IBT Staff Reporter

Asian technology shares gained, helped by hopes for a recovery in battered chip prices and expectations that nimble Asian firms may slow the runaway success of Apple Inc after news CEO Steve Jobs was taking medical leave.

The future of the United Auto Workers likely depends on whether it can unionize factories in the United States run mainly by Asian carmakers, the group's president said on Sunday.

The euro was on shaky ground on Tuesday with no imminent decision in sight on how to beef up the euro zone's rescue fund, while Asian tech shares outperformed despite news that Apple Inc CEO Steve Jobs is taking medical leave.

China has lent more money to developing nations than the World Bank in the past two years, the Financial Times said on Tuesday, underlining Beijing's ambitions to increase its global influence.

Apple Inc Chief Executive Steve Jobs is taking medical leave for the third time since 2004, sending its shares tumbling more than 8 percent as the surprise revived concerns over the long-term future of the iPhone- and iPad-maker.

Alaska's crude oil pipeline resumed operations on Monday, restoring the flow of about 12 percent of U.S. oil production nearly a week and a half after the line was shut due to a leak.

European planemaker Airbus celebrated a surprise win in the annual orders race against Boeing with the 10,000th plane sale in its 40-year history, part of a $5 billion order from Virgin America.

Euro zone finance ministers discussed on Monday having more money in their rescue fund and cheaper emergency loans as part of a package of measures to end the sovereign debt crisis, but they made no firm decisions.

Looking to create technologies for next generation of mobile devices.

Most iPad users prefer free content or ad-supported apps.

South African retailer Massmart's shareholders have accepted a takeover by U.S. group Wal-Mart , setting up the world's largest retailer for a potential battle with local unions.

(Corrects COO Tim Cook's first name)LONDON/SAN FRANCISCO - Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs is taking medical leave for the second time in as many years, sending shares tumbling close to 10 percent as the news revived concerns over the long-term future of the iPhone- and iPad-maker.

Sony has filed several documents with the courts in California in an effort to show that the courts there have jurisdiction over a hacker who publicized a jailbreak for the Playstation 3 console.

Investors and analysts gave a cautious welcome to BP's share swap and Arctic exploration deal with Russia's Rosneft , saying that any return is likely a long way off.

While nearly half of the U.S. public said in a recent poll that accused Arizona shooter Jared Loughner's political views were a factor in the Tucson Massacre, the accused gunman was apolitical, a former friend said.

The Republican-controlled House of Representatives returns to work tomorrow and the first thing on its agenda is repeal of the Obama administration's health care reform.

World No. 2 Roger Federer cruised into the second round, along with Novak Djokovic and Andy Roddick while in the WTA, World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, Maria Sharapova, Justin Henin and Venus Williams all progressed.

A group of senators, on the eve of Chinese President Hu Jintao's arrival in the United States, said it was vital Congress pass legislation to get tough with China over its currency practices.

Rights groups on Monday demanded Haiti arrest former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier for crimes against humanity after his surprise return from 25 years in exile, which strained an edgy political atmosphere in the volatile Caribbean state.

U.N. peacekeepers in Ivory Coast fired warning shots into the air to disperse angry supporters of incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo on Monday, and police fired return shots skywards in an incident that left three wounded, witnesses said.

A significant number of young women prostituted themselves with Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, prosecutors investigating him said in a document made public on Monday.

The prosecutor of the international Lebanon tribunal issued a draft indictment on Monday over the 2005 killing of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri.

Israeli Defence Minister Ehud Barak broke away from his centre-left Labour Party on Monday in a move Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said made his government stronger and more stable.

Tunisia's prime minister appointed opposition figures to a new unity government on Monday, trying to establish political stability after violent street protests brought down the president last Friday.

It was a case of third time lucky for American Mark Wilson when he booked his long-awaited debut at the U.S. Masters with a two-shot victory at the Sony Open on Sunday.

The music service was supposed to rival iTunes. It didn't.

Using a length of cable, a hacker can open your car and drive it off.

Apple Inc's Steve Jobs said the board has granted him medical leave to concentrate on his health.

New York Jets coach Rex Ryan outfoxed New England Patriots counterpart Bill Belichick with a defensive scheme that put his team on the brink of a Super Bowl with one more championship quarterback waiting in their path.