The Life News Singapore. Aug 16, 2020 by The Life News

News from World, Worldwide readership. Vol. 02 Issue 32 August 16, 2020

UN rejects U.S. to extend Iran arms embargo

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

The United Nations Security Council has dismissed the U.S. proposition to broaden an arms ban on Iran. The Dominican Republic was the main nation to help the proposition in the security chamber vote late Friday. Russia and China casted a ballot against the U.S. goal and the remainder of the chamber individuals went without. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reprimanded part states for their absence of help. “The Security Council’s inability to act unequivocally with regards to universal harmony and security is unpardonable,” Pompeo said

in an announcement. Pompeo told the U.N. Security Council in June that the U.S. goal to expand the arms ban on Iran,

which is expected to lapse in mid-October as a feature of the 2015 atomic arrangement, had support from different

countries. Pompeo included that the Middle Eastern nation could somehow or another become a

Russia pledges support’ for Belarusian President Lukashenko

TL Bureau, Minsk/Moscow

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko says that Russia has consented to offer security help with the instance of outside military dangers. Mr Lukashenko likewise voiced worries over Nato military activities occurring in neighboring Poland and Lithuania. The news comes as the troubled president faces mass fights over the contested 9 August political race. Thousands assembled outside state TV on Saturday, requesting full inclusion of the shows. The turmoil ejected after President Alexander Lukashenko asserted an avalanche triumph in a week ago’s political decision, the consequence of which has been censured in the midst of boundless claims of vote-fixing. The Central Election Commission says Mr Lukashenko, who has been in power since 1994,

won 80.1% of the vote and the fundamental restriction applicant Svetlana Tikhanovskaya 10.12%. Yet, Ms Tikhanovskaya demands that where votes were appropriately checked, she won help going from 60% to 70%. As the turmoil proceeded on Saturday, Mr Lukashenko looked for help from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Mr Lukashenko said President Putin had vowed

to give what he called complete help with the occasion of outer military dangers to Belarus. The declaration came the day after EU unfamiliar priests consented to get ready new authorizes against Belarusian authorities answerable for “adulteration”. The US has additionally censured the political race as “not free and reasonable”. In a joint proclamation on Saturday, then, the head administrators of three Baltic republics Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia - “communicated profound worry at the brutal crackdown... also, the political restraint of the resistance by the specialists”. Lithuania and Latvia have recently said they are set up to intervene in Belarus, gave the specialists halted viciousness against nonconformists and framed a national chamber with individuals from common society. They cautioned that the option was sanctions.

“rebel weapons vendor.” The United States, France, Britain, China, Russia and Germany initially arranged the atomic arrangement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, with Iran, in 2015, under the Obama organization. Yet, President Donald Trump pulled back from the atomic arrangement four days before a cutoff time to re-affirm the 2015 settlement, calling it “inadequate at its center.” The atomic arrangement lifted monetary authorizations on Iran in return for the nation constraining its atomic program, and pulling back from the arrangement permitted the United States to reimpose those assents.

NEW EDITIONS COMING

WE ARE ALMOST THERE

EXPANDING MORE COUNTRIES

MORE BENEFITS TO WORLDWIDE BUSINESS WITH LESS PRICE ADVERTISEMENT AND MORE REACH WORLDWIDE

MORE COUNTRIES, MORE READERS, MORE TRUST

Australia Singapore UK South Africa

OCLC 1101190095

apanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed Saturday never to “rehash the awfulness of war” during a remembrance stamping VJ Day, the day Japan gave up in World War II. Japan gave up Aug. 15, 1945, days after the United States dropped nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing an expected 140,000 individuals. The Nazi attack of Poland in 1939 started the war that finished when Allied forces crushed Germany, which was in an alliance with Italy and Japan, in 1945. Abe made no statement of regret during the service at Nippon Budokan lobby in Tokyo, denoting the 75th commemoration of VJ Day, however said Japan would “stay submitted” to the vow to never “rehash the awfulness of war.” As the country falls quiet to recall the finish of the Second World War, world pioneers will express appreciation to every one of the individuals who filled in as a component of a strong video message charged by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The Friendship of Nations will see world pioneers including the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Malawian President, Lazarus Chakwera, Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, and US President, Donald Trump expressing gratitude toward veterans. Just as world pioneers, individuals from the

World remorse 75 years of World War II

Royal Family and the Prime Minister will pay recognition at a progression of occasions to check the commemoration. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will lead a national snapshot of recognition at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. As a component of the UK’s celebration occasion, the Prime Minister will peruse the Exhortation in front of a national brief quiet. His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge will highlight in an extraordinary program communicate on BBC One, and pay recognition for every one of the individuals who yielded such a great amount during the Second World War. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will highlight, close by different veterans, on various enormous screens over the UK including the Piccadilly Curve and National Rail stations in a photomontage demonstrating veterans during their time in administration and as they are currently. In the primary such trip since the 2012 London Olympic and

Paralympic Games, The Red Arrows will direct an exceptionally structured UK wide flypast accolade over Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London with its way including The Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to three Burma Star beneficiaries. In any case, Abe sent a custom contribution for the war dead to Tokyo’s Yasukini Shrine. Japanese Emperor Naruhito said he had “profound regret” over the wartime past. Nazi Germany gave up May 8, 1945, stamping Victory in Europe or VE Day.An expected 15 million to 20 million passed on in Europe during WWII and in excess of 30 million officers and regular

editorial

people were murdered in the Pacific theater. South and North Korea observe National Liberation Day on a similar date, since Aug. 15 likewise denotes the decades’ end long Japanese control of Korea. In Britain, Queen Elizabeth and the illustrious family additionally remembered VJ Day. Ruler Philip was serving in the Royal Navy when the Japanese acquiescence was marked in 1945.“Today we mark the 75th commemoration of VJ Day, which brought triumph for the Allies lastly denoted the finish of the Second World War,” the sovereign’s announcement said. “Those of us who recollect the finish of the Far East crusade, regardless of whether on dynamic help abroad, or hanging tight for news at home, will always remember the upbeat scenes and overpowering liberating sensation. Among the delight toward the finish of the contention, we likewise recollected, as we do today, the awful decimation that it brought, and the expense borne by such a large number of.”

Correspondents & Bureaus contacts worldwide Contact us if you have any story worldwide

aus@thelifenews.com.au : Aus nz@thelifenews.com.au : NZ, Fiji & Oceania sg@thelifenews.com.au : Thai, Malaysia, Singapore india@thelifenews.com.au : India SriLanka Nepal usa@thelifenews.com.au : US, Canada & Mexico uk@thelifenews.com.au : UK & Ireland russia@thelifenews.com.au : Russia, Ukraine, Belarus & CIS estonia@thelifenews.com.au : Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania swiss@thelifenews.com.au : Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherland finland@thelifenews.com.au : Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark

FOR LETTER TO EDITOR AND SUGGESTIONS PLEASE REACH US AT thelife.editorial@outlook.com.au Address of Publisher :( Australia & Singapore editions)

The Life (Digital & Print), Dr. M. Parveen, 127 Aberdeen Parade, Boondall 4034, Australia+61 (7)31913325, Email : thelife.editorial@outlook.com.au (For UK edition) , 27 Old Gloucester Street, London, WC1N 3AX. United Kingdom (For South Africa Edition) N5 Sturdee Avenue Suite 301 RoseBank. Johannesburg, Gauteng 2196 South Africa for advertisement contact manager at thelife.advertisement@outlook.com.au (For US Edition - Coming soon) The life News LLC- (IDAHO) US 784 S Clearwater Loop STE B, Post Falls, ID 83854, USA

world

On the Security Council’s Failure President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign to Hold Iran Accountable and Security Policy discuss Lebanon, Belarus,

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

The United Nations Security Council is charged with the responsibility of maintaining international peace and security. It failed today to uphold its fundamental mission set. It rejected a reasonable resolution to extend the 13-year old arms embargo on Iran and paved the way for the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism to buy and sell conventional weapons without specific UN restrictions in place for the first time in over a decade. The Security Council’s failure to act decisively in defense of international peace and security is inexcusable. The Security Council rejected direct appeals to extend the arms embargo from numerous countries in the Middle East

endangered by Iran’s violence. Arab nations and Israel strongly supported extending the embargo. Last weekend, the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council came together to ask the Security Council to extend the embargo. Israel also asked the Council to do the same to prevent Iran from expanding and modernizing its arsenal. These countries know Iran will spread even greater chaos and destruction if the embargo expires, but the Security Council chose to ignore them. The United States will never abandon our friends in the region who expected more from the Security Council. We will continue to work to ensure that the theocratic terror regime does not have the freedom to purchase and sell weapons that threaten the heart of Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

relations between Turkey and Greece

TL Bureau, Helsinki

President and Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discuss Lebanon, Belarus, relations between Turkey and Greece, human rights report and Government Report on Foreign and Security Policy. On Friday 14 August, the President of the Republic and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and Security Policy discussed the situation in Lebanon. Following the explosion in Beirut on 4 August, Finland granted EUR one million to the emergency

Vietnam to buy Russian, British Yemeni Vice President Appreciates COVID-19 Coalition’s Continuous Support to vaccine

Defeat Iran’s Destructive Project TL Bureau, Aden The Yemeni Vice President, Lieutenant General Ali Mohsen Saleh, expressed his appreciation for the continued support being provided by the Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen so as to defeat Iran’s destructive project. This came in a phone call made by Lieutenant General Mohsen to Governor of Al-

Jawf Governorate, Major General Amin Al-Akimi, during which he urged redoubling of efforts, more action, mobilization of energies and political and societal cohesion, according to the official Yemeni News Agency. For his part, Governor Al-Akimi stressed the continuation of the fight against Houthis’ coup with determination and high fighting morale.

TL Bureau, HANOI

Vietnam has registered to buy a Russian COVID-19 vaccine, state television reported on Friday, as it fights a new outbreak after going several months with no local cases, Reuters reported. Russia said on Wednesday it would roll out the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine within two weeks. Vietnam will also buy vaccines from Britain, where it has a partnership to develop a homegrown vaccine with the University of Bristol.

U.S. and Concerned Nations Stand Together for Democratic Change in Venezuela TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

United States joins democracies around the world to reiterate our support for Venezuela’s democratic forces as they defend the rights of the Venezuelan people. The joint declaration calls for a transitional government that will hold free and fair presidential and parliamentary elections. Amidst flagrant human rights abuses and violent coercive tactics, the illegitimate Maduro regime is attempting systematically to destroy Venezuela’s ability to conduct free elections.

International standards for free and fair elections are not even close to being met. This joint declaration demonstrates we are not alone in our resolve to strengthen support for a transitional government in Venezuela and an end to the Maduro dictatorship. We are joined by members of the Lima Group, the International Contact Group, the European Union, and many other countries committed to the restoration of democracy in Venezuela. The following parties have joined, and we welcome other countries that are considering it: Albania, Australia,

Bahrain Welcomes Lithuania’s Decision to List Hezbollah as Terrorist Organization TL Bureau, Manama

Bahrain welcomed Lithuania’s decision to list Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and its decision to impose a 10-year ban on all individuals related to Hezbollah from entering its territory, stressing the importance of this move in supporting the efforts to combat

extremist terrorist organizations. The Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed appreciation of the efforts exerted by Lithuania in fighting terrorism and the terrorist organizations, affirming the need to strengthen the efforts of the international community and take all necessary measures to eliminate all forms of terrorism.

Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Georgia, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Israel, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Republic of Korea, Saint Lucia, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom. It is time for a peaceful, democratic transition in Venezuela. The United States and the international community share an obligation to demonstrate and provide support for the Venezuelan people as they strive to reclaim their democracy.

operation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Lebanon. Medical supplies and a team trained in international rescue operations were also sent to Beirut. In addition, Finland will continue its other long-term support to Lebanon, in particular through crisis management and development assistance. Preparations are being made to repair the premises of the Finnish Embassy in Beirut that were damaged on 4 August. The President and the Ministerial Committee on Foreign and

Security Policy also discussed the situation in Belarus following the presidential elections held on 9 August. The elections were neither free nor fair, and there was failure to comply with the standards of democracy and the rule of law. It is highly regrettable that the OSCE election observers were not admitted to the country. Disproportionate force was used by the security authorities during the election campaign and after the elections. The unrest in Belarus is ongoing and the situation remains a cause of concern.

FDFA - Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu meet to discuss bilateral relations and an open and constructive dialogue between Switzerland and Turkey TL Bureau, Bern

Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA), met today with his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, who was on an official visit to Bern. The two foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to build on the good bilateral relations between the two countries.

“Turkey is a very important partner for Switzerland, and we intend to pursue an open and constructive dialogue,” said Mr Cassis. He also offered Turkey Switzerland’s good offices, for example to find a resolution to the Cyprus issue. The ministers also discussed the international crisis surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean and the situation in Libya

Lebanese Caretaker Premier Meets with Brazilian Presidential Delegation

Lebanese President Meets with UN Official

TL Bureau, Beirut

Lebanese Caretaker Premier Hassan Diab met here today with a Brazilian presidential delegation headed by former President of Brazil Michel Temer. During the meeting, the delegation expressed solidarity of the Brazilian people with the Lebanese people as well as Brazil’s readiness to help Lebanon.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun met here today with the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jan Kubis. During the meeting, they discussed the most important tasks of the anticipated new government, yet to be formed, according to a presidential statement.

The US State Department said in a statement issued today: The action taken by Lithuania, which came after the embargo imposed by Germany on Hezbollah on April 30, acknowledges that there is no difference between the so-called

“military” and “political” wings of Hezbollah. The US State Department urged the member states of the European Union to stand firm against this terrorist organization, at the national and EU levels.

US Welcomes Lithuania’s Decision to List Hezbollah as Terrorist Organization

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

United States of America welcomed Lithuania’s decision to list Hezbollah as a terrorist organization and barring people associated with group from entering the country.

world

Health and care workers to self-isolate on On the Occasion return to UK from high-risk countries of Switzerland’s Registered health and care professionals travelling to the UK from high-risk countries will be required to selfisolate for 14 days, the government has confirmed. TL Bureau, London The move brings them in line with the general public and further protects the NHS and social care system from the spread of coronavirus from overseas, as signs of second waves begin to show in other countries. Following review of whether the measure is still necessary, an exemption has been removed to minimise the risk of onward chains of transmission that might infect the wider workforce. An exemption was originally put in place, at the beginning of June, which meant registered health and care professionals did not have to self-isolate when travelling to England from overseas. This was to help ensure health and care workers travelling back from overseas could return to the England to provide essential healthcare, helping to strengthen the country’s response to the

coronavirus outbreak and save lives. Following the reopening of travel routes, and as more people begin to holiday abroad, the government has removed this exemption and, from 31 July, all registered health and care professionals must lawfully selfisolate when returning to England from a high-risk country. The current list of countries exempt from self-isolation measures is available on GOV.UK. The data for all countries and territories is

Statement by the Prime Minister on the loss of Canadian citizens in the explosion in Lebanon TL Bureau , Ottawa

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the loss of Canadian citizens in the explosion in Lebanon: “Today, I join Canadians across the country to mourn the loss of two Canadian citizens in the tragic explosion in Beirut, Lebanon. “On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I offer our deepest condolences to their families and friends as they grieve this tragedy. Our thoughts remain with those Canadians injured or missing in Lebanon, and with Lebanese-Canadian communities worried about their loved ones, as the search continues. “As the situation in Lebanon continues to evolve, our first priority is to ensure that Canadians and their families who have been affected by the blast have the consular assistance needed, to deal with this challenging time. To support the delivery of these services

and answer immigration questions, Canada is setting up a task force on Lebanon. Additionally, Lebanese citizens in Canada, on a temporary basis, are able to extend their stay in Canada if they are unable to return home because of the explosion. “Canada will continue to stand with the people of Lebanon and to support them as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives and their city. The Government of Canada has provided $30 million in assistance following the explosion to help trusted partners address immediate humanitarian needs and support recovery efforts. As part of this, we are matching donations generously made by Canadians through the Lebanon Matching Fund, up to a maximum of $5 million. We will keep working with the international community to identify how we can best support urgent needs on the ground.

kept under constant review, and the exemptions list is updated with any changes on a regular basis as and when required to reflect the shifting international health picture. Health and care professionals returning from a country which has a travel corridor to the UK will not be required to self-isolate on return. This amendment to the regulations will ensure consistency with wider self-isolation measures and continue to protect public health.

National Day

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State On behalf of the Government of the United States and the American people, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of the Swiss Confederation on the occasion of your National Day.As you celebrate the founding of the strong, democratic, and prosperous country the Swiss people have built over the course of more than seven hundred years, we recall the countless economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties that bind our two industrious and innovative countries. We

share your deep commitment to upholding the rule of law and economic freedom around the world, and we appreciate the Swiss Confederation’s support to Americans in distress. From arranging flights for U.S. citizens whose travel plans were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitating the release of Americans wrongfully imprisoned in Iran, we are grateful that we can always rely on our Swiss partners. I wish the people of Switzerland a happy National Day and look forward to seeing our friendship and partnership grow even stronger in the years to come.

Russia reports more than 5,000 new coronavirus cases TL Bureau, Moscow Russia reported 5,061 new cases of the novel coronavirus on Saturday, bringing its nationwide tally to 917,884, the fourth highest caseload

in the world, Reuters reported. Russia’s coronavirus crisis response centre said 119 people had also died over the last 24 hours, pushing its official death toll to 15,617. It added that 729,411 people have recovered.

World leaders pay tribute as nation falls silent to mark 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War

The Royal Family and Prime Minister will lead the national events to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day TL Bureau, London World leaders come together in a poignant video message giving thanks to all those who served The Red Arrows will conduct flypasts over Edinburgh, Belfast and Cardiff and will conclude their UK tour over London’s Royal Hospital Chelsea Images of veterans will be projected on video screens across the nation UK will fall silent at 11am and Union flags will fly at full mast As the nation falls silent to remember the end of the Second World War, world leaders will give thanks to all those who served as part of a poignant video message commissioned by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. The Friendship of Nations will see world leaders including the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, Malawian President, Lazarus Chakwera, Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, and US President, Donald Trump thanking veterans. As well as world leaders, members of the Royal Family and the Prime Minister will pay tribute at a series of events to mark the anniversary. His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales will lead a national moment of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. As part of the UK’s commemoration event, the Prime Minister will read the Exhortation ahead of a national two minute

silence. His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge will feature in a special programme broadcast on BBC One, and pay tribute to all those who sacrificed so much during the Second World War. His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will feature, alongside other veterans, on a number of large screens across the UK including the Piccadilly Curve and National Rail stations in a photomontage showing veterans during their time in service and as they are now. In the first such flight since the 2012 London Olympic and Paralympic Games, The Red Arrows will conduct a specially designed UK wide flypast tribute over Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and London with its path including The Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to three Burma Star recipients. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: On this 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we pay tribute to the heroes deployed thousands of miles away in the mountains, islands and rainforests of Asia.

Unable to celebrate the victory in Europe, and among the last to return home, today we recognise the bravery and ingenuity of those who, in the face of adversity, restored peace and prosperity to the world. Their immeasurable sacrifice changed the course of history and at today’s commemorations, we take the opportunity to say what should be said every day - thank you. Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said: Today marks the 75th anniversary of VJ day, and our thoughts are with all those who made such huge sacrifices to secure our country’s freedom. Finally, the war was really over. But the war in Japan was brutal, and many of those who returned were never able to speak about their experiences. The courage of those who fought and endured, so we are able to live freely, must never be forgotten. Today, we remember them, we honour them, and we thank them. Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: Today we remember all those who served in the Second World War as we mark the 75th anniversary of the peace they secured. We must not forget the millions of men, women and children who were drawn into this terrible conflict. I want to call on everyone, wherever you are, to join us in giving thanks to the veterans who came home with the burdens of war on their shoulders, and to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Singapore

MoneySense campaign for 2020 to help CCCS Clears Proposed Singaporeans build financial resilience Acquisition of Bombardier Transportation by Alstom

TL Bureau, Singapore

MoneySense has updated its outreach messages to help Singaporeans better manage their finances and stay resilient amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19. With a tagline of #stayunitedstayresilient, its 2020 Campaign will focus on helping Singaporeans manage their finances prudently, cope with tighter cash flows, minimise debt, and avoid scams. The campaign will run for 12 weeks from 14 August 2020. The campaign will provide Singaporeans three resources to help strengthen their financial

resilience: MyMoneySense Expense Manager is a new free online tool that helps users review their financial situation, and better plan their resources to tide over periods of financial challenges. Users are taken on a step-by-step journey to adjust their expenses to best suit their needs. (www. mymoneysense.gov.sg/covid-19/ expense-manager) Financial Resilience Guide is a new section on the MoneySense website that helps individuals facing financial challenges could take steps to improve their financial situation. The guide provides curated information

pertinent for the current period, such as coping with reduced income and meeting recurring financial obligations such as mortgage loans or insurance premiums. The section also brings together relevant information on the government’s COVID-19 relief schemes for individuals. Financial Resilience Seminars will be organised to allow individuals to hear from experienced financial trainers and discuss issues of concern. This series of online seminars will be held jointly with the Institute for Financial Literacy (IFL)1 and cover a range of financial topics.

Passion to contribute to Singapore’s Digital Future drives growth in Smart Nation Scholarship

TL Bureau, Singapore

The Smart Nation Scholarship continues to attract strong interest with 723 applications1 received this year, an increase from 614 applications received in 2019. The field was narrowed down to fifteen recipients after a rounded assessment of their potential for technical leadership, and how they imbue the public service ethos to serve people and country. Minister-in-Ch argeoftheSmartNationInitiati veDrVivianBalakrishnanadd ressed the fifteen scholarship awardees at a virtual engagement session held today. The rising number of applications each year signals increasing interest from the younger generation to co-

create Singapore’s digital future, and develop technology for the public good. Technology is critical to a productive economy for Singapore’s future and a key enabler for the government to serve citizens and businesses better. Launched in 2018, the Smart Nation Scholarship is a longterm talent investment to nurture a pool of passionate innovators within the public service who will drive Singapore’s digital transformation. Recipients will join one of the three Smart Nation agencies after they complete their studies – Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (“CSA”), Government Technology Agency (“GovTech”) and Infocomm Media Development Authority

(“IMDA”). They will undergo rigorous technical training under the agencies’ respective talent programmes, and take on key roles in national projects that will shape Singapore’s Smart Nation journey. The scholarship selection panel is led by the Smart Nation and Digital Government Office and Ministry of Communications and Information. “Cybersecurity excites me as it is constantly evolving. Besides new cyber threats that cybersecurity professionals have to tackle, there are also new technologies being developed to combat the new threats. Having been a victim of hacking, I have realised how vulnerable we are to cyber threats.

TL Bureau, Singapore

The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCCS”) has cleared the proposed acquisition of Bombardier Transportation (Investment) UK Ltd (“Bombardier Transportation”) by Alstom S.A. (“Alstom”) (the “Proposed Transaction”) (each, a “Party” and collectively, “the Parties”). Following its assessment, CCCS has concluded that the Proposed Transaction, if carried into effect, will not infringe the section 54 prohibition of the Competition Act (Cap. 50B) (the “Act”). CCCS accepted a notification by Alstom on 12 May 2020 for a decision on whether the Proposed Transaction would infringe section 54 of the Act, which prohibits mergers that

have resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market in Singapore. Alstom, a French corporation, is a global player in the world rail transport industry, providing a full range of solutions (from high-speed trains to metros, trams and e-buses), related services (maintenance and modernisation) as well as offerings dedicated to passengers and infrastructure, digital mobility and signalling solutions.1 In Singapore, Alstom supplies trains for Mass Rapid Transit (“MRT”) lines; urban signalling systems for MRT lines; turnkey solutions for rail transport; MRT system infrastructure including trackwork and third rails for rail electrification; and maintenance, repair services and spare parts.

Minister for Finance Heng Swee Keat to deliver Ministerial Statement on 17 August 2020

TL Bureau, Singapore

Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for Economic Policies and Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat, will deliver a Ministerial Statement on the Government’s further plans to continue supporting workers, businesses and protect livelihoods, in our ongoing efforts to build resilience and to emerge

stronger from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Statement will be delivered via a Ministerial broadcast on Monday, 17 August 2020, at 3.30pm, which will be carried on CNA, CNA938, and Mediacorp MeWatch. The full Ministerial Statement will be published on the Singapore Budget website (www.singaporebudget.gov. sg ) after delivery.

Logistics sector gets added boost to support digital transformation efforts in the changing business environment

About 5,300 Logistics SMEs and 86,300 workers expected to benefit from the refreshed Logistics Industry Digital Plan

TL Bureau, Singapore

COVID-19 has accelerated businesses’ shift towards digitalisation. Digital tools can provide greater transparency across global supply chains, improve the efficiency of business processes and deepen trust in the integrity of supply chains. Building on this momentum and the broader need to strengthen our supply chains, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have refreshed the Logistics Industry Digital Plan1 (IDP). The refreshed Logistics IDP will provide a clearer digital roadmap for businesses in the sector. In addition, with more SMEs in the sector diversifying to provide multimodal transport services, from point of pick up to final destination, the Logistics IDP has been expanded to include SMEs that provide air transport support services. Two digital roadmaps have been developed – the IDP Digital Roadmap lays out digital

solutions for SMEs at different stages of growth, and the IDP Digital Training Roadmap offers a corresponding training roadmap for workers. Enhancements in the refreshed Logistics IDP were developed in consultation with enterprises as well as industry partners including Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) such as the Singapore Logistics Association, and the Centre of Innovation for Supply Chain Management at Republic Polytechnic (COI-SCM). Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Low Yen Ling, announced the launch of the Logistics IDP at a visit to IM Holdings Pte Ltd (IM Holdings) , a logistics SME that provides warehouse and inventory management services. New sources of support for Logistics SMEs to digitalise Under the IDP Digital Roadmap, SMEs can make use of a new online self-assessment

checklist to better understand their digital maturity and readiness, as well as identify gaps in their digital capabilities that may translate to new opportunities for improvement and growth. The checklist considers factors such as the company’s current business operations, level of digitalisation, and business expansion plans. Five new solutions have also been added to the IDP Digital Roadmap to enable SMEs to carry out real-time data-driven decision making and support digital collaboration among supply chain stakeholders. These solutions are (i) Digital Trade Platform, (ii) Supply Chain Analytics, (iii) Efficient Energy Management, (iv) Distributed Ledger Technology in transportation, and (v) Augmented Reality (AR) / Virtual Reality (VR) for training and operation. Continual workforce upskilling would be important in optimising the benefits digital transformation bring to businesses. Under the new IDP Digital Training

Roadmap, SMEs will now be able to tailor training programmes to meet the needs of different workers in various job roles. The roadmap further classifies digital skills into two categories – tech basics and tech advanced – to offer more tailored support to prepare workers for a digital work environment. These digital skills are becoming increasingly relevant as SMEs progressively transform, and existing jobs are redesigned or new job functions emerge as a result. The training roadmap can also serve as a guide for young or mid-career professionals who are keen to join the sector. With additional support for those providing air transport support services, SMEs in this sector can reap efficiency gains through the adoption of digital systems and use of real time data. By having greater visibility of asset movements, freight forwarders will be able to enhance their on-time delivery performance, and improve customer service.

6 CONTINUATION OF INTERMITTENT EMERGENCY LANE CLOSURE AT THE EXIT OF SLIPROAD TOWARDS KUALA LUMPUR SEREMBAN HIGHWAY (NORTH BOUND), KUCHAI LAMA Date: 16 August 2020 – 06 September 2020 Time: 9.30am4.30pm and 10.00pm-5.00am

CONTINUATION OF INTERMITTENT LANE CLOSURE (SUNGAI BESI-BOUND AND KUALA LUMPUR-BOUND) AT KM12.0 KM12.4, KUCHAI LAMA, SUNGAI BESI HIGHWAY Date: 14 August 2020 – 15 September 2020 Time: 11.00pm – 5.00am

PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE BY STAGES AT MAJU EXPRESSWAY (MEX), NEARBY SERI KEMBANGAN R&R AREA Date: 14 August 2020 – 30 September 2020 Time: 10:00pm – 5:00am Duration: 48 Days Reason: To facilitate parapet wall installation and other related works

MALAYSIA & NEARBY

7 OPEC Basket Price Stood, at $45.08 TL Bureau, Vienna

The price of OPEC basket of thirteen crudes stood at $45.08 a barrel on Wednesday, compared to $45.21 the previous day, according to OPEC Secretariat calculations, WAM News Agency reported. The thirteen crudes, from separate OPEC member countries, include a mix of light and heavy crudes.

U.S. stocks finished Friday trading, with little change TL Bureau, New York

U.S. stocks finished little changed Friday. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 34.30, or 0.1 percent, to 27,931.02. S&P 500, the broader index, was virtually unchanged, falling 0.58 to 3,372.85. On the other hand, the technologyheavy Nasdaq composite index fell 23.20, or 0.2 percent, to 11,019.30.

BUSINESS

High Court decision passes the pub test

TL Bureau, Canberra

Today the High Court has issued its first decision on the Fair Work Act National Employment Standards since introduced more than 10 years ago, offering welcome relief to businesses around the country by reinstating long-standing law and practice when it comes to calculating leave entitlements for employees.In overturning last year’s decision by the Federal Court in Mondelez v AMWU, the High Court has recognised that a fair go for all workers means sick leave is based on a working week of 38 hours – no matter how many days or shifts it is worked across. As the High Court recognised in dispensing with the ‘working day’ approach which would have seen some part-time

and shift workers granted access to the same or even more hours of personal leave each year than their full time employee counterparts, such an outcome would have given rise to “absurd results and inequitable outcomes and would be contrary to the legislative purposes of fairness and flexibility”. “People who work the same

Appeals process needed in Solar Retailer Code

TL Bureau, Canberra

The ACCC is proposing to require inclusion of an appeals process in granting re-authorisation to the Clean Energy Council’s Solar Retailer Code of Conduct. The Solar Code sets minimum standards for retailers selling solar photovoltaic (solar PV) systems to consumers. To be an approved retailer, solar retailers must comply with standards covering advertising, contract documentation, finance and payments, design and installation, and complaints handling. “Purchasing a solar PV systems can be a large investment and a complex decision for a household to make. The Solar Code provides greater protections for consumers and is likely to help consumers make more informed decisions,”

ACCC Commissioner Stephen Ridgeway said. “As part of our re-authorisation, we are proposing a condition requiring the Clean Energy Council to include an independent appeals process for retailers who apply to become signatories to the Solar Code, but are rejected.” “An appeals process will help ensure that retailers are not inappropriately rejected from becoming signatories. This is especially important because many retailers consider that being a signatory is critical for them to operate in the market, as it is generally necessary to access government financial incentives,” Mr Ridgeway said. The ACCC previously authorised the Solar Code in 2015. Since that time, the importance of being an approved retailer has

increased, partly because many government financial incentives are only available to consumers who purchase solar PV systems from an approved retailer. This has resulted in a big increase in the number of retailers signing up to the Code. “Many retailers’ businesses would suffer or even be unviable without Clean Energy Council approval. That is why including an independent appeals process to help ensure fairness and transparency is so important,” Mr Ridgeway said. The ACCC is inviting submissions on its draft determination, including the proposed condition, before moving to a final decision, which is expected to be made in October. More information is available at Clean Energy Council – Solar Retailer Code of Conduct.

amount of hours a week, whether they are full-time, parttime or a shift worker should get the same amount of sick leave – that’s just common sense,” ACCI CEO James Pearson said. “Employers faced the grim prospect of scrambling to pay extra money following the precedent set by the Federal Court which reversed long standing industry practice

and the operation of payroll system utilised by hundreds of thousands of businesses around the country. It didn’t pass the pub test and we’re relieved the High Court has overturned it. “Let’s not forget who would have been punished had the High Court upheld the decision – people in small businesses who are already on their knees, just trying to do their best to stay open and survive during the current Covid crisis. “Today decision is also a win for flexible workers with variable hours, including those working part time and parents returning from parental leave as last years’ decision would have served as a major obstacle to family friendly working arrangements and young people seeking flexibility to balance work and study.”

Ombudsman tells SCF providers to follow Greensill’s example

TL Bureau, Canberra

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell has welcomed action taken by Greensill to cut ties with clients that have poor payment terms, calling on other supply chain finance providers to follow suit. “Greensill has issued discontinuance notices to its supply chain finance clients who fail to comply with 30-day payment terms,” Ms Carnell. “This is strong action taken in response to our Supply Chain Finance Review, showing that Greensill takes prompt payment times to small business seriously. “There is no reason why other supply chain finance providers can’t do the same. “As outlined in our Supply Chain Finance Review, we know there are large companies extending their payment terms to 60 or more

days from the end of month the invoice is lodged and offering supply chain finance to those that want to be paid earlier and are willing to take a discount on the invoiced amount. “This practice is unacceptable and harmful to small businesses, especially in the current difficult trading conditions. “Now, more than ever before, small businesses need to be paid the full invoiced amount owed, on time. Their survival depends on it. “That’s why my office has recommended federal legislation requiring small businesses to be paid in 30 days. It is the only way to drive meaningful change in business payment performance across the economy. “Greensill has shown that supply chain finance providers can lead by example by cutting off clients that fail to pay on time. “This should be the position adopted by all supply chain finance facilitators.”

UPDATE ON PRUDENTIAL INQUIRY REMEDIAL ACTION PLAN Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) today released the Independent Reviewer, Promontory Australia’s, seventh and eighth reports into the progress of CBA’s Prudential Inquiry Remedial Action Plan.

TL Bureau, Parramatta The reports provide an update on actions CBA has taken to deliver the Remedial Action Plan. The Independent Reviewer noted CBA has made ‘strong progress’ and ‘remained on track’ to deliver the plan. As at 30 June 2020, CBA had submitted on time to

the Independent Reviewer 139 of 176 milestones. The Independent Reviewer had closed 116 milestones and a further 23 milestones were in assessment. Commonwealth Bank Chief Executive Officer Matt Comyn said: “We note the Independent Reviewer’s positive comments on our progress. We remain committed to delivering the

Program in full and on time. “As the Independent Reviewer has said, some of the remaining milestones will be the most difficult to complete with wide-ranging behavioural, process and technology changes required. Changes that we will continue to deliver with the required focus and attention,” Mr Comyn said.

FEATURE

Scope (COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients affected by the pandemic)

TL Bureau, Geneva

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) call on governments to ensure that the procurement and supply of controlled medicines in countries meet the needs of patients, both those who have COVID-19 and those who require internationally controlled medicines for other medical conditions. There is a need to ensure access to controlled medicines such as sedatives and analgesics for intubation protocols for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. Non-COVID patients continue to require controlled medicines for the management of pain and palliative care, surgical care and anaesthesia, mental health and neurological conditions, and for the treatment of drug use disorders. It is important to remember the needs of existing patients who require controlled medicines for the management of these health conditions. These patients faced barriers to accessing controlled medicines before the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has further resulted in interruptions of the medicines supply chain, and it is critical that access to essential health

services and medications not be forgotten or de-prioritised during this pandemic.

Need for equitable access

As the pandemic increasingly affects countries with underresourced health infrastructure and services, it is an ethical imperative to ensure that all people in all countries of the world are able to access essential medicines. This includes those medicines that are under international control. Governments should ensure that sufficient quantities of internationally controlled medicines, of assured quality, are available and affordable to people under medical care. Throughout the duration of the pandemic and beyond the acute phase of burden on the healthcare infrastructure, it is critical that governments work cooperatively to ensure that no country, no region, no district, no city and no patient is left behind. Competent national authorities, manufacturers, suppliers and distributors play a crucial role in ensuring that internationally controlled medicines urgently needed for medical treatment are available within and across national borders. The supply chain is the foundation of quality medical care because without the necessary supplies, including essential controlled medicines, patients will suffer.

Solutions to address barriers

Governments are reminded that in acute emergencies, it is possible under the International Drug Control Conventions to utilize simplified control procedures for the export, transportation and supply of medicinal products containing controlled substances, especially in those cases where the competent authorities in the importing countries may not be operating at full capacity. Competent national authorities may permit the export of medicines containing narcotic drugs and/ or psychotropic substances to affected areas even in the absence of the corresponding import authorizations and/or estimates. Urgent deliveries do not need to be included in the estimates of the receiving countries affected by emergencies. When possible, competent national authorities are also encouraged to issue electronic import and export authorizations through the INCB International Import and Export Authorization System (I2ES), PEN Online and share related contingency measures in the forum therein. Countries should ease COVID-19 related transport restrictions for controlled medicines and consider local production solutions when feasible, to meet the COVID-19 driven demand spikes. To assist countries as they work to find solutions to the lack of access and availability of controlled

medicines, the three organizations suggest the following technical assistance and support documents: Countries are encouraged to refer to the Guide on Estimating Requirements for Substances under International Control developed by the International Narcotics Control Board and the World Health Organization for use by Competent National Authorities. Countries are encouraged to refer to WHO’s toolkit on the clinical care of severe acute respiratory infections, which includes guidance on the use of controlled medicines for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Countries are further advised to utilize WHO’s operational guidance for maintaining essential services during an outbreak to balance the demands of responding to the COVID-19 pandemic whilst simultaneously ensuring that essential health services and provision of medication for other ongoing medical conditions are maintained. Countries are encouraged to refer to normative guidance such as the WHO List of Essential Medicines and guidelines for the pharmacological and radiotherapeutic management of cancer pain in adults and adolescents. Countries are further advised to refer to and utilize the strategies presented in UNODC’s Technical

Guidance: Increasing Access and Availability of Controlled Medicines developed in collaboration with experts, civil society partners and other international partners. Under the UNODC-WHO-UICC Joint Global Program, countries are encouraged to reach out to UNODC and WHO for technical assistance and support at the national level that also involves civil society partners.

research and develop thermal technology breakthroughs that potentially could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least one gigaton, which is about 3 percent of annual energy-related GHG emissions globally. “We as a species are endangering ourselves with the infrastructure we have erected to improve our quality of life,” said co-author Asegun Henry, associate professor of mechanical engineering at MIT. “There are a few instances in history when scientists and engineers have come together and achieved something very remarkable in very short timeframes. This must be one of those times.” Heat as energy storage One major challenge in thermal engineering is to store excess wind and solar power as heat energy over multiple days and then convert it back into electricity when needed. The full decarbonization of

electricity would reduce manmade, global GHG emissions by about a fourth. Getting 70 percent or more of our electricity from intermittent renewables will require massive additions of electricity storage. Expanding the most common current technology, pumped hydroelectric storage, is limited by geography, and lithium-ion batteries are too expensive for storing excess renewable power over multiple days. “The key advantage for thermal energy storage is its potential for low cost at large scale,” said co-author Ravi Prasher, associate laboratory director for energy technologies at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. “While it is relatively easy to convert electricity to heat,” Prasher explained, “the key challenge for thermal energy storage is the large efficiency penalty when converting heat back to electricity.”

Conclusions

The work of doctors, nurses, and health care professionals in general, who provide treatment and care to people including the most vulnerable, needs to be supported and safe and effective medicines should be available, accessible and affordable at all times for people who need them. INCB, WHO and UNODC are committed to continue to work together to address this critical issue and will expand joint efforts to engage with other partners and increase advocacy and technical assistance to countries for improving access to controlled medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigate barriers to ensure that both patients affected by COVID-19 or by other non-COVID-related conditions requiring medicines under international control have access to these medicines when they need them.

Study outlines five thermal energy grand challenges for decarbonizing the world’s economy

TLBureau, By Mark Golden, California. Solar and wind power are an important part of solving the problem of climate change, but these renewable technologies on their own probably will never provide the energy for many industrial processes, like making steel. Iron being smelted in a steel mill furnace at 1,500 degrees Celsius (2,732 degrees Fahrenheit). (Image credit: Eugen Nosko) Approximately 90 percent of the world’s energy use involves generation or manipulation of heat, including the cooling of buildings and food. Maintaining modern economies and improving life in developing economies while mitigating climate change will require five major advances in how we convert, store and transmit thermal energy, according to a new paper in Nature Energy from Stanford

BY MARK GOLDEN University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.“Modern renewable technologies are the most inexpensive source of electricity we have today, but solar and wind power are intermittent and account for a small percentage of the world’s

energy,” said Arun Majumdar, one of three co-authors and a Stanford professor of mechanical engineering. “We need to increase this percentage, but we also must decarbonize heat and use heat to store electricity from solar and wind.” The analysis underscores the urgent need to

Australians urged to back industry by booking tourism tours and experiences

TL Bureau, Canberra

Australians are being urged to support our tourism operators by booking an experience with new monthly figures released today, showing domestic tourism spending fell by $11.7 billion in April and May of this year, according to new monthly figures released today by Tourism Research Australia (TRA). According to the latest National Visitor Survey (NVS) data 9.6 million fewer domestic overnight trips taken in April 2020 compared to April 2019, and domestic overnight spend down 91 per cent, or $7 billion, to $666 million in the same period.An easing of some COVID-19 restrictions in May resulted in some improvements, however, overnight trips still dropped by 67 per cent to 3.1 million compared to May 2019, while domestic overnight spend was down 82 per cent to $1.1 billion for the month, a loss of $4.8 billion on May 2019.

life and real estate

GOLD COAST CELEBRATES SECOND HALF OF 2020 WITH THE RETURN OF FAMILY HOLIDAYS TL Bureau, Gold Coast

Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham said whilst anecdotal feedback from the recent school holidays indicated things had improved in some of our regions, this data still reinforced the need for those Australians who are in a position to do so, to back the sector and the one in 13 jobs reliant on tourism. “Whilst our Government’s economic support for the industry, which includes the extension of JobKeeper, is helping to cushion the blow, these figures are a reminder of the need for us to support our incredible tourism operators,” Minister Birmingham said.“The necessary closure of our international borders has been critical in the fight against COVID-19, however it has meant those tourism regions and operators who are reliant on international visitors continue to do it incredibly tough. “Australia is lucky enough to be home to some of the most unique and wonderful experiences, but

with many of our top attractions most popular with international visitors, we need Australians to help fill the void until our international borders re-open again. “We want Australians to make the most of what our country has to offer by not just going on a road trip but by booking an experience as well, whether it be taking a surf lesson in Byron Bay, making your own whisky in Tasmania, kayaking through Nitmiluk Gorge or learning indigenous art skills in Ceduna. “Not only will this provide them with the opportunity to perhaps try something new or tick off a bucket list activity, but it will go a long way in helping to support those operators and businesses that rely on the millions of international visitors who travel here each year to enjoy all of these experiences.” The latest National Visitor Survey monthly results are available on the Tourism Research Australia website.

With borders now open to interstate travellers,* Destination Gold Coast has today released a new video that reaches out to Australian families with one simple message: ‘You Deserve a Holiday’. The new clip has been released as Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet‘n’Wild today join the growing list of family favourites on the Gold Coast that have reopened to the public. The third and final instalment of a series of social inspiration videos, which have so far generated close to seven million views, the ‘You Deserve A Holiday’ video provides a prelude to a multi-million dollar interstate campaign scheduled for later this month. Reminding interstate families why the Gold Coast is Australia’s favourite playground, the new video features stunning shots of popular hotspots and favourite experiences such as SkyPoint Observation Deck, Get Wet Surf School, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, Go Vertical SUP Hire and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, to name a few. Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said after all the sacrifices – big and small – made by Australians to allow Gold Coast operators to be back open for

stopping the oil leakages and cleaning the affected areas. The Ministry of Environment reports approximately 13 villages in the vicinity affected by the spill are in need of immediate and longer-term assistance. IOM, as part of the SocioEconomic and Environmental

Impact Evaluation Team led by the UN Resident Coordinator, are mobilizing resources to deliver technical support and expertise to help the government mitigate the risks and impacts of the evolving ecological crisis on the people’s livelihoods and address displacement

challenges. “Though we must focus our efforts on the immediate response, long-term impacts on these vulnerable communities and livelihoods should also be critically assessed,” said Céline Lemmel, Head of Office for IOM Mauritius and

business, now was the time to get out and enjoy the rewards. “After months of restrictions, uncertainty and struggles, we’re thrilled to be at a stage where it’s safe to welcome back families to experience Australia’s favourite playground once again,” Ms Battista said. “Whether it’s relaxation, long lunches and a solid night’s sleep, or high adventure, fun and thrill time – the Gold Coast is the perfect place to come back and play. “Our operators have demonstrated incredible resilience and creativity, and now we’re thrilled that the time has come to welcome families from interstate, and keep taking strides towards an economic recovery.” Last year, the Gold Coast drew a record 14.2 million visitors, but the COVID-19 travel ban has halted the city’s biggest economic driver in tourism, worth almost $6 billion. Destination Gold Coast launched a $1.5 million Queensland-focused marketing campaign in mid-June, and is slated to complement its tourism recovery with a further $2.5 million interstate campaign on 26 July. Ms Battista said while recovery was going to take some time, the Gold Coast was focused on regaining its domestic share, while also capturing outbound demand before international borders open.

Seychelles. The UN, the international community, local authorities, the private sector, civil society organizations and local community volunteers are working collectively to help contain this crisis and rebuild stronger together, she said.

IOM and UN Partners Respond to Mauritius Oil Spill

TL Bureau, Mauritius -

The International Organization for Migration (IOM), as part of the United Nations (UN) family, is supporting the Government of Mauritius in its response to the ecological crisis caused by the spilling over 1,000 tons of oil from a stricken Japanese-owned vessel that ran aground 1.6km offshore on July 25. The latest satellite data reveals the oil slick from the MV Wakashio now stretches across 27 square kilometres along the east coast of Mauritius, from Blue Bay Marine Park to the tourist island of Ile aux Cerfs. The government of the small island nation of roughly 1.2 million declared a state of emergency on 7 August the day after the vessel began leaking oil, leading to an appeal for international aid. Mauritius depends heavily on the marine-based ‘Blue Economy’ and tourism, two pillar sectors of the economy directly threatened by this unfolding ecological disaster. The immediate priority is

SPORTS

MATCH RESULTS: Sent on behalf of Lebanese COAST FEVER (63) DEFEAT Rugby League Federation Chief WEST COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES (62) Executive Officer, Nayef Abi Said TL Bureau, Fitzroy

TL Bureau, Greater Manchester Lebanese Rugby League Federation is appealing to the international rugby league community to raise funds to aid relief after devastating explosions in Beirut. On the afternoon of 4 August 2020, two explosions occurred at the port of the city of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. The extremely powerful second blast resulted in at least 157 deaths, 5,000 injuries, US$10–15 billion in property damage and an estimated 300,000 people made homeless. The Lebanese Rugby League Federation (LRLF) has organised an appeal to raise funds which will go directly to support the relief effort and to support the Lebanese first responders. LRLF chief executive officer, Nayef Abi Said who is leading the appeal said; “Once again our beloved country has been devasted. We were already in a huge economic crisis plus the

problems caused by COVID-19 and now the explosion has impacted on so many people. We feel that we should and must do everything assist. “The Lebanese Rugby League Federation would like to request an act of solidarity from the whole rugby league community around the world. “Whilst Numerous Governmental and Non-Governmental organizations are doing amazing job on the ground, we have decided to support Lebanese First Responders. “We have established a GoFundMe page to process the donations and we have set an initial target of £50,000. “My appeal is to all our friends involved in rugby league around the world. We understand that these times are tough for everyone but please try to support LRLF if you can, as we support those who are in the most need after this terrible explosion.” International Rugby League (IRL) chief executive officer, Nigel

Wood is supporting the effort and commented; “The international rugby league community has previously come together to support members when devastation has struck their region. IRL is keen to help LRLF to coordinate this fund-raising effort and I would ask and encourage all of our members, clubs and fans to promote the campaign and support it in whatever way they can. “These are challenging times for everyone, but we have demonstrated for many years the immense compassion of the rugby league community and I know that we can summon up the strength to support Lebanon in this time of great need.” Donations can be made by visiting the GoFundMe page https:// www.gofundme.com/lrlf-firstresponders-fund. All donations will go directly to the organisations delivering this vital aid to the people most affected.

MATCH RESULTS: QUEENSLAND FIREBIRDS (61) DRAW WITH GIANTS NETBALL (61)

TL Bureau, Fitzroy

Kim Jenner and Kiera Austin have added extra sparkle to their already soaring potential as Queensland Firebirds and the GIANTS Netball fought out a thrilling 61-61 draw at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena. Firebirds defender Jenner was outstanding with six gains and four intercepts while Austin was brilliant in attack for the fifthplaced GIANTS. The draw was at least something to show for the Firebirds who collected their first competition points for the season but are still chasing a win. The GIANTS led 47-44 at threequarter time after Austin’s move

from wing to goal attack hauled her side out of a dark patch midway through the game. Her five third-quarter goals, including three from long range, were pivotal and the Diamonds squad member showed genuine court craft when the game was on the line in the last term. “It’s probably a game where we should have started a bit stronger,” Austin said. “It’s disappointing (to draw) in the rounds because you want that win but I would have liked to play a few more minutes to seal the deal. “I think we had it in us.” Firebirds Romelda Aiken almost inspired her team to a maiden win this year with 49 goals at

89 per cent accuracy. In a dynamic final term each side threatened to secure the result as Austin (13/15) and the Firebirds’ Tippah Dwan exchanged Suncorp Super Shots. Ultimately it was defensive scramble from each side that denied a clear winner. “It’s very disappointing we couldn’t cement it there at the end,” Jenner said. “We 100 per cent could have taken that win but there’s so many positive to come out.” That change created a national league debut for highly-rated youngster Matisse Letherbarrow but it was also a reflection of the influence Jenner and Tara Hinchliffe were having for the Firebirds.

The returning Courtney Bruce has helped West Coast Fever to a thrilling 63-62 win against the Collingwood Magpies at Brisbane’s Nissan Arena. Bruce, who has overcome a back injury, produced a handful of match turning touches to guarantee a winning 100-game milestone for teammate Verity Charles in the clash with the desperate Magpies. In a frantic finish, Magpies goal attack Gabrielle Sinclair had a chance to level the scores with a Suncorp Super Shot inside the last minute but, despite being lethal from any range during the game, was unable to deliver a levelling goal. “As a defensive unit we knew we could win ball and we had to win ball,” Fever skipper Bruce said. “I thrive off those moments. I want to be a game changer.” The victory consolidated the Fever’s place in the top four while the Magpies are sixth, before the remainder of matches in round four. West Coast’s underrated midcourt of Verity Charles, Ingrid

Colyer and Jess Anstiss set up the win with a big first half while shooter Jhaniele Fowler shot 54 goals at 98 per cent accuracy. Collingwood coach Rob Wright said his side’s chances should not have come down to Sinclair’s long range effort at the death. “It doesn’t come down to that last shot. At the end of the day our start caused us real problems,” he said. The one constant for Wright was the impact of goal shooter Shimona Nelson - who did not miss for most of the first half and was near unstoppable on her way to 45 goals. There were worrying signs as early as the opening minutes of the first quarter for the Magpies. They were unable to make use of Nelson’s reliability under the ring, with starting goal attack Sinclair failing to deliver clean service. The opposite was true for the Fever’s creative duo Alice Teague-Neeld and Colyer, whose combined work rate and vision picked apart Collingwood’s defence.

Score breakdown

Q1: Magpies 11 v Fever 21 Q2: Magpies 18 v Fever 16 Q3: Magpies 18 v Fever 14 Q4: Magpies 15 v Fever 12 Nissan Player of The Match – Madi Browne (Collingwood Magpies) Magpies shooting statistics Shimona Nelson: Total points - 47 G1 - 45/48 (94%) G2 - 1/1 (100%) Gabby Sinclair: Total points - 15 G1 - 9/11 (82%) G2 - 3/5 (60%) Nyah Allen: Total points - 0 G1 - 0/0 (0%) G2 - 0/1 (0%)

Fever shooting statistics Jhaniele Fowler: Total points - 55 G1 - 53/54 (98%) G2 - 1/2 (50%) Alice Teague-Neeld: Total points - 4 G1 - 4/7 (57%) G2 - 0/5 (0%) Kaylia Stanton: Total points - 4 G1 - 0/2 (0%) G2 - 2/2 (100%) Magpies starting seven: GS - Shimona Nelson GA - Gabby Sinclair WA - Kelsey Browne C - Molly Jovic WD - Mel Bragg GD - JodiAnn Ward GK - Geva Mentor Fever starting seven: GS - Jhaniele Fowler GA - Alice TeagueNeeld WA - Ingrid Colyer C - Verity Charles WD - Jess Anstiss GD - Stacey Francis GK - Olivia Lewis

Sheldon van der Linde celebrates first podium of his DTM career – three BMW M4 DTMs in top-five.

TL Bureau, Lausitzring.

A strong start was had for the BMW DTM teams at the Lausitzring (GER) in the second DTM race weekend of the season. Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) in second place in his Shell BMW M4 DTM brought home the first podium of his DTM career. He is also the first South African to make it onto the podium in the DTM. Marco Wittmann (GER, Schaeffler BMW M4 DTM) and Timo Glock (GER, iQOO BMW M4 DTM), finished fourth and fifth having improved their performance significantly compared with the season opener at Spa-Francorchamps (BEL). Philipp Eng (AUT, ZF BMW M4 DTM) in

ninth was the fourth BMW driver to finish in the points. Jonathan Aberdein (RSA, CATL

BMW M4 DTM) battled with technical problems early on in the race and had to pit, consequently

dropping right down the field. He crossed the finish line in 14th place. Lucas Auer (AUT, BMW Bank M4 DTM) also opted to pit early, although that didn’t pay off. He finished in twelfth. In the driver’s standings, van der Linde in fifth with 26 points is the best-placed BMW driver. Tomorrow and next weekend will see three further races at the Lausitzring in total, as part of the first double-header of the DTM season. Reactions to the third DTM race of the 2020 season at the Lausitzring. Jens Marquardt (BMW Group Motorsport Director): “Congratulations to our guys. They did a great job and improved their

performance significantly compared with the races at Spa-Francorchamps. Sheldon van der Linde drove a commanding race and was rewarded with the first podium of his DTM career. Marco Wittmann and Timo Glock also battled well and got good results. Philipp Eng wasn’t one hundred percent happy with his car, as he indicated a couple of times over the radio during the race. But finishing in the top ten is a good performance. We fought back against Audi, now we need to continue on this basis and become even faster. Then things will get really interesting. Congratulations to Nico Müller, who brought home another commanding win at the front.”

tech/auto

First look at the Geely Preface

Sports orientated sedan will reset the clock on Geely Auto performance Second vehicle to use GeelyVolvo jointly developed CMA architecture Confirmed launch for fourth quarter of 2020

TL Bureau, Hangzhou

Geely Auto (Geely) today unveiled the Geely Preface, a forthcoming flagship sedan that will be based on Geely Holding Group’s award winning Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) that has been used to underpin a series of products from across the wider Geely Holding Group. The Preface Concept was first aired at the 2019 Shanghai Auto Show where it was widely praised for its wide proportions, wide wheel track and highly balanced design language that was created by Geely Design, the global network of design studios operated by Executive Vice President of Design, Peter Horbury. The Preface Concept has now transitioned into a production vehicle with an expected launch date expected for the fourth quarter of 2020 with production taking place in Geely Auto’s Hangzhou Bay facility. Original design aspects shown on the Preface Concept such as the wider body paired with larger wheels give the production Preface sedan a true level of confidence and road presence, especially when

paired with Geely’s iconic ‘cosmos grille’ that gives the face of the car a stronger bite, enhancing the sports credentials. The ‘cosmos grille’ which has matured and evolved since its first introduction on the 2015 Geely Bo Rui sedan has evolved into being a stronger and wider shape, reflecting the growing confidence of the Geely Auto brand both domestically in China and internationally. The side profile of the production Preface

also mirrors the concept with neat flowing lines that taper into the roofline and down into the rear of the vehicle, perfectly tapering the technology-focused design into the rear of the vehicle. Guy Burgoyne, Geely Design Shanghai Vice President commented: “We have strived to retain many of the aspects of the Preface Concept sedan that we showed in 2019, and with added feedback from Geely Auto users and our

global fans we have retained many aspects, and also introduced several improvements to the production Preface. This is a vehicle that reflects our continued growth and our commitment to users.” As Geely Auto enters into Geely 4.0 – the fourth generation of Geely Auto products since the brand was formally established in 1997 – the Geely Auto brand will focus heavily on the use of modular architectures that allow for leading levels of

connectivity, intelligence, and quality that include safety as a standard. The Geely Preface is the second vehicle within the Geely Auto range to use the CMA Architecture. The first, the Geely Xing Yue SUV, was launched in mid-2019 with a focus on driver orientated performance and will soon launch into global markets. Powertrains for the Geely Preface sedan will be announced in due course.

TOYOTA FORTUNER: EVEN MORE AT HOME... ON OR OFF AUSSIE ROADS

TL Bureau, Sydney

Toyota has expanded the appeal of its sevenseat Fortuner SUV with more power and torque, better fuel consumption, increased braked towing capacity, higher equipment levels, easier parking and a freshened design. Fortuner’s latest engineering advances benefit from similar updates that have also been applied to the HiLux. Announcing the details of the 2020 facelift, Toyota Australia Vice President Sean Hanley said the company’s commitment to making ever-better cars had made Fortuner even more at home, on or off road. “Fortuner is something of a wolf in sheep’s clothing: it has the space, comfort and convenience of a premium SUV while its rugged underpinnings make it an enthusiastic off-road explorer ready for any adventure,” Mr Hanley said. “Our continual improvement of vehicles ensures Fortuner will thrive in Australia’s harsh environments as a diesel alternative to Kluger and an affordable choice for those who aspire to own a LandCruiser.” Despite the significant technical and equipment upgrades, Fortuner’s recommended retail price continues to start under the $50,000 threshold, at $49,0801. The new range arrives in local showrooms from 27 August. An upgraded engine delivers an extra 20kW of power and 50Nm of torque from Fortuner’s 2.8-litre turbo-diesel engine, lifting maximum outputs to 150kW and 500Nm. The performance jump comes from a larger new water-cooled heavy-duty ball-

• Stronger performance with improved fuel economy** • Increased towing capacity, revised styling and new features** • On sale from 27 August

bearing turbocharger with a newly developed variable nozzle vane mechanism, as well as measures to increase engine rigidity, cooling and efficiency. Yet the substantially higher outputs, applied to the road through a six-speed automatic transmission, do not come at the expense of economy with fuel use cut by 11.6 per cent on the official combined cycle2. Consumption at just 7.6 litres/100km2 provides a theoretical range of more than 1,000km from the 80-litre fuel tank. The improvement is even better on the urban cycle at 9.1 litres/100km2, a reduction of 17.3 per cent. Combining the beefier yet more frugal engine with Fortuner’s rugged frame, allcoil suspension and strong upper body has enabled maximum braked towing capacity to be expanded by 300kg to 3100kg3. Handling has also benefited from a new variable-flow power-steering pump that offers more assistance at parking speeds while delivering a more direct feel at highway speeds. A rear differential lock continues to enhance off-road performance. Expanded safety features include the addition of front parking sensors that, along with the existing rear sensors, warn the driver of nearby objects.

Advanced Toyota Safety Sense technologies include a pre-collision safety system with pedestrian (day and night) and cyclist (daytime) detection4, lane-departure alert with steering assist4, and high-speed active cruise control4. All three Fortuner equipment grades - GX, GXL and Crusade - benefit from exterior styling changes, including a revised front end that centres on a larger black grille. A restyled lower front bumper has been divided to produce a “skid-plate” underrun for a tougher, more integrated look. Slimmer Bi-LED headlamps also contribute to the “meaner” look while the Crusade benefits from high-grade headlights and a stylish new taillight design. GX and GXL retain their 17-inch alloy wheel while Crusade receives a newly designed 18-inch alloy with a flanged-spoke design. Inside, GX and GXL interiors have changed to a dark-grey fabric while the leatheraccented Crusade interior is available in either black or fawn. Instrument dials have a new font and a satin finish to the outer rings while the 4.2-inch multi-information display now provides front-tyre angle and DPF status. New range-wide features include an 8-inch (+1 inch) multimedia screen operated by

buttons rather than by touch. The system now incorporates access to Apple CarPlay®5, Android Auto™6 and the myToyota app as well as enhanced voice activation. Other standard equipment includes an airconditioned cool box, audio and phone controls mounted on the steering wheel, softtouch instrument panel, 60/40 tumble-andslide second-row seat, tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and six-way driver and four-way front-passenger seat adjustments. GX can be specified with satellite navigation7 and DAB digital radio8 for $1,0001. These features are standard on GXL, which also gains automatic climatecontrol air-conditioning. Other standard GXL equipment includes keyless smart entry and start, roof rails, fog lamps (now LED), privacy glass and downhill assist control. A $2,5001 option pack for GXL includes leather-accented seats and eight-way power adjustable front seats - both of which are standard on Crusade. The top-of-the range model now has an electro-chromatic rearview mirror and darker woodgrain-look trim on the centre console, in addition to its other luxury fittings that include a power tailgate and an 11-speaker premium JBL®9 sound system.

2020 FORTUNER PRICES1

GX $49,080 GXL $54,350 Crusade $61,410 GX option pack: $1,000 GXL option pack $2,500 Premium paint: $600

world

Joint Statement of the Prime Ministers of the Baltic States

TL Bureau, Tallinn

The Prime Minister of Estonia, Mr Jüri Ratas, Prime Minister of Latvia Mr Krišjanis Karinš and Prime Minister of Lithuania Mr Saulius Skvernelis met on August 14-15, 2020 within the framework of the Baltic Council of Ministers in Tartu, Estonia. The Prime Ministers expressed deep concern over the violent crackdown of the peaceful protests and the political repression of the opposition by the authorities after the Belarusian presidential elections that were neither free nor fair. The Prime Ministers urged the Belarusian authorities to refrain from the violence against peaceful demonstrators, release all political

prisoners and those that have been detained during the protests. The Prime Ministers call on Belarus to conduct free and fair presidential elections in a transparent way with the participation of international observers. The Prime Ministers also encouraged the European Union to find possibilities to impose restrictive measures against officials responsible for the violence, but at the same time not punishing Belarusian people for the actions of their leadership. It is also important that EU will find ways and means to give more support to the Belarusian civil society as the Belarusian people deserve open and free society.

Health Ministry: 1,528 New Recoveries Reported, 63,872 Lab Tests Conducted, in Saudi Arabia TL Bureau, Riyadh

The Ministry of Health announced in a statement here today that 1,413 new confirmed cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, bringing the total number to 297,315 cases, including 29,459

Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 21 million, death toll at 759,411 TL Bureau, London

More than 21 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 759,411 have died, according to a Reuters tally Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.

Four People Killed in Mining Accident in Northern Russia TL Bureau, Moscow

active cases undergoing treatment. Of these, there are 1,766 critical cases, while the health condition of the rest is stable. It added that 31 new deaths have been reported; putting the tally of fatalities, at 3,369. As many as 1,528 cases have recovered, raising recoveries’ toll to 264,487.

Four people have died in a mining accident in Vorkuta in Russia’s far north, within the Arctic circle, dpa quoted TASS state news agency as reporting. Their bodies were found buried under rubble after an accident caused by a broken conveyor belt, according to TASS. Investigations are now planned to determine what led to the accident.

between Hizballah’s so-called “military and political wings. We urge other EU member states to stand firm against this terrorist organization, both at the national and EU level, with the objective of preventing Hizballah financers and members from operating on their territory. At the bidding of its patron state Iran, Hizballahs terrorist attacks in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East have resulted in the

wanton killing of hundreds of people and caused the misery of many thousands more. In Lebanon, Hizballah undermines sovereignty and governance, seeking to protect its arms and finances at the expense of the Lebanese people. Hizballah has no role to play in a constructive civil society, and it is to Lithuanias great credit to have taken this important step to further constrict Hizballahs activity in Europe.

U.S. Welcomes Lithuanias Ban of Hizballah as a Terrorist Organization

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

Lithuania is demonstrating true leadership in Europe, and within the European Union, by labeling Hizballah as a terrorist organization in its entirety and banning Hizballah affiliates from entering its territory. Lithuania’s decisive action, which follows Germanys own ban on Hizballah on April 30, recognizes there is no distinction

COVID-19 blog, 15 August: seven new positive test results have been added in the last 24 hours TL Bureau, Tallinn

The last 24 hours have seen a total of 1,238 initial tests being analysed in Estonia in relation to the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19, with seven new positive test results being added. Based on the data in the population register, three positive test results came from Harju County (two of which were from Tallinn), one from Tartu County (from the city of Tartu), one from Ida-Viru County, one from Põlva County, and one from Pärnu County. In one of the added cases the person who was infected is a close contact of cases which had already been identified and, in one case, the infection was brought in from Ukraine. The circumstances surrounding the remaining individuals

who have been infected are still being investigated. As of the morning of 15 August, eight people in Estonia are being treated in hospital due to coronavirus, with no patients on a ventilator. There have been no new deaths in the past 24 hours. Coronavirus has claimed the lives of a total of 63 people in Estonia. As of today, hospitals have closed a total of 397 cases relating to COVID-19 which involved 384 people. A total of 1,976 people have recovered from COVID-19 by today. The cases of 1,501 people have been closed (76% of the total) and, in the case of 475 people (24%), more than 28 days have passed since they tested positive and the individuals concerned are not being treated in hospital, meaning that they are awaiting confirmation of their recovery.

Statement by the Prime Minister on the National Liberation Day of Korea

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement in recognition of Korea’s 75th National Liberation Day: “Today, we join Korean communities in Canada and around the world as they celebrate Korea’s 75th Liberation Day. “On this day in 1945, the end of the Second World War brought with it an end to 35 years of occupation in Korea. Ever since, South Koreans have celebrated Liberation Day as Gwangbokjeol – the ‘restoration of light’. This new light guided South Korea on the path to becoming the dynamic and prosperous country that it is today. “Today, we also

celebrate the close friendship between Canada and South Korea. The bonds forged as we fought together in the Korean War continue to grow stronger, driven by the cultural, commercial, and community ties that connect people from Taebaek to Toronto and Cheonan to Coquitlam. These links are at the heart of a partnership committed to democratic values, the rule of law, and free and open trade. “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to recognize South Korea’s accomplishments over the past 75 years, and celebrate Korean Canadians’ contributions to our country.”

S. Korea, U.S. to Stage Joint Summertime Exercise behind Schedule Amid Coronavirus: Sources

TL Bureau, Seoul

South Korea and the United States plan to kick off their annual summertime combined exercise in a scaled-back manner next week, days behind schedule amid a recent surge in new coronavirus cases, Yonhap cited sources as saying today, on Saturday. The computer-simulated command post exercise was initially set to begin on Sunday and to run until Aug. 28, but the date of the commencement will be pushed back two days, the sources said, adding that it is to end on the

planned date. The adjustment came as a South Korean Army officer who was supposed to take part in the exercise tested positive for the coronavirus Friday after meeting with a civilian patient last week. Some 160 military members were found to have had close contact with the official and are undergoing virus tests, according to defense ministry officials. South Korea reported 166 new COVID-19 patients Saturday, which is a five-month high, mostly in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.

Tokyo Reports 385 More Coronavirus Cases, More Than 380 for 2nd Day

TL Bureau, Tokyo

Tokyo today, on Saturday reported 385 new cases of the novel coronavirus, topping 380 for the second straight day, as the capital remained on alert amid rising infections at the height of the summer holiday season, Kyodo reported. Tokyo has seen infections in the triple

digits every day in August. The capital saw new daily cases in the range of 100 to 200 from Monday, but the figure climbed to 389 on Friday, surpassing 300 for the first time since Aug. 9. She has also requested establishments serving alcohol and karaoke venues to close by 10 p.m. through the end of August to curb the spread of the virus.

Statement by the Prime Minister on the 75th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day and the end of the Second World War

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day and the end of the Second World War: “Today, we pause to honour over one million Canadians and Newfoundlanders who served during the Second World War, including those who helped our Allies in the war in Asia and the Pacific. “More than 10,000 Canadian service members fought courageously in Asia, with tens of thousands more volunteering to join the Pacific forces as part of the final Allied push to victory. Those plans were never carried

out. Instead, the world was shaken by the mass destruction caused by the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945 effectively ended the Second World War. “With the grim struggle in both Europe and Asia over, the world mourned the steep human cost of a war that had ravaged it for almost six years. In Canada alone, we grieved and honoured more than 45,000 who had lost their lives and 55,000 who were wounded. “At home, the Second World War also marked a shameful episode in our history – the internment of Japanese Canadians following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. Over 20,000 Canadian citizens

and residents were separated from their homes and their families, forced into internment camps. Today, we are reminded of the need to always fight against the spread of intolerance and racism, wherever and whenever it occurs. “As we reflect on this important day during this unprecedented time, I invite everyone to join the commemorative ceremony being livestreamed on Facebooktoday at 10 a.m. EDT to remember those who served. We recognize the brave Canadians in uniform, past and present, for their profound sacrifice in defence of the freedoms we enjoy today, and thank them for answering the call to make our country, and the world, a better place.