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Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba apologized for giving gift certificates to newly elected lawmakers, but insisted he broke no law. The opposition criticized the move and demanded further explanation, while Komeito, the LDP's coalition partner, expressed concerns about the amount and called for regaining public trust.

NASA's Osiris-Rex mission has brought back asteroid samples containing the building blocks of life and evidence of an ancient water world, suggesting asteroids may have played a crucial role in seeding life on Earth. These findings, including the presence of amino acids, nitrogen, and salty minerals, provide the strongest evidence yet for the potential extraterrestrial origins of life.

Asian markets saw a positive trend on Tuesday, with most indices closing higher, fueled by another rally on Wall Street. Investors are now looking ahead to the Bank of Japan's monetary policy board meeting and the U.S. Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, both scheduled for Wednesday, which could further influence market sentiment.

The Japanese government has approved a bill introducing stricter regulations on artificial intelligence, aiming to prevent harmful applications that could violate human rights, spread misinformation, or break laws. This move signifies a shift from self-regulation to a more comprehensive approach, aligning with global trends towards responsible AI development.

Demand for Japanese bonds reached a two-year high in mid-March 2013, driven by safe-haven appeal amidst global economic uncertainty and concerns over U.S. tariff policies. Foreign investors were particularly active, purchasing a net 3.4 trillion yen ($22.82 billion) worth of long-term Japanese bonds, marking their largest weekly net purchase in two years.