South Korea Assures U.S. on Trade Deal Commitments Amid Tariff Concerns 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Lake beds are rich environmental records — studying them reveals much about a place’s history 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
We combed through old botanical surveys to track how plants on Australia’s islands are changing 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
The UK is surprisingly short of water – but more reservoirs aren’t the answer 
Extreme heat, flooding, wildfires – Colorado’s formerly incarcerated people on the hazards they faced behind bars 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
RBI Holds Repo Rate at 5.25% as India’s Growth Outlook Strengthens After U.S. Trade Deal 
Thousands of satellites are due to burn up in the atmosphere every year – damaging the ozone layer and changing the climate 
How to create a thriving forest, not box-checking ‘tree cover’ 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Japan will oblige businesses to reduce the distribution of 12 disposable plastic items beginning next April to promote recycling and tackle marine pollution.
The country enacted a law in June to reduce plastic waste at restaurants and retail stores.
Targeted plastic items include straws, spoons, forks, knives, combs, toothbrushes, shower caps, and clothes hangers.
Affected businesses also include hotels, laundries, and pizza delivery companies.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry and the Environment Ministry will hear public opinion on the measure as bases for the ordinances they would draft this fall.
Business operators have several options, including charging for the items and switching to recyclable products.
Operators are required to adopt new practices such as introducing reusable products, making it standard practice to ask customers whether they need plastic items, and giving points to customers who decline to take the items.
|The government would ask businesses that fail to meet the new requirement to improve their practices.
