New Zealand GeoNet says tremor activity increases at White Island volcano
Tremor activity at New Zealand’s White Island volcano increased on Wednesday, geological agency GeoNet said, two days after an eruption that killed six people, left eight missing and presumed dead, and seriously injured 30.
Bougainville overwhelmingly votes for independence from Papua New Guinea
The South Pacific islands of Bougainville have overwhelmingly voted to be independent from Papua New Guinea, the referendum commission said on Wednesday, in a historic poll that will trigger separation negotiations between the two governments.
China says Taiwan anti-infiltration bill causing ‘alarm’ for investors
A proposed anti-infiltration bill in Taiwan which the government says is needed to combat Chinese influence is spreading alarm amongst the Taiwanese business community in China, the Chinese government said on Wednesday.
Australian mother and daughter named as volcano victims: media
A mother and daughter have become the first Australians to be named as victims of New Zealand’s volcano disaster after the family was informed by authorities early on Wednesday, media said.
Hazardous Sydney smoke turns up heat in Australia’s climate politics
Devastating bushfires that blanketed Australia’s largest city with hazardous smoke this week have heightened public anger and raised political pressure on the government to do more to battle climate change.
Myanmar’s Suu Kyi to lead genocide defense at World Court
Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi will lead Myanmar’s defense at the World Court on Wednesday, where her country faces accusations of genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority.
Canada parliament votes for committee to probe China relations in defeat for Trudeau
Canadian legislators on Tuesday delivered Prime Minister Justin Trudeau his first parliamentary defeat since his re-election by approving the creation of a special committee to examine relations with China, which is locked in a dispute with Ottawa.
U.S. judge blocks $3.6 billion transfer to Mexican border wall
A federal judge on Tuesday issued a permanent injunction barring President Donald Trump’s attempt to transfer $3.6 billion in military construction funds to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.
Tremor activity at New Zealand volcano a hurdle for recovery effort
Increasing tremor activity on a volcanic island in New Zealand has hampered efforts by authorities to recover the bodies of eight people believed to be on the island, two days after it erupted.
Argentina’s Peronist left returns as Fernandez is sworn in
Argentina’s Peronist leader, Alberto Fernandez, was sworn in as president on Tuesday, marking a shift to the left for Latin America’s No. 3 economy as the country fights rampant inflation, credit default fears and rising poverty.
