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May 31 2026POLITICS

Japan challenges labels of rising military power

Japan’s defense chief recently spoke clearly at a major Asian security meeting in Singapore. He pushed back against claims that Japan is becoming more aggressive in military matters. His comments came after repeated accusations from China about Japan’s supposed "new militarism. " Yet the defense min

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May 30 2026TECHNOLOGY

Japan’s Banks Get a New AI Cyber‑Shield

Japan’s top three banks will soon receive OpenAI’s newest cyber‑defence tool, GPT‑5. 5‑Cyber, through a special program that only lets verified defenders use it. The plan is part of Tokyo’s effort to treat advanced AI as a key national asset, not just a consumer gadget. Only institutions that

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May 30 2026FINANCE

India tries something new with ocean-focused loans

India is testing fresh ways to pay for its massive ocean and water projects. A government company called Sagarmala wants to sell special bonds called ‘blue bonds’—the first of their kind in the country. These bonds work like regular loans but must be used only for clean-up efforts, port upgrades, sh

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May 29 2026POLITICS

China’s Quiet Role at Singapore Defence Talk Misses Chance, Australian Minister Says

Australia’s defence chief said China’s limited participation in the Shangri‑La Dialogue was a lost opportunity for strategic dialogue. He argued that many countries need clear reassurance from Beijing about its intentions. The event is the biggest defence gathering in Asia, and leaders expect to sha

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May 28 2026FINANCE

Japan’s New Bond Plan to Boost Investment

Japan is looking at a fresh way to support its investment agenda by issuing special “bridging bonds. ” These instruments are designed to connect short‑term borrowing with long‑term projects, helping the government fund new initiatives without immediately adding to its debt burden. The idea is not

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May 26 2026POLITICS

How Japan and South Korea Balance Old Wounds with Modern Needs

Japan and South Korea share a bond that’s hard to ignore. On one side, they’re economic allies, trading technology, cars, and pop culture like K-pop. On the other, they’re stuck in arguments over history—especially Japan’s rule over Korea in the early 1900s. These fights pop up in trade disputes, co

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May 26 2026FINANCE

Japan’s overseas wealth grows, but global rank drops as rivals surge ahead

Japan still holds the biggest pile of money invested abroad, but its spot in the global ranking just slipped—again. In 2025, the country’s net external assets, which include everything from stocks and bonds to property overseas, hit a new high of 561. 75 trillion yen ($3. 53 trillion). That’s up 4.

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May 22 2026BUSINESS

Car Prices Rise as Costs Climb in India

India’s biggest car maker, Maruti Suzuki, is set to raise the price of its vehicles because the cost of making them has gone up. The price hike comes after a chain reaction that began in the Middle East, where fighting has made it harder for goods to move around the world and has pushed up fuel pric

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May 21 2026POLITICS

India Urges Home Weddings as Oil Prices Rise

Indian leaders are telling people to marry in their own country instead of traveling abroad. The reason is the cost of oil and gas that India imports from the Middle East. When tensions rise near the Strait of Hormuz, prices go up and the rupee weakens. A weaker rupee makes it harder for pe

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May 15 2026TECHNOLOGY

A Cheaper, Stronger Way to Cure Silicone?

Japan just made a big jump in silicone production. Scientists wrapped iron particles in a thin layer of silicone resin. That tiny shield lets the iron work as a catalyst without breaking down in air. Before this, iron catalysts lost power after just half an hour of exposure. Now they stay strong for

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