You are reading the Tuesday, January 2 issue of The World Today, a summary of the major stories that have been happening around the world in the past 24 hours.
We start with news that happened in Queensland, Australia.
Two helicopters crash, four people die
Two helicopters operated by Sea World Helicopters crashed on the Gold Coast, Australia, killing four people including one of the pilots.
Witnesses said the two planes were flying over Broadwater in Southport when the propeller of a helicopter which had just taken off collided with another helicopter which was about to land.
A helicopter with seven people on board crashes, killing four people including the pilot, and three others are seriously injured. Meanwhile, another helicopter with a pilot and five passengers landed on the beach sand and all were safe.
The head of Australia’s Transport Safety Agency said the cause of the accident was still under investigation, but it could be worse than expected.”
Iranian warship anchored in Jakarta
Two Islamic Republic of Iran warships have been detected sailing in the South Pacific region on a voyage around the world to demonstrate the country’s military strength and maritime capabilities.
A converted frigate and tanker are known to have docked in Jakarta before heading to the Pacific, but none of the ships entered Australia’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
A spokesman for the Australian Department of Defense confirmed that the Iranian vessels had been monitored by Australia while operating in the region.
Maritime experts told the ABC there was no evidence Iranian warships conducted port visits in the Pacific, but they believed their fleet also passed near the Solomon Islands.
Censorship of online content is getting tougher in Asia
According to the Freedom House agency, of the 4.5 billion Internet users in the world, more than 75% live in countries whose governments punish freedom of expression online.
China is in the worst position for internet freedom.
In other Asian countries, Indonesia this year introduced regulations requiring social media platforms to remove content they deem illegal or “disturbing public order” within four hours if deemed urgent, and within 24 hours otherwise.
In Singapore and Thailand, new rules were also passed last month to require social media platforms to block “destructive” content. Meanwhile, in India, the government has formed a commission to assess moderation of content on social media platforms, which has raised concerns censorship.
Canada prohibits home buying for foreigners
The Canadian government led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has passed a law prohibiting the purchase of properties by foreigners, with the aim of making housing prices more affordable for local residents.
During the 2021 election campaign, as house prices soared, Prime Minister Trudeau implemented a one-year waiting period for foreign ownership.
But his party has now quietly passed new rules for non-citizen consumers, except for refugees and permanent residents.
According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, home prices have gone from around $800,000 at the start of 2022 to $630,000 last December.
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