Indian companies are achieving record profits, nearing 6% of GDP, but capital expenditure remains stagnant at 3.6-3.7%. This lack of investment in new assets leads to fewer jobs and exacerbates inequality, contrasting sharply with China's investment-driven growth. Leaders face a critical choice between continued scarcity or pursuing mass affluence.
New evidence reveals Queensland police failures prior to toddler Mason Lee's death 10 years ago. Donald Trump calls for restraint after Israel targets Beirut, with a US-Iran ceasefire deal shaky. Farmers battle a severe mouse plague across Australia's grain belt, and the Socceroos start their World Cup campaign with a win.
Generation X, typically disengaged, is now in their 50s and driving Australia's populist surge, particularly towards One Nation. Economic grievances, including low wage growth, high cost of living, and declining home ownership, are fueling their discontent and political engagement.
Generation X, typically disengaged, is now voicing economic grievances, driving One Nation's popularity to nearly match Labor's. Facing stagnant wages, high costs, and low home ownership, this 'sandwich generation' feels left behind by a system they perceive as favoring the rich.
UK Labour figures Andy Burnham and Wes Streeting are considering a wealth tax on the super-rich, inspired by economist Gabriel Zucman's proposals. The tax aims to address growing inequality, with Zucman advocating a 2% levy on assets over $100 million, even for those who leave the country.
AI boom and favorable tax laws have dramatically increased billionaire wealth in the US, with a few tech giants capturing trillions. This surge exacerbates wealth inequality, shrinking workers' share of economic gains and concentrating power in "superstar firms."
A new roadmap proposes dismantling poverty by redesigning economic systems, moving beyond GDP growth. It emphasizes human rights, social protection, and collective well-being within planetary boundaries, advocating for debt justice and inclusive policy-making.
Elon Musk's potential trillionaire status from SpaceX's IPO sparks concerns over heightened impunity, influence on democracy, and exacerbating wealth inequality, amidst a backdrop of billionaire spending in politics post-Citizens United.
Peru's presidential election sees Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez competing, with insecurity and crime as top voter concerns, fueled by extortion and homicides.
A new French study reveals that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds face a significantly higher risk of developing cancers with poor prognoses. The research highlights disparities in exposure to risk factors, screening, and diagnosis timing.
A World Inequality Lab report proposes a "plan for equality and prosperity within planetary boundaries," including wealth taxes, reduced working hours, and diet changes to double incomes for 89% of the world population by 2100 and limit global heating to 2C.
Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu announced cash incentives for third and fourth child births to counter falling fertility rates and fears of political representation loss. Critics argue the policy ignores economic realities and women's safety, while experts suggest long-term support is more effective than one-time payments.
Letters critique Tony Blair's economic policies, arguing that poverty and inequality, not just the economy, need addressing. Critics point to a lack of action on wealth inequality and the negative long-term impacts of PFI deals.
Australia's tax system is criticized for rewarding wealth accumulation over work, with the top 1% paying nearly a fifth of personal tax revenue. Reforms to Capital Gains Tax and negative gearing are seen as steps towards fairness, but critics argue they don't go far enough to address growing wealth inequality.
Australia's billionaires saw their wealth increase by nearly $50,000 per minute in the past year, according to Oxfam. Meanwhile, anti-abortion rallies gain traction, a smart drug shows promise against cancer, and Peter Garrett leads an inquiry into the Aukus pact.
Australia's billionaires saw their wealth surge by nearly $50,000 per minute in the past year, according to Oxfam. Meanwhile, Barnaby Joyce headlines an anti-abortion rally in Sydney, Peter Garrett leads an inquiry into Aukus, and a smart drug shows promise against cancer.
Australia has a record 178 billionaires, with total wealth exceeding $686 billion, according to Oxfam. The anti-poverty group highlights a growing wealth gap, while some argue billionaires contribute significantly to tax revenue.
Italy's 2024 Gender Budget allocates €5.02 billion to reduce gender inequality, a slight increase from previous years. The report highlights persistent gaps in employment, income, and career progression for women, despite some policy improvements.
Green Party leaders Zack Polanski and Caroline Lucas advise listening to Reform UK voters' concerns to address inequality, citing decades of austerity and unmet promises as drivers for Reform's appeal.
European Green parties, facing decline, can learn from the UK Green Party's success by focusing on economic inequality, holding strong stances on key issues, and embracing progressive identity politics.
Not All Clubs, an Australian group, highlights systemic inequality in sports through shared stories of discrimination, neglect, and gender-based violence, calling for accountability from sporting bodies.
Labour MP Wes Streeting argues that while Tony Blair correctly identifies a historic rupture due to technological, geopolitical, and economic shifts, his intervention neglects the fundamental issue of inequality, which underpins the crises in western democracies. Streeting emphasizes that Labour must combine dynamism with fairness, ensuring the AI revolution serves the many, not just the privileged few, and advocates for a new relationship with Europe and independent foreign policy stances.
A personal anecdote highlights Australia's healthcare access issues, with 25% of people delaying dentist visits and 29% delaying GP visits due to cost, disproportionately affecting the disadvantaged. The budget's lack of Medicare dental coverage and NDIS cuts contrast with concerns over tax breaks for the wealthy.
Global private financial wealth increased by 7.4% in 2025, driven by strong equity markets, with Germany's total wealth reaching $23.3 trillion. The 'super-rich' (UHNWIs with >$100M) in Germany grew to 5,000, holding 27.3% of the country's financial wealth, widening the wealth gap.
