TRANSCRIPT
- A major investigation underway after explosives and antisemitic material found in Sydney
- Donald Trump's pick for US Health Secretary defends his vaccine stance
- And in cricket, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith score centuries on day one of the Test series against Sri Lanka
It’s been revealed that a major investigation is underway into the discovery of a caravan in north-west Sydney laden with explosives and a note with the addresses of Jewish people and institutions.
New South Wales Police have confirmed the vehicle was found by a resident at a property in Dural on January 19.
Deputy Police Commissioner David Hudson says they are working on the case with the Australian Federal Police, New South Wales Crime Commission, as well as interstate detectives from Queensland and Victoria.
He says the current threat has been contained - but authorities remain on alert.
"I don't think I need to say any more about why I think it's escalating when you're seeing the tools of their antisemitic trade being detected and the damage that they can cause. It is certainly of significant concern to us and to government."
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The federal government says it has confirmation that Australian man Oscar Jenkins is not dead, despite previous reports to the contrary.
Russia’s Ambassador to Australia has reportedly told officials that he is detained by Russian Armed Forces and is still alive.
But Foreign Minister Penny Wong says serious concerns remain for the welfare of Mr Jenkins.
The Senator says the government has made it clear that as a prisoner of war, Russia is obligated to treat him in accordance with international humanitarian law.
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Robert F Kennedy Junior has been grilled over his views on vaccines during a a senate hearing to confirm him as the new US Secretary of Health.
If confirmed, he would lead a A$2.73 trillion (US $1.7 trillion) agency that will oversee vaccine recommendations, as well as food inspections and health insurance for half the country in President Donald Trump's administration.
Critics of Mr Kennedy say he has previously promoted dangerous misconceptions about vaccines, including his cousin Caroline Kennedy, the former US Ambassador to Australia, who argues he has a record of encouraging people not to immunise their children.
But in his opening statement before the committee, Mr Kennedy has told senators he doesn't agree with being described as anti-vaccine.
"I am pro safety. I worked for years to raise awareness about the mercury and toxic chemicals in fish and nobody called me anti-fish. And I believe that vaccines play a critical role in health care. All of my kids are vaccinated. I've written many books on vaccines. My first book in 2014, the first line of it is 'I am not anti-vaccine,' and the last line is 'I am not anti-vaccine'."
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An investigation is underway to determine what started the fire that engulfed a plane in South Korea, forcing the evacuation of crew and passengers.
The country's transport ministry has not yet commented on the possible cause of the fire, but the local Yonhap News Agency has reported the blaze began to spread after black smoke emerged from the overhead compartment in the back row of the plane as it prepared to takeoff for Hong Kong from Gimhae International Airport.
The incident comes just one month after a passenger plane in South Korea crashed at Muan International Airport, killing all but two of the 181 on board.
Busan Mayor, Park Heong-Joon, says that is why everyone is in shock.
"I feel very sorry that this accident happened not long after the accident in Muan. I especially feel sorry for everyone on the plane. They were able to get out safely, but I think the mental and physical shock caused by it could be very serious."
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In northern India, at least 30 people have been killed and another 60 injured in a stampede at the Kumbh Mela.
The world's largest religious gathering, the Hindu festival Kumbh Mela has already seen gigantic daily crowds, with nearly 148 million people attending since it began two weeks ago.
Senior police officer Vaibhav Krishna says 25 of the dead have been identified.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered his condolences to the families of those killed.
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In cricket, Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith have scored centuries to put Australia in a commanding position on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka.
Explosive new opener Travis Head silenced critics who wanted Sam Konstas to open before Khawaja and Smith forged an unbeaten 195-run stand that put Australia in a strong position.
Australia were 2-330 when rain forced stumps to be called 20 minutes early.
Smith became only the fourth Australian to reach 10,000 Test runs when he played a quick single to mid-on in the minutes before the lunch break.
