https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.htmlOne place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 588 items from 1 source; Taiwan, 78 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.en https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113993https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113993Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:55:55 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA team at Taiwan’s Academia Sinica developed an automated system to analyze whole-brain circuits in autistic mice and found that abnormalities in the “olfactory cortex” play an important role in autism pathology. The findings point to a new possibility of incorporating olfactory training into early intervention for autism. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113995https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113995Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:53:28 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA台湾自来水公司 invested NT$25 million to create 8 art installations and donated them to the Tainan Shan上 Garden Waterworks Museum. The centerpiece, “Water-Song Forest,” is set to become a new landmark. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113997https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113997Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:53:24 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAYulon Nissan General Manager Yao Zhenxiang said tensions in the Middle East and fluctuations in international crude oil prices are short-term factors with little impact on Taiwan’s auto market. If the market stabilizes in the second quarter, the auto market is expected to improve in the second half of the year. New-car registrations in Taiwan are forecast to reach 420,000 this year. Yao said the impact of U.S. tariffs and imports of U.S.-specification vehicles remains unclear until the tariff policy is finalized. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114005https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114005Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:51:58 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAKaohsiung’s Water Resources Bureau has completed inspections and repairs at 1806 water facilities across the city in preparation for flood season. It is using a smart water management monitoring system to track water levels and other conditions in real time, comprehensively improving disaster preparedness. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113994https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113994Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:51:53 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA桃園市政府は、若者のマイホーム取得を支援するため、全国初となる「桃園市アフォーダブル住宅（可負擔住宅）興辦管理自治条例」草案を可決しました。住宅の非商品化を目指し、適正価格での供給と転売制限を設けます。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114009https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114009Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:51:24 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNATaipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an voiced support for Taoyuan’s pay-per-bag garbage fee policy and shared Taipei’s experience of cutting household waste by 65% after introducing the policy. Taoyuan began charging for non-household waste at government agencies and schools on January 1, 2025, aiming to improve waste sorting and reduce waste. Taoyuan Deputy Mayor Su Chun-pin said per capita waste generation in Taoyuan is higher than in Taipei and New Taipei, and stressed that the fee would reduce waste and ease the financial burden on residents. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113992https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113992Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:51:16 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe conflict in the Middle East is affecting daily life in India, with shipping through the Strait of Hormuz halted and energy shortages emerging. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices in India have soared several times over, and supply shortages have also worsened. The LPG shortage is affecting Indians’ daily tea-drinking habit, forcing many tea shops to close temporarily. In Delhi and Kolkata, a “milk tea frenzy” has seen people form long queues for tea. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114002https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114002Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:46:45 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAt Kaohsiung’s Jiading Wetland, winter visitors such as black-faced spoonbills have headed north, while spring migrants such as common redshanks have arrived. The changing seasons offer a chance to observe the area’s rich ecosystem. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113996https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113996Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:45:49 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA sculpture exhibition, “Everyday Displacements,” by Taiwanese artist Tsai Chieh-hsin and Japanese artist Misato Sano will be held at 看海美術館 in Pingtung County. Through 32 works, the exhibition offers perspectives on everyday emotions and culture, and aims to transform the area into a cultural landmark. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113998https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113998Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:42:45 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Eastern Region Branch of the Agriculture and Food Agency said it is ensuring a stable fertilizer supply amid rising international raw material prices due to the situation in the Middle East. By the end of March, 300 tons of compound fertilizer had been supplied in eastern Taiwan, with further stocks continuing to be replenished. The agency said production lines at Taiwan Fertilizer Co. and private companies are operating normally, and raw material inventories are sufficient through the end of 2026. It urged farmers to use the real-name purchasing system, which includes transportation subsidies, and avoid stockpiling. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113999https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113999Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:41:43 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAWith the term of the 6th cohort of Control Yuan members nearing its end, approval of nominees for the 7th cohort and securing a budget have become key issues. Control Yuan Secretary-General Huang Shih-chuo said rejecting the nominees or reducing the budget to zero would be equivalent to abolishing the Control Yuan’s oversight powers and would harm the public. Huang emphasized that the Control Yuan handles 100,000 petitions a year and plays a role in correcting problems in government agencies. The Kuomintang and Taiwan People’s Party have refused to nominate candidates for the 7th cohort, and the next developments are being closely watched. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114000https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114000Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:39:40 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNATaichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen said she and Kuomintang Chairwoman Cheng Li-wun were simply fulfilling their respective duties in the party’s “二つの太陽” debate, and that there was no conflict between them. On calls for a referendum to introduce flogging for serious crimes such as sexual assault, child abuse and fraud, she said public discussion and consensus-building were needed. She expressed gratitude after the Legislative Yuan passed the Childcare Services Act, which strengthens penalties for child abuse and allows offenders’ names to be made public. Lu stressed that society as a whole should discuss introducing flogging and that pursuing justice through the judicial system was important. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114001https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114001Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:38:38 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAGoogle today launched Gemini’s personalized smart services in Taiwan. The service securely links information from apps such as Gmail, Google Photos and YouTube to create itineraries and recommendations tailored to users. It is rolling out in stages to Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra subscribers, and is expected to become available to free users in a few weeks. Gemini can reason through complex sources of information and provide more personalized responses while protecting users’ privacy. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114003https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114003Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:36:34 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNATaiwan JSR Electronic Materials, a JSR subsidiary, and Applied Materials Taiwan opened the Advanced Planarization Process Joint Research Center in Hsinchu. TSMC executives also attended, expressing hopes that the 3 companies would strengthen their cooperation on semiconductor miniaturization and advance technology development in Taiwan. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114004https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114004Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:36:32 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA交通部は、原油価格高騰により5月に高速バスの基本運賃が値上げ基準に達する見込みであると発表した。しかし、実際の乗車料金は調整されず、5月から12月にかけて高速バスに1.2億元、タクシーに15億元の補助金が支給される予定だ。これは、行政院の指示に基づき、公共交通機関の運賃を据え置くためである。中油公司が先行して原油価格上昇分を吸収し、交通部が後で予算を計上する。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114010https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114010Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:36:09 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAccording to the White House’s “2026 Economic Report of the President,” US trade patterns have shifted significantly: imports from China declined, while imports from Taiwan rose by $59.6 billion, the largest increase among all countries. The shift highlights US-Taiwan economic integration and strengthens bilateral trade ties in terms of innovation and economic security. Under the “Reciprocal Trade Agreement” announced in February 2026, Taiwan will invest at least $250 billion in US semiconductor, energy and AI projects. The Taiwanese government will also provide an additional $250 billion in credit guarantees to build semiconductor supply chains. The agreement will modernize US-Taiwan trade ties by expanding access to Taiwan’s market for US products and removing trade barriers. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114006https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114006Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:31:28 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA video showing a man violently kicking a boy in the parking lot of Taipei’s Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall has spread online. Although no report had been filed, police reviewed the video and proactively intervened on child-protection grounds, identifying those involved and proceeding in accordance with the law. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114007https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114007Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:30:26 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNADeputy Minister of Economic Affairs Ho Chin-tsang told the Legislative Yuan’s Economics Committee that even if tensions in the Middle East ease, international oil prices are unlikely to return to prewar levels in the short term. National Development Council Minister Yeh Chun-hsien said the impact of the conflict on the consumer price index (CPI) could emerge in April, but would be limited if the conflict ended soon. CPC said it was continuing to secure oil supplies, with domestic oil and gas supply assured through June and July still under review. CPC Deputy General Manager Lin Ke-ju said international oil prices would depend on how the conflict develops, but CPC was cooperating with the policy of stabilizing prices and had kept domestic oil prices unchanged for the past 2 weeks. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114008https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n114008Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:29:24 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Control Yuan said it was reviewing a request by Kuomintang lawmakers to impeach Executive Yuan President Cho Jung-tai, with its Judicial and Prison Affairs Committee examining the matter from the perspective of separation of powers. It also reported on investigations into alleged workplace bullying involving a former deputy representative of the Office of Trade Negotiations and the alleged misuse of official vehicles by Control Yuan members. On the vehicle issue, the Control Yuan said it had comprehensively revised and improved its rules to align them with Legislative Yuan regulations. It also stressed that it had pursued impeachment cases involving many senior officials. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113954https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113954Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:28:08 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe US-Iran war has entered its 46th day. The countries are in a 2-week ceasefire, but the US is pressuring Iran with a naval blockade and economic sanctions while seeking new talks. Former US President Donald Trump suggested a 2nd round of talks with Iran could be held in Pakistan within 2 days, saying the war was “very close to ending.” The US Treasury Department announced that a temporary sanctions waiver for Iranian oil would expire on April 19 and would not be extended. Following the announcement, oil prices fell, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq returned to their Feb. 28 levels. The IMF sharply cut its 2026 economic growth forecast for the Middle East and North Africa. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113950https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113950Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:25:17 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA suspected food poisoning incident at a bento shop in Taoyuan left 104 people reporting symptoms, with 69 seeking medical care. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113951https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113951Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:21:15 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNATwo route options are under consideration for the 2nd phase of the Keelung MRT, from Badu to downtown Keelung: Makajin Road and the Taiwan Railways corridor. The Keelung City Government plans to complete an interim review around midyear, finalize the route plan by year-end and complete the feasibility study report. Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang said development along Makajin Road could spur economic growth through the MRT and help offset construction costs. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113952https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113952Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:21:13 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA new system for animal medicines that was scheduled to take effect in July this year was postponed because preparations were inadequate and will ultimately be withdrawn. After criticism that the system had been drafted hastily, the Ministry of Agriculture said it would develop a new management approach. At a Legislative Yuan committee meeting, lawmakers called for a complete legal framework covering everything from registration to distribution management, as well as a rebuilt system, within 1 year. The Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Health and Welfare said they would use simplified procedures and stronger guidance to ensure medicine supplies were not disrupted. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113953https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113953Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:20:11 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNARolls-Royce unveiled its new 2-seat electric convertible, “Project Nightingale.” Deliveries are set to begin in 2028, with only 100 units to be made to order. The car emphasizes a quiet driving experience with almost no mechanical noise. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113957https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113957Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:20:05 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA台北地方法院は、地球村の元責任者に関連する重傷害事件で、夏姓の男に対し80万元の保釈金と出国制限を命じた。夏男は地球村の陳姓責任者の債務処理を助け、周姓の男に女性歯科医を殴打するよう教唆したとされる。台北地検は昨年9月に詐欺、組織犯罪、重傷害などの罪で陳男、夏男、周男ら6人を起訴した。裁判所は、夏男と周男の勾留期間満了が近づいているため、保釈を認めた。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113955https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113955Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:17:07 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAfter UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops were attacked, leaving casualties, 10 countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia and Japan, issued a joint statement condemning the incident and calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Lebanon. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113956https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113956Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:17:04 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAMayor Hou You-yi called for careful evaluation and comprehensive supporting measures before accepting foreign workers from India, including measures to ensure public safety and improve the domestic employment environment. He also voiced support for passage of the Childcare Services Act to improve childcare services. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113958https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113958Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:09:00 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAt the Taichung City Council, questions were raised over the festival’s international reach, with claims that the city’s published data did not match its promotional claims. The Economic Development Bureau said it aimed to increase foreign visitors’ participation and spending by improving multilingual services and connecting the festival with tourism resources. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113959https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113959Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:07:58 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAfter the Cheng-Xi meeting, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office announced 10 measures for Taiwan. The office said it would work with relevant departments and local governments to implement them. The measures include promoting imports of Taiwanese agricultural and fishery products and resuming a trial program allowing residents of Shanghai and Fujian to travel independently to Taiwan proper. The Democratic Progressive Party government criticized the measures as “united front” coercion. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113962https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113962Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:06:18 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) said he hoped Beijing would engage in dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected government. In response, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said that as long as the “Nine-Two Consensus” and opposition to Taiwan independence were upheld, exchanges with any Taiwanese political party or group would not be obstructed. The office criticized the US for stoking fears of China as “turning black and white upside down” and stressed that the Taiwan issue is China's internal affair. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113960https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113960Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:05:56 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA國發基金による100億台湾ドルのスポーツ産業支援計画が間もなく開始される。國家發展委員會の葉俊顯主任委員は、運動部が投資管理辦法を策定する必要があり、5月初旬に公告が完了する見込みだと述べた。その後、國發基金管理會の承認を経て投資が開始される。この計画は、スポーツ産業の長期的な補助金依存構造を改善し、投資主導型の発展モデルを確立することを目指している。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113961https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113961Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:04:54 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Taiwan dollar rose 6.2 cents against the US dollar on the Taipei foreign exchange market on the 15th, standing at 31.628 at noon. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113963https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113963Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:56:49 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe 4 cities of Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei and Taoyuan are upgrading the “My Carbon Reduction Account” policy, which promotes green transportation, to include carbon reductions from walking starting May 1. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said the policy attracted more than 480,000 participants last year and reduced carbon emissions by 72,000 tons. Prizes will be awarded to those who meet the targets, and residents can check their carbon-reduction records through the Easy Wallet EasyCard Pay app. The initiative aims to meet net-zero emissions targets and promote environmental sustainability. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113796https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113796Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:55:12 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNATaiwanese pitcher Teng Kai-wei of the ヒューストン・アストロズ recorded his first relief win in the major leagues. He pitched 1.1 innings, striking out 2 and allowing 1 run to help his team win. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113802https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113802Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:51:15 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAWriter and painter Liao Che-lin has published a new book, “Motianling Club,” set in Motianling, her hometown in Taichung's Heping District. The book depicts the hardships of fruit farmers behind Taiwan's reputation as a “fruit kingdom” and the lives of people in her hometown. Liao said she rediscovered the beauty of her hometown and the warmth of her family and neighbors when she returned to her parents' home, physically and emotionally exhausted. She compiled those experiences in the book, capturing the lives of people in her hometown who “struggle to live until the very last moment.” https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113792https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113792Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:49:47 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe pilgrimage from Tongxiao's Baishatun Gongtian Temple in Miaoli to Beigang Chaotian Temple is underway, with more than 460,000 participants on an 8-day, 7-night journey. The procession traveled from Changhua County to Yunlin County, with heartwarming exchanges along the way, including worshippers picking up litter and local residents providing supplies. The Changhua County Police Department worked to direct traffic and maintain order, and supplies were also provided to officers. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113793https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113793Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:46:45 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Charlotte Hornets beat the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime in the NBA Play-In Tournament, staying in contention for the Eastern Conference's No. 8 seed. Hornets guard LaMelo Ball recorded 30 points, 10 assists and 5 rebounds, and scored the decisive basket late in the game. The Heat failed to hold onto their lead on 2 occasions and missed out on a playoff berth. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113798https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113798Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:46:41 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA中国がアフリカ53カ国にゼロ関税を適用するが、台湾の友邦であるエスワティニは除外された。台湾外交部の陳明祺政務次長は、この措置がエスワティニ経済に与える影響は「ほぼ無視できる」と述べた。頼清徳総統は4月22日から27日までエスワティニを訪問し、国王の即位40周年と58歳の誕生日を祝う。訪問中、両国は「関税相互支援協定」に署名し、「台湾産業イノベーションパーク」や「戦略石油貯蔵施設」に関するブリーフィングを受ける予定だ。台湾はエスワティニの経済発展を支援し、現地製品の台湾市場への導入やアフリカでの販売促進を重視している。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113794https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113794Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:45:43 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Taiwan Legislative Yuan's Internal Administration Committee has given initial approval to a bill renaming the “vehicle fuel use fee” as the “road use, maintenance, safety and management fee” to address the rise of electric vehicles and clarify the user-pays principle. The move signals that electric vehicles could also be required to pay road-use fees in the future. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113795https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113795Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:42:41 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNASecond-quarter price increases have been confirmed in the copper-clad laminate (CCL) industry, sending shares of Taiwan's major CCL makers 台光電, 台燿 and 聯茂 sharply higher. Demand for high-end materials for AI servers and high-speed computing is a key driver. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113797https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113797Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:40:36 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAfter Taiwanese legislator Lee Chen-hsiu was expelled from 民衆党, she criticized party chairman Huang Kuo-chang. Huang retorted that Lee was lying and said it was regrettable that she had not defended the rights of mainland spouses when appearing on a television program. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113799https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113799Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:36:14 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Third Precinct of the Taichung City Police Department busted a drug packaging site in the Taoyuan area set up by a man surnamed Wang. Investigators seized 31 cannabis cartridges, 3 packages of cannabis and 7 cans of cannabis oil, among other drugs, with a total gross weight of more than 2 kilograms and an estimated street value of NT$1 million. Wang was referred for prosecution for violating the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act, and prosecutors indicted him in March this year. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113800https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113800Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:34:11 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA sergeant at the Kaohsiung Reserve Command, short of money after investment losses, stole a supervisor's financial credentials while filling in for a cashier and bypassed 4 system security checks to embezzle NT$600,000 in public funds. The money was transferred to an unwitting friend's account and used for futures trading. After the case came to light, the full amount was repaid, but prosecutors indicted the defendant on corruption and other charges, citing his evasive statements and poor attitude after the offense. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113801https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113801Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:31:09 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAt a charity raffle in Paris, 58-year-old engineer Ali Hodara won “Head of a Woman,” a painting by Spanish master Pablo Picasso, with a 100-euro ticket. The painting was created in 1941 and has an official valuation of more than 1 million euros. The raffle raised about 11 million euros, all of which will be donated to Alzheimer's disease research. The organizers, supported by the Picasso family and foundation, have held similar raffles 2 times before. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113761https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113761Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:28:26 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAUS stocks rose on hopes of easing tensions in the Middle East. Following that trend, Taiwan's stock market surged past a record 37000 points, led by technology stocks such as TSMC and Aspeed (信驊). https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113752https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113752Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:27:05 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Taiwanese horror film “Sacrifice” held its premiere in Keelung last night. Lead actor Cao You-ning plays the spirit medium for He Xiangu in the film, wielding a fan to fight demons. He said he practiced dancing intensely for the role, even rehearsing alone late at night. Producer Tseng Chen thanked the Keelung City Government and Huguo City God Temple for helping with filming. The city government also provided a subsidy of NT$1.3 million, hoping to attract more production teams to film in Keelung. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113753https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113753Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:24:03 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAMany international flights in China, particularly routes to Southeast Asia and Australia, have been canceled due to soaring aviation fuel costs during the May Day holiday. Fuel prices have doubled from previous levels, while airfares have not been adjusted accordingly, leaving airlines “losing more the more they fly.” Tensions in the Middle East are the main cause of high oil prices. International Air Transport Association data show that the global average price of aviation fuel has reached $209 per barrel. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113754https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113754Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:19:01 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA世界銀行總裁彭安杰表示，世銀計劃在未來15個月內動用800億至1000億美元資金，援助受中東戰爭嚴重打擊的國家，此規模超越新冠疫情期間的700億美元。這筆資金將透過「危機應對窗口」及調整現有計畫用途籌措。國際貨幣基金也因此下調全球成長預期，反映戰爭對全球經濟的巨大衝擊。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113755https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113755Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:17:58 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA香港政府 held a flag-raising ceremony for “全民國家安全教育日.” Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan emphasized the need to continually deepen national security education and prevent all security risks. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113756https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113756Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:17:56 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Technical and Vocational Education Entrance Test Center announced 3 principles for responding to earthquakes during the 115 academic year Four-Year College and Two-Year College Joint Entrance Examination, to be held on April 25 and 26. Responses are divided into 3 levels according to the degree of danger: “continue the exam,” “evacuate in place,” and “emergency evacuation.” The decision will be made by the chief proctor for each exam area. The combined number of applicants for this year’s joint entrance exams and the Two-Year College Joint Entrance Examination was 71,568, a record low. If an earthquake occurs during the exam, candidates must follow proctors’ instructions and announcements. Mobile phones are prohibited; candidates are urged to leave them with their guardians or turn them off completely and leave them in a designated place. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113757https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113757Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:14:54 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Taitung County government’s plan to integrate Indigenous Family Service Centers (IFSCs) into the general social welfare system has drawn strong opposition from the centers. An IFSC advocacy group said the centers are central to the collective development rights enshrined in the Indigenous Peoples Basic Law and are not general administrative outposts. The central government’s “Social Safety Net Strengthening Plan 2.0” identifies IFSCs as indispensable service hubs, and the group urged the county government to align its administrative changes with central policy. The county government said integration would expand the scope of services and provide greater flexibility, but said it would seek further input and consultation and would maintain current operations for now. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113762https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113762Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:14:19 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA中東紛争の影響で国際航空燃料が122%高騰。これを受け、台湾の民用航空局は5月に毎週52.6便（全便の約1.7%）のフライトがキャンセルされる見通しを明らかにした。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113758https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113758Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:11:52 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA民進党の2年ごとの党職選挙が5月に開催される中、高雄市立委の黄捷氏が高雄市党部主委への立候補を検討していることを明らかにした。黄捷氏は、現在各方面を訪問し、党内の先輩議員から意見を聴取していると述べた。メディア報道によると、高雄市長の陳其邁氏は黄捷氏を太陽花世代の一員であり、新生代のイメージと党内経験を兼ね備え、年末の選挙戦で即戦力となると評価している。黄捷氏は、もし立候補するならば、年末の高雄市長選挙での民進党立委頼瑞隆氏の勝利支援や、市長・議員選挙での全勝を目指すと語った。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113759https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113759Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:10:50 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNACTCI, an engineering, procurement and construction contractor, announced that it has won the “South Taiwan Science Park Reclaimed Water Plant Expansion Project” from an international high-tech company. The project combines investment, design and construction with 20 years of operation, easing the customer’s upfront investment burden while enabling a stable, customized reclaimed water supply. CTCI will draw on the strengths of its “green engineering” approach, which combines AI and green energy, and introduce BioNET, an advanced biological treatment process developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute. It will also use its proprietary smart water management system and digital monitoring, applying AI to increase reclaimed water recovery rates and purity. CTCI Chairman Yang Tsung-hsing said the successful model would be developed into a “global high-tech green water supply solution” and expanded to international high-tech industry clusters. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113760https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113760Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:08:48 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNATaiwan Railways will add 14 train services across its network from May 8 to 10 to accommodate Mother’s Day travel demand. Reservations open on April 17. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113765https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113765Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:07:59 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAFormer Taiwan People’s Party legislator Lee Cheng-hsiu was stripped of her party membership and lost her qualification as a legislator-at-large. The Central Election Commission announced that it had received an official letter from the Legislative Yuan regarding the cancellation of Lee’s legislative status. Under Paragraph 5 of Article 73 of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, the commission will proceed with announcing her replacement within 15 days. The commission currently has 4 members, while at least 5 are required to hold a meeting, so the Executive Yuan plans to put forward additional nominees. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113763https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113763Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:41 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAA Taiwanese private-sector think tank held the “2026 TTX Political, Economic, Military and Public Sentiment Scenario Simulation,” envisioning the year 2030. Against the backdrop of U.S.-China competition and conflict in the Middle East, it examined the resilience of Taiwan’s policies in response to the threat from China. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113764https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113764Wed, 15 Apr 2026 12:00:39 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe rankings of director compensation at Taiwan-listed companies in 2025 were released, with CTBC retaining the top spot at an average of NT$104.78 million. TSMC, meanwhile, fell to 19th place after its average compensation dropped 68.9% to NT$15.73 million. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113550https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113550Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:53:35 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNA美伊戦争によりプラスチック原料の供給網が寸断され、価格が約4年ぶりの高値に達した。これにより、アジア地域では環境配慮型包装材への需要が急増している。韓国の化粧品包装業者である衍宇（Yonwoo）では、紙製包装材の問い合わせが3倍に増加し、フランスのロレアルなどの大手化粧品メーカーも関心を示している。日本のスーパーマーケットではプラスチック製トレイや袋の品薄が予想され、三菱化学などのメーカーは製品価格を30%値上げする見込みだ。台湾の楽緹（Lastic）社は竹繊維製品への問い合わせが米国企業から再開しており、マレーシアの乳製品メーカー農鮮（Farm Fresh）は一時的に紙パック包装に切り替えた。 https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113551https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113551Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:50:33 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAir Force operations officer Su was indicted by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office after negligently losing 2 exercise operation plans classified as state secrets; the documents were later found in a shredder. Su is charged with negligent destruction of military classified documents under the Armed Forces Criminal Act and negligent destruction or loss of state secrets under the National Security Act. The incident occurred in August 113, and the missing documents were found between late April and early May 114. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113557https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113557Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:50:22 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAU.S. President Trump said the U.S.-Iran war was “very close” to ending. The 2 countries reached a 2-week ceasefire agreement and are expected to resume talks on the 16th. Although Trump stressed that U.S. operations were not over, he said Iran was eager to reach an agreement. The war began on February 28 and has claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and thousands of people across the Middle East. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113552https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113552Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:44:31 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAKMT Chair Cheng Li-wun said she had “not thought that far ahead” about running in the 2028 presidential election, saying she would remain calm and focus on her current duties. During her recent visit to China, she met with General Secretary Xi Jinping and said he was approachable and made many unscripted remarks in his speech. Cheng stressed Taiwan’s strategic value and argued that Taiwan should be in a position to set the agenda on its role in U.S.-China relations. She also plans to visit the United States. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113553https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113553Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:44:28 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Nantou County government plans to build a garbage incinerator in Mingjian Township, drawing strong opposition from local residents and environmental groups. At a scoping meeting for an environmental impact assessment held today, protesters threw joss paper and scuffled with police, disrupting the proceedings. Environmental groups questioned the fairness of the meeting process, said too few committee members were present and shouted, “The meeting is invalid.” The incident highlights the public backlash and environmental disputes local governments face when advancing major construction projects. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113554https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113554Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:38:26 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAThe Ministry of Education announced that registration for the July session of the 115 Taiwanese-language certification exam will close on May 8, with testing scheduled for July 25 and 26. Starting this year, the exam will be fully computerized, with only the writing test remaining paper-based. The ministry advised candidates to practice on the online mock-test platform on its website and said candidates under 19 are exempt from the registration fee. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113555https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113555Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:37:24 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAAmid a spate of recent food safety incidents, Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang said the central government would require local governments to increase food safety inspection staff as a condition of receiving subsidies. He explained that food safety has 3 lines of defense, with local health bureaus responsible for external inspections. The ministry has also placed GLP-1 drugs known as “slimming injections” on its list of medicines subject to tracking and tracing, and is working with the Ministry of Digital Affairs to crack down on illegal online sales while strengthening physician guidance for patients. https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113556https://ainews.idaeo.ai/180m/20260415-12/index-en-p7.html#n113556Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:36:22 +0900Taiwan中央社 CNAFive cats were injured in a pepper spray attack at Houtong Cat Village in Ruifang District, New Taipei City, recently. After an investigation, police arrested a man surnamed Lee yesterday. Lee said he committed the act because he was in a bad mood. After questioning him, police referred him to the Keelung District Prosecutors Office on suspicion of violating the Animal Protection Act. The Ruifang Precinct urged the public to respect life and care for animals.