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Musk bashes Trump-backed AI mega project

Tech titan Elon Musk cast doubt Wednesday on a $500 billion AI project announced by US President Donald Trump, saying the money promised for the investment actually wasn't there.

Does China control the Panama Canal, as Trump claims?

US President Donald Trump's threat to seize the Panama Canal over alleged undue Chinese influence may really be aimed at limiting Beijing's growing diplomatic and economic presence in Latin America, experts say.

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Asian markets mostly rise after tech-fuelled Wall St rally

Most markets rose in Asia on Tuesday following another rally on Wall Street sparked by tech giants as traders try to asses Donald Trump's tariff plans following a report he may take a more targeted approach.

Homes talk and tables walk at AI dominated CES

Home appliances that do chores, cars that know your favorite cafe, and robot pets aiming to please are among artficial intelligence-infused offerings at the Consumer Electronics Show opening Tuesday.

Meta Names UFC boss Dana White, a Trump ally, to board

Social media giant Meta announced Monday the appointment of three new directors to its board, including Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) head Dana White, a close ally to US President-elect Donald Trump.

US Steel and Nippon Steel sue over Biden's decision to block merger

Nippon Steel and US Steel filed suit Monday over US President Joe Biden's decision to block the Japanese giant's proposed acquisition of its American rival, accusing his administration of "illegal interference" in the huge transaction.

'Lost year': Germany electric car sales go into reverse

Sales of new electric vehicles in Germany plunged last year, official figures showed Monday, as a slow switch to battery-powered cars deepened the woes of the country's flagship auto industry.

European, US stock markets rise as Trump tariff plans in question

European and US stock markets mostly rose following a report Monday the incoming Trump administration will apply tariffs only on certain sectors, while the dollar was mostly lower against rival currencies.

Samoa coach stands down after sexual misconduct charges

Samoa head coach Mahonri Schwalger has stepped down from his position, the country's federation announced on Monday.

Stock markets diverge as traders eye Trump 2.0

European and Asian stock markets started the first full week of 2025 on a mixed note, with traders' minds turning Monday to Donald Trump's second US presidency.

Kenya Airways shares trade again after four-year hiatus

Trading in shares of Kenya's national carrier, Kenya Airways, has resumed after being suspended for more than four years, the Nairobi stock exchange said Monday.

Japan PM says blocked US Steel deal could hit investments

Japan's prime minister on Monday urged Washington to dispel concerns that a decision by Joe Biden to block Nippon Steel's takeover of US Steel could impact future investments.

Asian markets mixed as traders eye Trump 2.0

Asian markets started the first full week of 2025 on a shaky note as traders struggled to track a healthy run-up on Wall Street, with minds turning to Donald Trump's second presidency.

Indonesia launches ambitious free-meal programme to combat stunting

Indonesia launched an ambitious $4.3 billion free-meal programme on Monday to combat stunted growth due to malnutrition, a key election promise of President Prabowo Subianto.

Most Asian markets cautiously higher as traders eye Trump 2.0

Asian markets started the first full week of 2025 on a positive but cautious note as traders struggled to track a healthy run-up on Wall Street, with minds turning to Donald Trump's second presidency.

French marine park closes over law banning killer whale shows

A French marine park on Sunday closed down definitively over a 2021 law banning shows featuring marine mammals, leaving uncertain futures for the two last orcas in captivity in the country, hundreds of other animals as well as dozens of staff.

World's oldest person dies at 116 in Japan

The world's oldest person, Japanese woman Tomiko Itooka, has died at the age of 116, the city of Ashiya where she lived announced on Saturday.

Syria says international flights to and from Damascus to resume Tuesday

Syria said on Saturday the country's main airport in Damascus would resume international flights starting next week after such commercial trips were halted following last month's ouster of president Bashar al-Assad.

South Korea says fatal crash cockpit transcript nearly complete

South Korean investigators said Saturday they were close to finalising the transcript of the cockpit voice recorder from a fatal plane crash that left 179 people dead last week.

AI expected to star at CES gadget extravaganza

Gadgets, robots and vehicles imbued with artificial intelligence will once again vie for attention at the Consumer Electronics Show next week, as vendors behind the scenes will seek ways to deal with tariffs threatened by US President-elect Donald Trump.

Soldier in Vegas Tesla blast suffered PTSD, no 'terror' link: FBI

The decorated Green Beret who died by suicide in a blazing Cybertruck outside a Trump hotel in Las Vegas was suffering from post-traumatic stress, investigators said Friday, saying they had found no links to "terrorist" groups.

Microsoft expects to spend $80 bn on AI this fiscal year

Microsoft president Brad Smith on Friday said the company is on track to pump about $80 billion into artificial intelligence (AI) this fiscal year.

Biden blocks US Steel sale to Japan's Nippon Steel

President Joe Biden on Friday blocked the controversial $14.9 billion sale of US Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel, citing a strategic need to protect domestic industry.

Wall Street stocks bounce higher, Europe retreats

Wall Street stocks bounced higher at the start of trading on Friday, but European stock markets retreated as traders booked profits from a positive start to 2025.

Biden blocks US-Japan steel deal

President Joe Biden on Friday announced he has blocked the controversial $14.9 billion sale of US Steel to Japan's Nippon Steel, citing a strategic need to protect domestic industry.

Indian duo self-immolate in Bhopal waste protest

Two people in India set themselves on fire Friday to protest against the disposal of hazardous waste from the decades-old Bhopal industrial disaster, local government officials said.

Indian food delivery app rolls out ambulance service

A popular Indian food delivery app has started offering a private ambulance service, looking to use its logistics know-how to help bolster the country's patchy healthcare system.

European stock markets retreat after positive start to year

European stock markets retreated Friday, as traders booked profits from a positive start to 2025 and awaited a full return to business next week.

UK electricity cleanest on record in 2024: study

Britain produced its cleanest electricity on record last year with output of fossil fuels at an all-time low and renewables reaching a record-high, a study has showed.

Biden to block US-Japan steel deal: US media

US President Joe Biden has decided to block the proposed $14.9 billion purchase of US Steel by Japan's Nippon Steel and will announce the move as soon as Friday, according to US media.

Thai PM declares millions in watches and bags among $400 mn assets

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra declared more than $400 million in assets on Friday, her party said, including more than 200 designer handbags worth over $2 million and at least 75 luxury watches, valued at almost $5 million.

China says 'determined' to open up to world in 2025

China is "determined" to continue opening up its economy to the world in 2025, a top economic planning official said Friday, as Beijing steels itself for potential trade turmoil when US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Asian shares rise defying slow Wall Street start to 2025

Asian markets gained on Friday, bucking retreats on Wall Street as the dollar advanced and markets reopened following the New Year's holiday.

'You need to be happy': graffiti encourages Cuban self-reflection

Graffiti on walls around Havana telling Cubans "you need to be happy" has encouraged introspection and inspiration in a country where censorship has forced many street artists to emigrate or abandon their work.

The Japan Times - Economy (English)