Jewish students in Sydney returned to school on Friday with a heightened security presence, days after police said they foiled a planned antisemitic attack in the city using a trailer filled with explosives.

Australian stocks opened higher, extending gains in the previous session. Futures show, Japan stocks to open higher. Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and China markets are closed for Lunar New Year holidays.

Economists polled by Reuters expect Australia's inflation to rise 2.5% in the 12 months to the December quarter, from 2.8% in the previous year.

The one in Galle was Australia's highest team total on Asian soil. As mentioned, the visitors declared at 645/6d on Day 2. Khawaja, who slammed a career-best 232, was the star of Australia's massive total. Stand-in skipper Smith also made his bat talk and played a 141-run knock.

Here we look at the Australians with debut Test century on Asian soil. Inglis recorded the second-fastest century on Test debut, having taken just 90 balls to get the milestone in Galle. His brilliance played a huge role in Australia's mammoth first innings total of 654/6d. He smashed 10 fours and one six during his 102-run stay (94 balls).

Dinesh Chandimal's unbeaten half-century and persistent rain in Galle delayed Australia's push for victory in the opening test against Sri Lanka on Friday.Only a 27-over session was possible on day three with Sri Lanka losing two wickets and slumping to 136-5 before rain stopped play.

Could US rules limiting high-end chip sales to China have fuelled the development of superior AI? Investors say the Chinese start-up should be closely watched.

Israel urged Australia to do more to halt an "epidemic of antisemitism" in the country as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government was doing all it could to combat attacks that he says include domestic terrorism.

Beneath the fertile farmlands of Victoria in south-east Australia lie deposits of mineral sands that miners and politicians are keen to tap for rare-earth elements, ingredients in everything from EV batteries to wind turbines to advanced weapons.

Denmark-based sales agency LevelK has acquired Asia and Australia-New Zealand rights to Second World War thriller Nr. 24, after the film’s successful run at the Norwegian box office.

Hyundai Steel workers strike for 24-hours; India: Kerala state government workers strike for pay rise and outstanding allowances; Pakistan: Punjab government schoolteachers strike over pay and privatisation;