Brain-Computer Breakthrough (China): China has approved the NEO, a coin-sized brain-computer chip for clinical sale, aimed at spinal cord injury and paralysis treatment—an earlier path to market than Neuralink, which is still awaiting US FDA clearance. Gaming/Publishing Industry (Japan): FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki says the studio has “yet to be announced” projects and is “generally satisfied” with Kadokawa’s development environment, amid investor pressure on the parent company. Aviation & Trade (New Zealand–India): Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says the airline is assessing direct flights to India, citing the India–New Zealand free trade deal and closer coordination with Air India and Singapore Airlines. Food & Trade (India): Weak monsoon rainfall could cut India’s pigeon pea output, potentially boosting green lentil imports. Court & Politics (Sri Lanka): A Colombo court allowed SJB organiser Tissa Attanayake to serve interrogatories on Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya in a defamation case tied to a 2024 rally. Accessibility & Community (India): A 14-year-old Pune student is mapping wheelchair-friendly spaces across India through Stairless Journey, turning verified locations into a practical guide for disabled visitors. Books & Culture (India): A queer safety “map” project in major Indian cities highlights bookstores, film festivals, and other “exhale points” where LGBTQIA+ people feel fully safe. Sports (India): Archer Dhiraj Bommadevara wins a golden double at the Archery World Cup in Antalya, taking maiden individual gold.