Australia’s graphic designing website, Canva, took over the world in a few years and has now become one of the biggest privately-owned companies of the world.<o:p></o:p>

Canva recently got valued at $40 billion (£29bn) which the company believes is a direct result of the pandemic. As majority of the customers of Canva started working from home in the pandemic, the company was able to reveal fresh $200m of private equity investment.<o:p></o:p>

Analysts believe this new announcement has put Canva in the list of world’s most valuable start-ups. It is now the fifth most valuable start-ups in the world. The companies before Canva are TikTok-owner ByteDance, payment platform Stripe, Elon Musk-owned SpaceX and financial tech firm Klarna.<o:p></o:p>

This also takes one of its co-founders in the list of top 10 richest people in Australia.<o:p></o:p>

Canva is a graphic designing platform that was founded in Sydney in 2013 by 34-year-old Melanie Perkins and 35-year-old Cliff Obrecht, who now own nearly 36 per cent of the company. The website allows users to design resumes, CVs, posters, calendars, schedules and more through pre-loaded templates. It also gives options to edit, crop and resize images.<o:p></o:p>

The platform has grown to 60 million users in over 190 countries, the officials claim. Out of these, nearly 500,000 are paying customers which includes big names such as famous video-messaging app Zoom, payment platform PayPal, Marriott International and American Airlines. <o:p></o:p>

Experts are also predicting a revenue of nearly $1 billion by the end of the year.<o:p></o:p>

The co-founders have also decided to donate nearly 30 per cent of their company’s wealth for charitable causes in the future.<o:p></o:p>

Australia’s graphic designing website, Canva, took over the world in a few years and has now become one of the biggest privately-owned companies of the world. Canva recently got valued at $40 billion (£29bn) which the company believes is a direct result of the pandemic.

Australia’s graphic designing website, Canva, took over the world in a few years and has now become one of the biggest privately-owned companies of the world. Canva recently got valued at $40 billion (£29bn) which the company believes is a direct result of the pandemic. As majority of the customers of Canva started working from home in the pandemic, the company was able to reveal fresh $200m of private equity investment. Analysts believe this new announcement has put Canva in the list of world’s most valuable start-ups. It is now the fifth most valuable start-ups in the world. The companies before Canva are TikTok-owner ByteDance, payment platform Stripe, Elon Musk-owned SpaceX and financial tech firm Klarna. This also takes one of its co-founders in the list of top 10 richest people in Australia. Canva is a graphic designing platform that was founded in Sydney in 2013 by 34-year-old Melanie Perkins and 35-year-old Cliff Obrecht, who now own nearly 36 per cent of the company. The website allows users to design resumes, CVs, posters, calendars, schedules and more through pre-loaded templates. It also gives options to edit, crop and resize images. The platform has grown to 60 million users in over 190 countries, the officials claim. Out of these, nearly 500,000 are paying customers which includes big names such as famous video-messaging app Zoom, payment platform PayPal, Marriott International and American Airlines. Experts are also predicting a revenue of nearly $1 billion by the end of the year. The co-founders have also decided to donate nearly 30 per cent of their company’s wealth for charitable causes in the future.

Australian designing website Canva valued at $40bn

After US, Australia and Britain announced the establishment of a new security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region, China lashed out at the move saying that "countries should not build exclusionary blocs targeting or harming the interests of third parties."

"In particular, they should shake off their cold war mentality and ideological prejudice," the Chinese embassy in Washington said.

The deal which involves helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines to guard against future threats was announced jointly by US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and UK PM Boris Johnson.

PM Morrison said that the submarines would be built in Adelaide in close cooperation with the United States and Britain and that Australia will continue to meet its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.

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"Our world is becoming more complex, especially here in our region, the Indo-Pacific. It affects us all. The future of the Indo-Pacific will impact all our futures to make these challenges, to help deliver the security and stability our region needs, we must now take our partnership to a new level," PM Scott Morrison said while announcing the deal.

"A partnership that seeks to engage, not to exclude, to contribute, not take; and to enable and empower, not to control or coerce," the Australian PM added.

None of the three leaders however mentioned China and US officials said that move was not aimed at countering Beijing. However, US President Biden in his speech said that the new trilateral partnership was meant to address the current environment in the region.

"Today, we're taking another historic step to deepen and formalise cooperation among all three of our nations because we all recognise the imperative of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific over the long term," Biden said.

"We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it may evolve because the future of each of our nations and indeed the world depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US president added.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After US, Australia and Britain announced the establishment of a new security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region, China lashed out at the move saying that "countries should not build exclusionary blocs targeting or harming the interests of third parties.

After US, Australia and Britain announced the establishment of a new security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region, China lashed out at the move saying that "countries should not build exclusionary blocs targeting or harming the interests of third parties." "In particular, they should shake off their cold war mentality and ideological prejudice," the Chinese embassy in Washington said. The deal which involves helping Australia acquire nuclear-powered submarines to guard against future threats was announced jointly by US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and UK PM Boris Johnson. PM Morrison said that the submarines would be built in Adelaide in close cooperation with the United States and Britain and that Australia will continue to meet its nuclear non-proliferation obligations. Also Read: Australian nuclear vessels prohibited from entering New Zealand, says Prime Minister Ardern "Our world is becoming more complex, especially here in our region, the Indo-Pacific. It affects us all. The future of the Indo-Pacific will impact all our futures to make these challenges, to help deliver the security and stability our region needs, we must now take our partnership to a new level," PM Scott Morrison said while announcing the deal. "A partnership that seeks to engage, not to exclude, to contribute, not take; and to enable and empower, not to control or coerce," the Australian PM added. None of the three leaders however mentioned China and US officials said that move was not aimed at countering Beijing. However, US President Biden in his speech said that the new trilateral partnership was meant to address the current environment in the region. "Today, we're taking another historic step to deepen and formalise cooperation among all three of our nations because we all recognise the imperative of ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific over the long term," Biden said. "We need to be able to address both the current strategic environment in the region and how it may evolve because the future of each of our nations and indeed the world depends on a free and open Indo-Pacific," the US president added. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Cold war mentality': China lashes out at US, Australia, UK nuclear submarine deal

To refrain China's Influence in Indo-Pacific a news partnership has been set up that is United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Watch this video for more details.

AUKUS' to counter China's influence in Indo-Pacific

France&nbsp;accused US&nbsp;President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;on Thursday of stabbing it in the back and acting&nbsp;like&nbsp;his predecessor Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;after Paris was pushed aside from a lucrative&nbsp;defence&nbsp;deal&nbsp;that it had signed with&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;for submarines.

The United States, Britain and&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;said they would establish a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific that will help&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;acquire US&nbsp;nuclear-powered submarines and scrap the $40 billion French-designed submarine&nbsp;deal.

"This brutal, unilateral and unpredictable decision reminds me a lot of what Mr&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;used to do," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told&nbsp;franceinfo radio. "I am angry and bitter. This isn't done between allies."

In 2016,&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;had selected French shipbuilder Naval Group to build a new submarine fleet worth $40 billion to replace its more than two-decades-old Collins submarines.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uks-boris-johnson-reshuffles-his-cabinet-dominic-raab-ousted-for-afghan-crisis-413578">Also read |&nbsp;UK's Boris Johnson reshuffles his cabinet; Dominic Raab ousted for Afghan crisis</a>

Two weeks ago, the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;defence&nbsp;and foreign ministers had reconfirmed the&nbsp;deal&nbsp;to&nbsp;France, and French President Emmanuel Macron lauded decades of future cooperation when hosting&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in June.

"It's a stab in the back. We created a relationship of trust with&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and that trust has been broken," Le Drian said.

Relations between&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;and Macron soured during&nbsp;Trump's presidency, and diplomats say there have been concerns in recent months that&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;is not being forthright with his European allies.

Washington's actions in&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;are&nbsp;likely to further strain Transatlantic ties. The European Union was due to roll out its Indo-Pacific strategy later on Thursday and Paris is preparing to take on the EU presidency.

"This is a clap of thunder and for many in Paris a Trafalgar moment," Bruno Tertrais, Deputy Director of the Paris-based think tank the Foundation of Strategic Research said on Twitter, referring to a French naval defeat in 1805 that was followed by British naval supremacy.

He said it would "complicate the transatlantic cooperation in and about the region. Beijing will benefit."

Biden&nbsp;said on Wednesday&nbsp;France&nbsp;remained a "key partner in the Indo-Pacific zone."

Morrison said in a statement that&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;looked forward to continuing to work "closely and positively" with&nbsp;France, adding: "France&nbsp;is a key friend and partner to&nbsp;Australia&nbsp;and the Indo-Pacific."

&nbsp;

France accused US President Joe Biden on Thursday of stabbing it in the back and acting like his predecessor Donald Trump after Paris was pushed aside from a lucrative defence deal that it had signed with Australia for submarines.

France accused US President Joe Biden on Thursday of stabbing it in the back and acting like his predecessor Donald Trump after Paris was pushed aside from a lucrative defence deal that it had signed with Australia for submarines. The United States, Britain and Australia said they would establish a security partnership for the Indo-Pacific that will help Australia acquire US nuclear-powered submarines and scrap the $40 billion French-designed submarine deal. "This brutal, unilateral and unpredictable decision reminds me a lot of what Mr Trump used to do," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told franceinfo radio. "I am angry and bitter. This isn't done between allies." In 2016, Australia had selected French shipbuilder Naval Group to build a new submarine fleet worth $40 billion to replace its more than two-decades-old Collins submarines. Also read | UK's Boris Johnson reshuffles his cabinet; Dominic Raab ousted for Afghan crisis Two weeks ago, the Australian defence and foreign ministers had reconfirmed the deal to France, and French President Emmanuel Macron lauded decades of future cooperation when hosting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in June. "It's a stab in the back. We created a relationship of trust with Australia and that trust has been broken," Le Drian said. Relations between Trump and Macron soured during Trump's presidency, and diplomats say there have been concerns in recent months that Biden is not being forthright with his European allies. Washington's actions in Australia are likely to further strain Transatlantic ties. The European Union was due to roll out its Indo-Pacific strategy later on Thursday and Paris is preparing to take on the EU presidency. "This is a clap of thunder and for many in Paris a Trafalgar moment," Bruno Tertrais, Deputy Director of the Paris-based think tank the Foundation of Strategic Research said on Twitter, referring to a French naval defeat in 1805 that was followed by British naval supremacy. He said it would "complicate the transatlantic cooperation in and about the region. Beijing will benefit." Biden said on Wednesday France remained a "key partner in the Indo-Pacific zone." Morrison said in a statement that Australia looked forward to continuing to work "closely and positively" with France, adding: "France is a key friend and partner to Australia and the Indo-Pacific."

France says Biden acted like Trump to sink Australia defence deal

The US, UK, and Australia have announced a new trilateral security partnership aimed at confronting China, which will include helping Australia to build nuclear-powered submarines.

AUKUS partnership will enable Australia to get nuclear submarines

The US, Britain, and Australia have announced a new trilateral security alliance 'AUKUS' in a joint virtual appearance amid China’s growing influence over the Indo-Pacific region.

AUKUS: UK, US & Australia Australia launch new alliance to counter China

In a bid to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region the United States, United Kingdom and Australia have established a new security partnership 'AUKUS' in a joint virtual appearance.

US, UK & Australia forge AUKUS alliance to counter China

Australia has seen 13% rise in cybercrime reports in the last one year. Watch this video for more details.

World Business Watch : Australia sees 13 % rise in cyber crime

The White House on Monday announced that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, US President Joe Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi.

A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person".&nbsp;

March 12th saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad vaccine initiative will see Covid vaccines developed in the US being manufactured in India. This will be financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia.

The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Indo-Pacific as a vision is being back by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it.

The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." Quad first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and saw some formalization in 2007. At that time Australia had issues. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level.

The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the 2 leaders since the change of guard in Washington. On 25th he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. During his address he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter-terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.

The White House on Monday announced that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington.

The White House on Monday announced that the first in-person Quad or India, US, Australia and Japan's leaders' summit will take place on September 24 in Washington. The summit marks a major milestone and coming of age for the grouping which has been in works for some time now. For the summit, US President Joe Biden will be hosting Australian PM Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and Indian PM Narendra Modi. A White House statement said, "The Biden-Harris Administration has made elevating the Quad a priority, as seen through the first-ever Quad Leaders-level engagement in March, which was virtual, and now this Summit, which will be in-person". March 12th saw the first Quad summit, but that happened virtually amid the Covid pandemic. The key outcome of the summit was Quad Covid vaccine initiative. Quad vaccine initiative will see Covid vaccines developed in the US being manufactured in India. This will be financed by Japan and US and supported by Australia. The White House statement highlighted that "hosting the leaders of the Quad demonstrates the Biden-Harris Administration’s priority of engaging in the Indo-Pacific, including through new multilateral configurations to meet the challenges of the 21st century." Indo-Pacific as a vision is being back by India and US among other countries in the region. Many countries in Europe have also issued their papers on the visions and how to support it. The statement pointed that the focus of the summit will be on "deepening our ties and advancing practical cooperation" on areas such as "combatting COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, partnering on emerging technologies and cyberspace, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific." Quad first came into existence after the 2004 tsunami and saw some formalization in 2007. At that time Australia had issues. Since 2019, Quad has had regular conversations at the foreign ministers' level. The announcement by White House confirms Indian PM Modi's US visit. He is expected to hold bilateral talks with US President Biden on September 23, the first in-person meet between the 2 leaders since the change of guard in Washington. On 25th he will be travelling to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. During his address he will be focusing on UN reforms, climate change, Covid crisis and vaccines, counter-terror and some references can be expected on Afghanistan as well.

First in person Quad leaders' Summit on September 24: White House

India opening batter Smriti Mandhana has said that her side loves playing against Australia as the ultra competitiveness of the Southern Stars rubs off on the Girls in Blue.

India and Australia will be locking horns in a multi-format series, comprising three ODIs, one-off day-night Test and three T20Is. The first ODI will be played on September 21.

"We all love playing against Australia, because they are one of the best teams in the world and quite competitive. When it`s when it comes to Australia, you`re a bit more pumped because the level of competitiveness the Australian team, just rubs off on us and we also start being extra competitive," Mandhana told The Scoop podcast, as reported by cricket.com.au.

"Australian wickets have a true bounce and I think everyone loves batting in Australia. No one will tell you they don`t like batting in Australia. We are all just really happy to play cricket, whatever the quarantine period maybe," she added.

India and Australia had squared off in the finals of the T20 World Cup 2020, and it was Harmanpreet Kaur`s side who came up short in the summit clash.

"The team has grown massively. COVID was a big break after the T20 World Cup and a lot of girls had a chance to go back and understand more about their games, where they lack as an individual and come back stronger," said Mandhana.

"The whole team has worked on their fitness and skills ... we are still getting into a rhythm of playing matches continuously but the last five, six months we have been playing cricket and now we are getting back into the match mindset," she added.&nbsp;

India opening batter Smriti Mandhana has said that her side loves playing against Australia as the ultra competitiveness of the Southern Stars rubs off on the Girls in Blue.

India opening batter Smriti Mandhana has said that her side loves playing against Australia as the ultra competitiveness of the Southern Stars rubs off on the Girls in Blue. India and Australia will be locking horns in a multi-format series, comprising three ODIs, one-off day-night Test and three T20Is. The first ODI will be played on September 21. "We all love playing against Australia, because they are one of the best teams in the world and quite competitive. When it`s when it comes to Australia, you`re a bit more pumped because the level of competitiveness the Australian team, just rubs off on us and we also start being extra competitive," Mandhana told The Scoop podcast, as reported by cricket.com.au. "Australian wickets have a true bounce and I think everyone loves batting in Australia. No one will tell you they don`t like batting in Australia. We are all just really happy to play cricket, whatever the quarantine period maybe," she added. India and Australia had squared off in the finals of the T20 World Cup 2020, and it was Harmanpreet Kaur`s side who came up short in the summit clash. "The team has grown massively. COVID was a big break after the T20 World Cup and a lot of girls had a chance to go back and understand more about their games, where they lack as an individual and come back stronger," said Mandhana. "The whole team has worked on their fitness and skills ... we are still getting into a rhythm of playing matches continuously but the last five, six months we have been playing cricket and now we are getting back into the match mindset," she added.

We all love playing against Australia, level of competitiveness rubs off on us: Mandhana

A former principal accused of sexually abusing children at a Jewish ultra-Orthodox school in Australia appeared by video link on Monday on the opening day of pre-trial hearings.

Malka Leifer, a dual Israeli-Australian&nbsp;citizen who was extradited to Australia in January, was shown on video from prison wearing a blue top with her hair covered in a white headscarf.

She denies 74&nbsp;charges&nbsp;that include rape, indecent assault and&nbsp;child&nbsp;sexual&nbsp;abuse&nbsp;between 2004 and 2008 when she was a religious studies teacher and principal at the Adass Israel School in Melbourne.

The committal hearing in Melbourne, which is expected to last until September 20, will decide whether there is enough evidence for Leifer to stand trial.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnamese-fleeing-virus-found-in-refrigerated-truck-media-412752">Also read |&nbsp;Vietnamese fleeing virus found in refrigerated truck: Media</a>

Looking downwards and frequently resting her chin in her left hand, Leifer spoke only to confirm that she could hear and see the proceedings at the Melbourne&nbsp;court, held by video during a Covid-19 lockdown.

"Yes, yes," she replied when prompted by a prison guard, after failing to reply when first asked by the magistrate.

Journalists were removed from the video hearing during testimony by her alleged victims.

Leifer was excused by the magistrate from appearing on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, which falls on September 16, but the hearing is scheduled to continue on that day in her absence.

Her alleged victims are three sisters,&nbsp;Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper who publicly identified themselves in their push for Leifer to face&nbsp;charges.

Leifer, now in her 50s, fled Australia for Israel after allegations against her surfaced in 2008, moving with her family to the Emmanuel settlement in the occupied West Bank.

Australian&nbsp;authorities laid&nbsp;charges&nbsp;in 2012 and requested her extradition two years later.

She arrived in Melbourne on a flight late January after six years of legal wrangling in Israel, including over whether she was feigning mental illness to avoid standing trial in Australia.

The Israeli Supreme&nbsp;Court&nbsp;rejected her lawyers' final appeal against extradition last December.

A former principal accused of sexually abusing children at a Jewish ultra-Orthodox school in Australia appeared by video link on Monday on the opening day of pre-trial hearings.

A former principal accused of sexually abusing children at a Jewish ultra-Orthodox school in Australia appeared by video link on Monday on the opening day of pre-trial hearings. Malka Leifer, a dual Israeli-Australian citizen who was extradited to Australia in January, was shown on video from prison wearing a blue top with her hair covered in a white headscarf. She denies 74 charges that include rape, indecent assault and child sexual abuse between 2004 and 2008 when she was a religious studies teacher and principal at the Adass Israel School in Melbourne. The committal hearing in Melbourne, which is expected to last until September 20, will decide whether there is enough evidence for Leifer to stand trial. Also read | Vietnamese fleeing virus found in refrigerated truck: Media Looking downwards and frequently resting her chin in her left hand, Leifer spoke only to confirm that she could hear and see the proceedings at the Melbourne court, held by video during a Covid-19 lockdown. "Yes, yes," she replied when prompted by a prison guard, after failing to reply when first asked by the magistrate. Journalists were removed from the video hearing during testimony by her alleged victims. Leifer was excused by the magistrate from appearing on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur, which falls on September 16, but the hearing is scheduled to continue on that day in her absence. Her alleged victims are three sisters, Nicole Meyer, Dassi Erlich and Elly Sapper who publicly identified themselves in their push for Leifer to face charges. Leifer, now in her 50s, fled Australia for Israel after allegations against her surfaced in 2008, moving with her family to the Emmanuel settlement in the occupied West Bank. Australian authorities laid charges in 2012 and requested her extradition two years later. She arrived in Melbourne on a flight late January after six years of legal wrangling in Israel, including over whether she was feigning mental illness to avoid standing trial in Australia. The Israeli Supreme Court rejected her lawyers' final appeal against extradition last December.

Ex-principal faces Australia court on child sex abuse charges

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine will undergo surgery in Hobart on Tuesday to repair a pinched nerve in his neck which will allow him to fully prepare for the upcoming Test summer.

Cricket Australia said Paine had been suffering pain in his neck and left arm due to a bulging disc which reduced his ability to train at full intensity and has not responded to treatment.

Paine consulted a spinal surgeon in Hobart late last week. The surgeon recommended the surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve and allow him time to return to training later this month.

"The consensus of the spinal surgeon and the CA medical team was to have the surgery now which will allow plenty of time to fully prepare for the summer," Paine said in a statement.

"I expect to be able to restart physical activity by the end of this month and be back in full training in October. I will be ready to go by the first Test and am very much looking forward to what will be a huge summer," he added.

The first men`s Ashes Test will begin at Brisbane`s Gabba from December 8 ahead of a day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval from December 16 to 20.

For the first time in 26 years, the final Ashes Test will not be staged in Sydney.

The traditional Boxing Day and New Year`s Tests will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30) and Sydney Cricket Ground (January 5-9) respectively, with the final Test scheduled for Perth`s Optus Stadium (January 14-18).

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine will undergo surgery in Hobart on Tuesday to repair a pinched nerve in his neck which will allow him to fully prepare for the upcoming Test summer.

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine will undergo surgery in Hobart on Tuesday to repair a pinched nerve in his neck which will allow him to fully prepare for the upcoming Test summer. Cricket Australia said Paine had been suffering pain in his neck and left arm due to a bulging disc which reduced his ability to train at full intensity and has not responded to treatment. Paine consulted a spinal surgeon in Hobart late last week. The surgeon recommended the surgery to relieve the pressure on the nerve and allow him time to return to training later this month. "The consensus of the spinal surgeon and the CA medical team was to have the surgery now which will allow plenty of time to fully prepare for the summer," Paine said in a statement. "I expect to be able to restart physical activity by the end of this month and be back in full training in October. I will be ready to go by the first Test and am very much looking forward to what will be a huge summer," he added. The first men`s Ashes Test will begin at Brisbane`s Gabba from December 8 ahead of a day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval from December 16 to 20. For the first time in 26 years, the final Ashes Test will not be staged in Sydney. The traditional Boxing Day and New Year`s Tests will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (December 26-30) and Sydney Cricket Ground (January 5-9) respectively, with the final Test scheduled for Perth`s Optus Stadium (January 14-18).

Australia Test skipper Paine to undergo surgery on Tuesday, expects to return to training in Oct

India and Australia have called for "broad-based and inclusive government" in Afghanistan, which is "necessary" for "long term peace and stability" of the country, a point in the joint statement released after the first 2+2 foreign and defence minister dialogue on Saturday. &nbsp;

India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton held the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi in which a range of issues like Indo-pacific, Afghanistan, defence ties were discussed.&nbsp;

The joint statement said that the ministers "expressed deep concern about the situation in Afghanistan" and called on the "Taliban to guarantee safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans wanting to leave the country". &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties

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Afghanistan saw Taliban takeover in August, after the fall of national capital Kabul. What followed has been heartbreaking visuals of many Afghans trying to leave the country fearing Taliban reprisal.&nbsp;

In the joint statement, they "reiterated calls on those in positions of power and authority" across Afghanistan to "adhere to counterterrorism commitments and human rights, in accordance with" United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593. &nbsp;

The resolution was passed under the Indian chairmanship of the council on August 30 and is a key document when it comes to situation in Afghanistan and Taliban commitments on counter terror. &nbsp;

Ministers also agreed to "remain alert to the broader repercussions of the developments in Afghanistan for the ongoing terrorist threats around the world, and in our region." &nbsp;&nbsp;

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The worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terror groups have been a concern globally. India has raised it publicly at multilateral forum at UN and privately with many of its allies, especially with regards to Pakistan-based international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed finding a safe haven.&nbsp;

In the joint statement, ministers "noted reports of a rapid roll-back on women and girls’ rights and access to services and public spaces, as well as targeted violence against women’s rights defenders", and called on for "protection of rights of women and children and their full participation in public life". &nbsp;

Past few weeks have seen restrictions being imposed on women, especially ability to work. Kabul saw massive protest, many of the participants were women, who were beaten up by Taliban, according to videos, which emerged on social media.&nbsp;

India and Australia have called for "broad-based and inclusive government" in Afghanistan, which is "necessary" for "long term peace and stability" of the country, a point in the joint statement released after the first 2+2 foreign and defence minister dialogue on Saturday.

India and Australia have called for "broad-based and inclusive government" in Afghanistan, which is "necessary" for "long term peace and stability" of the country, a point in the joint statement released after the first 2+2 foreign and defence minister dialogue on Saturday. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar, Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton held the 2+2 dialogue in New Delhi in which a range of issues like Indo-pacific, Afghanistan, defence ties were discussed. The joint statement said that the ministers "expressed deep concern about the situation in Afghanistan" and called on the "Taliban to guarantee safe passage for foreign nationals and Afghans wanting to leave the country". Watch: India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties × Afghanistan saw Taliban takeover in August, after the fall of national capital Kabul. What followed has been heartbreaking visuals of many Afghans trying to leave the country fearing Taliban reprisal. In the joint statement, they "reiterated calls on those in positions of power and authority" across Afghanistan to "adhere to counterterrorism commitments and human rights, in accordance with" United Nations Security Council Resolution 2593. The resolution was passed under the Indian chairmanship of the council on August 30 and is a key document when it comes to situation in Afghanistan and Taliban commitments on counter terror. Ministers also agreed to "remain alert to the broader repercussions of the developments in Afghanistan for the ongoing terrorist threats around the world, and in our region." Also Read: India undertaking maintenance of Mauritius Coast Guard’s patrol vessel The worry over Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for international terror groups have been a concern globally. India has raised it publicly at multilateral forum at UN and privately with many of its allies, especially with regards to Pakistan-based international terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed finding a safe haven. In the joint statement, ministers "noted reports of a rapid roll-back on women and girls’ rights and access to services and public spaces, as well as targeted violence against women’s rights defenders", and called on for "protection of rights of women and children and their full participation in public life". Past few weeks have seen restrictions being imposed on women, especially ability to work. Kabul saw massive protest, many of the participants were women, who were beaten up by Taliban, according to videos, which emerged on social media.

India, Australia call for inclusive government in Afghanistan for stability

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has said she will look to return to Australia at the first opportunity as she struggles with homesickness amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Kerr has been in stellar form in the Women's Super League since making her debut for the London club in January 2020, helping Chelsea to back-to-back titles and finishing as the league's top scorer last season.

But while Kerr has flourished on the field, restrictions put in place due to the pandemic severely limiting travel to and from Australia have left her feeling increasingly isolated.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-sneak-peek-into-cr7s-gorgeous-over-the-top-house-after-manchester-united-move-see-pics-412391">Cristiano Ronaldo: Sneak peek into CR7's gorgeous over-the-top house after Manchester United move - see pics</a>

"Being away from home is the biggest struggle I am having at the moment," Kerr told News Corp.

"My coach Emma (Hayes) knows that...the problem for me and a lot of the Aussie girls is we just don't know the next time we will see our families.

"We don't know when we'll get home and that's really tough.

"I've said to Emma that when the border opens, I am on the first flight home."

Australia has imposed some of the tightest restrictions in the world, with the number of arrivals into the country limited and those who are granted approval to travel are required to undergo compulsory hotel quarantine for 14 days.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-cristiano-ronaldo-joins-manchester-united-again-a-look-at-best-moments-from-his-first-stint-at-old-trafford-409044">As Cristiano Ronaldo joins Manchester United again, a look at best moments from his first stint at Old Trafford</a>

As a result, Kerr has not been able to return to Australia since joining Chelsea, with games for her national team also being played overseas as a result of the pandemic.

"It's hard when in the UK it is such an open life...they have learned to live with Covid but in Australia...it seems a slower process to get to this point," she said.

"I've been here for two years now and no one has come and seen a game, not one of my family members...and I haven't been home to see my Nan, who is in her 80s."

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has said she will look to return to Australia at the first opportunity as she struggles with homesickness amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Chelsea striker Sam Kerr has said she will look to return to Australia at the first opportunity as she struggles with homesickness amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Kerr has been in stellar form in the Women's Super League since making her debut for the London club in January 2020, helping Chelsea to back-to-back titles and finishing as the league's top scorer last season. But while Kerr has flourished on the field, restrictions put in place due to the pandemic severely limiting travel to and from Australia have left her feeling increasingly isolated. ALSO READ | Cristiano Ronaldo: Sneak peek into CR7's gorgeous over-the-top house after Manchester United move - see pics "Being away from home is the biggest struggle I am having at the moment," Kerr told News Corp. "My coach Emma (Hayes) knows that...the problem for me and a lot of the Aussie girls is we just don't know the next time we will see our families. "We don't know when we'll get home and that's really tough. "I've said to Emma that when the border opens, I am on the first flight home." Australia has imposed some of the tightest restrictions in the world, with the number of arrivals into the country limited and those who are granted approval to travel are required to undergo compulsory hotel quarantine for 14 days. IN PICS | As Cristiano Ronaldo joins Manchester United again, a look at best moments from his first stint at Old Trafford As a result, Kerr has not been able to return to Australia since joining Chelsea, with games for her national team also being played overseas as a result of the pandemic. "It's hard when in the UK it is such an open life...they have learned to live with Covid but in Australia...it seems a slower process to get to this point," she said. "I've been here for two years now and no one has come and seen a game, not one of my family members...and I haven't been home to see my Nan, who is in her 80s."

Chelsea's Sam Kerr keen to return to Australia once restrictions lifted

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations.

While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the 'two-plus-two' dialogue. 
In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan.

In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved "swiftly" and very "effectively" and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region.

Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others.

The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries. 
India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan.

The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years.

In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.&nbsp;

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.

India and Australia on Saturday began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks here with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton. The in-person talks are taking place at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations. While Singh held wide-ranging discussions with Australian defence minister Dutton on Friday, Jaishankar met foreign minister Payne ahead of the 'two-plus-two' dialogue. In their talks, the two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. The foreign and defence ministerial talks are taking place amid renewed efforts by the Quad member countries to expand cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region. Besides India and Australia, the Quad comprises the US and Japan. In an address at an event organised by the Observer Research Organisation, Payne on Friday said the Quad has evolved "swiftly" and very "effectively" and commended India for taking a strong leadership role in the region. Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said Canberra seeks a region where rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others. The dialogue between the foreign and defence ministers was instituted as part of an overall goal to expand strategic cooperation between the two countries. India has such a framework for talks with a very few countries including the US and Japan. The defence and military cooperation between India and Australia is on an upswing in the last few years. In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership and signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison. The Australian Navy was part of the recent Malabar naval exercise that also featured navies of India, the US and Japan.

India, Australia hold inaugural '2+2' talks

Community groups in Australia's Covid-hit cities are battling misinformation in multiple languages as they race to vaccinate a way out of "traumatic" lockdowns.

Beneath the minarets of a mosque in west Sydney, 500 people are booked in for vaccine appointments at a pop-up clinic -- part of a burgeoning network of initiatives by minority communities trying to fill a void left by Australia's mostly Anglo-centric officialdom.

For many, it is the longest time they have been out of their homes in weeks.

"They just want to go back to work, they want to go back to life," said Omar Moussawel, one of those getting jabbed to end Sydney's nearly three month lockdown.

When Sydney's outbreak began in late June, a lack of doses made national vaccination efforts tortuously slow.

Myths, fears and outright misinformation -- notably about the AstraZeneca vaccine -- were allowed to spread largely unchallenged.

Khaled Kamalmaz, a health coordinator with the Lebanese Muslim Association, remembers such misinformation spreading rapidly across languages.

"We've had to step in and, you know, try to change the narrative," Kamalmaz said.

The group enlisted sheikhs and religious leaders to get themselves jabbed as an example and to counter damaging misinformation. Communities also partnered with local government authorities increasingly aware of the issue.

Quinn On, a pharmacist serving Sydney's large Chinese and Vietnamese communities, saw a similar problem.

"Word of mouth is very powerful in this area," he told AFP. "There's a big elderly population in this area that is still very reluctant to have the vaccination, especially with the AstraZeneca."

Andre Renzaho from Western Sydney University's Translational Health Research Institute believes "the government still hasn't played enough role to dispel those myths."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/another-successful-rescue-flight-from-afghanistan-saves-32-people-from-talibans-rule-412230">Also read |&nbsp;Another successful rescue flight from Afghanistan saves 32 people from Taliban's rule</a>

"I can guarantee the impact of WhatsApp, Messenger, TikTok within CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities is far greater than government can imagine," he said.

Turnaround&nbsp;

The pandemic continues to impact the rich and poor differently, exposing racial, ethnic and cultural divides that may take a long time to bridge.

"It's much more traumatic than last year," said Peter Doukas, chair of the Ethnic Communities Council of New South Wales.

In Melbourne, five million residents are currently in the city's sixth lockdown since the pandemic began.

Many residents in hard-hit areas cannot work from home and have tight-knit family groups that rely on each other for even the most basic of needs.

During the city's worst outbreak in July 2020, Mohamud Omar, 31, was among hundreds of public housing tower residents placed under "hard lockdown".

He spent five days in his apartment with his wife and then one-year-old child, unable to leave his home for any reason.

With no way to get access to culturally appropriate food and supplies for his family, he relied on local community organisations.

"We were treated differently. The government must take responsibility and apologise," he said.

But even as Sydney's outbreak has worsened, spiralling into over a thousand cases a day, there are signs community efforts are working.

Vaccine hesitancy has slowly given way to demand.

New South Wales now leads the country on vaccination rates, and is weeks away from reaching 70 percent of adults being fully vaccinated, allowing lockdown to end.

Areas with large minority populations are among those leading the vaccination charge.

On and his team delivered over 3,000 jabs in under a month.

Moustafa Fahour, the founder of the Islamic Museum of Australia has been making hundreds of calls daily with a small team of volunteers, helping people access everything from government support to homeschooling tips.

"The community is standing up in their own right, and some with the support of government, to really combat and tackle the language gaps."

Community groups in Australia's Covid-hit cities are battling misinformation in multiple languages as they race to vaccinate a way out of "traumatic" lockdowns. Beneath the minarets of a mosque in west Sydney, 500 people are booked in for vaccine appointments at a pop-up clinic -- part of a burgeoning network of initiatives by minority communities trying to fill a void left by Australia's mostly Anglo-centric officialdom.

Community groups in Australia's Covid-hit cities are battling misinformation in multiple languages as they race to vaccinate a way out of "traumatic" lockdowns. Beneath the minarets of a mosque in west Sydney, 500 people are booked in for vaccine appointments at a pop-up clinic -- part of a burgeoning network of initiatives by minority communities trying to fill a void left by Australia's mostly Anglo-centric officialdom. For many, it is the longest time they have been out of their homes in weeks. "They just want to go back to work, they want to go back to life," said Omar Moussawel, one of those getting jabbed to end Sydney's nearly three month lockdown. When Sydney's outbreak began in late June, a lack of doses made national vaccination efforts tortuously slow. Myths, fears and outright misinformation -- notably about the AstraZeneca vaccine -- were allowed to spread largely unchallenged. Khaled Kamalmaz, a health coordinator with the Lebanese Muslim Association, remembers such misinformation spreading rapidly across languages. "We've had to step in and, you know, try to change the narrative," Kamalmaz said. The group enlisted sheikhs and religious leaders to get themselves jabbed as an example and to counter damaging misinformation. Communities also partnered with local government authorities increasingly aware of the issue. Quinn On, a pharmacist serving Sydney's large Chinese and Vietnamese communities, saw a similar problem. "Word of mouth is very powerful in this area," he told AFP. "There's a big elderly population in this area that is still very reluctant to have the vaccination, especially with the AstraZeneca." Andre Renzaho from Western Sydney University's Translational Health Research Institute believes "the government still hasn't played enough role to dispel those myths." Also read | Another successful rescue flight from Afghanistan saves 32 people from Taliban's rule "I can guarantee the impact of WhatsApp, Messenger, TikTok within CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) communities is far greater than government can imagine," he said. Turnaround The pandemic continues to impact the rich and poor differently, exposing racial, ethnic and cultural divides that may take a long time to bridge. "It's much more traumatic than last year," said Peter Doukas, chair of the Ethnic Communities Council of New South Wales. In Melbourne, five million residents are currently in the city's sixth lockdown since the pandemic began. Many residents in hard-hit areas cannot work from home and have tight-knit family groups that rely on each other for even the most basic of needs. During the city's worst outbreak in July 2020, Mohamud Omar, 31, was among hundreds of public housing tower residents placed under "hard lockdown". He spent five days in his apartment with his wife and then one-year-old child, unable to leave his home for any reason. With no way to get access to culturally appropriate food and supplies for his family, he relied on local community organisations. "We were treated differently. The government must take responsibility and apologise," he said. But even as Sydney's outbreak has worsened, spiralling into over a thousand cases a day, there are signs community efforts are working. Vaccine hesitancy has slowly given way to demand. New South Wales now leads the country on vaccination rates, and is weeks away from reaching 70 percent of adults being fully vaccinated, allowing lockdown to end. Areas with large minority populations are among those leading the vaccination charge. On and his team delivered over 3,000 jabs in under a month. Moustafa Fahour, the founder of the Islamic Museum of Australia has been making hundreds of calls daily with a small team of volunteers, helping people access everything from government support to homeschooling tips. "The community is standing up in their own right, and some with the support of government, to really combat and tackle the language gaps."

Community groups set pace in Australia's vaccination race

Tensions between Australia and China have further escalated after the former calls for an independent investigation into the origins of COVID-19.

Australia-China tensions escalate after former pushes for COVID-19 probe

Leaders from India and Australia are holding a key meeting in New Delhi. The 2+2 meeting is being held by defence and foreign ministers of both the countries. The focus primarily is laid on Indo-Pacific, maritime security and Afghanistan crisis as well.

India-Australia 2+2 dialogue underway, focus on expanding strategic ties

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a joint statement after the '2+2' ministerial dialogue with Australia saying that India and Australia share an important partnership that is entirely based on the shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

India and Australia began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue.

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It is aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton.

The talks come in at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-australia-hold-inaugural-22-talks-412289">Also read |&nbsp;India, Australia hold inaugural '2+2' talks</a>

The two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said that Canberra seeks a region where the rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others.

In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership.&nbsp;

Also, they signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a joint statement after the '2+2' ministerial dialogue with Australia saying that India and Australia share an important partnership that is entirely based on the shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a joint statement after the '2+2' ministerial dialogue with Australia saying that India and Australia share an important partnership that is entirely based on the shared vision of a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. India and Australia began a high-level foreign and defence ministerial dialogue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ministry of External Affairs (@meaindia) × It is aimed at further ramping up their overall defence and strategic cooperation including in the Indo-Pacific amid China's increasing military assertiveness in the region. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held the inaugural 'two-plus-two' talks with their Australian counterparts Marise Payne and Peter Dutton. The talks come in at a time the global focus has been on the situation in Afghanistan and the issue is likely to figure in the deliberations. Also read | India, Australia hold inaugural '2+2' talks The two defence ministers discussed the fragile security situation in Afghanistan and their "common concerns" relating to the possible spread of terrorism from the Taliban-ruled Afghanistan. Talking about "significant challenges" facing the Indo-Pacific, the Australian foreign minister said that Canberra seeks a region where the rights of large and small countries are respected and that no "single dominant power" dictates the outcome for others. In June last year, India and Australia elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Also, they signed a landmark deal for reciprocal access to military bases for logistics support during an online summit between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison.

India and Australia share an important partnership, says Rajnath Singh

Leaders from India and Australia are holding a key meeting in New Delhi. The 2+2 meeting is being held by defence and foreign ministers of both the countries.

India, Australia Holds 2+2 ministerial dialogue in New Delhi

India and Australia will hold a 2+2 ministerial meet on September 11, as both nations look to strengthen their ties in the Indo-Pacific region. Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Defence Minister Peter Dutton from the Australian side will meet with Indian EAM S Jaishankar and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

India-Australia to hold 2+2 ministerial dialogue on September 11

Australia is struggling against the Delta variant of COVID-19. The virus has brought the country's healthcare system to its knees. Daily cases have reached close to 2,000 in the country.

Delta variant continues to gain ground in Australia, daily cases top 1,900

India and Australia will hold their maiden 2+2 Ministerial on September 10-11, as both nations look to strengthen their partnership in the Indo-Pacific region and widen trade ties to counter China’s aggression in the region.

Australia-India Foreign and Defence ministers to hold talks

The first in-person summit of the leaders of the Quad countries is likely to take place in Washington on September 24 with a focus to chart a new roadmap for expanding the overall cooperation in diverse areas, diplomatic sources said on Thursday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga are expected to deliberate extensively to give a new momentum to the functioning of the Quad at the summit, they said.

Modi is likely to travel to Washington during which he is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York and hold a bilateral meeting with President Biden besides participating in the Quad Summit on September 24, according to sources.

However, there is no official announcement about Modi's visit as well as on the Quad summit from the Indian side.

India and the US held a series of meetings as part of preparations for Modi's visit to the US and it is learnt that the issue also figured during Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's recent visit to Washington.

The US has been looking at convening the in-person summit of the leaders of Quad to boost practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as well as to send a strong signal about Washington's commitment to the grouping.

In March, President Biden hosted the first-ever summit of the Quad leaders in the virtual format that vowed to strive for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion, sending a subtle message to China.

The last time Modi visited the US was in September 2019 when he and then US President Donald Trump addressed the Howdy Modi event in Houston.

The first in-person summit of the leaders of the Quad countries is likely to take place in Washington on September 24 with a focus to chart a new roadmap for expanding the overall cooperation in diverse areas, diplomatic sources said on Thursday.

The first in-person summit of the leaders of the Quad countries is likely to take place in Washington on September 24 with a focus to chart a new roadmap for expanding the overall cooperation in diverse areas, diplomatic sources said on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga are expected to deliberate extensively to give a new momentum to the functioning of the Quad at the summit, they said. Modi is likely to travel to Washington during which he is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly in New York and hold a bilateral meeting with President Biden besides participating in the Quad Summit on September 24, according to sources. However, there is no official announcement about Modi's visit as well as on the Quad summit from the Indian side. India and the US held a series of meetings as part of preparations for Modi's visit to the US and it is learnt that the issue also figured during Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's recent visit to Washington. The US has been looking at convening the in-person summit of the leaders of Quad to boost practical cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region as well as to send a strong signal about Washington's commitment to the grouping. In March, President Biden hosted the first-ever summit of the Quad leaders in the virtual format that vowed to strive for an Indo-Pacific region that is free, open, inclusive, anchored by democratic values, and unconstrained by coercion, sending a subtle message to China. The last time Modi visited the US was in September 2019 when he and then US President Donald Trump addressed the Howdy Modi event in Houston.

First in-person Quad summit likely in Washington on Sep 24: Diplomatic sources

An 88-year-old archival footage of the last known Tasmanian tiger in captivity was made public in full colourisation, offering a glimpse of the now-extinct animal.

The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) of Australia commissioned the restoration to commemorate National Threatened Species Day, which the country recognizes every September 7.

The date marks the death of Benjamin, the last known Tasmanian tiger, who died in captivity in 1936.

The wolf-like thylacine, known as the Tasmanian tiger because of its striped coat, roamed in Australia and on the island of New Guinea.

The government agency handed the footage to Paris-based Samuel Francois-Steininger, of Composite Films, who completed the painstaking colourisation process over 200 hours.

“The footage was stunning for its age but very challenging to colourise because, apart from the animal, there were few elements in the frame,” Francois-Steininger said in a post on the archive's website.

“And because of the resolution and quality of the picture, there were a lot of details – the fur was dense and a lot of hair had to be detailed and animated,” he added.

The original black and white footage was shot by David Fleay in December 1933 at the city of Hobart's now-defunct Beaumaris Zoo, where the naturalist was reportedly bitten on the buttocks while filming.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

An 88-year-old archival footage of the last known Tasmanian tiger in captivity was made public in full colourisation, offering a glimpse of the now-extinct animal.

An 88-year-old archival footage of the last known Tasmanian tiger in captivity was made public in full colourisation, offering a glimpse of the now-extinct animal. The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) of Australia commissioned the restoration to commemorate National Threatened Species Day, which the country recognizes every September 7. The date marks the death of Benjamin, the last known Tasmanian tiger, who died in captivity in 1936. The wolf-like thylacine, known as the Tasmanian tiger because of its striped coat, roamed in Australia and on the island of New Guinea. The government agency handed the footage to Paris-based Samuel Francois-Steininger, of Composite Films, who completed the painstaking colourisation process over 200 hours. “The footage was stunning for its age but very challenging to colourise because, apart from the animal, there were few elements in the frame,” Francois-Steininger said in a post on the archive's website. “And because of the resolution and quality of the picture, there were a lot of details – the fur was dense and a lot of hair had to be detailed and animated,” he added. The original black and white footage was shot by David Fleay in December 1933 at the city of Hobart's now-defunct Beaumaris Zoo, where the naturalist was reportedly bitten on the buttocks while filming. (With inputs from agencies)

Extinct Tasmanian tiger brought to life in colour footage

Terming the criticism he has been receiving for travelling between Canberra and Sydney over the Father’s Day weekend despite COVID-19 lockdown&nbsp;as a “cheap shot", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended himself, saying that the health authorities exempted him since he is an “essential worker”.

Morrison said the criticism of his travel arrangements had been misguided, pointing out there were no restrictions stopping his return home to Sydney.&nbsp;

"I can understand people's frustration. But I do think there has been a lot of misinformation," Morrison told Sky News.

"I live in Sydney. I often have to be here (in Canberra) for work. There was no exemption required for me to return home."

However, critics alleged that the Australian PM’s action reeks of “double standards”, as millions of other residents had to live under lockdown due to Delta variant outbreaks in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne., with many state borders closed.

Labor opposition Bill Shorten accused Morrison of showing “appalling judgement”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-pm-morrisons-approval-rating-slumps-on-slow-vaccine-rollout-398956">Australian PM Morrison's approval rating slumps on slow vaccine rollout</a>

“It’s not that he doesn't deserve to see his kids, but so does every other Australian. And I think when your people are doing it tough, you've got to do it tough too,” he said

“You can't have one rule for Morrison and another rule for everyone else,” he added.

The latest row comes as Australia reported 1,485 fresh local cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, increasing the overall infection tally to 63,154, while the death toll stood at 1,044.

Of the new cases, 1,220 were from New South Wales (NSW), the epicentre of the current outbreak, where the state health department also recorded eight deaths on Tuesday morning.

“There have been 139 COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since June 16, 2021," said the statement from the NSW Health. 
 
Victoria, the second-most populous state, reported a further 246 new local cases.

(With inputs from agencies)

Terming the criticism he has been receiving for travelling between Canberra and Sydney over the Father’s Day weekend despite COVID-19 lockdown as a “cheap shot", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended himself, saying that the health authorities exempted him since he is an “essential worker”.

Terming the criticism he has been receiving for travelling between Canberra and Sydney over the Father’s Day weekend despite COVID-19 lockdown as a “cheap shot", Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended himself, saying that the health authorities exempted him since he is an “essential worker”. Morrison said the criticism of his travel arrangements had been misguided, pointing out there were no restrictions stopping his return home to Sydney. "I can understand people's frustration. But I do think there has been a lot of misinformation," Morrison told Sky News. "I live in Sydney. I often have to be here (in Canberra) for work. There was no exemption required for me to return home." However, critics alleged that the Australian PM’s action reeks of “double standards”, as millions of other residents had to live under lockdown due to Delta variant outbreaks in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne., with many state borders closed. Labor opposition Bill Shorten accused Morrison of showing “appalling judgement”. Also read | Australian PM Morrison's approval rating slumps on slow vaccine rollout “It’s not that he doesn't deserve to see his kids, but so does every other Australian. And I think when your people are doing it tough, you've got to do it tough too,” he said “You can't have one rule for Morrison and another rule for everyone else,” he added. The latest row comes as Australia reported 1,485 fresh local cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, increasing the overall infection tally to 63,154, while the death toll stood at 1,044. Of the new cases, 1,220 were from New South Wales (NSW), the epicentre of the current outbreak, where the state health department also recorded eight deaths on Tuesday morning. “There have been 139 COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since June 16, 2021," said the statement from the NSW Health. Victoria, the second-most populous state, reported a further 246 new local cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Australian PM brushes aside criticism for Father’s Day trip to Sydney amid lockdown

Several birds are famous for being able to imitate human speech. Parrots come to mind first. But there are other birds who can give parrots a stiff competition. Australian musk ducks are one of them. Now a recording of such a duck has resurfaced. In this recording, the duck can be heard saying 'you bloody fool'

Ripper, the duck was reared in captivity Tidbinbilla Natural Reserve near Canberra, Australia. Researchers think that Ripper heard the phrase from his caretaker and started to imitate it. However, they are unsure as to when exactly Ripper was exposed to the phrase.

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Vocal learning is a rare trait in animals. Musk ducks raised in captivity imitate the sounds they heard as hatchlings. Here is a duck named Ripper making the sound of a slamming door and saying a former caretaker's catchphrase, "you bloody fool!" <a href="https://t.co/KvnnCiRVqh">https://t.co/KvnnCiRVqh</a> <a href="https://t.co/TI8ILKkiuK">pic.twitter.com/TI8ILKkiuK</a>
— New Scientist (@newscientist) <a href="https://twitter.com/newscientist/status/1434881946103033856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Dr Peter Fullagar, a retired researcher had recorded Ripper more than three decades ago. The recordings resurfaced as Prof Carel ten Cate of Leiden University was digging into it.

Professor Ten Cate said that he did not believe that the duck said 'you bloody fool' when he first read about it in a book. But when he heard the actual recording, he had to admit (maybe amid fits of laughter) that the information was true.

Birds often imitate sounds from their surroundings that they are exposed to. Some of the like Musk ducks are excellent imitators.

Ripper was also recorded imitating sound of opening and closing of a door. This was likely of the room where he was kept in the zoo.

Several birds are famous for being able to imitate human speech. Parrots come to mind first. But there are other birds who can give parrots a stiff competition. Australian musk ducks are one of them.

Several birds are famous for being able to imitate human speech. Parrots come to mind first. But there are other birds who can give parrots a stiff competition. Australian musk ducks are one of them. Now a recording of such a duck has resurfaced. In this recording, the duck can be heard saying 'you bloody fool' Ripper, the duck was reared in captivity Tidbinbilla Natural Reserve near Canberra, Australia. Researchers think that Ripper heard the phrase from his caretaker and started to imitate it. However, they are unsure as to when exactly Ripper was exposed to the phrase. Vocal learning is a rare trait in animals. Musk ducks raised in captivity imitate the sounds they heard as hatchlings. Here is a duck named Ripper making the sound of a slamming door and saying a former caretaker's catchphrase, "you bloody fool!" https://t.co/KvnnCiRVqh pic.twitter.com/TI8ILKkiuK — New Scientist (@newscientist) September 6, 2021 × Dr Peter Fullagar, a retired researcher had recorded Ripper more than three decades ago. The recordings resurfaced as Prof Carel ten Cate of Leiden University was digging into it. Professor Ten Cate said that he did not believe that the duck said 'you bloody fool' when he first read about it in a book. But when he heard the actual recording, he had to admit (maybe amid fits of laughter) that the information was true. Birds often imitate sounds from their surroundings that they are exposed to. Some of the like Musk ducks are excellent imitators. Ripper was also recorded imitating sound of opening and closing of a door. This was likely of the room where he was kept in the zoo.

Australian musk duck recorded saying 'you bloody fool'

In a shark attack, a man lost his life at Emerald Beach on Australia's east coast on Sunday. The shark inflicted a "significant" injury to his arm, said New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance. &nbsp;

After the incident was reported, a four-member Westpac Rescue Helicopter medical team, which included a critical care doctor and a critical care paramedic, were dispatched to the scene, as per NSW Ambulance. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Spain resumes famous bull-running festival after the COVID pandemic

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New South Wales Ambulance inspector Chris Wilson said, "A number of local surfers and bystanders came to the aid of this man. Despite the best efforts of bystanders, paramedics and other emergency services, the patient couldn't be revived." &nbsp;

According to NSW Ambulance, the man is believed to be in the age group of 20s.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-reopen-borders-for-tourists-from-sept-19-for-selected-countries-410967" hreflang="en">Israel to reopen borders for tourists from Sept 19 for selected countries</a>&nbsp;

New South Wales police inspector Ben Atkinson said, “Following the incident, a number of beaches around the area have been closed for the next 48 hours.” &nbsp;

In the number of unprovoked shark encounters with humans in 2019, Australia is ranked behind only the United States as per the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File, Reuters said.&nbsp;

In a shark attack, a man lost his life at Emerald Beach on Australia's east coast on Sunday. The shark inflicted a "significant" injury to his arm, said New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance.

In a shark attack, a man lost his life at Emerald Beach on Australia's east coast on Sunday. The shark inflicted a "significant" injury to his arm, said New South Wales (NSW) Ambulance. After the incident was reported, a four-member Westpac Rescue Helicopter medical team, which included a critical care doctor and a critical care paramedic, were dispatched to the scene, as per NSW Ambulance. Watch: Spain resumes famous bull-running festival after the COVID pandemic × New South Wales Ambulance inspector Chris Wilson said, "A number of local surfers and bystanders came to the aid of this man. Despite the best efforts of bystanders, paramedics and other emergency services, the patient couldn't be revived." According to NSW Ambulance, the man is believed to be in the age group of 20s. Also Read: Israel to reopen borders for tourists from Sept 19 for selected countries New South Wales police inspector Ben Atkinson said, “Following the incident, a number of beaches around the area have been closed for the next 48 hours.” In the number of unprovoked shark encounters with humans in 2019, Australia is ranked behind only the United States as per the University of Florida's International Shark Attack File, Reuters said.

Surfer dies after severe injury to arm in shark attack at beach in Australia

Australia's communication Minister Paul Fletcher speaks with WION on how Australia is keeping big tech in check.

Australia's communication Minister Paul Fletcher on WION

Australia's government should increase its efforts to phase out coal or else climate change will dramatically damage the country's economy, Selwin Hart, the United Nations special adviser on climate change, said on Sunday.

Australia's reliance on coal-fired power makes it one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita, but its conservative government has steadfastly backed Australia's new deputy PM casts shadow over 2050 net zero emissions ambition fossil fuel industries, saying tougher action on emissions would cost jobs.

"We fully understand the role that coal and other fossil fuels have played in Australia's economy, even if mining accounts for a small fraction,&nbsp;around 2%,&nbsp;of overall jobs," Hart said in a speech at the Australian National University in Canberra.

"But it's essential to have a broader, more honest and rational conversation about what is in Australia's interests."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-normal-israels-health-expert-says-fourth-shot-of-covid-vaccine-needed-410904">Also read |&nbsp;New normal: Israel's health expert says fourth shot of Covid vaccine needed</a>

The UN&nbsp;has called for phasing out coal by 2030 in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, which include Australia.

In July, energy and environment ministers from the Group of 20 big economies failed to deliver a deal to phase out coal by 2025. But some experts said there were chances of progress at U.N. climate talks in Glasgow in November.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Australia is on a path to net zero carbon emissions but has stopped short of committing to a timeline. He has said that Australia would update its 2030 emissions projections going into the Glasgow talks.

Most other developed countries have signed up to a target of net zero emissions by 2050.

Hart said that the Australian government should "seize the moment" and switch to renewables.

"If the world does not rapidly phase out coal, climate change will wreak havoc right across the Australian economy: from agriculture to tourism, and right across the services sector," he said.

Australia's government should increase its efforts to phase out coal or else climate change will dramatically damage the country's economy, Selwin Hart, the United Nations special adviser on climate change, said on Sunday.

Australia's government should increase its efforts to phase out coal or else climate change will dramatically damage the country's economy, Selwin Hart, the United Nations special adviser on climate change, said on Sunday. Australia's reliance on coal-fired power makes it one of the world's largest carbon emitters per capita, but its conservative government has steadfastly backed Australia's new deputy PM casts shadow over 2050 net zero emissions ambition fossil fuel industries, saying tougher action on emissions would cost jobs. "We fully understand the role that coal and other fossil fuels have played in Australia's economy, even if mining accounts for a small fraction, around 2%, of overall jobs," Hart said in a speech at the Australian National University in Canberra. "But it's essential to have a broader, more honest and rational conversation about what is in Australia's interests." Also read | New normal: Israel's health expert says fourth shot of Covid vaccine needed The UN has called for phasing out coal by 2030 in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, which include Australia. In July, energy and environment ministers from the Group of 20 big economies failed to deliver a deal to phase out coal by 2025. But some experts said there were chances of progress at U.N. climate talks in Glasgow in November. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said Australia is on a path to net zero carbon emissions but has stopped short of committing to a timeline. He has said that Australia would update its 2030 emissions projections going into the Glasgow talks. Most other developed countries have signed up to a target of net zero emissions by 2050. Hart said that the Australian government should "seize the moment" and switch to renewables. "If the world does not rapidly phase out coal, climate change will wreak havoc right across the Australian economy: from agriculture to tourism, and right across the services sector," he said.

UN urges Australia to speed up efforts to drop coal

There are birds with a variety of capabilities. Some sing well, some are excellent hunters. But for humans, birds who possess interesting qualities appeal the most. Take parrots for example. Parrots are famed for their skills of imitation. A similar bird is making waves online.

It's a lyrebird in an Australian zoo. What's so special about this one? Well the bird is creating noise (quite literally) for perfectly mimicking a crying baby.

The Taronga Zoo, where this lyrebird Echo is housed has even filmed it and put the video on Twitter

"Bet you weren't expecting this wake-up call! You're not hearing things, our resident lyrebird Echo has the AMAZING ability to replicate a variety of calls - including a baby's cry!" says the zoo in its tweet.

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Bet you weren't expecting this wake-up call! You're not hearing things, our resident lyrebird Echo has the AMAZING ability to replicate a variety of calls - including a baby's cry! 
 
📽️ via keeper Sam <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/forthewild?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#forthewild</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tarongatv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tarongatv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/animalantics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#animalantics</a> <a href="https://t.co/RyU4XpABos">pic.twitter.com/RyU4XpABos</a>
— Taronga Zoo (@tarongazoo) <a href="https://twitter.com/tarongazoo/status/1432489666897453057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Song of lyrebirds in the wild has been described as "the most elaborate, the most complex, and the most beautiful" by Sir David Attenborough.&nbsp;

Lyrebirds are masters in mimicking their surroundings.

Given this, it worth pondering why a lyrebird in a zoo would choose to mimic a crying baby, eh?

There are birds with a variety of capabilities. Some sing well, some are excellent hunters. But for humans, birds who possess interesting qualities appeal the most.

There are birds with a variety of capabilities. Some sing well, some are excellent hunters. But for humans, birds who possess interesting qualities appeal the most. Take parrots for example. Parrots are famed for their skills of imitation. A similar bird is making waves online. It's a lyrebird in an Australian zoo. What's so special about this one? Well the bird is creating noise (quite literally) for perfectly mimicking a crying baby. The Taronga Zoo, where this lyrebird Echo is housed has even filmed it and put the video on Twitter "Bet you weren't expecting this wake-up call! You're not hearing things, our resident lyrebird Echo has the AMAZING ability to replicate a variety of calls - including a baby's cry!" says the zoo in its tweet. Bet you weren't expecting this wake-up call! You're not hearing things, our resident lyrebird Echo has the AMAZING ability to replicate a variety of calls - including a baby's cry! 📽️ via keeper Sam #forthewild #tarongatv #animalantics pic.twitter.com/RyU4XpABos — Taronga Zoo (@tarongazoo) August 30, 2021 × Song of lyrebirds in the wild has been described as "the most elaborate, the most complex, and the most beautiful" by Sir David Attenborough. Lyrebirds are masters in mimicking their surroundings. Given this, it worth pondering why a lyrebird in a zoo would choose to mimic a crying baby, eh?

Watch: Bird in Australian zoo perfectly mimics crying baby

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