oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | airline industry, business, government regulations, qatar, regulation
The Australian competition watchdog approved on Friday Qatar Airways’ move to establish an alliance with Virgin Australia.
This ruling permits Qatar Airways to engage in a five-year “integrated alliance” partnership with the Australian airline, during which they will acquire a 25 percent share.
The agreement would increase flight frequencies between Doha and key Australian cities twofold, according to the Australian Competition andConsumer Commission.
The increase in Australia-Middle East routes would result in “little to no adverse impact on the public,” according to Commissioner Anna Brakey of the authority in a statement.
She noted that this could lead to reduced prices on those routes and would provide customers of Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways more options for international travel, including enhanced connections and added perks from their loyalty programs.
As per the agreement, Qatar Airways alongside Virgin Australia intend to introduce 28 additional weekly flights connecting Doha with the Australian destinations of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth.
The regulatory body’s ruling was anticipated following its issuance of a preliminary statement in February, where it suggested granting authorization.
Last October, the two airlines, together with Bain Capital, which owns Virgin, unveiled the much-speculated alliance proposition.
The introduction of these new flights is anticipated to increase competition on pricey long-distance routes that have been largely controlled by Qantas for a considerable time.
Qantas — together with its budget carrier Jetstar — controls over 60 percent of Australia’s aviation sector and wields significant political influence.
In 2020, Virgin Australia initiated bankruptcy procedures, resulting in mass layoffs for numerous employees due to the grounding of international flights caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
After the Australian government declined to provide financial assistance due to its majority ownership structure, US-based private equity firm Bain Capital stepped in to save the airline.
Qatar Airways aims to strengthen its position in the Australian market.
In 2023, Qatar initiated plans to add 21 additional weekly international flights between Australia and their country.
However, the Australian government rejected that request, mentioning the “factor” of a stripping search controversy at Doha Airport in 2020.
Ten women were removed from Qatar Airways flights at Doha Airport and subjected to intrusive gynecological examinations after a newborn was found discarded in a restroom.
Three female passengers from Australia initiated legal proceedings against Qatar Airways after the incident; however, the lawsuit was ultimately dismissed.
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | government, news, public policy, social welfare, welfare
MANILA, Philippines
—
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has realigned its Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (Akap) to assist those earning less than the minimum wage among Filipinos.
Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian revealed the change in policy on Thursday at a press briefing held at the DSWD main office in Quezon City.
“Last year, the specific clause referred to ‘low-income’ individuals. Now, it has been refined to mean people earning less than the minimum wage… It is more targeted since, as recalled from the President’s veto statement, they mentioned below minimum wage. Hence, those eligible are citizens whose earnings fall below the set minimum,” he explained in Filipino.
He mentioned that the updated guidelines mandate publishing details about Akap recipients on the DSWD website and social media channels to boost transparency.
With the midterm elections drawing near, steps have been taken to avoid political meddling.
Applicants will not be permitted to participate in distribution events or show promotional items associated with the program.
READ:
DSWD prohibits politicians and political materials from participating in ‘Akap’ distributions.
“We will ensure that during the distribution of payments—which has become an issue, correct?—there won’t be any politicians involved. We will also see to it that their materials are not present,” Gatchalian stated in Filipino.
Almost five million nearly impoverished Filipinos received assistance from Akap within its initial year. The initiative successfully utilized 99.31 percent of its ₱26.7 billion allocation. Areas including Cagayan Valley, Davao, and Caraga saw complete absorption of their allocated funds at 100 percent.
In 2025, an allocation of ₱26 billion has been set for AKAP, aimed at assisting five million individuals earning less than minimum wage. The aid will include medical support, funeral assistance, food provisions, and monetary help via the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Units and their branch locations.
Gatchalian stated that the guidelines were developed with contributions from NEDA and DOLE.
READ:
DSWD reports nearly 5 million Filipinos received aid through Akap; 99% of funds utilized.
“I want to highlight that the Akap guidelines underwent extensive study and development. This wasn’t just done by us at the DSWD; we worked together with the DOLE and NEDA to shape the joint memorandum circular which served as the foundation for our implementation of Akap,” he explained in Filipino.
Sheba Barr, SANGGRALOKA.net intern
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | business, controversies, football clubs, news, sports
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The head of RFU, Bill Sweeney, was subjected to a no-confidence vote on Thursday evening.
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He survived the vote and has held on to his job amid scrutiny over his salary
The RFU CEO, Bill Sweeney, managed to pass through a no-confidence vote regarding his leadership during an extraordinary general meeting on Thursday evening.
After Sweeney clung to his position last year, he was awarded a £1.1 million salary. This occurred during a period when the RFU reported a near £40 million financial deficit and laid off 40 employees.
The beleaguered leader has stayed resolute during the turmoil and will proceed with his duties.
The RFU members voted against the motion of no confidence in Sweeney with a count of 466 to 206.
A proposal stating ‘the Governance and Representation Review needs to be fast-tracked and must encompass official consultations with the broader gaming community’ was approved by an overwhelming margin.
Sir Bill Beaumont, the temporary Chairman of the RFU, stated: “Our members have spoken clearly.”
‘They have clearly shown their backing for our CEO, Bill Sweeney, with this strong vote, and I’m delighted to witness such an unequivocal result.’
‘I would also like to recognize the individuals who cast their votes in favor of the motion—thank you for sharing your voices and viewpoints. Each opinion holds significance, and your worries have been carefully noted.’
‘I request that you allow the RFU to show its dedication to advancement at this moment.’
‘We are hearing you and making moves accordingly. The past several months haven’t been smooth sailing for English rugby.’
‘It’s now essential for us to unite, and such incidents should not occur again.’
‘It is now the moment for us to unite, reinforce our solidarity, and concentrate on what lies ahead. The era of discord has ended.’
‘It is now the time to come together for the chance to rejuvenate English rugby.’
‘The RFU aims to update their systems, and this presents an unparalleled chance to achieve just that.’
To conclude, let us unite and concentrate on our collective potential. We should strive to guarantee that the Rugby Football Union keeps thriving, evolving, and setting the pace in rugby.
‘The era of division has passed. The moment for working together is here.’
Read more
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | journalism, news, news media, politics, politics and government
MANILA, Philippines – On Thursday, Senator Grace Poe stated that print media upholds integrity within democracies amidst the era of false information.
“Printing continues to be crucial in modern media due to its reputation for upholding accountability and responsibility,” Poe stated.
Access to clear and precise information is crucial for our democratic nation. Freedom of information allows citizens to make informed choices,” she further stated. “It is based on the idea that every individual should be provided with complete details.
She also mentioned that ethics continue to be maintained in print media compared to other types of media, which prioritize differently. This makes conventional media a reliable source for information.
“The aim of content creators is to achieve widespread popularity; they often rely on the simple act of sharing to spread both accurate and inaccurate information alike… Conversely, traditional print media adheres strictly to journalistic ethics, with fact-checking being paramount among these principles. Perhaps this is why print media enjoys public trust and proudly positions itself as the custodian of truth,” noted Poe.
Nevertheless, she thinks that content producers should remain responsible since they play a role in disseminating information.
“The accountability for the material remains with the journalists, bloggers, or everyday individuals authoring these posts or managing these accounts,” Poe stated.
(SANGGRALOKA.net trainee, Keith Clores)
oleh admin | Mar 27, 2025 | european football, football clubs, news, soccer, sports
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Cole Palmer was absent from Chelsea’s last match prior to the international pause.
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He similarly missed his commitments for international duty because of a muscle issue that needed further examination through scanning.
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LISTEN NOW: The Frenzy Begins! Should Liverpool supporters criticize Trent Alexander-Arnold?
Cole Palmer
hasn’t practiced with teammates since sustaining his muscle issue prior to the international break, leaving
Chelsea
perspiring over their playmaker’s availability for next week’s clash with longtime adversaries
Tottenham
.
The injury caused Palmer to skip his team’s previous match.
Premier League
loss at
Arsenal
About two weeks back, since he couldn’t link up at that time,
Thomas Tuchel
’s and
England
For the World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia.
Blues boss
Enzo Maresca
has kept working at Cobham alongside others who also did not go abroad for international duties, including
Nicolas Jackson
, the forward who is anticipated to be fit enough to come back to Tottenham following a two-month absence from the pitch.
The numbers have increased as well due to young players being summoned from the academy to train with the main team. However, Mail Sport has discovered that Palmer hasn’t joined these training sessions just yet.
While it remains uncertain exactly when he will return, considering his significance as their primary playmaker, Chelsea might delay making any definitive decision about including him against Tottenham until absolutely necessary.
Initially, there was hope regarding Palmer’s condition, despite him being referred for a second scan at the beginning of the international break.
The past season has been challenging for this 22-year-old English player, who had participated in every other Premier League match for Chelsea prior to their visit to Arsenal.
Even though he wasn’t performing well, his absence had a considerable impact on that 1-0 loss.
Chelsea aims for a robust finish to secure their spot back in the Champions League. At present, they hold the fourth position on the leaderboard, and previously defeated Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 at their stadium with a remarkable turnaround where Palmer netted two goals, highlighted by his composed Panenka-style penalty kick.
Read more
