Former AFL great Wayne Carey was involved in a heated altercation outside the Albert Park Hotel in Melbourne on Thursday night. The incident, captured on video, shows the 54-year-old engaged in a confrontation with a man he claims has been harassing him for over six months. The altercation reportedly began inside the venue when the man directed insults at Carey, leading to a physical exchange on the street. Carey described the individual as a “serial harasser” who has repeatedly targeted him with “vile and obscene slurs.”

Witnesses reported that the confrontation lasted approximately 20 minutes, with both parties involved in shouting and pushing. Security personnel attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging the men to calm down and move on. Eventually, the individuals parted ways without further incident.

The altercation adds to a series of public controversies involving Carey since his retirement from professional football. His post-career life has been marred by incidents including allegations of domestic violence, drug-related controversies, and a high-profile extramarital affair that led to his departure from North Melbourne Football Club in 2002.

Carey, who captained North Melbourne to two premierships during his 15-year AFL career, has faced challenges in maintaining a positive public image post-retirement. Despite efforts to move forward, incidents like the recent altercation continue to draw media attention and public scrutiny.

In what is being hailed as a monumental moment for Indian infrastructure, the Indian Prime Minister inaugurated the world’s highest railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, during a landmark visit to Jammu and Kashmir. Standing taller than the Eiffel Tower and part of a massive ₹46,000 crore (approx. $5.5 billion USD) infrastructure push, this achievement isn’t just a symbol of engineering brilliance—it’s a transformative leap in connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India.

The Chenab Bridge, rising 359 meters (1,177 feet) above the riverbed and stretching over 1.3 kilometers, is now officially the tallest railway bridge in the world. Built at a cost of ₹1,486 crore, it took over two decades of precise planning, international collaboration, and sheer grit to complete. Its height exceeds the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters and it’s designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 266 km/h, major earthquakes, and extreme Himalayan weather conditions.

During the inauguration, Indian PM Narendra Modi called the project a dream come true and emphasized its strategic and economic importance: “Now, Kashmir’s apples will reach bigger markets at lower costs and on time.” He also flagged off two Vande Bharat Express trains connecting Katra to Srinagar, reducing travel time significantly and promising smooth connectivity even during the harshest winters.

This project is part of the 272-km-long Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), a game-changer for the region that includes 36 tunnels, 943 bridges, and India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge at Anji Khad. The rail line now offers all-weather, seamless connectivity through mountainous terrain, allowing not only faster transportation of goods like Pashmina shawls and Kashmiri apples but also boosting tourism and pilgrim travel.

Modi’s visit to the region was his first since Operation Sindoor, a military response to a recent terror attack. It underlined the Indian government’s commitment to long-term peace and development in a historically conflict-prone region. The Prime Minister also took time to meet engineers and workers who had dedicated years of effort to the project’s success, praising their dedication in making what he called “one of India’s greatest civil-engineering achievements.”

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also praised the efforts, stating that even the British during colonial rule couldn’t bring rail to Kashmir, but today, thanks to this effort, the region has entered a new era of modern connectivity. “What once felt like a distant dream has now become a living reality,” he said.

The new Vande Bharat Express trains are also packed with state-of-the-art features like silicon heating pads, bio-toilets, anti-spall protection, and an auto-draining mechanism that ensures uninterrupted service even in sub-zero temperatures. With this development, India not only strengthens its transport network but also showcases its growing capability to take on complex infrastructure challenges on a global scale.

The Australian Government has issued an updated travel advisory for the Maldives, urging citizens to “exercise a high degree of caution” due to increased risks of civil unrest and terrorism. This advisory comes in light of recent incidents and ongoing security concerns in the region.

Smartraveller, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s travel advice platform, highlighted that public demonstrations can occur in the greater Malé area and other inhabited islands, which may escalate into violence without warning. Travellers are advised to avoid areas where protests are taking place and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

The advisory also notes that terrorism remains a threat in the Maldives. Since February 2020, there have been several terrorist incidents, including a stabbing attack on three foreigners in Hulhumalé, where an Australian was injured, an arson attack on a police speedboat in Laamu Gan, and the detonation of an improvised explosive device in Malé in May 2021, which injured a high-profile politician and bystanders.

While resort islands are generally considered peaceful and secure, the advisory emphasizes that terrorism can occur anywhere at any time, and tourists should remain vigilant.

In addition to the risks of civil unrest and terrorism, the advisory warns of drug-related crime and gang-related violence in urban areas, including greater Malé and other inhabited islands. Travellers are encouraged to take standard safety precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas, securing valuables, and staying informed about local developments.

Approximately 34,000 Australians visited the Maldives in 2023, drawn by its pristine beaches and luxury resorts. Despite the allure, the Australian Government advises travellers to stay informed and prepared for potential security challenges.

For the latest updates and detailed travel advice, Australians planning to visit the Maldives should consult the Smartraveller website.