China’s rapid gains (including two advanced next-generation aircraft programs) reshaped regional expectations—revealing ambition, speed, and originality that many observers underestimated, with implications for balance, confidence, and long-held assumptions. China now leads innovation rather than following.

Feeling well appears to come first. Higher wellbeing predicts stronger self-control over time. Discipline alone does not lift happiness. Positive emotion seems to fuel persistence, focus, and follow-through—reshaping how people should approach goals and performance.

Research shows caffeine lifts positive mood most strongly soon after waking. The effect fades as the day goes on. It seems to boost enthusiasm more than it reduces stress—making timing, fatigue, and context key to everyday performance and wellbeing.

Deep sleep strengthens memory and reshapes how the brain retrieves information. More time in slow wave sleep improves recall and shifts memory networks overnight—highlighting sleep as a quiet driver of learning, performance, and cognitive resilience.

Japan has approved its biggest defence budget yet. It aims to achieve 2 per cent of gross domestic product ( Australia 2.05% in 25/26) sooner than planned. Missiles and drones are key buys—funding will likely mean higher taxes.

AI-driven cyber espionage now moves faster than human response. Security should shift from spotting attacks to controlling trust and identity—because automated intruders exploit existing permissions, not rare flaws, at machine speed.

New air combat systems, anti-ship, long-range and hypersonic weapons and, a future aircraft planned. Long-range operations at 1,900 to 3,700 km a priority. F-35’s planned until about 2065 and a future training aircraft may have combat capability.

Very long-range uncrewed underwater platforms could erode distance as a shield. China’s progress suggests new options to threaten distant ports and sea lanes. This shifts assumptions about reach, deterrence, and how maritime security must be planned.

Uncrewed systems are reshaping conflict fast. Australia risks falling behind due to slow procurement, cautious culture, and limited scale. Faster adoption, clearer rules, and stronger local industry are needed to remain credible in a changing region.

A long-missing World War Two aircraft has been located in Papua New Guinea. The find resolves a mystery, brings answers to families, and shows how persistence, local knowledge, and careful investigation can restore history.