News & Events

A new mascot for the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games has been unveiled: Finnie, a unicorn named after the city’s iconic Finnieston Crane.

Created with input from 76 children across 24 Glasgow schools, Finnie incorporates numerous local cultural references. Her design features the famous traffic cone from the Duke of Wellington statue, silver accents reflecting the city’s shipbuilding heritage, and a purple mane inspired by The Hydro venue’s lighting.

The mascot’s appearance includes elements from Glasgow’s coat of arms, the Barrowland Ballroom’s stars, and a friendship bracelet designed by schoolchildren. Finnie’s character emphasises fun and friendship, complete with a signature heart-shaped gesture.

Maskeen Bhullar, an 11-year-old student from St Patrick’s Primary School who helped create the mascot, expressed pride in contributing to this symbol of the Games. Glasgow 2026 chief executive Phil Batty OBE praised Finnie as embodying the Games’ spirit of fun and friendliness.

Read the original article here: https://news.stv.tv/sport/unicorn-named-after-iconic-landmark-unveiled-as-glasgow-commonwealth-games-mascot

Nauru is positioning itself to become the cryptocurrency hub of the Pacific, with Australian finance director Brian Phelps leading the charge as CEO of the newly established Command Ridge Virtual Asset Authority (CRVAA).

As the first nation in Oceania to regulate digital finance, Nauru has created a comprehensive licensing framework for cryptocurrency operations, including lending and exchange services. This groundbreaking initiative could revolutionise the region’s economy, particularly in the crucial remittance sector.

The move aligns with a growing trend of Pacific Island nations embracing digital currencies. Palau is developing a digital residency program, while Fiji and Vanuatu are exploring central bank digital currencies. The region has already seen success with blockchain technology in humanitarian aid, with Oxfam’s “UnBlocked” project benefiting over 35,000 Pacific residents.

While some Pacific leaders champion cryptocurrency adoption, central banks remain cautious. Nauru’s initiative represents a significant step forward in the region’s digital financial evolution, potentially offering a new economic model for small island nations facing unique challenges in the global economy.

Read the original article here: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/pacific/568219/nauru-seeks-to-transform-its-economy-by-becoming-a-cryptocurrency-powerhouse

Zambia announced plans for a major crude oil refinery in Ndola, a $1.1 billion project aimed at achieving energy independence for the landlocked nation.

The Copperbelt province facility will process 60,000 barrels daily, sufficient to meet Zambia’s domestic fuel needs with potential for exports to neighbouring countries. The project represents a strategic move to reduce the country’s reliance on expensive fuel imports.

Government officials expect the refinery to create local jobs and enhance regional trade relationships, supporting Zambia’s broader economic development goals. Details about construction schedules and investment partners will be announced in the coming months.

Read the original article here: https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/zambia-signs-1-1-billion-deal-to-build-major-oil-refinery-in-copperbelt/ar-AA1J3PYA?ocid=BingNewsVerp