Big Japanese manufacturers remain gloomy as external demand ebbs – survey

By Tetsushi Kajimoto TOKYO (Reuters) -Big Japanese manufacturers remained pessimistic in April for a fourth straight month as jitters over Western banks added to slowing global growth, the monthly Reuters Tankan survey showed on Wednesday, dimming prospects for an export-led recovery. However, it also showed the service sector mood improved for a second straight month…

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Leaked US assessment says China readying supersonic spy drone unit – Washington Post

By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A leaked U.S. military assessment says the Chinese military may soon deploy a high-altitude spy drone that travels at least three times the speed of sound, the Washington Post reported late on Tuesday. The newspaper cited a secret document from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. The document, which Reuters could…

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Fugees star says money from Malaysian financier was for Obama photo, not campaign donation

By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Rapper Prakazrel “Pras Michel” of the Fugees, testifying in his own defense on Tuesday, said he received $20 million from Malaysian financier Jho Low to help him get a photo with former President Barack Obama. Michel faces criminal conspiracy, foreign lobbying and campaign finance charges for allegedly plotting…

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Australian regulator re-authorises 5-year coordination between Jetstar’s Asian brands

(Reuters) – Australia’s competition regulator on Wednesday re-authorised Qantas Airways Ltd and its budget arm Jetstar Airways Pty Ltd for a five-year continued coordination for two Jetstar Asian-based joint ventures – Jetstar Asia and Jetstar Japan. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) had previously granted an interim authorisation to the company, saying the continued…

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Australia’s AMP says Q1 fund outflows lower, credit quality strong

(Reuters) – Australian financial services firm AMP Ltd said on Wednesday net cash outflows for its flagship Australian wealth management business were 30% lower in the March quarter, while the banking unit’s credit quality remained strong. AMP Bank’s loan book grew over the first quarter compared with the previous three months, while lending margins were…

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US in ‘extensive effort’ with partners to counter China influence operations

By Michael Martina WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A day after authorities arrested two people on charges of links to a Chinese “secret police station” in New York, a U.S. official said the United States is engaged in an “extensive effort” with international partners to counter Chinese influence operations. Federal prosecutors said the arrests on Monday were…

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Apple opens first India store as fans show off vintage devices, take selfies

By M. Sriram and Tanvi Mehta MUMBAI (Reuters) -About 300 people queued at Apple’s store in Mumbai on Tuesday, as fans took selfies with Chief Executive Tim Cook, who inaugurated the first retail store run by the tech giant in India, underscoring the importance of its market. “The energy, creativity, and passion in Mumbai is…

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