Author: TMC Palau
[Source: Reuters] Wildfires advanced towards the outskirts of the historic French city of Bordeaux, at the heart of the country’s winelands, as France and Spain battled blazes that have already forced the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people. About 220,000 people have been evacuated in France, while in Spain more than 75,000 people have been evacuated and a further 30,000 ordered to shelter in place, authorities said. In France, fires have ravaged the Cap Ferret peninsula on the Atlantic coast, a popular tourist destination, and spread through areas surrounding Bordeaux, where firefighters were trying to prevent the flames from…
The Venice Biennale said it would challenge a European Union decision to withdraw a €2 million ($2.3 million) grant in response to the return of Russia to its 2026 edition. The event — one of the world’s top cultural events featuring international exhibitions in art, architecture, cinema, dance, music and theatre — has been at the centre of a political and media storm since March, when organisers announced that Russia would be allowed to reopen its pavilion in Venice for the first time since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Italian government sharply criticised the move, while the European…
After nearly a week on the run, a New Zealander who escaped jail in Tonga last week with two others, has been caught, the last of the three to be returned to custody.Nine days ago, the three males escaped custody at the Central Police Station in Nuku’alofa.Police say Liuaki Kokohu Vi, a 35-year-old New Zealand citizen of Tongan descent, was detained on Saturday alongside a 41 year-old Tongan man, who is alleged to have been an accomplice who harboured and assisted Vi.A 16-year-old on remand for theft, Angelico Fa’aoa, was the first recaptured, in Mataika last Tuesday.The second, Adam Hussein,…
[Source: File] Northland will return to the Skipper Cup competition next season after defeating Cakaudrove 23-5 in the second semi-final of the 2026 Vodafone Vanua Cup. The victory not only booked Northland a place in Friday’s Vodafone Vanua Cup final but also secured promotion back to Fiji Rugby’s premier provincial competition for the first time in four years. Northland will meet Ra in the championship decider after both sides confirmed promotion to the Skipper Cup. For Ra, the achievement marks a historic milestone, with the province earning promotion to the top-tier competition for the first time.Article continues after advertisement Northland’s…
Ra vs Vatukoula: Skipper Cup showdown Ra has secured promotion to the Skipper Cup for the first time in history after defeating Vatukoula 35-24 in the opening semifinal of the 2026 Vodafone Vanua Cup. The victory seals Ra’s place in next year’s premier provincial rugby competition, marking a major milestone for the union after years of competing in the Vanua Cup. Ra controlled much of the contest, producing a composed performance to overcome a determined Vatukoula side and book their historic promotion. Head coach Sireli Bobo praised his players for their commitment throughout the campaign, while halfback Peni Matawalu played…
[Photo: FILE] Acting Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga says allegations of abuse and misconduct involving inmates continue to arise within the Fiji Corrections Service, but insists every complaint is investigated through the appropriate disciplinary process. Speaking on the Government’s budget allocation for the Fiji Corrections Service, Turaga says while complaints from inmates are not uncommon, the ministry remains committed to ensuring they are properly addressed. Turaga states allegations are an ongoing reality in correctional institutions, making it essential for authorities to respond promptly and fairly. “Of course, there is a small issue here and there in terms of…
Solomon IslandsThere are fears that a landslide at Gold Ridge Mine in the Solomon Islands may have claimed lives.Gold Ridge Mining Limited today released a statement confirming that an incident occurred at the mine site in the early hours of this morning, 27 July.The company said no injuries, fatalities, or equipment damage have been confirmed, and that mining and construction activities continue without disruption.Earlier, In-depth Solomons reported that up to ten people may have been buried as a result of the ground collapse at the mine.The Solomon Islands Police Force have been approached for comment.KiribatiThe Asian Development Bank (ADB) and…
[Photo: File] Higher fuel purchases pushed Fiji’s imports up in May. The Fiji Bureau of Statistics stated that imports from Singapore increased by $52.5 million to $195.5 million with diesel and fuel products making up much of the rise. Imports from Malaysia also surged by $52.6 million to $64.7 million, driven by aviation fuel and diesel. China remained one of Fiji’s biggest sources of imports at $113.7 million, while New Zealand imports rose to $81.9 million, mainly from food products including frozen meat, milk powder and butter.Article continues after advertisement On the export front, the United States became Fiji’s top…
Labasa cane farmers are being praised for keeping harvesting operations moving despite challenges at the start of the 2026 crushing season. Minister for Sugar Tomasi Tunabuna says cane deliveries to the Labasa Mill have continued to improve, with farmers choosing to harvest despite pressure from some individuals calling for them to stop. He says farmers in the Northern Division have shown strong commitment to the sugar industry despite fuel shortages and other disruptions affecting operations. “I’d like to extend our deep appreciation to the cane farming community here in the North and all those who have been involved in the…
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank says it is ready to support Fiji’s development journey by investing in infrastructure and working alongside the Government. AIIB President Zou Jiayi, who was welcomed in Suva today, says infrastructure is critical for Fiji’s growth, especially with the country’s many islands requiring strong connectivity. “Infrastructure is critical to the development of Fiji. We are the builders. We build infrastructure. You are also the builders. You build your country into a modernized and prosperous one.” Zou says successful development must be based on the history, culture and needs of each country, adding that AIIB is committed…