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Canberra will be tough on pricing but not on mergers

Location:

AUSTRALIA

Under pressure on cost-of-living issues, Canberra is reviewing competition laws to see what effect market dominance may be having in a handful of major sectors, including banking…

Islamic State poses limited threat in Afghanistan

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AFGHANISTAN

Some observers have suggested that this is a sign of an IS-K resurgence. The ruling Taliban have tried hard since their takeover in 2021 to suppress the group, a long-standing…

Elections could prove awkward for Maldives president

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MALDIVES

The two parties associated with him are currently in the minority in the unicameral legislature. Muizzu came to power after winning last year’s presidential race. He was a…

New Irish leader will struggle to reverse polls

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IRELAND

Harris replaces Leo Varadkar, who surprisingly announced that he was stepping down ahead of local, EU and national elections. In his first speech as party leader, Harris suggested…

Ukrainian grain dispute is likely to drag on

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UKRAINE

A glut of Ukrainian agricultural products has driven down prices in neighbouring countries, prompting several governments to impose unilateral import bans. Protests by Polish…

Australian foreign property rules are mainly political

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AUSTRALIA

The new rules, which include steeper taxes on foreign purchases of existing domestic properties, are part of a Labor strategy intended to free up more housing stock. The…

Doctors’ strike may spell crisis for Seoul

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SOUTH KOREA

President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration aims to remedy a chronic shortage of doctors in South Korea. Public opinion is firmly behind Yoon, but the KMA has enjoyed past success in…

China’s coal sector will grow but then shrink

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CHINA

Energy security concerns and regional economic interests are driving the construction of more coal mines and coal-fired power stations, though government mandates will set a cap…

Ukraine’s leadership reset will have a limited effect

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UKRAINE

As with the February reshuffle of the military command, these changes have been presented as part of an effort to ‘reset’ decision-making and improve governance. The president's…

India will be vigilant but not worried about al-Qaida

Location:

INDIA

The authorities do not appear especially concerned about the threat posed by the group, but there is sure to be an overall tightening of security during the general election…