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Expo 2025 in Japan: five things to know
Expo 2025 in Japan: five things to know
Economy
by  AFP

A multi-eyed mascot, a vast wooden Grand Ring, 160 countries and regions strutting their stuff, and robots and sushi galore: Expo 2025 begins Sunday in Osaka, Japan. - Grand Ring - Encircling dozens of national pavilions is the Grand Ring -- recognised by Guinness World Records as the planet's largest wooden architectural structure.

Japan's World Expo touts unity, and algae, in turbulent times
Japan's World Expo touts unity, and algae, in turbulent times
Economy
by  AFP

World Expo opens on Sunday with host Japan aiming to bring humanity together, despite global turmoil and tepid public enthusiasm for the six-month event showcasing innovation as well as Hello Kitty in algae form. But 55 years on Japan is less of a trendsetter and opinion polls show low levels of enthusiasm for the Expo among the public.

Papua New Guinea lifts ban on forest carbon credits
Papua New Guinea lifts ban on forest carbon credits
Economy
by  AFP

Papua New Guinea will "immediately" lift a ban on forest carbon credit schemes, the Pacific nation's climate minister told AFP on Thursday, opening up its vast wilderness to offset global emissions. Environment Minister Simo Kilepa told AFP that, with new safeguards now in place, this three-year moratorium would "be lifted immediately".

AI surge to double data centre electricity demand by 2030: IEA
AI surge to double data centre electricity demand by 2030: IEA
Economy
by  AFP

Electricity consumption by data centres will more than double by 2030, driven by artificial intelligence applications that will create new challenges for energy security and CO2 emission goals, the IEA said Thursday. According to the IEA, data centre electricity consumption will reach about 945 terawatt hours (TWH) by 2030.

Samsung under pressure as US tariffs rattle South Korean economy
Samsung under pressure as US tariffs rattle South Korean economy
Economy
by  AFP

Sipping tea on her break outside a Samsung Electronics factory in northern Vietnam, worker Nguyen Thi Mai said she had heard about US President Donald Trump's tariffs, but hoped it would not affect business. For Samsung, high-end televisions are their key driver of revenue stateside, Yong Seok-woo, president and head of the visual display business at Samsung Electronics told reporters.

Asian stocks crack higher as Trump delays painful tariffs
Asian stocks crack higher as Trump delays painful tariffs
Economy
by  AFP

Asian stocks rocketed Thursday as investors breathed a huge sigh of relief after Donald Trump announced a pause on crippling tariffs on US partners, with Chinese markets even brushing off his decision to ramp up duties on Beijing to 125 percent. The extra tariffs on Beijing, however, were "based on the lack of respect that China has shown to the world's markets", Trump said.