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A fisherman from the remote Cook Islands island of Mitiaro discovered a package of cocaine worth millions of dollars washed up on a reef, prompting fear and a quick report to police. Authorities have confirmed the substance and are investigating the origin and possible connections to other drug cases.
According to the Henley Passport Index, South African passport holders can travel to 101 destinations without a prior visa. The ranking places the country 50th or 96th globally, depending on the report, with regional highlights across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and the Caribbean.
As the Commonwealth Games enter day eight, Australia's cyclists look to build on their opening velodrome success, Jess Hull starts her mile campaign, and the Diamonds face Jamaica for a spot in the netball gold medal clash. The men's pairs bowls team faces a must-win situation after a narrow defeat.
The State of Origin series concludes with Queensland hosting New South Wales at Brisbane's Lang Park in a winner-takes-all Game III. The Maroons levelled the series with a Game II win in Melbourne, while the Blues have won only three of their 13 deciders at the venue. Coverage includes broadcast details, kick-off times across regions, and a recap of the opening matches.
New South Wales can win the State of Origin shield with a victory in Game II at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Wednesday night. After a record comeback in Game I, the Blues are one win away from the title, while Queensland must triumph to force a decider in Brisbane.
Israel has opened a new embassy in Fiji's capital, Suva, 30 years after the previous one was closed, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar attending the ceremony. The move is part of a broader diplomatic strategy to deepen ties with Pacific nations that have consistently supported Israel, and includes new cooperation agreements on national security and diplomatic training. Israel also announced plans to open a representative office in Papua New Guinea.
The 2026 men's State of Origin series begins Wednesday night in Sydney, with Queensland defending the shield won in 2025. Kick-off is set for 8:05pm AEST at Stadium Australia, with the match broadcast on Channel Nine and 9Now. New South Wales has made a late halves change after Mitchell Moses was ruled out.
FIFA has amended its regulations to allow the exiled Afghan women's football team, Afghan Women United, to compete in official international matches, ending a ban that began after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. The decision, announced after years of advocacy, enables the team to aim for the 2028 Olympics, though they will miss the 2027 World Cup.
The US-Israeli conflict with Iran has driven up fuel costs in Pacific Island nations, with Papua New Guinea seeing price hikes of up to 70%. Heavy reliance on diesel and imported fuel, combined with supply disruptions, threatens food security, healthcare access, and economic stability across the region.
New Zealand and the Cook Islands have signed a defence and security declaration, ending a year-long diplomatic row triggered by the Cook Islands' strategic agreements with China. The pact requires consultation on security matters and resumes millions in aid, while analysts say it may curb Beijing's influence in the Pacific.