Latest news with #NikkeiAsia
Nikkei Asia
7 hours ago
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Asia's energy transition hobbled by '80s tech', UK software CEO says
Kraken CEO Amir Orad said Asian countries will not be able to manage the energy transition with outdated technology. (Photo by Shotaro Tani) SHOTARO TANI TOKYO -- Asian countries will be incapable of managing the transition to renewables with existing "1980s era" technology as the energy system becomes more complex, the CEO of a leading UK energy software company has warned. They will be "physically unable to handle the energy transition and take advantage of the new capabilities that it brings" with outdated technology, Amir Orad, CEO of energy tech platform Kraken, told Nikkei Asia.
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Nikkei Asia
2 days ago
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Japan election live: Ishiba vows to carry on for now
TOKYO -- The Japanese public voted on Sunday to determine the makeup of the nation's upper house, in a crucial vote for Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, whose coalition is fighting to hold on to its majority -- one that it lost in the lower chamber last autumn. The race is set to be very unpredictable, with issues such as inflation, tax and immigration having dominated the campaign. Here are some of our recent articles on this key election: - Japan's ruling coalition set to suffer big loss in upper house poll - What the upper house election means for Japan: 5 things to know - Sanseito brings far-right populism to Japan - Immigration becomes election issue in Japan amid tough economy - Japan's rice price shock exposes PM Ishiba to voter anger as election looms Here's the latest: (Japan time) Sunday, July 20 10:25 p.m. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, speaking to media on NHK, acknowledged that his ruling bloc is facing a tough race. The LDP-leader had set a goal of reaching a simple majority together with its junior coalition partner Komeito. However, Ishiba avoided saying whether he would take responsibility and resign if that goal is not achieved. "Votes are still being counted and we must see what the results are," he said. On why the LDP has struggled to gain seats, Ishiba stated that the party has sought long-term goals such as realizing wage increases that exceed inflation while also trying to react swiftly and help struggling households through cash handouts. Many of the opposition camps have launched promises to cut the consumption tax, but Ishiba argued that "medical and nursing care will become even more important in the future and our fiscal situation will be under pressure. Long-term interest rates rising further and our fiscal conditions becoming even tighter is not ideal." He added: "At present, we are the party with the largest number of seats. We must respond to the nationwide issues we have advocated for during the campaign, such as wage increases that exceed inflation and our critical national security environment. We have responsibilities to fulfill for the nation." 9:57 p.m. Rintaro Nishimura of The Asia Group spoke with Nikkei Asia about the results so far. Some quotes here: "It's a clear rebuke from the voters of Ishiba and his government, and it will be very challenging going forward to see whether the ruling parties can muster a majority, not through a coalition, maybe, but through policy by policy coordination with parties." "There's definitely a sense that these established parties like the LDP, and also even the DPJ, are not really doing what the people want them to do, what they want to see from the parties." "A lot of the younger voters seem to like the Sanseito platform. Maybe because their social media game is better, but I think the large part was that there's a sense that the economy, especially for the younger generations, is not really doing well for them. I think they see that foreign tourists and also immigrants, maybe are having a better life than them." 9:52 p.m. Sohei Kamiya, the leader of the right-wing Sanseito, told an online election results program that "if there are issues that are important to the national interest and must be passed at all costs, we would not hesitate considering cooperating with the LDP or other parties on a topic or bill basis. But we have no intention of nestling up to obtain official posts in the administration." 9:42 p.m. Akira Nagatsuma of the CDP said: "There will be no grand coalition, whatsoever. Changing the structure of national politics is a very high priority, so a grand coalition is not possible." 9:33 p.m. According to NHK, it could be the first time since its formation in 1955 that an LDP-led government loses its majority in both the upper and lower houses. The ruling bloc could secure fewer than 46 seats -- a new low since the formation of the coalition between the LDP and Komeito. 9:30 p.m. As of 7:30 p.m., the national turnout figure stood at 29.93%, down 0.65 percentage point from the previous upper house election. 9:22 p.m. Ryohei Iwatani, the secretary-general of Japan Innovation Party, which has a strong foothold around Osaka, said at a press conference: "We continued to appeal for realistic reforms, including lowering social insurance premiums and that gradually gained the understanding of voters throughout the campaign period." 9:14 p.m. Here are some photos from the evening so far: 9:08 p.m. Itsunori Onodera, the LDP's policy chief, spoke to NHK: "The election results clearly show that our policies did not go down well with the voters. I have to acknowledge this as the party's policy chief." When he was asked about whether the party will go for tax cuts or cash handouts as an economic relief measure, Onodera said, "The consumption tax is an important revenue source for the country's social security programs. We need to discuss with the opposition what it intends to do with these programs." During the campaign, the LDP promised cash handouts as a relief measure for inflation, while opposition parties called for consumption tax cuts, either permanent or temporary. 8:59 p.m. Kiyomi Tsujimoto of the CDP told a radio station that "I think criticism against the LDP was very strong." NHK projects that the CDP, the main opposition party, will likely increase its seats in the chamber. Meanwhile, the DPFP, which held four seats before the election, is also projected to boost its presence in the chamber. Secretary-general Kazuya Shimba said he does not think there will be a grand coalition between his party and the ruling bloc, claiming that the parties have been unable to reach an agreement on the issue of raising the ceiling on the so-called "1.03 million yen wall," where individuals limit their part-time income to avoid certain taxes and social security burdens. 8:45 p.m. Right-wing Sanseito appears to have shaken up this election, and could win more than 20 seats in the chamber. It had just two before today's election. Sanseito candidate Saya, who was elected in the Tokyo constituency, talked on TV about why she thought her party had been successful. "I think us maintaining the 'Japanese First' policy and advocating for the gradual abolition of the consumption tax resonated with voters who are struggling as wage increases stagnate and the cost of living rises." Saya's win comes despite a viral video of her speaking to Russian news agency Sputnik. 8:35 p.m. Hiroshi Moriyama, the LDP's secretary-general, avoided giving concrete comments on TV, saying that "Vote counts are still on going and I would like to refrain from commenting on the nature of responsibility at this time." 8:26 p.m. The ruling coalition is projected to gain between 32~51 seats, according to NHK. Remember they need 50 to keep their majority. The range of seats won for each party is: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): 27~41 Constitutional Democratic Party (CDP): 18~30 Japan Innovation Party: 6~9 Komeito: 5~12 Democratic Party For the People (DPFP): 14~21 Japanese Communist Party: 3~5 Reiwa: 2~4 Sanseito: 10~22 Conservative Party of Japan: 1~3 8 p.m. Voting ends. The ruling bloc is at risk of losing their upper house majority, national broadcaster NHK projected immediately after polls closed. 7:37 p.m. The latest data on voter turnout is out. As of 6 p.m., the national figure stood at 26.65%, down 0.71 percentage points from the 2022 upper house election. 7:13 p.m. Some errors have been made at polling stations, according to national broadcaster NHK. In Tokyo's Ota ward, 25 voters were handed the wrong ballot sheets. In Saitama Prefecture's Kasukabe city, there was a similar error involving ballot sheets for constituencies and proportional representation being mixed up. The affected votes could become invalid. 7:00 p.m. Just an hour to go now. 6:54 p.m. Japan's lead tariff negotiator Ryosei Akazawa on Sunday told reporters that the election results will not affect talks with the U.S., according to Kyodo News. The upper house vote comes amid Tokyo's continued efforts to reach a trade deal with Washington, which has slapped a 25% "reciprocal" tariff that goes into effect on Aug. 1. 6:30 p.m. Here's a few photos from today: 6:15 p.m. The national voter turnout as of 4 p.m. stood at 22.42%, 0.57 percentage point lower than the previous upper house election three years ago, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. For Tokyo, it was 22.87% -- 2.6 percentage points down. According to government data, an estimated 26.18 million people participated in early voting, a record high and over 6.5 million more than in the previous upper house poll. 6 p.m. Just two hours now until voting ends. Exit polls and projections by major broadcasters will start coming in at 8 p.m., and will be updated frequently during the course of the evening as votes are counted.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Tuvalu residents prepare for world's first planned migration of an entire nation — and climate change is to blame
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. More than 5,000 people have applied for a first-of-its-kind migration visa that offers residents of a Pacific island an escape from the worst effects of climate change. Applications for the visa opened to people in Tuvalu on June 16 and close today (July 18). Under its terms, 280 Tuvaluans can relocate to Australia each year from 2025 through a ballot system. Four days after the ballot opened, 3,125 Tuvaluans — roughly one-third of the nation's population of 11,000 people — had already registered for a chance to receive the visa. As of July 11, a total of 5,157 people had applied, Nikkei Asia reported. "This is the first agreement of its kind anywhere in the world, providing a pathway for mobility with dignity as climate impacts worsen," Australian government representatives told New Scientist in a statement. The representatives said that they recognized the "devastating impact climate change is having on the livelihoods, security and well-being of climate-vulnerable countries and people, particularly in the Pacific region." Tuvalu sits midway between Australia and Hawaii in the South Pacific Ocean. The country consists of nine low-lying atolls — ring-shaped islands surrounded by coral reefs. Tuvalu's highest point is 15 feet (4.5 meters) above sea level, but the country's mean elevation is just 6 feet (2 m) above sea level, making it extremely vulnerable to sea level rise, flooding and storm surges due to climate change. In 2023, sea levels around Tuvalu were 6 inches (15 centimeters) higher than they were 30 years prior, a study found. Much of the country's land and critical infrastructure will be below high-tide level by 2050, the results indicated. Related: Global sea levels rose a whopping 125 feet after the last ice age Sea level rise also threatens water supplies, as seawater can infiltrate into freshwater aquifers. This occurs because seawater is pushing farther inland, increasingly flowing into aquifers both horizontally and vertically. Residents of Tuvalu are already having to raise their crops off the ground to keep salinity at bay, Bateteba Aselu, a Tuvaluan doctoral student of climate change at the University of Melbourne in Australia, told New Scientist. The new visa scheme, officially called the Australia-Tuvalu Falepili Union treaty, was signed in late 2023 and came into force in 2024. It is the world's first planned migration of an entire nation, giving residents of Tuvalu the right to live, work and study in Australia with the same access to health benefits and education as Australian citizens. Recipients of the visa also are not obliged to move, and they can return home as often as they like. "This is potentially a precedent, a global first where a migration pathway is explicitly tied to climate change and sea level rise," Wesley Morgan, a research associate at the University of New South Wales' Institute for Climate Risk and Response, told New Scientist. RELATED STORIES —Parts of San Francisco and Los Angeles are sinking into the sea — meaning sea-level rise will be even worse —32 U.S. cities, including New York and San Francisco, are sinking into the ocean and face major flood risks by 2050, new study reveals —A long-lost ice sheet could predict the future of New York City — one in which Lower Manhattan and Coney Island are 'perpetually submerged' Australia might make similar arrangements with other Pacific island nations such as Kiribati in the future, Morgan said. The outcomes of this year's ballot are expected by the end of July, and the first migrants could arrive in Australia by the end of 2025. The annual cap of 280 people aims to prevent a massive brain drain and economic difficulties in Tuvalu, Reuters reported — and it could change in the coming years if any issues arise. Combined with other emigrations from Tuvalu, the new visa means that almost 4% of the country's population could leave each year, Jane McAdam, a professor of law at the University of New South Wales in Australia wrote in The Conversation. If the numbers remain roughly the same in the long-term and people don't return home, close to 40% of Tuvalu's residents will have left in 10 years' time, she wrote. Solve the daily Crossword
Sustainability Times
3 days ago
- Sustainability Times
'They're Hacking the AI to Approve Their Lies': Scientists Busted Embedding Hidden Prompts to Trick Systems Into Validating Fake Studies
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Investigations by Nikkei Asia and Nature reveal hidden prompts in studies aiming to manipulate AI review systems. and reveal hidden prompts in studies aiming to manipulate AI review systems. 🌐 Approximately 32 studies from 44 institutions worldwide were identified with these unethical practices, causing significant concern. ⚠️ The over-reliance on AI in peer review raises ethical questions, as some reviewers may bypass traditional scrutiny. in peer review raises ethical questions, as some reviewers may bypass traditional scrutiny. 🔗 Experts call for comprehensive guidelines on AI use to ensure research integrity and prevent manipulative practices. The world of scientific research is facing a new, controversial challenge: the use of hidden prompts within scholarly studies intended to manipulate AI-driven review systems. This revelation has sparked significant debate within the academic community, as it sheds light on potential ethical breaches and the evolving role of technology in research validation. As scientists grapple with these issues, it is crucial to understand the implications of these practices on the trustworthiness of scientific findings and the integrity of academic publications. Hidden Messages in Studies: A Startling Discovery Recent investigations by Nikkei Asia and Nature have uncovered instances of hidden messages within academic studies. These messages, often concealed in barely visible fonts or written in white text on white backgrounds, are not meant for human reviewers but target AI systems like Large Language Models (LLMs) to influence their evaluations. Such practices have raised alarms, as they attempt to secure only positive assessments for research submissions. Approximately 32 studies have been identified with these manipulative prompts. These studies originated from 44 institutions across 11 countries, highlighting the global reach of this issue. The revelation has prompted the removal of these studies from preprint servers to maintain the integrity of the scientific process. The use of AI in peer review, intended to streamline the evaluation process, is now under scrutiny for its potential misuse and ethical implications. '$100 Million Vanished and Nothing Flew': DARPA's Canceled Liberty Lifter Seaplane Leaves Behind a Trail of Broken Dreams and Game-Changing Tech The Broader Implications of AI in Peer Review The discovery of hidden prompts in studies not only exposes unethical practices but also raises questions about the reliance on AI for peer review. While AI can assist in managing the growing volume of research, it appears that some reviewers may be over-relying on these systems, bypassing traditional scrutiny. Institutions like the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) prohibit AI use in review processes, yet the practice persists in some quarters. Critics argue that these hidden prompts are symptomatic of systemic problems within academic publishing, where the pressure to publish can outweigh ethical considerations. The use of AI should be carefully regulated to prevent such manipulations, ensuring that peer review remains a rigorous and trustworthy process. As the academic community grapples with these challenges, it becomes evident that adherence to ethical standards is crucial in maintaining the credibility of scientific research. 'They're Turning Pollution Into Candy!': Chinese Scientists Stun the World by Making Food from Captured Carbon Emissions The Ethical Imperative: Why Science Must Avoid Deception Science is fundamentally built on trust and ethical integrity. From technological advancements to medical breakthroughs, the progress of society hinges on the reliability of scientific findings. However, the temptation to resort to unethical shortcuts, such as AI manipulation, poses a threat to this foundation. The scientific community must resist these temptations to preserve the credibility of their work. The pressures facing researchers, including increased workloads and heightened scrutiny, may drive some to exploit AI. Yet, these pressures should not justify compromising ethical standards. As AI becomes more integrated into research, it is vital to establish clear regulations governing its use. This will ensure that science remains a bastion of truth and integrity, free from deceptive practices that could undermine public trust. 'They Cloned a Yak in the Himalayas!': Chinese Scientists Defy Nature with First-Ever Livestock Copy at 12,000 Feet Charting a Course Toward Responsible AI Use The integration of AI into scientific processes demands careful consideration and responsible use. As highlighted by Hiroaki Sakuma, an AI expert, industries must develop comprehensive guidelines for AI application, particularly in research and peer review. Such guidelines will help navigate the ethical complexities of AI, ensuring it serves as a tool for advancement rather than manipulation. While AI holds the potential to revolutionize research, its implementation must be guided by a commitment to ethical standards. The scientific community must engage in ongoing dialogue to address the challenges posed by AI, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Only through these measures can science continue to thrive as a pillar of progress, innovation, and truth. As the intersection of AI and scientific research continues to evolve, how can the academic community ensure that technological advancements enhance rather than undermine the integrity of scientific inquiry? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
Nikkei Asia
4 days ago
- Business
- Nikkei Asia
Chinese listings in US rebound on back of small-cap firms
IPO First-half 2025 IPOs by mainland companies jump 80% on the year despite tensions There is a stronger pipeline of small Chinese companies looking to list in the U.S. this year, according to Dan McClory of Boustead Securities. © Reuters PAK YIU NEW YORK -- Companies with small market capitalizations are driving a rebound in Chinese stock listings in the U.S. as blockbuster initial public offerings show little sign of returning. Eighteen mainland Chinese companies went public on U.S. markets in the first half of 2025, according to Dealogic data compiled for Nikkei Asia. This was up 80% from a year earlier and is on track to exceed the 34 such IPOs for all of 2024.
