<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Sydney, Australia on Monday after completing a historic visit to Papua New Guinea where he co-hosted the third FIPIC summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, former Australian senator and CEO of India Australia Institute Lisa Singh reflected on the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being asked about the India, Australia relations, Singh said that PM Modi's visit despite the cancellation of the Quad Summit for an important bilateral with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shows that the relationship between the two countries will grow stronger in the coming years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>On India - Australia relations&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Talking about India-Australia relations, she said, "This visit was supposed to be Quad Summit, but that being cancelled, PM Modi made an effort to come here for a very important bilateral with PM. This is quite a significant meeting for India and Australia. It shows our strong relationship and it is a new chapter for both countries be it in trade, geopolitics, and our diverse Diaspora."</p>

<p><strong>Meeting the Indian Diaspora</strong></p>

<p>When asked about PM Modi's meeting with the Indian Diaspora, the former Australian Senator said, "This is where people really carry two hearts. Their homes are in India and Australia. Our Diaspora is one&nbsp;million and growing, and cultural diplomacy&nbsp;brewing people-to-people links is significant. It is important to note that he is holding a Diaspora event. It shows the strength of India - Australia relationships, beyond hard power, military, and politics and based on cultural diversity and people-to-people link. India and Australia are nations that believe in multilateralism. Beyond hard power and politics, links are based on cultural diversity".</p>

<p><strong>Economic partnership</strong></p>

<p>On being quizzed about the economic partnership between the two countries, she said, "The signing of the ECTA agreement was significant. Both nations need diversification. The supply chains are not dependent on China. We have common interests, vibrant democracies and shared values. We need to look for new markets after issues with China. We have India - geopolitical convergence now with India having issues with China, we have a stronger foundation and reasons to look for trade with each other."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China's assertiveness is outside of international law and order. India and Australia are countries that follow law and order and believe in multilateralism, but for now, the countries playing by rule for the Indo - Pacific region are India and Australia to make sure peace in the Indo-Pacific region," she added.</p>

<p><strong>The role played by Quad</strong></p>

<p>"Quad is an informal grouping, but it plays a hard role, be it climate change, public goods, etc.&nbsp;That the Quad leaders' meeting didn't happen here is a disappointment. The Quad side meeting was very significant in Hiroshima at G7 Summit. PM Modi stayed on track and continued with his visit to meet the Diaspora and bilateral with PM Albanese, PM Albanese's visit to&nbsp;India shows how strong our bond is going," she said.</p>

<p><strong>On vandalisation&nbsp;of Hindu temples</strong></p>

<p>Earlier this year, three Hindu Temples in Melbourne and two Hindu Temples in Brisbane were vandalised by Khalistan supporters.&nbsp;On this, Singh said that the authorities are probing the incidents.</p>

<p>"Anything that disrupts the Australian way of life is a law and order situation. The vandalism in Hindu temples is being investigated by our authorities. We believe in diversity, we have many cultures here and that is our strength," she said.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Sydney, Australia on Monday after completing a historic visit to Papua New Guinea where he co-hosted the third FIPIC summit.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Sydney, Australia on Monday after completing a historic visit to Papua New Guinea where he co-hosted the third FIPIC summit. In conversation with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, former Australian senator and CEO of India Australia Institute Lisa Singh reflected on the same. On being asked about the India, Australia relations, Singh said that PM Modi's visit despite the cancellation of the Quad Summit for an important bilateral with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese shows that the relationship between the two countries will grow stronger in the coming years. On India - Australia relations Talking about India-Australia relations, she said, "This visit was supposed to be Quad Summit, but that being cancelled, PM Modi made an effort to come here for a very important bilateral with PM. This is quite a significant meeting for India and Australia. It shows our strong relationship and it is a new chapter for both countries be it in trade, geopolitics, and our diverse Diaspora." Meeting the Indian Diaspora When asked about PM Modi's meeting with the Indian Diaspora, the former Australian Senator said, "This is where people really carry two hearts. Their homes are in India and Australia. Our Diaspora is one million and growing, and cultural diplomacy brewing people-to-people links is significant. It is important to note that he is holding a Diaspora event. It shows the strength of India - Australia relationships, beyond hard power, military, and politics and based on cultural diversity and people-to-people link. India and Australia are nations that believe in multilateralism. Beyond hard power and politics, links are based on cultural diversity". Economic partnership On being quizzed about the economic partnership between the two countries, she said, "The signing of the ECTA agreement was significant. Both nations need diversification. The supply chains are not dependent on China. We have common interests, vibrant democracies and shared values. We need to look for new markets after issues with China. We have India - geopolitical convergence now with India having issues with China, we have a stronger foundation and reasons to look for trade with each other." "China's assertiveness is outside of international law and order. India and Australia are countries that follow law and order and believe in multilateralism, but for now, the countries playing by rule for the Indo - Pacific region are India and Australia to make sure peace in the Indo-Pacific region," she added. The role played by Quad "Quad is an informal grouping, but it plays a hard role, be it climate change, public goods, etc. That the Quad leaders' meeting didn't happen here is a disappointment. The Quad side meeting was very significant in Hiroshima at G7 Summit. PM Modi stayed on track and continued with his visit to meet the Diaspora and bilateral with PM Albanese, PM Albanese's visit to India shows how strong our bond is going," she said. On vandalisation of Hindu temples Earlier this year, three Hindu Temples in Melbourne and two Hindu Temples in Brisbane were vandalised by Khalistan supporters. On this, Singh said that the authorities are probing the incidents. "Anything that disrupts the Australian way of life is a law and order situation. The vandalism in Hindu temples is being investigated by our authorities. We believe in diversity, we have many cultures here and that is our strength," she said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India and Australia are nations that believe in multilateralism, says former Australian senator Lisa Singh

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addresses the Indian diaspora at the Mega Event which he attended along with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Its an honour to welcome PM Modi," said Albanese. Watch now to know more.

PM Modi in Australia: Mega diaspora event attended by Australian PM Anthony Albanese

As India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese arrived at the Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney - the Indian diaspora sang the National Anthem of both the countries and PM Modi and PM Albanese sang along with them.

PM Modi in Australia: PM Modi, Australian PM Albanese sing national anthem with Indian diaspora

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold bilateral talks with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese tomorrow. Both sides will build on the annual leader summit held in New Delhi and discussions at the G7 Summit and Quad leaders meeting in Hiroshima. The leaders will likely focus on their deliberations on trade and investments, people to people links, renewable energy defense and security cooperation.

PM Modi in Sydney: Mega event attracts thousands of Modi supporters, PM Modi meets them

PM Modi in Australia: Overseas Indians flock to PM Modi's rally in Sydney

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Indian Prime Minister arrived in Sydney, Australia yesterday for his Three-Nation tour's third and final leg. This morning Narendra Modi met Australian CEOs and eminent personalities and will also address the Indian diaspora at a community event.

PM Narendra Modi on three-day trip to Australia | G20 Tourism meeting in J&K

<p>A 95-year-old dementia patient who was tasered by a police officer in New South Wales, Australia, last week remains in a “heavy sleep” and is comfortable, surrounded by her family, the Guardian reported.</p>

<p>Clare Nowland is receiving end-of-life care in Cooma district hospital and continues to remain in critical condition with head injuries sustained as she fell back after being hit by a taser.</p>

<p>On Sunday, she was surrounded by her family and well-wishers who held prayers for her wellbeing which were conducted by parish priest Mark Croker sleep.</p>

<p>“At the same time, I think she knows that family are around her and one of them said in the last couple of days she took one of the family members’ hand and just kissed them on the hand,” Croker told the Guardian.</p>

<p>“A couple of times she has squeezed the hand of one of the family’s members. She is comfortable anyway, that is the main point.”</p>

<p>Croker said that the family is aware of the realities of her condition.</p>

<p>“I think they’re realistic and that Mum’s probably instilled that into them in their faith and belief in a life beyond here,” he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Police maintain stoic silence </strong></h2>

<p>Questions are being raised about the police officer’s action. Many are calling for a broader independent investigation of police treatment of dementia sufferers after a report by the Guardian revealed that six officers handcuffed a second nursing home resident, Rachel Grahame, in 2020 after she took a staff member’s lanyard.</p>

<p>Criticism was particularly directed against New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb, who made no reference to the tasering incident in the initial statement released by police in the Nowland case.</p>

<p>The statement had only mentioned that there had been an “incident” between the nonagenarian and officers.</p>

<p>Defending the decision, Webb on Monday said, “It was necessary for us to make sure that the family were aware of what the circumstances were.”</p>

<p>“We didn’t want the family to hear on radio and TV what had happened to their mum, so we had to be a bit sensitive to that and when we were able to talk about it, we did,” she added.</p>

<p>The incident took place on Wednesday morning after police were called to the Yallambee Lodge aged care home in Cooma after Nowland was found by staff holding a steak knife.</p>

<p>After officers failed to get the 43 kg woman to drop the knife, an experienced officer with 12 years in the service used the Taser on her, causing Nowland to fall and hit her head.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A 95-year-old dementia patient who was tasered by a police officer in New South Wales, Australia, last week remains in a “heavy sleep” and is comfortable, surrounded by her family, the Guardian reported.

A 95-year-old dementia patient who was tasered by a police officer in New South Wales, Australia, last week remains in a “heavy sleep” and is comfortable, surrounded by her family, the Guardian reported. Clare Nowland is receiving end-of-life care in Cooma district hospital and continues to remain in critical condition with head injuries sustained as she fell back after being hit by a taser. On Sunday, she was surrounded by her family and well-wishers who held prayers for her wellbeing which were conducted by parish priest Mark Croker sleep. “At the same time, I think she knows that family are around her and one of them said in the last couple of days she took one of the family members’ hand and just kissed them on the hand,” Croker told the Guardian. “A couple of times she has squeezed the hand of one of the family’s members. She is comfortable anyway, that is the main point.” Croker said that the family is aware of the realities of her condition. “I think they’re realistic and that Mum’s probably instilled that into them in their faith and belief in a life beyond here,” he said. Police maintain stoic silence Questions are being raised about the police officer’s action. Many are calling for a broader independent investigation of police treatment of dementia sufferers after a report by the Guardian revealed that six officers handcuffed a second nursing home resident, Rachel Grahame, in 2020 after she took a staff member’s lanyard. Criticism was particularly directed against New South Wales police commissioner Karen Webb, who made no reference to the tasering incident in the initial statement released by police in the Nowland case. The statement had only mentioned that there had been an “incident” between the nonagenarian and officers. Defending the decision, Webb on Monday said, “It was necessary for us to make sure that the family were aware of what the circumstances were.” “We didn’t want the family to hear on radio and TV what had happened to their mum, so we had to be a bit sensitive to that and when we were able to talk about it, we did,” she added. The incident took place on Wednesday morning after police were called to the Yallambee Lodge aged care home in Cooma after Nowland was found by staff holding a steak knife. After officers failed to get the 43 kg woman to drop the knife, an experienced officer with 12 years in the service used the Taser on her, causing Nowland to fall and hit her head. (With inputs from agencies)

Clare Nowland: 95-year-old dementia patient tasered by Australian police still critical, but stable

<p>New Zealand, a country which is known for its lush green forests and wildlife, continues to be home to more sheep than people. The report by news agency AFP, citing official figures released on Monday (May 22), said sheep outnumber people by fewer than five to one, which is the lowest level in nearly two centuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the recently&nbsp;released five-yearly census of agricultural production in New Zealand, the national flock fell by two per cent, which amounts to 400,000 sheep to 25.3 million people, as of June last year. This decline in national sheep figures has been attributed to the rise in farming costs and falling wool prices.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The ratio of sheep to people dropped below five to one in 2022, for the first time since the 1850s, when national sheep numbers were first recorded,” said Stats NZ, a government body, analyst Jason Attewell, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is worth noting that this isn’t the worst ratio in the country when it comes to the number of sheep to people, as there was a time in New Zealand when the number of sheep famously sat at 22 per person back in 1982 and around that time, the sheep figures stood at 72 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Attewell also noted that there has been a recent decline in the population of sheep in the country when compared to Australia which currently has three times as many sheep as New Zealand. However, the ratio in Canberra is only around three sheep to every Aussie, said the Stats NZ analyst.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2019, China topped the list with the most sheep in the world.&nbsp;But given their human-to-sheep population ratio, it does not raise many eyebrows. However,&nbsp;New Zealand is home to only 5.2 million people when compared to China’s 1.4 billion people, so&nbsp;the difference is much more prominent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to reports, back in the 1850s, sheep was starting to become a primary component of New Zealand’s economy and soon after wool became one of the country’s most important exports. This continues even today, as Wellington is one of the world’s main wool exporters. In 2022, it exported $284 million worth of wool overseas.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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New Zealand, a country which is known for its lush green forests and wildlife, continues to be home to more sheep than people. The report by news agency AFP, citing official figures released on Monday (May 22), said sheep outnumber people by fewer than five to one, which is the lowest level in nearly two centuries.

New Zealand, a country which is known for its lush green forests and wildlife, continues to be home to more sheep than people. The report by news agency AFP, citing official figures released on Monday (May 22), said sheep outnumber people by fewer than five to one, which is the lowest level in nearly two centuries. According to the recently released five-yearly census of agricultural production in New Zealand, the national flock fell by two per cent, which amounts to 400,000 sheep to 25.3 million people, as of June last year. This decline in national sheep figures has been attributed to the rise in farming costs and falling wool prices. “The ratio of sheep to people dropped below five to one in 2022, for the first time since the 1850s, when national sheep numbers were first recorded,” said Stats NZ, a government body, analyst Jason Attewell, as quoted by AFP. It is worth noting that this isn’t the worst ratio in the country when it comes to the number of sheep to people, as there was a time in New Zealand when the number of sheep famously sat at 22 per person back in 1982 and around that time, the sheep figures stood at 72 million. Attewell also noted that there has been a recent decline in the population of sheep in the country when compared to Australia which currently has three times as many sheep as New Zealand. However, the ratio in Canberra is only around three sheep to every Aussie, said the Stats NZ analyst. In 2019, China topped the list with the most sheep in the world. But given their human-to-sheep population ratio, it does not raise many eyebrows. However, New Zealand is home to only 5.2 million people when compared to China’s 1.4 billion people, so the difference is much more prominent. According to reports, back in the 1850s, sheep was starting to become a primary component of New Zealand’s economy and soon after wool became one of the country’s most important exports. This continues even today, as Wellington is one of the world’s main wool exporters. In 2022, it exported $284 million worth of wool overseas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Did you know there are more sheep than people in New Zealand?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Sydney, Australia on Monday after completing a historic visit in Papua New Guinea where he co-hosted the third FIPIC summit. Modi will hold talks with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese and attend a community event to celebrate the Indian diaspora in the country.

Indian PM Modi lands in Australia's Sydney for talks with Anthony Albanese

"Defence is a very promising sector for both India and Australia in terms of collaboration", said N Vishwanathan, Chair, Make in India Chapter, Australia India Business Council, tells WION's Siddhant Sibbal.

'Trade with India has doubled since PM Modi's last visit', says N Vishwanathan

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidWhi57sg9iGV9" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>An Australian teen has been slapped with a $65 fine after she attempted to avoid paying airline baggage fees by wearing as many as 13 pounds of clothing. The video of the same has gone viral on social media platforms and shows the girl wearing the clothes whilst laughing hysterically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nineteen-year-old Adriana Ocampo pulled the hack during a Jetstar Airways flight from Melbourne to her hometown of Adelaide after she had gone for a girls' trip with her friend Emily Altamura. However, prior to boarding the departure flight, she knew she had exceeded the airline's 15-pound limit after seeing the staff pull out a trolley with a scale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To game the system, both teenage friends draped themselves in layers of clothing, hoping that the airport crew would not have the time to check or notice their uncanny size.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We thought the only way we can take the weight off our bags is if we put it on ourselves so we started putting on our jackets and coats,” Ocampo was quoted as saying by South West News Service.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/delta-airlines-passenger-arrested-for-opening-emergency-door-deploying-exit-slide-at-lax-airport-576082" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Delta Airlines passenger arrested for opening emergency door, deploying exit slide at LAX airport&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>“I looked like a bear. I’m small and petite but I looked like the exact opposite,” added Ocampo while her friend also started wearing the clothes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Besides the layers of jackets and jumpers, I had baggy trousers on and I was stuffing t-shirts and my iPad in them. I had about six layers on and stuff in my pockets.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/plus-sized-influencer-starts-petition-for-free-and-better-seats-on-airlines-582830" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Plus-sized influencer starts petition for free and extra seats on airlines</strong></a></p>

<p>Ocampo said by the time she was done wearing the clothes, she was totally hysterical and looked like Augustus Gloop from “Willy Wonka &amp; the Chocolate Factory.”</p>

<h2><strong>Authorities impose fine</strong></h2>

<p>The authorities saw right through their hack and fined them $65.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Everyone in line was staring at us and laughing at us, it was kind of embarrassing. People were annoyed that we were holding the plane up.”</p>

<p>To make matters worse, the airport crew forced the duo to endure the 80-minute flight wearing clothing like an attack dog trainer.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-airlines-push-for-single-pilot-flights-536185" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | WION Dispatch: Airlines push for single-pilot flights</strong></a></p>

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<p>After the video of the incident went viral, Jetstar Airways also commented on the girl's inflight fashion disaster.</p>

<p>“While we certainly see the funny side, we have limits to carry-on to make it fair for everyone. Keeping track of how much baggage passengers bring onboard means everyone has room for their belongings and we’re meeting our safety requirements,” said an airline spokesperson.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An Australian teen has been slapped with a $65 fine after she attempted to avoid paying airline baggage fees by wearing as many as 13 pounds of clothing. The video of the same has gone viral on social media platforms and shows the girl wearing the clothes whilst laughing hysterically.

An Australian teen has been slapped with a $65 fine after she attempted to avoid paying airline baggage fees by wearing as many as 13 pounds of clothing. The video of the same has gone viral on social media platforms and shows the girl wearing the clothes whilst laughing hysterically. Nineteen-year-old Adriana Ocampo pulled the hack during a Jetstar Airways flight from Melbourne to her hometown of Adelaide after she had gone for a girls' trip with her friend Emily Altamura. However, prior to boarding the departure flight, she knew she had exceeded the airline's 15-pound limit after seeing the staff pull out a trolley with a scale. To game the system, both teenage friends draped themselves in layers of clothing, hoping that the airport crew would not have the time to check or notice their uncanny size. “We thought the only way we can take the weight off our bags is if we put it on ourselves so we started putting on our jackets and coats,” Ocampo was quoted as saying by South West News Service. ALSO READ | Delta Airlines passenger arrested for opening emergency door, deploying exit slide at LAX airport “I looked like a bear. I’m small and petite but I looked like the exact opposite,” added Ocampo while her friend also started wearing the clothes. “Besides the layers of jackets and jumpers, I had baggy trousers on and I was stuffing t-shirts and my iPad in them. I had about six layers on and stuff in my pockets.” ALSO READ | Plus-sized influencer starts petition for free and extra seats on airlines Ocampo said by the time she was done wearing the clothes, she was totally hysterical and looked like Augustus Gloop from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.” Authorities impose fine The authorities saw right through their hack and fined them $65. “Everyone in line was staring at us and laughing at us, it was kind of embarrassing. People were annoyed that we were holding the plane up.” To make matters worse, the airport crew forced the duo to endure the 80-minute flight wearing clothing like an attack dog trainer. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Airlines push for single-pilot flights × After the video of the incident went viral, Jetstar Airways also commented on the girl's inflight fashion disaster. “While we certainly see the funny side, we have limits to carry-on to make it fair for everyone. Keeping track of how much baggage passengers bring onboard means everyone has room for their belongings and we’re meeting our safety requirements,” said an airline spokesperson. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australian teen wears six layers of clothes to avoid baggage fees, gets caught and fined

<p>The Quad group leaders – Australia, India, Japan and the United States – took a thinly veiled swipe at China's behaviour at their meeting in Hiroshima on Saturday, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.<br />
<br />
United States President Joe Biden and the three other leaders of the Quad group did not take China's name, however, the South Asian nation emerged as a clear target in the language of their joint statement which called for “peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain”.<br />
<br />
“We strongly oppose destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion,” the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-quad-summit-in-2024-594495">India to host Quad summit in 2024, work for global welfare, peace, prosperity: PM Modi</a></p>

<p>The group's diplomatic language further referred to the economic tactics of China which the nation allegedly uses to gain leverage over poor nations. The Quad group also attacked China's military expansion in the Pacific.<br />
<br />
“We express serious concern at the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coastguard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities,” the statement stated, as it clearly referred to the construction of bases by China on former offshore reefs and the harassment faced by non-Chinese ships in the disputed waters.</p>

<h2><strong>Quad reiterates support for improving&nbsp;infrastructure across Asia-Pacific</strong></h2>

<p>The meeting was held by Quad leaders while they had gathered in Hiroshima for the G7 Summit.<br />
<br />
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was scheduled to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden in Sydney next week.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Why was Quad called off?</strong></p>

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<p>However, the meeting was cancelled after Biden changed his schedule citing his need to return to Washington from Japan on Sunday for negotiating the US debt ceiling with Republican opponents.<br />
<br />
The group, in their statement, emphasised on the Quad’s support for improvements in infrastructure across the vast Asia-Pacific region while stating, in what appeared as another alleged dig at China, that they wished to assist such investments but would “not impose unsustainable debt burdens” on the recipients of assistance.<br />
<br />
The Quad leaders highlighted various projects and called the “urgent need to support quality undersea cable networks in the Indo-Pacific, which are key to global growth and prosperity”.<br />
<br />
The leaders announced a partnership which is aimed at drawing on the expertise of their countries in the specialist maritime cable sector.<br />
<br />
The leaders stated they were “deeply concerned” by repression in Myanmar, and further condemned “North Korea’s destabilising ballistic missile launches and pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN security council resolutions”.</p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi’s ‘not an era of war’ comment endorsed in joint statement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Quad's statement mentioned ‘not an era of war’ comment which&nbsp;was made by Indian Prime Minister Modi when he had met&nbsp;Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in September 2022.</p>

<p>The joint statement stated, “In this context, today we express our deep concern over the war raging in Ukraine and mourn its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. We recognise its serious impacts on the global economic system including on food, fuel and energy security and critical supply chains. We will continue to render humanitarian assistance to Ukraine for its recovery. Conscious that ours must not be an era of war, we remain committed to dialogue and diplomacy."</p>

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The Quad group leaders – Australia, India, Japan and the United States – took a thinly veiled swipe at China's behaviour at their meeting in Hiroshima on Saturday, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit.

The Quad group leaders – Australia, India, Japan and the United States – took a thinly veiled swipe at China's behaviour at their meeting in Hiroshima on Saturday, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit. United States President Joe Biden and the three other leaders of the Quad group did not take China's name, however, the South Asian nation emerged as a clear target in the language of their joint statement which called for “peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific maritime domain”. “We strongly oppose destabilising or unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion,” the statement added. ALSO READ | India to host Quad summit in 2024, work for global welfare, peace, prosperity: PM Modi The group's diplomatic language further referred to the economic tactics of China which the nation allegedly uses to gain leverage over poor nations. The Quad group also attacked China's military expansion in the Pacific. “We express serious concern at the militarisation of disputed features, the dangerous use of coastguard and maritime militia vessels, and efforts to disrupt other countries’ offshore resource exploitation activities,” the statement stated, as it clearly referred to the construction of bases by China on former offshore reefs and the harassment faced by non-Chinese ships in the disputed waters. Quad reiterates support for improving infrastructure across Asia-Pacific The meeting was held by Quad leaders while they had gathered in Hiroshima for the G7 Summit. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was scheduled to host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United States President Joe Biden in Sydney next week. WATCH | Why was Quad called off? However, the meeting was cancelled after Biden changed his schedule citing his need to return to Washington from Japan on Sunday for negotiating the US debt ceiling with Republican opponents. The group, in their statement, emphasised on the Quad’s support for improvements in infrastructure across the vast Asia-Pacific region while stating, in what appeared as another alleged dig at China, that they wished to assist such investments but would “not impose unsustainable debt burdens” on the recipients of assistance. The Quad leaders highlighted various projects and called the “urgent need to support quality undersea cable networks in the Indo-Pacific, which are key to global growth and prosperity”. The leaders announced a partnership which is aimed at drawing on the expertise of their countries in the specialist maritime cable sector. The leaders stated they were “deeply concerned” by repression in Myanmar, and further condemned “North Korea’s destabilising ballistic missile launches and pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN security council resolutions”. PM Modi’s ‘not an era of war’ comment endorsed in joint statement Quad's statement mentioned ‘not an era of war’ comment which was made by Indian Prime Minister Modi when he had met Russia’s President Vladimir Putin in September 2022. The joint statement stated, “In this context, today we express our deep concern over the war raging in Ukraine and mourn its terrible and tragic humanitarian consequences. We recognise its serious impacts on the global economic system including on food, fuel and energy security and critical supply chains. We will continue to render humanitarian assistance to Ukraine for its recovery. Conscious that ours must not be an era of war, we remain committed to dialogue and diplomacy." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Quad Meet: Australia, US, India and Japan take veiled swipe at China

<p>Some Orthodox and Muslim communities&nbsp;have only three years until their allotted grave space in Sydney's crown&nbsp;cemeteries is full.&nbsp;The Eastern Orthodox faith, which includes Greek Orthodox, will run out of burial space in four and a half years.</p>

<p>The catastrophic situation has compelled the consolidation of three crown cemetery administrators - Rookwood general, northern metropolitan, and southern metropolitan - into a single unit, as reported by the Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How will the issue be resolved?</strong></h2>

<p>The new metropolitan cemeteries and crematoria property manager will be entrusted with solving the major difficulties confronting the Sydney cemetery and crematoria sector, as well as ensuring respectful and affordable burial and cremation services remain accessible for all, according to the NSW government.</p>

<p>“This merger will provide certainty for the industry, staff and consumers and a clear path to better manage our cemeteries so that the city’s burial needs are met and we can identify new efficiencies,” lands and property minister Steve Kamper told the Guardian&nbsp;on Friday.</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;an independent audit, the supply of graves for the Armenian and Antiochian Orthodox religions will run out in three years, the supply of graves for Muslim funerals would run out in four and a half years, and the supply of graves for the Eastern Orthodox faith will run out in four and a half years.</p>

<p>Burial is the sole internment method used by Muslims and Orthodox faiths.</p>

<p>It follows an independent study that indicated immediate action was required to fix "considerable" shortcomings in OneCrown's governance framework.</p>

<p>The Berejiklian Liberal government established OneCrown in 2021 in an attempt to consolidate NSW's five major royal cemetery operators and avoid financial disaster.</p>

<p>However, uncertainty over the project's future prevented major investment choices and resulted in the resignation of one in every three employees.</p>

<p>“The independent report that was released last month highlighted the disaster that the previous government created through indecision and infighting. We will not make the same mistakes,” Kamper said.</p>

<h2><strong>Funds needed to build new graves&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The cost of establishing new graves ranges from $200 million&nbsp;to $300 million.</p>

<p>Pinegrove Memorial Park, a crematorium in Minchinbury created more than 50 years ago, was Sydney's ultimate cemetery.</p>

<p>Sydney's population has grown by around three million since its founding in 1962, according to City Hub.</p>

<p>Greater Sydney will have 6.1 million inhabitants by 2033, raising concerns regarding the price of burial options for households as well as the availability of land, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.<br />
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Some Orthodox and Muslim communities have only three years until their allotted grave space in Sydney's crown cemeteries is full. The Eastern Orthodox faith, which includes Greek Orthodox, will run out of burial space in four and a half years.

Some Orthodox and Muslim communities have only three years until their allotted grave space in Sydney's crown cemeteries is full. The Eastern Orthodox faith, which includes Greek Orthodox, will run out of burial space in four and a half years. The catastrophic situation has compelled the consolidation of three crown cemetery administrators - Rookwood general, northern metropolitan, and southern metropolitan - into a single unit, as reported by the Guardian. How will the issue be resolved? The new metropolitan cemeteries and crematoria property manager will be entrusted with solving the major difficulties confronting the Sydney cemetery and crematoria sector, as well as ensuring respectful and affordable burial and cremation services remain accessible for all, according to the NSW government. “This merger will provide certainty for the industry, staff and consumers and a clear path to better manage our cemeteries so that the city’s burial needs are met and we can identify new efficiencies,” lands and property minister Steve Kamper told the Guardian on Friday. As per an independent audit, the supply of graves for the Armenian and Antiochian Orthodox religions will run out in three years, the supply of graves for Muslim funerals would run out in four and a half years, and the supply of graves for the Eastern Orthodox faith will run out in four and a half years. Burial is the sole internment method used by Muslims and Orthodox faiths. It follows an independent study that indicated immediate action was required to fix "considerable" shortcomings in OneCrown's governance framework. The Berejiklian Liberal government established OneCrown in 2021 in an attempt to consolidate NSW's five major royal cemetery operators and avoid financial disaster. However, uncertainty over the project's future prevented major investment choices and resulted in the resignation of one in every three employees. “The independent report that was released last month highlighted the disaster that the previous government created through indecision and infighting. We will not make the same mistakes,” Kamper said. Funds needed to build new graves The cost of establishing new graves ranges from $200 million to $300 million. Pinegrove Memorial Park, a crematorium in Minchinbury created more than 50 years ago, was Sydney's ultimate cemetery. Sydney's population has grown by around three million since its founding in 1962, according to City Hub. Greater Sydney will have 6.1 million inhabitants by 2033, raising concerns regarding the price of burial options for households as well as the availability of land, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

‘Grave’ situation in Sydney: Largest city in Australia to run out of burial space?

U.S. President Joe Biden canceled a historic visit to Papua New Guinea, where he was to meet with Pacific Island leaders. Biden’s meeting with the leaders of India, Australia and Japan in Sydney was scrapped as well. Instead, he’ll focus on crucial debt ceiling negotiations in Washington.

WION-VOA Co-Production: US President Biden cancels Australia, Papua New Guinea visit

<p>The Australian government said on Friday (May 19) that an 88-year-old Australian surgeon, Kenneth Elliott, has been freed by terrorist group Al Quaeda-linked jihadists. Elliott and his wife were captured by the jihadists in Burkina Faso in Africa in January 2016. His wife was released three weeks later. The doctor however, was held in captivity for seven years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that the doctor returned to Australia on Thursday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Dr Elliott is safe and well and has been reunited with his wife Jocelyn and their children," Wong said.</p>

<p>"I am so pleased that his release has been secured and he is safely again with his family."</p>

<p>Family of Dr Kenneth Elliott said that they were relieved at his release. They said that they prayed for others who were still being held.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We wish to express our thanks to God and all who have continued to pray for us," the family said in a statement.</p>

<p>"At 88 years of age, and after many years away from home, Dr Elliott now needs time and privacy to rest and rebuild strength. We thank you for your understanding and sympathy."</p>

<p>Before they were captured, Dr Elliott and his wife, both from Perth in Western Australia, had run their sole medical clinic in Djibo town in northern Burkina Faso near the Mali border. The couple ran the clinic since 1972. They had also carried out humanitarian work in Mali and Niger.</p>

<p>They were abducted &nbsp;close to Niger border in the intervening night of January 15 and 16, 2016.</p>

<p>At the time, Malian militant group Ansar Dine said that Dr Elliott and his wife were taken by jihadists from the "Emirare of the Sahara". Experts suspect that it is a branch of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).</p>

<p>Dr Elliott's wife was freed after mediation from Niger.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The Australian government said on Friday (May 19) that an 88-year-old Australian surgeon, Kenneth Elliott, has been freed by terrorist group Al Quaeda-linked jihadists.

The Australian government said on Friday (May 19) that an 88-year-old Australian surgeon, Kenneth Elliott, has been freed by terrorist group Al Quaeda-linked jihadists. Elliott and his wife were captured by the jihadists in Burkina Faso in Africa in January 2016. His wife was released three weeks later. The doctor however, was held in captivity for seven years. Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong said that the doctor returned to Australia on Thursday night. "Dr Elliott is safe and well and has been reunited with his wife Jocelyn and their children," Wong said. "I am so pleased that his release has been secured and he is safely again with his family." Family of Dr Kenneth Elliott said that they were relieved at his release. They said that they prayed for others who were still being held. "We wish to express our thanks to God and all who have continued to pray for us," the family said in a statement. "At 88 years of age, and after many years away from home, Dr Elliott now needs time and privacy to rest and rebuild strength. We thank you for your understanding and sympathy." Before they were captured, Dr Elliott and his wife, both from Perth in Western Australia, had run their sole medical clinic in Djibo town in northern Burkina Faso near the Mali border. The couple ran the clinic since 1972. They had also carried out humanitarian work in Mali and Niger. They were abducted close to Niger border in the intervening night of January 15 and 16, 2016. At the time, Malian militant group Ansar Dine said that Dr Elliott and his wife were taken by jihadists from the "Emirare of the Sahara". Experts suspect that it is a branch of Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). Dr Elliott's wife was freed after mediation from Niger. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Australian doctor kidnapped by Al Qaeda freed after seven years

<p>More than 100 years after disappearing from the South Australian mainland — the brush-tailed bettong — a rare and cute marsupial resembling a rabbit-sized kangaroo is bouncing back into the region.</p>

<p>The number of these rabbit-sized kangaroos, which leap with their hindlegs much like a full-sized kangaroo decreased almost two centuries ago. Before falling prey to cats and foxes, the bettongs populated over 60 per cent of Australia.</p>

<h2><strong>The bettongs are back!</strong></h2>

<p>The bettongs are now making a comeback in the Yorke Peninsula of South Australia after wildlife scientists released 120 of them over a period of two years to see if they could survive outside of predator-proof enclosures, reports the Guardian newspaper.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/love-remote-jobs-british-wildlife-group-has-an-opportunity-on-one-of-worlds-most-isolated-places-587873">Love remote jobs? British wildlife group has an opportunity on one of world's most isolated places</a></strong></p>

<p>Researchers stated that as per new observations, these bettongs are thriving in&nbsp;their new home.&nbsp;Since the news was posted on Twitter, it has been retweeted by several users who commented on how adorable these tiny little creatures are!</p>

<h2><strong>Intensive cat and fox control programme</strong></h2>

<p>As their number decreased from tens of millions to an estimated 12,000 to 18,000, bettongs have survived due to the protected enclosures provided for them on Australian islands and Western Australia. The return of the bettong was aided by an intensive cat and fox control programme, which kept these tiny creatures under protected enclosures.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Little animals play a big role</strong></h2>

<p>Derek Sandow, an ecologist for the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board also welcomed the happy news by stating that "it's fantastic to see so many new animals in the population."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Rare canary species threatened in the UK</strong></p>

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<p>These mini kangaroos have got a powerful hind legs, carry their young ones in their pouch and only weigh a kilo and a half. Even though they are small, they’ll create their little nests underneath dense vegetation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These tiny creatures play a significant role in Australia’s environment, Sandow told the AFP. Explaining his point, he&nbsp;added, "They dig a lot. A little bettong can move tonnes of soil per year. So they dig in the ground, and they create little microhabitats for water infiltration for seeds to establish. And so they're just really important in the ecosystem."</p>

<h2><strong>Bettongs can help restore the bush</strong></h2>

<p>Since their numbers decreased after being attacked by cats and foxes, no other creature had been able to replicate their role in making the Australian landscape habitable for other wildlife. Bettong and other species can thrive if the populations of cats and foxes can be controlled, even if not eradicated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are really hoping that the brush-tailed bettong is just one of the first of many species that we can bring back and help restore the bush," Sandow said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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More than 100 years after disappearing from the South Australian mainland — the brush-tailed bettong — a rare and cute marsupial resembling a rabbit-sized kangaroo is bouncing back into the region.

More than 100 years after disappearing from the South Australian mainland — the brush-tailed bettong — a rare and cute marsupial resembling a rabbit-sized kangaroo is bouncing back into the region. The number of these rabbit-sized kangaroos, which leap with their hindlegs much like a full-sized kangaroo decreased almost two centuries ago. Before falling prey to cats and foxes, the bettongs populated over 60 per cent of Australia. The bettongs are back! The bettongs are now making a comeback in the Yorke Peninsula of South Australia after wildlife scientists released 120 of them over a period of two years to see if they could survive outside of predator-proof enclosures, reports the Guardian newspaper. ALSO READ | Love remote jobs? British wildlife group has an opportunity on one of world's most isolated places Researchers stated that as per new observations, these bettongs are thriving in their new home. Since the news was posted on Twitter, it has been retweeted by several users who commented on how adorable these tiny little creatures are! Intensive cat and fox control programme As their number decreased from tens of millions to an estimated 12,000 to 18,000, bettongs have survived due to the protected enclosures provided for them on Australian islands and Western Australia. The return of the bettong was aided by an intensive cat and fox control programme, which kept these tiny creatures under protected enclosures. Little animals play a big role Derek Sandow, an ecologist for the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board also welcomed the happy news by stating that "it's fantastic to see so many new animals in the population." WATCH | Gravitas: Rare canary species threatened in the UK × These mini kangaroos have got a powerful hind legs, carry their young ones in their pouch and only weigh a kilo and a half. Even though they are small, they’ll create their little nests underneath dense vegetation. These tiny creatures play a significant role in Australia’s environment, Sandow told the AFP. Explaining his point, he added, "They dig a lot. A little bettong can move tonnes of soil per year. So they dig in the ground, and they create little microhabitats for water infiltration for seeds to establish. And so they're just really important in the ecosystem." Bettongs can help restore the bush Since their numbers decreased after being attacked by cats and foxes, no other creature had been able to replicate their role in making the Australian landscape habitable for other wildlife. Bettong and other species can thrive if the populations of cats and foxes can be controlled, even if not eradicated. "We are really hoping that the brush-tailed bettong is just one of the first of many species that we can bring back and help restore the bush," Sandow said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

100 years after disappearing, bettongs are bouncing back on South Australian mainland

<p>A 95-year-old woman, who is a patient with dementia, suffered life-threatening injuries after she was tasered by a police officer at a care home in Australia.<br />
<br />
The woman was admitted to the hospital. Police officers reached Yallambee Lodge in Cooma after they received reports of Clare Nowland carrying a knife.<br />
<br />
The incident sparked an outcry as advocates called the action of police officers a “disproportionate response”. The New South Wales (NSW) police chief stated that she shares the concerns raised by the community and that an investigation is going on.<br />
<br />
The police officers found Nowland in her room "armed" with a steak knife on Wednesday morning, said Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Cotter, while speaking to media on Friday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mailing-used-condoms-to-australian-women-police-open-up-investigation-593154">Who is mailing used condoms to Australian women? Police open investigation&nbsp;</a></p>

<p><br />
He added that the care home staff and police officers made efforts to de-escalate the situation.<br />
<br />
"At the time she was tasered, she was approaching police but it is fair to say at a slow pace. She had a walking frame, but she had a knife,” said Cotter during a press conference.<br />
<br />
Nowland's family friend Andrew Thaler claimed she was struck twice, in the back and the chest, after which she fell and suffered a fractured skull as well as a serious brain bleed.</p>

<h2><strong>'Family fears woman may not survive'</strong><br />
&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Her family has been grieving about the injuries she has suffered and fear that the woman may not survive, Thaler said while speaking to the BBC.<br />
<br />
"The family are shocked, they're confused... and the community is outraged. How can this happen? How do you explain this level of force? It's absurd,” he added.<br />
<br />
Community groups, which include People with Disability Australia (PwD) and NSW Council for Civil Liberties, have criticised the response of the police.<br />
<br />
"She's either one hell of an agile, fit, fast and intimidating 95-year-old woman, or there's a very poor lack of judgement (from) those police officers," said PwD President Nicole Lee while speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.<br />
<br />
"She needed somebody to... handle her with compassion and time, and not Tasers,” he added.<br />
<br />
An investigation into the critical incident has been launched by NSW Police which Commissioner Karen Webb stated is being treated with "the utmost seriousness".</p>

<p>"I understand and share the community concerns," she stated.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Australia: New immigration policy makes it easier to retain international students</strong></p>

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<p><br />
The officer who was involved in the incident has not been suspended by the department but will be interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation. The investigation will also include the homicide squad.<br />
<br />
"No officer, not one of us, is above the law. All our actions will be scrutinised robustly from a criminal perspective as well,” Cotter stated.<br />
<br />
Snowy Monaro Regional Council, which runs the care home, has defended its response.</p>

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A 95-year-old woman, who is a patient with dementia, suffered life-threatening injuries after she was tasered by a police officer at a care home in Australia. The woman was admitted to the hospital.

A 95-year-old woman, who is a patient with dementia, suffered life-threatening injuries after she was tasered by a police officer at a care home in Australia. The woman was admitted to the hospital. Police officers reached Yallambee Lodge in Cooma after they received reports of Clare Nowland carrying a knife. The incident sparked an outcry as advocates called the action of police officers a “disproportionate response”. The New South Wales (NSW) police chief stated that she shares the concerns raised by the community and that an investigation is going on. The police officers found Nowland in her room "armed" with a steak knife on Wednesday morning, said Assistant Police Commissioner Peter Cotter, while speaking to media on Friday. ALSO READ | Who is mailing used condoms to Australian women? Police open investigation He added that the care home staff and police officers made efforts to de-escalate the situation. "At the time she was tasered, she was approaching police but it is fair to say at a slow pace. She had a walking frame, but she had a knife,” said Cotter during a press conference. Nowland's family friend Andrew Thaler claimed she was struck twice, in the back and the chest, after which she fell and suffered a fractured skull as well as a serious brain bleed. 'Family fears woman may not survive' Her family has been grieving about the injuries she has suffered and fear that the woman may not survive, Thaler said while speaking to the BBC. "The family are shocked, they're confused... and the community is outraged. How can this happen? How do you explain this level of force? It's absurd,” he added. Community groups, which include People with Disability Australia (PwD) and NSW Council for Civil Liberties, have criticised the response of the police. "She's either one hell of an agile, fit, fast and intimidating 95-year-old woman, or there's a very poor lack of judgement (from) those police officers," said PwD President Nicole Lee while speaking to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. "She needed somebody to... handle her with compassion and time, and not Tasers,” he added. An investigation into the critical incident has been launched by NSW Police which Commissioner Karen Webb stated is being treated with "the utmost seriousness". "I understand and share the community concerns," she stated. WATCH | Australia: New immigration policy makes it easier to retain international students The officer who was involved in the incident has not been suspended by the department but will be interrogated as part of the ongoing investigation. The investigation will also include the homicide squad. "No officer, not one of us, is above the law. All our actions will be scrutinised robustly from a criminal perspective as well,” Cotter stated. Snowy Monaro Regional Council, which runs the care home, has defended its response. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australia: Police face outcry after officer tasers 95-year-old woman holding knife

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Hiroshima, Japan for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit following an invitation by the Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida as Tokyo&nbsp;holds the presidency this year. He will also travel to three countries in the span of four to five days from May 19 to May 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian PM is also expected to address sessions at the G7 on subjects like peace, stability and prosperity of a sustainable planet; food, fertiliser and energy security; health; gender equality; climate change and environment and so on.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This year’s summit of the group world’s most advanced economies will be focused on nuclear disarmament; economic resilience and security; regional issues; climate and energy; and food, health, and development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India’s participation at the G7 summit signals “increasing recognition” that New Delhi should be a part of any serious effort to resolve global challenges including those for peace, security, development and environmental preservation, said Foreign Secretary of India, Vinay Kwatra, in a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Indian PM is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit including a meeting with his Japanese counterpart. He is also scheduled to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima.</p>

<p>PM Modi is set to leave for the four-day international visit where he will travel to three countries Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia where he will participate in meetings of three summits G7, Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), and Quad respectively.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Notably, the Indian PM is scheduled to have&nbsp;over 40 engagements with&nbsp;over two&nbsp;dozen world leaders in summits as well as&nbsp;bilateral meetings.</p>

<p>The Indian PM will then travel to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, where he will host the 3rd Summit of FIPIC jointly with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, on May 22. He will also hold bilateral engagements in Papua New Guinea, including meetings with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and PM&nbsp;Marape.&nbsp;</p>

<p>FIPIC involves India and 14 Pacific Island Countries, namely, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Notably, Modi will be the first Indian PM to visit Papua New Guinea.</p>

<p>Indian PM Modi will also hold his first meeting with the New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Papua New Guinea. The Indian PM&nbsp;will then travel to Australia from May 22 to May 24 following an invitation from his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney for the Quad Leaders’ Summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>PM Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with PM&nbsp;Albanese on May 24, marking his 5th meeting with the Australian counterpart this year. PM Modi will also interact with Australian CEOs and business leaders, and address the Indian diaspora at a community event in Sydney, said the MEA.&nbsp;<br />
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Hiroshima, Japan for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit following an invitation by the Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida as Tokyo holds the presidency this year.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Hiroshima, Japan for the Group of Seven (G7) Summit following an invitation by the Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida as Tokyo holds the presidency this year. He will also travel to three countries in the span of four to five days from May 19 to May 24. The Indian PM is also expected to address sessions at the G7 on subjects like peace, stability and prosperity of a sustainable planet; food, fertiliser and energy security; health; gender equality; climate change and environment and so on. This year’s summit of the group world’s most advanced economies will be focused on nuclear disarmament; economic resilience and security; regional issues; climate and energy; and food, health, and development. India’s participation at the G7 summit signals “increasing recognition” that New Delhi should be a part of any serious effort to resolve global challenges including those for peace, security, development and environmental preservation, said Foreign Secretary of India, Vinay Kwatra, in a press conference. The Indian PM is also expected to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the summit including a meeting with his Japanese counterpart. He is also scheduled to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima. PM Modi is set to leave for the four-day international visit where he will travel to three countries Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia where he will participate in meetings of three summits G7, Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC), and Quad respectively. Notably, the Indian PM is scheduled to have over 40 engagements with over two dozen world leaders in summits as well as bilateral meetings. The Indian PM will then travel to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, where he will host the 3rd Summit of FIPIC jointly with Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, on May 22. He will also hold bilateral engagements in Papua New Guinea, including meetings with Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae and PM Marape. FIPIC involves India and 14 Pacific Island Countries, namely, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Notably, Modi will be the first Indian PM to visit Papua New Guinea. Indian PM Modi will also hold his first meeting with the New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins in Papua New Guinea. The Indian PM will then travel to Australia from May 22 to May 24 following an invitation from his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Sydney for the Quad Leaders’ Summit. PM Modi will also hold a bilateral meeting with PM Albanese on May 24, marking his 5th meeting with the Australian counterpart this year. PM Modi will also interact with Australian CEOs and business leaders, and address the Indian diaspora at a community event in Sydney, said the MEA. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Indian PM Modi's three nation visit to Japan, Papua New Guinea and Australia

<p>The Quad Summit in Sydney has been cancelled, but the powerful navies of the United States, India, Australia, and Japan will participate in advanced Malabar 2023 exercises off Australia's east coast from August 11 to 22 this year, practising interoperability, sea deterrence, and sea denial in order to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.</p>

<p>The complex drills will involve both maritime and harbour stages, with senior Quad navies commanders addressing the Indo-Pacific.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian Navy to&nbsp;participate</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian Navy will participate in Malabar 2023 with its top-of-the-line destroyers, P 8 I anti-submarine warfare planes, and a submarine, owing&nbsp;to a logistical deal with all three Quad&nbsp;partners. Japan was appointed a permanent partner in 2015, and Australia will join the Quad in 2020, as reported by the Hindustan Times.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Focus of the naval exercise</strong></h2>

<p>The main focus of the naval drill, according to authorities citied by the Hindustan Times,&nbsp;would be anti-submarine warfare operations, with the PLA Navy becoming belligerent in the Indo-Pacific after claiming claims to the whole South China Sea, much to the dismay of ASEAN countries like the Philippines and Indonesia in particular.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-meeting-likely-to-take-place-in-hiroshima-after-cancellation-of-sydney-summit-report-593310">Quad meeting likely to take place in Hiroshima after cancellation of Sydney summit: Report</a></p>

<p>Beijing's strategic objective is to control the far Pacific with its warships and submarines traversing the first and second chain of islands off its eastern coastline, with the PLA Navy quickly developing its nuclear-powered conventional armed submarines. The PLA has also constructed conventional DF-21 missile parks on its eastern coast to dissuade the formidable US Navy from operating in the South China Sea, and has threatened to employ DF-26 missiles to attack US naval and military sites on Guam.</p>

<p>The India-US military exercise programme was also reviewed on Wednesday at the 17th meeting of the bilateral defence policy group, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to improving collaboration and interoperability between the two forces to operate together in all domains and services.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;As Australia slept, the Quad Summit fell apart</strong></p>

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<p>The DPG was co-chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Dr Colin Kahl, US Under Secretary for Policy at the Pentagon. The officials are said to have discussed common interests in the Indian Ocean region as well as aligning the bilateral cooperation with other like-minded partnerships to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. The DPG promoted an ambitious agenda that included economic cooperation, marine security, and technology collaboration, reflecting the two natural allies' strong and comprehensive relations.&nbsp;</p>

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The Quad Summit in Sydney has been cancelled, but the powerful navies of the United States, India, Australia, and Japan will participate in advanced Malabar 2023 exercises off Australia's east coast from August 11 to 22 this year, practising interoperability, sea deterrence, and sea denial in order to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

The Quad Summit in Sydney has been cancelled, but the powerful navies of the United States, India, Australia, and Japan will participate in advanced Malabar 2023 exercises off Australia's east coast from August 11 to 22 this year, practising interoperability, sea deterrence, and sea denial in order to ensure freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. The complex drills will involve both maritime and harbour stages, with senior Quad navies commanders addressing the Indo-Pacific. Indian Navy to participate The Indian Navy will participate in Malabar 2023 with its top-of-the-line destroyers, P 8 I anti-submarine warfare planes, and a submarine, owing to a logistical deal with all three Quad partners. Japan was appointed a permanent partner in 2015, and Australia will join the Quad in 2020, as reported by the Hindustan Times. Focus of the naval exercise The main focus of the naval drill, according to authorities citied by the Hindustan Times, would be anti-submarine warfare operations, with the PLA Navy becoming belligerent in the Indo-Pacific after claiming claims to the whole South China Sea, much to the dismay of ASEAN countries like the Philippines and Indonesia in particular. ALSO READ | Quad meeting likely to take place in Hiroshima after cancellation of Sydney summit: Report Beijing's strategic objective is to control the far Pacific with its warships and submarines traversing the first and second chain of islands off its eastern coastline, with the PLA Navy quickly developing its nuclear-powered conventional armed submarines. The PLA has also constructed conventional DF-21 missile parks on its eastern coast to dissuade the formidable US Navy from operating in the South China Sea, and has threatened to employ DF-26 missiles to attack US naval and military sites on Guam. The India-US military exercise programme was also reviewed on Wednesday at the 17th meeting of the bilateral defence policy group, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to improving collaboration and interoperability between the two forces to operate together in all domains and services. ALSO WATCH | As Australia slept, the Quad Summit fell apart The DPG was co-chaired by Indian Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane and Dr Colin Kahl, US Under Secretary for Policy at the Pentagon. The officials are said to have discussed common interests in the Indian Ocean region as well as aligning the bilateral cooperation with other like-minded partnerships to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. The DPG promoted an ambitious agenda that included economic cooperation, marine security, and technology collaboration, reflecting the two natural allies' strong and comprehensive relations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Malabar exercise 2023 to take place between August 11-22, Quad navies to participate

<p>As the White House seeks to demonstrate that the Ukraine war&nbsp;has not diverted America's attention away from pressing Asian issues, it is now turning to "the Quad."</p>

<p>The informal alliance brings together the United States, Japan, India, and Australia in a coalition of democracies with common economic and security interests across the Pacific and Indian Oceans.</p>

<p>Officially, the goal is to preserve a "free and open Indo-Pacific," but the unspoken goal is to oppose China's expanding influence, which irritates Beijing's leadership.</p>

<p>Critics slam&nbsp;the Quad's sometimes murky goals and question how successful it can be given that certain members are fearful about offending China. Nonetheless, it is positioned to grow increasingly crucial as US-China tensions prevail&nbsp;and Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, reported The Washington Post.</p>

<h2><strong>Quad meeting in focus</strong></h2>

<p>The group has gained traction under the administration of US President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to visit Japan on May 17. He <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-biden-no-quad-australian-pm-cancels-meeting-in-sydney-after-us-president-postpones-trip-593125">cancelled his trip to Australia</a>, where Quad leaders were scheduled to meet on May 24. When the leaders met in Tokyo last year, they agreed on an initiative to combat illegal fishing throughout the Indo-Pacific, amid rising alarm over the operations of Chinese vessels.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Quad summit in Australia postponed after US President Joe Biden cancels trip</strong></p>

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<p>That was followed by a virtual meeting in 2021, the first-ever gathering of the Quad leaders, which resulted in an agreement to support India in order to speed the development of Covid-19 vaccines and disseminate them throughout Asia. This was not always the case with the group. It sat dormant for years before it was revived in 2017 by the United States under then-President Donald Trump, whose administration was determined to fight China, reported The Washington Post.</p>

<h2><strong>China on Quad</strong></h2>

<p>China has slammed the Quad as a vehicle for restraining its worldwide growth. &nbsp;China's Foreign Ministry has accused the organisation of working to undermine China's interests. Wang Wenbin, a ministry spokesperson, stated in April that the organisation "is steeped in the obsolete Cold War and zero sum mentality and reeks of military confrontation," adding that it "runs counter to the trend of the times and is doomed to be rejected."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;EU sanctions on China: Germany warns against EU hitting China with sanctions</strong></p>

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<h2><strong>What do the critics say about Quad?</strong></h2>

<p>As per a Congressional Research Service report, some have criticised the Quad of being a talking shop that cannot speak with a unified voice and has any genuine institutional structure. Others are concerned that it would eventually develop into an Asian NATO, prompting a Chinese response. According to Tanvi Madan, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Indian authorities have been leery of prodding China while also sceptical of Australia's previously tight connections with Beijing. However, in 2020, India appeared to overcome its reluctance and requested Australia to rejoin the Malabar drills.&nbsp;</p>

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As the White House seeks to demonstrate that the Ukraine war has not diverted America's attention away from pressing Asian issues, it is now turning to "the Quad.

As the White House seeks to demonstrate that the Ukraine war has not diverted America's attention away from pressing Asian issues, it is now turning to "the Quad." The informal alliance brings together the United States, Japan, India, and Australia in a coalition of democracies with common economic and security interests across the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Officially, the goal is to preserve a "free and open Indo-Pacific," but the unspoken goal is to oppose China's expanding influence, which irritates Beijing's leadership. Critics slam the Quad's sometimes murky goals and question how successful it can be given that certain members are fearful about offending China. Nonetheless, it is positioned to grow increasingly crucial as US-China tensions prevail and Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, reported The Washington Post. Quad meeting in focus The group has gained traction under the administration of US President Joe Biden, who is scheduled to visit Japan on May 17. He cancelled his trip to Australia, where Quad leaders were scheduled to meet on May 24. When the leaders met in Tokyo last year, they agreed on an initiative to combat illegal fishing throughout the Indo-Pacific, amid rising alarm over the operations of Chinese vessels. ALSO WATCH | Quad summit in Australia postponed after US President Joe Biden cancels trip That was followed by a virtual meeting in 2021, the first-ever gathering of the Quad leaders, which resulted in an agreement to support India in order to speed the development of Covid-19 vaccines and disseminate them throughout Asia. This was not always the case with the group. It sat dormant for years before it was revived in 2017 by the United States under then-President Donald Trump, whose administration was determined to fight China, reported The Washington Post. China on Quad China has slammed the Quad as a vehicle for restraining its worldwide growth. China's Foreign Ministry has accused the organisation of working to undermine China's interests. Wang Wenbin, a ministry spokesperson, stated in April that the organisation "is steeped in the obsolete Cold War and zero sum mentality and reeks of military confrontation," adding that it "runs counter to the trend of the times and is doomed to be rejected." ALSO WATCH | EU sanctions on China: Germany warns against EU hitting China with sanctions What do the critics say about Quad? As per a Congressional Research Service report, some have criticised the Quad of being a talking shop that cannot speak with a unified voice and has any genuine institutional structure. Others are concerned that it would eventually develop into an Asian NATO, prompting a Chinese response. According to Tanvi Madan, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Indian authorities have been leery of prodding China while also sceptical of Australia's previously tight connections with Beijing. However, in 2020, India appeared to overcome its reluctance and requested Australia to rejoin the Malabar drills. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

What's the four-nation Quad alliance and why does China oppose it?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidVyJZzxUDxe36" /><meta charset="utf-8" />A group of primary school students in Australia's Melbourne was injured in a horrific school bus crash on Tuesday (May 16). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Wednesday, the school bus was carrying as many as 45 students after it was hit by a truck from behind and overturned. The police said that the accident happened at an intersection in Eynesbury.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Seven students suffer serious injuries; 1 student loses entire arm</strong></h2>

<p>A total of 21 students were taken to a hospital of which seven remain hospitalised with serious injuries. Addressing a press conference, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne chief executive Bernadette McDonald said one of the students was in intensive care. McDonald pointed out the injured students range in age from 5 to 11 years old.</p>

<p>“The children have suffered multiple and traumatic injuries including partial and complete amputations of arms, multiple crushing injuries, severe lacerations of the head and body, head injuries, glass shard injuries, and three patients are ... being monitored carefully in terms of spinal injuries,” the hospital official added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>McDonald also said that one student lost an entire arm but did not elaborate on how many injured students underwent partial amputation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accident on Tuesday happened when the students were returning to a nearby primary school after competing in an athletics event. The Country Fire Authority said on Wednesday that about six children were temporarily trapped in the wrecked bus, the Associated Press reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Emergency crews entered the bus through a skylight in its roof, and the smashed-out windshield was used as the main emergency exit. Paramedics assessed dazed victims who didn’t appear to need hospitalisation, and the bus driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Truck driver charged with dangerous driving</strong></h2>

<p>The truck driver, a 49-year-old man, was charged with four counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury. He would appear before the Melbourne magistrates court via video link later on Wednesday, according to a report by The Guardian. Police also said that more charges could follow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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A group of primary school students in Australia's Melbourne was injured in a horrific school bus crash on Tuesday (May 16). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Wednesday, the school bus was carrying as many as 45 students after it was hit by a truck from behind and overturned.

A group of primary school students in Australia's Melbourne was injured in a horrific school bus crash on Tuesday (May 16). According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Wednesday, the school bus was carrying as many as 45 students after it was hit by a truck from behind and overturned. The police said that the accident happened at an intersection in Eynesbury. Seven students suffer serious injuries; 1 student loses entire arm A total of 21 students were taken to a hospital of which seven remain hospitalised with serious injuries. Addressing a press conference, Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne chief executive Bernadette McDonald said one of the students was in intensive care. McDonald pointed out the injured students range in age from 5 to 11 years old. “The children have suffered multiple and traumatic injuries including partial and complete amputations of arms, multiple crushing injuries, severe lacerations of the head and body, head injuries, glass shard injuries, and three patients are ... being monitored carefully in terms of spinal injuries,” the hospital official added. McDonald also said that one student lost an entire arm but did not elaborate on how many injured students underwent partial amputation. The accident on Tuesday happened when the students were returning to a nearby primary school after competing in an athletics event. The Country Fire Authority said on Wednesday that about six children were temporarily trapped in the wrecked bus, the Associated Press reported. Emergency crews entered the bus through a skylight in its roof, and the smashed-out windshield was used as the main emergency exit. Paramedics assessed dazed victims who didn’t appear to need hospitalisation, and the bus driver was taken to a hospital with minor injuries. Truck driver charged with dangerous driving The truck driver, a 49-year-old man, was charged with four counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury. He would appear before the Melbourne magistrates court via video link later on Wednesday, according to a report by The Guardian. Police also said that more charges could follow. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australia: Seven children seriously injured after truck crashes into bus in Melbourne; truck driver charged

Quad summit in Australia has been cancelled after US President Joe Biden cut short his overseas visit due to the ongoing deadlock over US debt ceiling in the United States of America. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that the Quad meeting would not go ahead in Sydney next week.

BREAKING | Quad summit in Australia postponed after US President Joe Biden cancels trip

The Quad Summit that was scheduled to be held in Sydney next week has now been called off. The leaders of India, the U.S, Japan and Australia will now instead meet in Japan at the sidelines of G7 meet.

As Australia slept, the Quad Summit fell apart

<p>The White House said on Tuesday (May 16) that President Joe Biden may skip a visit to Australia on an upcoming Asia trip because of the US debt ceiling crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Biden would depart for Japan on Wednesday as scheduled but a subsequent stop in Australia is being "re-evaluated."</p>

<p>"We're working though, thinking through, the rest of the trip right now," Kirby said, further clarifying that "there's not been a cancellation as yet, but that could happen. We'll see where it goes..."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He noted that Biden would meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia's Anthony Albanese at the G7 anyway in Hiroshima, Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kirby didn't confirm anything, but the news agency AFP reported citing two people familiar with Biden's plans that the president will cut short the major trip this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report mentioned that he will return on Sunday to Washington for high-stakes negotiations with Republicans to avert a potentially catastrophic debt default.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the individuals who were not authorised to talk publicly, Biden has cancelled scheduled stops in Australia and Papua New Guinea but will still attend the upcoming G7 summit in Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US debt limit deadlock spooks investors while Joe Biden is hopeful of a deal on debt ceiling&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>US debt ceiling crisis&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Biden and Republican leaders have started high-stakes talks Tuesday aimed at countering a potentially catastrophic US debt default, but Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had warned ahead of the talks that the US could default on its debts as early as June 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Treasury has warned of "catastrophic" implications if the nation&nbsp;runs out of funds to pay its debts, which would leave it unable to pay government employees and trigger a likely rise in interest rates, which would have a significant impact on businesses and mortgage holders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a letter to the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, she said, "We still estimate Treasury will likely no longer be able to satisfy all of the government's obligations if Congress has not acted to raise or suspend the debt limit by early June, and potentially as early as June 1."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both, Biden and McCarthy, have blamed the other side for the failure to make progress in the first round of discussions last week.</p>

<p>McCarthy told reporters at the US Capitol on Tuesday, "We've got to solve the problem. I just want to get in the room and work out the challenge here and come to an agreement."&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Biden accused the Republican Party of holding the economy hostage. He said, "America cannot default on its debt. If we were to do that it would be catastrophic. It would be devastating for America and quite frankly the whole world."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The White House said on Tuesday (May 16) that President Joe Biden may skip a visit to Australia on an upcoming Asia trip because of the US debt ceiling crisis. The White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Biden would depart for Japan on Wednesday as scheduled but a subsequent stop in Australia is being "re-evaluated.

The White House said on Tuesday (May 16) that President Joe Biden may skip a visit to Australia on an upcoming Asia trip because of the US debt ceiling crisis. The White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said that Biden would depart for Japan on Wednesday as scheduled but a subsequent stop in Australia is being "re-evaluated." "We're working though, thinking through, the rest of the trip right now," Kirby said, further clarifying that "there's not been a cancellation as yet, but that could happen. We'll see where it goes..." He noted that Biden would meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australia's Anthony Albanese at the G7 anyway in Hiroshima, Japan. Kirby didn't confirm anything, but the news agency AFP reported citing two people familiar with Biden's plans that the president will cut short the major trip this week. The report mentioned that he will return on Sunday to Washington for high-stakes negotiations with Republicans to avert a potentially catastrophic debt default. According to the individuals who were not authorised to talk publicly, Biden has cancelled scheduled stops in Australia and Papua New Guinea but will still attend the upcoming G7 summit in Japan. WATCH | US debt limit deadlock spooks investors while Joe Biden is hopeful of a deal on debt ceiling × US debt ceiling crisis Biden and Republican leaders have started high-stakes talks Tuesday aimed at countering a potentially catastrophic US debt default, but Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen had warned ahead of the talks that the US could default on its debts as early as June 1. The Treasury has warned of "catastrophic" implications if the nation runs out of funds to pay its debts, which would leave it unable to pay government employees and trigger a likely rise in interest rates, which would have a significant impact on businesses and mortgage holders. In a letter to the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, she said, "We still estimate Treasury will likely no longer be able to satisfy all of the government's obligations if Congress has not acted to raise or suspend the debt limit by early June, and potentially as early as June 1." Both, Biden and McCarthy, have blamed the other side for the failure to make progress in the first round of discussions last week. McCarthy told reporters at the US Capitol on Tuesday, "We've got to solve the problem. I just want to get in the room and work out the challenge here and come to an agreement." But Biden accused the Republican Party of holding the economy hostage. He said, "America cannot default on its debt. If we were to do that it would be catastrophic. It would be devastating for America and quite frankly the whole world." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US debt crisis forces Joe Biden to shorten upcoming Asia tour

<p>Police in Australia are investigating a case where 65 women received used condoms in their mails along with handwritten messages. The letters were dispatched by an anonymous sender to addresses across Melbourne’s east and southeast. All of the incidents have happened over the past three months. Police believe all the victims are linked and part of a targeted attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, all of them attended the city's Kilbreda College private girls' school in 1999, which indicates that their addresses must have been obtained from an old school yearbook.</p>

<h2><strong>Key points</strong></h2>

<ol>
	<li>65 women received letters with used condoms in Australia.</li>
	<li>Police say the victims are linked to a “targeted attack”.</li>
	<li>All the women attended Melbourne’s Kilbreda College private girls' school in 1999.</li>
	<li>The Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team is investigating the case.</li>
	<li>Police are supposed to hold a press conference on Wednesday.</li>
</ol>

<h2><strong>Some women received multiple letters</strong></h2>

<p>"It is believed that most of those who reported the material have received multiple letters, all with the suspected used item included," Police said in a statement. "Officers believe the victims are linked and are part of a targeted attack," the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Trending on WION: Australia wants to make cigarettes 'ugly' and 'tasteless'</strong></p>

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<p>One victim was quoted by Australia’s Herald Sun as saying that she received a letter with “very graphic (handwritten) messages”, following which she tried to contact her friends. “I didn’t sleep the night I received the letter, it really creeped me out,” the woman said, adding that this was extremely unnerving and some of the women have even received four letters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation going on&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Australian reported that the Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team was investigating the case. Police officials have also urged people having any information related to the case to come forward and help authorities find the culprit.</p>

<p>The authorities are supposed to hold a press conference later on Wednesday to brief the public about the case.</p>

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Police in Australia are investigating a case where 65 women received used condoms in their mails along with handwritten messages. The letters were dispatched by an anonymous sender to addresses across Melbourne’s east and southeast.

Police in Australia are investigating a case where 65 women received used condoms in their mails along with handwritten messages. The letters were dispatched by an anonymous sender to addresses across Melbourne’s east and southeast. All of the incidents have happened over the past three months. Police believe all the victims are linked and part of a targeted attack. Interestingly, all of them attended the city's Kilbreda College private girls' school in 1999, which indicates that their addresses must have been obtained from an old school yearbook. Key points 65 women received letters with used condoms in Australia. Police say the victims are linked to a “targeted attack”. All the women attended Melbourne’s Kilbreda College private girls' school in 1999. The Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team is investigating the case. Police are supposed to hold a press conference on Wednesday. Some women received multiple letters "It is believed that most of those who reported the material have received multiple letters, all with the suspected used item included," Police said in a statement. "Officers believe the victims are linked and are part of a targeted attack," the statement added. Watch: Trending on WION: Australia wants to make cigarettes 'ugly' and 'tasteless' × One victim was quoted by Australia’s Herald Sun as saying that she received a letter with “very graphic (handwritten) messages”, following which she tried to contact her friends. “I didn’t sleep the night I received the letter, it really creeped me out,” the woman said, adding that this was extremely unnerving and some of the women have even received four letters. Investigation going on The Australian reported that the Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team was investigating the case. Police officials have also urged people having any information related to the case to come forward and help authorities find the culprit. The authorities are supposed to hold a press conference later on Wednesday to brief the public about the case. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Who is mailing used condoms to Australian women? Police open investigation 

<p>Anthony Albanese has stated that the Sydney Quad summit will not take place after US President Joe Biden cancelled his trip to Australia to deal with domestic&nbsp;issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Albanese was hoping that the meeting with the leaders of India and Japan may go forward with a senior US delegate early Wednesday morning, but the summit has now been&nbsp;cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Albanese stated that the presidents of Australia, the United States, India, and Japan will instead meet this weekend at the G7 in Japan, as reported by the Guardian.</p>

<p>“The Quad is an important body and we want to make sure that it occurs at leadership level and we’ll be having that discussion over the weekend,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While no meeting date has been set for the Japan gathering, Albanese stated that it was "appropriate that we talk."</p>

<p>The Quad is an informal grouping that advocates for an open Indo-Pacific. Beijing sees it as an attempt to counteract its rising regional influence.</p>

<h2><strong>India and Quad</strong></h2>

<p>Since its first senior official-level meeting in 2007, Japan, the United States, India, and Australia have used the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad) as a meeting format for senior officials to discuss regional security issues as well as the basis for a single naval exercise and a single tabletop exercise, as per the Centre for Strategic and International studies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;Asia Society Policy Institute senior scholar Richard Maude, who spoke to Reuters,&nbsp;the postponement of Biden's travel to Papua New Guinea, which would have been the first visit by an American president to an independent Pacific island nation, might jeopardise Washington's quest for regional dominance with Beijing.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-debt-crisis-forces-joe-biden-to-shorten-upcoming-asia-tour-report-593076">US debt crisis forces Joe Biden to shorten upcoming Asia tour</a></p>

<p>“The mantra in the region is all about turning up. Turning up is half the battle. China turns up all the time, and so the optics aren’t great,” Maude, a former Australian intelligence chief, told a panel discussion on the Quad on Wednesday.</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-quad-summit-in-australia-postponed-after-us-president-joe-biden-cancels-trip-593166/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2 class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong>What is the role of G7?</strong></h2>

<p>India and Australia are not members of the G7 group of seven wealthy nations - the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States - but have been invited to the summit in Japan.</p>

<p>The G7 was created in 1973 (albeit as a group of four) in response to the 1970s exchange rate collapse, the oil crisis, and the subsequent recession. The Group of Seven meets at least once a year to debate and exchange solutions to global issues such as economy, trade, security, and climate change. The G7's successes in its nearly 50-year existence include the establishment of financial programmes to aid severely indebted nations, contributing in the battle against HIV/AIDS, and facilitating the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, according to World Population Review.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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Anthony Albanese has stated that the Sydney Quad summit will not take place after US President Joe Biden cancelled his trip to Australia to deal with domestic issues.

Anthony Albanese has stated that the Sydney Quad summit will not take place after US President Joe Biden cancelled his trip to Australia to deal with domestic issues. Albanese was hoping that the meeting with the leaders of India and Japan may go forward with a senior US delegate early Wednesday morning, but the summit has now been cancelled. Albanese stated that the presidents of Australia, the United States, India, and Japan will instead meet this weekend at the G7 in Japan, as reported by the Guardian. “The Quad is an important body and we want to make sure that it occurs at leadership level and we’ll be having that discussion over the weekend,” he said. While no meeting date has been set for the Japan gathering, Albanese stated that it was "appropriate that we talk." The Quad is an informal grouping that advocates for an open Indo-Pacific. Beijing sees it as an attempt to counteract its rising regional influence. India and Quad Since its first senior official-level meeting in 2007, Japan, the United States, India, and Australia have used the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (the Quad) as a meeting format for senior officials to discuss regional security issues as well as the basis for a single naval exercise and a single tabletop exercise, as per the Centre for Strategic and International studies. As per Asia Society Policy Institute senior scholar Richard Maude, who spoke to Reuters, the postponement of Biden's travel to Papua New Guinea, which would have been the first visit by an American president to an independent Pacific island nation, might jeopardise Washington's quest for regional dominance with Beijing. ALSO READ | US debt crisis forces Joe Biden to shorten upcoming Asia tour “The mantra in the region is all about turning up. Turning up is half the battle. China turns up all the time, and so the optics aren’t great,” Maude, a former Australian intelligence chief, told a panel discussion on the Quad on Wednesday. What is the role of G7? India and Australia are not members of the G7 group of seven wealthy nations - the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United States - but have been invited to the summit in Japan. The G7 was created in 1973 (albeit as a group of four) in response to the 1970s exchange rate collapse, the oil crisis, and the subsequent recession. The Group of Seven meets at least once a year to debate and exchange solutions to global issues such as economy, trade, security, and climate change. The G7's successes in its nearly 50-year existence include the establishment of financial programmes to aid severely indebted nations, contributing in the battle against HIV/AIDS, and facilitating the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, according to World Population Review. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Quad meeting called off after Biden cancels Australia trip to focus on debt ceiling talks

The 46-year-old man was attacked while surfing Walkers Beach on the Eyre Peninsula. Rescuers arrived around 10:10am, and as of yet, the body has not been recovered.

Missing surfer believed dead after Australia shark attack

Australia's trade minister is all set to meet his Chinese counterpart in Beijing. As diplomatic relations stabilize, Canberra is pushing for the removal of all trade impediments. China is Australia's largest trading partner, with two-way trade in goods worth $195 billion in 2022 dominated by iron ore exports. Australia's trade minister & China's commerce minister will also be chairing a joint ministerial economic commission. The meeting was first held in 1986 but suspended since 2017 when ties began to deteriorate over diplomatic disputes. Australian exports to China were hit by trade curbs in 2020. And then, Australian journalist cheng lei was detained in Beijing on national security charges, after Australia called for an international inquiry into the origins of covid-19. Canberra had earlier barred Huawei from its 5g network over national security concerns. A defense shake-up announced last month will draw Australia closer to its security alliance partner, the U.S.

China is Australia's largest trading partner; Canberra pushing for removal of trade impediments

With costs rising, shortages of gas, and uncertainties regarding the stability of its grid, Australia is currently grappling with energy crises. But a small town in the northern territory is leading the way with a new hybrid power plant. Hem Kaur Saroya brings you the report.

Australian territory gets innovative hybrid power plant

<p>One of Australia's most prized possession, the kangaroos could suffer 'catastrophic'&nbsp;consequences if their numbers are not kept in check, ecologists have warned.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Three years of perfect growth conditions have led to a population boom among Australia's jumping mammals. Their population has swelled up to 60 million which has left the ecologists worried, according to an AFP&nbsp;report. They say it will be kinder to cull them than let them starve if El Nino brings with it another bout of a devastating drought.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, during the last drought in Australia, kangaroos across the outback suffered a fate worse than death, dying in the most 'fateful' ways.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The last drought we estimated that 80 or 90 per cent of the kangaroos in some areas died.&nbsp;They are starving to death – going into public toilets and eating toilet paper, or lying on the road starving while their joeys are trying to feed,”&nbsp;ecologist Katherine Moseby was quoted as saying by the news agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/australian-man-killed-by-wild-kangaroo-believed-to-be-his-pet-first-fatal-attack-in-86-years-515666"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;Australian man killed by pet wild kangaroo in first fatal attack in 86 years</strong></a></p>

<p>She said the hopping mobs of kangaroos are capable of rapidly clearing the vegetation of any area. Thus, when the food runs out in the unforgivable heat of Australia, they could starve to death in droves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The kindest way to save them from such a fate would be to shoot them, harvest the meat and keep numbers in check.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It keeps the numbers down so that when we do get drought, we don’t get these welfare issues,” she said. “If we saw them as a resource and managed them like that, we wouldn’t get the catastrophic deaths that we see.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-australian-police-rescue-baby-kangaroo-from-crocodile-infested-floodwaters-572285"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Watch | Australian police rescue baby kangaroo from crocodile-infested floodwaters</strong></a></p>

<p>Proponents of the move argue that compared to traditional beef or other livestock, kangaroo meat&nbsp;produces much less methane than farm animals and is low in fat.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Opponents of the move</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, those who are against human beings playing the role of god and culling the kangaroo population, argue that it is more inhumane to kill the animal before nature does its job.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Animal rights organisation PETA says the claims made by activists that kangaroos damage the land they graze upon was 'simply laughable'.</p>

<p>"To say kangaroos are damaging the land they’ve lived on for 4 million years is simply laughable. Overgrazing by introduced sheep and cattle is the real culprit behind land degradation," said PETA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The kangaroos have a boom and bust population cycle - meaning when food is plentiful on the back of a good rainy season, their numbers can increase exponentially by tens of millions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


One of Australia's most prized possession, the kangaroos could suffer 'catastrophic' consequences if their numbers are not kept in check, ecologists have warned.

One of Australia's most prized possession, the kangaroos could suffer 'catastrophic' consequences if their numbers are not kept in check, ecologists have warned. Three years of perfect growth conditions have led to a population boom among Australia's jumping mammals. Their population has swelled up to 60 million which has left the ecologists worried, according to an AFP report. They say it will be kinder to cull them than let them starve if El Nino brings with it another bout of a devastating drought. According to experts, during the last drought in Australia, kangaroos across the outback suffered a fate worse than death, dying in the most 'fateful' ways. “The last drought we estimated that 80 or 90 per cent of the kangaroos in some areas died. They are starving to death – going into public toilets and eating toilet paper, or lying on the road starving while their joeys are trying to feed,” ecologist Katherine Moseby was quoted as saying by the news agency. ALSO READ | Australian man killed by pet wild kangaroo in first fatal attack in 86 years She said the hopping mobs of kangaroos are capable of rapidly clearing the vegetation of any area. Thus, when the food runs out in the unforgivable heat of Australia, they could starve to death in droves. The kindest way to save them from such a fate would be to shoot them, harvest the meat and keep numbers in check. “It keeps the numbers down so that when we do get drought, we don’t get these welfare issues,” she said. “If we saw them as a resource and managed them like that, we wouldn’t get the catastrophic deaths that we see.” WATCH | Watch | Australian police rescue baby kangaroo from crocodile-infested floodwaters Proponents of the move argue that compared to traditional beef or other livestock, kangaroo meat produces much less methane than farm animals and is low in fat. Opponents of the move Meanwhile, those who are against human beings playing the role of god and culling the kangaroo population, argue that it is more inhumane to kill the animal before nature does its job. Animal rights organisation PETA says the claims made by activists that kangaroos damage the land they graze upon was 'simply laughable'. "To say kangaroos are damaging the land they’ve lived on for 4 million years is simply laughable. Overgrazing by introduced sheep and cattle is the real culprit behind land degradation," said PETA. The kangaroos have a boom and bust population cycle - meaning when food is plentiful on the back of a good rainy season, their numbers can increase exponentially by tens of millions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ecologists say Australia should cull its kangaroo population. Know why

Ahead of the Quad summit in Australia later this month, Barry O'Farrell, Australia's High Commissioner to India has termed the grouping as a "practical formation of four countries that are committed to delivering peace, prosperity, and security to the Indo-Pacific region". Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the High Commissioner said, "it has a practical and positive agenda which is open to all countries in the region who are prepared to abide by the rules". Australia hosts the 3rd Quad summit, after US and Japan. The grouping has -US, India, Japan and Australia as its members. Indian PM Modi will be traveling to Australia to attend the summit on 24th of May. The Australian High commissioner, highlighted that, "It's terrific that PM Modi is making his first visit to India since 2014, that was a remarkable last visit with large crowds which signifies how strong the relationship is."

Australian High Commissioner Barry O'Farrell speaks to WION ahead of Quad Summit | WION Exclusive

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