Author: TMC Palau
[Photo Credit: Reuters] Afghanistan’s Taliban government has detained at least three journalists on unspecified charges, the United Nations mission there said on Thursday in a statement that called for the protection of reporters. The three were the head of the Kabul-based Paigard News Agency, and two staff from Afghanistan’s first 24-hour news channel, TOLOnews, media and rights groups said. The UN mission UNAMA said it urged “the de facto authorities to uphold their obligations under international human rights law and ensure that journalists can do their work without fear of intimidation, harassment, or reprisal”. More than 40% of Afghanistan’s media…
[Photo Credit: AAP Image/Lukas Coch] Skilled migrants do not take Australian jobs, but fill critical labour shortages, enrich cultural diversity and stem the decline of country towns, agricultural groups say. Peak farming bodies have urged an inquiry to consider education campaigns on the essential role of skilled migrants, as conservative parties call for caps on overseas arrivals. The inquiry, which is examining the economic, social and cultural value of skilled migration to Australia, is due to hear from farmers, small business groups and foreign affairs officials at a hearing in Canberra on Friday. Dairy farmers rely on skilled workers, with…
Solomon Islands PM candidates: Matthew Wale and Peter Shanel Agovaka. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Solomon Islands opposition The Solomon Islands prime ministership race has become a two-man race after one of the three candidates nominated for the top job withdrew his nomination on Friday morning. Solomon Islands MPs will vote today for the country’s new prime minister after the incumbent, Jeremiah Manele, lost a no-confidence vote in parliament last week, ending his tenure halfway through his four-year term. The three men who were eyeing to succeed him were: Peter Shanel Agovaka who defected from Manele’s coalition to oust him and…
[Photo Credit: Reuters] U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to meet on Friday to wrap up a two-day state visit that has featured pomp and business deals but also a stark warning from Xi that mishandling the Taiwan issue could push U.S.-China relations to “a very dangerous place.” Trump is on the first visit by a U.S. president to China, America’s main strategic and economic rival, since a 2017 visit during his first term, and has been hoping for tangible results that might improve his dented approval ratings ahead of crucial midterm elections. The two…
[Photo Credit: NSTUDIOFIJI via Motibhai] The Fiji Cancer Society is calling on organisations and communities to support this year’s Bushell’s Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea campaign. The initiative, which was officially launched last week, is now in its 21st year and continues to focus on raising awareness and support for people affected by cancer. Motibhai Group of Companies Marketing Manager Praneeta Devi says the campaign has helped strengthen cancer awareness and support services since it began in 2006. Devi says non-communicable diseases, including cancer, remain a growing concern and there is a need to continue encouraging healthier lifestyles and greater awareness.Article…
In March 2025 I suggested the often-heralded end of organised aid from the members of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) was perhaps actually in view. My deliberately conservative forecast at that time had DAC Official Development Assistance (ODA) falling at least 25% by 2027 from its 2023 peak; a worse case was also envisaged, in which between a third and a half of OECD-reported aid would disappear within several years, courtesy of planned reductions by a sub-group of ODA donors (hereafter, the “cutters”). The OECD’s preliminary 2025 data release of 9 April 2026 confirms the worse case is now…
The World Bank flags Pacific vulnerability, a AU$400 million pipeline project in Papua New Guinea, and a hardware giant’s Island entry. Here are the weekly highlights in the Pacific economy. The Pacific Business Brief tracks the capital, trade and trends shaping the regional economy. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Koroi Hawkins In this edition: World Bank warning to Pacific Island nations Australian gas giants double downs in Papua New Guinea Bunnings’ Fiji entry Everything Pacific countries do to protect their people in response to a crisis, could be making them weaker in the face of the next one. Photo: Bibek Raj…
source: BBC The Princess of Wales received an enthusiastic welcome from Italian crowds, on her return to overseas visits following her treatment for cancer. There were shouts and cheers for Catherine, and a home-made poster reading “Ciao Kate”, as she appeared in a picturesque piazza in Reggio Emilia. During a walkabout in warm sunshine, she shook hands and posed for selfies, with a noisy crowd holding up babies and flowers, but mostly their phones to capture the moment. It is more than three years since Catherine last appeared at such an event overseas, but she has clearly kept her box…
A new $25,000 partnership between Jack’s of Fiji and the Fiji Cancer Society. Cancer awareness and screening efforts are set to receive a boost through a new $25,000 partnership between Jack’s of Fiji and the Fiji Cancer Society. The partnership, announced in Nadi today, will support community outreach programs focused on cancer awareness, screening and women’s health, particularly cervical cancer, in the Western Division. Speaking at the event, Jack’s of Fiji Group People and Capability Manager and Chair of the company’s CSR Committee, Ronald Reddy said the initiative goes beyond a financial contribution. Reddy said cancer continues to affect thousands…
National leaders visited Dilkusha Home in Nausori. A century-old legacy of compassion rooted in the Girmit era was brought into focus today as national leaders visited Dilkusha Home in Nausori during the 147th Girmit Commemoration. Dilkusha Home, established in 1904 by the Indian Division of the Methodist Church, traces its origins directly to the hardships of the Girmit period, when indentured labourers and their families faced poverty, uncertainty and separation in colonial Fiji. The visit was led by Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts Charan Jeath Singh, alongside Permanent Secretary Dr Vinesh Kumar, who both acknowledged…