Japan is investing 802.5 billion yen ($5.4 billion) in Rapidus, a chip startup, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign chipmakers and enhance semiconductor production. The move comes amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China, emphasizing Japan’s focus on securing its chip supply chain
Japan is preparing to provide 802.5 billion yen ($5.4 billion) in additional aid to the semiconductor startup Rapidus, underlining Tokyo's determination to bolster its chip supply amidst escalating geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. This funding increases Japan's total commitment to the project to 1.72 trillion yen, including another proposed 100 billion yen. Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry is also seeking debt guarantees to encourage private sector investment in the startup.
Most of the world's advanced logic chips, essential for artificial intelligence, are currently manufactured by Taiwan’s TSMC. This has sparked concerns over global reliance on Taiwan, especially as China claims the island as its own, further intensifying Japan's push to secure its semiconductor supply.
Rapidus, which has backing from major companies like Toyota, Sony, and SoftBank, is set to begin operating a test production line in April, with its first batch of wafers expected by the summer. The company is aiming to begin mass production of next-generation chips by 2027.
In recent years, Japan has committed approximately 5.4 trillion yen to regain its leadership in chip technology. While the country maintains a strong position in silicon wafer production and some chip materials, it has lost ground in the more profitable sectors of chip design and manufacturing, traditionally dominated by the U.S. and Taiwan.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has pledged additional public support for Japan's chip and AI sectors, with a bill for loan guarantees and government bond issuance linked to the Energy Special Account expected to be introduced in parliament. Japan's government is set to approve 333 billion yen in the upcoming fiscal year to further strengthen these industries.
French authorities have launched an investigation into death threats issued against judges involved in the trial of Marine Le Pen, following her conviction on corruption charges earlier this week.
The King of the Kingdom of Gureshaba, Doku Hmaiai Hippolyte Sinewami Htamumu, has formally applied to join the Baku Initiative Group. The Kingdom of Gureshaba is located on Nenon Island in New Caledonia.
Rybelsus, an oral form of the GLP-1 drug semaglutide, has been discovered to provide similar cardiovascular benefits as the injectable forms of the drug.
Russia and Ukraine accused each other on Wednesday of violating a U.S.-brokered moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure, raising fresh concerns over the durability of the limited truce agreed last month as a potential stepping stone toward a full ceasefire.
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has tested positive for COVID-19, according to his doctor, Asim Hussain. The 70-year-old leader has been advised to remain in isolation as a precautionary measure, while his condition is reported to be improving.
A missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 2 April has left several casualties and significant damage, with local authorities now investigating the cause and impact of the strike. The attack, which targeted a company in the city, has raised concerns about the ongoing security situation.
A devastating fire in Kuala Lumpur has left dozens injured and homes severely damaged after a gas pipeline leaked in the city’s Putra Heights district. The unexpected blaze has sparked urgent calls for improved safety measures as authorities work to investigate the cause and prevent further incident
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is in Greenland for high-level discussions, focusing on collaboration and the evolving role of the Arctic territory. The visit comes at a time of increased global interest in the region, prompting renewed dialogue on its future.
Meta announced it had been hit with a "substantial" fine for refusing to comply with Turkish government demands to restrict content on Facebook and Instagram.
French authorities have launched an investigation into death threats issued against judges involved in the trial of Marine Le Pen, following her conviction on corruption charges earlier this week.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
A missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 2 April has left several casualties and significant damage, with local authorities now investigating the cause and impact of the strike. The attack, which targeted a company in the city, has raised concerns about the ongoing security situation.
A devastating fire in Kuala Lumpur has left dozens injured and homes severely damaged after a gas pipeline leaked in the city’s Putra Heights district. The unexpected blaze has sparked urgent calls for improved safety measures as authorities work to investigate the cause and prevent further incident
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is in Greenland for high-level discussions, focusing on collaboration and the evolving role of the Arctic territory. The visit comes at a time of increased global interest in the region, prompting renewed dialogue on its future.
Meta announced it had been hit with a "substantial" fine for refusing to comply with Turkish government demands to restrict content on Facebook and Instagram.
French authorities have launched an investigation into death threats issued against judges involved in the trial of Marine Le Pen, following her conviction on corruption charges earlier this week.
A missile attack on Kryvyi Rih on 2 April has left several casualties and significant damage, with local authorities now investigating the cause and impact of the strike. The attack, which targeted a company in the city, has raised concerns about the ongoing security situation.
A devastating fire in Kuala Lumpur has left dozens injured and homes severely damaged after a gas pipeline leaked in the city’s Putra Heights district. The unexpected blaze has sparked urgent calls for improved safety measures as authorities work to investigate the cause and prevent further incident
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is in Greenland for high-level discussions, focusing on collaboration and the evolving role of the Arctic territory. The visit comes at a time of increased global interest in the region, prompting renewed dialogue on its future.
Meta announced it had been hit with a "substantial" fine for refusing to comply with Turkish government demands to restrict content on Facebook and Instagram.
French authorities have launched an investigation into death threats issued against judges involved in the trial of Marine Le Pen, following her conviction on corruption charges earlier this week.
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