India emerges at the fourth spot on an index that accessed nearly 25 Asia Pacific countries and territories on their overall standing of power.

According to a report by the Lowy Institute, India has the potential to be the 'giant of the future' but needs improvement in areas like defence networks and economic relationships.&nbsp;

Each country was accessed on parameters across eight measures of power - economic resources, military capability, resilience, future trends, diplomatic influence, economic relationships, defence networks and cultural influence.&nbsp;

Russia, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines and North Korea are ranked as "middle powers" while Bangladesh, Brunei, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Mongolia, Laos and Nepal as "minor powers."&nbsp;

The study also reached far into the Pacific region to include countries like Australia and the United States in the report.&nbsp;

"Three of the world's four largest economies are in Asia, and the fourth, the United States, is a Pacific power. By 2025, two-thirds of the world's population will live in Asia, compared with just over a tenth in the West," the report noted.&nbsp;

The report suggests India scores well on cultural influence and future trends, ranking third in both. The country was also projected to become the fastest-growing economy in the region, predicted to grow 169 per cent between 2016 and 2030.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

The study also reached far into the Pacific region to include countries like Australia and the United States in the report

India emerges at the fourth spot on an index that accessed nearly 25 Asia Pacific countries and territories on their overall standing of power. According to a report by the Lowy Institute, India has the potential to be the 'giant of the future' but needs improvement in areas like defence networks and economic relationships. Each country was accessed on parameters across eight measures of power - economic resources, military capability, resilience, future trends, diplomatic influence, economic relationships, defence networks and cultural influence. Russia, Australia, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, New Zealand, Vietnam, Pakistan, Taiwan, Philippines and North Korea are ranked as "middle powers" while Bangladesh, Brunei, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Mongolia, Laos and Nepal as "minor powers." The study also reached far into the Pacific region to include countries like Australia and the United States in the report. "Three of the world's four largest economies are in Asia, and the fourth, the United States, is a Pacific power. By 2025, two-thirds of the world's population will live in Asia, compared with just over a tenth in the West," the report noted. The report suggests India scores well on cultural influence and future trends, ranking third in both. The country was also projected to become the fastest-growing economy in the region, predicted to grow 169 per cent between 2016 and 2030. (With inputs from PTI)

India 4th most 'powerful' country in Asia Pacific: Report

North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un has agreed to have a dialogue with Japan "any time", Seoul's presidential office said Sunday, two days after the historic North-South Summit.&nbsp

Kim had a word with South Korea president Moon-Jae-in on Friday after which Moon had relayed Kim’s remark to President Shinzo Abe in a telephone call Sunday morning.

Abe told Moon that Tokyo intends to work to hold a bilateral summit with Pyongyang, adding that he hopes Moon will mediate if necessary, the Blue House said.

Reports also said that Moon also discussed the abductions of Japanese nationals during the summit adding that it was their primary focus. The abduction case remains a critical issue to any talks between Japan and North Korea. Tokyo officially recognizes 17 people as having been kidnapped by the North in the 1970s and 1980s. Five of them were returned in 2002, but the North insists eight have died and the other four never entered its territory.

The Japanese and South Korean leaders agreed to cooperate so the North will take concrete actions toward denuclearization, Abe said.

Following the telephone talks, Abe met with Suh Hoon, director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, who visited Tokyo to brief Abe on the landmark summit.

In a separate teleconference late on Saturday, Abe and U.S. President Donald Trump also agreed that North Korea needs to take concrete action toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

He said they recognized the need to closely follow developments related to North Korea in the talks held a day after the historic inter-Korean summit between North and South Korea.

The summit -- only the third-ever between the leaders of the two neighbours -- came ahead of Kim's planned meeting with US President Donald Trump after months of tensions sparked by North Korea's nuclear and long-range missile tests last year. 
&nbsp

Kim had a word with South Korea president Moon-Jae-in on Friday after which Moon had relayed Kim’s remark to President Shinzo Abe in a telephone call Sunday morning

North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un has agreed to have a dialogue with Japan "any time", Seoul's presidential office said Sunday, two days after the historic North-South Summit. Kim had a word with South Korea president Moon-Jae-in on Friday after which Moon had relayed Kim’s remark to President Shinzo Abe in a telephone call Sunday morning. Abe told Moon that Tokyo intends to work to hold a bilateral summit with Pyongyang, adding that he hopes Moon will mediate if necessary, the Blue House said. Reports also said that Moon also discussed the abductions of Japanese nationals during the summit adding that it was their primary focus. The abduction case remains a critical issue to any talks between Japan and North Korea. Tokyo officially recognizes 17 people as having been kidnapped by the North in the 1970s and 1980s. Five of them were returned in 2002, but the North insists eight have died and the other four never entered its territory. The Japanese and South Korean leaders agreed to cooperate so the North will take concrete actions toward denuclearization, Abe said. Following the telephone talks, Abe met with Suh Hoon, director of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, who visited Tokyo to brief Abe on the landmark summit. In a separate teleconference late on Saturday, Abe and U.S. President Donald Trump also agreed that North Korea needs to take concrete action toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He said they recognized the need to closely follow developments related to North Korea in the talks held a day after the historic inter-Korean summit between North and South Korea. The summit -- only the third-ever between the leaders of the two neighbours -- came ahead of Kim's planned meeting with US President Donald Trump after months of tensions sparked by North Korea's nuclear and long-range missile tests last year.

North Korea willing to talk to Japan at 'any time'

Japan's Nabi Tajima, believed to be world's oldest person, passed away on Saturday. Tajima was born in the final year of the 19th century and aged 117 before she died.

According to reports, Tajima died of old age at a hospital on her native southwestern island of Kikaijima, Japan.

According to Guinness World Records, a 112-year-old Japanese man, Masazo Nonaka, was identified as the world's oldest man earlier this month. The organisation is now conducting research to certify Tajima as the oldest person after the previous record holder, Violet Brown of Jamaica, died last year at 117.

According to official data, the number of centenarians in Japan totalled 67,824 last year, sharply up from 153 in 1963.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

According to Guinness World Records, a 112-year-old Japanese man, Masazo Nonaka, was identified as the world's oldest man earlier this month

Japan's Nabi Tajima, believed to be world's oldest person, passed away on Saturday. Tajima was born in the final year of the 19th century and aged 117 before she died. According to reports, Tajima died of old age at a hospital on her native southwestern island of Kikaijima, Japan. According to Guinness World Records, a 112-year-old Japanese man, Masazo Nonaka, was identified as the world's oldest man earlier this month. The organisation is now conducting research to certify Tajima as the oldest person after the previous record holder, Violet Brown of Jamaica, died last year at 117. According to official data, the number of centenarians in Japan totalled 67,824 last year, sharply up from 153 in 1963. (With inputs from Reuters)

World's 'oldest person' dies in Japan at 117

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kono and his Chinese counterpart kicked off the first high-level economic talks between their nations in eight years on Monday, at a time of tense trade relations with the United States for both countries.

Concern is growing about a trade row between China and the United States in which the two nations have threatened each other with tariffs. Japan has come in for criticism from US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on trade and been hit with tariffs on steel and aluminium, but Japan has not yet threatened counter-tariffs.

While neither side is publicly linking the talks in Tokyo between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono to President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies, the meeting is a timely reminder of not only how much they both rely on the American market, but also how interdependent the two Asian nations have become.

China's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, is the first Chinese foreign minister to visit Japan in a bilateral context in nine years. He and Kono discussed a broad range of issues, including North Korea, Kono on Sunday night. He will hold a high-level economic dialogue with Japanese officials on Monday -- the first between the countries in eight years.

"In these eight years, both nations, as well as the economic conditions surrounding them, have changed greatly, even as our regional economic roles have increased," Kono said at the start of Monday`s discussions, noting a need for a reset of their often-fraught bilateral ties.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged last year to reset the sometimes touchy relationship between Asia`s two largest economic powers.&nbsp

"I hope that today we can discuss closer, tighter economic cooperation as well as the regional and global economic situations," Kono added.

Wang, who spent eight years in Japan as a diplomat including three as ambassador, said the changing economic climate presented fresh opportunities.

"After reopening these talks we`re both standing at new starting points to discuss future cooperation that will, I hope, lead to fresh economic growth for both nations," Wang said.

Financial markets have been roiled recently over fears that a full-blown U.S.-China trade war could shatter global trade and economic growth, and these issues are likely to be high on the agenda, along with Japanese cooperation on China`s Belt and Road projects.

Japanese officials are also eager to avoid trade friction with the United States, with the issue to be discussed in the Abe and Trump talks later this week.&nbsp

Concern is growing about a trade row between China and the United States in which the two nations have threatened each other with tariffs

Japanese Foreign Affairs Minister Taro Kono and his Chinese counterpart kicked off the first high-level economic talks between their nations in eight years on Monday, at a time of tense trade relations with the United States for both countries. Concern is growing about a trade row between China and the United States in which the two nations have threatened each other with tariffs. Japan has come in for criticism from US&nbspPresident Donald Trump on trade and been hit with tariffs on steel and aluminium, but Japan has not yet threatened counter-tariffs. While neither side is publicly linking the talks in Tokyo between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono to President Donald Trump’s protectionist policies, the meeting is a timely reminder of not only how much they both rely on the American market, but also how interdependent the two Asian nations have become. China's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi, is the first Chinese foreign minister to visit Japan in a bilateral context in nine years. He and Kono discussed a broad range of issues, including North Korea, Kono on Sunday night. He will hold a high-level economic dialogue with Japanese officials on Monday -- the first between the countries in eight years. "In these eight years, both nations, as well as the economic conditions surrounding them, have changed greatly, even as our regional economic roles have increased," Kono said at the start of Monday`s discussions, noting a need for a reset of their often-fraught bilateral ties. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged last year to reset the sometimes touchy relationship between Asia`s two largest economic powers. "I hope that today we can discuss closer, tighter economic cooperation as well as the regional and global economic situations," Kono added. Wang, who spent eight years in Japan as a diplomat including three as ambassador, said the changing economic climate presented fresh opportunities. "After reopening these talks we`re both standing at new starting points to discuss future cooperation that will, I hope, lead to fresh economic growth for both nations," Wang said. Financial markets have been roiled recently over fears that a full-blown U.S.-China trade war could shatter global trade and economic growth, and these issues are likely to be high on the agenda, along with Japanese cooperation on China`s Belt and Road projects. Japanese officials are also eager to avoid trade friction with the United States, with the issue to be discussed in the Abe and Trump talks later this week.

Japan, China pledge to work on economic ties amid heightened trade tensions

Japan's top finance bureaucrat denied on Monday a weekly magazine's allegation that he had sexually harassed female reporters and vowed to sue its publisher for defamation, his ministry said in a statement.

The weekly Shincho magazine said in an issue published last Thursday that Administrative Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda went drinking with a female reporter recently at a bar near his house and asked to touch her breasts and kiss her. It had quoted Fukuda as denying the allegations.

Japan has had few reported "#MeToo" cases about sexual harassment involving public figures. In Japan, victims are often reluctant to speak out for fear of being blamed. The identity of the female reporter has not been disclosed.

A day after the report, the tabloid released an audio recording of what it said was Fukuda making the alleged sexual advance.

The Finance Ministry, in its statement, quoted Fukuda as saying: "I do at times go out for meals with both male and female reporters after working hours, but I have never had the kind of exchange with any female reporter that was reported in the magazine (or that was contained in the audio file)."

The magazine did not identify the reporter.

The ministry quoted Fukuda as saying he was preparing to sue the publisher, Shinchosha. He apologised to Finance Minister Taro Aso and other members of the ministry for "causing trouble", and vowed to continue carrying out his duties "with a sense of urgency".

Shinchosha told Reuters it would publish its response in the next edition, which is out on Thursday.

The #MeToo global movement has exposed men accused of sexual assault and harassment in fields including entertainment, politics and business. Dozens of prominent men have quit or been fired from high-profile posts, and police have opened investigations into some accusations of sex assault.

SPEAKING UP

The ministry said in its statement it would continue to investigate the allegations surrounding Fukuda through an external law firm, given that the initial internal fact-finding had been conducted by Fukuda's subordinate.

It called on female reporters to come forward and contact the law firm if they were willing to cooperate with the investigation.

Some women said they hoped the case would lead to more open discussion of sexual harassment.

"Japanese have a tendency to put up with things," said 20-year-old theatre worker Yuka Sekiguchi.

"I don't think we are in an environment where we can even speak up about being sexually harassed. I really hope that one day we will become a society in which we can speak up with courage about being sexually harassed."

While Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made his "Womenomics" programmes to mobilise women in the workforce part of his policies to boost growth, big gender gaps persist at companies and in politics.

The controversy is another headache for Finance Minister Aso and Abe, whose ratings have been hit by scandals over suspected cronyism and cover-ups. A steady trickle of new allegations about the scandals has raised doubts about how long Abe can stay in power.

The daily Sankei newspaper reported on Monday that Abe had decided that Fukuda must be fired. It did not cite a source. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the ministry's personnel issues were up to the minister to decide.

The weekly Shincho magazine said in an issue published last Thursday that Administrative Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda went drinking with a female reporter recently at a bar near his house and asked to touch her breasts and kiss her.

Japan's top finance bureaucrat denied on Monday a weekly magazine's allegation that he had sexually harassed female reporters and vowed to sue its publisher for defamation, his ministry said in a statement. The weekly Shincho magazine said in an issue published last Thursday that Administrative Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda went drinking with a female reporter recently at a bar near his house and asked to touch her breasts and kiss her. It had quoted Fukuda as denying the allegations. Japan has had few reported "#MeToo" cases about sexual harassment involving public figures. In Japan, victims are often reluctant to speak out for fear of being blamed. The identity of the female reporter has not been disclosed. A day after the report, the tabloid released an audio recording of what it said was Fukuda making the alleged sexual advance. The Finance Ministry, in its statement, quoted Fukuda as saying: "I do at times go out for meals with both male and female reporters after working hours, but I have never had the kind of exchange with any female reporter that was reported in the magazine (or that was contained in the audio file)." The magazine did not identify the reporter. The ministry quoted Fukuda as saying he was preparing to sue the publisher, Shinchosha. He apologised to Finance Minister Taro Aso and other members of the ministry for "causing trouble", and vowed to continue carrying out his duties "with a sense of urgency". Shinchosha told Reuters it would publish its response in the next edition, which is out on Thursday. The #MeToo global movement has exposed men accused of sexual assault and harassment in fields including entertainment, politics and business. Dozens of prominent men have quit or been fired from high-profile posts, and police have opened investigations into some accusations of sex assault. SPEAKING UP The ministry said in its statement it would continue to investigate the allegations surrounding Fukuda through an external law firm, given that the initial internal fact-finding had been conducted by Fukuda's subordinate. It called on female reporters to come forward and contact the law firm if they were willing to cooperate with the investigation. Some women said they hoped the case would lead to more open discussion of sexual harassment. "Japanese have a tendency to put up with things," said 20-year-old theatre worker Yuka Sekiguchi. "I don't think we are in an environment where we can even speak up about being sexually harassed. I really hope that one day we will become a society in which we can speak up with courage about being sexually harassed." While Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made his "Womenomics" programmes to mobilise women in the workforce part of his policies to boost growth, big gender gaps persist at companies and in politics. The controversy is another headache for Finance Minister Aso and Abe, whose ratings have been hit by scandals over suspected cronyism and cover-ups. A steady trickle of new allegations about the scandals has raised doubts about how long Abe can stay in power. The daily Sankei newspaper reported on Monday that Abe had decided that Fukuda must be fired. It did not cite a source. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the ministry's personnel issues were up to the minister to decide.

Japan's top finance bureaucrat denies he sexually harassed reporters

An earthquake hit the main island of Honshu in West of Japan on Monday early morning.

The United States Geological Service Survey (USGS) measured the initial quake at magnitude 5.6 at a depth of 7 kms.

Three people have reportedly suffered minor injuries.

However, damage to buildings and roads was also reported.

Locals around the area also saw the loss of water supplies and electricity cuts.

The nearby nuclear power station is said to remain unharmed.

A warning of further tremor could b felt in coming two-three days has been issued by the authorities.

According to reports, more tremors are also expected.

In 2011 A devastating earthquake of magnitude 9.0&nbsp;struck&nbsp; Japan which was also followed by&nbsp;the tsunami caused widespread damage and took the lives of thousands of people.

The United States Geological Service Survey (USGS) measured the initial quake at magnitude 5.6 at a depth of 7 kms

An earthquake hit the main island of Honshu in West of Japan on Monday early morning. The United States Geological Service Survey (USGS) measured the initial quake at magnitude 5.6 at a depth of 7 kms. Three people have reportedly suffered minor injuries. However, damage to buildings and roads was also reported. Locals around the area also saw the loss of water supplies and electricity cuts. The nearby nuclear power station is said to remain unharmed. A warning of further tremor could b felt in coming two-three days has been issued by the authorities. According to reports, more tremors are also expected. In 2011 A devastating earthquake of magnitude 9.0 struck Japan which was also followed by the tsunami caused widespread damage and took the lives of thousands of people.

5.6-magnitude earthquake hits western Japan, 3 injured

Japan on Saturday activated its first marine unit since World War Two trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China.

In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up outside amid cold, windy weather.

“Given the increasingly difficult defence and security situation surrounding Japan, defence of our islands has become a critical mandate,” Tomohiro Yamamoto, vice defence minister, said in a speech.

The troops conducted a 20-minute mock public exercise recapturing a remote island from invaders.

The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan’s neighbours. In its post, World War Two constitution Japan renounced the right to wage war.

The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific.

China, which dominates the South China Sea, is outpacing Japan in defence spending. In 2018, Beijing which claims a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea controlled by Tokyo, will spend 1.11 trillion yuan ($176.56 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan.

The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base.

“They’ve already demonstrated the ability to put together an ad hoc MEU. But to have a solid, standing MEU capability requires a concerted effort,” Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies.

“If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability.”

Newsham, who helped train Japan’s first amphibious troops as a US Marine Corps colonel liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF), said Japan still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment.

Japanese military planners are already mulling some of those additions. Its Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) wants to acquire F-35Bs to operate from its Izumo and Ise helicopter carriers, or from islands along the East China Sea, sources have told Reuters.

The United States last month deployed its F-35Bs for their first at-sea operations aboard the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship, which is based in Sasebo. The Kyushu port is also home to Japan’s Ise and close to the ARDB’s base.

Separately the GSDF may acquire small amphibious ships up to a 100 meters (328.08 ft) long to transport troops and equipment between islands and from ship to shore, two sources familiar with the discussion said. Japanese ground forces have not operated their own ships since World War Two.

“The idea is to bring forces and gear on large ships to the main Okinawa island and then disperse them to other islands on smaller vessels,” said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to talk to the media.

The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base.

Japan on Saturday activated its first marine unit since World War Two trained to counter invaders occupying Japanese islands along the edge of the East China Sea that Tokyo fears are vulnerable to attack by China. In a ceremony held at a military base near Sasebo on the southwest island of Kyushu, about 1,500 members of the Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB) wearing camouflage lined up outside amid cold, windy weather. “Given the increasingly difficult defence and security situation surrounding Japan, defence of our islands has become a critical mandate,” Tomohiro Yamamoto, vice defence minister, said in a speech. The troops conducted a 20-minute mock public exercise recapturing a remote island from invaders. The formation of the Japanese marine brigade is controversial because amphibious units can project military force and could, critics warn, be used to threaten Japan’s neighbours. In its post, World War Two constitution Japan renounced the right to wage war. The brigade is the latest component of a growing marine force that includes helicopter carriers, amphibious ships, Osprey tilt-rotor troop carriers and amphibious assault vehicles, meant to deter China as it pushes for easier access to the Western Pacific. China, which dominates the South China Sea, is outpacing Japan in defence spending. In 2018, Beijing which claims a group of uninhabited islets in the East China Sea controlled by Tokyo, will spend 1.11 trillion yuan ($176.56 billion) on its armed forces, more than three times as much as Japan. The activation of the 2,100 strong ARDB takes Japan a step closer to creating a force similar to a US Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) able to plan and execute operations at sea far from its home base. “They’ve already demonstrated the ability to put together an ad hoc MEU. But to have a solid, standing MEU capability requires a concerted effort,” Grant Newsham, a research fellow at the Japan Forum for Strategic Studies. “If Japan put its mind to it, within a year or year and a half it could have a reasonable capability.” Newsham, who helped train Japan’s first amphibious troops as a US Marine Corps colonel liaison officer assigned to the Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF), said Japan still needs a joint navy-army amphibious headquarters to coordinate operations as well as more amphibious ships to carry troops and equipment. Japanese military planners are already mulling some of those additions. Its Air Self Defense Force (ASDF) wants to acquire F-35Bs to operate from its Izumo and Ise helicopter carriers, or from islands along the East China Sea, sources have told Reuters. The United States last month deployed its F-35Bs for their first at-sea operations aboard the USS Wasp amphibious assault ship, which is based in Sasebo. The Kyushu port is also home to Japan’s Ise and close to the ARDB’s base. Separately the GSDF may acquire small amphibious ships up to a 100 meters (328.08 ft) long to transport troops and equipment between islands and from ship to shore, two sources familiar with the discussion said. Japanese ground forces have not operated their own ships since World War Two. “The idea is to bring forces and gear on large ships to the main Okinawa island and then disperse them to other islands on smaller vessels,” said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to talk to the media.

Japan activates first marines since World War II to bolster defences against China

In a major achievement, India has overtaken Japan to become the world's second-largest producer of crude steel in February, according to the Steel Users Federation of India (Sufi).

At present, China is the largest producer of crude steel in the world, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the production.

India's crude steel production was up 4.4 per cent and stood at 93.11 million tonnes (mt) for the period April 2017 to February 2018, compared with April 2016 to February 2017, which has helped India to overtake Japan and becomes the second largest producer of crude steel in the world, the federation said in a statement here.

India overtook the US in 2015 to become the third largest producer of crude steel.&nbsp;

Attributed the growth in steel production to the right policies undertaken by the Modi government, Nikunj Turakhia, president, Sufi said, "The government has taken host of steps to curb imports, push local demand with initiatives like 'Make in India', implementation of the GST and infrastructure projects, to encourage the domestic market."

According to the World Steel Association, India produced 8.4 mt of crude steel in February 2018, up 3.4 per cent over February 2017.

Turakhia said the steel ministry is working proactively to lay down the road map to achieve 300 million tons by 2030 and "we seem to be on the right track".

"In addition, quick resolution of various big-ticket steel mills under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the National Company Law Tribunal is expected to further hasten the process of achieving higher capacity utilisation," he added.&nbsp;

Currently, China is the largest producer of crude steel in the world, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the production

In a major achievement, India has overtaken Japan to become the world's second-largest producer of crude steel in February, according to the Steel Users Federation of India (Sufi). At present, China is the largest producer of crude steel in the world, accounting for more than 50 per cent of the production. India's crude steel production was up 4.4 per cent and stood at 93.11 million tonnes (mt) for the period April 2017 to February 2018, compared with April 2016 to February 2017, which has helped India to overtake Japan and becomes the second largest producer of crude steel in the world, the federation said in a statement here. India overtook the US in 2015 to become the third largest producer of crude steel. Attributed the growth in steel production to the right policies undertaken by the Modi government, Nikunj Turakhia, president, Sufi said, "The government has taken host of steps to curb imports, push local demand with initiatives like 'Make in India', implementation of the GST and infrastructure projects, to encourage the domestic market." According to the World Steel Association, India produced 8.4 mt of crude steel in February 2018, up 3.4 per cent over February 2017. Turakhia said the steel ministry is working proactively to lay down the road map to achieve 300 million tons by 2030 and "we seem to be on the right track". "In addition, quick resolution of various big-ticket steel mills under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and the National Company Law Tribunal is expected to further hasten the process of achieving higher capacity utilisation," he added.

India pips Japan to become second largest crude steel-maker

A relaxing soak in a hot tub is a time-honoured stress reliever but the advantages are not confined to humans -- with monkeys also benefiting from spa time, researchers in Japan say.

Japan's "snow monkeys" are known for their love of hot springs in the country's northern Nagano region, with tourists flocking to photograph the mediating macaques soaking in steaming baths.

It was long assumed that the blissed-out bathers were simply trying to warm up during the chilly winter months when snow blankets the region.

But experts at the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University who observed 12 female Japanese macaques in 2014 at the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen monkey park in Nagano found there was more to it.

They examined the bathing behaviour of the monkeys and collected their excrement to measure glucocorticoid, a hormone whose concentration increases when stress levels are high.

They found that stress levels in the monkeys, aged between five and 24, were about 20 percent lower on average after bathing.

The results of their study were published this week.

"The study showed that bathing in hot springs is beneficial not only for people but for Japanese macaques too," researcher Rafaela Sayuri Takeshita told AFP.

Takeshita believes the spa treatment may have additional benefits for the macaques, perhaps increasing both fertility and longevity.

"We also want to study the relationship between bathing and their reproduction and longevity in the future," she said.

They found that stress levels in the monkeys, aged between five and 24, were about 20 percent lower on average after bathing.

A relaxing soak in a hot tub is a time-honoured stress reliever but the advantages are not confined to humans -- with monkeys also benefiting from spa time, researchers in Japan say. Japan's "snow monkeys" are known for their love of hot springs in the country's northern Nagano region, with tourists flocking to photograph the mediating macaques soaking in steaming baths. It was long assumed that the blissed-out bathers were simply trying to warm up during the chilly winter months when snow blankets the region. But experts at the Primate Research Institute at Kyoto University who observed 12 female Japanese macaques in 2014 at the Jigokudani Yaen-Koen monkey park in Nagano found there was more to it. They examined the bathing behaviour of the monkeys and collected their excrement to measure glucocorticoid, a hormone whose concentration increases when stress levels are high. They found that stress levels in the monkeys, aged between five and 24, were about 20 percent lower on average after bathing. The results of their study were published this week. "The study showed that bathing in hot springs is beneficial not only for people but for Japanese macaques too," researcher Rafaela Sayuri Takeshita told AFP. Takeshita believes the spa treatment may have additional benefits for the macaques, perhaps increasing both fertility and longevity. "We also want to study the relationship between bathing and their reproduction and longevity in the future," she said.

Even monkeys need a spa day, Japan study finds

Top US diplomat will be in Delhi today for the India-US-Japan trilateral meeting that will go on from Wednesday to Friday.&nbsp

US State Department official in-charge of the East Asia and Pacific affairs will be leading the delegation from Washington.

The Trump administration seeks to strengthen ties with India and Japan to counter China. Washington has an overhauled policy for the Indo-Pacific region in place.

Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Japan last week to co-chair the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

The Trump administration seeks to strengthen ties with India and Japan to counter China

Top US diplomat will be in Delhi today for the India-US-Japan trilateral meeting that will go on from Wednesday to Friday. US State Department official in-charge of the East Asia and Pacific affairs will be leading the delegation from Washington. The Trump administration seeks to strengthen ties with India and Japan to counter China. Washington has an overhauled policy for the Indo-Pacific region in place. Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj visited Japan last week to co-chair the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

US officials to reach India for trilateral meeting with Japan

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to visit the United States April 17-20 for talks with President Donald Trump, he said on Monday.

Abe said he would ask Trump to bring up the issue of past North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens, during the US president's expected summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told his plan on Monday

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe plans to visit the United States April 17-20 for talks with President Donald Trump, he said on Monday. Abe said he would ask Trump to bring up the issue of past North Korean abductions of Japanese citizens, during the US president's expected summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Japan PM to visit US from April 17 to 20 for talks with Trump

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral ties.

Swaraj, who was here on a three-day visit, also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abe.

"EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet.

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EAM <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> called on Japanese Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/AbeShinzo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AbeShinzo</a> today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to PM Abe. PM Abe said that ???? traditional friendship are characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth <a href="https://t.co/jN8GWI4Nau">pic.twitter.com/jN8GWI4Nau</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/979533350871252993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth.

"PM Abe said that India-Japan traditional friendship is characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth," Kumar tweeted.

Swaraj, who was on her first visit to Japan in the capacity of the External Affairs Minister, had reached Tokyo on Wednesday to attend the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue.

She met her counterpart Taro Kano yesterday and the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties.

Describing the meeting as "very productive", Swaraj said her trip had laid a sound foundation for Modi's visit to Japan for the next bilateral Annual Summit later this year.

Hours after meeting Abe, Swaraj departed from Tokyo, concluding her first official trip to Japan.

"Sayonara! EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs from Tokyo after her first official visit to Japan for the 9th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue," Indian Embassy in Tokyo tweeted.

Earlier yesterday, Swaraj met Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council & former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida.

Swaraj also addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Tokyo.

According to official figures, Japanese FDI in India during 2016-17 was $4.7 billion, an increase of 80 per cent over the last year.

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Tokyo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. <a href="https://t.co/eJdb7w8oaS">pic.twitter.com/eJdb7w8oaS</a>
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During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral ties. Swaraj, who was here on a three-day visit, also conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abe. "EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in a tweet. EAM @SushmaSwaraj called on Japanese Prime Minister @AbeShinzo today morning in Tokyo. EAM conveyed the greetings of PM @narendramodi to PM Abe. PM Abe said that ???? traditional friendship are characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth pic.twitter.com/jN8GWI4Nau — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) March 30, 2018 × During the meeting, Abe told Swaraj that the traditional friendship between the India and Japan was characterised by "heart-to-heart" bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth. "PM Abe said that India-Japan traditional friendship is characterised by heart-to-heart bonds and blessed with a huge potential for growth," Kumar tweeted. Swaraj, who was on her first visit to Japan in the capacity of the External Affairs Minister, had reached Tokyo on Wednesday to attend the ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue. She met her counterpart Taro Kano yesterday and the two leaders reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties. Describing the meeting as "very productive", Swaraj said her trip had laid a sound foundation for Modi's visit to Japan for the next bilateral Annual Summit later this year. Hours after meeting Abe, Swaraj departed from Tokyo, concluding her first official trip to Japan. "Sayonara! EAM @SushmaSwaraj departs from Tokyo after her first official visit to Japan for the 9th #IndiaJapan Strategic Dialogue," Indian Embassy in Tokyo tweeted. Earlier yesterday, Swaraj met Chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council & former Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. Swaraj also addressed a gathering of Indian diaspora at the Vivekanand Cultural Centre in Tokyo. According to official figures, Japanese FDI in India during 2016-17 was $4.7 billion, an increase of 80 per cent over the last year. Tokyo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/eJdb7w8oaS — ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018 ×

Sushma Swaraj meets Japanese PM Abe, conveys PM Modi's greetings

India and Japan on Thursday discussed various issues including terrorism, economic development, and mutual cooperation, a joint statement by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

According to the statement, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan's role in the economic development of India, and in the view of Tokyo's contribution in the development of foreign countries, the two countries discussed development schemes in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.

Describing terrorism as a black spot in the world and agreeing to tackle the menace together, Swaraj emphasised on the need to demolish terrorist safe havens, destroy terror networks and stall the terrorists' plans to launch attacks on foreign territories.

Kono and Swaraj welcomed the constantly increasing interaction between the people of the two countries, including economists, Members of Parliament and scholars.

India-Japan ties have been on the upswing after the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in 2014.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s visit to India in September last year for the annual bilateral summit gave fresh impetus to the ties. During that visit, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, to be built with Japanese aid, was also held.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono

India and Japan on Thursday discussed various issues including terrorism, economic development, and mutual cooperation, a joint statement by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday arrived in Japan's capital Tokyo on a three-day visit to Japan during which she will co-chair the Ninth India-Japan Strategic Dialogue with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. According to the statement, the two leaders exchanged views on Japan's role in the economic development of India, and in the view of Tokyo's contribution in the development of foreign countries, the two countries discussed development schemes in Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. Describing terrorism as a black spot in the world and agreeing to tackle the menace together, Swaraj emphasised on the need to demolish terrorist safe havens, destroy terror networks and stall the terrorists' plans to launch attacks on foreign territories. Kono and Swaraj welcomed the constantly increasing interaction between the people of the two countries, including economists, Members of Parliament and scholars. India-Japan ties have been on the upswing after the bilateral relationship was elevated to a Special Strategic and Global Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Japan in 2014. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe`s visit to India in September last year for the annual bilateral summit gave fresh impetus to the ties. During that visit, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Ahmedabad-Mumbai bullet train project, to be built with Japanese aid, was also held.

India, Japan aim to combat terrorism, build economic development, mutual cooperation

Japan has sounded out the North Korean government about a bilateral summit, and Pyongyang has discussed the possibility of a leaders' meeting with Japan, Japan's Asahi newspaper said on Thursday.

The government of Kim Jong Un has informed leaders of North Korea's ruling Korean Workers Party of the possibility of a summit with Japan, the newspaper said, citing an unidentified North Korean source and briefing papers.

"The Japanese government has expressed a wish to host a leaders meeting, via the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan," or Chongryon, Pyongyang's de facto embassy in Japan, the Asahi quoted the North Korean briefing papers as saying.

The Japanese government said it had been in touch with the North but declined to offer specific comment on the report.

"We have been communicating with North Korea through various occasions and means such as a route via our embassy in Beijing, but I would like to refrain from going into specifics," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference.

A Chongryon spokesman in Tokyo declined to comment on the Asahi report.

A Japanese government source told Reuters in mid-March that Japan was considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago.

The Asahi said in an article from Seoul Kim's government had explained its bilateral diplomatic plans for South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, in that order.

Kim met President Xi Jinping in China this week, his first trip abroad since taking over as North Korean leader in 2011. Summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are being planned for April and May, respectively.

The North Korean briefing papers cite the possibility of a Japan summit in early June, the Asahi said.

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono left open the possibility that Abe might meet Kim at some point. Kono said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday Japan was closely watching preparations for the North-South Korean summit and the Trump-Kim meeting.

A Japanese ruling party lawmaker said the outlook for an Abe-Kim summit depended on how the earlier summits played out. "There are stages and barriers," he told Reuters. "In particular, there's no guarantee Trump-Kim talks will go well."

The Asahi quoted another unidentified source as saying North Korea's "dialogue partner on security issues is America" but that the country "can only hope for large-scale financial assistance from Japan".

North Korea hopes to get $20 billion to $50 billion in aid from Japan if it normalises relations, the newspaper said. However, it said the briefing papers offered no specifics about steps to normalise bilateral relations, as agreed in 2002.

Those steps include resolving the abductee issue, as well as Pyongyang's missile and nuclear weapons development.

North Korea admitted in 2002 it had kidnapped 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies, and five of them returned to Japan. Tokyo suspects that hundreds more may have been taken.

The Japanese government said it had been in touch with the North but declined to offer specific comment on the report

Japan has sounded out the North Korean government about a bilateral summit, and Pyongyang has discussed the possibility of a leaders' meeting with Japan, Japan's Asahi newspaper said on Thursday. The government of Kim Jong Un has informed leaders of North Korea's ruling Korean Workers Party of the possibility of a summit with Japan, the newspaper said, citing an unidentified North Korean source and briefing papers. "The Japanese government has expressed a wish to host a leaders meeting, via the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan," or Chongryon, Pyongyang's de facto embassy in Japan, the Asahi quoted the North Korean briefing papers as saying. The Japanese government said it had been in touch with the North but declined to offer specific comment on the report. "We have been communicating with North Korea through various occasions and means such as a route via our embassy in Beijing, but I would like to refrain from going into specifics," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a regular news conference. A Chongryon spokesman in Tokyo declined to comment on the Asahi report. A Japanese government source told Reuters in mid-March that Japan was considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago. The Asahi said in an article from Seoul Kim's government had explained its bilateral diplomatic plans for South Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Russia, in that order. Kim met President Xi Jinping in China this week, his first trip abroad since taking over as North Korean leader in 2011. Summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and US President Donald Trump are being planned for April and May, respectively. The North Korean briefing papers cite the possibility of a Japan summit in early June, the Asahi said. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono left open the possibility that Abe might meet Kim at some point. Kono said in an interview with Reuters on Tuesday Japan was closely watching preparations for the North-South Korean summit and the Trump-Kim meeting. A Japanese ruling party lawmaker said the outlook for an Abe-Kim summit depended on how the earlier summits played out. "There are stages and barriers," he told Reuters. "In particular, there's no guarantee Trump-Kim talks will go well." The Asahi quoted another unidentified source as saying North Korea's "dialogue partner on security issues is America" but that the country "can only hope for large-scale financial assistance from Japan". North Korea hopes to get $20 billion to $50 billion in aid from Japan if it normalises relations, the newspaper said. However, it said the briefing papers offered no specifics about steps to normalise bilateral relations, as agreed in 2002. Those steps include resolving the abductee issue, as well as Pyongyang's missile and nuclear weapons development. North Korea admitted in 2002 it had kidnapped 13 Japanese in the 1970s and 1980s to train spies, and five of them returned to Japan. Tokyo suspects that hundreds more may have been taken.

Japan offers North Korea summit, Pyongyang discussing meeting with Japan: Report

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his ratings battered by a scandal over suspected cronyism, is hoping a series of summits including one with US President Donald Trump will restore his popularity ahead of a crucial ruling party leadership contest.

Abe is expected to meet Trump around April 18 in Washington to discuss Trump's planned meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in late May. Tokyo has also not ruled out a meeting with Kim Jong Un.

"Mr Abe is the most pro-active on foreign policy among Japanese prime ministers and wants to use that," a ruling coalition lawmaker told.

"Especially ahead of the September Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, he wants to appeal to voters through his meetings with Trump and Putin."

Abe's ratings have fallen sharply due to the scandal over the sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, to which Abe's wife had ties, and after a finance ministry admission that documents about the deal were altered.

The slide in his ratings has clouded his prospects of winning a third, three-year term as LDP president, victory in which would set him on track to become Japan's longest-serving premier, a position he's held since 2012.

The LDP leader is virtually assured of being prime minister since an LDP-led coalition holds a majority in parliament.

Abe is hoping his diplomatic performance will distract voters from the domestic scandal.

"He's trying to change the conversation and the chances are it will work," said Gerry Curtis, an emeritus professor at New York's Columbia University.

"On Monday, the betting was Abe would probably announce that he isn't running for a third term. Today, the betting is he will get a third term," he said.

But much depended on opinion polls and whether new allegations of misconduct emerged, Curtis added.

In addition, success at summits is by no means guaranteed.

"Of course, there are risks," the coalition lawmaker said. "Politics is a world of 'no risk, no return'."

Trump has blindsided Tokyo twice in recent weeks, first by announcing that he would meet Kim Jong Un and then by declining to exclude ally Japan from tariffs on steel and aluminium.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told Reuters on Tuesday that the two allies were "completely in sync" on North Korea but concerns persist that Trump may do a deal that protects US interests but leaves Japan vulnerable.

On the trade front, Tokyo is pressing Washington to exempt Japan's steel products from the levies and pushing back against demands for a two-way free trade agreement, a stance the government repeated forcefully on Thursday.

Abe may have little concrete to offer Trump on trade other than restating plans, already in the works, to boost defence spending and buy US military equipment.

The Japanese leader may also find it tough to get concessions from Putin in a decades-old row over islands seized by Soviet forces at the end of World War Two. The dispute has kept Moscow and Tokyo from signing a peace treaty.

"Putin is just playing the game," a former senior Japanese diplomat said while adding that even a small breakthrough in the dispute would be a "great success" for Abe.

Any meeting between Abe and Kim Jong Un would be tricky, and forecasts that one will happen are premature, another ruling party lawmaker said.

To gain kudos, Abe needs progress on the emotive issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago, but North Korea would likely want economic aid in return.

Japan's stance, however, has been that aid can only be resumed if the two countries normalise diplomatic relations, which depends on the North abandoning its nuclear and missile programmes as well as resolving the abductee issue.

The slide in his (Abe's) ratings has clouded his prospects of winning a third, three-year term as LDP president

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, his ratings battered by a scandal over suspected cronyism, is hoping a series of summits including one with US President Donald Trump will restore his popularity ahead of a crucial ruling party leadership contest. Abe is expected to meet Trump around April 18 in Washington to discuss Trump's planned meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and then meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in late May. Tokyo has also not ruled out a meeting with Kim Jong Un. "Mr Abe is the most pro-active on foreign policy among Japanese prime ministers and wants to use that," a ruling coalition lawmaker told. "Especially ahead of the September Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential election, he wants to appeal to voters through his meetings with Trump and Putin." Abe's ratings have fallen sharply due to the scandal over the sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, to which Abe's wife had ties, and after a finance ministry admission that documents about the deal were altered. The slide in his ratings has clouded his prospects of winning a third, three-year term as LDP president, victory in which would set him on track to become Japan's longest-serving premier, a position he's held since 2012. The LDP leader is virtually assured of being prime minister since an LDP-led coalition holds a majority in parliament. Abe is hoping his diplomatic performance will distract voters from the domestic scandal. "He's trying to change the conversation and the chances are it will work," said Gerry Curtis, an emeritus professor at New York's Columbia University. "On Monday, the betting was Abe would probably announce that he isn't running for a third term. Today, the betting is he will get a third term," he said. But much depended on opinion polls and whether new allegations of misconduct emerged, Curtis added. In addition, success at summits is by no means guaranteed. "Of course, there are risks," the coalition lawmaker said. "Politics is a world of 'no risk, no return'." Trump has blindsided Tokyo twice in recent weeks, first by announcing that he would meet Kim Jong Un and then by declining to exclude ally Japan from tariffs on steel and aluminium. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono told Reuters on Tuesday that the two allies were "completely in sync" on North Korea but concerns persist that Trump may do a deal that protects US interests but leaves Japan vulnerable. On the trade front, Tokyo is pressing Washington to exempt Japan's steel products from the levies and pushing back against demands for a two-way free trade agreement, a stance the government repeated forcefully on Thursday. Abe may have little concrete to offer Trump on trade other than restating plans, already in the works, to boost defence spending and buy US military equipment. The Japanese leader may also find it tough to get concessions from Putin in a decades-old row over islands seized by Soviet forces at the end of World War Two. The dispute has kept Moscow and Tokyo from signing a peace treaty. "Putin is just playing the game," a former senior Japanese diplomat said while adding that even a small breakthrough in the dispute would be a "great success" for Abe. Any meeting between Abe and Kim Jong Un would be tricky, and forecasts that one will happen are premature, another ruling party lawmaker said. To gain kudos, Abe needs progress on the emotive issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea decades ago, but North Korea would likely want economic aid in return. Japan's stance, however, has been that aid can only be resumed if the two countries normalise diplomatic relations, which depends on the North abandoning its nuclear and missile programmes as well as resolving the abductee issue.

Turning to diplomacy, Japan's Abe hopes to change channel from scandal woes

Nearly half of Japanese voters believe Prime Minister Shinzo Abe should quit to take responsibility over a cronyism scandal and cover-up that have sent his support sliding, according to an opinion poll released on Monday.

Suspicions have arisen about a sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to a nationalist school operator with ties to Abe's wife, Akie, setting off the biggest political crisis Abe has faced since returning to power in 2012 and prompting protestors to call almost nightly for him to quit.

Abe has denied that either he or his wife intervened in the sale or were involved in altering documents related to the deal, in which mention of his and Akie's names were removed.&nbsp;

According to a public opinion survey covered by the liberal Asahi newspaper at the weekend, 48 percent of those polled said Abe and his government should quit, compared to 39 percent who said that wasn't necessary.

Those who said they supported Abe slid to 32.6 percent, down 11.7 percentage points from a month ago, while those who said they did not rose 13.2 percentage points to 54.9 percent.

Asked why they supported him, the largest number - 37.8 percent - said it was because his government "seems better than others," a reflection of the fragmented opposition and voter memories of the rocky tenure of the rival Democratic Party of Japan, one part of the reason Abe has managed to stay in power as long as he has.

No margin of error was given for the poll, in which 66.7 percent of 1,606 people contacted responded.

Asked about the land sale scandal in a parliamentary committee on Monday, Abe reiterated that as head of the government he was responsible for voters losing trust in his administration but repeated his denial that either he or his wife had been directly involved in the land sale.

According to a public opinion survey, 48 percent of those polled said Abe and his government should quit

Nearly half of Japanese voters believe Prime Minister Shinzo Abe should quit to take responsibility over a cronyism scandal and cover-up that have sent his support sliding, according to an opinion poll released on Monday. Suspicions have arisen about a sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to a nationalist school operator with ties to Abe's wife, Akie, setting off the biggest political crisis Abe has faced since returning to power in 2012 and prompting protestors to call almost nightly for him to quit. Abe has denied that either he or his wife intervened in the sale or were involved in altering documents related to the deal, in which mention of his and Akie's names were removed. According to a public opinion survey covered by the liberal Asahi newspaper at the weekend, 48 percent of those polled said Abe and his government should quit, compared to 39 percent who said that wasn't necessary. Those who said they supported Abe slid to 32.6 percent, down 11.7 percentage points from a month ago, while those who said they did not rose 13.2 percentage points to 54.9 percent. Asked why they supported him, the largest number - 37.8 percent - said it was because his government "seems better than others," a reflection of the fragmented opposition and voter memories of the rocky tenure of the rival Democratic Party of Japan, one part of the reason Abe has managed to stay in power as long as he has. No margin of error was given for the poll, in which 66.7 percent of 1,606 people contacted responded. Asked about the land sale scandal in a parliamentary committee on Monday, Abe reiterated that as head of the government he was responsible for voters losing trust in his administration but repeated his denial that either he or his wife had been directly involved in the land sale.

Nearly half of Japanese think Abe should quit over land sale scandal

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has once again come under fire regarding the cronyism and document tampering scandal on Monday.

Certain specific groups across Japan staged multiple protests demanding the resignation of Abe for his wife Akie Abe&#39;s alleged involvement in a kindergarten scandal.

Abe on Monday accepted the blame for the scandal which involved the tampering of certain official documents.

As per the Straits Times, Abe said that his superiors had told him to change certain background section of official documents Osaka land sale as they were supposedly too specific. He also said that he did not act alone but along with the instructions given by Finance Ministry.

&quot;The ultimate responsibility lies with me as the head of the administrative branch. I would like to apologise once again,&quot; Abe told Parliament. &quot;We take seriously the fact that this is a situation that has shaken public confidence in the entire administration.&quot;

Japan&#39;s Finance Ministry admitted last week that 14 documents about the Kindergarten land deal were found to be tampered with and the land was sold with the help of the Prime Minister&#39;s wife at lower rates.

Further on Monday another set of papers surfaced which showed a range of price negotiations done in regard to the dubious land deal which had been removed from the papers submitted to the parliament earlier.

In response to it, Abe denied of being involved in the forgeries conducted and said he &#39;had no clue of the documents&#39; existence to begin with.

The scandal centres around a 2016 purchase of a state-owned land at Osaka in Japan which had been sold at one-tenth of its actual price to a person named Yasunori Kagoike to build a kindergarten school.

As per certain media reports, Akie Abe had facilitated Kagoike to purchase the land illegally at a lower price thus inviting charges under cronyism which includes partially awarding jobs and other political advantages to the relatives.

Further Kagoike also claimed to receive &yen;1 million donations from Akie Abe for the development of the school, a claim which has been strenuously denied by Shinzo Abe.

Abe had also been accused of giving preferential treatment to a kinder school operator named Kake Gakuen who allegedly opened a veterinary school with the funds meant for the play school.

As the scandal unfolded National Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa who presided over the Financial Bureau at the time of the tampering resigned on March 9 the same day when a bureau official committed suicide who was also a part of the investigation team.

There had also been reports that a politician of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party earlier pressurised an education board to provide details of a lecture that was scheduled to be delivered by the whistle-blower of the kindergarten scandal.

Abe on Monday accepted the blame for the scandal which involved the tampering of certain official documents

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has once again come under fire regarding the cronyism and document tampering scandal on Monday. Certain specific groups across Japan staged multiple protests demanding the resignation of Abe for his wife Akie Abe's alleged involvement in a kindergarten scandal. Abe on Monday accepted the blame for the scandal which involved the tampering of certain official documents. As per the Straits Times, Abe said that his superiors had told him to change certain background section of official documents Osaka land sale as they were supposedly too specific. He also said that he did not act alone but along with the instructions given by Finance Ministry. "The ultimate responsibility lies with me as the head of the administrative branch. I would like to apologise once again," Abe told Parliament. "We take seriously the fact that this is a situation that has shaken public confidence in the entire administration." Japan's Finance Ministry admitted last week that 14 documents about the Kindergarten land deal were found to be tampered with and the land was sold with the help of the Prime Minister's wife at lower rates. Further on Monday another set of papers surfaced which showed a range of price negotiations done in regard to the dubious land deal which had been removed from the papers submitted to the parliament earlier. In response to it, Abe denied of being involved in the forgeries conducted and said he 'had no clue of the documents' existence to begin with. The scandal centres around a 2016 purchase of a state-owned land at Osaka in Japan which had been sold at one-tenth of its actual price to a person named Yasunori Kagoike to build a kindergarten school. As per certain media reports, Akie Abe had facilitated Kagoike to purchase the land illegally at a lower price thus inviting charges under cronyism which includes partially awarding jobs and other political advantages to the relatives. Further Kagoike also claimed to receive ¥1 million donations from Akie Abe for the development of the school, a claim which has been strenuously denied by Shinzo Abe. Abe had also been accused of giving preferential treatment to a kinder school operator named Kake Gakuen who allegedly opened a veterinary school with the funds meant for the play school. As the scandal unfolded National Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa who presided over the Financial Bureau at the time of the tampering resigned on March 9 the same day when a bureau official committed suicide who was also a part of the investigation team. There had also been reports that a politician of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party earlier pressurised an education board to provide details of a lecture that was scheduled to be delivered by the whistle-blower of the kindergarten scandal.

Shinzo Abe under fire over Kindergarten scandal

Japan has launched a new high-speed bullet train. The brand new Shinkansen N700S, also known as Shinkansen &#39;Supreme&#39;, will run between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka after debuting in the year 2020.&nbsp;

Shinkansen has been rolled out by the Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) and will operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.

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Japan: New ???????????? &#39;Supreme&rsquo; Shinkansen ????????????unveiled prior to 2020 debut <a href="https://t.co/QlxFEbSifR">https://t.co/QlxFEbSifR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/onlyjapan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#onlyjapan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/n700s?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#n700s</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E6%96%B0%E5%B9%B9%E7%B7%9A?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#新幹線</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/N700%E7%B3%BB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#N700系</a> <a href="https://t.co/03DrhyZcEt">pic.twitter.com/03DrhyZcEt</a>
&mdash; Chris P King ???? (@TheTrainHacker) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTrainHacker/status/974984953879506944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Shinkansen test runs are likely to begin this month.

The N700S boasts of a trendier, sleeker look and less noise when compared to the previous models.&nbsp;

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Shinkansen trains in Japan are so cool! <a href="https://t.co/grCv6cmY8p">pic.twitter.com/grCv6cmY8p</a>
&mdash; John Schuzer (@JSchuzer) <a href="https://twitter.com/JSchuzer/status/974207962913718272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The train will have 16-car bogie and is estimated to be around 11 tons lighter than the older variants. The train will run at the maximum speed of 300km per hour.

Shinkansen will have all passenger seats equipped with power sockets for charging electronic devices and enhanced leg space for passengers travelling in first class.&nbsp;

Shinkansen test runs are likely to begin this month

Japan has launched a new high-speed bullet train. The brand new Shinkansen N700S, also known as Shinkansen 'Supreme', will run between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka after debuting in the year 2020. Shinkansen has been rolled out by the Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) and will operate on the Tokaido Shinkansen line. Japan: New ???????????? 'Supreme’ Shinkansen ????????????unveiled prior to 2020 debut https://t.co/QlxFEbSifR #tth #onlyjapan #n700s #新幹線 #N700系 pic.twitter.com/03DrhyZcEt — Chris P King ???? (@TheTrainHacker) March 17, 2018 × Shinkansen test runs are likely to begin this month. The N700S boasts of a trendier, sleeker look and less noise when compared to the previous models. Shinkansen trains in Japan are so cool! pic.twitter.com/grCv6cmY8p — John Schuzer (@JSchuzer) March 15, 2018 × The train will have 16-car bogie and is estimated to be around 11 tons lighter than the older variants. The train will run at the maximum speed of 300km per hour. Shinkansen will have all passenger seats equipped with power sockets for charging electronic devices and enhanced leg space for passengers travelling in first class.

Watch: 'Supreme' bullet train gets launched in Japan

Most Japanese think Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bears some responsibility for altered documents at the centre of suspicions of a cover-up linked to cronyism, according to opinion polls on Sunday, with one showing his support falling to the lowest of his tenure.&nbsp;

In his worst crisis since taking office in 2012, Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso have been under fire since the finance ministry said on March 12 it had altered records relating to a discounted sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which had ties to Abe&#39;s wife, Akie.&nbsp;

References to Abe, his wife, and Aso were removed from the finance ministry&#39;s records of the sale, copies of documents released by the ministry showed. Both men have denied any wrongdoing in the affair.&nbsp;

But 66.1 percent of respondents to a poll conducted by Kyodo news agency on Saturday and Sunday said they felt the premier had some responsibility for the altered documents. Only 25.8 percent said they thought he didn&#39;t.&nbsp;

A Mainichi Shimbun poll similarly found 68 percent believe Abe bears responsibility. The newspaper didn&#39;t say how many disagreed.

Protesters have flocked to the streets by the prime minister&#39;s office every night since the ministry admitted altering the documents, with some 2,000 on Friday calling for Abe and Aso to resign.&nbsp;

A Nippon TV poll found Abe&rsquo;s support crumbling some 14 percentage points from last month to 30 percent, the lowest for that poll in Abe&rsquo;s more than five years in office and less than half the peak of 66 percent in April 2013, when his easy-money &ldquo;Abenomics&rdquo; policies were dramatically starting to lift Japan out of decades of deflation.

Respondents not supporting Abe jumped 16 points to 53 percent in the survey conducted over the weekend, also a record for the Nippon TV poll.

In the Mainichi poll, Abe&rsquo;s support fell 12 points to 33 percent, while those not supporting him climbed 15 points to 47 percent. The Kyodo poll showed Abe&#39;s support slipping by 9.4 percent to 38.7 percent in the past two weeks, while 48.2 percent said they did not support him.&nbsp;

Opposition parties are calling for Aso to resign, while the affair could dash Abe&#39;s hopes of winning a third three-year term as head of his Liberal Democratic Party in a September party leadership election. Abe took office in December 2012.

The Nippon TV poll found 61 percent believe Aso should resign, about double the 29 percent who don&#39;t think he should. In the Mainichi poll, 54 percent favoured resignation versus 32 percent who did not think he should step down.&nbsp;

Aso has repeatedly refused to resign and has said the responsibility for the land sale lay with Nobuhisa Sagawa, who stepped down as tax chief ten days ago. Sagawa headed the division that submitted the documents before he became tax agency chief in July.

Almost two-thirds in the Nippon TV poll think Finance Ministry officials doctored the documents either because of political pressure or to anticipate what the Abe administration wanted. Just 14 percent of those polled accepted the official explanation that the alterations were meant to match the parliamentary testimony of a senior ministry official on the matter.

Aso is skipping a meeting of G20 finance leaders this week. A ruling party source told Reuters this was so he can address parliament on Monday about the scandal.&nbsp;

Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso have been under fire since the finance ministry said on March 12 it had altered records relating to a discounted sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which had ties to Abe's wife

Most Japanese think Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bears some responsibility for altered documents at the centre of suspicions of a cover-up linked to cronyism, according to opinion polls on Sunday, with one showing his support falling to the lowest of his tenure. In his worst crisis since taking office in 2012, Abe and Finance Minister Taro Aso have been under fire since the finance ministry said on March 12 it had altered records relating to a discounted sale of state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which had ties to Abe's wife, Akie. References to Abe, his wife, and Aso were removed from the finance ministry's records of the sale, copies of documents released by the ministry showed. Both men have denied any wrongdoing in the affair. But 66.1 percent of respondents to a poll conducted by Kyodo news agency on Saturday and Sunday said they felt the premier had some responsibility for the altered documents. Only 25.8 percent said they thought he didn't. A Mainichi Shimbun poll similarly found 68 percent believe Abe bears responsibility. The newspaper didn't say how many disagreed. Protesters have flocked to the streets by the prime minister's office every night since the ministry admitted altering the documents, with some 2,000 on Friday calling for Abe and Aso to resign. A Nippon TV poll found Abe’s support crumbling some 14 percentage points from last month to 30 percent, the lowest for that poll in Abe’s more than five years in office and less than half the peak of 66 percent in April 2013, when his easy-money “Abenomics” policies were dramatically starting to lift Japan out of decades of deflation. Respondents not supporting Abe jumped 16 points to 53 percent in the survey conducted over the weekend, also a record for the Nippon TV poll. In the Mainichi poll, Abe’s support fell 12 points to 33 percent, while those not supporting him climbed 15 points to 47 percent. The Kyodo poll showed Abe's support slipping by 9.4 percent to 38.7 percent in the past two weeks, while 48.2 percent said they did not support him. Opposition parties are calling for Aso to resign, while the affair could dash Abe's hopes of winning a third three-year term as head of his Liberal Democratic Party in a September party leadership election. Abe took office in December 2012. The Nippon TV poll found 61 percent believe Aso should resign, about double the 29 percent who don't think he should. In the Mainichi poll, 54 percent favoured resignation versus 32 percent who did not think he should step down. Aso has repeatedly refused to resign and has said the responsibility for the land sale lay with Nobuhisa Sagawa, who stepped down as tax chief ten days ago. Sagawa headed the division that submitted the documents before he became tax agency chief in July. Almost two-thirds in the Nippon TV poll think Finance Ministry officials doctored the documents either because of political pressure or to anticipate what the Abe administration wanted. Just 14 percent of those polled accepted the official explanation that the alterations were meant to match the parliamentary testimony of a senior ministry official on the matter. Aso is skipping a meeting of G20 finance leaders this week. A ruling party source told Reuters this was so he can address parliament on Monday about the scandal.

Most Japanese think PM Abe bears responsibility for scandal

World No. 1 Simona Halep punched her ticket to the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 win over Croatia&#39;s Petra Martic on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old Halep improved to 18-1 on the season and is looking to win her second WTA Tour title of 2018.

Halep, of Romania, needed two hours and 23 minutes to put Martic away under taxing conditions as strong winds swirled around the main stadium court.

&quot;It was difficult conditions to play in today because of the wind,&quot; she said. &quot;It was tough to play, because the ball was really moving.

&quot;But I just tried everything. I tried also to push a little bit the ball and then to hit it. I tried to mix it up. Was not easy at all. For both of us it was difficult.&quot;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> finds the edge of the line after ???? this backhand! <a href="https://t.co/4SqPg4yVLF">pic.twitter.com/4SqPg4yVLF</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974172594378346496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Halep moves on to the semi-finals where she will face Japan&#39;s Naomi Osaka who beat fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-3.&nbsp;

Halep is guaranteed to hold onto her No. 1 ranking at the end of this event after world number two Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated on Tuesday.

Halep blasted two aces and broke Martic&#39;s serve four times.

&quot;I just fought and that&#39;s maybe why I won because I refuse to lose,&quot; Halep said.

Halep won the final five games of the third set after being broken once and falling behind 3-1 early.

The turning point in the third set came for Halep after she won a challenge in the eighth game with Martic holding serve. On the very next point Martic hit a forehand wide as Halep took the game and a 5-3 set lead.

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Can you say <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SemiSimona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SemiSimona</a>?<a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> recaps her hard-fought <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a> quarterfinal victory! <a href="https://t.co/vjsfbMHSOz">pic.twitter.com/vjsfbMHSOz</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974136663625687040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Halep then served for the match, winning five of the final six points after the challenge. &nbsp;

Halep said her early struggles in the final set were from nerves and frustration with the playing conditions.

&quot;I calmed myself down a little bit more, and I just was more focused on what I have to do, and not thinking that much about the wind and what is going on on court.&nbsp;

&quot;I just fought till the end, and I think that&#39;s why I could win.&quot;

Halep is seeking her second Indian Wells title after beating Jelena Jankovic in 2015.

In the evening session, world No. 44 Osaka broke Pliskova&#39;s serve six times in her 78-minute upset on the main stadium court.

&quot;I returned the ball well,&quot; said Osaka. &quot;She is one of the best servers on tour and I was able to break her quite a few times so I am really happy about that.&quot;

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.<a href="https://twitter.com/Naomi_Osaka_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Naomi_Osaka_</a> continues her stellar run at <a href="https://twitter.com/BNPPARIBASOPEN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BNPPARIBASOPEN</a>! 
 
Upsets Pliskova, 6-2, 6-3 to reach first Premier Mandatory semifinal of her career! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BNPPO18?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BNPPO18</a> <a href="https://t.co/xH1njVqn3O">pic.twitter.com/xH1njVqn3O</a>
&mdash; WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/974150630322221056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pliskova, who reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in January, smashed five aces but made six double faults.

Pliskova was trying to reach the semi-finals in this event for the third consecutive year.

&quot;Everything was a little bit off from my side,&quot; Pliskova said. &quot;She was playing very well. Hitting her spots, forehands, even the backhands.&nbsp;

&quot;I just battling all the way, even in serving and returning. I was definitely not feeling the best.&quot;

&nbsp;

Japan's Naomi Osaka outplayed fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova to book a berth in the semi-final

World No. 1 Simona Halep punched her ticket to the Indian Wells semi-finals with a 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-3 win over Croatia's Petra Martic on Wednesday. The 26-year-old Halep improved to 18-1 on the season and is looking to win her second WTA Tour title of 2018. Halep, of Romania, needed two hours and 23 minutes to put Martic away under taxing conditions as strong winds swirled around the main stadium court. "It was difficult conditions to play in today because of the wind," she said. "It was tough to play, because the ball was really moving. "But I just tried everything. I tried also to push a little bit the ball and then to hit it. I tried to mix it up. Was not easy at all. For both of us it was difficult." .@Simona_Halep finds the edge of the line after ???? this backhand! pic.twitter.com/4SqPg4yVLF — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Halep moves on to the semi-finals where she will face Japan's Naomi Osaka who beat fifth-seeded Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-3. Halep is guaranteed to hold onto her No. 1 ranking at the end of this event after world number two Caroline Wozniacki was eliminated on Tuesday. Halep blasted two aces and broke Martic's serve four times. "I just fought and that's maybe why I won because I refuse to lose," Halep said. Halep won the final five games of the third set after being broken once and falling behind 3-1 early. The turning point in the third set came for Halep after she won a challenge in the eighth game with Martic holding serve. On the very next point Martic hit a forehand wide as Halep took the game and a 5-3 set lead. Can you say #SemiSimona?@Simona_Halep recaps her hard-fought @BNPPARIBASOPEN quarterfinal victory! pic.twitter.com/vjsfbMHSOz — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Halep then served for the match, winning five of the final six points after the challenge. Halep said her early struggles in the final set were from nerves and frustration with the playing conditions. "I calmed myself down a little bit more, and I just was more focused on what I have to do, and not thinking that much about the wind and what is going on on court. "I just fought till the end, and I think that's why I could win." Halep is seeking her second Indian Wells title after beating Jelena Jankovic in 2015. In the evening session, world No. 44 Osaka broke Pliskova's serve six times in her 78-minute upset on the main stadium court. "I returned the ball well," said Osaka. "She is one of the best servers on tour and I was able to break her quite a few times so I am really happy about that." .@Naomi_Osaka_ continues her stellar run at @BNPPARIBASOPEN! Upsets Pliskova, 6-2, 6-3 to reach first Premier Mandatory semifinal of her career! #BNPPO18 pic.twitter.com/xH1njVqn3O — WTA (@WTA) March 15, 2018 × Pliskova, who reached the quarter-finals at the Australian Open in January, smashed five aces but made six double faults. Pliskova was trying to reach the semi-finals in this event for the third consecutive year. "Everything was a little bit off from my side," Pliskova said. "She was playing very well. Hitting her spots, forehands, even the backhands. "I just battling all the way, even in serving and returning. I was definitely not feeling the best."

Simona Halep to face Japan's Naomi Osaka in semi-final of Indian Wells

Japan is considering a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, local media reported, as diplomatic efforts to engage Pyongyang ramp up.

The reports come after the surprise announcement that US President Donald Trump plans his own talks with the North Korean leader, part of fast-paced diplomatic developments following an Olympic detente.

However, there have been no public proposals of talks by either Pyongyang or Tokyo.&nbsp;

Japan&#39;s Kyodo news agency reported a potential Abe-Kim summit late Tuesday, citing unnamed government sources who said the talks could be part of a new approach by Tokyo to dealing with the North.

Hours later, Jiji Press reported a similar story, saying Tokyo fears being left behind in dealing with the North if talks proceed between the isolated nation and South Korea and Washington without Japan&#39;s involvement.

&nbsp;A&nbsp;foreign ministry spokeswoman said she could not confirm any concrete plans for a summit.

But she added &quot;we will be studying our policies from the viewpoint of what is most effective&quot; to resolve the issues of North Korea&#39;s nuclear and missile programmes as well as the abduction of Japanese citizens by Pyongyang.

Earlier this week, South Korean envoy Suh Hoon visited Tokyo to brief Japan&#39;s leadership on the fast-moving diplomatic process that saw an announcement last week of a historic US-North Korea summit to discuss Pyongyang&#39;s denuclearisation.

Suh, the chief of South Korea&#39;s National Intelligence Service, on Tuesday met with Abe but it was unclear if he brought a message from the North Korean leader to propose a summit with Japan.

Media reports and experts say Tokyo fears it may be left out of developments around North Korea, and worries that the issue of abducted Japanese citizens is being sidelined.

But the possibility of an Abe-Kim summit also comes as the Japanese premier faces a growing scandal at home over the sale of government land to one of his supporters, and an apparent cover-up of the deal by the finance ministry.

Abe rose to political prominence on his calls for a tough line on North Korea, particularly over its abductions of Japanese citizens.

Japan, a close US ally in the region, is in the &nbsp;firing line of North Korean missiles and saw two fly over its territory in 2017, sparking outrage and lifting tensions to fever pitch.

The last Japanese prime minister to meet a North Korean leader was Junichiro Koizumi, who met Kim&#39;s father Kim Jung Il in Pyongyang in 2004.

Japan is considering a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un

Japan is considering a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, local media reported, as diplomatic efforts to engage Pyongyang ramp up. The reports come after the surprise announcement that US President Donald Trump plans his own talks with the North Korean leader, part of fast-paced diplomatic developments following an Olympic detente. However, there have been no public proposals of talks by either Pyongyang or Tokyo. Japan's Kyodo news agency reported a potential Abe-Kim summit late Tuesday, citing unnamed government sources who said the talks could be part of a new approach by Tokyo to dealing with the North. Hours later, Jiji Press reported a similar story, saying Tokyo fears being left behind in dealing with the North if talks proceed between the isolated nation and South Korea and Washington without Japan's involvement. A foreign ministry spokeswoman said she could not confirm any concrete plans for a summit. But she added "we will be studying our policies from the viewpoint of what is most effective" to resolve the issues of North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes as well as the abduction of Japanese citizens by Pyongyang. Earlier this week, South Korean envoy Suh Hoon visited Tokyo to brief Japan's leadership on the fast-moving diplomatic process that saw an announcement last week of a historic US-North Korea summit to discuss Pyongyang's denuclearisation. Suh, the chief of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, on Tuesday met with Abe but it was unclear if he brought a message from the North Korean leader to propose a summit with Japan. Media reports and experts say Tokyo fears it may be left out of developments around North Korea, and worries that the issue of abducted Japanese citizens is being sidelined. But the possibility of an Abe-Kim summit also comes as the Japanese premier faces a growing scandal at home over the sale of government land to one of his supporters, and an apparent cover-up of the deal by the finance ministry. Abe rose to political prominence on his calls for a tough line on North Korea, particularly over its abductions of Japanese citizens. Japan, a close US ally in the region, is in the firing line of North Korean missiles and saw two fly over its territory in 2017, sparking outrage and lifting tensions to fever pitch. The last Japanese prime minister to meet a North Korean leader was Junichiro Koizumi, who met Kim's father Kim Jung Il in Pyongyang in 2004.

Japan's Abe weighing talks with North Korea's Kim: Reports

Japan&#39;s Finance Minister, Taro Aso, may skip the G20 meeting to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina next week. Finance leaders from 20 nations will gather at Argentina&#39;s capital city among leaders from across the world.&nbsp;

Aso&#39;s uncertainty on attending the meeting looms in the wake of a cronyism scandal that has paralysed the parliamentary undertakings in the country. Masatsugu Asakawa, Japan&#39;s top financial diplomat, would attend the G20 meeting instead.

Premier Shinzo Abe and Aso, who is his close ally, are under pressure after the finance ministry announced that it had altered records of a discounted sale of state-owned land to a school operator with ties to Abe&#39;s wife.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Masatsugu Asakawa, Japan's top financial diplomat, would attend the G20 meeting instead

Japan's Finance Minister, Taro Aso, may skip the G20 meeting to be held in Buenos Aires, Argentina next week. Finance leaders from 20 nations will gather at Argentina's capital city among leaders from across the world. Aso's uncertainty on attending the meeting looms in the wake of a cronyism scandal that has paralysed the parliamentary undertakings in the country. Masatsugu Asakawa, Japan's top financial diplomat, would attend the G20 meeting instead. Premier Shinzo Abe and Aso, who is his close ally, are under pressure after the finance ministry announced that it had altered records of a discounted sale of state-owned land to a school operator with ties to Abe's wife. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid cronyism scandal, Japan's Finance Minister to skip G20 meeting

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The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended indefinitely till the judgement is pronounced the compulsory linking of Aadhaar numbers with bank accounts and mobile phones.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-ousts-secretary-of-state-tillerson-cia-director-mike-pompeo-to-take-over-from-him-35689" target="_blank">Trump ousts Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, CIA director Mike Pompeo to take over from him</a>

US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that that CIA Director was taking over from Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State.&nbsp;Trump added that Gina Haspel would lead the CIA.&nbsp;

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At least nine CRPF personnel were killed and three others injured when Maoists blew up an anti-landmine vehicle in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, said a senior police official.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-bidya-devi-bhandari-re-elected-to-second-term-in-office-35685" target="_blank">Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari re-elected to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-bidya-devi-bhandari-re-elected-to-second-term-in-office-35685" target="_blank">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-president-bidya-devi-bhandari-re-elected-to-second-term-in-office-35685" target="_blank"> term in office</a>

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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/japan-considers-seeking-summit-between-pm-abe-and-north-korea-leader-source-35690" target="_blank">Japan considers seeking summit between PM Abe and North Korea leader: Source</a>

Japan is considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago, a government source who was briefed on the matter said on Tuesday.&#39;

&nbsp;

Supreme Court: Compulsory linking of Aadhaar with bank accounts, mobiles extended indefinitely The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended indefinitely till the judgement is pronounced the compulsory linking of Aadhaar numbers with bank accounts and mobile phones. Trump ousts Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, CIA director Mike Pompeo to take over from him US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that that CIA Director was taking over from Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State. Trump added that Gina Haspel would lead the CIA. Nine CRPF jawans killed in Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh's Sukma district At least nine CRPF personnel were killed and three others injured when Maoists blew up an anti-landmine vehicle in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, said a senior police official. Nepal President Bidya Devi Bhandari re-elected to second term in office Nepal's first woman president Bidya Devi Bhandari was today re-elected for a second term in office. Incumbent President Bhandari defeated Nepali Congress leader Kumari Laxmi Rai with an overwhelming majority in the presidential election. Japan considers seeking summit between PM Abe and North Korea leader: Source Japan is considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago, a government source who was briefed on the matter said on Tuesday.'

WION Evening News Brief, March 13, 2018

Japan is considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago, a government source who was briefed on the matter said on Tuesday.&#39;

He declined to be identified because he is not authorised to speak to the media. A spokesman for the prime minister`s office had no immediate comment.

Abe has made the abductions a keystone of his political career and has said he would not rest until all 13 of the people North Korea admitted to kidnapping have returned and divulges information about the others Japan suspects were taken to train North Korean spies.

A spokesman for the prime minister`s office had no immediate comment.

Japan is considering seeking a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents decades ago, a government source who was briefed on the matter said on Tuesday.' He declined to be identified because he is not authorised to speak to the media. A spokesman for the prime minister`s office had no immediate comment. Abe has made the abductions a keystone of his political career and has said he would not rest until all 13 of the people North Korea admitted to kidnapping have returned and divulges information about the others Japan suspects were taken to train North Korean spies.

Japan considers seeking summit between PM Abe and North Korea leader: Source

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his ally, Finance Minister Taro Aso, face mounting pressure over a suspected cronyism scandal as the finance ministry prepares to report on Monday that documents in the case were doctored.

Abe, now in his sixth year in office, had hoped to put the issue of the sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to a school operator with ties to his wife, Akie, behind him. But it has gathered steam with a series of fresh revelations.

A source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Saturday the finance ministry planned to report to parliament on Monday that it had found instances where content was deleted from documents submitted to lawmakers. The source spoke on condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

&quot;If this is true, isn&#39;t political responsibility unavoidable?&quot; Akira Nagatsuma, a senior lawmaker in the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters on Sunday.

Abe has repeatedly denied he or his wife did favours for school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which bought the land and has said he would resign if evidence were found that they had. The issue last year sharply eroded Abe&#39;s popularity.

Former Moritomo Gakuen head Yasunori Kagoike and his wife were arrested in July on suspicion of illegally receiving subsidies.

On Friday, National Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa abruptly resigned over his remarks in parliament about the case.&nbsp;

Also on Friday, media said police were investigating as possible suicide the death of a finance ministry official whose local office had handled the land sale.&nbsp;

&quot;If Minister Aso signed off on National Tax Agency chief Sagawa&#39;s resignation knowing about the falsified documents, moves seeking his resignation are inevitable,&quot; Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, told reporters.

Suspicions of an attempted cover-up could slash Abe&#39;s ratings and dash his hopes of a third term as ruling Liberal Democratic Party leader. Victory in the LDP September leadership vote would put him on track to become Japan&#39;s longest-serving premier.

Critical blow

&quot;If Aso were forced out, it would be a critical blow to the prime minister, reinforcing the impression of a cover-up and depriving Abe of a key ally who has served as finance minister since December 2012,&quot; wrote Tobias Harris, vice president of consultancy Teneo Intelligence in an email report.

Sagawa headed the ministry division that submitted the documents before he was tapped as tax agency chief in July, appointment critics saw as a reward for his efforts to diffuse the issue with his statements to parliament last year.

Aso and Abe have both defended the appointment as &quot;appropriate&quot; and Aso has said he will not resign.

&quot;If these documents were falsified, the entire cabinet should resign,&quot; tweeted Mizuho Fukushima, a lawmaker with the tiny opposition Social Democratic Party. 
Abe, 63, swept back to power in December 2012 promising to revive the economy and bolster its defence.

It was a rare comeback for the conservative lawmaker, who quit abruptly in 2007 after a year in office marked by scandals in his cabinet, a deadlocked parliament and ill health.&nbsp;

His ruling bloc won a two-thirds &quot;super majority&quot; in an October lower house poll, helped by opposition disarray.&nbsp;

Former Moritomo Gakuen head Yasunori Kagoike and his wife were arrested in July on suspicion of illegally receiving subsidies

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his ally, Finance Minister Taro Aso, face mounting pressure over a suspected cronyism scandal as the finance ministry prepares to report on Monday that documents in the case were doctored. Abe, now in his sixth year in office, had hoped to put the issue of the sale of state-owned land at a huge discount to a school operator with ties to his wife, Akie, behind him. But it has gathered steam with a series of fresh revelations. A source with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Saturday the finance ministry planned to report to parliament on Monday that it had found instances where content was deleted from documents submitted to lawmakers. The source spoke on condition of anonymity. "If this is true, isn't political responsibility unavoidable?" Akira Nagatsuma, a senior lawmaker in the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, told reporters on Sunday. Abe has repeatedly denied he or his wife did favours for school operator Moritomo Gakuen, which bought the land and has said he would resign if evidence were found that they had. The issue last year sharply eroded Abe's popularity. Former Moritomo Gakuen head Yasunori Kagoike and his wife were arrested in July on suspicion of illegally receiving subsidies. On Friday, National Tax Agency chief Nobuhisa Sagawa abruptly resigned over his remarks in parliament about the case. Also on Friday, media said police were investigating as possible suicide the death of a finance ministry official whose local office had handled the land sale. "If Minister Aso signed off on National Tax Agency chief Sagawa's resignation knowing about the falsified documents, moves seeking his resignation are inevitable," Yuichiro Tamaki, leader of the opposition Democratic Party, told reporters. Suspicions of an attempted cover-up could slash Abe's ratings and dash his hopes of a third term as ruling Liberal Democratic Party leader. Victory in the LDP September leadership vote would put him on track to become Japan's longest-serving premier. Critical blow "If Aso were forced out, it would be a critical blow to the prime minister, reinforcing the impression of a cover-up and depriving Abe of a key ally who has served as finance minister since December 2012," wrote Tobias Harris, vice president of consultancy Teneo Intelligence in an email report. Sagawa headed the ministry division that submitted the documents before he was tapped as tax agency chief in July, appointment critics saw as a reward for his efforts to diffuse the issue with his statements to parliament last year. Aso and Abe have both defended the appointment as "appropriate" and Aso has said he will not resign. "If these documents were falsified, the entire cabinet should resign," tweeted Mizuho Fukushima, a lawmaker with the tiny opposition Social Democratic Party. Abe, 63, swept back to power in December 2012 promising to revive the economy and bolster its defence. It was a rare comeback for the conservative lawmaker, who quit abruptly in 2007 after a year in office marked by scandals in his cabinet, a deadlocked parliament and ill health. His ruling bloc won a two-thirds "super majority" in an October lower house poll, helped by opposition disarray.

Japan PM, finance minister face mounting pressure over suspected cronyism scandal

President Donald Trump predicted &quot;tremendous success&quot; today in upcoming groundbreaking talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, adding that the reclusive state had promised not to shoot missiles in the interim.

The comments came after the American leader said he has received encouragement from the leaders of China and Japan as he moves toward the high stakes summit, announced suddenly this week.

US President Donald Trump said on Saturday North Korea had agreed to not conduct another missile test until after proposed meetings with its leader, Kim Jong Un, had taken place, as he sought to rally international support for a potential summit.

&ldquo;North Korea has not conducted a Missile Test since November 28, 2017, and has promised not to do so through our meetings. I believe they will honor that commitment!&rdquo; Trump wrote on Twitter.

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North Korea has not conducted a Missile Test since November 28, 2017 and has promised not to do so through our meetings. I believe they will honor that commitment!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/972542173030879233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Also, after speaking with his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-chinese-president-helpful-on-kim-jong-un-meeting-35334">Japanese counterpart</a>, the US President posted on Twitter, &quot;Spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan, who is very enthusiastic about talks with North Korea. Also discussing opening up Japan to much better trade with the US.&nbsp;Currently, have a massive $100 Billion Trade Deficit. Not fair or sustainable. It will all work out!&quot;

Trump also took to Twitter on Saturday to characterize the leaders of China and Japan as supportive of the potential dialogue, even as he did little to clear up confusion over the timing of any talks and what preconditions would be required.

&ldquo;President XI told me he appreciates that the US&nbsp;is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative,&rdquo; Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping. &ldquo;China continues to be helpful!&rdquo;

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Spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan, who is very enthusiastic about talks with North Korea. Also discussing opening up Japan to much better trade with the U.S. Currently have a massive $100 Billion Trade Deficit. Not fair or sustainable. It will all work out!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/972523294233710593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Following Trump&#39;s nod to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Abe announced that he will be visiting the US to discuss North Korea with the US President.

Trump&rsquo;s apparently impromptu decision to begin setting up talks contrasts with Kim&rsquo;s situation -- North Korea has prepared deliberately for decades for a meeting with the sitting US president as a major step toward gaining international legitimacy.

Late on Friday Trump wrote that a deal with North Korea &ldquo;is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined.&rdquo;

The Twitter posts followed a news briefing by White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders on Friday where she said Trump would not have a meeting &ldquo;without seeing concrete steps and concrete actions take place by North Korea, so the president will actually be getting something.&rdquo;

Kim had earlier invited Trump to join him for what would be unprecedented talks between leaders of the two nations.

The comments came after the American leader said he has received encouragement from the leaders of China and Japan as he moves toward the high stakes summit, announced suddenly this week

President Donald Trump predicted "tremendous success" today in upcoming groundbreaking talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, adding that the reclusive state had promised not to shoot missiles in the interim. The comments came after the American leader said he has received encouragement from the leaders of China and Japan as he moves toward the high stakes summit, announced suddenly this week. US President Donald Trump said on Saturday North Korea had agreed to not conduct another missile test until after proposed meetings with its leader, Kim Jong Un, had taken place, as he sought to rally international support for a potential summit. “North Korea has not conducted a Missile Test since November 28, 2017, and has promised not to do so through our meetings. I believe they will honor that commitment!” Trump wrote on Twitter. North Korea has not conducted a Missile Test since November 28, 2017 and has promised not to do so through our meetings. I believe they will honor that commitment! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 10, 2018 × Also, after speaking with his Japanese counterpart, the US President posted on Twitter, "Spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan, who is very enthusiastic about talks with North Korea. Also discussing opening up Japan to much better trade with the US. Currently, have a massive $100 Billion Trade Deficit. Not fair or sustainable. It will all work out!" Trump also took to Twitter on Saturday to characterize the leaders of China and Japan as supportive of the potential dialogue, even as he did little to clear up confusion over the timing of any talks and what preconditions would be required. “President XI told me he appreciates that the US is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative,” Trump wrote on Twitter, referring to Chinese President Xi Jinping. “China continues to be helpful!” Spoke to Prime Minister Abe of Japan, who is very enthusiastic about talks with North Korea. Also discussing opening up Japan to much better trade with the U.S. Currently have a massive $100 Billion Trade Deficit. Not fair or sustainable. It will all work out! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 10, 2018 × Following Trump's nod to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Abe announced that he will be visiting the US to discuss North Korea with the US President. Trump’s apparently impromptu decision to begin setting up talks contrasts with Kim’s situation -- North Korea has prepared deliberately for decades for a meeting with the sitting US president as a major step toward gaining international legitimacy. Late on Friday Trump wrote that a deal with North Korea “is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined.” The Twitter posts followed a news briefing by White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders on Friday where she said Trump would not have a meeting “without seeing concrete steps and concrete actions take place by North Korea, so the president will actually be getting something.” Kim had earlier invited Trump to join him for what would be unprecedented talks between leaders of the two nations.

Trump optimistic about N Korea talks, says 'it'll work out'

Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzō Abe, on Friday, welcomed the announcement of the meet between US President Donald Trump and his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un.

&quot;I highly appreciate North Korea`s change that it will begin talks on the premise of denuclearisation,&quot; Shinzo Abe said, adding that he planned to visit the United States to meet Trump &quot;as early as April&quot;.

Japan has been cautious about a recent Olympics-driven rapprochement on the Korean peninsula. The Japanese Prime Minister noted on Thursday that &quot;talks for the sake of talks are meaningless.&quot;

Abe sounded positive about the planned Trump-Kim summit. He also described the event as &quot;the achievement of cooperation between... Japan, the US, and South Korea to maintain great pressure&quot;.

&quot;We will keep putting maximum pressure (on North Korea) until North Korea takes concrete actions toward denuclearisation in a manner that is perfect, verifiable and irreversible.&quot;

According to Abe, there is no change in policy for Japan and the US.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Japan has been cautious about a recent Olympics-driven rapprochement on the Korean peninsula

Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzō Abe, on Friday, welcomed the announcement of the meet between US President Donald Trump and his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong Un. "I highly appreciate North Korea`s change that it will begin talks on the premise of denuclearisation," Shinzo Abe said, adding that he planned to visit the United States to meet Trump "as early as April". Japan has been cautious about a recent Olympics-driven rapprochement on the Korean peninsula. The Japanese Prime Minister noted on Thursday that "talks for the sake of talks are meaningless." Abe sounded positive about the planned Trump-Kim summit. He also described the event as "the achievement of cooperation between... Japan, the US, and South Korea to maintain great pressure". "We will keep putting maximum pressure (on North Korea) until North Korea takes concrete actions toward denuclearisation in a manner that is perfect, verifiable and irreversible." According to Abe, there is no change in policy for Japan and the US. (With inputs from ANI)

Japan's Prime Minister hails and welcomes Trump-Kim summit 

Japan`s financial regulator on Thursday punished seven cryptocurrency exchanges, suspending business at the two of them, in an effort to shore up consumer protection after the $530 million theft of digital money from Tokyo-based Coincheck.

A senior official at the Financial Services Agency told reporters at a briefing on Thursday it had confirmed Coincheck had funding to reimburse its customers for digital NEM coins stolen from its exchange. It said the company would announce details of its reimbursement plan later in the day.

The regulator issued business improvement orders to Coincheck and six other exchanges, saying the seven exchanges lacked the proper and required internal control systems.

It ordered the suspension of operations at two of them, Bit Station and FSHO, for one month starting Thursday.

FSA said a senior employee at Bit Station was found to have used customers` bitcoin for the person`s own purposes. The agency said the exchange, which has been allowed to operate on a provisional basis, dropped its application to become an authorised exchange.

Bit Station, FSHO and Coincheck did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.

The FSA said Coincheck lacked a proper internal control system for risks such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

The FSA said Coincheck lacked a proper internal control system

Japan`s financial regulator on Thursday punished seven cryptocurrency exchanges, suspending business at the two of them, in an effort to shore up consumer protection after the $530 million theft of digital money from Tokyo-based Coincheck. A senior official at the Financial Services Agency told reporters at a briefing on Thursday it had confirmed Coincheck had funding to reimburse its customers for digital NEM coins stolen from its exchange. It said the company would announce details of its reimbursement plan later in the day. The regulator issued business improvement orders to Coincheck and six other exchanges, saying the seven exchanges lacked the proper and required internal control systems. It ordered the suspension of operations at two of them, Bit Station and FSHO, for one month starting Thursday. FSA said a senior employee at Bit Station was found to have used customers` bitcoin for the person`s own purposes. The agency said the exchange, which has been allowed to operate on a provisional basis, dropped its application to become an authorised exchange. Bit Station, FSHO and Coincheck did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment. The FSA said Coincheck lacked a proper internal control system for risks such as money laundering and terrorism financing.

Japan punishes seven cryptocurrency exchanges over lapses

Kobe Steel Ltd said on Tuesday its CEO will step down to take responsibility for a widespread data fraud scandal, although doubts remain over a corporate culture mired in malfeasance and the possibility of future fines.&nbsp;

Japan`s third-largest steelmaker, which supplies steel parts to manufacturers of cars, planes, and trains around the world, admitted last year to supplying products with falsified specifications to about 500 customers, throwing global supply chains into turmoil.&nbsp;

Kobe Steel, in announcing the results from a four-month-long investigation by an external committee, said it found a new case of impropriety affecting a total of more than 600 clients.&nbsp;

Hiroya Kawasaki will resign as CEO and Chairman on April 1, with his successor to be decided at a board meeting to be held soon, the company said.&nbsp;

&quot;We discovered that inappropriate actions were widespread, and were carried out with the knowledge and involvement of many, including management,&quot; it said.

&quot;Considering the multiple compliance issues that we`ve had in the past, we must say that there are deep-rooted problems, not only in terms of compliance but also in the corporate culture and mindset of employees and management.&quot;&nbsp;

It also announced the resignation of Executive Vice President Akira Kaneko and temporary pay cuts of up to 80 per cent for all internal executive officers.&nbsp;

The case was one of the country`s biggest industrial scandals in recent memory, which set off a rash of malfeasance revelations by other Japanese heavyweights, hitting the country`s reputation for manufacturing excellence.

In the past several months, Mitsubishi Materials Corp, Toray Industries, and Ube Industries have also admitted to product data fabrication while automakers Nissan Motor and Subaru Corp have revealed incorrect final inspection procedures.&nbsp;

Kobe Steel said the data cheating started in the 1970s, and those who know the 112-year-old company say its problems are entrenched.&nbsp;

&quot;What you see is a pattern, a culture,&quot; said Steven Bleistein, CEO of Tokyo-based consultancy Relansa. &quot;Company culture is something that a leader creates, so the very least you have to do is to remove the leader and the people who were complicit, from the CEO downwards.&quot;&nbsp;

Kobe Steel admitted earlier to taking part in bid-rigging for a bridge project in 2005 and failing to report income to tax authorities in 2008, 2011 and 2013.&nbsp;

In 2006, it also exceeded established limits for ground and water pollution and admitted to falsifying soot-emissions data from blast furnaces at Kobe Works and Kakogawa Works. Illegal political funding to candidates in local assembly elections in 2009 prompted the resignations of the then CEO and chairman.&nbsp;

For now, the data fraud scandal appears to have left Kobe Steel`s finances unscathed. In February, the company reinstated a forecast for its first annual profit in three years for the year ending March 31, backed by strong profits in steel and machinery.

But the company is also undergoing a US Justice Department probe, meaning it still faces legal and financial risk. A Japanese government-sanctioned seal of quality has been revoked on some of its product as well.&nbsp;

&quot;There is a pending risk for Kobe Steel as customers at home or abroad may cancel their contracts and they may take legal actions, and the US Justice Department may seek a penalty,&quot; said Makiko Yoshimura, director at S&amp;P Global Rating Japan.

It is unclear how much a Justice Department fine would be. Last year, Japan`s Takata Corp agreed to plead guilty to criminal wrongdoing and pay $1 billion to resolve a US Justice Department investigation into ruptures of its airbag inflators that were linked to more than 20 deaths worldwide.&nbsp;

($1 = 106.1500 yen)

Kobe Steel Ltd said on Tuesday its CEO will step down to take responsibility for a widespread data fraud scandal, although doubts remain over a corporate culture mired in malfeasance and the possibility of future fines

Kobe Steel Ltd said on Tuesday its CEO will step down to take responsibility for a widespread data fraud scandal, although doubts remain over a corporate culture mired in malfeasance and the possibility of future fines. Japan`s third-largest steelmaker, which supplies steel parts to manufacturers of cars, planes, and trains around the world, admitted last year to supplying products with falsified specifications to about 500 customers, throwing global supply chains into turmoil. Kobe Steel, in announcing the results from a four-month-long investigation by an external committee, said it found a new case of impropriety affecting a total of more than 600 clients. Hiroya Kawasaki will resign as CEO and Chairman on April 1, with his successor to be decided at a board meeting to be held soon, the company said. "We discovered that inappropriate actions were widespread, and were carried out with the knowledge and involvement of many, including management," it said. "Considering the multiple compliance issues that we`ve had in the past, we must say that there are deep-rooted problems, not only in terms of compliance but also in the corporate culture and mindset of employees and management." It also announced the resignation of Executive Vice President Akira Kaneko and temporary pay cuts of up to 80 per cent for all internal executive officers. The case was one of the country`s biggest industrial scandals in recent memory, which set off a rash of malfeasance revelations by other Japanese heavyweights, hitting the country`s reputation for manufacturing excellence. In the past several months, Mitsubishi Materials Corp, Toray Industries, and Ube Industries have also admitted to product data fabrication while automakers Nissan Motor and Subaru Corp have revealed incorrect final inspection procedures. Kobe Steel said the data cheating started in the 1970s, and those who know the 112-year-old company say its problems are entrenched. "What you see is a pattern, a culture," said Steven Bleistein, CEO of Tokyo-based consultancy Relansa. "Company culture is something that a leader creates, so the very least you have to do is to remove the leader and the people who were complicit, from the CEO downwards." Kobe Steel admitted earlier to taking part in bid-rigging for a bridge project in 2005 and failing to report income to tax authorities in 2008, 2011 and 2013. In 2006, it also exceeded established limits for ground and water pollution and admitted to falsifying soot-emissions data from blast furnaces at Kobe Works and Kakogawa Works. Illegal political funding to candidates in local assembly elections in 2009 prompted the resignations of the then CEO and chairman. For now, the data fraud scandal appears to have left Kobe Steel`s finances unscathed. In February, the company reinstated a forecast for its first annual profit in three years for the year ending March 31, backed by strong profits in steel and machinery. But the company is also undergoing a US Justice Department probe, meaning it still faces legal and financial risk. A Japanese government-sanctioned seal of quality has been revoked on some of its product as well. "There is a pending risk for Kobe Steel as customers at home or abroad may cancel their contracts and they may take legal actions, and the US Justice Department may seek a penalty," said Makiko Yoshimura, director at S&P Global Rating Japan. It is unclear how much a Justice Department fine would be. Last year, Japan`s Takata Corp agreed to plead guilty to criminal wrongdoing and pay $1 billion to resolve a US Justice Department investigation into ruptures of its airbag inflators that were linked to more than 20 deaths worldwide. ($1 = 106.1500 yen)

Kobe Steel CEO to quit over data fraud scandal

Japan&#39;s navy on Tuesday appointed the first woman to command a warship squadron, including the flagship Izumo helicopter carrier, as it tries to lure more females to make up for a dearth of male recruits in greying Japan.

Ryoko Azuma, will command four ships with a combined crew of 1,000, of which only 30 are women, that make up the Maritime Self Defense Force&#39;s (MSDF) First Escort Division.

&quot;I don&#39;t think about being a woman. I will concentrate my energy on fulfilling my duties as commander,&quot; Azuma, 44, said at a change of command ceremony attended by 400 sailors aboard the Izumo, which was docked at a shipyard in Yokohama near Tokyo for repairs.&nbsp;

When she joined the MSDF in 1996 women were barred from serving on warships, a rule that the navy abolished ten years ago. Submarines, however, are still crewed only by men.

Japan&#39;s military, like the wider economy, is turning to women to make up a shortfall in personnel as the nation&#39;s working-age population shrinks amid a drop in birthrates. The number of people aged between 18 and 26 years old is forecast by the government to shrink to seven million people by 2065 from 11 million last year.

Unlike commercial companies, however, Japan&#39;s military is unable to relocate units overseas or hire foreigners to supplement to their Japanese staff.

By 2030, the SDF plans to increase the combined number of women serving in the air-sea and ground forces to 9 percent of the total from 6 percent, or 14,000 people now. In addition to Azuma, other senior female officers in the MSDF include four captains and a rear admiral in charge of logistics.

&quot;I want to devote myself to becoming a person that will inspire others,&quot; Azuma said when asked if she wanted to serve as a role model for other women.&nbsp;

Ryoko Azuma, will command four ships with a combined crew of 1,000, of which only 30 are women

Japan's navy on Tuesday appointed the first woman to command a warship squadron, including the flagship Izumo helicopter carrier, as it tries to lure more females to make up for a dearth of male recruits in greying Japan. Ryoko Azuma, will command four ships with a combined crew of 1,000, of which only 30 are women, that make up the Maritime Self Defense Force's (MSDF) First Escort Division. "I don't think about being a woman. I will concentrate my energy on fulfilling my duties as commander," Azuma, 44, said at a change of command ceremony attended by 400 sailors aboard the Izumo, which was docked at a shipyard in Yokohama near Tokyo for repairs. When she joined the MSDF in 1996 women were barred from serving on warships, a rule that the navy abolished ten years ago. Submarines, however, are still crewed only by men. Japan's military, like the wider economy, is turning to women to make up a shortfall in personnel as the nation's working-age population shrinks amid a drop in birthrates. The number of people aged between 18 and 26 years old is forecast by the government to shrink to seven million people by 2065 from 11 million last year. Unlike commercial companies, however, Japan's military is unable to relocate units overseas or hire foreigners to supplement to their Japanese staff. By 2030, the SDF plans to increase the combined number of women serving in the air-sea and ground forces to 9 percent of the total from 6 percent, or 14,000 people now. In addition to Azuma, other senior female officers in the MSDF include four captains and a rear admiral in charge of logistics. "I want to devote myself to becoming a person that will inspire others," Azuma said when asked if she wanted to serve as a role model for other women.

Japan's navy appoints first woman to command warship squadron

Japan&#39;s navy wants to buy its first oil tanker to carry fuel to Okinawa as it cranks up operations in the East China Sea to counter a growing Chinese naval presence, two sources familiar with plan said.

The Maritime Self Defence Forces (MSDF) needs a tanker able to carry 300,000 barrels of fuel to White Beach port on Okinawa where it stores fuel for warships that patrol the region.

The plan will be included in a defence review outlining equipment procurement for the five years beginning April 2019, the sources said.&nbsp;

&quot;It takes too long time for ships to return to their base in (mainland) Kyushu for refuelling so more are stopping in Okinawa instead,&quot; said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to the media.&nbsp;

Operations in the East China Sea, where Japan and China are locked in a territorial dispute over the ownership of a group of islands claimed as the Senkaku in Tokyo and Diaoyu in Beijing, are intensifying as China&#39;s military strength there grows.

&quot;Activity at White Beach has increased by three to four times, but there isn&#39;t enough space to expand capacity,&quot; said the other source, who had just returned from a visit there.&nbsp;

The White Beach facility is currently supplied by commercial shippers who usually take two months to complete deliveries once a contract is agreed. Management of the fuel dump, however, has become difficult as the pace of naval operations increase, making it more difficult for the MSDF to forecast future demand.

The tanker is expected to cost &quot;several tens of billions of yen&quot; and will have a crew of up to 20 sailors, the sources said.

The plan will be included in a defence review outlining equipment procurement for the five years beginning April 2019

Japan's navy wants to buy its first oil tanker to carry fuel to Okinawa as it cranks up operations in the East China Sea to counter a growing Chinese naval presence, two sources familiar with plan said. The Maritime Self Defence Forces (MSDF) needs a tanker able to carry 300,000 barrels of fuel to White Beach port on Okinawa where it stores fuel for warships that patrol the region. The plan will be included in a defence review outlining equipment procurement for the five years beginning April 2019, the sources said. "It takes too long time for ships to return to their base in (mainland) Kyushu for refuelling so more are stopping in Okinawa instead," said one of the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorised to talk to the media. Operations in the East China Sea, where Japan and China are locked in a territorial dispute over the ownership of a group of islands claimed as the Senkaku in Tokyo and Diaoyu in Beijing, are intensifying as China's military strength there grows. "Activity at White Beach has increased by three to four times, but there isn't enough space to expand capacity," said the other source, who had just returned from a visit there. The White Beach facility is currently supplied by commercial shippers who usually take two months to complete deliveries once a contract is agreed. Management of the fuel dump, however, has become difficult as the pace of naval operations increase, making it more difficult for the MSDF to forecast future demand. The tanker is expected to cost "several tens of billions of yen" and will have a crew of up to 20 sailors, the sources said.

Japan's navy to buy tanker to fuel ships patrolling East China Sea

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