PERTH, Australia — A man in his thirties is fighting for his life after a shark attacked him at Geordie Bay on Rottnest Island off the Western Australian coast Saturday morning, triggering a major emergency response and renewed safety concerns at one of the state’s most visited tourist destinations.

The incident occurred just before 10 a.m. local time when the victim was swimming in the popular bay. St John WA ambulance confirmed paramedics treated the man for serious injuries before airlifting him to Royal Perth Hospital, where he remains in critical but stable condition. Officials have not yet released the man’s name, citing privacy, but said he is a visitor to the island.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as beachgoers rushed to assist the victim while others scrambled out of the water. Surf Life Saving Western Australia immediately activated emergency protocols, closing Geordie Bay and nearby swimming areas as a precaution. Helicopters and drones were deployed to search for the shark, though no further sightings were reported in the immediate aftermath.

Rottnest Island, located just 18 kilometres west of Fremantle, is famous for its pristine beaches, friendly quokkas and car-free environment. Geordie Bay is one of its most popular swimming spots, especially on weekends when ferries bring hundreds of day-trippers. Saturday’s attack has sent shockwaves through the local tourism industry and the broader Western Australian community, where shark encounters, while statistically rare, carry significant public fear.

Rapid Medical Response

St John WA said its paramedics arrived within minutes and provided critical on-scene care, including hemorrhage control and advanced life support. “Our teams worked quickly to stabilise the patient before transferring him via the Royal Flying Doctor Service,” a spokesperson said. “He is receiving specialist treatment in Perth, and our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time.”

Western Australia Police and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are leading the investigation. Shark spotters and marine experts have been monitoring the area, but authorities have not yet identified the species involved. Great whites, bull sharks and tiger sharks are all known to frequent these waters, particularly during warmer months.

The island’s authorities closed all swimming zones around Geordie Bay for the remainder of the day. Ferries continued running, but visitors were strongly advised to stay out of the water. Many day-trippers chose to cut their trips short, creating an unusually quiet atmosphere at what is normally a bustling weekend destination.

Rising Shark Activity in Western Australia

Western Australia has a complex relationship with sharks. The state records several serious attacks each year, though fatal incidents remain relatively uncommon. This latest event is the first serious shark bite at Rottnest Island in several years, though the broader Perth metropolitan coastline has seen increased activity in recent seasons.

Marine scientists attribute some of the rise to changing ocean conditions, including warmer waters and shifting prey patterns linked to climate change. The recovery of seal and sea lion populations has also drawn larger sharks closer to popular swimming areas. Despite these trends, experts stress that the risk to individual swimmers remains extremely low — far lower than risks associated with driving or swimming in rip currents.

The Western Australian government has invested millions in shark mitigation strategies, including drone surveillance, shark nets at selected beaches, and public education campaigns. Saturday’s incident will likely prompt a review of current measures around Rottnest Island, which relies more heavily on visual spotting and beach closures than physical barriers.

Premier Roger Cook expressed concern for the victim and his family while urging calm. “Our thoughts are with the man and everyone affected by this incident,” he said. “Western Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and we must balance safety with the ability for people to enjoy them responsibly.”

Impact on Tourism and Local Economy

Rottnest Island generates significant revenue for Western Australia’s tourism sector. The attack could temporarily dampen visitor numbers, particularly among international tourists sensitive to shark-related news. Local businesses that depend on weekend trade have already reported quieter conditions, though many expressed hope that the incident will be contained and public confidence restored quickly.

Tourism operators emphasized the island’s overall safety record and encouraged visitors to follow beach closure signs and swim at patrolled locations. “One incident should not define an entire destination,” said one ferry operator. “Rottnest remains an incredibly special place, and we’re committed to keeping it safe for everyone.”

Community and Expert Reactions

The surfing and swimming community expressed shock but also resilience. Many noted that beachgoers acted quickly to help the victim, demonstrating the strong sense of mateship common in Australian coastal culture. Surf Life Saving clubs across Perth reinforced their patrols and education efforts in response to the event.

Marine biologist Dr. Emily Watson, who has studied shark behaviour in Western Australian waters for over a decade, said the attack fits patterns seen in other non-fatal incidents. “Most shark bites are exploratory or mistaken identity,” she explained. “Humans are not natural prey for these animals. Understanding their behaviour helps us develop better prevention strategies without unnecessarily harming shark populations.”

Conservation groups urged against knee-jerk reactions such as culling programs, which have proven controversial and largely ineffective in the past. They called for continued investment in non-lethal technologies like smart drum lines and advanced detection systems.

Safety Advice for Beachgoers

Authorities are reminding the public to follow basic shark safety guidelines: swim at patrolled beaches, avoid swimming at dawn or dusk, stay in groups, and refrain from swimming near river mouths or areas with schooling fish. The SharkSmart app and beach signage provide real-time alerts and updates that can help visitors make informed decisions.

For Rottnest visitors specifically, officials recommend checking the island’s website and ferry operator updates before travel. While swimming is currently prohibited at Geordie Bay, other activities such as cycling, snorkelling in designated areas (with caution) and wildlife watching remain available.

The victim’s family has requested privacy as he continues treatment in Perth. Hospital officials said he is receiving excellent care and is surrounded by loved ones. His condition is being closely monitored, with updates expected in the coming days.

As investigations continue and beaches gradually reopen, Saturday’s incident serves as a sobering reminder of the power and unpredictability of the ocean. Western Australians have a deep respect for the sea, and this latest event will likely spark renewed conversations about balancing enjoyment with safety in one of the world’s most beautiful coastal regions.

The man’s recovery and the broader lessons from this attack will be watched closely by communities up and down the coast. For now, the focus remains on his well-being and supporting all those affected by this frightening encounter at one of Perth’s favourite island getaways.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to citizens to curb gold buying for one year, followed by the government’s decision to raise customs duty on gold from 6% to 15%, has sparked debate across economic and investment circles. The move is aimed at protecting India’s foreign reserves and strengthening the rupee. However, given India’s cultural affinity for gold and past experiences with similar measures, the effectiveness of this policy remains questionable.

Why the Appeal to Citizens

India is the world’s second-largest consumer of gold, with nearly 90% of its demand met through imports. This heavy reliance has consistently placed pressure on the current account deficit (CAD), making gold a critical factor in India’s external balance. In FY26, gold imports surged to nearly $72 billion, despite lower import volumes, largely due to rising global prices. Such persistent demand has prompted the Prime Minister to urge citizens to voluntarily reduce consumption, aiming to ease the burden on foreign reserves and stabilize the rupee. The appeal also reflects concerns over widening CAD amid elevated crude oil prices, which together strain India’s economy. By curbing gold buying, the government hopes to conserve forex reserves and strengthen the currency.

Current Account Deficit and Crude Oil Prices

India’s current account deficit (CAD) has widened considerably, driven primarily by two major imports, crude oil and gold. Elevated crude oil prices, fuelled by ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, have placed significant downward pressure on the rupee. A rising CAD not only weakens the currency but also increases borrowing costs, reduces investor confidence, and heightens vulnerability to external shocks. In this context, restricting gold imports is viewed as a temporary measure to ease the imbalance and conserve foreign reserves.

Gold Imports and Forex Pressure

Gold imports account for nearly 9–10% of India’s total import bill, making them a significant contributor to external imbalances. By curbing imports, the government hopes to conserve foreign reserves, reduce pressure on the current account deficit, and stabilize the rupee. Yet the structural nature of India’s gold demand, deeply rooted in cultural traditions, weddings, and festivals, limits the effectiveness of such restrictions. Even when prices rise, demand tends to rebound during peak seasons, reflecting gold’s enduring role as both ornament and investment. Thus, while the policy may offer short-term relief, its long-term impact remains uncertain.

Risk of Illegal Imports

India has witnessed this cycle repeatedly. Whenever import duties on gold were raised sharply, smuggling surged, undermining official trade channels and eroding government revenue. This prompted policymakers to reduce the duty to 6% last year in an effort to narrow the price gap and discourage illegal inflows. With the latest hike back to 15%, the risk of illicit imports is once again elevated. Smuggling not only distorts the domestic market but also complicates regulation, creating parallel channels of supply. Such unintended consequences highlight the limitations of relying solely on duty hikes to manage India’s persistent gold demand.

Impact on Gold Demand

In the short term, higher gold prices may dampen demand, as consumers delay purchases or shift to lighter ornaments. However, India’s gold consumption is deeply entrenched and resilient. Weddings, festivals, and cultural traditions ensure steady demand regardless of price fluctuations, making gold more than just an investment, but a social necessity. With the peak demand season approaching, imports are expected to rise again, even if unofficial channels play a larger role due to the widened price gap. This persistence highlights that duty hikes can only offer temporary relief, while long-term demand remains largely unaffected.

Can Duty Hike Alone Achieve the Goals? Exploring Alternatives

Raising customs duty on gold to 15% is unlikely to achieve the government’s objectives in isolation. While it may temporarily reduce official imports, the widened price gap between domestic and international markets encourages smuggling and unofficial trade, undermining the policy’s intent. India’s resilient appetite for gold means demand will persist regardless of higher duties. Instead of relying solely on import restrictions, the government could pursue alternative strategies. Expanding and simplifying the Gold Monetization Scheme would help unlock the vast idle gold reserves held by households and temples. Establishing a Gold Bank could provide a centralized platform for importers, improve transparency, and reduce dependence on physical imports. Promoting Sovereign Gold Bonds and gold-backed financial instruments would also channel investment demand into formal avenues.

What Should Investors Do?

Investors need not panic in response to the recent hike in gold import duty. Gold prices have risen rather than declined, ensuring that current holdings continue to retain value. Historically, gold has proven to be a reliable safe-haven asset, particularly during periods of geopolitical uncertainty and economic volatility. For those looking to maintain or expand exposure, instruments such as Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) and Sovereign Gold Bonds offer attractive alternatives, as they eliminate concerns over purity, storage, and making charges. These vehicles also provide liquidity and, in the case of Sovereign Gold Bonds, additional interest income.

While higher duties may temporarily affect official imports, India’s cultural and investment demand for gold remains resilient. Once tensions in West Asia ease, global gold prices could surge further, which in turn may lift domestic prices. Thus, investors should view gold as a long-term hedge rather than a short-term speculative play.

ADELAIDE — Adelaide Oval once again proved a fortress of misery for North Melbourne as the Crows delivered a ruthless second-half masterclass to thrash the Kangaroos by 68 points in Round 10 of the 2026 AFL season.

The final score read Adelaide 20.13 (133) to North Melbourne 9.11 (65), with the Crows piling on 13 unanswered goals after a relatively even first quarter to blow the game wide open in front of a passionate home crowd. The victory moves Adelaide to 6-4 on the season and keeps their top-four hopes alive, while North Melbourne remains winless at Adelaide Oval in 14 attempts since 2014 and slips further down the ladder at 4-6.

After an opening term that saw both sides trade goals evenly, the Crows exploded out of the blocks in the second quarter. They kicked six goals to North’s one, establishing a commanding 34-point lead at halftime. The floodgates opened further in the third term as Adelaide added another seven majors while holding North Melbourne to just a single behind. By the final change, the margin had blown out to 68 points, and the remaining quarter became a mere formality as the Crows cruised to victory.

Paul Curtis was North Melbourne’s brightest spark in defeat, booting three goals and showing glimpses of the form that made him a rising star. Ruckman Tristan Xerri battled valiantly in the middle with 23 hitouts and nine clearances, but he was largely unsupported as the Kangaroos’ midfield was overrun. Star midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke hobbled from the field in the dying minutes with what appeared to be a lower-leg issue, adding to North Melbourne’s growing injury concerns.

Adelaide’s forward line was clinical. Key forwards combined for 12 goals, with Izak Rankine and Darcy Fogarty particularly damaging. The Crows’ midfield, led by Jordan Dawson and Matt Crouch, won the clearance battle convincingly and fed their dangerous forwards with precision. Coach Matthew Nicks would have been delighted with the intensity and execution after the first change.

“This is the type of football we know we’re capable of,” Nicks said post-match. “Once we got our run on, we were able to control the game through the middle and finish strongly. The boys responded exactly how we wanted after a tight start.”

For North Melbourne coach Alistair Clarkson, it was another frustrating afternoon on the road. The Kangaroos have now lost their last 13 games at Adelaide Oval, a venue that has become a psychological barrier for the club. Clarkson acknowledged the second-half collapse but pointed to the even opening term as evidence that his side can compete when structures are right.

“We matched them early, but once they got on a roll it was hard to stop,” Clarkson said. “We need to find ways to sustain our effort for longer periods. Credit to Adelaide — they were outstanding after quarter time.”

The result highlights the contrasting trajectories of the two clubs this season. Adelaide has found consistency at home and is building genuine momentum as a top-four contender. North Melbourne, despite high expectations entering 2026, continues to struggle with consistency and has now lost four in a row, raising questions about their finals prospects.

Key Stats That Defined the Match

Adelaide dominated the key statistical areas. They won the clearance count 38-24 and recorded 62 inside-50 entries to North’s 41. Their tackling pressure was superior, forcing 22 turnovers from the visitors. The Crows also won the contested possession battle and were far more efficient inside forward 50.

North Melbourne’s inefficiency was glaring. Despite having moments of promise early, they failed to convert opportunities and were repeatedly punished on the counterattack. The injury to Davies-Uniacke in the final minutes capped a disappointing day and will be monitored closely in the coming week.

Adelaide Oval Remains North Melbourne’s House of Horrors

The venue continues to be a nightmare for the Kangaroos. Since 2014, North Melbourne has played 14 games at Adelaide Oval and lost every single one, often by significant margins. Saturday’s 68-point thrashing was the latest chapter in a long history of disappointment on South Australian soil.

The Crows have now won their last eight games at home by an average margin of more than 50 points, underlining their status as one of the most formidable home sides in the competition. The passionate Adelaide crowd played its part, creating an intimidating atmosphere that clearly affected North Melbourne’s visitors.

What It Means for Both Teams Moving Forward

For Adelaide, the win is a significant confidence booster. With several key players returning from injury and the side hitting its stride at the right time, they will head into the middle part of the season with genuine belief. A top-four finish is now a realistic target, and their percentage received a healthy boost.

North Melbourne faces a challenging period. Sitting outside the top eight with a poor percentage, the Kangaroos must find answers quickly if they are to salvage their season. The injury to Davies-Uniacke adds to their midfield concerns, and Clarkson will need to dig deep into his bag of tricks to lift the group.

The result also carries broader implications for the 2026 ladder. Adelaide’s percentage improvement strengthens their position relative to other contenders, while North Melbourne’s loss further damages their percentage and finals hopes.

Fan and Social Media Reaction

The match generated significant buzz on social media. Adelaide fans celebrated the dominant display with highlights of key goals and defensive efforts, while North Melbourne supporters expressed frustration at another road loss. Clips of the Crows’ unanswered goal streak circulated widely, with many praising the home side’s clinical finishing.

The result was seen as a statement performance from Adelaide and a wake-up call for North Melbourne. As the season approaches the halfway mark, both clubs now face defining stretches of fixtures that will shape their 2026 campaigns.

Saturday’s clash at Adelaide Oval delivered exactly what the home crowd hoped for — a strong Crows victory built on midfield dominance and forward efficiency. As the 2026 AFL season continues to unfold, Adelaide has announced itself as a genuine contender, while North Melbourne faces another difficult period of rebuilding confidence and addressing structural issues.

The Kangaroos’ winless record at Adelaide Oval now stretches to 14 games, a statistic that continues to haunt the club. For the Crows, the result reinforces their home dominance and provides momentum heading into a crucial period of the season.

As both teams look ahead, the focus shifts to recovery and preparation for their next challenges. Adelaide will aim to build on this performance, while North Melbourne must find a way to arrest their slide and restore belief within the group. The 2026 AFL season has already delivered plenty of drama, and Saturday’s result at Adelaide Oval added another compelling chapter to the ongoing story of these two clubs.

Zoe Yujnovich
CEO & Director

Good afternoon, everyone, and welcome. Thank you to those of you joining us in the room and online. I’ve been really looking forward to presenting to you today. As Chief Executive, my ambition is clear: To build on National Grid’s strong foundations, sharpen execution and advance us as a world-class business. Strong execution is the foundation of confidence for customers, regulators, governments and investors. And we must continue to transform our business as the external environment changes at pace.

Let me start with our full year results. These strong results demonstrate the momentum we’re building. We delivered a step-up in capital investment of more than 20% to GBP 11.6 billion, driving asset growth of 10.9%. Underlying operating profit increased to GBP 5.7 billion, reflecting strong operational delivery. This supported 8% growth in underlying earnings per share at constant currency, in line with our guidance.

We also grew our dividend per share by 3.8%, in line with U.K. CPIH inflation. These results show we are delivering on our commitments. They also provide the reference point for the observations I’ve made since arriving and the strategic

A majority of SpaceX shareholders have approved a 5-for-1 stock split recommended by the company’s board, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing ‌people familiar with ⁠the ⁠matter.

Shareholders of IPO-bound SpaceX were informed via email that the stock’s fair market value was adjusted to $105.32 per share from $526.59 following the split, the report said.

The stock split will be processed during ⁠the week ‌of May 18 and is expected to be completed by May ⁠22, Bloomberg reported.

Reuters exclusively reported on Friday that Elon Musk‘s rocket and satellite maker SpaceX is aiming to list its shares as early as June 12 and has picked the Nasdaq as the trading venue for its ‌blockbuster market debut.

The company is likely to seek to raise about $75 billion at a ⁠valuation of roughly $1.75 trillion, which would make it the largest stock market flotation of all time, Reuters has previously reported.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside regular business hours.