […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Chinese Buddhist Monks fight to keep UNESCO out
Xi’an, (Global Times) – April 17, 2013 – Getting up at 4 am. Morning prayer. Breakfast. Studying Buddhist classics. More prayer. Master Kuanshu’s daily routine is an example of that practiced in temples for millennia. In the past few days, however, Kuanshu and other monks have diversified their habits a bit to handle interviews from […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Indigenous Brazilian Activist Fights To Save His Tribe And The Amazon Rainforest
United Nations, Apr 16 2013 – Almir Narayamoga Surui was born into an indigenous Amazonian tribe – the Paiter-Surui – in Rondonia in north-west Brazil at a time when his people had very little contact with the world outside of the forest. He is the first member of the Surui to attend college, and for […]
more…17 Apr, 2013
Indian Finance Minister’s Speech at Harvard: “The Rise of the East: Implications for the Global Economy”
Following is the Text of the Speech of the Union Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidamabarm delivered on 16 April 2013 at the South Asian Institute and Mahendra Humanities Center at Harvard University: “It is a great pleasure to be back in the grounds of Harvard University and a great honour to be invited to speak […]
more…16 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: McKinsey Institute – Shaping a New Growth Formula
April 2013 (McKinsey Global Institute) – Beginning in the 1960s, South Korea has set economic-development records with a growth formula that focused on heavy-industry and manufactured exports. GDP has tripled in just the past 20 years, and South Korea became the first nation to go from being a recipient of aid from the Organisation for […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
Debunking ten misconceptions of the ideal of the Chinese dream
April 12, 2013 – As the ruling ideology of China’s new leadership, the Chinese dream has drawn worldwide attention. However, following this heightened attention have come a raft of interpretations and appeals, some of which are misconceptions. Misconception one: Chinese dream is equal to China’s dream. President Xi Jinping has elaborated the Chinese dream, stressing […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
Indian Visa on Arrival Scheme up 63%
Ministry of Tourism, 12-April, 2013 – The Visa on Arrival (VOA) scheme of the Government for foreign tourists registered a growth of 63% during March, 2013. During the month, a total number of 2,107 VoAs were issued as compared to 1,287 VoAs issued during March, 2012. The following are the other important highlights of VoAs […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Employee-Employer Relations Under Strain in Europe, Says New Report
The on-going economic crisis poses a serious challenge to the dialogue between workers’ and employers’ representatives and governments according to a report published today by the European Commission. The report shows that recent government reforms have not always been accompanied by fully effective social dialogue, leading to increasingly conflictual industrial relations in Europe. László Andor, […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
“Airlines for America” Hammers Huge Passenger Tax Hike in White House Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)- 11 April 2013 – Airlines for America (A4A), the industry trade organization for the leading U.S. airlines, today announced its strong opposition to the FY2014 White House budget proposal, which seeks to offset the federal deficit by imposing billions of dollars in new and higher aviation taxes and fees on the backs of […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
U.S. Companies Report $63 Billion Wasted as “Why Are We Meeting?” Meetings Increase
ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — U.S. companies report an increase in wasteful meetings, now costing $63 billion annually. The average employee is spending 31 hours per month in unproductive meetings (often the result of ineffective brainstorming), while 47% indicate that meetings are the #1 time-waster, leaving everyone asking, “why are we meeting?”…reports a […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: U.S. Small Business Survey on Taxes Cites Complexity as Primary Problem
WASHINGTON, April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The National Small Business Association (NSBA) today released the 2013 Small Business Taxation Survey which provides detailed insight on how America’s small-business community is being impacted by federal taxes. Complexity and inconsistency within the tax code continue to be a major problem for small businesses, and one-in-four report spending 120 […]
more…13 Apr, 2013
Alcohol Justice Announces Youth Video Winners: Free Sports From Alcohol Ads
SAN RAFAEL, Calif., April 12, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Three young filmmakers were awarded top prizes today for their entertaining counter-alcohol ads submitted to the 2013 Free Our Sports™ Youth Film Festival. The contest challenged them to help expose and eliminate global alcohol advertising, sponsorships, branding and promotions from every sport, from college games to the NFL […]
more…10 Apr, 2013
U.N. Debate On Terrorism Exposes Deep Chasms Over Who Holds Whom Responsible
United Nations, (Department of Public Information), 08 April 2013 – The time was “propitious” for the General Assembly committee charged with negotiating a comprehensive anti-terrorism convention to take the necessary decisions, especially on the outstanding issues that had — for years — hampered substantive progress on such an instrument, said its long-time Chairman, as he […]
more…10 Apr, 2013
Ramesh Thakur rebuts John Howard’s claims: Five Myths about the Iraq War
CANBERRA, April 10, 2013– Ten years on, let’s dispel five myths about the Iraq war. 1. It doesn’t matter why we went in, it only matters that we got rid of Saddam Hussein. Actually it does, greatly. Suppose the government eliminates someone and says he was a mass murderer. Having first killed him, we will search […]
more…10 Apr, 2013
‘We were right to invade Iraq’ – John Howard
Full text of the speech former Australian prime minister John Howard delivered to the Lowy Institute for National Policy on April 9, 2013. I thank the Lowy Institute for the opportunity to revisit the most controversial foreign policy decision taken by my government, in the almost 12 years it held office. Before tackling the substance […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
Chinese Warned of Dangers of Investing in US Realty Sector
2013-04-09 – Chinese people have developed a new craze: real estate investment. The sale of “one-dollar villas” in the United States as a result of the subprime crisis a couple of years ago prompted some Chinese investors to go bargain hunting across the Pacific. Now Detroit, which is on the verge of bankruptcy, has lured […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
Master Hsing Yun at Boao Forum: Asia Losing Its Traditions of Honesty and Integrity
BEIJING, April 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — As Asia grows aware of it’s soft power, the virtue of honesty and integrity are caught in a crisis. Master Hsing Yun , the founder of the Buddha’s Light International Association was invited, with Mr. Liu Changle, Chairman of Phoenix TV, to discuss the strength of honesty and integrity at […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: Asian Development Outlook 2013 – Asia’s Energy Challenge
HONG KONG, CHINA – Strong consumption and fiscal spending in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) will fuel a rebound in growth in 2013, but government steps to cool pressures on the environment and to narrow income gaps will limit the upside in 2014, says a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report (click here to […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
Major South Asian Rivers May Overrun 2,200 Hectares of Land in 2013
DHAKA, April 7, 2013 (BSS) – Three major rivers — the Jamuna, the Ganges and the Padma — may grab around 2,200 hectares of land leaving nearly 22,900 people homeless and landless this year. The forecast was made at a dissemination seminar titled ‘Erosion Prediction-2013 for the Jamuna, the Ganges and the Padma rivers’ prepared […]
more…9 Apr, 2013
FREE Download: The Future of Australian Sport Report Launched
Canberra, 08 Apr 2013 (Source: Australian Sports Commission) – Australians love sport. It always has been and will continue to be part of our cultural identity. From playing catch in the backyard to the Olympic and Paralympic podiums, the majority of Australians play, watch and enjoy sport. The Australian Sports Commission (ASC) has partnered with […]
more…8 Apr, 2013
Chinese President at the Boao Forum: Non-Asian Countries Should Respect Asia’s Diversity
BOAO, Hainan, April 7 (Xinhua) — The following is the translated version of the full text of a keynote speech entitled, “Working Together Toward a Better Future for Asia and the World”, by Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2013, Boao, Hainan, 7 April […]
more…8 Apr, 2013
Denver Is Crowned Cycle Town, USA
DENVER, April 4, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The people have spoken – and Denver has emerged triumphant in REI’s hotly contested Cycle Town Showdown, which pitted several U.S. cities against each other in a battle to see which city was the most bike-friendly. Of course the outcome was no surprise to anyone who has enjoyed The […]
more…8 Apr, 2013
Indonesian President attends Hindu Day celebration
Jakarta (ANTARA News) Sun, April 7 2013 – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Boediono attended the celebration of the National Dharma Shanti Hindu Day of Silence 2013 at the Senayan Sports Palace here on Sunday evening. The President was accompanied by First Lady Mrs Ani Yudhoyono. Vice President Boediono’s wife, Herawati Boediono, also […]
more…7 Apr, 2013
Palestinians Call for More Pressure on Israel to Comply with International Law
United Nations, 5 April 2013, (Department of Public Information) – Amid growing tensions, it was a “critical time” for Member States to put pressure on Israel to comply with international law in order to “open the door” to a meaningful political process that would lead to a two-State solution, Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the […]
more…5 Apr, 2013
Survey Finds American Attitudes Transformed by Housing Crisis, Lifestyle Changes
CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– April 03, 2013 – After decades of equating homeownership with the American Dream, post-housing crisis realism about the risks and rewards of owning a home have led to greater support for rental housing and a more balanced approach in national housing policy, according to a new survey of housing attitudes released today. The […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Indian PM on the Economy: Corrective Strategies Need Correct Analysis of the Problem
Prime Minister’s Office, 03-April, 2013 – Following is the text of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s address at the CII National Conference and Annual General Meeting, in New Delhi today: “I am delighted to be here today to inaugurate the CII annual meeting for 2013. I have always believed that both government and business […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Ten years after SARS, what has China learned?
BEIJING, April 3 (Xinhua) — The news of two men dying from a new variant of bird flu has reminded Chinese of the SARS pandemic that hit the country one decade ago. Many are wondering if the government will handle the situation any better than it did in 2003, should another pandemic break out. For […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Melbourne Airport bids to be Australia’s gateway for huge Chinese market
MELBOURNE, April 3 (Xinhua)– The continuous influx of tourists and goods from China during the last couple of years has prompted Australian authorities to develop its aviation industry and transport infrastructure to meet the booming demand. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Chris Woodruff, chief executive officer of Melbourne Airport, said they are getting ready […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Multinationals in Crosshairs as Australia Moves to “Improve Transparency” of Business Tax System
Canberra, 3 April 2013 (Media release by the Assistant Treasurer, Minister Assisting for Deregulation) – Large corporate entities would be required to disclose tax payable as part of proposals floated in a discussion paper released today, said Assistant Treasurer David Bradbury. The discussion paper follows the Government’s earlier announcement that it intends to change the […]
more…4 Apr, 2013
Investigative Journos Strike Again: Expose How Shady Global Tax Havens Help Make the Rich Richer
The policy of incessantly calling for lower taxes, a fundamental platform of travel industry organisations such as the World Travel & Tourism Council, is set to face a major rethink in the wake of a global media investigation of tax havens and the massive network of crony-ridden schemes designed to help the mega-rich avoid and […]
more…3 Apr, 2013
Islamic Finance Institute Boosts Training, Certification to Promote Entrepreneurship
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PRWEB) April 03, 2013 – Growing numbers of professionals are choosing to set off on their own rather than join an Islamic bank. With hiring at an all time low, and an overall sense that banks are not the place where the bigger problems of humanity get solved, a new kind […]
more…3 Apr, 2013
India Launches First Wi-Fi Pilot Project on Kolkata-New Delhi Express Train
Ministry of Railways, 02-April, 2013 – The Minister of Railways Mr Pawan Kumar Bansal launched Wi-Fi- facility as a pilot project on Howrah Rajdhani Express (train no. 12302, which runs between Kolkata-New Delhi), here today. To introduce internet access in moving train was a technological challenge considering that the train passes through all type of […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Hurun Report: Top 10 richest people in Beijing 2013
Beijing, March 25, 2013 – Wang Jianlin, chairman of property giant Wanda Group is the richest person in Beijing with a total personal wealth of 78 billion yuan (US$12.4 billion) in 2013, according to the latest Hurun Global Rich List. 41 of the 357 richest Chinese individuals from this year’s so-called “Nine-Zero Club”reside in Beijing, […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Chinese skiers bring boon to Austrian companies
2013-04-01 – Millions of people in China are now getting into the growing craze of new stylish winter sports – skiing, an ideal getaway that offers breathtakingly exciting experiences and brings one closer to nature. In the past few years, China has built a number of ski resorts to sate the appetite of surging winter […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Two Chinese cities join bid to cool real estate market
2013-04-01 (China Daily) – Authorities in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, two large cities in Guangdong province, announced detailed regulations on Sunday to further cool the real estate market amid expectations of rising property prices this year. According to the regulations, Guangzhou, the provincial capital, will provide land for residential use of up to 5.95 square kilometers […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Europe is Chinese shoppers’ favourite destination
Beijing, 2013-04-01 – European nations were the most favorite shopping destinations for Chinese buyers in 2012 and they are set to spend even more shopping overseas, according to a report by Global Blue, a tourism shopping service provider. Chinese shoppers spent a record 3 billion euros ($3.9 billion) on duty-free shopping in 2012, an increase […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Apple to face enhanced legal supervision in China
BEIJING, April 1 (Xinhuanet) — China’s commerce market watchdogs have called for tightened supervision of Apple Inc’s disputed warranty policy in response to customers’ complaints that the iPhone-maker adopted differential policies for repair and return services in China. The State Administration for Industry and Commerce said it has issued a notice asking local industry and […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
Durban to get Confucius Institute
March 28, 2013 (CRI Online) – China and South Africa plan to strengthen ties in education and culture. One of the outcomes of President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to South Africa ws an agreement for a Confucius Institute at the Durban University of Technology. South Africa is one of the countries on the continent with […]
more…2 Apr, 2013
6 Danes investigated for urinating on Shanghai road
March 26, 2013 – Shanghai police said they are investigating reports of six foreign tourists drunkenly urinating on a low barrier on an elevated road in full view of traffic on Saturday afternoon. The driver of the bus carrying them told police the men forced him to stop and nearly caused an accident. Police started […]
more…1 Apr, 2013
10 Great Branding Campaigns that Shaped Asia-Pacific Tourism
Two award-winning travel trade journalists have teamed up to offer a unique perspective on the future of the Asia-Pacific travel industry, based on a detailed analysis of the successes and failures of the past. This includes a look at the great branding campaigns that have shaped the industry, the major mistakes the industry has made, […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
China’s online sales surge in 2012
BEIJING, 2013-03-28, (Xinhua) – China’s online retail sales boomed last year, as more consumers have gravitated toward online shopping for its convenience and personalized services. Online retail sales reached 1.32 trillion yuan ($210.39 billion) in 2012, a jump of 64.7 percent from the previous year, according to data issued by the Internet Society of China […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
Beijing announces new rules to cool property market
BEIJING, 2013-03-30, (Xinhua) – The municipal government of Beijing on Saturday spelled out detailed rules aimed at cooling the property market following the central government’s fresh regulatory plan earlier this month. Single adults with a permanent Beijing residence registration, who have not made purchases in the city before, are allowed to buy only one apartment, […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
Xinhua Wrapup: Results of Chinese Leader’s First Foreign Trip
BRAZZAVILLE 2013-03-30 – (Xinhua) – Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday left Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of the Congo, for Beijing, concluding his first foreign visit after taking office with fruitful results. The Republic of the Congo is the last leg of Xi’s four-nation tour from March 22 to 30, which also included Russia, […]
more…31 Mar, 2013
Interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine Growing Globally
Beijing, 2013-03-27 – Chinese mainland accounts for 2% of herbal medicine sales worldwide. While some Chinese scholars propose abolishing traditional Chinese medicine, foreign pharmaceutical institutions and industries are pursuing them. More than 100 countries and regions around the world have set up TCM institutions, with the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea investing heavily […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
BRICS Changing the Ageing Global Order
Beijing, 2013-03-30 – The BRICS group is five years old, and the modest agreement among the five member states to establish a development bank and pool of currency reserves moves it beyond a dialogue forum for cooperative mechanisms and challenges the 60-year hegemony of the undemocratic Bretton Woods. BRICS’ next step should be a transition […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
India Outlines Initiatives to Ensure a “Corruption Free, Transparent Administration”
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, 24-March, 2013 – Government has taken several initiatives to ensure a transparent and corruption free Administration. Speaking at the National Editor’s conference in New Delhi, Shri V. Narayanasamy, Minister Of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and Personnel, P.G. & Pensions highlighted the series of steps taken to […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
India Reminds Africa that Gandhi’s Anti-Colonialism Revolution Began There
Prime Minister’s Office, 28-March, 2013 – Following is the text of the Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s statement at the BRICS Leaders – Africa Dialogue Forum in Durban on March 27, 2013: “I am pleased to have this opportunity for a dialogue on how BRICS, and in particular India, could contribute to and benefit from […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
April is U.S. National Alcohol Awareness Month: “Help for Today. Hope for Tomorrow”
Malibu, CA (PRWEB) March 29, 2013 – April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, an observance put on by the NCAAD (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence) that promotes knowledge and education regarding all aspects of alcohol abuse and addiction. National Alcohol Awareness Month is in its 27th official year, with the slogan for 2013 […]
more…30 Mar, 2013
FREE Download: Insights into Shopping, Eating Behaviors of Cooks Worldwide
SEATTLE, March 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Allrecipes, the digital food brand with more than one billion annual visits, today published highlights of its global survey of more than 7,000 home cooks for the new 2013 Global Food Trends Measuring Cup Report, revealing insights on the shopping, cooking, and eating behaviors of family-focused women around the […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
FREE Download: NYU Research Shows Corruption Soars When Politicians are Placed Above the Law
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– March 26, 2013 – There is now hard data to validate the anecdotal evidence that political immunity fosters corruption. In a new study entitled “Immunity,” (click on the link to DOWNLOAD FREE) NYU Stern Assistant Professor of Economics Vasiliki Skreta and her co-authors, Karthik Reddy of Harvard Law School and Moritz Schularick […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
Thousands set to attend “11th Palestinians Europe Conference” in Belgium
Brussels, 28 March 2013, Palestine Return Centre Media release — Preparations for the annual Palestinians in Europe conference are running smoothly. The 11th Conference, organized by the General Secretariat of the Palestinians in Europe Conference, The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC), will be held in Belgium on Saturday 18th May 2013. Under the theme of this […]
more…29 Mar, 2013
India Plans Women-Only City Buses
Ministry of Urban Development, 28-March, 2013 – Ministry of Urban Development has recently advised the States to examine provision of separate city buses for women in all million plus cities. The Ministry has also issued an “Advisory” to all the States to implement the Intelligent Transport System (ITS) specifications as per the “Urban Bus Specifications” […]
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