December 18, 2025

ANZ Shareholders Hit ‘Second Strike’ Over Executive Pay Amid Scandals and Job Cuts

ANZ shareholders delivered a rare second strike against the bank’s pay plans at a tense meeting. This comes after heavy fines and scandals. Staff cuts and union protests added fuel to the fire.

December 18, 2025

China to Charge 13% VAT on Condoms, Contraceptives from 2025 Amid Birthrate Push

Starting January 1, China will tax condoms and contraceptives at 13%, ending a 30-year exemption. The move is part of tax reforms amid efforts to raise the birthrate. The tax hike has sparked public ridicule and raises questions on government strategy.

December 18, 2025

Tony Burke Backs ASIO Despite Concerns Over Bondi Attack Suspects' Philippines Trip

Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stands by ASIO after reports question how father-son attackers traveled to Philippines without alerts. Akram charged with 59 crimes including murder.

December 18, 2025

Hero Cop Cesar Barraza Shoots Dead Sydney Bondi Beach Shooter Sajid Akram

Detective Cesar Barraza killed shooter Sajid Akram during the deadly Bondi Beach attack. Barraza fired from 40 metres with a handgun and saved many lives in the antisemitic assault.

December 18, 2025

Nick Reiner Faces Court in Parents' Murder Case; Family Breaks Silence

Nick Reiner appeared in court for murder charges of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. Their children, Jake and Romy, express deep pain and ask for privacy.

December 18, 2025

SASTRA and The Hindu Education Plus Host Career Compass Webinar on Dec 21

SASTRA University and The Hindu Education Plus will host a webinar on December 21. It aims to guide students on career steps beyond academics with expert panelists from law, healthcare, and business.

December 18, 2025

Heavy Rains Worsen Crisis for Displaced Gazans, UN Warns of Deaths

Heavy rains in Gaza have worsened conditions for displaced Palestinians. UN agencies report dangers from hypothermia and collapsing buildings with several deaths.

December 18, 2025

Rajasthan Farmers Give 20-Day Ultimatum to Stop Ethanol Factory over Pollution Fears

Farmers and farm leaders in Rajasthan’s Hanumangarh held a huge protest demanding the state government halt the ethanol factory at Rathikhera. They fear pollution and water contamination. The government formed a committee to check these concerns.

December 18, 2025

Sharks Spotted Swimming Inside Active Underwater Volcano Kavachi

In a stunning discovery, sharks were filmed calmly swimming inside Kavachi, a fiery underwater volcano. Despite its acidic, hot waters and frequent eruptions, hammerhead and silky sharks, plus stingrays, thrived in its crater. Scientists used robots to study this 'Sharkcano,' raising new questions about marine life survival in extreme environments.

December 18, 2025

US Embassy Warns Against Travel Near Thailand-Cambodia Border After Fighting Resumes

The US embassy has warned its citizens to stay 50 km away from the Thailand-Cambodia border. Fighting flared again after a failed Trump peace deal. Both sides report heavy cross-border fire and violence remains unpredictable.