Afghans unable to access UK help due to 'bureaucratic chaos'

Tens of thousands of Afghans have been unable to access UK help following the fall of kabul because of turmoil and confusion in the foreign office. 

A former diplomat has claimed bureaucratic chaos, ministerial intervention and lack of planning in the department led people vulnerable at the hands of the taliban. 

The whistleblower’s evidence has launched an internal inquiry, which has already contributed to the decision to move UK foreign secretary Dominic Raab to a new cabinet role.

 

Entangled whale gives birth

A North Atlantic Right Whale has given birth while entangled in fishing line off the coast of Georgia in the United States. 

The whale has been known to wildlife conservationists for some time, however they have been unable to free it from the rope without further injuring it.

While the calf is reportedly healthy at this time, there are still concerns for the mother’s safety if the fishing line continues to cause further issues, potentially making the mother unable to care for the calf.

 

UQ study discovers human ancestors had increased resistance to snakes venom

Researchers with the University of Queensland have discovered the last common ancestor between humans and apes had an increased resistance to large amounts of snake venom.

The study focused on African and Asian primates and their abilities to survive snake bites, by exposing synthetic neuroreceptors to various types of venom.

African and Asian primates were shown to have a much higher rate of resistance to the venoms of cobras than South American monkeys, which due to lack of exposure to snakes did not develop such resistance, and also had poorer eyesight. 

Palaeontologist uncovers 112 million year old 'sea lizard'

A Queensland Palaeontologists has uncovered a one hundred and twelve million year old sea lizard in the region of Richmond. 

It was believed the creature, which has been described as a ‘monstrous dolphin’ around 6-5 meters in length, once thrived in the Great Artesian Basin.

Palaeontologist, Kevin Petersen found the fossils of the snout and jaw intact yesterday, and it has now been transferred to the Richmond Museum.

 

Australian Army Battalion suspected of 'unacceptable behaviour'

The Australian Army’s Seventh Battalion in Adelaide is currently under investigation for alleged “unacceptable behaviour.”

While the Army is yet to release details of the allegations at this stage, the new investigation has been launched by the Inspector-General of the Australian Defence Force, following an internal investigation into claims of racial slurs and denials of justice earlier this year. 

South Australian senator Rex Patrick is determined to continue the investigation over concerns surrounding the lack of transparency from the Army’s prior inquiries.

Australian government aims to impose cryptocurrency regulations

The Australian government is making moves to impose new regulations on cryptocurrencies, following plans to launch its own digital currency. 

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has confirmed the Commonwealth and Reserve bank are working on the feasibility of central cryptocurrency in Australia. 

Frydenberg has also expressed that the government wanted cryptocurrency exchanges and business to apply for financial licenses, which aims to give consumers more certainty and confidence about parties they are dealing with. 

Man suspect of murdering Washington Post journalist has been arrested

A Saudi man suspected of being involved in the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi has been arrested in France.

Khalid Alotaibi is one of 26 suspects charged over the murder, which took place in Turkey in 2018.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also been accused of authorising the killing by Western Intelligence Agencies, however these claims are yet to be substantiated.

 

Fiji leads vaccination rates

Fiji is hoping to build on its high COVID-19 vaccination rates among adults, with its sights set on protecting more and more children. 

91 per cent of adults in Fiji have received both doses, which has come just months after conspiracy theories ran rampant in the village. 

Amidst criticism over lack of information and connectivity in remote areas, the high vaccination rates have been attributed to a vaccination drive supported by the nation’s ministry of health and Australian government funding.