Dede Sophie

Papua New Guinea, like the rest of the world, is being hard hit by skyrocketing inflation – impacting greatly upon citizens with no end in sight. Prime Minister James Marape has said that higher prices of fuel and goods are expected to remain reflecting the impact of the Russia – Ukraine war.  The National Government earlier introduced a K611 million assistance package which includes the 10%  GST cuts to specific goods, fuel prices subsidy, the inclusion of “lifting of the income tax threshold and fully funding school project fee costs in education for this year. Prime Minister Marape told NBC news – a lot of people did not benefit earlier from the subsidy due to agencies being slow in implementing it.  Marape says the subsidy should be fully implemented now with further assistance through a supplementary budget. He says Treasury and other relevant government agencies are re-looking at the model, to see what ways the assistance can be further provided. The revised package from K350 mil

Volvo Cars have announced upgrades to their XC40 and related C40 Recharge models to provide more range, improved powertrains, and a new RWD version, writes Brian Byrne. The brand’s two key electric cars also gain faster charging times at suitable charge points. Both cars are now available to order in Ireland with prices starting at €61,715. The cars now come with 82kWh batteries, which have extended range by up to 62km. The arrival of a RWD version is the first time in 25 years that Volvo have produced such a configuration.  The AWD vehicles benefit from two new electric motors, the more powerful of which has been developed by Volvo in-house.