Asia

On 4 January Independence Day, Myanmar’s junta granted amnesty to thousands of prisoners but excluded most political detainees; Activists said the move was symbolic and failed to address the continued detention of opposition figures and protest leaders

Photographers at Wat Arun in Bangkok will attend manners and ethics training, following reports of aggressive tactics, overcharging and pressuring on tourists; The measure aims to curb informal vendors, improve safety and protect the temple’s reputation

The Traslación, Manila’s annual mass procession of the Black Nazarene drawing millions of bare footed devotees, was held amid public outrage over alleged corruption in its management and misuse of funding, while authorities tightened security

Thunder Tiger, a major Taiwan’s manufacturer of radio-controlled aircraft and drones, has expanded into unmanned surface vessels and is seeking both domestic and overseas defense contracts

A government working group will coordinate celebrations of 820th anniversary of the founding of Great Mongol Empire by Chinggis Khaan; events across Mongolia will be integrated into Naadam festival and promoted internationally through diplomatic missions

150 ancient Khmer bronze antiquities will be lent to a travelling exhibition in Henan, China, where they’ll be shown at multiple venues to showcase Khmer artistic heritage; The loans aim to deepen ties with China and highlight Cambodia’s civilisation

Sea-borne robbery cases in the Straits of Malacca and around Singapore have reached their highest level since 2007, raising concerns over maritime security; Authorities warn that more organized gangs and rising ship traffic are often responsible

2026 economic master plan aims at a “great economic leap,” forecasting 2% GDP growth; government plans substantial investments in semiconductors, AI, defense and biotech, new fiscal policy, price stabilization and measures to boost consumption

Georgian citizens who remain abroad for over six months will benefit from the Universal Healthcare Program at the same conditions they were previously entitled to and will receive healthcare services without any changes, an official clarification reads

A Syrian tycoon linked to former regime has reportedly signed an agreement with the new government; al-Hal news outlet writes that the accord is a key test for the narrative of a "new phase"

At least 22 villages in Indonesia’s Aceh province were wiped out after Cyclone Senyar triggered floods and landslides; Dozens of communities remain isolated as authorities race to restore access, assess damage and deliver aid amid disrupted communications