Australia ends local COVID vaccine trials due to HIV false positives

Rafa Nadal is taking no pleasure from the absence of great rival Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open, even if it means he has a clearer shot at the Grand Slam title record.

As German authorities reported a record number of new daily COVID cases, Chancellor Olaf Scholz told lawmakers a planned vaccine mandate was an essential element of his government's strategy to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Anti-vax enthusiasts claim that at least three athletes dropped out of the 2022 Australian Open tournament due to chest problems related to Covid-19 vaccination.We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake. Anti-vax enthusiasts claim that at least three athletes dropped out of the 2022 Australian Open tournament due to chest problems related to Covid-19 vaccination.We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake.

Australia's vocal criticism of China's human rights record has long angered Beijing. When Canberra called for an investigation into the origin of the coronavirus in 2020, Beijing slapped high tariffs on some Australian products.

In the early 1970s crocodiles were considered almost extinct in northern Australia. Then the country banned hunting them and launched a conservation program that has been proving very successful. Both people and nature benefit.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is pushing for a vaccine mandate as part of Germany's COVID-19 containment strategy, and lawmakers in Parliament are debating compulsory vaccines. So how do German citizens feel about the prospect of a mandatory jab?

Novak Djokovic was looking forward to kick-starting his 2022 season in Dubai following his deportation from Australia, and said he would be the first to congratulate U.S. Open champion Danil Medvedev if the Russian ends his two-year reign at the top of the world rankings this week.

Foreign tourists are welcome in Australia once again after nearly two years. Meanwhile, German officials say COVID travel restrictions will be eased early next month.

At least six people have died in floods that were sparked by heavy rainfall in the eastern state of Queensland.Scores of others have been evacuated, with authorities scrambling to respond to calls for help.

Local authorities say large parts of the Great Barrier Reef show signs of minor to severe bleaching ahead of a visit by UN officials. Their findings will impact whether the World Heritage Site status will be downgraded.

The government must commit resources to fight the most pressing "danger" of climate change, former defense officials said in an open letter. "Australia has failed when it comes to climate threats," the letter read.

Australia is caught in the middle of the US-China trade dispute, which is dominating Davos this year. Meanwhile, Australia has just booked its 27th consecutive year of growth, says Finance Minister Mathias Cormann.