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.

Infections are on the rise in Kathmandu and there are fears that the disease could spread further as people travel home during the festivals.

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. 

However this year, the peak of the fires have been sustained for longer as the Amazon is experiencing a longer dry season, which scientists attribute to global warming. 

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.

Although some customers have welcomed the trial, many have criticised the move citing security and accessibility concerns. 

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. 

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud says since the last disastrous bushfire season the Australian Defence Force has been working with the Department of Defence and Home Affairs to streamline support services. 

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 seat is held by former state treasurer and LNP leader Tim Nicholls on a 2.4 per cent margin.

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.

Further restrictions will be eased later in the month, including opening the border to New South Wales as long as there is no unlinked community transmission in the state for 28 days.

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. 

Australian-born Assange has been in the Ecuadorian Embassy since 2012. 

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. 

Currently 2.1 billion people around the world do not have access to safe water. 

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. 

Indigenous people, People of Colour, people with a disability, from remote and regional areas are especially encouraged to apply.