AUSTRALIA INDIA JAPAN

Jun 13 2026FINANCE

Nuclear power gear in India gets past taxes backdated

India just made a rule change that could save nuclear plants money on old purchases. The finance ministry decided to cancel customs taxes on parts bought between April 2019 and January 2026 for building or running nuclear reactors. This decision surprises some because it works backwards—covering bil

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Jun 04 2026POLITICS

Tax Reform Bill Aims to Make Housing Fairer and Cut Big Investor Breaks

Australia’s main parliament passed a new tax bill that will change how profits from property and other investments are taxed. The vote was 94 to 48, with the opposition and a few independents trying but failing to add their own tweaks. The law was announced in last month’s budget and is the biggest

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Jun 04 2026BUSINESS

India and Venezuela Strengthen Oil Ties Amid Middle East Turmoil

India has stepped up its cooperation with Venezuela in the energy sector, seeing Caracas as a key partner while global oil flows are hit by tensions in the Middle East. During a visit that began on June 4, Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodriguez arrived in New Delhi with a sizable delegatio

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Jun 04 2026BUSINESS

India steps in to help airlines with fuel cost worries

India recently set aside 100 billion rupees, roughly one billion dollars, to ease the strain on airlines caused by soaring jet fuel prices. These sky-high costs partly stem from tensions in West Asia, which have disrupted oil supplies and pushed prices up worldwide. Airlines often feel this the most

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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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