Australia

Dozens of bone fragments were uncovered by a dry lake in 2016 by researchers from Flinders University in Adelaide.

A new study says the skeletal remains were of the Archaehierax sylvestris, or ancient hawk of the forest.

Scientists believe the ancient raptor species survived by swooping on prey, including birds, possums and koalas.

They say the eagle had adapted to hunting and flying within forests, with short robust wings, long legs and a wide foot-span.

At the commissioning ceremony, Prime Minister Bob Loughman said, Vanuatu is a maritime nation and the new patrol boat will surely boost its maritime security.

“The VPF Maritime wing is responsible for doing territorial surveillance, border patrolling and reconnaissance, monitoring our EEZ, and protecting against illegal entry into our water. The donation by Australia of the new guardian patrol boat RVS Takuare is indeed a boost to our maritime security.”

In an interview, Scott Morrison said he had "not made any final decisions" on attending, suggesting it was a burden.

"It's another trip overseas... and I've spent a lot of time in quarantine," he told the West Australian newspaper.

The COP26 summit will be the biggest global climate crisis talks in years.

It is hoped that the 12-day meeting between world leaders in Glasgow, Scotland will produce the next emissions standards to slow global warming and keep temperature rise below 1.5C.

There is an air of festivity as hundreds of people have turned up at Feiwa Seafront Park for the arrival of the Guardian-class patrol boat.

The RVS Takuare will enter the harbour led by Provincial custom dressed boats around 10.30am (local time).

There will be a salute by crew members to the public.

Stalls, business booths and entertainment have been organised for the public as part of the programme.

RVS Takuare is the 12th vessel delivered under the Australian Department of Defense’s Pacific Maritime Security Programme.

It's a definitive move for a country in the Asia-Pacific region, experts say.

The security deal with the US and the UK gives Australia a huge defence upgrade from the world's most powerful military.

But it's a gift with strings attached. And there is debate over whether such a decision - made without public consultation - will play out in Australia's national interests.

As China has grown in power, it has begun to challenge US dominance in the Asia-Pacific region.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected accusations that Australia had lied, saying France should have been aware it was prepared to break the deal.

France says the Aukus pact has led to a "serious crisis" between the allies.

In an unprecedented move, it has recalled its ambassadors from the US and Australia as a sign of protest.

Under the Aukus pact, Australia will be given the technology to build nuclear-powered submarines as a way of countering China's influence in the contested South China Sea.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison rejected accusations that Australia had lied, saying France should have been aware it was prepared to break the deal.

France says the Aukus pact has led to a "serious crisis" between the allies.

In an unprecedented move, it has recalled its ambassadors from the US and Australia as a sign of protest.

Under the Aukus pact, Australia will be given the technology to build nuclear-powered submarines as a way of countering China's influence in the contested South China Sea.

It's been formed through a collaboration between Netball Queensland, Sunshine Coast Lightning, Queensland Suns and the PacificAus Sports partnership.

The 'Born to Shine Series' aims to provide players and coaches the opportunity to gain a tour-style experience in a top quality competition, with teams to play matches at the Sunshine Coast, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast.

The idea was discussed between the two nations' defence ministers, Australia's Peter Dutton and Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto, who met in Jakarta.

Australia has also offered places for Indonesia's best military personnel at Duntroon.

Dutton said the renewed defence cooperation arrangement would see Australia and Indonesia step up their joint training initiatives, and defence operational activities over the coming years.

Chief health officer Kerry Chant said the 20-year-old had significant underlying health conditions and was unvaccinated.

According NSW Health's own modelling, infections are anticipated to peak this week and hospitalisations will surge until mid-October.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the "next couple of months will be the most challenging" and in response to images of crowds gathering at weekend on Sydney's beaches, has asked the community to not become complacent.