Elon Musk is poised to join Donald Trump's cabinet as 'Secretary of Cost-Cutting' if Trump wins the presidential election. Musk, known for advocating drastic government spending cuts, has been a vocal supporter of Trump, contributing significantly to his campaign. His potential cabinet role raises concerns about conflicts of interest due to his companies' extensive government contracts. Musk's political shift to the right is evident in his support for conservative causes and figures, as well as his controversial business decisions, including the acquisition of X and environmental issues with SpaceX. Despite criticisms, Musk's influence in politics and business remains substantial.

North Korea launched an ICBM with the longest flight time yet, demonstrating its military capabilities. The missile flew for 86 minutes, reaching a maximum altitude of 7,000 km before landing off the coast of Hokkaido. North Korean state media confirmed the launch, emphasizing the country's powerful capabilities. Analysts suggest the test aims to enhance North Korea's nuclear deterrent and assert its strength amid international pressure. The Hwasong-18 missile, a solid-fuel ICBM, was tested, marking a shift from previous models. North Korea's extensive weapons program is seen as a means to ensure national security and maintain the Kim family's control. The country has a history of missile and nuclear tests, with a diverse arsenal including short- and intermediate-range missiles.

Taiwan's constitutional court is set to rule on controversial government oversight reforms that have sparked significant political debate and public protests. The reforms, supported by the Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People's Party (TPP), aim to enhance legislative powers for government oversight but face criticism from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and others who fear they could undermine Taiwan's separation of powers and national security. The reforms have led to mass protests, with concerns about potential misuse of power and Taiwan's relationship with China. The court's decision will be pivotal in shaping Taiwan's political landscape.

Southeast Asia is increasingly reliant on fossil fuels to meet rising electricity demand, as highlighted by a report from the think tank Ember. The region's renewable energy share has decreased, leading to a rise in carbon emissions. The International Energy Agency warns that significant investment is needed to meet climate goals, while experts point out the challenges in transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind. Despite the potential of renewables, institutional barriers and the need for stable power supply hinder rapid adoption.

China's central bank has introduced significant monetary policy measures to stimulate its economy, which is struggling due to the lingering effects of COVID-19, a property sector collapse, and demographic challenges. The measures include lowering interest rates and mortgage rates, and freeing up bank reserves. While markets initially responded positively, experts suggest more action is needed to address underlying issues such as high youth unemployment and overproduction in manufacturing. Consumer confidence remains low, impacting economic growth, though there are signs of increased spending during recent holidays. Future stimulus measures, including potential sovereign bonds, are anticipated.

China is leveraging the ongoing conflict in Gaza to enhance its diplomatic influence in the Middle East, aligning itself with Palestine and the Arab world while maintaining economic ties with Israel. Despite its vocal criticism of Israel and the US, China's actions have been largely symbolic, focusing on low-risk policy moves. Analysts suggest that China's approach is driven by its desire to bolster its global image without incurring significant costs. China's longstanding policy of noninterference and its economic investments in the region, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, have positioned it as a valued player. However, the potential for a regional conflict involving Lebanon and Iran could prompt China to adopt a more active role to protect its interests.

Saul Newman, a researcher at University College London, challenges the widely accepted notion of 'Blue Zones' where people purportedly live to 100 at higher rates. He attributes these claims to unreliable data, including pension fraud and clerical errors, rather than lifestyle factors. Newman's research, which analyzed demographic data from 236 jurisdictions, suggests that the longevity claims are exaggerated and often result from flawed record-keeping. Despite his findings, the concept of Blue Zones remains popular, partly due to cultural narratives around longevity. Newman's work has gained attention, earning him the Ig Nobel Prize in Demography, though it has also faced skepticism within academia.

Taiwan's tech industry, specifically the company Gold Apollo, has been implicated in Middle East politics following the use of exploding pagers in attacks on Hezbollah members in Lebanon. Gold Apollo has denied manufacturing these devices. The incident highlights the unintended involvement of Taiwanese technology in regional conflicts.

Two Hong Kong journalists, Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam, await the verdict of their sedition trial, which could significantly impact journalism in the city. They face charges under colonial-era sedition laws revived by Beijing's national security laws. The trial, closely watched for its implications on media freedom, has seen the defense argue the lack of evidence for national security threats. The crackdown on Stand News and other independent media has drawn international criticism, highlighting the deteriorating press freedom in Hong Kong. The government continues to tighten sedition laws, raising concerns about further suppression of independent voices.

Cambodia has experienced strong economic growth over the last decade, with its GDP growing at an average annual rate of over 8% between 2000 and 2010, and over 7% in subsequent years.