The Productivity Commission will release its report on carbon pricing within the next few hours. The report examines how Australia can effectively set carbon prices on a range of different policies. It's also expected to give an indication of what an effective price per tonne of carbon would be. 

 

Britain and France are stepping up diplomatic pressure to secure a UN Security Council by condemning the violence in Syria. But the resolution stops short of calling for military action. Their move comes as reports emerge from northwest Syria that thousands of troops are gathering not far from the town of Jisr al-Shughur. 

 

And the biggest solar eruption in five years could knock out electronic equipment near the North and South Poles today. NASA cameras have captured images of the huge solar storm which happened on Tuesday night. Australian scientists say magnetic charges thrown out from the blast will start hitting earth from today, and satellite communications and power grids could be disrupted.