1. Scott Morrison puts national cabinet on 'war footing' over vaccine rollout

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called on the national cabinet to meet twice per week over the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines "until we solve the problems and get the program back on track". The PM and leaders of all of Australia's states and territories are set to begin meeting next Monday. "There are serious challenges we need to overcome caused by patchy international vaccine ­supplies, changing medical advice and a global environment of need caused by millions of COVID-19 cases and deaths," Morrison said.

2. Business conditions reach record high

Results from the latest NAB Business Survey have revealed the highest levels for business conditions since the survey began in 1996. The business conditions index reached +25.2 points in March compared to +17.0 points in February and the long-term average of +5.4 points. The business confidence index fell from +17.8 points in February to +15.5 points in March, but remains well above the long-term average of +5.2 points.

3. Moderna says its coronavirus vaccine is over 90% effective after six months

Moderna has announced that its COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90% effective at protecting against the virus after six months, and more than 95% effective at preventing severe cases. While Australia does not currently have an agreement with Moderna to supply its vaccine locally, chief medical officer Paul Kelly said on Monday that a deal with the company would "remain on the table as an option".

4. Injured tortoise given roller board to move around

Helmuth the 23-year-old African spurred tortoise is using a roller board to help move around the ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen zoo in Germany. The tortoise, which weighs over 100kg, was given the roller board as part of therapy to help redistribute its body weight away from its front legs where shoulder joint problems have developed.

5. S&P 500 lifts to new record as Dow closes down

The S&P 500 rose by 13.60 points or 0.33% to 4,141.59 on Tuesday, another new record-high close for the index. The Nasdaq rose by 146.10 points or 1.05% to 13,996.10, pushed higher by Tesla's 8.60% rise to US$762.32 and Apple's 2.43% rise to 134.43. Meanwhile, the Dow Jones closed down 68.13 points or 0.20% to 33,677.27.