Oceania

Paradise Foods, a private venture investing in coca processing, has been saluted by the community as an important step for future PNG's revenues, as it starts a push in exporting processed products instead of raw commodities, a key shift for local economy

PM Christopher Luxon won a confidence vote on the second challenge to his leadership; just a few months ahead of elections, he said he had the full support of his party, after calling crisis meeting to address leadership speculation

The Land Transport Authority is introducing a mandatory Learner Driver Course for all Class 2 Learner Permit applicants from today; The new requirement is aimed at standardizing driver education and improving road safety outcomes in Fiji

Middle East tensions are expected to cause a 4% GDP contraction and cost national budget between up to TOP50 million (€18million): higher fuel prices, possible supply disruptions put, temporary fuel management measures will affect activity in many sectors

A record 2,7 tonnes of cocaine with an estimated street value of AUS$816 million have been seized in the largest cocaine seizure in the country’s history, a result of Queensland Joint Organised Crime Taskforce investigation into an import crime network

Te Pūmanawa Downtown West skyscraper project, comprising twin towers of 55 and 45 levels near Auckland’s waterfront, has been approved with a fast-track draft decision; ministers said it proved how well the fast-tracking scheme is working

Condemning a man to a 3 years sentence, a Judge explicitly said women harassed or abused at work should report the episode to the police, underlining no one has the right to touch women without their consent

Over 600 graduates have been honored totally for completing their vocational training under the Australian government-funded APP Alternative Pathways Programme that offers learning opportunities and upskilling in the trades

Using equipment donated by the non-profit organization Salad Days of Skateboarding, and the distribution company Tum Yeto, youth on Ebeye are learning the basics of the sport in an initiative in collaboration with local community leaders

A man has been charged with attempted importation and trafficking of methamphetamine after customs and narcotics officers intercepted a package from California containing over 100 grams of meth concealed inside silicone sealant tubes

The Solomon Islands National Broadband Infrastructure Project SINBIP, comprising 161 telecommunications towers across the country, has been officially handed over to the Government, closing digital divide and improving connectivity nationwide

Child Wellbeing Benefits Program was launched targeting children aged 0-35 months; it is one of the FAST Government’s major policies in its five-year manifesto and is administered by the Ministry of Family and Social Affairs

Radio is keeping Tuvaluan culture alive as migration reshapes its society; Te Leo o Tuvalu is a fortnightly radio program connecting the diaspora, put together as a Facebook Live stream and playlist of traditional fatele by a small team in Brisbane