Author: TMC Palau
[Source: Reuters] The Vespa, the wasp-waisted scooter that put postwar Italians on wheels and went on to carry Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn through the streets of Rome, is returning to the capital this week to celebrate its 80th birthday. From June 25 to 28, Rome is hosting “Vespa Roma 2026 – 80 Years of an Icon”, a four-day gathering centred on the city’s Foro Italico and the Stadio dei Marmi, which has been turned into a Vespa Village of exhibitions, races, parades and club events. , the Vespa became a symbol of Italy’s rebirth after World War Two: cheap…
[Source: Reuters] South Korea and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula and agreed to revive joint search-and-rescue drills in a step forward for security ties between the neighbouring countries. Meeting in Seoul, South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back and his Japanese counterpart Shinjiro Koizumi agreed to work on regional stability bilaterally, as well as through their partnerships with Washington, in the sixth round of talks between the two countries. “Both ministers shared the view to continue cooperation for maintaining regional peace and stability amid a grave security environment,” South Korea’s defence ministry said in a…
[File Photo] Fiji’s sporting landscape could be set for a major boost following a key announcement in the 2026–27 National Budget, with the sponsorship threshold for businesses reduced from $250,000 to $100,000. The change is expected to make it easier for more local companies to invest in sport, opening the door for greater support across grassroots development, community competitions and elite programmes. Minister for Youth and Sports, Jese Saukuru, says the timing is ideal for the private sector to step in and help shape the future of Fijian sport. “I think this is a great time to invest in sports.…
[Source: Fijian Drua/Facebook] It was more than just a rugby match in Brisbane yesterday. It was a performance built on heart, unity and grief as the McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women powered to a 50–17 victory over the Queensland Reds. Behind the scoreline, there was a heavy emotional weight carried by the Fijian side who played in honour of teammate Atelaite Buna and her younger brother, who sadly passed away on Thursday. From the moment the news broke, messages of condolence and support flooded Buna’s social media, and within the Drua camp, the focus shifted far beyond rugby.Article continues after advertisement…
[File Photo] The Ministry of Commerce and Business Development has been allocated $104.8 million. The Ministry now oversees sectors that were previously under the Ministry of Trade, Cooperatives, MSME’s, and Communications. The allocation increases by approximately 23.3% from the last financial budget. Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel outlined that the funding is planned to support businesses and MSMEs and strengthen trade agreements.Article continues after advertisement Immanuel also highlighted that the budget will improve digital services, thus making it easier to do business. Source link
[Source: Reuters] From Scandinavia to the Alps, Europeans endured sweltering conditions as a heatwave linked to dozens of deaths spread east, shattering records with temperatures in some areas soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Preliminary all-time temperature records were set on Saturday in Germany, Denmark and the Czech Republic, and a new mark for the month of June in Switzerland. Similar records had been broken earlier this week in France and Britain. Scientists said the stifling heatwave would have been virtually impossible without man-made climate change, which has made this week’s night-time temperatures 100 times more likely than…
Polling stations have now closed in New Caledonia, as electoral officials begin tallying votes in Sunday’s provincial elections.Sunday’s elections are the first to be held in the French territory for 7 years after the 2024 elections were abandoned following riots that left 14 dead, and about €2.2 billion of economic damage.A special election night broadcast is now underway, with preliminary results expected between 10.30pm and 11pm local time.192,584 people were registered to vote in these elections.Our French Pacific correspondent Patrick Decloitre said there have been no reports of any incidents during polling today.In the Southern region and even more in…
[File Photo] The forestry sector will receive $25.7 million in the 2026–2027 National Budget to support growth, create opportunities, and increase benefits for resource owners. This includes $2.5 million for the Commercial Maritime Pine Subsidy Programme, which will, in turn, help pine growers in Kadavu, Lomaiviti, and Lau with transport costs to markets and improve their income. Minister for Finance Esrom Immanuel announced that at least $3.7 million has been allocated to the Fiji Pine Trust Extension Programme to support harvesting, replanting, nursery work, and maritime activities. He adds that a total of $2 million has been allocated to build…
[File Photo] More than 520,000 Fijians will benefit from a major investment in water and wastewater systems, following the government’s announcement of a $291 million allocation in the 2026–2027 National Budget. Finance Minister Esrom Immanuel said the funding represents a decisive shift from past budgets, moving away from incremental maintenance toward transformative upgrades. He says key projects include the doubling of capacity at the Kinoya Wastewater Treatment Plant, expansion of the Viria Water Treatment Plant from 40ML to 80ML, and new water schemes in Navua, Wainadoi, and Tailevu. Immanuel noted that Fiji inherited a critical crisis in the water sector,…
Palau, an archipelago of over 300 islands scattered across the western Pacific Ocean, is the picture of tropical paradise. Imagine vibrant coral reefs, lush jungles edged by limestone cliffs and sun-drenched beaches and you’re some way to conjuring a vision of the country’s beauty. A dream destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers and anyone looking to disconnect, Palau rewards any traveller willing to step off the beaten track. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your trip to this beautiful part of the Pacific. Flight time to Palau Qantas now flies direct to Koror from Brisbane once a week.…