By K Raveendran Passage of the Jan Vishwas amendment bill marks a significant moment in the long and uneven effort to make the legal system less hostile to ordinary citizens. Its importance lies not merely in the number of provisions it has altered, diluted or removed, but in the political and moral signal it sends. […]
3Commas has launched QuantPilot, a new AI-driven crypto trading platform aimed at giving retail traders access to tools more commonly associated with quantitative desks, as competition intensifies among trading software providers seeking to simplify strategy design, market research and execution. The company said the product is now in early access, with a public waiting list open through quantpilot. com, and positioned it as a no-code system that […]
Flames pushed across scrub and recreational land east of Moreno Valley on Friday, forcing evacuation orders in Riverside County as a fast-moving wildfire spread under strong winds and sent smoke across nearby communities. The Springs Fire was reported around 11 a. m. on 3 April near Gilman Springs Road, and authorities said its cause was under investigation. Officials described the fire as burning in an unincorporated area […]
America’s labour market delivered a stronger headline performance in March, but the underlying picture still points to a jobs backdrop that remains exposed to shocks. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 178,000 and the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3 per cent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, offering relief after February’s revised loss of 133,000 jobs. Yet the rebound was flattered by temporary factors, including the return […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE equities ended Friday on a divided note as investors weighed the prospect of a wider Middle East conflict after U. S. President Donald Trump signalled that Washington could intensify attacks on Iranian infrastructure, a message that added to concern over energy supplies, shipping routes and regional risk appetite. Dubai’s main index fell, while Abu Dhabi’s benchmark edged higher, reflecting a market torn […]
Iran struck Gulf energy infrastructure again overnight into Friday, setting fire to Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi refinery and damaging a power and water desalination plant, as US President Donald Trump warned that Washington could escalate by targeting more of Iran’s infrastructure if Tehran did not yield. The attacks sharpened fears that a conflict already disrupting shipping and fuel markets is moving deeper into the economic core of the […]
Oil prices jumped sharply on Thursday after US President Donald Trump said the United States would step up attacks on Iran over the coming weeks, stoking fears that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could last longer and tighten supplies of crude and refined fuels across global markets. West Texas Intermediate settled at $111.54 a barrel after surging more than 11%, while Brent closed near $109.03, extending […]
President Donald Trump on Thursday sharpened his threat against Iran by publicly celebrating the destruction of a major bridge and warning that more infrastructure could be hit unless Tehran accepts a deal, a move that deepened concern over the direction of the conflict and added to volatility across energy and financial markets. In a social media post, Trump said “the biggest bridge in Iran” had come […]
U. S. defence shares have failed to sustain the geopolitical bounce that often accompanies armed conflict, with the sector sliding in March even as tensions around Iran intensified. The NYSE Arca Defense Index, which tracks 34 large and small-cap companies, fell nearly 8% during the month, a steeper decline than the S&P 500’s roughly 5% drop, underscoring how investors have become more cautious about paying up […]
Microsoft has unveiled a $10 billion investment plan for Japan running from 2026 to 2029, marking one of the company’s biggest artificial intelligence commitments in Asia and a major escalation from its earlier pledge in the country. The package, worth about 1.6 trillion yen, is aimed at expanding AI infrastructure, strengthening cyber defence cooperation with Tokyo and widening access to domestic cloud capacity for government agencies and businesses.
The announcement signals how sharply competition for AI infrastructure has intensified across Asia. Microsoft said the programme will focus on adding computing capacity inside Japan at a time when governments and corporations are demanding secure, local processing for sensitive workloads. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice-chair and president, disclosed the plan during a visit to Tokyo, where the company also set out training and security goals tied to the investment.
Under the plan, Microsoft intends to train one million engineers and developers by 2030, a figure that underlines the labour challenge facing Japan as it tries to scale AI use across the economy. The company is also expanding cybersecurity collaboration with the Japanese government, including work around threat intelligence and cybercrime prevention. Those elements give the package a dual purpose: commercial expansion for Microsoft and strategic support for a country that has made digital resilience and industrial competitiveness central to policy.
The new commitment builds on a smaller programme announced in April 2024, when Microsoft said it would invest $2.9 billion over two years to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan, while also launching wider digital skilling efforts, opening its first Microsoft Research Asia lab in the country and deepening cooperation on cybersecurity. The latest package therefore appears less like a standalone move than the next stage of a longer campaign to lock in market share and policy relevance in one of Asia’s most advanced economies.
Japan offers Microsoft an attractive mix of high-value enterprise customers, a technologically sophisticated manufacturing base and a government that has been openly supportive of industrial uses for generative AI. Tokyo’s policy stance has increasingly favoured the deployment of advanced digital tools to lift productivity, offset labour shortages and bolster economic security. That political environment has made Japan a focal point for global technology groups seeking not just customers, but durable alignment with state priorities on data sovereignty and national resilience.
Market conditions also help explain the scale of the move. Reuters reported that around one-fifth of working-age people in Japan are now using generative AI tools, showing that adoption has advanced but remains well below leading global levels, leaving substantial room for growth. At the same time, labour projections point to a steep shortage of AI and robotics specialists by 2040, raising the stakes for corporate training programmes and local infrastructure investment. For Microsoft, that creates an opening to sell both computing capacity and the wider ecosystem needed to make AI usable at scale.
Partnerships with local players will be central to execution. Microsoft said it would work with firms including SoftBank and Sakura Internet to expand domestic AI computing capacity and provide more secure local access to Azure services. That matters in Japan, where demand from public institutions and regulated industries often hinges on where data is processed and how operational control is shared. Collaboration with established domestic groups may also help Microsoft navigate competitive pressure from rival cloud providers and home-grown digital infrastructure ambitions.
Available Now in North America, Europe, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, and South Korea
TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 April 2026 – COTODAMA, the brand at the intersection of sight and sound, today announced the global launch of Cotodama Speaker / Box Model in MOON WHITE. Priced at $1,600 USD (tax excluded), it is available now at cotodama-speaker.com.
Every Song. A Universe. Cotodama Speaker Box was built for the moment when lyrics appear before you — and something inside you responds. Through the world-first Lyrics Motion Engine, it transforms the lyrics of over 15 million songs across 40+ languages into real-time motion graphics, shaped by the emotional gravity of each song. Quiet songs move like breath. Urgent songs flash like a signal from the edge of something vast. Every song is a different universe. And it becomes yours.
MOON WHITE: The Color of Infinite Possibility White is not empty. It is everything before it becomes something. When the music begins, words emerge as if born from within the screen — not projected, but revealed. MOON WHITE reflects curiosity, and lets it glow.
From COTODAMA In a space filled with the things you love — what music would you play? If lyrics were to surface there, they would take you somewhere deeper. Into a part of yourself you have not yet found.
Product Overview Product: COTODAMA SPEAKER BOX — MOON WHITE Launch: April 3, 2026 | Price: $1,600 USD (tax excluded) Availability: North America, Europe, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Taiwan, South Korea Technology: Lyrics Motion Engine (world-first) Connectivity: Wi-Fi (AirPlay / Spotify Connect / Google Cast) Songs: 15M+ in 40+ languages
Hashtag: #COTODAMA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About COTODAMA
COTODAMA is a Japanese brand dedicated to giving lyrics their rightful value. The Cotodama Speaker Box is a permanent selection at the MoMA Design Store, and recipient of the SXSW Accelerator Award (Best Bootstrap Company, 2015).
Rising global energy prices are adding a fresh inflation risk to the United States even as the International Monetary Fund said the world’s largest economy remains on a solid growth path, with trade and fiscal changes expected to narrow the current-account deficit only modestly over the medium term. The IMF’s latest assessment said growth in the US is projected to reach 2.4 per cent in 2026, while […]
An Iran-linked hacking group has claimed it breached PSK Wind Technologies, an Israeli defence supplier that says it develops command-and-control shelters, communications systems and other integrated solutions for defence and homeland security customers. Material circulated online on 2 April was presented by the group, Handala, as proof of a deep intrusion into a company tied to sensitive military infrastructure. Independent verification of the full scope of the […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak While world’s untaxed wealth of the richest 0.1 per cent hidden offshore surpasses entire wealth of the poorest half of the humanity, India remains the receiver of the highest number of the regressive tax recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that increases tax burden on the lower-income households more than […]
Alibaba has launched Qwen3.6-Plus, the latest entry in its Qwen model family, positioning it as a tool built to help companies move from chat-based assistants to AI systems that can execute multi-step work across coding, reasoning and visual tasks. The release lands as the group deepens its push into agentic AI for both enterprise clients and consumer applications, with the model set to power Alibaba Cloud’s Model […]
China’s central bank has pulled cash from the banking system for the first time in about a year, signalling a more cautious near-term approach to liquidity management as higher oil prices begin to feed into factory costs, transport bills and corporate margins.
The People’s Bank of China conducted a small reverse repo operation on 2 April while a far larger batch matured, producing a net daily withdrawal of 223.5 billion yuan. The move came after policymakers had spent months leaning towards support for growth, and it suggests Beijing is trying to preserve room for manoeuvre rather than rushing into broader easing while imported inflation risks build.
That calibration matters because China is facing two conflicting pressures at once. On one side, domestic demand remains weak, producer prices are still soft, and policymakers have already acknowledged that supply continues to outstrip demand in parts of the economy. On the other, the oil shock linked to the Middle East conflict is lifting input costs and complicating the case for an immediate flood of fresh liquidity. China’s central bank said after its first-quarter monetary policy committee meeting that it would maintain an “appropriately loose” stance while keeping liquidity ample and supporting a recovery in prices.
The timing of the drain is striking because it follows signs that parts of the economy had started to stabilise before energy costs became a bigger threat. Official manufacturing activity returned to expansion in March, with the PMI rising to 50.4 from 49.0 in February, while a private survey showed factory output and orders still growing even as cost pressures intensified. Those readings pointed to a modest improvement in momentum, but they also showed that the rebound is vulnerable to rising commodity prices and longer supplier delivery times.
Economists and policy advisers in China have begun to frame the challenge less as a choice between stimulus and restraint, and more as a balancing act between supporting growth and containing imported inflation. Huang Yiping, a central bank adviser, said this week that oil-led price pressure was hurting profitability and narrowing the room for policy to respond, even though broader inflation remains below the official target. China’s consumer inflation rose 1.3% in February, the highest in more than three years, but still below Beijing’s target of around 2% for 2026.
For markets, the signal is not that Beijing has turned hawkish. The seven-day reverse repo rate remained unchanged at 1.4%, and the central bank has continued to stress that it can still use rate cuts, reserve requirement reductions and other tools if needed. What has changed is the sequencing. Officials appear unwilling to react to every external shock with an immediate dose of easier money, especially when higher oil prices could push up headline inflation even as underlying demand stays fragile.
That caution is also tied to the broader policy picture. China set a 2026 growth target of 4.5% to 5%, below last year’s goal, reflecting weaker confidence in the external environment and the unfinished task of shifting growth away from debt-heavy sectors and towards household consumption. Policymakers have pledged to support demand, private investment and prices, but the tone from Beijing has been measured rather than aggressive. The central bank’s liquidity withdrawal fits that pattern: it does not amount to a policy reversal, but it does show a preference for targeted fine-tuning over blunt stimulus.
The oil backdrop helps explain why. China has entered the current energy shock in a stronger position than some of its Asian peers, with strategic stockpiles, diversified power supply and a large electric-vehicle base helping to soften the blow. That resilience has supported Chinese assets during wider market turbulence. Yet the country is not immune. Independent refiners have already been cutting processing rates as crude costs climb and domestic fuel demand stays under pressure, while manufacturers are reporting the fastest increase in output prices in years.
Britain has sharpened its language on security, raised its military ambitions and promised a larger defence budget, but the test now lies in whether those commitments produce forces that can respond quickly and credibly to a widening arc of threats from Europe to the Middle East. The question has come into sharper focus after London moved a nuclear-powered submarine into the Arabian Sea about a month into […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices leapt on Thursday after President Donald Trump said the United States would keep striking Iran for at least the next two to three weeks, dashing hopes that Washington was preparing to scale back military action and easing concerns in energy markets only briefly. Brent crude rose above $108 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate climbed past $106 in early trade, reversing […]
Uganda’s Parliament has stepped up pressure on the government over a health cooperation deal with the United States that includes provisions for sharing pathogen specimens and certain health-related data, opening a wider argument about privacy, sovereignty and whether ministers gave lawmakers enough visibility before signing. The agreement sits inside a five-year Uganda–US health framework worth nearly $2.3 billion, signed on December 10, 2025, under which Washington is […]
HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), a global leader in sauces and condiments, proudly served as the Official Sauce and Condiment Partner for the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China. The event marked the first time the celebrated culinary award had taken place in Hong Kong, making the occasion especially significant for the city and the wider Asian dining community.
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony 2026. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurant
From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.
“Asian Flavour Duet“: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation
Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.
The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.
(Left) Chef Vicky presents classic Hong Kong late-night dishes at Lin Heung Lau; (Right) Guests enjoying the nostalgic flavours.
The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.
The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.
At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”
Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.
Guests taste creative canapes: beef cheek guabao and shrimp dumpling with egg white; and exchange culinary insights at the Lee Kum Kee booth.
As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.
Lamdre claims the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee. Photo credit: Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.
Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships
With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world. Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants
Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.
Ryanair has warned that jet fuel supplies into Europe could come under pressure from May if the US-Israeli war with Iran continues, with chief executive Michael O’Leary saying as much as a quarter of the airline’s fuel could be at risk during May and June if disruption around the Strait of Hormuz is not resolved by the middle or end of April. The warning, made on April […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Danube Properties has moved beyond its apartment-led playbook with the launch of Greenz by Danube, a master-planned townhouse and villa community in Dubai International Academic City, as developers race to capture demand for larger family homes even as caution is building around the wider property cycle. The project is the company’s first large-scale integrated community of this kind, with handover targeted for the […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 – OceanX today announced A Shared Voyage: OceanX China 2026, a joint U.S-Chinese goodwill mission that will bring together 10 American and 10 Chinese early-career ocean scientists, students, and instructors in pursuit of their shared goal to better understand the ocean and each other. OceanX is the ocean exploration, science, and education initiative founded by Ray and Mark Dalio. This initiative will be the first voyage of OceanX’s flagship research and media vessel, OceanXplorer, to China, starting in Hong Kong on March 29 and concluding in Shanghai on April 8, 2026.
The mission is an extension of the 42-year relationship Ray Dalio has had with China and its people, and it is delivered in collaboration with the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO), and the China-U.S. Exchange Foundation (CUSEF). The mission’s goals are to promote high quality people-to-people exchanges between nations, advance ocean literacy and scientific understanding, and equip participants with the skills to communicate the importance of our shared ocean to broader audiences.
Expanding Access to Ocean Science and Education
The China 2026 program represents a milestone in OceanX’s global engagement efforts, creating new opportunities for students and researchers to access hands-on learning at sea. Participants from the United States and China will take part in a structured program designed to build practical knowledge, develop interpersonal connections, and strengthen individual capabilities in ocean science, operations, and communication.
“At this time of great conflict in the world, I believe more than ever in the power of people-to-people exchanges to create mutual understanding” said Ray Dalio, Founder of OceanX. “Understanding the ocean is a shared interest for both the U.S. and China—and for the scientists and students who are on this joint mission. It is a thrill to see them working together.”
Hands-On Learning Across Science, Operations, and Media
The program delivers a structured curriculum that combines lectures, workshops, and applied learning experiences across three focus areas:
Marine Exploration: Ocean data collection methods, ecosystem observation, and introductions to oceanographic research tools
Operations: Life aboard a research vessel, including equipment demonstrations such as ROV operations, water sampling, and microscopy
Media & Communication: Science communication and media production training to support clearer public understanding of ocean issues
Participants will develop individual and small-group projects as part of the program, focused on applying knowledge gained throughout the voyage. They will also forge new connections and build mutual understanding with their peers.
“Understanding the ocean requires both scientific insight and the ability to communicate it clearly,” said Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX. “This program is designed to give participants exposure to the tools, technologies, and storytelling approaches that are shaping how ocean science is conducted and shared.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders
By combining advanced marine technology, scientific research, and immersive storytelling, OceanX is working to broaden access to ocean discovery and inspire future generations to engage with ocean science.
“A Shared Voyage: OceanX China 2026 represents an important opportunity to support ocean education and public awareness,” said Ms. Lyu Tin, director of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs, Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA).
“This initiative highlights the importance of continued investment in ocean science education and capacity building,” said Prof. Huang Wei, Chinese Chief Scientist for the mission and research at Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO).
A Shared Voyage: OceanX China 2026 supports OceanX’s mission to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential through science and education, while advancing ocean literacy and long-term stewardship. Hashtag: #OceanX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About OceanX
OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Berkeley Group is halting new land purchases and slowing construction, marking one of the sharpest signals yet that Britain’s housing recovery remains vulnerable to higher costs, planning friction and tighter development economics. The FTSE 100 housebuilder said the pressure from taxes, regulation and wider market uncertainty has made fresh land buying harder to justify, even as it tries to protect margins and preserve cash. The decision […]
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