Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • South Africa drops ‘Melania’ just ahead of release

    South Africa drops ‘Melania’ just ahead of release

    Major South African cinema chains have made a last-minute decision to cancel the theatrical release of a documentary focusing on U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. The film, titled ‘Melania,’ was scheduled for international debut on January 30 but has been unexpectedly withdrawn from South African screens.

    Both Nu Metro and Ster Kinekor, the country’s leading theater chains, removed all listings for the documentary from their websites on Thursday, just one day before its planned release. The sudden cancellation was initiated by the local distributor Filmfinity, which holds the regional rights to the film.

    Thobashan Govindarajulu, Filmfinity’s Head of Marketing, cited ‘the current climate’ as the reason for pulling the documentary, though no specific details were provided regarding what this climate entails. Representatives from Nu Metro confirmed to AFP that they had complied with Filmfinity’s request to withdraw the film, stating ‘The rights sit with Filmfinity, and it’s at their request that we are not releasing it.’

    The decision comes against a backdrop of increasingly strained relations between the South African government and the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has repeatedly made controversial statements regarding South Africa’s domestic policies, including unfounded claims about ‘genocide’ against white Afrikaans farmers, whom he has invited to seek refuge in the United States. These diplomatic tensions appear to have influenced the commercial decision regarding the First Lady’s documentary, though no official connection has been confirmed.

  • Germany to harden critical infrastructure as Russia fears spike

    Germany to harden critical infrastructure as Russia fears spike

    In a decisive move to bolster national security, the German parliament is set to enact sweeping legislation on Thursday mandating enhanced protection for critical infrastructure. This action comes as escalating geopolitical tensions with Russia amplify fears of sabotage, hybrid attacks, and systemic vulnerabilities.

    The comprehensive security package, designed to align with EU directives, will impose stringent new requirements on approximately 1,700 essential service providers. These entities—spanning energy, water, food supply, healthcare, transport, IT, telecommunications, finance, and waste management—must now implement rigorous physical security upgrades, enhance alarm systems, conduct frequent risk analyses, and report incidents without delay. Facilities serving over 500,000 people fall under the new mandate.

    The impetus for this legislative overhaul was starkly illustrated by a recent far-left militant arson attack on a Berlin power cable. The assault, which plunged tens of thousands into darkness for nearly a week and crippled mobile networks, heating, and transit, exposed critical gaps in the nation’s defensive preparedness. In response, the government has issued a €1 million reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.

    Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the necessity of shifting from transparency toward resilience, noting that sensitive data—such as publicly accessible grid maps—must be safeguarded to prevent exploitation by malicious actors.

    While many security experts endorse the bill in principle, opposition figures like Greens MP Konstantin von Notz criticize it as ‘wholly inadequate,’ ‘poorly crafted,’ and dangerously delayed. Business associations have also raised concerns over potentially burdensome compliance duties and significant financial penalties.

    Defence Minister Boris Pistorius highlighted the broader context of hybrid threats facing Europe, including cyberattacks, espionage, disinformation campaigns, and physical disruptions like the severing of Baltic Sea data cables. He warned that such threats directly impact private industry and supply chains, underscoring the need for robust civil defense.

    Experts like Daniel Hiller of the Fraunhofer Institute argue that complete invulnerability is unattainable; instead, redundancy, contingency planning, and system resilience are paramount. Sabrina Schulz of the European Initiative for Energy Security echoed this, stating that fortifying infrastructure is ‘at least as important as tanks and drones’ in contemporary defense strategy.

  • China executes 11 linked to Myanmar scam compounds

    China executes 11 linked to Myanmar scam compounds

    In a decisive move against transnational organized crime, Chinese authorities have executed eleven individuals connected to extensive telecom fraud operations based in Myanmar. The executions, carried out on Thursday, represent Beijing’s most severe response to date in its ongoing campaign against criminal networks that have defrauded victims worldwide through sophisticated online scams.

    The executed individuals, identified as key operatives within these criminal organizations, received death sentences in September from a court in Wenzhou, eastern China. According to state media reports, their convictions included charges of intentional homicide, intentional injury, unlawful detention, fraud, and illegal casino operations. Among those executed were members of the notorious ‘Ming family criminal group,’ whose activities directly contributed to the deaths of 14 Chinese citizens and injuries to numerous others.

    These criminal enterprises, primarily operating from Myanmar’s lawless border regions, have developed into a multi-billion dollar industry targeting victims globally through romance scams and fraudulent cryptocurrency investment schemes. What began as operations focusing predominantly on Chinese-speaking targets has evolved into sophisticated multilingual fraud networks exploiting victims across continents.

    The Chinese Supreme People’s Court reviewed and approved all death sentences, confirming that evidence dating back to 2015 was ‘conclusive and sufficient’ for conviction. In addition to the executions, the September rulings included death sentences with two-year reprieves for five other individuals and prison terms ranging from five years to life imprisonment for 23 additional suspects.

    This crackdown forms part of Beijing’s broader strategy to combat transnational cybercrime through enhanced regional cooperation. Chinese authorities have intensified collaboration with Southeast Asian governments, resulting in the repatriation of thousands of suspected fraudsters to face China’s judicial system. The executions follow similar severe sentencing in November, when five individuals received death penalties for their involvement in scam operations that resulted in six Chinese fatalities.

    According to United Nations assessments, the global cyberscam industry has expanded dramatically, with hundreds of thousands of people now working in fraud centers worldwide. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime has documented the industry’s spread beyond Southeast Asia to South America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and various Pacific Islands, indicating the increasingly global nature of this criminal phenomenon.

  • New ‘Payday Super’ laws to hit Australian businesses with major cash crunch

    New ‘Payday Super’ laws to hit Australian businesses with major cash crunch

    A landmark shift in Australia’s superannuation payment system is poised to significantly enhance retirement savings for millions of workers, while simultaneously presenting substantial cash flow challenges for the small business sector. Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulations will mandate that employers disburse superannuation contributions concurrently with salary payments, abolishing the existing 90-day quarterly payment window.

    The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has characterized this policy modification as a “once in a generation change” designed to combat the pervasive issue of unpaid superannuation. Treasury Department projections indicate that a median-income 25-year-old worker could accumulate approximately $6,000 additional retirement savings—representing a 1.5% enhancement—through the accelerated compounding effect of fortnightly contributions compared to quarterly deposits.

    ATO Deputy Commissioner Emma Rosenzweig emphasized the regulatory benefits, stating: “This reform enables significantly faster identification of non-compliant employers. The elimination of quarterly accumulation prevents businesses from accruing substantial debts they might subsequently struggle to settle.” While the ATO pledges collaborative support for businesses adapting to the new system, officials acknowledge enhanced capacity to detect deliberate non-payment.

    Despite approximately 40% of enterprises already utilizing more frequent than quarterly superannuation payments, the transition poses particular difficulties for the remaining 60%. Employment Hero CEO Ben Thompson acknowledged the employee benefits while highlighting severe financial implications: “While positive for workers’ compounding growth, our modeling indicates an average cash flow impact of $124,000 per business. Most small operations lack such liquidity reserves.”

    Thompson revealed that 87% of businesses using their platform currently leverage the quarterly payment period for temporary cash flow management, with 26% anticipated to encounter financial strain under the new regime. This has raised concerns about potential employment market repercussions as businesses adjust to the revised fiscal responsibilities.

    The ATO has disseminated comprehensive preparatory guidelines urging employers to initiate compliance planning immediately, warning against last-minute implementation attempts.

  • Fears of new US-Iran conflict fuel record-breaking surge in gold price

    Fears of new US-Iran conflict fuel record-breaking surge in gold price

    Gold markets witnessed a historic surge on Wednesday as the precious metal shattered previous records, briefly touching an unprecedented $5,602 per ounce before settling at $5,542. This remarkable rally represents the second consecutive day of record-breaking performance, following Tuesday’s breakthrough of the $5,000 threshold.

    The dramatic price movement stems from escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran. Market analysts attribute the surge to reports that former President Trump is considering renewed military action against Iran following collapsed negotiations regarding Tehran’s nuclear program and ballistic capabilities. Trump amplified these concerns through his Truth Social platform, explicitly warning of potentially devastating consequences if Iran refuses to negotiate.

    Concurrently, monetary policy developments contributed to gold’s attractiveness. The US Federal Reserve’s decision to maintain current interest rates, combined with the US dollar hitting its weakest position in four years, created ideal conditions for gold’s ascent as a safe-haven asset.

    Investment strategist Justin Lin of GlobalX ETFs noted striking parallels between current market conditions and the 1970s gold boom, when prices exploded from $35 to $800 per ounce over a decade. While acknowledging differences in inflation volatility—particularly the absence of 1970s-level oil price shocks—Lin identified similar underlying drivers: heightened geopolitical uncertainty and declining confidence in currency stability. He characterized the current environment as reflecting a fundamental structural shift in the global order, driving sustained demand for portfolio diversification through gold ownership.

  • Aussie council agrees to four day work week

    Aussie council agrees to four day work week

    The City of Launceston council in Tasmania has reached a provisional agreement to implement a revolutionary four-day work week for its employees while maintaining their full five-day salaries. This groundbreaking decision positions the council to become Australia’s first governmental body to adopt such a measure if approved through upcoming employee voting procedures.

    Approximately 600 eligible full-time municipal workers will participate in a decisive ballot next month to determine the fate of this pioneering enterprise agreement. Chief Executive Sam Johnson characterized the proposal as a bold advancement in contemporary workplace transformation, emphasizing its focus on employee welfare, productivity enhancement, and sustainable public service operations.

    The council administration has framed this initiative as potentially ‘game-changing’ for Australian labor standards, drawing parallels to the nation’s historic introduction of annual leave provisions a century ago. Johnson emphasized that the shortened workweek with maintained compensation would yield substantial benefits for both municipal staff and community service delivery.

    However, the proposal has encountered significant opposition from business representatives. Tasmania Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Michael Bailey expressed profound concerns regarding the economic implications, characterizing the arrangement as essentially a 20% reduction in working hours without corresponding salary adjustment. Bailey warned that taxpayers and local enterprises would ultimately bear the financial burden through increased rates and fees, potentially resulting in diminished service capacity for processing permits, approvals, and planning applications.

    Contrasting this perspective, Australian Services Union Tasmanian branch secretary Tash Wark reported strong membership support for the proposal, viewing it as a constructive approach to addressing recruitment and retention difficulties in the public sector. Should the agreement receive employee endorsement, it will advance to the Fair Work Commission for official ratification, with potential implementation scheduled for July 2026.

  • Signings tracker: Tui Kamikamica turns down overseas interest to sign new deal with the Storm

    Signings tracker: Tui Kamikamica turns down overseas interest to sign new deal with the Storm

    In a significant retention move, Melbourne Storm has secured veteran Fijian prop forward Tui Kamikamica on a one-year contract extension, ensuring his continued presence in the squad through the 2026 NRL season. The decision comes as a relief to club management following initial concerns that salary cap constraints might force the departure of the experienced forward.

    Kamikamica, who debuted with the Storm in 2017, has evolved into a foundational element of the team’s forward pack. His career-best performance during the previous season saw him make 24 appearances, solidifying his value to the club’s structure. The 31-year-old has additionally served in the team’s leadership group for the past two campaigns, bringing both experience and stability to the roster.

    The renewal carries particular significance given Kamikamica’s involvement in one of the most dramatic moments of the 2025 Grand Final. During that championship decider, the prop forward was denied a certain try by Reece Walsh’s spectacular defensive effort—a play that potentially shifted the momentum of the game and contributed to Melbourne’s narrow defeat.

    Despite speculation linking him to rival NRL clubs and English Super League side St Helens, Kamikamica expressed his commitment to the franchise that first gave him an NRL opportunity. “It has always been an honor to wear the purple jersey,” he stated. “I’m excited to remain in Melbourne for 2026 and continue playing alongside my teammates.”

    Football director Frank Ponissi praised Kamikamica’s loyalty and work ethic, highlighting his importance to the club’s future. “Tui has been a tremendous servant to our club for the past nine years,” Ponissi remarked. “We’re excited to have his continued leadership and impact as we continue our preparations for the season ahead.”

    With the departure of Nelson Asofa-Solomona, Kamikamica’s presence becomes increasingly vital to Melbourne’s forward strategy. His experience will be crucial in mentoring new recruits Davvy Moale and Jack Hetherington as the Storm aim to build a competitive pack for the upcoming season.

  • AFL 2026: Collingwood ‘definitely’ has depth to cover absent Bobby Hill

    AFL 2026: Collingwood ‘definitely’ has depth to cover absent Bobby Hill

    Collingwood Football Club faces a significant reshuffle in its offensive lineup following the indefinite absence of 2023 Norm Smith Medallist Bobby Hill, who has prioritized personal wellbeing over his athletic career. The Magpies’ forward structure will undergo substantial transformation, further compounded by Brody Mihocek’s recent departure to Melbourne.

    Senior player Jamie Elliott, coming off a career-best season, expressed strong confidence in the team’s capacity to adapt. He emphasized that this period presents a prime opportunity for emerging talents to secure positions in the senior squad. “Harvey Harrison, Will Hayes—there are players capable of stepping into that role,” Elliott stated, also mentioning Lachie Sullivan’s potential contribution upon returning from injury.

    Elliott acknowledged Hill’s unique qualities as a dynamic and skillful player with exceptional X-factor, while simultaneously highlighting the diverse strengths that replacement players might bring to the field. The club fully supports Hill’s decision to focus on health matters, with Elliott confirming that football remains secondary to the player’s wellbeing.

    With these changes, Collingwood is developing what Elliott describes as an “unpredictable” forward strategy for the upcoming season. This tactical shift leverages the defensive stability provided by captain Darcy Moore’s backline leadership. Elliott explained the strategic advantage: “When you are unpredictable, it’s hard to set up behind the ball and the defence gets tested out.”

    The Magpies aim to implement an exciting brand of football that maximizes offensive opportunities while capitalizing on their defensive security to punish opposing teams effectively.

  • ‘Game, set and match’: Huge number of Australians to be smashed on rate hikes

    ‘Game, set and match’: Huge number of Australians to be smashed on rate hikes

    Financial markets are overwhelmingly anticipating another interest rate increase from the Reserve Bank of Australia, potentially delivering another blow to millions of mortgage holders already facing economic pressure. With the RBA’s February 3 meeting approaching, consensus is building around a potential 25-basis-point hike that would push the official cash rate from 3.60% to 3.85%.

    According to Roy Morgan research, such a move could push an additional 41,000 Australian mortgage holders into financial distress, bringing the total to 1.23 million households classified as ‘at risk.’ Should the RBA implement two consecutive rate hikes totaling 50 basis points, that number would surge to approximately 1.32 million mortgage holders, representing 27.2% of all Australian homeowners with mortgages.

    The classification of ‘at risk’ applies when mortgage repayments exceed 25-45% of a household’s after-tax income, factoring in the standard variable rate and original borrowing amount. This financial pressure comes amid concerning inflation data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which showed headline inflation climbing to 3.8% annually in December, up from 3.4% in November.

    Key drivers of this inflationary surge include electricity prices soaring 21.5% as government rebates were phased out, meat prices experiencing double-digit increases, and services inflation rising to 4.1% annually. Notable contributors to services inflation included domestic holiday travel costs (up 9.5%, partially attributed to the Ashes cricket series) and rising rents increasing by 3.9%.

    Economic opinions remain divided on the appropriate response. Betashares chief economist David Bassanese stated, ‘All up, it appears to be game, set and match for a rate rise at the February policy meeting.’ However, AMP chief economist Shane Oliver advocated for patience, suggesting the RBA should determine whether recent inflation figures represent a temporary fluctuation rather than a sustained trend before implementing further rate increases.

    Oliver explained the mechanism of rate hikes: ‘People have less money to spend, so it may not be the case that local government rates or electricity prices come down because of interest rates but something else will come down because a 25 basis point rise will cost someone with the average mortgage $110 a month.’

  • ‘He’s the only option’: Luke Keary urges Newcastle to pick Sandon Smith at halfback

    ‘He’s the only option’: Luke Keary urges Newcastle to pick Sandon Smith at halfback

    NRL triple premiership winner Luke Keary has emphatically endorsed former Sydney Roosters teammate Sandon Smith as the essential choice for the Newcastle Knights’ halfback role, arguing it is the key to unlocking the potential of their marquee signing, Dylan Brown. This strategic recommendation comes as new head coach Justin Holbrook seeks to resolve the team’s significant attacking struggles, which plagued them throughout the previous season where they recorded the league’s least effective offense.

    Keary, speaking on the Fox League Podcast, dismissed suggestions that Brown—who is on the richest contract in rugby league history—should be burdened with the primary playmaking duties. Instead, he presented a compelling case for a Smith-Brown halves partnership, describing it as the most logical and potent combination available. Keary’s analysis is grounded in his own experience as a playmaker and his observation of both players’ recent form.

    The core of Keary’s argument centers on playing to each athlete’s natural strengths. He highlighted Brown’s phenomenal performance for New Zealand in the recent Pacific Championships, where he operated as a ‘second half’ alongside veteran Kieran Foran. This structure allowed Brown to play with exceptional freedom and focus on his running game, a facet of his play that is diminished when he is forced to assume the organizational responsibilities of the halfback role, as he had to do at Parramatta during Mitch Moses’ injury absences.

    Keary characterized Smith as an ‘out and out seven,’ a natural organizer who excels at controlling the game, directing the team around the park, and executing strategic kicks. Placing Smith in the halfback role, Keary contends, would relieve immense pressure from Brown, enabling the high-priced recruit to revert to the dynamic, game-breaking style that earned him his monumental contract, without the weight of Andrew Johns’ legendary jersey number on his shoulders.

    The only complication in this proposed plan is the future of talented youngster Fletcher Sharpe, who impressed in the halves last year before a severe injury ended his season. Keary acknowledged that Sharpe’s undeniable talent demands he be included in the lineup, potentially necessitating a shift to the wing for the 2026 season as Coach Holbrook works to assemble his most effective attacking puzzle.