China's national childcare subsidy, while encouraging, may not sufficiently address the falling birth rate as it fails to account for the broader costs of motherhood, particularly the impact on women's careers and the need for gender equality.
Australia experienced its largest quarterly surge in electric vehicle sales, doubling new purchases by June 30, with nearly half of all new vehicles sold being electric or hybrid. This boom coincided with high fuel prices and is occurring as the government plans to gradually reduce its EV tax discounts, a move criticized by the opposition.
The European Commission is considering an investigation into construction material imports from several Balkan countries, suspecting they use low-cost Chinese glass fibre already subject to EU anti-dumping duties. This probe is part of broader EU efforts to counter unfair Chinese trade practices and rebalance trade ties.
Meghalaya's government launched a homestay subsidy scheme, offering up to 70% support, to boost accommodation for the National Games 2027 and foster long-term community-owned tourism. The initiative aims to address temporary housing needs while creating entrepreneurship and livelihoods.
The Bank of Korea is reportedly planning to launch the second phase of its wholesale central bank digital currency (CBDC) pilot, Project Hangang, as early as September. This phase will expand participation to nine banks, introduce new payment features, and test government subsidy disbursements using tokenized bank deposits.
Saudi Arabia dramatically cut crude oil prices by $11 a barrel for August, the steepest drop in 26 years, signaling intense competition among producers. This move, following a previous $6 cut, brings oil prices to pre-Feb 28 levels and is expected to benefit India by reducing refiner losses and government subsidy bills.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary defends receiving a Rs 99 lakh subsidy for his cucumber farm in Rajasthan, citing application in 2018 (pre-ministry) and adherence to all rules.
Union Minister Bhagirath Choudhary denies wrongdoing in receiving a nearly Rs 1 crore subsidy from his own ministry for farming, citing transparency. Opposition leaders Ashok Gehlot and Pawan Khera accuse the BJP of corruption and conflict of interest.
Hong Kong's two major electricity suppliers will provide HK$80-90 million in rebates to eligible households between August and October. This initiative aims to ease financial pressure on residents due to increased energy prices, attributed to the US-Israel war on Iran.
The Malaysian Tamilan Tow Truck Association questions the effectiveness of a new MyKad-based diesel subsidy program, citing concerns over insufficient allocations and potential supply shortages, similar to issues faced with the current Budi95 program.
Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz declared a state of emergency after nearly 50 days of anti-government protests over living costs and economic hardship escalated. The move allows the military to clear blockades disrupting food, fuel, and medicine supplies nationwide.
Elon Musk's one-day wealth gain of $164.8 billion surpassed Warren Buffett's net worth. China's economy shows a two-speed recovery with industrial output rising but consumer spending falling. India sees a surge in tech professionals seeking jobs, while blue-collar roles and civil engineering gain traction. China leads India in university rankings, and India's state subsidies have tripled.
India is negotiating with the World Bank and ADB for approximately $2.5 billion in loans to fund urban infrastructure and job creation. This comes amid a wider budget gap due to increased subsidies for oil prices affected by Middle East conflict.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty informed staff of significant financial challenges, with plans to cut costs by potentially closing Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. This follows a memo citing over $20bn in investments yielding declining revenue and a "hardware component crisis."
China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) has proposed new rules to prevent food delivery platforms from misusing subsidies. The draft regulations aim to stop market disruption, selling goods at a loss, and forcing merchants into subsidy programs, addressing concerns about intense competition harming businesses, drivers, and consumers.
India is set to import urea at nearly half the price it paid previously, following a sharp decline in global rates after the West Asia crisis. This development is expected to ease pressure on the country's fertilizer subsidy bill.
India's government has clarified that consumers can use non-DCR solar modules for rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar scheme if they choose to forgo central assistance. This exemption applies until March 31, 2027, for those using the 'Give It Up' option.
India's government provided Rs 1.23 lakh crore to oil companies to freeze fuel prices for 78 days amid the Middle East crisis. The fertilizer minister seeks to double the FY27 subsidy, while LPG cylinder entitlements for PMUY beneficiaries were cut from 9 to 4 due to rising import costs.
India's government is considering budget spending cuts due to higher oil prices inflating subsidy costs and threatening fiscal goals. Officials are reviewing potential reductions in areas like water resources and loans to states, while capital expenditure and defense spending are likely to remain untouched.
The FCC is reviewing its $3 billion E-Rate program for schools and libraries due to concerns about excessive children's screen time. A vote on potential reforms or termination is scheduled for June 25, following a Surgeon General's advisory on the harms of screen use.
The FCC is reviewing its $3 billion E-Rate program for schools and libraries due to concerns about excessive children's screen time. A new proposal is expected soon, with potential reforms or termination of the program.
Armenia's government approved two subsidy programs to compensate entrepreneurs for logistics costs and customs payments on exports, particularly to the EU. This follows Russia's recent bans on Armenian mineral water and agricultural products, which Prime Minister Pashinyan had pledged to support exporters affected by.
China's Ministry of Commerce urged the OECD to conduct research on industrial subsidies objectively and neutrally, avoiding politicization and instrumentalization of its report which claimed Chinese firms received the most subsidies.
Kaohsiung City Government opens applications for its second phase of the "Building Vertical Greening and Green Roof Subsidy Program." The program, running until June 22, offers up to NT$800,000 per project to encourage green renovations and net-zero facilities, aiming to combat urban heat and achieve carbon reduction goals.
