Australia receives first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines

He highlighted India's role as a "first responder" for the Maldives, emphasising that India's support during critical periods has been fundamental to the stability and security of the island nation.

The high-level discussion focused on expanding bilateral cooperation, with Zaki announcing Australia's readiness to cooperate with Kerala in education and industry, focusing on job opportunities in healthcare.

The European Union on Wednesday moved to intensify pressure on Tehran amid the conflict in West Asia by approving new sanctions targeting 19 Iranian regime officials and entities accused of serious human rights violations.

Australian Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke wrote in a post on X, "Later in the evening, they were reunited with their five teammates who had made the same decision the night before. They will be safe here. They will be at home here. They are welcome here in Australia."

Iran's IRGC launched five missiles at the US Army headquarters at Harir Air Base in Erbil, Al Jazeera reports. The strike marks a major escalation in regional hostilities, specifically targeting a key international coalition hub to degrade American command capabilities during the ongoing conflict.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have condemned a drone strike on the UAE's Iraqi consulate as a "clear violation" of international law. Australia is deploying military assets to bolster UAE defences, while US President Trump described the regional conflict as a "short-term excursion" that could end soon.

A drone strike hit the UAE's Iraqi Kurdistan consulate after the nation decried being targeted "unfairly". Australia is now deploying missiles and aircraft for defense. Meanwhile, US President Trump described the conflict as a "short-term excursion" that could end soon.

The players - Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi - reportedly escaped from team handlers at a hotel on Australia's Gold Coast following their participation in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. The dramatic operation unfolded overnight, with the players assisted by Australian authorities before being moved to a secure location.

The players - Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh and Mona Hamoudi - reportedly escaped from team handlers at a hotel on Australia's Gold Coast following their participation in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup. The dramatic operation unfolded overnight, with the players assisted by Australian authorities before being moved to a secure location.

The envoy, however, did so in a 'Dhurandhar' mode as he shared a video clip on X of the Australian High Commission diplomats in India celebrating International Women's Day with a video that featured a soundtrack from filmmaker Aditya Dhar's directorial project Dhurandhar.