Author: TMC Palau

[Source: FIFA World Cup/ Facebook] France have opened their Group I campaign with a 3–1 victory over Senegal in their FIFA World Cup match, sealing the win with two late goals. Kylian Mbappé scored twice for France, finding the net in the 66th minute before adding another deep into stoppage time at 90+6. Bradley Barcola also got on the scoresheet in the 82nd minute to put France firmly in control. Senegal threatened a late comeback when Mbaye struck in stoppage time at 90+5, but France held on to secure all three points.Article continues after advertisement France edged possession with 54…

[Photo: FILE] The Permanent Secretary for Policing says concerns surrounding a proposed provision in the Police Bill allowing access to mobile phones have been misunderstood. Questions have been raised over whether the bill would permit police to conduct warrantless searches of personal devices, with some critics arguing it could infringe on privacy and human rights. However, PS for Policing Berenado Daveta says the provision only applies in specific circumstances and under legal authority. “I’m not sure whether it’s an unwarranted search. I think it’s a search under warrant to be able to access information which could be evidence against somebody…

Last year, 2024–25, Australia issued 321,000 backpacker visas — 97,000 more than the previous year, and in fact significantly above the previous record of 258,000 set in 2012–13. Backpacker visas include the 417 Working Holiday Visa, for rich countries and uncapped, and the 462 Work and Holiday Visa, mainly for poorer countries and mainly capped. The first boom in backpacker numbers came in the late 2000s. It was the result of both the Global Financial Crisis — which pushed up unemployment in many European countries — and the incentives which the Coalition put in place in 2005 to get backpackers…

Permanent Secretary for Policing Berenado Daveta. [Photo: FILE] The Ministry of Policing has raised concerns over ongoing challenges in accessing Fiji’s vast maritime areas while combating transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking. Permanent Secretary for Policing Berenado Daveta says Fiji’s extensive maritime boundaries present significant operational challenges for law enforcement, with the Fiji Police Force relying heavily on the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Navy to monitor and secure the country’s waters. “We’re talking about Maritime security. Our EEZ is 1.3 million km², police are more land-bound in operations, but a bit of maritime division, but only a small component of…

Over the coming months, countires in the Western Pacific are likely to experience drier-than-usual conditions. Photo: Supplied/ 123rf The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) says that El Niño has arrived in the Pacific Islands. An El Niño event occurs when the ocean becomes warmer than usual, affecting rainfall and wind patterns. SPREP, which is the region’s primary scientific organisation, says that sea surface temperature readings and Southern Oscillation Index values have met the thresholds. This means that over the coming months, countires in the Western Pacific are likely to experience drier-than-usual conditions, increasing the risk of drought.…

[Photo: FILE] The Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific 2026 Grand Final between the Hurricanes and the Chiefs has sold out in just 15 minutes after tickets went on sale to the public. A crowd of 34,500 is expected in Wellington on Saturday night for the competition’s showpiece event. Tickets went on sale at 10am yesterday after members snapped up pre-sale tickets within hours on Sunday. The final marks Wellington’s first Super Rugby final since the Hurricanes beat the Lions to claim the title in 2016.Article continues after advertisement The Hurricanes earned hosting rights after finishing top of the regular…

This event has already taken place. We invite you to explore the current programAlcina by Händel, conducted by Philippe JarousskyOne of Handel’s most enchanting fantasy-themed operas, conducted by Philippe Jaroussky Philippe Jaroussky, one of the most charismatic figures in today’s vocal scene, returns to the Palau de la Música Catalana as conductor, leading his ensemble Artaserse —a group he founded himself, now firmly established as a leading reference in Baroque performance. On this occasion, he presents a concert version of Händel’s Alcina, a fascinating opera full of contrasts, where magic and desire intertwine with deception and loss. To bring this…

Overview: Palau is casting a wider net in the global tourism market through sport fishing. A delegation led by the Palau Visitors Authority recently showcased the nation’s world-class fishing opportunities, conservation leadership, and cultural heritage at a major international trade show in San Diego, California. The effort aims to attract high-value visitors while creating new economic opportunities for local communities. By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — Palau is continuing to strengthen its presence in the global sport fishing market following its recent participation in a major international trade-show in San Diego, California. A delegation led by the Palau Visitors Authority…

[Photo: FILE] Schools across most parts of Fiji will reopen today; however, several schools in flood and weather-affected areas will remain closed due to safety concerns. The Ministry of Education says all schools in the Central, Western, Eastern and Northern divisions are expected to resume classes today, except for schools in specific education districts affected by flooding, rough seas and adverse weather conditions. Schools in the Naitasiri, Namosi, and Rewa Education Districts will remain closed due to flooding and unsafe access routes. In the Western Division, schools in the Ra Education District will remain closed due to adverse weather conditions…

In 2016, the Alfred Wegener Institute, together with the University of Bremen, the Palau Community College, and the Coral Reef Research Foundation, opened a research station at what is probably its warmest location: Palau. The archipelago lies in the heart of an area that is characterised by the cleanest air in the world. Moreover, this region is where the composition of the stratosphere – the layer of the atmosphere that contains the ozone layer – is determined for the whole planet. This makes the location ideal for studying the distribution of trace gases and particles in the atmosphere and their…