Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • ASX 200 drops for third day as US trade fears rattle market, gold trumps global uncertainty

    ASX 200 drops for third day as US trade fears rattle market, gold trumps global uncertainty

    Australia’s financial markets recorded a third consecutive day of declines as escalating trade disputes between the United States and Europe continued to dampen investor sentiment. The benchmark ASX 200 index fell 0.37 percent to close at 8782.90 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index dropped 0.33 percent to settle at 9108.6.

    The market downturn mirrored substantial losses on Wall Street, triggered by renewed geopolitical tensions surrounding U.S. trade policies toward Greenland. Market analysts attributed the sustained decline to growing concerns about potential disruptions to global trade frameworks and supply chains.

    Amid the market volatility, gold continued its remarkable ascent, climbing 0.02 percent to reach $4,857 per ounce and positioning itself for a potential breakthrough of the $5,000 psychological barrier. The precious metal’s persistent strength reflects its status as a traditional safe-haven asset during periods of economic uncertainty.

    Sector performance revealed a mixed landscape, with eight of eleven industry categories finishing in negative territory. Information technology and consumer discretionary sectors experienced the most significant declines, dropping 2.5 percent and 2.14 percent respectively. Conversely, materials sector stocks continued their strong performance with a 2.5 percent gain, while utilities and energy sectors also closed positively.

    Individual stock movements highlighted the day’s volatility. Emerald Resources NL led gainers with a 13.2 percent surge to $7.96, followed closely by Paladin Energy’s 13.1 percent rise to $13.17. Westgold Resources also posted substantial gains, climbing 9.6 percent to $7.53. Conversely, Droneshield shares plummeted 8.86 percent to $4.32, marking the session’s sharpest decline.

    Australia’s banking sector faced broad pressure, with all four major banks closing lower. ANZ and Commonwealth Bank both fell more than 2 percent, while NAB declined 1.62 percent and Westpac dropped 1.24 percent. Mining giant BHP bucked the trend, advancing 1.46 percent to $48.48.

    The Australian dollar showed resilience amid the equity market turbulence, trading at 67.52 U.S. cents with analysts suggesting potential movement toward 69 cents if current trends persist.

    Market participants now await key developments including former President Trump’s scheduled address at Davos and an emergency EU summit in Brussels, both of which could provide clarity on the direction of international trade relations.

  • Japan to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant Wednesday

    Japan to restart world’s biggest nuclear plant Wednesday

    Japan is poised to reactivate the world’s largest nuclear power facility on Wednesday, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s energy policy since the 2011 Fukushima catastrophe. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata province, operated by Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO), will initiate reactor operations after receiving final regulatory approval, despite significant public safety concerns and ongoing protests.

    The restart follows Niigata Governor’s endorsement last month, though regional surveys indicate 60% of residents oppose the reactivation while only 37% support it. The facility has undergone substantial safety enhancements including a 15-meter tsunami wall and elevated emergency power systems. However, critics highlight TEPCO’s problematic track record—including recent alarm system failures and data falsification scandals—as evidence of ongoing operational risks.

    Japan’s push for nuclear revival stems from energy security needs and climate commitments. As the fifth-largest global carbon emitter, Japan aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reduce fossil fuel dependency from nearly 70% to 30-40% of its energy mix. Nuclear power is projected to supply 20% of national energy by 2040, up from current 8.5% levels.

    The restart represents TEPCO’s first nuclear reactivation since the Fukushima disaster, where decommissioning efforts continue after 15 years. While 14 reactors have resumed operations under stricter safety protocols nationwide, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa’s revival remains contentious due to its location on active seismic faults and evacuation plan inadequacies highlighted by local residents.

  • ‘Really scary’: Sydney residents react to shark attacks

    ‘Really scary’: Sydney residents react to shark attacks

    A wave of apprehension has swept across Sydney’s coastal communities following an unprecedented series of four shark encounters within a mere 48-hour timeframe along New South Wales’ coastline. The BBC conducted street-level interviews with residents and beachgoers, capturing raw emotional responses to what many described as deeply frightening incidents that have disrupted the region’s quintessential beach culture.

    The cluster of attacks, occurring in close geographical and temporal proximity, represents a significant deviation from historical patterns, triggering immediate safety reassessments by marine authorities. Lifesaving agencies have intensified surveillance operations while deploying additional aerial patrols to monitor shark movements near popular swimming areas.

    Marine biologists specializing in shark behavior suggest environmental factors including unusual water temperature fluctuations and baitfish migrations closer to shore may have contributed to this anomalous situation. Meanwhile, local authorities have implemented temporary beach closures and installed advanced shark detection technologies while urging swimmers to avoid dawn and dusk ocean activities.

    This series of incidents has reignited debates about coastal management strategies, with community members expressing divided opinions on shark mitigation measures ranging from traditional netting programs to newer non-lethal deterrent technologies. The psychological impact on the community appears substantial, with many residents reconsidering their relationship with the ocean that has long defined Sydney’s identity.

  • Opposition issues ISIS-brides warning as Kurdish-led forces abandon Syrian camp

    Opposition issues ISIS-brides warning as Kurdish-led forces abandon Syrian camp

    Australia’s political opposition has issued a stark security warning following the withdrawal of Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) from the al-Hol detention camp in northwest Syria, which previously housed families of Islamic State fighters. Opposition home affairs spokesman Jonathan Duniam expressed grave concerns that Australian ISIS affiliates might exploit this security transition to return without proper oversight.

    The al-Hol facility, which reached a peak population of 73,000 in 2019, primarily contained women and children associated with ISIS combatants after the organization’s territorial collapse. While international repatriation efforts coordinated with the United Nations have reduced the camp’s population, approximately 24,000 individuals remained at the time of the SDF’s withdrawal.

    Senator Duniam criticized the current government’s approach, stating that allowing third-party organizations to facilitate returns at their discretion represents a dangerous policy failure. He emphasized that while these individuals may retain Australian citizenship, the Commonwealth should exclusively control the repatriation process for this high-risk demographic.

    According to Home Affairs Department figures, about 90 Australian citizens—including 60 men and 30 women and children—remain dispersed across Syrian displacement camps. These individuals allegedly traveled to join ISIS during its peak influence last decade.

    The Albanese government maintains a formal policy of ‘no active repatriation’ but has issued passports to those reaching Australian diplomatic missions and permitted their return. This approach has drawn criticism from the Coalition, particularly after last year’s unauthorized return of two women and four children who exited Syrian camps without official authorization.

    Despite international legal arguments favoring repatriation for containment and prosecution, most Western governments have been reluctant due to security considerations. Australia’s security services indicate that all returnees remain under rigorous surveillance protocols.

  • ‘Unimaginable situation’: Family of child, 5, allegedly stabbed by woman break silence

    ‘Unimaginable situation’: Family of child, 5, allegedly stabbed by woman break silence

    A five-year-old boy from Launceston, Tasmania, continues to fight for his life at Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital after sustaining severe injuries in an alleged stabbing incident. The traumatic event occurred late Tuesday night, prompting an emergency medical response that ultimately required the child to be airlifted to Melbourne for specialized critical care.

    The young victim, whose identity remains protected under legal provisions, was initially treated at Launceston General Hospital before being transferred to the Melbourne facility. Medical teams have performed multiple surgical procedures on the child, who remains sedated to facilitate recovery and comprehensive assessment of his injuries.

    In a parallel development, Tasmanian police have charged a 33-year-old woman with attempted murder in connection with the incident. Authorities confirmed the woman, who presented to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, was known to the child. The precise nature of their relationship has not been disclosed due to ongoing legal proceedings.

    The family has described the situation as “unimaginable” through a GoFundMe campaign organized by the boy’s aunt. The fundraising initiative, created to support the father’s immediate needs, has demonstrated remarkable community solidarity, surpassing $35,000 in donations within hours of establishment.

    Family representatives indicate the child’s condition remains stable but critical, with medical teams closely monitoring his progress over the coming days. The family’s current focus remains on providing unwavering support to the father during this profoundly challenging period, ensuring he can maintain constant presence at his son’s bedside throughout the recovery process.

  • ‘Super-happy’ Sabalenka shines as Alcaraz gets set at Australian Open

    ‘Super-happy’ Sabalenka shines as Alcaraz gets set at Australian Open

    Melbourne Park witnessed a shift in weather and a display of top-tier tennis prowess as the Australian Open entered its fourth day. Under cooler, overcast skies, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka delivered a commanding performance, swiftly defeating Chinese qualifier Bai Zhuoxuan with a decisive 6-3, 6-1 victory. The Belarusian, expressing immense satisfaction with her focus and gameplay, advances toward a potential third title in four years.

    Simultaneously, Spanish phenom Carlos Alcaraz prepares for his second-round match against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann. The 22-year-old, already a six-time major winner, aims to conquer the Melbourne hardcourts—the sole missing piece for a career Grand Slam. Achieving this would make him the youngest man in tennis history to secure all four major titles.

    The day’s action also features a roster of other contenders. Three-time finalist Daniil Medvedev, adopting a renewed positive mindset, faces France’s Quentin Halys. American Coco Gauff, fresh from a straight-sets opening win, is set to meet Serbia’s Olga Danilovic. Alexander Zverev, last year’s runner-up, continues his decade-long pursuit of a maiden Grand Slam title against France’s Alexandre Muller.

    Early victories were secured by Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina and Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez, both progressing in straight sets. On the men’s side, American Tommy Paul and Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo also navigated their second-round challenges successfully. The evening session promises thrilling matchups for home fans, featuring sixth seed Alex de Minaur and local hope Priscilla Hon.

  • Climate change fuels disasters, but deaths don’t add up

    Climate change fuels disasters, but deaths don’t add up

    While climate change unequivocally amplifies the frequency and intensity of global weather catastrophes, the corresponding human mortality rates present a complex and counterintuitive statistical picture. Recent data reveals a paradoxical trend: despite a documented escalation in extreme weather events fueled by record-breaking global temperatures, overall disaster-related fatalities have actually declined over recent decades.

    According to an analysis of the EM-DAT global disaster database, weather-related events claimed over 2.3 million lives between 1970 and 2025. However, the death toll from 2015 to 2025 stood at 305,156, marking a decrease from the 354,428 recorded in the preceding decade. This decline occurs against a backdrop of the three hottest years on record since the pre-industrial era, driven predominantly by continued fossil fuel consumption.

    Experts emphasize that this mortality reduction stems not from diminished hazard intensity but from vastly improved human adaptation strategies. Marina Romanello, Executive Director of the Lancet Countdown, notes that enhanced early warning systems, fortified infrastructure, and advanced building codes have significantly increased societal resilience. Tobias Grimm, Chief Climate Scientist at Munich Re, corroborates this, stating that while weather perils remain extremely high, protective systems are saving lives.

    The exception to this trend is heatwaves, which are emerging as a particularly lethal climate threat. Termed the ‘silent killer,’ heat-related mortality is notoriously difficult to calculate due to delayed reporting and undercounting. The Lancet Countdown estimates global heat-related deaths averaged 546,000 annually between 2012-2021—a staggering 63% increase from 1990-1999. Recent EM-DAT figures show approximately 61,800 heatwave deaths in 2022, dropping to 48,000 in 2023 before rising again to 66,825 in 2024, though improved European data collection post-pandemic partially explains these fluctuations.

    The regional disparity in climate vulnerability remains stark. Populations in low-income nations face disproportionately higher risks compared to wealthier regions with better resources for disaster preparedness and response. Furthermore, scientists warn that there are limits to adaptation effectiveness. As Romanello cautions, when catastrophic events occur in rapid succession without adequate recovery time, even the most robust infrastructure systems can be overwhelmed, potentially reversing the current positive mortality trend in the future.

  • Man wanted in connection to stabbing of 18yo woman in Melbourne’s inner suburbs found dead: police

    Man wanted in connection to stabbing of 18yo woman in Melbourne’s inner suburbs found dead: police

    A violent incident that unfolded in Melbourne’s inner suburbs has reached a tragic conclusion with the discovery of the prime suspect’s body mere hours after the attack. The case began when an 18-year-old woman was brutally stabbed outside a Miller Grove residence at approximately 1:00 AM on Wednesday morning, shortly after returning from an evening out.

  • Illicit tobacco shops across WA refilled ‘10 times a day’ as cops scramble to clamp down

    Illicit tobacco shops across WA refilled ‘10 times a day’ as cops scramble to clamp down

    Western Australia’s top law enforcement official has provided a startling revelation about the challenges authorities face in combating the illicit tobacco trade, describing a sophisticated criminal operation that rapidly restocks shops despite ongoing police raids and firebombings.

    Police Commissioner Col Blanch disclosed that organized crime networks are resupplying illicit tobacco retailers up to ten times daily, creating an endless cycle that overwhelms enforcement efforts. The criminal business model capitalizes on the high demand for prohibited products, with suppliers immediately replacing confiscated goods even at locations damaged by arson attacks.

    “The operational pattern demonstrates remarkable coordination,” Commissioner Blanch explained during an ABC Perth interview. “When enforcement agencies execute warrants and seize contraband, suppliers receive immediate notification to deliver replacement inventory, effectively neutralizing the impact of individual raids.”

    This revelation comes as authorities intensify collaboration between police and health departments through Operation Maverick, a multi-agency initiative targeting non-compliant tobacco retailers across Western Australia. Since November, the operation has resulted in 59 criminal charges against twelve individuals, including allegations of arson, burglary, and drug-related offenses.

    Commissioner Blanch issued a stern warning to property owners, emphasizing potential insurance complications for landlords harboring tenants engaged in illegal tobacco sales. “Property owners face significant financial risks when their premises are used for illicit activities,” he noted. “Insurance providers may deny coverage for fire damage or other claims if landlords were aware of or suspected illegal operations.”

    Some commercial property owners in the state’s South West region have already taken preventive measures by evicting tenants involved in the illegal tobacco trade to protect their assets from potential damage and insurance complications.

    The state government is developing new legislative measures to strengthen enforcement capabilities, including provisions for store closure orders that would disrupt the rapid resupply chain. Premier Roger Cook affirmed the government’s commitment to addressing the crisis, stating: “Western Australians should be reassured that new legislation will be introduced to parliament as a priority. We must employ every available tool to disrupt this illegal trade and ensure community safety.”

    Police Minister Reece Whitby highlighted the broader consequences of the illicit tobacco market, noting that consumer purchases fund international criminal networks. “Choosing cheap cigarettes ultimately supports violent criminal organizations,” Minister Whitby cautioned. “Our police taskforce will continue targeting these networks through aggressive enforcement actions while protecting legitimate businesses operating within the law.”

  • Australia to unite for national day of mourning to honour victims killed in Bondi Beach terror attack

    Australia to unite for national day of mourning to honour victims killed in Bondi Beach terror attack

    Australia will solemnly observe a national day of mourning this Thursday to honor the memory of the fifteen individuals tragically killed in last year’s terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese formally announced the commemorative event on Saturday, revealing the theme ‘Light will win, a gathering of unity and remembrance’ selected by the Bondi Chabad Community.

    The nationwide observance will feature a synchronized moment of silence at 7:01 PM AEDT, during which major television and radio networks will temporarily suspend regular programming to facilitate national reflection. In a powerful visual tribute, significant buildings across New South Wales and Canberra will be illuminated as a ‘symbol of light’ representing national solidarity.

    Commemorative installations titled ’15 pillars of light’ will serve as visible monuments of mourning and remembrance. Federal and NSW government buildings will display flags at half-mast as a mark of respect, with all other organizations encouraged to follow this protocol.

    The central memorial service, organized by Chabad of Bondi, will be livestreamed via the organization’s YouTube channel and Sky News at 7:00 PM. Both Prime Minister Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns are scheduled to deliver addresses during the ceremony. Concurrently, Melbourne will host an interfaith vigil at St Paul’s Cathedral, bringing together leaders from diverse religious backgrounds.

    Australians are encouraged to participate through multiple symbolic gestures: placing illuminated candles on doorsteps or windowsills, undertaking one of fifteen suggested Mitzvot (acts of kindness and moral responsibility), and contributing to a digital condolence book established for the Bondi Beach tragedy. Suggested acts of kindness include sharing meals with community members, checking on vulnerable individuals, making charitable donations, and offering warm greetings to others.

    This day of mourning marks Australia’s first national observance since Queen Elizabeth II’s passing in 2022 and will not be designated as a public holiday. The coordinated efforts aim to demonstrate national unity while providing avenues for collective grieving and support for the victims’ families and the affected Jewish community.