Vietnam leader To Lam consolidates power as country targets 10% growth Lam, 68, pledged to accelerate economic growth and was reappointed unanimously by the 180-member Central Committee at the conclusion of the National Party Congress. The Associated Press
The Taiwanese president's proposal to hike defense spending faces gridlock at home Opposition parties are slamming the brakes on billions in defense funding as the China escalates military pressure. Ashish Valentine
Vietnam's communist party congress is consolidating former cop To Lam's power Delegates from Vietnam's communist party are meeting to choose leadership and chart its economic future. The current General Secretary To Lam is expected to keep his post and seek that of president. Michael Sullivan
India's voter verification drive is drawing criticism — from its own election workers Ahead of India's state elections in March, officials responsible for voter verification report long hours and tight deadlines. Devina Gupta
Canada agrees to cut tariff on Chinese EVs in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products Breaking with the United States, Canada has agreed to cut its 100% tariff on Chinese electric cars in return for lower tariffs on Canadian farm products, Prime Minister Mark Carney said Friday. The Associated Press
A construction crane falls onto a moving train in Thailand, killing at least 30 people The derailment, in northeastern Thailand, occurred on part of an ambitious planned high-speed rail project that will eventually connect China with much of Southeast Asia. The Associated Press
Malaysia, Indonesia become first to block Musk's Grok over AI deepfakes Malaysia and Indonesia have become the first countries to block Grok, the artificial intelligence chatbot developed by Elon Musk's xAI, after authorities said it was being misused to generate sexually explicit and non-consensual images. The Associated Press
South Korean President calls for hair loss treatment to be covered by insurance South Korea President Lee Jae Myung suggested that insurance should cover hair loss. NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer speaks to University of Hawaii professor S. Heijin Lee about the country's beauty standards. Sacha Pfeiffer
Taiwan's president pledges to defend island's sovereignty after Chinese military drills Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to defend the self-ruled island's sovereignty in the face of what he termed China's "expansionist ambitions," days after Beijing wrapped up live-fire military drills near its shores. The Associated Press
This new year celebration in Mumbai is just one of many in India In Mumbai, some celebrate New Year's Eve with an effigy of the old year. It's just one of many New Years celebrated in India. Diaa Hadid
