japanherald.com latest rss headlines

Ship that overturned in typhoon found near Saipan, 6 still missing

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:23:17 GMT

HAGATNA, Guam: The U.S. Coast Guard said on Monday that an overturned ship found near the U.S. territory of Saipan was the same one that went missing earlier with six people on board.

The search for the six missing people was still ongoing. The Coast Guard said in a statement that the overturned boat was spotted first on Sunday. Debris from the ship included a life raft that was partly underwater and only partia

Asia carriers see Europe demand jump amid Middle East disruption

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:21:20 GMT

HONG KONG: Asian airlines are seeing a surge in demand for travel to Europe as disruptions at Middle Eastern hubs force passengers to reroute, giving carriers in the region an unexpected boost in traffic and pricing power.

Major airlines, including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, and Qantas, have reported strong performance on European routes in recent weeks, e

AI Cartoon | Japan's Dangerous "Defense" Push

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:45:08 GMT

Japan's Dangerous "Defense" Push

FYI: In another step down the dangerous path of remilitarization, the Japanese government officially revised the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines to allow overseas sales of weapons, including those with lethal capabilities.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

West Asia tensions and oil supply disruption may push Asian economies towards faster renewable shift: Jefferies

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 10:01:31 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 24 (ANI): The ongoing tensions in West Asia and risks to key oil supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz could accelerate the global shift towards renewable energy, especially among oil-importing nations, according to a report by Jefferies.

The report noted that instead of focusing on short-term windfall gains from rising oil prices, there are growing concerns about the long-term risks

India, Japan discuss defence cooperation during 8th Army to Army Staff Talks

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:32:42 GMT

Tokyo [Japan], April 24 (ANI): India and Japan held the 8th Army-to-Army Staff Talks with focus on further strengthening of defence cooperation.

The Indian Army and Japan Ground Self-Defence Force also discussed interoperability through enhanced bilateral exercises and SME Exchanges.

In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Japan said, 'The 8th Army to Army Staff Talks (AAST) between Indian Army and Japan Gro

Mein AI Palantirs Alex Karp wants us to know he has big plans

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:44:33 GMT

The surveillance giant is not even hiding its truly evil plans for humanity anymore, and its only downfall might be its hubris

Once the Nazis were done, quite a few people started scratching their heads. Obviously one thing to baffle any sane observer was the sheer enormity of their crimes, accomplished, moreover, with frenetic, really start-upish drive and ambition in a mere 12 years: World War?

(SP)CHINA-HAINAN-SANYA-ASIAN BEACH GAMES-BEACH VOLLEYBALL-WOMEN'S PRELIMINARY-POOL E (CN)

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:15:54 GMT

(260424) -- SANYA, April 24, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Ishii Miki of Japan spikes the ball during the beach volleyball women's preliminary pool E match between Ito Sakura/Ishii Miki of Japan and Maguy Alshaikh/Luiza Moussa of Syria at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, April 24, 2026. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Systematic scheme: How recent moves expose Japan's neo-militarist agenda

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:45:12 GMT

HONG KONG, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Step by step, move by move, Japan is quietly but proactively dismantling the postwar architecture that has kept it anchored as a pacifist nation for nearly 80 years.

In about a month, a cascade of provocative, tightly coordinated actions -- from honoring war criminals and lifting bans on lethal weapons to deploying offensive missiles and projecting military power abroad -- has laid

Indian markets opens weak on high crude prices, poor Q4 results of IT sector weigh on sentiment

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:33:03 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 24 (ANI): The Indian stock market opened lower on Friday, dragged down by a sharp rise in crude oil prices and escalating U.S.-Iran tensions that have heightened geopolitical uncertainty. The Nifty 50 slipped around 150 points to 24,007 points in early trade, down 0.7 per cent, while the BSE Sensex shed over 623.73 points to hover near 77,042.27 points, down 0.8 per cent. Most sectoral indices

Nikkei rises to record closing high on tech boost

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:34:24 GMT

TOKYO, 24th April, 2026 (WAM) -- Japan's Nikkei share average rose for a third consecutive session and hit a record closing high, supported by heavily weighted tech stocks.

The Nikkei closed up 0.47% at 59,416.49 while the broader Topix index fell 0.%04 to 3,714.85 points.

Of the 1,600 stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange's main market, 21% rose, 75% fell, and 2% remained unchanged.

Taiwan detects 2 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels around its territory

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:31:14 GMT

Taipei [Taiwan], April 24 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) detected the presence of two sorties of Chinese military aircraft and seven vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) on Friday.

The MND said they responded to the situation.

In a post on X, it said, '2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) t

Nelly Korda takes early lead at Chevron Championship

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:40:30 GMT

(Photo credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images)

World No. 2 Nelly Korda found another gear over the back half of her round to build a two-shot advantage after one round of play at the Chevron Championship, the first major of the women's golf season, Thursday in Houston.

Korda pocketed two birdies over Nos. 10-18 to begin her round before heating up from there. Korda sank three straight birdies on Nos. 1-3, then

Anna Bondar upends Elina Svitolina in Madrid

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:55:22 GMT

(Photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)

Hungary's Anna Bondar delivered a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 7 seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday.

It was the first career top-10 win for Bondar, who advanced to face Czech teenager Laura Samson in the third round of the WTA 1000 clay-court tournament.

Bondar struck six aces and saved all six break points she fac

Report: Kelsey Mitchell still committed to upstart Project B

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 19:55:11 GMT

(Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images)

Kelsey Mitchell might be wavering on an overseas commitment due to the major improvement in the WNBA salary structure.

But the upstart Project B told Front Office Sports on Thursday that the Indiana Fever star is still committed to the global touring league that will begin play in December.

Mitchell signed a one year, $1.4 million deal with Indiana earl

India welcomes Japan's defence export policy shift, calls it boost to strategic partnership

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:58:47 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 23 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday welcomed Japan's decision to review its long-standing framework governing the transfer of defence equipment and technology, describing it as a positive step that could further strengthen bilateral security cooperation.

Addressing the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, 'India welcomes Japan's review of

Column: Beyond the embassy intrusion -- the making of Japan's anti-China ecology

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 13:45:31 GMT

Japan's anti-China public opinion ecology is a joint product of political manipulation, social anxiety, commercial interests and systemic flaws in the media. When the people of a country can only observe their most important neighbor through a severely distorted prism, the political consequences are bound to be dangerous.

by Xiang Haoyu

On March 24, an egregious incident shocked the interna

Sensex closes down by 852 pts, Nifty falls 0.84% as crude tops USD 100 again

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:32:11 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 23 (ANI): Selling pressure deepened in the domestic stock markets on Thursday, with benchmark indices closing sharply lower as crude oil prices surged above USD 100 per barrel, dampening investor sentiment.

The Nifty 50 index declined by 205 points to close at 24,173.05, down 0.84 per cent, while the BSE Sensex fell by 852.49 points to settle at 77,664.00, registering a decline

International journalists explore economic vitality in coastal China

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:19:05 GMT

BEIJING, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A group of international journalists visited Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province, China's two coastal economic powerhouses, where they observed bustling production lines, a diverse range of robots and dynamic innovation hubs firsthand.

The five-day event was attended by journalists from multiple countries, including the United States, Russia, Britain and France, as part of a

Taiwan detects 15 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels, 1 ship around its territory

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:32:43 GMT

Taipei [Taiwan], April 23 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected the presence of fifteen sorties of Chinese military aircraft, five PLAN vessels and one ship operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Thursday.

Of the fifteen sorties, fourteen entered Taiwan's southwestern part of the ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, '15 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and

AFC Champions League Two: Coman hat-trick powers Al-Nassr into final with 5-1 rout of Al-Ahli

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:32:10 GMT

Dubai [UAE], April 23 (ANI): Kingsley Coman produced a scintillating hat-trick as Al-Nassr stormed into the AFC Champions League Two final with a commanding 5-1 victory over Al-Ahli SC on Wednesday.

Despite a strong start from the visitors, Al-Nassr's attacking quality proved overwhelming as they recovered from an early setback to seal a comprehensive win in front of their home fans in Riyadh.

Al-Ahli had t

Strengthening military presence in Japan "top priority": Senior Pentagon official

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:33:15 GMT

Washington, DC [US], April 23 (ANI): Strengthening the United States military presence and strategic positioning in Japan is a 'top priority' for the US Department of Defence, as the US moves to reinforce deterrence in the Indo-Pacific in response to China's growing influence, reported Kyodo News.

John Noh, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, told a House Armed Services Committee

France to host 2031 FIBA World Cup; Tokyo gets women's tourney

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:55:10 GMT

(Photo credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images)

The FIBA Central Board has chosen France as the host of the 2031 FIBA Basketball World Cup, with Japan getting the Women's World Cup in 2030.

The French cities of Lille, Lyon, and Paris will co-host the event from Aug. 29 to Sept. 14, with the final taking place in Paris.

The women's tournament will be held in Tokyo from Nov. 26 to Dec.. 8.

Japan and Fran

Indian markets open lower as crude, geopolitics weigh; all eyes on Infosys Q4 earnings

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:32:42 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 23 (ANI): The Indian stock market opened in the red on Thursday, tracking a cautious mood across Asian peers as elevated crude oil prices and renewed U.S.-Iran tensions dampened investor sentiment. The Nifty 50 slipped around 170 points to 24,200.70 in early deals, down 0.7 per cent, while the BSE Sensex shed over 600 points to hover around 77,850 points. Most sectoral indices opened lower, wit

India, Japan launch inaugural AI dialogue to shape next decade

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:33:33 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 22 (ANI): Marking a pivotal shift in Asian technological diplomacy, India and Japan convened the first-ever India-Japan Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategic Dialogue in Mumbai on Tuesday.

The high-level meeting sets the stage for a decade of 'co-creation,' aiming to merge India's massive talent pool and digital public infrastructure with Japan's advanced industrial expertise

Xinhua Commentary: Dangerous agenda behind Japan's move to lift ban on lethal arms exports

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:45:23 GMT

Since Sanae Takaichi took office as prime minister, Japan has embarked on an accelerated path toward military buildup, steadily departing from its exclusively defense-oriented policy.

TOKYO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- In another step down the dangerous path of remilitarization, the Japanese government on Tuesday officially revised the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" a

D-backs' Eduardo Rodriguez carries stellar season into start vs. White Sox

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:55:14 GMT

(Photo credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images)

When left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez struck out the United States' Byron Buxton with a two-strike changeup in the championship game of the World Baseball Classic, the Diamondbacks came to attention.

'I thought, 'Well, we got it,'' said Arizona manager Torey Lovullo, who was texting with D-backs pitching coach Rick Kaplan during the game. 'We've got to find that

Padres seek to continue hot stretch against Rockies

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:40:46 GMT

(Photo credit: David Frerker-Imagn Images)

The San Diego Padres will look to keep their winning ways going Wednesday as they play the second of their three-game road series against the Colorado Rockies in Denver.

Manager Craig Stammen's team won its third straight Tuesday night by blanking the Rockies 1-0. After entering April with a 1-4 mark, the Padres have lost just three times this month and have won 11

Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project sees progress in track installation using Japanese J-slab system

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:32:15 GMT

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 22 (ANI): Track installation work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train project is progressing steadily, with the adoption of the advanced J-Slab ballastless track system based on the Japanese Shinkansen technology, which is being used for the first time in India, according to an official statement by the National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL).

The NHSRCL stated th

Govt to host 9th India International Water Week in Sept, focus on climate-resilient water management

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:04:11 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): Union Minister for Jal Shakti CR Patil on Wednesday underscored the Centre's ongoing initiatives to promote climate-resilient water management, noting that rapid population growth, urbanisation and climate change are putting increasing pressure on the country's water resources.Addressing a press conference, the Minister said the government is actively focusing on sustainable water use

Nifty lost 198 pts, Sensex down 756 pts on Wednesday as IT stocks and rising crude drag markets

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:01:05 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 22 (ANI): Indian equity markets closed lower on Wednesday, dragged down by heavy selling in IT stocks and rising crude oil prices amid ongoing global uncertainty linked to tensions between the United States and Iran.

The benchmark Nifty 50 index closed at 24,378.10, declining by -198.50 points or (-0.81 per cent), while the BSE Sensex ended at 78,516.49, down by -756.84 points

(SP)CHINA-HAINAN-SANYA-ASIAN BEACH GAMES-OPENING CEREMONY (CN)

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:17:39 GMT

(260422) -- SANYA, April 22, 2026 (Xinhua) -- Artists perform before the opening ceremony of the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, April 22, 2026. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

China, S. Korea deplore Japan's negative moves regarding Yasukuni Shrine

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:45:20 GMT

#China, #SouthKorea deplore #Japan's negative moves regarding the Yasukuni Shrine after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday sent a ritual offering to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, a symbol of Japanese #militarism and wartime aggression.

India's textile exports grow 2.1% in FY26, Ready-Made Garments remain top driver

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:01:07 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): India's textile exports, including handicrafts, recorded a growth of 2.1 per cent in FY 2025-26, reaching Rs 3,16,334.9 crore compared to Rs 3,09,859.3 crore in the previous financial year, according to data released by the Ministry of Textiles on Wednesday.

The steady performance highlights sustained global demand for Indian textile products and the continued competitiveness of

Indian equities open lower despite US extending ceasefire, oil holds below $90

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 05:00:07 GMT

New Delhi, [India] April 22 (ANI): The Indian stock markets opened lower on Wednesday, following a cautious trend across Asian markets, despite US President Donald Trump extending the ceasefire with Iran. In a recent development, around the tensions between both countries, Tehran has rejected Washington's conditions for ceasefire talks.

The Nifty 50 slipped around 120 points to 24455.90 points in early trade, dow

Xinhua Commentary: Why Japan's leader won't stop honoring war criminals

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:15:13 GMT

by Xinhua writer Zeng Yan

BEIJING, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi on Wednesday made a monetary offering to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, one day after she sent a ritual offering to the shrine in the name of "prime minister." Takaichi's back-to-back offerings openly pander to Japan's toxic legacy tied to militarism.

It is not only a fresh affront to the victims of wartime aggression, bu

Tech stocks push Nikkei to record high

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:47:02 GMT

TOKYO, 22nd April, 2026 (WAM) -- Japan's Nikkei index rose to a new record high today, supported by gains in major technology stocks, including SoftBank Group.

The Nikkei struggled to find direction at the start of Asian trading but ultimately rose 0.5 percent to 59,644.37 points. The broader Topix index fell 0.6 percent to 3,747.69 points.

Heavyweight stocks supported the benchmark, with SoftBank Group, a

Taiwan detects 6 sorties of Chinese aircraft,5 PLAN vessels, 1 ship around its territory

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:31:33 GMT

Taipei [Taiwan], April 22 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected the presence of six sorties of Chinese military aircraft, five PLAN vessels and one ship operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Wednesday.

Of the six sorties, four crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern parts of the ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, ' sorties of PLA a

Palantirs Technological Republic Is a blueprint for digital tyranny

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 22:54:12 GMT

The surveillance companys unapologetically dystopian vision for the future is just 1984 updated for the AI era

Walking through the glass-and-steel corridors of the modern tech-security apparatus reveals that the telescreen is a tireless processor of our very souls.

Palantir Technologies'vision of a "Technological Republic"arrives as a manual for the refinement of the boot, the one destined

Whats in Palantirs Technofascist manifesto

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:47:17 GMT

The defense tech behemoth has set the internet on fire with a tweet likened to the ramblings of a comic book villain

American surveillance tech contractor Palantir released a 22-point manifesto over the weekend, calling for a "new era" of AI-enabled US military supremacy. The internet went wild, with the text being labeled a blueprint for "technofascism."

Posted on X on Saturday, the docume

Golf Glance: LPGA begins major season; PGA Tour's lone team event

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:55:14 GMT

(Photo credit: Andrew West/The News-Press/USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The LPGA tees off its major season with the Chevron Championship, while the PGA Tour plays its only team event of the season and the DP World Tour returns to action in China.

PGA TOUR

THIS WEEK: Zurich Classic of New Orleans, Louisiana, April 23-26

Course: TPC Louisiana (Par 72, 7,425 Yards)

Japan makes major shift from pacificism policy

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 16:06:05 GMT

Tokyo has further drifted away from its proclaimed post-WWII pacifist stance, allowing arms sales to 17 nations

Japan has lifted restrictions on lethal arms sales, ending a ban on military exports imposed under the country's pacifist constitution in 1947.

The move was announced on Tuesday by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a hardline conservative who had long advocated revising Japa

Update: China deplores Japan's negative moves regarding Yasukuni Shrine: spokesperson

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:16:41 GMT

BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes and strongly condemns Japan's latest negative moves related to Yasukuni Shrine and has lodged strong representations and protests with the Japanese side, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said here on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily press briefing, after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Tuesday sent a ritual offering to

Japan officially eases arms export rules to allow weapons sales despite protests

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:45:26 GMT

TOKYO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government officially revised "the three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines on Tuesday to allow overseas sales of weapons, including those with lethal capabilities, despite waves of large-scale protests, local media reported.

The revisions scrap rules that limit Japan's defense equipment exports to five noncombat

Nifty, Sensex close with gains as FMCG rally lifts indices ahead of US- Iran talks

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:44 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 21 (ANI): The domestic equity markets closed on a strong note on Tuesday, recovering from a slow start, as gains in FMCG stocks lifted the benchmark indices amid cautious optimism around ongoing geopolitical developments.

The NSE Nifty 50 index ended at 24,576.60, rising by 211.75 points or 0.87 per cent, while the BSE Sensex closed at 79,273.33, gaining 753.03 points or 0.96 p

Asia destinations see strong demand among Indian travellers amid Gen Z travel surge: Airbnb data

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 11:01:49 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 21 (ANI): Gen Z travellers are leading a strong surge in travel demand, with destinations across Asia witnessing significant growth in interest among Indian travellers, according to data shared by Airbnb.

The data showed that Gen Z accounted for over 40 per cent of Airbnb's summer searches this year and is the fastest-growing traveller segment, expanding at approximately 60 per cent year-

Disha Patani joins Emraan Hashmi in 'Awarapan 2', makers lock August release

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:59:33 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 21 (ANI): Vishesh Films has officially announced 'Awarapan 2', the long-awaited sequel to its 2007 cult classic, with a theatrical release locked for August 14, 2026, coinciding with the Independence Day weekend.

The film will see Emraan Hashmi reprise his role as Shivam.

The promotional imagery features a close-up of a hand marked with a bird tattoo, echoing the origina

Xinhua Commentary: The ghosts Japan refuses to lay to rest

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:15:19 GMT

by Xinhua writer Zeng Yan

BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi's decision to send a ritual offering to Yasukuni Shrine on Tuesday -- explicitly in the name of "prime minister" -- openly panders to Japan's toxic legacy tied to militarism.

It is not only a fresh affront to the victims of wartime aggression, but also a troubling signal that challenges the moral foundations of the postwa

DMK's Anbil Mahesh appeals for early voting, highlights welfare achievements in Thiruverumbur

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 07:00:37 GMT

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 21 (ANI): As the Tamil Nadu Assembly election comes closer, DMK candidate from Thiruverumbur constituency and School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi on Tuesday urged voters to cast their votes early without delay and support the party's Rising Sun symbol.

In his appeal, he asked voters not to postpone visiting polling booths due to the heat and instead exercise their

"Peace-loving nation": Japan eases arms export curbs to allow global weapon sales

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:59:47 GMT

Tokyo [Japan], April 21 (ANI): In a landmark shift for its post-war military posture, the Japanese government on Tuesday updated its regulations regarding the export of military hardware, according to a report by Kyodo News. The move is designed to facilitate the international sale of armaments as Tokyo looks to deepen its strategic ties with allied nations.

This policy transition, endorsed by both the Cabinet an

5.2-magnitude earthquake hits Kamjong in Manipur

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:59:33 GMT

Kamjong (Manipur) [India], April 21 (ANI): An earthquake of magnitude 5.2 struck Manipur early Tuesday, according to the National Centre for Seismology (NCS). The epicentre was in Kamjong, and the tremor was recorded at 5:59:33 IST.

The earthquake originated at a depth of 62 kilometres beneath the surface, indicating a moderately deep seismic event.

In a post on X, the NCS said, 'EQ of M: 5.2, On: 21/04/202

Taiwan detects 24 sorties of Chinese aircraft,7 PLAN vessels, 1 ship around its territory

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:59:07 GMT

Taipei [Taiwan], April 21 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected the presence of twenty-four sorties of Chinese military aircraft, seven PLAN vessels and one ship operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Tuesday.

Of the twenty-four sorties, eleven crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern parts of the ADIZ.

In a post on X, the

Japan's remilitarization, presence in Philippines undermine peace, stability: expert

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:45:19 GMT

MANILA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Japan is undermining regional stability by returning its combat troops to Philippine soil for the first time in 81 years since the end of World War II, a Filipino expert said.

"Japan's right-wing government towards aggressive militarization is a foreboding of imminent dangers to the peace, stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region, including the Philippines," Herman Tiu Laur

PGA confirms intention to end presence in Hawaii

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:40:21 GMT

(Photo credit: Marco Garcia-Imagn Images)

The PGA revealed on Monday that it intends to end its tournament lineup in Hawaii in 2027.

That news came on the heels of the 2026 Maui event having to be canceled due to drought-like conditions on the Plantation Course at Kapalua.

The Sentry, formerly know as the Tournament of Champions, served as the starting-off point for the PGA Tour each January from 1986

Japan officially eases arms export rules

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:15:15 GMT

TOKYO, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government officially revised "the three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines on Tuesday to enable overseas sales of weapons, including those with lethal capabilities.

The changes have been approved by the Cabinet and the National Security Council, Kyodo News reported.

The revisions scrap rules that limit Jap

White Sox, red-hot Munetaka Murakami present challenge for Diamondbacks

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:55:13 GMT

(Photo credit: Scott Marshall-Imagn Images)

As Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly settles into the place he feels most at home, Chicago White Sox newcomer Munetaka Murakami is finding an immediate fit in his South Side neighborhood.

The two will meet when Kelly (1-0, 3.38 ERA) faces right-hander Sean Burke (0-2, 4.43) in the first game of a three-game series Tuesday in Phoenix.

Murakami has made quite

First tranche of trade deal with US almost finalised, trying to work out mechanism for India getting preferential market access: Piyush Goyal

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:02:05 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Monday said that the first tranche of the proposed bilateral trade agreement with the United States is 'almost finalised' and discussions were being held on what would be the mechanism by which India can get a preferential access, market access in the US market compared to competitors.

India and the United States will resume negotia

Indian golfers set for Singapore Open challenge against Asia's best

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 18:01:37 GMT

Singapore, April 20 (ANI): A blend of Indian golfing legends and upcoming talent from India's energy-packed Indian Golf Premier League (IGPL) will be among those battling it out with Asia's best at the Singapore Open, which is part of the International Series and the Asian Tour, as per a release.

The Singapore Open, at the Serapong at Sentosa Golf Club, is the second in the series of Liv-backed International Seri

JAPAN-TOKYO-FORMER PM-MEMORIAL SERVICE

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 16:15:23 GMT

(260420) -- TOKYO, April 20, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on April 20, 2026 shows the memorial service for former Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who passed away at the age of 101 in October 2025, in Tokyo, Japan. TO GO WITH "Memorial service for former Japanese PM Tomiichi Murayama held in Tokyo" (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Update: China says preventing resurrection of militarism "Japan's due obligation"

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:46:41 GMT

BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday preventing the resurrection of militarism is Japan's due obligation and the unwavering will of the international community, including China.

The spokesperson urged the Japanese side to draw lessons from history, abide by its international obligations, and remain committed to the path of peaceful development.

Spokesperson Gu

Markets end flat amid uncertainty on US-Iran peace talks; Nifty, Sensex see marginal gains

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:32:53 GMT

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 20 (ANI): Indian equities closed largely flat on Monday as ongoing uncertainty and elevated tensions between the United States and Iran kept investor sentiment cautious.

The NSE Nifty 50 index ended at 24,364.85, rising by 11.30 points or 0.05 per cent, while the BSE Sensex closed at 78,520.30, gaining 26.76 points or 0.03 per cent.

Market participants remained watchful o

7.5 magnitude earthquake in Japan, Tsunami warning issued

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:01:35 GMT

Tokyo [Japan], April 20 (ANI): A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck northeastern and northern Japan on Monday, with a tsunami warning issued, the country's weather agency said.

An 80-centimeter tsunami was observed at Kuji port in Iwate Prefecture, the Japanese Met Agency said.

The 4:53 p.m. quake registered an upper 5 on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 7 and occurred at a depth of 1

Photo Flash | Tsunami observed after 7.5-magnitude earthquake strikes off northeastern Japan

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:45:47 GMT

(260420) -- TOKYO, April 20, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on April 20, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan shows a television broadcasting a tsunami warning.

Tsunami waves have been observed off Iwate and Aomori prefectures in the Pacific Ocean after a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan on Monday afternoon.

Kuji Port in Iwate Prefecture recorded an 80-cm wave. (Xinhua/Jia Ha

AI Cartoon | Peace "Sold" Out

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:45:18 GMT

Peace "Sold" Out.

FYI: Japan recently signed a $7 billion warship deal with Australia, reportedly its largest-ever postwar defense export contract.

Produced by Xinhua Global Service

NCM records 7.5-magnitude earthquake in Japan

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:40:06 GMT

ABU DHABI, 20th April, 2026 (WAM) -- The National Seismic Network stations of the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) recorded a 7.5 magnitude earthquake on the Richter scale in Japan on Monday at 11:53, UAE local time.

Photo Flash | 7.4-magnitude earthquake strikes off northeastern Japan

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:15:48 GMT

(260420) -- TOKYO, April 20, 2026 (Xinhua) -- This photo taken on April 20, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan shows a television broadcasting a tsunami warning. An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 7.4 struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan on Monday afternoon, the country's weather agency said. A tsunami warning has been issued. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Hockey India announces Sub Junior Men, Women members for U-18 National Coaching Camp in Bhopal

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 07:33:13 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): Hockey India announced a list of 84 players (42 Men and 42 Women) for the U-18 National Coaching Camp, being held at SAI Bhopal. The players have been selected based on the recently concluded 16th Hockey India Sub Junior National Championships.

To ensure high-performance standards, the initial 42-member groups will be pruned down to 24 players after one week of evaluation, and t

Indian equities open lower amid US-Iran ceasefire uncertainty, oil price surge

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:32:00 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): Indian equities opened on a cautious, negative note Monday, as investor sentiment weakened amid growing uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations and conflicting signals from both sides' leadership.

Benchmark indices reflected the subdued mood early in the session. The BSE Sensex slipped 122.01 points (-0.16%) to 78,371.53, while the NSE Nifty 50 edged down 14.40 points (-0.06%) to

Oil prices jump, markets shake amid US-Iran ceasefire uncertainty

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:58:59 GMT

New Delhi [India], April 20 (ANI): Global energy prices surged on Monday as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the imminent closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing a failure by the United States to adhere to ceasefire conditions. Monday morning saw Brent Crude rising by 4.72 per cent to USD 94.65 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed 5.51 per cent to reach USD 88.47.

The volatility

Kim Jong Un oversees test-fire of upgraded ballistic missiles tipped with cluster warheads

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 02:58:50 GMT

Pyongyang [North Korea], April 20 (ANI): North Korea confirmed on Monday that it has successfully test-fired upgraded tactical ballistic missiles equipped with cluster warheads, an exercise personally overseen by leader Kim Jong Un.

According to a Kyodo News report citing the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), a total of five 'Hwasongpho-11 Ra surface-to-surface tactical ballistic missiles struck the tar

JAPAN-TOKYO-PROTEST-CONSTITUTION-REVISE

Sun, 19 Apr 2026 16:16:00 GMT

(260419) -- TOKYO, April 19, 2026 (Xinhua) -- People gather around the parliament building to protest attempts of the government of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to revise the country's pacifist constitution and to call for the protection of Article 9 in Tokyo, Japan, April 19, 2026.

About 36,000 people attended the rally, organizers said, the second protest to draw about 30,000 people near the National

Hot pants: Tokyo government workers swap suits for shorts

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 07:01:28 GMT

The loosened dress code is part of an upgraded version of "Cool Biz" -- an energy-saving initiative started by Japan's environment ministry in 2005 that encouraged bureaucrats to ditch ties and jackets in summer, and saw some turn up to work in Okinawan-style collared t-shirts.

An energy crunch threatened by the Middle East war is "one of the factors" that prompted the Japanese capital to take it up a notch and s

Tribe protests federal push to develop AK's mineral resources

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:52:53 GMT

An executive order issued by President Donald Trump to "unleash Alaska's enormous potential" could cause members of an ancient Tribe to lose their way of life.

The call to "maximize" development of the 49th state's natural resources has placed the

Strong 7.5 earthquake hits off Japan, tsunami warning issued

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:07:45 GMT

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck northern Japan Monday,Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) said, issuing atsunamiwarning for waves up to three metres (10 feet).

The quake hit at 4:53pm (07:53 GMT) in Pacific waters off northern Iwate prefecture and the tremor was strong enough to shake large buildings as far as Tokyo, hundreds of kilometres away.

The earliest tsunami waves could reach the northern shorelin

BOOK REVIEW: 'Fathering' a century of change and what endures

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:00:00 GMT

A sweeping exploration of fatherhood in Australia, from policy and history to deeply personal memory, revealing how much has changed and how much still hasnt.Jim Kablereviews Fathering: An Australian History.

FATHERINGIS A much-needed addition to the literature of parenting in Australia, focusing on the aspect of fathers and of being fathers. It runs from those born in the latter part of the 19th Century to refer

War Is Still A Racket

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:35:20 GMT

Smedley Butlers classic texts with new commentary by David Swanson

Major General Smedley Darlington Butler (1881-1940) from the age of 16 to the age of 50 waged war all over the world for the U.S. Marine Corps. Then he denounced what hed been doing as a racket driven by Wall Street profiteers. Butlers change of perspective produced probably the most serious and dramatic confession in world history.

His in

Central Asias Ascent: From Geopolitical Object to Collective Actor

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:30:46 GMT

Islam Supyaldiyarov

Download PDF

Apr 21 2026

pavel_miheev.list.ru/Depositphotos

In a 2024 article,Navigating New Realities: Central Asias Role in Contemporary Geopolitics, my co-authors and I argued that the Central Asia was experiencing a structural change. Driven by Russias war in Ukraine and the growing ambitions of China, we contended that the regions states were no longer objects of influence but

Paul Gutierrez's 7-round 2026 Raiders mock draft

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:35:00 GMT

Paul Gutierrez

Editor's note: The views and opinions expressed in the article below are those of the Raiders.com editorial staff and contributors and do not represent the official positions of the Raiders' football personnel or the organization.

Mock drafts are like excuseseveryone has one. And everyone has an excuse when their mock draft goes, well, sideways. So, with my full chest, I'm proud to announce I

China says Japanese neo-militarism already reality, imposes real threats

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:21:55 GMT

BEIJING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Japanese neo-militarism spreads rapidly and dangerously, which is already a reality and imposes real threats to the world, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Friday.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to make comment on Japan's recent dangerous moves in the military and security fields.

The lessons of Japanese history of

Japan's Nikkei index ends at new record high

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:15:16 GMT

TOKYO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended higher Friday, with the benchmark Nikkei stock index closing at another record high, supported by gains in heavyweight technology shares tracking advances in U.S. counterparts.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 575.95 points, or 0.97 percent, from Thursday at 59,716.18. The broader Topix index finished 0.21 points higher at 3,716.59.

On the top-tier

Japan to start additional 20 days' worth of oil release from May 1

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:15:13 GMT

TOKYO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Japan will start an additional release of about 20 days' worth of oil reserves from May 1 amid uncertainty over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, local media reported.

The move follows an initial mid-March release of some 50 days' worth of oil from reserves held by the state, the private sector, and oil-producing Gulf countries, aimed at stabilizing energy supplies disrupted by t

Northeast Japan wildfire uncontained, scorching nearly 1,200 hectares

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 06:45:06 GMT

TOKYO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, remains largely uncontained, with the burned area expanding to nearly 1,200 hectares as of 6 a.m. local time Friday, local media reported.

Since breaking out on Wednesday in a mountainous area of Otsuchi Town, the fire has destroyed eight buildings, including residential houses, Kyodo News reported.

Otsuchi has issued evacuati

World Insights: Systematic scheme: How recent moves expose Japan's neo-militarist agenda

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:15:05 GMT

HONG KONG, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Step by step, move by move, Japan is quietly but proactively dismantling the postwar architecture that has kept it anchored as a pacifist nation for nearly 80 years.

"Extremely high" radiation detected inside Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant's reactor

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:45:06 GMT

TOKYO, April 24 (Xinhua) -- "Extremely high" levels of radiation were detected inside the No. 2 reactor at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, according to the results of an investigation published by Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO), the plant's operator, on Thursday.

This marks the first time since the 2011 nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant that TEPCO has measured rad

China's Chen Mingling signs for Australia's Melbourne Tigers

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:47:29 GMT

MELBOURNE, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The Melbourne Tigers on Thursday announced the signing of Chinese power forward Chen Mingling for the current season in Australia's second-tier basketball league.

The club said Chen has joined from the Guangdong Vermilion Birds for the ongoing 2026 National Basketball League 1 (NBL1) season, where she will link up with Chinese national teammate Yang Shuyu.

In a statement, t

Japanese lower house approves bill to set up national intelligence committee

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:45:12 GMT

TOKYO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Japan's House of Representatives on Thursday passed a bill to establish a national intelligence committee, local media reported. The move has drawn questions and concerns from the public.

The legislation came as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi aims to centralize the country's intelligence capabilities under one council, Kyodo News reported.

According to the bill, the new committe

Northeast Japan wildfire expands, burns over 200 hectares

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:15:13 GMT

TOKYO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire in Iwate Prefecture, northeastern Japan, continued to spread Thursday, with the burned area expanding to over 200 hectares, local media reported.

Since breaking out on Wednesday in a mountainous area of Otsuchi Town, the fire has destroyed seven buildings. In some areas, the flames have come within roughly 100 meters of residential houses, according to Kyodo News and public

Tokyo stocks end lower

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:15:10 GMT

TOKYO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Tokyo stocks ended lower on Thursday after the benchmark Nikkei stock index briefly topped the 60,000 line for the first time, boosted by gains in heavyweight technology shares, before retreating on overheating concerns.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended down 445.63 points, or 0.75 percent, from Wednesday at 59,140.23.

The broader Topix index, meanwhile, finished 28.61 p

S. Korean man arrested in protest at Japan's infamous Yasukuni Shrine

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:45:11 GMT

TOKYO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean man was arrested by Japanese police on Wednesday on suspicion of disrupting shrine rituals after staging a protest during the annual Spring Rites at the notorious Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, local media reported.

According to Kyodo News, the man hung a banner inside the shrine bearing messages such as "Stop paying visits to Yasukuni Shrine, which enshrines war criminals."

Basketball: Japan, France to host 2030, 2031 World Cups

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:17:19 GMT

BERLIN, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Basketball world governing body FIBA announced on Wednesday that Japan will host the 2030 Women's World Cup, while France will stage the 2031 Men's World Cup.

Tokyo will host the 2030 tournament from November 26 to December 8. The 2031 event will be held from August 29 to September 14 across the French cities of Lille, Lyon and Paris.

"The FIBA World Cups have become synonymou

Japan's Nikkei stock index tops 60,000 for 1st time

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:45:16 GMT

TOKYO, April 23 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index topped 60,000 for the first time on Thursday.

Praying to same goddess: Mazu belief tightens cross-Strait bond

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:25:29 GMT

TAIPEI, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of people across Taiwan are celebrating the birthday of sea goddess Mazu with annual pilgrimages held in the third month of the Chinese lunar calendar, an event widely dubbed "March Madness for Mazu."

Among the most famous is the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, in which a statue of the deity from Dajia Jenn Lann Temple in Taichung is carried in a multi-day procession visiting temple

Update: China says Japan's negative moves regarding Yasukuni Shrine blatant provocation against int'l justice

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:23:00 GMT

BEIJING, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Negative moves in Japan related to Yasukuni Shrine constitute a blatant provocation against international justice and affront to human conscience, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday, adding China is strongly indignant over and deplores such practices.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to make comment after a cross-par

Chinese embassy urges citizens in Japan to strengthen earthquake preparedness

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:15:18 GMT

TOKYO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- The Embassy of China in Japan on Wednesday issued a notice to remind Chinese citizens in the country to strengthen emergency preparedness for earthquake disasters after a 7.7-magnitude quake struck off the Sanriku coast in northeastern Japan recently.

The embassy said after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck off the Sanriku coast on April 20, the Japan Meteorological Agency has warned

Across China: International journalists explore economic vitality in coastal China

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:56:18 GMT

BEIJING, April 22 (Xinhua) -- A group of international journalists visited Shanghai Municipality and Guangdong Province, China's two coastal economic powerhouses, where they observed bustling production lines, a diverse range of robots and dynamic innovation hubs firsthand.

The five-day event was attended by journalists from multiple countries, including the United States, Russia, Britain and France, as part of

1st LD-Writethru: China says Japan's negative moves regarding Yasukuni Shrine blatant provocation against int'l justice

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:53:08 GMT

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to make comment after a cross-pa

Roundup: Japanese politicians' Yasukuni worship draws widespread criticism

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:45:15 GMT

TOKYO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- More than 100 Japanese government officials and lawmakers on Wednesday worshiped the notorious Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo, a symbol of Japanese militarism and wartime aggression, on the occasion of its spring festival.

The visits came a day after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent a ritual "masakaki" tree offering in her capacity as prime minister to the controversial shrine th

Xinhua Commentary: China's stabilizer role in global supply chains reinforced amid turbulence

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:15:19 GMT

BEIJING, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Mounting risks around the Strait of Hormuz, disruptions to shipping lanes of vital materials and volatile energy prices have rendered global trade and industrial ecosystems unprecedentedly vulnerable.

Some powers tend to weaponize trade, sever industrial and logistic links, and exploit regional chaos, severely undermining the stability of the world economic order.

While suppo

China says Japan's negative moves regarding Yasukuni Shrine blatant provocation against int'l justice

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:15:44 GMT

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks at a daily press briefing when asked to make comment after a cross-pa

Japan logs 5th consecutive year of trade deficit in FY2025

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:45:11 GMT

TOKYO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Japan posted a trade deficit of 1.71 trillion yen (about 10.7 billion U.S. dollars) in fiscal 2025, marking the fifth consecutive year in the red, as higher U.S. tariffs imposed since April 2025 weighed on automobile exports, government data showed Wednesday.

For the fiscal year from April 2025 to March 2026, exports rose 4 percent from a year earlier to 113.24 trillion yen, supported

Japan's Nikkei index ends at record high

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 08:45:07 GMT

TOKYO, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Japan's benchmark Nikkei stock index closed at a record high on Wednesday, boosted by some heavyweight technology shares.

The 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average ended up 236.69 points, or 0.40 percent, from Tuesday at 59,585.86, after briefly setting an intraday high.

The broader Topix index, however, finished 25.39 points, or 0.67 percent, lower at 3,744.99.

On the Prime Ma