Xbox owner Microsoft has hit back at claims its plan to buy the maker of Call of Duty may unfairly affect its rivals, including Sony, which owns PlayStation. Microsoft wants to buy Activision Blizzard, which also makes Overwatch and Candy Crush, for $68.7bn (£59.2bn). The UK watchdog looking into the plan has said Microsoft could use Activision games to "out-compete" its rivals. Microsoft said it still hoped the deal would be closed by June 2023. Competition regulators in Saudi Arabia and Brazil have already approved it. But last month, the Competition and Markets Authority announced it would be asking an independent panel to look into the proposal. Activision Blizzard is one of the world's largest video game developers and publishers, and the Call of Duty franchise has attracted millions of players. And the CMA suggested buying it could allow Microsoft to monopolise top games such as Call of Duty by making them available primarily on Xbox consoles, PCs and Game Pass, its cloud gaming service. Xbox exclusives In a detailed account of its decision to launch an in-depth investigation, published today, the CMA says that "Call of Duty is sufficiently important that losing access to it (or losing access on competitive terms) could significantly impact Sony's revenues and user base". It also said that "Microsoft has followed this approach in several past acquisitions of gaming studios, where it made future game releases from those studios exclusive in consoles to Xbox". Microsoft says it is committed to keeping Activision's existing titles, including Call of Duty, available on the PlayStation. But future titles could be treated differently. Microsoft already owns 23 games makers, including Minecraft maker Mojang, and Fallout and Skyrim creator Bethesda. Bethesda's upcoming Starfield game will now be an Xbox and PC exclusive, and the CMA suggested that this could also be the case for the studio's Elder Scrolls VI, based on Microsoft's public statements. Microsoft says: there were 280 PlayStation-exclusive games in 2021 (Sony claims many of these came from small studios) and Sony itself has chosen to block the Games Pass platform from the PlayStation. Microsoft lacks mobile gaming content, and Activision owns Candy Crush Saga, one of the most played mobile games. the CMA is taking Sony's side "without the appropriate level of critical review" and "over-estimating" the power of Call of Duty to single-handedly disrupt the games industry. And, In a report seen by BBC News, Microsoft calls the CMA's concerns "a novel theory of harm, unsupported by precedent, economic literature or the evidence". In a statement, Sony said the firm believes the deal is "bad for competition, bad for the gaming industry and bad for gamers themselves. "This deal would give Microsoft's Xbox ecosystem a unique combination of tech and content, and hence a dominant position in gaming, with devastating consequences for consumers, independent developers, and Sony itself," it added. Source: ABC News

A new ban on street cooking in Port Moresby has vendors worried about their future. Elis Tumu sells street food for a living and said she doesn't know where she'll earn money for her family. "I don't have a husband, I have two young boys … I am worried about my life and the future of my two boys," she said. The local government said the ban will improve public health but there's questions over its legality. Allan Mana, president of Papua New Guinea's law society, said there's no provisions in the current law to validate the ban. "There are certainly provisions in the act for case-by-case inspection … to make sure that minimum standards are complied with. But generally speaking, to suggest a blanket ban in the manner that is being suggested, is arguably illegal." Source: ABC Pacific

Under its Rural Electrification program, the Rabaul District Administration continues to pump more money into making electricity more accessible to people in the communities. A recently approved RE project at the cost of K100, 000 will cover Iawakaka ward, Clifton resettlement ward 5 in Rabaul Urban LLG and Kuraip ward in Gazelle District. Under the public-private-partnership arrangement, BTK Constructions is being engaged to construct and rollout the programme in Rabaul district under the district services improvement program while the PNG Power is the regulator. District Architect Nathan Midian when giving an update on the project said 10 poles and an existing transformer is already available for Kuraip. Rabaul and Gazelle districts will share costs for electricity to be established at Kuraip, as it is located in Gazelle. He said Kuraip ward is also covered under the Kurakakaul Growth concept which will see a proposed police barracks also built therefore the RE project will be constructed. Mr Midian said 40 households at ward 5 in the Clifton resettlement will benefit from the project. The overall population residing within and along these communities will benefit and economic activities can be boosted for the people. During the progress of the RE project, wooden poles used to transfer power will be changed to galvanized steel poles to cut down on maintenance costs. This work will kick off next week. Meantime District Administrator Benedict Mode has commended the progress work so far on the district RE programme. He said power cables lying on the ground is dangerous and risky to commuters especially students and villagers. He appealed to ward members and their development committees to assist the technical team moving around in their wards to address these issues.

Only Darren Lockyer and Cameron Smith wore the green and gold more times than Mal Meninga, so when the Kangaroos coach talks about making the Australian jersey the pinnacle, his words come with authority and authenticity. The only man to have made four Kangaroo tours, Meninga played 46 Test maches between 1982 and 1994, and later enjoyed unprecedented success as Queensland Origin coach before taking over from Tim Sheens as coach of the national side in 2015. Meninga has made no secret of his desire to see the green and gold jumper regain its status as the most prestigious honour a player can achieve and his Kangaroos squad will regularly be reminded of past glories during their six-week stay in the UK. “I think understanding your past is really important to move forward with your future so at the moment it’s great to talk about our stories, how we position ourselves, what we need to do to be successful,” Meninga said at this week's World Cup launch. “I go back to when Origin started in Australia, and how passionate both states were and that’s what we are trying to create in an international space. “I always thought the green and gold jersey was the ultimate in personal recognition because it meant you were the best player in your position." "We’ve handled pressure and expectation for a long time and you accept it, you carry it on your shoulders and you prepare accordingly" Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga The NRL Hall of Famer is leading the most inexperienced Kangaroos squad in World Cup history with 13 uncapped players on board, but Meninga revealed that drawing on passion rather than experience is what will bring success. “As a coach, you go with your heart, and I know that all my 24 players want to put the green and gold jersey on so that helps me with my preparation because I know they want to be here and that creates a stronger competition,” he said. "I think we’ve planted some really good seeds early, the players are really excited about being here. They’re all on board and all want to pull a green and gold jersey on. “We want passionate players putting on the country’s jersey and when you have passion, you’ll find success.” Having come away victorious at eight of the past nine World Cups, the Kangaroos are entitled to go in as favourites, but Meninga says the strength and depth of the opposition will ensure his team stays laser focused. “We’ve handled pressure and expectation for a long time and you accept it, you carry it on your shoulders and you prepare accordingly,” he said. “We’re not an arrogant footy team, there’s no place for arrogance. We’re a confident footy team and I believe with confidence and keeping your feet on the ground, heads out of the clouds and working hard, it’ll lead to success for us.” For skipper James Tedesco, leading the Kangaroos for the first time on Sunday against Fiji will be the pinnacle of his rugby league career. The 29-year-old is one of the few players with previous experience of touring England, having been part of the Italy side at the 2013 World Cup. “I don’t think there’s a higher honour than being able to captain your country, I’ve had a lot of achievements in the game but this is definitely the highest,” Tedesco said. “I was very proud to get an opportunity to represent Italy, where my dad’s family is from, in 2013 and 2017. “But I was born and raised in Australia, Mum is Australian, so for me there’s no higher honour than pulling on the Australian jersey.” The Roosters fullback revealed that Meninga had put a huge focus on each player's origins during the first week in camp... where they come from, who they are and what being in the Aussie team means to them. "The meetings do get a bit emotional. A lot of them are about our stories, our families and where we come from," Tedesco said. "I've found there's a lot of similarities. A lot of guys come from country towns in Australia and have always had a dream to play rugby league for their country. "Previously maybe (Aussies didn't take the World Cup seriously) but since Mal has been in charge he’s definitely brought that pride and passion back into the jersey." Source: NRL.com

The Grand Opening of the upgraded state of the art Kavieng Airport has been deferred by a week to the 27th of October. The New Ireland Government and National Airports Corporation understands that parliament will still be in session on the 20th of October thus to ensure availability of all Chief guests the deferment has been made. The Airport celebration organizing committee which comprises representatives of National Airports Corporation and the New Ireland Government said “ The 27th has been chosen primarily because it will ensure most of our dignitaries and development partners will be available to attend this event.” They assured all New Irelanders and visitors to New Ireland that the Kavieng Airport will still be officially opened this month. NAC and contractor CRCEG have been working around the clock to deliver this world class project. The New look Airport is expected to go into full scale operation as soon as it is officially opened. With a special inaugural Boeing 737 flight set to take off with 100 selected New Irelanders to mark the occasion. Meanwhile there are already a number of service providers being allocated space to run their small businesses at the airport

Lae City FC returns to round three of the National Conference Soccer League Northern Conference on Saturday fielding a little less known side who stuck through the last two rounds. Lae City FC head Coach Bob Morris said today, the return of 9 of its core players from the victorious MSG Prime Minister Cup in Vanuatu boosts the side. Morris said but he believes maintaining the young boys who stood out the last two opening rounds add value to create combinations that is needed to build the team. The new boys including Jeremy Bart, Elijah Kamak, Karodin Robert and Gabby Yanum have played together and created relationship that is boosted with the hyper striking power of Albert Morgan Jr who is the current leading goal scorer of the conference heading into round three. Morris said Morgan Jr scored a hatrick followed by a double in respective two opening rounds and will be backed by Walbo Komuna to lead the team again. ‘’He (Morgan) has earned his place in the team,’’ Morris said. He added there is confidence in the current team after two rounds and is a good sign. ‘’We wanted the combinations and fitness to rise up and we have proven to prepare well and be more organized as a team building up,’’ Morris said. Morris said there is still room to build on understanding each other and the more the current team comes out side by side they can build. ‘’It’s good to see the young boys step up. They just have to create understanding with the old boys,’’ Morris said. Morris confirmed the return of Emmanuel Simon taking the leadership role as captain alongside Ronald Warisan, Jacob Sabua, Bruce Tiampo, Philip Steven and Stahl Gubag. ‘’Training this week was good. Confidence is something we building on to gain ball possession so to utilize our goal scoring opportunities. We can’t underestimate Tusbab FC and we respect them so we just have to do all things right on our part,’’ Morris said. The team travels on Friday to Madang for Saturday’s game against Tusbab FC at Laiwaden oval.

Prime Minister James Marape visited the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission on Tuesday 11th September 2022 to introduce and install the new Chairman Hon. Saki Soloma, making the visit to CLRC, a first by any Prime Minister of PNG. The visit also saw the Prime Minister praise the Commission for the work it had been doing in reforming and updating our laws and also signaled the important task for CLRC in the lead up the country’s 50 years of nationhood in 2025. “The next two years is important and this office will be at the forefront in driving the reform agendas.” the Prime Minister said. Prime Minister Marape said his government will be working closely and supporting CLRC and the Chairman to address critical questions on the Constitution, the laws, and systems and processes we having been using since Independence and charting a way forward for the next 50 years. “Our role specifically is to ask those critical questions and to conceptualize them into policies, and CLRC can further promulgate them into law and hopefully Parliament can pass if it is in the wisdom of Parliament,” Prime Minister Marape said. The Prime Minister said in keeping with the path set by our founding fathers and mothers in the Constitution, CLRC’s constitutional mandate on consultation, must also be utilized to elicit endorsement and solutions from the people on those key questions, such as the review on the system of government that includes the election of the Prime Minister by the people and the Judiciary, as well as the future of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. “Any substantial constitutional change we want do, must be with and by the people,” he said. He said the foundations set in place by our founding fathers and mothers have brought us this far in the last 47 years, adding it is our time to pass on a democratic, safer and better PNG for our children after us. The Prime Minister said he is confident with the leadership of Hon. Saki Soloma who as the experience to lead CLRC on delivering on the important reforms. “On behalf of my family and people of Okapa, I thank the Prime Minster for entrusting me with this job and I will do my best with the support of CLRC but we also need the Prime Minister’s support from time to time to ensure we change the state of PNG going forward for the next 50 years,” Hon. Soloma said. Hon. Soloma also said the time is right for people to understand and appreciate the role of CLRC and need for changes to many of our laws in order for the country to be competitive with the rest of the world. He further extended his condolence to the family and people of the former Chairman and Member for Wewak, late Hon. Kevin Isifu and pledged to continue the good work he started. While thanking the Prime Minister Marape for his visit, CLRC secretary Dr. Mange Matui said the Commission understands the significance of the nation’s 50th anniversary and their contributions, some of which, he added, the Commission have already commenced work such on the development of the underlying law, the colonial laws and the major review on the form of system of Government, apart from the legislative reviews. He also welcomed the appointment of the Hon. Soloma and expressed excitement for a good working relationship with the new Chairman.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles MP, will visit Papua New Guinea from 12 October to 14 October. This is the Deputy Prime Minister’s first visit to Papua New Guinea since assuming office and is an important opportunity to reaffirm our close and enduring friendship with Papua New Guinea following National Elections held in both countries this year. During the visit, the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with key Papua New Guinean Ministers and officials including Prime Minister the Hon. James Marape, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. John Rosso, Foreign Minister the Hon. Justin Tkatchenko and Defence Minister the Hon. Win Bakri Daki. They will discuss priorities and opportunities in national security, infrastructure, agriculture, and economic cooperation. While in Papua New Guinea, the Deputy Prime Minister will attend the official openings of the Lae ANGAU Hospital redevelopment, and the Taurama Barracks Chapel. Both facilities will provide important and essential services to the PNG community. The Deputy Prime Minister will also take a friendship walk along part of the Kokoda Track to mark the 80th anniversary of the pivotal Kokoda Campaign during the Second World War.     Quotes attributable to the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. Richard Marles MP: “My visit to Papua New Guinea reflects the importance Australia places on our friendship with our closest neighbour, and reaffirms the Government’s commitment to partnering with Papua New Guinea through the PNG-Australia Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP)”. “I am looking forward to meeting with Prime Minister Marape and some of his Ministers, to discuss our respective priorities and how we can better align our efforts, partnership opportunities, and reaffirm the importance of working with our Pacific family” “Many know that I have a close affection for PNG, and am very much looking forward to what will be one of many visits to our close neighbour.”

The Madang Jack's of Papua New Guinea assisted the Madang Mayors 9's pre-season cup with K5,000 in cash to sponsor the event as the game prepares to go into its finals this weekend. Madang Town Mayor, Peter Yalsi Masia said they were privileged to get assistance from Jack's of PNG Madang to be part of this event as this is the first time a business house in Madang town has given such an amount in cash to support Madang rugby league. Mayor Masia stressed that, even though Jack's of PNG is new in Madang they have indicated that they have the spirit and heart to support this type of event that engages youths who are doing nothing and are engaging in criminal activities in town. Masia challenged other business houses in Madang to support sports activities as it will greatly assist in minimizing the law and order problems faced in Madang. "Most of the youths that you see roaming in town are unemployed and with sporting events Iike rugby league it will keep them away from criminal activities as they know they are playing to win something," Masia said. "On behalf of the Madang Rugby League and the participating teams I thank the Jack's of PNG for its generous support and declare that Madang Mayors' 9's Cup is now proudly sponsored by the Madang Jack's of PNG," he announced. Furthermore, Madang Jack's Branch Manager, Louise Paraka stressed that they are proud to sponsor the young people in sports as they see that they are the future of this nation whilst with the initiative of the Mayor's nines cup they are delighted to be part of the community to sponsor this type of events that will encourage the youths in becoming good citizens of this nation.

The Rotary Club of Port Moresby will be hosting their Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) next week. The Rotary Club is a not for profit organization whose current projects include the Family Sexual Violence Unit, School desk distribution and wheelchair donation etc. Rotary engages in projects do to with provision of clean water, sanitation, hygiene, support education and fighting disease. After a two-year hiatus thanks to Covid-19, RYLA will be hosted at Emmaus Conference Haus at Don Bosco Technical Institute along Taurama Road. From Monday 17 October to Friday 21 October 2022. The program will be attended by 30 participants across NCD, Madang and Kimbe. A range of presenters from community and business leaders and peer mentors. RYLA aims to demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth; provide an effective training experience for participants; encourage leadership in youths to recognize their potential. Abigail Doa-Neill, Head of Communications, presented the cheque to Rotary Club executives on Tuesday 11 October 2022. She said, ‘Kina Bank is proud to support an event that directly impacts the community, an event that reflects our purpose which is the improve the prosperity of our people. And one that demonstrates the shared values or Kina Bank and Rotary Club. We wish you every success and thank you for providing learning opportunities for change makers within our communities.’ Kina Bank support will go towards accommodation and meals for the 30 participants. Rotary Club PP and Community Services Director, Adam Hughes, said. ‘On behalf of the RCPOM, thank you for your donation. It is companies like yourselves that help us to deliver our projects and what good cause but to support our youth leadership program (RYLA).’ For Kina Bank, this program highlights three of our core values; reflection, togetherness and honesty. It provides participants the opportunity to reflect on information received, to challenge themselves to be better, take ownership and translate opportunities into action. Togetherness, to connect with others who share the same values and goals to achieve shared success. To listen to others with the intent to understand. Last but not the least, honesty. Honesty to use opportunities and resources in the best interest of the communities’ participants live and work in.

The country is experiencing yet another COVID-19 surge since the beginning of the month of September, 2022. A total number of 109 positive cases were reported in the last 7 days (3rd – 9th September).  Said the Deputy Pandemic Controller Dr Daoni Esorom. Cases have been reported in all the provinces with the highest cases reported from NCD with 29 cases followed by Southern Highlands Province 12, Enga 9, Hela 6, Western Highlands 4, Eastern Highlands 3 and West Sepik 2. Central, Jiwaka, Morobe, New Ireland and Western all reported 1 case each. There were no reports of deaths in the last 24 hours. According to the Whole Genome Sequencing report from Doherty Institute in Melbourne, the COVID-19 variants were mainly Omicron BA.2 and BA.5. Unlike Delta variant, Omicron subvariants are much more highly transmissible but the symptoms are mild such as dryness and sore throat, flulike illness, headache and fever. Dr Daoni says that although the symptoms are mild, its impact on those with pre-existing medical conditions and other vulnerable population including older people can be worsened and need to take extra precaution. The testing rate at the moment is very low, and as such it is very difficult to really determine the extent and true prevalence of the infection in the country, and the different variants we are dealing with, says Dr Daoni. Furthermore, the country’s vaccination rate remains one of the lowest globally with just over 6% of the total eligible population vaccinated in the country.  Dr Daoni warns everyone that the pandemic is not yet over. COVID-19 is here to stay and we must all look after our own health, including our family and those we care for. With the recent events related to the 2022 national general election, the Independence celebrations and with poor compliance of Niupela Pasin Measures, we are expecting the number of cases to increases, says Dr Daoni. All the Provincial Health Authorities by now should be integrating COVID-19 testing in all the hospital care settings and health facilities to test everyone presenting with symptoms of COVID, ILI, SARI and other critical conditions, and provide appropriate care and advise. Similarly, all business houses, private sectors and government departments must make sure your staff is tested and cared for if they have any of the COVID-19 symptoms. The cumulative number of cases in the country as of 6th October 2022  stands at 45 143 with 668 reported deaths. The current vaccination rate is 354,579 received 1st dose and 294,786 fully vaccinated. We must all be vigilant as COVID-19 is here to stay and is increasing in the community. Lets all help to build a resilient community and economy.

The Lae Biscuit Company congratulates the successful hosting of the 59th Morobe show in 2022. After two years of the Morobe show cancellation due to Covid-19, the return of the annual show over the weekend (08-09 Oct) was highlighted by the staging of the Morobe Show Queen amongst other attractions. And under the Red Ribbon Sponsorship of the Morobe show by the Lae Biscuit Company is the privilege of being awarded the Naming Rights Sponsors of the Morobe Show Queen and Pikinini show contest. The Lae Biscuit Company embraces the opportunity to build the spirit of promoting and fostering pride in cultural heritage of this country through the younger generation of Papua New Guinea by hosting the annual Morobe Show Queen contest. The Lae Biscuit Company shares a close partnership with the Morobe show for more than 5 years now through the hosting of the Show Queen for the above 14 years category and Pikinini Show Queen for the 9-13 years boys and girls category. For the Lae Biscuit sponsored Morobe Show Queen it was young Duba Steven dressed in full Central province regalia from her mother’s clan of Hula in Central province that stole the show’s judging panel final decision. Miss Steven was crowned the 59th Morobe Show Queen over the weekend and Kerenashanty Kerenga from Sine Sine Yonguml district in Chimbu the second runner up. Naya Tetang from Markham in the Morobe province settled for the third runner up as well collected the Encouragement Award sealing the top three winners from around 20 contestants. The top three winners earn K1, 000, K600 and K200 respectively apart from consolation prizes courtesy of the Lae Biscuit Company. In the under 13 years category and representing Manus province, Emmanuel Scott took out the top prize among three boys and 5 girls contesting the race and closely trailed by Siawi Samuel on second placing. Similarly the top winner as well cashing out with K200 and K100 respectively apart from consolation prizes from the Lae Biscuit Company. Lae Biscuit Company will continue to be a key stakeholder of the annual October event through the Morobe Show Queen and Show Pikinini contest in the years to come.