Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • 2026 Australian of the Year Awards held in Canberra as winners announced

    2026 Australian of the Year Awards held in Canberra as winners announced

    In a landmark celebration of national excellence, Katherine Bennell-Pegg—Australia’s inaugural officially qualified astronaut—has been distinguished as the 2026 Australian of the Year. The prestigious accolade, announced at a formal ceremony in Canberra, recognizes her pioneering contributions to the nation’s burgeoning space sector and her role as an inspirational figure for future generations.

    Ms. Bennell-Pegg earned her place in history by graduating from the European Astronaut Centre in Germany in 2024, outperforming 22,500 international candidates to secure one of six coveted positions. She is the first individual to qualify as an astronaut under the Australian flag, a moment she described as profoundly emotional. “It signified something far greater than myself,” she reflected during her acceptance address. “It represented Australia’s rightful place at the forefront of human exploration and kindled hope for more Australians to venture into space.”

    Her journey began in childhood, gazing at the stars from her backyard. However, with no national space agency at the time, she pursued her ambitions overseas, accumulating expertise on international space missions before returning to catalyze Australia’s space industry. As a prominent advocate for STEM diversity, she emphasized the importance of inclusion: “For years, I was often the only woman in the room. We must encourage young women to contribute their unique perspectives to scientific fields.”

    The awards ceremony also honored other exceptional Australians: Professor Henry Brodaty, named Senior Australian of the Year for his transformative research in dementia prevention; ultra-marathon runner Nedd Brockmann, recognized as Young Australian of the Year for raising over $8 million to combat homelessness; and Indigenous entrepreneur Frank Mitchell, awarded Local Hero for creating vocational opportunities for Aboriginal communities.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese presided over the event, announcing a government partnership with FightMND, the foundation led by 2025 Australian of the Year Neale Daniher, to establish a dedicated clinical network for motor neurone disease research. The national honors underscore a collective commitment to innovation, compassion, and social progress.

  • 80 beaches in Sydney, regional NSW to be patrolled by shark drones after ‘unprecedented’ spate of attacks

    80 beaches in Sydney, regional NSW to be patrolled by shark drones after ‘unprecedented’ spate of attacks

    The New South Wales government is implementing a significant expansion of its shark surveillance capabilities, deploying drone patrols to 80 beaches following what officials describe as an ‘unprecedented’ series of attacks. This emergency response comes after four separate shark incidents occurred within a concerning 48-hour window, including the tragic fatal attack on 12-year-old Nico Antic.

    The comprehensive $4.2 million funding package will dramatically enhance existing monitoring systems, adding 30 new patrol locations to the current network of 50 beaches covered by Surf Life Saving NSW’s drone operations. The expansion includes 19 Sydney beaches and 11 regional sites, creating the largest drone surveillance program in the southern hemisphere. From January 24 through the end of the April school holiday period, these aerial patrols will operate seven days per week, providing approximately 35,000 additional flight hours of monitoring.

    Beyond drone deployment, the initiative includes installing advanced shark listening stations in Sydney Harbour designed to provide rapid detection of tagged sharks. The scientific component of the program will focus specifically on bull sharks, investigating their population dynamics in Sydney Harbour, movement patterns, and potential high-risk periods.

    NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty emphasized that recent shark incidents following storm activity and heavy rainfall underscore the critical need for clear, practical safety information for beachgoers. ‘This funding will help expand drone surveillance, improve education and ensure timely warnings, so swimmers and surfers can make informed decisions about when to enter the water,’ Moriarty stated, while acknowledging that the measures do not constitute a ‘silver bullet’ solution.

    The enhanced surveillance comes as Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce reported that seven beaches were closed on a single Saturday following ten shark sightings. During the 2025/26 summer period, drone operations have already identified 461 sharks, triggering 170 countermeasures including beach evacuations, siren alerts, and rescue vessel deployments.

    The technology upgrade will enable semi-autonomous drone operations managed from a central headquarters, while the existing shark management tools—including 305 drumlines across 19 local government areas, 51 seasonal shark nets, and 37 existing listening stations—will remain operational. This expansion follows previous government trials removing shark nets at several beaches after scientific assessments questioned their effectiveness at preventing bites while creating a false sense of security.

  • Cosmetic surgeon sorry for picking apart singer Troye Sivan’s looks on TikTok

    Cosmetic surgeon sorry for picking apart singer Troye Sivan’s looks on TikTok

    A London-based cosmetic surgeon has ignited a significant conversation about medical ethics and body image after publicly analyzing pop star Troye Sivan’s appearance without consent. Dr. Zayn Khalid Majeed, who boasts over 250,000 social media followers, posted a two-minute video dissecting what he termed “problem areas” in the 30-year-old singer’s facial structure following a red carpet appearance in Australia.

    The video, which employed comparative imagery of Sivan throughout his career, introduced the concept of “twink death” – referring to the perceived aging of individuals who previously embodied a youthful, boyish aesthetic. Dr. Majeed proceeded to outline various cosmetic procedures including dermal fillers and skin boosters that could theoretically “retwinkify” the artist, framing his analysis within a hypothetical patient consultation scenario.

    This unsolicited medical commentary prompted immediate backlash from both fans and general social media users. The situation escalated when Sivan himself responded through a heartfelt Substack essay, revealing how the video had exacerbated long-standing body image insecurities and nearly pushed him toward considering cosmetic interventions. “I’ve struggled with my body image for a lot of my life, as I’m sure most people have,” the singer wrote, questioning the societal pressure to “fix all of these flaws that this random plastic surgeon told me I have.”

    Following the widespread criticism, Dr. Majeed removed the content from his TikTok and Instagram platforms and extended a personal apology to Sivan, which the singer described as “thoughtful and sweet.” In subsequent statements to BBC Newsbeat, the cosmetic practitioner expressed regret for the distress caused while maintaining his educational intent. “I felt terrible and it was never my intention to make him feel like that,” Majeed acknowledged, adding that he now recognizes how his content might contribute to negative beauty standards.

    The incident has stimulated broader discussion about ethical boundaries in medical social media content. Samantha Rizzo, a New York-based content creator focused on skin positivity, distinguishes between consensual educational content and unauthorized celebrity analysis: “I appreciate if you’re using your clients and they consent to their before, during, after photos. I feel a little icky when they’re just taking the celebrity’s picture. Just because they’re famous doesn’t mean you have the right to just pick them apart.”

    Rizzo speaks from personal experience, having undergone Botox injections that resulted in limited facial movement after being influenced by online content. She reflects that “the things you can see can skew your perception of yourself so much that it forces your hand for a decision like that.”

    Irish social media personality Keelin Moncrieff further emphasizes the impact on young audiences, noting that even well-intentioned transparency about procedures can inadvertently endorse them. “People can’t make up or fill in the gaps of what they’re not seeing behind the scenes,” she observes. “People think that this is an easy process.”

    Despite the controversy, Dr. Majeed indicates he will continue creating celebrity-focused content, believing there remains substantial public interest in “demystifying surgeries that celebrities have.” However, he now pledges to leverage his platform to promote body positivity and natural aging processes, stating: “I have a voice and I need to use it to shape conversations for the better.”

  • ‘Not deterred’: Anthony Albanese defiant after alleged far-right kidnap threat

    ‘Not deterred’: Anthony Albanese defiant after alleged far-right kidnap threat

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has adopted a resolute stance following disclosures that far-right extremists with neo-Nazi affiliations allegedly plotted to kidnap him. The reported threats emerged from an online Discord chatroom operated by radical activists, where discussions allegedly included a $10,000 offer to rent a vehicle for the abduction operation. These developments occurred shortly after the Bondi Beach terror attack, though investigators have not connected the plot to that incident.

    Addressing the security concerns, Prime Minister Albanese confirmed that threat levels against him have substantially increased, particularly following events of December 14. Despite these security challenges, the Prime Minister emphasized his unwavering commitment to public engagements and direct interaction with Australian citizens. ‘My primary focus remains ensuring the safety of all Australians, not myself,’ Albanese stated during an ABC interview. ‘I maintain full confidence in the Australian Federal Police and security authorities to perform their duties effectively.’

    The security climate has intensified significantly in recent months, with at least five individuals facing charges for allegedly threatening both Prime Minister Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns. These cases include a Sydney man accused of making threatening communications to the Prime Minister’s office and a 19-year-old from Western Australia allegedly sending social media messages containing death threats.

    This escalation coincides with increased visibility of neo-Nazi organizations across Australia. The recently dissolved Nationalist Socialist Network (NSN) has drawn particular attention from security agencies, with ASIO Director-General Mark Burgess and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke repeatedly highlighting concerns about the group’s extremist rhetoric. The group announced its disbandment following new anti-hate legislation passed by federal parliament in response to the Bondi attack.

    The threat environment has extended beyond the Prime Minister, with NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane reporting similar security concerns after criticizing neo-Nazi demonstrations outside state parliament. In a separate development, neo-Nazi figure Joel Davis was denied bail this month for allegedly inciting violence against independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender through Telegram communications.

  • WHO chief says reasons US gave for withdrawing ‘untrue’

    WHO chief says reasons US gave for withdrawing ‘untrue’

    In a forceful rebuttal, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has publicly dismissed the United States’ stated reasons for withdrawing from the UN health agency as fundamentally untrue. The response came following Thursday’s formal withdrawal announcement by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who cited WHO’s COVID-19 pandemic response failures and actions against American interests as justification.

    Tedros countered these claims through official statements and social media posts, asserting that WHO has consistently operated with full respect for national sovereignty while providing evidence-based guidance. The organization specifically refuted allegations of obstructing information sharing during the pandemic, emphasizing its transparent and rapid dissemination of critical data to all member states.

    The withdrawal process, initiated by former President Donald Trump’s executive order and completed this week, now faces complications regarding financial obligations. WHO officials note that the United States remains approximately $260 million in arrears for 2024-2025 dues, with the organization stating the withdrawal ‘raises issues’ that will be addressed during upcoming Executive Board and World Health Assembly meetings.

    Despite the diplomatic rift, Tedros expressed hope for America’s eventual return to active participation while reaffirming WHO’s commitment to its constitutional mandate of ensuring the highest attainable health standards for all people globally. The director-general warned that the withdrawal ultimately diminishes safety protections for both American citizens and the international community.

  • NSW Health warning Sydney residents after cases of measles confirmed

    NSW Health warning Sydney residents after cases of measles confirmed

    Sydney health authorities have escalated public health warnings following confirmation of two additional measles cases, including one acquired through local transmission. This development occurs merely one week after a confirmed measles case participated in the Centennial Parkrun event, heightening concerns about community spread.

    The New South Wales Health Department reports a significant surge in infections, with four cases identified within the past week and thirteen confirmed cases since December 1, 2025. Health officials attribute this increased transmission risk to returning international travelers from regions experiencing measles outbreaks, particularly South-East Asia.

    Dr. Leena Gupta, Director of Sydney Local Health District’s Public Health Unit, emphasized the critical importance of symptom vigilance. ‘We’re observing measles cases visiting numerous locations across Sydney while unknowingly infectious, including healthcare facilities,’ Dr. Gupta stated. ‘While these specific locations no longer pose ongoing risks, the pattern of exposure warrants heightened awareness.’

    The recently identified local transmission case marks a concerning development in the outbreak’s trajectory. Health authorities have implemented thorough contact tracing procedures and maintain regularly updated exposure location lists on the NSW Health website.

    Medical professionals advise that individuals potentially exposed to the virus should monitor for characteristic symptoms including fever, respiratory issues, sore eyes, and the distinctive red blotchy rash that typically emerges three to four days after initial symptoms. Dr. Gupta specifically recommended that ‘anyone developing symptoms who visited identified exposure locations should contact healthcare providers in advance to prevent potential waiting room exposures.’

    The public health response includes reinforced vaccination recommendations, particularly for those born after 1965 who may require second measles vaccine doses. Health authorities highlight that measles vaccination can prevent disease progression even after exposure if administered promptly.

    This measles alert expansion follows last week’s confirmed case at Centennial Parkrun, where an infectious individual participated between 7:00-8:30 AM on January 17, 2026. Investigation continues regarding potential connections between the parkrun case and exposures across Western Greater Sydney.

  • This is spinal… brat? Charli xcx stars in mockumentary ‘The Moment’

    This is spinal… brat? Charli xcx stars in mockumentary ‘The Moment’

    British pop phenomenon Charli XCX delivers a razor-sharp satire of music industry mechanics in “The Moment,” a mockumentary premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. The film presents a fictionalized version of the artist wrestling with creative authenticity versus commercial demands following her massively successful “brat” album era.

    Portraying an exaggerated diva version of herself, Charli XCX navigates the pressures of arena tour preparations while clashing with industry figures who seek to perpetuate her profitable “brat” persona. The narrative tension crystallizes through conflicts between her creative director Celeste (Hailey Gates) and a commercially-driven film director Johannes (Alexander Skarsgård), who envisions a sanitized, market-friendly tour production.

    The screenplay, crafted by Bertie Brandes and debut feature director Aidan Zamiri, employs familiar music industry archetypes to critique the machinery of pop stardom. Zamiri acknowledges creative debt to Rob Reiner’s seminal “This Is Spinal Tap,” though the film updates the formula for the streaming era and hyper-commercialized music landscape.

    Charli XCX revealed at the festival that the project reflects her genuine desire to pivot from her current creative identity. “I am really wanting ‘brat’ to stop and actually really pivot as far away from it as possible,” she stated, emphasizing artists’ need to constantly reinvent themselves. The mockumentary represents one of three Sundance features featuring the artist, signaling her strategic expansion into cinematic endeavors.

    When questioned about her prolific output across multiple projects, the singer referenced lyrics from her hit “365”: “Don’t sleep, don’t eat, just do it on repeat.” The film includes celebrity cameos and absurd industry scenarios that amplify its critique while maintaining comedic delivery, creating both entertainment and commentary on contemporary pop culture dynamics.

  • Federal agents shoot dead another person in Minneapolis

    Federal agents shoot dead another person in Minneapolis

    Minneapolis became the epicenter of renewed civil unrest on Saturday following a fatal shooting involving federal immigration agents, marking the second such incident involving civilian casualties within three weeks. According to official statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), agents were conducting a targeted operation to apprehend an undocumented individual wanted for violent assault when the confrontation turned deadly.

    DHS claims its officers acted in self-defense after an individual approached Border Patrol agents brandishing a 9 mm semi-automatic handgun. The agency stated that during attempts to disarm the suspect, who allegedly resisted violently, an agent fired defensive shots fearing for his safety and that of fellow officers. Despite immediate medical attention, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene.

    Contradicting this narrative, Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O’Hara revealed preliminary information suggesting the deceased was potentially a lawful gun owner with valid permits. Minnesota state law permits open carry of firearms with proper authorization.

    The incident triggered immediate demonstrations, with law enforcement deploying tear gas and establishing road blockades using dumpsters in the densely populated south Minneapolis neighborhood. Authorities declared the gathering an unlawful assembly as tensions escalated.

    Minnesota Governor Tim Walz condemned the shooting as ‘horrific’ and demanded state-led investigation into the matter. In a social media statement, Walz directly addressed the White House: ‘Minnesota has had it. This is sickening. The President must end this operation.’

    Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey joined the criticism, urging President Trump to withdraw federal operations from the city: ‘This is a moment to act like a leader. Put Minneapolis, put America first in this moment.’

    The shooting occurs amidst heightened tensions following the January 7th killing of US citizen Renee Good by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers during similar operations. That incident was officially classified as homicide by medical examiners, though the involved agent remains neither suspended nor charged. Recent detention of a five-year-old child during enforcement actions had already renewed public outrage prior to Saturday’s events.

    Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar echoed the growing criticism, addressing federal authorities directly: ‘Donald Trump and all your lieutenants who ordered this ICE surge: watch the horrific video of the killing today. The world is watching.’

  • Trump praises UK troops as row over his NATO comments grows

    Trump praises UK troops as row over his NATO comments grows

    A transatlantic diplomatic crisis has erupted following controversial remarks by former US President Donald Trump regarding NATO allies’ contributions in Afghanistan. The situation intensified as European leaders issued sharp rebukes against what they characterized as deeply offensive comments questioning allied military sacrifices.

    Trump initially provoked international condemnation during a Fox News interview aired Thursday, suggesting NATO forces remained cautious during Afghan operations and implying conditional US support for alliance members. These assertions triggered immediate backlash across European capitals.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer led the criticism, labeling Trump’s statements “appalling” and expressing concern for affected military families. In an apparent partial reversal, Trump subsequently praised UK forces on his Truth Social platform Saturday, describing British soldiers as “among the greatest of all warriors” and emphasizing their “bond too strong to ever be broken” with America.

    This qualified apology failed to placate other NATO members. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen declared Trump’s comments “unacceptable” on Facebook, highlighting Denmark’s significant per capita losses in Afghanistan. French President Emmanuel Macron’s office dismissed the remarks as “unworthy of response,” instead emphasizing gratitude to fallen soldiers’ families.

    Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani honored Italy’s 53 casualties, while German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius underscored Germany’s readiness to support US operations despite paying a “heavy price.” The Danish Veterans’ Association announced plans for a silent protest march in Copenhagen on January 31, stating members were “at a loss for words” over Trump’s claims.

    The controversy emerges against a backdrop of recent US-Danish tensions regarding Trump’s expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, though those concerns appeared resolved earlier last week when the former president withdrew threatened tariffs on European goods.

  • Turkey pro-Kurd party urges end to Kobane siege

    Turkey pro-Kurd party urges end to Kobane siege

    Turkey’s pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Equality and Democracy (DEM) Party has issued an urgent appeal for the immediate lifting of the military blockade encircling the Kurdish-majority city of Kobane in northern Syria, characterizing the situation as a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian disaster. The warning came following a delegation visit to northeastern Syria, where intensified Syrian military operations have created severe humanitarian conditions.

    DEM co-chair Tulay Hatimogullari reported that the city, also known as Ain al-Arab, faces complete isolation with critical infrastructure failures. “During our visit, we encountered knee-deep snow with no electricity, internet, or running water,” Hatimogullari stated at a press conference. “This constitutes a profound humanitarian tragedy.”

    The Syrian military offensive has forced Kurdish forces to withdraw from surrounding areas, triggering massive displacement as villagers flood into Kobane. With supply routes severed, the city faces catastrophic shortages of food, medicine, and heating fuel. The party confirmed four children had frozen to death on Saturday alone due to extreme cold and inadequate shelter.

    Hatimogullari called on international “guarantor countries,” particularly the United States and Western allies who historically supported the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), to fulfill their responsibilities in lifting the siege. This appeal comes as Damascus demands the SDF’s dissolution, while Washington signals that its alliance with the force has served its purpose.

    The city holds profound symbolic significance for Kurds, having been liberated from Islamic State control in 2015 by SDF forces with U.S. backing. Turkey, however, considers the SDF an extension of the Kurdish PKK militant group and has supported Damascus’s current offensive. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised the operation, stating it addresses “sources of trouble for our country.”

    Meanwhile, tensions escalated in Istanbul as riot police clashed with approximately 300 demonstrators protesting the siege. Police employed riot control measures including projectiles and pepper spray, resulting in injuries and arrests according to local reports, including a DEM lawmaker who required hospitalization.