Category: International

Global Economic Surprise Index Plummets

Commentary Investor sentiment is clearly bullish. The CNN Fear and Greed Index for June 18, 2023, stood at 82, which signals “extreme greed.” This is a drastic, optimistic move after closing at “greed” (56 over 100) a month before and “extreme fear” (17 over 100) only one year ago. However, in the same period, the…


Why Has Flying Become So Miserable?

Commentary Those of us who have returned to frequent air travel appreciate just how unpleasant the processhas become. Perhaps this simply reflects an overly sentimental view of what the experience was like pre-pandemic, but surely it has become much worse since. Outrageously expensive tickets, long lines at security (even premium lanes like “Clear”), no room…


‘Only Human Creators’: Grammys Set Rules Around AI and Music

The Grammy Awards will only accept works with a “meaningful” contribution from humans, according to new guidelines released on June 16. The new rules and guidelines from the Recording Academy come in the lead-up to next year’s event and amid ongoing questions around the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in music and art. “Only human…


ANALYSIS: Senators Concerned Over Overreach From New WHO Pandemic Treaty

Analysis The World Health Assembly (WHA), the governing body of the World Health Organisation (WHO), met for its annual meeting in Geneva from 21 to 30 May this year. On the agenda was the discussion of a third of the proposed 307 amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005 and the latest version of…


Australian Parliament Approves Referendum on ‘The Voice’

The Australian Senate has voted overwhelmingly to approve a referendum on changing the country’s Constitution. Having already passed the lower house, the bill passed the upper house on Jan. 19, 52 votes to 19, and means the country is set for a national vote sometime between October and December. The passing of the Constitution Alteration…


Making Canberra an ‘Electric Vehicle Only’ City Will Be to Its Own Detriment

Commentary What is it about the thought processes of the policymakers in our capital cities? The disconnect between reality and the lot of the citizens seems of Grand Canyon proportions. Australia’s capital city and its government—the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly—is seriously exploring its ability to cement its reputation as being seriously out of…


Six Reasons Why Making Canberra an ‘EV Only’ City Is a Bad Idea

Commentary What is it about the thought processes of the policymakers in our capital cities? Australia’s capital city and its government—the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly—are seriously exploring ways to cement a Grand Canyon-like disconnect between the people and lofty ideas. Currently, the latest thought bubble to hit the ACT’s Legislative Assembly is to…


6 Reasons Why Making Canberra an ‘EV Only’ City Is a Bad Idea

Commentary What is it about the thought processes of the policymakers in our capital cities? Australia’s capital city and its government—the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly—are seriously exploring ways to cement a Grand Canyon-like disconnect between the people and lofty ideas. Currently, the latest thought bubble to hit the ACT’s Legislative Assembly is to…


Communications Minister Requests Briefing on Public Broadcaster’s Staff Cuts

Australia’s communication minister, Michelle Rowland, has requested a briefing on the national broadcaster’s decision to axe 120 roles, including its political editor, Andrew Probyn. This comes after the move received blowback from senior media and public figures in Australia and comes as management attempts to streamline the outlet to attract younger audiences. “This is a…


Putin Meets With African Leaders in Russia to Discuss Ukraine Peace Plan, but No Visible Progress

KYIV, Ukraine—Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday met with a group of leaders of African countries who traveled to Russia on a self-styled “peace mission” the day after they went to Ukraine, but the meeting ended with no visible progress. The seven African leaders—the presidents of Comoros, Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia, as well as…