Akasa Air Takes Flight; Nod for International Operations to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar
In a groundbreaking move, Akasa Air has received the government’s approval to extend its flight operations beyond India’s borders, signaling the airline’s entry into the international market. The destinations initially granted are Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar, heralding a new era for this low-cost carrier. This development aligns with India’s modified 0/20 rule, facilitating international flights once an airline possesses a minimum of 20 aircraft in its fleet without any time-based constraints, a shift from the previous 5/20 rule. However, a notable challenge for Akasa Air lies in securing access to destinations like Dubai, where existing bilateral agreements have nearly been exhausted, underscoring the intricacies of international aviation regulations. The airline’s upcoming journey abroad will undoubtedly shape its role in the global aviation landscape.
Japan ramps up intervention threats after yen slides past key 150 level
Japanese policymakers made fresh threats of intervention on Thursday after the yen tumbled past the key psychological level of 150 to the dollar, keeping investors on high alert in case Tokyo steps into markets again to support the fragile currency.
China holds emergency talks with chip firms after U.S. curbs -Bloomberg News
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology convened a series of emergency meetings over the past week with leading semiconductor companies, seeking to assess the damage from the U.S. chip restrictions, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday.
Exclusive: China’s state banks seen acquiring dollars in swaps market to stabilise yuan
China’s state banks stepped up their intervention to defend a weakening yuan on Monday, with banking sources telling Reuters these banks sold a high volume of U.S. dollars and used a combination of swaps and spot trades.
Analysis: Japan is chasing its tail on yen intervention
As the Bank of Japan steps into currency markets for the first time in decades to defend a battered yen, it is running into numerous obstacles, chiefly its own stubborn commitment to ultra-easy monetary settings.
Baidu unveils autonomous vehicle without steering wheel
China’s search engine giant Baidu Inc on Thursday unveiled its new autonomous vehicle (AV) with a detachable steering wheel, with plans to put it to use for its robotaxi service in China next year.
Explainer: What would Japan’s currency intervention to combat a weak yen look like?
Japan’s government and the central bank are “concerned” about recent sharp yen declines and stand ready to respond as needed on currency policy, they said in a rare joint statement on Friday.
Bank of Japan ramps up battle to defend yield cap even as weakening yen raises economic risk
The Bank of Japan kept up its relentless quest to defend a key yield cap by offering to buy unlimited amounts of 10-year government bonds on Tuesday, underscoring its resolve to keep policy ultra-loose and putting downward pressure on the yen.
Factbox: What happens if Russia turns off gas flows to Germany?
Russia’s demand that some buyers pay for its gas in roubles has raised concerns in Germany, which relies on Russian fuel, that the payment dispute could escalate and disrupt supplies.
Analysis: Europe split on how to spare consumers energy price pain
Proposals from southern European countries to intervene in energy markets have highlighted the difficulty facing an EU summit this week as it seeks to respond to record prices driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
