Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
NZ PM Ardern cautious over China’s tour through ‘contested’ Pacific
Pacific News Service
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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has urged China to be transparent as it sends a high-level delegation through the “contested” Pacific. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is leading a tour through the region from Thursday, beginning with...
Pacific news in brief for 7 July
RNZ
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July 7, 2025
Artisanal miners search for gold in the waters downstream from the Panguna mine in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Photo: OCCRP / Aubrey Belford Bougainville - mining The Bougainville House of Representatives amended the Mining Act last week. The...
59 Visa Free Countries For Indians To Travel To After The Passport Rank Upgrade
Times of Dubai
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July 25, 2025
9July 25, 2025 | Dubai, UAE – These visa free countries for Indians in 2025 have made it easier than ever to travel around the world. International trips are no longer just dreams for Indians. According to the latest Henley Passport Index for...
24th Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting Concludes In Niue
Scoop
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A group photo of the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial at the conclusion of the three-day meeting in Niue (Photo/Supplied) ALOFI, NIUE, 24 JULY 2025 – The 24th Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Ministerial Meeting and the 6th Regional Fisheries...
Pilgrims from the Pacific bringing their culture to the Youth Jubilee
Vatican News
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July 25, 2025
Three pilgrims from Tahiti, Tonga and Guam share with Vatican News their excitement in participating in the Jubilee of Youth and the hope and energy they want to bring back home. By Isabella H. de Carvalho Around 18,000 km over two flights, 8 and...
Australia-Tuvalu mobility pathway: does it address the climate crisis?
The Pacific Island Times
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July 2, 2025
Tuvalu/Photo courtesy of Jess Marinaccio On June 11, the Tuvaluan and Australian governments issued press releases announcing that the inaugural ballot for the Falepili Mobility Pathway would open on June 16. Part of the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili...
How Samoa's ballroom scene is uplifting Pacific Rainbow+ youth
Samoa News
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July 24, 2025
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On a warm Tuesday night in Fugalei in Apia, Samoa, the air hums with anticipation as a local hall fills with young people. With the Boom Kaisi Ball just days away, Pacific Rainbow+ youth have gathered for a series of...
Pacific news in brief for 3 July
RNZ
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July 3, 2025
This handout photograph released by Buckingham Palace on 25 January , 2025, shows Britain's King Charles III, posing for a photograph in the library at Balmoral, Scotland in Autumn 2024. Photo: MILLIE PILKINGTON / AFP Niue - Moana Mahu King...
Gateways and barriers to Starlink in the Pacific
Asia Times
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July 24, 2025
In the past few years, Starlink’s satellite internet service has become available across much of the Pacific. This has created new challenges for regulators in Pacific Island countries: some have promoted Starlink while others have banned it. Elon...
Pacific news in brief for 1 July
RNZ
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July 1, 2025
Niue government buildings Photo: RNZ/ Sally Round Niue - budget Health, education, social welfare and government salaries have receives a boost in the Niue government's new NZ$12.5 million (US$7.6m) deficit budget. Last week, the island's finance...
Niue not at 2025 Pacific Mini Games due to travel costs to Palau
RNZ
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July 2, 2025
The 2025 Pacific Mini Games set to officially open on Sunday. Photo: Facebook / Pacific Mini Games Palau 2025 Team Niue is not competing at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau. Both the Niue Island Sports and Commonwealth Games Association and...
Where can Indians travel visa-free in 2025? Here's the full list of 59 countries
The Economic Times
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July 23, 2025
Indian passport holders can now travel to 59 countries without applying for a visa in advance, as per the Henley Passport Index July 2025. With this, India has climbed to the 77th position in the global rankings, moving up from the 85th spot. The...
Huge demand in Tuvalu for Australian visas
Islands Business
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July 22, 2025
NIUE is set to host the 24th Annual Forum Fisheries Committee (FFC) Ministerial Meeting and the 6th Annual Regional Fisheries Ministers Meeting (RFMM) from 22–24 July 2025. Ministers from across the Pacific will gather in Niue as part of the...
An exciting opportunity for Marine Protected Areas professionals in the Pacific
Pacific News Service
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An opportunity exists for an early to mid-career professional in the Pacific, working in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), to attend the 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) in Vancouver, Canada. The global forum, which brings...
Pacific Island countries celebrate civil registration achievements
The Pacific Island Times
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June 30, 2025
Surami Turaga, Fiji's minister of justice, speaks at the Third Ministerial Conference on Civil Registration and Vital Statistics in Asia and the Pacific on June 26, 2025. Photo courtesy of UN ESCAP Bangkok – “Cheehoo! Praise God, oue tulou!” Sonya...
Where can Indians travel visa-free in 2025? Full list
Gulf News
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India’s rising passport strength India has climbed to the 77th position on the Henley Passport Index, up from 80th in 2024 and 85th the year before. It now shares this rank with Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal — all granting visa-free or...
Pacific Mini Games 2025 draws regional viewership, offers wide access to sports coverage
Island Times
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July 1, 2025
By: Eustoria Marie Borja KOROR, Palau (July 1, 2025) — The Pacific Mini Games 2025 opened with vibrant color, traditional dances, and a dazzling fireworks display on Sunday, marking the Games’ return to Palau after 20 years. Despite a rain shower,...
PACIFIC JOURNOS MEET CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIAL, PRAISE CHINA
Solomon Star
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June 29, 2025
Beijing, China – SIX Pacific Islands journalists met with the Director of the Pacific Island Division, Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs of the Chinese Ministry on Foreign Affairs, Gu Xinqiang in Beijing and exchanged views within...
Henley Passport Index: List of 59 countries where Indians can travel visa-free
Mint
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July 23, 2025
The Indian passport has strengthened its position globally, jumping eight spots to rank 77th on the Henley Passport Index 2025. While Indian passport holders now have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 59 destinations, the climb is notable,...
Pacific leaders call for peace amid Middle East tensions as Melanesia eyes regional solidarity
Pacific Media Network
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Pacific leaders have voiced their worries about the ongoing political unrest around the world, especially the conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The concerns were shared during a meeting of the Melanesian Spearhead Group...