Author: TMC Palau
[Photo: FCCC/ FACEBOOK] The Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission has completed its review of applications relating to Energy Fiji Limited’s fuel surcharge and bus fare adjustments, confirming interim increases linked to continued volatility in global fuel prices. The FCCC says the review was undertaken in response to sustained fluctuations in fuel costs since March 2026, which have significantly increased operational expenses for essential service providers. In terms of the electricity fuel surcharge introduced, effective from 26 May 2026, an interim electricity fuel surcharge of 5.91 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will be applied to existing tariffs. This brings the revised interim…
French Parliament Photo: AFP The French National Assembly on Wednesday voted to allow “native” voters to take part in local provincial elections scheduled for next month. However, the French parliament’s Lower House also refused to include their “spouses”, just like the Senate did two days earlier. Amid debates in Paris on Wednesday evening (Thursday NZT), the vote to include people who were born in New Caledonia since 1998 came at an absolute majority of 386 in favour and 127 against. But the vote on this “organic bill”, only weeks ahead of crucial elections to be held on in the French…
[Source: Fiji Rugby / Facebook] The return of Peceli Yato to the FIJI Water Flying Fijians is more than just a squad selection for the upcoming Nations Championship. It is the comeback of one of Fiji’s most destructive forwards, a player whose journey through setbacks, sacrifice and self-reflection has brought him back to the white jersey with renewed purpose. For Yato, the call-up to rejoin the national side ahead of the 2026 campaign stirred emotions that never faded despite time away from camp. “I was happy. Like any other Fijian rugby player, it’s a privilege to wear the white jersey,”Article…
source: reuters Parisian fashion house Chanel has drawn in shoppers who had never bought the brand before, as creative director Matthieu Blazy’s reinvented versions of classic bags, shoes and jackets drove demand that outstripped supply and a return to growth. The privately-owned company on Tuesday reported a 2% rise in revenue in 2025 in currency-adjusted terms to $19.3 billion. Chanel’s revenue had declined 4.3% in 2024 when even the most high-end fashion labels reached the limits of demand after making big price hikes in a post-pandemic luxury boom. Blazy, who took over from Virginie Viard last year and presented his…
BarcelonaThe arrest of Jonathan Andic, son of Mango founder Isak Andic, introduces a new variable into the equation that was the death of the historic Catalan fashion businessman. Andic’s passing in December 2024, long treated as a tragic accident, forced a reorganization of the ownership and businesses of the Principality’s fashion giant. As early as January 2025, the three children divided the executive positions of Punta Na Holding, the company that holds 95% of Mango’s ownership through Mango MNG Holding; as well as the family’s patrimonial company, which also operates under the same umbrella. The eldest son, Jonathan, took over…
source: BBC There has been international condemnation of Israel’s treatment of pro-Palestinian activists who were on board a Gaza-bound aid flotilla intercepted by Israeli naval forces. The US, the UK, France, Italy and Canada were among the countries which expressed outrage after far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir posted a video showing himself taunting activists kneeling with their hands tied behind their backs. His actions also drew rare criticism from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said they were “not in line with Israel’s values”. A rights group representing the 430 people from more than 40 countries who took part…
Fijian PM Sitiveni Rabuka Photo: Fiji Government Fiji’s prime minister has decided to call off the country’s much-anticipated local government elections scheduled for September this year, citing “global headwinds” and the risk of “voter fatigue”. Fijians have not voted in local government elections for more than two decades, and bringing them back was one of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s key election promises ahead of the December 2022 polls. Rabuka told reporters earlier this week that he was considering delaying the local elections due to several factors, including stress on government finances – a move criticised by the Fiji Labour Party…
Earlier this month, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the status of assistance being provided to the Freely Associated States (FAS) of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. The report revealed that the Trump administration has failed to properly staff necessary – and legally required positions – in a timely manner, preventing the FAS from satisfying their own reporting obligations. Actions speak louder than words, and the administration’s actions – or lack thereof – in its dealings with the FAS are undermining the United States’ interest…
source: BBC Harry Styles’ world tour is set to review its staging following complaints from fans over obstructed views. After the Together, Together tour kicked off in Amsterdam for a run of 10 shows, some concertgoers have said they weren’t able to see the Aperture singer for much of the evening. The tour’s official representative has told BBC Newsbeat the floor concept was designed to “give fans freedom”. In a statement on Instagram, Styles’ team confirmed they were “actively working on making adjustments to improve visibility”.Article continues after advertisement The 32-year-old has already faced some criticism over show locations and…
The Palau de les Arts has announced its 2026-27 season. Opera “Estètica i massacre” will star Maria Patak, Carlos Varela, Pablo Meléndez, Álvaro Rodríguez, Claudia López, and Jorge Bosch. Carles Prat conducts the production by Oriol Pla. Performance Dates: Sept. 17 & 18, 2026 Vasilisa Berzhanskaya stars in Bizet’s “Carmen” with Charles Castronovo, Ruth Iniesta, and Davide Luciano. Michele Spotti conducts the production by Ted Huffman. Performance Dates: Sept. 29-Oct. 15, 2026 Händel’s “Riccardo Primo” will star Hugh Cutting, Mélissa Petit, Juliette Mey, Alex Rosen, Andreas Wolf, and Paul Figuier. Paul Agnew conducts. Performance Date: Oct. 25, 2026 David Butt Philip,…