The military-backed USDP has claimed a landslide in Myanmar’s post-coup election, but observers say the vote is unlikely to ease conflict or revive the economy.

To Lam was unanimously re-elected as the General Secretary of the ruling Communist Party of Vietnam on Jan 23, and will serve as Vietnam's leader for the next five years.

The Chinese Embassy and officials in Manila ‍have stepped up their rhetoric ⁠in ‍recent weeks, with the former criticising the Philippines' coast guard spokesperson and its lawmakers. 

A nuclear-powered submarine would strengthen South Korea's ability to lead the defence of the peninsula, said Seoul.

Taiwan will use a range of joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance methods, as well as intelligence-sharing, to "grasp" China's possible intentions, says its defence minister.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said recent global developments have injected fresh urgency into the process.

"We are in the position to form a new government," said a senior official from the Union Solidarity and Development Party, after the vote's third and final phase took place on Sunday.

The Singapore dollar hit an 11-year high against the US dollar.

Indonesian influencer Lula Lahfah was found dead in an apartment on Jan 23 evening.

The ferry was sailing from Zamboanga City to Jolo Island when it sank on Monday (Jan 26) morning.

From gym workouts and fashion tips to reflections on ageing, China’s “silver-haired bloggers” are gaining loyal followings with candid, unpolished glimpses of later life.

Bangladesh's ex-prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled to neighbouring India in 2024 after a student-led uprising ended her iron-fisted 15-year rule.

The election's third and final phase closed after voting took place in dozens of constituencies across Myanmar, just a week shy of the fifth anniversary of the country's 2021 military coup.