Elon Musk's Neuralink implants the first human brain chip while global tensions rise over the South China Sea, North Korean missile launches, and Ukraine drone interceptions

• Reuters reports that Elon Musk's Neuralink has implanted its first human brain chip. The company's founder stated that the patient is recovering after the procedure. Musk revealed in a post on Platform X that "Preliminary results show promising detection of neuron leaps". Neuralink, in September, had announced their approval for human testing involving surgically implanting a brain-computer interface (BCI) in the part of the brain that controls movement. The initial aim of the study, known as "PRIME," is to empower people to control a computer cursor or keyboard merely with their thoughts, as previously disclosed by Neuralink. Musk has named this product "Telepathy". Eventually, Neuralink technology aspires to assist patients with paralysis and various neurological conditions, according to Reuters.

• Reuters reports that Vietnam and the Philippines have reached a security agreement concerning the South China Sea. This agreement, regarding coast guards cooperation between the two countries, was disclosed during the visit of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the President of the Philippines, to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. The objective of this maritime cooperation is to avoid any unwanted incidents in the South China Sea. Both countries hold disputed claims over parts of the South China Sea while China claims almost all of it. The South China Sea is a trade route that handles $3 trillion worth of maritime trade annually. The agreement might not sit well with Beijing, according to Reuters.

• Reuters cites the South Korean military reporting that North Korea has launched more maneuvering missiles into the sea. Seoul confirmed that Pyongyang launched several unidentified maneuvering missiles into the sea off its western coasts on Tuesday. This is the third weapons test by Kim Jong-Un in less than a week. Reuters mentions that South Korea and the United States are monitoring and analyzing the situation closely.

• Reuters reports that Russia has intercepted 21 Ukrainian drones over Crimea and other Russian regions. Russian news services have reported these interceptions, stating that the air defense systems neutralized drones launched by Ukraine over Crimea and other regions such as Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga and Tula. However, Reuters has not yet been able to independently endorse these reports.

• Reuters reports that Duchess of Cambridge, Kate, returned home after her surgery. Following a two-week hospital stay after an abdominal surgery, the 42-year-old Duchess has returned home to the Windsor estate near London, announced Kensington Palace on Monday. "She is making great progress," her press office confirmed. "The Duke and Duchess would like to express their profound gratitude to the entire London clinic team, particularly the dedicated nursing staff, for their care and services," they added.

Source: Reuters