News Headlines - 01 April 2014

▽Stap cells: research paper on stem cell breakthrough was partly falsified | theguardian.com

A Japanese scientist partly falsified a research paper that announced a breakthrough in the production of stem cells, the government-funded laboratory involved has announced.

▽So Japan can't hunt whales any more? That doesn't mean they're safe | theguardian.com

Flying high over the Derwent, our tiny aircraft, bound for the Tasmanian south-west wilderness, almost tipped its wings in salute. Far below us, heading for its honorary home port in Hobart after another season spent in the Southern Ocean combating the Japanese whalers, was the Bob Barker, Sea Shepherd's flagship, "back from saving our whales", said Fin, our young pilot.

▽BBC News - Japan raises sales tax for first time in 17 years

Japan has raised its consumption tax for the first time in 17 years in an attempt to rein in public debt.
From Tuesday, sales tax will increase from 5% to 8%. It will rise again, to 10%, in October 2015.

▽Nestle Japan introduces new Kit Kat PIZZA oven bake version of 2-fingered classic | Mail Online

Nestle Japan introduced the KitKat Bake on March 24 under the slogan 'Have a bake, have a Kit Kat'.
The company worked with Japanese confectioner Takagi to produce a bar that can be cooked in the oven, transforming the snack from a slightly unappetising looking pale stick into a crispy double-fingered biscuit in just two minutes.

▽April Fools' Day jokes 2014 – the best on the web | theguardian.com

The best April fools' day jokes from the press and the web – share any you've spotted in the comments below