28 Feb, 2013
In Extraordinary Move, Entire Maldives to Become Biosphere Reserve
COLOMBO, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) — In a record-making initiative, the Maldives has volunteered to become the first nation where the entire country will be a Biosphere Reserve, a United Nations environment organization said in a statement on Wednesday. The pledge by the Maldives is in response for stakeholders to take urgent action towards achieving the […]
more…28 Feb, 2013
Tackling Illegal Wildlife Trade Focus of Triennial IUCN Meeting in Bangkok
Bangkok, 26 February 2013 (IUCN media release): New measures to sustainably manage the international trade in sharks, rhinos, elephants and numerous other species will be debated at the triennial conference of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) which takes place 3 to 14 March in Bangkok. With […]
more…27 Feb, 2013
INTERPOL Targets Illegal Trade of e-Waste in Europe, Africa
LYON, France, 25 February 2013 – The first INTERPOL operation targeting the illegal trade of electronic waste saw the seizure of more than 240 tonnes of electronic equipment and electrical goods and the launch of criminal investigations against some 40 companies involved in all aspects of the illicit trade. Held in November and December 2012, […]
more…27 Feb, 2013
Frugality, anti-corruption campaigns affect luxury brand sales in China
SHANGHAI, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) — Sales of luxury goods on the Chinese mainland, a fast growing market for the sector in recent years, are on the decline as the country fights against corruption and extravagance. “Sales have dropped a lot,” said a salesman of a Parker pens brand store on Fuzhou Road in east China’s […]
more…27 Feb, 2013
International students in Canada reach record high in 2012
OTTAWA, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) — The number of international students pursuing post-secondary studies in Canada reached a record high last year, the authorities said here Tuesday. In 2012, the number of foreign students in Canada amounted to 104,777 in 2012, representing a 6.5-percent increase from 2011 and a sizable 60-percent hike from 2004, Citizenship and […]
more…27 Feb, 2013
FREE Download: Global Mobile Money Survey 2012
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The GSMA’s Mobile Money for the Unbanked (MMU) programme today released the findings of its second annual Global Mobile Money Adoption Survey. The report analyses the state of the mobile money industry in 2012 and illustrates key findings from the programme’s Mobile Money Deployment Tracker, a database that monitors […]
more…27 Feb, 2013
Asia-Pacific Markets Spurring Growth in Biometrics
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Feb. 26, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The governments of Southeast Asia (SEA) and Australia-New Zealand (ANZ) are investing heavily in security projects and infrastructure, such as border control systems and national ID programs, which bodes well for the biometrics market in the two regions. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulation mandating all the […]
more…27 Feb, 2013
Israel is ‘America’s Ultimate Ally’ – Ambassador
WASHINGTON- February 26, 2013 -(BUSINESS WIRE)–Michael Oren, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, says that support for Israel among the American public is at the highest it’s been since the first Gulf War. But the reasons that the relationship between the two countries has always been special are simple, Oren told The American Legion during […]
more…27 Feb, 2013
BRICS Development Bank Likely to Focus on Infrastructure
Beijing, 2013-02-26 (chinadaily.com.cn) – The planned BRICS development bank is expected to focus on financing infrastructure development projects, and providing auxiliary support for project preparation such as feasibility studies, according to a report released by the South Africa-based Standard Bank on Tuesday. The proposed institution will also contribute “constructively” to the development of more robust […]
more…25 Feb, 2013
Alcohol, Women Blamed for Blowing UK Travel Budgets
LONDON, February 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — In these dark economic times, it seems that there is one aspect of British life we are not prepared to compromise on, and that is our annual holiday. As the UK is eagerly looking at great holiday deals for 2013 such as these from Lowcostholidays.com, research from the money-saving […]
more…25 Feb, 2013
Iraq War Vet Turns Headhunting Business Model on its Head
Hackensack, New Jersey (PRWEB) February 25, 2013 – Anyone that has ever searched for a job knows how uncomfortable it is to get to the bottom of a cover letter and write about salary expectations. As soon as the job seeker decides to play this different version of the Price is Right game, the chance […]
more…25 Feb, 2013
The Deafhood Monologues, A Riveting Show in Sign Language
Sacramento, California (PRWEB) February 25, 2013 — Inspired by the popular “The Vagina Monologues”, and the book, “In Search of Deafhood”, by Paddy Ladd, this is an episodic play based on true stories from Deaf people collected over the years. Created by Ella Mae Lentz, co-author of “Signing Naturally”, and owner, ASL Presents. Directed by […]
more…25 Feb, 2013
Int’l Women’s Day March 8: Global Musicians to Highlight Women’s Rights
22 February 2013 (UN News Centre) – More than 20 musicians from across the globe are joining forces with the United Nations to spotlight the importance of empowering women through a song that will be released on International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March. The song, entitled “One Woman: A song for UN Women,” was […]
more…23 Feb, 2013
Diplomacy to Help China become Global Power
February 20, 2013 – Cai Run, director of policy planning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs came to the Qiangguo Forum of People’s Daily Online to have an online communication with the netizens on Tuesday. During the communication, he talked about how diplomacy can help China become global power. Every country in the world has […]
more…23 Feb, 2013
Chinese Currency Expands its Global Reach
2013-02-22, (China Daily) – The Chinese mainland is turning to more partners around the world to launch the next phase of yuan internationalization, with each partner selected to play a role. After Hong Kong was given an eight-year head start as an offshore business center for the yuan, recent developments in the use of the […]
more…23 Feb, 2013
European Bid to Double Public Road Transport, Coach Tourism in 10 Years
Brussels, 22 February 2013 – The EU public-private Smart Move High Level Group (HLG) met yesterday to finalise its policy recommendations for EU public and private stakeholders and policy decision makers. The group’s recommendations focus on short, medium and long term policies, suggesting a realistic road map for decision makers on how to double the use […]
more…23 Feb, 2013
Japanese Media Groups to Launch Asia-wide Entertainment TV Channel
TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– February 20, 2013 – Dentsu Inc. announced today that “Hello! Japan,” a new international entertainment TV channel with popular Japanese content, will be launched in Singapore by J Food & Culture TV Pte. Ltd. on February 25. In addition to Dentsu, JFCTV investors include Nippon Television Network Corporation, TV Asahi Corporation, Tokyo Broadcasting […]
more…22 Feb, 2013
FREE Download: DHL Study says Globally-focused SMEs More Likely to Prosper
PLANTATION, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–International trade and cooperation is a key driver for the success of small businesses, according to an in-depth and wide-ranging study by U.S.-based IHS Global Insight and DHL Express. The study which surveyed 410 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in G7 and BRICM (Brazil, Russia, India, China and Mexico) economies, revealed that SMEs […]
more…22 Feb, 2013
FREE Download: Oceana Study Uncovers Widespread Seafood Fraud Across the U.S.
WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)– February 21, 2013 — Oceana, the largest international advocacy group working solely to protect the world’s oceans, uncovered widespread seafood fraud across the United States, according to a new report released today. In one of the largest seafood fraud investigations in the world to date, DNA testing confirmed that one-third, or 33 percent, […]
more…22 Feb, 2013
On Int’l Mother Language Day, UN Promotes Reading In Local Tongues
United Nations, (UN News Centre) Feb 21 2013 — The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) today urged the use of books and textbooks in local languages to support education in mother tongues, which promotes linguistic and cultural diversity and serves as the foundation for all social, economic and cultural life. “Books are […]
more…22 Feb, 2013
Border Racial Profiling: Arab-American Group Seeks Details on US-Israeli Agreement
Washington DC, 21 Feb 2013 (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee) – Today ADC called on the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to issue an immediate apology to Emad Burnat. Also, ADC formally requested the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General to initiate an immediate investigation to determine to what extent CBP officials […]
more…22 Feb, 2013
Indian President Recaps State of the Union as Budget Session Starts
Following is the text of the President Shri Pranab Mukherjee’s address to Parliament at the start of the Budget session today. Honourable Members, 1. I welcome you to this session as I address this joint sitting of the two Houses for the first time as President. I hope this session will be productive and useful. […]
more…22 Feb, 2013
West in a Mess: OECD Data Shows GDP Fall of 0.2%
Paris, 20 Feb 2013 (OECD media release) – Provisional estimates show that quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) in the OECD area fell by 0.2% in the fourth quarter of 2012, after a 0.3% increase in the previous quarter. This is the first contraction of GDP in the OECD area since the very sharp decline in the first […]
more…22 Feb, 2013
UNESCO Launches Website to Commemorate Lumbini, Birthplace of Buddha
“Like glittering sunbeams The flute notes reach the gods In the birth grotto” This haiku that former UN Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld wrote after his Lumbini visit in March 1959 is one of the highlights of the web pages on Lumbini that the UNESCO Office in Kathmandu has launched. The web […]
more…22 Feb, 2013
Global Trade Unions: G20 Must Break Circle of Rising Unemployment, Falling Confidence and Trust
Geneva (ITUC Press release) 21 February 2013: As the first G20 Employment Task Force meeting of 2013 opened in Moscow, international unions underscored that a jobs target from the G20 is essential to tackle unemployment and inequality and stem the social crisis which has followed in the wake of the financial crisis. Sharan Burrow, General […]
more…21 Feb, 2013
Sustainable Off-Grid Lighting Solutions Can Yield Major Development, Climate Benefits
Nairobi, 20 February 2013 (UN Environment Programme) – Replacing the millions of kerosene lamps, candles and flashlights used worldwide with modern solar lighting can provide an increasingly low-cost solution to reducing carbon emissions, indoor air pollution and health risks, and boosting green jobs, according to new studies from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). UNEP […]
more…21 Feb, 2013
U.S. Law Firm Offers Free Consultations to Cruise Ship Disaster Victims
Bonita Springs, FL (PRWEB) February 16, 2013 – Parker Waichman LLP, a U.S. law firm dedicated to protecting the rights of victims injured by cruise ships, is monitoring the developments following the Carnival Cruise debacle that stranded thousands of passengers and crew in squalor. “It was kind of like everything that could go wrong would […]
more…18 Feb, 2013
Creativity, Congestion as Chinese Spring Festival Holiday Sees 440m Trips
BEIJING (Xinhua / People’s Daily Online) 2013-02-17 – Chinese made 440 million trips during the Spring Festival holiday, which lasted from February 9 to 15, transportation authorities said Saturday. Railways handled 34.68 million trips with a year-on-year increase of 3 million trips, according to the Ministry of Railways (MOR). Highway and water-based transport saw 399 […]
more…18 Feb, 2013
Creative Minds Are More Prone to Anxiety – Surrey Institute Study
Wallington, Surrey (PRWEB UK) 17 February 2013 – The study involved 328 of their clients. 153 were clients who were having hypnotherapy for anxiety and 175 were being seen for issues unrelated to anxiety. In the study their clients were asked a set of simple questions. One of the questions was “Do you consider yourself […]
more…18 Feb, 2013
PolyU Study Urges Guidebook Publishers to Build Trust, Provide Insights
Hong Kong, Feb 18, 2013 – The most important purpose of a travel guidebook, according to the School of Hotel and Tourism Management’s (SHTM) Dr Simon Wong and Gladys Liu, is to highlight functional information such as attractions, food and new experiences. In a recent study the researchers show that independent travellers in particular refer […]
more…16 Feb, 2013
New UN Report Says European Recession Keeping Manufacturing Rates Low
VIENNA, 15 February 2013 (UN News Centre) – The growth rate of world manufacturing output remained low in 2012 due to the prolonged recession in industrialized countries and its negative impact on developing and emerging industrial economies, according to a UN report released today. World manufacturing output grew by 2.2 per cent in 2012, significantly […]
more…16 Feb, 2013
UN Cites Role of Interfaith Harmony in Peaceful Settlement of Disputes
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 14 February 2013 – Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s remarks at event to mark World Interfaith Harmony Week held under the theme, “The Role of Interfaith Harmony in the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes”: I am grateful for the opportunity to celebrate World Interfaith Harmony Week with you. I thank the President of the […]
more…16 Feb, 2013
Indian Vice-President Outlines Challenges Facing Higher Education
15 February 2013 – Press Information Bureau – The Vice President of India Dr. M. Hamid Ansari has said that in the 21st century, the orientation of the world economy is changing from a manufacturing dominated to a knowledge-based one. Contributions by cutting edge technology in industry and high value-added services to the national GDP […]
more…15 Feb, 2013
Australian Report Exposes Global Security Threat Posed by Israeli Dual-Passport Holders
A gutsy piece of investigative journalism by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation has blown the lid on the danger posed by dual-passport holding Israelis working for the country’s spy agency, the Mossad, as well as the supporting role played by Diaspora Jews in promoting the interests of the Israeli government. In a Feb 12 report that […]
more…13 Feb, 2013
Israel’s ‘Prisoner X’ was Australian Mossad agent, documentary claims | World news | guardian.co.uk
Like the fictional Man in the Iron Mask, Israel’s infamous “Prisoner X” was allegedly held in solitary confinement in conditions of such strict secrecy that even his own jailers were told neither his name nor the crime he had allegedly committed. The man’s identity became the subject of intense speculation when he was reportedly found […]
more…13 Feb, 2013
Valentine’s Day Survey: Work Flexibility Improves Romance and Relationships
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, FlexJobs conducted a survey regarding work/life and personal relationships, with over 1,000 respondents answering questions from their sex life to their overall health and how flexible work arrangements factor in. The results overwhelmingly showed a desire for work/life balance as the main reason why they want work flexibility (78%), […]
more…13 Feb, 2013
Buy this Book: The Terror Factory: Inside the FBI’s Manufactured War on Terror
The Terror Factory: Inside the FBI’s Manufactured War on Terror shows how the FBI has, under the guise of engaging in counterterrorism since 9/11, built a network of more than 15,000 informants whose primary purpose is to infiltrate Muslim communities to create and facilitate phony terrorist plots so that the bureau can then claim victory […]
more…13 Feb, 2013
Health and Environment in Focus at Major UN Youth Conference
Opening session on the TUNZA International Youth Conference at UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya Nairobi, 11 February 2013 – Actions to cut food waste and to harness the power of social media to promote sustainable lifestyles are among the issues on the agenda at a major United Nations youth meeting on the environment which opens […]
more…13 Feb, 2013
HVS Releases 2012-2013 U.S. Hotel Development Cost Survey
February 6, 2013 – HVS has released the 2012-2013 HVS Hotel Development Cost Survey, which incorporates a range of data sources including development budgets, material and labor costs indexes, and input from industry professionals, to track hotel construction costs in the United States. According to HVS San Francisco Senior Vice President Elaine Sahlins, author of […]
more…13 Feb, 2013
U.S. Muslim Returning Home After No-Fly Denial of Boarding “Reviewed”
(MINNEAPOLIS, MN, 2/12/13) – On Tuesday, February 12, 2013 representatives of the Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MN) will meet Mohamed Farah, a Muslim United States citizen of Somali heritage stranded abroad for a month, at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. On January 9, 2013, Farah was scheduled to board an Ethiopian […]
more…13 Feb, 2013
UN Chief Spotlights Role Of Women to Advance Inter-Faith Dialogue
UNITED NATIONS, Feb 12 2013 (UN News Centre) – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today drew attention to the role of faith leaders in promoting female empowerment, noting that they can help address gender prejudices and support women’s participation in society at all levels. “People place extraordinary trust in their faith leaders, who have a far-reaching ability […]
more…13 Feb, 2013
Debate in Motion: Will Hyperinflation in the US mark the end of the dollar?
NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — With the Fed creating huge quantities of dollars in an attempt to kick-start the economy, many economists fear it could lead to spiralling inflation and the eventual collapse of the dollar. The Inflation Hub (http://www.inflationhub.com), a platform for discussions and education on inflation, has set in motion the […]
more…12 Feb, 2013
Santa Clara Univ To Hold Art Exhibit of Sacred Texts Past, Present & Future
SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– February 11, 2013 — Drawings from an English-language Qur’an that seeks to illustrate and make accessible 1400-year-old Suras for Americans today. A 27-foot “prayer rope” designed to reflect society’s unatoned sins. Sections of the Torah excised letter by letter and reimagined as a Hindu text. Bibles rescued after Hurricane Katrina. These […]
more…12 Feb, 2013
Pakistani, 98, Recognised as “Thailand’s Oldest Tourist”
BANGKOK – Pakistani national Mr Mahmood Futehally, 98, was presented with a Tourism Authority of Thailand award for being “Thailand’s Oldest Tourist.” A committed environmentalist with a passion for organic agriculture, Mr Futehally has been visiting his Thailand-resident family since 1951. He lives in Karachi. Conferring the award on 7 February 2013, TAT Governor Suraphon […]
more…11 Feb, 2013
China Focus: Western cruises entertain more Chinese
BEIJING, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) — Foreign cruise companies are making inroads into China’s tourism market, finding that many Chinese are eager to set sail for new destinations. Shanghai resident Ding Yun recently booked a cruise for her parents for the Spring Festival holiday. The “Legend of the Seas” cruise, provided by Royal Caribbean Cruises, will […]
more…11 Feb, 2013
U.S. Political Polarisation Even Reflected in Romance, Online Dating Study Reveals
STANFORD, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– February 11, 2013 — If you’ve ever used an online dating website, you’ve answered a litany of questions about yourself and your ideal match, and maybe even about your political affiliation. Although this information is sometimes hidden from view, new research shows that time and time again men and women choose to […]
more…11 Feb, 2013
New UN Protocol Equalises Human Rights Abuses, Gives Victims More Recourse
GENEVA (6 February 2013) – The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay on Wednesday applauded the upcoming entry into force of a key Protocol to an international treaty which will, for the first time, enable individual complaints on economic, social and cultural rights, thereby helping place all human rights on an equal footing. […]
more…10 Feb, 2013
FREE Download: Pew Research Report Shows Clear Signs of Emerging Facebook Fatigue
7 Feb 2013 – Two-thirds of online American adults (67%) are Facebook users, making Facebook the dominant social networking site in this country. And new findings from the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project indicate there is considerable fluidity in the Facebook user population: 61% of current Facebook users say that at one […]
more…8 Feb, 2013
Indian Finance Minister: All Security Threats are Now Inter-Connected
Ministry of Finance, 06-February, 2013 – The Union Finance Minister, Mr P. Chidambaram delivered his address at K. Subrahmanyam Memorial Lecture in New Delhi today. The theme of the lecture was “India’s National Security – Challenges and Priorities”. Following is the text of the speech on the occasion: “I am grateful to you for inviting […]
more…8 Feb, 2013
Indian Vice-Chancellors Agree on Broad Agenda To Help Universities Go Global
Presidents Secretariat, 07-February, 2013 – A one day conference of Vice Chancellors (VCs) of Central Universities concluded on February 5, 2013 at Rashtrapati Bhavan with the VCs proposing a detailed set of recommendations on the four agenda items of the conference. Some of the recommendations were as follows: Agenda item 1 – Steps required for […]
more…8 Feb, 2013
EU Lays Out Cybersecurity Strategy
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The European Commission today set out its first comprehensive strategy to prevent and respond to cyber disruptions and attacks. The new cybersecurity strategy along with a proposal on Network and Information Security aims to prevent and fight cybercrime, strengthen the security and resilience of networks and information security systems, and helps […]
more…8 Feb, 2013
India Confers Awards for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Pledges Tourist Sites Upgrade
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 06-February, 2013 — The President, Mr Pranab Mukherjee while presenting the National Awards for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities-2012 at a function organized by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment here today. He said that Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights & Full Participation) Act […]
more…8 Feb, 2013
European Commission Blows Whistle On How Football Earnings Make the Rich Richer
Brussels, 7 February 2013 (European Commission Press Release) – Football clubs spend around €3 billion a year on player transfers, but very little of this money trickles down to smaller clubs or the amateur game, according to a European Commission study published today. The number of transfers in European football more than tripled in the […]
more…7 Feb, 2013
11 Reasons Why I Am Giving the 2013 ITB Berlin a Miss
The ITB Berlin is the world’s largest travel trade show. I did not miss a single one between 1986-2011, a total of 25 years. It played a very important role in helping me advance my career and professional coverage of the world’s largest service industry. As of 2012, however, I stopped attending it, as well […]
more…6 Feb, 2013
Australian Tourism Pioneer Shares Historic Photographs of Post-War Cambodia
PHNOM PENH, February 5 – The Bophana Audiovisual Resource Center is to present CAMBODIA REVISITED: LIFE AFTER THE KHMER ROUGE, a photographic exhibition by Australian tourism industry director Paul Cummings. The work which is on display for the first time is a selection of approximately 25 of the 500 images which have been donated to […]
more…6 Feb, 2013
FREE Download: OECD Report Says Germany Must Boost Immigration to Meet Looming Labour Crunch
A report issued by the Organisation of Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) has called for major improvements in processes for attracting skilled migrant workers to Germany, especially to staff the small & medium sized enterprises. It says the entire system will need to be upgraded, all the way from the visa application process to the […]
more…5 Feb, 2013
New Study Reveals: Scorned Ex-Lovers May Share Intimate Data, Images Online
SANTA CLARA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–04 Feb 2013 — McAfee today released findings from the company’s 2013 Love, Relationships, and Technology survey which examines the pitfalls of sharing personal data in relationships and discloses how breakups can lead to privacy leaks online. The study highlights the need for consumers to take steps to protect themselves from cyber-stalking and […]
more…5 Feb, 2013
China’s anti-food waste campaign revives frugality
BEIJING, 2013-02-03 (Xinhua) – A campaign against food waste is sweeping across China, with government officials and netizens in full swing to fight extravagance in the world’s second-largest economy, which still has 128 million people living under the poverty line. The movement echoes Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s call for frugal lifestyles, urging the fine Chinese […]
more…5 Feb, 2013
India outlines sweeping measures to combat sex crimes against women
New Delhi, Cabinet Secretariat, 04-February, 2013 – The Government has initiated a time bound action plan to combat crimes against women. A number of steps have been outlined to improve and strengthen the police and administrative system to ensure that crimes against the women are prevented through quick action, a gender sensitive response mechanism and […]
more…4 Feb, 2013
China’s English TV news channel expands in the U.S.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — CCTV America, the U.S. production arm of the Beijing based global news channel CCTV News, will expand programming on Monday February 4th. Broadcast live from Washington D.C., CCTV News launches a new two hour edition of BIZ ASIA AMERICA, 7pm to 9pm eastern standard time.In its new format, BIZ ASIA […]
more…3 Feb, 2013
Israeli Tourism Ad Seeks to Wipe Muslim Mosque Off the Map
Ramallah, 02 February 2013 (IINA) – An ad produced by the Israeli Foreign Ministry to promote tourism in occupied Jerusalem has shown Haram Al-Sharif or the “Dome of the Rock” being replaced by a Jewish temple. Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Danny Ayalon, who takes a pivotal role in the ad by explaining all aspects that […]
more…3 Feb, 2013
Good Terrorist, Bad Terrorist – Malaysian Jurist Exposes Western Double Standards
The French military operation in Mali has brought to the fore the blatant double standards in the approach of certain Western nations to the whole question of terrorism. In the case of Mali, France, with the support of Britain, Germany and the United States, has committed itself to combating diehard militants who are determined to […]
more…3 Feb, 2013
Israel, a “democracy,” no-shows at UN meeting to review its human rights record
United Nations, (UN News Centre) 29 January 2013 – The top United Nations human rights body today voiced regret at Israel’s decision not to participate in the scheduled review of its human rights record, and called on the Government to resume its cooperation with the mechanism set up for this purpose. The UN Human Rights […]
more…3 Feb, 2013
Independent UN inquiry blasts Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory
UNITED NATIONS, (UN News Centre), 31 January 2013 – An independent inquiry mandated by the United Nations has called on Israel to halt all settlement activity and to ensure accountability for the violations of the human rights of the Palestinians resulting from the settlements. The report (click here to download) of the International Fact-Finding Mission […]
more…3 Feb, 2013
FREE Download: Study Finds 58% of Organizations Lack Social Media Strategy During Crises
GLENDALE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE) – January 24, 2013 – Everbridge, a provider of interactive communication and mass notification solutions, conducted a survey of over 400 organizations spanning a variety of public and private sectors to see how emergency and crisis communications planners incorporate social media as part of their communications strategy. The survey included key stakeholders such as employees, customers […]
more…3 Feb, 2013
FREE Download: Hottest U.S. Growth Industries by Decade 1890-2020
SCHAUMBURG, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE) – January 28, 2013 – Zurich in North America today released a new report highlighting what are anticipated to be the next decade’s Hottest Growth Industries, in collaboration with Philip Auerswald, an Associate Professor at George Mason University, adviser to the Clinton Global Initiative, and the founding president of the National Center […]
more…2 Feb, 2013
PATA Thailand Chapter Debate: Is Thai Culture Good or Bad for the Thai Tourism Industry?
Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil and Bangkok Post columnist Voranai Vanijaka participated in a no-holds-barred debate on this topic organised by the PATA Thailand Chapter Chairman Bert van Walbeek on 30 January 2013. They did not disagree on much, but the event certainly advanced a culture of debate within PATA and highlighted the […]
more…2 Feb, 2013
FREE Download: Australian report “An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century”
Canberra, 31 Jan 2013 (Ministry for Industry and Innovation) – The Minister for Industry and Innovation, Greg Combet, has welcomed the latest GE Global Innovation Barometer, which shows Australia’s standing as an innovative economy is improving. The GE Barometer shows Australia has improved its innovation ranking from 16th place in 2012 to 13th place in […]
more…2 Feb, 2013
Most Countries Unprepared To Prevent, Manage Cancers, Says WHO Survey
1 February 2013, GENEVA/LYON (World Health Organisation) – More than half of all countries worldwide are struggling to prevent cancer and provide treatment and chronic care to cancer patients, warns a recent WHO survey for World Cancer Day (Feb 4). This means, currently many of these countries do not have a functional cancer control plan […]
more…2 Feb, 2013
U.N. Marks Annual Inter-Faith Week, Calls On All Faiths To Unite For Common Good
UNITED NATIONS, (UN News Centre), Feb 1 2013 – Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the followers of all faiths to work together to achieve common goals for peace, prosperity and physical and spiritual well-being, as he kicked off an annual event known as World Interfaith Harmony Week. “We live in times of turmoil and […]
more…29 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: Ernst & Young Report on Looking Beyond Globalisation
Despite weak growth in 2012 and an uncertain economic outlook in many markets for 2013, globalization is still increasing among a majority of the world’s 60 leading economies according to the Ernst & Young’s annual globalization report, Looking beyond the obvious: globalization and new opportunities for growth. The report draws on two sources of original […]
more…29 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: KPMG Report on “Rethinking Human Resources in a Changing World”
A new study from KPMG International shows that the “war for talent” is crucial to almost every business in today’s competitive global markets. However, the Human Resources function is often viewed as being non-essential or ineffective. In the last several years, there has been a preoccupation with cost optimization, cost reduction, sustainable cost management – […]
more…29 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: McKinsey Report on The Rise of the African Consumer
The single-largest business opportunity in Africa will be its rising consumer market. A McKinsey report, one of the first of its kind, offers a detailed profile of African consumers, including their demographics, behavior, and needs. Executive summary Africa’s consumer-facing industries are expected to grow by $400 billion by 2020, representing the continent’s largest business opportunity. […]
more…28 Jan, 2013
The Indian Hotel Group Where GMs “Speak” Sign Language
When Rahul Pandit, President and Executive Director of Lemon Tree Hotels, spoke at a panel discussion organised alongside the South Asia Travel & Tourism Exhibition (SATTE) in New Delhi on January 16, the theme topic was how to forge “mutually beneficial partnerships” in the industry. However, he had a different take on the term.“We Indians […]
more…28 Jan, 2013
UK Consumers Launch Landmark Legal Case Against Alleged Google Snooping
LONDON, January 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — A group of internet users has launched a landmark privacy case against Google for allegedly undermining the security settings on Apple’s Safari browser to track online usage covertly. In the first case of its kind in the UK, a number of people with concerns about Google’s alleged behaviour have […]
more…28 Jan, 2013
China Set to Grant Five-year Multiple Entry Visas
Beijing, 2013-01-16, (China Daily) – Multiple-entry visas, valid for up to five years, will soon be on offer in a bid to attract more top talent. The Exit and Entry Administration Law, which comes into effect in July, will also introduce a six-month visa for short-term hires. Zhang Jianguo, director of the State Administration of […]
more…28 Jan, 2013
Better Services Suggested To Build on China’s New 72-hour Visa-free Policy
Beijing, 2013-01-25, China Daily – The capital should study passenger flow and draw up supporting services to complement Beijing’s 72-hour visa-waiver offer, a political adviser has said. Despite the opportunities that have arisen through the visa exemption policy introduced on Jan 1 – tourists from 45 countries may stay in the capital for three days […]
more…28 Jan, 2013
China to internationalise renminbi on market-oriented basis: central bank vice governor
DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) — China is determined to pursue the internationalization of the renminbi on a market-oriented basis, and will closely watch the spillover effects of Japan’s ultra-loose monetary policy, Yi Gang, a vice governor of China’s central bank, told Xinhua. “It is the basic policy of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) […]
more…28 Jan, 2013
3.4 billion trips projected as Spring Festival travel rush kicks off across China
BEIJING, Jan. 27 (Xinhua) — Chinese authorities added extra travel contingencies to ensure the smooth kick-off on Saturday of the world’s largest annual migration that starts before the Lunar New Year. Railway authorities arranged 358 more passenger trains on Saturday to start handling the estimated 5.2 million daily trips over the next 40 days’ peak […]
more…24 Jan, 2013
Indian Railways to Launch Indigenously Developed AC Double Decker Coach
New Delhi, Ministry of Railways, 24 January 2013 – Indian Railways, the prime transport organisation of the country which carries 23 million passengers and 2 million tonnes of freight every day to the nook and corner of this vast sub-continent, will be celebrating the 64th Republic Day on 26 January by presenting a tableau of […]
more…24 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: Study Shows U.S Families Are Making Time to Eat Together At Home
CONCORD, Mass. – January 22, 2013 – (BUSINESS WIRE)–The new year is beginning with significant societal challenges (from the national debt crisis to the stability of the middle-class) along with concerns that continue to burden American families (from busy schedules to eating healthier). On February 12, President Obama will provide his State of the Union […]
more…24 Jan, 2013
Doha Conference Declaration Calls for Global Network for Dialogue and Debate
DOHA, Qatar – January 24, 2013 – (BUSINESS WIRE)–The 4th International Conference on Argumentation, Rhetoric, Debate and the Pedagogy of Empowerment, organized by Qatar Debate in cooperation with the Slovenian Institute for culture of dialogue, International Society for the Study of Argumentation-Netherlands, World Debate Institute, and the International Center for the Advancement of Political Communication […]
more…24 Jan, 2013
CareerBuilder Survey Reveals What Motivates Workers to Stay With Companies
CHICAGO, Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — If you could have one perk – any perk – in your workplace, what would it be? If you had the choice, would you rather have a bigger title or a bigger office? If you were thinking about leaving your company, what would make you stay? A new CareerBuilder survey explores […]
more…24 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: American Dream 2.0 Report Declares High College Failure Rate a National Crisis
WASHINGTON, Jan. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Facing a growing national crisis in which 46 percent of those who enter a U.S. college fail to graduate within six years, a first-of-its kind coalition of national leaders issued a call to action to make the financial aid system work better for students and the country. The double jeopardy […]
more…24 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: Global Corporate Ethics Report, Designed to Address the “Trust Deficit”
NEW YORK, ethisphere.com media release, 24 Jan 2013 – As public trust in government and governing officials steadily declines, so too does public confidence in the “ethical” behavior of corporations. Part reality, part perception: while the speed and transparency of the digital age contribute to this regrettable trend, there is no shortage of reported corruption […]
more…24 Jan, 2013
EU launches clean fuel strategy, plans alternative fuel stations across Europe
Brussels, 24 Jan 2013 – European Commission Press release – The European Commission today announced an ambitious package of measures to ensure the build-up of alternative fuel stations across Europe with common standards for their design and use. Policy initiatives so far have mostly addressed the actual fuels and vehicles, without considering fuels distribution. Efforts […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
China’s First 3D Printing Museum Opens
January 19, 2013 – (China.org.cn) – China’s first 3D printing museum was opened at the Beijing DRC Industrial Design and Creative Industry Base on Jan. 15, 2013, giving visitors a chance to experience this amazing 3D technology, according to Beijing Evening News. In a bid to gain some full-on experience, visitors can have their entire […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
FREE Download White Paper: Hospitality Sector Offers Solutions to Youth Jobless Crisis
DAVOS-KLOSTERS, Switzerland–22 Jan 2013–(BUSINESS WIRE)–At a time when more than 75 million young people can’t find jobs, and countless more are underemployed, investing in opportunities for youth is not only a critical development issue but also a growth strategy for businesses around the world. In response to this challenge, Hilton Worldwide will announce at the […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
Call for Global Hotels, Restaurants to Join U.N. Campaign To Cut Waste, Reduce “Foodprint”
Geneva, 22 January 2013 – Simple actions by consumers and food retailers can dramatically cut the 1.3 billion tonnes of food lost or wasted each year and help shape a sustainable future, according to a new global campaign to cut food waste launched today by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organization […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: UN Report Says Eurozone’s Debt Crisis, Austerity Policies Killing Growth
UN News Centre, 17 January 2013 – The debt crisis of the Euro zone, slowing external demand and high oil process continued to depress Europe, while austerity policies throughout the industrialized world will not keep the world economy from slipping back into recession, according to an annual UN report published today. “The euro area is […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: ILO Report Warns Of Second Jobs Dip
Geneva, 21 Jan 2013 – The International Labour Organisation has released its Global Employment Trends 2013 Report. Five years after the outbreak of the global financial crisis, the study offers the latest global and regional information and projections on several indicators of the labour market, including employment, unemployment, working poverty and vulnerable employment. It also […]
more…23 Jan, 2013
Labour Leaders Blast Global Leaders, Elite Bankers for Global Jobs Crisis
22 January 2013 (ITUC Media release): Labour leaders are at the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to make the case for new policies to make jobs and equality cornerstones of the global economy. The annual Davos meeting gives the business and financial community the chance to show their hand […]
more…21 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: World Economic Forum Report on Future of Globalization
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 21 January 2013 – The Outlook on the Global Agenda 2013 report outlines the key problems of the future and provides insights into how they might be tackled today, as leaders prepare to convene in Davos-Klosters for the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting. The challenges of globalization, economic growth, geopolitics, hyperconnectivity, the post-2015 […]
more…21 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: World Economic Forum Report on Challenges of Green Growth
Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, 21 January 2013 – Scaling up public sector funding by as little as US$ 36 billion in annual spending could unlock the private capital needed to close the green investment gap worldwide, leading to sustainable economic growth that attains global climate change goals. At a time when extreme weather events are increasingly frequent […]
more…20 Jan, 2013
India Outbound Boom Lifts SATTE, Heats Up Asian Travel Fair Competition
New Delhi: The South Asia Travel & Tourism Exhibition (SATTE), which ended here on Jan 18, was launched in 1993 as an inbound show but is now veering heavily towards outbound. Bought by UBM India in 2011 and first executed under the new ownership in 2012, this year’s well-attended show will heat up competition among […]
more…18 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: FHRAI’s Indian Hotel Industry Survey 2011-12
New Delhi – Just a few days before the opening of SATTE 2013, the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) published the 15th annual edition of the Indian Hotel Industry Survey, in cooperation with HVS Hospitality Services. The survey includes in-depth information about the performance of hotels across various cities and provides […]
more…17 Jan, 2013
Global Ministers Urged: Cite Domestic Tourism as a “Performance Indicator”
New Delhi – Tourism ministers worldwide have been urged to start paying more attention to domestic tourism as a means of measuring the performance of their respective industries. Instead of constantly tracking foreign visitor arrivals, they would be far better off investing in the statistical and research tools to quantify domestic tourism and its ability […]
more…16 Jan, 2013
FREE Download: Study Reveals Shift in U.S. Meeting Trends
SAN DIEGO- 14 Jan 2013 – (BUSINESS WIRE)–The U.S. meetings industry has recovered from the corporate travel cutbacks of the 2008 recession, but meetings will never be the same, according to a new study by The ACTIVE Network, Inc. (NYSE:ACTV), the leaders in Activity and Participant Management™ (APM) solutions. ACTIVE Network’s Business Solutions Group studied […]
more…16 Jan, 2013
More Americans killed in gun deaths than in terrorist attacks – CNN.com Blogs
It has now been one month since the grieving families of Newtown, Connecticut put their children on the school bus, only to have them never return. Teachers, of course, were victims too – but all of the lives lost in that American school massacre are just a small fraction of the total number of gun […]
more…16 Jan, 2013
Almost a third of Britons cannot afford a holiday, poverty report shows – Guardian
Almost 30% of people in Britain are unable to afford even a week’s annual holiday, up from less than a quarter before the financial crisis, according to an analysis by the Office for National Statistics , which reveals the day-to-day struggle facing many families. The finding is part of a wider report comparing levels of […]
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