More than a decade after vowing to "close the gap" between indigenous Australians and the rest of the country, the government on Thursday admitted it was still falling far short.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that only two of seven government targets to improve the wealth, health and wellbeing of the first Australians were being met.

Efforts to improve early education and rates of high school qualifications were on track, but targets in other areas — including boosting employment and increasing life expectancy — were falling behind.

"I want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to have the same opportunities as all other children growing up in Australia," Morrison told parliament.&nbsp;

"But this is not true for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia today. It's never been true. And I don't know when it will be true. And that is the truth we must confront again today," he said in parliament.

Aboriginal Australians make up about three per cent of the total national population of 25 million, but remain the country's most disadvantaged community.

The unemployment rate for Aboriginal Australians is three to four times higher than the national average.

Suicide rates for Aboriginal children are five times higher than for the rest of the population according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Thursday's report marks eleven years since former prime minister Kevin Rudd made a historic apology to Aboriginal people for centuries of injustice.

Morrison said while the "Closing the Gap" initiative will continue to take action across the broad range of issues, he would place an immediate focus on education.&nbsp;

The prime minister pledged several new initiatives, including cancelling student debt for teachers who spend four years in remote communities.&nbsp;

"Education is the key to skills. It is the key to jobs. It is the key to building enterprises — and giving young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians the opportunity to create their futures," he said.

"It's the key to a good life. If you can't read, if you can't write, there is no possible way you can share in the prosperity of Australia."

More than a decade after vowing to "close the gap" between indigenous Australians and the rest of the country, the government on Thursday admitted it was still falling far short.

More than a decade after vowing to "close the gap" between indigenous Australians and the rest of the country, the government on Thursday admitted it was still falling far short. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that only two of seven government targets to improve the wealth, health and wellbeing of the first Australians were being met. Efforts to improve early education and rates of high school qualifications were on track, but targets in other areas — including boosting employment and increasing life expectancy — were falling behind. "I want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to have the same opportunities as all other children growing up in Australia," Morrison told parliament. "But this is not true for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia today. It's never been true. And I don't know when it will be true. And that is the truth we must confront again today," he said in parliament. Aboriginal Australians make up about three per cent of the total national population of 25 million, but remain the country's most disadvantaged community. The unemployment rate for Aboriginal Australians is three to four times higher than the national average. Suicide rates for Aboriginal children are five times higher than for the rest of the population according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Thursday's report marks eleven years since former prime minister Kevin Rudd made a historic apology to Aboriginal people for centuries of injustice. Morrison said while the "Closing the Gap" initiative will continue to take action across the broad range of issues, he would place an immediate focus on education. The prime minister pledged several new initiatives, including cancelling student debt for teachers who spend four years in remote communities. "Education is the key to skills. It is the key to jobs. It is the key to building enterprises — and giving young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians the opportunity to create their futures," he said. "It's the key to a good life. If you can't read, if you can't write, there is no possible way you can share in the prosperity of Australia."

Australia admits 'failing' to improve Aboriginal lives

Australia on Tuesday unveiled a new national integrity body to tackle cheating and corruption in sport in the wake of a ball-tampering "sandpapergate" scandal that rocked cricket.

The new watchdog, Sport Integrity Australia, will combine the powers of three existing agencies, including the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), to better investigate doping, match-fixing, illegal betting, organised crime and corruption.

"We have seen the massive fall-out from the cricket ball-tampering scandal and the loss of belief in our national cricket team and we are determined to prevent incidents like this from happening," Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie said in a statement.

"Australian sports lovers deserve to know that the sport they watch and the teams they support are competing on a level playing field and playing fairly," she said.

The current agencies are set to receive a boost in funding before Sport Integrity Australia formally launches in two years.

Canberra said it was also setting up a national sports tribunal, to be trialled over two years, to hear anti-doping rule violations and other sports disputes.

The sports-mad nation was stunned when its two top Test cricketers, captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner, as well as Cameron Bancroft, were caught trying to alter the ball against South Africa in Cape Town in March.

Smith and Warner were banned for a year and Bancroft for nine months.

The changes follow a review into Australia's sports integrity arrangements amid the growing commercialisation of sport and the rapid growth in sports wagering.

In addition to ASADA, the new umbrella body will incorporate the National Integrity of Sport Unit and the integrity watchdog functions of the governmental Sport Australia agency.

Australia on Tuesday unveiled a new national integrity body to tackle cheating and corruption in sport in the wake of a ball-tampering "sandpapergate" scandal that rocked cricket.

Australia on Tuesday unveiled a new national integrity body to tackle cheating and corruption in sport in the wake of a ball-tampering "sandpapergate" scandal that rocked cricket. The new watchdog, Sport Integrity Australia, will combine the powers of three existing agencies, including the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA), to better investigate doping, match-fixing, illegal betting, organised crime and corruption. "We have seen the massive fall-out from the cricket ball-tampering scandal and the loss of belief in our national cricket team and we are determined to prevent incidents like this from happening," Sports Minister Bridget McKenzie said in a statement. "Australian sports lovers deserve to know that the sport they watch and the teams they support are competing on a level playing field and playing fairly," she said. The current agencies are set to receive a boost in funding before Sport Integrity Australia formally launches in two years. Canberra said it was also setting up a national sports tribunal, to be trialled over two years, to hear anti-doping rule violations and other sports disputes. The sports-mad nation was stunned when its two top Test cricketers, captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner, as well as Cameron Bancroft, were caught trying to alter the ball against South Africa in Cape Town in March. Smith and Warner were banned for a year and Bancroft for nine months. The changes follow a review into Australia's sports integrity arrangements amid the growing commercialisation of sport and the rapid growth in sports wagering. In addition to ASADA, the new umbrella body will incorporate the National Integrity of Sport Unit and the integrity watchdog functions of the governmental Sport Australia agency.

New Australia sports super-watchdog to target cheats

In the bleakest of years for Australian cricket, fast bowler Pat Cummins has been a beacon of hope, answering the nation's call for leaders to emerge during the ball-tampering exile of Steve Smith and David Warner.

On Monday, Cummins's efforts to drag Australia back to respectability were recognised as he claimed a maiden Allan Border Medal as the country's leading cricketer.

Taking 44 wickets across all formats through the voting period from Jan. 9, 2018 - Jan. 7, 2019, Cummins edged out spinner Nathan Lyon, becoming the first bowler to win the award since fellow paceman Mitchell Johnson in 2014.

It was not just Cummins's bags of wickets that soothed fans left aghast by the Newlands ball-tampering scandal.

He showed himself to be more than a handy tail-end slogger as he smashed two half-centuries against South Africa and India, including a defiant 50 in Johannesburg as his team laboured in shame after the Cape Town Test.

Beaming in a white tuxedo at the awards night in Melbourne, the 25-year-old resembled a schoolboy posing for family photos before the senior year dance.

It was a poignant reminder of a player still very young in fast bowling terms, though long marked for greatness.

Cummins made his first splash as an 18-year-old tearaway, claiming a match-winning seven-wicket haul against South Africa on his 2011 Test debut in Johannesburg.

It took more than five years for him to play his second Test, an agonising wait for both the bowler and team staff while he battled a series of lower back stress injuries.

Since kicking off his "second career" against India at Ranchi in 2017, however, Cummins has completed a second full season with no major breakdowns.

"I’ve obviously had quite a few tough years with injury. I always thought Test cricket was the dream but wasn’t sure I’d get up there and forge a consistent career," he said at the awards night.

"Going into last summer and the Ashes, five Tests -- I’d never done anything like it before so, to get through that, I just had a heap of confidence in my body.

"To do it now, two years in a row, it’s been great. I feel like every time I bowl, my rhythm just feels a little bit better."

While Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc battled through a mostly wayward home summer, wearing a disproportionate share of the blame for the Test series loss to India, Cummins's reputation was only enhanced by the defeat.

He took a career-best 6-27 and blasted 63 with the bat in a losing cause in Melbourne, prompting local media to anoint him a future captain of the team.

Promoted to one of Australia's two vice-captains in the series against Sri Lanka, Cummins took 14 wickets in the two Tests to be named man-of-the-series.

He is now second in the ICC world bowlers' rankings behind South Africa's young gun Kagiso Rabada.

After only 20 Tests, Cummins will play the first Ashes fixture at Edgbaston in August in sight of his 100th wicket.

England beware, said former captain Michael Vaughan.

"Cummins is a superstar and will win an Ashes on his own one day," Vaughan tweeted last week.

In the bleakest of years for Australian cricket, fast bowler Pat Cummins has been a beacon of hope, answering the nation's call for leaders to emerge during the ball-tampering exile of Steve Smith and David Warner.

In the bleakest of years for Australian cricket, fast bowler Pat Cummins has been a beacon of hope, answering the nation's call for leaders to emerge during the ball-tampering exile of Steve Smith and David Warner. On Monday, Cummins's efforts to drag Australia back to respectability were recognised as he claimed a maiden Allan Border Medal as the country's leading cricketer. Taking 44 wickets across all formats through the voting period from Jan. 9, 2018 - Jan. 7, 2019, Cummins edged out spinner Nathan Lyon, becoming the first bowler to win the award since fellow paceman Mitchell Johnson in 2014. It was not just Cummins's bags of wickets that soothed fans left aghast by the Newlands ball-tampering scandal. He showed himself to be more than a handy tail-end slogger as he smashed two half-centuries against South Africa and India, including a defiant 50 in Johannesburg as his team laboured in shame after the Cape Town Test. Beaming in a white tuxedo at the awards night in Melbourne, the 25-year-old resembled a schoolboy posing for family photos before the senior year dance. It was a poignant reminder of a player still very young in fast bowling terms, though long marked for greatness. Cummins made his first splash as an 18-year-old tearaway, claiming a match-winning seven-wicket haul against South Africa on his 2011 Test debut in Johannesburg. It took more than five years for him to play his second Test, an agonising wait for both the bowler and team staff while he battled a series of lower back stress injuries. Since kicking off his "second career" against India at Ranchi in 2017, however, Cummins has completed a second full season with no major breakdowns. "I’ve obviously had quite a few tough years with injury. I always thought Test cricket was the dream but wasn’t sure I’d get up there and forge a consistent career," he said at the awards night. "Going into last summer and the Ashes, five Tests -- I’d never done anything like it before so, to get through that, I just had a heap of confidence in my body. "To do it now, two years in a row, it’s been great. I feel like every time I bowl, my rhythm just feels a little bit better." While Australia's pace spearhead Mitchell Starc battled through a mostly wayward home summer, wearing a disproportionate share of the blame for the Test series loss to India, Cummins's reputation was only enhanced by the defeat. He took a career-best 6-27 and blasted 63 with the bat in a losing cause in Melbourne, prompting local media to anoint him a future captain of the team. Promoted to one of Australia's two vice-captains in the series against Sri Lanka, Cummins took 14 wickets in the two Tests to be named man-of-the-series. He is now second in the ICC world bowlers' rankings behind South Africa's young gun Kagiso Rabada. After only 20 Tests, Cummins will play the first Ashes fixture at Edgbaston in August in sight of his 100th wicket. England beware, said former captain Michael Vaughan. "Cummins is a superstar and will win an Ashes on his own one day," Vaughan tweeted last week.

Pat Cummins recognised for stepping up in bleak year for Australia

Bahrain on Monday said it could still pursue further legal proceedings against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-considers-dropping-bahraini-footballer-extradition-prosecution-source-196642">Bahraini refugee football player Hakeem al-Araibi</a> after the Thai criminal court dropped the deportation case that would have extradited him back to his native land.&nbsp;

Araibi was released earlier in the day from prison in Bangkok after nearly 80 days in detention and was on his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-supporters-cheer-refugee-bahraini-footballer-freed-from-thai-jail-196814">way back to Australia</a>, putting an end to the case that caused an international outcry.

"The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its right to pursue all necessary legal actions against Mr. Al Araibi," the foreign ministry said in a statement, issued by the state-run news agency BNA.

Chatchom Akapin, director general of International Affairs, told EFE that Bahrain had contacted the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to say it was withdrawing its extradition request for 25-year-old Araibi.

The Criminal Court accepted the petition at 3pm local time, Chatchom added.

The former Bahraini national football player fled Bahrain to Australia in 2014 after he was tried in absentia and sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of vandalising a police station during Arab uprising protests, which he denies.

Araibi traveled to Bangkok along with his wife to spend their honeymoon on November 27 and was detained upon his arrival following an erroneous Interpol red notice was issued.

Although the red notice was later withdrawn, Bahrain requested his extradition to face his vandalism charges.

Araibi is a recognised refugee with Australian residency and fears for his life if he were to be returned to his homeland, where he claimed he was tortured in 2012.

Australia had repeatedly demanded Araibi's return, but Thailand insisted his case had to go through the required judicial process.&nbsp;

Araibi's case sparked attention and widespread condemnation from governments, rights groups and the international sporting community since his detention.

Former Australian football captain Craig Foster, who has been petitioning the international sporting community for Araibi's release, said on Twitter the most important thing now was his wellbeing.

"Sure Embassy staff will take care of him, there will be tears there tonight, as there are in our household right now," Foster said on Twitter.

Last month, Araibi's wife had issued an emotional plea in a letter to the Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha to release her husband.

"His future lies in your hands_ Please save my husband," she said.&nbsp;

Bahrain on Monday said it could still pursue further legal proceedings against Bahraini refugee football player Hakeem al-Araibi after the Thai criminal court dropped the deportation case that would have extradited him back to his native land.

Bahrain on Monday said it could still pursue further legal proceedings against Bahraini refugee football player Hakeem al-Araibi after the Thai criminal court dropped the deportation case that would have extradited him back to his native land. Araibi was released earlier in the day from prison in Bangkok after nearly 80 days in detention and was on his way back to Australia, putting an end to the case that caused an international outcry. "The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its right to pursue all necessary legal actions against Mr. Al Araibi," the foreign ministry said in a statement, issued by the state-run news agency BNA. Chatchom Akapin, director general of International Affairs, told EFE that Bahrain had contacted the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs to say it was withdrawing its extradition request for 25-year-old Araibi. The Criminal Court accepted the petition at 3pm local time, Chatchom added. The former Bahraini national football player fled Bahrain to Australia in 2014 after he was tried in absentia and sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of vandalising a police station during Arab uprising protests, which he denies. Araibi traveled to Bangkok along with his wife to spend their honeymoon on November 27 and was detained upon his arrival following an erroneous Interpol red notice was issued. Although the red notice was later withdrawn, Bahrain requested his extradition to face his vandalism charges. Araibi is a recognised refugee with Australian residency and fears for his life if he were to be returned to his homeland, where he claimed he was tortured in 2012. Australia had repeatedly demanded Araibi's return, but Thailand insisted his case had to go through the required judicial process. Araibi's case sparked attention and widespread condemnation from governments, rights groups and the international sporting community since his detention. Former Australian football captain Craig Foster, who has been petitioning the international sporting community for Araibi's release, said on Twitter the most important thing now was his wellbeing. "Sure Embassy staff will take care of him, there will be tears there tonight, as there are in our household right now," Foster said on Twitter. Last month, Araibi's wife had issued an emotional plea in a letter to the Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha to release her husband. "His future lies in your hands_ Please save my husband," she said.

Bahrain says can still pursue further legal action against Hakeem al-Araibi

A refugee <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/thailand-considers-dropping-bahraini-footballer-extradition-prosecution-source-196642">Bahraini footballer</a>, who was held in a Thai prison for more than two months at the Gulf state's request, arrived in the Australian city of Melbourne from Bangkok on Tuesday, Australian television pool footage showed.

Hakeem Al Araibi, 25, who fled Bahrain in 2014 and received refugee status in Australia, was released from prison on Monday. Authorities in Bahrain accused Araibi of crimes committed during the Arab Spring protests of 2011, charges which he denied.

"Australia is my country. I don't have citizenship yet, but my country is Australia ... I love Australia," Araibi said after he disembarked in Melbourne airport from a Thai Airways flight.

Hundreds of supporters clamoured to embrace him, TV footage showed. He wore the playing shirt of Pascoe Vale, the semi-professional team he plays for in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city.

He thanked his supporters, who cheered: "Welcome home Hakeem!"

Araibi was arrested in Bangkok in November while on honeymoon following an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.

His arrest drew widespread international condemnation. Bahrain, under heavy diplomatic pressure, agreed to drop its bid to have him extradited from Thailand.

A refugee Bahraini footballer, who was held in a Thai prison for more than two months at the Gulf state's request, arrived in the Australian city of Melbourne from Bangkok on Tuesday, Australian television pool footage showed.

A refugee Bahraini footballer, who was held in a Thai prison for more than two months at the Gulf state's request, arrived in the Australian city of Melbourne from Bangkok on Tuesday, Australian television pool footage showed. Hakeem Al Araibi, 25, who fled Bahrain in 2014 and received refugee status in Australia, was released from prison on Monday. Authorities in Bahrain accused Araibi of crimes committed during the Arab Spring protests of 2011, charges which he denied. "Australia is my country. I don't have citizenship yet, but my country is Australia ... I love Australia," Araibi said after he disembarked in Melbourne airport from a Thai Airways flight. Hundreds of supporters clamoured to embrace him, TV footage showed. He wore the playing shirt of Pascoe Vale, the semi-professional team he plays for in Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. He thanked his supporters, who cheered: "Welcome home Hakeem!" Araibi was arrested in Bangkok in November while on honeymoon following an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request. His arrest drew widespread international condemnation. Bahrain, under heavy diplomatic pressure, agreed to drop its bid to have him extradited from Thailand.

Watch: Australian supporters cheer refugee Bahraini footballer freed from Thai jail

Hakeem al-Araibi, a Bahraini football player who was held in Thailand <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-supporters-cheer-refugee-bahraini-footballer-freed-from-thai-jail-196814">arrived in Melbourne</a>, Australia after the Thai criminal court dropped the deportation case that would have extradited him back to his native land.&nbsp;

After the footballer disembarked in Melbourne airport from a Thai Airways flight, he thanked his supporters, who cheered, "Welcome home Hakeem!"

"I just, I would like to, thanks to Australia and it's amazing to see all the people here, all the Australian people, all the media, they support me, and I just want to thank the Australia government, the Australian people," said Bahraini footballer al-Araibi.&nbsp;

"I didn't get citizenship yet, but, my country is Australia ... I love Australia," he added.&nbsp;

Authorities in Bahrain accused Araibi of crimes committed during the Arab Spring protests of 2011, charges which he denied. He was&nbsp;released from prison in Bangkok after nearly 80 days in detention.&nbsp;

While Bahrain said it could still pursue further legal proceedings against the footballer.&nbsp;

"The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its right to pursue all necessary legal actions against Mr. Al Araibi," the foreign ministry said in a statement, issued by the state-run news agency BNA.

Thailand had come under great pressure from Australia's government, sporting bodies and human rights groups to send Hakeem al-Araibi back to Australia, where he has refugee status and plays semi-professional football.&nbsp;

Hakeem al-Araibi, a Bahraini football player who was held in Thailand arrived in Melbourne, Australia after the Thai criminal court dropped the deportation case that would have extradited him back to his native land.

Hakeem al-Araibi, a Bahraini football player who was held in Thailand arrived in Melbourne, Australia after the Thai criminal court dropped the deportation case that would have extradited him back to his native land. After the footballer disembarked in Melbourne airport from a Thai Airways flight, he thanked his supporters, who cheered, "Welcome home Hakeem!" "I just, I would like to, thanks to Australia and it's amazing to see all the people here, all the Australian people, all the media, they support me, and I just want to thank the Australia government, the Australian people," said Bahraini footballer al-Araibi. "I didn't get citizenship yet, but, my country is Australia ... I love Australia," he added. Authorities in Bahrain accused Araibi of crimes committed during the Arab Spring protests of 2011, charges which he denied. He was released from prison in Bangkok after nearly 80 days in detention. While Bahrain said it could still pursue further legal proceedings against the footballer. "The Kingdom of Bahrain reaffirms its right to pursue all necessary legal actions against Mr. Al Araibi," the foreign ministry said in a statement, issued by the state-run news agency BNA. Thailand had come under great pressure from Australia's government, sporting bodies and human rights groups to send Hakeem al-Araibi back to Australia, where he has refugee status and plays semi-professional football.

'My country is Australia': Bahraini footballer Hakeem al-Araibi thanks supporters

Australia formally signed a $50 billion contract with France to build 12 state of the art submarines Monday, a signal of the country's willingness to project power across the Pacific.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed the "very audacious plan" at a ceremony in Canberra as "part of Australia's biggest ever peace-time investment in defence".

The contract for 12 attack-class submarines is with France's Naval Group, a consortium with state backing, and has been years in the making.

It is Australia's largest ever defence procurement project and the largest ever foreign sales deal by French shipbuilder Naval Group.

The first submarine is expected to be finished in the early 2030s.

Critics say that is too late: the waters to Australia's north and east are the scene of an intense struggle between the United States, China and regional powers, who are all vying for influence.

Beijing has made territorial claims to much of the South China Sea -- a marine thoroughfare that is vital to maintain the supply of ores, minerals and crude that fuel the Chinese economy.

Washington fears that China is becoming increasingly assertive over its territorial claims to display its dominance over smaller Asian nations and cement its role as the prime regional power.

Australian military analysts hope the subs will allow the country to maintain a credible deterrent against possible hostile actions.

Visiting French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly signed the agreement for Paris.

The ceremony took place in the shadow of a memorial to US forces in front of the Australian defence offices in Canberra.

"It takes a lot of confidence for Australia to bet on France and a lot of confidence for France to share with Australia the capability that is so close to the core of our sovereignty and our strategic autonomy and a result of immense investment over decades," Parly said.

Under the Strategic Partnership Agreement, 12 conventionally powered submarines derived from the Naval Group Barracuda nuclear design will be constructed in a new shipyard in South Australia.

Australia formally signed a $50 billion contract with France to build 12 state of the art submarines Monday, a signal of the country's willingness to project power across the Pacific.

Australia formally signed a $50 billion contract with France to build 12 state of the art submarines Monday, a signal of the country's willingness to project power across the Pacific. Prime Minister Scott Morrison hailed the "very audacious plan" at a ceremony in Canberra as "part of Australia's biggest ever peace-time investment in defence". The contract for 12 attack-class submarines is with France's Naval Group, a consortium with state backing, and has been years in the making. It is Australia's largest ever defence procurement project and the largest ever foreign sales deal by French shipbuilder Naval Group. The first submarine is expected to be finished in the early 2030s. Critics say that is too late: the waters to Australia's north and east are the scene of an intense struggle between the United States, China and regional powers, who are all vying for influence. Beijing has made territorial claims to much of the South China Sea -- a marine thoroughfare that is vital to maintain the supply of ores, minerals and crude that fuel the Chinese economy. Washington fears that China is becoming increasingly assertive over its territorial claims to display its dominance over smaller Asian nations and cement its role as the prime regional power. Australian military analysts hope the subs will allow the country to maintain a credible deterrent against possible hostile actions. Visiting French Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly signed the agreement for Paris. The ceremony took place in the shadow of a memorial to US forces in front of the Australian defence offices in Canberra. "It takes a lot of confidence for Australia to bet on France and a lot of confidence for France to share with Australia the capability that is so close to the core of our sovereignty and our strategic autonomy and a result of immense investment over decades," Parly said. Under the Strategic Partnership Agreement, 12 conventionally powered submarines derived from the Naval Group Barracuda nuclear design will be constructed in a new shipyard in South Australia.

Australia signs massive submarines deal with French firm

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliamentary-committee-gives-twitter-another-15-day-deadline-to-appear-before-it-196714">Parliamentary</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliamentary-committee-gives-twitter-another-15-day-deadline-to-appear-before-it-196714"> committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it</a>

Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/i-hope-we-can-together-start-a-new-kind-of-politics-priyanka-gandhi-says-on-lucknow-road-show-196688">'I hope we can together start a new kind of politics,' Priyanka Gandhi says on Lucknow roadshow</a>

The recently-appointed Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar, held a 20-kilometre roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-2019-general-elections-closing-in-facebook-expands-fact-checking-network-to-curb-fake-news-in-india-196669">With Lok Sabha elections coming, Facebook says it is expanding its fact-checking network</a>

Facebook Inc is expanding its fact-checking network in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the US-based social media giant said on Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/uk-economy-posts-slowest-growth-in-six-years-196677">Brexit uncertainty: UK economy posts slowest growth in six years</a>

Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/rouhani-iran-to-continue-expanding-military-might-missile-work-196656">Iran to continue expanding military might, missile work: President Hassan Rouhani</a>

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile programme despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work, state TV reported.

&nbsp;

Parliamentary committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short.

Parliamentary committee gives Twitter another 15-day deadline to appear before it Twitter had been summoned by the committee today (Monday, February 11) but the company had declined to appear saying the notice was too short. The summons had been sent out on February 1. 'I hope we can together start a new kind of politics,' Priyanka Gandhi says on Lucknow roadshow The recently-appointed Congress general secretary of eastern Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by her brother and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, and Congress leaders Jyotiraditya Scindia and Raj Babbar, held a 20-kilometre roadshow in the Uttar Pradesh capital on Monday. With Lok Sabha elections coming, Facebook says it is expanding its fact-checking network Facebook Inc is expanding its fact-checking network in India to curb the spread of misinformation as the world's largest democracy prepares for a general election that must be held by May, the US-based social media giant said on Monday. Brexit uncertainty: UK economy posts slowest growth in six years Britain's economy grew at the slowest pace in six years in 2018 with near-flat output in the final quarter, data showed Monday, as Brexit uncertainty and weaker global growth bites. Iran to continue expanding military might, missile work: President Hassan Rouhani Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday that Iran was determined to expand its military power and ballistic missile programme despite mounting pressure from hostile countries to curb Iran's defensive work, state TV reported.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Thousands of Sydney homes were without power Saturday after severe storms hit Australia's largest city, causing transport hold-ups, inundating vehicles with floodwater and delaying a national football match.

Heavy rains and lightning storms lashed parts of Sydney late Friday, with close to 60 millimetres (nearly two and a half inches) of rain falling in some areas.

In Sydney's west, which experienced some flash flooding, one suburb saw nearly 42 millimetres fall in a short downpour lasting just 30 minutes.&nbsp;

"It was a slow-moving storm with that warm humid air moving along the coast... that allowed for that increase of moisture," Byron Doyle from the New South Wales Bureau of Meteorology told AFP.

Images of cars submerged in floodwaters on main roads, broken traffic lights, and fallen trees circulated on social media.

Energy companies reported that more than 40,000 customers were affected by power outages at the peak of the storm overnight, with more than 5,000 still without power early Saturday.

Emergency services fielded over 1,000 requests for assistance, including nine flood rescues in the Sydney area.

The rescues were "all for vehicles in flood water," a New South Wales state emergency services spokesperson told AFP.&nbsp;

Flights were delayed at Sydney's airport, while the storm caused havoc on some of the city's train lines.

The start of a national Australian rules football women's match was delayed twice, pushed back 45 minutes as heavy rain and lightning pummelled the oval.

Several light towers then went out mid-match during the live television broadcast, temporarily stopping the game during a reported blackout.

The Sydney storm comes as recovery efforts continue in Australia's flood-ravaged northeastern state of Queensland, which over the past week has seen record-breaking rainfall, forcing hundreds of evacuations and thousands of requests for help.

Extreme heatwaves during the southern hemisphere summer have also led to temperature records being broken in some towns.

Eastern inland areas have been experiencing a severe drought, while firefighters in the country's southern states have been recently battling bushfires.

High temperatures are not unusual in the Australian summer, but climate change has pushed up land and sea temperatures and led to more extremely hot days and severe fire seasons, scientists say.

Thousands of Sydney homes were without power Saturday after severe storms hit Australia's largest city, causing transport hold-ups, inundating vehicles with floodwater and delaying a national football match.

Thousands of Sydney homes were without power Saturday after severe storms hit Australia's largest city, causing transport hold-ups, inundating vehicles with floodwater and delaying a national football match. Heavy rains and lightning storms lashed parts of Sydney late Friday, with close to 60 millimetres (nearly two and a half inches) of rain falling in some areas. In Sydney's west, which experienced some flash flooding, one suburb saw nearly 42 millimetres fall in a short downpour lasting just 30 minutes. "It was a slow-moving storm with that warm humid air moving along the coast... that allowed for that increase of moisture," Byron Doyle from the New South Wales Bureau of Meteorology told AFP. Images of cars submerged in floodwaters on main roads, broken traffic lights, and fallen trees circulated on social media. Energy companies reported that more than 40,000 customers were affected by power outages at the peak of the storm overnight, with more than 5,000 still without power early Saturday. Emergency services fielded over 1,000 requests for assistance, including nine flood rescues in the Sydney area. The rescues were "all for vehicles in flood water," a New South Wales state emergency services spokesperson told AFP. Flights were delayed at Sydney's airport, while the storm caused havoc on some of the city's train lines. The start of a national Australian rules football women's match was delayed twice, pushed back 45 minutes as heavy rain and lightning pummelled the oval. Several light towers then went out mid-match during the live television broadcast, temporarily stopping the game during a reported blackout. The Sydney storm comes as recovery efforts continue in Australia's flood-ravaged northeastern state of Queensland, which over the past week has seen record-breaking rainfall, forcing hundreds of evacuations and thousands of requests for help. Extreme heatwaves during the southern hemisphere summer have also led to temperature records being broken in some towns. Eastern inland areas have been experiencing a severe drought, while firefighters in the country's southern states have been recently battling bushfires. High temperatures are not unusual in the Australian summer, but climate change has pushed up land and sea temperatures and led to more extremely hot days and severe fire seasons, scientists say.

Thousands without power as storm lashes Sydney

Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was picked this week for Australia's one-day and Twenty20 tour of India, was taken to the hospital Saturday after a bout of vertigo during a Big Bash League game.&nbsp;

The Perth Scorchers fast bowler had delivered the fifth ball of his final over late in the Twenty20 match against the Adelaide Strikers when he signalled that all was not well.&nbsp;

After consulting with Perth captain Mitchell Marsh, he bowled the sixth ball, which was hit for six, before sinking to his haunches and sitting on the ground. 
Scorchers physio Chris Quinnell said Coulter-Nile had suffered a "bad bout of vertigo".&nbsp;

"He was taken to hospital after the game as a precaution and will be monitored over the next few hours," Quinnell said on the BBL website.&nbsp;

Coulter-Nile's inclusion in Australia's squad for the India tour came after he was left out of recent home limited-overs internationals with back issues.&nbsp;

Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was picked this week for Australia's one-day and Twenty20 tour of India, was taken to the hospital Saturday after a bout of vertigo during a Big Bash League game.

Nathan Coulter-Nile, who was picked this week for Australia's one-day and Twenty20 tour of India, was taken to the hospital Saturday after a bout of vertigo during a Big Bash League game. The Perth Scorchers fast bowler had delivered the fifth ball of his final over late in the Twenty20 match against the Adelaide Strikers when he signalled that all was not well. After consulting with Perth captain Mitchell Marsh, he bowled the sixth ball, which was hit for six, before sinking to his haunches and sitting on the ground. Scorchers physio Chris Quinnell said Coulter-Nile had suffered a "bad bout of vertigo". "He was taken to hospital after the game as a precaution and will be monitored over the next few hours," Quinnell said on the BBL website. Coulter-Nile's inclusion in Australia's squad for the India tour came after he was left out of recent home limited-overs internationals with back issues.

Nathan Coulter-Nile suffers vertigo bout during BBL game

Former captain Ricky Ponting has been appointed as an assistant coach of Australia's men's team for the 50-over World Cup in England later this year, the country's cricket board said on Friday.

The 44-year-old Ponting will work with Australia's batsmen for the May 30-July 14 tournament, with current batting coach Graeme Hick focussing on preparing the side for the Ashes tour in England, starting in August.

Ponting's appointment is the second major shakeup in Australia's backroom staff in as many days, with bowling coach David Saker resigning "effective immediately" on Thursday. Saker has been replaced temporarily by Troy Cooley.

Australia won their fifth World Cup title on home soil four years ago and head coach Justin Langer said that Ponting's experience in leading the team to two of those victories would be invaluable in England.

"Ricky knows what's required to win World Cups, and I know he will be a valuable mentor to not just the batting group, but the broader squad as we focus our attention on defending our World Cup title," Langer said.

"Ricky and I have worked together with the Australian men's team in the past, he is an extremely driven coach who is fully invested in the players development and improving Australian cricket.

"He has an impressive understanding of the game, he knows what's required to prepare and perform at the elite level, and we can't wait for him to get started working with the squad."

Ponting played 375 one-day internationals for Australia and led them to the World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007. He was also a member of Steve Waugh's winning side in 1999 - the last time the tournament was held in England.

As well as assisting the batsmen, Ponting will help Langer fine-tune the team's tactics and strategies, Cricket Australia's interim general manager of high-performance Belinda Clark said.

Clark said appointing Ponting for the World Cup would enable Hick to concentrate solely on helping Australia defend the Ashes against England.

"With two major events back to back we believe it is important to focus a number of staff specifically on one event," Clark said. "The appointment of Ricky is a part of this overall strategy."

Ponting has had short-term engagements with the Australian men's limited overs team in recent years and will begin his role after Australia's one-day series against India and Pakistan.

"I've enjoyed my previous short-term roles with the ODI and T20 teams but World Cups take on a whole different meaning for me," Ponting said.

"I have enormous confidence in the players available to the selectors and know we will be as tough to beat as any team, in this year's World Cup."

Former captain Ricky Ponting has been appointed as an assistant coach of Australia's men's team for the 50-over World Cup in England later this year, the country's cricket board said on Friday.

Former captain Ricky Ponting has been appointed as an assistant coach of Australia's men's team for the 50-over World Cup in England later this year, the country's cricket board said on Friday. The 44-year-old Ponting will work with Australia's batsmen for the May 30-July 14 tournament, with current batting coach Graeme Hick focussing on preparing the side for the Ashes tour in England, starting in August. Ponting's appointment is the second major shakeup in Australia's backroom staff in as many days, with bowling coach David Saker resigning "effective immediately" on Thursday. Saker has been replaced temporarily by Troy Cooley. Australia won their fifth World Cup title on home soil four years ago and head coach Justin Langer said that Ponting's experience in leading the team to two of those victories would be invaluable in England. "Ricky knows what's required to win World Cups, and I know he will be a valuable mentor to not just the batting group, but the broader squad as we focus our attention on defending our World Cup title," Langer said. "Ricky and I have worked together with the Australian men's team in the past, he is an extremely driven coach who is fully invested in the players development and improving Australian cricket. "He has an impressive understanding of the game, he knows what's required to prepare and perform at the elite level, and we can't wait for him to get started working with the squad." Ponting played 375 one-day internationals for Australia and led them to the World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007. He was also a member of Steve Waugh's winning side in 1999 - the last time the tournament was held in England. As well as assisting the batsmen, Ponting will help Langer fine-tune the team's tactics and strategies, Cricket Australia's interim general manager of high-performance Belinda Clark said. Clark said appointing Ponting for the World Cup would enable Hick to concentrate solely on helping Australia defend the Ashes against England. "With two major events back to back we believe it is important to focus a number of staff specifically on one event," Clark said. "The appointment of Ricky is a part of this overall strategy." Ponting has had short-term engagements with the Australian men's limited overs team in recent years and will begin his role after Australia's one-day series against India and Pakistan. "I've enjoyed my previous short-term roles with the ODI and T20 teams but World Cups take on a whole different meaning for me," Ponting said. "I have enormous confidence in the players available to the selectors and know we will be as tough to beat as any team, in this year's World Cup."

Former skipper Ricky Ponting named Australia's assistant coach for World Cup

Thailand defended on Wednesday its arrest of a Bahraini footballer with refugee status in Australia, saying officials only detained him because Australian authorities sent an Interpol "red notice" after he boarded a plane to Bangkok.

Hakeem Al Araibi's case has drawn international criticism as a Thai court considers an extradition request from Bahrain for him to serve a 10-year sentence related to the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011. He denies the charges.

He was arrested at Bangkok's international airport in November when he flew from Australia to Thailand with his wife for a honeymoon.

Araibi, 25, says he faces torture if returned to Bahrain. He says he only wants to return to Australia, where he has lived since 2014 and plays for a Melbourne football club.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called again on Tuesday for Araibi to be released and sent back to Australia, saying he was "disturbed" to see photos of Araibi in shackles as he arrived for a court hearing earlier this week

The Thai foreign ministry updated a statement on the case early on Wednesday, which it described as "involving two countries competing for Mr. Hakeem's custody".

It said Thailand only became involved "by chance" after a police bureau that handles Interpol matters in Australia notified Thai authorities that Araibi had boarded a flight to Bangkok and was the subject of a "red notice" initiated by Bahrain.

"It took several days after the arrival of Mr. Hakeem before the Australian authorities informed us that the red notice had been cancelled," the statement said.

"By that time, legal proceedings in Thailand regarding Mr. Hakeem had already started and could not be reversed," it said.

Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne called on Thai authorities to use their discretion in Araibi's case.

"Given ... that he is a permanent resident of our country, on the pathway to citizenship, we have encouraged the Bahraini government not to proceed with the extradition application, and we have encouraged the Thai government to exercise the discretion that they have available to them," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from Samoa.

Australia's Home Affairs office confirmed in December that federal police had advised Thai authorities a person with a red notice was on the way to Thailand but did not say if the bureau was aware Araibi had refugee status.

Thailand's attorney general is scheduled to hold a news briefing on the case later on Wednesday.

Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station during 2011 anti-government protests in Bahrain and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia after he fled.

He denies the charges, saying he was playing in a televised soccer match at the time of the police station attack.

New York-based Human Rights Watch has said Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011.

Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.

Thailand defended on Wednesday its arrest of a Bahraini footballer with refugee status in Australia, saying officials only detained him because Australian authorities sent an Interpol "red notice" after he boarded a plane to Bangkok.

Thailand defended on Wednesday its arrest of a Bahraini footballer with refugee status in Australia, saying officials only detained him because Australian authorities sent an Interpol "red notice" after he boarded a plane to Bangkok. Hakeem Al Araibi's case has drawn international criticism as a Thai court considers an extradition request from Bahrain for him to serve a 10-year sentence related to the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011. He denies the charges. He was arrested at Bangkok's international airport in November when he flew from Australia to Thailand with his wife for a honeymoon. Araibi, 25, says he faces torture if returned to Bahrain. He says he only wants to return to Australia, where he has lived since 2014 and plays for a Melbourne football club. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison called again on Tuesday for Araibi to be released and sent back to Australia, saying he was "disturbed" to see photos of Araibi in shackles as he arrived for a court hearing earlier this week The Thai foreign ministry updated a statement on the case early on Wednesday, which it described as "involving two countries competing for Mr. Hakeem's custody". It said Thailand only became involved "by chance" after a police bureau that handles Interpol matters in Australia notified Thai authorities that Araibi had boarded a flight to Bangkok and was the subject of a "red notice" initiated by Bahrain. "It took several days after the arrival of Mr. Hakeem before the Australian authorities informed us that the red notice had been cancelled," the statement said. "By that time, legal proceedings in Thailand regarding Mr. Hakeem had already started and could not be reversed," it said. Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Payne called on Thai authorities to use their discretion in Araibi's case. "Given ... that he is a permanent resident of our country, on the pathway to citizenship, we have encouraged the Bahraini government not to proceed with the extradition application, and we have encouraged the Thai government to exercise the discretion that they have available to them," she told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation from Samoa. Australia's Home Affairs office confirmed in December that federal police had advised Thai authorities a person with a red notice was on the way to Thailand but did not say if the bureau was aware Araibi had refugee status. Thailand's attorney general is scheduled to hold a news briefing on the case later on Wednesday. Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station during 2011 anti-government protests in Bahrain and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia after he fled. He denies the charges, saying he was playing in a televised soccer match at the time of the police station attack. New York-based Human Rights Watch has said Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.

Thailand blames Australia for arrest of refugee Bahraini footballer

Australia has revoked the residence visa of a prominent Chinese businessman and political donor who has in the past been linked to a row about the promotion of Chinese interests, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Huang Xiangmo is unable to return to his Sydney home after the government rejected his application for citizenship and revoked his visa while he was overseas, the newspaper reported, citing unidentified sources.

The newspaper did not report a reason for the decision but it cited the Ministry for Home Affairs, which oversees visa applications, as saying Huang was "unfit" for residency.

A ministry representative declined to comment. A spokeswoman for Minister for Immigration David Coleman also declined to comment.

The report comes as Australia and China seek to repair ties that have been strained since 2017 when Australia accused China of meddling in its domestic affairs. China denied doing so.

Huang, who founded the Chinese property developer Yuhu, was not available for comment. The newspaper said he went to Thailand last month and it was not clear where he was on Wednesday.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), citing unidentified sources, said Huang would not be allowed to re-enter Australia.

Huang has in recent years emerged as one of Australia's biggest political donors.

He rose to prominence after an influential opposition lawmaker was in 2017 forced to resign after allegations emerged that he was linked to Chinese-aligned interests.

The opposition member, Sam Dastyari, sought to encourage a senior politician not to meet a Chinese pro-democracy activist opposed to Beijing's rule in Hong Kong in 2015.

Dastyari was also recorded as warning Huang that his phone may be tapped.

Dastyari also appeared on a videotape, standing next to Huang, appearing to endorse China's contentious expansion in disputed areas of the South China Sea, against his party’s platform.

Australia, despite moving to repair its relationship with, China, has passed a series of tough new bills that are designed to limit offshore influence, legislation widely seen as aimed at China.

In 2018, Huang paid nearly A$1 billion ($715 million) for two Australian projects owned by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne, asked about the newspaper report, said she "understood that a high-profile individual" had had their visa cancelled.

"I don’t expect it to be the subject of a bilateral discussion," Payne told the ABC when asked if she feared the issue would have an impact on relations with China.

"We have a good relationship with mutual respect."

Australia has revoked the residence visa of a prominent Chinese businessman and political donor who has in the past been linked to a row about the promotion of Chinese interests, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Wednesday.

Australia has revoked the residence visa of a prominent Chinese businessman and political donor who has in the past been linked to a row about the promotion of Chinese interests, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Wednesday. Huang Xiangmo is unable to return to his Sydney home after the government rejected his application for citizenship and revoked his visa while he was overseas, the newspaper reported, citing unidentified sources. The newspaper did not report a reason for the decision but it cited the Ministry for Home Affairs, which oversees visa applications, as saying Huang was "unfit" for residency. A ministry representative declined to comment. A spokeswoman for Minister for Immigration David Coleman also declined to comment. The report comes as Australia and China seek to repair ties that have been strained since 2017 when Australia accused China of meddling in its domestic affairs. China denied doing so. Huang, who founded the Chinese property developer Yuhu, was not available for comment. The newspaper said he went to Thailand last month and it was not clear where he was on Wednesday. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), citing unidentified sources, said Huang would not be allowed to re-enter Australia. Huang has in recent years emerged as one of Australia's biggest political donors. He rose to prominence after an influential opposition lawmaker was in 2017 forced to resign after allegations emerged that he was linked to Chinese-aligned interests. The opposition member, Sam Dastyari, sought to encourage a senior politician not to meet a Chinese pro-democracy activist opposed to Beijing's rule in Hong Kong in 2015. Dastyari was also recorded as warning Huang that his phone may be tapped. Dastyari also appeared on a videotape, standing next to Huang, appearing to endorse China's contentious expansion in disputed areas of the South China Sea, against his party’s platform. Australia, despite moving to repair its relationship with, China, has passed a series of tough new bills that are designed to limit offshore influence, legislation widely seen as aimed at China. In 2018, Huang paid nearly A$1 billion ($715 million) for two Australian projects owned by Chinese conglomerate Dalian Wanda Group. Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne, asked about the newspaper report, said she "understood that a high-profile individual" had had their visa cancelled. "I don’t expect it to be the subject of a bilateral discussion," Payne told the ABC when asked if she feared the issue would have an impact on relations with China. "We have a good relationship with mutual respect."

Australia cancels residency of politically connected Chinese billionaire

Problems surrounding his family had made it tough for Usman Khawaja to be at the top of his game for Australia, the top-order batsman said after getting back among the runs against Sri Lanka in the second test on Sunday.

Khawaja's older brother Arsalan was charged in December with creating what police described as fake plans for attacks against prominent people that led to the imprisonment of another man he saw as a rival for the affections of a woman.

The arrest came days before Australia's four-test home series against India, a series in which Khawaja managed just one fifty as the hosts slumped to a 2-1 loss.

"I've had a tough summer, I've got a lot of stuff going on off the field which has made things a lot tougher," Khawaja told reporters after his knock of 101 not out on Sunday.

"It's something that you don't expect to happen, my family is very close to me and I'm very close to my family, so at some level it made it tougher to just go out and concentrate and execute my skills."

Khawaja had scored 85 and 141 against Pakistan in Dubai in October and went into the series against India as Australia's batting mainstay in the absence of banned duo Steve Smith and David Warner due to ball tampering.

While he managed to get starts, Khawaja failed to convert them into big scores. He paid tribute to his wife Rachel for helping him through a mentally taxing period.

"I'm feeling a lot better now than I was a month or two ago, but it has been a tough couple of months," he added.

Australia's next test assignment will be the away Ashes series against arch-rivals England in August.

With critics starting to question whether Khawaja deserved a spot with the touring party, his eighth test hundred has come at just the right time.

"It's a hundred for Australia so it meant a lot," said Khawaja, who had celebrated the mark by leaping high in the air and pumping his fist in delight.&nbsp;

"It wasn't fun getting a duck in the first innings and feeling like you let your team down little bit."&nbsp;

Problems surrounding his family had made it tough for Usman Khawaja to be at the top of his game for Australia, the top-order batsman said after getting back among the runs against Sri Lanka in the second test on Sunday.

Problems surrounding his family had made it tough for Usman Khawaja to be at the top of his game for Australia, the top-order batsman said after getting back among the runs against Sri Lanka in the second test on Sunday. Khawaja's older brother Arsalan was charged in December with creating what police described as fake plans for attacks against prominent people that led to the imprisonment of another man he saw as a rival for the affections of a woman. The arrest came days before Australia's four-test home series against India, a series in which Khawaja managed just one fifty as the hosts slumped to a 2-1 loss. "I've had a tough summer, I've got a lot of stuff going on off the field which has made things a lot tougher," Khawaja told reporters after his knock of 101 not out on Sunday. "It's something that you don't expect to happen, my family is very close to me and I'm very close to my family, so at some level it made it tougher to just go out and concentrate and execute my skills." Khawaja had scored 85 and 141 against Pakistan in Dubai in October and went into the series against India as Australia's batting mainstay in the absence of banned duo Steve Smith and David Warner due to ball tampering. While he managed to get starts, Khawaja failed to convert them into big scores. He paid tribute to his wife Rachel for helping him through a mentally taxing period. "I'm feeling a lot better now than I was a month or two ago, but it has been a tough couple of months," he added. Australia's next test assignment will be the away Ashes series against arch-rivals England in August. With critics starting to question whether Khawaja deserved a spot with the touring party, his eighth test hundred has come at just the right time. "It's a hundred for Australia so it meant a lot," said Khawaja, who had celebrated the mark by leaping high in the air and pumping his fist in delight. "It wasn't fun getting a duck in the first innings and feeling like you let your team down little bit."

Australia's Usman Khawaja admits off-field issue took focus away

Problems surrounding his family had made it tough for Usman Khawaja to be at the top of his game for Australia, the top-order batsman said after getting back among the runs against Sri Lanka in the second test on Sunday.

Khawaja's older brother Arsalan was charged in December with creating what police described as fake plans for attacks against prominent people that led to the imprisonment of another man he saw as a rival for the affections of a woman.

The arrest came days before Australia's four-test home series against India, a series in which Khawaja managed just one fifty as the hosts slumped to a 2-1 loss.

"I've had a tough summer, I've got a lot of stuff going on off the field which has made things a lot tougher," Khawaja told reporters after his knock of 101 not out on Sunday.

"It's something that you don't expect to happen, my family is very close to me and I'm very close to my family, so at some level it made it tougher to just go out and concentrate and execute my skills."

Khawaja had scored 85 and 141 against Pakistan in Dubai in October and went into the series against India as Australia's batting mainstay in the absence of banned duo Steve Smith and David Warner due to ball tampering.

While he managed to get starts, Khawaja failed to convert them into big scores. He paid tribute to his wife Rachel for helping him through a mentally taxing period.

"I'm feeling a lot better now than I was a month or two ago, but it has been a tough couple of months," he added.

Australia's next test assignment will be the away Ashes series against arch-rivals England in August.

With critics starting to question whether Khawaja deserved a spot with the touring party, his eighth test hundred has come at just the right time.

"It's a hundred for Australia so it meant a lot," said Khawaja, who had celebrated the mark by leaping high in the air and pumping his fist in delight.

"It wasn't fun getting a duck in the first innings and feeling like you let your team down little bit."

Mounting pressure on Thailand to release from detention football player Hakeem al-Araibi has not only refocussed international attention on alleged abuse of human rights and due course of law in Bahrain but also the apparent continued ability of autocratic and authoritarian regimes to enlist global police organisation Interpol in efforts to silence critics.

The arrest by Thai authorities of Al Araibi, acting on an Interpol red notice arrest warrant issued despite the fact that he had been granted political asylum in Australia, raises questions about the effectiveness of Interpol safeguards against exploitation of its powers.

It is also a reflection of a far broader global battle for continued rule of law that is being challenged by autocrats, authoritarians, populists and nationalists on multiple fronts.

“It’s really emblematic of this breakdown of multilateral institutions, particularly those premised on western liberal democratic values which in the wake of the cold war we saw come into ascendance. These institutions were not built with the internal safeguards and mechanisms to protect them against bad faith actors. Once you let them inside the gates, nothing prevents them from poisoning the well,” said Jonathan Reich, an attorney who has worked with Russian business people and anti-corruption dissidents targeted by Russia via Interpol.

Al-Araibi’s case further highlights the incestuous and inextricable relationship between sports and politics that international sports associations strenuously deny.

Nowhere is that relationship increasingly more evident than in the Gulf with Al-Araibi’s arrest; the politicisation of the Asian Cup as a result of the rift between Qatar and its boycotting detractors, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia; Saudi and UAE efforts to substantially increase their influence in global soccer governance, and the Saudi-Qatar dispute over broadcasting rights.

Qatar’s winning of the Asian Cup on Friday was as much a sports achievement as it was a political statement of the country’s resilience and ability to host the 2022 World Cup that had been called into question from day one and was targeted by its Gulf detractors since they declared a diplomatic and economic boycott of the Gulf state 18 months ago.

Al-Araibi has been kept in prison to allow Bahrain to formally request his extradition even though Interpol withdrew the non-binding red notice a week after issuing it. He was on Friday remanded for another 60 days in prison as a Thai court held hearings on the request.

The focus on Interpol safeguards as a result of Al-Araibi’s continued detention and the organisation’s inability to ensure that its mistakes can be corrected was bolstered this week by documents leaked by dissident Turkish journalists in Europe that allege abuse of Interpol procedures by Turkish law enforcement and intelligence.

The documents allege that Turkey has obtained through Interpol information about dissidents in Belgium, Germany and Poland on the basis of purported false charges that nonetheless failed to result in the issuance of a red notice warrant.

Al-Araibi’s detention since November when he arrived with his wife in Bangkok for their honeymoon and the Turkish leak are but the two latest incidents that point fingers at Interpol procedures.

Fair Trials, an international criminal justice watchdog, has documented numerous cases of abuse of Interpol procedures, applauded the organisation for efforts to avoid abuse, and called on it to introduce further safeguards.

In one prominent case, Interpol was put in an embarrassing position in October when its then president, Meng Hongwei, was arrested on a visit to his native China after the police organisation had accepted a resignation letter purportedly signed by Meng and tendered by the Chinese government, which said he was being probed over suspected corruption. Interpol said it had no choice but to comply with the request.

Al-Araibi’s case bolsters the call for further safeguards and focuses attention on the need for mechanisms to counter the fallout of abuse.

A player for Bahrain’s national team, Al-Araibi was arrested in November 2012 while walking to a cafe in Bahrain to watch a Real Madrid-Barcelona game and beaten in detention. He was accused of vandalising a police station at a time when he had been playing in a match that had been aired on live television.

Al-Araibi spent three months in detention and was sentenced to ten years in prison but managed to flee to Australia before the verdict was issued by a judge, who like Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president and world soccer body FIFA vice president, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, is a member of Bahrain’s ruling family.

Al-Araibi’s case erupted as Sheikh Salman is running for another term in AFC elections scheduled for April.

Al-Araibi asserted that Sheikh Salman, who at the time of his arrest in the Gulf state was head of the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) and has long been accused of involvement in the arrest and abuse during mass anti-government protests in 2011 of some 150 Bahraini athletes and sports executives, had failed to respond to requests for help from the player’s family and lawyers.

Sheikh Salman has said he had not received a request for assistance. Sheikh Salman has consistently denied any association with the 2011 events despite the fact that Bahrain’s state-run news agency linked him to the arrests in several reports at the time.

Conspicuously, Sheikh Salman has remained silent about Al-Araibi’s case while the AFC only this week called for the first time for his return to Australia in a statement by its vice president, Praful Patel.

The AFC this week said Patel rather than Sheikh Salman was responsible for Middle Eastern affairs. It said Sheikh Salman had been recused from overseeing the region because of potential conflicts of interest. It was the first time that the AFC disclosed the recusal.

FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach have been calling for Al-Araibi’s release for several weeks.

For Bahraini exiles like S Yousif Almuhafdah, a Berlin-based human rights activist, Al-Araibi’s case is one way of focusing attention on Bahrain and trying to ensure that others are spared the soccer player’s fate in a world in which the cards are stacked against them.

Says Almuhafdah, who was detained in the same cell as Al-Araibi before both men left Bahrain: “Nothing will change any time soon. But we have a responsibility to those who stayed behind and remain behind bars.”

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Mounting pressure on Thailand to release from detention football player Hakeem al-Araibi has not only refocussed international attention on alleged abuse of human rights and due course of law in Bahrain but also the apparent continued ability of autocratic and authoritarian regimes to enlist global police organisation Interpol in efforts to silence critics.

Mounting pressure on Thailand to release from detention football player Hakeem al-Araibi has not only refocussed international attention on alleged abuse of human rights and due course of law in Bahrain but also the apparent continued ability of autocratic and authoritarian regimes to enlist global police organisation Interpol in efforts to silence critics. The arrest by Thai authorities of Al Araibi, acting on an Interpol red notice arrest warrant issued despite the fact that he had been granted political asylum in Australia, raises questions about the effectiveness of Interpol safeguards against exploitation of its powers. It is also a reflection of a far broader global battle for continued rule of law that is being challenged by autocrats, authoritarians, populists and nationalists on multiple fronts. “It’s really emblematic of this breakdown of multilateral institutions, particularly those premised on western liberal democratic values which in the wake of the cold war we saw come into ascendance. These institutions were not built with the internal safeguards and mechanisms to protect them against bad faith actors. Once you let them inside the gates, nothing prevents them from poisoning the well,” said Jonathan Reich, an attorney who has worked with Russian business people and anti-corruption dissidents targeted by Russia via Interpol. Al-Araibi’s case further highlights the incestuous and inextricable relationship between sports and politics that international sports associations strenuously deny. Nowhere is that relationship increasingly more evident than in the Gulf with Al-Araibi’s arrest; the politicisation of the Asian Cup as a result of the rift between Qatar and its boycotting detractors, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia; Saudi and UAE efforts to substantially increase their influence in global soccer governance, and the Saudi-Qatar dispute over broadcasting rights. Qatar’s winning of the Asian Cup on Friday was as much a sports achievement as it was a political statement of the country’s resilience and ability to host the 2022 World Cup that had been called into question from day one and was targeted by its Gulf detractors since they declared a diplomatic and economic boycott of the Gulf state 18 months ago. Al-Araibi has been kept in prison to allow Bahrain to formally request his extradition even though Interpol withdrew the non-binding red notice a week after issuing it. He was on Friday remanded for another 60 days in prison as a Thai court held hearings on the request. The focus on Interpol safeguards as a result of Al-Araibi’s continued detention and the organisation’s inability to ensure that its mistakes can be corrected was bolstered this week by documents leaked by dissident Turkish journalists in Europe that allege abuse of Interpol procedures by Turkish law enforcement and intelligence. The documents allege that Turkey has obtained through Interpol information about dissidents in Belgium, Germany and Poland on the basis of purported false charges that nonetheless failed to result in the issuance of a red notice warrant. Al-Araibi’s detention since November when he arrived with his wife in Bangkok for their honeymoon and the Turkish leak are but the two latest incidents that point fingers at Interpol procedures. Fair Trials, an international criminal justice watchdog, has documented numerous cases of abuse of Interpol procedures, applauded the organisation for efforts to avoid abuse, and called on it to introduce further safeguards. In one prominent case, Interpol was put in an embarrassing position in October when its then president, Meng Hongwei, was arrested on a visit to his native China after the police organisation had accepted a resignation letter purportedly signed by Meng and tendered by the Chinese government, which said he was being probed over suspected corruption. Interpol said it had no choice but to comply with the request. Al-Araibi’s case bolsters the call for further safeguards and focuses attention on the need for mechanisms to counter the fallout of abuse. A player for Bahrain’s national team, Al-Araibi was arrested in November 2012 while walking to a cafe in Bahrain to watch a Real Madrid-Barcelona game and beaten in detention. He was accused of vandalising a police station at a time when he had been playing in a match that had been aired on live television. Al-Araibi spent three months in detention and was sentenced to ten years in prison but managed to flee to Australia before the verdict was issued by a judge, who like Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president and world soccer body FIFA vice president, Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, is a member of Bahrain’s ruling family. Al-Araibi’s case erupted as Sheikh Salman is running for another term in AFC elections scheduled for April. Al-Araibi asserted that Sheikh Salman, who at the time of his arrest in the Gulf state was head of the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) and has long been accused of involvement in the arrest and abuse during mass anti-government protests in 2011 of some 150 Bahraini athletes and sports executives, had failed to respond to requests for help from the player’s family and lawyers. Sheikh Salman has said he had not received a request for assistance. Sheikh Salman has consistently denied any association with the 2011 events despite the fact that Bahrain’s state-run news agency linked him to the arrests in several reports at the time. Conspicuously, Sheikh Salman has remained silent about Al-Araibi’s case while the AFC only this week called for the first time for his return to Australia in a statement by its vice president, Praful Patel. The AFC this week said Patel rather than Sheikh Salman was responsible for Middle Eastern affairs. It said Sheikh Salman had been recused from overseeing the region because of potential conflicts of interest. It was the first time that the AFC disclosed the recusal. FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura and International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach have been calling for Al-Araibi’s release for several weeks. For Bahraini exiles like S Yousif Almuhafdah, a Berlin-based human rights activist, Al-Araibi’s case is one way of focusing attention on Bahrain and trying to ensure that others are spared the soccer player’s fate in a world in which the cards are stacked against them. Says Almuhafdah, who was detained in the same cell as Al-Araibi before both men left Bahrain: “Nothing will change any time soon. But we have a responsibility to those who stayed behind and remain behind bars.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A struggle for rule of law: Detained Bahraini footballer catapults Thailand to centre stage

Australia's Pat Cummins breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Dimuth Karunaratne was not in any danger after one of his vicious bouncers struck the Sri Lanka batsman on the back of the neck and left him crumpled in a heap at Manuka Oval on Saturday.

The 30-year-old opener slumped onto his back after being struck, prompting a hush to descend on the picturesque ground, which only moments before had been buzzing with horn-blowing, dancing Sri Lankan supporters.

The incident brought back painful memories of the fatal blow that struck Australian Phillip Hughes in 2014 and the concern among both sets of players was palpable.

Cummins was left to look on anxiously as the Australian side assembled near the pitch to watch the medical team attend to Karunaratne, who was stretchered off the ground and taken to hospital in a neck brace.

"It's never a nice feeling seeing someone go down like that," Cummins told the host broadcaster after the end of the day's play. "The good thing was he looked like he was moving his hands and the physio said he seemed all right when he left.

"I wish him all the best and hopefully he's doing all right. You never like seeing that. It's just one of those things that happens in cricket. Whether its your teammate, another teammate, you just hope they're OK."

Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha later had good news about the batsman's condition, saying he had never lost consciousness and that he was in good spirits while he was being assessed at the hospital.

Kurtis Patterson, Australia's centurion from Saturday, hoped Karunaratne would be back at the batting crease on the third day of the test on Sunday.

"All of us were in a little bit of shock but I think everyone's okay which is good. Hoping he's okay to bat again tomorrow," Patterson added.

The crowd gave a standing ovation to Karunaratne, who was forced to retire hurt on 46, and continued clapping until he was driven off the field in a buggy.

The incident appeared to rattle Sri Lanka, who went from 90 without loss to 120-3.

"Not quite sure but we lost couple of wickets so definitely it was bit of a distraction at that moment," Hathurusingha told reporters. "We were going well at 90 for no wicket and they were batting well."

The tourists trail Australia by 411 runs and must win the match to draw the two-test series after the hosts won the opener at Brisbane.

Australia's Pat Cummins breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Dimuth Karunaratne was not in any danger after one of his vicious bouncers struck the Sri Lanka batsman on the back of the neck and left him crumpled in a heap at Manuka Oval on Saturday.

Australia's Pat Cummins breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Dimuth Karunaratne was not in any danger after one of his vicious bouncers struck the Sri Lanka batsman on the back of the neck and left him crumpled in a heap at Manuka Oval on Saturday. The 30-year-old opener slumped onto his back after being struck, prompting a hush to descend on the picturesque ground, which only moments before had been buzzing with horn-blowing, dancing Sri Lankan supporters. The incident brought back painful memories of the fatal blow that struck Australian Phillip Hughes in 2014 and the concern among both sets of players was palpable. Cummins was left to look on anxiously as the Australian side assembled near the pitch to watch the medical team attend to Karunaratne, who was stretchered off the ground and taken to hospital in a neck brace. "It's never a nice feeling seeing someone go down like that," Cummins told the host broadcaster after the end of the day's play. "The good thing was he looked like he was moving his hands and the physio said he seemed all right when he left. "I wish him all the best and hopefully he's doing all right. You never like seeing that. It's just one of those things that happens in cricket. Whether its your teammate, another teammate, you just hope they're OK." Sri Lanka coach Chandika Hathurusingha later had good news about the batsman's condition, saying he had never lost consciousness and that he was in good spirits while he was being assessed at the hospital. Kurtis Patterson, Australia's centurion from Saturday, hoped Karunaratne would be back at the batting crease on the third day of the test on Sunday. "All of us were in a little bit of shock but I think everyone's okay which is good. Hoping he's okay to bat again tomorrow," Patterson added. The crowd gave a standing ovation to Karunaratne, who was forced to retire hurt on 46, and continued clapping until he was driven off the field in a buggy. The incident appeared to rattle Sri Lanka, who went from 90 without loss to 120-3. "Not quite sure but we lost couple of wickets so definitely it was bit of a distraction at that moment," Hathurusingha told reporters. "We were going well at 90 for no wicket and they were batting well." The tourists trail Australia by 411 runs and must win the match to draw the two-test series after the hosts won the opener at Brisbane.

Pat Cummins relieved as Sri Lanka's Karunaratne 'in no danger' after bouncer hit

Australia suffered its hottest month ever in January when widespread heatwaves exacerbated an already devastating drought, fuelled bushfires and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/mass-fish-death-in-australia-government-blames-weather-change-193417">contributed to mass fish deaths</a>, officials reported Friday.

The government's Bureau of Meteorology said the mean temperature across the vast continent in January exceeded 30 degrees Celsius for the first time in recorded history.

"We saw heatwave conditions affect large parts of the country through most of the month, with records broken for both duration and also individual daily extremes," said senior bureau climatologist Andrew Watkins.

Watkins said the main immediate cause of the heat was a persistent high-pressure system in the Tasman Sea south of Australia which blocked cold fronts and cooler air from reaching country.

But he added that broader global warming trends, which have seen Australian temperatures increase by more than one degree Celsius in the last 100 years, "also contributed to the unusually warm conditions".

The bureau said rainfall was also below average for most of Australia during January, worsening an already severe drought for much of the country's east, until a late January monsoon brought flooding to the northeastern state of Queensland.

The hottest temperatures during the month were experienced in South Australia, where the mercury hit 49.5 degrees C on January 24.

Authorities said the January heatwave contributed to the deaths of more than a million fish in the Murray-Darling river system, the country's largest running through five states in the east of the country.

Meanwhile, bushfires — which are frequent summer occurrences in Australia's arid southeast — spread far into the tropical northeast of the country in January.

Australia suffered its hottest month ever in January when widespread heatwaves exacerbated an already devastating drought, fuelled bushfires and contributed to mass fish deaths, officials reported Friday.

Australia suffered its hottest month ever in January when widespread heatwaves exacerbated an already devastating drought, fuelled bushfires and contributed to mass fish deaths, officials reported Friday. The government's Bureau of Meteorology said the mean temperature across the vast continent in January exceeded 30 degrees Celsius for the first time in recorded history. "We saw heatwave conditions affect large parts of the country through most of the month, with records broken for both duration and also individual daily extremes," said senior bureau climatologist Andrew Watkins. Watkins said the main immediate cause of the heat was a persistent high-pressure system in the Tasman Sea south of Australia which blocked cold fronts and cooler air from reaching country. But he added that broader global warming trends, which have seen Australian temperatures increase by more than one degree Celsius in the last 100 years, "also contributed to the unusually warm conditions". The bureau said rainfall was also below average for most of Australia during January, worsening an already severe drought for much of the country's east, until a late January monsoon brought flooding to the northeastern state of Queensland. The hottest temperatures during the month were experienced in South Australia, where the mercury hit 49.5 degrees C on January 24. Authorities said the January heatwave contributed to the deaths of more than a million fish in the Murray-Darling river system, the country's largest running through five states in the east of the country. Meanwhile, bushfires — which are frequent summer occurrences in Australia's arid southeast — spread far into the tropical northeast of the country in January.

January was Australia's hottest month ever: Government

Joe Burns and Travis Head plundered Australia's first centuries of the home summer Friday in a stirring fightback as they ruthlessly exposed Sri Lanka's inexperienced attack in the second Test at Canberra.

Australian skipper Tim Paine won the toss at the Manuka Oval and put his side in on a flat track conducive to batting, a gambit that paid off after some early wobbles.

At stumps, they were a commanding 384 for four with Burns not out 172 and Kurtis Patterson, who was dropped first ball, on 25.

Head fell for 161 after a 308-run stand with Burns -- Australia's first stand over 200 since Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh achieved the feat in the third Test against England in December 2017.

Vishwa Fernando was the best of the bowlers with 3-99.

On a cool, overcast day, Burns and Head dug Australia out of a hole after they lost Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne cheaply to be in trouble at 28 for three.

After weathering the storm and as the new ball lost its shine, the pair started cashing in on a Sri Lankan attack missing their top bowlers and fieldsmen who put down a host of chances.

Back in the side after being overlooked for the series against Pakistan and India, opener Burns survived a dropped catch on 34, but was otherwise invincible and brought up his fourth Test ton off 147 balls with a single.

His 172 surpassed his previous high score of 170 against New Zealand in 2016.

Burns' knock was the first century for Australia since Khawaja's 141 against Pakistan in Dubai in October and only the second an Australian has scored since the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney almost 13 months ago.

Vice-captain Head soon followed suit, reaching his maiden hundred off 155 balls in his eighth Test with a boundary, capitalising on Dilruwan Perera dropping him on 87.&nbsp;

It puts the pair in prime position to be selected for the Ashes series later this year, with the Canberra Test -- the first-ever in the nation's capital -- Australia's last before their tour of England.&nbsp;

Dire start

Their partnership followed a dire start against a depleted attack and a team they had beaten by an innings and 40 runs in the first Test at Brisbane.

Pace duo Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera picked up injuries in that rout, with the inexperienced Kasun Rajitha and Fernando taking their place.

And in a big blow, Suranga Lakmal, their best bowler in Brisbane, was ruled out on the morning of the Test with a stiff back, with debutant Chamika Karunaratne brought in as his replacement.

The three newcomers have only five Tests of experience between them, and they initially rose to the challenge.

Harris fell for 11 in the fourth over with a poorly executed square drive off Fernando caught at point by Karunarante.

The out-of-form Khawaja soon followed, lasting just three balls before offering a lazy jab at an out-swinger from Fernando. He was caught at slip by Kusal Mendis for nought, leaving Australia on 15 for two.

The gloom continued when Karunaratne struck with his fourth ball in Test cricket, removing Labuschagne with an excellent angled delivery for six, caught off a thick edge by Niroshan Dickwella.

Burns watched the carnage at the other end and dug in, playing only the loose balls as he bided his time and waited for the bowlers to wilt.

Head followed a similar pattern with both men accelerating the run rate once the pressure of scoring centuries was past. Head was finally undone by Fernando, who snared him lbw.

Joe Burns and Travis Head plundered Australia's first centuries of the home summer Friday in a stirring fightback as they ruthlessly exposed Sri Lanka's inexperienced attack in the second Test at Canberra.

Joe Burns and Travis Head plundered Australia's first centuries of the home summer Friday in a stirring fightback as they ruthlessly exposed Sri Lanka's inexperienced attack in the second Test at Canberra. Australian skipper Tim Paine won the toss at the Manuka Oval and put his side in on a flat track conducive to batting, a gambit that paid off after some early wobbles. At stumps, they were a commanding 384 for four with Burns not out 172 and Kurtis Patterson, who was dropped first ball, on 25. Head fell for 161 after a 308-run stand with Burns -- Australia's first stand over 200 since Steve Smith and Mitch Marsh achieved the feat in the third Test against England in December 2017. Vishwa Fernando was the best of the bowlers with 3-99. On a cool, overcast day, Burns and Head dug Australia out of a hole after they lost Marcus Harris, Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne cheaply to be in trouble at 28 for three. After weathering the storm and as the new ball lost its shine, the pair started cashing in on a Sri Lankan attack missing their top bowlers and fieldsmen who put down a host of chances. Back in the side after being overlooked for the series against Pakistan and India, opener Burns survived a dropped catch on 34, but was otherwise invincible and brought up his fourth Test ton off 147 balls with a single. His 172 surpassed his previous high score of 170 against New Zealand in 2016. Burns' knock was the first century for Australia since Khawaja's 141 against Pakistan in Dubai in October and only the second an Australian has scored since the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney almost 13 months ago. Vice-captain Head soon followed suit, reaching his maiden hundred off 155 balls in his eighth Test with a boundary, capitalising on Dilruwan Perera dropping him on 87. It puts the pair in prime position to be selected for the Ashes series later this year, with the Canberra Test -- the first-ever in the nation's capital -- Australia's last before their tour of England. Dire start Their partnership followed a dire start against a depleted attack and a team they had beaten by an innings and 40 runs in the first Test at Brisbane. Pace duo Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera picked up injuries in that rout, with the inexperienced Kasun Rajitha and Fernando taking their place. And in a big blow, Suranga Lakmal, their best bowler in Brisbane, was ruled out on the morning of the Test with a stiff back, with debutant Chamika Karunaratne brought in as his replacement. The three newcomers have only five Tests of experience between them, and they initially rose to the challenge. Harris fell for 11 in the fourth over with a poorly executed square drive off Fernando caught at point by Karunarante. The out-of-form Khawaja soon followed, lasting just three balls before offering a lazy jab at an out-swinger from Fernando. He was caught at slip by Kusal Mendis for nought, leaving Australia on 15 for two. The gloom continued when Karunaratne struck with his fourth ball in Test cricket, removing Labuschagne with an excellent angled delivery for six, caught off a thick edge by Niroshan Dickwella. Burns watched the carnage at the other end and dug in, playing only the loose balls as he bided his time and waited for the bowlers to wilt. Head followed a similar pattern with both men accelerating the run rate once the pressure of scoring centuries was past. Head was finally undone by Fernando, who snared him lbw.

AUSvsSL, 2nd Test: Joe Burns, Travis Head put Australia in control against Sri Lanka

A Thai public prosecutor on Friday submitted to a criminal court Bahrain's extradition request for jailed footballer Hakeem Al Araibi, who fled his country amid political upheaval and has refugee status in Australia.

Araibi will have to appear at Thailand's Criminal Court in Bangkok on Monday morning. His Thai lawyer Nadthasiri Bergman said Araibi will submit evidence to the court to fight his extradition.

The case has drawn appeals from Australia's prime minister as well as soccer's world governing body FIFA for Thailand to release Araibi and send him back to Australia on the grounds he could face torture in Bahrain.

Araibi, who fled Bahrain in 2014 and was later granted permanent residence in Australia, was arrested while on honeymoon in Bangkok in November on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request.

Interpol later rescinded the notice, but Thailand has continued to detain Araibi and Bahrain is pressing for his extradition.

Human Rights groups say Bahraini authorities tortured Araibi because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. The Bahrain government denied the allegation.

Thailand received the extradition request for Araibi from Bahrain on Tuesday.

The Attorney General's office has now determined that the request is in line with Thailand's extradition law, said Chatchom Akapin, director of the office's international affairs department.

"This case is not political but a criminal one," Chatchom told Reuters.

"Bahrain has evidence of Hakeem's criminal wrongdoing and if he doesn't want to return to that country then he must contest that in the court and it will take months," he said.

Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station in Bahrain and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia.

He denies any wrongdoing, saying he was playing in a televised football match at the time of the alleged vandalism.

Araibi's wife on Wednesday pleaded with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha not to send her husband back to Bahrain, saying he faced imprisonment, torture and possible death.

Prosecutor Chatchom downplayed any danger to Araibi.

"There is also no evidence that he would be tortured if he returns, so he could go back and fight his case in their court," Chatchom said.

A Thai public prosecutor on Friday submitted to a criminal court Bahrain's extradition request for jailed footballer Hakeem Al Araibi, who fled his country amid political upheaval and has refugee status in Australia.

A Thai public prosecutor on Friday submitted to a criminal court Bahrain's extradition request for jailed footballer Hakeem Al Araibi, who fled his country amid political upheaval and has refugee status in Australia. Araibi will have to appear at Thailand's Criminal Court in Bangkok on Monday morning. His Thai lawyer Nadthasiri Bergman said Araibi will submit evidence to the court to fight his extradition. The case has drawn appeals from Australia's prime minister as well as soccer's world governing body FIFA for Thailand to release Araibi and send him back to Australia on the grounds he could face torture in Bahrain. Araibi, who fled Bahrain in 2014 and was later granted permanent residence in Australia, was arrested while on honeymoon in Bangkok in November on an Interpol notice issued at Bahrain's request. Interpol later rescinded the notice, but Thailand has continued to detain Araibi and Bahrain is pressing for his extradition. Human Rights groups say Bahraini authorities tortured Araibi because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. The Bahrain government denied the allegation. Thailand received the extradition request for Araibi from Bahrain on Tuesday. The Attorney General's office has now determined that the request is in line with Thailand's extradition law, said Chatchom Akapin, director of the office's international affairs department. "This case is not political but a criminal one," Chatchom told Reuters. "Bahrain has evidence of Hakeem's criminal wrongdoing and if he doesn't want to return to that country then he must contest that in the court and it will take months," he said. Araibi was convicted of vandalising a police station in Bahrain and was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia. He denies any wrongdoing, saying he was playing in a televised football match at the time of the alleged vandalism. Araibi's wife on Wednesday pleaded with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha not to send her husband back to Bahrain, saying he faced imprisonment, torture and possible death. Prosecutor Chatchom downplayed any danger to Araibi. "There is also no evidence that he would be tortured if he returns, so he could go back and fight his case in their court," Chatchom said.

Thai court to hear Bahraini extradition request for footballer

Australia failed to make basic checks before stripping a suspected <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/australia-asks-turkey-to-extradite-top-is-terror-suspect-9349?amp">Islamic State fighter</a> of his citizenship, a senior official said Wednesday, an admission likely to call into question the legality of the move.

The country last month striped Neil Prakash of citizenship after claiming he was Fijian — prompting strenuous denials from the authorities in Suva and an embarrassing diplomatic rift.

Prakash is accused of being a member of the IS jihadist group and identified as the 12th Australian dual-national to lose their passport over terrorism links.

He is currently in Turkey facing charges of joining the organisation.

A parliamentary intelligence committee on Wednesday grilled Home Affairs officials on the issue, asking whether they verified his status with Fiji or consulted experts in Fijian law before revoking Prakash's citizenship.

"No, we did not" admitted senior department official Linda Geddes.

If Prakash is neither Fijian nor Australian he would now be stateless in contravention of decades-old UN accords and Australian law.

A Special Counsel advising the government told the parliamentary committee he offered "strong advice" on the case, but would not go into detail.

The move against Prakash was touted at the time by hardline Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton as the ruling Liberal Party eyed its base supporters and May elections.

But it created an awkward backdrop for a recent landmark Pacific visit by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Australia failed to make basic checks before stripping a suspected Islamic State fighter of his citizenship, a senior official said Wednesday, an admission likely to call into question the legality of the move.

Australia failed to make basic checks before stripping a suspected Islamic State fighter of his citizenship, a senior official said Wednesday, an admission likely to call into question the legality of the move. The country last month striped Neil Prakash of citizenship after claiming he was Fijian — prompting strenuous denials from the authorities in Suva and an embarrassing diplomatic rift. Prakash is accused of being a member of the IS jihadist group and identified as the 12th Australian dual-national to lose their passport over terrorism links. He is currently in Turkey facing charges of joining the organisation. A parliamentary intelligence committee on Wednesday grilled Home Affairs officials on the issue, asking whether they verified his status with Fiji or consulted experts in Fijian law before revoking Prakash's citizenship. "No, we did not" admitted senior department official Linda Geddes. If Prakash is neither Fijian nor Australian he would now be stateless in contravention of decades-old UN accords and Australian law. A Special Counsel advising the government told the parliamentary committee he offered "strong advice" on the case, but would not go into detail. The move against Prakash was touted at the time by hardline Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton as the ruling Liberal Party eyed its base supporters and May elections. But it created an awkward backdrop for a recent landmark Pacific visit by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Australia admits misstep over Islamic State suspect

Hosts Australia will take on Pakistan's men and India's women for the opening fixtures of the Twenty20 World Cups in 2020, organisers said Tuesday as the draw for the tournaments was announced.

The T20 World Cups are being held in the same year and in the same country for the first time, with the men's and women's finals to be played at one of the world's biggest stadiums, the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Ten women's teams will play in 23 matches from February 21 to March 8, with reigning champions Australia to clash with India in the opening game in Sydney.

The men's competition, from October 18 to November 15, will feature several qualifying matches before Australia kicks off the Super 12 group stages on October 24 against top-ranked Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Australia, Pakistan, the West Indies, New Zealand and two qualifiers make up one side of the draw, with defending champions the Windies starting their title defence against the Black Caps on October 25.

India, England, South Africa and Afghanistan and two qualifiers make up the other side of the draw.

For the women's fixtures,&nbsp;four-time winners Australia are in Group A with New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka and one qualifier, while West Indies and 2009 champions England join South Africa, Pakistan and a second qualifying team.

The women's final will be played&nbsp;on March 8 to coincide with International Women's Day, and the men's final will be held on November 15.

Women's group stages (February 21 - March 3)

Group A: Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Qualifier 1

Group B: England, West Indies, South Africa, Pakistan, Qualifier 2

Semi-finals: March 5

Final: March 8

Men's qualifiers: October 18 - 23

Group stages (October 24 - November 8)

Group 1: Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, two qualifiers

Group 2: India, England, South Africa, Afghanistan, two qualifiers

Semi-finals: November 11 and 12

Final: November 15

Hosts Australia will take on Pakistan's men and India's women for the opening fixtures of the Twenty20 World Cups in 2020, organisers said Tuesday as the draw for the tournaments was announced.

Hosts Australia will take on Pakistan's men and India's women for the opening fixtures of the Twenty20 World Cups in 2020, organisers said Tuesday as the draw for the tournaments was announced. The T20 World Cups are being held in the same year and in the same country for the first time, with the men's and women's finals to be played at one of the world's biggest stadiums, the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Ten women's teams will play in 23 matches from February 21 to March 8, with reigning champions Australia to clash with India in the opening game in Sydney. The men's competition, from October 18 to November 15, will feature several qualifying matches before Australia kicks off the Super 12 group stages on October 24 against top-ranked Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia, Pakistan, the West Indies, New Zealand and two qualifiers make up one side of the draw, with defending champions the Windies starting their title defence against the Black Caps on October 25. India, England, South Africa and Afghanistan and two qualifiers make up the other side of the draw. For the women's fixtures, four-time winners Australia are in Group A with New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka and one qualifier, while West Indies and 2009 champions England join South Africa, Pakistan and a second qualifying team. The women's final will be played on March 8 to coincide with International Women's Day, and the men's final will be held on November 15. Women's group stages (February 21 - March 3) Group A: Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Qualifier 1 Group B: England, West Indies, South Africa, Pakistan, Qualifier 2 Semi-finals: March 5 Final: March 8 Men's qualifiers: October 18 - 23 Group stages (October 24 - November 8) Group 1: Pakistan, Australia, West Indies, New Zealand, two qualifiers Group 2: India, England, South Africa, Afghanistan, two qualifiers Semi-finals: November 11 and 12 Final: November 15

T20 World Cup: Pakistan, India to kick off tournament in Australia

WION Your Story, 28th January, 2019

Bahrain's government has submitted documents for the extradition of Hakeem Al Araibi, a Bahraini refugee footballer held in prison in Thailand, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Araibi, who has refugee status in Australia and is a vocal critic of Bahrain's government, was convicted of vandalising a police station in 2014. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia and has denied wrongdoing.

Araibi was arrested in November in Bangkok, where he had travelled for his honeymoon, on an Interpol notice issued at the Gulf Arab state's request. Under the Thai legal system, Bahrain must submit the documents for his extradition by Feb. 8 or apply for an extension for another 30 days.

Thai authorities could not immediately be reached for comment.

Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne had urged Thai authorities to release Araibi while rights groups have said he was persecuted for political reasons.

Bahraini Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah al-Khalifa said in a statement to Reuters that proceedings to extradite him to Bahrain are ongoing and criticised what he described as "external interference" in Manama's internal affairs.

"Those who speak now of Al Araibi having been mistreated and those who question the integrity of Bahrain’s courts ignore the fact that Al Araibi was released on bail of 100 dinars by the courts," the statement added.

Bahraini authorities have said Araibi can return to appeal against the sentence, noting that others arrested with Araibi who have done so have been acquitted.

The minister said Araibi, who was allowed to travel with the national soccer team while on bail, had fled to Iran from Qatar "never to return".

Araibi was granted asylum in Australia, where he now plays, in 2017 after fleeing Bahrain three years earlier.

He was a critic of Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain’s ruling family and cousin of the king, when he contested the FIFA presidential election in 2015. Sheikh Salman is president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The AFC said last week that the president had been recused from all matters relating to West Asia and AFC Vice President Praful Patel was working with global governing body FIFA “to find a solution” to the matter of Araibi's detention.

Human Rights Watch said Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.

Bahrain's government has submitted documents for the extradition of Hakeem Al Araibi, a Bahraini refugee footballer held in prison in Thailand, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Bahrain's government has submitted documents for the extradition of Hakeem Al Araibi, a Bahraini refugee footballer held in prison in Thailand, a source familiar with the matter said on Monday. Araibi, who has refugee status in Australia and is a vocal critic of Bahrain's government, was convicted of vandalising a police station in 2014. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison in absentia and has denied wrongdoing. Araibi was arrested in November in Bangkok, where he had travelled for his honeymoon, on an Interpol notice issued at the Gulf Arab state's request. Under the Thai legal system, Bahrain must submit the documents for his extradition by Feb. 8 or apply for an extension for another 30 days. Thai authorities could not immediately be reached for comment. Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne had urged Thai authorities to release Araibi while rights groups have said he was persecuted for political reasons. Bahraini Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah al-Khalifa said in a statement to Reuters that proceedings to extradite him to Bahrain are ongoing and criticised what he described as "external interference" in Manama's internal affairs. "Those who speak now of Al Araibi having been mistreated and those who question the integrity of Bahrain’s courts ignore the fact that Al Araibi was released on bail of 100 dinars by the courts," the statement added. Bahraini authorities have said Araibi can return to appeal against the sentence, noting that others arrested with Araibi who have done so have been acquitted. The minister said Araibi, who was allowed to travel with the national soccer team while on bail, had fled to Iran from Qatar "never to return". Araibi was granted asylum in Australia, where he now plays, in 2017 after fleeing Bahrain three years earlier. He was a critic of Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim al-Khalifa, a member of Bahrain’s ruling family and cousin of the king, when he contested the FIFA presidential election in 2015. Sheikh Salman is president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The AFC said last week that the president had been recused from all matters relating to West Asia and AFC Vice President Praful Patel was working with global governing body FIFA “to find a solution” to the matter of Araibi's detention. Human Rights Watch said Araibi was tortured by Bahraini authorities because of his brother's political activities during the Arab Spring uprising in 2011. Bahraini authorities deny allegations of torture.

Bahrain closer to extradition of footballer held in Thailand

Hundreds of thousands of fish died in outback Australia, with the government blaming the mass death on a toxic algae bloom due to changing weather conditions.

It is the second incident of mass fish death along the Darling River at Menindee — around 1000 kilometres west of Sydney — since December, when 10,000 fish died.

The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries said that a sudden cooling of the temperature over the weekend killed pre-existing algae blooms in the area, resulting in the decomposing algae draining oxygen from the river and killing the fish.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that native species including bony bream, perch and Murray cod were among those found floating on the surface and washed ashore on the river banks at Menindee. 
&nbsp;

Hundreds of thousands of fish died in outback Australia, with the government blaming the mass death on a toxic algae bloom due to changing weather conditions. It is the second incident of mass fish death along the Darling River at Menindee — around 1000 kilometres west of Sydney — since December, when 10,000 fish died.

Hundreds of thousands of fish died in outback Australia, with the government blaming the mass death on a toxic algae bloom due to changing weather conditions. It is the second incident of mass fish death along the Darling River at Menindee — around 1000 kilometres west of Sydney — since December, when 10,000 fish died. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries said that a sudden cooling of the temperature over the weekend killed pre-existing algae blooms in the area, resulting in the decomposing algae draining oxygen from the river and killing the fish. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that native species including bony bream, perch and Murray cod were among those found floating on the surface and washed ashore on the river banks at Menindee.

Mass fish death in Australia: Government blames weather change

Communities were cut off, farmers stranded and cows washed offshore as heavy rain pelted northeast Australia Sunday, with one major river breaking 118-year-old floodwater records.&nbsp;

The Bureau of Meteorology said Queensland’s Daintree River rose to 12.60 meters — a level not seen in over a century — and local authorities warned that some residents in remote areas could be cut off for days.&nbsp;

The heritage listed Daintree Rainforest received more than 300 millimetres of rain in just 24 hours and Northern Queensland is bracing for monsoonal conditions for the rest of the week. &nbsp;

Residents in this tropical region of Australia are used to a heavy wet season, but the recent deluge has cut off a ferry line that is the only means of accessing some areas.&nbsp;

Port Douglas Shire Council Mayor, Julia Leu, told AFP those who are still in their homes could be cut off for two days, with no power or phone service.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the conditions have caused havoc for farmers and livestock.&nbsp;

One family of four were stranded on the farm they manage, with live power lines falling into floodwaters. &nbsp;

Local paper Newsport Daily reported the caretakers of the "Tranquility" farm were stuck with their two children for 16 hours until the State Emergency Services helicopter could rescue them. &nbsp;

Residents rushed to a downstream beach to help a handful of livestock washed away by floodwaters. &nbsp;

A number of cows could be seen out at sea or struggling to find their feet on the soft sand of the coastline. &nbsp;

While much of the country has been experiencing a brutal heat wave with record temperatures, the Bureau of Meteorology said the monsoonal conditions will not be easing anytime soon, with thunderstorms and rain forecast for the rest of the week.

Communities were cut off, farmers stranded and cows washed offshore as heavy rain pelted northeast Australia Sunday, with one major river breaking 118-year-old floodwater records.

Communities were cut off, farmers stranded and cows washed offshore as heavy rain pelted northeast Australia Sunday, with one major river breaking 118-year-old floodwater records. The Bureau of Meteorology said Queensland’s Daintree River rose to 12.60 meters — a level not seen in over a century — and local authorities warned that some residents in remote areas could be cut off for days. The heritage listed Daintree Rainforest received more than 300 millimetres of rain in just 24 hours and Northern Queensland is bracing for monsoonal conditions for the rest of the week. Residents in this tropical region of Australia are used to a heavy wet season, but the recent deluge has cut off a ferry line that is the only means of accessing some areas. Port Douglas Shire Council Mayor, Julia Leu, told AFP those who are still in their homes could be cut off for two days, with no power or phone service. Meanwhile, the conditions have caused havoc for farmers and livestock. One family of four were stranded on the farm they manage, with live power lines falling into floodwaters. Local paper Newsport Daily reported the caretakers of the "Tranquility" farm were stuck with their two children for 16 hours until the State Emergency Services helicopter could rescue them. Residents rushed to a downstream beach to help a handful of livestock washed away by floodwaters. A number of cows could be seen out at sea or struggling to find their feet on the soft sand of the coastline. While much of the country has been experiencing a brutal heat wave with record temperatures, the Bureau of Meteorology said the monsoonal conditions will not be easing anytime soon, with thunderstorms and rain forecast for the rest of the week.

Daily life disrupted as record-breaking floods hit northeast Australia

Thousands of Australians attended "Invasion Day" rallies across the country on Saturday calling for a rethink of national day celebrations they say are disrespectful to indigenous people.

The annual January 26 Australia Day holiday commemorates the arrival of the first British settlers in 1788, but for many Australians it marks the beginning of colonial oppression of Aboriginal people.

Several thousand joined the annual march in Melbourne Saturday chanting "Always was, always will be Aboriginal land", and holding placards stating "Australia is a crime scene".

Thousands more joined similar demonstrations in major cities around the country, calling for a change of date, or for the day to be abolished altogether.

"Why would you want to celebrate this concept called Australia? It is founded on lies, founded on genocide, founded on murder," Melbourne protestor Dominic Guerrera told AFP. "There's nothing to celebrate in that."

Divisions have deepened in recent years with increasing calls to change the date.

Amid the heightened sensitivities this week Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced government funding of a voyage to mark the 250th anniversary of explorer Captain James Cook's first journey to Australia.

Canberra pledged about $6.5 million to a circumnavigation of Australia in a replica of Cook's ship, the Endeavour, which in 1770 brought the British into contact with eastern Australia and foreshadowed the colonisation of the continent.

The story of Cook's voyage and his "discovery" of territory declared New South Wales on the east coast has stirred debate in Australia, with Aboriginal people inhabiting the land for more than 60,000 years before the first European explorers arrived.

Meanwhile, the uncovering this week in London of the remains of British explorer Matthew Flinders, who is credited as the first to circumnavigate the Australian continent in 1802-1803, has also added to the controversy.

An aboriginal aide to Flinders named Bungaree has been largely eclipsed by his British captain, but historians now believe he played a crucial role in success of the voyage.

Morrison, who has resisted calls to change the date, said Saturday Australia cannot "walk away" from its past. &nbsp;

"Australia is the story of being overcome, to be able to see the better nature of Australians and the values we hold together, all races, all peoples, all cultures, all religions, all languages even," he told reporters.

Aboriginal people remain the most disadvantaged Australians, with higher rates of poverty, ill-health and imprisonment than any other community.

Australia Day is also celebrated across the county, with picnics, traditional Aboriginal performances and citizenship ceremonies, where more than 16,000 new Australians pledged their commitment to the nation Saturday.

Thousands of Australians attended "Invasion Day" rallies across the country on Saturday calling for a rethink of national day celebrations they say are disrespectful to indigenous people.

Thousands of Australians attended "Invasion Day" rallies across the country on Saturday calling for a rethink of national day celebrations they say are disrespectful to indigenous people. The annual January 26 Australia Day holiday commemorates the arrival of the first British settlers in 1788, but for many Australians it marks the beginning of colonial oppression of Aboriginal people. Several thousand joined the annual march in Melbourne Saturday chanting "Always was, always will be Aboriginal land", and holding placards stating "Australia is a crime scene". Thousands more joined similar demonstrations in major cities around the country, calling for a change of date, or for the day to be abolished altogether. "Why would you want to celebrate this concept called Australia? It is founded on lies, founded on genocide, founded on murder," Melbourne protestor Dominic Guerrera told AFP. "There's nothing to celebrate in that." Divisions have deepened in recent years with increasing calls to change the date. Amid the heightened sensitivities this week Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced government funding of a voyage to mark the 250th anniversary of explorer Captain James Cook's first journey to Australia. Canberra pledged about $6.5 million to a circumnavigation of Australia in a replica of Cook's ship, the Endeavour, which in 1770 brought the British into contact with eastern Australia and foreshadowed the colonisation of the continent. The story of Cook's voyage and his "discovery" of territory declared New South Wales on the east coast has stirred debate in Australia, with Aboriginal people inhabiting the land for more than 60,000 years before the first European explorers arrived. Meanwhile, the uncovering this week in London of the remains of British explorer Matthew Flinders, who is credited as the first to circumnavigate the Australian continent in 1802-1803, has also added to the controversy. An aboriginal aide to Flinders named Bungaree has been largely eclipsed by his British captain, but historians now believe he played a crucial role in success of the voyage. Morrison, who has resisted calls to change the date, said Saturday Australia cannot "walk away" from its past. "Australia is the story of being overcome, to be able to see the better nature of Australians and the values we hold together, all races, all peoples, all cultures, all religions, all languages even," he told reporters. Aboriginal people remain the most disadvantaged Australians, with higher rates of poverty, ill-health and imprisonment than any other community. Australia Day is also celebrated across the county, with picnics, traditional Aboriginal performances and citizenship ceremonies, where more than 16,000 new Australians pledged their commitment to the nation Saturday.

'Invasion Day' protests draw thousands on Australia's national day

Blistering heat triggered power outages on <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-races-to-australian-open-final-beats-stefanos-tsitsipas-192506&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwi91I35qYjgAhXZfysKHbEoAhIQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ci5cEsWT5Ds4ge60PwLfr">Australia</a>'s strained grid on Friday as demand for air-conditioning soared and coal-fired generators struggled to meet the surge in consumption.

To shore up the grid, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) cut power to Alcoa Corp's Portland aluminium smelter, the biggest consumer in the state of Victoria, for nearly two hours on Thursday evening and on Friday.

The record-breaking heatwave over the past week sent power prices soaring across southeastern Australia.

Wholesale power prices in Victoria hit the market cap of A$14,500 ($10,298) per megawatt hour (MWh) before midday on Friday, earlier than expected, then dropped to A$300, National Electricity Market data showed.

Supply was tight, with a total of 1,800 megawatts (MW) of generation offline in the country's east, AEMO Chief Executive Audrey Zibelman said on Australian Broadcasting Corp TV. AGL Energy's Loy Yang power plant and EnergyAustralia's Yallourn, both in Victoria, were among those with units down.

Transmission links from the states of Tasmania, New South Wales and South Australia were transferring power to Victoria at full capacity, Zibelman said.

"With all of that, however, we found ourselves short...for up to the next two hours," she said. "We may have to do more over the course of the afternoon, as the demand continues to increase."

The AEMO has ordered cuts of 200 MW, which would affect about 60,000 Victorian customers.

Temperatures in the South Australian capital of Adelaide rose to just shy of 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) on Thursday, a record high. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was set to hit 44C on Friday before a drop of about 15 degrees expected mid-afternoon.

Victoria Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said it was clear Australia's summers were getting longer, hotter and more extreme because of climate change.

"We can see that the problem we've got now is that we've got a 20th-century system for a 21st-century climate," she told reporters at a televised briefing.

Australia is a signatory to the Paris climate accord reached in 2015, under which it has committed to cutting carbon emissions by between 26 per cent to 28 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030.

As insurance ahead of this summer, the AEMO lined up 930 MW of reserve power, including an agreement to pay Alcoa's Portland smelter to curb power when supplies are tight. Last summer, the reserve program cost the market operator A$52 million.

However, the power cut to Alcoa on Thursday came without notice because of unexpectedly high temperatures, causing demand to spike, the AEMO said.

"Alcoa will not be compensated for the curtailment," Alcoa spokeswoman Jodie Read said.

But Friday's cut to Alcoa will be under the reserve agreement.

In South Australia, where power capacity has been beefed up with diesel generators and gas-fired plants over the past two years following a state-wide blackout, 30,000 homes lost power on Thursday after transformers on local power lines overheated and switched off.

"After days of heat, we were in some uncharted territory yesterday with record heat and record load sustained well into the night," said Paul Roberts, a spokesman for SA Power Networks, the South Australian local distribution network operator.

Blistering heat triggered power outages on Australia's strained grid on Friday as demand for air-conditioning soared and coal-fired generators struggled to meet the surge in consumption.

Blistering heat triggered power outages on Australia's strained grid on Friday as demand for air-conditioning soared and coal-fired generators struggled to meet the surge in consumption. To shore up the grid, the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) cut power to Alcoa Corp's Portland aluminium smelter, the biggest consumer in the state of Victoria, for nearly two hours on Thursday evening and on Friday. The record-breaking heatwave over the past week sent power prices soaring across southeastern Australia. Wholesale power prices in Victoria hit the market cap of A$14,500 ($10,298) per megawatt hour (MWh) before midday on Friday, earlier than expected, then dropped to A$300, National Electricity Market data showed. Supply was tight, with a total of 1,800 megawatts (MW) of generation offline in the country's east, AEMO Chief Executive Audrey Zibelman said on Australian Broadcasting Corp TV. AGL Energy's Loy Yang power plant and EnergyAustralia's Yallourn, both in Victoria, were among those with units down. Transmission links from the states of Tasmania, New South Wales and South Australia were transferring power to Victoria at full capacity, Zibelman said. "With all of that, however, we found ourselves short...for up to the next two hours," she said. "We may have to do more over the course of the afternoon, as the demand continues to increase." The AEMO has ordered cuts of 200 MW, which would affect about 60,000 Victorian customers. Temperatures in the South Australian capital of Adelaide rose to just shy of 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) on Thursday, a record high. Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, was set to hit 44C on Friday before a drop of about 15 degrees expected mid-afternoon. Victoria Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio said it was clear Australia's summers were getting longer, hotter and more extreme because of climate change. "We can see that the problem we've got now is that we've got a 20th-century system for a 21st-century climate," she told reporters at a televised briefing. Australia is a signatory to the Paris climate accord reached in 2015, under which it has committed to cutting carbon emissions by between 26 per cent to 28 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030. As insurance ahead of this summer, the AEMO lined up 930 MW of reserve power, including an agreement to pay Alcoa's Portland smelter to curb power when supplies are tight. Last summer, the reserve program cost the market operator A$52 million. However, the power cut to Alcoa on Thursday came without notice because of unexpectedly high temperatures, causing demand to spike, the AEMO said. "Alcoa will not be compensated for the curtailment," Alcoa spokeswoman Jodie Read said. But Friday's cut to Alcoa will be under the reserve agreement. In South Australia, where power capacity has been beefed up with diesel generators and gas-fired plants over the past two years following a state-wide blackout, 30,000 homes lost power on Thursday after transformers on local power lines overheated and switched off. "After days of heat, we were in some uncharted territory yesterday with record heat and record load sustained well into the night," said Paul Roberts, a spokesman for SA Power Networks, the South Australian local distribution network operator.

Record-breaking heatwave triggers power cuts on Australia's stressed grid

Australia on Thursday demanded China handle the case of detained author Yang Hengjun "transparently and fairly," amid a growing row about the fate of the Chinese-Australian.

Yang -- a novelist, democracy advocate and former Chinese diplomat -- was detained shortly after he made a rare return to China from the United States last week.

Chinese authorities have not publicly said why he was detained, or whether he is facing charges.

"Our embassy in Beijing will meet with Chinese authorities this morning to seek further clarification of the nature of this detention," Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement.

"We will continue to make representations to China to ensure that this matter is dealt with transparently and fairly," she added.

Once described as China's "most influential political blogger", Yang became an Australian citizen in 2000, but is currently based at New York's Columbia University.

His criticism of the Chinese government and support for democracy has in the past made him a target of Beijing's state security apparatus.

He went missing during a 2011 trip to China, but resurfaced days later, describing his disappearance as a "misunderstanding".

But his current detention comes at a moment of high tension between Western countries and an increasingly muscular Beijing, prompting fears that he may be the victim of a dragnet by Chinese security services targeting foreigners.

The recent arrest of a senior executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei at Vancouver airport has been followed by the high profile arrests of two Canadians.

"It only heightens the feeling that visiting China is unsafe and that the security services may increasingly be going after people for what they say outside of China," said respected China watcher Bill Bishop.

Relations between China and Australia have been strained by Canberra's decision to ban Chinese telecom giant Huawei from participating in its 5G wireless network over security fears and as the two countries have vied more openly for influence in the Pacific.

This latest dispute over Yang is sure to be high on an already difficult agenda when Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne visits Beijing later Thursday.

Yang had worked in the ministry of foreign affairs in Hainan province, but later left for Hong Kong in 1992, before writing a series of politically tinged spy novels. He became Australian in 2000.

Yang's friends first sounded concern when the 53-year-old failed to make a connecting flight from Guangzhou to Shanghai on January 19.&nbsp;

Australian media reported he had been travelling with family members, including his wife, who has since posted cryptic and emotional message on her Weibo page from Beijing.

In Australia there is mounting anger that China failed to quickly notify the authorities of his detention and fears that an already difficult relationship may be further damaged.

"You can't sugarcoat this, this is an Australian citizen, who has been detained in China" said Australian opposition leader Bill Shorten.

"It is very concerning, I can't pretend otherwise" he added, criticising the slow response from the Chinese authorities.

"This is not the way relations between our two countries should be conducted, at all."&nbsp;

Former Australian prime minister and expert on China Kevin Rudd turned to Twitter to insist that Yang is an Australian citizen "just like the rest of us with equal rights and protections".

Under a 2000 consular agreement between the two countries, China had to notify Australia of Yang's detention within three calendar days and allow consular visits, unless the detainee waives that right.

The issue may be further complicated by China's refusal to recognise dual nationality and allegations of Chinese "hostage diplomacy".

Writers' advocacy group PEN accused China of overt repression: "it's obvious that Yang would not have been seized if it weren't for his previous critical writings."

Australia on Thursday demanded China handle the case of detained author Yang Hengjun "transparently and fairly," amid a growing row about the fate of the Chinese-Australian.

Australia on Thursday demanded China handle the case of detained author Yang Hengjun "transparently and fairly," amid a growing row about the fate of the Chinese-Australian. Yang -- a novelist, democracy advocate and former Chinese diplomat -- was detained shortly after he made a rare return to China from the United States last week. Chinese authorities have not publicly said why he was detained, or whether he is facing charges. "Our embassy in Beijing will meet with Chinese authorities this morning to seek further clarification of the nature of this detention," Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement. "We will continue to make representations to China to ensure that this matter is dealt with transparently and fairly," she added. Once described as China's "most influential political blogger", Yang became an Australian citizen in 2000, but is currently based at New York's Columbia University. His criticism of the Chinese government and support for democracy has in the past made him a target of Beijing's state security apparatus. He went missing during a 2011 trip to China, but resurfaced days later, describing his disappearance as a "misunderstanding". But his current detention comes at a moment of high tension between Western countries and an increasingly muscular Beijing, prompting fears that he may be the victim of a dragnet by Chinese security services targeting foreigners. The recent arrest of a senior executive of Chinese telecom giant Huawei at Vancouver airport has been followed by the high profile arrests of two Canadians. "It only heightens the feeling that visiting China is unsafe and that the security services may increasingly be going after people for what they say outside of China," said respected China watcher Bill Bishop. Relations between China and Australia have been strained by Canberra's decision to ban Chinese telecom giant Huawei from participating in its 5G wireless network over security fears and as the two countries have vied more openly for influence in the Pacific. This latest dispute over Yang is sure to be high on an already difficult agenda when Australian Defence Minister Christopher Pyne visits Beijing later Thursday. Yang had worked in the ministry of foreign affairs in Hainan province, but later left for Hong Kong in 1992, before writing a series of politically tinged spy novels. He became Australian in 2000. Yang's friends first sounded concern when the 53-year-old failed to make a connecting flight from Guangzhou to Shanghai on January 19. Australian media reported he had been travelling with family members, including his wife, who has since posted cryptic and emotional message on her Weibo page from Beijing. In Australia there is mounting anger that China failed to quickly notify the authorities of his detention and fears that an already difficult relationship may be further damaged. "You can't sugarcoat this, this is an Australian citizen, who has been detained in China" said Australian opposition leader Bill Shorten. "It is very concerning, I can't pretend otherwise" he added, criticising the slow response from the Chinese authorities. "This is not the way relations between our two countries should be conducted, at all." Former Australian prime minister and expert on China Kevin Rudd turned to Twitter to insist that Yang is an Australian citizen "just like the rest of us with equal rights and protections". Under a 2000 consular agreement between the two countries, China had to notify Australia of Yang's detention within three calendar days and allow consular visits, unless the detainee waives that right. The issue may be further complicated by China's refusal to recognise dual nationality and allegations of Chinese "hostage diplomacy". Writers' advocacy group PEN accused China of overt repression: "it's obvious that Yang would not have been seized if it weren't for his previous critical writings."

Australia demands China treat detained national 'fairly'

Australia is investigating the whereabouts of a Chinese-Australian man, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said on Wednesday, after a newspaper report raised fears that the dissident former diplomat has been detained in China.

The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Wednesday that friends feared Yang Hengjun, an author and former Chinese diplomat who is now an Australian citizen, had been detained because he had not been reachable for several days.

His disappearance comes at a time of high tension between China and some parts of the West after two Canadians, a diplomat on unpaid leave and a consultant, were arrested in China on suspicion of endangering state security.

Those arrests were widely seen in the West as retaliation by Beijing for the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a senior Huawei Technologies executive, in Canada on December 1. She is accused of violating US&nbsp;sanctions on Iran.

Two friends contacted by Reuters said they had reported Yang as missing to DFAT. They said he had been missing since he flew from New York to Guangzhou in southern China on Friday.

One of those friends, Feng Chongyi, an academic at the University of Technology in Sydney, said Yang had been scheduled to fly on to Shanghai but never arrived.

"I believe he is in custody of the Ministry of State Security in Beijing," Feng said.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Public Security did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

A DFAT spokeswoman confirmed the department was investigating but did not identify Yang by name.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is seeking information about an Australian citizen who has been reported missing in China," the spokeswoman said.

A source familiar with the investigation said Australia made contact with Chinese officials overnight to ask about Yang's whereabouts.

Australia joined international condemnation of the arrest of the two Canadians but Yang has long been in the sights of Chinese authorities. He has criticised what he described as Chinese interference in Australia.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has presided over a sweeping crackdown on dissent since coming to power in 2012, with hundreds of rights lawyers and activists detained. Dozens have been jailed.

Australia is investigating the whereabouts of a Chinese-Australian man, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said on Wednesday, after a newspaper report raised fears that the dissident former diplomat has been detained in China.

Australia is investigating the whereabouts of a Chinese-Australian man, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said on Wednesday, after a newspaper report raised fears that the dissident former diplomat has been detained in China. The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported on Wednesday that friends feared Yang Hengjun, an author and former Chinese diplomat who is now an Australian citizen, had been detained because he had not been reachable for several days. His disappearance comes at a time of high tension between China and some parts of the West after two Canadians, a diplomat on unpaid leave and a consultant, were arrested in China on suspicion of endangering state security. Those arrests were widely seen in the West as retaliation by Beijing for the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a senior Huawei Technologies executive, in Canada on December 1. She is accused of violating US sanctions on Iran. Two friends contacted by Reuters said they had reported Yang as missing to DFAT. They said he had been missing since he flew from New York to Guangzhou in southern China on Friday. One of those friends, Feng Chongyi, an academic at the University of Technology in Sydney, said Yang had been scheduled to fly on to Shanghai but never arrived. "I believe he is in custody of the Ministry of State Security in Beijing," Feng said. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Public Security did not respond immediately to requests for comment. A DFAT spokeswoman confirmed the department was investigating but did not identify Yang by name. "The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is seeking information about an Australian citizen who has been reported missing in China," the spokeswoman said. A source familiar with the investigation said Australia made contact with Chinese officials overnight to ask about Yang's whereabouts. Australia joined international condemnation of the arrest of the two Canadians but Yang has long been in the sights of Chinese authorities. He has criticised what he described as Chinese interference in Australia. Chinese President Xi Jinping has presided over a sweeping crackdown on dissent since coming to power in 2012, with hundreds of rights lawyers and activists detained. Dozens have been jailed.

Australia investigates reports Chinese-Australian writer detained in China

Your privacy on Facebook and Twitter may be at risk even if you have never been on social media or have deleted your account, a study suggests.

Individual choice has long been considered a bedrock principle of online privacy, said scientists from the University of Vermont in the US and the University of Adelaide in Australia.

However, the study shows that if a person leaves a social media platform -- or never joined -- the online posts and words of their friends still provide about 95 per cent of the "potential predictive accuracy," even without any of that person's data.

Published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, the study gathered more than thirty million public posts on Twitter from 13,905 users.

With this data, the researchers showed that information within the Twitter messages from eight or nine of a person's contacts make it possible to predict that person's later tweets as accurately as if they were looking directly at that person's own Twitter feed.

"Looked at from the other direction, when you sign up for Facebook or another social media platform, you think you're giving up your information, but you're giving up your friends' information too!" said James Bagrow from the University of Vermont.

The research raises profound questions about the fundamental nature of privacy -- and how, in a highly networked society, a person's choices and identity are embedded in that network.

The study shows that, at least in theory, a company, government or other actor can accurately profile a person -- think political party, favourite products, religious commitments -- from their friends, even if they have never been on social media or delete their account.

"There's no place to hide in a social network," said Lewis Mitchell, formerly a researcher at the University of Vermont and now a senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide in Australia.

How information moves on social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, has become a powerful factor in protest movements, national elections, and the rise and fall of commercial brands, researchers said.

People on these platforms reveal massive amounts of information about&nbsp; 
themselves -- and their friends, they said.

However, scientists have not known if there is a fundamental limit to how much predictability is contained within this tidal wave of data.

The scientists used their analysis of Twitter writings to show that there is a mathematical upper limit on how much predictive information a social network can hold.

However, it makes little difference if the person being profiled, or whose behaviour is being predicted, is on or off that network when their friends are on the network, researchers said.&nbsp;

Your privacy on Facebook and Twitter may be at risk even if you have never been on social media or have deleted your account, a study suggests. Individual choice has long been considered a bedrock principle of online privacy, said scientists from the University of Vermont in the US and the University of Adelaide in Australia.

Your privacy on Facebook and Twitter may be at risk even if you have never been on social media or have deleted your account, a study suggests. Individual choice has long been considered a bedrock principle of online privacy, said scientists from the University of Vermont in the US and the University of Adelaide in Australia. However, the study shows that if a person leaves a social media platform -- or never joined -- the online posts and words of their friends still provide about 95 per cent of the "potential predictive accuracy," even without any of that person's data. Published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, the study gathered more than thirty million public posts on Twitter from 13,905 users. With this data, the researchers showed that information within the Twitter messages from eight or nine of a person's contacts make it possible to predict that person's later tweets as accurately as if they were looking directly at that person's own Twitter feed. "Looked at from the other direction, when you sign up for Facebook or another social media platform, you think you're giving up your information, but you're giving up your friends' information too!" said James Bagrow from the University of Vermont. The research raises profound questions about the fundamental nature of privacy -- and how, in a highly networked society, a person's choices and identity are embedded in that network. The study shows that, at least in theory, a company, government or other actor can accurately profile a person -- think political party, favourite products, religious commitments -- from their friends, even if they have never been on social media or delete their account. "There's no place to hide in a social network," said Lewis Mitchell, formerly a researcher at the University of Vermont and now a senior lecturer at the University of Adelaide in Australia. How information moves on social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, has become a powerful factor in protest movements, national elections, and the rise and fall of commercial brands, researchers said. People on these platforms reveal massive amounts of information about themselves -- and their friends, they said. However, scientists have not known if there is a fundamental limit to how much predictability is contained within this tidal wave of data. The scientists used their analysis of Twitter writings to show that there is a mathematical upper limit on how much predictive information a social network can hold. However, it makes little difference if the person being profiled, or whose behaviour is being predicted, is on or off that network when their friends are on the network, researchers said.

Never been on social media? Your privacy may still be at risk, says study

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