The three-month amnesty was the first since Australia’s landmark response to a mass shooting in 1996.

It aimed to reduce the number of illicit weapons by allowing people to hand them over without fear of prosecution.

The government said the amnesty deal had made the nation safer.

“Taking these unregistered firearms off the streets means they will not fall into the hands of criminals, who might use them to endanger the lives of innocent Australians,” Law Enforcement Minister Angus Taylor said on Thursday.

It is illegal to own an unregistered firearm in Australia. Offenders face fines of up to A$280,000 (£172,000;$225,000) and up to 14 years in jail.

Among the surrendered items were almost 2,500 automatic weapons, 2,900 handguns and a rocket launcher believed to have been found in a rubbish dump.

About a third of the weapons were destroyed, with the others registered or returned for sale.

Police estimate there is a local “grey market” of up to 260,000 illicit guns, some of which have been in organised crime as well as recent terror incidents.

• Is it time for US teachers to carry guns?
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Authorities have cited the example of Man Haron Monis, the perpetrator of a Sydney cafe siege in 2014, who used an unregistered shotgun.

Australia last held a gun amnesty in 1996 and 1997, following the killing of 35 people in the Tasmanian town of Port Arthur – the nation’s worst mass shooting.

At that time, nearly 650,000 firearms were handed in.

The incident also prompted major reform of gun laws, including a ban on semi-automatic and automatic weapons.

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Source: BBC

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The national mean temperature of 22.75C was almost 1C higher than a 1961-1990 baseline, its annual report revealed.

Only 2005 and 2013 were warmer, based on records kept for about a century.

In November, the World Meteorological Organization projected that 2017 was “very likely” to be among the hottest years ever globally.

The majority of Australia saw above-average heat, with maximum temperatures the second-warmest on record, the bureau said.

“Despite the lack of an El Niño – which is normally associated with our hottest years – 2017 was still characterised by very warm temperatures,” said Dr Karl Braganza, head of climate monitoring.

Summer heat described as “exceptional” had resulted in several land-based records being set in New South Wales and Queensland.

In its annual report released on Wednesday, the bureau said seven of Australia’s 10 warmest years had occurred since 2005. Only one year, 2011, had cooler than average temperatures.

It also reiterated that the Great Barrier Reef had suffered consecutive years of mass bleaching due to elevated ocean temperatures.

Climate change caused by human activity had contributed to the annual mean temperature increasing by about 1.1C since 1910, the report said.

On Sunday, Sydney experienced its hottest day in 79 years when temperatures hit 47.3C. A previous study has warned Australia’s biggest cities could face 50C temperatures by 2040.

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Source: BBC

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He is only 22, yet he is pursuing a doctorate at the Newcastle University in Australia.

[contextly_sidebar id=”LWxVc8H2UHsNzZdipUvhB2rT8gj5dd24″]Samuel, only in 2016 graduated from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) with First Class Honours in Bsc. Construction Technology & Management.

“Since my childhood, I’ve always challenged myself. I set high targets and try to achieve them. Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. But I believe one thing that keeps me moving on is that I AM NOT COMPLACENT. I don’t easily get satisfied with how things are,” he said.

For the Jukwa Senior High School graduate who studied General Arts, learning is a lifelong exercise he enjoys.

He has always embraced the opportunity to learn something new at any given opportunity, especially one that challenges his thinking and exposes him to new ways of doing things.

This explains his appetite for academic research, a more reason why he completed his National Service at KNUST’s Department of Building Technology as a Research Assistant.

While a National Service Person, with only a degree in Construction Technology Management which is ordinarily not sufficient to pursue a PhD, he took the rare step of applying to the Austrian University for his PhD as a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) student.

Samuel, had opted to complete the High Degree program in Building, an area he had received foundational understanding in from KNUST.

On 11^th August, 2017 when he received the email from the University of Newcastle, confirming his admission on a Full Scholarship to the school he embraced it with much very little surprise.

According to him, the admission yet again confirmed that success could be achieved when one puts their mind to it.

“I set high goals and work at it,” he said.

His research topic is “Development Policies and Sustainable Construction: A Case Based On Ghana.”

It will take him 4 years to complete the program, a year longer than the regular PhD program which could be completed in 3 years.

Unlike PhDs completed in other parts of the world, Samuel Fiifi Hammond’s PhD program is a research-only degree, meaning he doesn’t have any courses to take. All he has to do is to research.

Although he can take up a teaching activity alongside the program, it is not a requirement of the programme.

With this feat, he is expected to complete the PhD programme at the age of 26, likely to set a record as the youngest West African to graduate from the school.

The average age of beginning a PhD in Australia is 28 for science degrees and 38 for humanities degrees.

“Always have a goal you want to achieve. Something better and higher than your current situation,” Samuel advises.

He said while he feels this is a great academic achievement for him, he is quickly putting the excitement behind him to focus on something greater ahead.

“We’ve all been in that state before where we’ve achieved something great and we felt good. It really does. But if you know you have another goal you want to tackle, you put those successes behind because there is something also to go after now,” he said.

The University of Newcastle, Australia, is listed among the top 300 Universities in the world.

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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Julian Simpson, 30, accidentally slipped from a seventh-floor ledge of his Manhattan building and fell to a landing on the second floor, New York police said.

US media report he was playing a “trust game” with a friend before he fell.

Mr Simpson was a junior diplomat representing Australia at the United Nations.

Police were called to the scene about 01:00 local time on Wednesday (06:00 GMT). Mr Simpson was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The Australian envoy had been out with his wife and friends when they returned home to view the Empire State Building, which was lit up to celebrate Australia’s same-sex marriage vote result, police said.

An NYPD spokesperson would not confirm reports that he was playing a “trust” game that involved putting himself at risk and relying on one of his guests to catch him.

“He’s described as somebody who liked to play games and had sat on the balcony railing and accidentally lost his balance,” Martin Brown said.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called the accident a “shocking tragedy”.

“Our hearts go out to his family but I cannot provide any more details at this stage,” he told the local Seven Network.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was saddened by the death of Mr Simpson, who she had met recently in New York.

“Julian was a diligent, professional and highly skilled diplomat, whose support I valued, during UN Leaders’ Week,” she said.

Mr Simpson had been in the US for two years.

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Source: BBC

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The vote showed 61.6% of people favour allowing same-sex couples to wed, the Australian Bureau of Statistics said.

More than 12.7 million people – about 79.5% of eligible voters – took part in the eight-week postal survey.

PM Malcolm Turnbull said the “overwhelming” result meant his government would aim to change the law in parliament before Christmas.

“[Australians] have spoken in their millions and they have voted overwhelmingly yes for marriage equality,” he said after the result was announced.

“They voted yes for fairness, yes for commitment, yes for love. And now it is up to us here in the parliament of Australia to get on with it.”

However Mr Turnbull, a same-sex marriage supporter, is facing debate within his government over what the parliamentary bill should include.

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By: BBC

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The Socceroos – who will probably be happier with their home leg to come – had the better chances in San Pedro Sula.

They were initially awarded a penalty for a foul on Bailey Wright, but the referee then changed his mind and awarded a free-kick to Honduras.

Luzern striker Tomi Juric had their best opportunities.

In the first half, an excellent touch took him past the defence before he fired just wide from 16 yards. And after the break, his header was tipped over the bar by Donis Escober.

Carlo Costly had a late chance for Honduras, but Brighton keeper Mat Ryan denied the 35-year-old.

The second leg will be played at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium at 09:00 GMT on Wednesday – with the winners qualifying for the World Cup.

Australia will be hoping that Tim Cahill – who scored twice in the Asian play-off win over Syria – will recover from an ankle injury in time.

Honduras – who finished fourth in North, Central American and Caribbean qualifying, above the eliminated United States – are aiming to reach a third consecutive World Cup.

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Source: BBC Sport

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The High Court of Australia decision means three of the politicians, including Mr Joyce, are disqualified from office. The others quit in July.

Australia’s constitution prohibits dual citizens from being elected.

Mr Joyce’s exit strips the government of its one-seat majority, but he could return through a by-election.

The deputy prime minister, who renounced New Zealand citizenship in August, has pledged to re-contest his lower house seat.

“I respect the verdict of the court,” Mr Joyce said immediately after the verdict.

“We live in a marvellous democracy, with all the checks and balances they have given us all the freedoms we see. I thank the court [for] their deliberations.”

The other four politicians – Fiona Nash, Malcolm Roberts, Larissa Waters and Scott Ludlam – had been elected to the Senate.

Another two politicians under scrutiny, senators Matt Canavan and Nick Xenophon, were ruled to have been validly elected.

The dual citizenship saga has captivated Australian politics since July, prompting dozens of MPs to publicly clarify their status.

What did the politicians argue?

During three days of hearings, the government told the court that only Mr Roberts and Mr Ludlam should be disqualified, arguing the others did not knowabout their dual citizenship when they were elected last year.

Mr Roberts claimed he had tried to revoke his citizenship. Mr Ludlam and Ms Waters, the only MPs to resign over the saga, did not offer a defence – arguing all seven should be ineligible.

What did the court say?

The seven-judge bench deliberated for two weeks before ruling that five politicians were ineligible as a “subject or citizen of a foreign power”, under to the constitution’s section 44(i).

The court ruled that Mr Canavan and Mr Xenophon were not dual citizens, according to the constitutional definition.

The court was not satisfied that Mr Canavan had attained Italian citizenship through descent, while Mr Xenophon’s class of inherited UK citizenship did not give him full rights and privileges.

What does it mean for the government?

With Mr Joyce disqualified, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s numbers slip to 75 in the 150-seat House of Representatives – meaning he is now overseeing a minority government.

However, Mr Turnbull could regain his 76-seat majority if Mr Joyce wins the by-election on 2 December. Mr Joyce is eligible to run now he is a citizen of Australia alone.

Under a minority government, Mr Turnbull will require support from independent MPs and minor parties to pass legislation in the lower house.

There will also be a cabinet reshuffle because both Mr Joyce and Ms Nash held ministerial portfolios.

The Labor opposition has claimed that decisions made by the two ministers are “under a legal cloud” and could be challenged.

What has been the reaction?

Mr Turnbull said he was disappointed in the court’s decision, but stressed that his government still had six more MPs than Labor’s 69.

“The decision of the court today is clearly not the outcome we were hoping for but the business of government goes on,” he said.

Labor criticised Mr Turnbull for not immediately suspending Mr Joyce and Ms Nash after they referred themselves to the court in August.

Labor deputy leader Tanya Plibersek vowed to scrutinise decisions the pair had made.

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Source: BBC

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Mr. Amewu was acknowledged for his significant role in the fight against illegal mining since he was appointed to serve in the Akufo-Addo government.

Mr. Amewu, who received a plaque and a citation, said the incumbent government is determined to improve the country’s economy, and charged Ghanaians in the diaspora to remain calm, saying government will not fail on its numerous promises.

[contextly_sidebar id=”uyNDuvN3rFpYWHo4kC5M3EGpqpUMQzJN”]He emphasized that, the President is aware of the support given to him and the party, and will ensure that many more opportunities are created for all Ghanaians.

The war against illegal mining has seen Government take some drastic decisions including a temporary ban on all forms of small scale mining.

Mining equipment worth millions of cedis have been seized with some destroyed. Several illegal miners have also been arrested by operation vanguard, awaiting prosecution.

Others have voluntarily abandoned the many illegal mining sites, including those who were operating on water bodies and in forest reserves.

Since the intense campaign backed by the media commenced, some water bodies, which were hitherto heavily polluted and almost unusable, are now returning to their natural state.

Bawumia commends Amewu for bravery in galamsey fight

Among the many individuals and groups to have commended Mr. Amewu for his instrumental role in the galamsey fight, is the Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.

At a ceremony in the Volta Region some months ago, the Vice President described Mr. Amewu as a gem who deserved commendation for his hard work.

Dr. Bawumia was speaking as a Special Guest at a ceremony held by the Gbi Traditional Area under the auspices of the Paramount Chief Togbega Gabusu, to honour John Peter Amewu on his ministerial appointment and the zeal he exhibits in discharging his work at the Ministry of Land and Natural resources.

Addressing the gathering, Togbega Gabusu commended John Peter Amewu for his hard work, and encouraged other natives of the land to emulate him.

About John Peter Amewu

John-Peter Amewu is 48 years old, and holds an MBA (Finance) from University of Ghana. He also has a Post Graduate Degree (Executive MBA in International Energy Industry Management), and Masters in Petroleum Law and Policy from University of Dundee (UK).

He has more than 15 years’ experience in Government, Private Sector, Civil Society and International Development Organizations.

He has participated and undergone several mining professional training and attained various certificates from some Australia’s prestigious Universities (University of Sydney and University of Western Australia).

He is a Cost Engineer by profession with broader knowledge in the Energy and Mining Industry. He is a Co-founder of Africa Center for Energy Policy – ACEP; and also worked as the Director of Policy and Research where he provided pro-active and comprehensive policy related advice to support a variety of Government and Private Sector Projects.

He is the Chairman of Board of Directors of major private institutions in Ghana and a professional international consultant in his area of expertise (Mining and Petroleum). His contributions in providing solutions to the problems in the Energy Sector in Ghana have earned him both local and international acclamation and recognition.

He was the Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) before he became a Minister. He is married with three children.
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By: Kojo Agyeman & Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana

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The crackdown prevents users from accessing 59 illegal torrent and streaming sites including Demonoid, EZTV, YTS, RARBG, 1337x and Putlocker.

A total of 160 domains have been blocked in two orders, including alternative routes to the Pirate Bay.

The blockades were requested by film studio Village Roadshow and Australian broadcaster Foxtel.

Many pirate websites are already banned in Australia, with the two new court cases bringing the total number of domains blocked in the country to 340.

The country has wrestled with curbing citizens’ illegal downloading habits for some time.

In 2014, Attorney General George Brandis told reporters that Australia was the “worst nation for piracy on the planet”.

Individuals caught offering pirated material can face fines of up to A$117,000 (£72,000) – up to five times more for corporations – and may also receive a prison sentence, according to the Australian government website.

In 2016, the Hollywood studio behind the US film Dallas Buyers Club announced that it would not pursue a piracy case it launched against Australians accused of illegally downloading the film.

The studio said at the time that it had identified 4,726 unique IP addresses from which the film had been shared online using BitTorrent, a peer-to-peer file-sharing network.

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Source: BBC

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Four men were arrested in raids across the city late on Saturday.

Police said they had seized materials that could have been used to make an explosive device. Local media said the plot may have involved a meat mincer.

The men can be held for seven days without charge after a magistrate granted police special counter-terrorism powers.

The suspects are reported to include a father and his adult son.

Authorities have increased security measures at Australian airports, prompting lengthy queues and passenger confusion.

What was the alleged plot?

Australian Federal Police Commissioner Andrew Colvin said the men arrested were allegedly linked to an Islamist-inspired plan to detonate an improvised explosive device (IED).

He said police did not yet have information on “the specific attack, the location, date or time”.

Senior government minister Peter Dutton would not comment on reports that the suspected plot involved concealing a device in a kitchen meat grinder, or an allegation in The Australian newspaper about the possible use of poisonous gas.

“I do not want to go into the detail, but… there was a significant threat that [police and intelligence officials] dealt with and are in the process of dealing with,” said Mr Dutton, who will soon oversee all of Australia’s domestic security agencies.

Who is under arrest?

The four men were arrested in raids in the Sydney suburbs of Surry Hills, Lakemba, Wiley Park and Punchbowl.

According to local media, they include a father and his son and another pair who are also related.

No charges have been laid. On Sunday, a magistrate gave permission for an additional period of detention, meaning the four can be held for up to seven days without charge.

What are police doing now?

They are gathering evidence, including from the houses in Sydney, in a process that could last for days.

Police have said they intervened early because it was a counter-terrorism operation. Had it been another type of investigation, they may have waited before conducting raids.

Mr Colvin urged the public to be patient because police did not yet “have all the pieces of the puzzle to put together”.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull praised authorities for moving swiftly and said Australians should feel confident in their security agencies.

“This is now the 13th terrorist plot which has been disrupted by our agencies since 2014,” he said.

Australia’s national terror threat level remains at “probable” – the third level on a scale of five.

What is the impact on travel?

Passengers have been warned to arrive at Australian airports an hour earlier than usual amid heightened security arrangements.

The new measures have led to huge queues, particularly at the busiest airports in Sydney and Melbourne.

Mr Turnbull said the arrangements could remain for some time.

“I want to thank the travelling public for their forbearance,” Mr Turnbull said.

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Source: BBC

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