In this bulletin;
- A rower rescued off the Queensland coast after he was caught in cyclonic conditions;
- The Oscars get underway in Hollywood;
- And in sport, Australia to face India in the first semifinal of the Champions Trophy.
A Lithuanian rower has been rescued off the Queensland coast, after he was caught in the waves and wind generated by a tropical cyclone.
Aurimas Mockus first went missing about 740 kilometres east of Mackay while attempting to row solo across the Pacific Ocean from San Diego to Brisbane.
A 16-thousand tonne Royal Australian Navy ship rescued Mockus this morning, after Cyclone Alfred intensified to a category-two system with gusts of up to 130 kilometres an hour.
Mr Mockus first activated his emergency beacon late on Friday, before the Australian Maritime Safety Authority communicated with him on Sunday.
The agency reported no injuries for the rower.
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Residents are being warned to prepare for the potential for "life-threatening" flooding, as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches south-east Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The Bureau of Meteorology says the system is expected to make landfall on Thursday as a category-two system, bringing up to 600 millimetres of rain per day.
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli says residents should do everything they can to prepare including acquiring tinned food and making an emergency kit.
Meteorologist Sarah Scully, from the Bureau of Meteorology, says heavy rain and strong winds are expected to peak on Thursday and Friday.
"The greatest impacts are expected on that southern flank of the cyclone in that onshore flow; and would include things like damaging to destructive winds. Heavy to intense rainfall that may lead to life-threatening flash flooding. And coastal inunduation of low-lying areas with that strong storm surge."
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Israel has been sharply criticised for stopping the entry of all food and other supplies into Gaza.
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, says there will be additional consequences if Hamas doesn't accept a new proposal to extend a fragile ceasefire, now the first phase of the agreement has expired.
"Negotiations should be connected to the release of hostages. This is very important. As long as this principle will be met, we are ready for that. For 50 days or 30 days. Whatever."
Badr Abdelatty, the foreign minister of Egypt, a key mediator in the conflict, has accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon.
"Regarding the second phase of the ceasefire deal, each party must implement its obligations. This agreement must be implemented and it includes the full flow of aid. The use of aid as a weapon of collective punishment and starvation must not, cannot, and should not be allowed or accepted. This is completely unacceptable and represents a flagrant and explicit violation of international humanitarian law."
Hunger has been an issue throughout the war for Gaza’s over 2 million people, and some aid experts had warned of possible famine.
Negotiations on the second phase were meant to start a month ago, increasing the uncertainty around the fragile truce.
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The Oscars are underway in Hollywood, with 10 contenders for the best pictures category.
The nominees include: Conclave, Anora, Emilia Pérez, Wicked and The Brutalist.
Michael Jackman is the producer of the papal thriller, Conclave, which was adapted from the 2016 novel by British writer Robert Harris, who was inspired by the conclave of 2005 that elected Pope Benedict XVI.
The film has already won top honours from Britain's BAFTAs, and the Hollywood actors' SAG Award for best cast.
Mr Jackman says being involved with the film has been a very rewarding experience.
"It is living the dream. When you start doing this you go say to yourself: maybe one day, I will get to be on that red carpet. And so it has been wonderful. Surreal and thrilling."
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In cricket, Australia will face India in the first Champions Trophy semifinal in Dubai on Tuesday.
India's 44-run win against New Zealand in the Dubai International Stadium has booked them a spot in the semis against Australia.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will travel to Lahore to meet South Africa in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
New Zealand Bowler Matt Henry says he is expecting South Africa to be tough opponents.
"Obviously going into playing South Africa who have been playing some fantastic cricket and they're a very well-balanced side. They've obviously got a lot of power in that batting line-up, but they've obviously got a serious bowling attack as well. So yeah, semi-final cricket, finals cricket, it's always exciting and it's always great when you're playing against the best teams."
