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Japanese prime minister Yoshihiko Noda said he will dissolve the Diet on November 16, paving the way for elections next month that polls show his Democratic Party of Japan will lose. Speaking in parliament a day after the DPJ reached a deal with two opposition parties on legislation to fund the rest of this year’s budget, Noda said he would dissolve the lower house if a deal is reached to cut the number of lawmakers in the chamber. Former premier Shinzo Abe, head of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, agreed to the proposal. “Based on that, I will dissolve parliament on November 16,” Noda said. DPJ acting secretary-general Jun Azumi told reporters the party agreed to a December 16 election date. The prime minister’s popularity has plummeted over his management of an economy burdened by stagnant growth, deflation and the world’s largest debt. He faces discontent within the ruling party from some lawmakers who sought to put off an election.

Nokia buys Earthmine for 3-D ability

Nokia Oyj, the struggling Finnish smartphone maker, is acquiring 3-D map-technology maker Earthmine Inc. and revamping its mapping tools under a new brand name to win back customers from rivals such as Apple Inc. The Earthmine purchase will help Nokia expand in mapping, a growing business it considers key to driving smartphone sales and becoming profitable again. The company unveiled Here, the brand for its location services and website, at an event in San Francisco yesterday, and

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