Author: Eleanor Price

Japan’s ruling coalition faces voters on February 8 holding a single-seat majority in the Lower House, after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi dissolved parliament and called a snap election despite her term running until October 2028. The gamble comes as the Liberal Democratic Party confronts a newly unified opposition. On January 16, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan joined with Komeito — the LDP’s coalition partner for 26 years until recently — to form the Centrist Reform Alliance, which now controls 172 seats in the 456-seat chamber. Norihiro Yamaguchi, lead Japan economist at Oxford Economics, warned that without Komeito’s organisational support,…

The discount retailer Poundland has declared its period of widespread store closures complete, with the chain now operating from 651 locations following a restructuring programme that saw nearly 150 sites close and more than 2,000 jobs lost. The company, which narrowly avoided administration last year before securing High Court approval for a turnaround plan in August, previously ran approximately 800 shops. Staff numbers have reduced from 14,200 to around 12,000. Two of Poundland’s four distribution centres were also shut as part of the overhaul, including facilities in Darton, South Yorkshire, and Springvale in Bilston, West Midlands. The customer service centre…

Digital nomads can dramatically reduce travel expenses by prioritizing public transportation over taxis and preparing meals at home rather than dining out, with these two strategies representing the fastest routes to budget control whilst maintaining mobility. Transportation costs spiral quickly for remote workers relying on rideshare services and taxis to navigate new cities. Metro systems, trams and buses provide reliable alternatives at fraction of the cost whilst offering authentic local experiences. Walking and cycling present zero-cost options for exploring neighborhoods, with many destinations offering short-term bike rentals for those wanting wheels without the taxi fare. Dining expenses similarly drain budgets…

Low-income nations are grappling with escalating debt burdens and limited international support as the G20 has failed to mount a coordinated multilateral response comparable to its actions during the 2008 financial crisis. Aggregate public debt in developing countries has reached 45 percent of GDP, with 43 percent now classified as in debt distress or at high risk, according to IMF figures. This represents an increase of nearly half since 2012, leaving nations such as Bangladesh and Ethiopia struggling with their obligations. The G20’s debt relief initiative has fallen significantly short of expectations. The group agreed to temporary suspension of bilateral…