Japan is strengthening its military power amid tensions with China over the Taiwan issue as it recently tested a 100 kilowatt laser weapon system capable of cutting through metal and drones mid-flight.

The high-power weapon combines 10 lasers (10 kilowatt each) into a single beam, giving it enough power to cut and burn through metal surfaces.

Amid the increasing role of drone technology in modern warfare as evident from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the laser weapons have gained prominence.

Many countries around the world, including the United States, Russia, China, Germany and Australia, have already tested deployed laser weapon systems to shoot down lightweight airborne threats, including drones and mortars.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries started developing the weapon in 2019 and delivered its first prototype to Japan’s Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) in February 2023.

It has been revealed that the laser system is capable of engaging targets without running out of ammunition.

The weapon system is installed on a 6,200-ton warship, JS Asuka test ship, and will soon be sent to the sea for tests in maritime conditions. The tests are expected to begin from February next year.

This development comes amid strained relations with China after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the self-defence forces (SDF) could be deployed if China takes military action against Taiwan. 

Prince William is anticipated to hold the fort for his father King Charles in 2026 as the monarch plans to attend to matters of international diplomacy.

The Prince of Wales, who has reportedly been prepared to take on his destined role “on a moment’s notice” by the Palace, was seen establishing his image as a global leader as he stepped in for his father for significant events, giving the speech at the COP30 and attending the funeral of the late Pope Francis.

2026 will also prove to be a rewarding year for the heir to the throne despite the cut down on his travels, according to psychic Inbaal Honigman.

“He will be run off his feet, but with no overseas travel indicated, all of this activity takes place within the borders of the Kingdom,” she predicted.

King Charles had revealed that his cancer treatment can be “scaled back” as doctors have indicated positive recovery. Hence, the Palace has already indicated three major tours for Chales and Camilla next year.

In her tarot card reading, she determined to Tarotoo that William’s year be dictated by the “most positive” World card.

She claimed that this year will be “successful, joyous, and easygoing” and it will leave him with a sense of personal victory.

William will also be doing a lot of the work that he is passionate about. He is set to lend his name to “scientific research around longevity, and he will be photographed supporting animal conservation efforts, specifically relating to aviary species”. He is also expected to open a chain of schools.

It will be a rewarding year but a busy one.

Travis Kelce has become a steady presence in Taylor Swift’s life, and the pop star says their shared careers have made all the difference.

In a new episode of her Disney+ docuseries The End of an Era, Swift, 36, opened up about how touring once made relationships difficult. “Relationships on tour has always been something I’ve really struggled with because it’s always felt like the tour was taking away from the relationship,” she said.

“Somehow, I was not able to do both and feel like I was nurturing both at the same time, even though I would try and try and try and try.”

That changed when she began dating the Kansas City Chiefs tight end. Swift explained there was a “dynamic shift” because both she and Kelce perform in stadiums for a living.

“We both have jobs where we go out in NFL stadiums, and we entertain people for three and a half hours,” she said. “His with considerably more violence than mine — but he’s not in heels. But it’s our passion. We’ve been chasing this since we were little kids.”

Swift added, “I don’t think I ever thought I’d meet a guy who had that same trajectory… You can have the two passions coexist, and they actually fuel each other.”

The couple has been publicly supportive of one another, with Kelce even joining Swift onstage during her Eras Tour stop in London. Fans cheered as he danced and helped carry her across the Wembley Stadium stage.

“The fans absolutely love Travis,” Swift said, adding that Swifties admire “the way he treats me.”

The couple announced their engagement on Instagram on August 26, marking another milestone in a love story that began with a friendship bracelet and a missed meeting.