Security forces in Indonesia’s restive Papua region have surrounded separatists holding captive a New Zealand pilot, but will exercise restraint while negotiations for his release continue, a top security official said on Tuesday.

The national side will form a team at the 47th Fiji Bitter Marist 7s tournament this year.

Round one of the NRL starts tomorrow with the Eels and the Storm opening the competition.

The Fiji National University Council has requested the Vice-Chancellor, Lyn Karstadt and Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Lisa Harrison to go on leave with full pay and benefits.

In a creative bid to raise environmental awareness, a group of musicians from Paraguay belted out familiar tunes at a hilltop concert just outside Bolivia’s capital city on Monday, overlooking a not-so-scenic and sprawling garbage dump.

India is likely to experience heat waves between March and May, especially in the key wheat producing central and northern states, the weather office said on Tuesday, as the country recorded its highest ever maximum temperature in February.

The World Bank says that Fiji has a high risk of debt distress because of its high fiscal deficit.

Tourism Fiji launched a revitalised version of its well-known “happiness” brand to a new one, “Where Happiness Comes Naturally”.

The Vola ni Kawa Bula (VKB) is safely protected and secured at the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs.

Consumers will now pay more for fuel and LPG as prices increase from today.

The Ministry of iTaukei Affairs is seeking individuals with consulting experience to be part of an independent committee to review the operations of the Great Council of Chiefs.

Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says a lot more needs to be done in e-governance.