Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - An Australian woman who was lost and alone in the wilderness for five days survived on a bottle of wine and some lollipops.

Australia woman survives five days in bush drinking only wine | Trending on WION

Australia will soon host the Quad Summit, Australian High Commissioner to India, Barry O’ Farrell talks to WION about the key focus area of summit. QUAD is a practical formation of four countries determine to deliver peace, prosperity and security to the Indo-Pacific. It has a practical and positive agenda which is open to all countries in the region who are prepared to abide by the rules. Initiatives in QUAD are practical in nature, designed to deliver that security which any country in the Indo Pacific needs to be able to make it's own decisions, free of coercion with full sovereignty.

QUAD is formed to deliver peace & security to Indo-Pacific: Australian HC to India, Barry O’ Farrell

Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell in an exclusive interview WION's principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal speaks about Arunachal being an integral part of India and how China is a proven trouble for both India and Australia.

Australian High Commissioner to India Barry O'Farrell in an exclusive conversation with WION

<p>The Australian government has announced a $10 billion package over four years to ease the financial burden of its citizens due to rising living costs.</p>

<p>The relief plan, announced as part of the country annual budget, aims to provide financial assistance to families and businesses without stoking inflation, which is still at a near 30-year high of 7 percent despite a slight decline in the first quarter.</p>

<p>The financial assistance will benefit over 5 million low-income families, small businesses, and pensioners struggling with high power bills. This aid is particularly crucial as Australia's energy prices have been increasing, leading to a surge in power bills.</p>

<p>The government has been careful with its spending to prevent inflationary pressures, unlike the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), which surprised traders by raising rates by 0.25 percent&nbsp;to 3.85 percent&nbsp;last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The RBA has warned that inflation risks are on the rise due to low productivity growth, increasing energy prices, and surging rents. The government's latest relief measures come after it set aside $8 billion for wage rises for aged care workers over four years.</p>

<p>Inflation remains a concern for policymakers, and the the central bank's decision to raise rates has been met with mixed reactions from traders.</p>

<p>While some have called the rate hike&nbsp;premature, given that inflation has not yet shown signs of being sustained at the current level. Others, however, called the move necessary, arguing that it will prevent inflation expectations from becoming entrenched, leading to a more prolonged inflationary period.</p>

<p>The financial package and the surprise rate hike come&nbsp;at a time when the Australian economy faces the threat of recession, which is partly blamed on the central bank's aggressive rate hikes.</p>

<p>While interest rate hikes have been used across the world to cool inflation down, they also deaccelerate economic growth.&nbsp;With the surprise rate cut in May, there is a 45 percent probability of Australia slipping into a recession this year, say media reports.&nbsp;</p>


The Australian government has announced a $10 billion package over four years to ease the financial burden of its citizens due to rising living costs. The relief plan, announced as part of the country annual budget, aims to provide financial assistance to families and businesses without stoking inflation, which is still at a near 30-year high of 7 percent despite a slight decline in the first quarter.

The Australian government has announced a $10 billion package over four years to ease the financial burden of its citizens due to rising living costs. The relief plan, announced as part of the country annual budget, aims to provide financial assistance to families and businesses without stoking inflation, which is still at a near 30-year high of 7 percent despite a slight decline in the first quarter. The financial assistance will benefit over 5 million low-income families, small businesses, and pensioners struggling with high power bills. This aid is particularly crucial as Australia's energy prices have been increasing, leading to a surge in power bills. The government has been careful with its spending to prevent inflationary pressures, unlike the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), which surprised traders by raising rates by 0.25 percent to 3.85 percent last week. The RBA has warned that inflation risks are on the rise due to low productivity growth, increasing energy prices, and surging rents. The government's latest relief measures come after it set aside $8 billion for wage rises for aged care workers over four years. Inflation remains a concern for policymakers, and the the central bank's decision to raise rates has been met with mixed reactions from traders. While some have called the rate hike premature, given that inflation has not yet shown signs of being sustained at the current level. Others, however, called the move necessary, arguing that it will prevent inflation expectations from becoming entrenched, leading to a more prolonged inflationary period. The financial package and the surprise rate hike come at a time when the Australian economy faces the threat of recession, which is partly blamed on the central bank's aggressive rate hikes. While interest rate hikes have been used across the world to cool inflation down, they also deaccelerate economic growth. With the surprise rate cut in May, there is a 45 percent probability of Australia slipping into a recession this year, say media reports.

Australia's budget to provide $10 billion financial package amid record-high inflation

To help its citizens deal with rising cost of living, the Australian government said it would include a 10 billion dollar package over four years in the federal budget. The package is aimed at giving families and businesses relief while not stoking inflation.

Australia's Budget 2023: Will budget bring relief to people?

<p>A 48-year-old woman in Australia survived on lollipops and wine after getting stranded for five days in a dense bush in Victoria. The woman, named Lillian Ip, left home Sunday for what was meant to be a short trip to the jungles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She doesn’t drink but carried a wine bottle in her car to give it as a present to her mother. Apparently, she took a wrong turn in the woods and hit a dead-end after her vehicle got stuck in the mud.</p>

<p>The woman was rescued by emergency services Friday, five days after Lillian Ip left home. She was found 60 km away from the nearest town. Police said the woman stayed near her car because she could not walk far because of health issues.</p>

<h2><strong>Victoria police release rescue footage</strong></h2>

<p>Victoria Police tweeted a video showing the moment the helicopter of the search authorities spotted Lillian. “After being lost in the bush for five days, she was extremely relieved and grateful to see us and we were just as happy to see her,” Victoria police tweeted.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: Australia's indigenous culture at risk</strong></p>

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<p>“I thought I was going to die there. My whole body shut down on Friday," the woman said, adding that she was close to giving up. "The first thing coming to my mind, I was thinking water and a cigarette,"&nbsp;Ip was quoted as saying by 9News Australia. "Thank god the policewoman had a cigarette," the woman added. According to BBC, she had a few snacks, lollipops and wine with her but no food and no water.</p>

<h2><strong>‘The woman used great common sense’</strong></h2>

<p>According to the police officials who rescued the woman, she was alive only because “she used great common sense.” Wodonga Police Station Sergeant Martin Torpey said, “The only liquid Lillian, who doesn't drink, had with her was a bottle of wine she had bought as a gift for her mother so that got her through.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australia-marks-king-charles-coronation-with-21-gun-salute-590021">&nbsp;Australia marks King Charles' Coronation with 21 gun salute</a></strong></p>

<p>The official added, “She used great common sense to stay with her car and not wander off into bushland, which helped the police find her."</p>

<p>The woman was taken to the hospital after she was rescued to be treated for dehydration. Now, she has returned to her home in Melbourne.&nbsp;</p>

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A 48-year-old woman in Australia survived on lollipops and wine after getting stranded for five days in a dense bush in Victoria. The woman, named Lillian Ip, left home Sunday for what was meant to be a short trip to the jungles.

A 48-year-old woman in Australia survived on lollipops and wine after getting stranded for five days in a dense bush in Victoria. The woman, named Lillian Ip, left home Sunday for what was meant to be a short trip to the jungles. She doesn’t drink but carried a wine bottle in her car to give it as a present to her mother. Apparently, she took a wrong turn in the woods and hit a dead-end after her vehicle got stuck in the mud. The woman was rescued by emergency services Friday, five days after Lillian Ip left home. She was found 60 km away from the nearest town. Police said the woman stayed near her car because she could not walk far because of health issues. Victoria police release rescue footage Victoria Police tweeted a video showing the moment the helicopter of the search authorities spotted Lillian. “After being lost in the bush for five days, she was extremely relieved and grateful to see us and we were just as happy to see her,” Victoria police tweeted. Watch: WION Climate Tracker: Australia's indigenous culture at risk × “I thought I was going to die there. My whole body shut down on Friday," the woman said, adding that she was close to giving up. "The first thing coming to my mind, I was thinking water and a cigarette," Ip was quoted as saying by 9News Australia. "Thank god the policewoman had a cigarette," the woman added. According to BBC, she had a few snacks, lollipops and wine with her but no food and no water. ‘The woman used great common sense’ According to the police officials who rescued the woman, she was alive only because “she used great common sense.” Wodonga Police Station Sergeant Martin Torpey said, “The only liquid Lillian, who doesn't drink, had with her was a bottle of wine she had bought as a gift for her mother so that got her through.” Also Read | Australia marks King Charles' Coronation with 21 gun salute The official added, “She used great common sense to stay with her car and not wander off into bushland, which helped the police find her." The woman was taken to the hospital after she was rescued to be treated for dehydration. Now, she has returned to her home in Melbourne. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

No food, no water, only wine: 48-year-old woman miraculously survives five days in bush

Australia marked the coronation of King Charles III with 21 gun salute. The national 21 gun salute was performed by Australia's Federal Guard.

Australia marks King Charles' Coronation with 21 gun salute

<p>Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder has sent a letter to King Charles requesting him to visit the UK prison where he has been imprisoned for more than four years. The letter describes the horrors of his existence there and is the first thing the Australian journalist and creator of WikiLeaks has written and released since his stay in London's Belmarsh jail.</p>

<p>Assange is an Australian computer programmer and founder of the whistleblower website WikiLeaks who gained international attention in 2010 when WikiLeaks published a series of leaked US government documents, including classified diplomatic cables and military documents related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.</p>

<p>WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-dramatic-visuals-as-truck-driver-rescued-in-kenya-after-sudden-floods-589502">Dramatic visuals as truck driver rescued in Kenya after sudden floods</a></p>

<p>In the letter, Assange makes satirical references to the UK government's intention to implement the largest increase in jail capacity in more than a century as well as the "culinary delights" of dining on two pounds per day.</p>

<p>“As a political prisoner, held at your majesty’s pleasure on behalf of an embarrassed foreign sovereign, I am honoured to reside within the walls of this world-class institution,” Assange wrote in the letter.</p>

<p>“On the coronation of my liege, I thought it only fitting to extend a heartfelt invitation to you to commemorate this momentous occasion by visiting your very own kingdom within a kingdom: his majesty’s prison Belmarsh,” he added.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/onus-on-india-to-restart-peace-talks-pak-fm-bilawal-bhutto-589483">Onus on India to restart peace talks: Pak FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari</a></p>

<p>“One can truly know the measure of a society by how it treats its prisoners, and your kingdom has surely excelled in that regard...It is here that 687 of your loyal subjects are held, supporting the United Kingdom’s record as the nation with the largest prison population in Western Europe.”</p>

<p>Assange is charged with violating the US Espionage Act for his role in publishing classified documents. Assange's case has sparked debate about freedom of the press and government transparency, with some arguing that he is a whistleblower who exposed government misconduct. However, others view him as a criminal who endangered national security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Assange remains in custody in the UK as of May 2023. Legal proceedings are underway into the case. Then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel on 17 June 2022 approved the extradition. But on 1 July 2022, Assange had formally appealed against it.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Srinagar gears up to host g20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2</strong></p>

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<p>The Wikileaks founder went on to elaborate and wrote about his late fellow prisoner. “Beyond the gustatory pleasures … you will also have the opportunity to pay your respects to my late friend Manoel Santos, a gay man facing deportation to Bolsonaro’s Brazil, who took his own life just eight yards from my cell using a crude rope fashioned from his bedsheets.”</p>

<p>“Listen closely, and you may hear the prisoners’ cries of ‘Brother, I’m going to die in here’, a testament to the quality of both life and death within your prison,” Assange writes adding, “I implore you, King Charles, to visit His Majesty’s Prison Belmarsh, for it is an honour befitting a king.</p>

<p>“As you embark upon your reign, may you always remember the words of the King James Bible: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy’. And may mercy be the guiding light of your kingdom, both within and without the walls of Belmarsh," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australian PM Albanese, who is attending King Charles’ coronation, said, “There is nothing to be served by his ongoing incarceration,” Albanese said, “And I am concerned about Mr Assange’s mental health. There was a court decision here in the United Kingdom that was overturned on appeal that went to Mr Assange’s health as well and I am concerned for him.”</p>

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Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder has sent a letter to King Charles requesting him to visit the UK prison where he has been imprisoned for more than four years.

Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder has sent a letter to King Charles requesting him to visit the UK prison where he has been imprisoned for more than four years. The letter describes the horrors of his existence there and is the first thing the Australian journalist and creator of WikiLeaks has written and released since his stay in London's Belmarsh jail. Assange is an Australian computer programmer and founder of the whistleblower website WikiLeaks who gained international attention in 2010 when WikiLeaks published a series of leaked US government documents, including classified diplomatic cables and military documents related to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. WATCH | Dramatic visuals as truck driver rescued in Kenya after sudden floods In the letter, Assange makes satirical references to the UK government's intention to implement the largest increase in jail capacity in more than a century as well as the "culinary delights" of dining on two pounds per day. “As a political prisoner, held at your majesty’s pleasure on behalf of an embarrassed foreign sovereign, I am honoured to reside within the walls of this world-class institution,” Assange wrote in the letter. “On the coronation of my liege, I thought it only fitting to extend a heartfelt invitation to you to commemorate this momentous occasion by visiting your very own kingdom within a kingdom: his majesty’s prison Belmarsh,” he added. Also Read | Onus on India to restart peace talks: Pak FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari “One can truly know the measure of a society by how it treats its prisoners, and your kingdom has surely excelled in that regard...It is here that 687 of your loyal subjects are held, supporting the United Kingdom’s record as the nation with the largest prison population in Western Europe.” Assange is charged with violating the US Espionage Act for his role in publishing classified documents. Assange's case has sparked debate about freedom of the press and government transparency, with some arguing that he is a whistleblower who exposed government misconduct. However, others view him as a criminal who endangered national security. Assange remains in custody in the UK as of May 2023. Legal proceedings are underway into the case. Then UK Home Secretary Priti Patel on 17 June 2022 approved the extradition. But on 1 July 2022, Assange had formally appealed against it. Watch | Srinagar gears up to host g20 summit | Inside South Asia: part 2 × The Wikileaks founder went on to elaborate and wrote about his late fellow prisoner. “Beyond the gustatory pleasures … you will also have the opportunity to pay your respects to my late friend Manoel Santos, a gay man facing deportation to Bolsonaro’s Brazil, who took his own life just eight yards from my cell using a crude rope fashioned from his bedsheets.” “Listen closely, and you may hear the prisoners’ cries of ‘Brother, I’m going to die in here’, a testament to the quality of both life and death within your prison,” Assange writes adding, “I implore you, King Charles, to visit His Majesty’s Prison Belmarsh, for it is an honour befitting a king. “As you embark upon your reign, may you always remember the words of the King James Bible: ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy’. And may mercy be the guiding light of your kingdom, both within and without the walls of Belmarsh," he added. Australian PM Albanese, who is attending King Charles’ coronation, said, “There is nothing to be served by his ongoing incarceration,” Albanese said, “And I am concerned about Mr Assange’s mental health. There was a court decision here in the United Kingdom that was overturned on appeal that went to Mr Assange’s health as well and I am concerned for him.” 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. ×

'Held at your majesty’s pleasure': Julian Assange pens letter to King Charles from Belmarsh prison

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Wagner Chief lambasts Russia's Defence Minister, Second mass shooting in Serbia in less than 48 hours, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese frustrated over Assange's detention, China says US should stop its global cyber attacks.

Wagner Chief lambasts Russia's Defence Minister | Second mass shooting in Serbia | WION Speed News

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed frustration at the United States's continuing efforts to extradite WikiLeaks founder and Australian citizen Julian Assange, saying: “There is nothing to be served by his ongoing incarceration.”

Enough is enough: Australian PM expresses frustration at US effort to extradite Julian Assange

<p>King Charles III's coronation is just a few days away, and preparations are in full swing. As&nbsp;the historic event approaches, gifts have started arriving from across the world. Recently, Australia&nbsp;revealed the&nbsp;coronation gift the country will be giving to the new King of Britain.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government of Australia announced that it will be donating $10,000 to save a critically endangered species of Western Ground Parrot (WGP), aka Kyloring' by the Noongar. This is a national contribution and will be made on behalf of the Australian people.</p>

<p>This donation will be given to Friends of the Western Ground Parrot (FWGP), a charity working to save one of the rarest parrots in the world, with a population of about 150 individuals remaining as of 2010.<br />
<br />
Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, has said that he's pleased to mark the coronation with a national contribution as “His Majesty King Charles III has long championed conservation and sustainability.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-mumbai-dabbawalas-gear-up-for-king-charles-coronation-buy-gifts-for-britains-monarch-588444">Mumbai Dabbawalas gear up for King Charles' coronation; buy gifts for Britain's monarch</a></p>

<p>FWGP chair Paul Wettin told NCA NewsWire that the announcement “came out of the blue,"&nbsp;however, the organisation was “absolutely delighted” by the announcement.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In honour of The King’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coronation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coronation</a> on behalf of the people of 🇦🇺, the Australian Government will make a contribution of $10,000 to WA charity Friends of the Western Ground Parrot towards the conservation of the rare and critically endangered bird, as only 150 parrots remain. <a href="https://t.co/ngs3YOC1NH">pic.twitter.com/ngs3YOC1NH</a></p>
— Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (@pmc_gov_au) <a href="https://twitter.com/pmc_gov_au/status/1653602789547819008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>“In that context, we particularly want to send our congratulations to King Charles,” he said.<br />
<br />
Wettin also revealed that a gift will be sent to King Charles from the charity and it would be ''quite possibly”<br />
merchandise, such as the western ground parrot lapel pin.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bafta-2500-new-members-added-since-2000-588917">BAFTA: 2500 new members added since 2000</a><br />
<br />
The critically endangered parrots are found in the Cape Arid National Park and Nuytsland Nature Reserve, east of Esperance, Western Australia.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
King Charles’ coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6.&nbsp;</p>

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King Charles III's coronation is just a few days away, and preparations are in full swing. As the historic event approaches, gifts have started arriving from across the world.

King Charles III's coronation is just a few days away, and preparations are in full swing. As the historic event approaches, gifts have started arriving from across the world. Recently, Australia revealed the coronation gift the country will be giving to the new King of Britain. The government of Australia announced that it will be donating $10,000 to save a critically endangered species of Western Ground Parrot (WGP), aka Kyloring' by the Noongar. This is a national contribution and will be made on behalf of the Australian people. This donation will be given to Friends of the Western Ground Parrot (FWGP), a charity working to save one of the rarest parrots in the world, with a population of about 150 individuals remaining as of 2010. Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, has said that he's pleased to mark the coronation with a national contribution as “His Majesty King Charles III has long championed conservation and sustainability.” Mumbai Dabbawalas gear up for King Charles' coronation; buy gifts for Britain's monarch FWGP chair Paul Wettin told NCA NewsWire that the announcement “came out of the blue," however, the organisation was “absolutely delighted” by the announcement. In honour of The King’s #Coronation on behalf of the people of 🇦🇺, the Australian Government will make a contribution of $10,000 to WA charity Friends of the Western Ground Parrot towards the conservation of the rare and critically endangered bird, as only 150 parrots remain. pic.twitter.com/ngs3YOC1NH — Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (@pmc_gov_au) May 3, 2023 × “In that context, we particularly want to send our congratulations to King Charles,” he said. Wettin also revealed that a gift will be sent to King Charles from the charity and it would be ''quite possibly” merchandise, such as the western ground parrot lapel pin. BAFTA: 2500 new members added since 2000 The critically endangered parrots are found in the Cape Arid National Park and Nuytsland Nature Reserve, east of Esperance, Western Australia. King Charles’ coronation will take place at Westminster Abbey on May 6. 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's coronation gift to King Charles: A donation of $10K to save endangered parrot species

Recreational vaping will be banned in Australia, as part of a major crackdown amid what experts say is an "epidemic". Minimum quality standards will also be introduced, and the sale of vapes restricted to pharmacies. Nicotine vapes already require a prescription in Australia, but the industry is poorly regulated and a black market is thriving. Health Minister Mark Butler says the products are creating a new generation of nicotine addicts in Australia.

Australia to ban recreational vaping in major public health move

<p>An Australian man's remains, who died while fishing with friends, have been discovered inside a crocodile in&nbsp;northern Queensland.&nbsp;Kevin Darmody was last seen in Kennedy's Bend, a well-known saltwater crocodile habitat in a far-flung area of northern Queensland&nbsp;On Saturday (April 29).&nbsp;</p>

<p>After two days of extensive search, police euthanised two large crocodiles and discovered human remains, as reported by BBC.</p>

<p>Police described it as a "tragic ending" to the search for the 65-year-old, although the remains have not yet been&nbsp;identified.</p>

<p>Darmody was a well-known local resident of Cape York and an accomplished fisherman.&nbsp;</p>

<p>About 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from where he was last seen, the two crocodiles, which were 4.1m&nbsp;(13.4 ft) and 2.8m in length, were shot and killed on Monday (April 1).</p>

<p>Despite the fact that only one of the reptiles contained human remains, wildlife officers are convinced that both were present during the incident.</p>

<p>The fishermen with&nbsp;Darmody at the time did not witness&nbsp;the attack but reported hearing him shout, followed by a loud splash.</p>

<p>I raced down… but there was no sign of him, just his thongs [flip-flops] on the bank and nothing else," his friend John Peiti&nbsp;told the Cape York Weekly.</p>

<p>In the tropical north of Australia, crocodiles are abundant, although attacks are uncommon. Since records have been kept in Queensland since 1985, Darmody's death is just the 13th fatal attack there.</p>

<p>A crocodile was believed to have killed an elderly woman who went missing in Port Douglas in 2017. In another isolated case, a woman was attacked and killed in Daintree National Park the previous year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Queensland's crocodile population has increased from a low of about 5,000&nbsp;to over 30,000 as of today owing&nbsp;to a hunting ban that was enacted in 1974.</p>

<p>According to a 2019-research, there are 1.7 adult crocodiles on average per river kilometre&nbsp;assessed, said a BBC report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of Queensland's management system, "problem crocodiles" are pulled out&nbsp;of locations where they endanger the public's safety and, in very rare circumstances, put to death.</p>

<p>These figures are dwarfed by Australia's Northern Territory (NT), which has the biggest wild crocodile population in the world, with some 100,000 of the reptiles.</p>

<p>Since 2005, there had been an average of 1-2 deaths in the region&nbsp;from crocodile attacks, although none have happened since 2018. This is despite awareness efforts urging people to be "crocwise" around rivers.</p>

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An Australian man's remains, who died while fishing with friends, have been discovered inside a crocodile in northern Queensland. Kevin Darmody was last seen in Kennedy's Bend, a well-known saltwater crocodile habitat in a far-flung area of northern Queensland On Saturday (April 29).

An Australian man's remains, who died while fishing with friends, have been discovered inside a crocodile in northern Queensland. Kevin Darmody was last seen in Kennedy's Bend, a well-known saltwater crocodile habitat in a far-flung area of northern Queensland On Saturday (April 29). After two days of extensive search, police euthanised two large crocodiles and discovered human remains, as reported by BBC. Police described it as a "tragic ending" to the search for the 65-year-old, although the remains have not yet been identified. Darmody was a well-known local resident of Cape York and an accomplished fisherman. About 1.5 km (0.9 miles) from where he was last seen, the two crocodiles, which were 4.1m (13.4 ft) and 2.8m in length, were shot and killed on Monday (April 1). Despite the fact that only one of the reptiles contained human remains, wildlife officers are convinced that both were present during the incident. The fishermen with Darmody at the time did not witness the attack but reported hearing him shout, followed by a loud splash. I raced down… but there was no sign of him, just his thongs [flip-flops] on the bank and nothing else," his friend John Peiti told the Cape York Weekly. In the tropical north of Australia, crocodiles are abundant, although attacks are uncommon. Since records have been kept in Queensland since 1985, Darmody's death is just the 13th fatal attack there. A crocodile was believed to have killed an elderly woman who went missing in Port Douglas in 2017. In another isolated case, a woman was attacked and killed in Daintree National Park the previous year. Queensland's crocodile population has increased from a low of about 5,000 to over 30,000 as of today owing to a hunting ban that was enacted in 1974. According to a 2019-research, there are 1.7 adult crocodiles on average per river kilometre assessed, said a BBC report. As part of Queensland's management system, "problem crocodiles" are pulled out of locations where they endanger the public's safety and, in very rare circumstances, put to death. These figures are dwarfed by Australia's Northern Territory (NT), which has the biggest wild crocodile population in the world, with some 100,000 of the reptiles. Since 2005, there had been an average of 1-2 deaths in the region from crocodile attacks, although none have happened since 2018. This is despite awareness efforts urging people to be "crocwise" around rivers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australia: Body of missing fisherman found inside crocodile

<p>Australia on Tuesday announced that it will ban recreational vaping in an attempt to curb the use of e-cigarettes across the nation. Authorities are focused on tightening e-cigarette laws in the biggest crackdown on the tobacco industry in more than a decade. Australia aims to stop the alarming rise in teenage vaping, which experts have described as an "epidemic".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The country will ban single-use disposable vapes, put a brake on imports of non-prescription versions, and also restrict how much nicotine e-cigarettes may contain. The disposable vapes, which are quite popular with the young generation, will also be banned.&nbsp;The government said that the sale of vapes will be restricted to pharmacies and they will also introduce a minimum quality standard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Health Minister Mark Butler said in a speech at the National Press Club: "Just like they did with smoking, Big Tobacco has taken another addictive product, wrapped it in shiny packaging and added flavours to create a new generation of nicotine addicts."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-man-dies-after-getting-trapped-in-cave-at-indoor-climbing-centre-588157">UK: Man dies after getting trapped in cave at indoor climbing centre</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Butler said, "Vaping has become the number one behavioural issue in high schools, and it's becoming widespread in primary schools."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Australian health minister said that vaping was sold to governments and communities around the world as a "therapeutic product to help long-term smokers quit".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It was not sold as a recreational product -- especially not one for our kids," he said, further adding that the government will also increase taxes on tobacco sales by five per cent each year over the next three years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heavy taxes on tobacco mean Australia has some of the most expensive cigarettes in the world - with a pack of 25 selling for around Aus$50 (US$33).&nbsp;</p>

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<h2><strong>Does vaping help you to&nbsp;quit smoking?</strong></h2>

<p>It is widely claimed by people who use vapes that e-cigarette is a safer alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. They also say that vapes help smokers quit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, vaping involves heating a liquid that contains nicotine in what is called an e-cigarette and turning it into a vapour that users inhale.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the claims have been refuted by evidence-backed studies. A 2022 study by the Australian National University found adolescents who vaped were three times more likely to start smoking.</p>

<p>The researchers said at the time: "Nicotine use in children and adolescents can lead to lifelong addiction issues as well as difficulties in concentration and learning."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Vapes deliver hundreds of chemicals -- some of them known to be toxic and many others with unknown effects," they added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Australia on Tuesday announced that it will ban recreational vaping in an attempt to curb the use of e-cigarettes across the nation. Authorities are focused on tightening e-cigarette laws in the biggest crackdown on the tobacco industry in more than a decade.

Australia on Tuesday announced that it will ban recreational vaping in an attempt to curb the use of e-cigarettes across the nation. Authorities are focused on tightening e-cigarette laws in the biggest crackdown on the tobacco industry in more than a decade. Australia aims to stop the alarming rise in teenage vaping, which experts have described as an "epidemic". The country will ban single-use disposable vapes, put a brake on imports of non-prescription versions, and also restrict how much nicotine e-cigarettes may contain. The disposable vapes, which are quite popular with the young generation, will also be banned. The government said that the sale of vapes will be restricted to pharmacies and they will also introduce a minimum quality standard. Health Minister Mark Butler said in a speech at the National Press Club: "Just like they did with smoking, Big Tobacco has taken another addictive product, wrapped it in shiny packaging and added flavours to create a new generation of nicotine addicts." ALSO READ | UK: Man dies after getting trapped in cave at indoor climbing centre Butler said, "Vaping has become the number one behavioural issue in high schools, and it's becoming widespread in primary schools." The Australian health minister said that vaping was sold to governments and communities around the world as a "therapeutic product to help long-term smokers quit". "It was not sold as a recreational product -- especially not one for our kids," he said, further adding that the government will also increase taxes on tobacco sales by five per cent each year over the next three years. Heavy taxes on tobacco mean Australia has some of the most expensive cigarettes in the world - with a pack of 25 selling for around Aus$50 (US$33). × Does vaping help you to quit smoking? It is widely claimed by people who use vapes that e-cigarette is a safer alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. They also say that vapes help smokers quit. For the unversed, vaping involves heating a liquid that contains nicotine in what is called an e-cigarette and turning it into a vapour that users inhale. But the claims have been refuted by evidence-backed studies. A 2022 study by the Australian National University found adolescents who vaped were three times more likely to start smoking. The researchers said at the time: "Nicotine use in children and adolescents can lead to lifelong addiction issues as well as difficulties in concentration and learning." "Vapes deliver hundreds of chemicals -- some of them known to be toxic and many others with unknown effects," they added. (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 to ban recreational vaping, tighten other aspects of e-cigarette laws

<p>The barbarity of the past often becomes a topic of fascination today. We've seen it happen many times. There are many who want to experience the chill they get when they visit, say a medieval torture chamber or a notorious murderer's medieval home even.</p>

<p>Joining that list of places eliciting weird fascination is Pentridge Prison in Australia. This prison in Melbourne has now been converted into a luxury hotel. It's now called oh-so-stylishly Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge.</p>

<p>The Pentridge Prison was built in 1851 and housed criminals as recently as 1997. In its heydays, it locked up dreaded names in Australia's criminal world. In the 1800s, Ned Kelly and Harry Powers were inmates. Squizzy Taylor, the early 20th-century gangster (dis) graced the prison chambers. Chopper Read, the contemporary ex-criminal-turned-celebrity has also been housed in this prison.</p>

<p>The prison was decommissioned in 1997 and in 2002, redevelopment of the area was mooted. Around one billion dollars were spent, as a result of which the&nbsp;'prison' will now see&nbsp;some lavish visitors, intent on spending big for a period of luxury at a place that was synonymous with all depravity not too long in the past.</p>

<p>The old B Division of the prison was used to force solitary confinement on the most hardened criminals. A report from Sydney Morning Herald shows a photo with lavish seating in the B Division where you can enjoy a delicious drink with your friends. A far cry from solitary confinement.</p>

<p>The hotel has 106 one and two-bedroom and studio apartments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has perhaps become a place you'd want to visit often. A far cry from what it was just 26 years ago.</p>

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The barbarity of the past often becomes a topic of fascination today. We've seen it happen many times. There are many who want to experience the chill they get when they visit, say a medieval torture chamber or a notorious murderer's medieval home even.

The barbarity of the past often becomes a topic of fascination today. We've seen it happen many times. There are many who want to experience the chill they get when they visit, say a medieval torture chamber or a notorious murderer's medieval home even. Joining that list of places eliciting weird fascination is Pentridge Prison in Australia. This prison in Melbourne has now been converted into a luxury hotel. It's now called oh-so-stylishly Adina Apartment Hotel Pentridge. The Pentridge Prison was built in 1851 and housed criminals as recently as 1997. In its heydays, it locked up dreaded names in Australia's criminal world. In the 1800s, Ned Kelly and Harry Powers were inmates. Squizzy Taylor, the early 20th-century gangster (dis) graced the prison chambers. Chopper Read, the contemporary ex-criminal-turned-celebrity has also been housed in this prison. The prison was decommissioned in 1997 and in 2002, redevelopment of the area was mooted. Around one billion dollars were spent, as a result of which the 'prison' will now see some lavish visitors, intent on spending big for a period of luxury at a place that was synonymous with all depravity not too long in the past. The old B Division of the prison was used to force solitary confinement on the most hardened criminals. A report from Sydney Morning Herald shows a photo with lavish seating in the B Division where you can enjoy a delicious drink with your friends. A far cry from solitary confinement. The hotel has 106 one and two-bedroom and studio apartments. It has perhaps become a place you'd want to visit often. A far cry from what it was just 26 years ago. 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: Notorious prison has now been converted into a luxury hotel

<p>Australia said on Wednesday (April 26) that it would start domestic manufacture of guided missiles by 2025. This is two years sooner than expected. Australia's announcement is part of a shake-up of its defence arrangements to focus on long-range strike capabilities.</p>

<p>The Labor government on Monday said that it was accepting the recommendations of a defence review. It said that China had launched the largest military buildup by&nbsp;any country since the end of the Second World War without transparency. The power competition that this might start has a "potential for conflict" in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>The guided weapons were to be manufactured 2027 onwards but the time frame has been advanced by two years. Australia has now allocated A$ 2.5 billion to the project, according to Defence Minister Richard Marles.</p>

<p>This&nbsp;represents a more than doubling in funding, which is being diverted from cancelled defence projects.</p>

<p>"That does radically shift the timeframe forward in terms of a manufacturing capability," Marles said in a television interview with Nine on Wednesday.</p>

<p>A further A$1.6 billion will be spent on buying long‑range strike systems from overseas within two years, he said.</p>

<p>The government was already in talks with missile manufacturers Raytheon and Lockheed about establishing production in Australia, Marles added.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-leaders-summit-to-take-place-in-sydney-on-may-24-aus-pm-586336">Quad leaders' summit to take place in Sydney on May 24: Aus PM</a></strong></p>

<p>Discussions were also being held with Kongsberg, the Norwegian manufacturer of the naval strike missile Australia had already agreed to purchase, he said.</p>

<p>Australia is part of Quad grouping with India, Japan and the US. Though the informal group does not have a military element, it is widely perceived to be a US-led effort to contain rapidly increasing Chinese influence particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.</p>

<p>Australia is traditionally viewed geographically away from major geopolitical hotspots but in recent times China has been boosting ties with Pacific island nations, thought to be Australia's backyard. Chinese military ships have also seen making forays into waters near Australian nautical zones.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/quad-leaders-summit-to-take-place-in-sydney-on-may-24-aus-pm-586336">Quad leaders' summit to take place in Sydney on May 24: Aus PM</a></strong></p>

<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday that Sydney will host the next Quad Leaders' Summit next month on May 24.</p>

<p>"I am honoured to host the first ever Quad Leaders' Summit in Australia in Sydney," Albanese said.</p>

<p>"The Quad is committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is respectful of sovereignty and ensures security and growth for all."</p>

<p>The Australian prime minister said that during the summit, the quad countries will discuss how the grouping can work alongside partners and other groupings like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Islands Forum in order to boost cooperation in the region.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Australia said on Wednesday (April 26) that it would start domestic manufacture of guided missiles by 2025. This is two years sooner than expected. Australia's announcement is part of a shake-up of its defence arrangements to focus on long-range strike capabilities.

Australia said on Wednesday (April 26) that it would start domestic manufacture of guided missiles by 2025. This is two years sooner than expected. Australia's announcement is part of a shake-up of its defence arrangements to focus on long-range strike capabilities. The Labor government on Monday said that it was accepting the recommendations of a defence review. It said that China had launched the largest military buildup by any country since the end of the Second World War without transparency. The power competition that this might start has a "potential for conflict" in the Indo-Pacific region. The guided weapons were to be manufactured 2027 onwards but the time frame has been advanced by two years. Australia has now allocated A$ 2.5 billion to the project, according to Defence Minister Richard Marles. This represents a more than doubling in funding, which is being diverted from cancelled defence projects. "That does radically shift the timeframe forward in terms of a manufacturing capability," Marles said in a television interview with Nine on Wednesday. A further A$1.6 billion will be spent on buying long‑range strike systems from overseas within two years, he said. The government was already in talks with missile manufacturers Raytheon and Lockheed about establishing production in Australia, Marles added. Also Read | Quad leaders' summit to take place in Sydney on May 24: Aus PM Discussions were also being held with Kongsberg, the Norwegian manufacturer of the naval strike missile Australia had already agreed to purchase, he said. Australia is part of Quad grouping with India, Japan and the US. Though the informal group does not have a military element, it is widely perceived to be a US-led effort to contain rapidly increasing Chinese influence particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Australia is traditionally viewed geographically away from major geopolitical hotspots but in recent times China has been boosting ties with Pacific island nations, thought to be Australia's backyard. Chinese military ships have also seen making forays into waters near Australian nautical zones. Also Read | Quad leaders' summit to take place in Sydney on May 24: Aus PM Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday that Sydney will host the next Quad Leaders' Summit next month on May 24. "I am honoured to host the first ever Quad Leaders' Summit in Australia in Sydney," Albanese said. "The Quad is committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is respectful of sovereignty and ensures security and growth for all." The Australian prime minister said that during the summit, the quad countries will discuss how the grouping can work alongside partners and other groupings like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Islands Forum in order to boost cooperation in the region. (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 ×

Australia aims to start making guided missiles in two years

Australia is seeking to reform its immigration policy in order to speed up the entry of highly skilled employees and make it easier for them to get permanent status.

Australia: New immigration policy makes it easier to retain international students

<p>Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday (April 26) that 2023 summit of leaders of the Quad countries will take place in Sydney on May 24. This will be the third in-person meeting of the leaders of Australia, the US, India and Japan.</p>

<p>"I am honoured to host the first ever Quad Leaders' Summit in Australia in Sydney," Albanese said.</p>

<p>"The Quad is committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is respectful of sovereignty and ensures security and growth for all."</p>

<p>The Australian prime minister said that during the summit, the quad countries will discuss how the grouping can work alongside partners and other groupings like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Islands Forum in order to boost coopeartion in the region.</p>

<p>Quad, an informal grouping of nations which includes India, the US, Japan and Australia does not have a military aspect. But it is widely seen as US-led attempt to counter rapidly rising Chinese influence in political, commercial as well as military arena especially in the Indo-Pacific.</p>

<p>China has in past expressed its displeasure at the grouping.</p>

<p>Australia, long thought to be away from global geopolitical hotspots has increasingly found itself at odds with China as the latter had taken concrete steps to make headway into region previously considered Australia's backyard. Chinese attempts to woo island nations in the Pacific Ocean have not gone unnoticed in Australia. Chinese military ships have increased their forays in waters near Australia in recent past as well.</p>

<p>Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell have said in recent days that Australian forces need to be capable of responding to potential adversaries whose weapons are faster, can strike farther and are more precise than in the past.</p>

<p>Changing that equation is crucial to the future of Australia's military, they said.</p>

<p>In an address to the National Press Club on Monday, Wong said the region should not be reduced to a binary competition between the United States and China; Australia wanted to work with other middle-sized countries, including those in Southeast Asia, to deter aggression, she said.</p>

<p>"America is central to balancing a multipolar region... We cannot just leave it to the U.S.," she said.</p>

<p>The in-person Quad summit will take place next month amid strained relations between China and the US. The two nations have been sparring on varirty on issues ranging from Ukraine war, tech security to Taiwan and Chinese apps like TikTok.</p>

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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday (April 26) that 2023 summit of leaders of the Quad countries will take place in Sydney on May 24. This will be the third in-person meeting of the leaders of Australia, the US, India and Japan.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday (April 26) that 2023 summit of leaders of the Quad countries will take place in Sydney on May 24. This will be the third in-person meeting of the leaders of Australia, the US, India and Japan. "I am honoured to host the first ever Quad Leaders' Summit in Australia in Sydney," Albanese said. "The Quad is committed to supporting an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific that is respectful of sovereignty and ensures security and growth for all." The Australian prime minister said that during the summit, the quad countries will discuss how the grouping can work alongside partners and other groupings like the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the Pacific Islands Forum in order to boost coopeartion in the region. Quad, an informal grouping of nations which includes India, the US, Japan and Australia does not have a military aspect. But it is widely seen as US-led attempt to counter rapidly rising Chinese influence in political, commercial as well as military arena especially in the Indo-Pacific. China has in past expressed its displeasure at the grouping. Australia, long thought to be away from global geopolitical hotspots has increasingly found itself at odds with China as the latter had taken concrete steps to make headway into region previously considered Australia's backyard. Chinese attempts to woo island nations in the Pacific Ocean have not gone unnoticed in Australia. Chinese military ships have increased their forays in waters near Australia in recent past as well. Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Chief of the Defence Force Angus Campbell have said in recent days that Australian forces need to be capable of responding to potential adversaries whose weapons are faster, can strike farther and are more precise than in the past. Changing that equation is crucial to the future of Australia's military, they said. In an address to the National Press Club on Monday, Wong said the region should not be reduced to a binary competition between the United States and China; Australia wanted to work with other middle-sized countries, including those in Southeast Asia, to deter aggression, she said. "America is central to balancing a multipolar region... We cannot just leave it to the U.S.," she said. The in-person Quad summit will take place next month amid strained relations between China and the US. The two nations have been sparring on varirty on issues ranging from Ukraine war, tech security to Taiwan and Chinese apps like TikTok. 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 leaders' summit to take place in Sydney on May 24: Aus PM

Ajinkya Rahane is recalled to the India squad for the World Test Championship Final against Australia. Suryakumar Yadav misses out while KL Rahul is retained. Is Rahane's selection justified?

Ajinkya Rahane returns to India squad for WTC final | WION Sports Extra

<p>The just-released Australia's Defense Strategic Review 2023 under the Albanese Government has highlighted the importance of expanding relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including India and Japan, as part of its efforts to strengthen regional architecture. The review emphasises the need to grow the defense cooperation program, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, which is of significant strategic interest to Australia.</p>

<p>According to the review, the primary area of military interest for Australia's national defence is the immediate region encompassing the northeastern Indian Ocean through maritime Southeast Asia into the Pacific. This region includes Australia's northern approaches, making it essential for the country's security.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktoks-troubling-trends-what-is-the-truth-behind-24-april-585544">TikTok's troubling trends: What is the truth behind April 24?</a></p>

<p>The review also acknowledges the need for Australia to engage with China, one of the key players in the Indo-Pacific region. "Australia will continue to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, manage our differences wisely, and, above all else, engage in and vigorously pursue our own national interest," it says.</p>

<p>However, the review also highlights the growing concerns over China's military build-up and its strategic intentions. "China's military build-up is now the largest and most ambitious of any country since the end of the Second World War. This has occurred alongside significant economic development, benefiting many countries in the Indo-Pacific, including Australia," it notes.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-after-prom-shooting-at-least-9-teens-wounded-no-arrest-so-far-585529">At least 9 teens injured in Texas after-prom shooting, no arrest so far</a></p>

<p>The review goes on to caution that China's lack of transparency and reassurance of its strategic intent in the Indo-Pacific region is a cause for concern. "China's assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea threatens the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacts Australia's national interests. China is also engaged in strategic competition in Australia's near neighbourhood," it says.</p>

<p>Against this backdrop, the review highlights the need for Australia to continue to expand its relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including India. "Australia also needs to continue to expand its relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including Japan and India," it notes.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US lawmakers sold banking stocks amid crisis: Report</strong></p>

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<p>India is viewed as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, with its growing economic and military power. According to the review, Australia must continue to work with India to strengthen regional architecture and enhance cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. "Australia is a significant Indian Ocean state with the longest Indian Ocean coastline and the region's largest search and rescue area. Australia must continue to expand its relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including Japan and India," it says.</p>

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The just-released Australia's Defense Strategic Review 2023 under the Albanese Government has highlighted the importance of expanding relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including India and Japan, as part of its efforts to strengthen regional architecture.

The just-released Australia's Defense Strategic Review 2023 under the Albanese Government has highlighted the importance of expanding relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including India and Japan, as part of its efforts to strengthen regional architecture. The review emphasises the need to grow the defense cooperation program, particularly in the Indian Ocean region, which is of significant strategic interest to Australia. According to the review, the primary area of military interest for Australia's national defence is the immediate region encompassing the northeastern Indian Ocean through maritime Southeast Asia into the Pacific. This region includes Australia's northern approaches, making it essential for the country's security. Also Read | TikTok's troubling trends: What is the truth behind April 24? The review also acknowledges the need for Australia to engage with China, one of the key players in the Indo-Pacific region. "Australia will continue to cooperate with China where we can, disagree where we must, manage our differences wisely, and, above all else, engage in and vigorously pursue our own national interest," it says. However, the review also highlights the growing concerns over China's military build-up and its strategic intentions. "China's military build-up is now the largest and most ambitious of any country since the end of the Second World War. This has occurred alongside significant economic development, benefiting many countries in the Indo-Pacific, including Australia," it notes. Also Read | At least 9 teens injured in Texas after-prom shooting, no arrest so far The review goes on to caution that China's lack of transparency and reassurance of its strategic intent in the Indo-Pacific region is a cause for concern. "China's assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea threatens the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacts Australia's national interests. China is also engaged in strategic competition in Australia's near neighbourhood," it says. Against this backdrop, the review highlights the need for Australia to continue to expand its relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including India. "Australia also needs to continue to expand its relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including Japan and India," it notes. Watch | US lawmakers sold banking stocks amid crisis: Report × India is viewed as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, with its growing economic and military power. According to the review, Australia must continue to work with India to strengthen regional architecture and enhance cooperation in the Indian Ocean region. "Australia is a significant Indian Ocean state with the longest Indian Ocean coastline and the region's largest search and rescue area. Australia must continue to expand its relationships and practical cooperation with key powers, including Japan and India," it says. 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's defence review prioritises India and Japan amidst China's military build-up

<p>In response to China's growing military prowess, Australia on Monday unveiled a strategic review of its defence forces, the biggest since World War II, which will further enhance its long-range strike capabilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia's military reviewed its deterrent capabilities as a result of China's escalating military might on its shores. With the new reforms, the Australian military forces will be refocused on deterring potential enemies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the launch of Defense Strategic Review in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “We cannot fall back on old assumptions. We must build and strengthen our security by seeking to shape the future rather than waiting for the future to shape us."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tiktoks-troubling-trends-what-is-the-truth-behind-24-april-585544">TikTok's troubling trends: What is the truth behind April 24?</a></p>

<p>“We need to have greater control over our national sovereignty. So not only is manufacturing things in Australia, good for jobs and good for our economy, there’s also a national security issue,” he told reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While giving the Australian defences an overhaul, defence minister Richard Marles said a proactive approach is needed and Canberra must not wait for the enemies to arrive at its shores through air, sea or online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, for the first time, in 35 years, we are recasting the mission of the Australian defence force," Marles said.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/texas-after-prom-shooting-at-least-9-teens-wounded-no-arrest-so-far-585529">At least 9 teens injured in Texas after-prom shooting, no arrest so far</a></p>

<p>The review looks at the billions of dollars allocated by the previous administration to the defence forces. It re-evaluated the decisions taken in past in light of projected threats, with one notably from China, which is becoming more and more powerful.</p>

<p>"This build-up is occurring without transparency or reassurance to the Indo-Pacific region of China's strategic intent," the review said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"China's assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea threatens the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacts Australia's national interests."</p>

<h2><strong>Stronger relationship with allies, including India&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The review also suggested more self-sufficiency paired with deeper ties with its allies and important countries in the region, particularly Japan and India. It said that the threat of a major conflict in the region represents the highest degree of strategic risk for Australia.</p>

<h2><strong>Priorities in the review&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The development of a nuclear-powered submarine programme is the first of the review's six objectives. This was also previously stated under the AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom,</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US lawmakers sold banking stocks amid crisis: Report</strong></p>

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<p>Additionally, it suggests accelerating the purchase of long-range strike missiles and expanding Australian weapons production. The nation also seeks to strengthen its defence partnerships with its neighbours in the area, notably those in the Pacific.</p>

<p>The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter and F/A-18F Super Hornet need to be upgraded technically in order to use long-range anti-ship missile systems. To increase the size of the ADF workforce and the number of personnel in shipyards needed to increase the submarine force, an urgent recruitment drive is also required.</p>

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In response to China's growing military prowess, Australia on Monday unveiled a strategic review of its defence forces, the biggest since World War II, which will further enhance its long-range strike capabilities.

In response to China's growing military prowess, Australia on Monday unveiled a strategic review of its defence forces, the biggest since World War II, which will further enhance its long-range strike capabilities. Australia's military reviewed its deterrent capabilities as a result of China's escalating military might on its shores. With the new reforms, the Australian military forces will be refocused on deterring potential enemies. During the launch of Defense Strategic Review in Canberra, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, “We cannot fall back on old assumptions. We must build and strengthen our security by seeking to shape the future rather than waiting for the future to shape us." Also Read | TikTok's troubling trends: What is the truth behind April 24? “We need to have greater control over our national sovereignty. So not only is manufacturing things in Australia, good for jobs and good for our economy, there’s also a national security issue,” he told reporters. While giving the Australian defences an overhaul, defence minister Richard Marles said a proactive approach is needed and Canberra must not wait for the enemies to arrive at its shores through air, sea or online. "Today, for the first time, in 35 years, we are recasting the mission of the Australian defence force," Marles said. Also Read | At least 9 teens injured in Texas after-prom shooting, no arrest so far The review looks at the billions of dollars allocated by the previous administration to the defence forces. It re-evaluated the decisions taken in past in light of projected threats, with one notably from China, which is becoming more and more powerful. "This build-up is occurring without transparency or reassurance to the Indo-Pacific region of China's strategic intent," the review said. "China's assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea threatens the global rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific in a way that adversely impacts Australia's national interests." Stronger relationship with allies, including India The review also suggested more self-sufficiency paired with deeper ties with its allies and important countries in the region, particularly Japan and India. It said that the threat of a major conflict in the region represents the highest degree of strategic risk for Australia. Priorities in the review The development of a nuclear-powered submarine programme is the first of the review's six objectives. This was also previously stated under the AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom, Watch | US lawmakers sold banking stocks amid crisis: Report × Additionally, it suggests accelerating the purchase of long-range strike missiles and expanding Australian weapons production. The nation also seeks to strengthen its defence partnerships with its neighbours in the area, notably those in the Pacific. The F-35A Joint Strike Fighter and F/A-18F Super Hornet need to be upgraded technically in order to use long-range anti-ship missile systems. To increase the size of the ADF workforce and the number of personnel in shipyards needed to increase the submarine force, an urgent recruitment drive is also required. 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.

As China steps up threats, Australia unveils biggest defence reform since World War II

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Gates of cricket stadium in Australia named after Sachin Tendulkar, World's richest man Bernard Arnault auditions children for his luxury empire, Earthquake of magnitude 7.1 strikes New Zealand.

Gates of cricket stadium in Australia named after Sachin Tendulkar | Trending On WION

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<p>A group of neo-Nazi men have been photographed performing the abhorrent Hitler salute as they celebrated the dictator's birthday at a family pub in Melbourne, Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The photograph showed 20-odd men attending the event at the Bavarian, a German-themed outlet&nbsp;in Knox City Shopping Centre and raising their hands in a Nazi salute. One participant held a portrait of Hitler while two others held 'H' letter-shaped balloons, allegedly referring to the phrase 'Heil Hitler' which is often recited practicing the salute.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell who also heads the National Socialist Network was an attendee at the event. He took to his Telegram account and said it was a 'great and eventful' night celebrating Hitler's 134th birthday as the group enjoyed German food and beer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Despite not breaking any laws and not disturbing a soul, we were set upon by a dozen scum from Victoria Police who were terribly upset we were celebrating this holy day instead of the government approved gay or paedophile holidays,” read the Telegram post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sewell claimed that the likes of his neo-Nazi friends were being persecuted by civil society and that Hitler's truth would soon be out.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Being confronted by systemic violence while our families and babies were present we were forced to eat our Hitler cake while being escorted from the shopping centre under threat of political violence," he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“They persecute us because they know we are rising and the world will learn the truth about Hitler and look to us for leadership.”</p>

<h2><strong>Dark day for Australia's democracy</strong></h2>

<p>After the images went viral, Dr Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) released a statement condemning the act and called it a 'sad and dark day for Australia's democracy'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Something is very wrong in Victoria, and we should be all alarmed by this brazen and stomach-churning outrage that will forever be a stain on our state," Abramovich was quoted as saying by Dail Mail Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This beyond despicable display of Hitler worshipping and depravity belongs in Nazi Germany of the 1930s, not in a local restaurant where parents and children gather.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/adolf-hitlers-ancestry-in-focus-russia-says-hitler-had-jewish-roots-476411"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Adolf Hitler's ancestry in focus, Russia says Hitler had Jewish roots</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Hitler and his anti-Semitic views</strong></h2>

<p>Adolf Hitler ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945 with an iron fist. In a quest to create the perfect Aryan race, Hitler started the holocaust of Jews. It is reported that during his tenure, Hitler massacred over 11 million people, of which six million were Jews.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nazi-leader-adolf-hitlers-wristwatch-bought-by-a-european-jew-in-an-auction-503290" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Do you know who bought Adolf Hitler's watch? A European Jew</strong></a></p>

<p>Hitler loathed Jews ever since Germany lost the first World War. As he climbed the political ladder, his hate for Jews continued to rise. Once Hitler became the chancellor, he pushed his vile anti-Semitic ideas vehemently amongst the masses. He made the ordinary Germans believe that the genocide of Jews was the right way for Germany to achieve its full socioeconomic potential.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A group of neo-Nazi men have been photographed performing the abhorrent Hitler salute as they celebrated the dictator's birthday at a family pub in Melbourne, Australia.

A group of neo-Nazi men have been photographed performing the abhorrent Hitler salute as they celebrated the dictator's birthday at a family pub in Melbourne, Australia. The photograph showed 20-odd men attending the event at the Bavarian, a German-themed outlet in Knox City Shopping Centre and raising their hands in a Nazi salute. One participant held a portrait of Hitler while two others held 'H' letter-shaped balloons, allegedly referring to the phrase 'Heil Hitler' which is often recited practicing the salute. Neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell who also heads the National Socialist Network was an attendee at the event. He took to his Telegram account and said it was a 'great and eventful' night celebrating Hitler's 134th birthday as the group enjoyed German food and beer. “Despite not breaking any laws and not disturbing a soul, we were set upon by a dozen scum from Victoria Police who were terribly upset we were celebrating this holy day instead of the government approved gay or paedophile holidays,” read the Telegram post. Sewell claimed that the likes of his neo-Nazi friends were being persecuted by civil society and that Hitler's truth would soon be out. “Being confronted by systemic violence while our families and babies were present we were forced to eat our Hitler cake while being escorted from the shopping centre under threat of political violence," he wrote. “They persecute us because they know we are rising and the world will learn the truth about Hitler and look to us for leadership.” Dark day for Australia's democracy After the images went viral, Dr Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC) released a statement condemning the act and called it a 'sad and dark day for Australia's democracy'. "Something is very wrong in Victoria, and we should be all alarmed by this brazen and stomach-churning outrage that will forever be a stain on our state," Abramovich was quoted as saying by Dail Mail Australia. “This beyond despicable display of Hitler worshipping and depravity belongs in Nazi Germany of the 1930s, not in a local restaurant where parents and children gather.” WATCH | Adolf Hitler's ancestry in focus, Russia says Hitler had Jewish roots × Hitler and his anti-Semitic views Adolf Hitler ruled Germany from 1933 to 1945 with an iron fist. In a quest to create the perfect Aryan race, Hitler started the holocaust of Jews. It is reported that during his tenure, Hitler massacred over 11 million people, of which six million were Jews. ALSO READ | Do you know who bought Adolf Hitler's watch? A European Jew Hitler loathed Jews ever since Germany lost the first World War. As he climbed the political ladder, his hate for Jews continued to rise. Once Hitler became the chancellor, he pushed his vile anti-Semitic ideas vehemently amongst the masses. He made the ordinary Germans believe that the genocide of Jews was the right way for Germany to achieve its full socioeconomic potential. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Group of neo-Nazis celebrates Hitler's birthday, raise their arms to salute dictator

Barry Humphries, best known for his character Dame Edna Everage, who blossomed from an Australian suburban housewife into a self-described gigastar, is nor more. Born and raised in Melbourne, Humphries was the son of a builder.

Comedian Barry Humphries no more, Australian PM Anthony Albanese mourns his death

<p>Deep-sea explorers have found the long-lost shipwreck from World War II Japanese transport ship, the SS Montevideo Maru which was involved in Australia’s most deadly maritime disaster, said the team on Saturday (April 22). The transport ship carrying nearly 1,000 Australian prisoners of war and mostly soldiers, was unknowingly torpedoed by a United States submarine.</p>

<p>“The discovery of the Montevideo Maru closes a terrible chapter in Australian military and maritime history,” said John Mullen, director of the Silentworld Foundation, a maritime archaeology group. The ship was sunk on July 1, 1942, when it was en route to what is now Papua New Guinea to China’s Hainan off the coast of the Philippines.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mullen added, “Families waited years for news of their missing loved ones, before learning of the tragic outcome of the sinking. Some never fully came to accept that their loved ones were among the victims.”</p>

<p>Notably, the location of the wreck had remained a mystery for over 80 years and was found at a depth of more than four kilometres, said the organisation. The foundation had spent at least five years planning the mission in collaboration with the Dutch deep-sea surveying company Fugro and the Australian Department of Defence.</p>

<p>The search went on for nearly 12 days and was conducted using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in the South China Sea. It was days later that the team detected a positive sighting using sonar at four kilometres which was a greater depth than the Titanic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The sinking of the Japanese transport ship was one of the worst maritime disasters in Australia as the ship carrying over 1,000 passengers also comprised at least 979 Australian citizens including some 850 soldiers. Additionally, the ship was also carrying civilians from 13 other countries while the number of prisoners killed was about 1,060.</p>

<p>According to the foundation, the Montevideo Maru included 33 crew from the Norwegian freighter the Herstein and about 20 Japanese guards and crew who also lost their lives that day. They also believe that the ship was hit by two torpedoes as it had split into two sections, with the bow and stern lying about 500 metres apart on the seabed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the discovery, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took to Twitter and wrote, “At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found. Among the 1,060 prisoners on board were 850 Australian service members – their lives cut short.”</p>

<p>He added, “The extraordinary effort behind this discovery speaks for the enduring truth of Australia’s solemn national promise to always remember and honour those who served our country. We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil.”<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found.<br />
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Among the 1,060 prisoners on board were 850 Australian service members – their lives cut short.<br />
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We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil. <a href="https://t.co/husOu6peUL">pic.twitter.com/husOu6peUL</a></p>
— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlboMP/status/1649542990896173056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Notably, the findings also come ahead of the commemorations for Anzac Day on April 25, a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for their troops killed in all military conflict. Meanwhile, the foundation has also said that the site of the shipwreck will remain undisturbed and no artefacts or human remains will be removed from the seabed, out of respect for the families of those who perished.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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Deep-sea explorers have found the long-lost shipwreck from World War II Japanese transport ship, the SS Montevideo Maru which was involved in Australia’s most deadly maritime disaster, said the team on Saturday (April 22).

Deep-sea explorers have found the long-lost shipwreck from World War II Japanese transport ship, the SS Montevideo Maru which was involved in Australia’s most deadly maritime disaster, said the team on Saturday (April 22). The transport ship carrying nearly 1,000 Australian prisoners of war and mostly soldiers, was unknowingly torpedoed by a United States submarine. “The discovery of the Montevideo Maru closes a terrible chapter in Australian military and maritime history,” said John Mullen, director of the Silentworld Foundation, a maritime archaeology group. The ship was sunk on July 1, 1942, when it was en route to what is now Papua New Guinea to China’s Hainan off the coast of the Philippines. Mullen added, “Families waited years for news of their missing loved ones, before learning of the tragic outcome of the sinking. Some never fully came to accept that their loved ones were among the victims.” Notably, the location of the wreck had remained a mystery for over 80 years and was found at a depth of more than four kilometres, said the organisation. The foundation had spent at least five years planning the mission in collaboration with the Dutch deep-sea surveying company Fugro and the Australian Department of Defence. The search went on for nearly 12 days and was conducted using an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in the South China Sea. It was days later that the team detected a positive sighting using sonar at four kilometres which was a greater depth than the Titanic. The sinking of the Japanese transport ship was one of the worst maritime disasters in Australia as the ship carrying over 1,000 passengers also comprised at least 979 Australian citizens including some 850 soldiers. Additionally, the ship was also carrying civilians from 13 other countries while the number of prisoners killed was about 1,060. According to the foundation, the Montevideo Maru included 33 crew from the Norwegian freighter the Herstein and about 20 Japanese guards and crew who also lost their lives that day. They also believe that the ship was hit by two torpedoes as it had split into two sections, with the bow and stern lying about 500 metres apart on the seabed. After the discovery, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese took to Twitter and wrote, “At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found. Among the 1,060 prisoners on board were 850 Australian service members – their lives cut short.” He added, “The extraordinary effort behind this discovery speaks for the enduring truth of Australia’s solemn national promise to always remember and honour those who served our country. We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil.” At long last, the resting place of the lost souls of the Montevideo Maru has been found. Among the 1,060 prisoners on board were 850 Australian service members – their lives cut short. We hope today’s news brings a measure of comfort to loved ones who have kept a long vigil. pic.twitter.com/husOu6peUL — Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) April 21, 2023 × Notably, the findings also come ahead of the commemorations for Anzac Day on April 25, a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand for their troops killed in all military conflict. Meanwhile, the foundation has also said that the site of the shipwreck will remain undisturbed and no artefacts or human remains will be removed from the seabed, out of respect for the families of those who perished. (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.

Explorers find WWII shipwreck of SS Montevideo Maru on which nearly 1,000 Australians died

Golf: Adelaide is playing host to the first ever Australian Liv golf event, but not without controversy, including concerns from Amnesty International. Watch the video to know more.

LIV Golf league: Australia to host first-ever event

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<p>A former Queensland teacher missing for over three weeks is thought to have been dumped in a bin outside her home. The authorities are now looking to comb through 3,000 tonnes of garbage at the Swanbank Renewable Energy and Waste Management Facility, west of Brisbane, to look for the body of 78-year-old Lesley Trotter.</p>

<p>Multiple police units were collaborating with Australian Defence Force to sift through the garbage which will be exhumed from the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is sum of 3,000 tonne of general waste we have to sort through. The waste will be exhumed from the ground, tipped into lanes approximately 30 centimetres deep, and police and ADF personnel will sift through by hand and using rakes...in an attempted to find Ms Trotter's body," Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham informed the media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The search operation is expected to take some time as the crew will be able to search through 200 tonnes of garbage per day only.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We've been able to use certain technologies to pinpoint an area that we believe is most likely to yield Ms Trotter's body," added Massingham.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/londons-met-police-is-racist-misogynistic-and-homophobic-says-new-report-574355" target="_blank"><strong>WATCH | London's Met Police is racist, misogynistic and homophobic, says new report</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Trotter goes missing&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Trotter was last seen by her family on March 27 as the police initially treated her disappearance as a missing persons case. However, the agencies later received a tip, informing them Trotter's body was dumped in a wheelie bin and taken out by the garbage trucks as part of a weekly collection.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Ongoing investigations can reveal that on the morning of Tuesday, the 28th of March this year, the body of a female we believe was Lesley Trotter was located in a general waste wheelie bin,” the police said in a statement at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It was evident she was deceased. Due to the positioning of the body, we can’t rule out foul play. Later that morning that bin was collected by a rubbish truck.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-man-loses-life-in-shark-attack-in-new-caledonia-563785" target="_blank"><strong>ALSO READ | Australian man loses life in shark attack in New Caledonia</strong></a></p>

<p>The police have also questioned the neighbours for any leads but so far have got nothing. However, some reports state that Trotter often sorted through wheelie bins&nbsp;in front of her residence and neighbouring properties in order to remove recycling from general waste bins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police have urged anyone who knew of Trotter's movement&nbsp;between March 27 and midday March 28 or her recycling habits to come forward and provide more information.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A former Queensland teacher missing for over three weeks is thought to have been dumped in a bin outside her home. The authorities are now looking to comb through 3,000 tonnes of garbage at the Swanbank Renewable Energy and Waste Management Facility, west of Brisbane, to look for the body of 78-year-old Lesley Trotter.

A former Queensland teacher missing for over three weeks is thought to have been dumped in a bin outside her home. The authorities are now looking to comb through 3,000 tonnes of garbage at the Swanbank Renewable Energy and Waste Management Facility, west of Brisbane, to look for the body of 78-year-old Lesley Trotter. Multiple police units were collaborating with Australian Defence Force to sift through the garbage which will be exhumed from the ground. "There is sum of 3,000 tonne of general waste we have to sort through. The waste will be exhumed from the ground, tipped into lanes approximately 30 centimetres deep, and police and ADF personnel will sift through by hand and using rakes...in an attempted to find Ms Trotter's body," Detective Superintendent Andrew Massingham informed the media. The search operation is expected to take some time as the crew will be able to search through 200 tonnes of garbage per day only. "We've been able to use certain technologies to pinpoint an area that we believe is most likely to yield Ms Trotter's body," added Massingham. WATCH | London's Met Police is racist, misogynistic and homophobic, says new report × Trotter goes missing Trotter was last seen by her family on March 27 as the police initially treated her disappearance as a missing persons case. However, the agencies later received a tip, informing them Trotter's body was dumped in a wheelie bin and taken out by the garbage trucks as part of a weekly collection. “Ongoing investigations can reveal that on the morning of Tuesday, the 28th of March this year, the body of a female we believe was Lesley Trotter was located in a general waste wheelie bin,” the police said in a statement at the time. “It was evident she was deceased. Due to the positioning of the body, we can’t rule out foul play. Later that morning that bin was collected by a rubbish truck.” ALSO READ | Australian man loses life in shark attack in New Caledonia The police have also questioned the neighbours for any leads but so far have got nothing. However, some reports state that Trotter often sorted through wheelie bins in front of her residence and neighbouring properties in order to remove recycling from general waste bins. The police have urged anyone who knew of Trotter's movement between March 27 and midday March 28 or her recycling habits to come forward and provide more information. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australian authorities comb through garbage dump for missing teacher's body

<p>Eleven Indonesian fishermen were rescued on Monday (April 17) from a remote island in north Western Australia after their vessel shipwrecked during a powerful cyclone. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday, the fishermen were rescued on Monday night from Bedwell Island, which is about 313 kilometres west off the coast of the town of Broome in Western Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A border security aircraft spotted them during a surveillance mission following cyclone Ilsa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, a spokesperson from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said that the fishermen were then moved to Broome and given necessary medical care.</p>

<p>They informed authorities that two vessels were caught in the cyclone, one with 10 crew and the other with nine, the statement said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added the vessel with 10 crew washed ashore at Bedwell Island but the second vessel sank in bad weather. Eight fishermen are still missing, the AMSA also said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cyclone Ilsa made landfall in Western Australia last Friday, lashing coastal regions with some of the strongest winds the country has ever recorded. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone brought a wind gust of 289 kilometres per hour, believed to be the strongest on record.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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Eleven Indonesian fishermen were rescued on Monday (April 17) from a remote island in north Western Australia after their vessel shipwrecked during a powerful cyclone.

Eleven Indonesian fishermen were rescued on Monday (April 17) from a remote island in north Western Australia after their vessel shipwrecked during a powerful cyclone. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday, the fishermen were rescued on Monday night from Bedwell Island, which is about 313 kilometres west off the coast of the town of Broome in Western Australia. A border security aircraft spotted them during a surveillance mission following cyclone Ilsa. In a statement, a spokesperson from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said that the fishermen were then moved to Broome and given necessary medical care. They informed authorities that two vessels were caught in the cyclone, one with 10 crew and the other with nine, the statement said. It added the vessel with 10 crew washed ashore at Bedwell Island but the second vessel sank in bad weather. Eight fishermen are still missing, the AMSA also said. Cyclone Ilsa made landfall in Western Australia last Friday, lashing coastal regions with some of the strongest winds the country has ever recorded. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, the cyclone brought a wind gust of 289 kilometres per hour, believed to be the strongest on record. (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 rescues 11 Indonesian fishermen from desert island, 8 still missing

<p>An Australian nonprofit called Action for Dolphins (AFD) has lodged a police complaint demanding that “toxic” dolphin meat be removed from sale in Japan, said a report by the British daily newspaper, the Guardian. This comes after tests conducted in a Japanese laboratory showed that the levels of mercury found in said meat were nearly 100 times higher than the government’s recommended safe level.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>What did the test find?</strong></p>

<p>According to the report by the Guardian, an AFD investigator, based in Japan, recently tested a sample of Risso’s dolphin offal which exceeded the government-set regulatory limit of mercury by up to 97.5 times. Additionally, a separate package of Risso’s dolphin offal, which was tested showed mercury levels nearly 80 times higher than the limit which is considered safe by the government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dolphin meat in question was ordered back on 13 October 2022 which arrived two days later and was sent to a lab in Japan to be tested. “There are multiple test results dating back a decade showing potentially toxic levels of mercury in whale and dolphin meat sold via Yahoo! Japan’s website,” AFD’s chief executive, Hannah Tait, told the Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added, “There is a lack of information and labelling…anyone can buy the meat, including pregnant women, which is particularly troubling.” She also told the British newspaper how she hopes that the police complaint and the test results lead to dolphin meat being removed from sale in supermarkets, restaurants and the online retailer Yahoo! Japan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The complaint was filed by the Tokyo-based law office of Takashi Takano, on behalf of AFD, which also targets a speciality whale meat store that sells cetaceans caught in Taiji, on Japan’s Pacific coast, via Yahoo! Japan, reported the Guardian. The complaint also called for ending dolphin hunting in Taiji where hundreds of dolphins are killed in an annual slaughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar tests were conducted by the organisation in 2020 and 2021 which showed mercury levels in dolphin meat between 12 and 25 times over the regulatory limit. However, their previous complaint, filed in 2021, resulted in no action being taken by prosecutors.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How did Yahoo! Japan respond?</strong></p>

<p>In an emailed statement to the Guardian, the website denied selling dolphin meat or “or any related products” but only whale meat. The report also then found that the offal which was tested by the AFD can be translated into English as Risso’s dolphin or Risso’s pilot whale and the organisation had used the latter translation. However, Tait later clarified that the cetacean is biologically a member of the dolphin family.<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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An Australian nonprofit called Action for Dolphins (AFD) has lodged a police complaint demanding that “toxic” dolphin meat be removed from sale in Japan, said a report by the British daily newspaper, the Guardian.

An Australian nonprofit called Action for Dolphins (AFD) has lodged a police complaint demanding that “toxic” dolphin meat be removed from sale in Japan, said a report by the British daily newspaper, the Guardian. This comes after tests conducted in a Japanese laboratory showed that the levels of mercury found in said meat were nearly 100 times higher than the government’s recommended safe level. What did the test find? According to the report by the Guardian, an AFD investigator, based in Japan, recently tested a sample of Risso’s dolphin offal which exceeded the government-set regulatory limit of mercury by up to 97.5 times. Additionally, a separate package of Risso’s dolphin offal, which was tested showed mercury levels nearly 80 times higher than the limit which is considered safe by the government. The dolphin meat in question was ordered back on 13 October 2022 which arrived two days later and was sent to a lab in Japan to be tested. “There are multiple test results dating back a decade showing potentially toxic levels of mercury in whale and dolphin meat sold via Yahoo! Japan’s website,” AFD’s chief executive, Hannah Tait, told the Guardian. She added, “There is a lack of information and labelling…anyone can buy the meat, including pregnant women, which is particularly troubling.” She also told the British newspaper how she hopes that the police complaint and the test results lead to dolphin meat being removed from sale in supermarkets, restaurants and the online retailer Yahoo! Japan. The complaint was filed by the Tokyo-based law office of Takashi Takano, on behalf of AFD, which also targets a speciality whale meat store that sells cetaceans caught in Taiji, on Japan’s Pacific coast, via Yahoo! Japan, reported the Guardian. The complaint also called for ending dolphin hunting in Taiji where hundreds of dolphins are killed in an annual slaughter. Similar tests were conducted by the organisation in 2020 and 2021 which showed mercury levels in dolphin meat between 12 and 25 times over the regulatory limit. However, their previous complaint, filed in 2021, resulted in no action being taken by prosecutors. How did Yahoo! Japan respond? In an emailed statement to the Guardian, the website denied selling dolphin meat or “or any related products” but only whale meat. The report also then found that the offal which was tested by the AFD can be translated into English as Risso’s dolphin or Risso’s pilot whale and the organisation had used the latter translation. However, Tait later clarified that the cetacean is biologically a member of the dolphin family. 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.

Australian non-profit files police complaint over ‘toxic’ dolphin meat sold in Japan

<p>Thousands of Indian students have been banned from admission to Australian universities in view of the phenomenal surge in bogus applications. The clamp-down is specifically against applicants from the two Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. At least four universities — Victoria, Wollongong, Torrens and Edith Cowan University—have tightened scrutiny of applications, according to reports in Australian dailies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While some universities have resorted to outright bans, others have imposed restrictions. Even agents working for Australian universities have come down heavily on applications from Indian students.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia’s crackdown has been triggered by the soaring number of applications from India, with much of it suspected of being fraudulent. The number of applications is expected to exceed the all-time high of 75,000 seen before the pandemic in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes at a time when India-Australia relations are upbeat and being intensified. Under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) that came into force in December last year, Australia is to facilitate market access and mobility for more Indian professionals.</p>

<p>A student visa is seen as a shortcut to finding work and, perhaps even a work visa, especially for low-skilled jobs. This, in turn, has raised fears that many of the applicants are not genuine students but job-seekers who want to game the system for easy entry into Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The concerns flagged by the authorities over the massive flow of applications seeking to undercut the country’s immigration laws have pushed the universities to take pre-emptive action by way of bans and restrictions. Otherwise, they could be courting trouble, especially from the Department of Home Affairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ECTA agreement was followed by a visit of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India in March&nbsp;when he announced that Australia would recognise Indian degrees.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The month before Albanese’s visit saw an unprecedented surge in applications from India for vocational education in Australia. The Home Affairs Department felt that the bulk of these applications might be fraudulent and, therefore, rejected 94 per cent of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Australia’s international education market is estimated to be worth about $40 billion annually. Many universities earn more from overseas students than those at home. Applications from South Asian countries began swelling since the previous administration in January 2022 scrapped&nbsp;the 20-hour weekly limit on student work. The Albanese government plans to bring back the work limit from July but feels that the integrity of Australia’s immigration should not be vitiated by letting in a tide of bogus applicants.</p>

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Thousands of Indian students have been banned from admission to Australian universities in view of the phenomenal surge in bogus applications. The clamp-down is specifically against applicants from the two Indian states of Punjab and Haryana.

Thousands of Indian students have been banned from admission to Australian universities in view of the phenomenal surge in bogus applications. The clamp-down is specifically against applicants from the two Indian states of Punjab and Haryana. At least four universities — Victoria, Wollongong, Torrens and Edith Cowan University—have tightened scrutiny of applications, according to reports in Australian dailies. While some universities have resorted to outright bans, others have imposed restrictions. Even agents working for Australian universities have come down heavily on applications from Indian students. Australia’s crackdown has been triggered by the soaring number of applications from India, with much of it suspected of being fraudulent. The number of applications is expected to exceed the all-time high of 75,000 seen before the pandemic in 2019. This comes at a time when India-Australia relations are upbeat and being intensified. Under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) that came into force in December last year, Australia is to facilitate market access and mobility for more Indian professionals. A student visa is seen as a shortcut to finding work and, perhaps even a work visa, especially for low-skilled jobs. This, in turn, has raised fears that many of the applicants are not genuine students but job-seekers who want to game the system for easy entry into Australia. The concerns flagged by the authorities over the massive flow of applications seeking to undercut the country’s immigration laws have pushed the universities to take pre-emptive action by way of bans and restrictions. Otherwise, they could be courting trouble, especially from the Department of Home Affairs. The ECTA agreement was followed by a visit of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to India in March when he announced that Australia would recognise Indian degrees. The month before Albanese’s visit saw an unprecedented surge in applications from India for vocational education in Australia. The Home Affairs Department felt that the bulk of these applications might be fraudulent and, therefore, rejected 94 per cent of them. Australia’s international education market is estimated to be worth about $40 billion annually. Many universities earn more from overseas students than those at home. Applications from South Asian countries began swelling since the previous administration in January 2022 scrapped the 20-hour weekly limit on student work. The Albanese government plans to bring back the work limit from July but feels that the integrity of Australia’s immigration should not be vitiated by letting in a tide of bogus applicants. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. 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.

WION Spotlight | Bogus applicants trigger Australia ban on Indian students

An Australian citizen who recently returned to the country after working in China for 20 years was detained on suspicion of selling sensitive information to a foreign intelligence agency. He made his first appearance in local court on Saturday, a day after his arrest, and is scheduled to make another appearance on Monday.

Australian working in China arrested for selling information

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