Australia

Wine producers in the EU are adapting to falling demand due to changing consumer habits, especially among young people. Experts recommend developing the market for non-alcoholic wines, which will grow to 14 billion euros by 2031.

Gold hit an all-time high of $2942 per ounce amid changes in US trade policy. The growth was driven by central bank purchases and investors' search for a safe haven.

The US President signed a decree imposing 25% duties on steel and aluminum imports starting March 4. Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea will be most affected, but Australia may be granted exemptions.

A study has shown that consuming 1-6 eggs per week reduces the risk of death by 20%. Eating eggs also reduces the likelihood of cardiovascular disease by 29%.

In a Colombo hostel, two tourists died after a room was treated with pesticides to kill bedbugs. The police are investigating the incident and the facility is temporarily closed.

The 73-year-old surgeon is accused of sexually abusing 299 children over a 25-year period. Detailed records of the crimes were found in his diaries, and children's sex toys and 300,000 images of violence were found at his home.

Near Bribie Island in Australia, a shark attacked a 17-year-old girl swimming in the water. The incident occurred 80 kilometers from Brisbane, and the injuries sustained were incompatible with life.

A 40-year-old Australian man escaped punishment for raping a woman because of a rare diagnosis of sex addiction. The court acquitted the man because he acted unconsciously while sleeping.

Russia has reported that Australian Oscar Jenkins may be alive and in captivity in Russia. The Australian government is urgently verifying this information and demanding proof of his well-being.

About 1000 great white sharks have disappeared from the bay near the town of Gansbaai in South Africa due to killer whale attacks. Researchers have found that after killer whale attacks in 2017 and 2021, sharks left their traditional habitats en masse.

The British government has signed an 8-year contract with Rolls-Royce for the production and maintenance of nuclear reactors for submarines.

The UK has signed a contract with Rolls Royce to design and manufacture nuclear reactors for its submarine fleet. The eight-year “Unity” agreement will create more than 1,000 new jobs and preserve 4,000 existing ones.

The documentary Porcelain War about three Kharkiv artists was nominated for Best Feature Documentary. The film tells the story of artists who create porcelain products during the war.

A new climatic phenomenon, La Niña, has begun in the Pacific Ocean, which will be shorter and weaker than the previous ones. The phenomenon may cause an increase in precipitation in South America and increase hurricane activity in the Atlantic.

China reduced its imports of Russian coal by 7% in 2024, increasing purchases from Australia by 59%. China's total coal imports reached a record 547.2 million tons, accounting for 41% of the world total.

Australia summons the Russian ambassador over the possible execution of captured Australian Oscar Jenkins, who fought for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Prime Minister Albanese declared his readiness to take the most decisive measures if the information is confirmed.

Czech zoologists have discovered a new species of crayfish, Cherax pulverulentus, which has been living in aquariums around the world for 20 years. The animal comes from New Guinea and has two different colors - purple and blue.

The foreign ministers of Japan, Australia, and India will attend Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025. The diplomats plan to establish contacts with the new administration and confirm their readiness for cooperation.

Australian company Proteomics International has developed the PromarkerEndo blood test for the diagnosis of endometriosis. The test is scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2024 in Australia, with a detection accuracy of 99.7% in the late stages and over 85% in the early stages.

The Biden administration plans to impose sanctions on tankers transporting Russian oil at more than $60 per barrel. The measures will also affect those involved in oil trading above the price ceiling.

Fiji police are investigating an attack on two Virgin Australia crew members in the resort of Nadi. The incident involved rape and theft, and the victims were on a layover between flights.

Sydney celebrated New Year's Eve 2025 with a large-scale fireworks display over the harbor and bridge. More than a million spectators were expected to attend the event, which featured a performance by Robbie Williams and indigenous ceremonies.

Auckland marked the start of 2024 with a grand fireworks display near the Sky Tower. New Zealand became one of the first countries to welcome the New Year after Kiribati and the Tonga Islands.

A wildlife shelter keeper rescued 20 young kangaroos from a forest fire in Grampians National Park. The animals found shelter in her living room while the fire threatened the shelter's territory.

Australian actress Rebel Wilson officially married designer Ramona Agruma in Sydney. The ceremony was officiated by the actress's sister, and Wilson's 94-year-old grandmother was a special guest.

Bert the 90-year-old crocodile, who starred in the 1986 movie Dundee Crocodile, has died in an Australian sanctuary. The 5-meter-long reptile weighing 700 kg was known for his independent spirit and became a symbol of Australia's wildlife.

Vasyl Lomachenko, a three-time world champion, has announced the end of his boxing career at the age of 36. The athlete fought his last fight in May 2024, defeating George Kambosos.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the transfer of 120 Bushmaster armored vehicles to Ukraine. Australia also provided 49 Abrams tanks and military aid worth $250 million.

Australia will provide 50 million euros to the EBRD and 6. 39 million dollars for energy support to Ukraine. This was announced by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong during a press conference with Andriy Sybiga.

Australia has provided Ukraine with 49 Abrams tanks and 14 boats as part of its military assistance. The total amount of support from Australia exceeded $1 billion, of which $880 million was military aid.