Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim admits shortcomings in his administration, citing higher living costs despite 6% economic growth, and signals no rush for snap elections after recent state poll losses.
Graduates in England leave university with an average student debt of over £47,500. Figures show average debt amounts have fallen compared to the previous year, while tuition fees are set to rise to £9,790 in 2026 amidst changing loan and repayment rules.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has brought forward plans to end subscription traps and fake discounts, promising clearer contract exits and a ban on misleading 'was' prices to help families with the cost of living.
Icelanders are preparing for an August referendum on whether to reopen EU accession talks. The debate centers on sovereignty, economic stability, and control over marine resources, dividing opinion across the nation.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent declared the 'K-shaped economy' over in a CNBC interview, citing wage gains for lower earners, even as polls show inflation remains Americans' top concern.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the state's minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour starting January 1, 2025, making it the highest of any US state. Newsom framed the move as support for working families amid high living costs, contrasting it with federal inaction.
The Bombay High Court rejected a woman's plea for Rs 1 lakh monthly interim maintenance from her estranged husband, ruling that her high income of USD 8,700 monthly and professional qualifications in the US negate the claim, despite arguments of high living costs abroad. The court emphasized that maintenance under Section 24 of the Hindu Marriage Act is for financially weaker spouses.
Iranians are grappling with severe economic hardship, including soaring inflation, currency depreciation, and unaffordable essentials, exacerbated by decades of structural issues, Western sanctions, and an ongoing conflict with the US and Israel that has damaged infrastructure and led to internet shutdowns and government censorship.
Hong Kong maintained its 17th spot in QS's Best Student Cities list for 2027, but high living costs, East Asia's steepest tuition fees, and limited accommodation continue to deter international applicants. The city ranked sixth for university strength.
Andy Burnham assumes the UK premiership amidst economic shocks and weak growth, pledging "good growth in every postcode" by reindustrialising, devolving power, tackling the cost of living, addressing youth unemployment, boosting social housing, and navigating defence spending and fiscal rules.
The UK plans to introduce a means-tested scheme requiring asylum seekers to repay up to £10,000 for state-funded living costs, sparking criticism from charities as unfair and impractical.
Zambia's August 13, 2026 general election focuses on jobs, inflation, and cost of living. The outcome will impact critical mineral investment, economic reforms, and global power dynamics with the US, EU, and China.
Graduates in England face an average student debt of £47,730, a decrease from the previous year. Tuition fees in England and Wales are set to rise annually with inflation, while Scotland offers free tuition for most Scottish students. Student loans cover tuition and living costs, with repayment starting after a certain income threshold is met. While graduates generally earn more than non-graduates, real-term graduate wages have declined.
PhD students in Australia are facing financial hardship due to low stipends, with rates falling below the poverty line. A recent report recommended increasing stipends to $50,000, but the government has not committed to the changes, sparking concerns about equity and Australia's research capacity.
Donald Trump's attendance at a Knicks NBA Finals game, marked by a massive motorcade and heightened security, drew criticism for overshadowing the event and disrupting city celebrations. The article contrasts his approach with Obama's, highlighting Trump's use of sports for political spectacle and social hierarchy, while noting the league's shift from adversarial to deferential.
Mainland Chinese creators on lifestyle apps are promoting Malaysia as an ideal destination for family life, citing international schools, Mandarin-speaking services, familiar food, and lower living costs.
Gu Ja-yeol of the Democratic Party has won the Wonju mayoral election, defeating incumbent Won Kang-soo. Gu's key pledge is 'Half-Price Wonju,' aiming to cut living expenses through transportation, housing, and childcare subsidies, and plans to develop a medical AI cluster in Seowonju.
The number of couples receiving the National Pension's old-age pension together is increasing, but their average combined pension is less than half of the expected living expenses for middle-aged and elderly individuals. While the number of dual-recipient couples has doubled in six years to over 930,000, their average monthly income of 1.2 million won is insufficient for a comfortable retirement.
The UK's Global Partnerships conference highlighted the aid sector's crisis, with large charities criticized for hoarding power and funds, hindering localization efforts. Experts call for a new model channeling resources directly to local actors.
Influential IPPR proposes capping rents at whichever is lower of consumer price inflation or wage growthUK politics live – latest updatesOne of the thinktanks closest to the Labour government is urging ministers to introduce private sector rent controls in England, as the chancellor weighs up how to ease a surge in living costs caused by the Iran war.The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) has published a paper calling for a rent “double lock”, which would link rent increases to either wages or inflation, depending on which was lower. Continue reading...
Malaysia’s plan to stop wealthier drivers from enjoying cheap subsidised petrol has left Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim facing a politically fraught question: how to define “rich” without punishing households already squeezed by higher living costs. The issue has sharpened as the Middle East energy shock strains government finances, forcing authorities to weigh fiscal discipline against the risk of angering middle-class voters in a car-dependent country. Anwar said the government had agreed in...
Shares in UK buy-to-let lenders Paragon and OSB Group fell 2.4% and 3.6% respectively on Tuesday after speculation that chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering a one-year rent freeze for private landlords in England to protect households from rising costs linked to the Middle East conflict. The education secretary later said the measure is not actively being pursued, while the Renters' Rights Act comes into force on Friday bringing significant sector changes.
