Tech News

IAEA chief in Japan ahead of Fukushima water release

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi arrived in Japan on Tuesday to present a review of Tokyo's plans to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.. The proposal has already been endorsed by the IAEA, but the government has said the release will only begin after a "comprehensive review" that Grossi will present Tuesday.

Asian markets fluctuate as rate-hope rally fades

Asian markets struggled for direction on Tuesday as investors weighed signs of a slowing US economy against hopes the Federal Reserve's interest rate hiking cycle could be nearing its end.. While the cuts will mean tighter supplies, rising interest rates and the lingering threat of recession are weighing on demand expectations.

Medical, but hold the marijuana: new CBD source found in Brazil

In a laboratory tucked away on a sprawling university campus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto is running tests on a seemingly ordinary plant with a potent secret.. "It was wonderful to find a plant (with CBD but) without THC, because you avoid all the mess around psychotropic substances," says Moura Neto, who has spent the better part of five decades researching in this small lab at Rio de Janeiro Federal University.

Mercosur calls for 'update' to draft EU trade agreement

South American trade block Mercosur opened a two-day summit on Monday with host Argentina calling for an "update" to a long-paused trade deal with the European Union which it said was the product of an "asymmetrical" relationship.. Given the divide, Bruno Binetti, an expert on international affairs at the Inter-American Dialogue think tank in Washington, said "the most" that could come out of the Argentina summit was "a specific agenda" with "demands." 

Activists protest over ship pollution at maritime meet

Environmental campaigners protested Monday outside the London-based International Maritime Organization, which is meeting to discuss curbing carbon dioxide emissions from the high-polluting shipping sector.. Participants are under pressure to agree ambitious emission reduction targets and consider a tax on pollution by the sector.

Troubled retailer Tesco picks Burberry boss as chair

Britain's biggest retailer Tesco on Monday named Burberry boss Gerry Murphy as chairman, replacing John Allan who stepped down after misconduct claims which he denies.. Allan has stated that he "vehemently" denies the claims.

Brussels looks to relax curbs on genetically modified crops

The European Commission will on Wednesday put forward a proposal to ease current restrictions on genetically modified crops, which is already being denounced by environmental groups and leftwing lawmakers.. The commission says the rules on GMOs (genetically modified organisms) need to be relaxed to grow crops that require fewer pesticides, are better adapted to climate change and need less water.

Asian markets follow Wall St higher as US inflation eases

Data showing inflation easing further boosted Asian markets Monday, fuelled by hopes central banks could be nearing the end of their interest rate hiking cycle.. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq chalked up big gains to end a strong first half of the year, even after a series of rate hikes as well as a regional banking crisis.

Yellen to visit China, raising need to 'responsibly manage' ties

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is set to visit Beijing this week, the United States said Sunday, marking the second trip by a cabinet official to China since ties between the world's top two economies deteriorated earlier this year.. In Beijing, Yellen will discuss how the United States views its economic relationship with China, a senior Treasury official said Sunday.

New 'Indiana Jones' tops N.America box office despite tepid debut

The latest -- and likely last -- installment in the popular "Indiana Jones" franchise lassoed the competition at the North American box office, industry estimates showed Sunday, but analysts noted the weak debut for the fan favorite.. With that, Indy booted animated sequel "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" from the top spot, but analysts said it was a weak start for the fifth Indiana Jones movie.