Author: TMC Palau
[Source: Reuters] Eleven people, including a pilot and 10 parachutists, were killed when a small plane crashed in the northeastern French town of Tomblaine, narrowly missing nearby homes as their families watched, officials and a witness said. The aircraft, used by a parachuting school and carrying five trainee parachutists and five instructors, went down shortly after take-off from Nancy-Essey airport, officials said. Some of the trainees’ family members were at the small regional airport and witnessed the crash, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told reporters. “The plane crashed about 300 meters from the runway,” he told reporters at the scene. “The…
[Source: Reuters] While a city is not a living organism, it behaves very much like one. Its metabolic processes may be manifested in growth spurts, metamorphosis over time and even decay. Researchers using satellite imagery have tracked the vital signs of six major global cities, detecting a distinctive “urban pulse” in each. The researchers looked at Dubai, Lagos, Mexico City, Mumbai, Seattle and Shenzhen using a new way to document dynamic changes unfolding in each of these cities in near real-time.Article continues after advertisement Historically, experts have relied upon aggregated and infrequent data to document urbanization, such as a yearly…
One of New Zealand’s leading Pacific architecture scholars says Aotearoa needs more Pacific representation in the profession, arguing it is critical to creating spaces that reflect the needs and values of Pacific communities.Leali’ifano Dr Albert Refiti, a professor of art, design and material culture at AUT, has spent decades teaching and researching architecture in Aotearoa.”As a Pacific Islander of Samoan descent, it’s been really lonely as one of the more senior Pacific people working in the area, until maybe 10 to 15 years ago. But there is now a steady group of young Pacific people coming into the university to…
Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said the budget prioritises infrastructure-led growth. [Photo: FILE] Concerns over government borrowing have been clarified by the Finance Ministry, which says borrowing is being used mainly for infrastructure works and not recurrent expenditure. Permanent Secretary for Finance Shiri Goundar explained that major capital projects are planned as multi-year programs and they run for up to five years. He adds that funding is secured before work starts and this is to avoid delays during implementation. He says about $1.5 billion has already been committed. It covers roads, bridges, water systems and wastewater and health infrastructure.Article continues after…
[Source: Reuters] A helicopter belonging to Saudi oil giant Aramco (2222.SE), crashed in Ras Tanura on Saudi Arabia’s eastern coast on the Gulf, west of the Strait of Hormuz, killing 14 nationals, the state news agency reported, adding that the cause was unknown. Aramco had resumed crude oil loadings on Friday at its Ras Tanura terminal in the Gulf after they were halted for nearly four months. “The relevant authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the cause of the crash,” the state news agency added. Aramco did not respond immediately to an emailed request for comment.Article continues after…
[Source: AAP] Queensland has recalled North Queensland forward Jeremiah Nanai for the State of Origin decider, with coach Billy Slater backing the in-form second rower ahead of the crucial clash at Suncorp Stadium on July 8. Nanai, who missed the opening two games of the series due to a shoulder injury, returns after a standout performance for the Cowboys, where he scored two tries and was named man of the match in their win over Penrith. The 23-year-old has already proven his value at the Origin level, delivering strong performances across 11 appearances. Brisbane lock Pat Carrigan has also been…
Fiji’s military has hit out against budget cuts it copped last Friday.In a social media post, the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), which has gained influence in law enforcement over the last year, issued an apparent warning to detractors to recognise the role they play in Fijian society.”The RFMF… genuinely respects the concerns raised in public commentary… that military spending should be reduced on the grounds that Fiji is not engaged in conventional warfare,” RFMF commander Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai said.”But we ask those who hold this view to look again.”In the 2026-2027 Budget, the RFMF lost around FJ$14.8…
[Source: Reuters] When U.S. punk rockers Social Distortion take to stages across Europe on their current “Born to Kill” tour, fans can buy T-shirts and hoodies upcycled from old merchandise garments. The band is the first to use blanks that Universal Music Group’s merchandising division Bravado has upcycled from more than 400,000 unsold T-shirts from other artists’ past tours which lay in a Nashville warehouse. Bravado shipped the garments to Tangier in Morocco, where textile manufacturer Hallotex broke down the old T-shirts and spun them into new yarn. It aims to make an estimated 280,000 recycled cotton blank T-shirts and…
Churchill Park, Lautoka. The debate over where the McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women should host their Super Rugby Women’s semi-final is already gathering momentum, with Suva, Lautoka and Ba all emerging as possible venues. This after the side’s 50-17 victory over the Queensland Reds at Ballymore on Saturday. The result secured the Drua a home semi-final in Fiji, but the venue has yet to be confirmed. With the stakes higher than ever, the decision is expected to attract significant interest.Article continues after advertisement A home semi-final presents the Drua with an opportunity to harness Fiji’s passionate rugby support as they chase…
HFC Bank has expanded its national network with the opening of a new branch at Damodar Arts Village in Pacific Harbour, bringing full banking services to one of Fiji’s fastest-growing communities. The new branch offers account opening, deposits, loans, foreign exchange, and digital banking support, giving residents, businesses and visitors greater access to financial services. Chief Executive Rakesh Ram says the opening reflects the bank’s commitment to expanding its presence in communities, at a time when many financial institutions are reducing their physical branch networks. He says as Fiji’s only locally owned bank, HFC believes every community deserves accessible banking…