Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is set to face scrutiny over her promised tax cuts and spending initiatives on Monday (Feb 9) following her historic election victory, which has boosted expectations that she could push through stimulus measures that have unsettled financial markets. Takaichi’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) achieved a decisive win in Sunday’s election, aided by her pledge to suspend the eight percent food sales tax for two years — a plan she has called her “long‑cherished dream.”
Investors, however, remain wary about how Japan, already the most indebted developed nation, would fund the initiative. The uncertainty has triggered a selloff in government bonds and weakened the yen to historic lows against major currencies. Some analysts suggested that her strong mandate might allow her to scale back the plan, as opposition parties advocating even larger tax cuts were soundly defeated. But Takaichi dismissed this idea in several brief TV interviews on Sunday, affirming her intent to act quickly on the LDP’s promise.
Her strengthened position also diminishes resistance from fiscal conservatives within the party, analysts say. Takaichi is expected to hold her first major post-election press conference on Monday. “While some LDP members remain cautious, the election outcome raises the likelihood of a consumption tax cut,” said Ryutaro Kono, chief Japan economist at BNP Paribas. “The premier has repeatedly criticized past fiscal policy as too restrictive and clearly favors overhauling the system dominated by the finance ministry and party experts.”
Aware of the financial impact, Takaichi has emphasized that the tax cut will be temporary and has pledged to maintain responsible fiscal management. Following the LDP’s win, Japanese stocks rose, government bonds fell, and the yen regained some ground, reflecting market optimism that decisive fiscal action is now possible. Government spokesperson Minoru Kihara noted that Japan is monitoring foreign exchange markets closely due to concerns about rapid currency fluctuations.
The key challenge remains funding the tax suspension, which could cost roughly five trillion yen (S$40.55 billion) annually, about the size of Japan’s education budget. Takaichi has ruled out issuing new debt and offered few specifics on alternative sources, suggesting that cross-party discussions on social welfare and taxation will determine the details. Previous hints about tapping non-tax revenues have drawn attention to Japan’s US$1.4 trillion foreign exchange reserves, though heavy use could spark fears of selling US Treasury holdings, potentially unsettling markets and straining relations with Washington.
Prolonged uncertainty over funding could trigger further bond market selloffs. Rising government bond yields would increase the cost of servicing Japan’s massive debt, which is roughly double the size of its economy, and could weaken the yen further, raising import costs and potentially offsetting the benefit of tax cuts for households. Shinichi Ichikawa, senior fellow at Pictet Asset Management Japan, said, “She may have won the public mandate, but not the market’s yet. Concerns over finances and a weaker yen could push up food prices, which might hurt her popularity.”
Since taking office in October, Takaichi has already moderated earlier plans for large-scale spending and tax cuts to avoid market disruption. Despite the election victory, she appeared serious and measured in post-election interviews, reflecting awareness of the delicate balance between delivering on promises and maintaining market stability. Asked why she looked so stern after a landslide win and how she would take responsibility if her administration failed, she responded sharply: “It’s pretty mean to ask that of someone who’s about to give it everything.”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Elon Musk announced that SpaceX is now prioritizing the creation of a “self-growing city” on the Moon, aiming to achieve it within the next decade. While SpaceX still plans to pursue Musk’s long-term goal of a Mars city in five to seven years, he emphasized on X (formerly Twitter) that “the overriding priority is securing the future of civilization, and the Moon is faster.”
This aligns with a recent Wall Street Journal report that SpaceX told investors it would focus on lunar missions first, targeting an uncrewed Moon landing in March 2027, and delay crewed Mars missions. Last year, Musk had aimed for an uncrewed Mars mission by the end of 2026. The U.S. faces stiff competition from China in returning humans to the Moon, which hasn’t been visited since Apollo 17 in 1972.
Musk also revealed SpaceX’s acquisition of his AI company xAI, valuing SpaceX at $1 trillion and xAI at $250 billion. Supporters view the move as a way to advance space-based data centers, which Musk believes are more energy-efficient amid growing AI demands. SpaceX is planning a public offering later this year, potentially raising $50 billion, which could be the largest IPO ever. Musk noted that NASA will contribute less than 5% of SpaceX’s revenue this year, with most income coming from its commercial Starlink system. SpaceX holds a $4 billion NASA contract under the Artemis program to land astronauts on the Moon using Starship.
Alongside SpaceX, Musk is also steering Tesla in a new direction. After helping build the global electric vehicle market, Tesla plans to spend $20 billion this year focusing on autonomous driving and robotics. To accelerate this shift, Tesla will discontinue two car models at its California factory to make room for producing Optimus humanoid robots.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.
Opposition MPs are preparing to introduce a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, sources said on Monday. The move follows Opposition claims that Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was denied an opportunity to speak during the debate on the motion of thanks to the President’s Address.
The controversy intensified last week when the Lok Sabha saw repeated disruptions after Rahul Gandhi referred to former Army Chief General M M Naravane’s unpublished memoir while speaking about the 2020 border standoff with China. The Speaker ruled that unpublished material could not be cited and did not allow the reading to continue.
On February 5, Speaker Birla said he had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to avoid attending the House that day to prevent any untoward incident, citing information that some Congress MPs might approach the Prime Minister’s seat and create an unprecedented situation. Lok Sabha proceedings were again disrupted by Opposition sloganeering, with MPs demanding a discussion on the India United States interim trade framework. As a result, no legislative work took place and the House was adjourned till noon, barely seven minutes after it convened for the week.
When Question Hour began, Opposition MPs continued raising slogans. Speaker Birla appealed for order and assured members that everyone would get a chance to speak. Criticising the disruptions, he urged MPs to engage in debate and discussion rather than force adjournments, but eventually adjourned the House amid continued protests. Both Houses of Parliament were scheduled to carry on discussions on the Union Budget 2026 27 on Monday. The budget was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, marking her ninth consecutive budget presentation in the Lok Sabha.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
The Indian Navy’s sail training ship INS Sudarshini has successfully completed the first port call of her ten-month transoceanic voyage Lokayan-26 at Salalah, Oman, marking an important step in India’s maritime outreach and the strengthening of naval ties with Oman, the Defence Ministry said.
During the visit, the ship’s Commanding Officer met Captain Mohammad Al Ghailani, Southern Naval Area Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, and Captain Mohammad Al Mahari, Commanding Officer of RNO vessel Al Moazer. These interactions underscored the historic maritime connections between India and Oman and reaffirmed the spirit of friendship between the two navies. As part of professional exchanges, Omani naval officers were also given a guided tour of the ship.
The visit included strong people-to-people engagement, with INS Sudarshini opened to the public. Over 600 visitors, including schoolchildren, toured the three-masted barque and learned about traditional ocean sailing. INS Sudarshini has now set sail for the next phase of Lokayan-26, continuing India’s longstanding seafaring tradition. The Navy described the ship as a symbol of maritime excellence, goodwill, and international friendship.
The voyage began on January 20 from Naval Base Kochi and will span more than 22,000 nautical miles over ten months, with port calls in 18 foreign ports across 13 countries. Reflecting India’s maritime heritage and the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the ship will also participate in major international tall-ship events, including Escale à Sète in France and SAIL 250 in New York.
More than 200 Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard trainees will undergo intensive sail training during the deployment, gaining hands-on experience in long-distance navigation and traditional seamanship. The voyage will also facilitate interactions with trainees and navies from other countries, promoting professional exchange and lasting partnerships. According to the Defence Ministry, Lokayan-26 will further enhance maritime cooperation, support training engagements, and advance the vision of MAHASAGAR, standing as a testament to India’s cultural diplomacy and commitment to global maritime cooperation.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@indiannavy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday interacted with students during the second episode of the 9th edition of ‘Pariksha Pe Charcha’, connecting with participants from cities including Delhi, Coimbatore, Raipur, Guwahati, and Devmogra. Modi said he participates in these sessions “to learn, not to teach.” On being asked about the role of youth in achieving Viksit Bharat 2047, the Prime Minister appreciated students’ focus on the country’s future. He emphasized the importance of discipline, reducing wastage, and adopting good habits. Addressing concerns about technology, Modi cautioned against over-dependence on AI and smartphones, urging students to use them as tools, not masters. He also highlighted the need to balance education, talent, and play, noting that inspiration alone is not enough without discipline.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PMModi/Youtube.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s coalition secured a historic victory in Sunday’s (Feb 8) election, setting the stage for planned tax cuts that have rattled financial markets, as well as increased military spending to counter China. For insights into this outcome, Andrea Heng and Genevieve Woo consulted Dr. Lim Tai Wei, East Asia specialist and Professor at Soka University, Japan.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
A crocodile has been spotted in the southern waters of Singapore, leading to increased patrols and safety warnings on Sentosa’s beaches. Authorities are keeping track of the animal’s movements and advising visitors to avoid entering the water. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng report on saltwater crocodiles, with insights from Kannan Raja, President of the Herpetological Society of Singapore.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
The expiration of the New START treaty has lifted the final restrictions on the nuclear stockpiles of the United States and Russia. As global arms control frameworks weaken, Russia is simultaneously strengthening military partnerships abroad, notably through a new five-year defense agreement with Myanmar’s ruling junta. This raises questions about whether Moscow now has greater freedom to act militarily and what these moves mean for global nuclear security.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly making inroads into healthcare, offering tools that can answer medical queries, forecast risks, and support personalized health choices. But a new Singapore-based startup is challenging the notion that a single global AI model can safely cater to everyone. With structured screenings and national healthcare systems already in place, is there room for another AI health platform in Singapore? Hairianto Diman and Susan Ng explore this question with Hari V Krishnan, Co-founder and CEO of Genie Health.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
