Former BOJ chief warns Iran war could force faster rate hikes
Central banks across major economies are reassessing monetary policy as the conflict involving Iran continues to push oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel, intensifying concerns over imported inflation and energy costs. Policymakers from Europe to Asia are increasingly signaling that prolonged geopolitical instability could delay or reverse......
SpaceX targets May 19 launch for Starship Version 3 debut
SpaceX is aiming for 19 May to conduct the first flight of Starship Version 3 from its Starbase facility in Texas. The mission, identified as Flight 12, will mark the debut of the upgraded launch system and the first use of the newly constructed Launch Pad 2, representing a major milestone in the company’s next-generation heavy launch......
US and China oppose Iranian transit fees in Strait of Hormuz
The United States and China have reached a rare point of diplomatic alignment by opposing Iran’s proposed transit charges for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz. The position was confirmed by the US State Department ahead of a summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, signaling limited but notable cooperation......
Iran conflict accelerates residential solar boom across Asia
Rising fuel prices linked to the conflict involving Iran are driving a sharp increase in residential solar adoption across Asia, as households seek protection from mounting energy costs and supply instability. The shift is particularly visible in countries heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, where consumers are turning to rooftop solar......
Copper surges past 14,000 dollars as global smelting output declines
Copper prices rose sharply on Tuesday, briefly crossing 14,000 dollars per metric ton on the London Metal Exchange, moving close to their all-time high of 14,527.50 dollars reached on 29 January. The rally reflects tightening global supply conditions driven by geopolitical tensions, stronger demand from China, and a marked slowdown in global......
Alibaba misses revenue forecasts as AI spending weighs profits
Alibaba reported fourth-quarter revenue of 243.38 billion yuan for fiscal year 2026, marking a 3 percent year-on-year increase but falling short of market expectations of around 246.5 billion yuan. The result highlights continued pressure from heavy investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure and rapid commerce expansion, which is......
Pandemic experts demand full review of hantavirus outbreak response
An independent global panel of pandemic preparedness experts has called for a formal review of the international response to the hantavirus outbreak linked to the cruise vessel MV Hondius. The appeal comes amid concerns that delays in reporting and coordination may have allowed the virus to spread for weeks before global health authorities......
First brain histamine map links molecule to major psychiatric disorders
Researchers have produced the first comprehensive map of the brain’s histaminergic system, identifying a strong overlap between histamine-related gene activity and regions involved in major psychiatric conditions. The study, published in Nature Mental Health, links these brain areas to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, major......
Iran conflict shifts summer travel toward trains and nearby destinations
Travel patterns across Europe are being reshaped as the Iran conflict and wider regional instability push passengers to rethink summer plans. Many travelers are not cancelling trips but adjusting them, choosing closer destinations, shorter stays, and more flexible bookings. Rail travel is gaining ground as aviation costs and uncertainty rise......
Hantavirus case contact hospitalized in Marseille as vigilance grows
A woman suspected of being in contact with hantavirus has been admitted to a hospital in Marseille as French health authorities intensify monitoring of the situation. The admission came two days after five French nationals were repatriated to Paris following exposure concerns linked to a cruise vessel where a viral cluster had been identified.......
Morocco housing aid surpasses 101000 beneficiaries milestone
The direct housing assistance program in Morocco has expanded rapidly, reaching 101,521 beneficiaries as of 7 May. The scheme targets low and middle-income households and aims to improve access to adequate housing conditions across the country. Officials presented the latest figures during a session before the Chamber of Councillors, outlining......
Morocco and EU discuss visa rules for truck drivers
A new round of discussions has opened between Moroccan transport authorities and European institutions over visa access for professional truck drivers. The talks focus on long-standing administrative barriers that affect Moroccan logistics companies operating cross-border routes into Europe. Officials raised concerns about delays and procedural......
Panasonic shifts toward AI infrastructure with major new investment plan
Panasonic Holdings announced a three year investment program worth 500 billion yen aimed at accelerating its expansion into artificial intelligence infrastructure, even as the Japanese conglomerate reported a sharp decline in annual earnings driven by restructuring costs and weaker electric vehicle demand. The company said it intends to capitalize......
Morocco launches digital Hajj platform for 34,000 pilgrims
Morocco’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs has introduced a new mobile application designed to assist Moroccan pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season, as authorities prepare for the departure of around 34,000 nationals to Saudi Arabia later this month. The platform, called “Rakb Al Hajj,” forms part of a broader effort to modernize......
Sami Yusuf to perform two spiritual concerts at Fès festival
Sami Yusuf will return to the Fès Festival of World Sacred Music for two performances scheduled on June 6 and 7, 2026, at the historic Bab Makina. The concerts will headline the 29th edition of the festival and mark the first time the artist performs twice during the same edition. Organizers expect strong attendance as the singer remains......