Car Maker Ends Australian Shipments After Just 373 Sales

• Citroën to cease vehicle sales in Australia
• It follows a decline in sales

A major automotive company's distributor has announced it will stop delivering cars to Australia.

After nine years of supplying the cars, Inchcape Australasia will remove Peugeot from its range.

"As an integral part of Inchcape's usual method of managing its portfolio, we regularly assess our collaborations to make sure we maintain the appropriate collection of brands for our company, in line with our strategic expansion goals," a statement said.

Consequently, Inchcape Australia and Stellantis have reached a mutual decision to terminate their distribution agreement for Peugeot in Australia, with the exact termination date yet to be determined after a transitional phase.

Stellantis has announced that the Peugeot brand will remain active in Australia and will share details about its regional strategies at an appropriate time.

The statement follows several years of declining sales for French-produced products. vehicles that have nearly been reduced by half in Australia since 2019.

Peugeot managed to sell just 373 vehicles in Australia during the initial five months of this year – representing a 35 percent decrease compared to the lowest level recorded in 2025.

It is expected that sales will be below 1,000 in 2026, following the sale of only 1,350 units during the previous year.

This is nothing like the company's peak period in 2005, when it managed to sell over 7,000 cars.

The announcement follows two years after Inchcape Australia discontinued the sibling brand Citroen, which sold fewer than 1,000 vehicles annually since 2015, after reaching a high of 3,803 sales in 2007.

Nevertheless, Chinese imports have risen ten times over in recent years and are currently the leading supplier of vehicles to Australia, with over 220,000 units sold in 2025.

Stellantis states that it plans to collaborate with China's Dongfeng Motor Corporation to develop more affordable vehicles manufactured in China bearing Jeep and Peugeot branding.

Citroën has a significant presence in Australia, with vehicles being available for purchase in the country even before World War I.

At present, there are 29 Peugeot outlets across Australia, and within Inchcape's range, Subaru stands out as the top-performing brand.

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Dhaka Ties for Top Spot in Global Air Pollution Index

Dhaka, July 2 – On Thursday morning, Dhaka was tied for first place along with Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as one of the most polluted places globally, achieving an Air Quality Index (AQI) reading of 152 at 9:25 am.

The city's air quality was rated as "Unhealthy," suggesting that levels of harmful particles in the air had risen to a point where they might endanger people's well-being, based on the AQI index.

Delhi came second with an AQI reading of 145, then Jakarta at 132. Jerusalem placed fourth with an AQI value of 107.

As per AQI guidelines, values ranging from 101 to 150 are classified as "unhealthy for vulnerable populations," 151 to 200 as "unhealthy," 201 to 300 as "highly unhealthy," and readings exceeding 301 are categorized as "dangerous," indicating significant threats to well-being.

The Air Quality Index offers daily information about air conditions, showing whether the air is pure or contaminated and pointing out possible effects on health.

In Bangladesh, the Air Quality Index (AQI) is determined using five key contaminants: particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone.

Dhaka has faced ongoing issues with air pollution, as environmental conditions tend to deteriorate in the colder months and improve when the rainy season arrives.

According to the World Health Organization, air pollution leads to approximately seven million fatalities worldwide annually, primarily because of conditions such as stroke, cardiovascular diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, lung cancer, and acute respiratory illnesses.

Algeria Coach Confident Ahead of Swiss Challenge

Algeria Coach Vladimir Petkovic feels his team is building a victorious mindset just when it matters most as the Desert Foxes get ready to play against Switzerland in their Round of 32 match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.

North African teams advanced to the elimination rounds following a victory and a draw in their last two group games, coming off an underwhelming 3-0 loss to reigning champions Argentina, led by Lionel Messi.

Following that defeat, Algeria has made an impression through their offensive efforts and determination, though Petkovic acknowledged his team needs to enhance their defense after enduring tense situations during their thrilling win against Austria.

The trainer believes his team is steadily improving as they strive to advance to the round of sixteen.

"We're developing a victorious mindset, bit by bit," Petkovic stated through CAF Online.

In big competitions, it's crucial to focus on progressing with each match, and that's exactly our approach.

Algeria will be appearing in their fifth FIFA World Cup, with their highest achievement occurring during the 2014 event held in Brazil, when they advanced to the Round of 16 but were defeated by champion Germany following a match decided through extra time.

The team known as the Desert Foxes did not manage to qualify for the 2018 World Cup held in Russia and the 2022 edition hosted in Qatar. They now aim to achieve better success during the upcoming tournament taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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King Charles Greets Crowds at Royal Ascot's Opening Day

June 16, Pakistan -- King Charles and Queen Camilla were present on the first day of the Royal Ascot, as various members of the royal family assembled at the renowned Berkshire racetrack for this esteemed yearly horse racing competition. The royal parade signified the official beginning of this highly anticipated event, drawing worldwide interest and a significant international viewership.

At the event, various high-ranking members of the royal family were present alongside the King and Queen, such as Zara Tindall, Mike Tindall, Peter Phillips, and Harriet Sperling, who all participated in the classic horse-drawn parade. The presence of these individuals underscored the ongoing significance of Royal Ascot as both a competitive equestrian event and an important social affair for the British royal household.

A significant event took place when Zara Tindall bowed respectfully to King Charles upon her arrival, then gave him a friendly kiss. This action immediately caught the eye of observers and journalists, becoming one of the top talked-about moments during the first day's festivities.

Additional members of the royal family, such as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and Alice Elliot, who is Queen Camilla's niece, were also part of the parade. Their attendance highlighted the longstanding custom within the family of being present at Royal Ascot and interacting with the public during significant national occasions.

Before the races began, King Charles and Queen Camilla released a statement greeting attendees at the event. They wished for an exhilarating week of horse racing showcasing elite equines from Europe, North America, and Australia, with viewers worldwide anticipated to watch the contest spanning almost 200 nations.

The Royal Ascot remains one of the key events in the British summer schedule, blending top-tier horse racing with royal customs and global interest. The first day this year once more highlighted the occasion's formal importance and its deep ties to the monarchy's official activities.

NDLEA Seizes 6,778 kg of Canadian Cannabis at Lagos Port

The Federal Road Safety Corps has officially assumed control of 6,778.5 kilograms of Canadian Loud, an extremely strong type of marijuana, which was seized at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos.

An illegal shipment was formally transferred to the NDLEA in a ceremony held at Apapa Port on Wednesday, after being discovered during a combined inspection of two containers conducted by agents from the NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and additional security organizations.

On Wednesday, a statement from the agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, indicated that the Chairman/CEO of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (ret.), was represented by the head of seaport operations at the agency, ACGN Ibinabo Archie-Abia, who referred to the confiscation as a significant success resulting from cooperation among different agencies.

"Following two significant operations conducted on June 15 and June 24, 2026, we convey a strong and unambiguous statement that our resolve to break down organized crime groups and drug smuggling rings inside and outside our territory has never been stronger," Marwa stated.

He revealed that the arrests came after several months of intelligence-driven operations conducted jointly by the NDLEA Special Investigation Unit and the Marine Intelligence Unit, along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Nigeria Customs Service.

As he stated, global drug cartels utilized intricate sea routes to avoid detection by authorities, yet continuous monitoring allowed agents to follow the shipments through various countries prior to their seizure in Nigeria.

It’s important to clarify the movement of these shipments. The initial container, CAAU 7569127, left Toronto on April 16, 2026. To avoid scrutiny, it was transported via train to Montreal prior to being placed aboard the ship Ghallow Express*. It reached Tangier Med, Morocco, on May 6, 2026, then transferred to the Spartel Trader, which docked at Tin Can Island Port on May 27, 2026.

"It was then relocated to the Global Bonded Terminal and later transported by water to Apapa Port on June 10, 2026, where it was discovered during a collaborative inspection of the cargo involving our team, our counterparts from the Customs Service, and other law enforcement bodies," he stated.

Marwa mentioned that the second container, labeled HAMU 3246311, departed Montreal on May 1 via the ship Africa Express and was later transferred to the Algeciras Express on May 15.

"It reached Tin Can Island Port and, after being unloaded on June 4, 2026, was transferred to Apapa Port on June 22, 2026, where it came under the control of our awaiting officials," he said.

The head of NDLEA emphasized that the organization will extend its efforts past seizing illegal drugs, focusing instead on disrupting the financial systems supporting drug trafficking activities.

We acknowledge that the enormous earnings from illegal drug trade still support atrocities against humanity and our country, even though these activities cause severe damage to people, their families, and society.

"Therefore, we stay determined. Our efforts do not conclude at seizing property. We are dedicated to locating, apprehending, and bringing to trial those involved, to taking away their illicit assets, and to making sure they gain absolutely nothing from their unlawful activities," he stated.

Marwa also commended the personnel from the NDLEA, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other security organizations for their expertise and dedication.

I strongly praise the commitment, expertise, and bravery of the personnel from the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service, and all related security organizations who did not turn their heads but instead worked diligently to prevent these harmful materials from overwhelming our neighborhoods.

Your loyalty and steadfast dedication have once more demonstrated that you serve as capable protectors of our seaports.

"This achievement was enabled by the information exchange and coordinated efforts shown by all involved agencies. It serves as a strong example of what joint agency work, global partnership, and data-focused operations can accomplish in combating cross-border organized crime and illegal drug trade," he stated.

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Ministry Promises Stricter Protection for Seafarers' Rights

The Department of Ocean Affairs and Sustainable Development has announced its commitment to implementing relevant rules and labor guidelines to guarantee fair treatment of sailors and ensure that employers meet their responsibilities as outlined in domestic and global shipping agreements.

The Minister for Maritime Affairs and Ocean Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, stated this lately in Lagos at the 2026 Seafarers' Day event.

The gathering had the theme, "Bearing Global Commerce, Bearing the Liability."

Oyetola, who was present at the gathering through the Executive Director of Marine Safety and Security within the Federal Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy, Musa Makoji, emphasized that the well-being of the country's seafarers is not up for discussion.

"The department will keep implementing relevant rules and labor standards to make sure that sailors are treated justly and that employers meet their responsibilities as outlined in local and global maritime agreements. The well-being of our marine workers is not up for discussion. I praise the ship owners and employers who maintain the best levels of well-being, security, and expertise, and encourage them to strive further," Oyetola stated.

He urged continuous cooperation in advancing adherence to global standards and optimal methods, stating, "To our sailors, I extend my most sincere thanks. Although your duties frequently occur out of sight, their effects are experienced by all nations and economies."

Oyetola emphasized that even though sailors fuel worldwide trade, they shouldn’t have to face its dangers too, stating that safeguarding those who ensure global business continues is a collective duty needing support from governments, company executives, world bodies, and everyone in society.

"Today, we recognize not just your efforts but also your dedication, perseverance, and contribution to mankind. We acknowledge the essential part you have in uniting countries, aiding economies, and enhancing people's lives globally," said Oyetola.

He stated that, with their professionalism, perseverance, commitment, and sacrifices, sailors have maintained the movement of worldwide trade and ensured the continued operation of the global economy.

Oyetola stated that the topic of the gathering is powerful, accurately highlighting the fact that although sailors form the foundation of international commerce, "they are also some of the individuals who face the greatest dangers and unpredictability linked to this industry."

The ex-Governor of Osun State pointed out that each successful journey has a tale of dedication, perseverance, and giving up something for the sake of achievement.

"Mariners often remain separated from their loved ones for extended durations, perform their duties in challenging environments, and deal with ever more complicated operational and safety issues. This career demands not just technical skills, but also bravery, self-control, and remarkable endurance," he said.

He mentioned that the marine sector currently encounters extraordinary difficulties, such as political conflicts, interruptions in international trade routes, changing safety risks, environmental impacts, and increasing work requirements.

"Even with these challenges, sailors still show dedication in keeping global commerce moving smoothly. While recognizing their efforts, we should also renew our shared promise to safeguard their respect and entitlements," Oyetola said.

During his opening speech, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, stated that the yearly event offers a significant chance to honor and value "the essential roles played by sailors whose steadfast dedication not only supports economies but also reinforces the connections that bring together individuals around the world."

Mobereola emphasized that the theme highlights the vital contribution of sailors to maintaining global commerce, while also bringing focus to the significant dangers and difficulties they face in carrying out their responsibilities.

"Seafarers not only move goods but also face changing weather patterns, tough work environments, rising safety risks, and growing political challenges. They experience long periods away from their family and friends, along with dealing with both bodily and mental stresses of living on water. Despite this, they keep showing remarkable strength, dedication, and steadfast loyalty," Mobereola stated.

He emphasized that within NIMASA, the well-being, safety, security, and career development of sailors continue to be key priorities in maritime management.

Mobereola stated that the organization acknowledges safeguarding and supporting sailors goes beyond being just a legal requirement; it is also an ethical responsibility and a key factor in ensuring the continued development and stability of the shipping sector.

He stated, 'Governments, naval authorities, vessel owners, employers, educational bodies, worker associations, and sector representatives should keep working together to create a marine environment focused on security, respect, diversity, health, and career success.'

Previously, Wasiu Eshilokun, the Chairperson of the Senate Committee for Maritime Transportation, mentioned that sailors work in tough environments and frequently encounter substantial dangers such as harsh weather, safety issues, operational threats, and extended time spent apart from their loved ones.

"Nevertheless, they continue to be dedicated to maintaining the smooth flow of goods and services that society relies on every day. The committee has concentrated on backing projects that boost maritime safety and security, elevate the well-being of sailors, increase port effectiveness, reinforce local shipping capabilities, and provide job prospects for Nigerian maritime workers," he stated.

He pointed out that in alignment with the federal government's maritime growth plan, the committee will push for measures that promote the upgrading of port facilities, "the establishment of a viable ocean-based economy, greater involvement of Nigerian sailors in global shipping, and complete adherence to international maritime agreements that safeguard the rights and well-being of mariners."

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Nigerian Man Faces Deportation After Shooting in Ex-Girlfriend Dispute

A 23-year-old Nigerian student studying in the U.S., Godson Oghenebrume, received a sentence of 27 months in prison and will be deported following his admission to unlawfully owning a gun and discharging several rounds during an argument with his former girlfriend, who came to his residence with their newborn baby.

The U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Louisiana, Kurt Wall, revealed this information in a statement released on Wednesday.

Wall mentioned that Oghenebrume received a sentence from U.S. Chief Judge Shelly Dick after being found guilty of possessing a weapon as "an alien who entered the United States on a non-immigrant visa."

He stated that the prisoner "may be removed or deported from the United States after serving their sentence."

As per the declaration, Oghenebrume acknowledged that "On February 7, 2025, Oghenebrume had a Glock model 43X, 9mm handgun with him when he entered the U.S. on an F-1 non-immigrant student visa."

Providing information about the event, the U.S. Attorney's Office stated that Oghenebrume was in his apartment with another woman when his ex-girlfriend, who is also the mother of his newborn child, came to the house carrying the baby.

It was mentioned, "Oghenebrume, who was in the apartment along with another young woman, stepped outside, leading to a confrontation between him and the mother of his child."

Throughout the disagreement, with the infant nearby, Oghenebrume fired the gun.

Wall mentioned that the suspect eventually went back to his apartment, yet the dispute persisted when his former girlfriend arrived and discovered him with another woman.

He stated, "This dispute originated from inside the apartment, and Oghenebrume fired the gun several times as the woman who was pregnant with his child ran away. Several bullet marks were seen on the walls of the building."

He also claimed that Oghenebrume broke his former girlfriend's phone and took the infant, who was present during the entire event.

Prosecutors further stated that Oghenebrume tried to avoid being taken into custody when officers from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Department showed up.

Oghenebrume's former girlfriend then went to the other woman, who was trying to depart, and requested her assistance in retrieving the infant. She consented to help and managed to take the child away from Oghenebrume.

When officers from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office reached the apartment complex, Oghenebrume moved away from them, disregarding their instructions, and threw the Glock model 43X, 9mm handgun into nearby bushes. Oghenebrume was shortly afterwards taken into custody.

As per the declaration, a neighbor reported having heard gunfire, informing authorities that "his ears were still buzzing."

He mentioned that following a Miranda warning, police questioned the Nigerian student about why he discharged the firearm.

The declaration stated, "He asserted that he wished for his former girlfriend to return home and that he fired the weapon to frighten her off."

Just over a week ago, PUNCH Metro stated that the United States expelled a Nigerian citizen named Ayodeji Ajayi, after he had several legal offenses, such as assault within the home, as part of their continuous actions related to immigration control.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has indicated that Ajayi has been residing in the country unlawfully since arriving on a student visa almost twenty years ago.

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