Author: TMC Palau
Overview: Palauans without land are finding it harder than ever to get a loan. NDBP has phased out its unsecured and chattel mortgage lending programs, requiring most borrowers to pledge land as collateral — a shift that’s shut out young entrepreneurs and landless families. Bank CEO David Proctor says the change was forced by mounting bad debt and was designed to push commercial banks into the market. Here’s what changed, why, and how residents are reacting. By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — The National Development Bank of Palau (NDBP) is facing mounting criticism from residents who say the bank’s decision…
[Source: Reuters] Leaders of India’s youth-led “cockroach” movement will meet the government on Friday to try and resolve a face-off over national examination paper leaks although they will not halt nationwide protests, a spokesperson for the group said. The decision was announced hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike overnight, raising hopes that the two sides could be moving toward a breakthrough in the crisis in which tens of thousands of angry youth have converged on the capital Delhi to demand the resignation of the education minister over the scandal. The protests represent the biggest youth challenge…
Overview: Ngardmau’s legislature has unanimously impeached Gov. Jennifer Ngiraiwet over allegations of bribery, personal enrichment and conflicts of interest tied to a controversial 100-year dock development agreement. The vote triggers a constitutional process to elect a new governor within 60 days. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang NGARDMAU, Palau (July 23, 2026) — The Ngardmau State Legislature unanimously voted Tuesday to impeach Gov. Jennifer Ngiraiwet, accusing her of bribery, personal enrichment, conflict of interest and other alleged illegal acts tied to a long-term joint venture agreement involving the Ngardmau Dock. The impeachment resolution, KN Resolution No. 11-21-16, was approved by a 7-0…
Junior Binnu Singh and Harjot Singh at today’s weigh in. Kings Boxing Promotion promoter Nahroon Buksh says he is considering legal action after the withdrawal of Indian boxer Rohit Chauhan, a setback he claims has caused significant financial losses for tomorrow’s event. Chauhan was originally scheduled to face local boxer Mikaele Ravalaca but pulled out before travelling to Fiji. Buksh alleges he was not properly informed of the withdrawal and is now seeking to recover costs associated with the promotion. “He did not inform me. He has betrayed me. I would like to go to any level to request authorities…
Overview: Koror completed a remarkable comeback to capture the overall championship at the 2026 Belau Games, overtaking Sonsorol after trailing midway through the competition. The Games concluded Thursday with the men’s baseball final and a sunset closing ceremony at Asahi Stadium. By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau (July 23, 2026) — The 2026 Belau Games concluded Thursday evening at Asahi Stadium with a sunset closing ceremony following the men’s baseball championship, bringing an end to one of Palau’s largest multi-sport competitions. Representatives of different states lining up for the closing ceremony of the 2026 Belau Games. Photo credit: E.O. Ngirudelsang…
[Source: Reuters] France has requested assistance from the European Union to help it deal with a major wildfire near the country’s Atlantic coast, said President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. “The situation remains extremely tense with the fires hitting our country, particularly in Gironde,” wrote Macron on X. “France has requested the activation of the European Union’s civil protection mechanism. We will soon be able to count on reinforcements from two Croatian Canadair aircraft, two Portuguese Air Tractor planes, as well as two heavy Black Hawk helicopters from the Czech Republic and Slovakia,” he added. More than 10,000 people were evacuated…
Two recent official trips by Solomon Islands’ leaders leave no clues as to where their preference currently leans: China or the West.A visit by Solomons Prime Minister Matthew Wale to Washington DC wraps up this week, off the back of a visit by Foreign Minister Rick Houenipwela to Beijing last week.Houenipwela met with China’s top diplomat Wang Yi, while Wale only met with the US’ second-top diplomat, Christopher Landau.With China, its signed an agreement that frames negotiations for expanding trade and facilitating investment by Chinese firms in Solomon Islands.The Chinese Embassy in Honiara described it as “a new chapter” in…
Overview: President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. highlighted Palau’s economic recovery, government reforms and investments in public services during his 2026 State of the Republic address, while acknowledging ongoing challenges in health care, public finances, fisheries and social protection systems. The president outlined his administration’s priorities for the future, including education, public safety, food security and debt reduction. By: L.N. Reklai NGERULMUD, Palau (July 22, 2026) – President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. delivered his 2026 State of the Republic address Wednesday, outlining what he described as Palau’s progress from a period of crisis to one of recovery and reform, while emphasizing…
The government has secured $178 million to tackle growing disaster risks and economic pressures. The finding from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank will support reforms aimed at reducing the financial pressure caused by disasters and improving the way Fiji prepares for future risks. The loan is part of a larger $512 million package with the […] Source link
[Source: AP] Kaylee Hottle, a deaf actor best known for her starring role in two “Godzilla” films, died in a car crash in Maryland early Tuesday morning, the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office said. She was 18. Hottle was one of two passengers in the car when it went off the road and hit a culvert in Ijamsville before 3 a.m. The driver was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, and the other passenger declined medical treatment, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office. Excessive speed is believed to be a factor in the crash, which is…