Oxford Chooses ‘Toxic’ as the Word of the Year
Oxford Dictionaries has chosen ‘toxic’ as the word of the year.
Lexicographers at the Oxford University Press said that beyond its literal meaning, people have used “toxic” to describe relationships, politics and habits resulting in its increased popularity.
The Word of the Year is chosen from a shortlist "drawn from evidence gathered by Oxford University Press’ extensive language research program.
UN lifts sanctions on Eritrea
The United Nations has unanimously agreed to lift a nine-year sanction against Eritrea.
The sanction included an arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze against Eritrea amid fears that the government committed mass human rights abuses against civilians and supported terrorist group, Al Shabab.
Omega 3 intake linked to decrease premature birth risks
A new study has found that an increased intake of omega 3 fats during pregnancy can reduce the risk of premature births.
Conducted by the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide's Women's and Children's Hospital and the University of Adelaide, these results suggest that omega 3 supplements can cut the complications associated with premature birth before 34 weeks by 42%.
Victorian Coalition silent on LGBTI+ Issues
The Victorian Coalition has been criticised for its silence on key issues affecting the LGBTI+ community in the lead up to the November 24th State Election.
The Victorian Gay and Lesbian Rights Lobby surveyed all parties on key policy issues affecting the LGBTI+ community and said it's concerning the coalition had not addressed many issues facing the community in their policy plans.
With the election shaping up to be close, the lobby said it is important that voters who care about LGBTI+ issues, know where their candidate stands and each party’s policies.
Queensland unemployment rate worst in Australia
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Queensland's unemployment rate throughout October reached 6.3 percent.
The latest statistics have confirmed that Queensland has the highest unemployment rate in the nation.
LNP employment spokeswoman, Fiona Simpson, said that there are now over 165,000 unemployed Queenslanders.
Queensland Government pushes Commercial Fishing Tracking Devices
The Queensland government has pushed ahead plans to implement ‘real time’ tracking devices on all commercial fishing boats.
The tracking devices aim to collect data in order to monitor fishing sites and enforce compliance with regulations.
Deputy Director of the Department of Fisheries and Forestry, Claire Anderson, has said trawler operators who used the tracking devices over the past 15 years can be used as evidence that the systems work successfully.
China’s Artificial Sun Reaches 100 Million Celsius, Marking Milestone for Nuclear Fusion
Chinese nuclear scientists have reached an important milestone in the quest to harness energy from nuclear fusion, a process that occurs naturally in the sun.
China’s Institute of Plasma Physics announced this week that their experiment, dubbed the ‘artificial sun’, has reached 100 million degrees celsius, making the plasma more than 6 times hotter than the real sun.
This news comes after China shocked the science community last month with plans to launch an artificial moon bright enough to replace city street lights by 2020.
First Rohingya are to be Returned to Myanmar Killing Ground
About 2,200 of the 720,000 Rohingya Muslims who fled persecution, organised slaughter and rape in their homeland of Myanmar last year, are being sent back.
It is a process that has been repeatedly delayed, and one that few, apart from the Myanmar and Bangladesh governments, think is a good idea.
A New Bill in NSW Could Further Complicate Abortion Laws
A new law giving legal rights to a foetus may be again debated in New South Wales State Parliament, sparking protest from supporters and detractors.
Christian Democratic Party MP Reverend Fred Nile is set to make another push at passing the bill colloquially known as Zoe’s law.
Abortions in New South Wales are only considered lawful if a doctor deems the woman's physical or mental health is in danger, with the state the last in Australia where abortion is still technically a crime.
Scientists Warn Australia Will Experience Increased Floods and Droughts due to Climate Change
Scientists are urging the Australian government to protect the diminishing water supply to southern Australia as the country is facing more severe floods and droughts.
A scientific report shows Australia is facing changing rainfall patterns which will threaten the country’s future water security.
Co-author Lesley Hughes says there is an urgent need for a stronger federal government climate policy and phasing out coal would be the best long-term solution.