The 26-year-old, ranked number one in tests, Australian pacer Pat Cummins attracted an intense bidding war between the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Delhi Capital before Kolkata joined in to bag his services for the 2020 edition of the tournament.

Cummins&nbsp;was part of the Kolkata squad in 2014 and 2015 and last played in the tournament for Delhi in 2017. The Mumbai Indians picked him up the following season but he was ruled out with a back injury.

England all-rounder <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/englands-ben-stokes-travels-rocky-road-en-route-success-245836">Ben Stokes</a> was the most expensive overseas buy before&nbsp;Cummins&nbsp;when Pune paid 145 million rupees in 2017 while Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's 2011 World Cup triumph, got the highest bid for a home-based player of 160 million in 2015 from Delhi.

A total of 62 players were sold at the auction for the 13th edition with the eight franchises spending a total of 1.403 billion rupees ($19.73 million).

There was a hefty payday for more Australians with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/maxwells-confession-remarkable-sets-right-example-virat-kohli-261831">Glenn Maxwell</a> going to Kings XI Punjab for 107.5 million rupees ($1.51 million) and reigning champions Mumbai paying 80 million rupees for paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile.

Maxwell recently returned to Twenty20 cricket after taking six weeks off from the game to deal with mental health issues and was left out of the Australia squad for next month's limited-overs tour of India.

Australia's one-day captain Aaron Finch joined Bangalore for 44 million rupees while England World Cup-winning skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-win-by-9-runs-in-super-over-against-new-zealand-clinch-t20i-series-by-3-2-261223">Eoin Morgan</a> returned to his old side Kolkata for 52.5 million. The franchise's new head coach Brendon McCullum said on Twitter:

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Two outstanding gentlemen will return to <a href="https://twitter.com/KKRiders?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KKRiders</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/Eoin16?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Eoin16</a> with his power middle order game &amp; outstanding leadership help for <a href="https://twitter.com/DineshKarthik?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DineshKarthik</a> &amp; one of the games premier fast bowlers <a href="https://twitter.com/patcummins30?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@patcummins30</a> who I feel was the best player on offer for this years <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IPL</a> auction Welcome boys! 💪🏻
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bazmccullum/status/1207625201887768578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2019</a></blockquote>
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South African fast bowler Dale Steyn twice went unsold before his former team Bangalore picked him up in the last leg at his listed price of 20 million.

Former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was the top buy among home-based players, going to MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings for 67.5 million, while Kolkata signed 48-year-old leggie Pravin Tambe, the oldest player in the auction.

The 26-year-old, ranked number one in tests, Australian pacer Pat Cummins attracted an intense bidding war between the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Delhi Capital before Kolkata joined in to bag his services for the 2020 edition of the tournament.

The 26-year-old, ranked number one in tests, Australian pacer Pat Cummins attracted an intense bidding war between the Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Delhi Capital before Kolkata joined in to bag his services for the 2020 edition of the tournament. Cummins was part of the Kolkata squad in 2014 and 2015 and last played in the tournament for Delhi in 2017. The Mumbai Indians picked him up the following season but he was ruled out with a back injury. England all-rounder Ben Stokes was the most expensive overseas buy before Cummins when Pune paid 145 million rupees in 2017 while Yuvraj Singh, the hero of India's 2011 World Cup triumph, got the highest bid for a home-based player of 160 million in 2015 from Delhi. A total of 62 players were sold at the auction for the 13th edition with the eight franchises spending a total of 1.403 billion rupees ($19.73 million). There was a hefty payday for more Australians with Glenn Maxwell going to Kings XI Punjab for 107.5 million rupees ($1.51 million) and reigning champions Mumbai paying 80 million rupees for paceman Nathan Coulter-Nile. Maxwell recently returned to Twenty20 cricket after taking six weeks off from the game to deal with mental health issues and was left out of the Australia squad for next month's limited-overs tour of India. Australia's one-day captain Aaron Finch joined Bangalore for 44 million rupees while England World Cup-winning skipper Eoin Morgan returned to his old side Kolkata for 52.5 million. The franchise's new head coach Brendon McCullum said on Twitter: Two outstanding gentlemen will return to @KKRiders! @Eoin16 with his power middle order game & outstanding leadership help for @DineshKarthik & one of the games premier fast bowlers @patcummins30 who I feel was the best player on offer for this years @IPL auction Welcome boys! 💪🏻 — Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) December 19, 2019 × South African fast bowler Dale Steyn twice went unsold before his former team Bangalore picked him up in the last leg at his listed price of 20 million. Former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla was the top buy among home-based players, going to MS Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings for 67.5 million, while Kolkata signed 48-year-old leggie Pravin Tambe, the oldest player in the auction.

Australian Cummins becomes IPL's most expensive overseas buy

Australian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-pm-scott-morrison-to-visit-india-in-january-269023">Scott Morrison</a> issued a rare public apology as he cut short a Hawaiian vacation on Friday after two volunteer firefighters were killed battling blazes that are ravaging much of the country's east coast.

Australia has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/state-of-emergency-declared-in-australia-after-unprecedented-bushfires-269043">fighting wildfires</a> in the east for weeks, with blazes destroying more than 700 homes and nearly 3 million acres of bushland.

The death of the two firefighters overnight when their fire truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled through the front line of fire brought the death toll since the start of October to eight.

"This is an absolutely devastating event in what has already been an incredibly difficult day and fire season," the New South Wales (NSW) state Rural Fire Service said in a statement.

Shortly after the pair's deaths were announced, Morrison issued a statement saying he would return as soon as possible from a family holiday in Hawaii, a trip that has drawn sharp criticism in recent days as the wildfires crisis deepened.

Also Watch:&nbsp;A State Of Emergency Has Been Declared In NSW

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Morrison's conservative Liberal-National coalition government has been under sustained pressure to defend its climate change policies as it has downplayed links to the unprecedented early arrival and severity of this year's bushfire season.

"I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time," Morrison said in the statement.

Morrison later told 2GB radio that the trip had been planned as a surprise to his young daughters to replace leave originally scheduled for January that he had cancelled because of official trips to Japan and India.

Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside his Sydney residence on Thursday. One protestor, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, carried a sign reading, "ScoMo, where the bloody hell are you?" referencing the leader's nickname and a well-known international advertisement for Tourism Australia.

Australia is one of the world’s largest carbon emitters per capita because of its reliance on coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26 per cent&nbsp;from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics accuse Morrison of paying lip service to that commitment.

In June, the government approved the construction of a new coal mine in Queensland state by India's Adani Enterprises that is expected to produce 8 million to 10 million tonnes of thermal coal a year.

As Morrison was apologising on the radio on Friday morning, opposition Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese was serving breakfast to firefighters near the front line of a fire in rural Bilpin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ring-of-fire-australian-declares-state-emergency-as-wildfires-approach-sydney-269117">In Pictures:&nbsp;Ring of fire: Australian state declares emergency as wildfires approach Sydney</a>

The RFS named the dead volunteer firefighters as Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32 - both fathers to 19-month- old children. Three other firefighters were injured in the truck crash.

Earlier on Thursday, two male firefighters were airlifted to hospital with burns to their faces, arms and legs, while a female colleague was taken by ambulance to hospital after they were engulfed by flames.

&nbsp;

Christmas travel warning&nbsp;

The fires have resulted in days of heavy pollution in Sydney, pushing air quality to unprecedented hazardous levels and resulting in viral images of heavy smoke haze over the usually sparkling harbour and landmarks like the Opera House.

The fires are being spurred this week, by record temperatures across the country which led New South Wales, the most populous state with 7 million people, to declare a seven-day state of emergency.

Thursday's declaration gave firefighters broad powers to control government resources, force evacuations, closed roads and shut down utilities.

Temperatures eased on Friday but were expected to return to near-record highs on Saturday, which firefighters fear will stoke some of them around 100 fires burning across the state.

Days out from Christmas, a time when many Australians head to the coast for the holidays, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged people to reconsider travel plans.

"What is most important for us is that everyone is safe and if that means changing your plans for Christmas, we ask you do to that," Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a rare public apology as he cut short a Hawaiian vacation on Friday after two volunteer firefighters were killed battling blazes that are ravaging much of the country's east coast.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison issued a rare public apology as he cut short a Hawaiian vacation on Friday after two volunteer firefighters were killed battling blazes that are ravaging much of the country's east coast. Australia has been fighting wildfires in the east for weeks, with blazes destroying more than 700 homes and nearly 3 million acres of bushland. The death of the two firefighters overnight when their fire truck was struck by a falling tree as it travelled through the front line of fire brought the death toll since the start of October to eight. "This is an absolutely devastating event in what has already been an incredibly difficult day and fire season," the New South Wales (NSW) state Rural Fire Service said in a statement. Shortly after the pair's deaths were announced, Morrison issued a statement saying he would return as soon as possible from a family holiday in Hawaii, a trip that has drawn sharp criticism in recent days as the wildfires crisis deepened. Also Watch: A State Of Emergency Has Been Declared In NSW × Morrison's conservative Liberal-National coalition government has been under sustained pressure to defend its climate change policies as it has downplayed links to the unprecedented early arrival and severity of this year's bushfire season. "I deeply regret any offence caused to any of the many Australians affected by the terrible bushfires by my taking leave with family at this time," Morrison said in the statement. Morrison later told 2GB radio that the trip had been planned as a surprise to his young daughters to replace leave originally scheduled for January that he had cancelled because of official trips to Japan and India. Hundreds of protesters had gathered outside his Sydney residence on Thursday. One protestor, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, carried a sign reading, "ScoMo, where the bloody hell are you?" referencing the leader's nickname and a well-known international advertisement for Tourism Australia. Australia is one of the world’s largest carbon emitters per capita because of its reliance on coal-fired power plants. It has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 26 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, but critics accuse Morrison of paying lip service to that commitment. In June, the government approved the construction of a new coal mine in Queensland state by India's Adani Enterprises that is expected to produce 8 million to 10 million tonnes of thermal coal a year. As Morrison was apologising on the radio on Friday morning, opposition Labor Party leader Anthony Albanese was serving breakfast to firefighters near the front line of a fire in rural Bilpin. In Pictures: Ring of fire: Australian state declares emergency as wildfires approach Sydney The RFS named the dead volunteer firefighters as Andrew O'Dwyer, 36, and Geoffrey Keaton, 32 - both fathers to 19-month- old children. Three other firefighters were injured in the truck crash. Earlier on Thursday, two male firefighters were airlifted to hospital with burns to their faces, arms and legs, while a female colleague was taken by ambulance to hospital after they were engulfed by flames. Christmas travel warning The fires have resulted in days of heavy pollution in Sydney, pushing air quality to unprecedented hazardous levels and resulting in viral images of heavy smoke haze over the usually sparkling harbour and landmarks like the Opera House. The fires are being spurred this week, by record temperatures across the country which led New South Wales, the most populous state with 7 million people, to declare a seven-day state of emergency. Thursday's declaration gave firefighters broad powers to control government resources, force evacuations, closed roads and shut down utilities. Temperatures eased on Friday but were expected to return to near-record highs on Saturday, which firefighters fear will stoke some of them around 100 fires burning across the state. Days out from Christmas, a time when many Australians head to the coast for the holidays, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian urged people to reconsider travel plans. "What is most important for us is that everyone is safe and if that means changing your plans for Christmas, we ask you do to that," Berejiklian told reporters in Sydney.

Australian leader curtails holiday as firefighters killed in huge blazes

A state of emergency has been declared in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) for the second time in two months. #WION #NSW #NSWemergency #Australia

A State Of Emergency Has Been Declared In NSW

Australia's most populous state declared its second state of emergency in two months on Thursday (December 19) as extreme heat and strong winds fanned scores of uncontrolled bushfires with aerial vision showing at least three properties on fire in south west Sydney.

Properties destroyed, as state of emergency declared for New South Wales

Oodnadatta, a South <a href="https://www.wionews.com/australia-and-new-zealand">Australian</a> town of about 200 people on an old Aboriginal trading route, is forecast to record peak temperatures of 47 Celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), making it one of the hottest places on Earth.

"It's just another very hot day," said resident Hayley Nunn, who is the manager of the town's distinct pink roadhouse where tourists stop on their way to and from the Simpson Desert.

"People say to me they love summer. If you love summer, come out and experience this because you will not love it," Nunn said in a phone interview.

Nunn said Oodnadatta falls into a rhythm in the summer with people doing jobs early in the morning and late in the afternoon while sheltering from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/australian-towns-among-hottest-spots-on-earth-with-temperatures-nearing-50-degrees-celsius-191051">heat</a> in the middle of the day.

"I grew up here, I'm used to the heat. You cope but it's not fun."

The unrelenting heat in Oodnadatta, forecast to repeat every day for at least the next week, is expected to fall just shy of the 50.7C (123.26F) temperature recorded there in 1960, a long-standing national record.

But other <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-towns-among-hottest-spots-on-earth-with-temperatures-nearing-50-degrees-celsius-190992">heat records</a> are tumbling in the first month of the Southern Hemisphere summer.

Australia recorded its warmest day on record on Tuesday, according to BOM's preliminary results, with an average maximum temperature across the country of 40.9C (105.62F), just above the previous record set in January 2013.

But the mark could be exceeded again on Wednesday and possibly on Thursday and Friday, according to BOM data.

The hot weather is stretching across the continent and fuelling fires that have been ravaging Australia's east for weeks, since late in the southern spring.

Fire authorities in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Wednesday there were 100 fires, half of them not contained.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-haze-settles-over-australian-capital-as-bushfires-burn-266894">Fires</a> have killed six people, destroyed more than 680 homes and burnt nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of bushland.

&nbsp;

BATTLE ON TWO FRONTS

Australia is being hit with two separate climate-driving events off its western and southern coasts - a positive Indian Ocean Dipole and negative Southern Annulare Mode - that are reducing rainfall and increasing temperatures.

"They have combined together to create this situation of a particularly nasty heatwave event," said BOM meteorologist Sarah Scully.

The extreme conditions have been exacerbated by a warming climate, which is triggering large-scale protests in a country that is committed to exploiting its vast coal reserves.

The combination of thick smoke settling over populated areas and intense heat has triggered numerous health warnings, especially for the young and the old, and those with respiratory conditions.

"People should take those conditions seriously and do what they can to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydneysiders-urged-to-stay-indoors-as-australian-bushfire-smoke-blankets-city-263900">keep out of the heat</a> as much as possible," said Richard Broome, the director of environmental health in New South Wales state.

In Oodnadatta, where the temperature is only expected to drop to around 30C (86F) overnight, residents are warning travellers to take plenty of water on their car trips in case they break down on isolated roads.

"Between most towns, it's 200 kilometres (124 miles)," said Nunn.

Oodnadatta, a South Australian town of about 200 people on an old Aboriginal trading route, is forecast to record peak temperatures of 47 Celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), making it one of the hottest places on Earth.

Oodnadatta, a South Australian town of about 200 people on an old Aboriginal trading route, is forecast to record peak temperatures of 47 Celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) on Wednesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), making it one of the hottest places on Earth. "It's just another very hot day," said resident Hayley Nunn, who is the manager of the town's distinct pink roadhouse where tourists stop on their way to and from the Simpson Desert. "People say to me they love summer. If you love summer, come out and experience this because you will not love it," Nunn said in a phone interview. Nunn said Oodnadatta falls into a rhythm in the summer with people doing jobs early in the morning and late in the afternoon while sheltering from the heat in the middle of the day. "I grew up here, I'm used to the heat. You cope but it's not fun." The unrelenting heat in Oodnadatta, forecast to repeat every day for at least the next week, is expected to fall just shy of the 50.7C (123.26F) temperature recorded there in 1960, a long-standing national record. But other heat records are tumbling in the first month of the Southern Hemisphere summer. Australia recorded its warmest day on record on Tuesday, according to BOM's preliminary results, with an average maximum temperature across the country of 40.9C (105.62F), just above the previous record set in January 2013. But the mark could be exceeded again on Wednesday and possibly on Thursday and Friday, according to BOM data. The hot weather is stretching across the continent and fuelling fires that have been ravaging Australia's east for weeks, since late in the southern spring. Fire authorities in the state of New South Wales (NSW) said on Wednesday there were 100 fires, half of them not contained. Fires have killed six people, destroyed more than 680 homes and burnt nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of bushland. BATTLE ON TWO FRONTS Australia is being hit with two separate climate-driving events off its western and southern coasts - a positive Indian Ocean Dipole and negative Southern Annulare Mode - that are reducing rainfall and increasing temperatures. "They have combined together to create this situation of a particularly nasty heatwave event," said BOM meteorologist Sarah Scully. The extreme conditions have been exacerbated by a warming climate, which is triggering large-scale protests in a country that is committed to exploiting its vast coal reserves. The combination of thick smoke settling over populated areas and intense heat has triggered numerous health warnings, especially for the young and the old, and those with respiratory conditions. "People should take those conditions seriously and do what they can to keep out of the heat as much as possible," said Richard Broome, the director of environmental health in New South Wales state. In Oodnadatta, where the temperature is only expected to drop to around 30C (86F) overnight, residents are warning travellers to take plenty of water on their car trips in case they break down on isolated roads. "Between most towns, it's 200 kilometres (124 miles)," said Nunn.

Australian Outback records another 'very hot day' in Oodnadatta

A 12-year-old boy Lucas Sturrock in Australia and his dog have escaped a fire that was lapping his family's farmhouse by grabbing the keys to his brother's pick-up truck and driving to safety.

12-year-old boy drives truck to escape Australian bushfire

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/australian-prime-minister-scott-morrison-tweets-selfie-with-pm-modi-at-g20-summit-in-japans-osaka-231361">Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison</a> is likely to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020, news agency ANI reported quoting diplomatic sources.&nbsp;

Morrison will be visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.&nbsp;

The Australian PM met with PM Modi earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan's Osaka.&nbsp;

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Diplomatic sources: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020. He will visit Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru (file pic) <a href="https://t.co/7DSjtf7sed">pic.twitter.com/7DSjtf7sed</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1207299121171722241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The two leaders even managed to take a selfie together despite their hectic schedules during the summit.&nbsp;

Morrison tweeted out his selfie with PM Modi with a caption "Kithana acha he Modi! (How nice is Modi!)".

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Kithana acha he Modi! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20OsakaSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20OsakaSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/BC6DyuX4lf">pic.twitter.com/BC6DyuX4lf</a>
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottMorrisonMP/status/1144754448587079680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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At the G20 summit, both the prime ministers were meeting each other for the first time after winning the general elections in their respective countries.&nbsp;

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is likely to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020, news agency ANI reported quoting diplomatic sources. Morrison will be visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison is likely to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020, news agency ANI reported quoting diplomatic sources. Morrison will be visiting Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The Australian PM met with PM Modi earlier this year on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Japan's Osaka. Diplomatic sources: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to visit India from January 14 to 16, 2020. He will visit Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru (file pic) pic.twitter.com/7DSjtf7sed — ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2019 × The two leaders even managed to take a selfie together despite their hectic schedules during the summit. Morrison tweeted out his selfie with PM Modi with a caption "Kithana acha he Modi! (How nice is Modi!)". Kithana acha he Modi! #G20OsakaSummit pic.twitter.com/BC6DyuX4lf — Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) June 28, 2019 × At the G20 summit, both the prime ministers were meeting each other for the first time after winning the general elections in their respective countries.

Australian PM Scott Morrison  to visit India in January

Reeling from deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-boy-12-drives-brothers-truck-to-flee-fires-with-dog-268640">bushfires and heatwaves</a>, Australia recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday at a high of 40.9C (105.6F).

In its release on Tuesday, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that temperatures in South Australia will begin to rise and "will continue to build in the coming days, pushing east into Victoria and New South Wales over the course of the week".&nbsp;

Many areas are expected to experience "severe to extreme heatwaves this week," the BOM website mentioned.&nbsp;

"For many areas, severe to extreme heatwave conditions will be felt, so it's important people follow the advice of health authorities, stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings from the Bureau and remember to check in on any vulnerable family and friends," Bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully said.&nbsp;

Before this, Australia suffered its hottest day in the year 2013 "when the average maximum temperature across the continent was 40.30 ºC," the website stated.&nbsp;

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Oodnadatta, a South Australian town, is expected to record peak temperatures of 47 Celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) as predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). According to the forecast, the town will become one of the hottest places on Earth.

The unrelenting heat in Oodnadatta, forecast to repeat every day for at least the next week, is expected to fall just shy of the 50.7C (123.26F) temperature recorded there in 1960, a long-standing national record, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

For weeks, Australia is battling hot weather which is fuelling fires that have destroyed many homes and taken a toll on the wildlife.&nbsp;

Fire authorities in New South Wales (NSW) said on Wednesday there were 100 fires, half of them not contained.

Fires have killed six people, destroyed more than 680 homes and burnt nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of bushland.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Reeling from deadly bushfires and heatwaves, Australia recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday at a high of 40.9C (105.6F). In its release on Tuesday, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that temperatures in South Australia will begin to rise and "will continue to build in the coming days, pushing east into Victoria and New South Wales over the course of the week".

Reeling from deadly bushfires and heatwaves, Australia recorded its hottest day ever on Tuesday at a high of 40.9C (105.6F). In its release on Tuesday, Australia's Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) said that temperatures in South Australia will begin to rise and "will continue to build in the coming days, pushing east into Victoria and New South Wales over the course of the week". Many areas are expected to experience "severe to extreme heatwaves this week," the BOM website mentioned. "For many areas, severe to extreme heatwave conditions will be felt, so it's important people follow the advice of health authorities, stay up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings from the Bureau and remember to check in on any vulnerable family and friends," Bureau meteorologist Sarah Scully said. Before this, Australia suffered its hottest day in the year 2013 "when the average maximum temperature across the continent was 40.30 ºC," the website stated. × Oodnadatta, a South Australian town, is expected to record peak temperatures of 47 Celsius (116.6 Fahrenheit) as predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). According to the forecast, the town will become one of the hottest places on Earth. The unrelenting heat in Oodnadatta, forecast to repeat every day for at least the next week, is expected to fall just shy of the 50.7C (123.26F) temperature recorded there in 1960, a long-standing national record, news agency Reuters reported. For weeks, Australia is battling hot weather which is fuelling fires that have destroyed many homes and taken a toll on the wildlife. Fire authorities in New South Wales (NSW) said on Wednesday there were 100 fires, half of them not contained. Fires have killed six people, destroyed more than 680 homes and burnt nearly 3 million acres (1.2 million hectares) of bushland. (With inputs from Reuters)

As Australia records hottest day, Southern town expected to near 50 degrees 

Alphabet Inc's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-pay-to-offer-checking-accounts-through-citi-stanford-federal-261964">Google</a> has settled a "longstanding" tax dispute with Australia's tax office, it said on Wednesday, after paying an extra A$481.5 million ($326.75 million) on top of its previous tax bill.

The settlement comes after an audit that looked into the tech giant's tax practices between 2008 and 2018, a Google spokeswoman said.

In a separate statement, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) said it has now netted A$1.25 billion after also settling tax disputes recently with other tech giants such as Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook under the Multinational Anti-Avoidance Law (MAAL).

"Thanks to the efforts of our ATO officers under the Tax Avoidance Taskforce and the introduction of the MAAL, Australian sourced sales by these digital giants will now be returned to Australia’s tax base," the ATO said in a statement, calling the settlement "another e-commerce victory."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/facebook-to-welcome-its-first-ever-facebook-tv-18323">Facebook</a>, Google, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/amazon-offers-employees-10000-to-quit-launch-delivery-business-218463">Amazon</a> and other large technology companies have faced criticism globally for reducing their tax bills by booking profits in low-tax countries regardless of the location of the end customer. Such practices are frowned upon by many countries as unfair.

A Google spokeswoman said the settlement with the ATO will provide certainty for future tax treatment.

Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a statement the establishment of the tax avoidance taskforce in 2016 has helped strengthen tax compliance of multinationals and large corporations.

"Ensuring large companies and multinationals pay the right amount of tax means we can continue to deliver the essential services Australians rely on," Frydenberg said.

Alphabet Inc's Google has settled a "longstanding" tax dispute with Australia's tax office, it said on Wednesday, after paying an extra A$481.5 million ($326.75 million) on top of its previous tax bill.

Alphabet Inc's Google has settled a "longstanding" tax dispute with Australia's tax office, it said on Wednesday, after paying an extra A$481.5 million ($326.75 million) on top of its previous tax bill. The settlement comes after an audit that looked into the tech giant's tax practices between 2008 and 2018, a Google spokeswoman said. In a separate statement, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) said it has now netted A$1.25 billion after also settling tax disputes recently with other tech giants such as Microsoft, Apple, and Facebook under the Multinational Anti-Avoidance Law (MAAL). "Thanks to the efforts of our ATO officers under the Tax Avoidance Taskforce and the introduction of the MAAL, Australian sourced sales by these digital giants will now be returned to Australia’s tax base," the ATO said in a statement, calling the settlement "another e-commerce victory." Facebook, Google, Amazon and other large technology companies have faced criticism globally for reducing their tax bills by booking profits in low-tax countries regardless of the location of the end customer. Such practices are frowned upon by many countries as unfair. A Google spokeswoman said the settlement with the ATO will provide certainty for future tax treatment. Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said in a statement the establishment of the tax avoidance taskforce in 2016 has helped strengthen tax compliance of multinationals and large corporations. "Ensuring large companies and multinationals pay the right amount of tax means we can continue to deliver the essential services Australians rely on," Frydenberg said.

Google settles longstanding tax dispute with Australia

Boult was ruled out of the opener of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-beat-new-zealand-by-296-runs-to-win-first-test-in-perth-268378">three-match series</a> at Perth Stadium with a rib injury as injury-hit New Zealand suffered a 296-run thrashing in the pink-ball Test.

The left-arm quick got through a nets session unscathed on a scorching hot day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday in a boost to Kane Williamson's team.

"(I'm) feeling pretty good. Probably a little bit frustrated to be on the sidelines watching the games go by," the 30-year-old told reporters.

"I feel like I've been rehabbing well. The ball's coming out alright, I'm hoping to be pushing for Boxing Day and getting back out there.

"The side has been the issue. It's about rehabbing that, letting it rest and cool down.

"From there it's about being confident with the overs under my belt and having enough behind me. I feel like I'm in that place and ticking all the right boxes so far."

Boult said he would look to continue his recovery in a two-day game against a Victoria state XI starting on Friday as he works toward what would be his first Test at the MCG, which traditionally draws a huge crowd on Boxing Day.

"I appreciate that stage for what it is," said Boult, who played in front of 93,000 spectators at the MCG in the 2015 World Cup final defeat by Australia.

"Test cricket is my favourite format, this is the stage a lot of people dream of being on," Boult said.

"To get this opportunity in my career is definitely something I'm looking forward to."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-spearhead-boult-a-doubt-for-first-test-267610">Boult</a> bowled in the MCG nets on Wednesday to out-of-form opener Jeet Raval and reserve wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell.

New Zealand media pundits have urged selectors to pick two-Test Blundell in place of lefthander Raval, who has managed a top score of 19 in his past five innings.

The third and final Test of the series starts in Sydney on January&nbsp;3.

Boult was ruled out of the opener of the three-match series at Perth Stadium with a rib injury as injury-hit New Zealand suffered a 296-run thrashing in the pink-ball Test.

Boult was ruled out of the opener of the three-match series at Perth Stadium with a rib injury as injury-hit New Zealand suffered a 296-run thrashing in the pink-ball Test. The left-arm quick got through a nets session unscathed on a scorching hot day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday in a boost to Kane Williamson's team. "(I'm) feeling pretty good. Probably a little bit frustrated to be on the sidelines watching the games go by," the 30-year-old told reporters. "I feel like I've been rehabbing well. The ball's coming out alright, I'm hoping to be pushing for Boxing Day and getting back out there. "The side has been the issue. It's about rehabbing that, letting it rest and cool down. "From there it's about being confident with the overs under my belt and having enough behind me. I feel like I'm in that place and ticking all the right boxes so far." Boult said he would look to continue his recovery in a two-day game against a Victoria state XI starting on Friday as he works toward what would be his first Test at the MCG, which traditionally draws a huge crowd on Boxing Day. "I appreciate that stage for what it is," said Boult, who played in front of 93,000 spectators at the MCG in the 2015 World Cup final defeat by Australia. "Test cricket is my favourite format, this is the stage a lot of people dream of being on," Boult said. "To get this opportunity in my career is definitely something I'm looking forward to." Boult bowled in the MCG nets on Wednesday to out-of-form opener Jeet Raval and reserve wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell. New Zealand media pundits have urged selectors to pick two-Test Blundell in place of lefthander Raval, who has managed a top score of 19 in his past five innings. The third and final Test of the series starts in Sydney on January 3.

New Zealand's Trent Boult on track for 'dream' Boxing Day Test against Australia

India, the world's biggest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-sugar-output-seen-falling-global-deficit-rises-fcstone-259213">sugar</a> producer, is poised to break its own export record this year thanks to a flurry of overseas sales in the past few months, prompted by attractive global prices, trade, and industry officials said on Tuesday.

Sugar mills in India have done deals to export 2 million tonnes in the new season that began on October&nbsp;1, 2019, raising hopes that the country would sell at least 5 million tonnes on the world market in the 2019/20 season, nearly a third higher than the previous year.

"Looking at the current trend, I can tell you with a lot of confidence that we'll be able to export at least 5 million tonnes this year," said a New Delhi-based dealer from the Indian unit of a global trading firm.

At 5 million tonnes, Indian exports would surpass their previous peak of 4.96 million tonnes shipped in 2007/08 according to trade and industry data. This was spurred by a rally in international prices, a weak Indian rupee and a clutch of government subsidies which made exports lucrative.

"Compared to last year, exports got the momentum this year from the start of the season due to an improvement in sugar prices," said Rahil Shaikh, managing director of MEIR Commodities India.

A sharp increase in exports from India, also the world's biggest sugar consumer, could weigh on benchmark prices in New York and London and trim the market share of rivals Brazil, Thailand and Australia, the world’s top sugar suppliers.

Higher sugar shipments from India could intensify a trade dispute at the World Trade Organization (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/wto-authorises-chinese-tariffs-on-36-billion-in-us-goods-in-anti-dumping-tiff-259385">WTO</a>).

Brazil has already said India's subsidies for sugar exports were not in line with WTO rules and would hurt free competition in the global market. Brazil, Australia, and Guatemala have questioned the subsidies at the WTO.

India, struggling with surplus sugar supplies, has approved a subsidy of 10,448 rupees ($145.58) a tonne for exports in the 2019/20 season a move that encouraged mills to clinch overseas sales deals early this year.

Traders have contracted to export raw sugar at an average $300 a tonne and white sugar $330 a tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, three dealers directly involved in the deals said. They did not wish to be identified in line with their organisations' policies.

In contrast to the 2 million tonnes of exports contracted so far this year, in the first three of the 2018/19 season, Indian mills were only able to sell about 850,000 tonnes of sugar.

India, the world's biggest sugar producer, is poised to break its own export record this year thanks to a flurry of overseas sales in the past few months, prompted by attractive global prices, trade, and industry officials said on Tuesday.

India, the world's biggest sugar producer, is poised to break its own export record this year thanks to a flurry of overseas sales in the past few months, prompted by attractive global prices, trade, and industry officials said on Tuesday. Sugar mills in India have done deals to export 2 million tonnes in the new season that began on October 1, 2019, raising hopes that the country would sell at least 5 million tonnes on the world market in the 2019/20 season, nearly a third higher than the previous year. "Looking at the current trend, I can tell you with a lot of confidence that we'll be able to export at least 5 million tonnes this year," said a New Delhi-based dealer from the Indian unit of a global trading firm. At 5 million tonnes, Indian exports would surpass their previous peak of 4.96 million tonnes shipped in 2007/08 according to trade and industry data. This was spurred by a rally in international prices, a weak Indian rupee and a clutch of government subsidies which made exports lucrative. "Compared to last year, exports got the momentum this year from the start of the season due to an improvement in sugar prices," said Rahil Shaikh, managing director of MEIR Commodities India. A sharp increase in exports from India, also the world's biggest sugar consumer, could weigh on benchmark prices in New York and London and trim the market share of rivals Brazil, Thailand and Australia, the world’s top sugar suppliers. Higher sugar shipments from India could intensify a trade dispute at the World Trade Organization (WTO). Brazil has already said India's subsidies for sugar exports were not in line with WTO rules and would hurt free competition in the global market. Brazil, Australia, and Guatemala have questioned the subsidies at the WTO. India, struggling with surplus sugar supplies, has approved a subsidy of 10,448 rupees ($145.58) a tonne for exports in the 2019/20 season a move that encouraged mills to clinch overseas sales deals early this year. Traders have contracted to export raw sugar at an average $300 a tonne and white sugar $330 a tonne on a free-on-board (FOB) basis, three dealers directly involved in the deals said. They did not wish to be identified in line with their organisations' policies. In contrast to the 2 million tonnes of exports contracted so far this year, in the first three of the 2018/19 season, Indian mills were only able to sell about 850,000 tonnes of sugar.

Indian sugar exports poised to hit record 5 million tonnes this year

Australia and New Zealand would deliver the highest-attended&nbsp;women's&nbsp;soccer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-australia-new-zealand-join-forces-for-2023-womens-world-cup-bid-268042">World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in&nbsp;2023</a>, with projections of more than 1.5 million spectators and an average crowd of 24,000 if they are&nbsp;awarded&nbsp;the tournament, officials said on Tuesday.

The trans-Tasman neighbours last week launched a joint bid backed by both governments to bring the tournament to the southern hemisphere for the first time in&nbsp;2023.

Their official bid book was presented to&nbsp;world&nbsp;governing body <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-invest-1billion-in-womens-football-in-the-next-four-years-infantino-257832">FIFA</a> last Friday.

Brazil, Colombia and Japan also submitted formal bids to host the tournament, the first to feature 32 teams.

This year's 24-team&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in France, won by the United States, set&nbsp;records for attendance and attracted unprecedented viewing figures on television.

Average attendance in France was about 23,500, with the final in Lyon attracting 57,900. The 2015 tournament in Canada sold a&nbsp;record&nbsp;total of 1.35 million tickets.

New Zealand Football President Johanna Wood said their bid, which is marketed with the tag-line 'As One', was also built on providing a legacy for soccer in both countries and throughout the South Pacific.

"Moving the dial for&nbsp;women's&nbsp;football across our confederations and beyond sits at the very heart of our vision for the FIFA&nbsp;Women's&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;2023, as well as leading the way for gender equity and creating strong role models for women in leadership," Wood said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We stand ready 'As&nbsp;One'&nbsp;to deliver FIFA the most successful&nbsp;Women's&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;ever, a ground-breaking tournament whose impact will reverberate across the globe."

The pool phase for the joint&nbsp;Australasian bid would be split evenly with four groups in each country.

Auckland's Eden Park, the site of two men's rugby&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;finals, would host the opening ceremony and first match.

Australia, with its bigger stadia, would then host the majority of the knockout matches with five of the eight second round games, three quarter-finals, one semi-final and the playoff for third.

Sydney's redeveloped Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 70,000, would be the venue for the final.

The&nbsp;Australasian bid is the first that crosses the boundaries of FIFA's six confederations. Australia realigned with the Asian confederation in early 2006, while New Zealand remained in the much smaller Oceania region.

The&nbsp;2023&nbsp;hosts will be decided by FIFA next year.

Australia and New Zealand would deliver the highest-attended women's soccer World Cup in 2023, with projections of more than 1.5 million spectators and an average crowd of 24,000 if they are awarded the tournament, officials said on Tuesday.

Australia and New Zealand would deliver the highest-attended women's soccer World Cup in 2023, with projections of more than 1.5 million spectators and an average crowd of 24,000 if they are awarded the tournament, officials said on Tuesday. The trans-Tasman neighbours last week launched a joint bid backed by both governments to bring the tournament to the southern hemisphere for the first time in 2023. Their official bid book was presented to world governing body FIFA last Friday. Brazil, Colombia and Japan also submitted formal bids to host the tournament, the first to feature 32 teams. This year's 24-team World Cup in France, won by the United States, set records for attendance and attracted unprecedented viewing figures on television. Average attendance in France was about 23,500, with the final in Lyon attracting 57,900. The 2015 tournament in Canada sold a record total of 1.35 million tickets. New Zealand Football President Johanna Wood said their bid, which is marketed with the tag-line 'As One', was also built on providing a legacy for soccer in both countries and throughout the South Pacific. "Moving the dial for women's football across our confederations and beyond sits at the very heart of our vision for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, as well as leading the way for gender equity and creating strong role models for women in leadership," Wood said in a statement on Tuesday. "We stand ready 'As One' to deliver FIFA the most successful Women's World Cup ever, a ground-breaking tournament whose impact will reverberate across the globe." The pool phase for the joint Australasian bid would be split evenly with four groups in each country. Auckland's Eden Park, the site of two men's rugby World Cup finals, would host the opening ceremony and first match. Australia, with its bigger stadia, would then host the majority of the knockout matches with five of the eight second round games, three quarter-finals, one semi-final and the playoff for third. Sydney's redeveloped Olympic Stadium, with a capacity of 70,000, would be the venue for the final. The Australasian bid is the first that crosses the boundaries of FIFA's six confederations. Australia realigned with the Asian confederation in early 2006, while New Zealand remained in the much smaller Oceania region. The 2023 hosts will be decided by FIFA next year.

Australasia promise record crowds if awarded 2023 Women's World Cup

Australia recorded one of their biggest wins over New Zealand on the fourth day of the first Test at Perth Stadium on Sunday.

Having trailed by 250 runs on the first innings the Kiwis were set a mammoth 468 to win -- which would have been a record chase in Test cricket -- on a deteriorating pitch after Australia declared at 217 for nine in their second innings.

The visitors were never in contention after losing their first wicket with just six runs on the board and were unable to push the match into a fifth day after Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins cleaned up the Kiwi tail under lights in Perth's first ever day-night Test.

New Zealand were dismissed for 171 and were beaten by 296 runs, the last five wickets falling in a hurry for just 17 runs.

It was just one run shy of their biggest losing margin to Australia -- in runs -- in a match where both teams batted twice.

Australia's biggest win, other than innings victories, was 297 runs in Auckland in 1974.

Starc (4-45), who claimed nine wickets for the match, and Cummins (2-31) used the pink ball to good effect under lights to bring the match to a quick conclusion after none of the recognised Kiwi batsmen offered significant resistance.

The chase started poorly, with opener Jeet Raval making just one before being caught at gully by Nathan Lyon (4-63) from the bowling of Starc.

Star batsman and captain Kane Williamson then made just 14, before falling to Lyon's first ball of the innings.

Williamson got off to a fast start with boundaries from the first two balls he faced, but was caught at short leg fending a ball that bounced and turned sharply off his glove into the hands of Matthew Wade.

Ross Taylor was their last real hope of making a revival but on 22 he tried to pull a Starc delivery and got a bottom edge through to wicketkeeper Tim Paine to give the left-arm quick his seventh wicket of the match.

Tom Latham showed plenty of application to face 68 balls for his 18, but was given out leg before wicket to Lyon after an Australian DRS review, with umpire Aleem Dar initially giving him not out.

BJ Watling attempted to stem the tide with a gritty 40 and enjoyed a bit of luck as Australia didn't review when he got a faint outside edge through to Paine.

Smith then dropped a tough chance off the bowling of Lyon at first slip.

He was given out on review caught down leg side by Paine off the bowling of Starc after umpire Nigel Llong had turned down the appeal -- a dismissal that signalled the end of the Kiwi resistance.

Earlier, Australia's second innings fell away dramatically after being 131 for one at one stage on the third day.

The home team lost seven wickets for 58 runs, as they struggled against a sustained barrage of short-pitched bowling on another hot Perth day.

Tim Southee again impressed with 5-69, after also picking up four wickets in the first innings.

Australia recorded one of their biggest wins over New Zealand on the fourth day of the first Test at Perth Stadium on Sunday. Having trailed by 250 runs on the first innings the Kiwis were set a mammoth 468 to win -- which would have been a record chase in Test cricket -- on a deteriorating pitch after Australia declared at 217 for nine in their second innings.

Australia recorded one of their biggest wins over New Zealand on the fourth day of the first Test at Perth Stadium on Sunday. Having trailed by 250 runs on the first innings the Kiwis were set a mammoth 468 to win -- which would have been a record chase in Test cricket -- on a deteriorating pitch after Australia declared at 217 for nine in their second innings. The visitors were never in contention after losing their first wicket with just six runs on the board and were unable to push the match into a fifth day after Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins cleaned up the Kiwi tail under lights in Perth's first ever day-night Test. New Zealand were dismissed for 171 and were beaten by 296 runs, the last five wickets falling in a hurry for just 17 runs. It was just one run shy of their biggest losing margin to Australia -- in runs -- in a match where both teams batted twice. Australia's biggest win, other than innings victories, was 297 runs in Auckland in 1974. Starc (4-45), who claimed nine wickets for the match, and Cummins (2-31) used the pink ball to good effect under lights to bring the match to a quick conclusion after none of the recognised Kiwi batsmen offered significant resistance. The chase started poorly, with opener Jeet Raval making just one before being caught at gully by Nathan Lyon (4-63) from the bowling of Starc. Star batsman and captain Kane Williamson then made just 14, before falling to Lyon's first ball of the innings. Williamson got off to a fast start with boundaries from the first two balls he faced, but was caught at short leg fending a ball that bounced and turned sharply off his glove into the hands of Matthew Wade. Ross Taylor was their last real hope of making a revival but on 22 he tried to pull a Starc delivery and got a bottom edge through to wicketkeeper Tim Paine to give the left-arm quick his seventh wicket of the match. Tom Latham showed plenty of application to face 68 balls for his 18, but was given out leg before wicket to Lyon after an Australian DRS review, with umpire Aleem Dar initially giving him not out. BJ Watling attempted to stem the tide with a gritty 40 and enjoyed a bit of luck as Australia didn't review when he got a faint outside edge through to Paine. Smith then dropped a tough chance off the bowling of Lyon at first slip. He was given out on review caught down leg side by Paine off the bowling of Starc after umpire Nigel Llong had turned down the appeal -- a dismissal that signalled the end of the Kiwi resistance. Earlier, Australia's second innings fell away dramatically after being 131 for one at one stage on the third day. The home team lost seven wickets for 58 runs, as they struggled against a sustained barrage of short-pitched bowling on another hot Perth day. Tim Southee again impressed with 5-69, after also picking up four wickets in the first innings.

Australia beat New Zealand by 296 runs to win first Test in Perth

Australia and New Zealand Friday launched a joint bid to host the 2023 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/major-takeaways-from-story-packed-womens-world-cup-233968">Women's World Cup</a>, which officials said would help supercharge female&nbsp;sport&nbsp;in the region.

Governing body <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-bans-former-top-afghan-football-official-over-abuse-cover-up-255374">FIFA </a>plans to increase the number of teams to 32 for the tournament from 24 at this year's event in France, and a two-country format would be able to better cope with the extra fixtures, they said.

"Australia and New Zealand have a successful history of both staging and co-hosting major international sporting events," said Australian&nbsp;Sports&nbsp;Minister Richard Colbeck.

"We have the infrastructure, expertise and enthusiasm to co-host the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023."

He added that bringing the tournament to Australia "strongly aligns with the government's commitment to inspire more girls and women to participate in&nbsp;sport".

Eight nations have expressed interest in hosting the 2023 tournament, according to FIFA, with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, South Korea and South Africa also in the running.

New Zealand&nbsp;Sports&nbsp;Minister Grant Robertson said the joint bid, under the slogan "As One", was an opportunity for the two countries to showcase their commitment to women's&nbsp;sport.

"New Zealand and Australia are both countries that champion and celebrate women's&nbsp;sport, and it has been no surprise to see the football community, stadia, host cities and states across our two countries embrace this bid," he said.

"We know <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/six-bodies-retrieved-from-new-zealand-volcanic-island-as-survivors-face-long-recovery-268003">New Zealand</a> and Australia can work as a team to deliver something unique and world class, while also creating a legacy for women and for football in our countries and across Asia and Oceania."

A decision on the host is expected in May.&nbsp;

Australia and New Zealand Friday launched a joint bid to host the 2023 Women's World Cup, which officials said would help supercharge female sport in the region.

Australia and New Zealand Friday launched a joint bid to host the 2023 Women's World Cup, which officials said would help supercharge female sport in the region. Governing body FIFA plans to increase the number of teams to 32 for the tournament from 24 at this year's event in France, and a two-country format would be able to better cope with the extra fixtures, they said. "Australia and New Zealand have a successful history of both staging and co-hosting major international sporting events," said Australian Sports Minister Richard Colbeck. "We have the infrastructure, expertise and enthusiasm to co-host the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023." He added that bringing the tournament to Australia "strongly aligns with the government's commitment to inspire more girls and women to participate in sport". Eight nations have expressed interest in hosting the 2023 tournament, according to FIFA, with Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, South Korea and South Africa also in the running. New Zealand Sports Minister Grant Robertson said the joint bid, under the slogan "As One", was an opportunity for the two countries to showcase their commitment to women's sport. "New Zealand and Australia are both countries that champion and celebrate women's sport, and it has been no surprise to see the football community, stadia, host cities and states across our two countries embrace this bid," he said. "We know New Zealand and Australia can work as a team to deliver something unique and world class, while also creating a legacy for women and for football in our countries and across Asia and Oceania." A decision on the host is expected in May.

Football: Australia, New Zealand join forces for 2023 Women's World Cup bid

A New Zealand&nbsp;military team recovered six bodies on Friday from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rescue-operation-hampered-in-volcano-hit-new-zealand-island-267755">volcanic island that fatally erupted</a> earlier this week, in a high risk operation watched by dozens of grieving family members waiting on the mainland.

An eight-person bomb disposal squad was helicoptered in and spent four hours on White Island, which experts have said still has a 50-60 per cent&nbsp;chance of another eruption in the coming hours.

Six of the eight bodies on the island were successfully retrieved and taken to a naval patrol vessel for transfer to the mainland for disaster victim identification, New Zealand police said.

The team was unable to recover the remaining two bodies as the cumbersome protective equipment they needed to wear slowed down the tricky operation.

"It has been an incredibly difficult operation but it has been such a priority," New Zealand <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sanna-marin-needs-no-advice-jacinda-ardern-to-worlds-youngest-leader-267606">Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern</a> told Australian Broadcasting Radio Corp on Friday morning. "We just want to bring loved ones home."

New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said dive teams have been deployed in the waters around the island, which is also known by its Maori name of Whakaari, and another aerial search would be conducted later on Friday.

"It's not over yet," Bush told reporters in Whakatane, the mainland coastal town where about 100 family and local community members prayed and sang together as they watched helicopters fly to and from the island.

The volcano, a popular tourist destination for day-trippers, erupted on Monday, spewing ash, steam and gases over the island. Among the 47 people on the island at the time were Australian, US, German, Chinese, British and Malaysian tourists.

The official death toll stands at eight as the bodies on the island have been classified as missing until they are formally identified. More than two dozen more people are in hospitals across New Zealand and Australia, most with severe burn injuries.

A blessing was held at sea with the victims' families before the mission was launched.

Locals Boz Te Moana, 24 and Michael Mika, 28, came to support families gathered at the marae, a Maori community center in Whakatane on New Zealand's North Island, which lies some 50 km (30 miles) west of the island.

"Where we come from we don’t leave anyone behind, no one gets left behind," Te Moana said of his Maori community. "We all move as one."

Police had been confident of the location of six of the bodies as they had been viewed from the air but had cautioned there would be limited opportunity to search for the other two.

The recovery team of six men and two women wore hooded yellow hazmat suits with gas masks and kept in touch with an emergency standby team via radio.

"The environment that those staff encountered was unpredictable, challenging and those staff showed absolute courage in order to ensure that those six people were returned to their loved ones," Bush said.

Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said she had been advised the six bodies removed from the island were likely to those of Australian tourists.

Payne added that 11 injured Australians have now been transferred from overloaded burns units in New Zealand, with one more to be repatriated in the "coming days".

Australians made up the majority of the tourists visiting the island at the time of the explosion. Many of them were passengers on a Royal Caribbean Cruises&nbsp;ship on a day tour to the island.

Peter Haertsch, the doctor in charge of the burns unit caring for the returned Australians, said they been exposed to fast-moving clouds of very hot volcanic gas, pumice and ash.

"They have suffered severe contact skin burns with severe injuries due to inhalation of gas and ash, and we are looking at extensive and intensive care for these patients, some of whom are still in a life-threatening condition," Haertsch said in an emailed statement.

Payne said Australia was working with the United States and other countries to source some of the urgently needed 1.2 million square cms (186,000 square inches) of skin, an amount that far exceeds annual donations in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-volcano-toll-seen-at-16-police-plan-to-recover-bodies-on-friday-267835">New Zealand</a> and Australia.

"It's jarring for us to hear just the sheer scale of that need because it amplifies just how horrific some of the injuries are," Ardern told ABC Radio.

Authorities had faced growing pressure in recent days from families of some victims to recover the bodies as soon as possible.

There has also been criticism that tourists were allowed on the island at all, given the risks of an active volcano. Ardern has announced an inquiry into the tragedy, which will address such broader questions.

"It's a very unpredictable volcano," she told ABC radio on Friday. "Having said that, that's not sufficient in terms of explanation as to whether or not the right checks and balances were in place."

A New Zealand military team recovered six bodies on Friday from the volcanic island that fatally erupted earlier this week, in a high risk operation watched by dozens of grieving family members waiting on the mainland.

A New Zealand military team recovered six bodies on Friday from the volcanic island that fatally erupted earlier this week, in a high risk operation watched by dozens of grieving family members waiting on the mainland. An eight-person bomb disposal squad was helicoptered in and spent four hours on White Island, which experts have said still has a 50-60 per cent chance of another eruption in the coming hours. Six of the eight bodies on the island were successfully retrieved and taken to a naval patrol vessel for transfer to the mainland for disaster victim identification, New Zealand police said. The team was unable to recover the remaining two bodies as the cumbersome protective equipment they needed to wear slowed down the tricky operation. "It has been an incredibly difficult operation but it has been such a priority," New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told Australian Broadcasting Radio Corp on Friday morning. "We just want to bring loved ones home." New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush said dive teams have been deployed in the waters around the island, which is also known by its Maori name of Whakaari, and another aerial search would be conducted later on Friday. "It's not over yet," Bush told reporters in Whakatane, the mainland coastal town where about 100 family and local community members prayed and sang together as they watched helicopters fly to and from the island. The volcano, a popular tourist destination for day-trippers, erupted on Monday, spewing ash, steam and gases over the island. Among the 47 people on the island at the time were Australian, US, German, Chinese, British and Malaysian tourists. The official death toll stands at eight as the bodies on the island have been classified as missing until they are formally identified. More than two dozen more people are in hospitals across New Zealand and Australia, most with severe burn injuries. A blessing was held at sea with the victims' families before the mission was launched. Locals Boz Te Moana, 24 and Michael Mika, 28, came to support families gathered at the marae, a Maori community center in Whakatane on New Zealand's North Island, which lies some 50 km (30 miles) west of the island. "Where we come from we don’t leave anyone behind, no one gets left behind," Te Moana said of his Maori community. "We all move as one." Police had been confident of the location of six of the bodies as they had been viewed from the air but had cautioned there would be limited opportunity to search for the other two. The recovery team of six men and two women wore hooded yellow hazmat suits with gas masks and kept in touch with an emergency standby team via radio. "The environment that those staff encountered was unpredictable, challenging and those staff showed absolute courage in order to ensure that those six people were returned to their loved ones," Bush said. Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne said she had been advised the six bodies removed from the island were likely to those of Australian tourists. Payne added that 11 injured Australians have now been transferred from overloaded burns units in New Zealand, with one more to be repatriated in the "coming days". Australians made up the majority of the tourists visiting the island at the time of the explosion. Many of them were passengers on a Royal Caribbean Cruises ship on a day tour to the island. Peter Haertsch, the doctor in charge of the burns unit caring for the returned Australians, said they been exposed to fast-moving clouds of very hot volcanic gas, pumice and ash. "They have suffered severe contact skin burns with severe injuries due to inhalation of gas and ash, and we are looking at extensive and intensive care for these patients, some of whom are still in a life-threatening condition," Haertsch said in an emailed statement. Payne said Australia was working with the United States and other countries to source some of the urgently needed 1.2 million square cms (186,000 square inches) of skin, an amount that far exceeds annual donations in New Zealand and Australia. "It's jarring for us to hear just the sheer scale of that need because it amplifies just how horrific some of the injuries are," Ardern told ABC Radio. Authorities had faced growing pressure in recent days from families of some victims to recover the bodies as soon as possible. There has also been criticism that tourists were allowed on the island at all, given the risks of an active volcano. Ardern has announced an inquiry into the tragedy, which will address such broader questions. "It's a very unpredictable volcano," she told ABC radio on Friday. "Having said that, that's not sufficient in terms of explanation as to whether or not the right checks and balances were in place."

Six bodies retrieved from New Zealand volcanic island as survivors face long recovery

According to a NASA report, the intensity of this years bush fires in Australia has been so devastating that it has crippled forest's ability to reabsorb carbon dioxide. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: 3 million hectares of land burned due to bush fires in Australia

Facing angry street protests and mounting political pressure, Australia's prime minister on Thursday broke a long silence to acknowledge "troubling" bushfire smoke that has engulfed his native <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fears-grow-about-sydney-after-australia-fires-merge-into-giant-blaze-266607">Sydney </a>for more than a month.

"I've lived all my life, pretty much, in Sydney and the haze that has come from those fires, I know has been deeply troubling to Sydneysiders," he said, ending weeks of studied silence.

On Wednesday up to 20,000 people -- many wearing face masks -- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-thousands-protest-against-climate-change-with-bushfire-in-focus-267674">marched in Sydney</a>, demanding Prime Minister Scott Morrison address directly the crisis that has caused health problems to spike and forced residents indoors.

Hours later the conservative leader insisted he understood the concerns of greater Sydney's five million residents, who have been coughing and spluttering through thick smoke off-and-on since October.

"I know how unusual it is to see that haze across my city. And I know how distressing that has been, particularly for young people, who wouldn't have seen that before," he said.

He also made a rare admission that climate change is one of the "factors" causing unprecedented bushfires that have destroyed millions of hectares of land, more than 700 homes and caused toxic smoke to bathe Australia's largest city.

"The dryness of the bush is the biggest factor," he said noting a long drought in some areas. "And we all know climate change, along with many other factors, contributes to what is occurring today."

Until now Morrison's public comments have focused almost exclusively on solidarity with sparsely populated rural communities hit by the fires directly.

A recent poll by Essential Research showed Morrison's disapproval rating had risen from 36 per cent in September -- when the bushfire crisis began in earnest -- to 43 per cent today.

Climate is a vexed political issue for Morrison's Liberal party.

While he once jokingly paraded on the floor of parliament with a lump of coal to show it was not harmful, former leader Malcolm Turnbull broke ranks to demand the party embrace renewable energy and show more leadership.

Any move to significantly reduce Australia's carbon emissions or curb coal exports could damage Morrison in conservative-voting mining communities, split his party and risk tipping a fragile economy into crisis.

Australia's lucrative mining industry accounted for more than 70 percent of exports and was worth a record Aus$264 billion ($180 billion) in the last financial year.

Facing angry street protests and mounting political pressure, Australia's prime minister on Thursday broke a long silence to acknowledge "troubling" bushfire smoke that has engulfed his native Sydney for more than a month.

Facing angry street protests and mounting political pressure, Australia's prime minister on Thursday broke a long silence to acknowledge "troubling" bushfire smoke that has engulfed his native Sydney for more than a month. "I've lived all my life, pretty much, in Sydney and the haze that has come from those fires, I know has been deeply troubling to Sydneysiders," he said, ending weeks of studied silence. On Wednesday up to 20,000 people -- many wearing face masks -- marched in Sydney, demanding Prime Minister Scott Morrison address directly the crisis that has caused health problems to spike and forced residents indoors. Hours later the conservative leader insisted he understood the concerns of greater Sydney's five million residents, who have been coughing and spluttering through thick smoke off-and-on since October. "I know how unusual it is to see that haze across my city. And I know how distressing that has been, particularly for young people, who wouldn't have seen that before," he said. He also made a rare admission that climate change is one of the "factors" causing unprecedented bushfires that have destroyed millions of hectares of land, more than 700 homes and caused toxic smoke to bathe Australia's largest city. "The dryness of the bush is the biggest factor," he said noting a long drought in some areas. "And we all know climate change, along with many other factors, contributes to what is occurring today." Until now Morrison's public comments have focused almost exclusively on solidarity with sparsely populated rural communities hit by the fires directly. A recent poll by Essential Research showed Morrison's disapproval rating had risen from 36 per cent in September -- when the bushfire crisis began in earnest -- to 43 per cent today. Climate is a vexed political issue for Morrison's Liberal party. While he once jokingly paraded on the floor of parliament with a lump of coal to show it was not harmful, former leader Malcolm Turnbull broke ranks to demand the party embrace renewable energy and show more leadership. Any move to significantly reduce Australia's carbon emissions or curb coal exports could damage Morrison in conservative-voting mining communities, split his party and risk tipping a fragile economy into crisis. Australia's lucrative mining industry accounted for more than 70 percent of exports and was worth a record Aus$264 billion ($180 billion) in the last financial year.

Aussie PM breaks silence on 'troubling' smoke crisis

Over 20,000 protestors rallied on the streets of Sydney demanding that the Australian government should take urgent action on climate change. They voiced anger that why is the government silent in the midst of the crisis.

Protests break out in Sydney over climate change

A new taskforce will now monitor the actions of tech giants such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/facebook-no-longer-among-glassdoors-top-10-workplaces-267599">Facebook </a>and Google in Australia as the government took major steps but stopped short of a big clampdown recommended by the country's consumer watchdog.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday said several of The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) major recommendations would be implemented, including the setup of a taskforce to monitor tech giants and "take enforcement action as necessary".

Earlier, AICC recommended new regulations to tackle global concerns ranging from anti-trust issues to privacy violation, and their role in spreading fake news and hateful content.&nbsp;

The PM also said that the government will review privacy laws to protect social media users.&nbsp;

On policing major tech companies, &nbsp;Morrison said that the proposals "need further consideration and engagement" given the "complexity of the issues and the potential to have economy-wide effects".

The Australia's news industry has faced massive trouble due to Google and Facebook as the number of newspaper and online journalists fell more than 20 per cent since 2014 because the digital advertising revenues were overwhelmingly captured by the two tech giants.&nbsp;

Morrison ordered the ACCC to work with tech titans and media organisations on the creation of a voluntary code of conduct to "address bargaining power imbalances" between the two sides.

(with inputs from AFP)

A new taskforce will now monitor the actions of tech giants such as Facebook and Google in Australia as the government took major steps but stopped short of a big clampdown recommended by the country's consumer watchdog.

A new taskforce will now monitor the actions of tech giants such as Facebook and Google in Australia as the government took major steps but stopped short of a big clampdown recommended by the country's consumer watchdog. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday said several of The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission's (ACCC) major recommendations would be implemented, including the setup of a taskforce to monitor tech giants and "take enforcement action as necessary". Earlier, AICC recommended new regulations to tackle global concerns ranging from anti-trust issues to privacy violation, and their role in spreading fake news and hateful content. The PM also said that the government will review privacy laws to protect social media users. On policing major tech companies, Morrison said that the proposals "need further consideration and engagement" given the "complexity of the issues and the potential to have economy-wide effects". The Australia's news industry has faced massive trouble due to Google and Facebook as the number of newspaper and online journalists fell more than 20 per cent since 2014 because the digital advertising revenues were overwhelmingly captured by the two tech giants. Morrison ordered the ACCC to work with tech titans and media organisations on the creation of a voluntary code of conduct to "address bargaining power imbalances" between the two sides. (with inputs from AFP)

Australia: Government stops short of major clampdown on Facebook, Google

Reliving the decade via pictures

The thick smoke that has covered Sydney for weeks has sparked protests across Australia.&nbsp;

Thousands gathered outside Sydney's Town Hall, as cooler winds eased bushfires and contained the haze around the city.

The protests have been demanding action by the government <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australians-to-protest-as-bushfire-haze-sparks-health-concerns-267578">amid the bushfire crisis</a>. The protesters wore face maks, held placards, and chanted slogans.

The bushfires have claimed the lives of four people since November. Additionally, the fires have burnt about 2.5 million acres of farmland and bush. More than 400 homes were destroyed in the mega-fire.

Owing to public outcry, Australia's Liberal-National government defended its policies regarding climate change. According to them, there is no link between climate change and the severity of fires.&nbsp;

Watch: Australia's bushfire now a 'mega blaze'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/australias-bushfire-now-a-mega-blaze-267009/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The devastating fires have focused attention on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-change-takes-a-toll-on-sydney-264029">climate change</a>, with scientists saying the blazes have come earlier and with more intensity than usual due to global warming and a prolonged drought.

At least 5,000 people showed up at&nbsp;Wednesday's protest, according to organiser Chloe Rafferty, who said the bushfires and smoke haze had created anger at the conservative government's inaction on curbing emissions.

"I think the wider public can see that we are not expecting the climate crisis in the future but we are facing the climate crisis now," she told AFP.

"People are experiencing it in their day-to-day lives."

As well as a rise in people visiting hospitals with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydneysiders-urged-to-stay-indoors-as-australian-bushfire-smoke-blankets-city-263900">smoke-related health symptoms</a>, the number of emergency calls for ambulances spiked 30 per cent last week.&nbsp;

"For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose, and throat," top health department official Richard Broome said.

"However, people with conditions like asthma, emphysema, and angina are at greater risk because the smoke can trigger their symptoms."

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The thick smoke that has covered Sydney for weeks has sparked protests across Australia. Thousands gathered outside Sydney's Town Hall, as cooler winds eased bushfires and contained the haze around the city.

The thick smoke that has covered Sydney for weeks has sparked protests across Australia. Thousands gathered outside Sydney's Town Hall, as cooler winds eased bushfires and contained the haze around the city. The protests have been demanding action by the government amid the bushfire crisis. The protesters wore face maks, held placards, and chanted slogans. The bushfires have claimed the lives of four people since November. Additionally, the fires have burnt about 2.5 million acres of farmland and bush. More than 400 homes were destroyed in the mega-fire. Owing to public outcry, Australia's Liberal-National government defended its policies regarding climate change. According to them, there is no link between climate change and the severity of fires. Watch: Australia's bushfire now a 'mega blaze' The devastating fires have focused attention on climate change, with scientists saying the blazes have come earlier and with more intensity than usual due to global warming and a prolonged drought. At least 5,000 people showed up at Wednesday's protest, according to organiser Chloe Rafferty, who said the bushfires and smoke haze had created anger at the conservative government's inaction on curbing emissions. "I think the wider public can see that we are not expecting the climate crisis in the future but we are facing the climate crisis now," she told AFP. "People are experiencing it in their day-to-day lives." As well as a rise in people visiting hospitals with smoke-related health symptoms, the number of emergency calls for ambulances spiked 30 per cent last week. "For most people, smoke causes mild symptoms like sore eyes, nose, and throat," top health department official Richard Broome said. "However, people with conditions like asthma, emphysema, and angina are at greater risk because the smoke can trigger their symptoms." (With inputs from Reuters)

Australia: Thousands protest against climate change with bushfire in focus

Thirteen people have been killed and eight people are missing and presumed dead after volcanic eruption covered a small New Zealand island popular with tourists in hot ash and steam.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/white-island-volcano-unexpectedly-erupts-in-new-zealand-267230">In pictures: When White Island volcano unexpectedly erupted in New Zealand</a>

Rescuers have been unable to access the island, which is covered in grey ash.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/volcano-erupts-in-new-zealand-267292/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The volcano vent continues to emit steam and New Zealand's geoscience agency has warned on another eruption in the coming 24 hours, with 50-50 chances.

New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed "unfathomable grief" after the volcanic eruption have claimed 13 lives.

Ardern confirmed five fatalities and said another eight people were still missing after Monday's tragedy at White Island.

There was little hope of finding the missing alive, after overnight aerial reconnaissance flights found no signs of life.

"The focus this morning is on recovery and ensuring police can do that safely," she told a press conference.

Among those on the island during the cataclysm were tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia, as well as their New Zealand guides.

"To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief and your sorrow," Ardern said.

"Your loved ones stood alongside Kiwis who were hosting you here and we grieve with you."

Ardern singled out "our Australian family" for sympathy, while her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison warned his compatriots to brace for "a very hard day".

Morrison said there were fears that three of the five dead were Australian, and another eight citizens were unaccounted for. 
He described the tragedy as a "time of great innocence and joy interrupted by the horror of that eruption".

"This is a very, very hard day for a lot of Australian families whose loved ones have been caught up in this terrible, tragedy," he told reporters in Sydney.

A total of 31 people — including 13 Australians — were in hospital with various injuries, some listed as critical with serious burns.

White Island Tours, a trip operator, confirmed that two of its guides were unaccounted for, while Britain's high commissioner in Wellington said two female citizens were hospitalised.

Concerns about further eruptions, poisonous gases and choking ash stalled efforts to recover bodies.

"We will only go to the island when it is safe to do so for our people," police spokesman Bruce Bird said.

He said a helicopter scoured the area for 45 minutes, checking if anyone was still alive -- without success.

(With inputs from AFP)

Thirteen people have been killed and eight people are missing and presumed dead after volcanic eruption covered a small New Zealand island popular with tourists in hot ash and steam.

Thirteen people have been killed and eight people are missing and presumed dead after volcanic eruption covered a small New Zealand island popular with tourists in hot ash and steam. In pictures: When White Island volcano unexpectedly erupted in New Zealand Rescuers have been unable to access the island, which is covered in grey ash. Watch: The volcano vent continues to emit steam and New Zealand's geoscience agency has warned on another eruption in the coming 24 hours, with 50-50 chances. New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has expressed "unfathomable grief" after the volcanic eruption have claimed 13 lives. Ardern confirmed five fatalities and said another eight people were still missing after Monday's tragedy at White Island. There was little hope of finding the missing alive, after overnight aerial reconnaissance flights found no signs of life. "The focus this morning is on recovery and ensuring police can do that safely," she told a press conference. Among those on the island during the cataclysm were tourists from Australia, the United States, Britain, China and Malaysia, as well as their New Zealand guides. "To those who have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in your unfathomable grief and your sorrow," Ardern said. "Your loved ones stood alongside Kiwis who were hosting you here and we grieve with you." Ardern singled out "our Australian family" for sympathy, while her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison warned his compatriots to brace for "a very hard day". Morrison said there were fears that three of the five dead were Australian, and another eight citizens were unaccounted for. He described the tragedy as a "time of great innocence and joy interrupted by the horror of that eruption". "This is a very, very hard day for a lot of Australian families whose loved ones have been caught up in this terrible, tragedy," he told reporters in Sydney. A total of 31 people — including 13 Australians — were in hospital with various injuries, some listed as critical with serious burns. White Island Tours, a trip operator, confirmed that two of its guides were unaccounted for, while Britain's high commissioner in Wellington said two female citizens were hospitalised. Concerns about further eruptions, poisonous gases and choking ash stalled efforts to recover bodies. "We will only go to the island when it is safe to do so for our people," police spokesman Bruce Bird said. He said a helicopter scoured the area for 45 minutes, checking if anyone was still alive -- without success. (With inputs from AFP)

New Zealand volcano eruption: Thirteen dead and eight missing

Most destructive volcanic flare-ups in the last 25 years

At least five people were killed, up to 20 injured and several were reported missing after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-volcano-eruption-one-dead-more-fatalities-feared-267098">a volcano suddenly erupted</a> off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island on Monday, spewing a plume of ash thousands of feet into the air.

More casualties were feared on White Island, where the volcano erupted at about 2:11 pm, police said.

Twenty-three people, some of them believed to be tourists from the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship, were rescued, police said, adding that others were still on the island.

About 50 people were feared to have been nearby and several were seen near the rim of the crater minutes before the eruption.

St&nbsp;John Ambulance said up to 20 people were believed to have been injured in the eruption, adding that a mobile triage unit was on its way. The organisation said it had sent seven helicopters to the island with medics on board.

Michael Schade, an engineering manager from San Francisco, was one of the tourists who made it off the island just before the eruption.

In a video Schade posted on Twitter as he sped away from the island by boat, a huge plume of white ash soars into the sky as a group of frightened tourists huddles close to the shore.

"This is so hard to believe," Schade said. "Our whole tour group were literally standing at the edge of the main crater not 30 minutes before."

A crater rim camera owned and operated by New Zealand science agency GeoNet shows groups of people walking toward and away from the rim inside the crater, from which white vapour constantly billows, in the hour leading up to the eruption.

At 2:00 pm&nbsp;the crater rim camera catches a group of people - tiny specks in relation to the vast volcano - right at the edge of the rim. At 2:10 pm,&nbsp;just a minute before the eruption - the group is headed away from the rim, following a well-worn track across the crater.

White Island is about 50 km&nbsp;from the east coast of North Island and huge plumes were visible from the mainland. Volcanologists said the ash plume shot 12,000 feet&nbsp;into the air.

"We know that there were a number of tourists on or around the island at the time, both New Zealanders and visitors from overseas," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a news conference.

"I know there will be a huge amount of concern and anxiety for those who had loved ones on or around the island at the time. I can assure them that police are doing everything they can."

On Twitter, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australians had been affected by the eruption and the government was trying to learn more. Twenty-four Australians were on White Island when the volcano erupted, Australian media said.

Kevin O'Sullivan, chief executive of the New Zealand Cruise Association, said: "We believe there is a tour party from Ovation of the Seas involved in the White Island eruption. We have no further details at the moment."

Ovation of the Seas is a 16-deck cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises. It can take nearly 5,000 passengers and has a crew of about 1,500. It is docked at Tauranga, on the North Island, on a cruise that began in Sydney on Dec 3.

"We can confirm that a number of our guests were touring the island today," a company representative said in an emailed statement. "We do not have any additional details to share at this time."

No-fly zone

There seemed to be no danger for people in coastal areas farther away, authorities said.

The eruption was unexpected, but not unusual, an expert said.

"Sudden, unheralded eruptions from volcanoes such as White Island can be expected at any time," Shane Cronin, a volcanologist at University of Auckland, said in comments published by the Australia Science Media Centre.

"We know hydrothermal and so-called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/100-people-near-new-zealand-volcano-when-it-erupted-pm-jacinda-ardern-267054">'phreatic' eruptions can occur suddenly</a> and with little or no warning because they are driven by the expansion of super-heated water into steam," he added.

Geological hazard tracker GeoNet raised the alert level for the White Island volcano in November due to an increase in volcanic activity.

Just last week, GeoNet volcanologist Brad Scott said in a report that moderate volcanic unrest continued at White Island, with substantial gas, steam and mud bursts observed at the vent located at the back of the crater lake.

The island's immediate surroundings were hazardous because of the eruption, the National Emergency Management Agency said in an statement, adding that falling ash might affect some areas.

The "short-lived eruption" showed no signs of escalating, New Zealand's geoscience agency GNS Science said in a statement.

The White Island volcano is one of New Zealand's most active.

The White Island volcano's last fatal eruption was in 1914, when it killed 12 sulphur miners. There was a short-lived eruption in April 2016.

White Island became a private scenic reserve in 1953, and daily tours allow more than 10,000 people to visit the volcano every year.

'Whakaari', as it is known in Maori, is New Zealand’s most active cone volcano, built up by continuous volcanic activity over the past 150,000 years, according to geological hazard tracking agency GeoNet.

About 70 percent is under the sea, making the massive volcanic structure the largest in New Zealand.

At least five people were killed, up to 20 injured and several were reported missing after a volcano suddenly erupted off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island on Monday, spewing a plume of ash thousands of feet into the air.

At least five people were killed, up to 20 injured and several were reported missing after a volcano suddenly erupted off the east coast of New Zealand's North Island on Monday, spewing a plume of ash thousands of feet into the air. More casualties were feared on White Island, where the volcano erupted at about 2:11 pm, police said. Twenty-three people, some of them believed to be tourists from the Ovation of the Seas cruise ship, were rescued, police said, adding that others were still on the island. About 50 people were feared to have been nearby and several were seen near the rim of the crater minutes before the eruption. St John Ambulance said up to 20 people were believed to have been injured in the eruption, adding that a mobile triage unit was on its way. The organisation said it had sent seven helicopters to the island with medics on board. Michael Schade, an engineering manager from San Francisco, was one of the tourists who made it off the island just before the eruption. In a video Schade posted on Twitter as he sped away from the island by boat, a huge plume of white ash soars into the sky as a group of frightened tourists huddles close to the shore. "This is so hard to believe," Schade said. "Our whole tour group were literally standing at the edge of the main crater not 30 minutes before." A crater rim camera owned and operated by New Zealand science agency GeoNet shows groups of people walking toward and away from the rim inside the crater, from which white vapour constantly billows, in the hour leading up to the eruption. At 2:00 pm the crater rim camera catches a group of people - tiny specks in relation to the vast volcano - right at the edge of the rim. At 2:10 pm, just a minute before the eruption - the group is headed away from the rim, following a well-worn track across the crater. White Island is about 50 km from the east coast of North Island and huge plumes were visible from the mainland. Volcanologists said the ash plume shot 12,000 feet into the air. "We know that there were a number of tourists on or around the island at the time, both New Zealanders and visitors from overseas," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a news conference. "I know there will be a huge amount of concern and anxiety for those who had loved ones on or around the island at the time. I can assure them that police are doing everything they can." On Twitter, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australians had been affected by the eruption and the government was trying to learn more. Twenty-four Australians were on White Island when the volcano erupted, Australian media said. Kevin O'Sullivan, chief executive of the New Zealand Cruise Association, said: "We believe there is a tour party from Ovation of the Seas involved in the White Island eruption. We have no further details at the moment." Ovation of the Seas is a 16-deck cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises. It can take nearly 5,000 passengers and has a crew of about 1,500. It is docked at Tauranga, on the North Island, on a cruise that began in Sydney on Dec 3. "We can confirm that a number of our guests were touring the island today," a company representative said in an emailed statement. "We do not have any additional details to share at this time." No-fly zone There seemed to be no danger for people in coastal areas farther away, authorities said. The eruption was unexpected, but not unusual, an expert said. "Sudden, unheralded eruptions from volcanoes such as White Island can be expected at any time," Shane Cronin, a volcanologist at University of Auckland, said in comments published by the Australia Science Media Centre. "We know hydrothermal and so-called 'phreatic' eruptions can occur suddenly and with little or no warning because they are driven by the expansion of super-heated water into steam," he added. Geological hazard tracker GeoNet raised the alert level for the White Island volcano in November due to an increase in volcanic activity. Just last week, GeoNet volcanologist Brad Scott said in a report that moderate volcanic unrest continued at White Island, with substantial gas, steam and mud bursts observed at the vent located at the back of the crater lake. The island's immediate surroundings were hazardous because of the eruption, the National Emergency Management Agency said in an statement, adding that falling ash might affect some areas. The "short-lived eruption" showed no signs of escalating, New Zealand's geoscience agency GNS Science said in a statement. The White Island volcano is one of New Zealand's most active. The White Island volcano's last fatal eruption was in 1914, when it killed 12 sulphur miners. There was a short-lived eruption in April 2016. White Island became a private scenic reserve in 1953, and daily tours allow more than 10,000 people to visit the volcano every year. 'Whakaari', as it is known in Maori, is New Zealand’s most active cone volcano, built up by continuous volcanic activity over the past 150,000 years, according to geological hazard tracking agency GeoNet. About 70 percent is under the sea, making the massive volcanic structure the largest in New Zealand.

New Zealand: Volcano eruption kills five, several missing

Australia's Mega Blaze inches closer to Sydney. More than 8 fires merged to form a mega blaze.

Australia's bushfire now a 'mega blaze'

Australia's sports federations have postponed&nbsp;youth&nbsp;matches in New South Wales as firefighters battled to contain nearly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydney-smoke-crisis-longest-on-record-266355">150 fires burning</a> in the eastern state on Friday that have blanketed Sydney, the nation's biggest city, in hazardous smoke.

New South Wales Rugby League called off four junior representative trial matches scheduled over the weekend due to concerns over air quality resulting from the bushfires.

"The NSWRL has also recommended all clubs refrain from training outdoors until the air quality index has reduced to a safe level," the governing body said in a statement on Friday.

Australia's soccer association postponed a junior league match scheduled for Saturday in the Central Coast region between the Mariners and the Newcastle Jets due to poor air quality forecasts.

Matches in the top flight A-League and women's W-League in affected areas might also be cancelled if conditions deteriorate, Football Federation Australia said in a media release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydneysiders-urged-to-stay-indoors-as-australian-bushfire-smoke-blankets-city-263900">Bushfires in Australia</a> have killed at least four people and destroyed more than 680 homes since the start of November. Fires are still burning in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland states.

Winds have blown thick smoke over Sydney, the state capital where about 5 million live.

Players at the Australian Open golf tournament complained of stinging eyes after their rounds at course in Sydney.

Australia's sports federations have postponed youth matches in New South Wales as firefighters battled to contain nearly 150 fires burning in the eastern state on Friday that have blanketed Sydney, the nation's biggest city, in hazardous smoke.

Australia's sports federations have postponed youth matches in New South Wales as firefighters battled to contain nearly 150 fires burning in the eastern state on Friday that have blanketed Sydney, the nation's biggest city, in hazardous smoke. New South Wales Rugby League called off four junior representative trial matches scheduled over the weekend due to concerns over air quality resulting from the bushfires. "The NSWRL has also recommended all clubs refrain from training outdoors until the air quality index has reduced to a safe level," the governing body said in a statement on Friday. Australia's soccer association postponed a junior league match scheduled for Saturday in the Central Coast region between the Mariners and the Newcastle Jets due to poor air quality forecasts. Matches in the top flight A-League and women's W-League in affected areas might also be cancelled if conditions deteriorate, Football Federation Australia said in a media release. Bushfires in Australia have killed at least four people and destroyed more than 680 homes since the start of November. Fires are still burning in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland states. Winds have blown thick smoke over Sydney, the state capital where about 5 million live. Players at the Australian Open golf tournament complained of stinging eyes after their rounds at course in Sydney.

Youth matches postponed in New South Wales as Australia bushfires rage

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In Australia fire rages on, 108 Fires reported on friday afternoon.

Australia: 108 Fires reported on friday

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-restricts-medical-evacuations-of-refugees-from-pacific-camps-266056">Australia</a>&nbsp;will cut the number of&nbsp;government&nbsp;departments next year to focus on the continuity of&nbsp;policy&nbsp;and improving service, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday.

Government&nbsp;departments will be cut to 14 from February 1, 2020, down from 18 now, Morrison told reporters in Canberra.

"I want a public service that is focused on the continuity of&nbsp;policy&nbsp;and service&nbsp;delivery," he added.

Morrison earlier this year told public servants that his&nbsp;government's&nbsp;policy&nbsp;was not being delivered quickly enough.

Despite&nbsp;trimming the number of&nbsp;government&nbsp;departments, Morrison said he would not cut the number of ministers in his cabinet, negating the need for a reshuffle.

Morrison said the department of education would merge with the department of employment, while agriculture would combine with the environment department.

The department of industry, innovation and science would merge with energy.

Australia will cut the number of government departments next year to focus on the continuity of policy and improving service, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday.

Australia will cut the number of government departments next year to focus on the continuity of policy and improving service, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday. Government departments will be cut to 14 from February 1, 2020, down from 18 now, Morrison told reporters in Canberra. "I want a public service that is focused on the continuity of policy and service delivery," he added. Morrison earlier this year told public servants that his government's policy was not being delivered quickly enough. Despite trimming the number of government departments, Morrison said he would not cut the number of ministers in his cabinet, negating the need for a reshuffle. Morrison said the department of education would merge with the department of employment, while agriculture would combine with the environment department. The department of industry, innovation and science would merge with energy.

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Two customs agents have been charged in connection with Australia's largest ever onshore seizure of the drug "ice", a bust worth a record US$840 million, police said Thursday.

Australian Border Force agents in April found 1.6 tonnes of methylamphetamine and 37 kilograms&nbsp;of heroin in vacuum-sealed packages hidden inside stereo speakers shipped from Thailand to Melbourne.

Police arrested two men and a woman in their late thirties on Wednesday following raids in suburban Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city.

"Two of the three were customs agents. They are trusted insiders within the industry," Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Neil Gaughan said.

He added they were not government employees but private contractors.

"They used their position of trust to circumvent the border controls that exist within Australia," he was quoted as saying by national broadcaster ABC.

Police said they were cooperating with authorities in Thailand where an investigation was ongoing.

Two customs agents have been charged in connection with Australia's largest ever onshore seizure of the drug "ice", a bust worth a record US$840 million, police said Thursday.

Two customs agents have been charged in connection with Australia's largest ever onshore seizure of the drug "ice", a bust worth a record US$840 million, police said Thursday. Australian Border Force agents in April found 1.6 tonnes of methylamphetamine and 37 kilograms of heroin in vacuum-sealed packages hidden inside stereo speakers shipped from Thailand to Melbourne. Police arrested two men and a woman in their late thirties on Wednesday following raids in suburban Melbourne, Australia's second-largest city. "Two of the three were customs agents. They are trusted insiders within the industry," Australian Federal Police deputy commissioner Neil Gaughan said. He added they were not government employees but private contractors. "They used their position of trust to circumvent the border controls that exist within Australia," he was quoted as saying by national broadcaster ABC. Police said they were cooperating with authorities in Thailand where an investigation was ongoing.

Customs agents charged over record Australian drug bust

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