News

Japan's Lower House passed the initial budget for fiscal 2025, marking the first time in 29 years that the initial budget bill has been revised by the Diet. The budget includes measures for free high school education and an increase in the minimum annual taxable income, but faces opposition from some parties over the high-cost medical expense cap and the "1.03-million-yen barrier.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who were stranded on the International Space Station for nine months due to issues with their Boeing Starliner capsule, finally received their relief with the arrival of a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying their replacements. The duo is expected to return to Earth next week, weather permitting, following a handover period with the new crew.

Japanese investors sold a record amount of foreign bonds in the week through March 8, driven by concerns over the Eurozone debt market and Germany's plans for increased fiscal spending. Meanwhile, they took advantage of a stronger yen to boost their position in foreign shares, which were available at reduced prices following a recent global selloff.

Asian stocks had a mixed start to the week as uncertainty over President Trump's tariff plans persisted, with China leading losses and Japan edging higher amid trade talks. Wall Street rebounded on Friday after a volatile week, with the Federal Reserve Chair easing market worries and the U.S. job market showing signs of strength.

India is gearing up for Hyperloop transportation, with the electronics component technology for the project to be developed at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed confidence in the technology's progress and praised the young innovators involved in its development.