Fiji

The International Solar Alliance was launched by India in late 2015 and has about 40 countries as members.

The Alliance's aim is to undertake innovative efforts to develop solar power technology at a reduced cost.

India's government said the Alliance is seeking investment to promote energy security and access for its members.

Any country located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn is eligible to join the Alliance.

Vanuatu is also a member.

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Exactly where the Super Rugby champions will play their matches in 2018 has yet to be made public, although chief executive Hamish Riach has already declared the competition schedule, released by Sanzaar last week, isn't conducive to his club transferring a fixture to the Fijian capital of Suva.

When the Chiefs transferred their "home" games against the Crusaders to Suva for the last two years, they did so in the knowledge that the Fijian government would invest around $1.6 million.

The men's and women's tournaments were hosted at ANZ Stadium in Suva last December and will both return to the Fijian capital until at least 2019.

A record 21 teams are set to contest the 2017 Championships, including 13 men's teams and eight women's sides.

New Zealand will also enter teams in both the men's and women's competition for the first time in three years.

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Laisenia Bale Tuitubou, said the Fiji Government was delighted to secure hosting rights for another three years.

Air New Zealand said it had diverted several flights to Fiji over the past few days to top up on fuel.

It said the temporary shut-down of the damaged pipeline was affecting all airlines operating in and out of Auckland Airport.

The airport said it does not know how long the problem would take to fix, but it said it was in regular contact with the company responsible for the pipeline, Refinery New Zealand, to know when it would be operational again.

The fisheries minister, Semi Koroilavesau, said new regulations would be in force from June to September next year.

He said there would also be a permanent ban on the harvest, sale and export of beche de mer, as well as a ban on longline fishing within 10 nautical miles of barrier reefs.

The Fiji Times reported Mr Koroilavesau also promised increased enforcement of current size limits.

The measures are part commitments Fiji made at a United Nations oceans conference in June.

Fiji welcomed this opportunity during the signing of the World Bank establishment agreement at the Prime Minister’s office Wednesday.

Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says Fiji is honoured to host the World Bank group.

Bainimarama says Fiji’s relationship with the World Bank is growing and its presence at home will benefit not only Fiji but neighbouring countries.

In the men's draw, Nauru are chasing a third straight win against in the fifth place playoff against Great Britain, while Fiji are guaranteed to improve on their 10th place finish three years ago when they face Canada in the playoff for seventh spot.

Meanwhile it's an all-Pacific affair in the women's competition, with the Papua New Guinea Flames and Fiji playing off for fifth place.

PNG didn't compete at the last International Cup and tour manager Peter Harrison was expecting the Fijians to provide a stern challenge.

An unbeaten 59 runs from Nou Reva Rarua, plus knocks from Igo John Mahuru (31), Heagi Ronald Toua (30) and Ovia Lohia Sam (29) help set up a target of 264.

Fiji’s run chase ended inside 16 overs after they were all bowled out for 54.

Sam (4/2) made light work of the Fijians ripping through the batting attack. Sam was assisted by Boge Daniel Arua (2/23) and James Junior Tau (1/10).

Fiji: 54 16.3/50 ov RR: 3.27

Papua New Guinea: 264/9 50/50 ov RR: 5.28.

The Garamuts will take on Samoa on Monday August 14. 

Already out of contention for the semi-final stage, competition debutants American Samoa will be out to cause an upset when they face Tonga in the opening match of the day. Tonga need a strong win – and Cook Islands to defeat Fiji – to equalise with Fiji on points and overtake the Melanesian nation on goal difference.

Feeling positive after claiming their first point of the competition on Monday, Tonga coach Lafaela Moala has put Cook Islands and Fiji’s encounter out of his mind and is keeping focus on repeating the impressive performance Tonga gave against Fiji.

The Fijians batted first and after 19.2 overs were reeling at 5-42. Wickets continued to fall and they found themselves all out for 88 inside 36 overs.

Jack Fraser Charters (16) and Samuel Nakuna (16) top scored with the bat. With the ball for Garamuts, it was Boge Daniel Arua (4/21) who did the damage.

Despite their losing their openers cheaply, Heagi Ronald Toua (27), Vagi Karaho (15) and Nou Reva Rarua (14*) guided the Garamuts home to reach the target in 25.2 overs losing six wickets along the way.

PNG will take on hosts Samoa tomorrow.