Nipah virus: What travellers need to know now An outbreak of the Nipah virus has prompted several countries to tighten border screening and issue updated travel advisories, as global health authorities closely monitor developments. According to 1News, precautionary measures are being introduced across parts of Asia, while New Zealand officials say the domestic risk remains low.Nipah is a zoonotic virus, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats are its natural hosts, and the virus can also infect pigs before passing to people. Human infection can occur through direct contact with bat saliva, urine or faeces, or by consuming contaminated food products - particularly raw date palm sap. Limited human-to-human transmission is also possible through close contact with bodily fluids.The World Health Organization has stated that the risk of sustained person-to-person transmission remains low. However, countries including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore have introduced precautionary screening and testing. New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also updated its travel guidance for those heading to India.University of Otago virologist Jemma Geoghegan said the risk of the virus spreading to New Zealand is “extremely low,” noting that human-to-human transmission is not very efficient and typically requires direct exposure to bodily fluids.Symptoms of Nipah infection can include fever, severe headaches, breathing difficulties, seizures, personality changes and encephalitis - inflammation of the brain -which contributes to its high fatality rate. There is currently no approved treatment, though vaccine research is ongoing.Travellers to affected areas are advised to practise strict hygiene, avoid contact with bats and sick animals, refrain from consuming raw date palm sap, and seek medical care immediately if unwell after travel.New Zealand health authorities say systems are in place to assess and manage any unwell travellers at the border, as monitoring of the overseas outbreak continues. Read More: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/nipah-virus-what-travellers-should-know-about-the-deadly-infection

Two-Year-Old Snooker Prodigy Sets Multiple Guinness Records A two-year-old snooker prodigy from Manchester has made history by securing multiple entries in Guinness World Records, becoming the youngest person ever to successfully perform two different trick shots. The remarkable achievement by toddler Jude Owens was reported by the BBC and has since captured global attention.Jude achieved his first record on October 12, 2025, when he completed a pool bank shot at just two years and 302 days old. Only weeks earlier, at the age of two years and 261 days, he had already stunned observers by successfully pulling off a snooker double pot. These feats not only earned him two separate Guinness World Records but also placed him among the youngest double record holders in the organisation’s history.When asked about his favourite shot, Jude gave a simple but confident answer: “A trick shot.” His father, Luke Owens, reflected proudly on his son’s rapid rise, describing the moment as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. He said that while Jude has accomplished a great deal in a very short time, setting two world records at such a young age was something truly extraordinary.Luke explained that Jude’s natural talent became evident early on at home, where snooker quickly became his favourite pastime. A lifelong player himself, Luke admitted that Jude showed greater natural ability almost from the start, particularly in the way he handled the cue with ease and confidence.Helping such a young child play the game came with challenges. Luke shared that they initially relied on bar stools to help Jude reach the table, before adapting a small household stool that allowed him to play more comfortably.Despite his age, Jude’s confidence is already on display. When asked who would win a snooker match between him and his father, Jude replied without hesitation: “Me.”Away from the snooker table, Jude is a devoted Manchester United fan, with a special admiration for Bruno Fernandes. Guinness World Records editor-in-chief Craig Glenday praised Jude’s skill and enthusiasm, calling the achievement incredibly special and welcoming him into the Guinness World Records family. Read More: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/two-year-old-snooker-prodigy-pots-multiple-guinness-world-records

Indian woman found dead in US, ex-boyfriend suspected A 27-year-old Indian woman who was reported missing since New Year’s Eve has been found dead in the United States, in a case that has sent shockwaves through the Indian diaspora. The victim, identified as Nikitha Godishala, worked as a data and strategy analyst and was based in Ellicott City, Maryland. The incident was first reported by journalist Aditya Raj Kaul of NDTV. According to Howard County Police, Godishala’s body was discovered inside an apartment owned by her former partner, Arjun Sharma, 26. Investigators said she had suffered multiple stab wounds. Police have since obtained an arrest warrant charging Sharma with first- and second-degree murder. Authorities revealed that Sharma had reported Godishala missing on January 2, claiming he last saw her on December 31 at his apartment. However, detectives executed a search warrant at the same location the following day and found her body. Investigators believe Godishala was killed shortly after 7pm on December 31. In a troubling development, police confirmed that Sharma left the United States for India on the same day he filed the missing person report. Federal agencies are now working alongside local authorities to trace his whereabouts and facilitate his arrest. Read More: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/indian-woman-found-dead-in-us

Meet the Sikh Hero Who Stopped Bondi Beach Gunman What began as a peaceful evening by the ocean turned into an act of rare bravery when a Punjabi-Sikh man ran towards danger during the Bondi Beach shooting. Amandeep Singh Bola, a 34-year-old New Zealand–born Sikh living in Australia, showed extraordinary courage by helping subdue one of the gunmen before police took control, as reported by the Times of India. Bola was enjoying kebabs at Bondi Beach when he heard loud bangs that he initially mistook for firecrackers. Within moments, panic erupted as people ran for their lives. Realising the gravity of the situation, Bola instinctively ran towards the sound of gunfire, learning along the way that two attackers were shooting at civilians. Approaching a footbridge where the gunmen were positioned, Bola slowed down, waiting for the right moment. When police shot one of the attackers, Bola sprinted forward, tackled him, kicked away his weapon, and restrained him until officers arrived. A brief mobile phone video later showed Bola sitting on the gunman’s back while police secured the scene. The aftermath took an emotional toll. Adrenaline surged, nausea followed, and strangers from different backgrounds gathered around him to offer comfort. Bola later reflected that this moment captured the true spirit of multicultural Australia people of different cultures standing together in a crisis. Bola says he never consciously chose to be a hero. He acted purely on instinct, focused only on helping others. Since the incident, sleep has been difficult, but his quiet resilience remains evident. Tracing his roots to Punjab’s Nawanshahr district, Bola comes from a family with a long Sikh history in New Zealand. He last visited Darbar Sahib in 2019, carrying with him the values of seva (selfless service) and courage values he embodied when it mattered most. https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/meet-the-punjabi-sikh-who-pounced-on-the-bondi-beach-shooter

Christchurch Killer to Testify in Court: Legal Battle Continues The Indian Weekender reports that Brenton Tarrant, the terrorist behind the Christchurch mosque attacks that killed 51 worshippers and injured 40, is set to give evidence in court. Tarrant, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole-the first such sentence in New Zealand-has applied to the Court of Appeal to challenge his conviction, sentence, and guilty plea. Last year, the Court of Appeal granted permanent name suppression for Tarrant’s lawyers, citing safety risks and potential “undue hardship.” The Supreme Court later upheld this decision. In 2021, Tarrant claimed that his guilty pleas were made under duress due to alleged mistreatment while in custody. He is also expected to testify in the Coroner’s Court, despite objections from lawyers representing the victims’ families, who argue that his participation could cause further trauma. The upcoming Court of Appeal hearing is scheduled for February 9–13. Tarrant’s legal maneuvers come as families continue to seek closure years after the tragic March 15, 2019 attacks. His case remains a stark reminder of the enduring impact of terrorism on communities and the complex legal processes that follow. Read More: https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/killer-of-51-worshippers-likely-to-give-evidence-in-court

AFL’s First Indian-Origin Player: Jai Saxena Makes History In a milestone moment for Australian rules football, Jai Saxena’s selection by Collingwood in the Telstra AFL Rookie Draft has placed him on the brink of becoming the first player of fully Indian descent to play at the elite AFL level. His drafting marks a proud step forward for cultural diversity and inclusion in one of Australia’s most iconic sports. Raised in Doncaster East, Victoria, Saxena grew up in a family where footy loyalties were fierce-but rarely aligned. His mother has long backed Port Adelaide, his grandmother is a committed St Kilda supporter, and most of his extended family cheers passionately for Hawthorn. Yet despite the colourful mix of allegiances, Saxena has embraced Collingwood wholeheartedly. Since draft day, he has worn the black-and-white stripes with pride, fully invested in the club that has given him his breakthrough opportunity. Saxena’s football journey began early, shaped by the encouragement of his Delhi-born father, who first enrolled him in Auskick. His natural skill and discipline quickly stood out as he advanced through junior leagues and eventually entered the elite Oakleigh Chargers development program. His 2024 season, though challenging at times, became a turning point-driven by his dedication to refining his skills, building resilience, and preparing himself mentally and physically for draft selection. The Saxena family has always maintained a strong connection to their Indian roots. Their household is shaped by traditional foods, cultural rituals, and regular temple visits-elements that have strongly influenced Jai’s identity. He credits this cultural grounding for helping him stay humble, focused, and balanced amid the rising pressures of competitive sport. Jai Saxena’s rise is both a testament to his own hard work and a reflection of the evolving multicultural landscape of Australian sport. His journey shows how determination, talent, and cultural pride can open new doors-creating a powerful symbol of representation for the next generation of AFL hopefuls. https://www.indianweekender.co.nz/news/afls-first-indian-origin-player-jai-saxena