China’s investments in Africa aren’t working as well as they as they should for cities: this needs to change

By Astrid R.N. Haas, University of Toronto Over the past two decades African leaders have become increasingly drawn to Chinese financing and investment. These investments are made rapidly and with reportedly less stringent conditions than traditional financing sources. Some also suggest that China’s approach aligns more closely with African priorities. This sentiment was summarised by the former president of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, in 2008: China’s approach to […]

September 4, 2024 25

World

Heartbreak has turned to rage in Israel. Can Benjamin Netanyahu survive the biggest challenge to his rule?

By Ran Porat, Monash University Israelis are once again venting their anger over the failure of the government to reach a deal to release the hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets across the country over the past couple days, with some gathering outside the homes of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the US embassy. […]

September 4, 2024 38

Health / Medical

Mobile phones are not linked to brain cancer, according to a major review of 28 years of research

Keira Burton/Pexels By Sarah Loughran, University of Wollongong and Ken Karipidis, Monash University A systematic review into the potential health effects from radio wave exposure has shown mobile phones are not linked to brain cancer. The review was commissioned by the World Health Organization and is published today in the journal Environment International. Mobile phones are often held against the head during use. And they emit radio waves, […]

September 4, 2024 11

World

Netanyahu vows retribution amid ceasefire demands

Hundreds of thousands of protesters filled the streets of Israel for a second consecutive day, with the country nearly coming to a standstill due to a general strike on Monday. The strike was organised to demand a ceasefire-for-hostages deal, as the largest labor union warned that the “entire Israeli economy will shut down.” According to CNN, the demonstrations followed the recovery of six hostages’ bodies by Israeli forces in Gaza […]

September 2, 2024 18

Africa

China reaps most of the benefits of its relationship with Africa: what’s behind the imbalance

By Bhaso Ndzendze, University of Johannesburg The ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing takes place under the theme of “Joining hands to advance modernisation and build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future”. But how shared can that future be between the Asian economic giant and Africa? The eight summits since 2000 have not resulted in mutual gain, particularly in trade and industrialisation for Africa. China […]

September 2, 2024 30

Africa

China’s interests in Africa are being shaped by the race for renewable energy

By Lauren Johnston, University of Sydney China-Africa relations have deepened over the past two decades, characterised by increased economic cooperation, investment and infrastructure development. China is now Africa’s largest trading partner, with partnerships focused on building roads, railways and energy projects. As the ninth Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) kicks off this week in Beijing, a new, green theme is shaping their relationship: the global renewable energy race. […]

September 2, 2024 25

World

Typhoon Shanshan brings downpours to central Japan

Authorities in Japan are urging people to remain vigilant as Tropical Storm Shanshan moves over country. It was downgraded from a ‘typhoon’ on Thursday but is still bringing deluges heightening the risk of flooding and landslides. The storm has resulted in four deaths and 94 injuries so far. Reporting for us from Tokyo is Chris Gilbert.

August 30, 2024 72

World

Landmark California AI bill stirs controversy in tech industry

The fate of a landmark bill in California to regulate artificial intelligence is now in the hands of Governor Gavin Newsom after clearing a final hurdle in the state's senate. The proposed legislation has provoked a strong reaction from the tech industry. Here's Ira Spitzer with more.

August 30, 2024 35

World

Kamala Harris Defends Record, Criticizes Trump in First Interview Since 2024 Bid

Kamala Harris, in her first interview since announcing her 2024 U.S presidential bid, defended her record and criticized former U.S President Donald Trump. The interview, aired on CNN, addressed her policy positions on key issues including the economy, immigration, and energy. Harris also responded to criticism about her media presence following President Biden's endorsement of her candidacy.

August 30, 2024 24

World