US President Donald Trump has announced that he has approved the manufacture of what he calls "tiny cars" in the United States. Trump made the statement in a social media post on Friday. He wrote: "I have just approved TINY CARS to be built in America. Manufacturers have long wanted to do this, just like they are so successfully built in other countries." He added that the cars "can be propelled by gasoline, electric, or hybrid," and urged manufacturers to "START BUILDING THEM NOW!" Trump did not specify which types of very small vehicles would fall under the new policy. It is also unclear whether minicars and compact vehicles, which Japanese automakers excel at making, would be included. On Wednesday, Trump referred to the very small cars commonly seen in Japan, South Korea and Malaysia, calling them "really cute," and indicated his intention to approve their domestic production. The move comes as US consumers have become increasingly price-sensitive amid prolonged inflation. The Trump administration is apparently seeking to lower overall automobile costs by increasing the availability of more affordable vehicles in the US market ahead of next year's midterm elections. Quiz 1: What type of cars did Donald Trump approve for manufacture in the United States? A. Large Sedans B. Tiny Cars (Correct Answer) C. Luxury Cars D. SUVs Quiz 2: Which types of vehicles are Japanese automakers known for excelling at making? A. Tiny Cars B. Large Sedans C. Luxury Cars (Correct Answer) D. SUVs Quiz 3: What is the motivation behind Donald Trump's approval of tiny cars in the US market, according to the article? A. To increase overall automobile costs B. To cater to consumers who prefer large vehicles C. To stimulate economic growth D. To lower overall automobile costs (Correct Answer)

A Buddhist temple south of Tokyo has enthralled visitors with a colorful display of lights to celebrate its 700-year history. Yugyoji Temple in the city of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, was built in 1325. It teamed up with a local chamber of commerce to organize the illumination event. When a temple bell tolled late on Saturday afternoon, LED lights came on, casting decorative patterns onto the main hall and along the pathway to it. A ginkgo tree, towering more than 20 meters high, was also lit up, making its yellow leaves glow gold. The tree is also said to be 700 years old. A local resident in his 30s who visited with his children said he came to the temple for the first time to see the lights and really enjoyed the experience. Yugyoji priest Nagasawa Masayuki said he hopes the event will attract many people and help them learn more about the temple. The light show is on between 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. through December 14. Quiz 1: In which prefecture is the Yugyoji Temple located? A. Hokkaido B. Tokyo C. Kanagawa D. Okinawa Quiz 2: Which of the following was not a part of the illumination event at the Yugyoji Temple? A. Decorative patterns on the main hall B. A tolling temple bell C. Music playing in the background D. Glowing gold leaves of a ginkgo tree Quiz 3: How old is the ginkgo tree at Yugyoji Temple? A. Over 700 years B. Around 500 years C. Approximately 200 years D. Less than 100 years [Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: C Quiz 2: C (There was no mention of music playing in the background) Quiz 3: A

Russian forces have carried out attacks against infrastructure facilities in Ukraine. This comes amid a flurry of diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing about peace and ending the fighting between the two sides. The Ukrainian Air Force says the Russian military used five missiles and more than 240 drones to strike key infrastructure in Ukraine from Saturday into Sunday. The Russian attacks have reportedly disrupted power, water and heat supplies in some areas of the city of Kremenchuk, which is located in the central Ukrainian region of Poltava. Kremenchuk's mayor posted a social media message on Sunday. He said infrastructure facilities had come under enemy attack. He added that work was being done around the clock to restore critical systems. Meanwhile, the governor of the southern Russian region of Rostov announced on social media that a power transmission tower had been damaged in a Ukrainian drone attack. He said the assault had triggered a blackout in part of the region. On Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London. Quiz 1: Which of the following best describes the current situation between Russia and Ukraine? A. The two sides are engaging in peace talks. B. Russia is carrying out attacks against infrastructure facilities in Ukraine. C. Ukraine has launched an offensive against Russian forces. D. There have been no recent conflicts reported between Russia and Ukraine. Quiz 2: In which city, located in the central Ukrainian region of Poltava, were infrastructure facilities targeted by Russian attacks? A. Kiev B. Donetsk C. Kharkiv D. Kremenchuk Quiz 3: Which world leaders are scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in London on Monday? A. Angela Merkel, Vladimir Putin, and Joe Biden B. Boris Johnson, Emmanuel Macron, and Keir Starmer C. Justin Trudeau, Xi Jinping, and Jair Bolsonaro D. Narendra Modi, Imran Khan, and Moon Jae-in

A Legislative Council election has been held in Hong Kong. But public interest was low because the candidates were all pro-Beijing. Twenty of the 90 council seats were contested. The election takes place every four years. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee mentioned the recent fire that killed 159 people when he cast his ballot. He said every vote will support residents affected by the tragedy and help Hong Kong move forward. The electoral system underwent Beijing-led reforms four years ago. The process was conducted under the slogan "Patriots governing Hong Kong." Pro-democracy and anti-government individuals were effectively barred from running. The Hong Kong government tried to encourage people to vote by keeping the polling stations open until 11:30 p.m. But preliminary data showed that voter turnout was only 31.9 percent. That is close to the record low figure reported after the previous contest. Meanwhile, local media outlets say investigators arrested four people on Sunday. The individuals are suspected of having used social media to urge people to boycott the election or spoil their ballots. The authorities appear to be on edge about anti-election protests. Quiz 1: What was the public interest level in the recent Legislative Council election in Hong Kong? A. High B. Moderate C. Low D. Very high [Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: C Quiz 2: How many seats were contested in the recent Legislative Council election in Hong Kong? A. 90 B. 80 C. 70 D. 50 [Answer block] Answers: Quiz 2: A Quiz 3: Which of the following statements about the electoral system in Hong Kong is TRUE? A. The electoral system underwent Beijing-led reforms four years ago, with pro-democracy and anti-government individuals being allowed to run. B. The electoral system underwent Beijing-led reforms four years ago, but pro-democracy and anti-government individuals were effectively barred from running. C. The electoral system has not been changed in the last four years. D. The electoral system was first implemented in 2025. [Answer block] Answers: Quiz 3: B

Monday marks one year since the autocratic regime of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad collapsed. The current interim government is contending with many challenges, such as a national divide that became worse during the long civil war. Syria's interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa was a leader of an anti-government force. He has been spearheading nation-building efforts. The Assad family's authoritarian rule over the country lasted for more than half a century. The interim president has also been trying to restore Syria's international standing and build relations with other countries. Sharaa delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly in September. He was the first Syrian president to do so in about 60 years. During the past year, he also met with US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the Syrian people are sharply divided, due to Assad-era government crackdowns and more than a decade of civil war. A human rights group says more than 110,000 of the people detained by the Assad regime during the internal conflict are missing. There has also been a succession of assaults against minority groups in Syria. The Islamic sect that Assad belonged to was among those targeted. Syria also has strained relations with neighboring countries. Turkey is in de facto control of part of northern Syria, and Israel has military forces stationed in a buffer zone on the border with Syria. Quiz 1: Who delivered a speech at the UN General Assembly in September? A. Former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad B. The current interim government of Syria C. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim President of Syria D. Vladimir Putin, Russian President Quiz 2: How long did the Assad family rule over Syria? A. Less than a decade B. More than half a century C. About 60 years D. A few years in the 21st century Quiz 3: Which of the following is true about Turkey and Syria? A. Turkey has military forces stationed in a buffer zone on the border with Syria, but it does not control any part of northern Syria. B. Syria has military forces stationed in a buffer zone on the border with Turkey. C. Syria is in de facto control of part of northern Syria, and Turkey has military forces stationed in a buffer zone on the border with Syria. D. Turkey and Syria have no issues related to their borders. [Answer block] Answers: Quiz 1: C Quiz 2: B Quiz 3: C

Security authorities in Hong Kong are paying closer attention to foreign media reports on last month's fatal fire at high-rise apartment buildings. The Office for Safeguarding National Security announced on Saturday that the office had summoned executives and journalists from foreign news organizations based in Hong Kong for talks. The office said that the measure was taken in accordance with the National Security Law for Hong Kong. The law is designed to crack down on anti-government activity in the territory. It accused some foreign media outlets of ignoring facts, spreading false information and seeking to incite social division. The office said that it "will closely monitor relevant media coverage." The security office was set up in Hong Kong by the mainland government to oversee and guide the territory's government based on Hong Kong's National Security Law that went into effect five years ago. It was rare for the office to announce the summoning of foreign media journalists. The move is believed to reflect the authorities' nervousness toward media reports critical of them amid calls to pursue their accountability for the fatal fire. The action also comes amid Hong Kong's Legislative Council election which kicked off on Sunday. Quiz 1: Who summoned executives and journalists from foreign news organizations based in Hong Kong? A. The Office for Safeguarding National Security of the mainland government B. The Hong Kong Government C. The Foreign Media Organizations based in Hong Kong D. The National Security Law for Hong Kong Quiz 2: Why did the Office for Safeguarding National Security summon foreign media journalists? A. To discuss economic matters affecting Hong Kong B. To ignore facts and spread false information C. To seek to unite the society in a positive manner D. To discuss the upcoming Legislative Council election Quiz 3: What law is designed to crack down on anti-government activity in the territory of Hong Kong? A. The Office for Safeguarding National Security Law B. The National Security Law for Hong Kong C. The Anti-Government Activity Law D. The Media Freedom Act

The head of the World Health Organization has called on the international community to work together to bolster preparations for the next pandemic. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus spoke in an interview with NHK on Saturday in Tokyo. Referring to the coronavirus outbreak, he warned that the next pandemic is not a matter of if, but when. He stressed the importance of coordinated international measures against future outbreaks of infectious diseases through the Pandemic Agreement that was adopted by WHO member states in May. He said, "Humanity is confronted with a common enemy, like the COVID virus that doesn't recognize maps or borders, or doesn't need a visa." He went on to say that in a world that is getting smaller, solidarity is "our best immunity." When asked about the United States' announced withdrawal from the WHO and its suspension of funding, Tedros admitted that programs targeting HIV, malaria and tuberculosis have been affected. He expressed a strong sense of crisis, calling the US move a loss for the world. But he said he also sees the crisis as an opportunity to improve the WHO through diversification of financial sources and staff reductions. Tedros stressed the importance of "universal health coverage" or UHC, which is meant to ensure that all people have access to quality health services without financial hardship. He explained that UHC identifies health as a fundamental human right. The WHO chief voiced high expectations for Japan in global efforts to achieve this goal. Quiz 1: According to the WHO Director-General, when will the next pandemic occur? A. If B. When C. Maybe D. Never Quiz 2: What does the WHO Director-General refer to humanity as being confronted with in a small world? A. A unique challenge B. A common enemy C. A global opportunity D. An unstoppable force Quiz 3: Which of the following diseases has been affected due to the United States' withdrawal from the WHO and suspension of funding? A. Ebola B. HIV C. Malaria D. Zika virus

Thousands of cyclists have seized a rare opportunity to ride across Rainbow Bridge that spans Tokyo Bay. The bridge is usually off limits to cyclists. About 6,000 people took part in the Rainbow Bridge Ride event on Sunday to enjoy the view they are usually not able to see while riding a bicycle. A guest cyclist was Fujimoto Musashi, who won bronze in the men's individual road race at the Tokyo Deaflympics in November. The participants set off one after another at the signal of Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko. Of the three courses, the longest is 37 kilometers and the shortest is 8 kilometers. All of the courses cross Rainbow Bridge. An 11-year-old boy said this was his second time taking part in the event. He said the morning glow reflecting off the buildings was beautiful, and that it felt more special than usual. A four-time participant in her 40s said she could see Mount Fuji and it was fun viewing the mountain not from a car, but while riding a bike. Quiz 1: Who won bronze in the men's individual road race at the Tokyo Deaflympics? A. Koike Yuriko B. Fujimoto Musashi C. An 11-year-old boy D. A four-time participant in her 40s Quiz 2: What is the longest course for Rainbow Bridge Ride event? A. 8 kilometers B. 37 kilometers C. The distance between Tokyo Tower and Rainbow Bridge D. The circumference of Tokyo Bay Quiz 3: Where could a four-time participant in her 40s see from Rainbow Bridge Ride? A. The morning glow reflecting off the buildings B. The shortest course for Rainbow Bridge Ride C. Mount Fuji from a car D. The evening stars on a clear day

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has outlined US defense priorities that focus on deterring China and increasing defense burdens of US allies and partners. Hegseth was delivering a speech at a forum in California on Saturday. He listed four high priority areas: defending the US homeland and the western hemisphere; deterring China through strength, not confrontation; increased burden sharing for US allies and partners; and super-charging the US defense industrial base. Referring to deterring China, Hegseth said a balance of power will enable all countries to enjoy a "decent peace" in the Indo-Pacific region. He also said the United States is not trying to "strangle China's growth." He said the United States along with its allies should be postured strongly enough in the Indo-Pacific region to balance China's growing power. He added the US and its allies should be so strong that aggression is not even considered and that peace is preferred and preserved. Hegseth urged US allies to take on a larger share of defense spending, saying that the United States will no longer tolerate "free riding." He commended NATO's commitment to spend five percent of GDP on defense. He said the United States is optimistic that other Indo-Pacific allies will follow suit in a few years through the use of the NATO formula. Quiz 1: What was one of the four high priority areas outlined by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in his speech? A. Strengthening the US economy B. Increasing defense burdens of US allies and partners C. Exploring new galaxies for colonization D. Reducing the global carbon footprint Quiz 2: According to Hegseth, what is the aim in deterring China? A. To strangle China's growth B. To confront China forcefully C. To maintain a balance of power for a 'decent peace' in the Indo-Pacific region D. To provoke conflict with China Quiz 3: What did Hegseth encourage US allies to do regarding defense spending? A. Increase defense spending to match the United States B. Decrease defense spending to reduce burden sharing C. Maintain current defense spending levels D. He did not urge any action about defense spending

A message board near the site of last month's deadly fire in Hong Kong is set to be removed on Sunday. The board where visitors can leave condolence messages was set up in a park near the high-rise complex where 159 people died. Many others remain unaccounted for. Volunteers who manage the location decided to remove the board by the end of Sunday. Some of the messages demanded severe punishment for those responsible for the fire and criticized the Hong Kong government's response. The volunteers had urged people not to post content that the authorities might deem extreme or hateful. People visited the park on Sunday to pay their respects. Some expressed regret that the board would be removed over ten days after the fire. A woman in her 20s said the messages convey the support of many Hong Kong people, and help those affected by the disaster to recover. Quiz 1: Where was a message board set up for condolences regarding last month's deadly fire? A. Central Park, New York B. A park near the high-rise complex where the fire occurred in Hong Kong C. The high-rise complex where the fire occurred in Hong Kong D. Victoria Park, Hong Kong Quiz 2: What was the original purpose of the message board set up near the site of last month's deadly fire? A. To post content that authorities might deem extreme or hateful B. To provide updates on the number of people accounted for after the fire C. To allow visitors to leave condolence messages regarding the fire D. To demand severe punishment for those responsible for the fire and criticize the Hong Kong government's response Quiz 3: When was the message board set up near the site of last month's deadly fire scheduled to be removed? A. The day after it was set up B. Three days after it was set up C. Ten days after it was set up D. Two weeks after it was set up