News
South African president criticises global travel bans as Omicron spreads
The president of South Africa has condemned travel bans enacted against his country and its neighbours over the new coronavirus variant Omicron
The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa stated that he was “deeply disappointed” by the action, which he described as unjustified, and called for the bans to be urgently lifted.
The UK, EU and US are among those who have imposed travel bans.
Omicron, a new strain of COVID-19, has been classed as a “variant of concern”. Early evidence suggests it has a higher re-infection risk.
The heavily mutated variant was detected in South Africa earlier this month and formally reported to the World Health Organization last Wednesday.
The variant is responsible for most of the infections found in South Africa’s most populated province of Gauteng, over the last two weeks, and is now present in all other provinces in the country.
The World Health Organization has warned against countries hastily imposing travel restrictions, stating that they should look to a “risk-based and scientific approach”. However, numerous bans have been introduced in recent days amid concerns over the variant.
WHO’s Africa director Matshidiso Moeti said on Sunday: “With the Omicron variant now detected in several regions of the world, putting in place travel bans that target Africa attacks global solidarity.”
“No need to panic”
Speaking to ticker NEWS, Former WHO epidemiologist, Professor Adrian Esterman says while much is still unclear about the new variant – there is no need to panic.
“I would imagine vaccines would still offer some kind of protection against new strains as they arise”
The professor told ticker news.
News
Big tech’s influence on copyright threatens Australian creators
Michael Miller warns AI’s data exploitation may harm journalists’ rights, reminiscent of past tech threats to Australian media. #bigtech #ai
Michael Miller warns AI’s data exploitation may harm journalists’ rights, reminiscent of past tech threats to Australian media. #bigtech #ai
News Corp Australasia’s executive chairman, Michael Miller warns that the ambition of AI companies to exploit data without fair compensation may undermine the rights of journalists and artists.
The approach of major tech companies during the digital revolution could resurface, threatening Australian media and content creators if copyright laws are eased.
News
Man arrested after 100 shots fired in Sydney
Lockdown lifted after 60-year-old man arrested for firing up to 100 shots in Sydney’s Inner West, injuring 16 people
Lockdown lifted after 60-year-old man arrested for firing up to 100 shots in Sydney’s Inner West, injuring 16 people.
– A 60-year-old man was arrested after a shooting incident in Croydon Park, Sydney.
– Approximately 100 shots were fired, injuring one seriously and 16 others requiring treatment.
Officers found multiple firearms at the scene and confirmed that the man used a high-calibre rifle. Acting Assistant Commissioner Trent King described the situation as horrific and unprecedented in Sydney.
Police are currently investigating the motive behind the shooting and how the suspect obtained the firearms and ammunition. Following the incident, one man was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in serious condition, while others were treated for minor injuries.
Ongoing Investigations
The crime scene has been established as investigations continue. Roads in the vicinity remain closed, and motorists are advised to find alternative routes. Police have confirmed that no officers were injured during the operation.
News
Trump sends Kushner and Witkoff to Egypt for hostage deal as Gaza crisis deepens
Trump sends Kushner and Witkoff to Egypt for urgent hostage negotiations amid escalating Gaza violence and fragile peace talks.
Trump sends Kushner and Witkoff to Egypt for urgent hostage negotiations amid escalating Gaza violence and fragile peace talks.
President Trump has dispatched Jared Kushner and real estate magnate Steve Witkoff to Egypt in an urgent diplomatic effort to finalise a hostage release agreement. The move marks one of the most significant interventions since Trump’s re-emergence on the global stage, as violence continues to escalate in Gaza.
Both Hamas and Israel have cautiously endorsed the framework of Trump’s peace proposal, though sticking points remain over the terms of prisoner exchanges and territorial concessions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made clear that Israel will not agree to any conditions that undermine its national security or sovereignty.
On the ground, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, with mounting casualties in Gaza and widespread destruction. Civilians trapped in the conflict zones are pleading for relief and an end to the fighting as world powers scramble to broker a breakthrough.
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