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Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney has called snap elections for April 28, saying he needs a strong mandate to deal with the threats posed by U-S President Donald Trump.
The former central banker was sworn in as prime minister just over one week ago, replacing outgoing leader Justin Trudeau.
The party had been behind in the polls, but Mr Carney's ascendancy appears to have put his Liberals back in a competitive position ahead of the upcoming election.
His pitch for leadership of his party - and now the country - has focused on Canada's response to U-S tariffs.
"We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump's unjustified trade actions, and his threats to our sovereignty. I am asking Canadians for a strong, positive mandate to deal with President Trump and to build a new Canadian economy that works for everyone, because, I know we need change. Big change. Positive change."
A Turkish court has ordered the imprisonment of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu – seen as the country’s main opposition leader – pending the outcome of a trial on corruption charges.
The 54-year-old has denied all allegations made against him, ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
In a statement on social media, he says he will stand tall and will not bow down.
Protests have been ongoing over the last week since he was initially detained.
Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavas says Mr Imamoglu's arrest has made him ashamed of the judicial system.
"I came here without sleeping at all and we just got the news. A (decision for) arrest came out. To be honest, we are ashamed of our judicial system because we saw during the trial that the statement there was served to all of Turkey within five minutes even though investigations are confidential - preparatory investigations are confidential."
The first two High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems launcher vehicles have been delivered to Australia from the United States.
The trucks are capable of launching long-range missiles over more than 500 kilometres.
Forty more launcher vehicles are due to be delivered to Australia from the U-S.
The federal government is investing in locally building guided missiles that will work with the launchers.
Defence Minister Richard Marles says the delivery of the first launchers is a proud moment for the Army and Australia.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers says there will be modest changes to net overseas migration when the government hands down its budget tomorrow.
Mr Chalmers has foreshadowed responsible cost of living relief and plans to make childcare more accessible.
The Labor government has cut immigration over the past year after a significant post-COVID rise.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers told SBS News that the latest net migration figures were lower than expected.
"We got a number for net overseas migration, I think, last week, or certainly in the last couple of weeks, and it showed that we were 10,000 lower than than what we had anticipated. We're managing net overseas migration down in a responsible and a considered and a methodical way. There are always swings and roundabouts in the forecast. It's not just about how many people are arriving, but also how many people are leaving Australia, departing Australia. And so there'll be some some modest changes to the net overseas migration forecast. You'll see them on Tuesday."
The Coalition has previously-outlined a target of reducing net overseas migration of 25 per cent.
Pope Francis has made his first public appearance in five weeks, waving from the window of a hospital in Rome minutes before he was discharged.
The 88-year-old Pontiff has been receiving complex treatment for double pneumonia, and doctors say he will need at least two months more rest.
Grazia Mara was there to witness the Pope's greeting as he was discharged.
"This recovery or at least this discharge cheers us all up and gives us joy and hope. We wish him a safe return to his home and a speedy recovery, for all of us too."
Australian Formula One star Oscar Piastri has won the Chinese Formula One Grand Prix for McLaren, having started from pole position.
The McLaren flyer never gave up the lead he earned in qualifying in China's city of Shanghai to win the third GP of his career.
It adds to his triumphs in Hungary and Azerbaijan last year in what proved to be a breakout season for Piastri.
The 23-year-old was almost 10 seconds ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris in second, while Mercedes' George Russell came third for the second week in a row.
Just a week ago, Piastri made a crucial error when he appeared to be cruising in second on his home track at Albert Park in Victoria - only to spin off and finish ninth.
McLaren Racing Team Principle, Andrea Stella says Piastri has improved and grown.
"Last year 12 months ago, this was one of the worst circuits for Oscar, this was one of the most difficult race for him. So I think the performance that he has pulled off during this week shows how rapidly he grows, how rapidly he improves the talent that we have at McLaren in our drivers line up is just incredible."
