The Life News Australia Aug 1, 2019

Israeli-Palestinian Peace Would Be Iran’s Worst Nightmare TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

AUSTRALIA Vol. 02 Issue 11 August 1, 2019

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini last week touted Iran’s support for the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. He said the way to counter the so-called “deal of the century” peace plan of the Trump administration would be to give Palestinians a “feeling of progress,” offering that “not many years ago, the Palestinians were fighting with stones, but today … they are equipped with precision rockets, and this means a feeling of progress.”

This was yet another example of Iran’s warped vision for the Palestinian people– one that offers nothing but increased violence, devastation and despair.

In contrast, last month in Bahrain an entirely different and hopeful vision of peace and prosperity for the Palestinian people was presented. More than 300 government, private sector, and civil society leaders convened for the Peace to Prosperity workshop to discuss and provide feedback on the Trump administration’s economic vision for the Palestinians and the region. The gathering generated a renewed enthusiasm for improving the lives of Palestinians and bringing peace and opportunity to the region, which Iranian aggression can clearly never achieve.

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FM Zarif, Chinese Diplomat Meet in Tehran Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held talks with Song Tao, the head of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China, in Tehran.

TL Bureau, Tehran Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has held talks with Song Tao, the head of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China, in Tehran.During the Tuesday meeting, the two sides conferred on the most pressing bilateral, regional and international issues and developments. The talks were particularly focused on friendly ties between Tehran and Beijing in all fields, especially the meetings between the Iranian and Chinese presidents during the past few years.They also discussed the two countries' common strategic view of international developments, including the US' unilateralist policy in violation of international rules and regulations, and its efforts to impose its hegemony on the world.

Police strongly condemn violent acts in Tin Shui Wai TL Bureau, Hong Kong

USCBC Statement on Conclusion of 12th Round of US-China Negotiations

Officers of Tin Shui Wai Police Station last night (July 30) arrested three men while handling a criminal damage and common assault case on Tin Sau Road, during which protestors gathered and besieged Tin Shui Wai Police Station requesting to release the arrested persons.

At around 2.45am (July 31), Police received multiple reports that a private car passing by Tin Shui Wai Police Station discharged fireworks at the protestors and left. Five of the six injured were sent to Tin Shui Wai Hospital in conscious state. The remaining man refused to be sent to the hospital.

The case was classified as assault occasioning actual bodily harm, using false instrument, theft from vehicles and discharging firework without permit. Investigation by District Crime Squad of Yuen Long is underway.

Police strongly condemn these violent acts, and will spare no effort in investigating all illegal and violent acts. Police are capable and determined to maintain law and order and will not tolerate any violence.

TL Bureau, WASHINGTON Following the conclusion of the 12th round of US-China bilateral trade negotiations in Shanghai, US-China Business Council (USCBC) President Craig Allen issued the following statement: "The US-China Business Council and its members are pleased that the US negotiators traveled to China to continue negotiations. We are pleased the two sides agreed to move forward with agriculture purchases to provide some much needed relief to American farmers. "Only through engagement can both sides ensure a sustainable and reciprocal economic relationship.

We hope the negotiators will continue

to take a pragmatic and realistic approach to compromise and reach a conclusion that leads to greater market access for foreign companies, improves the protection and enforcement of intellectual property, and ultimately levels the playing field for foreign companies operating in the market. "We look forward to continuing to support these discussions as the next round of negotiations moves to the United States in September. China is a critically important trading partner for the United States. Strengthening this commercial relationship is in the best interests of US consumers, companies, workers, and farmers."

Two more ballistic missiles shown by South Korea TL Sources, Hamgyong North Korea directed its subsequent weapons test in under seven days on Wednesday, discharging two short-run ballistic rockets off its east coast in a move spectators state could be gone for boosting weight on the United States to set up new denuclearisation talks.

The shots were propelled ahead of schedule from the Hodo Peninsula in South Hamgyong area on North Korea's east coast, as indicated by South Korea's military's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) of Yemen reviews a number of incidents and refutes allegations TL Bureau, Riyadh The official spokesman of the Joint Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) in Yemen Legal Counselor Mansour Al-Mansour reviewed the results of assessing the incidents which included four allegations filed by international organizations and different media addressing errors allegedly committed by the Coalition Forces to Support Legitimacy in Yemen during military operations inside Yemen, confirming the correctness of the measures followed by the Coalition forces which observed the bases of engagement and the norms of the humanitarian international law.

2

EDITORIAL

Two more missile test … Is North Korea trying to threaten world… or just..

Today North Korea Launches More Missiles, 2 Short-Range Projectiles Toward South Korea and again the world including US, Korea and all stubborn. There have been various North Korean rocket tests. North Korea has likewise terminated various short-extend rockets into the Sea of Japan (East Sea of Korea), in what have been translated as political signals. Starting at 30 November 2017, North Korea has completed 117 trial of key rockets since its first such test in 1984.15 were done under the standard of Kim Ilsung and 16 under Kim Jong-il. Under Kim Jongun, in excess of 80 tests have been embraced.

On February 7, 2016, around a month after a supposed nuclear bomb test, North Korea professed to have put a satellite into low Earth circle.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had cautioned the North to not

dispatch the rocket, and on the off chance that it did and the rocket damaged A japanese area, it would be shot down.

North Korea propelled the rocket at any rate, asserting the satellite was absolutely proposed for serene, logical purposes.

On August 29, 2017 United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres has denounced the most recent North Korea Ballistic Missile Launch and named it as infringement of important UN Security Council goals, as According to press reports, early Tuesday morning, the North Korea Ballistic Missile voyaged somewhere in the range of 2,700 kilometers, flying over Japan before colliding with the Pacific Ocean.

Indonesian experts kept the North Korean's second-biggest freight dispatch, the Wise Honest, in April for having been shot stacking what had all the earmarks of being

coal in North Korea. The ship's programmed distinguishing proof framework sign had been killed since August 2017, attempting to cover its course. In July 2018 the U.S. Equity Department verified a fixed seizure warrant for the ship. The U.S. held onto the Wise Honest in Indonesia under its warrant in May and put it under tow to American Samoa. The Justice Department said it was the first run through the United States had held onto a North Korean freight vessel for universal

assents infringement. The approvals are proposed "eventually to weight North Korea to disassemble its atomic program".

This isn't just because.

This program begun by North Korea in 1976–81.

Furthermore, till now today it's as yet occurring

by North Korea. It's separated from everyone else multiple times in May and multiple times in July 2019. So given us a chance to see whether North Korea will stop or attempting to damage the worldwide understandings and laws.

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3

WORLD

UN chief extends condolences to families of China landslide casualties TL Bureau, UN HQ United Nations SecretaryGeneral António Guterres has extended his condolences to the families of those killed in Sunday’s landslides, in the southern Chinese province of Guizhou, following heavy rains.

In a statement released on Sunday, Mr. Guterres said that he was “saddened by the loss of life and destruction of property caused by the landslides”.

According to media reports, at least 36 are believed to have died in the landslides, which

Foreign Minister Haavisto to visit Latvia TL Bureau, Helsinki Minister for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto will visit Riga on Tuesday 30 July. Haavisto will meet Egils Levits, Latvia’s newly elected president, and hold discussions with Minister for Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkevics. “The Baltic Sea region is of key importance to Finland from the point of view of foreign and security policy, trade and the economy, and the environment. I’ll be interested to hear Foreign Minister Rinkevics’ thoughts about the development of the European Union. I’m pleased to be able to meet the new President of Latvia, Egils Levits, who has strong experience of the European rule of law and human rights in the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Court of Human Rights," Haavisto says.

occurred on Tuesday, in the village of Pingdi, Shuicheng County. Since then, rescue teams have reportedly been try-

ing to find survivors by digging through a large mound of earth, using excavators.

The reports say that some 40

people have been rescued, but another 15 people are still missing since the mud buried more than 20 houses.

Mr. Guterres went on to commend the search and rescue operations being conducted by the Government of China, as the rains continue to fall, and offered the assistance of the United Nations, if needed, to assist in these efforts.

Landslides are not uncommon in rural and mountainous parts of China, particularly after heavy rains: the country has experienced severe flooding this year.

Violence at Workplace Exacts Heav y Cost on Fijian Businesses TL Bureau, Suva

report, IFC launched a program to coach trainers to help businesses Domestic and sexual violence is cost- across the Pacific better support staff ing Fijian employers almost 10 days affected by domestic and sexual vioof work per employee each year, lence. The study shows companies according to a new study by IFC, can mitigate the effects of domestic International Finance Corporation, a and sexual violence. Simple member of the World Bank Group. approaches, like helping employees The report: The Business Case for access community services, can Workplace Responses to Domestic make a real difference. and Sexual Violence in Fiji demon- “Companies with well designed polistrates the crucial role employers can cies and processes for those harmed play in supporting staff affected by by domestic and sexual violence can domestic and sexual violence. It rec- improve employee well-being and ommends actions they can take, such performance, driving better business as developing standardized work- returns,” said Deva De Silva, IFC’s place responses and training teams Resident Representative for Fiji, to help affected employees. Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati and Tuvalu.

Following the publication of the IFC surveyed three companies in the

Fijian private sector with a total of 1,701 employees. Thirty-three percent of employees at these companies completed the survey and of those surveyed, 21 percent of women and nine percent of men had experienced violence in the last 12 months.

For women and men, the most common form of violence was emotional abuse, harassment or intimidation by a family or household member, followed by physical violence. “This study demonstrates domestic and sexual violence has a ripple effect across employees, teams and businesses. Employers can combat this, leading to better outcomes,” said Anna Dorney, Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji.

Coalition airstrikes destroy Houthi operation room in Sa’ada TL Bureau, Sa'ada The Arab coalition fighter jets on Monday destroyed an operation room for Iran-backed Houthi militia in the east of Sa’ada province.

The coalition airstrikes destroyed the militia’s operation room in the valley of Hadwan near the center of Ketaf district. Several elements in the Houthi militia were also killed and injured. In the context, similar airstrikes by the Arab coalition targeted gatherings of Houthi militiamen in the valley of Fahlaween in Ketaf, leaving a number of killed and injured and destroying a number of their combat vehicles

Switzerland at Expo 2020 Dubai: Federal Councillor Cassis takes policy decision on sponsorship deal TL Bureau, Bern The FDFA is no longer pursuing the possibility of a sponsorship with Philip Morris International (PMI) for the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis made this decision so as not to undermine the primary objective of the Swiss presence in Dubai, which is to convey a positive image of Switzerland. Mr Cassis has also instructed Presence Switzerland to revise the FDFA's current sponsorship policy by the end of 2019.

Walk of Dignity in honor of Independence UK’s future is bright, PM Day will take place in Kyiv - Andriy Bohdan to tell farmers in Wales TL Bureau, Kyiv Ukraine will celebrate Independence Day in a new format this year. Walk of Dignity in honor of the holiday will take place in Kyiv. This was announced

by Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Bohdan during a briefing.

"Instead of the traditional parade in the Soviet traditions with an expensive demonstration of military equipment, the Walk of Dignity will take place on the central street of the capital. This event in the European-style is intended to initiate a new tradition of honoring everyone who is proud of Ukraine," Andriy Bohdan said. It is planned that representatives of different types of troops of the Armed Forces of Ukraine will pass

Prime Minister Boris Johnson to visit farm and meet Welsh farmers to talk Brexit.

TL Bureau, London

along the central street of Kyiv – Khreshchatyk. ATO veterans will be able to join their brigade representatives. Doctors, teachers, athletes, diplomats and volunteers together with the military will also attend the event.

"The event will be modern in ideological and technical aspects.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr

Zelenskyy and the leadership of the state will take part in the walk.

After that, the Head of State will appeal to the Ukrainian people.

Also there will be a grand concert in the center of Kyiv, one of the most famous Ukrainian directors is organizing this event," Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine mentioned.

while the food and drink sector is Wales’ largest – contributing Farmers and food producers will almost £1.7 billion to its econocontinue to thrive in post-Brexit my.

Britain, the PM will say in a visit- Ahead of the visit Prime Minister ed Wales Boris Johnson will visit Boris Johnson said: a farm in South Wales to meet I will always back Britain’s great farmers and workers and hear farmers and as we leave the EU their hopes for the UK after we need to make sure that Brexit Brexit. It is the latest in a number works for them. That means of trips the PM is taking across scrapping the Common the United Kingdom, as he Agricultural Policy and signing pledges to revitalise forgotten new trade deals – our amazing communities and renew the ties food and farming sector will be that underpin the Union. The ready and waiting to continue farming sector employs more selling ever more not just here than 50,000 people in Wales, but around the world.

4

WORLD

Troika Statement on the South Sudan Peace Process TL Bureau, London The Troika (the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway) reaffirm their commitment to the IGAD-led South Sudan peace process and to the lasting peace the people of South Sudan deserve. The significant drop in political violence and the presence of many opposition politicians in Juba are welcome developments. However, with less than four months until the new deadline for the end of the pre-transitional period in November, time is running out.

While there is progress, lack of momentum to fully implement the peace agreement may threaten the successful formation of the transitional government and prospects for the peace process.

We call on the parties to redouble their efforts to resolve the most pressing remaining issues, which includes ensuring agreed security reforms are delivered, through the mobilization of necessary support. We join the region and South Sudan’s civil society in calling for regular engagement between President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar. Focused discussions on outstanding tasks are critical for progress towards the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity, which will set the foundation for effective joint governance.

Credible elections in South Sudan in 2022 are another important milestone.

Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard Provides Update on Migration TL Bureau, Mexico City

At the morning press conference given today by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard provided an update on the progress made by the Government of Mexico on migration. Secretary Ebrard reported a sharp drop in migration to Mexico and the United States. Preliminary figures for July show 87,648 migrants arriving at the northern border, compared to 144,278 in May, a reduction of 60%.

He also reported on the programs launched as part of the Comprehensive Development Plan, saying that Mexico is the only country in the world to create more jobs—in accordance to Mexican law—than the number of people being returned to their home countries. The programs are the “Sowing Life” and “Youths Building the Future” programs. They have been introduced in the municipalities in El Salvador and Honduras that are home to a majority of the migrants.

These programs are funded by the Yucatan Fund, which was approved by all of the political parties, and from

which 60 million pesos are being allocated to help the National Migration Institute improve conditions at Mexico’s immigration stations and shelters.

Secretary Ebrard also announced that the 12th meeting of the Migration Coordination Mechanism was held recently. Twelve Mexican institutions and El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Cuba and Haiti participate in this group. In addition, the first conference for donor countries of the

Comprehensive Development Plan for southern Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador is being organized. The conference will provide important global support for the strategy that Mexico is promoting internationally. Lastly, the foreign secretary said that results from the “Sowing Life” and “Youths Building the Future” programs will be seen in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala in the short term, and that the strategy of the Mexican govern-

ment will show that immediate steps can and must be taken by countries with more resources to create jobs in the regions from which most migrants come.

Regarding the migrants who are waiting in Mexico for court dates in the U.S., the government is about to launch the "Leona Vicario" program in Ciudad Juárez to provide jobs— according to Mexican law—for asylum-seekers waiting in Mexico for hearings in the U.S. on their cases.

Today is Earth Overshoot Day – Circular economy offers solutions for the sustainable use of natural resources TL Bureau, Helsinki

exceeds the Earth’s biocapacity, or the capacity to generate renewable As of today, we have consumed resources and process the carbon more renewable natural resources dioxide released into the atmosthan the Earth will produce this year. phere from the burning of fossil We have consumed these natural fuels. At our current rate of conresources in less than seven sumption, we would need 1.75 months, although they should last us Earths to support our demand on the the whole year.Earth Overshoot Day ecosystem. Earth Overshoot Day is marks the date when, according to determined based on the calculacalculations, people’s consumption tions of the Global Footprint

Network. Finland is already well past its country overshoot day for this year, which was 5 April.

Overconsumption is one of the most significant causes of climate change and dwindling biodiversity. It compromises the availability of food, clean water and raw materials. The consequences can already be seen today: the global climate is already around one degree warmer than in prein-

dustrial times, and about one million of the world’s plant and animal species are in danger of extinction.

“We must take quick action to reduce our consumption of natural resources. The Earth cannot support our overconsumption, which is a major cause of biodiversity loss and the progression of climate change,” says Krista Mikkonen, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change.

RAF Typhoons scrambled from PM call with Taoiseach Varadkar: Ämari Air Base to intercept a Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke to Russian military transport aircraft Taoiseach Leo Varadkar today.

TL Bureau, London TL Bureau, London Royal Air Force (RAF) Typhoon fighter jets operating from Ämari Air Base in Estonia launched on Sunday 28th July to intercept a Russian IL-76 military transport aircraft that was flying close to Estonian airspace.

This is a routine NATO mission for the Typhoons which provides reassurance that the UK is here to work in partnership with Estonia.

Defence Secretary, Ben Wallace, said:

As this latest Quick Reaction Alert demonstrates, the RAF are frequently called upon to use their world class skills and capabilities to help police and protect the skies over

the Baltics.

Our personnel deployed to Estonia and around the world are always ready to react to any scenario as we continue our commitment to our NATO allies.

looked forward to visiting Northern Ireland shortly and talking to the leaders of the five A Downing Street spokesperson said: main parties about this. On Brexit, the Prime The Taoiseach congratulated the Prime Minister made clear that the UK will be leavMinister on his appointment and both leaders ing the EU on October 31, no matter what. underscored their commitment to working He said that in all scenarios, the Government closely together in the spirit of the warm and will be steadfast in its commitment to the deep relationship between the UK and Belfast Agreement and will never put physiIreland. On the process of restoring the cal checks or physical infrastructure on the Executive and Assembly in Northern Ireland, border. The Prime Minister made clear that both leaders expressed their determination the government will approach any negotiato see this happen as quickly as possible. tions which take place with determination The Prime Minister said the ongoing talks and energy and in a spirit of friendship, and have his unequivocal support and that he that his clear preference is to leave the EU wanted to continue to work closely with the with a deal, but it must be one that abolishes Irish government to help drive the process the backstop. The two leaders agreed to stay towards a successful conclusion. He said he in contact.

5

AUSTRALIA

Government’s child care reforms cut costs for families TL Bureau, Canberra

Parents with children in child care have more money in their pocket because of the Morrison Government’s Child Care Subsidy.

Out-of-pocket child care costs for families are down 7.9 per cent since our Government’s Child Care Subsidy was introduced on 2 July 2018, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ consumer price

index (CPI) released today. Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the Morrison Government’s child care reforms were supporting Australian families to access child care services.

"Our Government is providing a record $8.6 billion investment in child care this year," Mr Tehan said."Our Child Care Package is leaving more dollars in the pockets of Australian families. "Under the new system there are legislated limits on the amount of

Adelaide man to face court on child exploitation charges TL Bureau, Adelade

on Monday evening 30 July, for communicating to make a child amenable to An Adelaide man will face court on child sexual activity. The South Australia exploitation charges after he was arrest- JACET is dedicated to combatting the ed yesterday. Detectives from the Joint national and international online Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET - a exploitation of children and offshore child partnership between SAPOL's Special sexual offences committed by travelling Crimes Investigation Section and the Australians. The arrested man was Australian Federal Police) arrested a 36- bailed to appear in the Elizabeth year-old man from the northern suburbs Magistrates Court on 4 September 2019.

subsidy the Government will pay per hour. "Across Australia, including in every capital city, average hourly fees are lower than the hourly rate cap.

The latest data shows that around 85 per cent of centre-based day care services have an average hourly fee that is lower than the hourly rate cap.

"This means more hard-working families can take advantage of our Government’s Child Care Subsidy to TL Bureau, Hobart work, learn and volunteer.

The world’s best tenpin bowlers will roll into Tasmania for the International Tenpin Bowling Festival to be held in Hobart for the in the Townsville region. next three years from 2020. The Festival will ‘The impact of natural disasters can be Australia’s largest ever tenpin bowling be absolutely devastating for the event and host the Australian National families and communities impacted Championships, the Australian Masters – not least those in Townsville during Tournament and the new ‘Devil’s Lair’ prothe floods this year,’ Mr Robert said. fessional tournament. Over 4,800 visitors are

Tasmania set to be strike zone

Bill Shorten wrong on Townsville Centrelink debt claims TL Bureau, Canberra

notices for income compliance being issued to people in the Townsville Minister for Government Services, region following the devastating Stuart Robert, today said the former floods are wrong. There is currently Leader of the Opposition, Bill no debt recovery for income compliShorten’s claims of Centrelink debt ance in the four affected post codes

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

TL Bureau, Canberra On, World Day against Trafficking in Persons, I am pleased to announce Australia has joined a global awareness-raising initiative to fight human trafficking and its impact on society.

Joining the United Nations’ Blue Heart Campaign underlines Australia’s commitment to efforts to eradicate human trafficking and modern slavery, as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals.

More than 40 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery, with over 70 per cent being women and children. This abhorrent criminal activity crosses borders and touches every corner of the globe, affecting some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Australia continues to lead efforts to eradicate these heinous crimes on a domestic, regional and global level. Domestically, Australia has passed a Modern Slavery Act requiring the Commonwealth Government and more than 3,000 large businesses to publish annual statements on their actions to address modern slavery in their supply chains and operations.

Regionally, Australia is promoting partnerships through the co-chairing of the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime.

Japanese lizard smugglers jailed TL Bureau, Perth A Japanese man caught by the Australian Border Force (ABF) trying to smuggle 13 native bobtail (or shingleback) lizards out of Australia in June has been jailed by a Perth Magistrate. The 52 year old was sentenced today to five months imprisonment, to serve two months from the date of arrest, and a 12 month good behaviour order, after he pleaded guilty to one smuggling charge and one of animal cruelty. His co-accused, a 28 year old Japanese national, who was the collector of the lizards in the smuggling operation, also received a five month sentence with a two month minimum when he appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on 12 July. The 13 lizards were packed inside netted laundry bags which were wrapped in towels

expected to visit Tasmania for the Festival each year. The Festival is being supported through a $395,000 investment as part of the Hodgman majority Liberal Government’s $4 million Events Attraction Fund. The Festival adds to Event Tasmania’s efforts to build a year-round calendar of events, which draw visitors to the state, and the Festival is timed to follow Dark Mofo to ensure the winter boon is extended for our tourism and hospitality operators.

Women and Families United

by Defence Service Council members announced TL Bureau, Canberra

inside two plastic containers in the man’s check-in luggage. The ABF is taking steps to have both men removed from Australia as soon as is practicable following the completion of their sentences. Wildlife smuggling is a lucrative trade and organised criminal syndicates are involved in exporting and

selling Australia’s unique native fauna overseas, particularly in Asia.

Australian bobtails can attract up to $10,000 each on the international black market.

The ABF works closely with its state and federal partners to detect, disrupt and investigate those involved in this cruel trade.

The membership of the Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service has been announced today ahead of its first meeting on 2 August.

Minister for Veterans and Defence Personnel Darren Chester said he was delighted that Army veteran and current Chief Executive of BAE Systems Australia, Ms Gabby Costigan, had agreed to chair the new Council. “The needs of women and families affected by defence service are not always understood or visible, and their voices are not always heard,” Mr Chester said.

“That’s why I announced the creation of the Council for Women and Families United by Defence Service, so that women and families could have a direct voice to my office.

Sydney man arrested for multiple New CEO To Lead Melbourne And Olympic Parks firearms and drug offences TL Bureau, Sydney

TL Bureau, Melbourne

A 40-year-old Sydney man is due to face Parramatta Court today after being charged with firearms and drug offences.

Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers apprehended the man yesterday (30 July) following an investigation into allegations that he was storing illicit goods inside a rented storage unit. Further enquiries revealed that the man had allegedly emptied the storage and moved the contents elsewhere. Officers attended the man’s residential premises where they seized a firearm, a replica firearm, approximately $50,000 in cash, drug manufacturing paraphernalia and a crystalline substance believed to be heroin.

The 40-year-old man was not located at the scene. The man was subsequently located at another residence in Cabramatta where he was arrested with

Top sports business and major events leader John Harnden has been named as new chief executive of the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust (MOPT).

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula today announced Mr Harnden would replace long-standing CEO Brian Morris, who will step down after 14 years in the role. Mr Harnden was chief executive of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation and cricket’s 2015 World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Mr Harnden is currently chair of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and will remain in that position until a replacement is appointed. The Australian Open is locked in at Melbourne Park until at least 2036 and Mr Morris has overseen a $972 million upgrade at the precinct to ensure it remains a world-leading sport and entertainment destination. Highlights include the addition of Margaret Court Arena and the National Tennis Centre, as well as a major refurbishment of Rod Laver Arena. The precinct hosts a wide range of major events, none bigger than the Australian Open which attracted nearly 800,000 spectators over two weeks in January.

assistance from New South Wales Police. He was conveyed to Fairfield Police Station where he was charged with the following state offences: Two counts of unauthorised possession or use of pistols or prohibited firearms, contrary to section 7 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) One count of possess unregistered firearm (pistol), contrary to section 36 (1) of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW) Two counts of fail to keep firearm safe, contrary to section 30 of the Firearms Act 1996 (NSW)

ESTABLISHING MARITIME BOUNDARIES IN THE TIMOR SEA TL Bureau, Canberra Australian Parliament passed legislation to implement the treaty between Australia and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Establishing their Maritime Boundaries in the Timor Sea. The treaty establishes permanent maritime boundaries between our two countries and a stable legal framework for the development of gas and oil resources in the Timor Sea. It upholds Australia’s commit-

ment to international rules and the peaceful resolution of disputes, and reflects our full commitment to the independence, sovereignty and economic sustainability of TimorLeste. Since the signing of the treaty on 6 March 2018, the Australian Government has worked with the Timor-Leste Government and offshore petroleum operators on transitional arrangements that provide commercial certainty and security for all the parties.

Six Kaurna old people to return to Country in South Australia TL Bureau, Adelaide

the official handover of the ancestors to Kaurna Elders Jeffrey The Morrison Government has Newchurch and Merle Simpson. welcomed the return of six Kaurna Minister for Communications, old people to the traditional custo- Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon dians of the Kaurna Nation of Paul Fletcher MP, acknowledged Adelaide, South Australia. A cere- the Kaurna representatives and mony took place at the National their ongoing work to return their Museum of Australia today to mark ancestors to Country.

6 New building consents reach record high showing growth in the sector TL Bureau, Wellington The latest building consents issued show strong and sustained growth in the building sector, with the number of building consents in Auckland reaching a record high of more than 14,000, says Minister for Building and Construction Jenny Salesa.

“Initiatives launched by the Government such as the Skills Action Plan, the Construction Sector Accord and the Building Legislative Reform Programme are helping us work toward our goal of a healthy, sustainable construction sector that meets the growing demand and needs of New Zealanders,” Jenny Salesa said. “Across New Zealand, the number of building consents for new dwellings in the year to June 2019 continues to grow. In the last year, 34,761 new dwellings were consented – up nearly 6 per cent compared to the previous year.

“Auckland saw growth of 13 per cent last year, which is the highest jump on record. Waikato is seeing strong growth as well, with building consents up 15 per cent compared to the same month last year.

NZ AND OTHER OCEANIA

Appeal for witnesses Innovation following aggravated in health

robbery

and safety projects TL Bureau, Wellington

TL Bureau, Canterbury

the incident, they are understandably very shaken and receiving supPolice are appealing for witnesses port. The offender (pictured) was following an aggravated robbery on wearing a black balaclava, black Dublin Street, Lyttelton, hoodie, black gloves, dark jeans Christchurch, around 9.30am today. and black sneakers.

The offender entered the Lyttelton Police urge anyone who has inforClub, presented a pistol and mation that may assist this investidemanded money. gation to call at 105 or He then fled on foot with cash.

Crimestoppers anonymously on While the victim was not injured in 0800 555 111.

Ministers attend international security meeting TL Bureau, Wellington Ministers Andrew Little and David Parker have started three days of international talks in London, focused on cyber and online threats, and border and international security issues. The talks included a round table with significant players in the digital industry.

The annual Five Country Ministerial brings together the national security and border security ministers from New Zealand,

Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States to discuss common national security issues.

Minister of Justice and Minister Responsible for the NZSIS and GCSB Andrew Little said the Coalition Government is doing its part, alongside longstanding international partners, to ensure the safety and security of New Zealanders across all areas of national security policy. “The importance of this work has been

tragically highlighted by the horrific terrorist attacks in Christchurch,” Andrew Little said.

“Our talks focus on cyber and online threats, emerging technologies, border protection and asylum issues, countering foreign interference, and countering online child sexual exploitation and abuse. “The Christchurch Call was the first step towards a shared goal of eliminating terrorist and violent extremist content online,” Andrew Little said.

Five organisations are being awarded grants for innovative projects that help reduce injuries in the workplace, and help us to make progress in protecting the wellbeing of working New Zealanders says ACC Minister Iain LeesGalloway. The grants are part of ACC’s new $22 million workplace injury prevention incentive programme for businesses over the next five years. The successful applicants are the Food and Grocery Council, Forestry Industry Safety Council, Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ), Beca, and a collective made up of the Auckland, Hawke’s Bay and Hutt Valley District Health Boards. “Kiwis are well-known around the world for being innovative and hard working. That’s great, but the sad truth is that we also have an unacceptably high rate of workplace accidents compared to international standards,” says Iain Lees-Galloway.

Appointment round set for Queen’s Counsel Trade Minister holds talks with UK counterpart TL Bureau, Wellington

the law in fields other than advocacy. Chief Justice Helen Winkelmann There will be an appointment round and Attorney-General David Parker for Queen’s Counsel in 2019 but it have issued updated Guidelines for is expected to see fewer successful Candidates this year after consultapplicants than in recent years, ing with the New Zealand Law Attorney-General David Parker Society and the New Zealand Bar announced today. Appointments of Association. The guidelines now Queen’s Counsel are made by the include the new criterion of a comGovernor-General on the recom- mitment to improving access to jusmendation of the Attorney-General tice. “In recommending barristers to and with the agreement of the Chief take silk I want to have a good Justice. The Governor-General understanding of each applicant’s retains the discretion to appoint personal contribution to improving Queen’s Counsel in recognition of access to justice for those who their extraordinary contributions to need it. It will be an important factor

in my decisions,” David Parker said.

He said he expected fewer successful applicants than in recent years.

“There are over 100 practicing QCs. I want to make sure we reserve the rank for those who are at the very top of their game, not just in the quality of their legal work but also in their relationships with others, and in their contribution to the profession. “I also want to ensure the rank in New Zealand represents the diversity of our profession, both regionally and in their practice areas.”

TL Bureau, Wellington

ly and I endured while living in Europe.

I wanted to return my children home for security reasons, but also to add my contribution to keeping New Zealand even safer.”

Constable Ma’ilei is posted to Counties Manukau District.

Olympic swimmer Constable Natalie Wiegersma says she’s a Southland girl at heart, although currently living in Tauranga. She is proudly the first female from Southland to have represented New Zealand in swimming at an Olympics – the 2012 Summer Olympics where she raced in the 400 metre and 200 metre women’s individual medley. She also competed in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Rugby, racing and volunteer – police graduation today Seventy-eight talented New Zealanders will be proudly lining up at their police graduation ceremony on Thursday at the Royal New Zealand Police College.

A rugby player in the 2011 Rugby World Cup representing Tonga, Constable Andrew Ma’ilei says he joined New Zealand Police because he wants to help maintain a safe community. He has been a professional rugby player in the UK, Europe and Japan and has three children, each born in a different country (New Zealand, Japan and France). Andrew says the lack of security he felt overseas has motivated

him to provide a more secure environment for his children and others in New Zealand. “I have a deep appreciation for New Zealand as a safe community compared to the experiences my fami-

TL Bureau, Wellington

built on a shared history and shared values. That, and our track record Trade and Export Growth Minister as an honest negotiating partner, David Parker has held talks with UK means it is natural we should be an International Trade Secretary Liz early first choice for the UK to form Truss in London to discuss a future an even closer trade partnership – trade deal between the UK and New through the negotiation of a high Zealand. quality, comprehensive and incluHe met Secretary Truss less than a sive FTA – shortly after its departure week after her appointment to the from the EU,” David Parker said.

Boris Johnson government, and the “Trade talks with the UK and the EU two discussed a range of areas for are important elements of the future cooperation.

Government’s efforts to broaden David Parker welcomed the reaffir- our export markets to support local mation by Secretary Truss of the businesses and grow jobs.” shared commitment to move ahead Secretary Truss said: “I want New quickly on a Free Trade Agreement Zealand to be one of the first free as soon as the UK leaves the EU, trade agreements the UK signs as building on Prime Minister Jacinda we prepare to become an indeArdern’s talks with former Prime pendent trading nation once again.”

Minister Theresa May in London in The UK and New Zealand estabJanuary. “New Zealand and the UK lished a trade policy dialogue in late have deep and long-standing ties 2016.

ETS fixes drive climate action TL Bureau, Wellington A third set of fixes to the ETS has been made as the Government continues its work with industry to reach our climate change goals, Climate Change Minister James Shaw and Forestry Minister Shane Jones said.

The latest changes to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme will give certainty, flexibility and incentives to participants in the ETS as the Government

progresses its plan to tackle the longterm challenge of climate change.

Sensible improvements include allowing foresters using averaging accounting, to move their plantations to more suitable parts of their property and recover from storm or fire damage, without being financially penalised. They also provide the long-sought-after detail on how to gradually reduce free allocation to major industrial emitters, which was envisaged at the creation of the ETS in 2008.

7

BUSINESS

Australia’s #1 banking app

gets even better TL Bureau, Sydney First launched in 2013, the latest CommBank app offers greater personalisation, tailored specifically to the individual needs of each customer, with personal cash flow management and smart alerts all aimed at keeping more money in customers’ wallets - including Smart Alerts, Benefit Finder, Goal Tracker, Cash Flow View and Spend Tracker.

Angus Sullivan, Group Executive of Retail Banking Services, Commonwealth Bank, said CommBank app 4.0 is simple, smart and secure, created with a combination of cutting edge machine learning technology, deep data analytics and behavioural science, delivering highly personalised, smart banking features.

“The CommBank app has been helping our customers manage their finances for close to a decade. We’re now approaching the 2020s with the most individually tailored and sophisticated adaptation of digital banking in Australia. “This year the CommBank app will send over 3 billion personalised messages to customers using 157 billion data points and 200 advanced machine learning models through our innovative customer engagement engine. “This is designed to give our 5.6 million app users greater control and visibility of their cash flow, including real-time insights into their spending behaviour, to help them achieve their goals and improve their financial wellbeing,” said Mr Sullivan.

Digital banking soars to record heights CBA today revealed that digital banking is accelerating: 7 million users now digitally active - up 500,000 over the past 12 months (from 6.5 million in FY18),

CommBank app users increased to 5.6 million (up from 5 million in FY18), Daily app logons have hit 6.2 million logons per day, an increase of 1.1 million (from 5.1 million in FY18), and Digital transactions make up 63 per cent of total transactions by value (up from 59 per cent in FY18).

CBA has also revealed digital wallet mobile phones and devices capable of making debit and credit card payments - numbers for the first time, with 2.6 million active CBA cards identified through CBA merchant terminals in FY19, 1.2 million more than its closet competitor at 1.4 million.

“We are focused on delivering great banking services that suit our customers, whether that is in branch, on the phone, online or on mobile. “Our ambition is to offer our customers the number-one digital banking experience in the world combined with branches and call centres offering a better proposition than any other in the market,” said Mr

Sullivan.

KPMG forecasts complete transforma tion of banking services by 2030 The latest figures and the launch of CommBank app 4.0 underpin the findings of new research undertaken by KPMG who predict, in their newlyreleased report The Future of Digital Banking, that by 2030 Australians will be using “super-apps” that will make banking seamless and invisible to everyday customers.

The report forecasts that: Data will allow banks to build a 360degree view of customers, with individually tailored services offered through a platform and driven by artificial intelligence and robotic automation; Customers will choose a whole range of lifestyle products and services from different providers with banks orchestrating these various alliances and capabilities through their platforms, either owned by them or licensed from others; Biometrics such as facial and voice

recognition will have completely replaced other forms of digital security like passwords and PINs; Secure voice commands and facial expressions taking over from point of sale plastic card tap and pay sales; AI, machine learning and data analysis will enable banks to proactively switch customer subscriptions with non-banking services to automatically take advantage of peak pricing and volume discounts. Mr Sullivan said CBA had contemplated more than ten years ago the need to innovate and provide digital solutions for customers that they not only wanted but also that they would need. CBA used predictive trends and early digital banking data to pre-empt those needs. “Australia is amongst the most advanced countries in the world in digital adoption and we’re proud to have played our part in ensuring that we stay at the forefront of this innovative approach for many years to come. “This report, released by KPMG today, is a clear indication of both the challenges and the opportunities facing banks as we increasingly shift to the cyber-services of tomorrow. “Part of that world is already taking shape today and as a digital bank with an unparalleled track record of innovation, we are determined to embrace this force of disruption and lead it to the benefit of all of our customers,” said Mr Sullivan. Ian Pollari, report author and Head of Banking and Co-Head, Global Fintech, KPMG, said: “Technology will continue to fundamentally re-shape how we work, live, play and how we wish to manage our finances. By 2030, leading digital banks will help consumers better manage their increasingly complex, fragmented lives – for their financial needs and beyond – facilitating their lifestyle needs and desired experiences.”

The Republic of Mozambique Implements the International Monetary Fund’s Enhanced General Data Dissemination System TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

tary and financial sector, and the balance of payments. The eThe Republic of Mozambique has GDDS was established by the implemented the recommenda- IMF’s Executive Board in May tions of the IMF’s Enhanced 2015 to support improved data General Data Dissemination transparency, encourage statistiSystem (e-GDDS) by publishing cal development, and help create critical data through the National synergies between data dissemiSummary Data Page (NSDP). nation and policymaking.

The page aims to serve as a one- The NSDP is hosted by the stop publication vehicle for National Institute of Statistics, utiessential macroeconomic data on lizing the Statistical Data and the national accounts, govern- Metadata Exchange, and is ment operations and debt, mone- accessible on the IMF’s

Dissemination Standards Bulletin Board. The NSDP page contains links to statistics published by official data producers, namely the National Institute of Statistics, the Bank of Mozambique, and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Publication of essential macroeconomic data through the NSDP will provide national policy makers and domestic and international stakeholders, including investors and rating agencies,

with easy access to information critical for monitoring economic conditions and policies. Making this information easily accessible in both human and machinereadable formats will allow users to have simultaneous access to timely data and bring greater data transparency.

Louis Marc Ducharme, Chief Statistician and Data Officer, and Director of the IMF’s Statistics Department, welcomed this major milestone in the country’s statisti-

cal development: “I congratulate the authorities for the launch of the NSDP, an important step forward in data dissemination. I am confident that Mozambique will benefit from using the e-GDDS as a framework for further development of its statistical system.”

Mozambique has benefitted from a project on the Improvement of Data Dissemination financed by the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development.

8 Director DIT for Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Noel McEvoy, argues in the Swiss Export Journal that the UK offers unique opportunities for export and investment for Swiss businesses.

The trade agreement with Switzerland ensures that trade between our two countries can continue to thrive after Brexit.

Powered by new technologies, the way we live our lives is being transformed. Both the UK and Switzerland are extraordinarily well-placed to benefit from this new industrial revolution: we are open, enterprising economies, built on invention, innovation and competition. Our universities and research institutions are among the best in the world. We have a deserved reputation for being a dependable and confident place to do business, with high standards, respected institutions, and the reliable rule of law.

The UK and Switzerland are both each other’s 7th largest export market. We are a vital part of each other’s economies, with a reciprocal investment stock of almost £ 100 billion, and total trade in goods and services worth over £ 30 billion. We are closely connected through supply chains and transport links, and strong research partnerships. We are also closely connected on a human scale, with over 40,000 British nationals resident in Switzerland, and 14,000 Swiss nationals resident in the UK. The UK and Switzerland have many industries which are worldleading; from financial services to advanced manufacturing, and from the life sciences to chemicals. We have the two largest financial services centres in Europe, London and Zurich, where tech companies specialising in legal, financial and regulatory technology are rapidly growing.

Our Life Science hubs are unparalleled within Europe, with four of the global top ten pharmaceutical companies calling the UK or Switzerland home. And both the UK and Switzerland see Advanced Manufacturing as a strategic focus area, with both of our countries hosting a number of

FEATURE

Trade Continuity and Future Ambition The UK After Brexit worldrenowned companies and world-class research institutions.

UK strengths include marine engineering, space and satellites, defence, data analytics and cloud computing.

For a Swiss business looking to expand into a new market, the opportunities in the UK are manifold. The UK has 65 million potential consumers and is the seventh largest economy in the world. It also attracts more foreign investment than any other European country, and – according to the World Bank – ranks highly for ease of doing business. Hiring in the UK gives you access to an innovative workforce – the UK is ranked 4th in the Global Innovation Index, and is home to 4 of the world’s top 10 universities, with the largest proportion of people educated to degree level or equivalent in western Europe.

Businesses in the UK also pay the lowest corporation tax in the G20, have lower labour costs than businesses in Switzerland’s neighbouring countries, and can get tax relief of up to 230 % on research and development costs.

For exporters, the opportunities are diverse. The UK holds a reputation for being a nation of earlyadopters, and Swiss innovation will find a receptive audience within large and small British companies. A sophisticated market, there is a strong need for products and services that improve productivity, lower the cost of doing business

and create efficiencies. There are requirements for equipment and services relating to safety and security, particularly cyber security. The UK’s commitment to lowcarbon targets is driving market demand for products and services in the area of renewable energy, energy effciency, low carbon technologies, smart grid technologies and electronic vehicles. We also have a program of major infrastructure projects in the energy, transportation and water sectors.

Swiss businesses also can be reassured on trade continuity after the UK leaves the EU. A Trade Agreement has been signed which broadly replicates the existing EU trade agreements with Switzerland. The agreement secures ongoing tariffs preferences, and continuity of non-tariff benefits impacting trade in goods.

It also covers government procurement. You can find more information on both the UK and Swiss government websites.

Meanwhile, the UK Government has published its Industrial Strategy, the aim of which is to boost productivity by backing businesses to create good jobs and increase the earning power of people with investment in skills, industries and infrastructure.

We have identified four Grand Challenges facing our society: in artificial intelligence and big data; clean growth; the future of mobility; and meeting the needs of an ageing population. Research and inno-

vation projects around these themes are being supported by investment from the UK’s Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and are being matched by commercial investment, which we hope will accelerate the global technological revolution.

Unique to the UK is The Catapult Programme. Catapult Centres are a network of world-leading sites designed to transform the UK’s capability for innovation in specific areas and help drive future economic growth. They are a series of 19 not-for-profit, independent physical centres where businesses, scientists and engineers work side by side on late-stage research and development – transforming high potential ideas into new products and services to generate economic growth.

Each Catapult Centre specialises in a different area of technology, but all offer a space with the facilities and expertise to enable businesses and researchers to collaboratively solve key problems and develop new products and services on a commercial scale. Centres exist on: Cell and Gene Therapy Compound Semiconductor Applications Digital Energy Systems Future Cities High Value Manufacturing (a network of another seven centres) Medicines Discovery Offshore Renewable Energy Satellite Applications Transport Systems Batteries Establishing a base in the UK can help you take advantage of all these opportunities.

The UK is a crossing point for the world because of our geographic position, the English language, our strong ties, our openness to ideas and our vibrant culture. We are excited by the future, and invite all Swiss companies to grow their business and create new opportunities with us.The Department for International Trade helps businesses export, drives inward and outward investment, negotiates market access and trade agreements, and champion’s free trade. A sizeable team based at the UK Embassy, Berne and UK Mission,

9

LIFE AND REAL ESTATE

The Newlywed’s Guide to Honeymooning at Home The 2018 results are in and according to a survey of 3,300 couples, the cost of the average wedding in the UK last year was £32,273, with the honeymoon alone setting couples back £4,545.* Instead of blowing the budget on an expensive exotic honeymoon location, why not consider recreating the romance of your dream honeymoon destination closer to home?

High street retailer, Robert Dyas, has come up with a host of creative ideas to set the scene for the ultimate honeymoon haven at home. Richard Redman, senior buyer and outdoor expert for Robert Dyas says, “There is really no need to break the bank to enjoy an enchanting, memorable honeymoon. With a just few thoughtful touches and some affordable additions to outdoor space you can experience an idyllic honeymoon to remember in the comfort of your own home. So, get set for a couple of weeks of romantic relaxation!”

Set the mood Nothing sets the mood for romance quite like soft ambient outdoor lighting.

The elegant Smart Solar Damasque Lantern (Was £29.99 now £12.99) illuminates at dusk bathing a garden in patterned warm light. Add music to the magical atmosphere with a mix of your favourite love songs with the Kitsound Diggit Outdoor Bluetooth Speaker (£39.99). The removeable stake means you can take your music wherever you

go, and the rechargeable battery allows your favourite tunes to play on for up to eight hours at a time.

Cuddle up in comfort Sometimes it’s the simplest things in life which make for the most special moments. Now that you’ve set the mood, simply curl up together on the Maze Rattan Rose Hanging Chair (Was £599.00 now £499.00).

This double hanging chair makes the perfect spot to while away the evening or enjoy a sunny afternoon for two.

For extra comfort and style for your loved one, add a Premier Housewares Black Love Cushion (£19.99) and why not indulge yourselves even further and snuggle up under a super soft and luxurious Silver Flannel Fleece Throw (Was £9.99 now £4.93)?

For cooler summer nights, what could be more romantic than the mesmerising effect of flickering firelight and keeping warm together by the fire with The La Hacienda Fire Pit (£89.99). The oiled steel finish will oxidise over time to look beautifully rustic and with its sturdy, durable design, the fire pit will last for many years to come.

Romantic relaxation If you were already living together before your wedding, chances are you will not be needing another coffee maker or waffle iron. Asking for contributions towards your honeymoon piece de resistance is a practical option.

Splash out on an inflatable Lazy Spa Paris Hot

Tub (£459.99) and surround yourself with thousands of tiny bubbles from the AirJet™ Massage System for a gentle massage. This spa can be quickly heated up to a blissful 40°C and features a stunning multicolour LED lighting system.

Time to celebrate new beginnings Finally, breathe a post nuptials sigh of relief and sink deeper into the bubbles as you raise a glass to your new beginnings with the Alfresco Twist Champagne Glass (Were

£4.49 now £2.99). And, as the temperature rises in the hot tub, be sure to keep the champagne on ice with this Maze Rattan Ice Bucket Side Table (Was £149.99 now £129.99). This cleverly designed luxury rattan side table comes with a concealed integrated ice bucket.

The Love Island effect By now, you will no doubt be feeling the Love Island effect so it’s time to add some tropical finishing touches to your table for two with the Cambridge 12 Piece Flamingos

Bamboo Eco-Friendly Tableware Set (£39.99).

Apart from the vibrant design, this set is made from bamboo, which has exceptional strength and a natural durability - a superb alternative to plastic for the eco-friendly couple.

Eat al fresco and stay dry whatever the inclement UK weather throws at you under the Gelndale Columbus Mocha Gazebo (£249.99). For added intimacy to your candlelit dinner, you can close the curtains which are included in this versatile unit.

10

SPORTS

Steve Waugh: I wish the ICC World Test Championship was around when I was playing TL Bureau, London I just wish that the ICC World Test Championship had been around in my day. I captained an Australia team that won 16 Tests in a row between 1999 and 2001. It was a fantastic achievement by a bunch of men that I was very proud to call my teammates.I just wish that the ICC World Test Championship had been around in my day.

Back in 2001 when we were on our run, we just assumed we were the No.1 side in the world and everyone said that we were, but there was no actual proof. We would have loved a finale, a chance to hold a trophy aloft and have that recognition.

I think it’s great for the global game that were will be a world championship in Test cricket, in two years time. We have it in T20 cricket and in 50-over cricket so why not in Test cricket as well? I think it is well overdue.

Test cricket is still the pinnacle for me. And

I would assume that it is for almost every modern professional cricketer as well.

I want it to remain on top and for that to be the case, it needs to retain relevance.

We keep saying we want Test cricket to be the No.1 game in the world but until you recognise that and give it some prominence, it doesn’t make it real.

Now we have officially introduced it and I can’t wait for it to get started, I am excited but, as I said, also a little bit jealous that I will never get to hold that trophy high. Australia, India, England, really any team in the world will be desperate to go out and put their name on that trophy. It is not about money or fame anything like that. It is about recognition, about being able to say that you are the No.1 Test side in the world. That is something that very few players have been able to do or say.

That would be a real feather in the cap for the captain, the coach, and the whole country. I know for a fact that in

Australia where Test cricket is still top dog, the boys in Baggy Green will be going all out to try and secure that title.

But it is not just for the established Testplaying countries. This is also about growing the game, taking it to new audiences and clarifying what makes

this game of ours so great. People from the outside have been looking at Test cricket and struggling to understand the context of what is going on. Are these just random matches played between different countries, what is the point of it? Is there an end point? Well,

finally now we have one. This will make it so much easier to understand and hopefully help us attract new fans to the long form of the game. It will be something people can look forward to and connect to and I can’t wait for it to get started.

ICC names two new umpires in elite panel Basketball Africa League for 2019-20 Michael Gough and Joel Wilson announces seven host TL Bureau, London The International Cricket Council (ICC) has named Michael Gough of England and Joel Wilson of the West Indies in the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for the season 2019-20 following the annual review and selection process.

Gough and Wilson have been elevated from the Emirates ICC International Panel of Umpires by the selection panel consisting of ICC General Manager - Cricket, Geoff Allardice (Chairman), former player and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, and match referees Ranjan Madugalle and David Boon.

Both these umpires have gained significant experience at the international level with Gough having officiated in nine Tests, 59 ODIs and 14 T20Is and Wilson having stood in 13 Tests, 63 ODIs and 26 T20Is. They replace retired umpire Ian Gould and Ravi Sundaram who were part of the previous panel. Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and

cities for inaugural season TL Bureau, DAKAR (Senegal) said Fall. "We now have seven

Referees: “Being an elite official is an extremely challenging job. Every decision is scrutinized by millions of fans and each match official is subject to a rigorous ongoing performance assessment throughout the year. “We are fortunate to have some fantastic officials who are able to withstand the pressures of the job and deliver consistently on the international stage. Michael and Joel are deserving additions to the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and I wish them all the best for the coming season and for the future.”

The other members of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Umpires are Aleem Dar, Kumar Dharmasena, Marais Erasmus, Chris Gaffaney, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Nigel Llong, Bruce Oxenford, Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker.

The Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees remains unchanged with David Boon, Chris Broad, Jeff Crowe, Ranjan Madugalle, Andy Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath the seven officials on that list.

U-12 Baseball World Cup down to six nations as Super Round schedule announced TL Bureau, Tainan Starting with 34 nations in the continental qualifiers, the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup 2019 in Tainan is now down to just six teams, with world No. 1 Japan, No. 4 Chinese Taipei and No. 5 Cuba out of Group A and No. 3 Korea, No. 6 Mexico and No. 9 Venezuela out of Group B still

in contention to be crowned baseball's new world champions in the Under-12 category. Three-time defending U-12 World Champions USA were eliminated in the opening round in Tainan, following one-run losses to Americas rivals Mexico and Venezuela in Group B. Australia, Czech Republic, Fiji, Italy, South Africa and USA will all continue to compete in

the 7th-12th Place Round. Following the exciting play in Tainan, the World Baseball Softball Confederation today unveiled the Super Round schedule, with all nine games to take place at the main venue of the new $130 million Tainan Asia-Pacific International Baseball Stadiums, the Official Stadium of the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) today announced Cairo (Egypt), Dakar (Senegal), Lagos (Nigeria), Luanda (Angola), Rabat (Morocco) and either Monastir or Tunis (Tunisia) as the host cities where the inaugural BAL regular season will take place and Kigali (Rwanda) as the host city for the first-ever BAL Final Four and BAL Final.

Additionally, the BAL announced NIKE and Jordan Brand will be the exclusive outfitter of the new professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa and scheduled to begin play in March 2020.The announcements were made by BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall during a reception at the Musée des Civilisations Noires in Dakar in the presence of FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Africa Executive Director Alphonse Bilé, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, along with current and former NBA and WNBA players. "Today's announcements mark another important milestone as we head into what will be a historic first season for the Basketball Africa League,"

great host cities where we will play and our first partnership with a world-class outfitter. We thank our first partners NIKE and Jordan Brand for supporting us on this journey and ensuring our teams have the best uniforms and oncourt products."

Beginning in March 2020, the six cities will host a regular season that will feature 12 teams divided into two conferences, with each conference playing in three cities. The regular season will see the 12 teams play five games each for a total of 30 games, with the top three teams in each conference qualifying for the playoffs. The six playoff teams – the "Super 6" – will play in a round-robin format to determine the four teams that will advance to the BAL Final Four and BAL Final in Kigali, Rwanda in late spring 2020. The BAL Final Four and BAL Final will be single-elimination games.NIKE and Jordan Brand will outfit the league's 12 teams with official game uniforms, warmup apparel, socks and practice gear, with six teams featured in NIKE and the other six teams in Jordan Brand. The collaboration with NIKE and Jordan Brand marks the BAL's first partnership.

11

BY ROB JORDAN, Stanford University, California Salt is power. It might sound like alchemy, but the energy in places where salty ocean water and freshwater mingle could provide a massive source of renewable power.

Stanford researchers have developed an affordable, durable technology that could harness this socalled blue energy.

Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant The Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant on Santa Monica Bay in Los Angeles is an example of a coastal wastewater treatment operation that could potentially recover energy from the mixing of seawater and treated effluent. (Image credit: Doc Searls / Flickr) The paper, recently published in American Chemical Society’s ACS Omega, describes the battery and suggests using it to make coastal wastewater treatment plants energy-independent.

“Blue energy is an immense and untapped source of renewable energy,” said study coauthor Kristian Dubrawski, a postdoctoral scholar in civil and environmental engineering at Stanford. “Our battery is a major step toward practically capturing that energy without membranes, moving parts or energy input.”

Dubrawski works in the lab of study co-author Craig Criddle, a professor of civil and environmental engineering known for interdisciplinary field projects of energy-efficient technologies. The idea of developing a battery that taps into salt gradients originated with study coauthors Yi Cui, a professor of materials science and engineering, and Mauro Pasta, a postdoctoral scholar in materials science and engineering at the time of the research.

Applying that concept to coastal wastewater treatment plants was Criddle’s twist, born of his long experience developing technologies for wastewater treatment.

The researchers tested a prototype of the battery, monitoring its energy production while flushing it with alternating hourly exchanges of wastewater effluent from the Palo Alto Regional Water Quality Control Plant and seawater collected nearby from Half Moon Bay. Over 180 cycles, battery materials maintained 97 percent effectiveness in capturing the salinity gradient energy.The technology could

TECH/AUTO

Stanford researchers develop technology to harness energy from mixing of freshwater and seawater

work any place where fresh and saltwater intermix, but wastewater treatment plants offer a particularly valuable case study. Wastewater treatment is energy-intensive, accounting for about three percent of the total U.S. electrical load. The process – essential to community health – is also vulnerable to power grid shutdowns. Making wastewater treatment plants energy independent would not only cut electricity use and emissions but also make them immune to blackouts – a major advantage in places such as California, where recent wildfires have led to large-scale outages.

Water power Every cubic meter of freshwater that mixes with seawater produces about .65 kilowatt-hours of energy – enough to power the average American house for about 30 minutes. Globally, the theoretically recoverable energy from coastal wastewater treatment plants is about 18 gigawatts – enough to power more than 1,700 homes for a year. The Stanford group’s battery isn’t the first technology to succeed in capturing blue energy, but it’s the first to use battery elec-

trochemistry instead of pressure or membranes. If it works at scale, the technology would offer a more simple, robust and cost-effective solution. The process first releases sodium and chloride ions from the battery electrodes into the solution, making the current flow from one electrode to the other. Then, a rapid exchange of wastewater effluent with seawater leads the electrode to reincorporate sodium and chloride ions and reverse the current flow. Energy is recovered during both the freshwater and seawater flushes, with no upfront energy investment and no need for charging. This means that the battery is constantly discharging and recharging without needing any input of energy.

Durable and affordable technology While lab tests showed power output is still low per electrode area, the battery’s scale-up potential is considered more feasible than previous technologies due to its small footprint, simplicity, constant energy creation and lack of membranes or instruments to control charge and voltage. The electrodes are made with Prussian Blue, a material widely used as a pigment and

medicine, that costs less than $1 a kilogram, and polypyrrole, a material used experimentally in batteries and other devices, which sells for less than $3 a kilogram in bulk.

There’s also little need for backup batteries, as the materials are relatively robust, a polyvinyl alcohol and sulfosuccinic acid coating protects the electrodes from corrosion and there are no moving parts involved. If scaled up, the technology could provide adequate voltage and current for any coastal treatment plant. Surplus power production could even be diverted to a nearby industrial operation, such as a desalination plant.

“It is a scientifically elegant solution to a complex problem,” Dubrawski said. “It needs to be tested at scale, and it doesn’t address the challenge of tapping blue energy at the global scale – rivers running into the ocean – but it is a good starting point that could spur these advances.” To assess the battery’s full potential in municipal wastewater plants, the researchers are working on a scaled version to see how the system functions with multiple batteries working simultaneously.

12 WORLD UK border Indian Parliament passes the Muslim Women New campaign warns of of African (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2019 threat swine fever Muslim women freed from the curse of the regressive practice of Triple Talaq today: Shri Amit Shah

Karamjit Singh Parwana, Foreign Correspondent, New Delhi

Minister Narendra Modi for fulfilling his commitment and ensuring that a law is made to ban Triple Parliament passed the Muslim Talaq. The Home Minister also Women (Protection of Rights on congratulated Muslim women by Marriage) Bill 2019. saying, “On the passage of this Expressing satisfaction over this Bill, I congratulate the Muslim sislandmark moment, Union ters across the country on getting Minister for Home Affairs, Shri rid of the Triple Talaq curse. This Amit Shah congratulated Prime act will free Muslim women from

the curse of this regressive practice” Shri Shah said that the Modi government is dedicated to protecting women's rights and ensuring their empowerment. This bill is a historic step to protect the dignity of Muslim women and keep it intact. It will bring a new era of hope and respect in the lives of Muslim women. From now on, the

door to unlimited possibilities will open for Muslim women and they would now be able to play an effective role in the creation of 'New India'. “Today is a great day for India’s democracy. I thank all parties who supported this historic bill”, Shri Shah said while thanking all the members of Parliament.

Sale of F-16 Aircraft to Bulgaria

UNICEF must triple budget to combat Ebola outbreak in DR Congo

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

TL Bureau, UN HQ

humanitarian and public health crises,” and in addition, half the The United States welcomes the With an unprecedented number of health facilities in Ituri had been Bulgarian Government’s decision to children affected by the Ebola virus damaged or destroyed over the last purchase eight F-16 multirole fighter outbreak in the eastern Democratic two years. aircraft, munitions and related equip- Republic of Congo (DRC), the The UNICEF expert said there were ment. We salute Prime Minister United Nations Children’s Fund 2,671 confirmed cases of Ebola as Boyko Borissov and the Bulgarian (UNICEF) on Tuesday said it would of 28 July, including more than 700 Government on its commitment to need to triple its budget to tackle the children, more than half of whom – modernize its military through the complex crisis, which included inten- some 57 per cent – were under five acquisition of these highly capable, sifying the overall public health years of age.

NATO interoperable aircraft. We look response and launching measles “When I left, there were 12 new conforward to working with Bulgaria on vaccinations. firmed cases, five were alive and will “This Ebola response is far more have the chance to access treatthis project and to enhancing our long-term strategic partnership. We complex because it is in an active ment, but seven had died in the comconflict zone,” Jerome Pfaffmann, a munity. This is bad. Having this numalso appreciate the pivotal role the U.S. Congress played in supporting UNICEF health specialist, told ber of community deaths means we the use of Foreign Military Financing reporters in Geneva, just back from are not ahead of the epidemic,” he for a portion of this acquisition, and his third visit to the country. said.

He underscored that “people in the “It is unprecedented to have such a the coordinated effort across the (eastern Congolese) provinces of [high] proportion of affected chilU.S. Government to achieve this North Kivu and Ituri are facing dren,” Mr. Pfaffmann continued, success.

IOM: Survey Shows Displaced Women in Ukraine Desperate for Work TL Bureau, Kyiv In the sixth year of conflict and internal displacement in Ukraine, the employment situation of those who have fled their homes has slightly improved – however, displaced women face particular challenges while seeking employment.

IOM has been assessing the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Ukraine with the help of its global tool, the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), since March 2016. The latest round of IOM’s survey has been conducted with funding from the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM)*. The results have been presented in the capital Kyiv today (30 July 2019), in cooperation with the Ministry of Temporarily Occupied Territories and IDPs and the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine.

As revealed by the latest IOM survey, among those internally dis-

A new campaign was launched today at the UK’s border to help keep the damaging animal disease African swine fever (ASF) out of the country. The disease, which poses no threat to human health but is fatal for pigs, has already spread widely across Asia – including China and Vietnam – and parts of Central and Eastern Europe. Cases have also been reported throughout Sub Saharan Africa. This has led to the deaths of over 800,000 pigs and wild boar in Europe and an estimated four million pigs in Asia, causing global pork prices to rise. If the disease was found in this country, it could have a devastating impact on the UK’s commercial pig stock of five million pigs, as well as the trade of our pork products.

Sale of F-16 Aircraft to Bulgaria TL Bureau, Washington D.C. The United States welcomes the Bulgarian Government’s decision to purchase eight F-16 multirole fighter aircraft, munitions and related equipment.

We salute Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and the Bulgarian Government on its commitment to modernize its military through the acquisition of these highly capable, NATO interoperable aircraft. We look forward to working with Bulgaria on this project and to enhancing our long-term strategic partnership.

We also appreciate the pivotal role the U.S. Congress played in supporting the use of Foreign Military Financing for a portion of this acquisition, and the coordinated effort across the U.S. Government to achieve this success.

Ghanaian, 3 Other Sub-Saharan Female Business Leaders Among 20 in IFC Publication TL Bureau, Accra

placed persons who have been actively seeking employment, 21 per cent are men and 79 per cent are women. The share of employed IDPs currently is 48 per cent, a four percentage points increase from the end of the last year. Among the total population of Ukraine aged 15–70 years, the level of employment is considerably higher at about 57 per cent. “I see that employers refuse me not just because I am an IDP, but because I am a woman with two little children,” said a 40-year-old displaced woman interviewed by IOM. “I always specify that there is a grandmother who will help if a kid gets sick, so I won’t need to take a leave, but I see it does not help to convince the employers.”

adding that both provinces were also facing a measles outbreak.

So far, UNICEF has vaccinated more than 40,000 children against measles, but a massive scale-up was needed to protect them from various health risks.

With all this in mind, UNICEF planned to carry out a new strategic response plan to address acute humanitarian and social needs.

“UNICEF will need to triple its budget to respond to this crisis,” said Mr. Pfaffmann, stressing that “we need desperately the international community to back us up.”

This budget would include about $70 million for epidemic control activities, $30 million to build community capacities in at-risk areas, and another $70 million to deliver essential services.

TL Bureau, London

Four women from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, are among 20 female business leaders profiled in a publication by IFC—a member of the World Bank Group—for their professional success, despite facing formidable challenges. The publication, Trailblazers--Portraits of Female Business Leadership in Emerging and Frontier Markets, highlights the personal and professional journeys of female business leaders from emerging and frontier markets that include Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa. These women, through their leadership, have helped create new markets and add business value for their organizations, giving a boost to their communities and national economies.

Ghana’s Nora Bannerman turned a lifelong passion—fashion design— into a thriving enterprise.

Bannerman now employs 120 work-

ers to produce high-end garments for international retailers.

Kenya’s Wambui Mbesa grew up in a children’s home but made education a priority and now is the CEO of INTRASOFT International East Africa. South Africa’s Soula Proxenos fought against racial injustice and gender bias from an early age—today she is a professional board director, guiding companies toward more equitable practices.

Uganda’s Anne Kabagambe credits her family for helping her overcome personal challenges; now she works as Executive Director of the World Bank Group, representing the interests of 22 African nations.

A recent IFC study of women on company boards in Ghana found that more gender-diverse boards tend to demonstrate higher performance—reflected by returns on assets and growth in sales. Yet, nearly one quarter of Ghanaian companies have no women on their boards.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, women hold an average of 14 percent of board positions, while globally women hold only 15 percent of board seats and 4 percent of CEO and board chair positions.

“These women are relatable role models who, by their example, will motivate other professional women to push for more, and encourage male colleagues to champion greater diversity,” said Her Excellency, Mrs. Rebecca AkufoAddo, First Lady of Ghana, who delivered the keynote address at the launch event. In addition to the four women from Sub-Saharan Africa, the list includes female business leaders from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, China, Egypt, India, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Myanmar, Panama, Turkey, Vietnam, and Yemen. They represent a range of industry experience, from information technology to shipping, from healthcare to development finance.