World’s conflict zones increased by two-thirds in past three years, report reveals

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Wars have spread and intensified, with far-reaching impacts on global economic growth and food security, according to latest Conflict Intensity Index

The proportion of the world engulfed by conflict has grown 65% – equivalent to nearly double the size of India – over the past three years, according to a new report.

Ukraine, Myanmar, the Middle East and a “conflict corridor” around Africa’s Sahel region have seen wars and unrest spread and intensify since 2021, according to the latest Conflict Intensity Index (CII), published by risk analysts Verisk Maplecroft.

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Mineral Resources boss Chris Ellison tells shareholders ‘I hate what I’ve done’ after scandals rock company

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Perth businessman tells AGM he made ‘error in judgment’ as company’s executive pay plans are voted down

Embattled mining billionaire Chris Ellison has told shareholders he can’t stress enough “how much I hate what I’ve done” after a series of scandals engulfed the company he leads, Mineral Resources.

The Perth businessman has previously acknowledged he failed to disclose revenue generated by overseas entities to tax authorities earlier in his career. A company investigation later found he had also used business resources for his personal benefit.

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Sydney train strike: chaotic shutdown averted after 11th-hour crisis talks with union

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NSW government caves to rail union demands to prevent workers striking

A chaotic two-day shutdown of Sydney’s train network has been averted at the 11th hour after the state government caved to rail union demands to run 24-hour services to prevent workers striking.

However, the New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, has warned that despite securing a two-week hiatus on industrial action amid tense negotiations with rail unions over a new pay deal, there is no guarantee that the threat of a city-wide rail shutdown will not recur in a fortnight.

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Percival Everett wins National Book Award for fiction with retelling of Huckleberry Finn

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Everett’s novel, James, which focuses on Twain's enslaved character Jim, won the $10,000 prize

Percival Everett has won the $10,000 National Book Award for fiction, one of the US’s most prestigious literary prizes, for James, his acclaimed reimagining of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

The 67-year-old author was also shortlisted for this year’s Booker prize for James, which focuses on Huckleberry Finn’s enslaved character Jim. The Guardian’s Anthony Cummins called the book “gripping, painful, funny, horrifying” in his review.

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Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Takes Stand in National Security Trial – The New York Times

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  1. Hong Kong Media Mogul Jimmy Lai Takes Stand in National Security Trial  The New York Times
  2. Jimmy Lai to answer Apple Daily staff’s allegations in Hong Kong security trial  South China Morning Post
  3. Tycoon Jimmy Lai denies asking US to act against HK, China in landmark trial  Reuters
  4. He Rose to Riches in Hong Kong. Now He’s a Symbol of China’s Crackdown.  The Wall Street Journal
  5. Hong Kong ex-publisher Jimmy Lai testifies he didn't ask Pence, Pompeo to take action against city  The Associated Press
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‘Resurgence’ in China aid to Pacific amid tussle with US for influence

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Thinktank’s report says Beijing has emerged from Covid-induced lull with a ‘more competitive, politically targeted model’ of engagement in the region

China has renewed efforts to curry favour in Pacific island nations, a new report has found, after charting a “resurgence” in Beijing-backed aid and infrastructure funding.

Over the past decade, China has lavished billions of dollars on Pacific island nations, part of ongoing efforts to build influence in competition with the US and its allies.

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Accident or sabotage? American and European officials disagree as key undersea cables are cut – CNN

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  1. Accident or sabotage? American and European officials disagree as key undersea cables are cut  CNN
  2. Chinese-Registered Ship Is Held in Baltic Sea Sabotage Investigation  The Wall Street Journal
  3. Finnish authorities open probe into ruptured undersea cable between Finland and Germany  The Associated Press
  4. US allies accuse Russia of 'escalating hybrid activities' against NATO, EU nations after data cables severed  Fox News
  5. Danish military says it's staying close to Chinese ship after data cable breaches  Reuters
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