Xi Jinping in Nepal
Chinese President Xi Jinping was in Nepal over the weekend for a two-day state visit — the first by a Chinese leader to the Himalayan country in 23 years.
Nepal had hoped for an infrastructure boost involving highways to the Chinese border and a railway link.
It has been suggested that the Belt and Road initiative fundamentally aims to reshape global trade, with the goal of putting China at the centre
"We will help Nepal realise its dream of becoming a land-linked country from a landlocked one." Mr Xi declared over the weekend
Multi-million-dollar stadium in Solomon Islands from China
China has agreed to bankroll a multi-million-dollar stadium in Solomon Islands after the Pacific nation's diplomatic switch to the Asian superpower from Taiwan.
China plans to send one of its most senior officials Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua to the Pacific next week.
It granted $74 million to build Solomon Islands stadium ahead of 2023 Pacific Games
Under "one China" policy, the Chinese Government severs diplomatic ties with nations that recognise Taiwan
HSC Exams are more unpredictable
An attempt to make the HSC English exam more unpredictable has left some students stumped on the first day of the state-wide exams, but teachers have praised the "obscure" questions.
Over 66,000 students were tested on the new English syllabus for the first time on Thursday, which was focused on "texts and human experiences".
Students were expecting to be asked how their text related to the broad theme of human experiences, as was the case in sample papers provided by the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)
Lots of farmers not receiving hardship payments
Farmers coming off welfare will be entitled to a new, one-off payment of $13,000 for families and $7,500 for individuals.
Fewer than 7,000 farmers currently receive the hardship payments despite much of the country experiencing drought
The payment will be available to farmers forced off the Farm Household Allowance (FHA) before July 2020 because they have exceeded the time limit permitted to receive the payments.
Sawfish saws stolen
On a steamy night in tropical far north Queensland, Barbara Wueringer and her team climb aboard their 4.5-metre boat on the Norman River.
Four species of sawfish used to range around the top half of Australia's coastline in ocean and estuarine environment
It's the same story every night on the 14-day survey, and they're forced to concede that this trip won't yield any precious data on one of Australia's most unique and threatened species.
Four species of sawfish used to range around the top half of Australia's coastline in ocean and estuarine environment
Citizen scientists will soon take to bushland around southern Queensland looking for Australia's largest and most elusive owl.
They will be armed with acoustic monitors to try and record the secretive powerful owl to help find and protect its threatened habitat.
The $100k government funding allows Birdlife Australia to buy acoustic monitors and engage volunteers to do surveys to find where the owls are living.
The money founds three years of research and the first acoustic monitors will be deployed in March at the start of the owl breeding season.
9am Zedlines
Your 9am Zedlines with Andi and Fanny.
Image: [Sydney Morning Herald/ Dan Peled - AAP]
Death toll rising in Philippines earthquake
The death toll has risen to five in the Philippines earthquake while dozens remain injured.
Five people have been killed and 60 injured after the magnitude 6.4 earthquake on the island of Mindanao in southern Philippines.
A resident of Kidapawan City says they were driving back home when they felt a very powerful shake. they stopped and saw people and patients running out of the hospital,"
Violent protests in Barcelona
The sentencing of Catalan separatist leaders who sought to declare and independent state has sparked violent protests in Barcelona on Wednesday.
The peaceful demonstration throughout Wednesday deteriorated into clashes between police and protesters after nine politicians and activists were sentenced to up to 13 years in jail.
Regional government leader Quim Torra says they “cannot let these incidents happen in [their] country."
Search for construction company for Rookwood Weir project
The search has begun for a construction company to deliver a multi-million-dollar road upgrade as part of the $35 million Rookwood Weir project.
The roadwork will provide safe access for earth-moving machinery and construction vehicles travelling to the weir site.
Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga says “This is another important milestone for the $352 million Rookwood Weir project that will deliver jobs for the region now and for the next couple of years.”