Image: Young girl from Pondicherry dressed as Prof. Dix for her school’s fancy dress competition (Source: X)
“Children notice what we do as adults. Our good deeds can lead the way and give them joy and hope for a better world,” wrote Prof. Arnold Dix in a heartfelt X post.
For the Australian lawyer, engineering professor, and emergency response expert, these words are more than just a mantra—they are a way of life.
If you happen to be near Silkyara on Monday, then please come along and help us celebrate. I feel very blessed to be able to travel back to the area where we rescued such great men.#silkyara#Uttarakhand#tunnelrescuepic.twitter.com/zodGZk2x23
In 2023, a young girl from Pondicherry dressed as Prof. Dix for her school’s fancy dress competition. Touched by this gesture, Dix launched a search for the girl and her family, eventually discovering that she attended Aditya Vidyashram Residential School in Pondicherry.
Image: A young girl from Pondicherry dressed as Prof. Dix for her school’s fancy dress competition (Source: X – Arnold Dix)
A year later, Dix fulfilled a promise to visit her, her family, and her school, saying, “I kept my promise and travelled to pay my respects.”
In 2023, a young girl dressed up as me for her school fancy dress competition.
I asked for help finding her and her family – eventually discovering – she was from Pondicherry – a famous educational area of South East India – thousands of kilometers south of the rescue.
Dix’s commitment to inspiring young minds aligns with his extraordinary work in saving lives. Just last November, this Aussie hero played a pivotal role in rescuing 41 Indian labourers trapped in a collapsed Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel in the Himalayas for 17 harrowing days.
The rescue, which could have ended in tragedy, instead became a testament to perseverance and Australia-India cooperation.
While in Europe, Dix was alerted by India’s chief engineer about a tunnel collapse in the Himalayas, where unstable conditions threatened rescue efforts.
Arriving in India on November 19, with the story already a national headline, Dix confidently assured journalists the team would rescue all 41 trapped workers before Christmas.
Image: Prof. Dix at the Silkyara Bend-Barkot tunnel (Source: Arnold Dix)
“I cried when the men were reunited with their families—an outcome no one thought possible at times,” Dix told 3AW radio.
Reflecting on the experience, he described the moment as “a reaffirmation that good people can do good things.”
Dix worked alongside Indian rescuers, navigating monumental challenges that included unstable terrain and broken machinery. His expertise in tunnel safety proved crucial in preventing further disasters, as the team worked “softly and slowly” to free the workers.
For Dix, the rescue was deeply personal. “It was for their country. These are their children that we’d brought home,” he told media. The emotional reunion was broadcast live, with 1.4 billion Indians celebrating the triumph together.
Today is a special day for me. It's my birthday, and it's a big one!
But more importantly, it's a day to celebrate the potential of humanity.
Dix, who has spent 20 years helping organisations and communities make better decisions, is now back in Australia, tending to his flower farm in the Yarra Ranges. But his experiences—from inspiring a schoolgirl in Pondicherry to leading a life-saving mission in the Himalayas—continue to resonate.
“Many peoples—one world,” he wrote, urging everyone to act with kindness and inspire the next generation.
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Image: Final Hours of Negotiations at COP29 (Source: Pacific Islands Forum - X)
The COP29 climate summit concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a landmark agreement to channel over $460 billion annually towards helping developing nations combat the impacts of climate change. However, tensions flared as negotiators from small island nations temporarily walked out amid heated discussions over funding.
#Bakubreakthrough: a result of months of intensive diplomacy by the COP29 Presidency, delivering some of the most complex tasks in multilateral #ClimareAction. As we conclude #COP29Azerbaijan, these achievements mark a critical step in putting in place the means to deliver a… pic.twitter.com/ZmvEizKTX5
The deal, struck after two weeks of intensive negotiations and a dramatic extension, commits wealthier nations to lead payments through 2035, tripling the previous climate finance goal of $100 billion annually.
The new finance goal delivered at #COP29 is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country.
This deal will help all countries to share in the huge benefits of bold climate action.
UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell hailed the agreement as an “insurance policy for humanity,” emphasising its role in sustaining the global clean energy boom and protecting billions of lives.
“This deal will deliver bold climate action — more jobs, stronger growth, and cleaner energy for all…But like any insurance, it only works if the premiums are paid in full and on time.”
Despite the breakthrough, dissatisfaction lingered as India’s negotiator, Chandni Raina, criticised the agreement as a “travesty of justice,” arguing that the $300 billion annual commitment fell far short of the $1.3 trillion developing nations had sought.
Raina, advisor at India’s finance ministry and negotiator for India, observed:
“Gavelling and trying to ignore parties from speaking does not behove the UNFCCC’s system and we would want you to hear us and also hear our objections to this adoption.”
Tackling climate change is in our national interest, and getting climate finance right is vital for our nearest neighbours in the Pacific. This COP wasn’t easy, but it was important. We also welcome the very strong ongoing support for Australia to host COP31. pic.twitter.com/qRWmZ26RJY
Meanwhile, Australia has been accused of being “out of touch with the reality of climate change” by campaigners as it seeks to co-host COP31 in 2026 with Pacific Island nations. President of grassroots advocacy group 350 Pacific, Joseph Sikulu, told BenarNews that Australia cannot have it both ways, accusing it of paying “lip service” to the region’s ambitions.
While leading climate finance talks, Australia was also lobbying to secure the summit, marking the first time multiple nations would co-host the event and its return to the Southern Hemisphere after a decade. Australia’s climate change minister, Chris Bowen, has been lobbying intensively, including diplomatic efforts in Turkey, the other competing bidder.
Australian diplomat Emily Luck stated that her country recognised the importance of a unified and coordinated voice.
“We in Australia certainly recognize our responsibility in addressing the climate crisis through our own transition to net zero and providing support for the Pacific….We certainly recognize our responsibility to reduce our emissions and advocate that others, including the world’s largest emitters, do the same.”
Save the Pacific, Save the World – PIF SG Waqa at #COP29
The 1.5-degree goal in the #ParisAgreement represents a critical threshold in our fight for survival.
Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Baron Waqa expressed support for the bid, though civil society groups warn the divide between Australia and the Pacific’s climate ambitions must be addressed.
Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad, however, expressed optimism during negotiations. He said:
“When it comes to money, it’s always controversial, but we are expecting a deal tonight.”
The summit also introduced a framework for global carbon trading, which proponents believe could mobilise billions more for climate initiatives such as reforestation and clean energy projects.
Amidst geopolitical divisions, the world needs countries to come together at #COP29 to deliver climate justice & move us closer to securing a decent world for all humanity. pic.twitter.com/HM78Hb9r2D
While the agreement sets a foundation for progress, UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned that the world must translate commitments into action. “Commitments must quickly become cash,” he urged.
“Climate finance is not a hand-out. It’s an investment against the devastation that unchecked climate chaos will inflict on us all. It’s a downpayment on a safer, more prosperous future for every nation on Earth.”
COP host countries are chosen on a rotational basis from five regional groupings: Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Western Europe and Other States. With ongoing tensions and ambitious goals, COP29 leaves global leaders facing a challenging path to the next summit in Belém, Brazil.
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Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century has helped India set a mammoth target of 534 runs for Australia in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
At stumps on Day 3, the hosts were in deep trouble at 12/3, still needing 522 runs over the next two days to win the match.
India, resuming from 359/5 after 110 overs in the final session of Day 3, had Virat Kohli (40*) and Washington Sundar (14*) unbeaten at the crease. India crossed the 400-run mark in the 125th over. The sixth wicket to fall was Washington Sundar, who was dismissed by Nathan Lyon for 29, leaving India at 410/6.
Raw emotions from the dugout as Virat Kohli reaches his 30th Test TON!
Virat Kohli reached a significant milestone by completing his 30th Test century, an innings of resilience and grit that helped India take complete control of the game. After Kohli’s century, India declared their innings at 487/6 in 134.3 overs.
Australia’s bowlers had a tough time in the third innings, with Nathan Lyon taking two wickets while Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh each picked up a wicket. Despite their efforts, the Indian batting unit set an imposing target for the hosts.
A Nightmare Start for Australia
Set a daunting target of 534 runs, Australia’s chase began on a disastrous note. Openers Nathan McSweeney and Usman Khawaja took the field, but the Indian bowlers struck early, reducing the hosts to 12/3 by stumps. Nathan McSweeney fell for a duck, captain Pat Cummins managed just 2 runs, and Marnus Labuschagne could only score 3 before being dismissed. The hosts found themselves in a precarious position, struggling against the relentless Indian pace attack.
Earlier Sessions on Day 3
India started Day 3 at 172/0, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul unbeaten overnight. Jaiswal continued his impressive form, reaching his century in the 61st over, marked by eight boundaries and three sixes. India reached the 200-run mark in the 63rd over.
KL Rahul was the first wicket to fall on Day 3 after scoring 77 runs, including five boundaries. His dismissal came off Mitchell Starc’s bowling, leaving India at 201/1. Devdutt Padikkal then joined Jaiswal at the crease, but his stay was short-lived as Josh Hazlewood dismissed him for a 23-ball duck in the very first ball of the second session. India was 275/2 at that stage.
Virat Kohli came in to stabilize the innings, and along with Jaiswal, the pair built a crucial 38-run partnership. However, Jaiswal’s well-crafted innings of 161 came to an end when Mitchell Marsh got him caught at point by Steve Smith, reducing India to 313/3. Rishabh Pant was dismissed shortly after, managing just one run before being stumped by Alex Carey off Nathan Lyon’s bowling.
Dhruv Jurel was the next to fall, scoring only one run before being taken by Pat Cummins, bringing India to 321/5. The Australians managed to pick up four wickets in the second session, with Cummins, Lyon, Hazlewood, and Marsh each contributing a wicket.
Kohli’s Masterclass and India’s Declaration
Despite the wickets falling around him, Kohli remained resolute at the crease. His unbeaten 100 helped India extend their lead beyond 500. After Kohli reached his century, India declared the innings at 487/6, setting an enormous target for Australia.
The Comeback Story
The ongoing Perth Test has been a story of comebacks for both sides. After being bowled out for just 150 in their first innings, India’s bowlers responded in style, with stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah leading the way. Bumrah claimed a five-wicket haul, while debutant Harshit Rana also made an impact, helping India bowl Australia out for 104 in their first innings and giving them a slender lead.
India’s second innings were built on the platform set by openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Kohli’s unbeaten 100 further solidified India’s position, allowing them to put Australia under tremendous pressure heading into Day 4.
Brief Scores
India: 150 & 487/6 d (Yashasvi Jaiswal 161, Virat Kohli 100*, Nathan Lyon 2/96) Australia: 104 & 12/3 at stumps on Day 3
The match is now heavily tilted in India’s favour, with Australia needing a herculean effort to chase down 534 runs. With two days left and the Indian bowlers already making early inroads, the visitors are poised to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
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Representative image: Smoking in car (Source: CANVA)
A Victorian man has been hit with an $800 fine after throwing a lit cigarette out of his car window on the Hume Highway, thanks to a witness who reported the dangerous act.
According to 7News, the incident occurred on 7 June 2023, when the Tarneit man discarded the cigarette from his Toyota Camry while travelling towards Melbourne.
The offender was due to appear in court on 19 November but failed to show. A magistrate found him guilty in his absence, issuing a $740 fine and $93 in court costs.
The EPA highlighted the serious risks associated with such behaviour, noting that lit cigarette butts could spark bushfires, especially during warmer months, and are the most common form of litter, often polluting waterways.
“Smoking can be expensive, but littering can be worse,” an EPA spokesperson said.
“Lit cigarettes can cause fires if they land on dry grass or bushland, and their environmental impact is significant.”
Victorian drivers face fines of up to $790 for dropping lit cigarettes, with the EPA issuing approximately 10,000 litter fines annually. Fines extend to passengers who litter from vehicles, with vehicle owners held accountable.
Authorities are urging witnesses to report littering incidents to help reduce pollution and prevent fire hazards.
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The taskforce launched its probe after an AFP canine detected two backpacks containing the cash during a routine patrol. The 52-year-old farmer had arrived from Adelaide and was waiting for a flight to Geraldton when the discovery was made.
A search of the man’s bags revealed bundles of $50 and $100 notes. The farmer claimed the money was from cash payments collected in Adelaide as part of his vegetable-growing business. He was arrested, but later released without charge while the investigation continued.
Further inquiries revealed suspicions of tax fraud linked to the man’s financial activities. In December 2021, AFP criminal assets investigators and Australian Border Force (ABF) officers executed warrants at three properties in Western Australia’s Mid-West region connected to the man.
Documents were seized, and ABF officers identified two workers breaching visa conditions. The farmer was fined $15,984 through two employer infringement notices.
The CACT found evidence suggesting the man had been concealing earnings from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). The taskforce sought to restrain and forfeit the cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Cth), with the farmer not opposing the application.
On 11 November 2024, the Supreme Court of WA ordered the funds forfeited, redirecting them into programs benefiting the community.
AFP Detective Acting Inspector Fleur Jennings praised the taskforce’s collaboration in disrupting financial crimes.
“Australians who don’t pay taxes or accumulate illicit wealth unfairly enjoy lives of luxury at the expense of law-abiding citizens,” she said. “This forfeiture ensures the funds are repurposed to support crime prevention and community safety initiatives.”
The CACT is a collaboration between the AFP, Australian Border Force, ATO, Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission, and AUSTRAC, working to trace, restrain, and confiscate criminal assets.
Confiscated assets are liquidated and deposited into the Commonwealth Confiscated Assets Account (CAA), funding initiatives such as child protection, anti-drug programs, and community safety measures.
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Representative image: School admission (Source: CANVA)
By Amanda Keddie
If parents have a choice, the decision about where to send a child to school and what will be best for them can be a really difficult one.
One question that comes up frequently in media reporting is whether single-sex or co-ed schools are better for students. There is ongoing debate about this for both private and public schools.
There has been community outcry over some schools’ plans to go co-ed. So it may surprise parents to know this isn’t a key question for many education researchers.
As someone who studies gender, social justice and schools, there are other questions I consider to be more important, such as: does a school give students equal opportunities for education and future life success? And how do we make sure all our schools do this?
There is also a widespread view it’s good for boys to be with girls, but better for girls to be on their own. But again, there is little comprehensive research evidence to support this premise.
These debates are also dominated by a belief that girls and boys learn differently. There is no strong basis for this in educational research.
A different question
Looking only at gender differences between boys and girls at school can mean we ignore other important factors that impact on students’ educational success such as social class, race, school location and funding.
This is why, instead of getting stuck in old debates about single-sex vs co-ed schools, we should be asking more important questions:
do schools support all students?
do they create an environment that gives every student a fair chance to succeed?
US philosopher Nancy Fraser has a helpful framework for us to think about these questions. Her framework provides guidance about what schools and schooling systems should focus on to provide a fair and quality education.
This includes three elements: economic, cultural and political justice. These elements support not only students’ academic and social learning but also their physical, social and emotional wellbeing.
If we just look at gender differences we can ignore other important components of school success. Jacob Lund/ Shutterstock
What about funding?
Economic justice is about fair access to resources. In Australia, reforms like the Gonski model aim to do this by focusing on student needs, such as location, Indigenous background, disability and language support. The idea is schools in needier areas should get more government funding and support.
However, there’s still a long way to go for funding equity. Public schools that serve the most disadvantaged students remain underfunded compared to private schools, which receive substantial government support.
This funding gap limits students’ access to the resources, safe spaces and support they need to thrive.
Respecting all backgrounds
But money alone isn’t enough. Schools need to respect and value the different backgrounds and experiences students have.
In Australia, with its rich multicultural makeup, it’s important schools focus on cultural justice by recognising and challenging discrimination based on gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religious background and ability.
They can do this by, for example, including Indigenous perspectives across the curriculum, teaching gender respect in relationships and setting up classrooms where cultural differences are valued. This helps create a welcoming and supportive school environment for everyone.
This is not about reducing identities to stereotypes. It is about supporting a deep understanding of different cultures that goes beyond labels and addresses the issues that keep certain groups marginalised.
Are all voices heard?
Schools also need to foster political justice. Good schools provide opportunities for all voices — especially those from marginalised communities — to be heard and be part of decision-making.
This is something that can easily be obscured in debates about single sex or co-ed schools being better for one gender. For example, while single-sex schools may try to address gender-specific needs, they often reinforce stereotypes and can exclude non-binary and transgender students.
Schools can foster political justice by creating ways for all students, families, and communities to have a real say in policies and practices.
Inclusive decision-making helps students, families, and the school community feel connected and valued.
Schools should allow all students to contribute to decisions and policy. DGL Images/ Shutterstock
What can you look for in a school?
Parents interested in whether a school is working to give all its students opportunities to succeed, could ask questions such as:
how does the school allocate resources to support disadvantaged students and ensure equal access to facilities and opportunities?
does the curriculum include diverse perspectives, celebrate cultural differences, and address issues like racism, sexism, and ableism?
are teachers trained to respond to diverse student needs?
how does the school ensure students, families and communities have a voice in decision-making?
finally, does the school’s staff reflect the diversity of its student body and if not, are there steps to rectify this?
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
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Springer’s Handbook of Indian History, sparked controversy following an announcement on social media platform X by well-known distinguisherd Hindu Professor Levanya Vemsani, the editor.
Instant criticism flowed from Islamic scholar, Associate Professor Brannon Ingram for allegedly excluding Muslims from the history of India.
Friends, thrilled to share the publication of Handbook of Indian History. Please check it out: https://t.co/qUc7nO52wN. #IndianHistory#NewBook this book contains 21 chapters many of which contain new groundbreaking research on Indian History
Ingram alleged, based on the apparently low number of mentions of the word ‘Muslim’, that the handbook was a case of the “Hindutva-isation” of Indian history. The figure provided however, was exponentially lower than actual word use.
Utilising the Springer link function for ‘search this book’, the word ‘Muslim’ appears, as Ingram claims, only nine times – but this isn’t a count of how many times the word is used. Similarly, though not mentioned by Ingram, the word ‘Hindu’ using that function, also results in only 18 mentions. Using the same search function, the word ‘Islam’ appears another five times, bringing the results to 14 mentions for Muslim or Islam compared to 18 for Hindu. Downloading the PDF or EPub from Springer provides very different results.
Vemsani’s work is divided into three parts. The first spans the period of early settlement of India to the 2nd century BCE. The second comprises topical exploration of the first millennium, and the last third spans the period of colonisation and modernity.
The search tool for the Handbook of Indian History PDF (ctrl F) counts each time the word is used. For instance, the word Muslim is mentioned in the handbook 55 times while Islam is mentioned 51. The word Muslim appears at the introduction and picks up in frequency from chapter 12.2, in the third part of the book. From there, the word is mentioned in chapter 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and in a footnote of chapter 20. Islam [or Islamic] is mentioned in chapter 1, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19.
Hindu is mentioned 459 times, and it appears more often at the start (20 times) in the biographies for each contributor, indicating that the scholars are perhaps not focussed on Islam like Ingram. Hindu is scattered sparsely in section one, appearing more frequently at the second part of the work and then more densely applied in section three. Due to copyright issues, rather than screenshot the text showing word use, the sliders below document distribution of each word across the text.
Image: Mentions of Muslim and Islam in Vemsani et al 2024 (Source: Screenshot)
The above slider screenshots show that Muslim and Islam mostly appear in the third section, consistent with the time frame of the second millennium. Hindu, similarly, appears more densely in the first and second millennium which correlates with historic trends. Muslim and Islam combined comprise around one-fifth the usage of Hindu.
Hindu history of India spans five millennia, while Islam spans less than one. The use is therefore proportionate in terms of time, although how accurate such a measure really is in terms of significance, or how the different groups are portrayed is not indicated by how many times a group is mentioned.
Images: Mentions of Zoroastrians (1), Indian Jews (1), Sikhs (31) and Christians (36) – not Buddhists (267), Jains (338) in Vemsani et al 2024 (Source: Screenshot)
If any group are disproportionately under-represented it is the minority Zoroastrians (1), Indian Jews (1), Sikhs (31) and Christians (36) – not Buddhists (267), Jains (338), Hindus (459) or Muslims/Islam (106). So, if any of these groups have a reason to feel left out, it is the Indian Zoroastrians who are a global micro minority surviving only in India.
In this case, it is certainly not a sign of Muslim erasure as had Ingram disclosed the proportion of chapters from his search method, relying on the Springer function, including the word Muslim, Islam, and Hindu, he might conclude the representation was disproportionately high for Islam and Muslim at 14 to 18 for Hindu.
There is a point to make about the impact of tweets and engagement on social media, considering the way in which Grok Ai summarised the issue in favour of Ingram, and how it came to be given that around 300K people viewed the tweet and nobody rushed to set the record straight.
They didn’t interpret your anti Hindu bias, you showed it in your post the way you attacked me & my book with Hindutva jibes. You said the book is- “Hindutva-ization of history” & alleged me as Hindutva citing my X. It’s adhominem attack; slander https://t.co/jdWCz3SyPXpic.twitter.com/V2EOsU5y0y
In my opinion, had replies checked the numbers prior to responding, Ai may have had more information to provide a balanced view. The matter generated much ado about nothing although instead of making it the nothing that it was, engagement tended to make it into something. What that something is, appears to be a misunderstanding based on a search tool that does not tell scholars how many times a word is mentioned.
The last mention of Islam in the Handbook of Indian History is a quote by Sri Ramakrishna and worth remembering in conclusion to these few observations:
“‘I have practiced,’ said he, ‘all religions–Hinduism, Islam, Christianity–and I have also followed the paths of the different Hindu sects. I have found that it is the same God toward whom all are directing their steps, though along different paths . . . The substance is One under different names, and everyone is seeking the same substance; only climate, temperament, and name create differences. Let each man follow his own path. If he sincerely and ardently wishes to know God, peace be unto him! He will surely realize Him.'” (Nikhilananda 1942, 35)
The final word comes from Grok:
“This story is a summary of posts on X and may evolve over time. Grok can make mistakes, verify its outputs.”
To err is apparently not just for humans. And though forgiveness may well be divine, verifying outputs is the obligation of a scholar. Ad hominem, however, should be avoided at all costs.
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Bahal Singh Chahal, 51, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, charged with allegedly causing serious injury following the collision in Plympton Park earlier this year.
Emergency services were called to Macklin Street at approximately 10:45 am on Sunday, 28 July 2024, after reports that a 4-year-old child on a bike had been allegedly struck by a taxi near a local park and sports oval.
Image: CCTV footage footage of the incident (Source: 7News screenshot)
The boy was rushed to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries, the SA Ambulance Service confirmed to media.
Major Crash Investigators were deployed to the scene, where Chahal’s taxi was towed for examination. Police also appealed for public assistance, urging anyone with information or dashcam footage of the incident to contact Crime Stoppers.
It was reported that Chahal, who was not injured in the crash, cooperated with police inquiries and strongly denied the alleged charges.
A maxi cab driver charged after a four-year-old boy was struck at Plympton Park has strongly denied all allegations in court. CCTV obtained by 7NEWS in July shows the child riding his bike behind his father outside Plympton Park Oval when he was knocked over – he was seriously… pic.twitter.com/UB4Y43GnF6
According to The Advertiser, Chahal’s lawyer told the court that the defence “strongly contests” the alleged claims.
Magistrate Kym Millard presided over Chahal’s first court appearance, with the case set to return at a later date in January 2025 as investigations continue.
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Australian wines
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The unexpected hero of the day was television personality Andre Rerekura, known for his role in Shipwreck Hunters Australia. Despite his expertise with marine life, Rerekura proved just as adept with reptiles.
As the python glided past alarmed passengers’ feet, Rerekura sprang into action, calmly retrieving the snake and safely removing it from the aircraft.
“There were a few people with their feet up, a bit worried,” Rerekura recounted to ABC.
“As soon as I saw it, I knew it was harmless—just scared and shy.”
Passengers and crew cheered as the python was escorted off, sparing everyone the inconvenience of disembarking. Rerekura’s quick thinking earned him a complimentary soda water from the grateful crew.
The flight attendant captured the mood over the intercom:
“There is never a dull moment in aviation, but that certainly takes the cake!”
Virgin Airlines confirmed the incident, thanking passengers for their patience and assuring the snake’s safe removal. While the reptile’s unexpected boarding method remains a mystery, Broome International Airport officials reported minimal disruption.
Stimson’s pythons are a common sight in northern Australia, especially during warmer months. Non-venomous and patterned with reddish-brown blotches, they are typically harmless.
This incident joins a peculiar history of airborne reptile encounters, including a recent case of a snake spotted in an overhead compartment on a Thai flight. Yet for the passengers of Flight VA1482, Rerekura’s calm heroics ensured a memorable—if slightly delayed—journey to Perth.
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Two Australian teenagers, Holly Bowles and Bianca Jones, have died after experiencing suspected methanol poisoning while they were travelling in Laos.
They are among six tourists reported to have died – also including a British woman, an American and two Danes – after becoming ill from unknowingly consuming alcoholic drinks containing methanol.
So what is methanol, and how does it make people sick?
The difference is in how methanol is metabolised, or broken down in our bodies.
Ethanol is metabolised into a chemical compound called acetaldehyde. Acetaldehyde is toxic, but is rapidly converted to acetate (also known as acetic acid, found in vinegar). Generating an acid may sound bad, but acetate actually produces energy and makes important molecules in the body.
By contrast, methanol is metabolised into formaldehyde (a chemical used in industrial glues and for embalming corpses, for example) and then to formic acid (the chemical in some ant bites that makes them hurt so much).
Unlike acetate, which the body uses, formic acid poisons the mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells.
As a result, a person exposed to methanol can go into severe metabolic acidosis, which is when too much acid builds up in the body.
Methanol poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The acidosis then causes depression of the central nervous system which can cause people with methanol poisoning to fall unconscious and go into a coma, as well as retinal damage leading to vision loss. This is because the retinas are full of active mitochondria and sensitive to them being damaged.
Death is not inevitable if only a small amount of methanol has been consumed, and rapid treatment will greatly reduce damage.
However, permanent vision damage can occur even at non-lethal doses if treatment is not administered quickly.
What does treatment involve?
Treatment is mainly supportive care, such as intubation and mechanical ventilation to help the patient to breathe.
But it can also involve drugs such as fomepizole (which inhibits the generation of toxic formic acid) and dialysis to remove methanol and its metabolites from the body.
Methanol poisoning can cause serious illness and death. NATNN/Shutterstock
How does methanol get into alcoholic drinks?
Methanol can turn up in any alcoholic beverage, but it’s most likely in beverages with higher alcohol content, such as spirits, and traditionally brewed drinks, such as fruit wines.
Methanol can get into alcoholic beverages in a number of ways. Sometimes it’s added deliberately and illegally during or after manufacturing as a cheaper way to increase the alcohol content in a drink.
Traditional brewing methods can also inadvertently generate methanol as well as ethanol and produce toxic levels of methanol depending on the microbes and the types of plant materials used in the fermentation process.
We don’t yet know how the Australian teenagers came to be poisoned in this tragedy. But it is a good idea when travelling (particularly in areas with traditionally fremented drinks, such as south-east Asia, the Indian subcontinent and parts of Africa) to always be careful.
The Australian government’s Smartraveller website advises that to avoid methanol poisoning you should be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits, drink only at reputable licensed premises and avoid home-made alcoholic drinks.
Drinking only mass-produced commercial brews can be safer, though understandably people often want to try locally made drinks as part of their adventure.
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Image: PM Trudeau with PM Modi at G20 - 2023 (Source: X)
Amid growing tensions between India and Canada, recent developments have cast doubt on Canada’s accusations of Indian government involvement in criminal activities, including the killing of pro-Khalistani Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Statement from the Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, Nathalie G. Drouin: https://t.co/UnKvb46HvE
“On October 14th, because of a significant and ongoing threat to public safety, the RCMP and officials took the extraordinary step of making public accusations of serious criminal activity in Canada perpetrated by agents of the Government of India,” the statement read.
“The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada. Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate.”
“There is a violent extremism threat in Canada that Canada and India have been working on over the years.”
“Investigations have revealed that Indian diplomats and consular officials based in Canada leveraged their official positions to engage in clandestine activities, such as collecting information for the Government of India, either directly or through their proxies; and other individuals who acted voluntarily or through coercion,” it added.
My statement on the evidence brought forward by the RCMP against agents of the Government of India:https://t.co/kC6ZXzXXsG
In rush to score points at home, based on RCMP’s briefing, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a fiery statement once again accusing agents of the Indian government of engaging in violent criminal activity on Canadian soil, including the murder of “Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar.”
Trudeau called the alleged actions “a deeply unacceptable violation of Canada’s sovereignty and international law.” He announced the deportation of six Indian officials identified as “persons of interest” in the case, stating:
“They must leave Canada. They will no longer be able to act as diplomats in Canada, nor re-enter Canada, for whatever reason.”
Since last year, India has consistently denied the allegations, terming them “absurd” and politically motivated, while criticising Canada for allowing pro-Khalistan extremism to thrive.
In an exclusive interview with The Australia Today, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has said that it is important that extremists are held in check, as no country has a stronger commitment to freedom than India.
“The original sin here is Canada's,” says Indian MP Dr @ShashiTharoor weighing in on #India–#Canada diplomatic tensions.
One would have expected to see someone convicted for the killing of 365 people, including several #Canadian citizens, in the 1985 Air India bombing. The… pic.twitter.com/73MKLcYRfF
In a strong statement, Dr Shahshi Tharoor also weighed in on the ongoing India-Canada diplomatic rift, urging Canada to approach matters with caution and a deeper understanding of India’s security concerns.
“The original sin here is Canada’s,” Dr Tharoor said in an exclusive interview to The Australia Today weighing in on India-Canada diplomatic tensions.
He added that one would have expected to see someone convicted for the killing of 365 people, including several Canadian citizens, in the 1985 Air India bombing. The Canadian judicial system has shown its deficiencies over the years, added Dr Tharoor when asked about Foreign Minister Senator Wong’s recent statement on having faith in the Canadian judicial system. Further, Dr Tharoor criticized what he called Canada’s “misguided stance,” emphasizing the need for nations to address mutual concerns respectfully rather than escalating tensions.
“The Government of India strongly rejects these preposterous imputations and ascribes them to the political agenda of the Trudeau Government that is centered around vote bank politics.”
India accused the Canadian government of failing to provide any evidence to support allegations made since September 2023, asserting this was part of a deliberate campaign to tarnish India’s image. The MEA also criticised Trudeau for pandering to separatist agendas, citing his 2018 India visit, Cabinet ties to extremist groups, and dependence on political allies with separatist ideologies.
“To that end, the Trudeau Government has consciously provided space to violent extremists and terrorists to harass, threaten, and intimidate Indian diplomats and community leaders in Canada.”
The statement also accused Canada of ignoring extradition requests for individuals linked to terrorism and organised crime, granting fast-tracked citizenship to illegal entrants, and failing to act against death threats targeting Indian leaders.
Prime Minister @NarendraModi and I met today. We spoke about our @G20org priorities and the progress made over the past few days – as well as our views on fighting climate change, advancing gender equality, supporting Ukraine, and upholding the rule of law. pic.twitter.com/diV9D9K4Sl
Despite heightened rhetoric and Canadian authorities deliberate media leaks, Canada has failed to present concrete proof linking Indian officials to the alleged crimes and has been unsuccessful in cointrolling the spread of Khalistani extremist ideology.
Diplomatic efforts, including meetings during the G20 Summit, have failed to de-escalate the situation, with India maintaining its stance and calling for evidence-based dialogue. The absence of tangible evidence has raised questions about Canada’s handling of the case and its potential impact on international relations.
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Image: Representing the Fijian Government, Pio Tikoduadua, Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration; Permanent Secretary Mason Smith; and Deputy RFMF Commander Humphrey Tawake received this state-of-the-art vessel in a ceremony that underscores the enduring partnership between Fiji and Australia (Source: Facbook - Ministry for Home Affairs and Immigration)
Fiji has officially received its newest Guardian-class patrol boat, RFNS Timo, gifted by Australian, in a gesture that strengthens the enduring ties between the two nations.
Image: Fiji’s Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, during the handover ceremony in Perth (Source: Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Fiji – Facebook)
Fiji’s Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, expressed his gratitude during a ceremony in Perth, joined by Permanent Secretary Mason Smith and Deputy RFMF Commander Humphrey Tawake.
“This remarkable addition to our maritime fleet strengthens our ability to safeguard Fiji’s waters, protect our natural resources, and uphold regional security,” Tikoduadua shared on X, thanking Australia for the invaluable support.
On behalf of the Fijian people, I am proud to warmly and graciously accept Fiji's newest Guardian-class patrol boat, RFNS Timo, gifted to us by our Australian Vuvale.
This remarkable addition to our maritime fleet strengthens our ability to safeguard Fiji's waters, protect our… pic.twitter.com/dQO9xPUxSz
The state-of-the-art vessel replaces RFNS Puamau, which was decommissioned earlier, leaving a capability gap in Fiji’s maritime operations.
Built by Austal, the vessel was originally designated for Timor-Leste but was renamed Timo and transferred to Fiji after a series of delays. The name honours Able Seaman Timo Puamau, a Fijian sailor who died during World War II.
Image: Fiji’s Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, during the handover ceremony in Perth (Source: Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Fiji – Facebook)
RFNS Timo joins RFNS Savenaca (401), another Guardian-class patrol boat also named in memory of a World War II Fijian sailor. Both vessels are part of a programme aimed at enhancing Fiji’s maritime security and border protection capabilities while preserving its natural resources.
Australia’s Guardian-class Patrol Boat Programme recently reached a milestone with the handover of its 21st vessel to Tuvalu, and a total of 24 vessels are planned.
Image: Fiji’s Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, during the handover ceremony in Perth (Source: Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration, Fiji – Facebook)
“This gift symbolises the deep partnership and shared commitment between Fiji and Australia,” said a statement from Fiji’s Ministry of Home Affairs, as the country looks to navigate toward a future of strengthened ties and mutual progress.
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A 46-year-old UK national appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 22 November 2024 after being charged with attempting to smuggle drugs through Melbourne Airport.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) were called to the airport yesterday morning when the man, en route to Bali, Indonesia, aroused suspicion.
AFP Detective Inspector Chris Salmon emphasised the importance of vigilance at Australia’s airports.
“Criminals use various methods to sneak contraband through our airports, but the AFP and our partners are committed to maintaining a secure safety net around Australia’s borders,” Det-Insp Salmon said.
“Drug crime, whether large-scale importation or small-scale smuggling, has a damaging impact on the community.”
Following inquiries, police believed the man was concealing drugs internally. He was arrested and taken to hospital, where about 100 grams of a powdered substance, suspected to be MDMA, was allegedly found hidden in his underpants.
The man has been charged with:
Attempting to export a marketable quantity of a border-controlled drug, contrary to section 307.2 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
Possessing a controlled drug, contrary to section 308.1 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), which carries a maximum penalty of two years’ imprisonment.
The man remains in custody as investigations continue.
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The 25-year-old’s life was tragically cut short in 2014 when a bouncer struck the back of his neck during a match for South Australia.
Despite wearing a helmet, Hughes never regained consciousness after the ball struck an unprotected area just below his left ear.
A decade later, another supremely talented batsman, Will Pucovski, is facing premature retirement due to concussion-related concerns.
With player safety such a high priority area in cricket, how have the rules changed over the past decade? And even if you only play cricket at a community level, what do you need to know to stay safe?
27th November, 2014, the DARKEST day in CRICKET.
It was quite normal until a disturbing video surfaced all over the internet. Phil Hughes was struck by a bouncer & fell unconscious. He couldn't recover & passed away.
Batting is a daunting and dangerous activity: batters stand about 18 metres away from bowlers who can hurl a hard leather cricket ball at speeds exceeding 130 kilometres per hour for women and 150 km per hour for men.
The coroner also noted Hughes was not wearing a helmet that complied with the highest-level safety standards at the time. He said cricketers’ personal protective equipment was “essential if death and injury is to be minimised”.
He recommended Cricket Australia continue collaborating with developers and players’ associations to identify a neck protector that could be mandated for use in all first class cricket matches.
Cricket Australia changed the playing conditions for the 2023–24 season, and now all Australian players in international and domestic cricket must wear neck protectors.
#Australian batters will have to wear neck protectors on their helmets when facing fast or medium-pace bowlers for the 2023/24 season, #CricketAustralia announced
The death of Hughes was not the first to occur in a cricket match. But it served as the catalyst for researchers to take a closer look and gather data on cricket-related fatalities.
One historical review found cricket-related fatalities in Australia date back to 1864, with 174 deaths related to the game – of those, 83 were in organised settings, such as club or school competitions. The others were in informal play such as in backyards and on beaches.
In organised cricket, the most common cause of death was a batter suffering “a ball to the head (temple, forehead or face), to the side of the head, below or behind the ear, or on the neck”.
Notably, these fatalities decreased significantly after the introduction and widespread use of helmets by batsmen from the 1980s.
Concussion and traumatic brain injury
Even with the protective equipment available to players today, batters, wicket-keepers and even umpires and bowlers are still at some risk of severe facial and skull fractures, concussion and traumatic brain injury.
A 2022 UK study involving about 2,300 mostly male cricketers found 10% of players experienced at least one concussion during their career.
In Australian elite male and female cricket players, concussions were the third most frequent injury (in terms of time lost to a sport) from 2015 to 2022.
Dennis Amiss shows off two of the first cricket helmets, made by a motorcycle helmet manufacturer, during the 1977/78 World Series Cricket series. pic.twitter.com/32O2JP8sDg
Closer to home, the collapse of Australian batsman David Hookes after being struck in the jaw in the same year was the catalyst for changing attitudes towards helmet use.
Over the past decade, the International Cricket Council (ICC) and many national members have supported the United Kingdom’s Loughborough University research to improve the design of helmets.
This research is used to improve many of the rules regarding helmet use, and concussion testing and management approaches.
Helmet design technology is continuing to develop. High-impact materials are being used to reinforce the hard outer shell of the helmet (including the face guard), with the protective inner shells being further refined to better distribute and absorb ball impact forces.
As observed by the coroner in the Hughes inquest, helmets must now comply with what is known as the British Standard.
Who needs to wear helmets?
At all levels of the sport, the ICC and Cricket Australia owe a duty of care to players and helmet rules now apply across all levels.
International level
At international level, the ICC issued a directive in 2015 making it mandatory for elite cricketers to wear a compliant helmet in ICC-sanctioned matches.
For example, in Test matches, a helmet must be worn by batters who are facing pace bowlers, wicket-keepers who are standing up to the stumps, and fielders who are close to the batter in front of the wicket.
The ICC states “the use of a neck protector when batting in international cricket is optional”.
National level
Since the 2019–20 season, Cricket Australia mandated players wearing British Standard-compliant helmets when batting, wicket-keeping up to the stumps and fielding close to the batter.
It changed the playing conditions for the 2023–24 season, making it mandatory for batters in all Cricket Australia-sanctioned competitions to wear neck protectors when facing fast or medium paced bowlers.
The 2023-2024 playing conditions also state the umpires are the sole judge of whether bowling is fast or medium-paced.
Community level
Cricket Australia developed simplified playing conditions to help community clubs navigate the rules and enforcement options.
These recommendations and resources reflect its administrator role as the custodian of the game of cricket in Australia.
On the use of helmets, Cricket Australia “strongly” recommends community club players use British Standard-compliant helmets when batting, wicket-keeping up to the stumps and fielding close to the batter.
Cricket Australia also strongly recommends participants wear neck protectors.
Some leagues are going above and beyond these recommendations in an attempt to make their competitions safer.
For example, in October, Cricket Gold Coast introduced a rule making helmets compulsory in all competitions.
Cricket administrators at all levels are moving in the right direction in terms of helmets and player safety.
Whether neck guards for all international matches should be mandatory continues to be debated. Even if the risk of cricket related fatalities is rare, administrators still need to take precautions due to the greater knowledge around the dangers of head injuries.
The sport’s administrators need to remain vigilant by ensuring rules remain consistent with research evidence, are fit for purpose, and compliance is consistently enforced.
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
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Fiery spells from Australian pacers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc on India’s batting lineup, leaving the visitors struggling at 51/4 by lunch on Day 1 of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Friday.
The Indian batters were visibly troubled by the extra pace and bounce of the Perth pitch, as Hazlewood and Starc showcased their skill and precision.
At the end of the first session, India stood at 51/4, with Rishabh Pant (10*) and Dhruv Jurel (4*) unbeaten at the crease, trying to stabilise the innings after a disastrous start.
Winning the toss and choosing to bat first on what appeared to be a challenging Perth surface, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul were off to a cautious start, unable to score any runs in the first two overs from Hazlewood and Starc, except for a boundary through byes. However, things quickly took a turn for the worse as Jaiswal, tempted by Starc, was caught at gully by debutant Nathan McSweeney after just 2.1 overs, leaving India at 5/1.
KL Rahul was then joined by Devdutt Padikkal, who was playing his first Test in Australia after a solitary Test appearance against England at home. However, Padikkal struggled to settle in and ultimately nicked a delivery to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, gifting Hazlewood his first wicket of the series. Padikkal departed without scoring, having faced 23 balls, and India was left at 14/2 in 11 overs.
Star batter Virat Kohli entered the fray to a massive cheer from the crowd, but his stay at the crease was brief. Hazlewood, finding the right length and extracting extra bounce from the surface, forced Kohli into an edge that Usman Khawaja comfortably took in the slips. Kohli’s poor run continued as he fell for just five runs, leaving India reeling at 32/3.
Despite the setbacks, KL Rahul showed composure and tried to anchor the innings, playing some fine strokes along the way. However, his efforts came to an unfortunate end under controversial circumstances. With no conclusive evidence of whether the ball had hit his pad or bat first, Rahul was given out for 26 off 74 balls, including three boundaries. The dismissal further compounded India’s woes, with the score at 47/4.
Young wicketkeeper-batters Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel then took the responsibility of steadying the innings, managing to see out the remainder of the session without any further damage. They ended the first session at 51/4, with a daunting task ahead to help India recover.
The match saw India opting to bat first, hoping to capitalize on the sunny Perth conditions, but the Australian bowlers, led by Hazlewood and Starc, ensured that the visitors had a tough start to their innings.
Australia: Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey (w), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
With a shaky start to their Border-Gavaskar campaign, India will need to rely on its middle and lower order to recover and post a competitive first-innings score. The Australian bowling attack, on the other hand, will be eager to keep the pressure on and continue their dominance as the match progresses.
Image: Australian First Nations Jannawi dance clan at IFFI Goa (Source: X - @AusDHCIndia)
The 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) commenced in Goa with a star-studded opening ceremony on 20 November 2024, celebrating the magic of storytelling and the unifying power of cinema.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju officially inaugurated the nine-day extravaganza. Hosted at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, the event witnessed captivating dance performances, inspiring speeches, and tributes to cinematic legends.
Watch the highlights from the grand opening ceremony of the Film Bazaar at the 55th International Film Festival of India, in Goa.
Australia was announced as this year’s Country of Focus, marking a new chapter in Indo-Australian creative collaboration.
Australian Deputy High Commissioner Nick McCaffrey highlighted this cultural partnership on X, lauding the performance by the Australian First Nations Jannawi Dance Clan:
“Making First Nations storytelling front and centre stage in India — absolutely loved it!”
The festival opened with Michael Gracey’s “Better Man,” a biographical drama on pop icon Robbie Williams, which earned rave reviews for its compelling narrative and music.
Festival Director Shekhar Kapur, known for films like Masoom and Mr India, passionately underscored the importance of storytelling in bridging divides:
“Stories are how we relate, perceive, and understand each other… In a polarised world, film festivals like IFFI are crucial.”
The 55th International Film Festival of India opened with the film "Better Man" directed by Michael Gracey, received very positive reviews from the audience, captivated by the storytelling and music
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav emphasised India’s burgeoning creators’ economy in a video address, while Prasar Bharati announced its new digital platform, Waves. The revival of the iconic Fauji series was also unveiled, paying homage to the show that launched Shah Rukh Khan’s career.
IFFI 2024 offers a spotlight on Australian cinema with a showcase of seven diverse films, a masterclass by Oscar-winning cinematographer John Seale, and a dedicated Australian Co-Production Day. Representatives from Screen Australia and Ausfilm are promoting Australia’s appeal as a filming destination, supported by the Indo-Australian co-production treaty ratified last year.
Australian and Indian filmmakers are set to collaborate on projects like Home Before Night, selected for Film Bazaar’s Co-Production Market. The treaty enables access to financial incentives, fostering innovative storytelling between the two nations.
Australia takes the spotlight as the “Country of Focus,” & don’t miss the Australian project Home Before Night selected for the prestigious @filmbazaarindia. Plus, a special masterclass with Oscar-winning cinematographer John Seale.
— International Film Festival of India (@IFFIGoa) October 23, 2024
With over 6,500 delegates registered—a 25% increase from last year—IFFI 2024 promises an inclusive celebration of cinema. This year’s festival also expanded its reach, adding six new screens and 45% more screening venues, ensuring accessibility for film enthusiasts across Goa.
Running until 28 November, IFFI 2024 promises a rich blend of culture, innovation, and global storytelling, uniting filmmakers and audiences under one cinematic roof.
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Australia and India have signed a groundbreaking arrangement enabling the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the Indian Armed Forces to conduct air-to-air refuelling, marking a new chapter in their defence partnership.
The agreement, announced on 21 November by Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, Pat Conroy MP, and India’s Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, underscores the deepening strategic relationship between the two nations.
Glad to have met the Australian Defence Minister Mr. Pat Conroy on the sidelines of ADMM Plus. Our defence partnership has achieved significant milestones in the recent years. We look forward to take our defence engagements to a higher level. pic.twitter.com/l966DxlZ9i
On social media platform X, India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh shared his optimism:
“Our defence partnership has achieved significant milestones in recent years. We look forward to taking our defence engagements to a higher level.”
Under the pact, the RAAF’s KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport aircraft will be authorised to refuel Indian Armed Forces aircraft, enhancing operational flexibility and interoperability.
Hello Australia!#IAF contingent has reached Australia for participating in Ex Pitch Black 24, hosted by Australian Air Force from 12 Jul to 02 Aug. The exercise involves participation of 140 aircraft from various air forces including Su-30MKI, C-17, C-130 & IL-78 aircraft from… pic.twitter.com/04262nKqna
Deputy Chief of Air Force, Air Vice-Marshal Harvey Reynolds, AM, signed the arrangement on 19 November during the Australia-India Air Staff Talks in New Delhi. He praised the initiative, stating it strengthens defence ties and contributes to Indo-Pacific stability.
“India is a top-tier security partner for Australia,” said Air Vice-Marshal Reynolds.
“This arrangement elevates our interoperability and enables effective cooperation across a range of scenarios. It’s a significant step forward, fostering collaboration, trust, and shared expertise between our personnel.”
Image: An Indian Navy P-8I Neptune aircraft is guided onto the apron at RAAF Base Darwin, NT, during Exercise Kakadu 2024 (Photographer: LACW Aiesha White-Kratz / Source: Defence Australia)
The RAAF has also been conducting joint training with the Indian Navy’s P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft. This arrangement is expected to pave the way for the KC-30A to refuel the P-8I, boosting India’s reach and operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
The pact is set to enhance the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and India, prioritising practical cooperation for regional stability.
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India's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the final hockey match against China in the Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024, at Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda on Wednesday. (ANI Photo)
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team were crowned champions of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 today after a thrilling 1-0 victory over China at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium.
Deepika’s decisive goal in the 31st minute secured the win for India, allowing them to defend their title successfully in a match that showcased tactical finesse and sheer determination from both teams.
The Final saw an intense battle right from the start, with both teams trading circle entries and fighting for control without managing any shots on goal. The first quarter was a test of resilience and defensive capabilities, with both sides making strong attempts to break through. However, both defences held firm, and the first quarter ended goalless.
India’s players celebrate after winning the final hockey match against China in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, at Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda. (ANI Photo)
China took the initiative in the second quarter, creating a penalty corner opportunity within the first two minutes. However, India’s goalkeeper Bichu Devi stepped up with a phenomenal save, leaping high to deny a close-range shot from Jinzhuang Tan. India responded swiftly, earning their own penalty corner moments later, but Deepika’s drag flick was saved by Chinese goalkeeper Surong Wu.
Despite trading several more penalty corners, neither team could break the deadlock, and the first half ended 0-0.
The second half began with renewed vigour from India. Within seconds, they earned another penalty corner, which ultimately set the stage for Deepika’s spectacular goal. After a mist-trap, Navneet passed the ball to Deepika on the left wing of the circle, and she executed a brilliant reverse shot that found the bottom right corner of the goal.
India’s players celebrate after winning the final hockey match against China in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, at Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda. (ANI Photo)
This put India ahead 1-0, sending the Rajgir crowd into raptures.
India then pressed higher up the field, pushing China deep into their half. With just three minutes remaining in the third quarter, China began rotating the ball along their backline, trying to wrest control of the game. However, India regained possession and launched a quick counterattack, resulting in a penalty stroke for Deepika. Unfortunately, her low shot was saved by Ting Li, keeping China in the contest.
In the final quarter, China pressed forward with determination, seeking an equaliser. However, India’s defence proved unyielding. The Indian side quickly regained control and earned another penalty corner just two minutes into the final quarter, but Sushila’s shot was comfortably saved by Surong Wu.
Despite China’s repeated efforts and increased pressure, the Indian defence stood strong, effectively shutting down all opportunities for the opposition. The match ended with India securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory, winning their third Asian Champions Trophy title.
Following the victory, Hockey India announced a reward of Rs. 3 lakh for each player and Rs. 1.5 lakh for each member of the support staff in recognition of their outstanding performance. Additionally, the Asian Hockey Federation marked this edition of the competition with the first-ever rewards for podium finishers: India was awarded a substantial USD 10,000, while China and Japan received USD 7,000 and USD 5,000 respectively.
India’s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the final hockey match against China in the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, at Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda. (ANI Photo)
The Indian Women’s Hockey Team’s victory was a testament to their resilience, teamwork, and the hard work that has gone into their preparation. The journey to this win began over two years ago and has involved dedication from players, coaches, and support staff alike. Deepika, whose goal decided the outcome of the match, embodied the team’s fighting spirit. Speaking after the game, she expressed gratitude to the team’s supporters and reiterated her hope for continued success.
This triumph is another proud moment for Indian hockey, showcasing the skill and determination of the women’s team on an international platform. As they celebrate their victory in Rajgir, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team will look ahead with confidence to future competitions, aiming to build on their success and continue making the country proud.
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The Australian Federal Police (AFP) have arrested a 27-year-old man following the discovery of more than $500,000 in cash, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other items linked to drug trafficking at a unit in Rhodes, Sydney.
The man was allegedly seen in East Ryde on 20 November 2024 collecting money believed to be tied to criminal activities. Investigators followed him to his apartment, where they executed a search warrant.
Authorities seized over half a million dollars in cash, suspected cocaine and methamphetamine, a cash-counting machine, drug paraphernalia, and multiple mobile phones. Packaging materials linked to a drug importation in August 2024 were also found.
AFP Detective Superintendent Bill Polychronopoulos, who leads Taskforce Gain, said the operation demonstrates the AFP’s commitment to combating organised crime.
“The AFP is working tirelessly to make Australia a hostile environment for organised crime syndicates,” he said.
“Criminals involved in drug trafficking do not care about the harm they cause to Australian communities – they put our community at risk of violence for their own greed.”
Trafficking a marketable quantity of a controlled drug, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment under section 302.3 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
Dealing with criminal proceeds greater than or equal to $100,000, which has a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment under section 400.4 of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
He appeared in the Downing Centre Local Court on 21 November 2024, where bail was formally refused. The accused is scheduled to return to court on 15 January 2025.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Representative image: Social media (Source: CANVA)
By Daniel Angus
The federal government today introduced into parliament legislation for its social media ban for people under 16 years.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said:
This is about protecting young people, not punishing or isolating them, and letting parents know we’re in their corner when it comes to supporting their children’s health and wellbeing.
Up until now details of how the ban would actually work have been scarce. Today’s bill provides a more complete picture.
But many ambiguities – and problems – still remain.
It introduces a new definition for an “age-restricted social media platform” whose sole or significant purpose is to enable users to post material online and interact socially with other users.
This includes platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat, but also many more minor platforms and services. It includes an exclusion framework that exempts messaging apps such as WhatsApp, online gaming platforms and services with the “primary purpose of supporting the health and education of end-users” (for example, Google Classroom).
The bill will attempt to force owners of newly defined age-restricted platforms to take “reasonable steps” to prevent people under 16 from having a user account. This will include young people who have an existing account. There are no grandfather provisions so it is unclear how platforms will be required to manage the many millions of existing users who are now set to be excluded and deplatformed.
The bill is also vague in specifying how social media platforms must comply with their obligation to prevent under 16s from having an account – only that it “will likely involve some form of age assurance”.
Oddly, the bill won’t stop people under 16 from watching videos on YouTube or seeing content on Facebook – it is primarily designed to stop them from making an account. This also means that the wider ecology of anonymous web-based forums, including problematic spaces like 4chan, are likely excluded.
Age-restricted platforms that fail to prevent children under 16 accessing their platforms will face fines of nearly A$50 million.
However, the government acknowledges that it cannot completely stop children under 16 from accessing platforms such as Instagram and Facebook.
Australia should be prepared for the reality that some people will break the rules, or slip through the cracks.
The legislation will take effect “at least” 12 months after it has passed parliament.
How did we get to this point?
The government’s move to ban under 16s from social media – an idea other countries such as the United Kingdom are now considering – has been heavily influenced by News Corp’s “Let Them Be Kids” campaign. This campaign included sensitive news reports about young people who have used social media and, tragically, died by suicide.
The New South Wales and South Australian governments last month held a summit to explore the impact of social media on the mental health of young people. However, Crikey today revealed that the event was purposefully set up to create momentum for the ban. Colleagues who attended the event were shocked at the biased and unbalanced nature of the discussion.
The announcement and tabling of the bill today also preempts findings from a parliamentary inquiry into the impact of social media on Australian society. The inquiry only tabled its report and recommendations in parliament this week. Notably, it stopped short of recommending a ban on social media for youth.
There are evidence-based alternatives to a ban
The government claims “a minimum age of 16 allows access to social media after young people are outside the most vulnerable adolescent stage”.
However, multiple experts have already expressed concerns about banning young people from social media platforms. In October more than 140 experts, me included, wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in which we said “a ‘ban’ is too blunt an instrument to address risks effectively”.
The Australian Human Rights Commission has now added its voice to the opposition to the ban. In a statement released today it said:
Given the potential for these laws to significantly interfere with the rights of children and young people, the Commission has serious reservations about the proposed social media ban.
In its report, the parliamentary inquiry into the impact of social media on Australian society made a number of recommendations to reduce online harm. These included introducing a “duty of care” onto digital platforms – a measure the government is also moving ahead with, and one which is more in line with best evidence.
The inquiry also recommended the government introduce regulations which ensure users of social media platforms have greater control over what content they see. This would include, for example, users having the ability to change, reset, or turn off their personal algorithms.
Another recommendation is for the government to prioritise the creation of the Children’s Online Privacy Code. This code will better protect the personal information of children online.
Taken together, the three measures above manage the risks and benefits of children’s digital media. They build from an evidence base, one that critically includes the voices and perspectives of children and parents. The concern then is how a ban undermines these efforts and possibly gives platforms a hall pass to avoid obligations under these stronger media policies.
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Cricket fans are in for a historic showdown this Friday as two of the world’s most prominent fast bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins, take on the roles of captains for their respective sides in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series opener in Perth.
The series, beginning at the Optus Stadium, will see Bumrah leading India while Cummins, a familiar face at the helm, leads Australia.
The significance of two pacers captaining in a Test match cannot be understated. It’s a rare occurrence in modern cricket, and seeing two of the best in the game leading their nations adds an extra layer of excitement to the much-anticipated series.
Cummins expressed his enthusiasm about the unique scenario during the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
“Yeah, great to see. It should happen more, seeing bowlers as captains. The New Zealand series last year with Tim Southee was good, and now seeing Bumrah in this role is great. As a fan of fast bowling, it’s always exciting,”
Cummins remarked.
Bumrah, who will be captaining India for just the second time, mirrored Cummins’ sentiments. He praised the Australian skipper for the phenomenal job he has done for his side and shared his belief that fast bowlers make good captains.
Image Source; BCCI
“Pat has done a phenomenal job. There are several examples of successful pace captains, like Kapil Dev. Hopefully, this is the start of a new tradition,”
Bumrah said.
Bumrah takes on the role in place of Rohit Sharma, who is unavailable for the Perth match due to personal reasons. Bumrah’s previous captaincy experience came against England in 2022, a Test that ended in defeat for India. However, he is eager to improve upon that result, hoping to lead India to a rare victory on Australian soil.
The spotlight isn’t just on Bumrah and Cummins, but also on former Indian captain Virat Kohli. After a string of underwhelming performances over recent years, Kohli is under pressure to find his old form.
Addressing the media, Bumrah had nothing but praise for Kohli, noting his dedication and form in practice sessions.
“Virat is a leader, one of the greatest we have. He was looking sharp in the nets, and we’re confident he’ll deliver,”
said Bumrah.
Image Source; BCCI
Kohli’s struggles have been well documented, with his recent performances yielding just two centuries across formats since 2020. Despite his lean patch, Kohli remains a formidable figure, and expectations are high as he embarks on his fifth tour of Australia—a tour that could prove decisive for his Test legacy.
On India’s preparations, Bumrah stated that the team had arrived in Perth early and practised extensively at the WACA Ground, ensuring familiarity with the conditions. He emphasised the mental readiness of the players, especially the youngsters.
“We are well-prepared, it’s all about staying mentally focused now. The youngsters have done well in the past, and we’re confident they’ll step up again,”
Bumrah added.
Bumrah also spoke about his approach to captaincy, describing it as a responsibility he embraces wholeheartedly. “I always wanted to do the tough jobs. I don’t see captaincy as a title but as a responsibility.
Image Source; BCCI
“I’ve learned a lot from Rohit and Virat, and it’s a privilege to be in this position,”
Bumrah shared.
He highlighted the importance of trusting his instincts both as a bowler and as a captain, stating that each leader must find their unique style instead of imitating others.
Image Source; BCCI
The series opener in Perth will be followed by the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 14 to 18, followed by the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The final Test will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7, concluding what promises to be a thrilling series.
India’s Squad for Border-Gavaskar Series: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Shami, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Virat Kohli, Prasidh Krishna, Rishabh Pant (wk), KL Rahul, Harshit Rana, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar.
Australia’s Squad for First Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
#WATCH | Indian Skipper Jasprit Bumrah and Australian Skipper Pat Cummins pose with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, for a photograph in Perth, Australia. India's Test Vice-Captain Jasprit Bumrah is stepping in for Rohit Sharma in his absence.
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The legislation, spearheaded by Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, aims to shield young Australians from the harmful effects of unfiltered online content while easing parenting challenges in the digital age.
If passed, the law would require platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Snapchat to prevent under-16s from creating accounts. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to AU$50 million. Messaging apps, online gaming, and educational platforms will remain exempt from the restrictions.
“This bill seeks to set a new normative value in society that accessing social media is not the defining feature of growing up in Australia,” Rowland told Parliament. The government highlights alarming research showing two-thirds of 14- to 17-year-olds have encountered harmful content, including violence, self-harm, and unsafe behaviours online.
Seems like a backdoor way to control access to the Internet by all Australians https://t.co/694yCzWOaB
Elon Musk has openly criticised Australia’s proposed social media age limit, suggesting it could lead to broader government control over internet access.
Musk’s comments follow an earlier clash with Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, over a violent video depicting the graphic stabbing of a religious leader in Sydney.
While other platforms complied with a removal order, Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) resisted, prompting legal action. Musk framed the dispute as a defence of free speech, while Albanese accused him of “arrogance” and prioritising profits over public decency.
The Commissioner ultimately discontinued the case but called for a review of her decision, underscoring the tension between regulating harmful content and preserving digital freedoms.
We welcome the news that the eSafety Commissioner is no longer pursuing legal action against X seeking the global removal of content that does not violate X’s rules.
This case has raised important questions on how legal powers can be used to threaten global censorship of speech,…
— Global Government Affairs (@GlobalAffairs) June 5, 2024
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant, tasked with implementing the rules, raised concerns about the evidence base linking social media to declining mental health. She advocates for improved digital literacy over outright bans, comparing it to “teaching children to swim rather than fencing off the ocean.”
With bipartisan support, the bill is expected to pass, and platforms will have 12 months to implement the changes. However, digital advocacy groups, academics, and youth-focused organisations worry it could isolate teens, push them toward riskier online spaces, and overlook the nuanced role social media plays in young lives.
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Image: Howzat for a holiday? Advertisement,ent poster (Source: Supplied)
As the highly anticipated Australia-India Test cricket series looms, Australia has upped its tourism game, launching the vibrant Howzat for a holiday? campaign to lure Indian travellers Down Under.
Rarely do we see a summer of cricket this big. A five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the women's Ashes and heaps more all on home soil. #YouNeedToSeeIt, live.
With the first Test set to kick off in Perth on Friday, the campaign will run throughout the series, blending cricketing excitement with Australia’s irresistible charm.
Australian Test captain Pat Cummins stars alongside Tourism Australia’s animated ambassador, Ruby the Kangaroo, in a visually stunning TV ad.
Cummins expressed his excitement about welcoming Indian tourists.
“There’s so much to discover beyond the cricket – from our stunning coastline to our amazing wildlife and world-class dining. We can’t wait to welcome you.”
The commercial traverses iconic spots like the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Cape Tribulation, Rottnest Island, and Kangaroo Island. Adding to the summer vibe, Cummins enjoys a quintessential beach cricket match on Sydney’s Palm Beach.
Tailored for a projected Indian TV audience of 50 million, the campaign extends beyond television to include billboards, print ads, and vibrant signage.
Indian visitor numbers to Australia have surged beyond 2019 levels, with Tourism Research Australia forecasting arrivals to double pre-pandemic figures by 2028.
Tourism Australia’s Managing Director Phillipa Harrison called India’s potential “endless,” noting the Test series as a unique moment to “get on the front foot.”
“The aviation links between India and Australia are stronger than ever, and with Indian travellers already visiting in record numbers, we’re confident this campaign will inspire even more to explore our shores.”
As the cricketing rivalry heats up on the pitch, Australia is ready to knock Indian tourists for six with a campaign that’s as memorable as a Cummins five-wicket haul. The message is clear: after the cricket, an Aussie adventure awaits.
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Image: The Mricchakatik of Shudrak, performed on 16th and 17th November 2024 (Source: Facebook -Melbourne Indian Theatre)
By Binda Gokhale
The Mricchakatik of Shudrak, performed on 16th and 17th November 2024 by Melbourne Indian Theatre (MiTheatre) at the Knox Community Arts Centre, was a sensory delight.
Image: The Mricchakatik of Shudrak, performed on 16th and 17th November 2024 (Source: Facebook -Melbourne Indian Theatre)
Presented entirely in Sanskrit, the three-hour, 10-act production captivated the audience, who enthusiastically engaged with the story, performances, drama, and humour.
Image: The Knox Community Arts Centre (Source: Knox Council)
The journey of this production began over two years ago as an idea in the minds of its two creative artists, Mandar Gokhale and Prashant Joshi. Both passionate about the arts and theatre, they initiated the scripting of the story and the gathering of the cast. The cast comprised theatre enthusiasts from the community, offering a diversity of experience in theatrical productions and knowledge of Sanskrit. For many, it was also a creative outlet. Online practice sessions in Sanskrit during the COVID lockdowns provided a welcome distraction, fostering a resurgence of interest in the ancient language.
Image: The Mricchakatik of Shudrak, performed on 16th and 17th November 2024 (Source: Facebook -Melbourne Indian Theatre)
On stage, the production showcased artistic simplicity through its clever set design. Presented as a storybook, fold-out pages served as backdrops, seamlessly transforming into scenes such as a pauper’s house, a garden, and a palace. The functional bullock cart, adaptable for different scenes, drew applause from the audience.
Image: The Mricchakatik of Shudrak, performed on 16th and 17th November 2024 (Source: Facebook -Melbourne Indian Theatre)
The adapted script remained true to the original text, presenting the story in its intended era and highlighting the everyday lives of that time. Themes of love and moral loyalty contrasted effectively with those of deception and entitlement. The underlying philosophy felt relevant even today, prompting audience reflection. Scene transitions were beautifully interwoven with brief dance performances by Arpita Kaole, portraying Kamadev/Fate.
Image: The Mricchakatik of Shudrak, performed on 16th and 17th November 2024 (Source: Facebook -Melbourne Indian Theatre)
Each cast member fully immersed themselves in their role. Initial nervousness quickly gave way to clear, confident, and emotionally charged dialogue delivery. Two screens on either side of the stage provided concise English translations, but many audience members noted that as the play progressed, they grew more familiar with the Sanskrit language. This, combined with the cast’s strong acting, often reduced reliance on the subtitles.
Image: The Mricchakatik of Shudrak, performed on 16th and 17th November 2024 (Source: Facebook -Melbourne Indian Theatre)
The younger actors in supporting roles—Siddharth Korade, Arjun Bhiwarkar, and Om Charegaonkar—won admiration for their performances. Shashank Upadhye stood out as Shakar, displaying a natural ease with dialogue and an impressive range that brought out the comedic elements of the script. Pranjali Karve, as the desirable courtesan, skilfully captured both the vulnerable and flirtatious aspects of her character, delivering her lines with confidence.
Ashish Vadujkar’s portrayal of Charudatta, the protagonist, took the audience on a moving journey of lost love, righteousness, and generosity.
Image: The Mricchakatik of Shudrak, performed on 16th and 17th November 2024 (Source: Facebook -Melbourne Indian Theatre)
This production deserves high praise. Entering the theatre, I wondered how a three-hour Sanskrit play would hold the audience’s attention. I am happy to report that time flew by, and the audience remained captivated as the story unfolded before them.
Contributing Author: Binda Gokhale is a seasoned senior executive and non-executive director with extensive corporate finance, strategic planning, and governance expertise. Passionate about community engagement, she leverages her professional acumen to influence public policy and advocate for customer and client outcomes, driving meaningful contributions in both corporate and community sectors.
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Image: Tamil Thalaivas star raider Sachin Tanwar with Josh Kennedy (Source: Supplied)
Former AFL star Josh Kennedy has swapped the footy field for a Kabaddi court, immersing himself in the high-octane Indian sport during a recent visit to New Delhi.
The former Sydney Swans and Hawthorn player trained alongside some of the Pro Kabaddi League’s finest, gearing up to captain an All-Star Australian team at the inaugural Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raidon December 28 at John Cain Arena.
Image: (L-R) Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements, Mashal Sports CEO and PKL League Commissioner Anupam Goswami and Josh Kennedy with the PKL Trophy (Source: Supplied)
Kennedy embraced Kabaddi’s rich culture by exchanging jerseys with Tamil Thalaivas star raider Sachin Tanwar and Jaipur Pink Panthers skipper Arjun Deshwal, showcasing the camaraderie between Australian and Indian sports.
“Experiencing Kabaddi firsthand has been incredible.”
“It’s fast, intense, and deeply rooted in Indian culture. I’m excited to bring this experience to Melbourne and show Australians the thrill of this game,” Kennedy added.
Supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria, the event is set to debut Kabaddi in Australia, further cementing Melbourne’s status as the global sporting capital.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos observed:
“The Pro Kabaddi League has one of the fastest growing fan bases around the globe and we know people will flock to see this one-of-a-kind event – another major event keeping our state buzzing and boosting our local businesses and jobs.”
The Melbourne Raid will kick off with a curtain-raiser match featuring an Australian team coached by former Hawthorn star Campbell Brown, against a team of Indian Pro Kabaddi players. This will be followed by an electrifying clash between two PKL All-Star teams.
Image: Premier Jacinta Allan at announcement about the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) (Source; Supplied)
Premier Jacinta Allan, who announced the event alongside Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, AFL greats, and Indian Consul General Dr Sushil Kumar, highlighted the cultural bridge the event represents:
“I am so proud to deliver on the promise I made in India to bring Kabaddi back home to Victoria.”
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements added:
“The arrival of the Pro Kabaddi League is a cultural breakthrough for our largest growing diaspora. It embodies the spirit of exchange that defines Melbourne.”
The event is timed to follow the third day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, allowing fans to continue their sporting excitement just a short walk away at John Cain Arena.
“Kabaddi is the second most popular sport in India, rooted deeply in its culture and history. The Melbourne Raid opens a new chapter in our growing ties.”
The December clash promises to be a landmark in Australia-India sporting relations, blending the best of Kabaddi with Melbourne’s vibrant sports scene.
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The arrests were made by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Victoria Police during a sweeping operation on 19 November.
Three men—aged 30, 39, and 41—were apprehended in Albert Park, although the 41-year-old was later released pending further investigations. A fourth man, aged 39, was arrested at his home in Macleod, while a fifth, aged 35, was taken into custody in Port Melbourne.
The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce (VIC JOCTF) launched Operation Greenwell Point to investigate the alleged syndicate. Authorities claim the group converted liquid methamphetamine into a potent crystalline form for distribution across Melbourne, seizing $180,000 in cash, 9kg of methamphetamine, and precursor chemicals during 15 search warrants executed across the city.
Among the items confiscated were 23 litres of 1,4 butanediol, a crypto wallet, a cash counting machine, and a specialised dehydrator allegedly used to process the liquid methamphetamine into crystal meth.
The Docklands man (39) faces charges of trafficking and manufacturing commercial quantities of methamphetamine, dealing with proceeds of crime exceeding $100,000, and obstructing officials. The Airport West man (30) and Highett man (35) face similar trafficking and possession charges, while the Macleod man (39) is charged with trafficking a border-controlled drug.
Authorities estimate the seized methamphetamine could have been distributed in 9,000 street-level deals, potentially inflicting widespread harm.
AFP Detective Inspector David Macgregor condemned the syndicate’s greed, highlighting the societal damage caused by methamphetamine use, from domestic violence to road trauma. Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dan Ryan echoed these concerns, noting the ripple effects of drug-related harm.
“This result reflects our commitment to dismantling criminal networks profiting from illicit drugs,” Det-Insp Macgregor stated.
ABF Superintendent Ben Michalke warned criminal groups: “No matter where you are in the chain, we will catch up with you.”
Investigations into the group’s operations are ongoing.
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Representative image: Population growth (Source: CANVA)
By John Hawkins
The Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory have won bragging rights for having the fastest growing economies within Australia.
Their growth was highlighted in annual data on gross state product, released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics on Wednesday.
The ABS defines GSP as the total market value of goods and services produced in a state or territory after the costs of goods and services used in production are deducted.
Unsurprisingly, New South Wales and Victoria, the most populous states, have the largest GSP. They account for 31% and 23% of our national economy.
But the Australian Capital Territory, with a population of 473,000, has a larger GSP than Tasmania despite the Apple Isle’s bigger population of 576,000.
Where the growth occurred
The fastest growing economy in 2023-2024 was the NT, which expanded by 4.6% followed by the ACT, whose GSP was up by 4.0%. These figures, given in real terms, exclude the impact of inflation. Unlike many recent years, the figures are not distorted by the impact of the COVID lockdowns.
The ABS attributes the NT’s strong growth in 2023-24 to
a bounce back in mining production which was hampered by maintenance work and plant shutdowns in 2022-23.
The ACT economy was boosted by “the expansion of government agencies”.
The bronze medal went to Queensland, but it was well behind the territories. Its economy grew by 2.1%, helped by increased coal production.
The laggard was Western Australia, whose economy grew by only 0.5%. Mining and oil and gas production fell due to weather disruptions.
Tasmania’s economy expanded by the national average of 1.4%. But given population growth has been much less there, Tasmania was the only state (along with the territories) whose economy expanded in per person terms.
The recession-proof economy?
Collection of the GSP data started in 1989-1990. Since then the fastest average growth has been recorded by Queensland and the ACT, an annual average of 3.6%.
Last year, the ACT could claim the unique status of being the only state or territory never to have economic activity contract in any of these years. The statisticians have now revised the 1995-96 number (the year the Howard government came in with plans to cut the public service) to a minuscule -0.1% contraction.
But it is still the case that being more services-based makes the ACT economy less volatile.
Growth is down but WA still the wealthiest
The state with the highest level of real GSP per person is Western Australia. It has led in every year the data have been compiled. Real GSP per person has been lowest every year in Tasmania.
WA’s GSP per person is more than double that in Tasmania. This means WA has GSP per person higher than global leaders such as Norway and Switzerland.
Tasmania’s is more like that in Poland. To put it another way, the real GSP per person in Tasmania is only now where the rest of Australia was in 1999.
What causes the differences?
One important cause of these differences is the different structure of industry in the various states.
WA (and the Northern Territory) benefits from its mineral resources. Mining accounts for almost half of WA’s income. Mining is no longer the labour intensive activity it was when men were swinging a pick “down the pit”. It now takes few people to generate a lot of mining revenue.
Tasmania has the smallest proportion of its population working (58% compared to a national average of 64%). One reason is that more than a fifth of Tasmanians are aged over 65. This is the highest proportion of any state.
Furthermore, only a quarter of Tasmanians hold a university degree compared to almost half of Canberrans.
These data on economic performance do not mean the quality of life or wellbeing is lower in Tasmania.
GSP does not reflect factors like the world’s cleanest air being found in Tasmania, for example.
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Image: Sidhant Vashist, popularly known as Sid Vashist (Source: Facebook)
The Barkly Regional Council (BRC) in the Northern Territory has a new mayor, with Sidhant Vashist, popularly known as Sid Vashist, promising to restore trust and tackle financial concerns after being elected with 54% of the majority vote.
In a Facebook post, Cr Vashist congratulated the 12 newly elected councillors and emphasised his vision for a transparent and effective council that prioritises the needs of the Barkly region. The councillors represent the region’s four wards: Patta, Alyawarra, Kuwarrangu, and Alpurrurulam.
Image: Sidhant Vashist, popularly known as Sid Vashist, new Mayor of Barkly Regional Council (BRC) in the Northern Territory (Source: Facebook)
Cr Vashist highlighted plans to improve infrastructure, foster economic growth, and ensure accountability, writing,
“Together, we will focus on delivering core services, ensuring accountability, and being a strong voice for every resident in the Barkly region.”
Image: Sidhant Vashist, popularly known as Sid Vashist, new Mayor of Barkly Regional Council (BRC) in the Northern Territory (Source: Facebook)
The results, announced on Monday, mark a fresh start for the council, which has been without elected members since October 2023 following a suspension and dismissal of the previous council due to organisational failures.
Cr Vashist, a mining exploration professional of Indian-Australian heritage, lives in Tennant Creek with his family and describes his election as “humbled and privileged.” Speaking to ABC, he said,
“If you’re willing to listen to the people, no matter where you come from, people will back you.”
Image: Sidhant Vashist, popularly known as Sid Vashist, new Mayor of Barkly Regional Council (BRC) in the Northern Territory (Source: Facebook)
Cr Vashist has pledged to seek answers about a $5 million wage bill increase under the council’s administration by the Northern Territory government.
The council’s wage expenditure jumped from $13.7 million in 2022–23 to $18.5 million last year, with staff numbers rising from 245 to 377. He described the increase as “hard to believe” and expressed a commitment to investigating the deficit, which has ballooned to $11 million.
“There will be some answers out there, and I’m keen to work with the government to actually get the answers,” Cr Vashist told ABC.
Image: Sidhant Vashist, popularly known as Sid Vashist, new Mayor of Barkly Regional Council (BRC) in the Northern Territory (Source: Facebook)
Cr Vashist has lived in remote Australia for 13 years, with the last seven in Tennant Creek, where he has worked across community projects, youth programs, and local business management. He is also committed to promoting Indigenous rights and supports the Uluru Statement From the Heart, aiming to amplify the voices of First Peoples.
Image: Sidhant Vashist, popularly known as Sid Vashist, new Mayor of Barkly Regional Council (BRC) in the Northern Territory (Source: Facebook)
In his spare time, he enjoys photography and playing sports. He holds a degree in Finance and Management and is pursuing a Master’s in Politics.
Image: Sidhant Vashist, popularly known as Sid Vashist, new Mayor of Barkly Regional Council (BRC) in the Northern Territory (Source: Facebook)
Tennant Creek, home to 17 language groups, has been a place where Cr Vashist says he has built strong relationships with the Aboriginal community.
“It has been a fantastic journey to live and walk the walk with the First Peoples.”
As the youngest councillor elected to Barkly Regional Council, Cr Vashist brings energy and a commitment to transparency. His promise to rebuild trust and deliver meaningful change comes at a crucial time for a region in need of strong leadership.
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Image: Prime Minsiter ANthony Albanese with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi (Source: X - Narendra Modi)
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi deepened the two nations’ ties during the 2nd India-Australia Annual Summit, held alongside the G20 Summit in Brazil.
With G20 leaders at the productive Rio de Janeiro summit.
We had engaging conversations and deepened global collaboration in areas like sustainable development, growth, fighting poverty and harnessing technology for a better future. pic.twitter.com/jbePWZ3zgv
A key highlight was the official launch of the India-Australia Renewable Energy Partnership (REP), a pivotal initiative aimed at boosting investment in solar energy, green hydrogen, and energy storage.
“This partnership underscores our shared ambition to drive climate action and transition to net-zero emissions,” the leaders said in a joint statement.
PM Albanese added that the collaboration includes establishing the India-Australia Rooftop Solar Academy in 2025, which will train 2,000 young Indian technicians in renewable energy skills.
“This new partnership will boost two-way investment in the renewable energy sectors in things like solar, green hydrogen and the renewables workforce. We are doing so much work together on driving renewable energy transition to meet our net zero targets,” Albanese posted on X.
Our 🇦🇺🇮🇳 renewable energy partnership is officially launched.
Great to see India’s Prime Minister @narendramodi today on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil.
This new partnership will boost two way investment in the renewable energy sectors in things like solar, green… pic.twitter.com/lfVyvwWNJ9
The leaders also celebrated the 40% surge in bilateral trade since the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) came into effect and pledged to finalise a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA).
Modi highlighted defence cooperation, joint military exercises, and the strengthening of critical minerals supply chains as areas of progress.
“It’s always wonderful to meet my good friend, PM Albanese. The talks were extremely fruitful and our focus will remain on futuristic sectors which will further global growth and sustainability,” he posted on X.
Albanese reaffirmed Australia’s support for India’s community and students in Australia, announcing mobility programmes such as the Working Holiday Maker Visa and the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES).
It’s always wonderful to meet my good friend, PM Albanese. The talks were extremely fruitful and our focus will remain on futuristic sectors which will further global growth and sustainability. @AlboMPhttps://t.co/pGPMtiP1tx
The summit further solidified ties in education, with Australian universities establishing campuses in India, and sports collaboration, focusing on training and workforce development.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the increasing two-way trade, business engagements, and market access for goods and services enabled under the landmark India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).
Meanwhile, PM Albanese accepted India’s invitation to attend the QUAD Leaders’ Summit in 2025.
“PM Albanese has accepted our invitation for the QUAD Summit to be hosted by India next year,”
PM Modi said.
Looking ahead, the leaders agreed and reaffirmed their commitment to ASEAN centrality and Indo-Pacific stability. The summit concluded with a shared vision for an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous global order.
The discussions showcased India and Australia’s growing partnership, setting the stage for transformative collaborations in the years to come.
The G20, comprising the world’s major economies, is a key forum for addressing global economic challenges. Its members account for 85% of global GDP, 75% of international trade, and 80% of the global population. Established in 1999 after the 1997-98 financial crisis, the G20 holds annual leaders’ summits, with guest countries invited each year.
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Popular Punjabi singer Garry Sandhu faced a startling incident during his live performance in Sydney as part of his Australian tour.
A fan allegedly stormed the stage and attempted to choke the singer after an offensive gesture by Sandhu reportedly provoked the attack.
Shocking incident : Punjabi singer Garry Sandhu had a heated exchange of words during his performance in Sydney, Australia, which later escalated into a scuffle. Garry Sandhu also showed a middle finger to the person who was calling him “Jaali.” #GarrySandhu#PunjabiSingerpic.twitter.com/ztCiTTpHQS
It is further reported that the scuffle escalated as Sandhu responded to being called “Jaali” by showing a middle finger.
According to witnesses, when Sandhu raised his middle finger towards the crowd, an act the fan found socially unacceptable.
Enraged, the individual rushed to the stage, sparking a brief but intense scuffle. Security personnel and police intervened promptly, removing the attacker and placing him under arrest.
Videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media, eliciting mixed reactions. Some viewers condemned the fan’s actions, while others criticised Sandhu for the alleged gesture.
Hailing from Jalandhar in Punjab and now based in the UK, 40-year-old Sandhu is renowned for his global appeal and hit songs.
His journey from a construction worker in Birmingham to a celebrated Punjabi singer is remarkable. He pursued his passion for music, debuting in 2010 with the song Main Ni Peenda and later ventured into acting with Romeo Ranjha (2014).
Sandhu has released numerous hit tracks, including Illegal Weapon, Yeah Baby, Banda Ban Ja, and Excuses, and runs his record label, Fresh Media Records.
His song Yeah Baby was reimagined as Hauli Hauli for the Bollywood film De De Pyaar De (2019). Illegal Weapon was among the top YouTube music videos in India, as reported by Business Today.
Sandhu has received multiple nominations at the PTC Punjabi Music Awards, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Punjabi music.
The singer, who has a massive following of over 5.1 million on Instagram, has yet to issue an official statement addressing the altercation.
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In a surprise move, the Coalition has announced it will vote against Labor’s bill to cap international student numbers. This follows previous Coalition comments saying it would work with universities to “put a cap on foreign students”.
The Greens opposed caps from the start. Between them, the Coalition and the Greens have a Senate majority, which means the Albanese government’s plan to cap international students seems dead.
For universities, TAFEs, private colleges and potential international students, this news will be cause for relief, but not celebration.
There are multiple other measures still in place to reduce international student numbers. The Coalition has also previously committed to capping international student numbers in the major cities.
So while the Coalition has now opposed Labor’s student caps, it is not opposed to the idea of caps altogether.
For 2025, the caps would have applied to enrolments that were new to the education provider.
Apart from students in exempt categories (such as postgraduate research students), vocational and higher education providers would have been allocated 270,000 commencing enrolments between them.
Exemptions make it difficult to compare the proposed 2025 cap with previous years, but during a Senate hearing earlier this month, the government gave 323,000 commencing enrolments as a comparable 2023 figure.
Separate formulas were going to apply for international student places in public universities, private universities and non-university higher education providers as well as vocational education institutes. The impact of Labor’s caps would have been uneven. This includes a small overall cut for public universities compared to 2023, with bigger reductions for other education providers.
The Coalition has been critical of the bill
During Senate hearings into the bill, and in their subsequent comments in the Senate inquiry report, Liberal senators attacked the disproportionate effects of the proposed caps on private education providers.
For some, their financial viability would be threatened. The Coalition highlighted a pilot training academy that could not survive with its capped number of international students. It would have to break contracts with international airlines.
Vocational and higher education regulators also shared their concerns about the impact on providers’ finances.
Education providers going out of business would put pressure on the Tuition Protection Service. This is a government-run but education provider-funded scheme that finds new courses for students of failed education providers or pays refunds.
While affected international students eventually get a new course or their money back, provider collapses can cause them significant stress and delay.
What might the Coalition do instead?
The Coalition’s Senate inquiry report also gives some guidance about how they would approach caps if they won the 2025 federal election.
It singled out the “excessive number” of international students flowing into Australia’s most prestigious universities, especially in Sydney and Melbourne.
“We respectfully suggest”, their comments say, “a number of Group of Eight universities have lost sight of their core mission”. The Coalition says that core mission is providing Australian students with high value tertiary qualifications.
The Coalition favourably quoted Deakin University (not a Group of Eight member), which voluntarily capped international students at 35% of total enrolments. Deakin talked about “getting the balance right” between local and overseas students.
This approach may signal a future Coalition policy for capping public universities. It tackles total international student numbers – with their effect on Australia’s population and consequent pressures on accommodation and other services – and more specific concerns about the student experience when international students dominate classes.
The Coalition has also signalled it may restrict visas for the partners and children of students.
What will Labor do now?
Labor had said if the caps bill passed it would repeal “ministerial direction 107”, a decision by former Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil in December 2023 on the processing of student visa applications. Now this repeal will not happen.
Ministerial direction 107 repurposed an existing risk rating, which determined how much evidence must be provided with a student visa application. Under the direction, visa applications for students from low-risk providers – whose students have low rates of visa refusals or cancellations or subsequent overstays in Australia – received visa processing priority. In practice, ministerial direction 107 favoured the more prestigious universities.
The government could also reduce the total resources it devotes to processing student visas, which would slow the inflow of students for all providers. As my analysis shows the number of visas processed between January and August 2024 (including both grants and rejections) were only 5% lower than pre-COVID in 2019. This could be cut further.
But it does not change their overall policy goal of restricting international student numbers. They could cap enrolments in a different way. Labor has not completed its announced reforms to international education and may find other ways to reduce student numbers.
There is more to come in international education policy, whichever party wins the 2025 federal election.
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Smoke Alarm, Gas, and Electrical Safety Checks Now Mandatory ; Image Source- CANVA
The Victoria Government has announced significant new reforms to enhance the safety of rental properties across Victoria. The reforms mandate regular smoke alarm, gas, and electrical safety checks for all residential rental properties, which is expected to make renting safer and prevent future tragedies.
Minister for Consumer Affairs Gabrielle Williams joined the Scarff family in Ballarat to announce the new measures requiring rental providers to conduct smoke alarm checks every 12 months and gas and electrical safety checks every two years, irrespective of when a lease began. The changes come after the tragic death of 52-year-old Simon Scarff, who died in 2022 while attempting to escape a fire in his rented apartment. A subsequent Coroner’s report was unable to confirm whether a smoke alarm was installed in the property at the time of the incident.
Minister Gabrielle Williams expressed her gratitude to the Scarff family for their tireless efforts in advocating for change.
Image Source: Supplied
“I thank the Scarff family for their longstanding advocacy following the tragic loss of Simon – their efforts will make renting safer for all Victorians and save lives,” said Williams.
She added,
“These new requirements will ensure that all rental properties in Victoria have working smoke alarms that are checked regularly, no matter how long someone has been living there.”
The Scarff family has since been a vocal advocate for improved rental safety standards to prevent similar incidents from affecting other families. Their advocacy has directly influenced the new reforms, which will extend the 2021 smoke alarm safety requirements to all rental properties, regardless of when the lease commenced. This means all rental properties will now need smoke alarms that are tested and confirmed as functional every 12 months.
In addition to smoke alarm checks, the reforms also extend requirements for gas and electrical safety checks to all residential rental properties. These checks must be conducted by qualified tradespersons every two years. Under the new rules, if a smoke alarm is found to be faulty, the rental provider or their agent must immediately arrange for repairs to ensure tenant safety.
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison also praised the Scarff family’s advocacy.
“Through their advocacy, the Scarff family have improved safety for renters across Ballarat and the state – these safety checks will save lives,”
Addison said.
The reforms build on the Labor Government’s 2021 rental safety measures, which introduced mandatory smoke alarm checks for rental agreements that commenced on or after March 29, 2021. However, the tragic events involving Simon Scarff highlighted the need to extend these safety requirements to all rental properties, regardless of the start date of the lease.
These new requirements aim to make rental properties safer and protect tenants from preventable hazards. The Allan Labor Government is committed to ensuring all renters have access to safe living conditions, and these latest reforms represent a significant step towards achieving that goal.
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Image: The University of Wollongong (UOW) is only the second foreign university to open a campus in India (Source: X)
The University of Wollongong (UOW) has opened its India campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, heralding a new chapter of world-class education for Indian students.
The campus commenced classes this week, offering programmes including the Master of Financial Technology, Master of Financial Technology (Extension), and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green OAM, celebrated the occasion on social media, calling it a “historic milestone for Australia-India education cooperation,” noting UOW is only the second foreign university to open a campus in India.
In May, Nimay Kalyani, originally from Gujarat and now based in Australia since 2010, was been named Campus Director of UOW India. Previously serving as Project Director for establishing the GIFT City campus, Nimay brings valuable expertise to his new role. UOW warmly welcomes him to this position.
Nimay Kalyani has been appointed as Campus Director of @UOW India! Originally from Gujarat, Nimay settled in Australia in 2010. He joined #UOW as a Project Director, responsible for establishing the GIFT City campus. We are delighted to welcome Nimay to this role. 🎉 #UOWIndiapic.twitter.com/Ci0l4nCtUu
— University of Wollongong Australia: India (@UOWIndia) May 11, 2024
At the inauguration, UOW announced a strategic partnership with Odoo, an open-source business software suite, ensuring students gain industry-relevant skills in areas like CRM, accounting, and eCommerce.
This collaboration adds to UOW’s global network of industry partners, which already includes IBM ICE, offering expertise in artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain.
Image: UOW Campus in Gift City (Source: UOW)
Speaking at the event, UOW Chancellor Michael Still called the new campus a significant milestone:
“India has been a beacon of knowledge for centuries, and this campus allows us to build meaningful connections and create opportunities for students and communities.”
Marisa Mastroianni, Managing Director and Group CEO at UOW Global Enterprises, emphasised the convenience for Indian students:
“They no longer need to travel abroad for Australia’s renowned education. Students at GIFT City will experience the same high standards as our campuses in Dubai, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. To enhance this, our first cohort will enjoy a fully funded trip to our Dubai campus.”
The inauguration was attended by dignitaries from academia, industry, and government, including Rebecca McPhee, Deputy Secretary of Investment NSW, who highlighted the strong NSW-Gujarat ties under the 2015 sister-state agreement.
@UOWIndia officially opened in GIFT City this week where Cerin Elsa Joji was announced as the inaugural recipient of the Women Leaders in FinTech Scholarship, aimed to boost female participation in tech sector. 🎉👏 #ThisIsUOW#UOWIndiapic.twitter.com/CBQ3Qq54Yq
Cerin Elsa Joji was named the inaugural recipient of the Women Leaders in FinTech Scholarship, reflecting UOW’s commitment to advancing female participation in technology.
This development follows the July launch of Deakin University’s campus in the same city, underlining GIFT City’s emergence as a hub for global education.
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Image: Anshika Rao shaved her head to perform the final rites of her late father, Ernest Elvis, in rural Rakiraki (Source: Fiji Times)
In a historic gesture breaking traditional norms, Anshika Rao shaved her head to perform the final rites of her late father, Ernest Elvis, in rural Rakiraki, a district in Fiji’s Ra Province, located on the northern coast of Viti Levu, the country’s largest island.
The act is particularly notable as Hindu funeral rites traditionally assign such duties to sons or male relatives.
Hinduism places great importance on the head-shaving ritual, which symbolises purification and detachment from material attachments after the loss of a loved one.
Typically, the eldest son, if present, or another male relative takes on the role of the chief mourner and performs these rites. Shaving the head serves as an act of humility and respect, aligning with the spiritual ethos of mourning and closure.
Anshika Rao, a third-year Bachelor of Network Engineering student at the University of the South Pacific (USP), made this extraordinary decision despite cultural norms that discourage women from shaving their heads due to their symbolic association with the Divine Energy, or Shaktī.
Image: Anshika Rao shaved her head to perform the final rites of her late father, Ernest Elvis, in rural Rakiraki (Source: Fiji Times)
In Hinduism, traditionally, long hair in women is revered as a mark of modesty and protection against negative energies. Cutting it is generally avoided, as it may be considered an anti-Dharmic act.
In Hinduism, men, as active symbols of Shaktī, are entrusted with the responsibility of performing final rites, including shaving their heads to demonstrate detachment and purification. By stepping into this role, Anshika Rao has honoured her father in a deeply personal way.
While daughters performing Hindu funeral rituals have become increasingly common in Fiji, this is the first documented instance of a woman shaving her head for such a purpose, making it a landmark moment in the region’s evolving cultural landscape.
In Australia, the Australian Council of Hindu Clergy outlines that after death is confirmed, the chief mourner (karta)—typically the eldest son for a father and the youngest son for a mother—must bathe and shave their head and facial hair. If shaving is not feasible, a number 1 buzz cut is acceptable. Daughters may perform the rites if appointed by the deceased and observe other rituals for her parents.
Note: This news story was first published in theFiji Times. The Australia Today understand that Anshika Rao granted permission to the Fiji Times to publish photographs of the ceremony, sparking a broader conversation about tradition, gender roles, and equality within Hindu communities.
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The 47-year-old was arrested by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers at Sydney International Airport yesterday evening (15 November) upon returning to the country. Authorities allege the man played a central role in a sophisticated smuggling operation uncovered through a year-long investigation, Operation Casarabe.
Image: Sydney man charged with orchestrating 237kg MDMA importation (Source: AFP)
The probe began in November 2023 when Australian Border Force (ABF) officers inspected a shipping container from Germany, ostensibly carrying new car parts.
Hidden within 12 boxes of the shipment, officers discovered 237kg of MDMA. The drugs were removed before the consignment was delivered under police surveillance to a western Sydney logistics facility connected to the man’s company.
At the man’s Meadowbank home in November 2023, AFP officers say he claimed the importation was arranged on behalf of another person, later alleged to be a fabricated identity.
Image: Sydney man charged with orchestrating 237kg MDMA importation (Source: AFP)
Investigators executed a search warrant at the property in May 2024, seizing electronic devices and uncovering further evidence allegedly linking the man to the operation.
Among the items found was a concealed compartment in one of the man’s vehicles containing an encrypted communications device. Further forensic analysis revealed links to offshore cryptocurrency accounts and the email address used to coordinate the shipment.
Image: Sydney man charged with orchestrating 237kg MDMA importation (Source: AFP)
On his arrest yesterday, AFP officers seized $576,000 in cryptocurrency, suspected to be proceeds of crime. The man faces multiple charges, including:
Attempting to import a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug (MDMA).
Dealing with suspected proceeds of crime exceeding $100,000.
Possessing a dedicated encrypted criminal communication device.
AFP Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen described the investigation as “clinical and dedicated,” emphasising the AFP’s commitment to targeting drug syndicates.
“The lengths this individual allegedly went through to import this insidious substance shows the extremes criminal groups will go to in search of profits,” he said.
Image: Sydney man charged with orchestrating 237kg MDMA importation (Source: AFP)
ABF Acting Superintendent Marc Rea said the interception likely prevented tens of millions of street deals.
“MDMA capsules and tablets are often cut with toxic agents, posing immense risks to the community. This detection demonstrates the ABF’s unwavering focus on disrupting criminal supply chains and protecting lives,” a/Supt Rea said.
The man remains in custody and will face court today. Investigations into the broader criminal network continue.
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The Senate has censured two of its own, Lidia Thorpe and Ralph Babet, both of whom were absent when the votes were taken because of problems with their flights to Canberra.
Babet, the sole parliamentary representative of Clive Palmer’s United Australia Party, was condemned for a disgusting social media post.
The censure against Babet went through on the voices. That against Thorpe was carried overwhelmingly, but the Greens, ACT Senator David Pocock and Nationals Matt Canavan voted against.
The year is 2030 and you made a comment on the internet that the authoritarians in the Labor/Liberal duopoly and the hard left legacy media found offensive. pic.twitter.com/XsXNw8KRlK
Canavan spoke on both motions, objecting to their being considered in the senators’ absence. Pocock didn’t speak but had a similar objection.
The motions were moved by Senate leader Penny Wong and supported by the opposition.
Thorpe said after the vote that her flight had been delayed, and “I was denied my right to be in that chamber whilst everybody else voted to shut me down”.
Thorpe said she didn’t “give a damn” about the censure. “In fact, I’m going to use it for kindling later on in the week.”
Senator Fatima Payman, previously a Labor senator but now on the crossbench, condemned the government for proceeding with the motion against Thorpe despite the fact her plane was delayed.
The censure against Thorpe said her protest had been “disrespecful” and “disruptive”.
So much for democracy … when Senator Thorpe informed the government that her Qantas flight is running late, they ignored her and proceeded with the censure motion against her. She was refused the right to respond. @SenatorThorpe has that right as much as any other senator.
It called on all senators to refrain from “inflammatory and divisive actions” both inside and outside the chamber.
It said in light of her conduct, it was not appropriate for Thorpe to represent the Senate as a member of a delegation during the rest of this parliament.
Babet had shared a clip from Andrew Tate, and posted “In my house we say phaggot [sic], retard and n—-r. We are sick of you woke ass clowns. Cry more. Write an article. Tweet about me. No one cares what you think”.
The motion censuring Babet condemned him for “his inflammatory use of hate speech designed to drive division for his own political benefit”.
The notion “assures all Australians that no matter their race, religion, gender, sex, or sexuality that they are valued, welcome members of our society”.
It said there could be “no tolerance for hate speech in the course of parliamentarians’ public debate.”
It called on “all senators to engage in debates and commentary respectfully, and to refrain from inflammatory and divisive comments” at all times.
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Image: AIBC and ICA Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing event (Source: AIBC - LinkedIn)
In a significant development, Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) and the Australia India Business Council (AIBC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to leverage mutual interests and strengthen bilateral trade and commercial arbitration relations between India and Australia.
India and Australia have emerged as strong partners in trade and investment, with several key sectors presenting promising opportunities for growth. Areas such as renewable energy, technology, pharmaceuticals, mining, and infrastructure offer significant potential for collaboration. An effective arbitration framework underpins these sectors and investor confidence by ensuring that businesses have access to fair, transparent, and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms.
Members of AIBC and ICA with India’s Foreign Minister Dr S Jaishankar, Concul General of India in Sydney, Dr S Janakiraman and Co-Chair NSW Parliamentary Friends of India, Warren Kirby (Image: AIBC)
Mr. Arun Chawla, is the Director General of the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA). Sharing his insights on the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) he emphasised that while agreements are essential, they must be complemented by efficient and reliable dispute resolution systems to foster thriving trade relations and boost investor confidence bilaterally.
Mr. Chawla commended both India and Australia for their pro-arbitration stance, which has been a catalyst in promoting investment and trade.
Arun Chawla, Director General ICA (Image: AIBC)
Mr. Irfan Malik, AIBC National Associate Chair and President NSW, who led this engagement on behalf of AIBC, highlighted the crucial role of institutional arbitration in boosting investor confidence across the nations as a very significant enabler as we accelerate on our bilateral trade and investment engagements across Australia and India.
“Collaboration and effective dispute resolution mechanisms are essential for enhancing India Australia trade relations. The recent MoU signing between ICA and AIBC is a testament to this, and we look forward to fostering a stronger trade and investment partnership between our nations. We strongly believe that Institutional arbitration is a catalyst for promoting investment and trade,” added Mr Malik.
Irfan Malik, National Associate Chair and NSW President, AIBC (Image: AIBC)
The timing is particularly relevant as India and Australia continue to deepen their trade and investment ties, with the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, or CECA, paving the way for a more prosperous economic partnership.
In the past few years, India has introduced several reforms to align its arbitration framework with international best practices. Significant amendments have been made to the Arbitration & Conciliation Act, along with the recent introduction of the Mediation Act. Together, these legislative changes aim to contribute to an efficient and transparent dispute resolution system.
For investors, these advancements mean fewer procedural delays and more predictability in outcomes—both of which are essential for building trust.
Deb Lockhart (CEO Australian Disputes Centre)Warren Kirby (Co-Chair NSW Parliamentary Friends of India)N G Khaitan (President ICA)Pinky Anand (Senior Advocate in Indian Supreme Court and founding member of ICA)
Deputy Consul General of India, Sydney, Nirav Sutaria said that the Government of India remains fully committed to creating a supportive environment for Australian investors and is determined to ensure that they feel secure, welcome, and valued.
“Whether it’s facilitating connections, addressing investor concerns, or providing critical resources, our goal is to make it easier for Australian investors to do business in India. Furthermore, we will be support & guidance from Indian arbitration institutions such as the Indian Council of Arbitration (ICA) to help a more structured approach to dispute resolution for foreign investors.”
“This proactive stance underscores our commitment to providing Indian Companies doing business in Australia & likewise Australian investments in India with a substantial & efficient institutional alternate dispute mechanism for addressing any potential issues they may encounter”.
Nirav Sutaria, Deputy Consul General of India, Sydney (Image: The Australia Today)
Mr Sutaria also mentioned that India offers several unique advantages as an arbitration destination, including cost-effectiveness and an ever-growing pool of highly skilled arbitrators.
“By choosing India as a seat of arbitration, Australian businesses can enjoy the benefits of a streamlined process that minimizes excessive costs and procedural delays. India’s arbitration ecosystem is designed to meet international standards, and these advantages help reduce barriers for Australian businesses while ensuring that disputes are resolved fairly and expediently.”
L to R – N G Khaitan, Pinky Anand, Diana Bowman (Secretary General of the Australian Centre for International Arbitration), Arun Chawla, Gitanjali Bajaj (Partner & Asia Pacific Co-Head for International Arbitration DLA Piper Australia) in a panel discussion on arbitration. (Image: AIBC)
He added that in recent years, India has been positioning itself as a dispute resolution hub in the Asia-Pacific region, as an attractive proposition for investors looking for an affordable and effective way to resolve disputes.
“To all Australian investors and businesses here today, I encourage you to take full advantage of the strengthened arbitration landscape in India. This is an opportune time to deepen your ties with India, confident in the knowledge that a robust and reliable dispute resolution framework is in place to safeguard your interest.”
Representative image: Empty college (Source: CANVA)
The fate of the federal government’s plan to cap international student enrolments from next year remains uncertain, with the Coalition yet to confirm its support for the controversial proposal.
With only two parliamentary sitting weeks left before the year-end deadline, universities across Australia are caught in a state of flux.
Group of Eight Chief executive Vicki Thomson said in a statement earlier, “the Senate Committee is clearly split – despite compelling evidence from across the spectrum that capping international students will be a disaster on all fronts, the Government seems determined to push on and ignore the expert advice.
“Nothing the Committee has recommended by way of amendments will change the fact that a blunt cap on international students will destroy Australia’s $50 billion international education sector and have long lasting impacts on the economy. The case against caps continues to build.”
Prof. Michael S. Wesley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Melbourne, has urged the government to carefully reconsider its proposed cap on international student enrolments.
“Don’t rush into it. If we rush into it there will be immeasurable harm done to the sector.”
With the future of Australia’s higher education sector hanging in the balance, Wesley cautioned against a hasty implementation of the policy, warning that rushing into such significant changes could cause “immeasurable harm to the sector.”
“Don’t rush into it. If we rush into it there will be immeasurable harm done to the sector,” @MichaelSWesley, Deputy VC at @UniMelb, said in reference to the Govt’s international student cap plans and their impacts on the economy, international reputation and universities. pic.twitter.com/Am7Y9vuPYZ
Amid the ambiguity, some institutions, like the University of New South Wales, have paused 2025 applications and resorted to waitlists. Others, ABC reports, including the University of Melbourne, are proceeding with enrolments, urging students to secure their offers. This divide has triggered widespread disruption, leaving universities scrambling to finalise budgets for the upcoming academic year.
Vicki Thomson, chief executive of the Group of Eight (Go8), which represents Australia’s top research-intensive universities, told ABC that the lack of clarity is creating havoc. “Indicative caps provided by the government are meaningless without legislative backing,” she said.
“If we enrol students now and the cap is imposed retrospectively, the implications are dire.”
The government’s proposed legislation would allow Education Minister Jason Clare to set institution-specific caps on international student numbers, aiming to curb migration to pre-pandemic levels and crack down on subpar education providers. However, critics warn that the changes could jeopardise Australia’s $50 billion international education sector.
The legislation faces heated debate in the Senate on Monday, with independent Senator David Pocock tabling 18 amendments. If the bill isn’t passed by November’s end, a controversial regulation known as Ministerial Direction 107—widely criticised for favouring larger institutions—will remain in place.
Luke Sheehy, chief executive of Universities Australia, told ABC that the sector is at a crossroads. He added that the Ministerial Direction 107 has already caused a 60,000-visa shortfall in higher education this year.
“The longer this persists, the more damage it will inflict.”
Go8 universities, including the University of Sydney and the University of Queensland, collectively contribute over 70% of Australia’s university research and enrol 425,000 students annually.
Thomson warned that capping international students would disrupt the economic recovery post-COVID.
“This flawed policy threatens our ability to maintain world-class outcomes, undermining both our students’ futures and the broader economy.”
As universities brace for possible upheaval, sector leaders are calling for exemptions for public education providers and a delay in implementing the caps.
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Image: Diversity and Inclusion in Mining Symposium (Source: LinkedIn)
The recently organised Diversity and Inclusion in Mining Symposium, organised by Women in Mining India in collaboration with the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), celebrated a groundbreaking accomplishment.
In a historic milestone for India, Hindustan Zinc Limited’s Women of Valor team secured second place in the Women’s Taskforce category at the prestigious XIII International Mines Rescue Competition in Colombia.
This achievement marks the first time an all-women mine rescue team represented India on the global stage.
Image: Diversity and Inclusion in Mining Symposium (Source: LinkedIn)
Held under the auspices of the International Mines Rescue Body (IMRB), the competition featured over 20 teams from eight countries, with participants tackling rigorous underground rescue simulations.
Hindustan Zinc’s Women of Valor excelled across six challenging categories, including mine rescue operations in breathing and non-breathing environments, first aid, equipment maintenance, and theoretical knowledge. Competing in scenarios that tested their technical expertise and teamwork, the team showcased exceptional resilience, skill, and determination.
Image: Diversity and Inclusion in Mining Symposium (Source: LinkedIn)
Hindustan Zinc, the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has spearheaded a transformation toward gender inclusivity in mining, embracing digitalisation and automation to redefine roles traditionally considered male-dominated. The Women of Valor team exemplifies this shift, proving that courage and capability transcend gender stereotypes.
The Diversity and Inclusion in Mining Symposium also featured a powerful panel discussion on “Future Ready Mining: Balancing People, Planet, and Profits,” with industry leaders sharing insights on fostering inclusivity and sustainability in mining.
Over 60 participants exchanged ideas, paving the way for meaningful change in the sector.
A key highlight of the event was the Hall of Fame ceremony, where Women in Mining India honoured trailblazing teams for their contributions to diversity and inclusion.
Image: Diversity and Inclusion in Mining Symposium (Source: LinkedIn)
Alongside Hindustan Zinc’s Women of Valor, teams from Tata Steel’s Mosaic initiative, Thriveni EarthMovers, Western Coalfields Limited, and Electric Power Conversions Australia were celebrated for their inspiring efforts.
The heartfelt stories of these honourees moved the audience, culminating in a standing ovation that captured the spirit of unity and progress championed by the event.
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Image: COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev had a meaningful exchange with New Zealand’s Deputy PM Winston Peters (Source: X)
By Terence Wood
There was no fanfare. Just a statement from the New Zealand foreign minister, slipped out quietly amongst the usual stream of government announcements. As best I can tell only one news organisation picked it up. But it was significant. The New Zealand aid program has been ordered to conduct a line-by-line review of its activities.
On the surface, that doesn’t sound so unusual: the government’s still fairly new, why wouldn’t they want to learn what they’re funding overseas, and see whether they like the look of it?
Maybe in a different time it would make sense, but the person who made the announcement was Foreign Minister Winston Peters. He’s been foreign minister twice before. He made the announcement only slightly more than three and half years after he was last in the role, and the aid program hasn’t changed much since. What’s more, in his previous stints as foreign minister Peters has been hands off. He’s made high-level decisions about aid, but he’s shown little interest in details.
So why did he suddenly decide that all aid activities need to be reviewed?
As you can see, according to the last budget, New Zealand aid spending is set to plunge in coming years. If budget night figures are correct, taking inflation into account, by 2027 New Zealand aid spending will have fallen about 35%, a large enough decline to leave even former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott envious.
Much of the reason for the fall is climate aid. Under the previous government it rose substantially. But as of the May budget this year little funding had been allocated for future climate aid, hence the fall.
When I blogged about this in June I was assured by a number of people, including a journalist who had been told by someone in government, that the fall in climate aid wouldn’t happen and that the government would announce new funding closer to COP30 (currently about a year away) when New Zealand is set to let the world know about its next tranche of climate finance. (New Zealand makes its climate finance commitments on a four-yearly cycle.)
There was a logic to this: if the government were to make an announcement about climate aid it wouldn’t want to scoop itself inadvertently via some dreary budget document. And, conscious of its image overseas, the government wouldn’t want to go to the COP meeting, stare guiltily at its feet and mumble that was slashing its climate finance because it had, um, tax cuts to pay for.
Yet, I had my doubts. There are other ways of making your climate aid contributions look larger than they actually are – ways that would have been tempting to a cost-cutting government. Up to a point you can claim that projects which have next to nothing to do with climate change are actually climate finance. Beyond that point you can rob Peter to pay Paul by cutting existing, non-climate-related, projects and replacing them with climate projects. That way overall aid spending can fall, while climate aid remains – nominally – untouched.
This, I suspect, is where the line-by-line review comes in: searching for non-climate projects that could be cut to nominally preserve climate aid.
Other scenarios seem unlikely. Even though the current government has been slashing domestic spending, I think it’s unlikely they plan for aid to fall by more than 35%. So, I doubt the review signals even larger cuts. Another possibility would be that Peters has become so details-oriented that he wants a line-by-line review to allow him to start micromanaging aid, but this would be very out of character. So, if you ask me, the review most likely stems from a need to find non-climate aid projects that can be cut in the name of giving the government something to announce at COP30. It’s depressing. It’s cynical. But it’s the most likely explanation.
Yet it brings its own puzzles. The first is that the review is global, including the Pacific, a region central to New Zealand’s identity, and where it strives very hard to maintain positive government relations. Also, as you may have noticed, the Pacific is on the front lines of the New Cold War with China, and Australia doubtlessly expects New Zealand to pull its weight there. Cutting aid projects in the Pacific, even if it was just to pay for climate promises, would leave New Zealand unpopular with everyone, including itself.
The second puzzle is Peters: he has praised his own achievements in increasing aid in the past and apparently is still fighting to preserve the broader foreign affairs budget. Cutting other types of aid to fund climate finance still means that aid will fall overall, which would be a loss for him.
So maybe something else is going on? Perhaps Peters is playing political chess. Perhaps he’s one move ahead of everyone, including his frenemies in the current governing coalition. Maybe the review is designed to demonstrate that aid simply can’t be cut, in so doing protecting Peters’ pride and his international legacy.
It would make for a great tale if true: another example of Peters winning the political game. But I’m not optimistic. My guess is that the review is just more evidence that New Zealand’s aid spend is going to fall substantially in coming years.
Disclosure: This research was undertaken with the support of the Gates Foundation. The views are those of the author only.
Contributing Author: Terence Wood is a Fellow at the Development Policy Centre. His research focuses on political governance in Western Melanesia, and Australian and New Zealand aid.
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The man, a Kilburn resident, is allegedly accused of subjecting a small group of Venezuelans to ongoing cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment.
Police allege he manipulated members of a youth group he formerly led in Venezuela to migrate to Australia in 2015 and 2016, only to strip them of their freedom upon arrival.
According to AFP investigators, the man seized the victims’ passports, exerted strict daily control over their lives, and enforced unreasonable debt repayments. He allegedly monitored their movements, restricted their activities, controlled their earnings, and imposed compulsory daily chores.
Victims were reportedly isolated from friends and family, with their communications closely supervised or restricted.
In some instances, it is alleged the victims were locked out of their shared home or confined to cupboards for days at a time.
AFP Detective Superintendent Melinda Adam emphasised the impact of such servitude practices.
“Victims are significantly deprived of personal freedom in all aspects of their life, and threats, coercion or deception are often used against them.”
Detective Superintendent Adam added that offenders exploit vulnerable individuals who fear reporting their circumstances due to retribution, isolation, or financial dependence.
AFP officers arrested the man and searched his Kilburn property yesterday (14 November 2024), seizing electronic devices and documents as evidence.
The man faces two serious charges:
Debt bondage (aggravated), cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment under the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), carrying a maximum penalty of seven years’ imprisonment.
Servitude (aggravated), cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years.
The AFP has urged the public to be vigilant about slavery-like practices and report any suspicious activities.
If convicted, the man could face decades behind bars for what authorities describe as a grave breach of human rights.
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Pupil-free or student-free days may seem like an extra holiday for students and an inconvenience for parents, who are juggling work and family.
This week, some parents in New South Wales expressed frustration about the “burden” of these days.
It may even seem like they are “easy” days for teachers without classrooms to run and regular teaching duties.
The name, unfortunately, suggests students are not the focus for these days. But nothing could be further from the truth.
How many days do schools get?
The number of pupil-free days and exactly when these occur varies between states and school sectors.
For example, Queensland government schools have five, NSW has set aside eight pupil-free days, and Victoria is considering doing the same number.
Why do we have them?
Research consistently shows teachers do not have the time to do all the things they need to do in their working weeks.
A 2022 Monash University survey of primary and high school teachers found only 41% intended to stay in the profession. One of the main reasons cited was heavy workloads.
Teachers regularly report they do not have enough time to prepare lessons. DGL Images/ Shutterstock
Teachers’ work involves much more than teaching in the classroom. It also includes planning, assessments and ever-increasing demands for data collection, administrative work and extra-curricular activities.
On top of this, they need to meet with or talk to parents about what is happening with their child and make sure they are meeting the needs of each individual student.
This means they already work more than they are paid for, either during the week or during school holidays.
When teachers are teaching, they need to keep their focus fully on their students and their families. But on top of this, they also need to fit in professional development to maintain and build on their skills, and meet annual registration requirements.
What kind of development is involved?
Pupil-free days allow teachers to stay up-to-date with curriculum changes and the latest approaches to teaching, including technological developments. This may involve training with outside experts, and importantly, opportunities to work together as a staff to share effective teaching ideas.
It also allows schools to improve what they do in the classroom and work on longer-term, school-wide strategies. For example, a schools’ anti-bullying or inclusive education policy.
Pupil-free days provide crucial breathing room for teachers to focus on their professional learning and keep their approaches to teaching current. But they also ensure schools are teaching and supporting students as well as they can.
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Image: Berwick Springs Lake, located in Narre Warren, has been renamed Guru Nanak Lake, in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of the Sikh faith (Source: Facebook)
Victoria’s Labor government is facing strong criticism after renaming a prominent lake in Melbourne’s southeast without consulting the local community.
Berwick Springs Lake, located in Narre Warren, has been renamed Guru Nanak Lake, in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of the Sikh faith.
Ministers Ingrid Stitt and Sonya Kilkenny, along with local Labor MPs Gary Maas and Lee Tarlamis were among the guests in attendance.
Image: Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Ingrid Stitt, with local MPs at the announcing of Berwick Springs Lake’s change of name (Source: Facebook – Sonya Kilkenny)
The Minister for Multicultural Affairs Stitt announcing Berwick Springs Lake’s change of name said:
“I’m delighted to be recognising the significant contributions of our Sikh community in Victoria by naming a landmark after the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak.”
Image: Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny with local community at the announcing of Berwick Springs Lake’s change of name (Source: Facebook – Sonya Kilkenny)
Minister Kilkenny posted on Facebook:
“It’s official! Lake Guru Nanak in the Berwick Springs Wetlands Reserve! … Remember a Local, Name a Place!”
However, according to reports, the announcement, made by the state government on 9 November, has now sparked outrage among some local residents, who argue that the name change disregards the long-standing identity of the community.
A Change.org petition to reverse the renaming has already amassed over 4,320 signatures as of mid-November.
Critics of the move claim that the renaming was carried out without any consultation with the local residents, many of whom see Berwick Springs Lake as an integral part of their community.
“The sudden change of this name, without proper community consultation, has caused enormous distress among residents,” reads the petition.
“Berwick Springs is deeply tied to our community’s identity, and this change feels like a betrayal.”
Michael Ball, who is the head petitioner, posted a comment on Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny’s Facebook post, expressing strong opposition to the renaming of Berwick Springs Lake.
Ball emphasised that the local community respects the Sikh community but feels that the renaming process has been disrespectful, particularly because residents were not consulted beforehand. He argued that the renaming of an established public place should involve community input and that the lack of consultation has led to confusion and division.
“The Berwick Springs lake is the focal point of our local area ,it’s our identity and everyone knows it as Berwick Springs.”
Ball also called for the immediate suspension of the renaming initiative, an apology to the Sikh community, and the reinstatement of the original name, Berwick Springs.
Image: Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny with members of the Sikh community (Source: Facebook – Sonya Kilkenny)
The state government, however, argues that the renaming is part of a broader effort to celebrate Victoria’s diversity and acknowledge the contributions of its multicultural communities.
Both Kilkenny and Stitt defended the decision, pointing out that the Sikh community in Victoria, the largest in Australia, has made significant contributions to the state.
The change was part of a larger initiative to rename places across the state to better reflect its multicultural identity. The ministers emphasised the importance of recognising significant figures like Guru Nanak, who is seen by many in the Sikh community as a progressive leader promoting values of equality, truth, compassion, and community service.
Image: Berwick Springs Lake’s change of name (Source: Facebook – Sonya Kilkenny)
While some in the Sikh community have welcomed the decision, according to Daily Mail, others have voiced concerns on social media about the use of religious figures as namesakes for public landmarks.
“I’m a Punjabi Sikh. I’m sorry, but this name is a bad idea. … I don’t think we should be naming landmarks after religious figures (unless a landmark’s notability is specifically due to religion).”
Local residents, however, have been outspoken in their opposition. Some have questioned the relevance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to the area, noting that he has no direct connection to Berwick Springs. Some critics, commenting on social media, remarked,
“What was Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s ‘long association with’ any part of Victoria?”
“Guru Nanak wasn’t exactly a local—he was born in 1469.”
In addition to the name change, the Victorian government also announced $600,000 in funding for Sikh organisations to hold “Langer” events in the lead-up to the 555th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth.
The controversy has sparked a debate about the role of religious figures in place-naming and whether such decisions should involve broader community consultation.
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The 34-year-old from Kirrawee, in Sydney’s south, is scheduled to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on 15 November 2024. He faces charges for importing seven litres of the drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
Image: AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen (Source: AFP)
AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen stressed the importance of continuing to disrupt the illegal importation of such dangerous substances.
“The AFP is committed to protecting the Australian community from the scourge of drugs and will continue to work with partners like the ABF to save lives,” he said.
The AFP’s investigation began in May 2024 after the ABF intercepted consignments of 1,4 Butanediol being sent to the man’s address. The substance, which was previously not classified as a controlled drug, became a border-controlled substance under the Crimes and Other Legislation Amendment (Omnibus No. 2) Act 2023, passed in March 2024.
The man allegedly coordinated two shipments from Hong Kong in May and June 2024. The first shipment, labelled as ‘rose oil’, contained two litres of 1,4 Butanediol. The second, labelled as shark essence oil, allegedly contained five litres of the drug.
A search warrant executed at his Kirrawee home on 13 November 2024 led to the seizure of about 80g of methamphetamine, a bottle suspected to contain 1,4 Butanediol, a spring-loaded knife, and a mobile phone.
ABF Acting Superintendent Rob Rangi added that while 1,4 Butanediol can be legally imported for industrial use with the appropriate permits, its use in illicit activities presents a growing risk to the community.
“This trend of importing 1,4 Butanediol for illegal purposes is a recognised border risk that we will continue to target,” he said.
AFP and ABF officials have warned that 1,4 Butanediol, a substance commonly used in industrial applications, is becoming increasingly used as a substitute for the illegal drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB).
Once ingested, the body converts 1,4 Butanediol into GHB, which depresses the nervous system and can cause dangerous side effects, including hallucinations, breathing difficulties, and death.
The man has been charged with importing a commercial quantity of 1,4 Butanediol and possessing the drug, both of which carry a maximum life sentence. He is also facing charges under the Drugs Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) for allegedly supplying methamphetamine. The maximum penalty for this offence is 20 years in prison.
This arrest makes the 34-year-old the second person in New South Wales to be charged with the importation of 1,4 Butanediol since the legislative changes. In August 2024, a 48-year-old man from western Sydney was charged with similar offences.
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Headlines following Donald Trump’s election victory focused largely on the influence of personalities, such as Elon Musk or Robert Kennedy junior, and single issues, such as how US tariff hikes would affect New Zealand’s exports.
But this oversimplifies and diverts attention from the more systemic challenges a second Trump presidency will pose for Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy.
Yes, Trump is an unpredictable authoritarian and an economic disruptor. But his policies are not novel and need to be understood in a broader context.
Many of Trump’s trade policies are an extension of recent US-centric strategies to dismantle the global free trade model. Ironically, the US largely created this model, but it no longer serves US objectives.
The international trade regime, and the neoliberal model of free trade in general, now face an existential crisis that New Zealand cannot ignore.
Free trade backlash
Trump’s tool of choice for trade policy is high tariffs or border taxes, which make imports more expensive. His agenda is driven by two factors:
increasing production and jobs in the US domestic economy and incentivising foreign firms to invest within the US border to avoid tariffs
geopolitically, using super-tariffs to undercut China’s rise as a competing power.
Neither objective is new. The tariffs Trump imposed in his previous term, especially on China, were largely continued under Joe Biden. They were part of a broader backlash against free trade agreements in the US.
Trump withdrew the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA). The Biden administration did not rejoin and eschewed the Democrats’ traditional approach to free trade.
Biden’s Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) promoted non-tariff strategies designed to boost US industrial, investment and security interests in Asia. Its “friend-shoring” approach aimed to strengthen economic and foreign policy alliances, including with New Zealand, while eroding China’s influence, especially over critical supply chains in the region.
Interestingly, Trump condemned the IPEF (incorrectly) as a reincarnation of the TPPA, so its fate remains uncertain.
WTO in crisis
There has been a similar cross-party convergence on US challenges to the “rules-based” international trade regime. Both Democrat and Republican administrations have systematically undermined the World Trade Organization (WTO), claiming it no longer serves US interests.
Successive US administrations, starting with Barack Obama’s, have paralysed the WTO’s two-tier dispute system by refusing to appoint new Appellate Body members. This means they can break the WTO rules with impunity – including by imposing unilateral tariff sanctions.
At this year’s WTO Public Forum in September, people were openly discussing the existential crisis in the organisation and possible responses if the US disengages completely.
Breakdown of rules
This is just one part of the WTO’s institutional disintegration. The Doha Development Round, launched in 2001, had effectively collapsed by 2008.
In large part, this was over the Agreement on Agriculture. Its foundations were laid in 1993 by the so-called Blair House Accord, which ensured the US and European Union did not have to reduce (and could continue to increase) subsidies for their farmers. They insisted that continue.
Meanwhile, the US and EU stymied demands from developing countries for alternative “safeguard” and “public stockholding” arrangements to support their farmers and ensure food security.
The US, EU and others blocked a waiver of intellectual property rights that would have ensured affordable access to vaccines, diagnostics and supplies during the COVID-19 (and future) pandemics.
Subsets of members, including New Zealand, have ignored the WTO’s own rules to negotiate plurilateral agreements without a mandate, and seek to dilute the “consensus” rule to have them adopted. Ironically, the main opponents, India and South Africa, are labelled the “blockers” for standing up for the WTO rules.
New Zealand’s challenge
So, the crises in the international trade regime (and the neoliberal model of free trade) predate Trump’s first term.
But successive New Zealand governments have put all their eggs in the “free trade” basket of the WTO and regional and bilateral trade agreements.
Current Trade Minister Todd McClay seems determined to secure new agreements as rapidly as possible, illustrated by the 100-day negotiation of a recent deal with the United Arab Emirates under strict secrecy and with minimal scrutiny.
The previous Labour government pragmatically engaged in the IPEF more as a geopolitical alliance with the US than as a trade forum, despite New Zealand’s export dependency on China and the lack of any clear economic benefits.
So far, the reaction to Trump’s re-election from government ministers, business, farmers and news media has given an impression of business as usual, albeit with the threat of unhelpful US tariffs. But what is really needed is a far-reaching debate about the risks of a failing international trade system.
New Zealand’s export share of GDP has not changed meaningfully over the past few decades, despite more than two-thirds of New Zealand’s exports being covered by free trade agreements. The primary problem is not a lack of markets, but rather firms’ export capability, weak innovation, and an over-reliance on low-value-added commodities.
The now-disbanded Productivity Commission’s work on improving economic resilience urged New Zealand to tackle head-on the challenges of an increasingly uncertain and volatile economic and geopolitical world.
That apparently fell on deaf ears. But Trump’s re-election is an opportunity to open that debate and confront those challenges.
Image: Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller (Source: X)
Canada’s Immigration Minister Marc Miller has has written a letter to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultantstion to highlight the rising number of bogus asylum claims filed by international students, some of which are believed to be falsely advised by licensed consultants.
My letter to the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants related to the growing number of international students claiming asylum in Canada and potentially unethical advice being given by some of its members. pic.twitter.com/XUqYw0FIPm
Miller’s intervention follows a record 13,660 asylum claims by international students in 2024, a sharp rise from 2023, despite a significant reduction in the approval of new study permits.
Miller, as per reports in the Canadian media, noted that some students, particularly from countries like India, Nigeria, and Ghana, are applying for asylum shortly after arriving, even though conditions in their home countries have not changed.
This has raised concerns about unethical guidance from immigration consultants, prompting Miller to urge the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants to look into potential misconduct.
Miller’s office told The Globe and Mail reports about false claims have been relayed to department officials.
“The college works closely with IRCC and other partners to protect the integrity of Canada’s immigration system and will collaborate with IRCC to address the specific concerns raised by the minister.”
This development comes on the heels of a tighter immigration policy, including a national cap on study permits and stricter work permit rules.
The Trudeau government is balancing its immigration targets to address housing and healthcare pressures, while continuing to support students who genuinely need refuge.
With changes in immigration policy, including the reduction of permanent residency quotas and the closure of the Student Direct Stream, the government aims to manage immigration flows responsibly while protecting Canada’s immigration system’s integrity.
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Image: Amirali Popat, Shivani Gopal and Alicia Vrajlal (Source: X)
Asialink’s 2024 Asian Australian Leadership Awards celebrated exceptional contributions in diverse fields, with standouts including Assoc. Prof. Amirali Popat in Education, Science & Medicine; Shivani Gopal in Innovation & Entrepreneurship; and Alicia Vrajlal in Media.
The Asian-Australian Leadership Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of young Asian-Australians across 11 categories, celebrating their achievements and leadership.
The event featured 43 finalists and was joined by Senator Penny Wong, who was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award and spoke on the power of diversity as Australia’s greatest strength.
Honoured to be recognised at the Asian-Australian Leadership Awards, hosted by @Asialink_au.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.
We are all better off when leadership reflects our whole community. Our diversity is a national asset we can all be proud of. pic.twitter.com/qty55Sk7N7
Senator Penny Wong expressed her gratitude on X, formerly Twitter, saying,
“Honoured to be recognised at the Asian-Australian Leadership Awards, hosted by @Asialink_au. Congratulations to all of this year’s winners. We are all better off when leadership reflects our whole community. Our diversity is a national asset we can all be proud of.”
Education, Science & Medicine – Dr Amirali Popat A groundbreaking pharmaceutical scientist, Dr Amirali Popat was recognised for his work in nanomedicine, especially in developing precision drug delivery systems to treat complex diseases.
As a Professor and Director of Research at The University of Queensland, Popat’s research focuses on creating smart, responsive nanomaterials that improve targeted treatment of conditions like cancer and inflammatory bowel disease. With over 100 published papers and three patents, Popat’s achievements exemplify Australia’s forward momentum in medical science.
Innovation & Entrepreneurship – Shivani Gopal Shivani Gopal, founder and CEO of Elladex, has made waves as a champion for women’s financial empowerment and inclusion in leadership. Her pioneering platform offers digital mentorship and professional development, connecting over 25,000 women with industry leaders.
In a heartfelt Facebook statement, Gopal reflected on how innovation and entrepreneurship connect her to her roots. She shared that as the youngest in her family, she witnessed her parents leave a successful business and life in Fiji to pursue a brighter future in Australia for their children. They built a series of restaurants from the ground up in Sydney, and their resilience and courage inspired Gopal’s own path in business. Their journey, she said, exemplifies the power of daring to envision and pursue new possibilities.
“Award platforms like this are so critical. They normalize the idea that we, as Asian Australians, can lead, innovate, and build with courage—not just follow the traditional paths expected of us.”
Recognised nationally for her work, Gopal is known for her research on gender equity in corporate spaces and as the author of The Perspex Ceiling. Her advocacy for inclusion and her efforts to break down barriers for women in leadership have cemented her as an influential entrepreneur and thought leader.
Media – Alicia Vrajlal Alicia Vrajlal, celebrated for amplifying South Asian stories and experiences in Australian media, was honoured for her work as founder of Draw Your Box, a news platform dedicated to diverse narratives.
Vrajlal, also the Editorial Lead at Missing Perspectives, is a respected voice on issues related to entertainment, diversity, and women in media. Her commitment to representation has earned her accolades as one of the country’s leading cultural commentators, driving greater visibility for South Asian voices in Australian media.
The 2024 Asian-Australian Leadership Awards also recognised several other exceptional individuals across various fields.
Charlotte Young was named the Overall Winner, while Nathan Lee received the Under 25 Rising Star Award. In the Arts & Culture category, Victoria Falconer was honoured, Jorden Lam took home the Corporate Award, Tony Luo was recognised in the Public Sector & Government category, Alex Cheng won the Legal & Professional Services award, and Alanna Kamp was recognised for her work in Community, Advocacy & Not for Profit.
Co-convened by Johnson Partners and Asialink, this award recognises and celebrated the outstanding leadership and contributions to Asian-Australians, drawing attention to the underrepresentation of Asian-Australians in leadership positions.
Previously known as the ’40 under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australian Awards’, the awards honour individuals who identify as Asian-Australian and are under 40, with the exception of the Lifetime Achievement category, which has no age limit.
Nominees must be Australian citizens or permanent residents, residing in Australia or abroad. Awards are decided by a respected judging panel, with winners selected for each category and an overall winner named.
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A 21-year-old Matraville man has been charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) over an alleged attempt to import a staggering 252kg of ‘pink cocaine’—a dangerous drug cocktail—into Australia.
Image: Pink cocaine (Source: AFP)
The substance, also known as ‘tusi,’ typically combines ketamine, MDMA, and other chemicals, with little or no actual cocaine content.
The AFP’s investigation began in October 2024 when a consignment marked as industrial equipment, including an industrial saw, was intercepted en route to Castle Hill, NSW, and was found to contain ‘pink cocaine.’
Image: Arrest of Matraville man (Source: AFP)
Following the seizure, AFP officers conducted a controlled delivery on 6 November, during which the Matraville man allegedly accessed the shipment. He was promptly arrested in Coogee and charged with attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a controlled drug, a serious offence that carries a potential life sentence.
The man appeared at Downing Centre Local Court on 7 November, where he was formally denied bail. His next court appearance is set for 29 January 2025.
Image: AFP Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen (Source: AFP)
AFP Acting Superintendent Stuart Millen expressed concern over the growing presence of ‘pink cocaine’ in Australia, warning of its unpredictable and often deadly effects.
“This drug, misleadingly branded to attract users, carries severe risks like stroke, heart attack, and even death. Organised crime syndicates are exploiting users’ health for profit by marketing this hazardous cocktail,” Millen said.
This bust marks a significant setback for drug traffickers and keeps hundreds of kilograms of illicit substances off Australian streets.
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The Albanese government aims to rush through legislation within a fortnight for political donations and spending caps, after in-principle support from the opposition.
The new regime, to be unveiled by Special Minister of State Don Farrell on Friday, would impose a $20,000 “gift cap” on what any recipient could obtain from a particular donor in one calendar year.
The cap on the total amount a donor could give in a year, covering multiple recipients, is expected to be more than $600,000.
That cap is set high, both to stop donors from getting around it and to head off a successful High Court challenge on the grounds of limiting freedom of communication.
There would be multiple spending caps for election campaigns.
These include a national $90 million cap per party, state caps for senate campaigns which would vary between states, and a $800,000 cap per candidate in an individual seat.
Image Source: Supplied Labor Party
The regime will also lower the threshold for publicly declaring donations, and provide for real-time – or close to real-time – disclosure of donations.
The threshold for disclosure – currently $16,900 (which is indexed) – would come down to $1,000. Indexation would only be applied once after each election.
Between elections, donations would have to be disclosed monthly and would be published by the Australian Electoral Commission.
During campaigns, there would be weekly disclosure. In the final week, it would be daily, and that would continue for a week after the election to limit the opportunity for the requirement to be circumvented.
The changes will include an increase in the public subsidy to $5 a vote. It is now $3.346 per eligible vote.
Also, there will be some modest funding for “administration” for parties and independent parliamentarians – $30,000 for members and $15,000 for senators.
Penalties for non-compliance with the new provisions will be substantial.
The legislation will be introduced to the House of Representatives early next week, and put through by week’s end. It will be debated in the Senate the following week – the final parliamentary week this year.
If passed, the new rules will not come into effect until July 1 2026, with a six-month transition period to allow the AEC and political parties to prepare themselves before the full regime starts in 2027.
The package will also include provision for truth in advertising, based on the South Australian model. But Farrell does not have enough support to get this through and it won’t be passed with the other measures. It is strongly opposed by the AEC (which doesn’t want to have to police such a regime) as well as by the opposition.
Labor has long been committed to donation and spending reform but has been particularly galvanised by the huge spending of Clive Palmer, who outlaid $123 million at the last election.
Farrell said: “Years of inquiries and evidence from multiple elections show us that the biggest weakness to our electoral system is big money influencing our political system.
“Over the last decade, we have seen billionaires repeatedly attempt to sway our elections, not through policy or participation, but through money and misinformation.
“This significant package of reforms has been drafted to tackle big money in our electoral system and protect our democracy into the future.”
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
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Image: Myers Christmas Windows (Source: Myers website)
Myer has cancelled its much-loved and anticipated annual Christmas Windows unveiling after a planned pro-Palestine protest threatened to disrupt the event.
Originally scheduled for Sunday on Bourke Street in Melbourne’s CBD, the unveiling is a cherished tradition drawing crowds of children and families from across Victoria.
The decision was confirmed by Myer to The Age on Thursday, with a spokesperson stating:
“In light of recent developments and to ensure the wellbeing and safety of customers and team members, we will no longer hold an event on Bourke Street Mall for the unveiling of our Christmas windows.”
While the unveiling event has been scrapped, Myer’s Christmas windows will still be available for viewing from Sunday until January 5.
The retailer’s decision came in response to a planned protest by a group called Disrupt Wars, advocating for a free Palestine.
The group announced its intentions on social media, arguing that Myer’s Christmas message of “sharing joy” contradicts ongoing violence in Gaza. “There is no joy in genocide,” organisers wrote.
Protesters aimed to assemble at Melbourne’s State Library with banners and noisemakers, proceeding to interrupt the window display to “inconvenience those who would rather bury their heads in the capitalist machine than speak up against a genocide.”
Image: Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan (Source: X)
Responding to the planned disruption of this historical event, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan voiced her frustration on social media platform X, condemning the politicisation of a beloved children’s event.
“Blocking the Christmas windows won’t change a thing in the Middle East, but it will let down a bunch of kids in Melbourne. “We are all a bit sick of this stuff.”
Alland urged for unity and announced forthcoming social cohesion laws aimed at reducing division and vilification in Victoria. “I’ll fight for our friendly state, free of hate,” Allan added. She criticised both the protesters and those she described as “quietly stoking division” for escalating tensions.
Victoria Police confirmed they had requested the group to avoid disrupting the family-friendly event but stated that protesters remained uncooperative.
“The Myer Christmas windows are an important tradition in Melbourne’s calendar,” a spokesperson said, adding that police would attend and continue to monitor the protest.
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Image: Ketaba Gohil, 29, her brother Neelraj, 25, Jay Sisodiya and Digvijay Patel were all killed.
In a tragic accident on October 24 in Toronto, four friends from Gujarat, India, lost their lives when their Tesla Model Y crashed into a guardrail and burst into flames.
The victims have been identified as Ketaba Gohil, 29, her brother Neelraj, 25, Jay Sisodiya, and Digvijay Patel. The sole survivor, a woman in her 20s, escaped thanks to Canada Post employee Rick Harper, who smashed a window with a metal pole, allowing her to scramble out head-first.
Image: Ketaba Gohil, 29, her brother Neelraj, 25, Jay Sisodiya, and Digvijay Patel
“You couldn’t open the doors,” he said, suggesting that the young woman inside had likely tried to escape herself. “I don’t know if that was the battery or what, but she couldn’t get out,” he added.
Only after breaking the window did Harper realise that thick smoke had obscured the presence of other passengers trapped inside.
The crash has intensified scrutiny of Tesla’s electronic door systems, which rely on a button rather than traditional handles.
Image: Tesla Model Y crash.
Captain Randy Schmitz from the Calgary Fire Department noted that, in a crash, power loss can render these doors inoperable. Although Teslas are equipped with manual override features, experts argue that they are not widely known or easy to locate in a high-stress situation.
Tesla, which markets its vehicles as some of the safest globally, maintains that their battery systems minimise injury risk and contain fire hazards through sophisticated isolation systems.
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Image: (L to R) NZICA President Narendra Bhana; and Former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi; and Rupinder Virk, President of Country Section New Zealand Indian Association (Source: Facebook)
New Zealand’s Indian community, known for its unity and positive contributions, have strongly opposed the divisive and bogus Khalistan agenda promoted by a small group of visitors from the United States of America (USA) and Canada.
Prominent Indian community members, including the New Zealand Indian Central Association (NZICA), has expressed grave concerns, warning that the SFJ-led bogus referendum could strain relations between New Zealand and India.
Image: Former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi (Source: Facebook)
Former National MP Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, New Zealand’s first India-born politician, expressed concerns over the upcoming Khalistan referendum, warning that it could harm New Zealand-India relations given India’s firm stance on territorial integrity.
“the proposed referendum on Khalistan will likely hurt New Zealand-India relations, particularly given India’s apparent position on the issue of its territorial integrity.”
Bakshi added that the referendum has “minimal support from the Sikh community in New Zealand,” stressing that it is driven by “a tiny and vocal minority” influenced by external forces.
Image: Rupinder Virk, President of Country Section New Zealand Indian Association (Source: Facebook)
Rupinder Virk, President of Country Section New Zealand Indian Association (CSNZIA), told NZ Herald:
“We don’t support any extremism or discrimination, especially if it is against India.”
This planned bogus referendum to crate strife among Sikhs and Hindus in the diaspora communities is organised by US-based group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ), banned in India labelling it a terrorist organisation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for its alleged anti-India activities.
The event is set for 17 November in Aotea Square, marking the latest in a series of similar events held by the group across cities in Canada, Australia, and the UK.
India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar, reportedly raised the issue with New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters at the Raisina Down Under conference in Canberra, according to New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
Image: NZICA President Narendra Bhana (Source: Facebook)
NZICA President Narendra Bhana described the event as “deeply offensive” to the Indian diaspora in New Zealand, pointing to recent rallies in Auckland where the Indian flag was desecrated.
“The Indian community in New Zealand stands united in its resolve to reject external influences that do not align with the values of community and respect, which are central to the diverse cultures coexisting in this country.”
The TAU, which confirmed Aotea Square as the venue, reiterated its apolitical stance, highlighting its commitment to maintaining public safety at large gatherings.
“It is important that TAU remains apolitical in its own activities, including the venues, events and major cultural festivals it delivers on behalf of Auckland Council. To do that, it must make decisions which might upset some groups – given the many political and human rights causes which people in our community feel passionate about.”
At a 2023 Khalistan referendum event in Melbourne’s Federation Square, violence erupted as Khalistan supporters allegedly attacked peaceful Indian-Australian protesters, reportedly using flag poles as weapons. Multiple victims sustained injuries, with two treated on-site by paramedics for head and hand injuries, while others required further medical attention. Police were present at the scene.
Sukhpreet Singh was found guilty as an accessory, while Sarvjeet Sidhu admitted to attempted murder. During sentencing, Judge Mark Woolford highlighted the need for community protection and deterrence, emphasising the crime’s “hallmarks of religious fanaticism.”
Harnek Singh suffered over 40 stab wounds in a 2020 ambush outside his home, which he attributed to his liberal views on Sikhism, contrasting with his attackers’ conservative beliefs.
Keeping in mind the violent history of Khalistani ideology, Indian community organisations in New Zealand are urging vigilance against foreign influences they say could disrupt peace and foster division. The NZICA specifically calls on New Zealand authorities to take a strong stance against SFJ’s activities.
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India’s recent membership in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) was celebrated at an event at the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) in Pune on 13 November 2024. The event was attended by senior government officials, including the Secretary of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) Prof. Abhay Karandikar, alongside a delegation from SKAO, led by its Director-General Prof. Philip Diamond CBE.
Furthermore, members from academic institutions including those within the SKA-India Consortium (SKAIC), industry partners, and others were also present to commemorate this occasion.
A composite image of the future SKA telescopes, blending what already exists on site with artist’s impressions. From left: An artist’s impression of the future SKA-Mid dishes blend into the existing precursor MeerKAT telescope dishes in South Africa. From right: A artist’s impression of the future SKA-Low stations blends into the existing AAVS2.0 prototype station in Australia. Credit: SKAO Facebook
India formally joined the SKAO Council as a member in July 2024, upon signing and ratifying the founding document, the Convention Establishing the SKAO. The Government of India had earlier approved participation in this international mega-science project with a substantial commitment of ₹1250 Crore (a little over $228 million AUD), funded jointly by DAE and DST, to support India’s activities in the SKA project up to 2031.
The SKAO is an intergovernmental organization bringing together nations from around the world to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes to transform our understanding of the Universe, and deliver benefits to society through global collaboration and innovation.
Image: NCRA Facebook
Nobel Laureate in Physics and Astrophysicist at the ANU Mount Stromlo Observatory and ANU Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Prof. Brian Schmidt, shared his feelings with The Australia Today about India joining SKAO.
“It’s exciting to see India join the SKA Observatory given its long history of radio astronomy excellence, as well as its technical capability and contributing to the development of the telescopes, which is going to be an ongoing program into the future.”
Prof Brian Schmidt (Image: ANU Website)
“Indian astronomers will be in the middle of the discoveries that the Square Kilometre Array Observatory will make, and I think a lot of the technology will come back to energize people and new companies to do things that we haven’t even thought of yet”, said Prof. Schmidt.
The observatory has a global footprint and consists of the SKAO Global Headquarters in the UK, the SKAO’s two telescopes at radio-quiet sites in South Africa and Australia, and associated facilities to support the operations of the telescopes.
Image: SKAO Facebook
The Observatory’s membership now stands at 12 countries, with several more working through the national governmental processes required to join. India’s participation further enhances the diversity of SKAO members globally, connecting 5 continents through scientific excellence to create one of the world’s most ambitious research infrastructure organizations.
The Indian government was a party to the multilateral negotiations resulting in the final text of the Convention, and participated in the preparatory activities that led to the SKAO’s creation in early 2021. This makes India one of the SKAO’s founding members, alongside the initial signatories.
Image: NCRA Facebook
Dr. Ajit Kumar Mohanty, Secretary DAE, hailed this as a remarkable milestone which DAE has achieved in the platinum jubilee of its existence and this mega science international collaboration puts India ahead in the global scientific forum.
Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary DST, commented that DST is proud to be a partner of SKA Observatory (SKAO) project which aims to build the biggest and most sensitive radio astronomy observatory for addressing a variety of cutting-edge science goals.
“India, with its strong tradition in radio astronomy research is well placed to contribute significantly to the building of the SKAO. For this, we are enthusiastic to contribute both in-kind through different work packages and via cash payments, towards establishing this next generation facility,” said Prof Karandikar.
Prof. Phil Diamond, Director General of SKAO stated,
“India’s contributions to the SKAO have been substantial, spanning science, engineering, and governance, as part of the group of nations who helped to establish our intergovernmental organization. India’s membership further enhances the diversity of SKAO members globally, connecting five continents through scientific excellence to create one of the world’s most ambitious research infrastructures”.
Image: NCRA Facebook
He added “The SKAO’s growth is an acknowledgement that being part of this unique endeavor brings a multitude of benefits, enabling domestic innovation to thrive, facilitating collaboration across borders, and creating broader socio-economic benefits that can help to address our shared global challenges.”
The Indian participation in SKA is a truly nationwide, inclusive project led by the SKA-India Consortium (SKAIC) consisting of 24 academic and research institutes, with NCRA-TIFR as the nodal institute. Prof Pankaj Jain of IIT Kanpur, who is the Chair of the Consortium, stated,
“I am absolutely delighted that now India has formally joined SKA as a full member. India has always had a very strong tradition in Radio Astronomy. In recent years it has touched new heights with many educational institutions also developing strong groups that are working in all aspects of this field. This is particularly satisfying for me as a teacher since it allows us to involve students in an awe-inspiring research project whose scale and potential science implications are mind boggling”.
Image: SKA Observatory Facebook
India has been deeply involved in design and development work since the SKA project’s inception from around 2012 onward, and has made significant contributions to the critical software elements that sit at the heart of the SKA telescopes. Building on NCRA’s leading role in the international Telescope Manager consortium during the detailed design phase, India will continue its work to supervise the development of the Observatory Monitor and Control system.
Akin to the brain and nervous system of the observatory, this Monitor and Control system will issue the commands required to carry out astronomical observations for our global community. In delivering this crucial element, India will call upon the expertise of a thriving software industry and decades of experience in developing radio astronomy facilities, not least the innovative, recently upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT).
Preparing the dish surface for the second SKA-Mid dish on site (Image: SKA Observatory Facebook)
In this context, Prof. Yashwant Gupta, Centre Director of NCRA and the scientist leading India’s participation in the SKAO, mentioned,
“As well as giving the Indian astronomy community access to the best facility in low and mid-frequency radio astronomy in the world, SKAO membership will bring many benefits to Indian industry as we plan to make in-kind contributions in a range of areas covering radio frequency electronics, digital hardware and signal processing systems, data processing software and also monitoring and control software.”
“The technological knowledge and experience of working in/for the SKAO will also benefit the growth of research and development activities in India, both in terms of existing radio astronomy facilities as well as in applications to other allied fields of research,” added Dr Gupta.
SKA-Low Telescope Director Dr Sarah Pearce told The Australia Today that the SKA telescopes – SKA-Low in Australia and SKA-Mid in South Africa – are next-generation science facilities and the most advanced radio telescopes ever built. She said that the science made possible by the SKA telescopes will revolutionise our understanding of the Universe and help us answer questions that have so far mystified astronomers.
Dr Sarah Pearce (Image: CSIRO)
“The telescopes are like time machines – we’ll see things we’ve never been able to see in the history of humanity. The SKA-Low telescope in Australia will be able to map the sky 135 times faster than other state-of-the-art telescopes, and will be so sensitive that it can detect the faintest radio signals that have travelled billions of light years across space.”
“Australia is a founding member and host country for the SKA Observatory’s low frequency radio telescope, SKA-Low, currently under construction on Wajarri Yamaji Country in outback Western Australia. This is the first time that Australia is co-hosting a mega science facility on behalf of the international community, enabling Australian businesses and individuals to be at the forefront of global innovation across a variety of science and technology areas,” added Dr Pearce.
Graphics from the SKAO’s low frequency telescope in Australia Image: SKA Observatory Facebook
Indian astronomers have been active in almost all interesting scientific areas relevant to the SKA. Scientists working at Indian institutions are active in 12 of the SKAO’s Science Working Groups, and hold co-chair positions in several of them. Prof. Tirthankar Roy Choudhury of NCRA, who coordinates the scientific activities related to the SKA in India, highlighted,
“It is noteworthy that Indian institutions have hosted numerous SKA-related workshops and conferences, most notable being 2016’s international SKA Science Meeting. India also plans to host an SKA Regional Centre (SRC) as part of a global network based in SKAO member states. Prof. Yogesh Wadadekar of NCRA-TIFR, who is coordinating the efforts to build the SRC in India, said “the SRC will process, store and provide access to SKAO data products for the astronomy community.”
Graphics from the SKAO’s low frequency telescope in Australia Image: SKA Observatory Facebook
Mr Sunil Ganju, Head of the Institutional Collaborations and Programs Division at DAE said that India’s membership in SKAO demonstrates the commitment of the Government of India towards our efforts at scientific excellence and international collaboration. He added that this milestone is a rich tribute to the legacy and vision of the father of radio astronomy in India, Professor Govind Swarup. He acknowledged the tireless efforts of the scientists and the support of the policy makers and the funding agencies for the same.
India’s radio astronomy community, led by the late Prof. Govind Swarup, put forward one of the first concepts for a large radio observatory of the class of the SKAO in the 1990s. Today, a consortium of more than 20 academic and research institutes contributes to India’s participation, led by NCRA and its Director Prof. Yashwant Gupta, who’s been championing India’s efforts in the SKA project for over a decade.
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Image: India and Fiji sign MoU on Digital Public Infrastructure (Source: HCI Suva - X)
In a major step forward in India-Fiji relations, the two nations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Digital Public Infrastructure. This agreement aims to advance their longstanding bond and usher in a new era of digital collaboration.
The MoU signed in Suva focuses on the development and implementation of transformative digital solutions for Fiji. The partnership is expected to significantly enhance the delivery of public services and stimulate the digital start-up ecosystem in Fiji.
🇮🇳🤝🇫🇯 Working together to advance the close and special ties between India and Fiji into the Digital era. MoU signed today on Digital Public Infrastructure will help develop & implement population scale Digital Transformative solutions in Fiji.@MEAIndia@dpa_meapic.twitter.com/EfBzel2EmD
India’s engagement with Fiji is part of a broader strategy to strengthen ties within the Pacific region, particularly through the Forum for India and the Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).
In August during the visit of President of India to Fiji, High Commissioner of India P.S. Karthigeyan highlighted the growing interest in digital cooperation, emphasising that the initiative will go beyond diaspora engagement and bring significant benefits to both nations.
During the above press conference in August 2024, Jaideep Mazumdar, Secretary (East) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, had also spoken of the potential for this initiative to transform Fiji’s public sector and digital landscape. With ongoing discussions between the two governments, further developments in this area are expected in the near future.
This new collaboration builds on India’s successful digital public infrastructure models, which have revolutionised public administration and service delivery at scale.
The digital partnership is poised to be a game-changer for Fiji, offering new opportunities in both the start-up ecosystem and in improving ease of living and business operations.
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Image: Dr Shashi Tharoor in conversation with Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute (Source: AII - LinkedIn)
In an exclusive interview with The Australia Today, Indian Member of Parliament, author, and former international diplomat Dr Shashi Tharoor weighed in on the India-Canada diplomatic row, describing Canada’s approach as “misguided” and stressing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in international relations.
“The original sin here is Canada’s,” he said, reflecting on the friction sparked by recent diplomatic statements.
“The original sin here is Canada's,” says Indian MP Dr @ShashiTharoor weighing in on #India–#Canada diplomatic tensions.
One would have expected to see someone convicted for the killing of 365 people, including several #Canadian citizens, in the 1985 Air India bombing. The… pic.twitter.com/73MKLcYRfF
Further, addressing the 1985 Air India bombing, which killed 365 people, including Canadians, Dr Tharoor commented on the Canadian justice system’s handling of the case.
“One would have expected to see someone convicted for the killing of 365 people, including several Canadian citizens, in the 1985 Air India bombing. The Canadian judicial system has shown its deficiencies over the years.”
Dr Tharoor’s criticism pointed to long-standing deficiencies, a view contrasting with recent statements by Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong, who expressed confidence in the Canadian judiciary.
Dr Tharoor’s remarks echo the call for stable and respectful ties amid rising geopolitical tensions. He further urged Canada to better consider India’s security concerns in its diplomatic decisions, warning of the risks posed by inflamed tensions.
Indian MP, author and former international diplomat, Dr @ShashiTharoor MP captivated the audience today in conversation with CEO The Hon. @Lisa_Singh at the Old Quad at the University of Melbourne. The in-depth conversation, 'Shifting Perspectives: The State of the World in 2024'… pic.twitter.com/pxx04CEkjm
In conversation with Lisa Singh, CEO of the Australia India Institute (AII), Dr Tharoor shared his insights on India’s evolving global role, the shifting geopolitical landscape, and the future of Australia-India relations.
With 23 years of UN experience and his current position as Chair of India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Dr Tharoor offered a nuanced view on critical global issues, including colonial legacies, multilateralism, and the Indo-Pacific.
Thank you to @Lisa_Singh for a fantastic conversation on India, Australia and global politics.
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Tim Watts took a moment to praise Indian parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor for his sharp intellect and thoughtful contributions to public discourse. In a lighter vein, Watts also teased Tharoor about the upcoming Australia-India Test cricket series, humorously suggesting that India might struggle to claim victory against Australia.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers’ CEO Jacob Varghese also took the stage, noting his shared heritage with Dr Shashi Tharoor, as both hail from the Indian state of Kerala.
Varghese recognised the importance of dialogues such as those hosted by the Australia India Institute in strengthening ties between the two nations and fostering greater cultural understanding. In a moment of humour, Varghese playfully cautioned Dr Tharoor about his remarks regarding the New Zealand cricket team, who he had referred to as a “surrogate of Australia” after India’s recent home series loss.
These light-hearted exchanges added a personal touch to the discussion, demonstrating the blend of serious dialogue and camaraderie that characterised the event.
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Myopia in children is on the rise. The condition – also known as shortsightedness – already affects up to 35% of children across the world, according to a recent review of global data. The researchers predict this number will increase to 40%, exceeding 740 million children living with myopia by 2050.
So why does this matter? Many people may be unaware that treating myopia (through interventions such as glasses) is about more than just comfort or blurry vision. If left unchecked, myopia can rapidly progress, increasing the risk of serious and irreversible eye conditions. Diagnosing and treating myopia is therefore crucial for your child’s lifetime eye health.
Here is how myopia develops, the role screen time plays – and what you can do if think your child might be shortsighted.
What is myopia?
Myopia is commonly known as nearsightedness or shortsightedness. It is a type of refractive error, meaning a vision problem that stops you seeing clearly – in this case, seeing objects that are far away.
A person usually has myopia because their eyeball is longer than average. This can happen if eyes grow too quickly or longer than normal.
A longer eyeball means when light enters the eye, it’s not focused properly on the retina (the light-sensing tissue lining the back of the eye). As a result, the image they see is blurry. Controlling eye growth is the most important factor for achieving normal vision.
The study published earlier this year looked at how the rate of myopia has changed over the last 30 years. It reviewed 276 studies, which included 5.4 million people between the ages of 5–19 years, from 50 countries, across six continents.
Based on this data, the researchers concluded up to one in three children are already living with shortsightedness – and this will only increase. They predict a particular rise for adolescents: myopia is expected to affect more than 50% of those aged 13-19 by 2050.
Their results are similar to a previous Australian study from 2015. It predicted 36% of children in Australia and New Zealand would have myopia by 2020, and more than half by 2050.
The new review is the most comprehensive of its kind, giving us the closest look at how childhood myopia is progressing across the globe. It suggests rates of myopia are increasing worldwide – and this includes “high myopia”, or severe shortsightedness.
What causes myopia?
Myopia develops partly due to genetics. Parents who have myopia – and especially high myopia – are more likely to have kids who develop myopia as well.
But environmental factors can also play a role.
One culprit is the amount of time we spend looking at screens. As screens have shrunk, we tend to hold them closer. This kind of prolonged focusing at short range has long been associated with developing myopia.
Reducing screen time may help reduce eye strain and slow myopia’s development. However for many of us – including children – this can be difficult, given how deeply screens are embedded in our day-to-day lives.
Green time over screen time
Higher rates of myopia may also be linked to kids spending less time outside, rather than screens themselves. Studies have shown boosting time outdoors by one to two hours per day may reduce the onset of myopia over a two to three year period.
We are still unsure how this works. It may be that the greater intensity of sunlight – compared to indoor light – promotes the release of dopamine. This crucial molecule can slow eye growth and help prevent myopia developing.
However current research suggests once you have myopia, time outdoors may only have a small effect on how it worsens.
What can we do about it?
Research is rapidly developing in myopia control. In addition to glasses, optometrists have a range of tools to slow eye growth and with it, the progression of myopia. The most effective methods are:
orthokeratology (“ortho-K”) uses hard contact lenses temporarily reshape the eye to improve vision. They are convenient as they are only worn while sleeping. However parents need to make sure lenses are cleaned and stored properly to reduce the chance of eye infections
atropine eyedrops have been shown to successfully slow myopia progression. Eyedrops can be simple to administer, have minimal side effects and don’t carry the risk of infection associated with contact lenses.
What are the risks with myopia?
Myopia is easily corrected by wearing glasses or contact lenses. But if you have “high myopia” (meaning you are severely shortsighted) you have a higher risk of developing other eye conditions across your lifetime, and these could permanently damage your vision.
These conditions include:
retinal detachment, where the retina tears and peels away from the back of the eye
glaucoma, where nerve cells in the retina and optic nerve are progressively damaged and lost
myopic maculopathy, where the longer eyeball means the macula (part of the retina) is stretched and thinned, and can lead to tissue degeneration, breaks and bleeds.
What can parents do?
It’s important to diagnose and treat myopia early – especially high myopia – to stop it progressing and lower the risk of permanent damage.
Uncorrected myopia can also affect a child’s ability to learn, simply because they can’t see clearly. Signs your child might need to be tested can include squinting to see into the distance, or moving things closer such as a screen or book to see.
Regular eye tests with the optometrist are the best way to understand your child’s eye health and eyesight. Each child is different – an optometrist can help you work out tailored methods to track and manage myopia, if it is diagnosed.
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
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Representative image: Freedom of speech (Source: CANVA)
Australians face a serious challenge to their freedom of speech as the Albanese Government pushes forward with new Misinformation laws to curate false information online. Critics argue that the proposed legislation, set to be voted on in federal parliament in the coming weeks, poses a significant threat to everyday Australians’ right to free expression.
The Coalition, led by the Shadow Minister for Communications, David Coleman, is mounting a strong opposition to the bill, arguing that it is a dangerous attempt to censor free speech.
The Concerns: Who Gets to Define ‘Misinformation’?
The Misinformation Bill, as outlined by the Albanese Government, seeks to give digital platforms the authority to remove content deemed as misinformation, to reduce harmful falsehoods that could spread online. However, the controversy surrounding the bill is largely about how misinformation is defined and who has the power to enforce these definitions.
David Coleman, the Shadow Minister for Communications, voiced his concerns that the bill could lead to widespread censorship.
“Under the Government’s plan, something can be ‘misinformation’ even if it is the honestly held opinion of an everyday Australian,”
said Coleman.
The bill allows for statements to be labelled as misinformation even if they are not malicious or intended to deceive—an issue that many see as dangerous for free speech.
The bill notably exempts academics, scientists, artists, and comedians from its regulations, but everyday citizens are not provided the same protections. This creates an uneven playing field where professional commentators are free to express their views, while ordinary Australians may be restricted in what they can say online.
Government Control and The Role of the Communications Minister
A key concern highlighted by the Coalition is the extensive powers granted to the Communications Minister under the proposed legislation.
Coleman says, the Minister would have the ability to order Misinformation Investigations and Hearings at her discretion.
“It’s very concerning that the Communications Minister can personally order Misinformation Investigations and Misinformation Hearings, on terms of her choosing,”
Coleman stated, warning that such powers could lead to politically motivated censorship.
The bill also imposes significant penalties on digital platforms that fail to remove content labelled as misinformation. The fear is that these platforms, facing the threat of huge fines, may take a heavy-handed approach to moderation to avoid penalties. This could lead to the removal of legitimate, honestly-held opinions by Australians who are simply engaging in public discourse.
Labor’s shocking Misinformation Bill is one of the worst pieces of legislation ever put forward by an Australian Government. It must be defeated. pic.twitter.com/DXUDKhxgbm
According to Coleman, one of the most contentious aspects of the bill is its potential impact on the communication of religious beliefs. The legislation allows digital platforms and government authorities to determine whether a belief is ‘reasonable,’ raising concerns about state interference in matters of faith.
“A core problem of the planned legislation is that it empowers digital platforms and government bureaucrats to determine whether or not a religious belief is ‘reasonable’,”Coleman argued.
“This flies in the face of the separation of church and state and is completely unacceptable.”
The Coalition has also pointed to the use of the term ‘misinformation’ during last year’s Voice referendum debate, arguing that the new laws could have been used to stifle legitimate debate if they had been in place at that time.
“Many Australians will recall all the times the Prime Minister and his MPs referred to any comments they didn’t like in the Voice referendum as ‘misinformation’.
If these laws had been in place last year, there is no doubt Labor would have used them in an attempt to stifle debate,”
Coleman said.
A Call to Action for the Senate
The Misinformation Bill is scheduled for a vote in the Senate in late November. The Coalition is urging all Senators to vote against what they view as an overly broad and dangerous piece of legislation. Coleman emphasized the need to protect free speech and prevent the government from imposing new restrictions on what Australians can say online.
“It is of the highest importance that this bill is defeated in the federal parliament. We cannot allow the Albanese Government to impose a new censorship regime on all Australians,”
he stated.
The debate over the Misinformation Bill highlights the ongoing tension between regulating harmful content online and preserving the fundamental right to free speech. While the government insists the legislation is necessary to combat the spread of dangerous misinformation, critics argue that it places too much power in the hands of bureaucrats and digital platforms, potentially silencing voices that simply hold differing views.
As the Senate prepares to vote, Australians from all walks of life are being urged to consider the implications of the bill—both in terms of combating harmful misinformation and in safeguarding their right to freely express their beliefs and opinions. The outcome of this vote will determine how Australia balances these crucial yet competing interests in the years to come.
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Image: India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi with nation's Paris Olympics 2024 contingent (Source: X)
India has taken a significant step towards hosting the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, submitting an official Letter of Intent to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Interacted with our contingent heading to Paris for the @Olympics. I am confident our athletes will give their best and make India proud. Their life journeys and success give hope to 140 crore Indians. pic.twitter.com/OOoipJpfUb
According to reports in the local media, the bid crafted by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) in collaboration with the government, emphasizes India’s vast cultural diversity, its legacy as a hub along the ancient Silk and Spice Routes, and its message of global peace through “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family.
Competing with nations like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, India has entered the race to bring the Olympics to the subcontinent for the first time.
Indian officials involved in the bid noted that hosting the Olympics is a “national priority” backed by government and corporate support.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently championed the bid, and the proposal reflects his vision, extending India’s soft power message and aiming to leave a legacy of sporting and social benefits for the region.
Greetings on National Sports Day. Today we pay homage to Major Dhyan Chand Ji. It is an occasion to compliment all those passionate about sports and those who have played for India. Our Government is committed to supporting sports and ensuring more youth are able to play and… pic.twitter.com/nInOuIOrpp
Experts told the India Today that India’s unique position as the “only major economy yet to host the Games” is seen as an impetus for the IOC to consider the transformative economic, social, and cultural impact that the event could bring to South Asia.
With more than 600 million Indians under 25, the Games could create extensive opportunities in infrastructure, services, and tourism, supporting India’s economic trajectory.
Though the letter did not specify a host city, Ahmedabad is seen as a frontrunner, with the Gujarat government establishing a dedicated cell, the Gujarat Olympic Planning and Infrastructure Corporation, to prepare for the Games.
Prime Minister Modi reiterated his intent last year at the IOC’s 141st session in Mumbai, where he committed to “leaving no stone unturned” in achieving this “age-old dream” of bringing the Olympics to India.
Addressing the 141st International Olympic Committee Session in Mumbai. https://t.co/qmO6WLh10a
The 2036 Olympic host will be chosen following a competitive process expected to conclude in 2026 or 2027, with India joining nine other countries vying for the honour. If selected, the 2036 Olympics would represent a landmark moment, marking India’s entry onto the global sports stage and empowering its next generation of athletes.
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Neharika Gambhir has become the first analog astronaut of Fijian-American origin, marking a historic moment for Fiji. She posted on Facebook,
“To my 5 year old self: “you made it”. Ladies and gentlemen, I’m officially the first Fijian American Analog Astronaut.”
Gambhir, a pilot and cyber engineer, joined the all-female crew of the Analog Expedition 92, proudly wearing the Fijian flag on her uniform.
Image: Neharika Gambhir (centre) with other crew members of Analog Expedition 92 (Source: Facebook)
Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka and Deputy Prime Minister Prof. Biman Prasad both congratulated Gambhir on social media.
DPM Prasad tweeted, “I join Prime Minister @slrabuka in congratulating Neharika Gambhir on becoming the first Fijian-American analogue astronaut! Your achievement is a true inspiration and a powerful reminder of the limitless possibilities when we break barriers and aim for the stars.”
I join the Prime Minister @slrabuka in congratulating Neharika Gambhir on becoming the first Fijian-American analogue astronaut! Your achievement is a true inspiration and a powerful reminder of the limitless possibilities when we break barriers and aim for the stars. pic.twitter.com/UnqgpQSuNv
In an Instagram post reflecting on her journey, Neharika shared that her journey has been “long, painful, rewarding, and, in many ways, incredible.”
“My journey has been long, painful, rewarding, and, in many ways, incredible. From being a 58-pound, extremely shy, and very ill girl, left by my biological parents to fend for myself in an unfamiliar country, to joining the prestigious IIAS for astronaut-scientist training, it’s been a journey of growth, healing, and profound learning.”
Analog astronauts simulate real-world space missions, often testing equipment, medical responses, and human endurance in controlled environments to prepare for potential future space journeys.
Beyond her analogue astronaut role, Gambhir is currently pursuing a computer science degree and working towards a PhD in Computational Life Sciences, with a specialisation in computational neurology and the study of neural networks in diagnosing vascular malformations. She is also undergoing astronaut scientist candidacy training at the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS).
An accomplished information security engineer with over five years of experience, Gambhir holds certifications in Security Plus and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and is renowned for her proactive approach to threat detection and incident response. Her work includes dealing with the UltraDDoS product, a high-stakes environment where she ensures digital security.
As a crew member, Gambhir’s roles are critical: she serves as an astrobiologist, responsible for maintaining organisms and bioreactor systems onboard, and as the data officer, overseeing the accuracy and reliability of all mission data. In her spare time, she contributes to World War II aircraft restoration and performs public outreach and airshows with restored warbirds.
Looking ahead, Gambhir aspires to become a commercial astronaut, combining her passions for space, medicine, and public education to inspire the next generation of explorers.
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The man, from Meadow Heights, is the first Victorian to be convicted of an exit trafficking offence.
In 2014, he convinced his then-wife, a foreign national, to travel to Sudan, where he subsequently abandoned her without her passport or any means of returning to Australia.
Before leaving Sudan, the man had secretly arranged to revoke her Australian partner visa and applied for single caregiver financial assistance.
The victim, who was living in Australia on a partner visa at the time, managed to return in early 2016 with help from Victoria Legal Aid and filed a human trafficking complaint. Following a four-year investigation, the man was arrested in 2016, charged in 2021, and found guilty in April 2024.
During sentencing, the judge highlighted the man’s calculated abuse of power over his vulnerable victim. AFP Detective Superintendent Bernard Geason praised the victim’s courage in coming forward, stressing the importance of awareness and reporting to prevent human trafficking.
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Australian workers hoard more than 160 million days of untaken leave. So could you be forced to take a break?
By Libby (Elizabeth) Sander
With the end of year holidays looming, it’s easy to imagine Australians are getting ready to check out of the workplace and head for the beach. But a recent survey shows Australians are not taking holidays nearly as often as they are entitled to.
The survey of more than 1,000 Australian workers, taken from July to September 2024, has found that employees have 160 million days of annual leave banked. More than one in five employees (22%) had accrued more than four weeks, with older workers having higher averages than their younger colleagues.
The findings coincide with another study showing nearly half of Australian workers report feeling burned out.
So how do Australians’ leave habits compare with workers in other countries, such as the United States and Japan? And can companies here force – or just encourage – workers to take a break?
It’s important to take leave
Not taking annual leave has negative effects on both mental and physical health for workers. But it can also impact a company’s bottom line.
Research has shown that not taking leave reduces employee’s motivation and increases the risk of burnout, leading to reductions in job satisfaction, absenteeism and lower productivity.
The University of Pittsburgh’s Mind-Body Centre found taking holidays increases positive emotions and reduces depression.
Why workers aren’t taking leave
The reasons for employees not taking leave are multifaceted and complex.
In uncertain economic times, employees may try to accrue annual leave as a financial buffer should it be required. With rising costs of living, employees who can’t afford to travel may also be reluctant to take leave and stay at home.
In some cases, organisations may have cultures where working long hours and not taking leave is viewed positively.
Research has shown that in some organisations, taking leave may be viewed as a lack of commitment, resulting in employees being concerned about job security and career progression.
Since the pandemic, employees continue to report staff shortages in many roles and increased workloads. Employees are less likely to take time off if they feel they may be burdening others if there is no one to take on their work.
Returning to work to an overflowing inbox and a mile high list of tasks mean employees are likely to take shorter holidays, not giving them sufficient time to take a meaningful break.
And while flexible work arrangements have been welcomed by workers, research shows the inability to switch off at the end of the day can spill over into annual leave.
Is leave hoarding worse in Australia?
Annual leave entitlements differ between countries. The standard entitlement for full-time workers in Australia is 20 days per year.
In the United States, the average worker is entitled to between 10 and 14 days of leave a year. But this does not carry over if unused. Despite this, American workers leave up to 55% of leave days unused.
German employees are entitled to 30 days of leave a year. Only 12% of employees accrue excess leave, in a country where taking regular holidays is a cultural norm.
In the United Kingdom, 65% of employees don’t take the full 28 days of leave available to them. And in Japan, a country renowned for long working hours, 20% of leave days are not taken, even though many Japanese workers only get 10 days leave a year.
Can companies force workers to take leave?
Employers can direct employees to take leave, but only where there is a holiday shutdown period or where an employee has accrued excessive leave.
The amount of notice employers are required to give staff to take leave is not generally specified, however it may be prescribed in relevant awards, enterprise agreements or the employer’s own policy.
The direction to take leave must also be reasonable, taking into consideration factors including the amount of notice given, usual practices in the organisation, timing, and the needs of the employee and the employer.
Employers don’t like holding large leave balances, as accrued annual leave is recorded as a liability on balance sheets. Further, the annual leave entitlement is paid at the rate the employee is on at the time of the leave, not their rate at the time of accrual.
How companies can get staff to take leave
Taking leave matters. One study shows year-end performance rose by 8% for every extra 10 hours of annual leave an employee took.
And there are added benefits for employees too. Using your holiday leave can help you get a promotion or pay rise.
There are a number of ways employers can encourage staff to take their annual leave entitlement. Promoting a culture of switching off after work and on vacation is one. It’s difficult for an employee to have a relaxing holiday while their phone is pinging across multiple different platforms.
Managers need to ensure adequate resources are provided and workloads are managed effectively.
Google has utilised AI tools to support employees in monitoring workloads and reallocating work across teams. Managers need to work closely with their teams to ensure they understand workload pressures and provide support.
Encouraging employees not to check in on leave is also essential.
Lead by example
Organisations should take steps to foster a supportive work culture, where wellbeing and taking regular breaks are prioritised. Senior managers need to model this behaviour in their own actions and their communications with their staff.
Sending an email telling staff to take leave and focus on well-being is likely to fall flat if managers are spending 60-plus hour weeks in the office, with little to no time away on leave.
Organisations can also provide incentives such as offering bonuses or other arrangements to encourage employees to take breaks.
And finally, education plays a key part in driving change. Employees may not be aware of the negative effects of not switching off from work and or taking regular holidays, leading to increased risk of disengagement and burnout.
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
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Abhishek Awasthi, originally from the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, has made history by being elected to the City of Greater Bendigo in Victoria, Australia. Awasthi’s journey from a small town in India to holding elected office in Australia is an inspiring story of dedication, resilience, and community service.
In recent elections conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission, Awasthi was elected as a councillor for the Kennington area, securing an impressive 59 per cent of the primary vote and defeating his closest competitor, Gavin Hicks. His victory marks a significant milestone for himself and the broader Indian community, highlighting the increasing role of the Indian diaspora in Australian public life.
Abhishek Awasthi and family- Image Source; Supplied
A Vision for Kennington and Greater Bendigo
Speaking after his election, Awasthi expressed gratitude towards his supporters in both Australia and India.
“Coming from a small town like Mandi and winning elections in a foreign land is a significant achievement. The support and encouragement from my community inspire me daily to make a positive impact,”
Awasthi, who resides in Kennington with his wife and daughter, pledged to work tirelessly for his constituents, advocating for their needs while promoting inclusivity and support for multiculturalism.
Awasthi’s experiences as an immigrant and community leader have given him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by migrant communities. He aims to fulfil the expectations placed on him by being a bridge between the diverse cultures in Bendigo and advocating for regional equity, increased cultural engagement, and improved community facilities.
In 2021, Awasthi founded the Indian Association of Bendigo, after realizing that the Indian community lacked a formal platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. The association has since grown to represent around 1,500 to 1,600 families, organising popular events such as Holi, Garba, and Indian Independence Day celebrations. These events aim to break down cultural barriers and foster greater interaction between the Indian community and the wider regional population. The association has also promoted traditional Indian culture, such as introducing classical dance classes like Kathak, alongside Bollywood dance, to offer enriching cultural experiences.
Abhishek Awasthi, Councillor, Greater Bendigo Council with Premier Jacinta Allan at Diwali function- Image Source; Supplied
The Indian Association of Bendigo, under Awasthi’s leadership, has not only focused on cultural events but also on community support initiatives, such as providing food and essentials to vulnerable individuals during the pandemic and organizing charity events for the underprivileged. These efforts aim to create a more inclusive and harmonious community in regional Victoria.
“A Privilege to Represent This Community”
Abhishek Awasthi’s election to the City of Greater Bendigo marks an important milestone for the representation of migrant communities in regional Victoria. His commitment to breaking down barriers, promoting Indian culture, and fostering community connections reflects his dedication to making Bendigo a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
As he steps into his new role as councillor, Awasthi is determined to work towards a brighter future for Kennington and beyond, ensuring that every voice is heard and every community is represented.
As a councillor in Greater Bendigo, Awasthi’s story is a testament to the potential of individuals from diverse backgrounds to shape the future of the Australian political landscape—one where community, heritage, and progress all go hand in hand.
A Journey of Community Leadership
Awasthi’s journey began in 2008 when he arrived in Australia as an international student at La Trobe University’s Bundoora campus. Studying for a Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Awasthi recalls his early days, when the concept of “PR” (permanent residency) was foreign to him. While other international students focused on securing residency points, Awasthi immersed himself in his studies and the Australian experience.
Abhishek Awasthi at election campaign for Greater Bendigo Council- Image Source; Supplied
His first taste of leadership came in 2009, during a challenging period when attacks on Indian students were making headlines. As President of the Indian Students Association at La Trobe University, Awasthi liaised with media and university officials, marking the start of his journey as a community advocate.
After completing his Master’s degree, Awasthi took on a management position in Bendigo in 2010 and has called the city home ever since. He quickly integrated into the local community, holding multiple roles to advocate for diversity and inclusion. Awasthi has been actively involved with AFL Victoria, Cricket Australia, the Victorian Multicultural Commission, and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. He also served as chair for Loddon Campaspe Multicultural Services and remains a key health board member.
A Growing Legacy of Multicultural Engagement
Greater Bendigo, located about 150 km northwest of Melbourne, is home to approximately 260,000 Indian-born residents and boasts a vibrant multicultural community. Originally called “Big Gold Mountain” by Chinese immigrants during the gold rush era, Bendigo is today recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, known for its rich blend of cultures and flavours. Awasthi’s election represents a new chapter in Bendigo’s multicultural history, demonstrating the contributions of diverse communities to Australian society.
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By Larissa Christensen, Bricklyn Priebe, Nadine McKillop, and Susan Rayment-McHugh,
Sexual offending perpetrated by females is probably much more common than people think.
In Australia, we have seen an almost 208% increase in the number of women in the criminal justice system for sexual offences from 2008 to 2023.
Research in the United States has found that on average, almost 8% of verified cases of sexual abuse across the nation had a female perpetrator. This figure ranges from 1% to more than 36% across the different states.
While women make up a small minority of people who sexually offend, there are minimal offence-specific rehabilitative programs for these women in Australia. To prevent harm to children, this needs to change.
Rather, this population is varied in their backgrounds and motivations, though they tend to have psychological problems and have experienced trauma in the past.
Co-offending with a male partner – such as a boyfriend or spouse – is also quite common (almost 33% of female-perpetrated sexual offence cases).
When we hear about female-perpetrated sexual offending in the media, it typically involves young teachers offending against their students.
For example, a recent Australian case involved a 28-year-old former student teacher found guilty of sexual offences against a 15-year-old boy she met while on a teaching placement.
We also heard about the 28-year-old female teacher in the United Kingdom who was jailed after she was convicted of sexual activity with two schoolboys.
It may therefore come as a surprise that more often than not, most cases involve a mother offending against her own child.
For example, earlier this year a Queensland woman was sentenced for sexually abusing her child and transmitting child sexual abuse material.
The woman was charged with 21 child abuse-related offences, including rape.
Authorities found the abuse was planned with a man in the United States who was also convicted for child sexual abuse material offences.
Rehabilitation lacking
While punishment is important to discourage offending, therapeutic strategies can help to prevent re-offending.
Unfortunately, though, rehabilitation opportunities for women convicted of sexual offences are lacking.
We recently interviewed women sentenced for child sexual abuse in Australia. Our study found women have reportedly “begged for help” in prison, yet their requests for more support have largely gone unanswered.
Others said they were turned away from treatment in the community because they were women and not men.
Sexual offending treatment programs are available to men in Australia and other western countries. Many studies, including our own research, have found this helps reduce re-offending.
Child sexual abuse; Image Source- CANVA
It seems reasonable, then, that such programs would be available to women who commit these offences. Some women in our interviews even expressed fear that without a rehabilitation program, they might re-offend.
But it is not just the women sentenced for sexual offences who believed rehabilitation programs would help to reduce their reoffending. The professionals we interviewed also expressed great support for such programs.
So, can’t we just use the same programs that are currently offered to men? The short answer is no.
Our research has found these programs must be tailored to women. This is because their motivations, offending pathways and offence characteristics are different.
With sexual offending rehabilitation programs now available for women in some other countries, hopefully we can see progress in this area in Australia soon. This is important for the protection of our most vulnerable community members: children.
Preventing abuse
In the meantime though, we need to focus on stopping this crime before it happens and being thorough in our approach to prevention.
This includes considering the range of contexts in which adult women come in contact with children, such as childcare, schools, sporting clubs, and in the home.
Organisations should also consider the physical design of settings to improve supervision and surveillance, as well as education for staff as onlookers to identify, intervene, and/or report their concerns.
But this isn’t enough. We also need to think about how to minimise risks within family homes.
Educating parents, open communication, and family rules have all been suggested to improve safety for children in the family home.
While these strategies are important to use, they often rely on women as mothers and protectors of their children. This makes prevention of female-perpetrated sexual abuse particularly difficult within the family home.
This means responsibility for detecting this type of offending seems to fall to those outside the home (like schools or doctors) to identify and respond to early warning signs. Prevention could also involve women reaching out for anonymous support if they are concerned about their own thoughts or behaviour.
To assist prevention efforts, we need to continue to debunk misconceptions about female sexual offending. We also need to challenge those who minimise the abuse of female perpetrators.
These misconceptions and the minimisation of abuse creates barriers to victims accessing help, but also to the women themselves.
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Image: "Bharat Corner" and new Yoga Centre in Labasa, Fiji (Source: ICCR in Suva - X)
In a landmark event symbolising India-Fiji solidarity, Paul Jaduram MBE, Chair of the Labasa Town Council, alongside Indian High Commissioner P. S. Karthigeyan, inaugurated the new “Bharat Corner” at the Labasa Town Council Library.
Knowledge is Power! "Bharat Corner" at Labasa Town Council Library inaugurated today by Hon.Paul Jaduram MBE, Spl. Adm. Chair and High Commissioner H.E. @pskarthigeyan is a significant step towards strengthening the knowledge connect between India and Fiji. pic.twitter.com/GCXyNfigxU
This new resource centre aims to foster a knowledge exchange between India and Fiji, reflecting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to enhancing educational and cultural connections through his 12-Point Action Plan outlined at the recent FIPIC Summit.
Delighted to open d #YogaCentre with VanuaLevu Arya Samaj in Labasa. 🙏🙏 to ChiefGuest, Labasa Town Council Chair Mr. Paul Jaduram & community! Part of PM Modi's #12PointActionPlan from 3rd #FIPIC Summit, it will help strengthen 🇮🇳🤝🇫🇯 cooperation in preventive healthcare. pic.twitter.com/EFB7j1kOvx
The inauguration also included the opening of a Yoga Centre established with Vanua Levu Arya Samaj, furthering India and Fiji’s cooperation in preventive healthcare.
Speaking to the community earlier, Indian High Commissioner Karthigeyan expressed gratitude for the support of Labasa’s local leaders and residents, emphasising the importance of people-to-people ties.
“You provide the living bridge between India and Fiji. You have an important role in making sure that this relationship that goes back 145 years will further get strengthened as we enter into the knowledge era.”
Image: Opening of new Yoga Centre in Labasa, Fiji (Source: ICCR in Suva – X)
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Image: People waiting for consular service (Source: HCI - X)
An upcoming consular camp at Brampton’s Triveni Mandir, where Indian-origin Hindus and Sikhs could renew essential life certificates, has been cancelled amid security concerns following threats from Khalistani extremists.
Despite requests, Canadian police were unable to ensure protection for the event, scheduled for November 17. Peel Police Chief advised the temple to prioritise safety, forcing organisers to cancel the event.
Image: Brampton’s Triveni Mandir
The cancellation has spurred outcry from Canadian Hindu organisations and prominent voices, who criticised police and political leaders for failing to protect Hindu spaces from increasing threats.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) Canada expressed their dismay on social media, questioning the police’s capacity or willingness to safeguard Hindu temples. The group stated,
“Shocked to see that @PeelPolice and @OntarioPolice are not able to offer appropriate protection… or are they succumbing to pressures from the Khalistani ecosystem?”
Shocked to see that @PeelPolice@OntarioPolice are not able to offer appropriate protection to Hindu Temples in Ontario. Or is it they are succumbing to pressures from the Khalistani ecosystem? No wonder most Canadian Hindus are not feeling safe in the country and rate Law… https://t.co/0nhFiIOeT3
The event’s cancellation highlights growing fears among Canadian Hindus, who have seen Hindu temples increasingly targeted by extremists.
Daniel Bordman, senior correspondent at The National Telegraph, accused Peel Police of “emboldening the mob” by advising cancellation rather than offering security.
Absolutely shameful behaviour by the militant Khalistani organization known as @PeelPolice. They know that the Khalistanis, probably lead by off duty Peel officers, would attack innocent Hindu devotees. So instead of doing their job and protecting the temple, they bully it into… pic.twitter.com/7ynN58j6gM
In response, Canadian Hindu Volunteers called on social media for a boycott of any politician or leader who does not speak against Khalistani extremism. “This isn’t just about one temple—it’s about the safety and dignity of an entire community under threat,” they asserted, urging for stronger action against extremist violence.
In case you needed more proof that Canada is a state facilitator of terrorism and violence. Rather than ensure no violence and enforce the law, the @PeelPolice advises a temple to cancel an event because Clownistanis plan to agitate. Medal for @ChiefNish, please. pic.twitter.com/pZaHWUEzRJ
This incident follows similar disruptions at consular camps in Brampton, Vancouver, and Surrey, leading the Indian High Commission to raise concerns over safety. These annual camps, organised to assist the Indian diaspora, have faced repeated interference by anti-India elements, yet continue to operate with local support.
“It is deeply disappointing to see such disruptions being allowed for routine consular work being organized by our Consulates with the fullest cooperation of local co-organizers. We also remain very concerned for the safety of applicants, including Indian nationals, on whose demand such events are organized in the first place.”
Last year, Conservative Party Deputy Leader and MP Melissa Lantsman had visited Brampton’s Triveni Mandir, where she highlighted the growing issue of Hinduphobia in Canada.
Lantsman noted that Hindu temples have increasingly been targeted by hate crimes, including vandalism and desecration, and voiced concerns that the government has not been addressing the issue. She emphasised that all Canadians deserve a government that takes these threats seriously.
Was incredible to be at the opening of the Brampton Triveni Mandir today but also a stark reminder that Hindu temples have increasingly become the target of hate crimes – vandalized and desecrated. Hindu phobia was raised in almost every conversation I had today – and one thing… pic.twitter.com/pmowDAsZfC
— Melissa Lantsman (@MelissaLantsman) May 28, 2023
With ongoing threats from Khalistani extremists, Canada’s Hindu community has intensified its calls for improved law enforcement responses to ensure the safety and religious freedom of all Canadians.
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Victoria is gearing up for an exciting addition to its sporting calendar as the Pro Kabaddi League makes its way to Melbourne for the first time.
Premier Jacinta Allan, accompanied by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, Indian Consul General Dr. Sushil Kumar, and AFL greats Campbell Brown and Josh Kennedy, announced today that tickets for the Pro Kabaddi League exhibition match will go on sale tomorrow.
The Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid will take place at John Cain Arena on December 28, in a thrilling double-header event that promises to bring Kabaddi fever to Australian soil.
The doubleheader will begin shortly after the third day of the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India concludes at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, allowing fans to continue their sporting excitement by walking over to the John Cain Arena.
Premier Allan expressed her enthusiasm for bringing Kabaddi to Victoria, stating: “I am so proud to deliver on the promise I made in India to bring Kabaddi back home to Victoria.”
Walking across the road from the Boxing Day Test to the first-ever Australian Pro Kabaddi match – you can’t get better than that. India’s number one and number two sports will be side-by-side in the sporting capital of the world.”
The event kicks off with a curtain-raiser match between a team of Australian athletes, coached by former Hawthorn and Gold Coast star Campbell Brown, and an Indian team of Pro Kabaddi players.
Coach Brown expressed his excitement about being involved in the historic event, stating:
“Kabaddi has such a long-standing history in India, and it’s a privilege to be part of the magic here in Melbourne.”
The Consul General of India Dr Sushil Kumar welcomed the Victorian Government initiative of Kabaddi to Melbourne and organising a match at John Cain Arena.
He told The Australia Today that “Kabaddi is the second most popular sport in India, rooted deeply in the country’s culture and history. In recent years, Kabaddi has transitioned from a village pastime to a respected professional sport.”
“The recent visit of Premier Jacinta Allan to India and the announcement of showcasing PKL in Melbourne has opened a new chapter in our ever-growing relations.”
“Showcasing Kabaddi in Melbourne not only introduces this sport to a diverse sporting landscape but will also enhance the popularity of Kabaddi internationally and further strengthen India-Victoria cultural ties. Sports collaboration between our two countries presents an unparalleled opportunity for fostering ties through capacity building, and economic benefits, from event tourism to education and people-to-people links,” added CGI Kumar.
Former Sydney Swans skipper Josh Kennedy will captain the Australian side, which will feature other notable AFL greats. Following the curtain-raiser, the main event will see two Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) All-Star teams go head-to-head, featuring some of India’s biggest Kabaddi superstars.
Captain Kennedy shared his eagerness to represent Australia, saying: “The energy surrounding Kabaddi is contagious.
“I’m excited to be representing our country on the big stage. We’ll be training hard and look forward to challenging the PKL in Melbourne next month.”
Tickets for the Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid will be available from 12:00pm on November 12 through Ticketmaster. Ticket prices have been set to encourage family participation, with children’s tickets starting at $10 and adult tickets at $55.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, highlighted the event’s significance in attracting spectators and boosting the state’s economy.
“The Pro Kabaddi League has one of the fastest-growing fan bases around the globe, and we know people will flock to see this one-of-a-kind event – another major event keeping our state buzzing and boosting our local businesses and jobs.”
Kabaddi, India’s second-most popular sport after cricket, is a fast-paced, high-intensity game involving two teams of seven players. Teams battle to score points by raiding the opponent’s side of the field, tagging as many defenders as possible within a 30-second raid. The sport is played over 40 minutes and requires agility, strategy, and teamwork, making it thrilling for spectators. Since its launch in 2014, the Pro Kabaddi League has grown rapidly, now boasting nearly 300 million viewers annually in India.
Victoria is the perfect place to host the first Pro Kabaddi exhibition match outside India, with its significant Indian community and growing interest in multicultural sports. Victoria is home to almost 260,000 Indian-born residents, and more than 370,000 Victorians have Indian ancestry.
The state is also Australia’s top destination for Indian visitors, with over 187,000 Indian tourists visiting Victoria in the year ending June 2024, spending more than $480 million. Kabaddi’s arrival in Melbourne is set to enhance this connection, bringing India’s beloved sport to Australia’s sporting capital.
Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements also spoke about the appeal of the upcoming Kabaddi matches, adding:
“Victoria is the top destination for Indian visitors, and it’s easy to see why – the Pro Kabaddi matches are part of a blockbuster summer of events, including Indian folk sensation Maithili Thakur at ALWAYS LIVE, Australia vs India at the Boxing Day Test, the Australian Open, and the NGV’s Summer Exhibition.”
Kabaddi’s arrival in Melbourne is set to add another iconic event to Victoria’s summer lineup, promising an unforgettable experience for sports fans across the state. With Pro Kabaddi’s fast-paced, adrenaline-filled action, Victorians are in for a sporting spectacle like no other.
Tickets for the Pro Kabaddi Melbourne Raid will be available through Ticketmaster starting tomorrow.
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Children’s cancer charity Camp Quality has announced a significant expansion of its services aimed at supporting families dealing with childhood cancer.
In an inclusive new move, Camp Quality has launched website registration forms, posters, and brochures in Hindi, ensuring that more families can access the help and support they need. This addition builds on the charity’s mission to assist families of children aged 0-15 diagnosed with cancer, offering free programs at every stage of their cancer journey.
Camp-Quality-Image-Source-Supplied
Camp Quality’s comprehensive services include family getaways, camps, and fun days to reconnect families, boost resilience, and create lasting memories during an incredibly challenging time. The charity is devoted to building a supportive community for children and their families, regardless of language barriers.
Reaching More Families, Ensuring No One is Left Behind
Deborah Thomas, CEO of Camp Quality, emphasised the importance of inclusive support for all families in Australia, stating:
“Camp Quality’s mission is to provide valuable support to all Australian families going through the trauma of a child’s diagnosis. We know how tough childhood cancer is, and no family should miss out on the support they need.”
Thomas further explained that the newly launched translated registration services will help break down communication barriers and ensure that every parent, regardless of their language background, can register for Camp Quality’s programs.
A free interpreter service is also available for those who speak languages other than those covered or who need additional support during the registration process.
“These translated registration services enable every parent to register for Camp Quality’s programs,” she said.
“We look forward to many new families enjoying the benefits of Camp Quality’s supportive programs.”
Camp-Quality-Image-Source-Supplied
Multicultural Efforts Through Translation
Camp Quality worked in collaboration with multicultural communication agency Ethnolink to ensure that its resources were translated into five of the most commonly spoken languages in Australia—Arabic, Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Hindi. This effort aims to broaden access and provide equitable support to culturally and linguistically diverse communities in Australia.
The initiative follows the successful translation of Camp Quality’s “Kids’ Guide to Cancer” website and app into Hindi, Arabic, Cantonese, and Mandarin in 2023. These efforts are intended to make vital resources and information available to more families and children in a language they understand, supporting their journey with knowledge and understanding.
Families interested in learning more about Camp Quality’s supportive programs, including their Kids’ Guide to Cancer, can visit their website to access these newly available resources in different languages.
Camp-Quality-Image-Source-Supplied
Camp Quality’s expanded language offerings represent a positive step towards inclusion, ensuring that families dealing with the challenge of childhood cancer feel supported and informed throughout their journey. By making registration accessible in multiple languages, Camp Quality reaffirms its commitment to leaving no family behind in the fight against childhood cancer.
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The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) arrested the man in Port Moresby on 1 December 2023, following an extensive investigation that led to the detention of five others involved in the syndicate. The Daru District Court in PNG’s Western Province handed down his sentence on 12 October 2024 after he was convicted on charges of possession and trafficking under the PNG Controlled Substances Act 2021.
The investigation was triggered by intelligence suggesting a criminal network in PNG was targeting Australia as a destination for drug imports. The Australian Federal Police (AFP), working alongside the RPNGC, identified a man and woman allegedly attempting to move methamphetamine by boat from PNG to Bamaga, a remote community in Cape York’s Northern Peninsula Area.
Coordinated intelligence sharing between the AFP’s Thursday Island Office and the RPNGC Transnational Crime Unit led to a series of arrests. On 22 November 2023, two men and a woman were detained in Mabaduan, PNG, followed by two more men in Daru on 28 November 2023. The suspected leader of the syndicate was arrested in Port Moresby in early December.
The AFP estimates the meth could have been divided into over 50,000 street-level deals. PNG courts have sentenced the five other syndicate members for their involvement, with four men receiving 16-year terms and a 47-year-old woman given an eight-year sentence.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Pacific Nigel Ryan praised the joint effort in tackling cross-border drug trafficking, emphasising the importance of intelligence sharing. “Organised crime groups wrongly assume certain routes or quantities can go undetected,” he said. “Our partnership with PNG police is essential to stopping these dangerous drugs from infiltrating and harming both Pacific and Australian communities.”
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Image: Subaltern Narratives in Fiji Hindi Literature by Vijay Mishra (Source: Supplied)
By Rajendra Prasad
A short review of the book, Subaltern Narratives in Fiji Hindi Literature by Vijay Mishra, published by Anthem Press, London, 2024.
Language as people always say is a symbol of identity. But what constitutes identity through language? Most of readers of books will agree that it is the stories passed down from generations in our mother tongue that makes an individual and communal identify. For this part of the world the most important stories passed down to us have been in the oral form and composed in the vernacular language. When those stories are translated into the English language, there is a disconnect between the language and the range of emotions in them.
Few writers have dared to cross into the unknown and ventured in telling their forefathers stories in their own language. In our region most writers have found it convenient to adopt the English language for creative work. There is a tinge of loss concealed in Vijay Mishra’s dedication of his book to his parents, Hari K and Lilawati Mishra, ‘Who gave me the gift of a mother tongue.’
Image: Subaltern Narratives in Fiji Hindi Literature by Vijay Mishra (Anthem Press, London, 2024)
One prominent writer from Fiji who dared to abandon the accepted practice of writing in English and take up the challenge (and the risk) of writing in his own language is Professor Subramani. Subramani, an established writer in English, recognized as one of Fiji’s leading prose writers by The Literary Encyclopedia. After producing an extensive body of distinguished work in English—short fiction, plays, and essays – has ventured into writing two extraordinary novels in Fiji Hindi, that Mishra says, “are both a sociology of culture as well as complex works of art that push the boundaries of the postcolonial experience.”
The first novel, Dauka Puran went on to win considerable acclaim, and Subramani was felicitated at the 7th World Hindi Conference in Suriname in 2003 for his contribution to Hindi. His second novel in Fiji Hindi, Fiji Maa; Mother of a Thousand (2018), took more than a decade to write; the writer’s magnum opus of 1026 pages is written from the perspective of a female protagonist, is winning him wider acclaim.
By producing these two novels Subramani has dispelled one of the myths related to Fiji Hindi, that there is no worthwhile written literature in the language (see; Prasad & Willans 2023, Debunking ten myths about Hindi in Fiji: Taking some of the hot air out of the Mirchi FM debate).
It is a sad fact that these two novels may have not caught the attention people of Fiji, it has certainly captured world-wide attention of prominent academics and critics as well as general readers. One of them being Prof. Vijay Mishra. Professor Vijay Mishra is an Emeritus Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Murdoch University and Fellow of the Australian Humanities Academy. In addition, he is a visiting Professor in numerous Universities all over the World. Many would be surprised to know that Vijay Mishra hails from Nausori, Fiji. Today he is an extremely distinguished figure in the literary world. He has written acclaimed books on V. S. Naipaul, Salman Rushdie, Australian, the Indian diaspora, Bollywood Cinema, and Bhakti poetry.
Image: Prof. Vijay Mishra (Source: Supplied)
Vijay Mishra in his latest work, Subaltern Narratives in Fiji Hindi Literature, he has critically analysed Dauka Puran and Fiji Maa. Mishra says at the beginning of the book that ‘occasionally one comes across a text that moves you in a different way, a text that makes you feel that you are not only reading it but speaking and writing it.’ The two novels he says, places Subramani in the pantheon of world literature.
The title of his book, Subaltern Narratives in Fiji Literature, needs a quick explanation. Who is a Subaltern? The term was initially conceived by the Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci, who was in prison and his writings were subject to censorship. He used the term Subaltern as a codeword for any class of people (especially peasants and workers) subject to the authority of another powerful class. Since than the term has been adopted by Postcolonial Studies scholars, thus forming a sub-discipline within the field known as Subaltern Studies. It was founded by South East Asian historian, Ranajit Guha and over time it has included such scholars as Homi Bhabha, Gayatri Spivak, Partha Chatterjee, and Dipesh Chakrabarty.
Going by this definition, the Subaltern in Fiji were the indentured labourers and their descendants. They lived under the authority of the colonial rule but their stories remained within them. In recent decades few people have written about indenture but in the foreign language. The writings were mostly of the indenture system and not the indentured individuals.
Subramani has used the Fiji Hindi language creatively to give a voice to the subaltern indentured Indians and their descendents, men and women. According to Mishra the two novels have placed Subramani into the pantheon of great writers of World Literature.
Further, for Mishra the language used in these two novels is untranslatable though he attempts to provide extensive translations from the novels, showing us how translation might be accomplished.
Mishra shows great respect to the original language and uses very intricate details in the transliteration in Roman of selected verses. He pays great attention to see that the voice is not lost in the transliteration.
To have an eye like Mishra to capture the intricate details in the two novels is extraordinary. While he gives full justification to the language through proper linguistic analysis, he does not fail to explain the emotions in the novel often demonstrated through the words of the characters. We would like to hope that the two novels by Subramani are eventually translated because here is a dot on the map of the world, according to the Indian professor Harish Trivedi, writing back to global discourse.
Every Fiji Hindi speaker must read these two novels and realize it is their inner voice which had been silenced for a very long time finally finding a voice. It will be a sad irony if the novels remain unread in Fiji.
There is so much in the book by Mishra on the two novels that it is not possible to discuss in a brief review. The greatest praise Mishra fives to these novels is the provide an answer to the famous question; Can the subaltern speak? by the renowned critic Gayatri Chakravorty. In these two novels, the subaltern has indeed spoken.
Contributing Author: Rajendra Prasad teaches Linguistics and English for Academic Purposes, as well as Hindi, at the University of the South Pcaific (USP) in Fiji. He is a linguist with expertise in Fiji Baat, focusing on its historical evolution and significance within the social, political, and educational spheres of Fiji’s Indian community. His broader research interests encompass multilingual education in Fiji, where he also actively engages in translation projects.
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PM Anthony Albanese and Leader of Opposition Peter Dutton; Image Source; Supplied
By Adrian Beaumont
A national Newspoll, conducted November 4–8 from a sample of 1,261, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, unchanged since the previous Newspoll in early October. Primary votes were 40% Coalition (up two), 33% Labor (up two), 11% Greens (down one), 5% One Nation (down two) and 11% for all Others (down one).
Anthony Albanese’s net approval slid one point to -15, with 55% dissatisfied and 40% satisfied. Peter Dutton’s net approval rose three points to -11. Albanese’s better PM lead dropped to 45–41 (45–37 previously).
It’s the first time this term that Dutton has had a better net approval than Albanese and Albanese’s smallest better PM lead.
Here is the graph showing Albanese’s net approval in Newspoll. The plus signs are data points and a smoothed line has been fitted.
While economic data has been better for Labor recently, with Morgan’s consumer confidence rising above 85 in mid-October for the first time since January 2023, this is not yet flowing through to improved ratings for Labor and Albanese. The Qantas upgrades scandal could be a factor.
For the first time this term, the Coalition has taken the lead in analyst Kevin Bonham’s two-party aggregate, and now leads by 50.1–49.9. If One Nation preference flows are assigned using their flows at the Queensland election, the Coalition leads by 50.6–49.4.
Resolve poll: Dutton’s ratings surge
A national Resolve poll for Nine newspapers, conducted November 6–10 from a sample of 1,621, gave the Coalition 39% of the primary vote (up one since early October), Labor 30% (steady), the Greens 11% (down one), One Nation 5% (steady), independents 11% (down one) and others 4% (up one).
Resolve doesn’t usually give a two-party estimate, but this poll would be a 50–50 tie by 2022 election preference flows, a one-point gain for the Coalition.
Albanese’s net approval improved three points to -14, with 51% giving him a poor rating and 38% a good rating. Dutton’s net approval surged six points to +5. There was a 37–37 tie on preferred PM (37–35 to Albanese previously).
By 40–29, voters thought Donald Trump’s election as US president would be bad for Australia. Trump’s net likeability was -29, with 55% having a negative opinion and 26% a positive one.
The Liberals had a 41–27 lead over Labor on economic management (38–26 previously). The Liberals led by 35–28 on keeping the cost of living low (31–24 previously).
Australian economic data
In the September quarter, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said headline inflation fell to just 0.2% from 1.0% in the June quarter. In the 12 months to September, headline inflation increased 2.8%, down from 3.8% in June.
However, core inflation increased 0.8% in the September quarter for a 3.5% 12-month rate. The Reserve Bank’s interest rate decisions will be based on core inflation.
In September the ABS said the unemployment rate dropped 0.1% to 4.1%, with 64,100 jobs created. The employment-population ratio (the percentage of eligible Australians that are employed) rose 0.1% to 64.4%, an equal record high, tied with May and November 2023.
Morgan’s consumer confidence in mid-October surged 4.1 points to 87.5 since the previous week, its first reading above 85 since January 2023. In early November, consumer confidence was down one point to 86.5. Higher consumer confidence should help Labor.
Morgan poll: respondent preferences give Coalition lead
A national Morgan poll, conducted October 28 to November 3 from a sample of 1,651, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a 1.5-point gain for the Coalition since the October 21–27 Morgan poll.
Primary votes were 38% Coalition (up 0.5), 30.5% Labor (up 0.5), 14% Greens (steady), 6% One Nation (up 0.5), 7.5% independents (down 1.5) and 4% others (steady).
The headline figure is based on respondent preferences. By 2022 election preference flows, Labor led by 51–49, a 0.5-point gain for the Coalition.
In a separate Morgan poll that was conducted by SMS from October 22–23 with a sample of 1,312, 57% (down three since September 2022) thought Australia should remain a monarchy while 43% (up three) thought we should become a republic with an elected president.
US election: Harris erred in not emphasising health care
After Kamala Harris’ loss, there’s been much commentary on what her campaign did wrong. I think she erred in not emphasising Trump’s record on health care, in which he attempted and nearly succeeded in repealing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) during his first term.
Analyst Nate Silver said on October 26 that health care had very low issue salience. The Harris campaign should have reminded voters of Trump’s nearly successful attempt to repeal Obamacare.
I’ve been following late counting in the United States congressional elections for The Poll Bludger. Democrats still have a slight chance to win control of the House of Representatives. I also covered the upcoming Irish and German elections.
Queensland election final results
At the October 26 Queensland state election, the Liberal National Party (LNP) won 52 of the 93 seats (up 18 since the 2020 election), Labor 36 (down 16), Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) three (steady), the Greens one (down one), independents one (steady) and One Nation zero (down one).
Queensland won’t give us an official two-party statewide count, but the ABC estimated the two-party vote was 53.8–46.2 to the LNP, a 7.0% swing to the LNP. Primary votes were 41.5% LNP (up 5.6%), 32.6% Labor (down 7.0%), 9.9% Greens (up 0.4%), 8.0% One Nation (up 0.9%), 2.4% KAP (down 0.1%) and 5.6% for all Others (up 0.2%).
YouGov and Resolve polls were closest to the two-party estimated result, with YouGov giving the LNP a 54.5–45.5 lead and Resolve giving them a 53–47 lead. Newspoll gave the LNP a 52.5–47.5 lead and uComms was poor, giving the LNP just a 51–49 lead.
KAP contested only 11 seats, while One Nation and the Greens contested all 93. Concentration of KAP’s vote explains why it won three seats on 2.4% of statewide votes.
The Poll Bludger said Labor won the closest seat of Aspley by 31 votes (under 0.1%). In South Brisbane, if the LNP had been ahead of Labor after One Nation preferences, the Greens would have won on Labor preferences instead of Labor beating the Greens on LNP preferences. Labor was ahead at this point by 105 votes or 0.3%.
ABC election analyst Antony Green said the two-party swing against Labor was 4.9% with election day votes but 8.6% with pre-poll votes. The large numbers of pre-poll votes now are making it impossible to call elections until pre-poll booths report late on election night.
Green also said One Nation preference flows shifted to the LNP since the 2020 state election. This has implications for the next federal election if One Nation preferences go to the Coalition more than at the 2022 federal election.
SA Black byelection next Saturday
A byelection will occur in the Liberal-held South Australian state seat of Black on Saturday, following the resignation of former Liberal leader David Speirs. Speirs won Black by a 52.7–47.3 margin over Labor at the 2022 state election, which Labor won easily. Labor and the Liberals will contest the byelection.
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Image: INSV Tarini in Fremantle, Western Australia (Source: CGI Perth - X)
The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Perth celebrated the arrival of INSV Tarini in Fremantle, proudly welcoming Lt Commander Dilna K. and Lt Commander Roopa as they completed the first leg of their ambitious circumnavigation, Navika Sagar Parikrama II.
Proud to welcome #INSVTarini and Lt Cdr Dilna and Lt Cdr Roopa in Fremantle, together with reps of RAN, Australian Army & Indian Veterans. The two women officers displayed outstanding courage and resilience and clocked 38 days at sea to reach Australia as part of… pic.twitter.com/wosf69qCVM
Supported by representatives from the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Army, and Indian veterans, the two officers received a ceremonial welcome, accompanied by the sounds of traditional Tamil Parai drums and Kombu Thaarai instruments, courtesy of TAWA.
NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA II
Two #IndianNavy Women Officers to embark on the extraordinary sailing expedition – Circumnavigating the Globe onboard INSV Tarini.
Indian Navy has made significant efforts to revitalise the sailing tradition, emphasising its commitment to preserve… pic.twitter.com/c4aOZHzyZk
Last month, the Chief of Naval Staff of India, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, officially flagged off INSV Tarini from the Ocean Sailing Node at INS Mandovi, Goa, on a voyage that is both a demonstration of India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and a bold display of ‘Nari Shakti’ (women’s empowerment) in maritime history.
#NSP2#INSVTarini Our girls Dilna & Roopa both LtCdrs, after weathering the seas for 38 days, make a scheduled port call at Freemantle Australia. Leg 1 successfully ✅. Take rest & prepare for Leg 2 of the voyage. All the very best from all of us @BharatShaktiBSI@indiannavypic.twitter.com/1xopaLq1sr
This epic naval journey will span 240 days, cover over 23,400 nautical miles, and traverse four continents, three oceans, and three treacherous capes.
The expedition will proceed from Fremantle to Lyttelton, New Zealand, followed by stops in Port Stanley, Falkland Islands; Cape Town, South Africa; and finally, a return to Goa.
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Image: Diwali celebrations at the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom's home (Source: X)
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s attempt to celebrate Diwali with the British Indian community at 10 Downing Street has sparked controversy after alcohol and meat were served at the event, angering many attendees.
Happy Diwali to all those celebrating across the UK, I wish you and your family a joyful celebration.
This is a time of coming together, abundance and welcome, and a moment to fix our eyes on the light which always triumphs over the darkness. pic.twitter.com/UXSHnXEI7w
The annual Diwali party, which included prayers, lighting of diyas, a speech by the Prime Minister, and traditional Indian dance, was attended by Labour MPs, community leaders, councillors, and members of the armed forces.
The Labour Party wishes Hindus, Sikhs and Jains across Britain a happy and joyful Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas. pic.twitter.com/TfbhTThnL2
However, many guests were taken aback when lamb kebabs, fish, beer, and wine were offered. Some guests raised concerns with catering staff, only to be told that the items had been pre-ordered.
In a statement on social media, Insight UK wrote, “Diwali is not just a time for festivity but also holds a deeply religious meaning.”
“The choice of menu at the Diwali celebration hosted by the Prime Minister himself, displays an appalling lack of understanding or respect for the religious traditions associated with with the festival of Diwali.”
This year's Diwali celebration at 10 Downing Street, hosted by PM Keir Starmer has sparked significant backlash after reports surfaced… pic.twitter.com/13IB1WRJlE
This year’s event stands in stark contrast to last year’s Diwali celebration, hosted by former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, where alcohol and meat were not served.
Tonight Prime Minister @RishiSunak welcomed guests from the Hindu community to Downing Street ahead of #Diwali – a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness.
Shubh Diwali to everyone across the UK and around the world celebrating from this weekend! pic.twitter.com/JqSjX8f85F
Many British Indians told the Times of India that the inclusion of such items was offensive, with some describing it as “repulsive” and “tainting the spiritual essence of the festival.”
“Shri Rama, considered the epitome of virtue, is honoured during Diwali. Celebrating his return to Ayodhya with slaughtered animals and alcohol contradicts the very spirit of the festival.”
Insight UK further questioned whether Hindu community leaders were consulted to ensure greater cultural inclusivity, calling for better consideration in future events that aim to promote multiculturalism.
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Among the celebrated winners were Priya Srinivasan, recognised in the Arts and Culture category, and Aruna Venkatachalam, who received the Research and Education award.
Congratulations to Priya Srinivasan, Sangam on being named the Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards 2024 – Arts & Culture Award winner! pic.twitter.com/mxOc5mfJ3B
Srinivasan, an award-winning performer, choreographer, and writer, was celebrated for her transformative work in the arts.
On receiving her award, she expressed her gratitude on Facebook:
“What a beautiful surprise to be nominated among so many incredible luminaries and then to receive this award from @asiasocietyaus for being a ‘game changer’ in culture and arts – many thanks to everyone that has supported me.”
Image: Priya Srinivasan (Source: Facebook)
Srinivasan co-founded Sangam, a platform dedicated to empowering South Asian creatives, and has gained international acclaim for her work integrating feminist decolonisation with Indian classical dance.
Congratulations to Aruna Venkatachalam, @ychangeagents on being named the Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards 2024 – Research & Education Award winner! pic.twitter.com/HtatEg3qHR
Aruna Venkatachalam, a leading international consultant and founder of her own consultancy, was recognised for her advocacy and support of underrepresented voices in Australia’s startup and social impact sectors.
Venkatachalam expressed her appreciation for the award on LinkedIn, stating: “Honoured and thrilled… It takes a collective of people and organisations to get to this point.”
“My immediate appreciation goes to the teams at Young Change Agents and Group Avenues, plus, to all of the organisations and folk I’ve worked with across the years across Australia and Asia who do impactful, life-changing work.”
Venkatachalam’s career highlights include pioneering a partnership between India and Australia in social entrepreneurship education and creating a self-determined entrepreneurship program for First Nations youth.
Molina Asthana and Ziyan Tejani were finalists in the Business and Gen A Emerging Leader categories respectively.
Molina, a prominent lawyer and founder of Multicultural Women in Sport, holds multiple board roles, including with AMES Australia and Good Shepherd ANZ, and is an advocate for diversity in sports, founding the Australia India Women in Sport Connect. She is also the National Chair for Sport, Art, and Culture at the Australia India Business Council and has been awarded the Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence twice.
Ziyan is an accomplished undergraduate, policy advocate, and New Colombo Plan Alumni Ambassador passionate about enhancing Australia-Asia relations. He has studied in Singapore under the New Colombo Plan and worked with think tanks, such as the Middle East Institute. As Vice President (External) of the Young Diplomats Society, Ziyan promotes youth engagement in global affairs and has received several awards for his community contributions, including the North Western Sydney Young Volunteer of the Year Award.
These awards, now in their fourth year, celebrate those who have played a pivotal role in enhancing Australia’s relationships with Asia, particularly from Australia’s Asian communities.
The awards were presented at an elegant gala dinner held at the National Gallery of Victoria, which also honoured Poh Ling Yeow, Asian-Australian celebrity chef, with the prestigious Icon Award.
The Melbourne Asia Game Changer Awards serve as a platform to highlight the ongoing contributions of individuals who continue to shape and strengthen the cultural, business, and social connections between Australia and Asia.
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Image: Violent Khalistani demonstration at Hindu Sabha Mandir (Source: X)
Peel Regional Police have arrested 35-year-old Inderjeet Gosal of Brampton in connection with alleged violent demonstration at Hindu Sabha Mandir on The Gore Road, Brampton, on November 3, 2024.
According to Peel Regional Police, the altercation, which began as a Khalistani protest outside Hindu Sabha Mandir, escalated when clashes between opposing groups turned physical, with some individuals reportedly using Khalistani flags and sticks as weapons.
A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada. I begin to feel… pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble
Captured on video, the incidents prompted a significant police investigation involving the 21 Division Criminal Investigations Bureau and the Strategic Investigative Team (SIT).
Gosal was arrested on November 8 and has been charged with alleged ‘Assault with a Weapon’. Released on conditions, he is scheduled to appear in court at a later date.
It's not acceptable in #canada Act of Violence & Hate. Today, pro-Khalistani violent radicals stormed the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton Canada. This situation demands urgent attention before it spirals further out of control.
The group Sikhs for Justice stated that Khalistan supporters were protesting an Indian consulate visit in Brampton, aimed at providing administrative services like pension assistance for seniors.
The protest led to four arrests, and an off-duty Peel police officer was suspended due to involvement in the demonstration.
New Arrest Following November 3 Incident at Brampton Mandir
Further, Peel Regional Police said in its statement that the Strategic Investigative Team, now dedicated to probing the November 3 and 4 incidents, is meticulously analysing hundreds of video recordings to identify additional suspects, anticipating further arrests in the coming weeks.
“We would like to remind the public that complex investigations such as these take time and that individuals are arrested as they are identified and in no specific order.”
Anyone with information or video footage related to the events is urged to contact Peel Police at either 12 Division in Mississauga (905-453-2121 ext. 1233) or 21 Division in Brampton (905-453-2121 ext. 2133). Information can also be shared anonymously through Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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Representative image: Empty college (Source: CANVA)
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has taken decisive action against Luvium Pty Ltd, trading as Australia Education & Career College, following a rigorous compliance investigation.
ASQA has announced that this college’s registration was cancelled due to findings that the college issued qualifications without proper training or competency-based assessments by qualified assessors.
ASQA has now issued notices of intent to cancel qualifications for 7,360 students who received certification from Luvium between 1 January 2023 and 19 October 2024, covering areas such as early childhood education, individual support, community services, and first aid.
Former students have seven days from receipt of ASQA’s notice, dated 6 November 2024, to provide feedback before final decisions are made regarding their qualifications.
This regulatory action aligns with the Australian Government’s commitment to maintain the integrity and quality of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector, aiming to ensure that all qualifications genuinely reflect industry-required competencies.
ASQA, alongside the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and the NSW Department of Education, is working to mitigate the impacts on students and employers, including providing clear next steps and support.
Government agencies have assured the public of their commitment to eliminating “shonky” training providers and protecting the value of Australia’s national qualifications.
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These include wiping 20% off debts, increasing the income threshold for compulsory repayments, and changing the amounts people have to repay.
As well as encouraging Australians to study, the changes aim to provide cost-of-living relief – or, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Monday:
putting more dollars in the pockets of people who feel, justifiably, that they’re getting the rough end of the pineapple.
The changes are certainly an improvement. Unfortunately, they are not as good as they should be – particularly if you have a HELP debt and a family to support.
What is the point of HELP?
My analysis of the most recently released tax statistics indicates more than 70% of those required to make a HELP repayment in 2021–22 earned between A$60,000 and A$120,000. Only 20% earned more than $120,000 and less than 10% earned less than $60,000.
The HECS (now HELP) system was conceived in the 1980s as a way to generate revenue to help the government pay for an expansion of university places.
It doesn’t matter if people do not repay all of their loans. The primary purpose is to have students who have benefited, and can afford to contribute to the cost of their education, give something back.
While fairness has always been a key plank of HECS/HELP, there are some major problems with the system. And the changes announced over the weekend continue to ignore them.
What about families?
Student loan arrangements have never taken account of other government payments and obligations such as social security, taxation rates, taxation rebates and Medicare levies.
As I have shown in this analysis, for some family types, HELP repayments combine to produce ridiculous effective tax rates.
Imagine the following scenarios for someone with a HELP debt, earning between $60,000 and $100,000 and who had a pay increase in this income range.
In 2022-23, if you were single with no kids, the average effective tax rate on the extra earnings was 51%.
If you were single with two kids aged four and seven, the average effective tax rate on the extra earnings was 77%. If those children were ten and 13, it was 73%.
The situation is similar in a couple family with two children where only one parent is able to work. The working parent has little incentive to increase their earned income and this won’t change much under the new proposals.
The reason people in these situations keep so little of their extra earnings is because as family incomes increase, they lose family tax benefits, they pay more tax and their Medicare levy increases.
There is not enough attention paid to how all these arrangements interact and how they affect people overall.
We need to know many families are paying HELP
The government’s plan to increase the HELP repayment threshold to those with an annual income of $67,000 is a welcome improvement. The system was never intended to take money off people with virtually no capacity to pay.
The government’s plan to simplify the repayment arrangements is also a positive step. The current system has 18 different repayment rates applied to total income, which means people are repeatedly going backwards when they earn extra money. The new plan to only calculate repayments on dollars over the threshold (the marginal rate approach) stops this from happening.
But the system continues to disregard how people with HELP debts can be in different family circumstances.
In my work on HELP, I often get asked how many HELP debtors have dependent children. The answer is I do not know and neither does the government.
None of the data which the government releases provides any information on family circumstances, despite the fact around $4.6 billion was collected from 1.2 million individuals in 2021-22 (the most recent year we have for this data).
This is vital information to make good policy and fair decisions but we do not have it.
Could these problems be fixed?
We could reduce many of the worst impacts here with a single marginal rate for calculating HELP repayments and thresholds which varied depending on the number of children and partner’s income.
The repayment rate and thresholds could be adjusted to deliver an acceptable repayment level for individuals and sufficient revenue for government to support university funding.
There is no point in pretending the current system is one in which people have an insignificant level of debt that is repaid quickly after university.
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Image: Berwick Springs renamed in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Source: Sonya Kilkenny - Facebook)
Victoria’s Allan Labor Government has unveiled a new community landmark, Guru Nanak Lake, at Berwick Springs in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of the Sikh faith.
In addition, $600,000 has been allocated for Langar events across Victoria in the lead-up to Guru Nanak’s 555th birth anniversary celebrations.
Image: Berwick Springs renamed in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Source: Sonya Kilkenny – Facebook)
Announcing the renaming and funding, Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt emphasised the importance of recognising the contributions of Victoria’s Sikh community.
“I’m delighted to be recognising the significant contributions of our Sikh community in Victoria by naming a landmark after the founder of the Sikh faith, Guru Nanak,” she said.
“In the coming months, Sikh Victorians and the broader community can celebrate, commemorate, and learn more about this important figure and Langar.”
This year’s events will be hosted by Sikh Volunteers Australia in Casey, Gurudwara Sri Guru Granth Sahib in Greater Dandenong, as well as by Sikh communities in Ballarat and Mildura.
Image: Berwick Springs renamed in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Source: Sonya Kilkenny – Facebook)
Member for Narre Warren South, Gary Maas, said the renaming was a fitting tribute:
“Berwick Springs is a beautiful location for this mark of our celebration of Victoria’s Sikh communities.”
The lake renaming follows consultations with Sikh community leaders and local traditional owners, celebrating Victoria’s 91,000-strong Sikh population.
Image: Berwick Springs renamed in honour of Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Source: Sonya Kilkenny – Facebook)
Victoria’s Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny highlighted the gesture as part of the government’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive state, stating,
“This renaming is another way we’re ensuring Victoria’s place names better reflect and celebrate our state’s rich diversity and history.”
In addition, the government’s ‘Name a Place’ campaign encourages Victorians to nominate exceptional individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, First Peoples, and multicultural communities, for place-naming honours.
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Image: Walking Through a Songline exhibition in Kolkata (Source: x)
Kolkata, the City of Joy, has welcomed Walking Through a Songline, an award-winning immersive digital exhibition that celebrates one of the oldest storytelling traditions in the world.
Australia’s Consul General in Kolkata shared on X, “Walking Through a Songline is an amazing exhibition… Strongly encourage everyone to visit!”
Walking Through a Songline is an amazing exhibition – and we thank everyone who joined us this evening to celebrate its opening in Kolkata! Walking Through a Songline will be displayed @IndianMuseumKol until 30 November. Strongly encourage everyone to visit! #FirstNationspic.twitter.com/RoSTFEtPJf
— Australian Consulate-General Kolkata (@AusCGKolkata) November 8, 2024
The exhibition brings to life Australia’s ancient songlines—oral traditions passed down through 65,000 years by First Nations people to map histories, tribal routes, and ecological knowledge essential for survival in the Australian outback.
Known as “dreaming pathways,” these songlines record ancestral journeys across Australia, documenting everything from seasonal vegetation to sustainable living practices.
Image: Walking through a Songline exhibition (Source: DFAT)
Produced by the National Museum of Australia in collaboration with Mosster Studio, Walking Through a Songline combines art and technology to immerse visitors in a world where paintings and stories come alive.
This powerful visual experience has travelled through South and Southeast Asia, Europe, and the United States, and has been displayed in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai.
Australia’s High Commissioner to India, Philip Green, expressed pride in sharing Indigenous Australian culture with India, saying, “This exhibition allows audiences to experience ancient stories of our rich Indigenous culture and history through innovative technology. I am proud that through art, we can bring our First Nations stories and knowledge to the people of India.”
Australia has the unique privilege of being home to the world’s oldest continuous culture. We are proud to bring 'Walking Through a Songline'-an #immersive multimedia installation-to Delhi, in collaboration with the @KNMAIndia. 🗓️Opens 26 May ⏱️10:30am-6:30pm (Tues-Sun) 📍Saket pic.twitter.com/dDrbrHzwaP
This Kolkata showing is part of Australia now, a public diplomacy initiative by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and is supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations, Deakin University, and ANZ.
Visitors to Walking Through a Songline can explore projections and interactive displays that capture the essence of these songlines, offering a striking, artistic journey into one of the oldest continuous cultures in the world.
The exhibition will be on display at the Indian Museum until 30 November.
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The 37-year-old man was sentenced at Sydney’s Downing Centre District Court on 8 November 2024, after being found guilty by a jury in April 2024. The sentencing follows a lengthy investigation, dubbed Operation Cobberas, initiated by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in March 2022.
The investigation began after Australian Border Force (ABF) officers inspected 10 boxes of structural supports shipped from China, discovering a concealed white powdered substance. Testing confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, prompting the AFP to seize the consignment and dismantle the supports. This led to the recovery of 233 kilograms of meth, with an estimated street value of $70 million.
After a two-month investigation, AFP officers arrested the man at his Auburn home in June 2022. He was charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, under section 307.1(1) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth).
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Fogarty highlighted the damaging effects of methamphetamine, describing it as an “extremely addictive illicit drug that causes widespread harm.”
“Criminals have little regard for the impact of these drugs on people, their families, and the wider community,” Det-Supt Fogarty said. He noted that the investigation emphasised the value of collaboration between the AFP and its law enforcement partners in combating organised crime syndicates that attempt to import illegal drugs into Australia.
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Representative image: Cancer patient with friend (Source: CANVA)
By Stephanie Cowdery, Anna Ugalde, Trish Livingston, and Victoria White
Across the world, one in five people are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime. By age 85, almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer.
When it happens to someone you care about, it can be hard to know what to say or how to help them. But providing the right support to a friend can make all the difference as they face the emotional and physical challenges of a new diagnosis and treatment.
Here are six ways to offer meaningful support to a friend who has been diagnosed with cancer.
1. Recognise and respond to emotions
When facing a cancer diagnosis and treatment, it’s normal to experience a range of emotions including fear, anger, grief and sadness. Your friend’s moods may fluctuate. It is also common for feelings to change over time, for example your friend’s anxiety may decrease, but they may feel more depressed.
Some friends may want to share details while others will prefer privacy. Always ask permission to raise sensitive topics (such as changes in physical appearance or their thoughts regarding fears and anxiety) and don’t make assumptions. It’s OK to tell them you feel awkward, as this acknowledges the challenging situation they are facing.
When they feel comfortable to talk, follow their lead. Your support and willingness to listen without judgement can provide great comfort. You don’t have to have the answers. Simply acknowledging what has been said, providing your full attention and being present for them will be a great help.
2. Understand their diagnosis and treatment
Understanding your friend’s diagnosis and what they’ll go through when being treated may be helpful.
Being informed can reduce your own worry. It may also help you to listen better and reduce the amount of explaining your friend has to do, especially when they’re tired or overwhelmed.
Explore reputable sources such as the Cancer Council website for accurate information, so you can have meaningful conversations. But keep in mind your friend has a trusted medical team to offer personalised and accurate advice.
3. Check in regularly
Cancer treatment can be isolating, so regular check-ins, texts, calls or visits can help your friend feel less alone.
Having a normal conversation and sharing a joke can be very welcome. But everyone copes with cancer differently. Be patient and flexible in your support – some days will be harder for them than others.
Remembering key dates – such as the next round of chemotherapy – can help your friend feel supported. Celebrating milestones, including the end of treatment or anniversary dates, may boost morale and remind your friend of positive moments in their cancer journey.
Always ask if it’s a good time to visit, as your friend’s immune system may be compromised by their cancer or treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy. If you’re feeling unwell, it’s best to postpone visits – but they may still appreciate a call or text.
4. Offer practical support
Sometimes the best way to show your care is through practical support. There may be different ways to offer help, and what your friend needs might change at the beginning, during and after treatment.
For example, you could offer to pick up prescriptions, drive them to appointments so they have transport and company to debrief, or wait with them at appointments.
Meals will always be welcome. However it’s important to remember cancer and its treatments may affect taste, smell and appetite, as well as your friend’s ability to eat enough or absorb nutrients. You may want to check first if there are particular foods they like. Good nutrition can help boost their strength while dealing with the side effects of treatment.
There may also be family responsibilities you can help with, for example, babysitting kids, grocery shopping or taking care of pets.
5. Explore supports together
Studies have shown mindfulness practices can be an effective way for people to manage anxiety associated with a cancer diagnosis and its treatment.
If this is something your friend is interested in, it may be enjoyable to explore classes (either online or in-person) together.
You may also be able to help your friend connect with organisations that provide emotional and practical help, such as the Cancer Council’s support line, which offers free, confidential information and support for anyone affected by cancer, including family, friends and carers.
Peer support groups can also reduce your friend’s feelings of isolation and foster shared understanding and empathy with people who’ve gone through a similar experience. GPs can help with referrals to support programs.
6. Stick with them
Be committed. Many people feel isolated after their treatment. This may be because regular appointments have reduced or stopped – which can feel like losing a safety net – or because their relationships with others have changed.
Your friend may also experience emotions such as worry, lack of confidence and uncertainty as they adjust to a new way of living after their treatment has ended. This will be an important time to support your friend.
But don’t forget: looking after yourself is important too. Making sure you eat well, sleep, exercise and have emotional support will help steady you through what may be a challenging time for you, as well as the friend you love.
Our research team is developing new programs and resources to support carers of people who live with cancer. While it can be a challenging experience, it can also be immensely rewarding, and your small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
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Image: Former Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama (Source: X)
Former Fijian Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama has been released from prison six months into his 12-month sentence, according to a statement issued by the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS).
Bainimarama was jailed in May alongside former police chief Sitiveni Qiliho after being convicted of attempting to pervert the course of justice in a police investigation linked to the University of the South Pacific.
Image: Bainimarama and Qiliho (Source: Mai Tv)
The FCS confirmed that Bainimarama’s early release was granted under section 46(3) of the Corrections Act, which allows for early release based on specific criteria aimed at protecting community safety and supporting inmate reintegration.
A “comprehensive review” of Bainimarama’s application found that all requirements, including eligibility and supervisory measures, were met.
“The decision to release Mr Bainimarama aligns with the FCS’s commitment to justice, rehabilitation, and reintegration as outlined in the Corrections Act,” the FCS said.
The statement added that FCS will continue to monitor Bainimarama’s reintegration to ensure compliance with all conditions of his release.
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Image: Chhath Puja celebration in Melbourne (Source: Supplied)
Melbourne’s Chhath Puja celebration made history this year, with an impressive turnout of approximately 1,400 participants gathering for Sandhya Arghya (evening offerings) and over 500 joining the morning prayers, an outstanding attendance for an event held on a weekday.
Image: Chhath Puja celebration in Melbourne (Source: Supplied)Image: Chhath Puja celebration in Melbourne (Source: Supplied)
The festivities, organised in Melbourne, Perth and Brisbane by the members of Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand, reflected the vibrant and dedicated community that honours this ancient festival in the Southern Hemisphere.
Image: Chhath Puja celebration in Perth (Source: Supplied)Image: Chhath Puja celebration in Perth (Source: Supplied)
Garima Shrivastav, Secretary of BJSM, shared enthusiasm with The Australia Today, stating,
“With such success, we are confident that next year’s Chhath will be even grander, and we eagerly look forward to the next celebration.”
Chhath Puja celebration at Ramsgate Beach, Sydney
The dedication of volunteers was instrumental in organising this year’s celebration, underscoring the deep sense of devotion and cultural pride that transcends borders.
Image: Chhath Puja celebration in Perth (Source: Supplied)Image: Chhath Puja celebration in Melbourne (Source: Supplied)
Chhath Puja is a significant Hindu Vedic festival, primarily celebrated in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, as well as in Nepal.
Image: Chhath Puja celebration in Brisbane (Source: Supplied)
Devotees honour Surya Dev (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya (Mother Goddess) twice a year, during the Indian months of Chaitra (March-April) and Kartika (October-November).
Image: Chhath Puja celebration (Source: Supplied)
The Kartika celebration, six days after Diwali, is particularly cherished in Bihar.
Image: Chhath Puja celebration in Brisbane (Source: Supplied)
Over six days, women sing traditional songs, wear colourful attire, and celebrate with abundant joy, symbolising the festival’s central themes of faith, family, and gratitude.
Image: Chhath Puja celebration (Source: Supplied)
The Bihar Jharkhand Sabha of Australia and New Zealand, which began in Melbourne, has expanded to major cities across Australia and New Zealand, including Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide, Darwin, Perth, Auckland, and Wellington, generating strong interest among the Indian diaspora.
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The NSW Government hosted their official Diwali celebrations in Sydney with the sails of the iconic Sydney Opera house being lit up to mark the festival of lights. NSW Premier Chris Minns thanked the Indian Hindu community on the occasion and called Diwali one of the great cultural religious festivals of the world.
Premier Minns also said that the Indian Hindu community is decent, hardworking and love Australia.
NSW Multicultural Minister Steve Kamper said that the light of the sails of the Opera House symbolising Diwali celebrations will shine brightly enough for the whole of Sydney to see.
“The lighting of this iconic symbol is an invitation to all Australians to celebrate Diwali as one community united by our mutual respect and friendship”, said Minister Kamper.
The attendees at the event reflected a slice of multicultural Australia with members of different ethnicities and backgrounds enjoying the festivities. The event included chanting of shlokas by children of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple. Shlokas were also chanted prior to the lighting up of the sails of the iconic Opera House.
CEO of Multicultural NSW, Joseph La Posta, and NSW MP from Parramatta, Donna Davis, also shared their feelings about Diwali.
Image: Multicultural NSW
Th event was attended by Consul General of India in Sydney, Dr S. Janakiraman, NSW MP Julia Finn, Director of Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Sydney, Niyati Mehta, Parramatta Councillor Sameer Pandey, Ku-ring-gai Councillor Barbara Ward and Australia India Business Council (AIBC) National Associate Chair, Irfan Malik among several other eminent guests.
If you’re found guilty of a crime, it’s a basic principle of Australian law that you have a right to appeal.
But having a right and being able to exercise it are two different things, especially when it comes to fresh evidence casting doubt on your conviction.
In Australia, your ability to challenge a conviction with fresh evidence depends on where you live, because each state and territory has different rules. Too often, it also depends on the resources someone can access, including money and knowledge of the legal system.
Everyone should have the same opportunities to clear their name, so how can we make accessing appeals more equitable?
State by state
Direct pathways to appeal differ between the states and territories.
In all postcodes, it’s difficult to get appeal courts to consider fresh evidence in the first instance.
South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and the ACT allow multiple appeal applications if “fresh and compelling” evidence emerges after your first appeal. Since 2013, six convictions have been quashed this way, including Henry Keogh’s in SA after the state coroner recanted trial evidence.
Tasmania and WA allow subsequent appeals only for serious offences, while SA has no such restriction.
New South Wales and the Northern Territory don’t allow subsequent appeals, so people there have less direct access to the courts if wrongly convicted.
There are, however, indirect ways people can seek an appeal with fresh evidence.
In all states, you can ask the government to refer your case back to an appeal court. For example, the Victorian Attorney-General referred Faruk Orman’s case after evidence emerged about his lawyer’s misconduct. Referral decisions are made in secret and not reviewable.
In the ACT, you can ask the Supreme Court for a judicial inquiry into your conviction. If you get an inquiry, the inquiry officer can refer your case back to the appeal court if they find reasonable doubt. This led to David Eastman’s conviction being quashed.
These inquiries are only available if the issue can’t be properly addressed in an appeal, for example because the time for filing an appeal has lapsed. But, the ACT introduced subsequent appeals in 2024 which have no time limit, so it is unclear whether this pathway is still usable.
You can also ask the NSW Supreme Court for an inquiry or direct referral of your case back to the appeal court. This path is available for all offences and sentences and decisions are public. Since 2014, 59 conviction review applications to the NSW Supreme Court have resulted in one inquiry order and six referrals, with three successful appeals.
The inquiry (currently underway) involves the Croatian Six, convicted in 1981 for conspiracy to bomb sites in Sydney. After many failed attempts, they finally secured an inquiry with fresh evidence casting doubt on police and witnesses’ trial evidence.
These different pathways across the country create an uneven playing field, where some wrongfully convicted people may have more opportunities to clear their name than others.
The right resources
Access to appeals doesn’t just depend on location. It’s also about resources.
To succeed in getting an appeal via any of the above pathways, you need the power to obtain documents and the resources to gather other evidence. You also need the ability to prepare a strong case. That’s before you even get to court.
Judicial inquiries have investigatory powers and resources, but are expensive. For example, the Eastman inquiry cost the ACT government $12 million.
These commissions have the power to compel evidence and resources to investigate claims of wrongful conviction at no cost to applicants. They also have the power to refer cases back to the courts. While these commissions don’t refer many cases overall, about 70% of of cases referred in the UK are successful on appeal.
But, even for commissions, a strong initial application is important. In the UK, the Cardiff University Innocence Project engages law students to investigate claims of innocence and prepare applications for claims with merit.
Canada and the United States don’t have criminal case review commissions. Innocence Projects there review claims of innocence and help prepare applications for government or court review.
This is similar to the work of the few innocence clinics in Australia, such as those at RMIT and Griffith universities.
Innocence initiatives around the world work with limited investigatory resources and powers compared with those of a review commission. In the absence of a such a commission in Australia, second appeals are useful, but they are expensive to run, hard to access and don’t address the resource issue.
The free NSW Supreme Court pathway doesn’t address the resource issue either. But it can lead to an inquiry or referral, is open and accountable, and comes with guiding criteria and discretion to make short shrift of baseless applications.
My research suggests free pathways to appeal are important justice mechanisms for the wrongly convicted, but they work best when applicants have legal help to prepare a clear and concise application. Involving law students to help edit applications could make it easier for decision-makers to review cases and help applicants without lawyers get a fairer chance to be heard.
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Image: Prime Minister Anthony Albnaese and Ambassador Kevin Rudd (Source: X)
Australia’s Ambassador to the United States and Former Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has deleted social media posts labelling Donald Trump “the most destructive president in history” amid growing political tensions over his appointment.
Rudd’s June 2020 comments, in which he described Trump as “a traitor to the West” who “drags America and democracy through the mud,” were quietly removed in the final stages of the US election campaign.
DFAT Deputy Secretary Elly Lawson told Senate estimates that Rudd’s office issued a statement confirming the deletion was done “out of respect for the office of President of the United States” and to prevent the comments from being “misconstrued as reflecting his positions as ambassador and, by extension, the views of the Australian government.”
Prime Minister Albanese, who had previously been critical of Trump, defended Rudd’s position, calling his ambassadorship “a sign of the importance we place on the US-Australia alliance.”
However, Trump responded pointedly to Rudd’s earlier criticisms. In an interview with British broadcaster Nigel Farage in March, he described Rudd as “nasty” and “not the brightest bulb,” suggesting,
“He won’t be there long if that’s the case.”
Opposition members have questioned the government’s choice of Rudd, arguing his previous criticisms could strain US-Australian relations.
Shadow Home Affairs Minister James Paterson told SkyNews that it was now on the Albanese government to show “Rudd is still the right choice.”
RNC Co-Chair Lara Trump commented on the tensions, saying it would be “hard” for someone who had “said such nasty things” to represent Australia.
Good to speak this morning with President Trump to personally congratulate him on his election victory.
We talked about the importance of the Alliance, and the strength of the Australia-US relationship in security, AUKUS, trade and investment.
Albanese, who spoke to Trump after his electoral victory, highlighted that security issues, including the AUKUS nuclear submarine agreement, remain central to the alliance.
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Early religions were also often tied up with healing. Sick people would turn to the shaman, priest or priestess for help.
While ancient peoples used the Sun to heal, this might not be how you think.
Since then, we’ve used light to heal in a number of ways. Some you might recognise today, others sound more like magic.
From warming ointments to sunbaking
There’s not much evidence around today that ancient peoples believed sunlight itself could cure illness. Instead, there’s more evidence they used the warmth of the Sun to heal.
The Ebers Papyrus, from ancient Egypt, had recipes for ointments that needed to be warmed by the Sun. Wellcome Collection
The Ebers Papyrus is an ancient Egyptian medical scroll from around 1500 BCE. It contains a recipe for an ointment to “make the sinews […] flexible”. The ointment was made of wine, onion, soot, fruit and the tree extracts frankincense and myrrh. Once it was applied, the person was “put in sunlight”.
Other recipes, to treat coughs for example, involved putting ingredients in a vessel and letting it stand in sunlight. This is presumably to warm it up and help it infuse more strongly. The same technique is in the medical writings attributed to Greek physician Hippocrates who lived around 450-380 BCE.
The physician Aretaeus, who was active around 150 CE in what is now modern Turkey, wrote that sunlight could cure chronic cases of what he called “lethargy” but we’d recognise today as depression:
Lethargics are to be laid in the light, and exposed to the rays of the Sun (for the disease is gloom); and in a rather warm place, for the cause is a congelation of the innate heat.
Classical Islamic scholar Ibn Sina (980-1037 CE) described the health effects of sunbathing (at a time when we didn’t know about the link to skin cancer). In Book I of The Canon of Medicine he said the hot Sun helped everything from flatulence and asthma to hysteria. He also said the Sun “invigorates the brain” and is beneficial for “clearing the uterus”.
It was sometimes hard to tell science from magic
All the ways of curing described so far depend more on the Sun’s heat rather than its light. But what about curing with light itself?
German mystic and visionary Jakob Lorber believed sunlight cured pretty much anything. Merkur Pub Co/Biblio
English scientist Sir Isaac Newton (1642-1727) knew you could “split” sunlight into a rainbow spectrum of colours.
This and many other discoveries radically changed ideas about healing in the next 200 years.
But as new ideas flourished, it was sometimes hard to tell science from magic.
For example, German mystic and visionary Jakob Lorber (1800-1864) believed sunlight was the best cure for pretty much anything. His 1851 book The Healing Power of Sunlight was still in print in 1997.
Public health reformer Florence Nightingale (1820-1910) also believed in the power of sunlight. In her famous book Notes on Nursing, she said of her patients:
second only to their need of fresh air is their need for light […] not only light but direct sunlight.
Nightingale also believed sunlight was the natural enemy of bacteria and viruses. She seems at least partially right. Sunlight can kill some, but not all, bacteria and viruses.
Chromotherapy – a way of healing based on colours and light – emerged in this period. While some of its supporters claim using coloured light for healing dates back to ancient Egypt, it’s hard to find evidence of this now.
Modern chromotherapy owes a lot to the fertile mind of physician Edwin Babbitt (1828-1905) from the United States. Babbitt’s 1878 book The Principles of Light and Color was based on experiments with coloured light and his own visions and clairvoyant insights. It’s still in print.
Babbitt invented a portable stained-glass window called the Chromolume, designed to restore the balance of the body’s natural coloured energy. Sitting for set periods under the coloured lights from the window was said to restore your health.
Indian entrepreneur Dinshah Ghadiali (1873-1966) read about this, moved to the US and invented his own instrument, the Spectro-Chrome, in 1920.
The theory behind the Spectro-Chrome was that the human body was made up of four elements – oxygen (blue), hydrogen (red), nitrogen (green) and carbon (yellow). When these colours were out of balance, it caused sickness.
Some hour-long sessions with the Spectro-Chrome would restore balance and health. By using its green light, for example, you could reportedly aid your pituitary gland, while yellow light helped your digestion.
While some of these treatments sound bizarre, we now know certain coloured lights treat some illnesses and disorders.
Phototherapy with blue light is used to treat newborn babies with jaundice in hospital. People with seasonal affective disorder (sometimes known as winter depression) can be treated with regular exposure to white or blue light. And ultraviolet light is used to treat skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
Today, light therapy has even found its way into the beauty industry. LED face masks, with celebrity endorsements, promise to fight acne and reduce signs of ageing.
But like all forms of light, exposure to it has both risks and benefits. In the case of these LED face masks, they could disrupt your sleep.
This is the final article in our ‘Light and health’ series, where we look at how light affects our physical and mental health in sometimes surprising ways. Read other articles in the series.
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
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Image: India's MEA Dr S. Jaishankar met with Australia - India Parliamentary Friendship Group (Source: X)
During his recent Canberra visit, India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar, boosted Australia-India relations, engaging with key leaders and celebrating the nations’ growing strategic partnership.
Dr Jaishankar addressed members of the Australia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group, thanking them for their commitment to enhancing political, economic, and people-to-people ties.
Happy to interact with members of Australia – India Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Appreciate their warm sentiments for stronger political, economic and people to people ties with India.
In a post on X, he expressed gratitude for their support, emphasising, “Happy to interact with members of Australia-India Parliamentary Friendship Group. Appreciate their warm sentiments for stronger political, economic and people-to-people ties with India.”
Co-chair of Parliamentary Friends of India Julian Leeser MP said, “It was great to see India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar in Parliament this week. Dr Jaishankar is one of the most significant figures in foreign policy around the world and he is a great friend of Australia.”
“The rise of India is an unalloyed good for Australia.”
“Under the Coalition we concluded the comprehensive strategic partnership the defence interoperability agreement and the ECTA trade agreement.”
“The strength of the relationship our two countries is built on shared interests, shared values and is underpinned by our wonderful Indian diaspora,” Mr Leeser added.
Later, Dr Jaishankar met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, expressing appreciation for the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries.
In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, “Delighted to call on PM Anthony Albanese in Canberra today. Value his guidance for deepening India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership,” to which Albanese responded with equal enthusiasm, noting, “Our growing relationship with India matters to Australia.”
Delighted to call on PM Anthony Albanese in Canberra today. Conveyed warm greetings of PM @narendramodi.
During the visit, Dr Jaishankar also discussed with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, at the “Raisina Down Under” conference, an Australian version of India’s prestigious Raisina Dialogue. The ministers addressed the shared vision and mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region, reinforcing the importance of collaboration.
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Image: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with President Donald Trump (Source: X)
By Anurag Punetha
“So much labour, so much pain, finally it’s a boy.” This tweet captured the relief and exhaustion surrounding Trump’s return to the presidency, likening it to the anticipation of a birth.
For many, it’s a hard-won victory; for others, a moment to reflect on what lies ahead. Comparing the outcome to the birth of a “boy” adds a traditional sentiment to the scene, reflecting both change and enduring values in modern politics.
Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory. As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership. Together,… pic.twitter.com/u5hKPeJ3SY
The American political drama has reached its peak, with Trump defeating Kamala Harris in an election that captivated Indian families. For some Indian seniors avidly following political discussions on WhatsApp, it’s a reason to celebrate, while their children in Silicon Valley nervously ponder their H1-B visa futures.
During his first term, Trump advocated for stronger defence ties with India, securing significant agreements that boosted India’s standing in the Indo-Pacific. His stance on China was aligned with India’s concerns about China’s assertive moves in Asia. With Trump’s return, India may once again benefit from U.S. support against regional threats, particularly from China.
However, Trump’s individualistic foreign policy approach adds an element of uncertainty. While supportive of India’s stance on China, his tendency to change direction on a whim can cause concern, as any alliance or promise could be reversed with a tweet.
Trump’s views on the Russia-Ukraine conflict may bring unexpected advantages for India. With a preference for a more pragmatic approach to Russia, he may reduce pressure on India to distance itself from Moscow. India has balanced its relationships with both Russia and the West, and a less confrontational U.S. stance on Russia could allow India to pursue its own interests with less interference from Washington.
Another area of potential benefit is Trump’s hands-off approach to other countries’ domestic policies. Unlike some past U.S. administrations, which raised concerns over India’s internal matters—such as the revocation of Article 370 in Kashmir—Trump’s presidency was relatively quiet on these issues. For Modi’s government, this could mean fewer external complications on domestic policies, allowing India more freedom in governance without criticism from the U.S.
Yet Trump’s protectionist stance on trade could be a challenge. His criticism of countries he feels “take advantage” of U.S. markets includes India. High tariffs and a focus on reducing trade imbalances could impact sectors like Indian IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, all of which depend heavily on American markets. India may face tough negotiations if Trump pushes for terms that prioritise American industries.
Similarly, Trump’s immigration policies present both challenges and hopes for India. In his previous term, he imposed restrictions on H1-B visas, affecting Indian skilled workers and the Indian IT sector. Trump’s return raises questions about the future of these policies, which could again impact Indian professionals aiming to work in the U.S. and the companies relying on their skills.
Trump’s transactional approach to security alliances also brings potential risks. His ambiguous stance on issues like Taiwan’s security has left some Asian allies uneasy. While Trump’s tough talk on China resonates with India’s concerns, any weakening of U.S. support for its regional allies could create a void, possibly emboldening China. India may need to balance a close partnership with the U.S. while also preparing for scenarios where it stands more independently in Asia.
Ultimately, Trump’s return offers both opportunities and risks for India. Strengthened defence ties, fewer interferences on domestic issues, and potential flexibility with Russia are positives, but Trump’s unpredictability, trade protectionism, and immigration restrictions may complicate India’s path. India’s leaders will need to stay agile, ready to adapt to the shifting dynamics of Trump’s policies while maximising gains and mitigating risks.
In a sense, India’s relationship with Trump’s America will be like a typical Indian joint family—complicated, sometimes turbulent, yet held together by shared interests. New Delhi’s strategy could echo the advice of an Indian grandmother: “adjust a little, stand firm a little.” India will need to navigate Trump’s unpredictable policies while ensuring its own priorities remain clear. As they say in Hindi, “Dosti bhi, business bhi” (Friendship as well as business).
In the Modi-Trump 2.0 era, diplomacy will resemble a lively duet, where India must deftly play both offence and defence. As a seasoned diplomat might muse, “In diplomacy, as in cricket, it’s not just about hitting every ball, but knowing which ones to let pass.” For India, the game with Trump has begun anew.
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Republican candidate and former President Donald Trump will return to the White House as America’s 47th president after a huge victory over Democrat candidate and Vice-President Kamala Harris.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese offered his congratulations to President Donald Trump on his historic victory in the US presidential election.
Your vote will lead us to Greatness.
Your vote will unleash a new GOLDEN AGE!
Your vote will MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! GREATER THAN EVER BEFORE!
Albnaese posted on X, “Australians and Americans are great friends and true allies. Working together, we can ensure the partnership between our nations and peoples remains strong into the future.”
Congratulations to President Donald Trump on his election victory.
Australians and Americans are great friends and true allies.
Working together, we can ensure the partnership between our nations and peoples remains strong into the future.
Opposition leader, Peter Dutton, echoed Albnaese’s sentiment, praising the resilience of the US-Australia alliance and the shared values that underpin it.
On behalf of the Federal Coalition, Dutoon said, “May the years ahead be some of the most defining for our Alliance in which, driven by tests of our times, the necessity of deterrence, and the cause of securing peace through strength, we unleash the defence, industrial and economic opportunities of AUKUS at speed and scale.”
In this endeavour, may we draw renewed energy and confidence from the things that unite the American and Australian people: the principles we hold dear, the patriotism that drives us, and the pragmatism that defines us.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also among the first world leaders to congratulate Trump on his win. Modi took to X to share his optimism about building on their past successes, tweeting, “Had a great conversation with my friend, President @realDonaldTrump, congratulating him on his spectacular victory. Looking forward to working closely together once again to further strengthen India-US relations across technology, defence, energy, space and several other sectors.”
Had a great conversation with my friend, President @realDonaldTrump, congratulating him on his spectacular victory. Looking forward to working closely together once again to further strengthen India-US relations across technology, defence, energy, space and several other sectors.
Modi later spoke with Trump directly, and sources report that Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the US-India friendship, calling Modi and India “true friends.”
The renewed US administration signals continuity but with the trademark unpredictability Trump brings to the global stage.
Trump previously proposed crippling tariffs on Chinese imports in excess of 60 per cent if re-elected and ending the country’s most-favoured nation trading status. His return could mean further negotiations on trade and immigration, a unified stance against China, and a firm stance on Islamist terrorism.
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Image: War ammunition (Source: @IRIran_Military - X)
By Omer Ghazi
The Israel-Iran conflict is showing no signs of de-escalation as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched precise strikes deep within Iranian territory, marking a dramatic turning point in the conflict’s intensity and scale.
On the early morning of 26th October, Israeli jets and drones surged across Iran’s skies, executing a well-coordinated assault that battered Iranian air defences and obliterated vital missile and drone production facilities. This three-hour barrage targeted the heavily fortified Parchin military complex near Tehran, a key site for Iran’s missile programs.
Experts analysing the damage estimate that these strikes have significantly curtailed Iran’s capacity to mass-produce missiles, thus striking a blow not only to Iran’s immediate military capabilities but also to its long-term deterrent strategies against adversaries in the region. For the first time, Israel openly acknowledged hitting Iran, underlining the attack as a direct response to “relentless attacks” orchestrated by Iran and its proxies—a stark shift from Israel’s previous stance of calculated ambiguity.
“I can now confirm that we have concluded the Israeli response to Iran’s attacks against Israel. We conducted targeted and precise strikes on military targets in Iran — thwarting immediate threats to the State of Israel.”
As West Asia braces for the reverberations of this escalation, the political and humanitarian costs are glaringly apparent, prompting urgent calls for restraint.
India, a key diplomatic force in the conflict, issued a grave statement on 26th October, cautioning against the spiralling violence that “benefits nobody” and emphasising the untenable plight of innocent hostages and civilians caught in the crossfire. With a clear-eyed concern for regional stability, India warned of the wider implications for peace, subtly reminding the international community of the fragility that underpins the delicate balance in West Asia.
The above statement underscores India’s longstanding diplomatic stance of non-alignment and prudent restraint, echoing its hopes for de-escalation even as the situation teeters on the brink of a more expansive, unpredictable conflict that could plunge the region—and perhaps even the world—deeper into chaos.
After the heinous October 7 terror attack on Israel, the terror group Hamas has sustained some serious blows in the form of its top leadership being assassinated. Whether the Hamas leadership genuinely miscalculated the intensity of Israeli retaliation or they intentionally sacrificed the lives of countless Palestinian civilians to gain sympathy and funding is a question no one can answer.
The reason is that the October 7 terror attack contributed absolutely nothing constructive for the Palestinian people or, as they themselves put it, their cause. Soon, the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah, too jumped into the conflict and arguably sustained even bigger blows to its foundations.
The assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, followed swiftly by the elimination of key operatives like Yahya Sinwar in Gaza and Fatah Sharif in Lebanon, demonstrates that their brazen tactics are leading only to their own undoing. Meanwhile, Hezbollah, with its founder and head Hassan Nasrallah and prominent figures like Ali Karaki and Nabil Kaouk taken out in calculated Israeli strikes, finds its very foundation destabilised.
India’s official position in this complicated scenario is driven both by geo-political pragmatism as well as humanitarian concerns; however, these incidents have given birth to a curious phenomenon within certain sections of Indian intelligentsia: the glorification of terror outfits and their leadership.
This needs to be understood that asking Israel to exercise restraint is completely different from glorifying terrorists on the other side. One can take a humanitarian position for the people of Palestine without branding the likes of Yahya Sinwar as heroes of resistance; in fact, this can be argued that militant outfits like Hamas are the biggest enemies of Palestinian people and their rights. There are documented proofs of Hamas militants using Palestinian civilians as human shields and deliberately constructing their hideouts in heavily populated civilian areas, putting them at risk.
This manipulation is a calculated move, one designed to garner international sympathy by presenting images of devastation without exposing the underlying tactical choices that led to it. The people of Gaza, therefore, become pawns in a propaganda war, their suffering amplified by the very organisation claiming to defend their rights. Moreover, Hamas’ recruitment and indoctrination of minors, training them in militant activities and encouraging martyrdom, further underscores the extent to which the group prioritises its ideological goals over human life.
With significant financial support flowing in from sympathetic nations and organisations, these leaders have settled into lavish residences in places like Qatar and Kuwait, enjoying the fruits of a war economy that thrives on perpetual conflict. Instead of directing resources toward the welfare of the Palestinian people, much of this funding is funnelled into constructing terror tunnels, acquiring weapons, and enhancing military capabilities—priorities that starkly contrast with the urgent needs for education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements in Gaza.
Why exactly Indian fascists are celebrating the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar ? Begaani shaadi mein ye Abdullah kyun deewane ho rahe hain ?
Given the current circumstances, the remarks from various Indian commentators are profoundly troubling. Journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani made an attempt at wit with her statement: “Why exactly are Indian fascists celebrating the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar? Begaani shaadi mein ye Abdullah kyun deewane ho rahe hain?” Beyond being utterly un-amusing, her comment reveals a concerning admiration for a terrorist figure.
Similarly, actress Swara Bhasker posted on X: “I didn’t know anything about Yahya Sinwar till I saw the footage of his last moments & assassination by the Zionist State and now I think he’s a revolutionary hero. Listen to his will, his last words and tell me that you are unmoved. #FreePalestine”
The usual suspect, Arundhati Roy, wrote an extremely troubling piece in Dawn wherein she asserted: “I am expected to equivocate to protect myself, my ‘neutrality’, my intellectual standing. This is the part where I am meant to lapse into moral equivalence and condemn Hamas, the other militant groups in Gaza and their ally Hezbollah, in Lebanon, for killing civilians and taking people hostage. And to condemn the people of Gaza who celebrated the Hamas attack… I refuse to play the condemnation game. Let me make myself clear. I do not tell oppressed people how to resist their oppression or who their allies should be.”
This is not just apologia for terror outfits, it’s their glorification. It is allegedly provoking people to get recruited into terror outfits, kill civilians, take people hostage if they can fit themselves into the very vague definition of “oppressed”.
Several politicians, specifically in Kashmir, also gave extremely troubling statements. PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti called off her political campaign in “solidarity” with ‘martyrs’ of Lebanon and Gaza. “Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza, especially Hassan Nasarullah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance,” she tweeted.
Cancelling my campaign tomorrow in solidarity with the martyrs of Lebanon & Gaza especially Hassan Nasarullah. We stand with the people of Palestine & Lebanon in this hour of immense grief & exemplary resistance.
Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Member of Parliament, Srinagar called Nasrallah a spirit of resistance and expressed complete solidarity with him. Sajad Lone, MLA from Handwara, Kashmir tweeted: “Mourning the supreme martyrdom of Shaheed Syed Hassan Nasrallah. May Allah (SWT) bless his soul & grant us strength to carry forward his legacy against oppressors.”
It is extremely concerning that these observations have been made by individuals on responsible positions; journalists, political commentators and elected representatives that not only influence masses within the national framework but whose words also carry international weight.
We also saw huge masses protesting the killing of Nasrallah in the streets of Lucknow and Kashmir, singing eulogies and expressing condolences for the head of the terror outfit.
Any viable solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict would only begin with the realisation of a two-state framework. Slogans like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” may sound revolutionary but, in reality, carry disturbing genocidal and anti-Semitic undertones.
My Lord! Let my entry be good, and my exit be good. And grant me from You a helping authority.
Organisations like Hamas and Hezbollah have shown no interest in peaceful solutions; rather, their agendas hinge on radicalising Palestinian youth for the sake of sustaining their own power and influence. The Palestinian people deserve leaders who put the future of their children first, choosing dialogue over militancy and channelling resources into Gaza’s development instead of fuelling cycles of violence through terror tunnels and weapon stockpiles.
Lebanese Hezbollah stated in a statement that it has targeted the northern part of the occupied city of Safed with missiles and struck Zionist terrorists in the northeastern outskirts of the town of Marun al-Ras in southern Lebanon with missiles. pic.twitter.com/pkF6NIPJaw
Palestinian leaders like Mahmoud Abbas, Hanan Ashrawi, and the late Saeb Erekat have long championed a peaceful two-state solution as the viable path forward, envisioning a future where Israel and Palestine coexist side by side.
Abbas, as President of the Palestinian Authority, has consistently advocated for diplomacy over violence, while Erekat, one of the most recognised Palestinian negotiators, dedicated his life to the peace process. Figures like Ashrawi and Mustafa Barghouti, both known for their unwavering commitment to nonviolent resistance, have called for international support and human rights as pillars of the Palestinian cause.
Additionally, Salam Fayyad’s pragmatic governance style—focused on state-building and economic stability—offered a blueprint for Palestinian self-sufficiency. Collectively, these leaders embody a vision of Palestinian statehood grounded in diplomacy, rights, and resilience, striving to overcome the barriers of conflict with a focus on long-term coexistence and peace.
Therefore, between Abbas and Ashrawi, who advocate for a peaceful resolution and a two-state solution, and Sinwar and Nasrallah, whose militant ideologies perpetuate violence and conflict, Indian commentators and observers face a clear choice. This decision reflects not only their stance on the Israel-Palestine issue but also their commitment to the broader principles of peace, coexistence, and the protection of human rights.
By aligning with leaders like Abbas and Ashrawi, who prioritize dialogue and diplomacy, commentators can contribute to a narrative that seeks constructive engagement and the betterment of Palestinian lives. Conversely, endorsing figures like Sinwar and Nasrallah only serves to amplify extremism and hinder the prospects for a sustainable peace, further entrenching cycles of violence that have plagued the region for decades.
Contributing Author: Omer Ghazi is a proponent of religious reform and identifies himself as “an Indic Muslim exploring Vedic knowledge and cultural heritage through music”. He extensively writes on geo-politics, history and culture and his book “The Cosmic Dance” is a collection of his poems. When he is not writing columns, he enjoys playing drums and performing raps.
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Image: Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton MP, met with India’s Minister for External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar, in Canberra (Source: X)
The Leader of the Opposition, Peter Dutton MP, met with India’s Minister for External Affairs, Dr S. Jaishankar, in Canberra to discuss the growing strategic partnership between Australia and India.
Welcoming Dr Jaishankar to Australia, Dutton emphasised the importance of collaboration across trade, security, and community links between the two nations.
A great pleasure to meet with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar in Parliament today to discuss our shared progress in trade, security, and people-to-people links. pic.twitter.com/GfOgeXX6up
“It was a great pleasure to meet again with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to discuss our shared progress in trade, security, and people-to-people links,” Dutton said in a statement.
“Australia and India enjoy a strong and enduring partnership built on mutual respect and shared values.”
Dutton highlighted the role of Australia’s Indian community as a “bridge” between the two countries, reinforcing the depth of bilateral relations.
“As we face global challenges, I look forward to deepening our cooperation in key areas to ensure our partnership continues to benefit both our nations and fosters peace and prosperity across the region,” he added.
Good to meet @PeterDutton_MP, Leader of Liberal Party of Australia.
Shared perspectives on global issues and appreciate his support for our bilateral ties. pic.twitter.com/rVxLG8B5ND
Dutton shared on social media that his meeting with Dr Jaishankar, focused on advancing cooperation in trade, security, and community connections, emphasising the significant role of Australia’s Indian community in strengthening bilateral ties.
“Australia’s vibrant Indian community continues to be a bridge between our nations, strengthening the special relationship we share.”
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A woman’s body was discovered inside a car in Hurstville, Sydney, on Tuesday evening, prompting an investigation by local authorities.
Emergency services were called to Durham Street, Hurstville, around 5:15 p.m. following reports of concern for a person’s welfare. Upon arrival, police found the woman, believed to be in her 40s, deceased in the passenger seat of the vehicle.
The woman has not yet been formally identified, and her cause of death remains unknown. Police have established a crime scene at the location and are treating the incident as suspicious. The typically quiet Durham Street, which connects Hurstville with Carlton, has been partially cordoned off as investigations continue.
Images shared by media outlets show the vehicle taped off by police, with a handbag reportedly visible on top of the car. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to determine the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
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Australian Federal Police (AFP) members have returned home after working closely with Samoa Police, Prisons and Correction Services to ensure a secure and successful 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia.
AFP officers and technical specialists deployed to Samoa for CHOGM as part of the newly-formed Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG), alongside officers from Fiji, Tonga, and Vanuatu, funded through Samoa’s Pacific Community for Law Enforcement Cooperation.
Image: Pacific Police Support Group (Source: AFP)
AFP Commander Phillipa Connell praised Samoa Police’s extensive operation, calling it “a credit to their capability and planning” in safeguarding VIPs, delegates, and the community. She acknowledged the 15-year partnership with Samoa Police, highlighting the collaborative efforts in capability building, infrastructure support, and training.
Samoa Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo emphasised the Pacific law enforcement community’s unity during CHOGM.
“Bringing the PPSG to Samoa has shown the strength of our regional partnerships,” he said, expressing gratitude to the AFP for its continuous support.
Image: Pacific Police Support Group (Source: AFP)
The PPSG, established at the Pacific Islands Forum in August, serves as a rapid-deployment police force to bolster security across the Pacific during major events and crises.
This inaugural deployment brought together over 40 officers from 11 Pacific nations under the guidance of Samoa Police, with leadership from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.
Beyond personnel, AFP’s assistance included tactical training, a new Emergency Radio Network, the Safer City CCTV Network, and an Operations Centre, alongside donations of vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and first aid kits to Samoa Police’s Traffic Unit.
This ongoing support marks a milestone in the 15-year AFP-Samoa Police Partnership (SAPP), dedicated to fostering regional security and collaboration for the future.
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Image: Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump supporters (Source: X)
By Emma Shortis
As Americans vote in one of the most important presidential elections in generations, the country teeters on a knife edge. In the battleground states that will likely decide the result, the polling margins between Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are razor thin.
These tiny margins, and the general confusion around American politics today, make it impossible to predict the outcome.
The polls might well be wrong: the electorate may have shifted dramatically since 2020 in ways that will only reveal themselves after the election. The reality is we do not know much of anything for sure, and we may never be able to untangle all of the threads that make up the knot of American politics.
After two assassination attempts on Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden’s dramatic decision to leave the race in August, it is entirely possible this election will throw up more big surprises. But as things stand, there are three broad possibilities for what will happen on Election Day.
All of them throw up their own challenges – for the United States, and for the world.
Image: Republican Donald Trump supporters (Source: X)
Possibility 1: the return of Trump
Trump may make history and win back the White House. Only Grover Cleveland has managed to get elected a second time as president (in 1892) after suffering a defeat four years earlier.
If Trump does win, it could be via a similar path to the one he took in 2016 – by once again sundering the “blue wall” and winning the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan.
This feat will likely mean his campaign tactic of mobilising men has worked.
A Trump victory would represent the culmination of a generational project of the American right. A second Trump administration would be very different from the first – the movement behind Trump is more organised, focused and cognisant of the mistakes of the first Trump White House. It would also face considerably weakened democratic guardrails.
The implementation of Trump’s radical agenda, alongside some or all of the broader far-right agenda detailed in the Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025, would radically reshape American life and create political and economic chaos.
The rest of the world would have to reorient itself, once again, around Trump.
It is entirely possible Harris makes history – not only by beating Trump, but by becoming the first woman and woman of colour to win the US presidency.
Like Trump, if Harris does win, it will likely be through one or more of the battleground states – in particular, Pennsylvania and Georgia.
For Harris, victory will likely come via high turnout by women and voters of colour, particularly African-Americans, or through a combination of turnout by this core Democratic base and swing voters in key states like Pennsylvania.
How Harris wins – and by how much – will be crucial, both to the immediate aftermath of the election and to the shape of a future Harris administration.
A big question: can she win by enough to head off resistance by Trump and the movement behind him? As Australian writer Don Watson has noted, a Harris victory would likely be taken as an existential defeat by the MAGA movement.
How Trump’s supporters react to such a defeat – and how US institutions react to their reaction – will be a critical test for American democracy.
Image: Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump (Source: X)
Possibility 3: too close to call
This brings us to the third possibility: the polls are correct, and it’s such a tight race that the margins in the battleground states are in the thousands of votes, or even less.
If it is that close, counting could take days. And there could be recounts after that.
While conspiracies abound, a delay in the result like this would be an entirely predictable and normal outcome. In the United States, there isn’t one system for counting the votes; elections are run by the states on a county-by-county basis, and each state does it differently.
Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, for example, legally can’t start counting mail-in votes until the polls open on Election Day.
Then there is the supposed “blue shift” or “red mirage” that sometimes occurs on election night.
There are now many ways to vote in the US – in person on Election Day, early voting before Election Day or by mail-in ballot. And the time it takes to count these different ballots can vary. So, it may appear as if one candidate is winning early in the night (say, when in-person votes are counted) only for their opponent to slowly turn the tide (when mail-in ballots are counted).
In the 2020 election, this meant early Trump (“red”) leads were gradually lost to the Biden (“blue”) votes. Researchers found that counties won by Biden counted more slowly, on average, than those won by Trump – hence the so-called “blue shift”.
This is an entirely normal – and legal – phenomenon. In Nevada, for instance, state law permits mail-in ballots to be counted four days after Election Day, so long as they were postmarked by Election Day.
Trump and his surrogates like Steve Bannon, however, have exploited the differing times it takes to count votes to peddle baseless conspiracy theories, undermining Americans’ faith in their own democracy, and to incite unrest.
By baselessly declaring victory in 2020 on the early “red mirage” tallies in key states before all the votes were counted, Trump was able to create what Bannon described as a “firestorm” – one that eventually led to the insurrection of January 6 2021.
This could very well happen again. Bannon, in fact, has just been released from prison after serving four months for contempt of Congress, and could once again be a driving force in any post-election challenges by the Trump campaign.
Trump, meanwhile, lied again this week when he said “these elections have to be, they have to be decided by 9 o’clock, 10 o’clock, 11 o’clock on Tuesday night” – laying the groundwork for further election conspiracies.
Delays are normal – but fraught
Trump has made it very clear he will not accept another election loss. If he does lose, he or his surrogates will attempt to weaponise similar conspiracy theories again. They may also use legal challenges to vote counts as they did in 2020 – both to contest the result and to once again mobilise the MAGA movement.
In the event of close margins, it’s also possible some states will go to a recount.
There are different rules for this in different states. To take one example, if the margin is within 0.5% in Georgia, a candidate can request a recount.
In the 2020 presidential election, Biden narrowly defeated Trump in Georgia by 0.25%, which triggered a full hand recount of the votes. The Associated Press declared Biden the winner of the state more than two weeks after Election Day. A second recount was later reconfirmed by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
Again, this is a normal part of the process. It ensures all votes are counted accurately and the result reflects the democratic will of the American people as best as the (admittedly, deeply flawed) system allows.
Such a delay, legitimate as it would be, would elevate the already very real risk of further political violence and instability in the United States.
None of these outcomes is inevitable. 2024 is not 2020; nor is it 2016. What happens next in America depends on the movement and interplay of so many tangled threads, it is impossible to see where old ones end and new ones might begin.
In all of this, only one thing is certain. Whatever the result – and however long it takes to come through – the divisions and conspiracy theories that have destabilised American politics for so long will not be easily or quickly resolved. That knot may well prove impossible to untangle.
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
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Image: India's Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar with Senator Peeny Wong in Canberra (Source: X)
The Australia India Institute (AII) has been awarded the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership (AICCTP) grant by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for a groundbreaking project focused on strengthening submarine cable connectivity and resilience.
This collaboration brings together the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) and Australian cybersecurity leader CyberCX.
We’re cooperating in important sectors including science and technology, clean energy, agriculture, education and skills, and tourism.
Today, I announced the Albanese Government is funding 6 impressive projects under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership.
The project, titled “Securing the Internet’s Backbone: Developing an Australia-India Framework for Strengthening Submarine Cable Connectivity, Resilience, and Supply Chains,” is spearheaded by AII Research Fellow Samuel Bashfield.
Bashfield is expert on Indo-Pacific security and defence policy with ten years’ experience as an author, researcher, consultant and project manager, delivering insights and dialogue on our most pressing national security challenges.
Image: AII Research Fellow Samuel Bashfield (Source: LinkedIn)
Bashfield emphasised the crucial role of submarine cables, which handle nearly 99% of global internet traffic and are essential to digital communication.
“Submarine cable networks form the backbone of modern digital information flows,” he added.
“As these networks expand, the need to protect and enhance their resilience has become even more urgent.”
This project was selected in round four of DFAT’s AICCTP funding and underscores Australia and India’s shared dedication to cybersecurity and critical technology.
Addressing the press alongside FM @SenatorWong in Canberra today.
The initiative will produce policy-focused publications and culminate in a “1.5 Track Dialogue” in Perth in 2025, gathering leaders from government, industry, and academia to strengthen digital infrastructure resilience.
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It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of my dear friend, Prof. Amar Nath Dwivedi, who departed this mortal world on October 29, 2024. Born on January 3, 1943, in the small village of Kothiyahi in Pratapgarh district, Uttar Pradesh, India, he led a life marked by intellectual achievement and dedication.
Prof. Dwivedi pursued his higher education at the University of Allahabad (now Prayagraj). After completing his postgraduate studies, he earned a PhD in English from Meerut University. Following his doctoral work, he taught in Rajasthan and later at Gurukul Kangri University in Haridwar.
Prof. Dwivedi then joined the Department of English at the University of Allahabad, where he taught for over three decades and retired as a senior professor. Later, he served as a Senior Consultant in English at UP Rajarshi Tandon Open University in Prayagraj and also undertook an official assignment in Yemen as Professor and Chairman of the Department of English at Taiz University.
As a teacher, Prof. Dwivedi left a lasting impression on his students. He was widely respected as a literary critic, essayist, and poet of English, garnering recognition from students and scholars in India and abroad.
An author of more than two dozen books and over a hundred research articles, Prof. Dwivedi made commendable contributions to Indian Writing in English and literary theory. His journey, from a rural village to significant academic achievements, reflects his resilience and determination.
Image: Prof. Amar Nath Dwivedi (Source: Supplied)
Prof. Dwivedi found immense joy in writing poetry, a passion that kept him creatively engaged well into his later years. His poetry collections are the subject of ongoing PhD research, and his work earned admiration from celebrated authors such as Kamala Das, Keki N. Daruwalla, and Tabish Khair.
Poetry, for him, became a bridge between life and death, as he completed and submitted his final poetry collection to the publisher just three hours before his passing. In 2016, he served as a jury member for the Sahitya Akademi Award in English.
Prof. Dwivedi was a steadfast adherent of human values, embodying qualities of humility, simplicity, and sincerity. As his colleague, I was deeply influenced by his gentle and unassuming nature, which reflected the spiritual and human values that defined his character. His passing is an irreplaceable loss to the academic community.
I pray that his soul finds union with the Divine, the Light of lights (“Jyotisaam Jyoti”).
Contributing Author: Prof. O.P. Budholia is a retired Professor of English from Sanchi University of Buddhist-Indic Studies, Madhya Pradesh, India.
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Image: India's Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar with Senator Peeny Wong in Canberra (Source: The Australia Today)
India’s Foreign Minister Dr S. Jaishankar voiced concerns over political space being granted to Khalistani extremist groups in Canada during a joint press conference with Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong.
Addressing the issue, Dr Jaishankar noted that India has raised the matter with Australia, marking it as a shared point of security dialogue.
Earlier Senator Wong, welcoming Dr Jaishankar to Canberra for the 15th Australia-India Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue, highlighted the strong, strategic, and community ties between the two nations.
With close to one million Australians tracing their heritage to India, Senator Wong described the partnership as a keystone for stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific.
The dialogue offers both countries an opportunity to review advancements made in their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in 2020.
Image: India’s Minister for External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar with Senator Peeny Wong in Canberra (Source: X)
Senator Wong and Dr Jaishankar also discussed pathways for further collaboration in fields such as science, technology, clean energy, trade, investment, defence, and maritime security.
“India is an essential partner as we diversify our trade links and secure our supply chains,” Senator Wong observed, noting India’s trajectory as the fastest-growing major economy and its expected rise to the world’s third-largest economy by the end of the decade.
I also announced we will send a First Nations Business Mission to India for the first time next year.
It will support new commercial partnerships for First Nations businesses looking to engage with India and will promote First Nation businesses to new markets overseas.
Highlighting new initiatives, Senator Wong announced government funding for six projects under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technology Partnership and revealed plans to send Australia’s first-ever First Nations Business Mission to India next year, aiming to expand commercial opportunities and promote First Nations businesses on an international scale.
“This week, Minister Jaishankar and I will advance our cooperation in science, technology, agriculture, education, and tourism, building on our strong strategic partnership,” Senator Wong said, emphasising a shared commitment to a secure, stable, and thriving Indo-Pacific region.
Visited Australia’s Humanitarian Logistics Capability (HLC) warehouse for HADR supplies to the Pacific.
Disaster relief in Indo – Pacific is an emerging element of our bilateral ties. Appreciate Australia’s support for delivery of relief material to Papua New Guinea in June… pic.twitter.com/Y45AfAuLAJ
The ministers will also participate in ‘Raisina Down Under,’ Australia’s edition of India’s Raisina Dialogue, to exchange insights on regional dynamics shaping the Indo-Pacific.
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Image: Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican former President Donald Trump (Source: X)
By Bruce Wolpe
On election eve in the United States, the presidential race is deadlocked. The polls are exceptionally close across the country and in all the swing states – Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin in the industrial midwest; Nevada and Arizona in the west; and Georgia and North Carolina in the south.
The final New York Times/Siena poll shows Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris leading by a very small margin or tied with Republican former President Donald Trump in all the swing states. The exception is Arizona, where Trump leads by a few percentage points.
While there is no clear favourite to win, there are several critical factors that will driving voters’ decisions on Election Day. This is what to watch.
Republicans turning against Trump
Trump’s favourability is stuck around 43% in nationwide polling. In the past two presidential elections, he fell short of taking 50% of the national popular vote. As president, he never achieved over 50% favourability. And he has never topped 50% since leaving office.
This means he has hit a ceiling in his support and is highly unlikely to win the national popular vote on Tuesday.
This also reflects what happened to Trump in the Republican primaries to win the nomination. He dominated the field, defeating Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, and several others. But in most of those primaries, 15-20% of Republican voters did not vote for Trump.
Where will these Republican voters ultimately land on Tuesday? Probably half want to vote Republican and will go with Trump. Others will not being able to bring themselves to vote for Harris and will simply not vote for president.
Others will switch their support to Harris. Indeed, there has never been such a swelling of support from members of one party to support the other party’s presidential candidate.
Harris needs those “Republicans for Harris” votes. In addition, she’ll need to replicate the coalition of young voters, voters of colour and women who backed current President Joe Biden against Trump in 2020 in those same swing states and nationally.
Her favourability ratings are higher than Trump, at around 46%. The closer a presidential candidate is to 50% approval ratings, the better their chance of winning the election.
It’s the economy, stupid
At the same time, the country is in a bad mood. There is a classic polling question asked at elections: is the country on the right track, or moving in the wrong direction? Between 60–70% of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track.
That is a signal this election is about change. Historically, that sentiment has not favoured the incumbent in the White House. As Biden’s vice president, Harris is directly facing this headwind.
There are four key issues in this election. The most important is the hip pocket issue: household budgets, cost of living pressures and voters’ concerns about their future economic security.
Since Biden and Harris took office nearly four years ago, the cost of groceries, household items, utilities and services such as insurance have risen between 10–40%. Petrol prices have gone up even more.
Though interest rates have fallen, American households are hurting. When asked who is best to manage the economy, voters in swing states say Trump by a 15-point margin.
The next-biggest issue is immigration. Since Trump first became a presidential candidate in 2015, he has relentlessly pushed the immigration button, declaring the border with Mexico is out of control, with crime and pillage rising in its wake.
The first three years of Biden’s term were also marked by big surges of immigrants crossing the border, though rates have fallen dramatically in 2024.
Voters view Trump as best placed to manage this issue, too, by nearly 15 points.
Abortion rights and reproductive health services are the third major issue. Many women across America are repelled by the Supreme Court’s decision to take away their long-held constitutional right to an abortion. Now, this policy is decided at the state level. And several conservative Republican states – including Ohio and Kansas – have voted to restore abortion rights.
Harris is seen as the champion of these issues. Multiple pollsshow voters trust her more than Trump on reproductive rights, by wide margins.
Abortion rights are also on the ballot in two swing states, Nevada and Arizona, which should help Harris in both.
The future of American democracy is the fourth major issue facing voters. According to a new poll, half the country sees Trump as a profound threat to America’s democracy who will wield authoritarian power to enforce his policies and programs.
Harris has pledged to turn the page, heal divisions and get Republicans and Democrats working together again.
In these closing days, Trump continues to make provocative statements with violent imagery. At a rally in Arizona last week, for instance, he again attacked Liz Cheney, the former Republican congresswoman who advocated for the prosecution of Trump over the January 6 insurrection:
She’s a radical war hawk. Let’s put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, OK? Let’s see how she feels about it. You know, when the guns are trained on her face.
This may have provided Harris with a final cut-through moment on Trump’s fitness for office in the final days of the campaign. She said in response:
Anyone who wants to be president of the United States who uses that kind of violent rhetoric is clearly disqualified and unqualified to be president. […] Trump is increasingly, however, someone who considers his political opponents the enemy, is permanently out for revenge and is increasingly unstable and unhinged.
So, who is going to win?
Trump’s team sees victory in all the polls. His chief pollster wrote late last week:
President Trump’s position nationally and in every single battleground state is significantly better than it was four years ago.
The polls may also be undercounting the full measure of Trump’s support, as was the case in 2016 and 2020. And the polls may not be reflecting the extent of antipathy towards Harris as a Black and south Asian woman.
Jen O’Malley Dillon, Harris’ campaign director, and who headed the 2020 Biden campaign that defeated Trump, has told her troops, meanwhile, that undecided voters are “gettable”, adding:
We have multiple pathways to victory […] Our folks are voting at levels we need them to vote in order for us to win.
Harris has built a US$1 billion (A$1.5 billion) machine designed to reach voters in the swing states – through personal contact. This machine made three million phone calls and door knocks on homes in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin alone on Saturday. If this machine delivers, it could be the boost Harris needs on election night.
Harris’ campaign also signalled over the weekend that late-deciding voters, and especially women, are breaking their way by double digits. There is a sense among Democrats that Harris is now peaking as the campaign concludes.
The final analysis
If Harris wins, it will be because she has successfully sealed the deal with those voters and made the election a referendum on Trump – that on balance the country has had enough of him after eight years. It also means her ground game delivered the votes.
If Trump wins, it will mean voters trusted him to manage inflation and the cost-of-living squeeze on households, as well as what they see as out-of-control immigration and crime. These messages would also have been further embellished by unease about Harris, a Black and south Asian woman, as president.
The global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today—with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors—is doing just that. Sustaining this requires support from wonderful readers like you.
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Image: Canadian police officer suspended after participating in protest outside Hindu temple (Source: X)
Sgt. Harinder Sohi, a Peel Regional Police officer, has been suspended after being caught on video participating in a controversial protest outside the Hindu Sabha Mandir temple in Brampton on Sunday.
Image: Canadian police officer suspended after participating in protest outside Hindu temple (Source: X)
Sgt. Harinder Sohi’s alleged action of joining pro-Khalistan violent protest were captured in a widely circulated video that has prompted an internal investigation by Peel Police.
#BREAKING: Canada’s Peel Regional Police has finally suspended compromised cop Sgt. Harinder Sohi for participating in anti-India Khalistan communal protest and violent attack on Hindu worshipers at the Brampton Hindu Sabha Temple in Canada. Canada acts under public pressure. pic.twitter.com/E2AatsVTnx
“The officer has been suspended in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act. We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the video and will refrain from further comment until the investigation is complete.”
The demonstration occurred as Indian consular officials were visiting the Hindu temple. Tensions escalated, with protesters seen displaying Khalistani flags.
The protest eventually turned violent, with reports of fistfights and individuals wielding flagpoles attacking Hindu worshippers.
A red line has been crossed by Canadian Khalistani extremists today. The attack by Khalistanis on the Hindu-Canadian devotees inside the premises of the Hindu Sabha temple in Brampton shows how deep and brazen has Khalistani violent extremism has become in Canada. I begin to feel… pic.twitter.com/vPDdk9oble
Allegations have also surfaced suggesting this is not the first protest attended by Sgt. Harinder Sohi.
Donald Best, a former Canadian senior police officer, claims that suspended police sergeant Sohi also participated in a pro-Khalistan protest in Toronto on 18 October 2024. According to Best, Sohi was seen holding a sign calling for the shutdown of the High Commission of India in Ottawa.
Hon. PM Justin Trudeau @JustinTrudeau, Can the actions of the former senior police officer, who is now exposed for participating in the balkanization of another sovereign nation, be considered foreign interference from our soil? @PierrePoilievre@PIFIEPIE Donald Best, a former… https://t.co/YnATdPVw3h
Political leaders in both Canada and India have denounced the violence. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the “unacceptable” acts, underscoring Canadians’ rights to practise faith freely and safely.
The acts of violence at the Hindu Sabha Mandir in Brampton today are unacceptable. Every Canadian has the right to practice their faith freely and safely.
Thank you to the Peel Regional Police for swiftly responding to protect the community and investigate this incident.
In response, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as a “deliberate attack,” urging the Canadian government to uphold the rule of law.
I strongly condemn the deliberate attack on a Hindu temple in Canada. Equally appalling are the cowardly attempts to intimidate our diplomats. Such acts of violence will never weaken India’s resolve. We expect the Canadian government to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
Following the altercations, Peel police increased their presence around the Hindu Sabha Mandir to maintain order. Chief Nishan Duraiappah addressed the incident, emphasising that while peaceful protests are permitted, violence and criminal activities will not be tolerated. “Those who participate in violence will be pursued, arrested, and charged,” Duraiappah stated.
Arrests Made at Protests in Brampton and Mississauga
Peel Police confirmed that four individuals were arrested, including Dilpreet Singh Bouns, a 43-year-old man from Mississauga, was charged with causing a disturbance and assault peace officer; Vikas, a 23-year-old man from Brampton, was charged with assault with a weapon; and Amritpal Singh, a 31-year-old man from Mississauga, was charged with mischief over $5,000. All three men will appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton at a later date. A fourth individual was arrested on an outstanding unrelated warrant and subsequently released.
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Image: Canberra Hindu temple vandalism (Source: Supplied)
NSW Police have arrested four suspects in connection with a series of temple break-ins that left Canberra’s Hindu community reeling.
The arrests were made in Yass, a town on the periphery of the Southern Tablelands and South West Slopes of New South Wales, after the suspects were stopped by officers; however, no charges have yet been laid by ACT Policing following the incidents.
ACT Police said in an email statement to The Australia Today:
“NSW Police arrested four people in relation to this incident after they were stopped in Yass….At this time, no charges have been laid by ACT Policing following the two burglary incidents.”
Image: Canberra Hindu temple vandalism (Source: Supplied)
CCTV footage from the Hindu Temple and Cultural Centre in Florey captured four masked individuals in a black Honda van ramming through the temple’s front door around 1:30 pm.
Image: Canberra Hindu temple vandalism (Source: Supplied)
Once inside, the perpetrators stole three small donation boxes and a massive 200 kg box containing thousands of dollars. Using a wheelbarrow found on-site, they loaded the heavy box into their van and fled, all in just 15 minutes.
Image: Canberra Hindu temple vandalism (Source: Supplied)
“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by this senseless act,” Temple Vice President Shree Tarun Agasti told The Australia Today.
“This vandalism affects not only our community but challenges the values of respect and inclusivity in Canberra.”
Shortly after, the same individuals allegedly targeted the Vishnu Shiva Temple, arriving at 2 pm when the temple was closed for a lunch break.
Armed with a crowbar, they forced their way inside, vandalising the reception area and stealing cash-filled safes.
Image: Canberra Hindu temple vandalism (Source: Supplied)
Their assault on the temple grew even more destructive as they ripped out concrete-embedded donation boxes with sledgehammers, violated sacred areas, and shattered the revered Shiva Lingam, a sacred symbol of Lord Shiva.
Image: Canberra Hindu temple vandalism (Source: Supplied)
Temple President Thamo Sritharan described the community’s distress, noting,
“It’s heartbreaking to witness such desecration of our place of worship. Targeting temples in this way is unacceptable.”
He urged the newly elected government to take swift action to protect Canberra’s Hindu community from further attacks.
Image: Canberra Hindu temple vandalism (Source: Supplied)
NSW Police told The Australia Today that on Saturday, 26 October 2024, around 6 pm, Hume Police District officers attempted to stop a black SUV in Murrumbateman. The vehicle failed to stop, prompting a police pursuit that was soon terminated for safety reasons. The pursuit was briefly reinitiated before being stopped again.
At approximately 8:45 pm, the SUV was located on Westbourne Road, Jugiong, where police arrested the driver, a 29-year-old man, and three passengers aged 39, 37, and 33. A search of the SUV uncovered cash boxes, guitars, jewellery, and power tools.
The driver was charged with multiple offences, including dangerous driving, driving without a licence, possession of stolen property, and participating in a criminal group, as well as two outstanding warrants. He was denied bail and is set to appear at Goulburn Local Court on 13 November 2024.
The three passengers were charged with receiving stolen property, failure to wear seatbelts, and involvement in criminal activity. They were granted conditional bail to appear at Yass Local Court on 14 November 2024.
Note: This story has been updated with further information received from NSW Police.
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