News
Melbourne takes Buenos Aires’ lockdown crown
Australia’s second biggest city, Melbourne has officially become the most locked-down city in the world
The title previously held by Buenos Aires, now means Melbourne has endured over 245 days of stay at home restrictions.
Melbourne was once renowned for being the world’s most liveable city, with the title becoming a key attraction for travellers eager to visit.
But the new world record is now damaging the city’s reputation, according to many whom live and work in the city.
Where to from here?
By October 26, it’s hoped 70 per cent of the state’s over 15’s will be fully vaccinated and will trigger a relaxation of restrictions for those protected.
By that time, Melburnians will have racked up more than 260 days at home since the COVID pandemic hit last year.
It’s a bitter milestone to pass as Victoria regularly records more than 1000 new cases a day two months into Melbourne’s sixth lockdown — significantly higher than even the worst day of last year’s 112-day confinement.
The Delta variant has proven seemingly impossible to eradicate since it took hold in Sydney, which has itself just marked 100 days of stay-at-home orders, in June.
Melbourne’s record-breaking lockdown is costing the state economy $700 million a week.
News
Trump proposes $100,000 H-1B visa fee increase
Trump announces massive H-1B visa fee increases and introduces $1 million ‘gold card’ to reshape immigration system
Trump announces massive H-1B visa fee increases and introduces $1 million ‘gold card’ to reshape immigration system
– Trump announced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas and a $1 million residency gold card to boost American hiring.
– Critics argue increased fees may limit smaller firms’ access to foreign talent, impacting U.S. tech innovation.
Trump stated the initiative aims to bring in highly skilled individuals rather than those crossing the borders illegally. A gold card requiring a $1 million payment will expedite visa processing, with a reduced availability compared to existing green card categories.
The new programme could alter the competitive landscape for U.S. tech companies, which historically depend on H-1B visas to access foreign talent.
Critics warn that the increased fees may deter smaller firms from utilising these visas, potentially hindering U.S. progress in tech sectors like artificial intelligence.
Visa Impact
Debate persists within Trump’s administration regarding the new policy’s implications. Supporters argue it protects American jobs, while opponents contend it restricts access to global talent crucial for innovation.
The H-1B visa programme, established in 1990, remains vital for skilled foreign workers seeking residency in the U.S., yet faces growing scrutiny.
News
Fourth death confirmed due to Optus outage issues
Fourth death confirmed following Optus outage that blocked Triple Zero calls for 13 hours during network upgrade
Fourth death confirmed following Optus outage that blocked Triple Zero calls for 13 hours during network upgrade
– A fourth death is confirmed due to an Optus network failure affecting emergency calls for 13 hours.
– Optus CEO announced an investigation after communication failures and criticism from politicians and emergency services.
He stated that approximately 600 calls to emergency services were disrupted, impacting residents across South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory.
Rue confirmed that the outage stemmed from a problematic firewall upgrade and revealed details of communication failures within the company. Politicians and emergency services expressed anger at the lack of timely information during the crisis.
System Failure
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas criticised Optus for their incompetence in handling the situation.
The federal communications minister also condemned the company, highlighting that such failures are unacceptable.
The incident follows a previous outage for which Optus was fined $12 million, raising serious concerns about their emergency service handling.
News
Israel launches its new “Iron Beam” laser system
Israel’s new “Iron Beam” laser defense system to deploy by year-end, promising cost-effective missile interception.
Israel’s new “Iron Beam” laser defense system to deploy by year-end, promising cost-effective missile interception.
Israel’s Defence Ministry says its new “Iron Beam” laser system will be deployed by year’s end. The technology is designed to destroy incoming missiles, rockets, drones and mortars with precision.
Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in partnership with Elbit Systems, Iron Beam will sit alongside existing defences such as Iron Dome, David’s Sling and Arrow. Unlike traditional interceptors which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per shot, the laser comes at negligible expense.
Officials call it the world’s first high-power laser interception system to achieve operational maturity, hailing it as a game-changer for modern warfare. Military leaders expect the system to reshape air defence capabilities and cut costs dramatically.
#Israel #Defence #LaserWeapons #TickerNews
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