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Minns Administration Push NSW Zoning Reform

The Minns administration in NSW plans to overhaul existing planning laws, targeting a significant increase in housing density. This push addresses the escalating housing crisis by lifting long-standing bans on building terraces, townhouses, and two-story apartment blocks. Overhauling Planning Laws Clearing Council
November 27, 2023
road between brown houses

Japan’s Health Ministry Panel Proposes 100% Paternity Leave

Japan’s health ministry panel has recommended a significant enhancement to the country’s paternity leave benefits to encourage parents, especially fathers, to take more paid leave and spend more time with early child care. The proposed plan, announced Monday, is set to increase
November 14, 2023
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Hong Kong: New Incentives to Counter Falling Birth Rates

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee Ka-chiu, has announced a range of new measures to try to counter the city’s declining birth rate. Notably, a HK$20,000 (US$2,556) cash incentive will be given to parents holding permanent residency in Hong Kong for every newborn.
October 26, 2023
Lightning Over China and Taiwan (NASA, International Space Station, 07/27/14)

China’s Declining Birth Rates: Maternity Wards Are Closing

What’s happening Several hospitals in China have closed or downsized their obstetrics units. This has reignited worries about China’s declining birth rates. Why it matters In 2022, China saw only 9.56 million births. This is nearly a 10% decline from 2021. Predictions
October 7, 2023
South Korea

Korea’s Birthrate Hits Another Record Low

The Big Picture: Korea’s birthrate in July dropped to an all-time low, further highlighting the country’s swift transition into an aging society. By the numbers: 19,102 births were reported in July, a 6.7% decline from last year. This year has seen record-low
September 28, 2023
road between brown houses

Smartphones Associated With Lower Frailty Among Japan’s Elderly

In a recent study (Types and frequency of social participation and comprehensive frailty among community-dwelling older people in Japan by Nanako Saeki, Mayumi Mizutani, Susumu Tanimura, & Ritsuko Nishide), researchers have discovered an intricate connection between the elderly’s social activities and comprehensive
September 27, 2023
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Auckland Zoning Reforms: Lower Price Increases & Increased Density

Auckland’s 2016 decision to allow higher-density housing presents intriguing data on moderating house price and rent growth, offering insights for cities grappling with housing affordability. Why it matters: In a world where skyrocketing housing prices are the norm, Auckland’s zoning policy offers
September 26, 2023
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