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Net migration to the UK dropped 69% to 204,000 in the year to June 2025, the lowest since 2021, driven by fewer non-EU arrivals for work and study and increased emigration. Despite this, public concern over immigration remains high, especially regarding illegal Channel crossings and asylum seekers. The government has introduced stricter immigration policies and plans further reforms to reduce migration pressures.
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Joe Root scored his first century in Australia, helping England recover from early wickets in the second Ashes Test at Brisbane. Despite Mitchell Starc's six-wicket haul, Root's 135* and a last-wicket stand with Jofra Archer kept England in the game, with the team ending day one at 325-9.
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Recent cases reveal ongoing challenges in immigration enforcement, detention conditions, and deportation policies in the UK and Australia. A man with a terrorism conviction re-entered the UK illegally, while detainees in Australia face prolonged detention and mistreatment. These stories underscore systemic issues in immigration management.
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On December 5, 2025, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at Washington's Kennedy Center, attended by US President Donald Trump. The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 12 groups of four teams. Scotland, having qualified after 28 years, awaits its group opponents and fixture details, with the tournament running June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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As of October 2025, Instagram enforces PG-13 content settings by default for users under 18, restricting exposure to mature themes unless parents approve changes. The update includes stricter filters on sensitive topics, limits on interactions with inappropriate accounts, and enhanced parental controls. The rollout begins in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, expanding globally next year amid ongoing concerns about teen safety online.
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Recent updates to the Henley Passport Index show notable declines for the US, UK, Pakistan, and India, while China and several Asian countries have improved their rankings. The US has fallen out of the top 10 for the first time in 20 years, reflecting changing global mobility and diplomatic shifts.
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China has expanded restrictions on rare-earth metals, now controlling 12 of 17 key elements, as part of a broader trade and geopolitical strategy. The US has responded with port fees on Chinese vessels, escalating maritime tensions. Australia offers to supply critical minerals, signaling shifts in global supply chains. Today's date: Tue, 21 Oct 2025 23:04:28 +0100.
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A woman in her 20s died after a shark attack at Crowdy Bay, 360 km north of Sydney. A man was critically injured and airlifted to hospital. The beach was closed, and authorities are investigating the species involved. This follows a similar incident in Sydney in September.
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On October 18, 2025, the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) officially expired amid the reimposition of UN sanctions via the snapback mechanism. Iran declared all deal provisions terminated, suspended cooperation with the IAEA, and rejected sanctions as unjust. Despite ongoing diplomatic rhetoric, nuclear talks remain deadlocked following recent military strikes and mutual accusations.
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Australian Prime Minister Albanese visits Washington to strengthen US-Australia ties, focusing on critical minerals, defense, and trade. The talks with Trump highlight efforts to counter China's dominance in rare earths, with a new $8.5 billion agreement and a push for supply chain resilience amid geopolitical tensions.
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The US and Australia announced an $8.5 billion deal to develop critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to reduce reliance on China amid export controls and trade tensions. The deal includes joint investments, processing projects, and strategic cooperation, with discussions also focusing on security pacts and trade relations. The story reflects ongoing geopolitical competition.
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Australia reports unsafe encounters with Chinese military aircraft over the South China Sea, including flare releases near Australian planes. China claims sovereignty over the area and accuses Australia of intrusion. The incidents highlight ongoing regional tensions amid broader geopolitical disputes.
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A severe storm with winds up to 230 km/h hit New Zealand, causing widespread damage, power outages, and flight cancellations. The storm also coincided with a major industrial strike involving over 100,000 workers, disrupting public services amid ongoing weather warnings. Authorities warn more severe weather is expected.
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During Prime Minister Albanese's US visit, Australia's ambassador Kevin Rudd faced criticism from President Trump over past comments. Despite the incident, Albanese praised Rudd's work, and the trip resulted in a critical minerals deal and reaffirmed the AUKUS alliance. Opposition calls for Rudd's dismissal persist.
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Australia and the US signed an $8.5 billion deal to develop critical minerals and rare earths, aiming to counter China's dominance. Leaders discussed AUKUS, trade, and strategic cooperation, with Trump and Albanese emphasizing their alliance's strength amid geopolitical tensions. The deal includes joint investments and processing projects.
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Markets worldwide gained amid easing trade tensions after the US confirmed a meeting with China’s Xi. Major indices in Asia and the US approached record highs, boosted by positive economic data and hopes for a potential trade deal, despite ongoing uncertainties.
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Recent fossil studies reveal a close link between extinct Australian carnivorous marsupials and koalas, while conservation efforts in Nigeria and Okinawa show signs of success. Meanwhile, Thailand's artificial reefs are aiding marine ecosystems, and Hong Kong seeks to expand marine protected areas amid biodiversity concerns.
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Australian scientists have detected signs of the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu strain on Heard Island, a sub-Antarctic territory. Dead seals and seabirds suggest possible infection, raising concerns about the virus's spread toward Australia. Samples are being tested, but no confirmed detection has been made yet.
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Australia and the EU are investigating Meta and TikTok for compliance with new digital regulations. Australia plans to remove underage accounts, while the EU criticizes their data access and content moderation practices. Both face potential fines and increased oversight.
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ASEAN and China signed the upgraded Free Trade Area 3.0 during the ASEAN summit, covering over 2 billion people. The agreement aims to enhance regional economic integration, digital trade, and sustainability, amid ongoing US-China tensions. Leaders also discussed recent military incidents and bilateral relations.
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Australia's government introduces legislation to overhaul the 1999 EPBC Act, fulfilling a five-year review's recommendations. The reforms aim to improve environmental protection, transparency, and efficiency, but face opposition from opposition parties and Greens. The bill is now under parliamentary inquiry, with a decision expected after March 2026.
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Australian farmers in Victoria express concern over government’s critical minerals deal with the US, fearing environmental damage and loss of farmland. The government fast-tracks mining projects amid community protests, raising questions about environmental protections and community involvement in decision-making.
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Ben Austin, a 17-year-old cricketer at Ferntree Gully, died after being struck in the neck by a ball during practice. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition and passed away on Wednesday. The incident echoes the 2014 death of Phillip Hughes, raising safety concerns in cricket.
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Australia will require social media platforms to block under-16 accounts from December 10, with fines up to $33 million for non-compliance. The law targets platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, aiming to protect children from harmful content and mental health risks. Exemptions include messaging and educational platforms, with ongoing assessments of impact.
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China has commissioned its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, marking its first domestically designed vessel with advanced electromagnetic catapult systems. The carrier aims to enhance China's naval power projection, especially in disputed regional waters, as part of Xi Jinping's military modernization plan. Sea trials are ongoing, with capabilities still being tested.
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Ethiopia is set to host COP32 in 2027 after regional consensus. The host for COP31 in 2026 remains unresolved, with Australia and Turkey competing. The decision is pending, with Bonn as a possible fallback if negotiations fail. The story highlights ongoing regional disputes and Ethiopia's rising prominence in climate diplomacy.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a new bilateral security treaty with Indonesia during President Prabowo's first state visit. The agreement commits both nations to regular security consultations and joint measures to address regional threats, building on previous accords and reflecting shared concerns over China's regional influence.
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The High Court of Australia ruled that the government can seize a Russian lease near Parliament for security reasons, but must pay compensation. The case followed legislation passed in 2023 to revoke the lease, citing national security concerns. Russia challenged the move, leading to a court decision today.
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Recent reports highlight rising e-waste and food waste globally, with Australia producing 580,000 tonnes of e-waste annually. Innovations like recycling programs and waste tracking aim to reduce environmental impact. Meanwhile, African nations focus on trade, resilient supply chains, and sustainable farming to improve food security amid global challenges. Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:02:25 +0000
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On November 22, 2025, Australia and Turkey resolved a multi-year dispute over hosting the 2026 UN climate summit, COP31. Turkey will host the summit in Antalya, while Australia will preside over negotiations and lead pre-COP events focused on Pacific climate financing. The deal ends a deadlock that risked defaulting the summit to Germany and drew criticism from Pacific nations.
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Meta has announced it will restrict access for Australian users aged 13-15 starting December 4, ahead of a new law requiring social media platforms to exclude under-16s. The law, effective December 10, aims to protect minors but raises concerns over privacy and effectiveness.
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Iraq secured a spot in the intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 World Cup after a 2-1 win over the UAE in Basra, completing a 3-2 aggregate victory. They will face Bolivia or Suriname in March, with the match in Mexico. Coach Graham Arnold emphasizes preparation for the crucial game.
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Australia will enforce a law from December 10 that bans social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch from allowing users under 16. The law aims to protect minors from online harm, with penalties up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Twitch plans to deactivate underage accounts from January 9.
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England's cricket team lost their second consecutive Ashes test in Perth inside two days, despite a strong first innings. Australia’s Travis Head scored a century, and Australia secured an eight-wicket victory. Experts note England's lack of variation and preparation issues contributed to the defeat. The series remains highly competitive.
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The UK government announced a new critical minerals strategy, backed by £50m, aiming to secure domestic supplies of lithium, nickel, tungsten, and rare earths by 2035. The plan includes increasing domestic extraction, recycling, and diversifying supply sources to reduce reliance on China and strengthen national security.
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Australia plans to enforce a ban on social media accounts for users under 16 starting December 10, aiming to protect children from online harms. The government is reviewing mechanisms used in other countries, including Malaysia, to implement age restrictions and ensure platform compliance.
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On Monday, Australian Senator Pauline Hanson wore a burqa in the Senate chamber to protest the rejection of her bill banning full-face coverings in public. The stunt sparked accusations of racism and Islamophobia, leading to her suspension for seven consecutive sitting days. The incident reignited debates on religious freedom, national security, and social cohesion in Australia.
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Malaysia's government is reviewing measures to restrict social media access for under-16s, inspired by Australia's upcoming ban at age 16. The move aims to protect youths from online harms like cyberbullying and scams, with plans to implement electronic age verification methods next year.
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High-profile UK billionaires and entrepreneurs are relocating abroad due to recent tax reforms, including inheritance and non-domicile rules. The departure of figures like Lakshmi Mittal and others highlights concerns over a growing brain drain and economic impact ahead of the upcoming Labour budget.
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Australia's parliament has approved the largest environmental law reforms in 26 years, after negotiations between Labor and the Greens. The laws include establishing a national EPA, tightening land-clearing rules, and blocking fast-tracking of coal and gas projects. The reforms face criticism over scrutiny and implementation, with ongoing political debate.
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From December 10, Australia enforces a pioneering law banning under-16s from major social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Companies face fines up to A$49.5 million for non-compliance. Platforms must block underage accounts, with Meta and TikTok already notifying users. The law aims to protect youth mental health but faces a High Court challenge over free speech rights.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
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Australia has officially designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a state sponsor of terrorism, citing links to arson attacks targeting Jewish sites in 2024. Iran condemned the move as unjustified, escalating diplomatic tensions. The decision follows Australian intelligence findings and recent expulsions of Iranian diplomats, marking a significant shift in regional security dynamics.
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UK manufacturing PMI rose to 50.2 in November, the first expansion since September 2024, driven by domestic demand and larger firms. Business optimism hit a nine-month high, though employment and smaller firms still face contraction. The data suggests a cautious recovery amid mixed economic signals.
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In 2025, top athletes Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone dominated their events, setting multiple world records and winning major titles. Meanwhile, Australian sprinter Edward Osei-Nketia, now representing Australia, aims for Olympic medals in 2028, marking a significant shift in his career.
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Flooding across Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia has caused over 1,200 deaths and left thousands missing. Extreme weather linked to climate change has intensified storms and floods, with scientists warning that such events will likely worsen in the coming years.
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The two-week CITES conference in Samarkand is considering stricter controls or bans on trade of species like Galapagos iguanas, Latin American tarantulas, and African turtles. The focus is on curbing illegal online wildlife sales driven by rising demand and social media influence.
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Gareth Duke, a former Paralympic swimmer, received a suspended six-month jail sentence after admitting to attempting to engage with a minor online. The case involved grooming and predatory behavior, with Duke also ordered to register as a sex offender and comply with restrictions on online activity.