GENEVA (AP) — The World Trade Organization is sharply raising its forecast for trade growth in goods this year after an unexpectedly strong first half. This growth has been driven by rising AI-related purchases, front-loaded imports in the U.S. over tariff fears, and robust developing-world trade.
The Geneva-based trade body said Tuesday that its economists are increasing their prediction of global trade expansion, reflecting these positive developments.
Japan has recently expanded its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification agreement to include Indonesia, marking its 15th such partnership with countries around the world. This strategic arrangement is designed to streamline customs clearance processes and boost logistics and business exchanges between the two nations.
The agreement was officially signed by the Japanese government and Indonesia on October 8th. Under this framework, companies that have demonstrated reliable security and compliance systems will be granted AEO certification. This certification allows eligible companies to benefit from faster and more efficient import and export procedures, reducing delays at customs checkpoints.
Japan has already implemented similar agreements with 14 other countries, and the addition of Indonesia further enhances this network. The Ministry of Finance, which oversees customs operations, emphasized that the new pact will enable cargo inspections during import and export to proceed more promptly, facilitating smoother trade flows.
Both Indonesia and Japan are key trading partners for each other. With this new agreement in place, the governments expect to strengthen bilateral economic ties while supporting seamless logistics and business operations. This move is anticipated to invigorate trade activities and promote greater cooperation between the two countries in the years ahead.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147195.php
The government shutdown has caused another major air traffic control tower to go dark, leaving no one available to direct planes due to staffing shortages. Nashville’s air traffic approach control is expected to remain dark until after midnight, resulting in significant flight delays and ground stops.
According to the FAA’s website, the ground delay has already backed up flights by more than two hours at Nashville International Airport (BNA). BNA officials noted that the FAA informed them this reduction in manpower “will remain in effect until further notice.” All airlines have been notified of the slowdown, and travelers are advised to check the status of their flights with their airlines before arriving at the airport.
On Monday, a dozen facilities experienced staffing shortages, including Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy attributed some of these issues to many air traffic control workers calling out sick. “If we see there are issues in the tower that are affecting controllers’ ability to effectively control the airspace, we’ll reduce the rate, and you’ll see more delays or you might see a cancellation,” Duffy said.
Another major hub facing travel disruptions due to the government shutdown is Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. The FAA announced a ground delay there starting at 7 p.m. ET and lasting until midnight. O’Hare, one of the busiest airports in the US and the world, handles over 80 million passengers annually and thousands of flights daily.
According to Axios, O’Hare has been experiencing staffing shortages and is expected to remain understaffed in its air traffic control tower for most of the day. FlightAware’s “Misery Map” tracks delayed flights at US airports and highlights travel hubs particularly impacted by the shutdown. So far, O’Hare has seen the most delays Tuesday afternoon, postponing over 60 flights since 2 p.m. ET.
These new travel headaches come less than a day after air traffic control towers at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California were left unmanned for hours due to the ongoing shutdown.
When The Daily Mail requested a comment from the White House on Monday, they received an automatic reply blaming Democrats for the shutdown. The message read: “Due to staff shortages resulting from the Democrat Shutdown, the typical 24/7 monitoring of this press inbox may experience delays.”
Despite the widespread delays, flight cancellations have so far been kept to a minimum nationwide, with only 61 flights into and out of the US cancelled on Tuesday.
Nick Daniels, President of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), called for an immediate end to the shutdown during Duffy’s news conference. NATCA represents over 20,000 air traffic controllers and reports that many members have been working 10-hour shifts, six days a week. The shutdown has further strained these vital workers by furloughing support staff and suspending support programs.
Some major airports were already dealing with staffing shortages before Congress failed to pass a new spending bill on October 1. Newark Liberty International Airport, for example, has been plagued by staffing issues and dangerous radar blackouts throughout the year.
As the shutdown continues, travelers are urged to stay informed and prepare for possible delays at several key US airports.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-15171553
CHICAGO (WLS) — The ongoing government shutdown led to flight delays at Chicago O’Hare Airport on Tuesday. Although the airport was not very busy on Tuesday evening, travelers still experienced delays.
Earlier Tuesday, the FAA reported, “Departures to Chicago O’Hare International are delayed an average of 41 minutes due to other delays assigned to departures within 1,200 nautical miles.” This alert has since been removed from the FAA website.
Air traffic controllers are considered essential workers, so they must continue working during the shutdown; however, they are not receiving pay. This situation has left people taking off, coming home, or simply transiting through the airport feeling more than inconvenienced.
“We want to make sure we have air travel safe, and controllers focused not on their mortgages, not on the next paycheck, not on food on the table, but actually on making sure you and your family are safe,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Despite these assurances, many passengers remain frustrated about being caught in the middle of a political standoff in Washington, D.C.
An FAA statement reads: “Due to a recent lapse in funding, we know there are many questions about flight delays and staffing shortages across the system. For real-time updates at U.S. airports, including staffing and weather, visit the FAA’s official website.”
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MANILA, Philippines – The Philippines needs to strengthen sustainability standards in major infrastructure projects to attract discerning foreign investors and donors, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said.
In a report released on Tuesday, the OECD noted that the Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028 had already laid out specific strategies and measurable actions that signal a commitment to sustainable development.
https://business.inquirer.net/551311/to-attract-more-funds-ph-told-to-bolster-sustainability-rules
**Should You Be Worried About WeWork India’s ₹3,000 Crore IPO?**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | October 7, 2025 | 8:02 PM*
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WeWork India’s ₹3,000 crore initial public offering (IPO) has come under scrutiny, with proxy advisory firm InGovern raising significant concerns over its structure and pre-listing conditions. Shriram Subramanian, the founder of InGovern, highlighted issues that cast doubt on the promoters’ intent, the company’s financial sustainability, and governance oversight.
### IPO Structure: No Fresh Capital Infusion
The IPO is structured as a full offer for sale (OFS), meaning that no new capital will be infused into the company through this process. Instead, existing shareholders are offloading shares, which raises questions about the use of proceeds and the company’s future funding needs.
### Major Concerns Raised by InGovern
**Temporary Release of Pledged Promoter Shares**
A key concern flagged by InGovern is the temporary release of promoter shares that were pledged before the IPO. Over 53% of WeWork India’s pre-IPO shares, held by Embassy Buildcon, had been pledged against borrowings amounting to approximately ₹2,065 crore. These pledges were revoked mainly to facilitate the IPO. According to Subramanian, if the listing did not occur, the shares would have to be re-pledged within 45 days. This arrangement raises questions about the promoters’ commitment and the stability of their holdings.
**Ongoing Financial Challenges**
WeWork India continues to face operating cash losses, a challenge complicated by lease agreements treated as debt obligations. Nearly 43% of the company’s FY25 revenue went toward lease payouts. Subramanian expressed concern over the promoters’ use of a pure OFS to deleverage, noting that the company’s brief profit in FY25 was largely due to a deferred-tax gain rather than operational performance.
**Governance and Compliance Red Flags**
Repeated audit qualifications have been highlighted as a potential red flag. From FY22 to FY24, WeWork India reported material weaknesses in internal controls, including poor vendor documentation and issues with related-party transparency. Moreover, the promoters face several pending enforcement proceedings under the aegis of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Prevention of Corruption Act, spotlighting serious governance concerns.
### Market Risks: Dependence on the WeWork Brand
InGovern also flagged WeWork India’s dependence on the WeWork Global brand as a critical risk factor. The company operates under a 99-year license, which is contingent on promoter control and regulatory compliance. Any conviction or significant change in promoters could jeopardize these brand rights, posing an existential threat to the business model.
### Despite Concerns, Strong Anchor Participation
Despite these multiple concerns, the IPO attracted strong anchor investor interest, raising ₹1,348 crore from 67 investors including well-known names like ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund and HDFC Mutual Fund.
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**Takeaway:** While WeWork India’s IPO garnered a solid market response, investors should carefully weigh the significant financial, governance, and structural risks highlighted by InGovern before making investment decisions.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/business/wework-india-s-3-000cr-ipo-under-ingovern-s-scanner-here-s-why/story
**Paytm Launches AI Soundbox for Small Businesses: How It Works**
*By Dwaipayan Roy | Oct 07, 2025, 08:03 PM*
Paytm has introduced the AI Soundbox, a revolutionary device designed to help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) streamline their daily operations and payments more efficiently. The new product was unveiled at the Global Fintech Festival 2025, marking a significant step forward in bringing advanced technology to India’s business landscape.
### What Is the AI Soundbox?
The AI Soundbox is an enhanced version of Paytm’s popular payment Soundbox series. What sets this device apart is its conversational AI capability, allowing merchants to interact in 11 Indian languages. This feature makes business transactions and management more accessible for a diverse range of users across the country.
### Enhanced Features for Business Intelligence
Beyond handling payments, the AI assistant embedded in the Soundbox can answer queries related to payments, sales trends, and overall business performance. Paytm describes the device as a “business intelligence assistant,” providing real-time insights that help merchants make informed decisions without needing complex software.
The Android-based device features dual screens—one displays payment updates, while the other facilitates easy interaction with the AI assistant. It supports dynamic QR codes alongside tap and insert card transactions, ensuring versatile payment options for customers.
### Transforming Small Businesses with AI
The AI Soundbox is aimed at empowering India’s extensive network of small businesses, from local kirana stores to cafes and retail chains. By integrating artificial intelligence into everyday business interactions, Paytm hopes to simplify operations and enhance business intelligence at the grassroots level.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder and CEO of Paytm, highlighted that this launch signals a new era of intelligent devices tailored for businesses across India.
### Reliable Connectivity for Smooth Operations
Equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, the AI Soundbox assures stable performance for indoor settings such as restaurants and supermarkets. Additionally, 4G support is built-in to maintain seamless transaction processing in outdoor or high-traffic areas.
With this launch, Paytm continues to innovate in the fintech space by providing accessible and smart technology solutions that cater specifically to the needs of India’s small and medium enterprises.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/paytm-introduces-ai-soundbox-for-smes-here-s-what-it-offers/story
**Showers Encomium on Tinubu Over Efforts on Retirees’ Welfare**
The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend the recently approved N32,000 minimum pension to retirees of seven defunct parastatals who were omitted from the increase.
The association described such inclusion as a just and befitting Pensioners Day gift that would further demonstrate the President’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and justice for all retirees.
In its 2025 Pensioners Day Celebration message, jointly signed by the President General, Elder Benjamin Amakko, and the General Secretary, Mr. Franklin Erinle, FEPPPAN appealed to President Tinubu to graciously direct the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to include pensioners from the seven defunct parastatals who were wrongly excluded from the N32,000 pension increase.
The affected entities, the statement noted, include the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), NITEL/MTEL, Peoples Bank, Assurance Bank, NICON Insurance, Nigeria Insurance, and the Petroleum Institutes.
FEPPPAN expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for his administration’s continued commitment to improving the welfare of retirees, especially for ensuring regular and prompt payment of pensions across the country.
The association said the President’s compassion has brought renewed hope and dignity to many senior citizens who once suffered neglect, noting in particular his approval of palliatives for pensioners to ease the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal.
“That gesture speaks volumes of a listening and humane leader,” the statement read.
However, FEPPPAN urged the Federal Government to release the three-month N25,000 palliative already approved by the President to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal on pensioners nationwide.
The Association also called on all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—to prioritize pensioners’ welfare by ensuring prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, and by providing affordable healthcare and housing tailored to the needs of senior citizens.
“These are not privileges; they are rights earned through decades of loyal service to our beloved country,” FEPPPAN declared.
Celebrating Nigeria’s senior citizens as heroes of service, the Association saluted the strength, dignity, and legacy of pensioners who gave their best years to the growth and stability of the nation.
“You are the pillars upon which our nation stands tall,” it said. “You gave your youth, your strength, your skills, and your best years in service to Nigeria. Today, we say with pride: You are our pride, our inspiration, and our moral compass.”
The message, titled *A Salute to Our Heroes: Celebrating the Strength, Dignity, and Legacy of Nigeria’s Senior Citizens*, described October 5 as a special day in the heart of every pensioner—one proclaimed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari as the National Pensioners and Senior Citizens Day, set aside to honour the invaluable contributions of the nation’s elders to peace and progress.
FEPPPAN urged every pensioner to wear this day as a badge of honour, adding that their labour and sacrifices are written not only in national policy but also in the living memory of the nation they helped to build.
The Association praised pensioners as beacons of integrity, discipline, and service, whose legacy continues to inspire younger generations.
“Your story teaches that dedication and integrity are never in vain,” it stated, stressing that the Nigeria of today stands firmly on the foundation of their sacrifices.
Reaffirming its dedication to protecting the rights and welfare of retirees, FEPPPAN pledged to continue engaging constructively with government to ensure that no pensioner is left behind.
Finally, the Association extended goodwill to all senior citizens, both in the public and private sectors, wishing them good health, long life, peace of mind, and the respect they truly deserve.
https://tribuneonlineng.com/n32000-minimum-pension-fepppan-urges-tinubu-to-include-excluded-dbs-pensioners/
EU governments are planning to launch a European Life Sciences Investment Fund as part of a coordinated strategy to make Europe a more attractive destination for private investment in research and innovation.
At a meeting held in Brussels on September 30, research ministers approved Council conclusions focused on life sciences for enhancing EU competitiveness. These conclusions call on the European Commission to explore the feasibility of establishing a dedicated fund through the European Investment Fund (EIF), which is part of the European Investment Bank Group.
Strong and innovative life sciences are essential for the Union’s sustainable global competitiveness, sovereignty, security, and autonomy. They play a crucial role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of European citizens, addressing societal and environmental challenges, and supporting the green transition.
https://sciencebusiness.net/news/r-d-funding/life-sciences/eu-council-calls-life-sciences-investment-fund
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has signaled a willingness to negotiate with Democrats on their health care demands, marking a notable break from her party on an issue central to the ongoing government shutdown standoff.
In a lengthy post on the social platform X, Greene expressed her strong opposition to the potential impacts of the shutdown. She stated that she is “absolutely disgusted” at the possibility that health insurance premiums could double if the Affordable Care Act provisions are not protected.
Her comments suggest a rare shift toward bipartisan dialogue amid a fraught political environment, as discussions continue over the government’s future funding and related policy demands.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5542078-greene-breaks-republican-health-care/
