Business
– Japan’s exports rose for a 13th straight month in September, but faster growth in imports left the country with a trade deficit of 536.6 billion yen. Preliminary figures from the Ministry of Finance showed exports up 16.7% year on
– South Korea’s semiconductor exports surged 222.5% year on year to $27.5 billion in the first 20 days of October, driving total exports to $61.6 billion. Overall outbound shipments more than doubled from the same period last year, according to
– Oil prices climbed sharply on Friday, with Brent crude touching $110 a barrel for the first time since May. Worries that escalating Middle East tensions could further tighten supplies drove the rally. Brent for December delivery settled up $3.94,
Technology
– Samsung Electronics has unveiled its next-generation memory and storage strategy for artificial intelligence infrastructure at the 2026 OCP Global Summit. The company presented the plans at the event in San Jose, California, which runs from October 12 to 15.
– Meta has introduced Muse Wonder and Muse Wonder Full, its most capable artificial intelligence models to date. The company designed the new systems for coding, long-running AI agents and complex personal or professional tasks. Meta said the models can
– The European Commission has proposed a new EU Critical Communication System to connect first responders across European borders. The plan would link national networks used by police, firefighters, emergency medical services and civil protection teams. It covers all EU
Sports
Health
– The World Health Organization has launched a five-year strategy to strengthen global outbreak detection. The plan aims for every country to detect and understand emerging health threats within 24 hours by 2030. WHO unveiled the strategy during the World
European leaders confirmed substantial financial commitments to strengthen medical infrastructure across the African continent ahead of the World Health Summit in Berlin. Official reports detail that the EU announces investment in health of almost €170 million to support resilient medical
– A daily serving of psyllium husk may help improve blood sugar control, according to clinical research. Psyllium is a soluble fiber from the Plantago ovata plant. It forms a thick gel when mixed with liquid. That gel can slow