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TRANSCRIPT
- Calls for more to be done to identify Islamic preachers spreading hate messages
- Heatwave conditions set to continue across inland regions of southeast Australia
- Coco Gauff's bid for a third Grand Slam title has come to an end
Former prime minister Scott Morrison has called for an accreditation process to help identify preachers who promote hate and distorted versions of Islamic religious teachings.
He made the remarks in a speech at an antisemitism conference in Jerusalem for International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Mr Morrison says responses to antisemitism after the Bondi terror attack should include a process where Muslim leaders issue a licence to preach and translate religious teachings into English.
He told Radio 2GB, an accreditation process already exists for Anglican, Catholic and Jewish preachers - and he believes it makes sense to extend this idea.
"Religious leaders in all faiths have got to take responsibility for what is happening in those faiths. And their teaching has to be right. It has to be positive; and it has to be in English, so people can see what is being said, so it is transparent. And I think this is an important way of shining some light into these places. But it is what is happening here (in Australia) is what we have to address. And that means we have enlist our imams - and all of those who are religious leaders in the Islamic faith to take charge of that."
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Holocaust survivors, politicians and members of the public have commemorated International Holocaust Remembrance Day, gathering at events across Europe to reflect on Nazi Germany's killing of millions of people.
At Auschwitz, located in an area of southern Poland which was under German occupation during World War Two, Polish President Karol Nawrocki joined survivors for a ceremony that ended with Jewish and Christian clergy reciting prayers.
96-year-old survivor Bernard Offen addressed participants, telling them that in today's world he sees troubling signs of a rise in hatred and violence.
"The Holocaust has taught me how awful human beings can be, but also more importantly how caring and courageous and empathetic we can be – we must be. I see hatred resurgent . I see violence beginning to be justified once again. I truly believe that we can choose differently."
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Heatwave conditions are set to continue across inland regions of southeast Australia, as coastal cities enjoy a brief reprieve after record-breaking temperatures.
After impacting South Australia and Victoria over recent days, hot temperatures forecast today for parts of New South Wales and Queensland, bringing another day of extreme fire danger and scorching conditions.
Senior meteorologist Angus Hines, from the Bureau of Meteorology, says a cool change provided relief yesterday afternoon for those in Melbourne and Adelaide, a heatwave is still affecting large parts of the country.
"So heat may have subsided for some across the south coast of the country, with a cooler change on Tuesday, including both Melbourne and Adelaide. But hot conditions are expected to assist over inland areas. For Wednesday, there is a particular focus on the heat on western and southern New South Wales and southern Queensland. Temperatures will be between 8 and 15 degrees above January averages for large parts of these states. More records will tumble today."
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The Indian government says there are two confirmed cases of Nipah virus in eastern West Bengal state.
The virus spreads from animals to humans with a high estimated death rate of between 40 and 75 per cent; and there is no vaccine or medication to treat the virus.
Infectious disease specialist Dr Swapnil Gautam in the Indian city of Mumbai told the BBC, the situation should not cause alarm.
"Of course it is always useful for countries to be aware and to make the necessary precautions when people from these areas are travelling in. Like screening people who are sick. But it is not necessarily a cause of panic right now."
No cases have yet been reported outside India, but some airports around Asia have tightened screening measures as a precaution.
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In Tennis, Coco Gauff's bid for a third Grand Slam title has come to an end at the Australian Open quarter-finals.
The American was defeated 6-1 6-2 by Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who advances to the semi-finals at Melbourne Park for the first time in her career.
Gauff says she is frustrated that video footage of her smashing her racket in a warm-up area after the game was broadcast on TV.
She says she sought a moment of privacy to release her emotions - and avoid releasing any negative emotions on court, especially in front of kids.
