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A SpaceX crew capsule docked with the International Space Station just over a day after launch, delivering four new crew members from the U.S., Japan, and Russia to replace two NASA astronauts held up by technical delays. Amid ongoing mission adjustments, the current crew welcomed their counterparts as the station prepares for a planned return journey later this week.

Asian markets were mixed on Wednesday ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, with Japan's Nikkei 225 edging up 0.2% while the S&P 500 dropped 1.1% on Tuesday. Investors are awaiting the Fed's forecasts for interest rates, inflation, and the economy, with Wall Street expecting two or three rate cuts by the end of 2025.

Asian markets showed mixed performance as Chinese stocks and tech shares fell amid concerns over potential U.S. tariff moves, while other markets in Tokyo and Taiwan experienced slight gains. In the United States, major indices posted modest gains despite ongoing worries about a looming trade war and its potential impact on economic growth and inflation.

The Japanese government is considering introducing human challenge trials, where healthy volunteers are deliberately infected with viruses, to improve vaccine and drug development. This move aims to address the country's lag in developing its own COVID-19 vaccines and drugs, while aligning with international standards.

The text reports that gift certificates worth 100,000 yen were distributed to parliamentary secretaries at social gatherings held at the official residences of current and former prime ministers, suggesting a potential longstanding practice within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. It details instances from Prime Minister Kishida’s and Ishiba’s administrations, while also highlighting responses and comparisons from other former prime ministers.