Nepal's decision to scale down festivals and centuries-old rituals due to coronavirus fears has invited a concerned response from religious leaders. 

Some are worried that divine anger could lead the country into catastrophe.

As of 30 September, there have been nearly 78,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases and 500 deaths due to coronavirus in Nepal.

The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is still burning and suffering its worst fires in a decade.

In September, satellites recorded a 61 per cent increase in fires in the rainforest from September 2019. 

The sudden surge in fires in the Amazon was the centre of much coverage in August last year. 

Woolworths will expand its trial of cashless Metro stores in Sydney and Melbourne over the coming weeks, creating nine stores that will no longer accept physical money.

The trial is intended to help customers at CBD locations get in and out of the store fast, with more Australians turning away from cash.

Australians are urged to prepare for the summer disaster season which officially begins this month. 

Emergency Management Australia released its annual disaster season briefing, following consultation with police, fire authorities and emergency services in every state and territory. 

Former senator Andrew Bartlett has been chosen to replace Greens candidate John Meyer as the party's Clayfield hopeful following an internal feud over campaign funding.

Mr Bartlett represented Queensland in the Senate from 1997 to 2008 as a member of the Australian Democrats.

The Palaszczuk government announced a new roadmap outlining the steps to ease restrictions. 

From 4pm today, Queenslanders can enjoy a drink or meal out without having to be seated.

A British judge says she will make her decision on the 4th of January on whether Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will be extradited to the US. 

Julian Assange faces charges including espionage for revealing US military records on his site Wikileaks. 

American manufacturing company Kohler Co. has launched an initiative called Safe Water For All to address global water and sanitation issues. 

Kohler Company partners with non-profit organisations such as Water Mission and World Vision to create low flow pour flush toilets and gravity water filters for affected areas. 

YouTube has committed one hundred and thirty five thousand dollars worth of scholarships for three creative individuals to study at Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA).

One scholarship worth around forty-four thousand dollars will be awarded each year for the next three years to a student whose background has been historically under-represented on screen and stage.