Ishita Agarwal

Kato, Ishiba, and Other LDP candidates unveil economic policies for Presidential race

Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato has made "doubling the nation's income" his central policy goal. Announcing his candidacy on September 10, Kato emphasized his determination to achieve significant income growth quickly. His approach includes supporting wage increases and reskilling initiatives to narrow income gaps, particularly between men and women, reflecting his commitment to addressing wage disparities.

Former Hostage describes encounter with Hamas leader Sinwar

IDF helicopter crash in Rafah claims two lives, seven injured

The IDF has confirmed that no enemy forces were involved in the incident and has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The helicopter went down while in close proximity to the ground.

Pope Francis arrives in Singapore for final leg of Southeast Asia tour

During his two-night stay in the city-state, Francis will deliver a speech to political leaders, potentially addressing issues such as wealth inequality and climate change. Singapore, a global financial hub with a population of 5.92 million, is predominantly Buddhist (31%), with about 210,000 Catholics. The Vatican is expected to have approximately 55,000 attendees at a Mass celebrated by the Pope, including many from Hong Kong.

Bank of Japan’s Nakagawa warns of low real interest rates and possible policy adjustments

Nakagawa expressed optimism about the Japanese economy, citing high corporate earnings as a support for a "virtuous cycle of wages and prices." Despite significant market fluctuations in early August, she assured that there has been no substantial change in the fundamentals of the Japanese economy.

Takeshi Saito withdraws from LDP Presidential Race, cites personal gains

Saito expressed his disappointment at the outcome but maintained a positive outlook, stating, "The result is very disappointing, but I personally feel like I have gained something great." His withdrawal leaves the field of candidates unchanged at nine, following recent entries and exits within the party.

Takaichi Sanae and Kamikawa Yoko lead record nine-candidate LDP Race

Candidates must secure 20 sponsors to run, but with a reduced number of Diet members available for support, the distribution of votes among party members and supporters will be crucial. Kamikawa, a first-time presidential candidate, emphasized her commitment to confronting challenging issues and building a "new Japan" during a Tokyo press conference. She joins Minister of State for Economic Security Sanae Takaichi (63) as the second female candidate in this election.

Nikkei slides for seventh day amid yen strength and U.S. debate impact

The yen's temporary rise to the 140 yen range against the dollar exacerbated the sell-off, particularly impacting export stocks. The market was further pressured by perceptions from a U.S. presidential debate, where Democratic candidate Kamala Harris was viewed as having an edge over Republican incumbent Donald Trump. The speculation that Trump might lose, potentially affecting his promise of lower corporate tax rates, fueled concerns and led to increased selling by overseas speculators.

Israeli venture capital funds experience significant slowdown amid market uncertainty

Data from industry sources reveal a substantial drop in both the volume and value of VC investments in Israel over the past several months. The slowdown is attributed to a confluence of factors, including heightened global economic uncertainties, tighter financial conditions, and shifting investor sentiment. These elements have collectively contributed to a more cautious approach among venture capitalists, who are now prioritizing risk mitigation and focusing on securing returns amid a more challenging investment environment.

Israeli Cabinet shown footage of hostages in Hamas tunnels amid escalating conflict

The footage, reportedly obtained through intelligence operations, depicts a number of hostages being held in conditions within the subterranean tunnels, which are reportedly used by Hamas for military and operational purposes. The Israeli government has described the videos as critical evidence of the dire situation facing the hostages, underscoring the severity of their captivity and the challenges involved in their rescue.