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11 Jan, 2013

Tibet receives over 10 mln tourists in 2012

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January 11, 2013, (Xinhua) – Southwest China’s Tibet autonomous region witnessed booming tourism in 2012, with tourist arrivals hitting a record high of over 10 million thanks to improved transportation and government promotion. The number of tourists visiting the region surged 21.7 percent year on year to 10.58 million, sources from the region’s tourism bureau […]

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11 Jan, 2013

First Travel Mart To Be Held Jan 18-20 in India’s Restive Northeast Region

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Ministry of Tourism, 10-January, 2013 – The Union Ministry of Tourism will organise an International Tourism Mart at Guwahati from 18-20 Jan. Announcing this at a press conference in New Delhi today, Union Tourism Minister Mr. K. Chiranjeevi said that this will not only be the first ever International Tourism event to be organised in […]

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11 Jan, 2013

India to Market Itself as “Land of Pi”

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Ministry of Tourism, 11-January, 2013 – Recognizing the importance of cinema as a powerful tool for the development and promotion of various tourist destinations, Union Tourism Minister Mr. K. Chiranjeevi announced, several initiatives for promoting “Film Tourism” through films shot in India. Announcing this in New Delhi today the Minister said that a “Land of […]

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11 Jan, 2013

Paying the Price of War: U.S. Veterans’ Children Suffer from Birth Defects

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ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Birth Defect Research for Children (BDRC) has been tracking the increased incidence of birth defects and developmental disabilities among children of U.S. military veterans since 1990, and is asking the public for help in garnering support for a Children’s Research Center to study the phenomena. BDRC started a petition […]

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10 Jan, 2013

Indian Diaspora Pushes for an “Air Kerala” to Boost Links With Gulf

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas media release

KOCHI, January 7, 2012 – The Government of India and the Government of Kerala today assured Non-Resident Indians, NRIs, in the Gulf, particularly, Malayalis, that their demands for better air connectivity to Kerala, grant of voting rights in local bodies, and liberal baggage and gold allowance, would be addressed on priority. Inaugurating a seminar on […]

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9 Jan, 2013

India Tourism Woos Diaspora with Incentives, “Conducive Environment”

PBD Media Release

KOCHI, January 8, 2013. Incentive investors and give them a conducive environment and smoothen the approval processes and witness the surge of investment in the tourism sector, both from overseas and domestic investors. This was the message that tourism professionals conveyed to the Government at a pre-PBD  Seminar on Tourism on the occasion of the […]

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9 Jan, 2013

India’s 2012 Tourism Forex Earnings + 21.8%, Arrivals +5.4%

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Ministry of Tourism, 08-January, 2013 – Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from Tourism during the year 2012 showed an increase of 21.8% as compared to FEEs of 2011. Foreign Tourist Arrivals ( FTAs) in the country also registered an increase of 5.4% during the year 2012 as compared to FTAs of 2011. The following are the […]

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9 Jan, 2013

Top 10 Best Tourist Destinations of China in 2012

By Lu Na, China.org.cn

January 6, 2013 — Thanks to its long history, many scenic spots and superb services as well as accommodations, Beijing, the capital of China, ranked number one on the list of 2012 best city for tourism on Chinese mainland, according to a report recently released by Forbes China. Tourism is known as the “Smokeless Industry” […]

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9 Jan, 2013

FREE Download: UFI’s 10th Global Barometer of the Exhibition Industry 2012

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Paris – January 7, 2013: Results of UFI’s 10th Global Barometer survey broadly confirm that the exhibition industry continues to grow with a majority of companies reporting increased turnover for 2012. Reviewing the consolidated results over ten surveys, UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, now perceives a clear shift between the two regions […]

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6 Jan, 2013

Chinese Eye US Trip for Upcoming Long-Holiday in Feb

By Chen Jia in San Francisco & Wang Wen in Beijing

Beijing, 2013-01-05 (China Daily) – With the most important Chinese holiday approaching in February, many Chinese have begun signing up for travel to the United States, adding to a major source of US tourism. Chinese and US travel agents are monitoring the burgeoning market of middle-class Chinese families making trips during an otherwise slow winter […]

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6 Jan, 2013

China’s Top Ten Internet Trends for 2012

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(People’s Daily Online) January 04, 2013  (Xinhua) 1. First five-year plan for China’s Internet industry The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China released the “12th Five-year Plan for Internet Industry” in May 2012. The plan is made to innovate the application system, combine the informationization with industrialization, build “broadband China,” promote the overall […]

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6 Jan, 2013

Maldives, Thailand Top Destinations Forecast in Kuoni Report 2013

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UK tour operator Kuoni has released its Travel Trends Report 2013 and it reveals that hand-picked hideaways, secluded villas, pampering hotels and private islands are the order of the day, in destinations spanning the exotic Far East and Africa, magical Indian Ocean, and colourful USA, Caribbean and Mexico. These long-haul destinations have constant appeal but […]

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3 Jan, 2013

A Dream Fulfilled in Amritsar: Reflections on Spiritual Travel, Peace & Conflict

Amritsar: On 26 December 2012, I visited the spectacular Golden Temple, the holiest spot of the Sikh faith. The visit to this revered site in Amritsar, the commercial capital of Punjab province in Northern India, fulfilled a lifelong dream to walk the sacrosanct grounds of the world’s primary holy spots at least once in my […]

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2 Jan, 2013

One Death Every Four Minutes on Indian Roads

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New Delhi (Press Information Bureau) – The 24th road safety week from 1st January to 7th January 2013, will be under the theme “Stay Alive, don’t drink and drive”.  The valedictory function of 24th Road Safety Week will be held on 7th January 2013 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. “Road Safety Week” is observed all […]

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30 Dec, 2012

A Message From the Chair of Jewish Voice for Peace

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This is what I know: Each of us has the power to change – and when we do, the world changes, too. I know this because I changed. My name is Rebecca Subar, and I’m the Board Chair of Jewish Voice for Peace. It’s a role that would have seemed ridiculous 30 years ago when I […]

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30 Dec, 2012

NY Subway Murder: Anti-Muslim Ads Lead to Horrendous Hate Crime

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Washington, DC | www.adc.org | December 30, 2012 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is appalled and shocked at the horrendous murder of Sunando Sen, who was pushed onto the tracks of an elevated subway station in Queens, NY and crushed by an oncoming train, on Thursday, December 27.  ADC extends deepest condolences to the […]

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30 Dec, 2012

Oliver Stone to RT: ‘US has become an Orwellian state’ — RT

Oliver Stone: One million top security clearances. That is a pretty heavy number. In other words, we are living in a fish pond and I think the sad part is that the younger people accept that. They are used to the invasion. And that is true, how can we follow the lives of everybody? But […]

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29 Dec, 2012

China Seeks to Build People’s Gross National Happiness

Yan Bing, Pang Sheng, Zhou Yongbing

December 27, 2012, (People’s Daily Overseas Edition) – 2012 has been an eventful year for China and the rest of the world. Many topics are worth noting, including the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, Chinese dreams, Mo Yan’s Nobel literature win, the remote national college entrance examination, and aircraft carrier style. […]

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29 Dec, 2012

Shanghai to be China’s Second Duty-Free Shopping Region

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December 27, 2012, Shanghai Daily / Xinhuanet – SHANGHAI is to become the second region on the mainland to allow duty-free shopping for individuals traveling domestically, part of the city’s efforts to become an international trade center, according to a guideline that takes effect on January 1. “The city will explore tax rebates on departure […]

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29 Dec, 2012

China Outlines Economic Policies for a Promising 2013

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(Beijing Review) December 27, 2012 –  As the end of the year is drawing near, Li Xuesong breathed a sigh of relief, for China’s economy had finally bottomed out and began to rebound after a slowdown spanning seven seasons. It is still hard to say how long the rebound will last. At the conference analyzing […]

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25 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: EU Unveils Job-Creation Manifesto for 2013

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Brussels, European Commission News Release, 24 12 2012 – The Commission sets out its plans for 2013, with a focus on returning the EU to growth and getting people back to work. Around 50 new initiatives (click on the link to download free) are to be tabled during the year and the first part of […]

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25 Dec, 2012

The Burial Of Bethlehem – By Prof William A. Cook

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23 December, 2012 – Countercurrents.org “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2) A few days ago I received this plea from Samuel Dowell, a cry from the […]

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18 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: Site Foundation Forecast for the Motivational Events Industry

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The Site International Foundation has released results of the latest Site Index Annual Survey. The Site Index compiles and compares data over a number of years to track changes and forecast trends in the motivational events industry. This third year of the study measures movement in key indices as well as introduces new topics of discussion. “The […]

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18 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: UN Asia-Pacific Economic and Social Survey 2012 Year-end Update

UN ESCAP Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section

Bangkok, 14 December 2012 – Development in Asia and the Pacific is increasingly being affected by the ongoing slowdown in the global economy as well as structural problems within the region’s economies, according to latest United Nations macroeconomic projections and policy advice released here today. Growth in the developed world continued to slow during 2012 […]

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16 Dec, 2012

China to continue property controls in 2013

Xinhua

BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) — China will continue its property market control policies next year, according to a statement issued Sunday after a two-day central economic work conference held in Beijing. The country will step up the construction and management of low-income housing, as well as the renovation of run-down areas, according to the conference, […]

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16 Dec, 2012

Suspect Suspended in Air India Charters Cabin Crew Roster Malpractice Probe

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Ministry of Civil Aviation, 14-December, 2012 –  Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ajit Singh has taken a serious note of the complaints of irregularities, corruption and malpractices in the Cabin Crew Roster Section of Air India Charters Ltd. (AICL) and has ordered penal action against the officials involved. When a complaint in this regard […]

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16 Dec, 2012

India, Pakistan Move to Ease Visa Curbs, Boost Bilateral Business and Trade

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New Delhi, Ministry of Home Affairs, 14-December, 2012 – Mr. Sushilkumar Shinde, Home Minister of India and Mr. A. Rehman Malik, Pakistan Interior Minister jointly operationalized the new Visa Agreement between India and Pakistan on 14 December, 2012 at New Delhi. However, the Visa-on-Arrival will come into effect from 15 January, 2013 and the Group […]

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16 Dec, 2012

Indian, Chinese Real Estate Giants Sign US$1.5 billion Tie-up Deal

By Wang Ying in Shanghai (China Daily)

Shanghai, 15 Dec 2012 – The Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group, a well-known commercial property developer, has decided to cooperate with Reliance Group, a large conglomerate led by the Indian billionaire Anil Ambani, to develop real estate projects in India. A worker at Wanda Plaza in Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province. Dalian Wanda Group has […]

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16 Dec, 2012

2013 CFO Outlook: Worry about the “Fiscal Ciff”, Curbs on Travel Costs

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)– December 11, 2012 – With an eye toward seizing opportunities in 2013, a majority of senior finance executives in the U.S. plan to invest in their companies to drive growth and expect to achieve higher revenues and profits next year. In fact, a new American Express survey of 200 U.S. CFOs and […]

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16 Dec, 2012

Workers in 10 Countries Call for an End to the Silencing of Workers at Walmart

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MIAMI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–December 14, 2012 – US Walmart workers were joined by Walmart workers in nine countries on Friday to call for an end to Walmart’s attempts to silence workers for speaking out for changes at the world’s largest employer. As Walmart workers and community supporters marched in front of a Walmart store in Miami, workers […]

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15 Dec, 2012

PATA, Saved By A Crisis-Free Year, Lays Plans for 2013

Bangkok – Saved from collapse by the absence of a global crisis in 2012, the Pacific Asia Travel Association is looking ahead to 2013 with fingers crossed.  Specific plans falling into place could help it turn the corner and regain financial stability. An annual conference has been set for Bangkok between April 26-30, the annual […]

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13 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: IATA Study Sees Travel Distribution Transformed by 2017

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Geneva (IATA Media Release) 13 Dec 2012 – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the publication of an independent study identifying major trends that are transforming the travel distribution landscape. The Future of Airline Distribution – A Look Ahead to 2017 was commissioned by IATA and written by Henry H. Harteveldt, co-founder of Atmosphere […]

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13 Dec, 2012

Chinese Young Consumers Boost Online Shopping Spree

Edited and translated by Liang Jun, Huang Beibei and Ma Xi, People's Daily Online

Beijing, (People’s Daily Online / China Youth Online), December 12, 2012 – Cui Wanzhi, a 36-year-old man, owns four stores on Taobao and one store on Tmall, two websites operated by the Alibaba Group. On this years’ Singles Day, November 11, Cui’s five online shops realized some 35,000 transactions worth millions of yuan. But his […]

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13 Dec, 2012

India Sets Visa Rules for Pakistan Cricket Fans

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Ministry of Home Affairs, 11-December, 2012 — Central Government has granted permission for hosting the India-Pakistan Cricket series involving 3 One day internationals and 2 Twenty-20 matches from 25th December, 2012 to 6th January, 2013 in India. It has been decided that Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) would send 50 VIP tickets […]

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13 Dec, 2012

Turkey supports Palestine to join UN agencies: Palestinian FM

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RAMALLAH, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) — Turkey will support Palestine, now a non-member observer state in the United Nations, to join other bodies of the international organization, Palestinian Foreign Affairs Minister Riad al-Maliki said Wednesday. Turkey offered the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) a team of experts to advise on legal and political dimensions and what steps […]

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13 Dec, 2012

China: U.S. “Double Standards Harmful to Mideast Peace”

People's Daily Online Editorial

December 12, 2012 – The international conference concerning the establishment of a free zone of nuclear weapons or other mass destruction weapons in the Middle East was originally scheduled to be held in Helsinki from Dec. 18 to Dec. 20. The international community wants to help reduce security threats in the Middle East and inject […]

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13 Dec, 2012

China Upgrades Rights for Foreigners Who Get Residency

By CHEN XIN

BEIJING, Dec.12 (Xinhuanet / Chinadaily.com.cn) —  Foreigners who obtain permanent residency will have the same pension, employment and property rights as Chinese citizens, under new regulations announced on Tuesday. Access to schools for their children will also be on par with Chinese citizens the rules endorsed by central government departments in September state. The only rights […]

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13 Dec, 2012

Sunflower brings beauty, profit to small town in central Thailand

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BANGKOK, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) — At this time of the year, Chong Sarika, a small town in Lopburi province, some 150 kilometers north of this capital city, comes alive as the golden hue of sunflowers that are in bloom covers the entire town. The small town in central Thailand is now dubbed as the ” […]

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12 Dec, 2012

Campaign To Avoid Infant Formula: 86 Nations Pledge to Protect Every Feeding Mother

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New Delhi, December 10 (World Breastfeeding Conference News Release): After the three day-long extensive conference, 86 countries including more than 100 representatives from 50 Governments, 30 UN representatives and 150 civil society groups successfully concluded the future strategies to put breastfeeding on the global agenda and pledged to protect every feeding mother. The Valedictory ceremony […]

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12 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: ILO Report on Global Employment Trends for Women 2012

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GENEVA, 11 December 2012 (ILO News) – Women face higher unemployment rates than men globally, with no improvements likely in the coming years, according to an International Labour Organisation report. The ILO’s Global Employment Trends for Women 2012 (click on the link to download free) looks at gender gaps in unemployment, employment, labour force participation, vulnerability, […]

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12 Dec, 2012

ASEAN, BRICS Surge Set to Help Thai Tourism Cross 20 Million Mark

Bangkok – Significant increases in arrivals from the ASEAN countries, China, Russia and India have helped the Thai tourism industry chalk up 19.7 million visitors in January-November 2012, up 13.57% over Jan-Nov 2011, according to latest figures released by the Ministry of Tourism & Sports. Brazil and South Africa, the remaining two BRICS countries which […]

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11 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: Accenture Global Consumer Survey

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NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec 5 2012 – In 2012, one in five consumers switched companies they buy from, including wireless phone, internet service, and retailers, according to new research released today by Accenture (NYSE: ACN). This marks a five percent increase in switching over 2011 levels. However, the eighth annual Accenture Global Consumer Survey also found […]

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11 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: AirPlus Survey Outlook 2013

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ALEXANDRIA, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE) — December 05, 2012 – In the latest edition of The Wire…from AirPlus, 97 corporate travel managers from the United States and Europe share their opinions about the issues that will most impact the corporate travel industry in 2013.  The Wire…from AirPlus is a monthly pulse report for the business travel industry […]

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11 Dec, 2012

Chinese Official Hopes India Will Not Be “Wooed Or Ordered By Anyone Else”

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo has given an interview to the resident correspondent in Beijing from Press Trust of India, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. The full text of the interview is as follows: Editor’s Note Future relations between India and China will be a critical factor in […]

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11 Dec, 2012

ADB to Assist Member Nations in Implementing Islamic Finance Standards

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MANILA, 11 December 2012 (ADB News Release) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will help grow access to Islamic finance in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Pakistan with a $750,000 technical assistance (TA) grant to help implement prudential standards developed by the Islamic Finances Services Board (IFSB). “Islamic finance can provide access to the unbanked and […]

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11 Dec, 2012

Shanghai Joins Beijing in 72-hour Visa-free Stay for Transit Travellers

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BEIJING, Dec. 10 (Xinhuanet and cntv.com) — Shanghai will allow transit passengers from 45 countries to stay in the city for up to 72 hours without a visa, following a similar announcement by Beijing. Shanghai’s municipal authorities said the transit policy was recently approved by the State Council. The city has already been offering certain […]

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9 Dec, 2012

First Forum on BRICS Economies Charts Way Forward, Mulls Development Bank

(People's Daily Online)

Beijing, December 07, 2012  – The first Forum on the Economic Situations of BRICS Countries was held in Beijing on Dec. 4, and attended by about 200 diplomats, officials, experts, scholars, and entrepreneurs from 26 countries and regions. They had an in-depth discussion of the economic situations and prospects of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, […]

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9 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: Ford Motors’ Inaugural Trend Report On Key Consumer Insights for 2013

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NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Ford is releasing its first-ever trend report, Looking Further with Ford, revealing predictions about consumer habits and behaviors expected to shape 2013 and beyond. From the return of trust in companies and brands to the rise of personal accountability, global data from Ford’s trend report suggest the year […]

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9 Dec, 2012

European Commission Issues New Guidelines to Remind Staff of Whistleblowing “Obligations”

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Brussels, 6 December 2012, European Commission Press release – The Commission has today adopted new guidelines on whistleblowing to encourage staff to come forward and report any information pointing to corruption, fraud and other serious irregularities that they discover in the line of duty. The EU already has some of the strictest whistleblowing rules in […]

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9 Dec, 2012

120 Malaysian Volunteers Enter Gaza To Provide Aid

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Gaza Strip (Palestine), Dec 7 (NNN-Bernama) – One hundred and twenty Malaysians volunteers have entered the Gaza Strip as members of the Aman Palestin Solidarity Mission 2012 to deliver donations costing RM1.8 million. The volunteers, among them professionals, artistes and students, entered the Gaza Strip at 5.40 pm local time (11.40 pm Malaysian time) Thursday […]

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9 Dec, 2012

Chinese Commentary: US Has No Right to Frequently Disturb the World

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(People’s Daily Online) December 06, 2012 – The U.S. Republican and Democratic parties have not made any substantive progress in the first round of fiscal cliff talks, arousing worries that the country may fall off the fiscal cliff. The stalled budget talks reflect significant differences between the two parties’ governance styles. Objectively speaking, U.S. politicians […]

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8 Dec, 2012

Chinese ‘Top 10 Concerns’ Survey Reflects People’s Anxiety

HEFEI, ( Xinhua) 2012-12-07 – A survey on what Chinese men and women worry about these days has revealed a gender divide, as male respondents reported worrying about not having enough money while female respondents said they fret about aging. Twenty million Internet users responded to the survey carried out by Chinese search engine Baidu, which […]

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8 Dec, 2012

Beijing to Give 72-hour Transit Visas for 45 Nationalities As of Jan 1, 2013

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BEIJING, Dec. 6 (Xinhua) — Air travelers, including U.S. businessman David Brockman, are set to benefit from the announcement that Beijing will start a 72-hour visa-free stay policy for citizens of 45 countries in 2013. The move will bring much convenience to the likes of Brockman, who frequently flies to China, as getting a visa […]

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6 Dec, 2012

Revealed: US, UK launched 1,200 drone strikes in recent wars

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Recent conflicts in Afghanistan, Libya and Iraq have seen almost 1,200 drone strikes over the past five years, according to new data released to the Bureau. The information, much of it classified until now, shows that US Air Force drones carried out most of the 1,168 attacks. However British crews are also responsible for a […]

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6 Dec, 2012

UNESCO’s Latest 31 Additions to Intangible Heritage List To Preserve Art, Music & Traditions

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PARIS, More than 600 experts, officials and practitioners from more than 110 countries met at UNESCO Headquarters from 3 to 7 December to take stock of the world’s intangible cultural heritage and the global measures underway to safeguard it. The 24 members of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage are taking […]

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6 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: Maritime Transport 2012 Identifies Key Trends, Challenges

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Geneva, 4 December 2012 – A glut of new carrying capacity — and declining rates and levels of competition — are continuing and worrisome trends among firms providing maritime transport, UNCTAD’s annual survey of the shipping industry reveals. World seaborne trade – a measure of demand for shipping, port and logistics services – climbed by […]

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6 Dec, 2012

FREE Download: State of Australian Cities Report 2012

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Canberra, Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, 04 December 2012 – While Australia’s major cities remain among the world’s most liveable and are increasingly powered by the knowledge industries of the future, they are also more than ever being affected by extreme weather events and struggling to house the continuing influx of new residents. These are […]

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5 Dec, 2012

China Moves to Expand Confucius Institutes Worldwide

By Qu Yingpu, Zhao Huanxin and Cheng Yingqi (China Daily)

Beijing, 2012-12-03 – Confucius, the ancient Chinese teacher and philosopher, was renowned for many things, including extensive travels during the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC). It is little wonder that those affiliated with the institutes that have taken his name are similarly itinerant. While Confucius preached moral codes and ways of governance, the Confucius […]

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5 Dec, 2012

India Set to Host 130m People for Kumbh Mela 2013, World’s Largest Spiritual Gathering

ALLAHABAD, India – A World Parliament of Religions and an International Conference on Ayurveda & Yoga are to be among the highlights of the Kumbh Mela, a spectacular commemoration of Hindu and Indian spirituality, culture and heritage to be held between January to mid-February 2013. Held every 12 years, this unique event is expected to […]

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4 Dec, 2012

As U.S. Population Ages, So Does Religiousness – Survey

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Editor’s Note: Ageing populations will lead to growing interest in religions and travel for religious reasons. This Gallup poll report indicates that the linkage between age and religious interest is now being tracked, especially in order to monitor the social and political impact it could have in the United States. The same trend will duplicate […]

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4 Dec, 2012

Chinese Sports Boss: Big events aren’t for everyone

By Sun Xiaochen in Ninghai, Zhejiang province

2012-12-03 (China Daily) – Holding major sporting events is not a panacea for every city in China, a top sports official has warned. Inspired by the Olympic legacy of Beijing, from which mass fitness campaigns and related business ventures have thrived since the 2008 Games, more and more cities have embraced major sports events, public […]

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1 Dec, 2012

U.S.Workers Call for a Fair Share of National Wealth

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New York, NY (PRWEB) November 30, 2012 – Statement by Andrew Friedman, Executive Director of the Center for Popular Democracy: Recent weeks have seen extremely courageous efforts by America’s most vulnerable and exploited workers to stand up for themselves and their families. Workers at fast food giants like [McDonald’s, at Walmart warehouses and stores, and […]

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29 Nov, 2012

Nobel Peace laureates call for Israel military boycott over Gaza assault

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November 28, 2012 – A group of Nobel peace prize-winners, prominent artists and activists have issued a call for an international military boycott of Israel following its assault on the Gaza Strip this month, according to a report by Chris McGreal at Guardian UK. The letter also denounces the US, EU and several developing countries for what it describes […]

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29 Nov, 2012

Free Download: IBM Analytics Report Shows Black Friday Retail Surge

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ARMONK, N.Y., Nov. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — According to IBM (NYSE: IBM), US shoppers once again took advantage of early promotions this holiday season, driving a 17.4 percent increase in online sales Thanksgiving Day. This increase set the stage for 20.7 percent growth on Black Friday.  The biggest surge came from mobile consumers, with sales […]

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28 Nov, 2012

Carter & Brundtland: A Vote for Palestine Is a Vote for the Rule of Law

By GRO HARLEM BRUNDTLAND and JIMMY CARTER

Op-Ed Contributor Column published in the New York Times: November 25, 2012 If the recent rocket attacks on Israel and Israeli air strikes on Gaza tell us anything, it is that the status quo in the Middle East is not a safe choice for Israelis or Palestinians. In the current political climate, it is highly […]

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28 Nov, 2012

Attn: Students. Airbus call for entries in €30,000 “Fly Your Ideas” challenge

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Students wanting to help shape the future of flight still have time to take part in the global Airbus Fly Your Ideas challenge. Airbus is asking students worldwide to develop ideas for a more sustainable aviation industry. The winners will share the top prize of €30,000; the runners-up €15,000. Those wanting to get involved can […]

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27 Nov, 2012

Global Internet User Survey Reveals Attitudes, Usage, and Behavior

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WASHINGTON & GENEVA, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A worldwide survey of more than 10,000 Internet users in 20 countries conducted by the Internet Society revealed attitudes towards the Internet and user behavior online. The Global Internet User Survey is one of the broadest surveys of Internet user attitudes on key issues facing the Internet. This year’s survey covered […]

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26 Nov, 2012

Rising World Power India Promotes Word Power at Bangkok Literary Forum

Imtiaz Muqbil was the only travel industry journalist to cover this inaugural event

Bangkok – Three well-known Indian authors in English, Amitav Ghosh, Jahnavi Barua, and Vikas Swarup, made stellar presentations at the first international conference organised in Bangkok to build literary bridges between South and Southeast Asia. Although the event’s theme topic was “Indian Writing in English,” the discussions became a sweeping examination of the changes shaping […]

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25 Nov, 2012

Everyone Pays the Price of America’s Failed Palestinian Policy

Yousef Munayyer, Executive Director, The Jerusalem Fund

November 23, 2012 – More than 160 Palestinians and 5 Israelis are dead, and as the smoke clears over Gaza, the Israelis will not be more secure and Palestinians’ hopes for self-determination remain dashed. It is time for a significant re-evaluation of the American policies that have contributed to this morass. The failure of America’s […]

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24 Nov, 2012

Nov 25: New Initiatives Mark Int’l Day to End Violence Against Women

Compiled and edited by Imtiaz Muqbil

United Nations, 20 November—In her message for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 25 November, UN Women Executive Director Michelle Bachelet is calling for bold action and decisive leadership to galvanize efforts to end the pandemic of violence against women and girls, which claims more casualties and victims than terrorism. [See […]

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22 Nov, 2012

10 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka, and Contribute to Peace, Jobs & Reconciliation

Imtiaz Muqbil visited Sri Lanka between Nov 16-21 as a guest of Jetwing Hotels Chairman Hiran Cooray

Colombo — The historic transition towards an Asian Century is generating a treasure trove of both symbolic and real images of the shift from swords-to-plowshares. One of the most thought-provoking is the conversion of Sri Lanka’s former military headquarters in a prime location on the Colombo seafront into an area for mega-projects. Once dotted with […]

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20 Nov, 2012

The REAL America Rises: Report Weighs Ethics & Costs of Generals Turning Consultants

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WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE) – November 19, 2012 – Today, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) and Brave New Foundation released Strategic Maneuvers, a new report and short film revealing the extent of the Pentagon’s revolving door phenomenon, in which retired high-ranking generals and admirals cash in on their years of military experience by taking […]

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20 Nov, 2012

China Seeks to Create a Positive Image for its Globe-Trotting Tourists

By Tiffany Tan and Liu Xiangrui (China Daily)

Chinese are said to be the world’s second worst tourists, after Americans. Tiffany Tan and Liu Xiangrui find there is some truth to the accusation, but the situation is improving as more Chinese travel abroad. Beijing, November 19, 2012 – In September, a flight carrying 200 people from Zurich to Beijing had to turn around […]

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17 Nov, 2012

Christian Leaders in Palestine Call on Europe to Support UN Bid

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BETHLEHEM, November 15, 2012 (WAFA) – 100 Christian community leaders in the holy land called on European countries, Thursday in a statement published on Kairo Palestine wire, to support Palestine’s bid to become a non-member state in the United Nations. Hereby is the full statement: Palestine, the Holy Land is our homeland. Our roots here […]

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16 Nov, 2012

Memo to President Obama in Asia: You Won the Nobel Peace Prize, Now Earn it

An Open Letter from Travel Impact Newswire Executive Editor Imtiaz Muqbil

Welcome to Asia and Thailand, my adopted country. It is apt that you should begin your second term in office by coming first to three Buddhist-majority countries, all of which will play a major role in the future of the Asian Century. Your primary agenda, to promote the interests of the American people, may be […]

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15 Nov, 2012

Work set to roll in 2013 on Laos-China railway

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Vientiane, Vientiane Times, 15 Nov 2012 – Construction of the US$7 billion high-speed railway linking Vientiane to the Laos-China border is set to kick off next year, with the project scheduled for completion in 2018, according to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Deputy Minister Latta-namany Khounnyvong told Vientiane Times on Thursday that Laos […]

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15 Nov, 2012

European Travel Commission Report Shows How Poor Economies are Impacting Travel

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Brussels, 14 November 2012 – The European Travel Commission (ETC) has just published its third quarterly report on European Tourism in 2012 – Trends & Prospects. The report shows that people are still travelling but downtrading both in terms of expenditure and trips. There is much uncertainty ahead. The full report can be downloaded free by […]

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14 Nov, 2012

Early Warning Alert Nov 29: Next Global Crisis Looms as Israel Gears to Block Palestine Statehood

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CAIRO, November 13, 2012 (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas Monday night said that the date for voting on the resolution the Palestinian Authority will submit to the United Nations to become a non-member state will be on November 29. He said, during a speech at the meeting of the Extraordinary Session of the Arab League […]

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14 Nov, 2012

Australia to Grow Work and Holiday Visa Country List for Young People

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Canberra, 13 November 2012, Ministry of Immigration & Citizenship – Australia will begin talks with the governments of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Latvia, Poland, and the Slovak Republic on establishing reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangements, the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Chris Bowen MP, announced today. ‘The start of discussions for these new […]

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14 Nov, 2012

More Flights Approved Between Australia and Thailand

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Canberra, Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, 13 November 2012 -Australia and Thailand have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on air services, allowing for more flights between Australia and Thailand.  The new MOU will allow Australian and Thai airlines to increase their flights in this key travel market—each side can now operate up to […]

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14 Nov, 2012

Australia Report Forecasts Doubling of Domestic Air Passengers by 2030

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Canberra, 13 Nov 2012, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport – The number of air passenger movements through Australian capital and non-capital city airports is predicted to double to 279 million within the next two decades showing our city airports are set to become even busier in the future. This is the key finding of the […]

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11 Nov, 2012

Indian-Born Professor at Columbia Univ Wins Kyoto Prize for Global Achievement

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KYOTO, Japan–(BUSINESS WIRE)– November 10, 2012 – Professor Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, an Indian literary critic and educator and Professor at Columbia University, was one of three eminent people conferred the annual Kyoto Prize, Japan’s highest private award for global achievement. She was honoured with the Arts and Philosophy Prize in the field of Thought and […]

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11 Nov, 2012

Indian Carriers Get Air Traffic Rights to Historic City of Najaf, Iraq

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Ministry of Civil Aviation, 9 November 2012 – The historic Islamic city of Najaf, Iraq, is among a number of cities that will be accessed by Indian carriers under new international traffic rights approved by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation Mr Ajit Singh for the next three seasons i.e. winter 2012, summer 2013 and […]

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9 Nov, 2012

FREE Download: OECD Reports Examine Global Growth Trends Until 2060

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Paris, 9 Nov 2012, (OECD Media release) – There will be major changes in the composition of world GDP (taken as sum of GDP for 34 OECD and 8 non-OECD G20 countries), according to an OECD report released today. The following is a brief summary with links below for free downloading of the full reports.

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9 Nov, 2012

FREE Download: UN Statistical Yearbook for Asia-Pacific 2012

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Bangkok (UN ESCAP Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section) (8 Nov 2012) – Asia and the Pacific has made impressive gains in improving the living conditions of its people and promoting economic growth but faces wide development gaps, particularly in basic health care and gender equality. According to the Statistical Yearbook for Asia and the Pacific […]

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8 Nov, 2012

EU Plans Visa Revamp to Grow Tourism, Economies

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Brussels, European Commission Media release, 07 Nov 2012 – In a strategic Communication adopted today, the Commission examines how the implementation and development of the common visa policy could help growth in the EU by facilitating travel opportunities for third country nationals willing to visit the EU. With a total of 18.8 million jobs in […]

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7 Nov, 2012

Will Obama Now Honour his 2009 Pledge To Make Peace With Islamic World?

On June 4, 2009, the same year he won the Nobel Peace Prize, President Barack Obama stood behind a podium at Cairo’s Al Azhar University, one of Islam’s most eminent centres of learning, and delivered his famous speech to the Islamic world. His objective was reset the United States’ relations with Islam and make “a […]

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6 Nov, 2012

As A New World Order Emerges, Will the East-West Transition be Peaceful?

BANGKOK – A former U.S. market trader who spent five years in jail “for telling the truth” has forecast the continuing economic and financial decline of what he called a “brain-dead” United States, a shift towards Asia which will last for about 200 years, a second-term win for President Barack Obama and a “high probability” […]

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4 Nov, 2012

11 Reasons Why I Am Giving the 2012 WTM London a Miss

After 25 years of covering the World Travel Market London, I am giving this year’s show a miss. Here’s why: 1. Britain and Europe are no longer as important as sources of visitors, ideas and industry innovations. The rise of Asia and the emergence of new source markets such as Russia, Brazil, Latin America and […]

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2 Nov, 2012

Rediscovering the Awakening Dragon: A Journey to Renaissance

By Li Zhenyu (People's Daily Online)

Beijing, October 29, 2012 – To have a deeper understanding of the present, it is, often times, necessary to get a grip on history first, or to say, where China’s present notion of innovation came from and how it unfolded into reality. It came right from a national congress 10 years ago, a historical series […]

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2 Nov, 2012

Joint German-French visa center to increase Chinese tourists

Zhou Wa in Beijing and Fu Jing in Brussels (China Daily)

2012-10-31 – Germany and France officially opened the first joint visa application center in Beijing on Tuesday, to ease the application process and attract more Chinese to Europe. The newly built center can make the process of applying for a visa more convenient, but Chinese are still required to provide extensive material in the application […]

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2 Nov, 2012

Cricket Matches, Visas Open Up as Indo-Pak Ties Thaw

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ISLAMABAD, DAWN.COM, 1 Nov 2012: Pakistan’s Federal Cabinet on Wednesday approved four agreements signed with neighbouring India, including a much-anticipated agreement on a liberalised visa regime aimed at promoting bilateral trade between the two countries. The cabinet’s ratification Wednesday came more than a month and a half after the agreement’s initial signing on Sept 8, […]

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1 Nov, 2012

Chinese Commentary: “Grotesque income gaps undercut social harmony”

By Wan Lixin (Shanghai Daily)

October 30, 2012 – A comprehensive report in 2010 titled “China’s Wealth Gap Is Testing the Limit of Social Toleration” is still compelling reading for policy makers today. Authored by a Xinhua team, the report pointed to the danger of accelerating concentration of social wealth in the hands of the few, and the yawning gap […]

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1 Nov, 2012

New Website Explores American Indian Culture

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(PRWEB) October 31, 2012  – Native American folklore and history is being explored on a new website that just launched to provide visitors with valuable information about American Indian tribes in the United States. “I’m excited to announce the launch of this new website,” said Shelly Vickerson with NativeAmericanHistoryandCulture.com. “Hopefully, visitors will leave with a […]

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31 Oct, 2012

Mobile Phone Operator Survey: World Prefers Obama By a Long Shot

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BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ — Jana, a Boston-based mobile startup, released the results of its 2012 Presidential election survey on Tuesday. The survey, conducted with the Jana Research platform, polled Jana’s members in emerging markets on their preferences in the upcoming United States election. Jana’s proprietary technology can target and reward 3.48 billion consumers […]

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31 Oct, 2012

U.S. Business Jet Market Still in Recession-Related Slump

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Utica, NY (PRWEB) October 30, 2012 – Today, the JETNET iQ State of the Market Briefing at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) 2012 convention in Orlando, Florida was hosted by Rollie Vincent, JETNET iQ Creator/Director, and featured Paul Cardarelli, JETNET Director of Sales & Marketing, and industry veteran Susan Sheets Brogan, JETNET iQ Director, […]

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29 Oct, 2012

Harvard Professor: Sovereign Debt Defaults by U.S., Japan, Germany “A Real Worry”

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United Nations, 25 Oct 2012, (UN Department of Public Information) – Any international plan to combat the risks of sovereign debt default must be capable of handling a potential crisis in one of the world’s largest economies, the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) of the 67th UN General Assembly heard today. Delivering the keynote address […]

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29 Oct, 2012

UN Expert Names, Seeks Boycott of Global Companies Profiting from Israeli Settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territories

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United Nations, 25 Oct 2012, Department of Public Information – A United Nations expert today called for boycotting businesses that were profiting from Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian lands until they brought their operations in line with international human rights and humanitarian law, as he presented his annual report to the Third Committee (Social, Humanitarian […]

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29 Oct, 2012

US pulls Pakistani cricket star from flight for “interrogation” on drones

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ISLAMABAD: Pakistani politician Imran Khan has said he was pulled off a New York-bound plane by US immigration officials and interrogated about his view on American drone strikes in his country. Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf PTI, was headed to New York to attend a fund raiser organised by his party when he was […]

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28 Oct, 2012

Travelzoo Reports Declines in Third Quarter 2012 Results

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October 25, 2012 NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Travelzoo Inc., (NASDAQ: TZOO) a global Internet media company, today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2012, with revenue of $35.4 million, a decrease of 8% year-over-year. Operating income was $4.2 million, down 55% year-over-year. Net income was $3.4 million, with earnings per share of $0.22, […]

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