New South Wales' upcoming budget will lower public transport fare caps on Opal and credit card payments to ease cost-of-living pressures. The Minns government aims for fiscal restraint while addressing inflation and housing affordability, balancing relief with economic discipline.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers acknowledged the government has lost political support following the federal budget but defended the changes, particularly for first home buyers and young people. Key measures, including capital gains tax concessions for small businesses and exemptions for testamentary trusts, were adjusted.
Liberal frontbencher Andrew Bragg has criticized the Treasurer's handling of budget measures, calling them "Swiss cheese" and a "punitive tax system." He also disagreed with One Nation leader Pauline Hanson's views on multiculturalism, stating Australia has been multicultural for 250 years and should be proud of it.
Former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas wrote to HDFC Bank requesting a freeze on the party's account until authorities decide control. The account reportedly holds Rs 535 crore. Biswas was recently removed as treasurer.
Former West Bengal minister Aroop Biswas wrote to HDFC Bank requesting a freeze on the party's account until authorities decide control. This comes after he was removed as treasurer and is being probed for 'Messigate'.
The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales is a 2D-HD game inspired by Zelda, featuring a customizable combat system and time-traveling puzzles. Despite its earnest tone, it offers a rewarding experience with inspired dungeons and fast-paced gameplay.
Trinamool Congress Treasurer Aroop Biswas requests bank to freeze party accounts due to leadership crisis and rebellion, citing risk of unauthorized transactions and disputes over legitimate authority.
The Biodiversity Heritage Library (BHL), a digital archive of natural world literature, has made over 64 million pages freely available. Despite its crucial role in scientific research and understanding biodiversity crises, BHL faces funding cuts and may cease operations by 2027.
Spanish bars and cafes feature the functionally useless servilleta, a thin paper napkin. Despite poor absorbency, they are a cherished part of Spanish life, sometimes thrown on the floor as a sign of authenticity. Photographer Felipe Hernandez documents these personalized napkins in his book, 'Servilletas,' celebrating their 'beauty of the useless' against homogenization.
Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson's family investment trust holds undisclosed shares in Gondwana Carbon, a climate advisory firm involved in carbon credit trading. ASIC records show the trust held directorship until May 2023, and shares in another firm, Spektrum Holdings, were also not disclosed.
The federal politics live blog from Parliament House, Canberra, covers the Reserve Bank's interest rate decision and the reported ceasefire deal between the US and Iran.
Scotland celebrates its first World Cup qualification in 28 years with unique traditions, including new tartans, whisky collaborations, and fanzones. Despite past disappointments, fans embrace the moment with a mix of hope and self-deprecating fatalism, with the First Minister attending the opening match against Haiti.
Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers attributes One Nation's popularity to economic pressures and voter disconnection, contrasting their approach with the government's relief measures. He also defends planned tax reforms against criticism, particularly from Opposition Leader Angus Taylor.
In Zigui County, Hubei Province, the traditional craft of making mugwort for the Dragon Boat Festival has become a significant source of income. The local industry, centered around the unique climate and soil ideal for growing high-quality mugwort, has developed a comprehensive value chain from cultivation to processing, e-commerce, and cultural tourism, boosting villagers' incomes and preserving cultural heritage.
President Xi Jinping visited the Yunmeng County Museum in Hubei, emphasizing the importance of protecting and researching ancient bamboo slips. He highlighted their value as evidence of China's historical continuity and urged efforts to preserve and promote Chinese civilization's treasures for future generations.
Labor Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlighted Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson's own 2020 book, 'The New Social Contract,' which advocates for taxing labor and capital income equally and criticizes preferential tax treatment for established interests, aligning with Labor's proposed budget changes on capital gains tax and negative gearing.
The ACT's budget deficit has ballooned by $240 million in 103 days, with 'the Trump effect' costing $2.3 million daily due to higher energy costs and supply chain issues stemming from the Middle East conflict.
The conflict in the Middle East, exacerbated by US actions, is costing the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) budget an estimated $2.3 million per day. This adds to existing domestic financial pressures, with potential for much worse economic fallout if the conflict prolongs.
South Australia's Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis presented a budget grappling with persistent challenges from 2017, including the Whyalla steelworks and a new hospital project facing cost blowouts. New geopolitical instability, particularly the Iran War, adds significant uncertainty to revenue forecasts, while rising debt and interest expenses pose further risks.
South Australia's latest budget, delivered by Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis, grapples with persistent challenges from 2017, including the Whyalla steelworks and the Women's and Children's Hospital project. New geopolitical instability, particularly the Iran War, adds significant forecasting difficulty and risk to the state's finances, with projected net debt rising sharply.
Filmmaker Grace McKenzie's documentary 'Yumburra' chronicles Bruce Pascoe's journey establishing a farm based on Indigenous agricultural practices. The film highlights the challenges and triumphs of Pascoe's work, which refutes colonial myths about Aboriginal people being solely hunter-gatherers.
South Australia's 2026-27 budget prioritizes cost-of-living relief and housing initiatives, allocating $1.3B for rent-to-own homes and significant funds for education and business support. Despite a projected surplus, state debt is expected to exceed $53B by 2029-30.
The Greens are scrutinizing the Australian government's tax reform bill, particularly powers that could allow the treasurer to exempt homeowners in his electorate from capital gains tax changes. While Labor seeks Greens' support for passage, concerns remain about potential legislative overreach.
17 cannons believed to have sunk in the Savannah River during the American Revolution have been recovered and are now on display at the Savannah History Museum. Discovered in 2021, the cannons underwent preservation in Texas and are set to be part of a new exhibit for America's 250th birthday.
