TRANSCRIPT
- Victoria on high alert for bushfires
- Russia launches a large scale aerial attack on several targets in Ukraine
- Sam Konstas chalks up an early half-century at the Boxing Day Test
High temperatures and dry winds have created a dangerous combination with authorities in Victoria placing almost the entire state on alert for a bushfire
Authorities have issued an extreme fire risk for all regions with the exception of South Gippsland, which is on a high fire risk.
Victoria State Control Centre has also warned residents in the Grampians, The Gurdies, Bullengarook and Creswick to remain on alert as bushfires continue to burn in their areas.
Deputy Premier Ben Carroll has warned that there is a total fire ban throughout the state for Thursday.
"The advice is very clear. Don't light fires. Conditions are especially dangerous for people in areas where bushfires have already been burning. As we've repeatedly said, the fire we are most worried about is the fire we do not know of. We think of everyone at this time as they've had to leave their homes during the Christmas period. We know this is a challenging time for all communities and all communities will be supported through this period."
Authorities in South Australia and New South Wales are also on high alert with temperatures ranging from the high 30s to the 40s in certain regions.
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Russia has launched a large-scale aerial attack against several targets in Ukraine, focusing on the nation's infrastructure.
The Ukrainian Air Force has reported that more than 184 drones and missiles were used in the attack, but says that most of them were knocked down.
Several casualties have been confirmed from the attack although no exact figure has been provided.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned the attack, saying that it was a deliberate decision made by Russia to launch the attack on Christmas Day.
U-S President Joe Biden has also criticised the assault, claiming that its purpose was to cut off the Ukrainian people's energy supply.
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Mediators from Egypt and Qatar [[cutter]] say they are working to secure a ceasefire deal between Israel and military group Hamas.
The Israeli government and Hamas have traded blame for the failure to reach a conclusive agreement, although both sides say progress has been made.
The Palestinian Health Authority has said that over 45,000 people have died since the start of Israel's military operation in Gaza.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty says it is a priority to bring military action in the region to a halt and provide support to all those in need.
"Certainly, at the heart of the Arab cause was, most importantly, the Palestinian cause and the catastrophic conditions in the Gaza Strip and the efforts made by Egypt in cooperation with sisterly Qatar to quickly reach an agreement stipulating an immediate cessation of the Israeli aggression, a ceasefire, and full and unconditional access to aid to the Gaza Strip "
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Pope Francis has called on all sides involved in conflict around the world to think of the detrimental toll their actions are having on children.
Delivering his to the people and the world message to his followers from the Vatican, the pontiff touched on major issues affecting the planet.
He talked about a deadly measles outbreak affecting several nations in Africa, as well as the civil war in Myanmar and the division of Cyprus.
The Pope, who has dedicated the 2025 Jubilee to the message of hope, says his thoughts are also with the children who remain in Gaza.
"May the sound of arms be silenced in the Middle East. I think of the Christian communities in Israel and Palestine, particularly in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is extremely grave. May there be a ceasefire."
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In cricket,
Teen sensation Sam Konstas has greeted fans of the sport who have gathered at the M-C-G to watch the fourth test between Australia and India with a great showing.
The 19-year-old started off the match with a half century, taking on two of India's biggest threats, Jasprit Bumrah and Virat Kohli in front of 90,000 fans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The talented player needed a little more than an hour to reach his fifty in 52 balls, with India throwing fielders out to the boundary in their attempts to stop him.
Earlier in the day, captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat first.
A fan of the sport called Nalesh has told SBS Gujarati that he and his family travelled all the way from California to see the game.
"My son Ganesh here is a huge fan of Steve Smith and Virat Kohli. Those are his two favourite batters. He himself plays a lot of cricket. So from here we are going to be going to Sydney as well. Really excited for looking at all the energy over here. So many people. It should be a good match."
