Seven postgraduate students have been awarded the 2026 New Zealand Space Scholarship and will intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California, Space Minister Chris Penk announced today. “The Space Scholarship presents a career-defining opportunity for these talented young New Zealanders who are set to spend three months at JPL working alongside scientists and engineers on real-world missions,” Mr Penk says. “As part of their work, they will be contributing to cutting-edge space technology projects and gain experience right at the forefront of global space innovation.”…

From:Department of the Taoiseach Taoiseach Micheál Martin is travelling to Brussels today (Thursday) for a meeting of the European Council. The European Council will continue tomorrow (Friday). During the meeting, leaders will discuss continued support for Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. Europe’s competitiveness in the face of global economic challenges and the EU’s next multiannual Budget (MFF) will also be discussed. Other issues on the agenda include European security and defence, migration, support for Moldova, elections in Armenia and work to stop the spread of Ebola in DR…

ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. On Budget Night we foreshadowed planned consultation on our tax changes with small businesses and startups. And today we're announcing the next steps in the implementation details. This Budget, of course, delivers more tax cuts for every working Australian a fair crack at buying your own home for first home buyers. An economy that works for Australians, for small business and for future generations. Following the consultation that we flagged on Budget night, we are announcing details to allow more small businesses access to the capital gains tax …

The Albanese Government is today announcing further implementation details for its tax reform package, following an intensive first round of post-Budget consultation. Our tax reforms are all about making it easier for Australians to buy their first home, cutting taxes for workers, and better aligning the tax treatment of labour and asset income, and this is reflected in the core legislation before the Senate. The details we’re announcing today are all about providing more clarity and confidence to investors, more support for small businesses, and more incentives for innovation. We are annou…

Describing the Iran-US memorandum of understanding as a “full capitulation” to Iran, critics in Congress have said the administration of President Donald Trump has conceded to the Islamic Republic after a costly and pointless war that failed to achieve Washington’s stated objectives. The 14-point memorandum of understanding, signed remotely by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Trump on Wednesday, calls for a permanent end to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, the phased lifting of US sanctions, the removal of the naval blockade on Iran within 30 days, and the restoration …

Due to the heat warning (orange alert level) that will be issued by MeteoLux for the period from Friday, 19 June until at least Monday, 22 June 2026, the Weather- Flood Risk Assessment Cell (CERI) met today to assess the situation. According to current forecasts, tropical nights are expected from Friday night into Saturday, with temperatures remaining above 20 °C. From Monday onwards, the perceived temperature could locally reach up to 39 °C. This meeting also took place in the context of National Day celebrations and the festivities scheduled over the coming days and next week, which requir…

To mark this significant moment of national pride, Constitution Day celebrations, a milestone that invites Seychellois to reflect on the nation's constitutional journey, commenced this morning with a flag-raising ceremony at Monument Lavwa Lanasyon, attended by President Dr Patrick Herminie, alongside First Lady Mrs Veronique Herminie. Joining the President were Vice President Mr Sebastien Pillay, Speaker of the National Assembly Ms Azarel Ernesta, Chief Justice Mr Ronny Govinden, Principal Minister Mr Wallace Cosgrow, senior government officials, members of the National Assembly, the Judicia…

After a warm conversation, the spouses of the heads of state visited the International Inclusive Hub at the National Agency for Social Protection. The distinguished guest was introduced to the hub's activities aimed at developing inclusive vocational education, introducing advanced educational technologies, and supporting young people, including people with disabilities, in acquiring sought-after skills and professions. During the visit, the First Ladies became familiar with the educational workshops and the hub’s projects, as well as talked with students. Elke Büdenbender highly appreciate…

According to Ravshan Boykulov, head of the company’s press service, the exposition demonstrates the results of transformations underway in the hydropower sector, the progress of major investment projects, and development plans. As part of the forum, a meeting was held between the management of Uzbekhydroenergo JSC and a delegation from one of Japan’s leading financial institutions – Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG Bank). During the talks, issues regarding improving mechanisms for financing major hydropower investment projects, modernizing energy infrastructure, and attracting long-term …

The event brought together participants of the Erasmus+ Programme, including representatives of Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) projects, Jean Monnet actions, International Credit Mobility (ICM) projects, and Erasmus Mundus, as well as representatives of universities, government institutions, and the diplomatic corps. The event provided an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences, establish new professional connections, and discuss prospects for international academic cooperation. During the event, the Ambassador of the European Union to Uzbekistan, Toivo Klaar, emphasized …

The program, organized by the Shaanxi Energy Institute, covered educational approaches, innovative methods, and management experience. The final event was held today. The institute’s leadership congratulated the participants on completing the course and wished them success in their future endeavors. Acting Head of the Jizzakh Regional Department of Preschool and School Education Shokhida Damanova noted the hospitality of the Chinese partners, the practical significance of the training program, and the growing cooperation in education between Uzbekistan and China. Participants who completed …

Washington/Islamabad, June 18 (SANA) The United States and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding intended to end the current conflict and reopenthe Strait of Hormuz, U.S. officials said on Thursday, describing the agreement as having already entered into force. The agreement was signed remotely after diplomatic consultations accelerated its timetable, according toU.S.officials cited by Axios. PresidentDonald Trumpsigned the memorandum while attending a dinner in France with French President Emmanuel Macron, the report said. The signing had originally been scheduled to take place in …

Houston, June 18 (SANA)Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in itsopening Group Kmatch of the2026 FIFA World Cupafter Yoane Wissa canceled out an early goal from João Neves at NRG Stadium. Portugal made the stronger start and went ahead in the sixth minute when Neves rose to meet a cross and headed the ball into the corner of the net. DR Congo gradually grew into the game and threatened through Wissa, who tested thePortuguese defensebefore eventually finding the equalizer deep into first-half stoppage time (45+5). The second half saw Portugal dominate possession and push for a winner…

Mexico City, June 18 (SANA)Colombiaopened its2026 FIFA World Cupcampaign with a 3-1 victory overUzbekistanin Group K at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium late Wednesday. Daniel Muñoz gave Colombia the lead in the 40th minute, helping his side take a 1-0 advantage into halftime. Uzbekistan drew level in the 60th minute through Abbosbek Fayzullayev, but Colombia restored its lead five minutes later whenLuis Díazfound the net. Jhon Arias added a third goal in the ninth minute of stoppage time (90+9) to seal the win and secure Colombia’s first three points of the tournament. The result puts Colombi…

Toronto, June 18 (SANA)Ghana secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Panama after a stoppage-time goal in their opening Group L match of the2026 FIFA World Cupat BMO Field in Toronto. The match appeared headed for a draw before Caleb Yirenkyi scored in the fifth minute of added time (90+5), breaking the deadlock and handingGhanaall three points. Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances for much of the contest, with neither team able to find a breakthrough during regulation time. Yirenkyi’s late strike ensured a winning start for Ghana and moved theAfricanside level on points with Englan…

Beijing, June 18 (SANA)Authorities in southernChina‘s Guangdong province have evacuated nearly 40,000 people after days of heavyrainfallprompted flood-control measures and disrupted transportation and schools across parts of the region, state media reported on Thursday. Provincial authorities activated a Level III emergency response for flood prevention and a Level IV disaster-relief response as severe weather continued to affect several areas, according to the official Xinhua News Agency. Theevacuationscame as torrential rain increased the risk of flooding and other weather-related hazards …

BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called on Party members in the new era to carry forward revolutionary traditions and strive for new accomplishments on the new journey. Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a reply letter to Zhang Liansheng, a 102-year-old Party member with Xinhua News Agency, ahead of the 105th founding anniversary of the CPC, which falls on July 1. Xi extended sincere greetings to Zhang and veteran Party members and comrades acros…

175 articles published in last 24 hours.Total Archives: 1,339,833 articles Pyongyang, June 18 (KCNA) -- A meeting took place at the Sci-Tech Complex on Wednesday to mark the Day of Persons with Pyongyang, June 18 (KCNA) -- A meeting took place at the Sci-Tech Complex on Wednesday to mark the Day of Persons with Pyongyang, June 18 (KCNA) -- In the past, the Japanese imperialists plundered the forest resources of Korea. The Japanese Pyongyang, June 18 (KCNA) -- In the past, the Japanese imperialists plundered the forest resources of Korea. The Japanese Pyongyang, June 18 (KCNA) -- Following…

The Government is bringing more common sense to mandatory climate reporting by removing health and life insurers from a regime they were never well suited to, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer says. "Unlike general insurers, health and life insurers aren't directly exposed to climate risks like extreme weather events, so there's little value in making them report on it. They've told us they don't belong in the climate reporting regime, as ultimately it adds cost to their clients,” Mr Brewer says. "This is a commonsense fix. It's about making sure the right businesses are …

Last year Pharmac appointed the Consumer and Patient Working Group (the Working Group) to help Pharmac reset how it works with patients and consumers, today they met for the last time having achieved that goal, Associate Health Minister David Seymour says. “The patient community used to picket outside Pharmac. This group has transformed that relationship by giving patients an ongoing voice at the table when Pharmac makes its decisions,” Mr Seymour says. “I want to thank Dr Mulholland and all members of the Working Group for their work over the past year. The work done to reset the relationsh…