Senior officials from Afghanistan’s neighboring countries gathered in Tehran to discuss the current situation involving Taliban rule.

Representatives from Iran, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan as well as China and Russia (via video link) met for the one-day conference. 

The conference agreed on continued cooperation to avoid a collapse or civil war in Afghanistan, a strong need to form an inclusive government, further humanitarian relief and the lifting of American sanctions affecting the war-torn nation.

Two U.S senators have urged President Joe Biden to waive potential sanctions against India over its purchase of Russia’s S-400 air defence system. They fear sanctions against India will jeopardize growing cooperation with the United States.

In 2018, India signed a $5.5 billion deal with Russia for five surface-to-air missiles, upsetting the U.S who had passed a law in the previous year stating any country engaging with Russia’s intelligence and defense sectors could face sanctions.

A research report by Charles Darwin University and National Energy Resources Australia reveals the integration of solar into Australia’s LNG Industry could dramatically reduce our carbon footprint.

The integration scheme tested on Santos’ Darwin facility showed it was economically viable to offset up to 50 per cent of plant emissions.

Professor Suresh Thennadil of CDU says that the initiative could assist Australia in reaching its 2030 emissions targets.

University of Queensland diseases researcher Daniel Watterson will receive $1.25 million in research grant money from the CSL Centenary Fellowship, where he plans to invest in further research to prevent future pandemics.

Professor Watterson said by continuing research into antiviral drugs, better prepares society for the next pandemic. 

The UQ professor formed part of the team at the institution, who developed a Covid-19 vaccine candidate using molecular clamp technology.

Taxpayers will hang onto any outstanding debt generated by the 2032 Olympic Games Organising Committee, as stated under new laws introduced to State Parliament.

The Brisbane Organising Committee will be a statutory corporation responsible for the overall management of the 2032 Games, and is exempt from the right-to-information scheme citing the sensitive nature of its duties. 

Voters at the next Federal election may have to show their ID before casting their ballot under new proposed laws.

The legislation approved on Tuesday is intended to prevent people from voting multiple times or under false identities.

Electoral Commissioner Tom Rogers says the majority of multiple voters from the 2019 election were elderly or had English as a second language.

Australians from across all territories and states (excluding South Australia and Western Australia) will be able to purchase rapid antigen Covid tests from stores beginning November 1. 

The tests provide users a Covid result within 15 minutes and can be used anywhere without the need of a healthcare worker’s assistance. 

Stores such as supermarkets giants Coles and Woolworths will offer the tests via stock or online, while convenience and petrol stores will have their supplies rolled out throughout November.

A Brazilian Senate Investigative Committee has approved a report calling for President Jair Bolsonaro for nine crimes, including crimes against humanity, related to his handling of the COVID Pandemic.

The 1,300 page document, prepared by the opposition party alleges that 77 people and 2 companies were also guilty of various crimes.

It is unlikely Mr Bolsonaro will face any charges as the report must be brought before Brazil’s prosecutor general, who was appointed by the President.