A river in Australia, home to more than 500 crocodiles, will host Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Games. The Fitzroy River in Queensland, Australia, was given the green signal by World Rowing and Paddle Australia on Thursday (Sep 17) after it "passed with flying colours" following an assessment of its suitability. Olympic authorities also confirmed that they had approved the river course. Queensland’s premier, David Crisafulli, said, "It’s official, signed, sealed and delivered."&nbsp;World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide said that they were fully behind the independent technical assessment of the regional flat-water course. Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) carried out tests in the water body which were reviewed by the other organisations. A GIICA statement read that the river can “provide a safe, fair and consistent field of play suitable for rowing, Para rowing, canoe sprint and Para canoe events.”<h2>Assessment was not done for crocodiles</h2>Interestingly, reports suggest that the assessment did not consider crocodiles as the problem. The tests checked "how the course would perform under a range of conditions, weather patterns, water levels and flood risk at both Games time and throughout the period leading into the Games".&nbsp;GIICA noted that the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility "is already a training and competition venue for flatwater sports, supporting school state championships, local regattas, and national team training camps". This means contingency plans for when crocodiles are spotted are already in place, and rower safety has also been assured.&nbsp;<h2>Queensland river is a protected crocodile habitat</h2>The Fitzroy River is a crocodile habitat, according to the Rockhampton Regional Council. But the bigger concern was the river's strong currents, which raised fears it may not meet World Rowing regatta standards.&nbsp;Tim Mander, Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games, said in the government announcement, "Rockhampton has earned its place on the world stage, and the endorsement today means we’re one step closer to seeing the best rowers in the world race on the mighty Fitzroy River."&nbsp;The river was first pitched to host the rowing event in March 2025. The Queensland government had been under pressure to reconsider the site. The reptiles in the river are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, meaning it is an offence “to kill, injure or take crocodiles from the wild without appropriate permits.”&nbsp;Reacting to the news, Australian gold medalist rower Drew Ginn told the BBC, "I’m sure I’d row faster; I’m sure all the athletes would row faster. That’s on the list of concerns; I don’t think it’s the highest priority in concerns, but it was certainly cited very early on." &nbsp;

The Fitzroy River in Queensland, Australia, houses more than 500 crocodiles that are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Officials assessed the river for suitability for Olympic rowing events, but the crocodiles were not their primary concern.

A river in Australia, home to more than 500 crocodiles, will host Olympic and Paralympic rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Brisbane Games. The Fitzroy River in Queensland, Australia, was given the green signal by World Rowing and Paddle Australia on Thursday (Sep 17) after it "passed with flying colours" following an assessment of its suitability. Olympic authorities also confirmed that they had approved the river course. Queensland’s premier, David Crisafulli, said, "It’s official, signed, sealed and delivered." World Rowing and Paddle Worldwide said that they were fully behind the independent technical assessment of the regional flat-water course. Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) carried out tests in the water body which were reviewed by the other organisations. A GIICA statement read that the river can “provide a safe, fair and consistent field of play suitable for rowing, Para rowing, canoe sprint and Para canoe events.” Assessment was not done for crocodiles Interestingly, reports suggest that the assessment did not consider crocodiles as the problem. The tests checked "how the course would perform under a range of conditions, weather patterns, water levels and flood risk at both Games time and throughout the period leading into the Games". GIICA noted that the Fitzroy River Flatwater Facility "is already a training and competition venue for flatwater sports, supporting school state championships, local regattas, and national team training camps". This means contingency plans for when crocodiles are spotted are already in place, and rower safety has also been assured. Queensland river is a protected crocodile habitat The Fitzroy River is a crocodile habitat, according to the Rockhampton Regional Council. But the bigger concern was the river's strong currents, which raised fears it may not meet World Rowing regatta standards. Tim Mander, Minister for Olympic and Paralympic Games, said in the government announcement, "Rockhampton has earned its place on the world stage, and the endorsement today means we’re one step closer to seeing the best rowers in the world race on the mighty Fitzroy River." The river was first pitched to host the rowing event in March 2025. The Queensland government had been under pressure to reconsider the site. The reptiles in the river are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, meaning it is an offence “to kill, injure or take crocodiles from the wild without appropriate permits.” Reacting to the news, Australian gold medalist rower Drew Ginn told the BBC, "I’m sure I’d row faster; I’m sure all the athletes would row faster. That’s on the list of concerns; I don’t think it’s the highest priority in concerns, but it was certainly cited very early on."

The Fitzroy River in Queensland, Australia, houses more than 500 crocodiles that are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Officials assessed the river for suitability for Olympic rowing events, but the crocodiles were not their primary concern.

How did an Australian river with 500 crocodiles pass the Olympic test? Here's how

A Chinese man has been charged with trying to smuggle 163 native Australian reptiles to Hong Kong, putting the creatures inside basic items in bags to ensure they are not detected by the X-ray machines at airports. The National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held 38 parcels between December and March which contained the live animals. These included shingleback lizards, dragon species, blue-tongued lizards, eastern hooded scaly-foots, and Cunningham’s skinks.&nbsp;The man, a Chinese national, put the animals in mail parcels and attempted to fly them to Hong Kong and mainland China. He took the native Australian reptiles and stuffed them alive into socks, shoes and boots. He put them in plastic containers and cosmetic bags, and also used children's toys as an evasion mechanism. He did this to evade detection by the X-ray machines.<h2>Reptiles were placed in inhumane conditions</h2>An investigation was launched, and officials said that this was part of an international wildlife trafficking syndicate which sourced the animals through a local breeder. Officials noted that the animals were subjected to extreme cruelty. They were bound and jammed into tight spaces, had no access to food, water, light, or adequate airflow, all of which resulted in high mortality risks during transit.<h2>Lizards found at Adelaide house</h2>In August, investigators raided a residence in Adelaide belonging to an Australian reptile breeder, where they found two dead lizards, a live lizard in poor health, and several electronic devices. Head of Compliance and Enforcement at the National EPA, Dani Yannopoulos, said Australian wildlife is in high demand in the international market and among global criminal networks. Individual specimens can command thousands of dollars on the black market due to strict Australian export regulations.&nbsp;Under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, illegal export or possession of regulated native wildlife invites fines of up to $330,000 per offence and up to 10 years' imprisonment. A foreign national can be deported along with facing potential visa cancellation.

The man packed 163 native Australian reptiles, including snakes and lizards, into socks and shoes, small boxes and other such items so that they would not show up on airport X-ray machines. Investigators also found dead lizards in an Adelaide home. 

A Chinese man has been charged with trying to smuggle 163 native Australian reptiles to Hong Kong, putting the creatures inside basic items in bags to ensure they are not detected by the X-ray machines at airports. The National Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) held 38 parcels between December and March which contained the live animals. These included shingleback lizards, dragon species, blue-tongued lizards, eastern hooded scaly-foots, and Cunningham’s skinks. The man, a Chinese national, put the animals in mail parcels and attempted to fly them to Hong Kong and mainland China. He took the native Australian reptiles and stuffed them alive into socks, shoes and boots. He put them in plastic containers and cosmetic bags, and also used children's toys as an evasion mechanism. He did this to evade detection by the X-ray machines. Reptiles were placed in inhumane conditions An investigation was launched, and officials said that this was part of an international wildlife trafficking syndicate which sourced the animals through a local breeder. Officials noted that the animals were subjected to extreme cruelty. They were bound and jammed into tight spaces, had no access to food, water, light, or adequate airflow, all of which resulted in high mortality risks during transit. Lizards found at Adelaide house In August, investigators raided a residence in Adelaide belonging to an Australian reptile breeder, where they found two dead lizards, a live lizard in poor health, and several electronic devices. Head of Compliance and Enforcement at the National EPA, Dani Yannopoulos, said Australian wildlife is in high demand in the international market and among global criminal networks. Individual specimens can command thousands of dollars on the black market due to strict Australian export regulations. Under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, illegal export or possession of regulated native wildlife invites fines of up to $330,000 per offence and up to 10 years' imprisonment. A foreign national can be deported along with facing potential visa cancellation.

The man packed 163 native Australian reptiles, including snakes and lizards, into socks and shoes, small boxes and other such items so that they would not show up on airport X-ray machines. Investigators also found dead lizards in an Adelaide home.&nbsp;

Stuffed into socks and shoes: Chinese man charged for trying to smuggle 163 Australian snakes and lizards

Scientists have found an ancient landscape beneath Australia’s Great Barrier Reef that now stands frozen in time. It comprises rivers, lakes, estuaries, and beaches, all of which were mapped in great detail. The researchers discovered it during a 24-day voyage across the coast of Queensland, Australia. This place was inhabited by indigenous people nearly 65,000 years ago, but started submerging 7,000 years ago.&nbsp;Helen Bostock, chief scientist for the voyage, said, "First Nations people arrived in Australia over 65,000 years ago when sea levels were 80 meters below present day. At that time, the Great Barrier Reef area was a vast coastal plain bordered by towering forests that stretched inland."&nbsp;The team undertook the voyage on a ship named Investigator. Darumbal Traditional Owners of Sea Country and the Woppaburra people helped design the voyage. The sonar system on board the vessel found the landscape deep in the sea. Using the data and combining it with the cultural knowledge of the Aboriginal people helped recreate the history of his sunken landscape.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/dark-oxygen-13-000ft-inside-the-ocean-offers-clues-on-life-in-the-solar-system-1758277151383">13,000ft-deep secret: Scientists discover oxygen in the darkest region where it shouldn't exist</a>&nbsp;“Our research has revealed submerged rivers, lakes, estuaries, and beaches in stunning detail that helps tell the story of the First Nations people who lived on this land in times past,” Bostock said.<h2>Reconstructing the history of the sunken landscape</h2>The researchers will next reconstruct the climate of this time, sea level rise, vegetation, and evolution of the southern Great Barrier Reef. During the voyage, they collected more than 20 sediment cores from the seabed to check for fossils, which will reveal what the place looked like thousands of years ago. "Seafloor sediments act like time capsules and allow us to reconstruct the history of the region... and connect this with the cultural stories of the Darumbal people and Woppaburra people," Bostock said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-discover-world-s-largest-whale-graveyard-hidden-7km-beneath-the-indian-ocean-1781170611094">Scientists discover world's largest 'whale graveyard' hidden 7km beneath the Indian Ocean</a>&nbsp;Besides reconstructing the journey of indigenous people, researchers will also use the data to study ocean conditions and predict how future changes might impact the reef. "“By weaving together modern science and traditional knowledge systems, we have a much greater understanding of the story of the southern Great Barrier Reef," Bostock added. &nbsp;

A discovery from 7,000 years ago under the Great Barrier Reef has revealed an entire landscape complete with rivers, lakes, and beaches, all still standing exactly the same. Scientists will now reconstruct the history of this place. 

Scientists have found an ancient landscape beneath Australia’s Great Barrier Reef that now stands frozen in time. It comprises rivers, lakes, estuaries, and beaches, all of which were mapped in great detail. The researchers discovered it during a 24-day voyage across the coast of Queensland, Australia. This place was inhabited by indigenous people nearly 65,000 years ago, but started submerging 7,000 years ago. Helen Bostock, chief scientist for the voyage, said, "First Nations people arrived in Australia over 65,000 years ago when sea levels were 80 meters below present day. At that time, the Great Barrier Reef area was a vast coastal plain bordered by towering forests that stretched inland." The team undertook the voyage on a ship named Investigator. Darumbal Traditional Owners of Sea Country and the Woppaburra people helped design the voyage. The sonar system on board the vessel found the landscape deep in the sea. Using the data and combining it with the cultural knowledge of the Aboriginal people helped recreate the history of his sunken landscape. Also Read: 13,000ft-deep secret: Scientists discover oxygen in the darkest region where it shouldn't exist “Our research has revealed submerged rivers, lakes, estuaries, and beaches in stunning detail that helps tell the story of the First Nations people who lived on this land in times past,” Bostock said. Reconstructing the history of the sunken landscape The researchers will next reconstruct the climate of this time, sea level rise, vegetation, and evolution of the southern Great Barrier Reef. During the voyage, they collected more than 20 sediment cores from the seabed to check for fossils, which will reveal what the place looked like thousands of years ago. "Seafloor sediments act like time capsules and allow us to reconstruct the history of the region... and connect this with the cultural stories of the Darumbal people and Woppaburra people," Bostock said. Also Read: Scientists discover world's largest 'whale graveyard' hidden 7km beneath the Indian Ocean Besides reconstructing the journey of indigenous people, researchers will also use the data to study ocean conditions and predict how future changes might impact the reef. "“By weaving together modern science and traditional knowledge systems, we have a much greater understanding of the story of the southern Great Barrier Reef," Bostock added.

A discovery from 7,000 years ago under the Great Barrier Reef has revealed an entire landscape complete with rivers, lakes, and beaches, all still standing exactly the same. Scientists will now reconstruct the history of this place.&nbsp;

Sunken land inhabited 65,000 years ago discovered under Australia's Great Barrier Reef

A book borrowed from the public library of Australia approximately 150 years ago has finally been returned. The book named "Antiquities of Athens," published in 1858, was returned last week to the library in the seaside town of Kiama by a man who discovered it during home renovations. The book was inserted into a tea chest bricked into a sealed fireplace. The Kiama Library manager, Michelle Hudson, confirmed that the late return fine for the book will cost nearly Rs 18.7 lakh (28,000 Australian dollars), accounting for inflation. The fine was determined using the British three-pence-a-week overdue charge printed inside the book's cover, in accordance with the rules in place when the library opened in 1872. "We've never had anything that old come back to us," Hudson told The Associated Press, and added that libraries she follows on social media typically witness items 30 or 40 years overdue, frequently from estate clean-outs. While the book has since become part of the library's history, there's no way to trace who is actually responsible for the fine, since the library's 1870s borrowing journal, which logged who checked out each book and when, has since been lost."Unfortunately, we have a missing link. There's nothing in the book that tells us who the last borrower was," Hudson said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/have-7-000-karnataka-students-tested-positive-for-hiv-1785500292084">Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth</a> According to the library's original policies, borrowers were required to return a book and clear any outstanding dues before checking out another. Households were permitted to borrow up to three books, but only if at least six members were "known to be able to read," and books were withheld from anyone who arrived intoxicated. "Maybe that's why they never returned it to us," Hudson said.&nbsp;The book, water-damaged over several years near a chimney, was no. 506 in the library's original collection of about 1,000 volumes. Hudson thought that it went missing within a few years of the opening. "We're not going to allow it to go back out again," Hudson said. "We don't want to wait another 150 years for this book to be returned."

The Kiama Library manager, Michelle Hudson, confirmed that the late return fine for the book will cost nearly Rs 18.7 lakh (28,000 Australian dollars), accounting for inflation. 

A book borrowed from the public library of Australia approximately 150 years ago has finally been returned. The book named "Antiquities of Athens," published in 1858, was returned last week to the library in the seaside town of Kiama by a man who discovered it during home renovations. The book was inserted into a tea chest bricked into a sealed fireplace. The Kiama Library manager, Michelle Hudson, confirmed that the late return fine for the book will cost nearly Rs 18.7 lakh (28,000 Australian dollars), accounting for inflation. The fine was determined using the British three-pence-a-week overdue charge printed inside the book's cover, in accordance with the rules in place when the library opened in 1872. "We've never had anything that old come back to us," Hudson told The Associated Press, and added that libraries she follows on social media typically witness items 30 or 40 years overdue, frequently from estate clean-outs. While the book has since become part of the library's history, there's no way to trace who is actually responsible for the fine, since the library's 1870s borrowing journal, which logged who checked out each book and when, has since been lost. "Unfortunately, we have a missing link. There's nothing in the book that tells us who the last borrower was," Hudson said. Also read: Have 7,000 Karnataka students tested positive for HIV? Here's the truth According to the library's original policies, borrowers were required to return a book and clear any outstanding dues before checking out another. Households were permitted to borrow up to three books, but only if at least six members were "known to be able to read," and books were withheld from anyone who arrived intoxicated. "Maybe that's why they never returned it to us," Hudson said. The book, water-damaged over several years near a chimney, was no. 506 in the library's original collection of about 1,000 volumes. Hudson thought that it went missing within a few years of the opening. "We're not going to allow it to go back out again," Hudson said. "We don't want to wait another 150 years for this book to be returned."

The Kiama Library manager, Michelle Hudson, confirmed that the late return fine for the book will cost nearly Rs 18.7 lakh (28,000 Australian dollars), accounting for inflation.&nbsp;

Book borrowed 150 years ago returns to Australian library, fine tops Rs 18.7 lakh

Emergency crews were deployed on Thursday (April 16) after an out-of-control fire broke out at one of Australia’s last remaining oil refineries, which supplies around 10% of the country’s fuel needs. Fire Rescue Victoria said it was called at 11:15 pm on Wednesday following multiple reports of explosions and visible flames at the Viva Oil Refinery in Geelong, Victoria.&nbsp;Officials confirmed the blaze was still not under control but had been contained within the refinery site. "The fire is not yet under control, although it is currently contained to the plant," Fire Rescue Victoria said in a statement, adding that the incident involved “liquid fuels and gases.” Firefighters continued efforts to contain the blaze amid concerns over fuel infrastructure safety at the major facility.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finchley-synagogue-attack-two-arrested-after-attempted-arson-in-north-london-1776286998109">Finchley synagogue attack: Two arrested after attempted arson in north London hate crime probe</a><h2>Watch the video here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A massive fire has broken out at the Viva Energy refinery, one of only two operational refineries in Australia, which processes about 120,000 barrels of oil per day. <a href="https://t.co/aLLAa2jx7X">pic.twitter.com/aLLAa2jx7X</a>&mdash; Breaking911 (@Breaking911) <a href="https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/2044449587797033389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

No injuries have been reported after a major fire broke out at the Viva Oil Refinery in Geelong, Australia, with the company saying there was ‘no immediate impact on fuel supplies’. Emergency crews continue monitoring the site as hazardous materials specialists carry out air quality checks, supported by a Fire Rescue Victoria scientific officer.&nbsp;“Specialist hazardous materials crews are currently undertaking atmospheric monitoring and being supported by a Fire Rescue Victoria scientific officer,” the statement said. According to the Viva Energy website, the refinery, opened in 1954, can process up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day and produces petrol, diesel, LPG, jet fuel, avgas (aviation gasoline), and Low Aromatic Fuel.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-is-hitting-americans-hard-rising-prices-inflation-trillions-at-stake-1776275109611/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-war-is-hitting-americans-hard-rising-prices-inflation-trillions-at-stake-1776275109611/embed</a>&nbsp;It supplies over 50 per cent of Victoria's and 10 per cent of Australia's fuel. The incident comes just a week after Viva Energy agreed a deal with the Australian government to secure additional fuel supplies amid disruptions linked to conflict in the Middle East. “We understand just how critical fuel is to keep motorists, farmers, and businesses moving,” Viva Energy chief executive Scott Wyatt said after the announcement.&nbsp;“Our dedicated teams have been working tirelessly to keep our customers supplied from our Geelong refinery production as well as sourcing extra cargoes, managing challenging logistics, and responding to rapid market developments.” Viva Energy has been contacted for further comment as investigations continue.

Emergency crews are battling an out-of-control fire at the Viva Oil Refinery in Geelong, Australia, after reports of explosions at the major fuel facility

Emergency crews were deployed on Thursday (April 16) after an out-of-control fire broke out at one of Australia’s last remaining oil refineries, which supplies around 10% of the country’s fuel needs. Fire Rescue Victoria said it was called at 11:15 pm on Wednesday following multiple reports of explosions and visible flames at the Viva Oil Refinery in Geelong, Victoria. Officials confirmed the blaze was still not under control but had been contained within the refinery site. "The fire is not yet under control, although it is currently contained to the plant," Fire Rescue Victoria said in a statement, adding that the incident involved “liquid fuels and gases.” Firefighters continued efforts to contain the blaze amid concerns over fuel infrastructure safety at the major facility. Also Read: Finchley synagogue attack: Two arrested after attempted arson in north London hate crime probe Watch the video here

Fire breaks out at Australia’s Viva Oil Refinery in Geelong, with explosions reported; emergency crews battling blaze still not under control

WATCH | Explosions reported as fire erupts at Australia's Geelong oil refinery

Australian police arrested an angry protester on Sunday night after he yelled ‘you have blood on your hands’ at the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a public vigil for the victims of the Bondi Beach massacre. The incident took place at the “Light over Darkness” vigil in Bondi, held to commemorate those who died during the terror attack on December 14.&nbsp;Witnesses stated that Albanese faced multiple heckling and boos before, during and after the ceremony. As per the report in JFEED, a man shouted an accusation while the prime minister attended the vigil, leading police to step in. The man was detained and arrested soon after his act.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">They ARRESTED the man who yelled at the Prime Minister ‘you have blood on your hands’ in Bondi last night. What. The. Eff. <a href="https://t.co/87h28jycb3">pic.twitter.com/87h28jycb3</a>&mdash; Avi Yemini (@OzraeliAvi) <a href="https://twitter.com/OzraeliAvi/status/2002961193708015798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h3>No allegations of threats or attempted physical violence</h3>Meanwhile, Police said there were no allegations of threats or attempted physical violence, and there were no signs of weapons involvement. Authorities have also not publicly disclosed the exact charges filed against the man.&nbsp;The arrest occurred against the backdrop of tight security following the Bondi massacre, which left 15 people dead and dozens injured during a Hanukkah celebration. Police across New South Wales have since boosted their presence at public events, especially those attended by political leaders.&nbsp;The episode has drawn attention as it unfolded at a memorial gathering and involved a verbal allegation aimed at the prime minister, rather than any physical disruption or violence. As of Monday, authorities had not disclosed the man’s identity, whether charges would be laid, or details of a potential court appearance.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, has announced a sweeping review of intelligence and law enforcement procedures in the lead-up to the Bondi Beach attack. The development aimed at assessing whether agencies possess adequate powers to keep the public safe.&nbsp;The four-month inquiry will assess whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies possess the necessary powers, structures, processes, and information-sharing mechanisms to ensure public safety.

The arrest occurred against the backdrop of tight security following the Bondi massacre, which left 15 people dead and dozens injured during a Hanukkah celebration. Police across New South Wales have since boosted their presence at public events.

Australian police arrested an angry protester on Sunday night after he yelled ‘you have blood on your hands’ at the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during a public vigil for the victims of the Bondi Beach massacre. The incident took place at the “Light over Darkness” vigil in Bondi, held to commemorate those who died during the terror attack on December 14. Witnesses stated that Albanese faced multiple heckling and boos before, during and after the ceremony. As per the report in JFEED, a man shouted an accusation while the prime minister attended the vigil, leading police to step in. The man was detained and arrested soon after his act.

The arrest occurred against the backdrop of tight security following the Bondi massacre, which left 15 people dead and dozens injured during a Hanukkah celebration. Police across New South Wales have since boosted their presence at public events.

‘You have blood on your hands’: Man arrested after he yells at Australian PM Albanese at Bondi vigil — VIDEO

The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, has announced a sweeping review of intelligence and law enforcement procedures in the lead-up to the Bondi Beach attack. The development aimed at assessing whether agencies possess adequate powers to keep the public safe.&nbsp;As calls intensify for a Commonwealth royal commission into the killing of 15 people at a Hanukah event last Sunday, the Australian PM stated that the review would be led by former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio) boss Dennis Richardson, according to a report by the Guardian.&nbsp;The four-month inquiry will assess whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies possess the necessary powers, structures, processes, and information-sharing mechanisms to ensure public safety. Albanese said on Sunday that the Bondi attack “reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation." “Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond," he added.&nbsp;Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, among Albanese’s most vocal critics since the shooting, dismissed the move as “wholly inadequate” and accused the prime minister of shying away from ordering a royal commission. “To use an Australian colloquialism, it’s bullshit,” he said.&nbsp;Frydenberg further argued that the departmental review would fail to address the core problems, including what he described as growing radicalisation in the country that had been allowed to escalate under the government’s watch.&nbsp;ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the agency would fully cooperate with the review, adding that he had already launched an internal examination of its decision-making processes.&nbsp;“If Asio is found to have made mistakes, we will own them, and we will learn from them. Tragically, in this case we did not know about the attack before it happened. That is a matter of grave regret for me and my officers. It weighs on us heavily. But that does not necessarily mean there was an intelligence failure or that my officers made mistakes.”

The four-month inquiry will assess whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies possess the necessary powers, structures, processes, and information-sharing mechanisms to ensure public safety.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, has announced a sweeping review of intelligence and law enforcement procedures in the lead-up to the Bondi Beach attack. The development aimed at assessing whether agencies possess adequate powers to keep the public safe. As calls intensify for a Commonwealth royal commission into the killing of 15 people at a Hanukah event last Sunday, the Australian PM stated that the review would be led by former Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (Asio) boss Dennis Richardson, according to a report by the Guardian. The four-month inquiry will assess whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies possess the necessary powers, structures, processes, and information-sharing mechanisms to ensure public safety. Albanese said on Sunday that the Bondi attack “reinforces the rapidly changing security environment in our nation." “Our security agencies must be in the best position to respond," he added. Former treasurer Josh Frydenberg, among Albanese’s most vocal critics since the shooting, dismissed the move as “wholly inadequate” and accused the prime minister of shying away from ordering a royal commission. “To use an Australian colloquialism, it’s bullshit,” he said. Frydenberg further argued that the departmental review would fail to address the core problems, including what he described as growing radicalisation in the country that had been allowed to escalate under the government’s watch. ASIO Director-General Mike Burgess said the agency would fully cooperate with the review, adding that he had already launched an internal examination of its decision-making processes. “If Asio is found to have made mistakes, we will own them, and we will learn from them. Tragically, in this case we did not know about the attack before it happened. That is a matter of grave regret for me and my officers. It weighs on us heavily. But that does not necessarily mean there was an intelligence failure or that my officers made mistakes.”

The four-month inquiry will assess whether federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies possess the necessary powers, structures, processes, and information-sharing mechanisms to ensure public safety.

Australian PM Albanese orders review of security agencies, police after Bondi attack

Australia was shaken on Sunday evening after a mass shooting that occurred at Sydney’s Bondi Beach leaving at least ten people dead, including the suspected shooter, according to the police. This incident occurred at one of the world’s most famous beaches, typically crowded with locals and tourists, particularly on warm weekend evenings and is now being called as one of the deadliest gun attacks in the country in recent years. Police responded to reports of multiple gunshots early on Sunday evening.&nbsp;&nbsp;Several videos being shared on social media showed people fleeing the beachfront as first responders treated victims on the sand. Many injured can seen lying on the ground while paramedics worked to stabilise them. Police said the investigation was ongoing and two people are in custody. Australia has strict gun laws and mass shootings are rare, which has amplified the shock surrounding the Bondi attack. Here are 10 key points that we know so far:-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>10 Key points:</h2>1. Police have confirmed that ten people were killed in the shooting, including one shooter.2. About thirteen people were taken to hospital, according to a New South Wales Ambulance spokesperson. Several others were treated at the scene, the Guardian said. NSW Ambulance said it was called to Bondi Beach at about 6.45 pm after reports of multiple people being shot.3. Shortly before 8 pm, police said two people were in custody and that the active shooters had been “neutralised”.4. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident "shocking and distressing", adding that “emergency responders are on the ground and working to save lives”, according to Reuters.5. Witnesses reported ‘two shooters in black’ seen at the site after multiple shots were heard at the iconic tourist location. A witness told AFP that the shooters carried semi-automatic rifles.6. Police has said that two people are in custody7. Hanukkah event under way: An event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah was taking place at the beach when the shooting happened.8. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Jewish people who had gone to light the first candle of the Hanukkah holiday on the beach had been attacked by "vile terrorists".9. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar took to social media platform, X, saying that Australia had been warned about potential attacks on Jews, calling the incident a “murderous shooting attack”.10. Australian authorities have not confirmed a motive and say investigations are ongoing.&nbsp;

Police said the investigation was ongoing and two people are in custody. Australia has strict gun laws and mass shootings are rare, which has amplified the shock surrounding the Bondi attack. Here are 10 key points that we know so far

Australia was shaken on Sunday evening after a mass shooting that occurred at Sydney’s Bondi Beach leaving at least ten people dead, including the suspected shooter, according to the police. This incident occurred at one of the world’s most famous beaches, typically crowded with locals and tourists, particularly on warm weekend evenings and is now being called as one of the deadliest gun attacks in the country in recent years. Police responded to reports of multiple gunshots early on Sunday evening. Several videos being shared on social media showed people fleeing the beachfront as first responders treated victims on the sand. Many injured can seen lying on the ground while paramedics worked to stabilise them. Police said the investigation was ongoing and two people are in custody. Australia has strict gun laws and mass shootings are rare, which has amplified the shock surrounding the Bondi attack. Here are 10 key points that we know so far:- 10 Key points: 1. Police have confirmed that ten people were killed in the shooting, including one shooter. 2. About thirteen people were taken to hospital, according to a New South Wales Ambulance spokesperson. Several others were treated at the scene, the Guardian said. NSW Ambulance said it was called to Bondi Beach at about 6.45 pm after reports of multiple people being shot. 3. Shortly before 8 pm, police said two people were in custody and that the active shooters had been “neutralised”. 4. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called the incident "shocking and distressing", adding that “emergency responders are on the ground and working to save lives”, according to Reuters. 5. Witnesses reported ‘two shooters in black’ seen at the site after multiple shots were heard at the iconic tourist location. A witness told AFP that the shooters carried semi-automatic rifles. 6. Police has said that two people are in custody 7. Hanukkah event under way: An event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah was taking place at the beach when the shooting happened. 8. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Jewish people who had gone to light the first candle of the Hanukkah holiday on the beach had been attacked by "vile terrorists". 9. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar took to social media platform, X, saying that Australia had been warned about potential attacks on Jews, calling the incident a “murderous shooting attack”. 10. Australian authorities have not confirmed a motive and say investigations are ongoing.

Police said the investigation was ongoing and two people are in custody. Australia has strict gun laws and mass shootings are rare, which has amplified the shock surrounding the Bondi attack. Here are 10 key points that we know so far

Bondi beach shooting: 10 things we know so far about the deadly attack in Sydney

Australia on Tuesday (Dec 9) became the world leader in cracking down on social media use by children under-16 with a ban that restricts their use of platforms like Meta's Facebook, X, and TikTok. Now, Tech companies that fail to purge teens from their platforms face a whopping US$33 million fines. However, while hundreds of thousands of teens have reported that they were logged out of their social accounts under the ban, others are bragging that they were still online. How? Some have lied during a platform's age verification process, and in one case, they bypassed the ban by using the picture of a golden retriever dog.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-bans-under-16s-from-social-media-but-youtube-warns-it-could-make-them-less-safe-wion-explains-1764746581502">Australia bans under-16s from social media, but YouTube warns it could make them less safe. Here's how</a><h2>What? Can a dog picture bypass Australia's social media ban?</h2>According to a Washington Post report, a group of teenagers in Australia found more than one way to fool the nation's new age-verification system. In one case, they used a photo of a golden retriever dog they found on Google. "It worked," the teen, identified as 16-year-old Mariska Adams, told the publication.<h2>Other ways teens are rebelling against the ban</h2>According to reports, others have taken to hiring adults to help them bypass the age verification, while some have just taken to using their parents' profiles, in many cases with their consent.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/make-america-safe-again-us-state-department-touts-achievement-85-000-visas-revoked-since-trump-returned-to-white-house-indians-students-affected-1765332063561">Trump cancelled 85,000 visas since January. The reasons may surprise you</a><h2>Tech giants say the ban makes the internet unsafe</h2>The government has already conceded that the law "won't be perfect", but argues it is a step in the right direction. However, tech giants like Meta say that the social media ban actually makes the internet unsafe for children. On Wednesday, Meta said that the ban was already pushing teens towards less regulated chat and image-sharing apps like Lemon8 and yope. These apps are currently not listed in Australia's social media ban, reports AFP."We've consistently raised concerns that this poorly developed law could push teens to less regulated platforms or apps. We're now seeing those concerns become reality," Meta said in a statement. The US-based company pointed out that these alternative apps do not have safety features like specialised teen accounts. "While we'll meet our legal obligations, we remain concerned this law will make teens less safe."

How are Aussie teens still on social media after the under-16 ban? Some lied about age. One even used a golden retriever’s photo. Here's all we know.

Australia on Tuesday (Dec 9) became the world leader in cracking down on social media use by children under-16 with a ban that restricts their use of platforms like Meta's Facebook, X, and TikTok. Now, Tech companies that fail to purge teens from their platforms face a whopping US$33 million fines. However, while hundreds of thousands of teens have reported that they were logged out of their social accounts under the ban, others are bragging that they were still online. How? Some have lied during a platform's age verification process, and in one case, they bypassed the ban by using the picture of a golden retriever dog. Also read | Australia bans under-16s from social media, but YouTube warns it could make them less safe. Here's how What? Can a dog picture bypass Australia's social media ban? According to a Washington Post report, a group of teenagers in Australia found more than one way to fool the nation's new age-verification system. In one case, they used a photo of a golden retriever dog they found on Google. "It worked," the teen, identified as 16-year-old Mariska Adams, told the publication. Other ways teens are rebelling against the ban According to reports, others have taken to hiring adults to help them bypass the age verification, while some have just taken to using their parents' profiles, in many cases with their consent. Also read | Trump cancelled 85,000 visas since January. The reasons may surprise you Tech giants say the ban makes the internet unsafe The government has already conceded that the law "won't be perfect", but argues it is a step in the right direction. However, tech giants like Meta say that the social media ban actually makes the internet unsafe for children. On Wednesday, Meta said that the ban was already pushing teens towards less regulated chat and image-sharing apps like Lemon8 and yope. These apps are currently not listed in Australia's social media ban, reports AFP. "We've consistently raised concerns that this poorly developed law could push teens to less regulated platforms or apps. We're now seeing those concerns become reality," Meta said in a statement. The US-based company pointed out that these alternative apps do not have safety features like specialised teen accounts. "While we'll meet our legal obligations, we remain concerned this law will make teens less safe."

How are Aussie teens still on social media after the under-16 ban? Some lied about age. One even used a golden retriever’s photo. Here's all we know.

Australian teens defy under-16 social media bans by using dog pictures. So, how 'safe' are they?

Australia has officially started its landmark ban preventing children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, becoming the first country in the world to implement such sweeping restrictions. The law came into effect at midnight in Sydney, affecting roughly five million Australians under 16, including around one million aged between 10 and 15.&nbsp;Under the new rules, responsibility falls entirely on social media companies, which must take “reasonable steps” to ensure under-age users cannot create or access accounts. The government has encouraged platforms to rely on multiple age-verification tools, ranging from official IDs to facial or voice recognition systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;Anticipating the change, Meta, owner of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, began removing Australian users under 16 last week. The company said complying with the law will require ongoing, multi-layered processes. Snapchat has outlined several verification options of its own, including bank account details, photo identification, and selfie-based checks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-a-911-call-from-mcdonald-s-led-to-arrest-of-luigi-mangione-shooter-accused-of-killing-unitedhealthcare-s-ceo-1765280137698">How a 911 call from McDonald’s led to arrest of Luigi Mangione, shooter accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO</a>&nbsp;How effective enforcement will be remains unclear. Workarounds such as VPNs, shared family accounts, or fake profiles may still provide unauthorised access. The ban applies to widely used platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Threads, X, Reddit, and streaming services like Kick and Twitch. However, child-oriented and educational services, such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and messaging apps like WhatsApp, will still be accessible to younger users.&nbsp;The Australian government has described the move as a global first aimed at reducing online risks for children. But critics, including tech companies and teenagers, argue the policy may be difficult to enforce and could restrict young people’s digital freedoms. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to A$49.5 million. Governments worldwide are expected to watch closely as Australia becomes the testing ground for broad-scale age enforcement across social media platforms.

In a global first, Australia’s under-16 social media ban takes effect

Australia has officially started its landmark ban preventing children under the age of 16 from using major social media platforms, becoming the first country in the world to implement such sweeping restrictions. The law came into effect at midnight in Sydney, affecting roughly five million Australians under 16, including around one million aged between 10 and 15. Under the new rules, responsibility falls entirely on social media companies, which must take “reasonable steps” to ensure under-age users cannot create or access accounts. The government has encouraged platforms to rely on multiple age-verification tools, ranging from official IDs to facial or voice recognition systems. Anticipating the change, Meta, owner of Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, began removing Australian users under 16 last week. The company said complying with the law will require ongoing, multi-layered processes. Snapchat has outlined several verification options of its own, including bank account details, photo identification, and selfie-based checks. Also Read: How a 911 call from McDonald’s led to arrest of Luigi Mangione, shooter accused of killing UnitedHealthcare's CEO How effective enforcement will be remains unclear. Workarounds such as VPNs, shared family accounts, or fake profiles may still provide unauthorised access. The ban applies to widely used platforms including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, YouTube, Threads, X, Reddit, and streaming services like Kick and Twitch. However, child-oriented and educational services, such as YouTube Kids, Google Classroom, and messaging apps like WhatsApp, will still be accessible to younger users. The Australian government has described the move as a global first aimed at reducing online risks for children. But critics, including tech companies and teenagers, argue the policy may be difficult to enforce and could restrict young people’s digital freedoms. Companies that fail to comply face penalties of up to A$49.5 million. Governments worldwide are expected to watch closely as Australia becomes the testing ground for broad-scale age enforcement across social media platforms.

Australia’s world-first legislation banning under-16s from using social media goes live, with tech companies tasked to enforce age restrictions to avoid heavy fines

Glued to their TV screens, cheering for their favourite trio on a reality TV channel, Australians jumped up in joy as they saw them achieve a new milestone. The three newest stars of Nestflix, a peregrine falcon livestream, spread their wings and took their first flight recently. The livestream shows falcons breeding, raising their young ones and fighting for occupation. It started during the COVID pandemic and acted as a source of connection with the outside world. Australians had been watching the three falcon chicks for weeks, waiting for them to attempt their first flight. They started hatching at the end of September and were seen running around, flapping their wings, since then. They live on top of a 34-storey building in Melbourne. The male chick was expected to fly first, followed by his two sisters a week later. Now they have finally flown, with two of them taking off on their first attempt, with the third crashing back onto the ledge, before making a successful flight.&nbsp;<h2>How did Peregrine falcon livestream start?</h2>According to BirdLife Australia, the chicks are not likely to go great distances for the next few weeks and will stay close to the city, relying on their parents for food. The livestream follows peregrine falcons living on top of fights, cuckolds, births, breakups and earthquakes, courtesy of its stars - the ones who live at the top of the office building at 367 Collins Street. It started in 1991, as the Victorian Peregrine Project to protect the species. Dr Victor Hurley, founder of the Victorian Peregrine Project, says the birds are teased by their mother with pigeons in her talons to fly to push them to fly and lose weight.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">That visit from his sister did the trick. The male fledgling has returned to the skies. It is such a relief. And that&#39;s the 2025 season at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/367Collins?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#367Collins</a> finished. 🥂 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeregrineFalcons?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeregrineFalcons</a> <a href="https://t.co/gKvn53fs5O">pic.twitter.com/gKvn53fs5O</a>&mdash; Jenny Frecklington-Jones #IStandWithPalestine🍉 (@JonesHowDareYou) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonesHowDareYou/status/1989537212267196897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

A nest box was placed on the rain gutter around 1992, where three chicks were born. The first birds caught on camera bred there in 1993 to watch the birds and their chicks. Sometimes, you have to see the falcons locked in battle to gain hold of the territory. In 2017, a webcam was installed and "Nestflix" was broadcast live on YouTube. It has exploded to such a scale that there is also a Facebook fan page with more than 50,000 members.&nbsp;<h2>Peregrine falcons engage in battles for territory</h2>Over the years, an estimated six or seven different pairs of falcons have occupied the nest. Dr Victor Hurley says that peregrine falcons are extremely territorial and keep their nests at least 1.6km away from each other. This has also led to some spectacular fights over the nesting site as "floaters", peregrines who don't yet have a partner or own territory, have launched raids to gain hold of the nest. There was an instance when a younger falcon fought the original father and replaced him during the incubation period. Typically, he could have eaten the chicks, but instead gave them their first feed.&nbsp;<h2>Most Peregrine falcons don't survive the first year&nbsp;</h2>These predatory birds had gone nearly extinct in Australia, but have staged a comeback since the 1980s when DDT and other chemicals were banned. They can be seen on the livestream fighting each other for territory. Dr Hurley says these birds have a 60% mortality rate in the first year, which means survival is tough, albeit this is common among predators. Once the new chicks make their first prey, they'll fly away a great distance to avoid inbreeding as they start their own families.

Nestflix, a peregrine falcon livestream, saw its newest stars leaving the nest recently. The reality TV has several Australians hooked who keep returning to see new chicks being born and take their first flights. It has exploded in popularity since the Covid pandemic.  

Glued to their TV screens, cheering for their favourite trio on a reality TV channel, Australians jumped up in joy as they saw them achieve a new milestone. The three newest stars of Nestflix, a peregrine falcon livestream, spread their wings and took their first flight recently. The livestream shows falcons breeding, raising their young ones and fighting for occupation. It started during the COVID pandemic and acted as a source of connection with the outside world. Australians had been watching the three falcon chicks for weeks, waiting for them to attempt their first flight. They started hatching at the end of September and were seen running around, flapping their wings, since then. They live on top of a 34-storey building in Melbourne. The male chick was expected to fly first, followed by his two sisters a week later. Now they have finally flown, with two of them taking off on their first attempt, with the third crashing back onto the ledge, before making a successful flight. How did Peregrine falcon livestream start? According to BirdLife Australia, the chicks are not likely to go great distances for the next few weeks and will stay close to the city, relying on their parents for food. The livestream follows peregrine falcons living on top of fights, cuckolds, births, breakups and earthquakes, courtesy of its stars - the ones who live at the top of the office building at 367 Collins Street. It started in 1991, as the Victorian Peregrine Project to protect the species. Dr Victor Hurley, founder of the Victorian Peregrine Project, says the birds are teased by their mother with pigeons in her talons to fly to push them to fly and lose weight.

Nestflix, a peregrine falcon livestream, saw its newest stars leaving the nest recently. The reality TV has several Australians hooked who keep returning to see new peregrine falcon chicks being born and take their first flights. It has exploded in popularity since the Covid pandemic. &nbsp;

Newest 'Nestflix' reality TV chicks take first flight - What is the peregrine falcon livestream?

Australia, one of the largest polluters per capita in the world, has announced plans to slash its carbon emissions by at least 62 per cent compared to 2005 levels within the next decade. The new goal marks a sharp increase from its earlier pledge of a 43 per cent cut by 2030, as the country faced mounting criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels&nbsp;Unveiling the new target on Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there, built on proven technology.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">We’re taking action on climate change. <a href="https://t.co/RsBLopzWC5">pic.twitter.com/RsBLopzWC5</a>&mdash; Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1968514064142975107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

As per the BBC report, a government-commissioned risk assessment released this week warned that man-made climate change is set to bring harsher and severe weather conditions in Australia. Meeting the new target to reduce emissions from 2005 levels forms part of its commitment for Australia under the obligation of the Paris Climate Agreement.&nbsp;Albanese also confirmed the new target in line with an emission reduction benchmark range between 62 per cent and 70 per cent. This benchmark was recommended by the Climate Change Authority, a government body which provides climate policy advice. By later of this month, the PM will confirm the commitment at a meeting of the UN General Assembly in New York.<h3>What is the commitment of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement?</h3>The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement committed world leaders to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels, a threshold seen as vital to averting the worst effects of climate change. In recent years, like other nations, Australia has also faced an increasing number of climate-related weather extremes, including severe drought, historic bushfires and successive years of record-breaking floods.&nbsp;The rise of ocean temperature has also triggered mass coral bleaching at the iconic Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and at Western Australia’s Ningaloo Reef. In a landmark report, recently released on Monday discovered that Australia has already surpassed 1.5 °C of warming, with no community immune from "cascading, compounding and concurrent" climate risks.&nbsp;The study also warned that without stronger government action, the country faces escalating heatwave deaths, declining water quality from floods and fires, sea level rises threatening 1.5 million people, and a potential property value loss of A$611 billion ($406bn; £300bn).

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the new target in line with an emission reduction benchmark range between 62 per cent and 70 per cent. It was recommended by the Climate Change Authority, a government body which provides climate policy advice. 

Australia, one of the largest polluters per capita in the world, has announced plans to slash its carbon emissions by at least 62 per cent compared to 2005 levels within the next decade. The new goal marks a sharp increase from its earlier pledge of a 43 per cent cut by 2030, as the country faced mounting criticism for its continued reliance on fossil fuels Unveiling the new target on Thursday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “This is a responsible target supported by science and a practical plan to get there, built on proven technology.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the new target in line with an emission reduction benchmark range between 62 per cent and 70 per cent. It was recommended by the Climate Change Authority, a government body which provides climate policy advice.&nbsp;

Australia raises 'climate ambition goal', pledges 62–70% emissions cut by 2035

On Tuesday (September 9), Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asked a right-wing opposition lawmaker to issue an apology for her remarks on the Indian community in the country. His comments suggested that an unsustainable number of Indians were migrating to Australia. The comments were made by Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who is a senator from the centre-right Liberal Party. Price said the immigrants were the reason behind the rising cost of living, which partly cast the blame on Indians. These comments came after the nationwide anti-immigrant protests. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Australian senator said the immigrants were the reason behind rising cost-of-living, which partly cast the blame on Indians. 

On Tuesday (September 9), Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese asked a right-wing opposition lawmaker to issue an apology for her remarks on the Indian community in the country. His comments suggested that an unsustainable number of Indians were migrating to Australia. The comments were made by Jacinta Nampijinpa Price, who is a senator from the centre-right Liberal Party. Price said the immigrants were the reason behind the rising cost of living, which partly cast the blame on Indians. These comments came after the nationwide anti-immigrant protests.

Australian senator said the immigrants were the reason behind rising cost of living, which partly cast the blame on Indians.&nbsp;

Senator blames Indians for rising cost of living in Australia, PM Albanese demands apology

Sydney: There is a growing call for the construction of a memorial for the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Pacific during World War 2. In 2022, Narinder Parmar, a soft-skill trainer and author in Australia, urged authorities to build a permanent memorial in Canberra for the 2,800 Indian soldiers who perished in Papua New Guinea during World War II.&nbsp;Among the survivors was his father, Major Chint Singh of the 2nd Dogra Regiment, whose tale of survival and camaraderie with Australian forces remains a powerful story even today.&nbsp;Parmar said in a series of posts on X, “War Memorial for 3000 Indian soldiers died in Papua &amp; New Guinea during WW2! I would like to request both political parties that a memorial erected in Canberra to honour Indian soldiers who fell in the line of duty during WW2 in Papua New Guinea and as a symbol of friendship forged by the Indian soldiers after the war with Australians. Chint Singh, one of the survivors of 3000 Indian POWs, was invited to sign the Japanese surrender flag, displayed in AWM, Canberra.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">War Memorial for 3000 Indian soldiers died in Papua &amp; New Guinea during WW2! I would like to request both political patries that a memorial erected in Canberra to honour Indian soldiers who fell in the line of duty during WW2 in Papua New Guinea... <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlboMP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottMorrisonMP</a> 1/5&mdash; Narinder Parmar🇮🇳🇦🇺 (@nparmar1957) <a href="https://twitter.com/nparmar1957/status/1525703519852195840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The role of Indian troops in the Pacific Theatre is often overlooked. After Singapore’s fall in 1942, nearly 3,000 Indian soldiers were taken prisoner by the Japanese and sent to Papua New Guinea. Only about 200 survived the brutal conditions of starvation, disease, and cruelty.&nbsp;Maj. Singh, leading his men through captivity, endured by eating grass and insects, maintaining discipline despite unimaginable hardship.&nbsp;On 30 September 1945, Australian forces liberated Maj. Singh’s group at Angoram. Lt. F.O. Monk, struck by their resilience, recalled the moment they came ashore, malnourished but unbroken.&nbsp;The 15th Australian Field Ambulance at Wewak provided care, with Sgt. Ron Bader writing letters for the soldiers and Nurse Sister Murch offering compassion. This forged a deep bond, which was captured in Maj. Singh’s 1946 farewell letter to the 6th Australian Division, praising their “sympathy, love, and affection.”&nbsp;Maj. Singh, honoured with signing the Japanese surrender flag, visited Australia in 1947 and 1970, welcomed as a friend. Australian veterans like Sgt. Eric Sparke kept his story alive. A 1971 memorial in Angoram, built by the Returned and Services League for the fallen Indians, was later washed away during floods.&nbsp;“One of them was my father, who along 3000 PoWs were shipped to PNG! He became chief witness in Aust War Crime Commission! His mateship with Australian officers nurtured post war, he cherished rest of his life,” Parmar says.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">One of them was my father, who along 3000 pows were shipped to PNG! He became chied witness in Aust War Crime Commission! His mateship with Aust officers nurtured post war, n he cherrished rest of his life. Pic1 with Lt Hordern, RANVR.Pic2 Identifying Japs commited crime🇮🇳🤝🇦🇺 <a href="https://t.co/EX12iCnbSp">https://t.co/EX12iCnbSp</a> <a href="https://t.co/a2eYvUAJFj">pic.twitter.com/a2eYvUAJFj</a>&mdash; Narinder Parmar🇮🇳🇦🇺 (@nparmar1957) <a href="https://twitter.com/nparmar1957/status/1956506239984447878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Parmar’s call for a Canberra memorial seeks to honour these sacrifices and the India–Australia bond, rooted in wartime compassion. As bilateral ties grow through trade and shared Indo-Pacific interests, this shared history underscores a deeper connection.&nbsp;For the Indian diaspora, a memorial would be a touchstone, linking their identity to ancestral courage and shared sacrifice.&nbsp;Like the Neuve-Chapelle Memorial in France for Indian soldiers of World War I, a memorial in Canberra would bridge past and present, India and Australia.

After Singapore’s fall in 1942, nearly 3,000 Indian soldiers were taken prisoner by the Japanese and sent to Papua New Guinea. Only about 200 survived the brutal conditions of starvation, disease, and cruelty.

Sydney: There is a growing call for the construction of a memorial for the Indian soldiers who laid down their lives in the Pacific during World War 2. In 2022, Narinder Parmar, a soft-skill trainer and author in Australia, urged authorities to build a permanent memorial in Canberra for the 2,800 Indian soldiers who perished in Papua New Guinea during World War II. Among the survivors was his father, Major Chint Singh of the 2nd Dogra Regiment, whose tale of survival and camaraderie with Australian forces remains a powerful story even today. Parmar said in a series of posts on X, “War Memorial for 3000 Indian soldiers died in Papua & New Guinea during WW2! I would like to request both political parties that a memorial erected in Canberra to honour Indian soldiers who fell in the line of duty during WW2 in Papua New Guinea and as a symbol of friendship forged by the Indian soldiers after the war with Australians. Chint Singh, one of the survivors of 3000 Indian POWs, was invited to sign the Japanese surrender flag, displayed in AWM, Canberra.”

After Singapore’s fall in 1942, nearly 3,000 Indian soldiers were taken prisoner by the Japanese and sent to Papua New Guinea. Only about 200 survived the brutal conditions of starvation, disease, and cruelty.

Call intensifies for a memorial in Canberra to pay homage to 2,800 WW 2 Indian troops

The mysterious balls are back on Australian beaches, which have been spotted on New South Wales shores this time. Authorities aren't sure whether the balls are related to the debris chunks seen on Sydney beaches in late 2024 and then again in early 2025. The debris balls are grey in colour and about one to four centimetres in size. People have been advised not to touch them and stay away from areas where they have been seen. This includes the Entrance Beach, Grant McBridge Baths, Blue Bay, Toowoon Bay, North Shelly Beach, Shelly Beach and Blue Lagoon Beach, as per Nine News. The Grant McBride Baths has already been shut to the public. The new balls were first spotted by a person on the &nbsp;North Shelly Beach who informed the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) about them. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mysterious-balls-on-shores-force-nine-australian-beaches-to-shut-down-8620822">Mysterious balls on shores force nine Australian beaches to shut down</a>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-solves-mystery-of-black-balls-washing-up-after-two-sydney-beaches-closed-here-is-what-they-are-767985">Australia solves mystery of black balls washing up after two Sydney beaches closed. Here is what they are</a>&nbsp;All the balls have been removed from the beach and sent for testing. Work to clear the other beaches is still on. Their composition is not known, but officials believe they could be made of stormwater, sewerage or ships. An investigation has been initiated and further action will be taken after the results are in. "Council also advised they will continue monitoring beaches and will send samples of the debris balls for testing," an EPA spokesperson said. &nbsp;&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-mysterious-ball-shaped-debris-shuts-down-nine-sydney-beaches-wion-world-dna-8153433/embed&nbsp;<h2>Sydney beaches black debris balls</h2>Earlier in November, thousands of black, marble-sized balls washed up on several Sydney beaches. Officials determined that the filthy balls comprised different debris, although they weren't clear on what they were. Analysis showed that the balls had fatty acids, chemicals, and material from wastewater. Then, early this year, more white and grey balls washed up and reportedly had in them "human waste," fatty substances, and grease, like cooking oil and soap.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The disgusting balls have returned to the Australian beaches. Grey-colours balls have washed up on the beaches of New South Wales. They have been collected for an analysis. People have been told to stay away from them. Previously, Sydney beaches saw black and white debris balls.

The mysterious balls are back on Australian beaches, which have been spotted on New South Wales shores this time. Authorities aren't sure whether the balls are related to the debris chunks seen on Sydney beaches in late 2024 and then again in early 2025. The debris balls are grey in colour and about one to four centimetres in size. People have been advised not to touch them and stay away from areas where they have been seen. This includes the Entrance Beach, Grant McBridge Baths, Blue Bay, Toowoon Bay, North Shelly Beach, Shelly Beach and Blue Lagoon Beach, as per Nine News. The Grant McBride Baths has already been shut to the public. The new balls were first spotted by a person on the North Shelly Beach who informed the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) about them. Also Read: Mysterious balls on shores force nine Australian beaches to shut down Also Read: Australia solves mystery of black balls washing up after two Sydney beaches closed. Here is what they are All the balls have been removed from the beach and sent for testing. Work to clear the other beaches is still on. Their composition is not known, but officials believe they could be made of stormwater, sewerage or ships. An investigation has been initiated and further action will be taken after the results are in. "Council also advised they will continue monitoring beaches and will send samples of the debris balls for testing," an EPA spokesperson said. https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-mysterious-ball-shaped-debris-shuts-down-nine-sydney-beaches-wion-world-dna-8153433/embed Sydney beaches black debris balls Earlier in November, thousands of black, marble-sized balls washed up on several Sydney beaches. Officials determined that the filthy balls comprised different debris, although they weren't clear on what they were. Analysis showed that the balls had fatty acids, chemicals, and material from wastewater. Then, early this year, more white and grey balls washed up and reportedly had in them "human waste," fatty substances, and grease, like cooking oil and soap.

The disgusting balls have returned to the Australian beaches. Grey-colours balls have washed up on the beaches of New South Wales. They have been collected for an analysis. People have been told to stay away from them. Previously, Sydney beaches saw black and white debris balls.

Disgusting intruders are back: Mysterious debris balls seen again on Australian beaches

An airplane vanished in Australia on August 2 and has not been located ever since. A search operation has been underway since the plane went missing, but there are no signs of its location even after 20 days. Officials say the aircraft did not send a distress signal or initiate radio contact during its journey, Daily Star reported. The mystery has left everyone puzzled as several agencies scramble to locate the small plane that was carrying two passengers. It took off from Tasmania for New South Wales (NSW) in Australia on August 2 and was flying over the Bass Strait. Gregory Vaughan (72) and his partner, Kim Warner (66), and their dog, Molly, were on board. After taking off from George Town Airport around 12:45 pm, they were supposed to make a stop in Victoria before making their final stop at the Hillston Airport. However, when by 5 pm none of their family or friends had heard from the couple, they reached out to the concerned officials. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) initiated a wide search operation, with police boats, a helicopter and a ferry looking for the couple in northern Tasmania, the Bass Strait, and southern Victoria. Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-i-sent-goodbye-messages-condor-plane-from-greece-spits-out-fire-as-scared-passengers-send-final-messages-1755658631142"> 'I sent goodbye messages': Plane from Greece spits out fire as scared passengers send 'final' messages</a>&nbsp;<h2>The plane sent no distress signal</h2>George Town flight instructor Eugene Reid says the protocol for small aircraft is to inform air services before leaving the coast; otherwise, there is no way of knowing that someone took their plane out of the hangar and flew away. Local airports like George Town don't track individual planes, which makes the process necessary. Adding to the mystery is the fact that no automatic signals were sent out by the plane in case something did go wrong. The emergency satellite beacon should have been triggered if the plane had been in some kind of accident, but nothing was detected. Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark told the local media that the pilot was a prominent member of the local flying club and very experienced. However, the plane he was flying was purchased only about four months ago.&nbsp;The case appears strangely similar to the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 that vanished in 2014. The plane took off from Kuala Lumpur with 239 people on board. It was flying over the South China Sea when it disappeared from radar and has not been found ever since. In that case as well, no mayday calls were made by the pilots.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Search teams in Australia have been looking for a small airplane for 20 days after it vanished over the Bass Strait on August 2. It did not send any kind of distress signal, leaving officials baffled. No wreckage has been spotted anywhere either, making it a mystery reminiscent of the MH370.

An airplane vanished in Australia on August 2 and has not been located ever since. A search operation has been underway since the plane went missing, but there are no signs of its location even after 20 days. Officials say the aircraft did not send a distress signal or initiate radio contact during its journey, Daily Star reported. The mystery has left everyone puzzled as several agencies scramble to locate the small plane that was carrying two passengers. It took off from Tasmania for New South Wales (NSW) in Australia on August 2 and was flying over the Bass Strait. Gregory Vaughan (72) and his partner, Kim Warner (66), and their dog, Molly, were on board. After taking off from George Town Airport around 12:45 pm, they were supposed to make a stop in Victoria before making their final stop at the Hillston Airport. However, when by 5 pm none of their family or friends had heard from the couple, they reached out to the concerned officials. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) initiated a wide search operation, with police boats, a helicopter and a ferry looking for the couple in northern Tasmania, the Bass Strait, and southern Victoria. Also Read: 'I sent goodbye messages': Plane from Greece spits out fire as scared passengers send 'final' messages The plane sent no distress signal George Town flight instructor Eugene Reid says the protocol for small aircraft is to inform air services before leaving the coast; otherwise, there is no way of knowing that someone took their plane out of the hangar and flew away. Local airports like George Town don't track individual planes, which makes the process necessary. Adding to the mystery is the fact that no automatic signals were sent out by the plane in case something did go wrong. The emergency satellite beacon should have been triggered if the plane had been in some kind of accident, but nothing was detected. Tasmania Police Inspector Nick Clark told the local media that the pilot was a prominent member of the local flying club and very experienced. However, the plane he was flying was purchased only about four months ago. The case appears strangely similar to the Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 that vanished in 2014. The plane took off from Kuala Lumpur with 239 people on board. It was flying over the South China Sea when it disappeared from radar and has not been found ever since. In that case as well, no mayday calls were made by the pilots.

Search teams in Australia have been looking for a small airplane for 20 days after it vanished over the Bass Strait on August 2. It did not send any kind of distress signal, leaving officials baffled. No wreckage has been spotted anywhere either, making it a mystery reminiscent of the MH370.

Plane vanishes in Australia: No distress signal detected, no traces even after 20 days

Australia is trying to raise $70 billion in tax revenue, and some experts are calling to bring back a law from the 1970s that could help achieve this goal. A report from the Australia Institute says that if the country reimposes the inheritance tax, it would be able to raise $10 billion. This would also reduce "intergenerational inequality" as the wealth passes on to the next generation. Additionally, it added that a whopping $41 billion a year could be raised if a two per cent wealth tax in imposed on people with a worth of more than $5 million. The calls for these taxes come ahead of the government's landmark economic roundtable in Canberra, which will see participation from several business, union, and community leaders. Notably, an inheritance tax used to exist in state and federal form in the 1960s and 1970s in the country. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/australia-cuts-interest-rates-amid-economic-slowdown-and-inflation-relief-1754997832059">Australia cuts interest rates amid economic slowdown and inflation relief</a><h2>What is Inheritance Tax, or “death tax”?</h2>An inheritance tax is the tax a person pays to the government after they inherit money or property from a deceased person. The tax has been panned by some critics, who have dubbed it the "death tax". Advocates of the tax, as mentioned in the report, believe that this imposition could be done without hurting the low- or middle-income citizens. Australia Institute senior economist Matt Grudnoff told Nine News that Australia "does not do a good job of taxing wealth," and is "one of the few developed economies in the world which has neither a wealth tax nor an inheritance tax." He urged to correct this practice as a change could "raise huge amounts of extra revenue for essential services and ease growing inequality in Australia." Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/meteor-shakes-ground-in-victoria-australia-fragments-likely-landed-on-earth-1754878669988">VIDEO: Meteor jolts Earth in Victoria, Australia. Was it linked to meteor shower?</a><h2>Why is Inheritance Tax called “death tax”?</h2>The report also suggests a way to reduce property prices and make housing more affordable. The researchers stated that scrapping the capital gains tax discount would raise another $19 billion a year, thus helping people to crack the property market. &nbsp;Inheritance tax, or "death tax", has been a point of debate in the country for years. By 1979, it was abolished in all Australian jurisdictions because of the objections raised by the public, claiming that it could negatively impact family businesses. Critics argue that families that are handed down the businesses could end up giving up their assets or going out of business because of high tax requirements.&nbsp;

Australia wants to bring back the “death tax” that was abolished 46 years ago. Experts argue that it could help reduce the inequality in the country. However, critics are against, stating that it could affect families that end up with the businesses.

Australia is trying to raise $70 billion in tax revenue, and some experts are calling to bring back a law from the 1970s that could help achieve this goal. A report from the Australia Institute says that if the country reimposes the inheritance tax, it would be able to raise $10 billion. This would also reduce "intergenerational inequality" as the wealth passes on to the next generation. Additionally, it added that a whopping $41 billion a year could be raised if a two per cent wealth tax in imposed on people with a worth of more than $5 million. The calls for these taxes come ahead of the government's landmark economic roundtable in Canberra, which will see participation from several business, union, and community leaders. Notably, an inheritance tax used to exist in state and federal form in the 1960s and 1970s in the country. Also Read: Australia cuts interest rates amid economic slowdown and inflation relief What is Inheritance Tax, or “death tax”? An inheritance tax is the tax a person pays to the government after they inherit money or property from a deceased person. The tax has been panned by some critics, who have dubbed it the "death tax". Advocates of the tax, as mentioned in the report, believe that this imposition could be done without hurting the low- or middle-income citizens. Australia Institute senior economist Matt Grudnoff told Nine News that Australia "does not do a good job of taxing wealth," and is "one of the few developed economies in the world which has neither a wealth tax nor an inheritance tax." He urged to correct this practice as a change could "raise huge amounts of extra revenue for essential services and ease growing inequality in Australia." Also Read: VIDEO: Meteor jolts Earth in Victoria, Australia. Was it linked to meteor shower? Why is Inheritance Tax called “death tax”? The report also suggests a way to reduce property prices and make housing more affordable. The researchers stated that scrapping the capital gains tax discount would raise another $19 billion a year, thus helping people to crack the property market. Inheritance tax, or "death tax", has been a point of debate in the country for years. By 1979, it was abolished in all Australian jurisdictions because of the objections raised by the public, claiming that it could negatively impact family businesses. Critics argue that families that are handed down the businesses could end up giving up their assets or going out of business because of high tax requirements.

Australia wants to bring back the “death tax” that was abolished 46 years ago. Experts argue that it could help reduce the inequality in the country. However, critics are against, stating that it could affect families that end up with the businesses.

'Death Tax' could return to THIS country after 46 years. Here's why it was abolished

Indian nationals in Australia gathered outside the consulate in Melbourne for an event marking India’s 79th Independence Day were disrupted by some members of a pro-Khalistani group. Indian nationals were peacefully celebrating Independence Day when “goons” carrying Khalistani flags interrupted the event, said a report in The Australia Today. The Indians countered with some slogan shouting that ruffled the Khalistani activists. Several videos of the incident are doing the rounds on social media.&nbsp;One video circulating on social media shows a verbal altercation between the two groups. The separatist group raised pro-Khalistan slogans, and Indians countered by singing patriotic songs and drowning out their noise.The Australian authorities reached the spot and prevented the situation from escalating into a physical confrontation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BreakingNews?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BreakingNews</a> - Disturbance outside the Consul General of India in Melbourne! Khalistani &#39;goons&#39; reportedly created a ruckus, disrupting the premises and raising tensions. 🇮🇳 Indians had gathered to peacefully celebrate India’s 79th Independence Day, but the celebrations were… <a href="https://t.co/rnjC0i6TT8">pic.twitter.com/rnjC0i6TT8</a>&mdash; The Australia Today (@TheAusToday) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheAusToday/status/1956136015145656351?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;The tricolour was later hoisted at the consulate amid loud cheers of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This time Khalistan supporters got a taste of their own strategy. Khalistanis in Australia went to disrupt an event celebrating India&#39;s Independence Day. And, Indians responded strongly to them with the slogan &quot;Gali gali mai shor hai, Khalistanis chor hai&quot;. <a href="https://t.co/8XoONO6GgG">pic.twitter.com/8XoONO6GgG</a>&mdash; Anshul Saxena (@AskAnshul) <a href="https://twitter.com/AskAnshul/status/1691338841142263808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Pro-Khalistan activism and violence on rise in Australia</h2> The attempted disruption of India’s Independence Day celebrations comes amid increasing activities of pro-Khalistanis in multiple cities of Australia and a worrisome rise in targeted hate crimes.In July, pro-Khalistan separatists had defaced the Swaminarayan Temple in Australia’s Boronia, with hateful slurs spray-painted on its wall. The nearby Asian-run restaurants were also defaced with a similar message and portrait of Adolf Hitler. Khalistanis stage protests at India-centric events in a bid to grab the limelight and some place in headlines.The Indian government has already urged Canada, the UK, and Australia not to give space to Khalistani extremists, as such incidents are on the rise in these countries.“These radical extremist ideologies aren’t good for us, them, or our ties,” Foreign Minister S Jaishankar had said. In December 2024, a group of pro-Khalistani supporters clashed with Indian cricket fans during the fourth test between India and Australia.The Khalistani supporters had barged into the stadium without tickets and raised anti-India slogans.

The members of the separatist group raised pro-Khalistan slogans but were effectively countered by the Indians, who sang patriotic songs loudly and drowned out their noise, besides targeting them with their own slogans.

Indian nationals in Australia gathered outside the consulate in Melbourne for an event marking India’s 79th Independence Day were disrupted by some members of a pro-Khalistani group. Indian nationals were peacefully celebrating Independence Day when “goons” carrying Khalistani flags interrupted the event, said a report in The Australia Today. The Indians countered with some slogan shouting that ruffled the Khalistani activists. Several videos of the incident are doing the rounds on social media. One video circulating on social media shows a verbal altercation between the two groups. The separatist group raised pro-Khalistan slogans, and Indians countered by singing patriotic songs and drowning out their noise. The Australian authorities reached the spot and prevented the situation from escalating into a physical confrontation.

The members of the separatist group raised pro-Khalistan slogans but were effectively countered by the Indians, who sang patriotic songs loudly and drowned out their noise, besides targeting them with their own slogans.

Khalistani activists create ruckus in failed bid to disrupt Independence Day celebrations in Australia

Tuvalu, a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is set to become the first country in history to be evacuated entirely because of rising sea levels. With an average elevation of just 6.5 feet above sea level, the nation’s 11,000 residents face an unavoidable future: much of their land and infrastructure is predicted to be underwater by 2050. The government has already signed a landmark agreement with Australia to ensure a planned migration for its people before the ocean claims the islands.&nbsp;<h2>The climate migration plan</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Under the Falepili Union Treaty, agreed in 2023, Australia will accept 280 Tuvaluan citizens each year as permanent residents through a ballot-based “climate visa” scheme. The programme opens in 2025, granting recipients the same rights to health care, education, housing and employment as Australian citizens. Demand has been immediate and overwhelming — more than 5,000 applications were submitted in the first month, representing almost half the population. Within just four days of opening, one-third of the nation had registered for the chance to relocate.The migration scheme is designed to be gradual, but if current interest continues, close to 40 per cent of Tuvalu’s population could move to Australia within a decade. Residents will also have the option to return home if conditions allow, though scientists warn that worsening floods and storms will make permanent return unlikely.&nbsp;Tuvalu, climate change, rising sea levels, Pacific islands, global warming, climate migration, Australia climate visa, Falepili Union Treaty, climate refugees, island evacuation, sea level rise, Tuvalu relocation, coastal flooding, climate crisis, environmental migration, disappearing nations, ocean levels, Pacific relocation, climate impact, sinking islands &nbsp;

Tuvalu is made up of nine small coral atolls and islands, home to just over 11,000 people.

&nbsp;<h2>The urgency behind the exodus</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Tuvalu’s vulnerability stems from a combination of rising sea levels, more intense storms and the loss of freshwater sources to salinisation. According to recent studies, sea levels in the region were already 15 centimetres higher in 2023 than they were 30 years earlier. By mid-century, high tides could submerge much of the country’s habitable land, eroding its cultural and economic foundations.&nbsp;The government has attempted to preserve its heritage through innovative measures such as 3D-scanning the islands, creating a digital record of the nation in case its physical territory is lost. However, this technological safeguard cannot prevent the displacement of its people.&nbsp;<h2>A global warning</h2>&nbsp;Tuvalu is not alone in facing such existential threats. Low-lying nations like the Maldives, Kiribati, the Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu are similarly at risk. Even wealthier nations, including the United States, face the prospect of relocating communities as rising seas threaten coastal states like Florida and Louisiana. Scientists warn that by 2070, over three billion people worldwide could find themselves living outside the climate conditions that have sustained human civilisation for millennia. Tuvalu’s exodus is a stark demonstration that climate change is no longer a distant forecast but a present reality.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Under the Falepili Union Treaty, agreed in 2023, Australia will accept 280 Tuvaluan citizens each year as permanent residents through a ballot-based ‘climate visa’ scheme. 

Tuvalu, a remote island nation in the Pacific Ocean, is set to become the first country in history to be evacuated entirely because of rising sea levels. With an average elevation of just 6.5 feet above sea level, the nation’s 11,000 residents face an unavoidable future: much of their land and infrastructure is predicted to be underwater by 2050. The government has already signed a landmark agreement with Australia to ensure a planned migration for its people before the ocean claims the islands. The climate migration plan Under the Falepili Union Treaty, agreed in 2023, Australia will accept 280 Tuvaluan citizens each year as permanent residents through a ballot-based “climate visa” scheme. The programme opens in 2025, granting recipients the same rights to health care, education, housing and employment as Australian citizens. Demand has been immediate and overwhelming — more than 5,000 applications were submitted in the first month, representing almost half the population. Within just four days of opening, one-third of the nation had registered for the chance to relocate. The migration scheme is designed to be gradual, but if current interest continues, close to 40 per cent of Tuvalu’s population could move to Australia within a decade. Residents will also have the option to return home if conditions allow, though scientists warn that worsening floods and storms will make permanent return unlikely. Tuvalu, climate change, rising sea levels, Pacific islands, global warming, climate migration, Australia climate visa, Falepili Union Treaty, climate refugees, island evacuation, sea level rise, Tuvalu relocation, coastal flooding, climate crisis, environmental migration, disappearing nations, ocean levels, Pacific relocation, climate impact, sinking islands

Under the Falepili Union Treaty, agreed in 2023, Australia will accept 280 Tuvaluan citizens each year as permanent residents through a ballot-based ‘climate visa’ scheme.&nbsp;

This entire country is being evacuated due to global warming! Have you visited it before?

Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has secured its largest defence contract since World War II. The deal includes the supply of 11 Mogami-class frigates worth $6billion (A$10 billion) over the next decade. Australian Defence Ministry chose Mitsubishi over Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), emphasising the new era of Asia Pacific Defence collaboration.&nbsp;“This is clearly the biggest defence-industry agreement that has ever been struck between Japan and Australia,” said Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles.<h2>Why does Australia need these ships?</h2>For Australia, the decision shows a pragmatic approach to counter the Chinese threat in the Pacific. Australia wants to project itself as a naval powerhouse, with increasing patrols near Taiwan and assertive moves in the South China Sea. The 2023 Australian Defence Strategy Review (DSR) findings portrayed the Australian navy as substantially weak and poorly equipped to project power in the contested Indo-Pacific. It resulted in the growing urgency of Australia to modernise its naval fleet of major warships from 11 to 26, with an increased US$11.1 billion Defence budget. According to an Australian Defence Official, the new fleet will be used in patrolling vital trade routes, reinforcing maritime surveillance, and supporting allied operations frameworks like AUKUS and QUAD.“The acquisition of these stealth frigates will make our navy a bigger navy, and a more lethal navy,” said Marles.&nbsp;<h2>Why Japan's Mogami-class frigates?</h2>Three of these frigates will be built in Japan, and the rest will be built in Australia in a newly constructed facility under sovereign oversight. These ships feature &nbsp;32 vertical-launch missile cells, with a range of 10000 nautical miles, enhanced stealth capacity with improved design, and reduced crew requirements as low as 90. Japan had a faster delivery timeline and a better suitability to Pacific conditions. The decision to choose Mitsubishi over Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems also shows a growing push for regional cooperation. Japan had been a pacifist since World War 2, but now this is the largest international defence export since World War II. It is a diplomatic economic win that shows its growing role in the region as a strategic partner.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Japan's Mitsubishi has acquired the biggest defence deal since World War II from Australia. Australia's Defence Minister says that these acquisitions will make their navy bigger and better, enhancing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has secured its largest defence contract since World War II. The deal includes the supply of 11 Mogami-class frigates worth $6billion (A$10 billion) over the next decade. Australian Defence Ministry chose Mitsubishi over Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), emphasising the new era of Asia Pacific Defence collaboration. “This is clearly the biggest defence-industry agreement that has ever been struck between Japan and Australia,” said Australian Defence Minister Richard Marles. Why does Australia need these ships? For Australia, the decision shows a pragmatic approach to counter the Chinese threat in the Pacific. Australia wants to project itself as a naval powerhouse, with increasing patrols near Taiwan and assertive moves in the South China Sea. The 2023 Australian Defence Strategy Review (DSR) findings portrayed the Australian navy as substantially weak and poorly equipped to project power in the contested Indo-Pacific. It resulted in the growing urgency of Australia to modernise its naval fleet of major warships from 11 to 26, with an increased US$11.1 billion Defence budget. According to an Australian Defence Official, the new fleet will be used in patrolling vital trade routes, reinforcing maritime surveillance, and supporting allied operations frameworks like AUKUS and QUAD. “The acquisition of these stealth frigates will make our navy a bigger navy, and a more lethal navy,” said Marles. Why Japan's Mogami-class frigates? Three of these frigates will be built in Japan, and the rest will be built in Australia in a newly constructed facility under sovereign oversight. These ships feature 32 vertical-launch missile cells, with a range of 10000 nautical miles, enhanced stealth capacity with improved design, and reduced crew requirements as low as 90. Japan had a faster delivery timeline and a better suitability to Pacific conditions. The decision to choose Mitsubishi over Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems also shows a growing push for regional cooperation. Japan had been a pacifist since World War 2, but now this is the largest international defence export since World War II. It is a diplomatic economic win that shows its growing role in the region as a strategic partner.

Japan's Mitsubishi has acquired the biggest defence deal since World War II from Australia. Australia's Defence Minister says that these acquisitions will make their navy bigger and better, enhancing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

$6bn worth defence deal between Japan and Australia: Japan's biggest defence contract since WW2

Australia’s consumer price growth slowed to its weakest pace in more than four years in the June quarter, boosting expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will resume interest rate cuts as early as August. Headline inflation rose just 2.1 per cent year-on-year, down from 2.4 per cent in the March quarter and below the 2.2 per cent median forecast from economists polled by Reuters. On a quarterly basis, the consumer price index (CPI) climbed 0.8 per cent, while core inflation, measured by the trimmed mean, rose 0.6 per cent, also softer than expectations.The annual pace of core inflation fell to 2.7 per cent, the lowest since mid-2021 and near the midpoint of the RBA’s 2-3 per cent target range. The figures, released on July 30 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), reinforce the view that inflation has largely been tamed, especially with temporary government cost-of-living subsidies still exerting downward pressure on prices. Market reaction was swift, with traders pricing in a near-100 per cent chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut at the RBA’s next meeting on August 12. The Australian dollar held steady around $0.6512, and bond yields dipped as investors digested the softer inflation print.<h2>Services, housing prices ease; supply issues still bite</h2>Much of the disinflation stemmed from a broad-based easing in price pressures, particularly in housing, healthcare, and services. Notably, annual services inflation slowed to 3.3 per cent, the lowest in three years, helped by falling rents and insurance costs. The cost of new dwellings, which surged during the 2022-23 construction boom, rose just 0.7 per cent year-on-year, down sharply from a 1.6 per cent increase in Q1 and a peak of nearly 21 per cent two years ago. Builders have reportedly responded to soft demand with discounts and promotions.Still, some categories continued to face upward pressure. Egg prices spiked 19.1 per cent over the year due to avian flu-related supply disruptions, and non-alcoholic beverages became more expensive amid higher global prices for coffee, tea, and cocoa. Non-tradables, typically influenced by domestic conditions like rents and utility costs, rose 0.7 per cent in the quarter, while tradables, subject to global forces and currency movements, climbed 1 per cent.<h2>RBA expected to resume cuts amid weak growth outlook</h2>The inflation data comes as Australia’s broader economic momentum remains sluggish. GDP grew just 1.3 per cent year-on-year in Q1, missing forecasts, and unemployment rose to a 3.5-year high of 4.3 per cent in June.RBA Governor Michele Bullock had warned earlier this month that headline inflation might temporarily pick up later in the year as rebates expire. However, she also signalled a shift in focus toward supporting growth, noting that Australia didn’t hike rates as aggressively as other major economies during the pandemic-era inflation surge.Analysts at the Commonwealth Bank and Bank of America now expect a rate cut in August, with more to follow. AMP forecasts four additional cuts, bringing the cash rate down to 2.85 per cent by mid-2026.&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

The figures on Australia’s inflation, released on July 30 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), reinforce the view that inflation has largely been tamed, especially with temporary government cost-of-living subsidies still exerting downward pressure on prices.

Australia’s consumer price growth slowed to its weakest pace in more than four years in the June quarter, boosting expectations that the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) will resume interest rate cuts as early as August. Headline inflation rose just 2.1 per cent year-on-year, down from 2.4 per cent in the March quarter and below the 2.2 per cent median forecast from economists polled by Reuters. On a quarterly basis, the consumer price index (CPI) climbed 0.8 per cent, while core inflation, measured by the trimmed mean, rose 0.6 per cent, also softer than expectations. The annual pace of core inflation fell to 2.7 per cent, the lowest since mid-2021 and near the midpoint of the RBA’s 2-3 per cent target range. The figures, released on July 30 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), reinforce the view that inflation has largely been tamed, especially with temporary government cost-of-living subsidies still exerting downward pressure on prices. Market reaction was swift, with traders pricing in a near-100 per cent chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut at the RBA’s next meeting on August 12. The Australian dollar held steady around $0.6512, and bond yields dipped as investors digested the softer inflation print. Services, housing prices ease; supply issues still bite Much of the disinflation stemmed from a broad-based easing in price pressures, particularly in housing, healthcare, and services. Notably, annual services inflation slowed to 3.3 per cent, the lowest in three years, helped by falling rents and insurance costs. The cost of new dwellings, which surged during the 2022-23 construction boom, rose just 0.7 per cent year-on-year, down sharply from a 1.6 per cent increase in Q1 and a peak of nearly 21 per cent two years ago. Builders have reportedly responded to soft demand with discounts and promotions. Still, some categories continued to face upward pressure. Egg prices spiked 19.1 per cent over the year due to avian flu-related supply disruptions, and non-alcoholic beverages became more expensive amid higher global prices for coffee, tea, and cocoa. Non-tradables, typically influenced by domestic conditions like rents and utility costs, rose 0.7 per cent in the quarter, while tradables, subject to global forces and currency movements, climbed 1 per cent. RBA expected to resume cuts amid weak growth outlook The inflation data comes as Australia’s broader economic momentum remains sluggish. GDP grew just 1.3 per cent year-on-year in Q1, missing forecasts, and unemployment rose to a 3.5-year high of 4.3 per cent in June. RBA Governor Michele Bullock had warned earlier this month that headline inflation might temporarily pick up later in the year as rebates expire. However, she also signalled a shift in focus toward supporting growth, noting that Australia didn’t hike rates as aggressively as other major economies during the pandemic-era inflation surge. Analysts at the Commonwealth Bank and Bank of America now expect a rate cut in August, with more to follow. AMP forecasts four additional cuts, bringing the cash rate down to 2.85 per cent by mid-2026. (With inputs from agencies)

The figures on Australia’s inflation, released on July 30 by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), reinforce the view that inflation has largely been tamed, especially with temporary government cost-of-living subsidies still exerting downward pressure on prices.

Australia’s inflation cools sharply, paving way for August rate cut

Four out of five teenagers have been arrested days after they brutally attacked an Indian-origin man with a machete while he was on his way home from a pharmacy in Australia's Melbourne. The 33-year-old victim, identified as Saurabh Anand, was severely injured, including a nearly severed hand, which was later reattached, according to a report by the Australian Today&nbsp;As per the report, on July 19, around 7:30 pm, after Saurabh received medicines from a pharmacy at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows, suddenly five teenagers surrounded him while he was on a phone call with his friend. One of them looked for the victim's pockets while another hit him in the head till he fell to the ground. In the meantime, a third teenager took out a knife and allegedly placed it on the neck of Saurabh.&nbsp;The victim stated that his immediate response was to raise his arm as a defence. "While I was trying to protect myself, the machete just went through my wrist. The second attack went through my hand. The third went through the bone," he told The Age.&nbsp;They also attacked him with a machete on his shoulder and back, causing him a fractured spine and several broken bones. "All I remember is the pain, and my hand was hanging by a thread," he said.&nbsp;Saurabh managed to escape and made a phone call for help amid severe pain. Later, he was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors primarily thought they would have to cut off his hand. However, they managed to reattach his hand.<h3>Indian student assaulted and racially abused</h3>In a similar incident, an Indian student was allegedly brutally assaulted and racially abused by a group of unidentified men after a dispute occurred over a car parking issue in Australia last week.&nbsp;The incident occurred near Kintore Avenue when the victim, identified as Charanpreet Singh, was out to see the city's light displays with his wife in their car at around 9.22 pm, reported The Australian Today.

 An Indian-origin man was brutally attacked by five teenagers around 7:30 pm on July 19 while he was on his way home after receiving medicines from a pharmacy at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows.

Four out of five teenagers have been arrested days after they brutally attacked an Indian-origin man with a machete while he was on his way home from a pharmacy in Australia's Melbourne. The 33-year-old victim, identified as Saurabh Anand, was severely injured, including a nearly severed hand, which was later reattached, according to a report by the Australian Today As per the report, on July 19, around 7:30 pm, after Saurabh received medicines from a pharmacy at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows, suddenly five teenagers surrounded him while he was on a phone call with his friend. One of them looked for the victim's pockets while another hit him in the head till he fell to the ground. In the meantime, a third teenager took out a knife and allegedly placed it on the neck of Saurabh. The victim stated that his immediate response was to raise his arm as a defence. "While I was trying to protect myself, the machete just went through my wrist. The second attack went through my hand. The third went through the bone," he told The Age. They also attacked him with a machete on his shoulder and back, causing him a fractured spine and several broken bones. "All I remember is the pain, and my hand was hanging by a thread," he said. Saurabh managed to escape and made a phone call for help amid severe pain. Later, he was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors primarily thought they would have to cut off his hand. However, they managed to reattach his hand. Indian student assaulted and racially abused In a similar incident, an Indian student was allegedly brutally assaulted and racially abused by a group of unidentified men after a dispute occurred over a car parking issue in Australia last week. The incident occurred near Kintore Avenue when the victim, identified as Charanpreet Singh, was out to see the city's light displays with his wife in their car at around 9.22 pm, reported The Australian Today.

&nbsp;An Indian-origin man was brutally attacked by five teenagers around 7:30 pm on July 19 while he was on his way home after receiving medicines from a pharmacy at the Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows.

Indian-origin man brutally attacked with machete in Australia's Melbourne, four teenagers held

Light rain and cool winds brought some relief from heatwave-fuelled blazes in Victoria that&nbsp;seized&nbsp;through two states over this weekend.

"What we are focusing on here is the human cost and the rebuilding cost for people's lives," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Canberra as he announced funding of $1.4 billion&nbsp;over two years to the newly formed National Bushfire Recovery Agency.

Latest on Australia bushfires:

<ul>
	<li>24 people killed across the country.</li>
	<li>More than 6 million hectares (15 million acres) land destroyed.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>480 million animals killed.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Big fire danger coming up this week.</li>
	<li>Two people missing as 136 fires continue.</li>
	<li>Victoria state had 27 fires with 16 ' watch and act' alerts.</li>
</ul>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuelled-by-high-temperatures-and-strong-winds-australian-bushfires-continues-rage-272114">Fuelled by high temperatures and strong winds, Australian bushfires continues rage</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-calls-in-reserve-forces-to-tackle-bushfire-crisis-272029">Australia calls in reserve forces to tackle bushfire crisis</a>

Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">Australian firefighters get brief reprieve as death toll rises</a>

&nbsp;

Watch Video:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-bushfires-scott-morrison-announces-new-recovery-agency-272334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(Inputs from Reuters)

Light rain and cool winds brought some relief from heatwave-fuelled blazes in Victoria that seized through two states over this weekend. "What we are focusing on here is the human cost and the rebuilding cost for people's lives," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Canberra as he announced funding of $1.

Light rain and cool winds brought some relief from heatwave-fuelled blazes in Victoria that seized through two states over this weekend. "What we are focusing on here is the human cost and the rebuilding cost for people's lives," Prime Minister Scott Morrison told reporters in Canberra as he announced funding of $1.4 billion over two years to the newly formed National Bushfire Recovery Agency. Latest on Australia bushfires: 24 people killed across the country. More than 6 million hectares (15 million acres) land destroyed. 480 million animals killed. Big fire danger coming up this week. Two people missing as 136 fires continue. Victoria state had 27 fires with 16 ' watch and act' alerts. Read More: Fuelled by high temperatures and strong winds, Australian bushfires continues rage Read More: Australia calls in reserve forces to tackle bushfire crisis Read More: Australian firefighters get brief reprieve as death toll rises Watch Video: (Inputs from Reuters)

Australia bushfires update: Authorities race to reopen blocked roads, evacuate people

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Australia bushfires update: Authorities race to reopen blocked roads, evacuate people