US VICE-PRESIDENT TO MEET WITH VENEZUELANS TL Bureau. NEWS Washington DC: Vice President of United States Mike Pence is going to Miami on Friday to meet with Venezuelans people who Vol. 02 Issue 02 February 1, 2019 have fled Venezuela, as the Trump administration continues to challenge Nicolas Maduro’s claim to the presidency. thelifenews.com.au In a source from White House says Pence will be talking with community peoples, political prisoners and former officials who have fled the South American country due to political instabilities. The official spokeman on condition of anonymity to discuss the visit ahead of its formal announcement. US President’s administration has recognized Juan Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled congress, as Venezuela’s rightful president. Trump spoke with Guaido on Wednesday and tweeted that he congratulated Guaido “on his historic assumption of the presidency and reinforced strong United States support for Venezuela’s fight to regain its democracy.” SingaporeEditionCOMING SOON... If you want yourself on this newspaper to be shown in all over the world. Contact our advertising department at [email protected] Hong Kong Customs Prez Vladimir Putin approves officials seizes suspected to decriminalise corrupt acts smuggled frozen meat Tom Newman volved, for example a war, riot or a natu- industry towns, closed administrative- TL Bureau. Foreign Correspondent ral disaster. It seems very unclear how territorial formations, certain districts of Hong Kong: Hong Kong Moscow: President Vladimir Putin ap- any of these apply to a normal business the Far North. The simple thing to do in Customs yesterday (Janu- proves bill for consultation that would situation or corrupt transactions within this circumstance would be to declare a ary 30) conducted an anti- allow officials to get away with corrupt Russia. conflict of interest and apply a neutral smuggling operation and acts. The proposed law suggests that due arbiter to act. This is an odd definition of detected a suspected smug- to a “force majeure” an unforeseeable The government have said that it extreme circumstance as there are many gling case using a fishing circumstance or unavoidable accident would only occur when there are con- single industry towns, many officials vessel in the waters off that a citizen of Russia may not be perse- flicts of interest and so combating cor- relatives working underneath other fam- Waglan Island. About 200 cuted for corrupt acts. ruption is not possible for “objective” ily members and geographically many 000 kilograms of suspect- reasons. The Russian news agency TASS districts in the far north. There seems to ed smuggled frozen meat This legalistic term is usually used in gave examples of these so called objec- be nothing exceptional or extreme in any with an estimated market contracts when events or circumstances tive reasons. When relatives of an official of these circumstances. ... more on pg 12 value of about $5.7 million beyond the control of the parties in- work in areas they oversee or in single- were seized. Customs of- ficers of the Marine En- President of India addresses joint sitting of World Science Festival Brisbane forcement Group spotted a two Houses of Parliament in India. 2019 line up is out of this world suspicious fishing vessel leaving Hong Kong at high TL Bureau. TL Bureau. speed yesterday afternoon. New Delhi: The President of India Mr Ram Nath Kovind ad- Brisbane : The World Science Festival Brisbane is return- Officers then took immedi- dresses the parliament of India he quoted “It gives me im- ing to Queensland and is set to once again capture minds ate action and intercepted mense pleasure to address the Joint Sitting of the Two Hous- and venture into the world of the unknown. the fishing vessel for ex- es of Parliament. In the annals of our democracy, 2019 is an amination. The batch of important milestone. We the people of India, are celebrating Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts Leeanne suspected smuggled frozen the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father Enoch is inviting everyone to venture into science and the meat was seized on board of the Nation this year. 13th April this year will also mark 100 universe with world renowned experts as they delve into the vessel. years of the tragic massacre at Jallianwala Bagh. On behalf topics from forensic science, to DNA, space, the stars and of the entire nation, I bow to pay tribute to all those martyrs moving to Mars, along with the challenges facing our plan- Israeli forces arrest who sacrificed their lives for a bright future for us.” et. “From international leaders and ground-breakers to 11 Palestinians in home-grown trailblazers, World Science Festival Brisbane West bank NZ Govt welcomes vote of confidence 2019 will once again impress with this stellar line-up,” Min- in economic management ister Enoch said. “The Palaszczuk Government is a proud TL Bureau. supporter of World Science Festival Brisbane, and through Ramallah: Israeli forces, TL Bureau. our Advance Queensland Initiative we look to highlight the early Thursday, launched a Wellington : The Coalition Government’s economic and fis- jobs of tomorrow, and the many exciting opportunities in large-scale arrest cam- cal management has received another vote of confidence our rapidly changing world. paign in various parts of today from ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Fi- the West Bank, during nance Minister Grant Robertson says. Death rises to 12 as Polar Vortex triggers which they arrested 11 Pal- state of Emergency in US estinians. S&P today revised its outlook on New Zealand’s AA for- eign and AA+ local currency credit ratings up to ‘positive’ TL Bureau : More than fifeen people have died due to the plum- A statement by the Pal- from ‘stable’. This is the strongest stance S&P has held on meting temperatures that have plunged the country down to minus estinian Prisoners Society New Zealand since September 2011. It comes after Moody’s 40 degrees celsius this week causing mayhem across the nation. said that occupation army recently reaffirmed its AAA rating. In a report titled ‘New Many parts of the US are facing temperatures colder than Antartica broke into various areas in Zealand Outlook Revised to Positive on Improving Fiscal as a polar vortex sweeps over the country and has claimed victims in the cities of Salfit, Hebron, Position’, S&P referenced our “solid economic growth”. It Detroit, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa and many other areas in US. Bethlehem, and Tulkarem, also said the Government’s “proactive policy-making sup- and arrested the Palestinians ports sustainable public finances and economic growth”. on the ground they were wanted by authorities. The meals In emergencies, going to school can be nearly impossible, Join us @WorldFoodProgramme that make a especially for girls. Providing a nutritious meal at school Follow us @WFP difference helps children stay in class and learn. That investment in human potential builds economic growth in communities. Giving everyone a chance for a brighter future. ASIA | OCEANIA | MIDDLE EAST | AMERICA | AFRICA | EUROPE @thelifenews1 @thelifenews.australia thelifenewsaus TheLifeNews OCLC: 1049174218
2 EDITORIAL Disaster everywhere due to change of Environment Disaster is everywhere due to surroundings and using groundwater change of climate. Some saints, environmentalists or as- CORRESPONDENTS & BUREAUS from shallow wells – that are easily trologist from all over the world opined CONTACTS WORLDWIDE contaminated – for all their cooking, that the world is come to an end. Al- drinking and farming needs. though it’s not true but Recent Mas- Contact us if you have any story worldwide sive floods in Kerala India, Landslides [email protected] : Aus So this is just one example of Kiri- in Philippines, earthquakes in Indone- [email protected] : NZ, Fiji & Oceania sia, Snowstorms and snowfalls in Eu- [email protected] : Thai, Malaysia, Singapore bati island nation. We have thou- rope and America, sea water level [email protected] : India SriLanka Nepal sands and millions of example which rise in oceans affected small islands [email protected] : US, Canada & Mexico we won’t ignore and shows us the and countries like Maldives, Mauri- [email protected] : UK & Ireland climate is changing and so do effects tius, our nearest island Kiribati which [email protected] : Russia, Ukraine, Belarus & CIS our environment as well. Our glaciers has latest study done by world bank [email protected] : Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania are melting, our pressure on land and which quotes and proves that, As the [email protected] : Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, earth causes earthquakes, our defor- sun creeps above the horizon, Kaure Netherland estation incredibly is increasing the Itipo walks from his coastal village to [email protected] : Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark temperature of earth. the solar-powered water pump on the other side of Nabeina, a tiny islet in What we can do if we’ve done this North Tarawa, Kiribati. Kaure inspects the parts and finds nothing out of or- as we are responsible for this situa- der, then opens the well to check the water level inside. Satisfied that the scattered around the Nabeina com- ture located on the coast, damage tion on earth. We can do small things system is ready thanks to the series munity, ensuring residents have 24- and coastal erosion from high tides, worldwide in order to keep our envi- of checks he learned from his elders, hour access to fresh drinking water storm surges and salt water are in- ronment safe and clean. We can Kaure switches on the pump.“I’m close to their homes.Straddling the creasingly becoming major issues for plant more trees, we can stop over- very happy to have this daily respon- equator in the middle of the Central communities. Yet even by Kiribati’s fishing in our oceans in order to bal- sibility,” Kaure says, proudly reflecting Pacific Ocean, Kiribati is made up of tough standards, the location of Na- ance our sea/marine ecology. We can on his volunteer role looking after the 33 coral atolls spread across 3.5 mil- beina village makes these challenges banned more construction of build- new pump. “This is the lifeline for my lion km² (1.3 square miles) of ocean particularly difficult. While still part of ings and houses where there are al- family and my community.” the size of India. Most of Kiribati’s is- the main island group of Kiribati, ready overpopulated. We can stop lands are just a few hundred meters North Tarawa is only accessible by this increasing population. Likewise Part of the World Bank’s Kiribati wide and have an average height of boat and remains largely subsis- there are many steps by which we Adaptation Program, which recently 1.8 meters (six feet) above sea level, tence-based; with residents gathering can stop overburdened this earth. wrapped-up its third phase, the new making the country one of the most most of their food and water from their solar water pump in Nabeina draws vulnerable in the world to effects of So start now before it’s too late. from an underground water source to (References- the world bank) a raised water tank, with gravity then transporting the clean water climate change and sea level rise. down to three taps Climate change related king tides For letter to editor and suggestions please reach us at and surges caused by storms in the [email protected] Pacific Ocean can wash over entire ADDRESS OF PUBLISHER: islands, causing flooding for days and contaminating drinking water sup- The Life (Digital & Print), Dr Parveen Malik, 127 Aberdeen Parade, Boondall 4034, plies for weeks and even months. Australia +61 (7) 31913325, Email: [email protected] With the entire population and For advertisement contact manager at [email protected] the majority of infrastruc-
WORLD 3 Meeting of Foreign PrimSteudMeinntisst,eTreainctheerrascatsnwdith Ministers of the Global Parents from India and abroad Coalition to Defeat ISIS Karamjit Singh Parwana Resource Development Dr. Satya 200 students of private schools TL Bureau Foreign Correspondent Pal Singh also graced the occasion. while 500 college students from Washington, DC: U.S. Secretary of New Delhi: Prime Minister, Shri Smt. Rina Ray, Secretary, DoSE&L across the country also participated State Michael R. Pompeo will host a day Narendra Modi interacted with Stu- and other senior officials from in the programme today at Talkato- of meetings with the foreign ministers of dents, Teachers and Parents from MHRD were also present during ra Stadium. the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS on India and abroad in this year’s edi- the event. February 6 in Washington, D.C. The full tion of Pariksha Pe Charcha 2.0 An online competition was orga- 79-member Coalition will meet for in- held at Talkatora Stadium, New The interaction lasted for over nized from 7th January to 17th Jan- depth discussions on the impending ter- Delhi today. Students were thrilled ninety minutes and the Prime Min- uary, 2019, for students of classes 9 ritorial defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, after receiving valuable tips from ister took questions from 18 partici- to 12, graduate and undergraduate which is the result of four years of Coali- the Prime Minister regarding beat- pants including students, teachers college students, their parents and tion and our partners’ efforts, and a sig- ing stress in every walk of life. The and parents. their teachers for selecting all those nificant milestone towards delivering Ministry of Human Resource De- who will interact with the Prime ISIS an enduring defeat. Ministers will velopment of Government of India Arrangements were made for Minister this year. They participat- discuss the next phase of the campaign in organized the Pariksha Pe Charcha live telecast of the programme in all ed through www.mygov.in website Iraq and Syria, which will focus on pro- 2.0 programme. Government and CBSE Schools on the following themes:- tecting against a resurgence of ISIS and Higher Education Institutions/ through stabilization and security assis- While introducing the pro- Colleges of the Country and abroad. On the MyGov portal, total tance. Ministers will also discuss impor- gramme, Union Minister for Hu- 11cr students in 10.5 lakh govern- 1,02,173 took part in the online tant next steps in degrading ISIS’s global man Resource Development Shri ment schools watched the pro- contest and the details of the same networks and affiliates outside Iraq and Prakash Javadekar said that the gramme live. Additionally, 1.97 cr were forwarded to all the States and Syria. Ministry of HRD has taken a num- students of 2.65 lakh CBSE affili- UTs where the final selection of ber of initiatives to provide holistic ated schools in the country; and 6.2 2000 participants was made by a These meetings are taking place at a education. He said that with a vi- lakh students and teachers in 226 selection committee formed at each key moment in our coordinated fight. The sion of Sabko Shiksha Acchi Shik- CBSE affiliated schools abroad also State/UT level. United States is determined to prevent a sha, the Government is committed witnessed the interaction live. resurgence of ISIS in Syria and Iraq after to provide quality education to the For the first time, Indian stu- the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Syria students. He also informed that 12- This year, students from 24 dents residing abroad from coun- takes place, and remains committed to 14 crore persons will be watching States/ UTs participated in the pro- tries like Bangladesh, Ethiopia, In- working with the Global Coalition to con- the programme live.Union Minister gramme. A total of 2200 students donesia, Russia, , Japan, Libya, tinue to destroy ISIS remnants and thwart for Science & Technology & Earth were present at Talkatora Stadium, Kenya, Malaysia, Oman, Tanzania, its global ambitions. As ISIS is defeated on Sciences Dr. Harsh Vardhan and out of which 1700 school students Thailand, UAE, Ghana, Liberia Ni- the battlefield, the Coalition will continue Union Minister of State for Human were outstation while 500 students geria, Iran, Nepal, Doha, Kuwait, its stabilization efforts to facilitate the safe were from the Delhi-NCR region. Saudi Arabia, and Singapore were and voluntary return home of those who The students from Delhi included connected to the programme live. have been displaced by the violence. The Global Coalition regularly meets to coordi- Nearly $4 billion needed to protect 41 million nate and enhance combined efforts to children from conflict and disaster counter ISIS. The last Ministerial took Photo/unicef place in Brussels on July 12, 2018, with TL Bureau peal, as the agency pursues its goal select members of the Coalition. The last Geneva: Speaking in Geneva, the of providing 41 million children education outstrip the capacity of meeting at the Political Director level took agency’s Director of Emergency with safe water, food, education, institutions and infrastructure to ac- place in Rabat, Morocco, on June 26, 2018. Operations, Manuel Fontaine, health and protection. tually respond,” Mr. Fontaine ex- warned that conflict is at a 30-year plained, noting that aid was needed Bahrain’s Foreign high: “There’s never been as much Syria still number one concern for Syrian refugees and host com- Ministry slams conflict in the world in the past 30 Child protection funding munities. years as this year, so it is obviously amounting to $385 million includes Iranian statements a particular threat,” he said. more than $120 million for young- Asked if he expected a signifi- sters affected by the Syria crisis, cant number of Syrian families to TL Bureau Amid countless reports of deadly whose needs are estimated at $904 return to the country, the UNICEF Manama: The Kingdom of Bahrain attacks on civilians and places of million – the largest part of UNI- official replied that such a develop- affirmed that the statements of the shelter – both of which are prohib- CEF’s overall appeal. ment was likely premature. Spokesman of the Iranian Ministry of ited under international law – Mr. “Nearly eight years after the con- Foreign Affairs regarding the rulings Fontaine insisted that the long-held flict broke out, we still have 2.5 mil- “There might be cases of some of the independent judiciary in the notion that children should be pro- lion Syrian children living as refu- families, some children who decide Kingdom of Bahrain reflect the ag- tected above all others is also being gees in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Leba- they want to go back and we accom- gressive nature of the regime in Iran as undermined. non and Turkey where demand for pany them,” he said. “I think it’s a well as its approach that disrespects basic services such as health and bit early right now to see how that’s the principles of international relations He said it was “being accepted as going to happen in practice.” and good neighborliness. “These state- a new normal of attacks on schools ments also mirror the Iranian policy and hospitals and detention of chil- which interferes in the internal affairs of dren,” adding that increasingly, the Kingdom of Bahrain and other Arab “children are being seen not only as states in order to promote chaos, tension victims, when they’ve been actually and violence in the region”, said the For- recruited by an armed group or used eign Ministry, according to Bahrain by a particular armed group, but News Agency. It noted that such state- also as a perpetrator and detained ments aim to cover the suffering of the once they’ve been released by an Iranian people which results from the armed group.” regime’s practices in Iran and its support for terrorism in the region against the A total of 59 countries are to interests of the Iranian people who live benefit from UNICEF’s Humanitar- in poverty, repression and violence ian Action for Children 2019 ap- caused by the Iranian regime. It stressed that the Iranian regime’s threat to re- Ignazio Cassis meets Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Karin Kneissl in Bern gional and international security and stability requires active action and a firm TL Bureau response by the international commu- Bern : Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis met Austrian Minister for Foreign Affairs Karin Kneissl during a nity in order to force the Iranian regime working visit to Bern. The two ministers underlined the excellent relationship between Switzerland and Aus- to respect international laws and char- ters, the sovereignty and independence tria and discussed a number of bilateral and multilateral issues, including the Middle East. Switzerland’s of states and non-interference in its internal affairs. European policy was also on the agenda.
4 WORLD Foreign Secretary The Joint Forces Command of the Coalition concerned by report on to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen media freedoms in China TL Bureau. release (7) Houthi detainees in ex- “The Houthi militia is still imprison- TL Bureau. Riyadh: Colonel Turki Al-Malki, the change for the Saudi POW detained ing thousands of Yemeni people, in- LONDON: UK. Foreign Secretary, Jer- Official Spokesman of the Coalition by the Houthi militia. This reflects cluding political, social and military emy Hunt said: I am concerned by the to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen, the resolve of the Joint Forces Com- leaderships. Foremost among them is findings in the Foreign Correspondents’ stated: “at (2145) this evening, the mand of the Coalition to retrieve the Major General Mahmoud Al-Subaihi, Club of China report about media free- Saudi POW Private 1st class Mousa Saudi POW in accordance with the former Yemeni Minister of Defense, doms and the deteriorating situation for Bin Shou’i ‘Awaji arrived at King Third Geneva Convention, related to whose immediate and unconditional journalists in China. Salman Air Base in Riyadh.” POWs, and humanitarian values and release was included in UNSCR 2216 principles. The efforts to retrieve all (2015).” Its publication coincides with the sen- He added: “As a result of the joint POW Coalition forces are ongoing.” tencing of journalist Liu Feiyue, one of efforts by the Joint Forces Command The Official Spokesman conclud- over 60 journalists currently detained in of the Coalition and SESGY Matin Colonel Al-Malki indicated that ed his statement by extending the China. Griffiths, which ensued in the release the detainee and POW negotiations Joint Forces Command’s thanks to of the Saudi POW detained by the do not receive due consideration by SESGY Martin Griffiths and the The UK is also concerned about the Houthi militia, suffering from dete- Houthi militia, and their intransi- ICRC for positively responding to its sentencing of Wang Quanzhang, a lawyer riorating health situation, and not re- gence has stood against the negotia- keenness in retrieving the POW, and whose case I raised with Chinese State ceiving proper medical care by the tions. As they attempt to acquire po- considering his health condition, that Councillor Wang Yi last July. He has Houthi militia, the Joint Forces Com- litical or military gains with blatant requires medical care, which was not spent the last three and a half years in pre- mand of the Coalition has agreed to disregard to the humanitarian aspect: provided by the Houthi militia. trial detention, much of that time incom- municado. We urge the Chinese govern- XDEDIC MARKETPLACE SHUT DOWN ment to ensure fundamental civil and IN INTERNATIONAL OPERATION political rights are protected, in line with TL Bureau. Photo Source/Europol China’s constitution and its international Vienna: U.S. Prosecutor’s Office for ministrators, buyers, and sellers. The commitments. the Middle District of Florida, the victims came from all around the At the beginning of 2018, a Joint FBI and the Internal Revenue Service world and involved all kind of indus- Investigative Team (JIT) agreement Unofficial meeting of (IRS) of Tampa (Florida), the Federal tries. This includes local, state, and was signed between the Federal Pros- EU Ministers of Computer Crime Unit (FCCU), the federal government infrastructure, ecutor and the Investigating Judge of Federal Prosecutor’s Office and the hospitals, emergency services, major Belgium and the Prosecutor General Defence in Bucharest Investigating Judge of Belgium, as metropolitan transit authorities, ac- of Ukraine, Europol and Eurojust. well as the Ukrainian National Cyber counting and law firms, pension Europol organised operational meet- TL Bureau. Police and Prosecutor General’s of- funds, and universities. Authorities ings in its headquarters in The Hague Helsinki : The unofficial meeting of EU fice of Ukraine, with the support of believe the website facilitated more and provided operational analysis, ministers of defence will be organised in the Bundeskriminalamt of Germany than $68,000,000 in fraud. forensic support and on the spot sup- Bucharest on 30 to 31 January 2019. As and Europol seized the xDedic Mar- port. Minister Jussi Niinistö is not able to at- ketplace. tend the meeting, Ambassador Hanna Lehtinen who is Finland’s representative The servers and domain names of on the European Union’s Political and Se- the xDedic Marketplace were seized, curity Committee (PSC) will represent and the website’s criminal activities Finland. stopped. The xDedic Marketplace sold access to compromised comput- The meeting will focus on the next ers worldwide as well as personal steps in developing defence cooperation data. It operated in both the clear and in the European Union. The defence min- dark web. isters will assess, among other things, the implementation of the European Global Users of xDedic could search for Strategy in the area of security and de- compromised computer credentials fence. They will also discuss interlink- by criteria, such as price, geographic ages of the defence initiatives of the EU, location, and operating system. The and impact of technology innovations on xDedic administrators strategically the armed forces. maintained servers all over the world. Furthermore they utilised Bitcoin to Over dinner, the ministers will discuss hide the locations of its underlying Women, Peace and Security with repre- servers and the identities of its ad- sentatives from NATO and the UN. President Petro Poroshenko announced his decision to HRH Crown Prince Condoles run for president for the second time President of the Philippines on Victims of Attacks on Church in TL Bureau Photo courtesy/Ukrainian President Office nian”. “For the welfare, security Kiev: In the framework of the Fo- and order are no less important Southern Philippines rum “From Kruty to Brussels. We sizes that he does that “to restore than the army, language and faith. are going our way”, President Petro the territorial integrity of the coun- To build strong walls and a reliable TL Bureau. Poroshenko announced his decision try and bring peace beneficial for roof over the solid foundation we Riyadh: Prince Mohammed bin Salman to run for president for the second Ukraine, to complete the construc- have laid in five years,” he said. He bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, time. tion of a strong, successful state warned against “the threat of pro- Vice President of the Council of Minis- capable of ensuring the order, pros- Russian revenge, populism and au- ters and Minister of Defense, has sent a “A sense of profound responsi- perity and security of every Ukrai- thoritarianism”. “These are the cable of condolence to President Rodrigo bility to the country, to the contem- threats of a different type. But each Duterte of the Republic of the Philip- poraries, to the past and future gen- of them is equally incompatible pines on the news of two attacks on a erations has prompted me to make with the European vector of devel- church in Southern Philippines which a decision to be a candidate for the opment of Ukraine, each of them resulted in deaths and injuries. post of President of Ukraine again. contradicts the European political I ask for the mandate of the voters standards. Hence, if you do not re- In the cable, HRH the Crown Prince to guarantee the irreversibility of move these threats, do said: “I have learned of the news of two European and Euro-Atlantic inte- not stop their carriers - Ukraine it- attacks on a church in Southern Philip- gration, to guarantee the irrevers- self will fall into the deadly em- pines, which resulted in a number of ibility of our independence,” Petro brace of Russia,” the Head of State deaths and injuries. I condemn this hei- Poroshenko said. stressed. nous criminal act. I express my utmost and sincere condolences to Your Excel- The Head of State empha- lency, the families of victims and the people of The Philippines, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured
AUSTRALIA 5 Townsville schools to Victoria To Host Cricket’s Biggest close tomorrow as Stars At The T20 World Cup disaster declaration TL Bureau. tralia, India, England and New Zea- A sellout crowd for the Women’s TL Bureau. Melbourne : Victoria, Australia’s land. Final on International Women’s Brisbane : The Premier of Queensland home of cricket, will be the epicen- Day would make history – breaking has ordered all Townsville schools and tre of the ICC T20 World Cup 2020, In a massive boost for Geelong, the world record attendance for any childcare centres to close tomorrow. hosting more games than any other Kardinia Park Stadium will host six women’s sport fixture. state. group stage matches in the men’s The decision was made after an emer- draw, attracting thousands of fans. With the love of cricket continu- gency briefing, giving families as much Minister for Tourism, Sport and ing to grow across the world, thou- prior warning as possible. Major Events Martin Pakula joined There will also be five matches sands of fans are expected to con- some of Victoria’s best cricketers over five days at the newly upgrad- verge on Victoria to see the world’s “We need to ensure everyone’s safe- today to announce that Victoria will ed Junction Oval, including a block- best players compete. ty,” the Premier said. host 19 games across the Men’s and buster double header before the Women’s Tournaments. Women’s Final at the MCG. Sporting events like ICC T20 “The Bureau’s advice is, if this mon- World Cup 2020 are a major inter- soonal weather continues, the next few The Melbourne Cricket Ground For the first time in its history, national drawcard for Victoria, days could see more heavy rainfall. will host the final for the Men’s and the ICC T20 World Cup 2020 will helping to boost our economy, Women’s Tournaments, as well as feature two stand-alone events. The showcase the best of our state to “It is safer if families are not trying to six group stage matches in the women’s tournament will be held in world and inspire our up-and-com- get to and from school.” Men’s Tournament featuring Aus- February and March, before the ing sportsmen and women. men play in October and November. The Government has declared a disas- ter situation. It gives police wider evacu- Three charged for importing ation powers if needed. The severe gun parts in toy motorcycles weather is a once in 20 year event. TL Bureau. Photo courtesy/AFP The Premier said people should take Melbourne/Sydney: Three men have been care on the roads, stay home if possible charged for their alleged roles in attempts to springs, magazine followers, and end caps and remember if it’s flooded forget it.The import a large number of firearms parts into A 25-year-old man, a 26-year-old man and a Queensland Disaster Management Com- Australia through the postal system. 33-year-old man were charged with: possessing a mittee will meet at Kedron at 10 tomor- traffickable quantity of unregistered firearms con- row morning. The operation began on 9 January 2019 trary to 7C(1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (Vic); traf- when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers ficking prohibited firearms or firearm parts into Victoria Stands By at the Melbourne International Mail Facility Australia contrary to section 361.2 of the Criminal Murray Darling targeted a consignment containing a child’s toy Code Act 1995 (Cth); intentionally importing pro- Basin Plan motorcycle. hibited firearm parts, contrary to section 233BAB(5) of the Customs Act 1901 (Cth); cross-border of- TL Bureau. X-ray analysis identified anomalies in the fence of disposal or acquisition of a firearm or fire- Melbourne : Victoria stands by the Murray consignment and further examination by ABF arm part contrary to section 360.2(1) of the Criminal Darling Basin Plan and does not support officers revealed multiple firearm parts had Code Act 1995 (Cth). starting again or renegotiating the water re- been hot-glued to the outside of the motorcy- covery targets. cle. Minister for Water Lisa Neville said re- Following further investigation with the negotiating the Basin Plan targets would Australian Federal Police (AFP), the ABF identified put Victorian communities who rely on the another two packages that were found to contain Basin – as well as the environment - at risk. firearms parts in a similar concealment. Victoria is on track to meet its obliga- Last week (21 - 24 January 2019), a number of tions under the Basin Plan, already deliver- search warrants were executed in the Melbourne ing or contracted to deliver, 800 GL for re- suburbs of Brunswick and Southbank, as well as lo- covery out of the state’s 1,075 GL target to cations in New South Wales believed to be associ- improve the health of rivers and land in the ated with the importations. Basin. During the operation, investigators seized: If a much larger recovery target was 60 gun receivers implemented, many towns in Victoria 26 30-bullet-magazines would be under grave threat. 24 drum magazines capable of holding 50 bullets 16 handgun frames This includes Cobram, Kerang, Cohuna, Kyabram, Tatura, Rochester, Pyramid Hill, Increasing and extending the Boort, Shepparton, Swan Hill and Merbein, instant asset write-off which have already suffered more than 40 TL Bureau. operations, and replace or upgrade their assets. per cent irrigation job losses. Canberra : The Liberal National Government is con- tinuing to back small business by increasing the instant “Our Government first introduced the $20,000 in- $33 MNTO BUST CONGESTION asset write-off threshold from $20,000 to $25,000, ef- IN BRISBANE’S EAST fective immediately, and extending the initiative for stant asset write-off in the 2015-16 Budget. In the first another year beyond its existing June 2019 end-date. TL Bureau. year alone, more than 300,000 small businesses took Canberra: East Brisbane motorists will This will enable over three million small businesses spend less time on the road, with the Mor- across the country with an annual turnover of less than advantage of this opportunity – this equates to an aver- rison Government investing $33 million in $10 million to access the new $25,000 instant asset local congestion busting infrastructure write-off from now until 30 June 2020. age of approximately 800 businesses per day making projects. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the $1 billion Urban Congestion Fund Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and an investment through this initiative,” Minister Cash would be put to work in East Brisbane, Vocational Education, Senator Michaelia Cash said the upgrading roads and fixing trouble spots increase and extension of this initiative will further im- said. in the area. “Better roads get us all home prove cash flow for hard working Australian small faster. They make it easier to commute, business owners by bringing forward tax deductions, The Government will introduce legislation to give easier to do business and easier to live in providing a boost to small business activity and en- our cities,” the Prime Minister said. couraging more small businesses to reinvest in their effect to this measure when Parliament returns next “Throughout Queensland and Australia we are building roads and tackling trouble month. spots so you can get home sooner and saf- er. “Getting stuck in traffic means you “The Liberal National Government understands miss dinner with loved ones, or you can’t help the kids with homework, I want to that when business owners are able to keep more of give that time back to hardworking fami- lies.” The congestion busting projects their own money, they are able to invest back into the form part of a $244 million package of works which is being announced across business, boost productivity, grow the economy and South East Queensland this week. create new and local jobs.”
6 NZ AND OTHER OCEANIA Appointment of Deputy Director-General New Zealand doubles its Data and Digital support for Nauru’s economic resilience TL Bureau. Wellington: The Ministry of Health has TL Bureau. our long-term relevance and influ- values and aims to support develop- announced the appointment of Shayne Wellington : Foreign Affairs Min- ence,” said Mr Peters. ment outcomes that are sustainable Hunter to the role of Deputy Director- ister Winston Peters announced to- and broadly-based. The wellbeing General Data and Digital. day that New Zealand is to increase Mr Peters has announced an in- and security of our Pacific neigh- funding for economic resilience, creased indicative budget of $18.5 bourhood is critical to New Zea- Shayne has spent the last 15 years in human development and good gov- million over three years. land’s own wellbeing and future,” the health and disability sector where he ernance in the island nation of Na- said Mr Peters. developed a strong a passion for informa- uru by $8 million over three years. “New Zealand’s development tion and technology enabled improve- partnership with Nauru is focused New Zealand will be represent- ments for the system and for the health “This year marks 50 years of in- on measures that will benefit future ed at the closing ceremony of Nau- outcomes for individuals and our popula- dependence for Nauru. As New generations – for example, educa- ru’s 50th independence celebrations tion. Zealand is looking to reset relation- tion, renewable energy, and support by Parliamentary Under-Secretary ships in the Pacific, it is an oppor- for the electoral system. for Foreign Affairs, Fletcher Tabu- His most recent role has been the tune time to reconsider our relation- teau. Mr Tabuteau will be in Nauru Chief Information Officer (CIO) for Cap- ship with Nauru and look to deepen “New Zealand remains commit- 30 January – 1 February. ital & Coast, Hutt Valley and Wairarapa ted to development cooperation DHBs where he’s been a member of the with Nauru that promotes regional ELT for each district health board. Pacific students encouraged to Bridges already He currently chairs the Central Region apply for health scholarships confused about DHB’s CIO group and was previously the policy costings Chair of the Health Sector National IS TL Bureau. workforce.” Leaders Forum. Prior to his role as CIO, Wellington: Pacific students in health or Over $1.4 million has been allocated TL Bureau. he was based at the Ministry and led a disability-related courses are being en- Wellington : Simon Bridges has number of national initiatives in the area couraged to apply for the Ministry of for the 2019 Scholarships. added to confusion about the cost- of medicines management. Health’s Pacific Health Scholarships. Since 2002 when the scholarships be- ings of National’s tax policy today, and needs to clear up how much Shayne started his career with IBM “The scholarships are an important gan, over 1,600 scholarships have been New Zealanders would get and before leaving to establish a number of part of growing the health workforce of awarded. Medical and Dentistry students how the plan would be paid for, start-up business based on emerging tech- New Zealand, and also making sure that can qualify for up to $10,000 and Nurs- Finance Minister Grant Robertson nologies. From there he has held delivery the health system responds effectively to ing, Midwifery and Allied Health stu- says. “National have published and leadership roles in government and the needs of Pacific people,” says Asso- dents up to $5,000. The total course fees two different numbers inside two the private sector. ciate Minister of Health Jenny Salesa. are paid directly to the tertiary institution days for how much someone on where the successful applicants will be the average wage would get under Passport fees to increase “The scholarships contribute to im- studying. the policy. On Wednesday, it was from March 1 proving access to health services for Pa- $430 a year. By Thursday, that had cific people by assisting the develop- Applications for this year’s Pacific fallen to $400, according to Simon TL Bureau. ment of the Pacific health and disability Health Scholarships close on Friday, 8 Bridges’ Magic op-ed – a 7% dif- Wellington : The fees for New Zealand February 2019 at 5pm. ference. passports will increase slightly in March, Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin Fair Pay Agreement Working Group announced today. recommendations released “The new fees will ensure that New TL Bureau. “The Government will now take its time to consider Zealanders and their families continue to Wellington : The Government will take time to consider their recommendations and comments. have a high quality passport and cover a the recommendations of the Fair Pay Agreement Working funding gap associated with the move Group which reported back today, says Workplace Rela- “The next phase of work will require detailed policy from five to 10 year passports,” says Ms tions and Safety Minister Iain Lees-Galloway. consideration and consultation and we’ll take the time to Martin. get it right. The Fair Pay Agreement Working Group, chaired by Under the new fee structure, the adult former Prime Minister Rt Hon Jim Bolger, comprised ex- “The Coalition Government has committed to improv- passport fee will increase from $180 to perts in economics, collective bargaining and employ- ing incomes and working conditions for New Zealanders, $191 while the child fee will increase ment law, along with representatives of workers and busi- focusing first on the wages and conditions of those who from $105 to $111. The passport price is ness. earn the least. similar to that of the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada. “The Rt Hon Jim Bolger has reported back to me with Fair Pay Agreements would set minimum standards to detailed and valuable recommendations,” Iain Lees-Gal- lift wages and conditions across an industry or occupa- The increase follows the first review loway said. tion. of passport and travel document fees since the change of the adult passport va- “I want to thank the Rt Hon Jim Bolger and his group “Right now, employers who pay their staff a fair wage lidity period from five to ten years in of experts. It is clear they have developed their report with are being undercut by competitors paying below a fair 2015. robust discussion, care and consideration. rate. It’s a classic race to the bottom that’s damaging peo- ple’s prospects and holding many industries back. “The government has kept the fee in- crease to a minimum, but needed to cov- National’s numbers just don’t add up er a significant deficit in the memoran- dum account that funds the production of TL Bureau five years to reach her debt targets, wondering if this policy is really passports,” the Minister said. Wellington: National’s tax plans do there is a massive hole in roading ex- worth it. If we take the numbers at not match up with the money they are penditure, and we’ve got Nikki Kaye face value it is worth $8 per week to Sea level rise report wanting to spend, Finance Minister saying she’s going to spend hundreds the average earner in 2021. For some- strengthens resolve Grant Robertson says. of millions more on teacher salaries. one on $40,000 a year it would be $1 per week. TL Correspondent “National has got some serious “It just doesn’t add up, unless Wellington : The Minister for Climate explaining to do about how they’re there are massive cuts to core areas “For the cuts to services that Change says Government recognises the going to afford their tax promises. like health, housing and education.” would be needed to pay for it, this is challenges facing many on the frontline small change. “Simon Bridges needs of coastal impacts from sea level rise. “Taking their estimate of $650 “Simon Bridges seems to have to front up on how he is going to pay million a year for this policy, on top found Steven Joyce’s fiscal hole in for his tax changes, otherwise it is Responding to Local Government of that Amy Adams needs to find bil- his back yard,” Grant Robertson said. just a reckless, empty promise.” NZ’s release of its report, “Vulnerable: The quantum of local government infra- lions of dollars over the next “New Zealanders will also be structure exposed to sea level rise”, James Shaw says the Government is acutely aware of the impacts sea level rise could have on coastal communities. “This report shows the sheer magni- tude of devastation that could be caused by sea level rise.
BUSINESS 7 ANWONONORUALFNDRCBIECAAENNDKHEGAVRNEOCLOUEDPPMACOENNLDLTGAPEBRROOMRJEAACTNTIYON World Bank Group and German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) launch joint efforts in six countries WASHINGTON DC: The World Bank tries and guidance for potential reforms entering the job market in Africa in the on this important agenda.” “Germany Group and the German Federal Minis- to increase private capital inflows and years ahead”, said World Bank Chief wants to see more investments and jobs try of Economic Cooperation and De- job creation. The sectors covered in- Executive Officer, Kristalina Georgie- in Africa and has identified reform velopment (BMZ) today announced a clude renewable energy, power grid va. “Good policy reforms pay off by countries under the G20 Compact with deeper partnership for economic devel- modernization, jobs and skills training, creating a dynamic business environ- Africa Initiative”, said State Secretary opment in six countries in Africa. BMZ investment policy and land reform, ment that can unleash the potential of in the German Ministry for Economic will provide significant additional fi- and development of the automotive the private sector. We are pleased to be Cooperation and Development, Martin nancial support through the partnership, sector. working with the Government of Ger- Jäger. “To make this happen we will which will harness World Bank Group many to step up our joint engagement forge a new type of partnership with the expertise on the ground in order to cata- “Millions of young people will be World Bank Group. In order to achieve lyze investment, job creation and sus- quick and tangible results, we will work tainable economic growth. with the World Bank Group in a much more integrated way – regularly align- The partnership flows from a Joint ing our engagements with regard to Declaration of Intent between BMZ and policy reforms and concrete invest- the Bank Group signed at an Africa In- ments as well as technical assistance”. vestment Summit in Berlin on October 30, 2018. It sets out parameters for joint The six countries have been se- action in Morocco and Tunisia in North lected by BMZ are participants in the Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, G20 Compact with Africa, an initia- Ghana, and Senegal in Sub-Saharan Af- tive that was launched in 2017 under rica. The countries will benefit from the German G20 Presidency. The joint financial support for technical as- Compact with Africa brings together sistance, development policy opera- G20 members with 12 countries in tions and other reform programs pro- Africa, with the support of the World vided by the World Bank Group. Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, and African Development Included in the partnership is a time Bank. frame for joint missions to the six coun- CBA EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE PACKAGE FOR BUSHFIRE AFFECTED AREAS IN TASMANIA TL Bureau motor vehicle insurance. credit approval). Photo/ Cba newsroom Sydney: Commonwealth Assistance for Commonwealth Loan restructuring for business Bank is providing its emer- wishing to access term deposits gency assistance package for Bank home loan, credit card and customers with existing loans. ahead of the maturity date. customers and businesses af- personal loan customers who are Waiving fees for temporary and fected by bushfires in south- affected and may experience dif- Waiving other selected fees and ern Tasmania. ficulties because of this. damaged merchant EFTPOS ter- charges. minals, as well as merchant fees As they quoted that, We Considering requests for addi- until trading recommences. Further information about our understand that each customer tional loans including emergency emergency assistance package is will have different needs and credit limit increases (subject to Waiving charges and notice pe- available online at www.com- we encourage our affected riods for affected customers mbank.com.au/emergencyassis- customers to discuss their in- dividual circumstances with tance. us by either phoning 1300 720 814 or visiting their nearest Commonwealth Bank branch. Special arrangements are in place to provide support to our Commonwealth Bank and CommInsure customers should they need it, and our staff are ready to assist them with any financial concerns or enquiries. As part of our Emergency Assistance Package, we can discuss a range of options, in- cluding: Emergency accommodation as- sistance for CommInsure custom- ers whose homes have been dam- aged. Expediting claims for CommIn- sure customers seeking help through their home, contents and
8 FEATURE HTESRLTPAEANKTFIDMOSERNMDTASFNTOUARDGYFEOFSOIINDDDEASELFWLFAEERYCGSTISTEOOS F Stanford psychologists find that a positive mindset can make children less anxious about mild but uncomfortable symptoms that arise during treatment for peanut allergies. BY MELISSA DE WITTE sign the wound is healing. fects” group were not introduced to “We have shown that a simple California: For children undergoing this framing during their treatment. change in the way we frame and dis- immunotherapy – a promising treat- “In these cases as well as others, cuss side effects of a treatment can ment for peanut allergies – uncom- you could think of symptoms not just The researchers found that patients have a meaningful impact not only fortable side effects can induce anxi- as unfortunate side effects, but as sig- who were told that mild symptoms on anxiety and adherence but also ety, perhaps to the point of skipping nals of healing: what we called a were positive were less anxious when on the physiological benefits of that doses or dropping treatment entirely. ‘symptoms as positive signals’ mind- they experienced these reactions dur- treatment,” said Alia Crum, the But guiding young patients to the set,” Howe said. “But we thought that ing treatment compared with those in principal investigator at the Stan- mindset that uncomfortable side ef- people might often miss this mindset the “symptoms as side effects” group. ford Mind & Body Lab and senior fects are a sign that treatment is work- about symptoms, only seeing the neg- During the first month of treatment, author of the paper. Crum is an as- ing can help reduce anxiety, accord- ative aspects of symptoms. So we 21.4 percent of patients who had sistant professor of psychology at ing to new research by Stanford psy- thought an intervention that made this symptoms reported feeling either Stanford’s School of Humanities chologists. mindset salient could have a lot of kind of worried or extremely worried, and Sciences. potential.” compared with 45.5 percent of pa- The study, published Jan. 28 in tients in the side effects group. Next steps Journal of Allergy and Clinical Im- To test this theory, the researchers The results from the study are munology: In Practice, found that recruited 50 patients age 7 to 17 at the The same was true for parents: At promising for helping patients cope when children perceived mild reac- Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy & the end of treatment, 40 percent of with symptoms from other medical tions to immunotherapy as useful, Asthma Research at Stanford. Fami- parents in the “symptoms as side ef- procedures where uncomfortable they were less anxious about symp- lies were randomly split into two fects” group reported still feeling side effects indicate treatment ef- toms and also less likely to skip doses groups: a “symptoms as side effects” kind of worried or extremely wor- fectiveness, such as flu vaccines or that would impede treatment. They mindset and a “symptoms as positive ried when their child had symptoms possibly chemotherapy. were also less likely to experience signals” mindset. Both groups re- during treatment, compared with “My hope is that this study sparks side effects at the end of their treat- ceived identical treatment instruc- 23.1 percent in the “symptoms as a wave of similar experiments de- ment when real peanuts are intro- tions and were trained for medication positive signals” group. Families in signing and testing psychologically duced – which for some patients can use (e.g., antihistamines) for non- the “symptoms as positive signals” informed changes in the manner in induce anxiety all over again. life-threatening symptoms, as well as group were also less likely to skip which medical treatments are deliv- access to the same resources. or reduce doses because of symp- ered,” Crum said. Promising treatments tom-related anxiety: 4 percent Meanwhile, the researchers hope Almost 6 million American chil- However, families assigned to the missed a dose compared with 21 that medical providers can put this dren and adolescents have food aller- “symptoms as positive signals” group percent. mindset intervention into practice. gies. Oral immunotherapy is an were encouraged to think of mild “We hope that this intervention emerging treatment whereby patients non-life-threatening side effects (e.g., There were physiological bene- can be successfully adapted into gradually consume tiny doses of the itchy throat, congestion) as signs that fits to focusing on a positive mind- clinical practice to help [oral immu- allergen until they build tolerance to their child was building tolerance to set as well. By the end of their six- notherapy] practitioners reduce anx- it. the allergen. This mindset was rein- month immunotherapy treatment iety among their patients and to During treatment, patients can ex- forced through direct communication when doses increased, children in make this very promising treatment perience mild but fleeting side ef- between providers and families, writ- the “symptoms as positive signals” even more effective and stress-free fects, like an itchy mouth or conges- ten information and also activities – group experienced fewer non-life- for patients and their families,” tion. These reactions are evidence for example, children wrote letters to threatening symptoms: 1.2 percent Howe said. “In the long term, we that the treatment is working, but for their “future selves” that included a versus 3.5 percent. This finding is think that these findings have prom- some patients, it can cause anxiety reminder that these symptoms sig- notable because symptom occur- ise for improving other challenging because of its association with a larg- rence can prevent or delay patients courses of treatment.” er, more severe allergic reaction. naled treatment was working. from completing treatment, the re- “We know from decades of clini- The “symptoms as side ef- searchers said. cal trials that oral immunotherapy is likely effective in protecting from ac- cidental exposure to food allergens,” said Kari Nadeau, the study’s lead physician and co-author. “But I’ve seen firsthand how challenging this treatment can be for patients and their families to complete. Experiencing symptoms during treatment can be a source of anxiety that can lead pa- tients to end treatment early, so we were particularly eager to find a mindset that could help patients come to understand symptoms in a more adaptive way.” Applying a positive mindset The study builds on ongoing re- search at the Stanford Mind & Body Lab about how mindsets – thoughts, beliefs and expectations – can influ- ence behavior and health outcomes. Sometimes uncomfortable symp- toms indicate healing, said Lauren Howe, a postdoctoral research fellow in psychology and lead author on the study. For example, a fever means that a body is fighting an infection. When a cut is inflamed and itches, it is a
LIFE & 9 REAL ESTATE Finland’s national risks and their impact on vital functions Helsinki: Finland’s national risk as- cidents. It was also assessed whether disruptions are large-scale disruptions the national risk assessment and re- sessment has been completed. The the likelihood of disruptions has in- in electricity supply or serious disrup- gional risk assessments. aim is to anticipate sudden incidents creased or stayed the same. tions in communication networks. targeted at Finland that call for ac- Health security risks include a pandem- The national risk assessment is an tivities deviating from the norm from Risks affecting the stability of the ic influenza or a highly infectious se- essential part of national prepared- the authorities or even requesting society include a serious disruption of vere animal disease. Large-scale acci- ness and the society’s security strat- help from other countries. The EU’s the public economy, use of military dents denote a serious nuclear accident egy. The risk assessment was pre- Civil Protection Mechanism obliges force or large-scale immigration. Ex- in Finland or its adjacent areas, for ex- pared together with all ministries and all Member States to carry out a na- amples of technological and logistics ample. other key operators under the Minis- tional risk assessment. Finland’s risk try of the Interior. assessment was submitted to the Eu- The national risk assessment and re- ropean Commission in December gional assessments make up a whole The work was supervised by the 2018. Security Committee. Regional risk assessments that take The national risk assessment better account of the threats or disrup- The preparation of risk assess- aimed to find risks that have a wide tions characteristic of the regions ments is developed under the Minis- national impact and identify their im- were prepared simultaneously with try of the Interior. The aim of the pact on the vital functions of the soci- the national risk assessment. The in- ministry is that both national and re- ety. Risks of this kind include infor- tention is that the national risk assess- gional risk assessments are devel- mation operations, a terrorist attack ment as a whole consists of or disruptions caused by climate oped into a continuous pro- change. cess. ”Climate warming, for instance, increases the risks of already known extreme weather phenomena, such as floods, storms and forest fires. At the same time, it creates new, more slow- ly evolving risks. In recent years, for- est damage and long blackouts have been the most visible impact of weather phenomena,” says Taito Vainio, Director, Strategic Steering, who was in charge of preparing the risk assessment. Threats range from the interfer- ence of communication networks to the use of military force The national risk assessment cov- ers 20 threat scenarios or disruptions that are possible in Finland. Disrup- tions have been divided into threats imposed on the stability of the soci- ety, technology and logistics as well as health security and large-scale ac-
10 SPORTS Australia, China complete 12-nation field for WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup 2019 in Gijang, Korea TL Bureau tralia, the youth champions of Ocea- Languages jang County and the nation’s Ministry Gijang: The World Baseball Softball nia, and congratulations to the Chi- The official tournament website of of Strategy and Finance, and Ministry Confederation (WBSC) today wel- nese Baseball Association for being of Culture, Sports and Tourism. comed Australia and China as the awarded the wild card after demon- the XXIV WBSC U-18 Baseball 11th and 12th national teams that will strating tremendous growth and World Cup has been launched at The successful staging of the U-18 compete in this year’s WBSC U-18 promise for our sport in China,” said https://u18bwc.wbsc.org/en/2019 and Baseball World Cup 2017 in Thunder Baseball World Cup® in Gijang, Re- WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari. across six languages, including Eng- Bay, Canada, helped the Thunder Bay public of Korea. “With the 12 teams now confirmed, lish, French, Japanese, Korean, Span- International Airport break its all- these top finishers across the five ish and Traditional Chinese. time monthly passenger record for the The dates for this prestigious Olympic continents will now move month of August, while generating a youth baseball world championship on to select their best youth baseball Gijang-Hyundai Dream Ballpark, CAD$ 6.3 million economic impact — a 10-day global tournament — will players to compete in one of the top the largest baseball-theme park in on the city of Thunder Bay and multi- run from Friday, 30 August to Sun- youth world championships in Korea, will be the site of the XXIX millions in brand exposure for spon- day, 8 September. sports.” WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup. sors and commercial partners. The Korea Baseball Softball Associa- Australia’s U-18 National Team Official Website Launched in Six tion (KBSA) will host one of WBSC’s The U-18 Baseball World Cups, was crowned the 2019 champions of jewel events in collaboration with Gi- along with its continental qualifiers, Oceania yesterday (27 January), fin- have consistently featured players ishing ahead of second-place Ameri- who have gone on to become some of can Samoa, third-place Guam, fourth- the biggest names in the sport, such as place New Zealand and fifth-place Japan’s Yu Darvish and Shohei Palau, becoming the 11th team to earn Ohtani; Korea’s Shin-soo Choo; Cu- the right to compete For the Title of ba’s Yasiel Puig and Aroldis Chap- World Champion at the U-18 Base- man; and Clayton Kershaw, Bryce ball World Cup in Gijang. Harper, Francisco Lindor, Manny Machado and Buster Posey, who all The WBSC also awarded a wild played for USA Baseball’s U-18 Na- card to world No. 20 China — cur- tional Team. rently the fourth-highest ranked base- ball team in Asia — to complete the Final Standings – WBSC Oceania 12-team field in Gijang, which also U-18 Baseball Championship 2019 includes Canada, China, Chinese Tai- pei, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Nica- Australia ragua, Panama, South Africa, Spain American Samoa and USA. Guam New Zealand “Congratulations to Baseball Aus- Palau Tickets go on sale for NETBALL AUSTRALIA LAUNCHES FIBA Intercontinental Suncorp Super Netball pre-season tournament Cup TL Bureau. vide all Suncorp Super Netball another great initiative celebrating TL Bureau. Sydney : Netball Australia has teams with a league-organised pre- women’s sport in Australia.” MIES (Switzerland)/RIO DE JANEI- launched the inaugural Suncorp season competition, but also give RO (Brazil) - Tickets are now available Super Netball pre-season tourna- fans another opportunity to witness Netball Queensland CEO Cath- for the FIBA Intercontinental Cup, the ment to be known as the Suncorp their teams in action. erine Clark is thrilled that the much-anticipated four-team competition #TeamGirls Cup, announcing it Queensland State Netball Centre taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, will take place from 8-10 March “With the Suncorp Super Netball will play host to the inaugural from February 15-17. in Brisbane. league heading into its third season, Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup. we felt it was time to introduce a There are two types of tickets: The Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup formalised pre-season element to “It is an incredible moment A Day Pass, valid for either of the two will bring the world’s best net- the competition and we’re really ex- for Netball Queensland as we gamedays (Friday, February 15 or Sun- ballers together in the first event cited to be launching the Suncorp welcome the world’s best net- day, February 17); to take place at the new Queensland #TeamGirls Cup this year with all ballers to our new world class A Tournament Pass, which grants ac- State Netball Centre in Brisbane. eight teams,” he said. venue here in Brisbane. What a cess to all four games played across the All eight Suncorp Super Netball fantastic way to open the two gamedays. teams will battle it out across three “There was a lot of player move- Queensland State Netball Centre. A Day Pass ranges in price from US days of matches. ment during the off-season, so this This arena will become synony- $9 (35 Brazilian Real) to US $35 (130 tournament will give fans a chance mous with the world leading Brazilian Real), while a Tournament The tournament will see two to see their new-look Suncorp Super steps that we are taking for fe- Pass is on sale from between $15 (60 pools of four teams play in a Netball teams hit the court 50 days male athletes and women’s sport Brazilian Real) to US $52 (200 Brazil- round-robin style format before out from the official season kicking in this country. The access and ian Real). going head-to-head with the op- off.” opportunity that it will provide The four teams taking the court at posing pool on the final day of for our upcoming athletes and Carioca 1 Arena, the iconic venue that play. Each match will consist of Suncorp Executive General spectators is unprecedented,” hosted the Olympic Basketball Tourna- 10-minute quarters and each team Manager of Brand and Marketing Clark said. ment in 2016, are: 2018 NBA G League will play four matches over the Mim Haysom said the launch of the champions Austin Spurs; Basketball three days. Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup is another Queensland’s Acting Tourism Champions league title holders AEK great way to bring families together Industry Development Minister Di (Greece); DIRECTV Liga de las Amer- There are four sessions of match and showcase the importance of Farmer said Queensland was con- icas title holders San Lorenzo de Al- play scheduled - one on Friday eve- sports participation. tinuing to demonstrate its position magro (Argentina); tournament hosts ning, two on Saturday (day and as a world-class sporting event Flamengo, who are the last Brazilian night) and one on Sunday. Four “The Suncorp #TeamGirls Cup is host. team to win both the DIRECTV Liga de matches per session, all teams play- more than netball as it aims to en- las Americas and FIBA Intercontinental ing each session. courage females across the nation to “It is still less than a year since Cup in the same year (2014). build both confidence and self-es- the Gold Coast 2018 Common- The tournament will be played in a Netball Australia Executive teem, and International Women’s wealth Games and to be playing Final Four format, with two Semi-Fi- General Manager of Events Chris Day is the perfect day for this to host to this exciting new pre-sea- nals on February 15, followed by a 3rd- Symington said the Suncorp #Team- launch,” said Ms Haysom. son tournament is another feather Place Game and Final two days later. in Queensland’s cap,” Ms Farmer The Semi-Finals will see San Lorenzo Girls Cup is an exciting new ini- “Suncorp is excited to be part said. take on AEK and Flamengo face Austin. tiative that will not only pro- of this inaugural event which is
TECH/AUTO 11 2019 LEXUS DESIGN AWARD FINALISTS NAMED Six Transformative Solutions Harness the Power of Design Innovation to Build a Better Tomorrow Six finalists were selected from a total of 1,548 entries and will now enter the prototype creation stage with continued support from Lexus. In preparation for prototype creation, a Lexus-sponsored mentoring workshop was held at the newly-opened Intersect by Lexus in New York City, where finalists re- ceived hands-on guidance with four globally acclaimed creators: Jessica Rosenkrantz, Shohei Shigematsu, Sebastian Wrong and Jaime Hayon. Finalists will introduce their prototypes to a global audience for the first time ever this April at Milan Design Week 2019, after which the Grand Prix winner will be selected. TL Bureau Photo Source/Toyota Japan TOKYO: Lexus announced today the names of the six Lexus Design Award finalists for 2019. This year’s finalists employed technology in even more creative ways to spark new ideas and conceptualize transfor- mative solutions that have the power to change lives. Most of the solution concepts below looked to address the challenges of tomorrow today including biode- gradable materials, renewable energy sources and re- duction of our carbon footprint. Lexus Design Award 2019 Finalists Algorithmic Lace, Lisa Marks (USA); A 3D-cus- tom lace bra for breast cancer survivors. Arenophile, Rezzan Hasoglu (Turkey / Country of Residence: UK); A project exploring desert sand with different binding materials to create products. Baluto, Jeffrey E. Dela Cruz (Philippines); A mod- ular housing system designed to withstand earth- quakes and high floods. Sebastian Wrong and Jaime Hayon offered inspiration Green Blast Jet Energy, Dmitriy Balashov (Rus- and their diverse expertise to kick-off and prepare the sia); A turbine that collects and converts aircraft jet finalists to start creating their prototypes. Hayon, who blast to energy during take-off. served as a judge on the first Lexus Design Award in Hydrus, Shuzhan Yuan (China); An emergency 2013, returns as a mentor this year, and said: “The fi- treatment equipment offshore oil spills that increase nalist’s ideas are very interesting, and some are truly work efficiency. breaking boundaries. Through the mentoring work- Solgami, Prevalent (Ben Berwick) (Australia); A shop, I myself was also inspired by interacting with a window blind that generates electricity and increases different generation who looks at technology for the internal illumination. 21st century from a fresh angle. Further the varied According to technologist and 2019 LDA judge, backgrounds of the mentors made the whole project John Maeda, “This year’s submissions revealed a richer.” He added, “Milan Design Week is a big boom strong awareness of the connectedness of our world of ideas and a wonderful environment for an interna- and the need for increased social consciousness.” tional exchange of creativity, a perfect place for the Speaking more on the transformation happening in the finalists to show courage and challenge this great op- area of design thinking, he said, “It’s clear that the fu- portunity.” Following the inspiring and highly valu- sion of classical design and computational design is able workshop, finalists will have ongoing access to now happening especially in the minds of designers each mentor as they develop their prototypes during looking to solve our world’s biggest problems. I’m the months leading up to Milan Design Week in April. optimistic that as we continue to nurture and embrace mentoring workshop at the recently opened Intersect Their prototypes will then be displayed at the Lexus this new generation of designers we’ll see a better to- by Lexus brand space in the heart of New York’s event space in Milan on 8 April. Prototypes will be morrow.” Meatpacking District. Here, four globally acclaimed judge by four world-renown design leaders and select Earlier this month, the finalists engaged in a 2-day designers: Jessica Rosenkrantz, Shohei Shigematsu, the Lexus Design Award 2019 Grand Prix winner. Koenigsegg to embark on evolutionary journey for future growth TL Bureau. The paPrhtnoteor/slohgiop cwouilrltedseye/Kpoeenniagnseaglg- access additional capabilities as well market segment together with Ängelholm: Koenigsegg AB is form- as benefiting from the extensive auto- NEVS. We very much look forward ing a strategic partnership with NEVS ready existing collaboration between motive knowledge in the region, to working together with NEVS to AB, enabling the development of par- Koenigsegg and NEVS, creating syn- whilst maintaining their centre of ex- develop products that ensure a sus- allel vehicle models in slightly higher ergies between their geographical cellence in Ängelholm. Alongside tainable future”, says Christian von volumes with emphasis on electrifica- footprints, experiences and compe- NEVS capacity for production in Koenigsegg, Founder and CEO of tion, as well as strengthening growth tencies. Trollhättan and China, NEVS through Koenigsegg. opportunities in the hyper car seg- its majority owner Evergrande, has a ment. NEVS is making a capital in- Koenigsegg already has a distin- wide distribution platform and chan- “Koenigsegg is an enticing company jection of EUR 150 million, thereby guished unique market position for nels through ownership in one of developing advanced cars with unique taking a 20 percent minority stake in hyper cars, and through the additional China’s largest car retailers. technology and with a customer base that is Koenigsegg’s parent company. Addi- joint venture NEVS and Koenigsegg one of a kind. To be able to expand our in- tionally, the parties are forming a are partnering up to develop a product “Koenigsegg is breaking new vestment in the Swedish automotive indus- joint venture to expand into new mar- for new and untapped segments, le- ground, capitalising on our unique try through a company that we know and ket segments where NEVS AB is con- veraging both of the companies’ technology, performance track re- have an established relationship with, is an tributing USD 150 million in starting strengths. cord and market position to explore important step for us. We have both compe- capital for a 65 percent stake and and develop new products. This tencies and facilities to support Koenigsegg Koenigsegg obtains 35 percent by Through NEVS production facili- partnership will create the best con- on their journey forward, something we contributing primarily with intellec- ties in Trollhättan, Koenigsegg will ditions for Koenigsegg to accelerate look very much forward to”, says Kai Jo- tual property, technology licenses, growth in the hyper car market, as han Jiang, Chairman of the Board of Direc- and product design. well as enabling us to break ground into an untapped tors at NEVS AB.
12 WORLD Finnish and Swedish Prez Vladimir Putin approves officials Prime Ministers wish for to decriminalise corrupt acts even closer cooperation Continued from page 1... of corruption. banks. Where it could be returned TL Bureau. TASS’ second example is when a However what really makes it back to the state if it so wanted. Helsinki: Finland and Sweden are both very former member of the family of a willing to engage in even closer cooperation public servant does not agree to obvious of the strangeness of this Ilya Shumanov deputy head of in several sectors, including in the bioecon- provide information on the income law is to whom it will only apply Transparency International Russia omy and the defence sector. The good rela- and expenses of common children and how it will apply. It applies to pointed out these are obvious loop- tions between the two countries and the will due to prolonged illness. In that a public servant but not their spous- holes for officials to avoid respon- to further enhance them where among the case it is still the duty of the public es or minor children. It seems to sibility and there is not one single key topics discussed by the Prime Minister servant or his/her family to notify provide almost a list of where to rational explanation for this. I agree of Sweden Stefan Löfven and Finnish Prime and if not, they should be charged hide their gains. It sites “ for objec- on the first point but it seems on the Minister Juha Sipilä in Helsinki on 29 Janu- with the offences and the court if tive reasons it is impossible to sub- second there is a clear aim to pro- ary. Finland was the first destination visited their claim is valid should give def- mit information on income, prop- tect the Russian establishment. The by Prime Minister Löfven after his re-elec- erence to ill health and to any other erty of their spouses and children. bill has not been passed yet but the tion. mitigating circumstance for not Although they do prohibit these strange definitions, bizarre exam- providing the information. The officials from holding wealth in ples and lack of clarity point to a “I am very happy that the new Swedish government seems to be willingly foreign bank accounts. It seems the Russian state that is deliberately Government places so much emphasis on protect its employees from charges state is happy for them to hide their protecting those of its own officials further developing and deepening our rela- funds but as long as it is in Russian known to be in the wrong. tions in sectors such as defence cooperation and biotechnology”, Prime Minister Sipilä ‘World’s deadliest sea crossing’ claimed six says. The Prime Ministers also talked about lives a day in 2018: UN refugee agency the outcome of the Nordic climate meeting held in Helsinki last week and the ways to TL Bureau Traumatised people kept at sea Photo/UNHCR promote climate change mitigation by Nor- for days dic and European action. Also on the agenda According to a new report denied permission to dock. “Large in the discussions were Finland’s upcoming from the agency, an esti- In the last year, shifts in policy numbers of often traumatised and Presidency of the Council of the EU and mated 2,275 individuals by some southern European States sick people were kept at sea for topical EU affairs such as migration, the next drowned or went missing in the have led to numerous incidents days before permission to disem- Multiannual Financial Framework of the Mediterranean in 2018. where people have been left strand- bark was granted,” the report states, EU, defence and Brexit. “With regard to ed at sea for days on end, because “sometimes only after other States Brexit the ball is still in the British court. It This is despite the fact that Eu- the boats carrying them have been had pledged to relocate the majority is for the country to decide what it wants. As rope saw the lowest number of refu- of those who had been rescued”. long as the situation is unclear, the EU will gees and migrants arriving for five prepare for all options”, Prime Minister Sip- years, at 139,300, principally Spain ilä says. (65,400), Greece (50,500) and Italy (23,400). The Economic Development Committee supports investing “Saving lives at sea is not a additional finances in research choice, nor a matter of politics, but an age-old obligation,” said Filippo and development Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees. “We can put an end to TL Bureau. these tragedies by having the cour- Stenbock House: At today’s meeting, the age and vision to look beyond the Economic Development Committee of the next boat, and adopt a long-term ap- government expressed their support for the proach based on regional coopera- societal agreement to enhance research and tion, that places human life and dig- development as well as innovation and in- nity at its core.” vest additional finances in research and de- velopment in 2020–2022. A significant pro- Singapore launches first-in-Asia integrated TV viewership data portion of the funding would be used to ad- vance measures for encouraging enterprises More than 8 in 10 consuming media content on smartphones; capturing of to improve their research, development and cross-screen viewing behaviour grows in importance innovation. “Investing additional funds to encourage enterprises to enhance research TL Bureau and development will help to improve cer- Singapore : The launch of the Singapore TV Audience Measurement (SG-TAM)1 integrated viewership data will tain areas that are currently disadvantaged. enable broadcasters and advertisers to better tailor their offerings to meet evolving audiences’ needs. The first in Asia We must also bear in mind the needs of re- search institutions, because high-level re- to offer such integrated data, the enhanced SG-TAM system is now able to understand cross-screen viewing behaviour, search is the basis for high-quality higher education. This will also directly affect the to capture unduplicated TV viewership figures across digital devices such as smartphones, tablets and PCs. Launched future progress of our enterprises,” said Prime Minister Jüri Ratas, head of the Eco- in 2016, SG-TAM tracked viewership on TV and other digital devices separately. Today, the integrated TV viewership nomic Development Committee. data will enable broadcasters to make better programming decisions across different viewing screens to develop more President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and quality content for their audiences. For advertisers, the insights into the demographics of viewers will help inform Security Policy decisions on targeted advertising spend. The data will be accessible to subscribers of SG-TAM within three working TL Bureau. days of a programme’s scheduled telecast on a linear platform. Helsinki : On Tuesday 29 January, the Presi- dent of the Republic and the Ministerial Com- Warning on Fraudulent Websites Soliciting mittee on Foreign and Security Policy dis- “Cryptocurrency” Investments cussed topical affairs concerning China and the United States. Finland stresses the impor- TL Bureau. of the public should avoid providing any financial or tance of a multilateral rule-based system and Singapore: The Monetary Authority of Singapore personal information on the forms linked from the the active role of the EU, both in the transat- (MAS) warns members of the public not to be misled websites. Putting money in cryptocurrencies or digital lantic relations and in the China policy. by fraudulent websites that solicit investments in tokens is highly risky. MAS and the Commercial Af- cryptocurrencies using fabricated information attrib- fairs Department (CAD) have issued several adviso- The President of the Republic and the uted to the Singapore Government. ries on 19 December 2017, 18 September 2018, 19 Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Secu- September 2018 and 5 December 2018 to warn the rity Policy also received an update on the cur- These websites falsely claim that Singapore is public of the risks of such investment offers. rent situation in the Middle East, especially adopting a cryptocurrency as its official coin. They the conflicts in Syria also claim that a firm has been appointed exclusively Members of the public who suspect that an in- and Yemen. to market this cryptocurrency. The sites ask readers to vestment offer could be fraudulent or misused for provide their personal and financial details to pur- other unlawful activities should report such cases to chase the cryptocurrency. This is a scam and members the Police.
13 A joint Australian, state and territory government initiative. Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
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