Latest

Egypt has retained its position as the world’s largest exporter of shisha tobacco (maassel) in 2024, capturing 32% of global exports with a total value of $127.4m and an export volume of 27,000 tonnes. According to the Food Export Council, Egypt’s maassel exports have recorded steady growth over recent years, increasing at an annual rate

Local Development Minister Manal Awad met with Richard Budden, Director of Local Governments and Smart Cities at global GIS leader Esri, to discuss strengthening the digital capabilities of Egyptian cities through advanced Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2025 Esri International User Conference in San Diego, California. Also

Eighty-four Palestinians, including 73 people waiting for humanitarian aid, were killed and dozens injured on Sunday after Israeli forces targeted civilians northwest of Gaza City. The attack marked the 653rd day of the war on the Strip and came amid growing warnings of famine and hunger-related deaths. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that the latest

The Chinese Embassy in Cairo hosted a seminar on Sunday under the theme “Development and Impact of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Upholding the Spirit of Shanghai Cooperation and Advancing China-Egypt Relations with Steady Steps.” Chinese Ambassador to Cairo Liao Liqiang spoke about the SCO’s evolution and its growing relevance for Egypt, emphasising China’s commitment

Billions of dollars worth of infrastructure projects getting underway in the next few months will drive economic activity and create thousands of jobs across the country, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis and Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop say. The Ministers today released an infrastructure update showing $6 billion of government-funded construction is due to start between now and Christmas. “The projects getting underway include new roads, hospitals, schools, high-tech laboratories and other government buildings,” Nicola Willis says. “That means spades in the ground, jobs throughout the country and a stronger economy. “Improving the quality of New Zealand’s infrastructure is critical to growing the economy and helping Kiwis with the cost of living. “Good roads, schools and hospitals help business to move goods and services to market quickly and efficiently, children to learn and doctors and nurses to get patients back on their feet.” Chris Bishop says the projects getting underway will create thousands of employment opportunities for New Zealanders. “Numbers vary according to the nature of projects, but data sourced from the Infrastructure Commission suggests each billion dollars of infrastructure investment per year equates to about 4500 jobs. “In total, workers are expected to start construction on $3.9 billion worth of roading projects in the next few months. They include the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway, the Melling interchange, the Waihoehoe Road upgrade, and the new Ōmanawa bridge on SH29. All will help to lift productivity by getting people and freight to their destinations quickly and safely. “Health projects kicking off include upgrades to Auckland City Hospital, Middlemore Hospital, and the construction of a new acute mental health unit at Hutt Valley Hospital. Construction work on the new inpatients building at the new Dunedin Hospital has also just begun. “Between now and the end of this year, school property projects valued at nearly $800 million will get underway across the country. “Other Government infrastructure projects due to start before the end of this year include a massive new state-of-the-art biosecurity facility in Auckland for the Ministry of Primary Industries and the Papakura District Court interim courthouse. “Importantly, this is just the start. The National Infrastructure Pipeline, managed by the Infrastructure Commission, now shows planned future projects totalling $207 billion across central government, local government and the private sector.” Alongside the infrastructure update, Nicola Willis today released an update on the Government’s Infrastructure for Growth work programme. The update is the first refresh of the Going for Growth agenda launched in February to drive economic growth by backing business, improving infrastructure and skills, and removing barriers to innovation. The update shows that since February the Government has delivered on 14 actions to build a stronger infrastructure pipeline and drive better value for money. They include: streamlining land acquisition processes for major infrastructure projects agreeing to fund more than $550 million of water, energy, Māori development and other projects through the Regional Infrastructure Fund; and consulting on a draft National Infrastructure Plan due to become final by the end of the year that will give investors and businesses confidence and drive better value for money from public investment. Hutt Valley Te Whare Ahuru Acute Mental Health Unit, Wellington Kidz First and McIndoe Building Recladding, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland Linear Accelerators Replacement, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland Dunedin Hospital Sterile Services Unit, Dunedin Plant Health & Environment Capability Laboratory, Auckland Papakura District Court Interim Courthouse, Auckland Waihoehoe Road Upgrade, Auckland SH22 (Drury) Corridor Upgrade – interim works, Auckland SH29 Tauriko – Omanawa Bridge – Bay of Plenty SH1 Ōtaki to north of Levin, Horowhenua SH2 Melling Interchange, Wellington SH76 Brougham Street, Canterbury Rolleston Access Improvements – Package 1, Canterbury Parliamentary Library – south building and underground carpark seismic strengthening & rebuild, Wellington School property projects across the country including roll growth classrooms, upgrades and redevelopments & learning support satellite classrooms, administration blocks and gymnasiums. Note for editors The projects beginning construction include: This list excludes a small number of significant projects which will begin construction before the end of 2025, but cannot yet be named for a range of commercial reasons. The value of these projects is included in the $6 billion total. Announcements will be made about them in the coming weeks and months. The Infrastructure for Growth update is here http://www.goingforgrowth.govt.nz/ /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

Four people have died following a fatal traffic crash in the Central Highlands this morning. Around 10.50am police and emergency services were called to Capricorn Highway, between Comet and Blackwater, following reports of a two-vehicle crash. Four people died at the scene and two people were transported to Emerald Hospital with serious injuries. The Capricorn Highway is closed in both directions and is expected to remain closed for some time. Due to the complexity of the incident, there is no further information available at this time. Investigations are continuing. If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting. Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au. /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

A young man’s death in Hamilton city overnight is being treated as a homicide, after an incident that left three other people injured. Police were alerted to an altercation reportedly involving two groups on Alexandra Street about 12.10am and responded immediately. Detective Sergeant Reece Durston, Area Manager Investigations, said four people were injured at the scene, and sadly, a 20-year-old man died in hospital a short time later. Three other victims suffered injuries ranging from moderate to serious. “Some of those involved, including the offender, left the scene immediately after the incident. The investigation team is moving at speed to locate them and the implements involved. “This is a senseless act of violence,” Detective Sergeant Durston said. “The investigation team is working hard to understand how and why this happened, and we are wrapping support around the family of the deceased, and the other victims.” There will continue to be a visible Police presence in Hamilton as enquiries continue and Police will be carrying out reassurance patrols in the community. Alexandra Street is cordoned between Collingwood and Hood streets, and the road is expected to remain closed through the day. “There is a large scene to work through and we ask that the public avoid the area and thank them for their understanding,” Detective Sergeant Durston said. The cordon includes a car park, and anyone with a vehicle parked there is asked to make a report online, or by calling 105. Please use the reference number 250720/3051. /NZ Police Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

Sitting in the cab of a high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) on the range at Shoalwater Bay in Queensland, Gunner Zachary Clarke was buzzing with nervous energy. Six months of training had led up to him sitting in front of a fire control panel, triple-checking data and waiting for the order to fire. He didn’t have to wait long. “Seagull, this is Hardrock one-zero, verify HIMARS ready, over,” the call came over the radio. “Hardrock one-zero this is Seagull, I verify HIMARS ready, over,” the reply bounced back. “This is Hardrock one-zero, HIMARS ready. HIMARS fire, over.” Gunner Clarke armed his launchers and flicked the switch to fire. With a thunderous roar and a blast of exhaust that rocked the launcher, six rockets fired in sequence, tearing into the sky to strike targets on Townshend Island. It was the first time Gunner Clarke had fired the HIMARS, and the first time the long-range strike systems had been fired on Australian soil by Australian soldiers. “It was a bit nerve wracking to begin with, but I hit the arm switch and then the fire switch and rockets started flying. It was a weight off the shoulders once that last rocket left the tube,” Gunner Clarke said. “It almost felt like a once in a lifetime experience, but then you settle down and realise that’s my job now. I’ll get to do that all the time. It’s really exciting.” Gunner Clarke joined the Army in 2020 and was posted to 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, before transferring to HIMARS in January. An expression of interest was floated last year for artillery operators to transfer to Adelaide’s 10 Brigade. There, they would raise a HIMARS battery as part of the new 14th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery. The role appealed to Gunner Clarke; not just because he was originally from Adelaide, but after researching the new equipment, he was excited to be at the forefront of an emerging capability. The operators conducted their initial training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma at the Fires Centre of Excellence, undertaking the US initial employment training for HIMARS operators. Once the battery received launchers in March, it was straight onto driver training and dry-fire exercises to reach a ready-to-shoot standard before deploying on Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025. Sitting in the cab while the rockets fired was just as impressive as it looked on the outside, according to Gunner Clarke. “The boys were getting thrown left and right a bit, which is something we’ve never experienced before because we’ve only ever done dry-fire,” he said. “It was an exciting, visceral experience; the truck is moving and you can feel that you are shooting rockets, it was pretty fun.” Each system is operated by a driver, gunner and crew commander. The crew commander, a bombardier, is the tactical lead, scouting for hides and superior firing locations while assisting the driver in navigating terrain and positioning the vehicle for firing. The gunner is responsible for the fire control of the system. They receive firing data, enter it into the fire control panel, lay the launcher on target and fire the rockets. Talisman Sabre is the first exercise for the newly raised battery. After starting with a joint live-fire activity alongside United States and Singapore Army launchers, Gunner Clarke is excited to get after the fight. “We are the first, we are making history. This hasn’t been done by Australians before,” he said. “We’ve also done it in a relatively short timeframe. I don’t know of any other piece of equipment that’s been raised, delivered and fired within six months.” /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

UK Gov Sewage pollution from water companies will be cut in half by the end of the decade, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed will pledge today (Sunday 20 July). Sewage pollution from water companies will be cut in half by the end of the decade, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed will pledge today (Sunday 20 July). Our rivers, lakes and seas will be the cleanest since records began, meaning millions of families will benefit from cleaner beaches and rivers. For the first time the Government has made a pledge to cut sewage pollution with a clear target which they will be held accountable to. The Government, in partnership with investors, has secured funding to rebuild the entire water network to clean up our rivers. In one of the largest infrastructure projects in this country’s history, a record £104 billion is being invested to upgrade crumbling pipes and build new sewage treatment works cutting sewage pollution into rivers. Over the past year, the Government has introduced a package of measures to slash pollution levels. Bills are now ringfenced to force companies to invest in upgrades and over £100 million of water fines are being spent on local clean-up projects. The commitment comes as the Government vows “root and branch reform” to usher in a revolution in the water industry, ahead of the Independent Water Commission’s final report. Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: Families have watched their local rivers, coastlines and lakes suffer from record levels of pollution. My pledge to you: the Government will halve sewage pollution from water companies by the end of the decade. One of the largest infrastructure projects in England’s history will clean up our rivers, lakes and seas for good.” The Government has already taken decisive action to clean up England’s waterways. Record investment: with £104 billion to upgrade crumbling pipes and build sewage treatment works across the country. Ringfence customers’ bills for upgrades: customer bills earmarked for investment must now be spent on new sewage pipes and treatment works – not spent on shareholder payments or bonuses . Reinvesting company fines into local projects: with over £100million being invested into local clean-up projects in communities. Largest budget for water regulation: the Environment Agency received a record £189 million to fund hundreds of enforcement officers to inspect and prosecute polluting water companies. Polluter Pays: companies will now cover the cost of prosecutions and successful investigations into pollution incidents, enabling the regulator to hire more staff and pursue further enforcement activity. Banning wet wipes containing plastic in England: introducing legislation to reduce microplastics in our waters. The Water (Special Measures) Act: banned unfair bonuses for ten polluting water bosses this year and threatened prison sentences for law-breaking executives. This package of measures will slash storm overflow spills by 50% by 2030 and halve phosphorus from treated wastewater by 2028. Both contaminants choke our rivers, suffocate wildlife and destroy ecosystems. In 2024, sewage spilled into waterways for a record 3,614,428 hours . Pollution levels were a decisive factor in the Government launching the Independent Water Commission last October – the largest review of the sector since privatisation. Led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, the Commission’s final report will be published on Monday with recommendations on regulation, strategic frameworks and support for consumers. The Government will respond to the recommendations in Parliament on Monday. /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More

Australians are making the most of the opportunity to gain new qualifications and skills through the Albanese Government’s Free TAFE program, with new data revealing more than 170,000 Free TAFE courses have now been completed. Free TAFE is removing financial barriers for students undertaking vocational education and training (VET) courses, saving Australians thousands of dollars and helping to set them up for new careers with secure, well-paid work. Data from states and territories shows that from the commencement of Free TAFE in January 2023 and March this year there were more than 170,000 courses completed. It also finds that there have been more than 650,000 Free TAFE enrolments in the same period, demonstrating significant interest from Australians in the program. The Albanese Government’s Free TAFE policy focuses on priority areas agreed between the Government and states and territories to help in addressing skills shortages. Priority areas include construction, health and aged care, manufacturing and technology and digital. The Albanese Government last year legislated permanent Free TAFE to ensure Australians can continue to access courses without the cost barriers. The legislation locks in 100,000 Free TAFE places each year, from 2027. Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles: “Every day, more Australians are enrolling in Free TAFE courses – and every day, more Australians are completing much-needed qualifications. “Free TAFE is changing people’s lives. It’s opening doors to new careers and giving Australians the chance to find secure, well-paid work that they’re passionate about. “This latest data confirms what I’ve been hearing on the ground from students right around the country. Australians want to take up the opportunities to work in industries like construction, nursing and manufacturing, without the cost barriers they’ve faced previously. “We know how Sussan Ley and the Liberals and Nationals feel about Free TAFE – they call it ‘wasteful spending’ and say that people don’t value it because it’s free. Australians are proving them wrong. “The Liberals and Nationals ripped $3 billion out of TAFE and training when they were in office; the Albanese Government is investing in the skills and training Australians want and need for their future.” /Public Release. This material from the originating organization/author(s) might be of the point-in-time nature, and edited for clarity, style and length. Mirage.News does not take institutional positions or sides, and all views, positions, and conclusions expressed herein are solely those of the author(s).View in full here. Read More