News

2024 marked significant global political shifts and inflation struggles

2024: inflation fuels anti-incumbent sentiment; elections shake global leadership amid ongoing conflicts and ai adaptation.

Published

9 months ago

December 27, 2024

ticker NEWS

2024: inflation fuels anti-incumbent sentiment; elections shake global leadership amid ongoing conflicts and ai adaptation.

Inflation, elections, and conflict were key themes in 2024.

While inflation rates decreased globally, voters remained dissatisfied due to prior price surges.

As a result, many ruling parties faced backlash in elections.

In the United States, high costs contributed to Donald Trump’s return to the presidency, despite previously losing to Joe Biden amid claims of election fraud.

This shift has raised concerns regarding American democracy and international relations.

Inflation-related unrest also led to new governments in Britain, Botswana, Portugal, and Panama.

In South Korea, opposition gained parliamentary control, challenging President Yoon Suk Yeol, who had imposed martial law in December, only to see it overturned.

Elections brought changes in France, Germany, Japan, and India as well.

Conversely, Russia saw continuity, with Vladimir Putin securing re-election amidst ongoing military operations in Ukraine.

Trump’s possible return to the White House raises questions on his approach to the Ukraine conflict and relations with Putin.

In the Middle East, Israel intensified its military campaign against Gaza, extending actions into Lebanon, while a coalition of rebels in Syria succeeded in dethroning Bashar al-Assad.

On the business front, global companies faced challenges integrating artificial intelligence.

Seven major tech firms now dominate the S&P 500, highlighting their significant market influence.

Elon Musk, at the helm of Tesla, plays a key role as an adviser to President-elect Trump, potentially shaping the landscape for 2025.

Leaders

Cyber security shifts redefine critical infrastructure in APAC

Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats

Published

6 hours ago

October 2, 2025

Nathan Langridge

Cyber security evolution prompts redefinition of critical infrastructure in Asia Pacific amid rising digital threats.

In Short:
– Cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific redefine critical infrastructure, expanding its scope beyond just industrial machinery.
– New strategies emphasise visibility to protect crucial sectors like banking, finance, and telecommunications from cyber threats.

The rise in cyber security incidents in Asia Pacific is reshaping the definition and protection of critical infrastructure. New digital and operational technology risks are prompting stakeholders to reconsider conventional beliefs that critical infrastructure is primarily industrial machinery behind high fences.

Michael Fisher from Garland Technology discusses this evolving landscape. Critical infrastructure now encompasses essential services such as banking, finance, and telecommunications, expanding beyond traditional definitions.

The convergence of IT and operational technology (OT) networks increases cyber security risks. Many OT services were not designed with cyber security in mind, leaving them vulnerable to cyber attacks. Industries most at risk include telecommunications, banking, finance, and utilities, where any disruption can significantly impact society.

Increased Visibility

Fisher highlights that traditional cyber security alone is insufficient to secure these infrastructures. Effective protection requires a new approach focused on visibility. Garland Technology’s mission is to provide visibility to upstream cyber security platforms, eliminating blind spots.

Governments and businesses must recognise their roles in combatting cyber threats. Australia’s Security of Critical Infrastructure Act is a step towards increasing corporate responsibility in recognising critical infrastructure and ensuring compliance with security measures.

News

Electric vehicles transform last mile delivery market

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

Published

1 day ago

October 1, 2025

ticker NEWS

Australia’s last-mile delivery is rapidly adopting electric vehicles, fueled by green initiatives and insights from expert Joe Sofra.

The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) for last mile delivery is accelerating globally, with Australia expected to see significant growth.

Companies and retailers are increasingly adopting greener solutions, driven by supporting government initiatives.

Joe Sofra from ANC discussed the current state of the last mile EV market.

#ElectricVehicles #Sustainability #LastMileDelivery #Innovation #Australia

News

Trump gives Hamas ultimatum for Gaza peace plan acceptance

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

Published

2 days ago

October 1, 2025

Ahron Young

Trump gives Hamas deadline to accept Gaza peace plan amid rising pressure from Arab states and ongoing conflict in the region

In Short:
– Trump gives Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, warning of consequences.
– Hamas calls the plan biased and insists on a complete Israeli withdrawal before considering any agreement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has given Hamas three to four days to accept a U.S.-backed peace plan for Gaza, warning of severe consequences if they reject it.The plan, shared by mediators Qatar and Egypt, emerged after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it during a visit to the White House. Hamas, which was not part of the talks, is expected to review the proposal that calls for disarmament, a previously rejected demand.

Trump stated that support for the plan came from both Israeli and Arab leaders, and he emphasised the need for Hamas to respond promptly. The proposal includes a ceasefire, hostage exchanges, an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and disarmament of Hamas, along with a transitional government.

A Hamas source described the plan as biased towards Israel and containing unacceptable conditions.

The group maintains that a complete Israeli withdrawal is a prerequisite for their agreement to any deal, while they are unwilling to disarm.

Pressure Mounts

Hamas faces significant pressure as foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, and Egypt have supported the initiative. Turkey’s intelligence head is also set to join discussions in Doha, marking a new level of mediation.

Despite expressing initial support, Netanyahu is cautious about the plan’s implications for Palestinian statehood and faces pressure from his coalition. Public sentiment in Gaza reflects a desire for peace, albeit with scepticism about the sincerity of both Trump and Netanyahu’s commitments.