Stricter screenings halve Japan driver's license conversion pass rates
WorldTOKYO -- The pass rates for tests required to convert driver's licenses issued abroad to Japanese ones fell by more than half following the introduction of stricter screenings last October, the National Police Agency said Monday.
El Nino may return in 2026 and make planet even hotter
WorldPARIS, France -- The warming El Nino weather phenomenon could form later this year, potentially pushing global temperatures to record heights.
Japan eyes Pacific island for nuclear waste disposal site
WorldTOKYO -- The Japanese government is considering Minamitorishima, a remote Tokyo island in the Pacific, as a possible site for the final disposal of highly radioactive waste from nuclear power plants, it was learned Tuesday.
Japan govt may compile extra budget if Iran conflict continues
WorldTOKYO -- Japan may compile a supplementary budget for fiscal 2026 if the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues for a prolonged period, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Tuesday.
Global oil, gas shipping costs surge as Iran vows to close Strait of Hormuz
WorldSINGAPORE - Global oil and gas shipping rates soared, with supertanker costs in the Middle East hitting all-time highs, as the U.S.-Iran conflict intensified after Tehran targeted ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to shipping data and industry sources on Tuesday.
Amazon cloud unit's data centers in UAE, Bahrain damaged in drone strikes
WorldAmazon said on Monday some of its data centers in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain were damaged by drone strikes in the Middle East conflict, disrupting cloud services and making a recovery "prolonged".
Flowers, music, and soldiers at funeral of drug lord
WorldThe notorious Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera was laid to rest in a simple grave Monday in a ceremony that featured trucks overflowing with flowers, traditional music and dozens of masked soldiers in armored vehicles.
Airline stocks remain under pressure; Asian carriers see surge in demand, prices jump
WorldSYDNEY/HONG KONG - Asian airline shares remained under pressure on Tuesday as the U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran escalated, with carriers closely monitoring fuel price spikes and many seeing a surge in bookings as passengers switch from Middle Eastern airlines.
Australia's top central banker says March rate hike possible
WorldSYDNEY -- Australia's top central banker on Tuesday said an increase in interest rates was possible this month if the policy-making board decided inflation expectations were at risk of becoming unanchored, and markets should be aware of that.
Japanese firms tap self-driving to ease local transport woes
WorldTOKYO -- As Japan struggles with a nationwide shortage of drivers, major automakers, leading telecommunications companies and startups are ramping up efforts to introduce autonomous driving on local public bus routes.
