Australia has been largely successful in containing the spread of the novel coronavirus, which it attributes to curbs on international travel and tough social-distancing rules.

The four countries that form the Quadrilateral Alliance would be the ideal initiators of such a move, just as the UK and the US were in the case of the Atlantic Charter.

The milestone was "really good news" and an achievement the whole of New Zealand could take heart from, health department director-general Ashley Bloomfield said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison will discuss bilateral, regional and global issues, including the novel coronavirus pandemic. A major thrust is expected on a greater projection for the Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of an ever aggressive China that has been cornered due to Covid-19.

“Today marks a special moment in Crown’s history, which hopefully can also be a part of a new positive outlook for Sydney after months of unprecedented challenges for many in our community,” Helen Coonan, Chair of Crown Resorts, says. “This building was designed to be a tribute to Sydney and a landmark recognised around the world." 

The samosas were vegetarian and Morrison would have loved to share the food with his Indian counterpart.The two prime ministers are scheduled to hold a meeting which is likely to intensify the economic and strategic ties between India and Australia.

Thousands of Koalas died in Australian bushfires. Now, the next generation of Australia’s koala population is being born in captivity.

The decision to close interstate borders was taken by each state’s premiers (the local equivalent of US state governors). It was never encouraged by Australia’s federal government. Now, with infection rates low and under control, the federal government is keen to get people moving, with interstate and some international borders open.

New Zealand’s prime minister is now looking for ways to boost the country’s tourism sector, which has been hard-hit by the pandemic. Floating one such proposal forward, the PM is asking employers to consider switching to a 4-day work week as a way to promote tourism, as well as improve citizen’s work-life balance.

Western Australians have been told to stay inside and brace themselves for a once-in-a-decade weather event as ex-tropical cyclone Mangga reaches the west coast today.Meteorologists are predicting large parts of the state will be affected by severe and dangerous weather conditions including wind gusts of up to 130km/h.