News

Australia's grocery market is dominated by two giants, Woolworths and Coles, who hold an almost 80% market share and face limited competition despite accusations of price gouging. Investigations have found no evidence of price collusion but revealed concerns about the power imbalance between the giants and their suppliers, leading to calls for increased regulation.

Australia's gas consumption is falling faster than expected, leading to a revised outlook for the east coast gas market. While the immediate threat of shortages has passed, a structural deficit in gas supply is still expected to emerge from 2028 onwards, prompting calls for investment in new gas supplies.

The Victorian government's ambitious Suburban Rail Loop project faces scrutiny after a critical report by Infrastructure Australia questioned its viability, citing concerns about cost, financing, and benefits. The state government remains committed to the project, but the federal government has expressed concerns and called for further information before committing additional funding.

Elon Musk's accusation of the Biden administration blocking SpaceX's astronaut return mission from the ISS sparked controversy, with astronaut Butch Wilmore confirming Musk's statement but clarifying the astronauts themselves were unaware of the offer. This incident highlights the complex interplay between politics and space exploration, raising questions about potential political interference and the astronauts' safety.

Dubai's rental market favors landlords, with inflexible payments, hidden fees, and minimal tenant protection, leaving renters financially burdened and with limited support from real estate agents. The system prioritizes landlord profits over tenant well-being, sparking calls for reform and a more balanced approach.