Ushna Shah welcomes first child with Lion King-themed reveal

Two Iranian women footballers who refused to publicly support their government’s stance during an international tournament have officially become Australian citizens after seeking protection in Australia earlier this year. Atefeh Ramezanisadeh, 34, and Fatemeh Pasandideh, 22, received their Australian citizenship at a ceremony in Brisbane on Wednesday, marking the end of a journey that began when they chose not to return to Iran following the Women’s Asian Cup. The pair were among seven members of Iran’s national women’s football team who were granted humanitarian visas while in Australia. However, five of the players later returned to Iran, while Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh remained, citing concerns about their safety. The players drew international attention after refusing to sing Iran’s national anthem before their opening match during the tournament. Their silent protest came amid heightened tensions following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, raising fears they could face punishment if they returned home. Australian authorities allowed the athletes to seek asylum after appeals from members of the Iranian community living in Australia. Their citizenship was formally granted at a ceremony attended by Australia’s Interior Minister, Tony Burke. Speaking after the ceremony, Pasandideh described becoming an Australian citizen as the beginning of a new chapter in her life, while Ramezanisadeh said the moment reflected years of hardship and sacrifice. Both expressed gratitude for the opportunity to build a future in Australia. The footballers are now training with Brisbane Roar FC Women and hope to continue their professional football careers in the country. Their decision to remain in Australia followed reports that Iranian state media criticised members of the national team for remaining silent during the anthem, with some commentators branding them disloyal. Human rights advocates also voiced concerns that players who returned to Iran may have faced pressure through threats directed at their families.

A powerful earthquake struck Colombia and several other parts of Latin America on Monday, causing injuries, damaging buildings and forcing evacuations in the capital, Bogota. The earthquake was recorded at different magnitudes by geological agencies. Colombia’s geological service measured it at 6.6, while the United States Geological Survey estimated its magnitude at 7.4. The epicentre was located in western Colombia at a depth of around 100 kilometres. Strong tremors were felt across large areas of the country. The shaking was also reported in neighbouring Ecuador and as far north as Panama. In Bogota, residents rushed out of buildings as emergency sirens sounded. Some people were seen gathering in the streets after leaving their homes and workplaces. Authorities ordered evacuations from a number of buildings as a precaution while emergency teams assessed possible structural damage. The situation was particularly serious in the western parts of Colombia. The governor of Choco province reported injuries and significant damage to buildings in Quibdo, the provincial capital. Cali, one of Colombia’s largest cities, also suffered substantial damage. Mayor Alejandro Eder said at least 20 buildings had collapsed and that people were believed to be trapped inside some of the structures. Rescue operations were launched in the affected areas. Cali authorities requested additional emergency teams from Bogota and Medellin to assist with search and rescue efforts. Images broadcast by local media showed buildings with damaged facades and sections of structures affected by the powerful tremors. Emergency authorities continued to assess the extent of the destruction as rescue teams searched damaged buildings for survivors. Officials have not yet released a complete account of casualties or property losses. The number of injured people is expected to change as assessments continue. The depth and strength of the earthquake allowed tremors to be felt across a wide area, including outside Colombia. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious and follow instructions from emergency services, particularly in buildings that may have suffered structural damage. The earthquake comes as parts of northern South America remain vulnerable to major seismic activity. In June, two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela, with reported magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, causing widespread destruction and thousands of deaths.