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
Why is China holding military drills encircling Taiwan now? China wrapped a new round of live-fire military drills that encircled Taiwan, in a warning to what Beijing calls separatists across the Taiwan strait. Emily Feng
Chinese military stages drills around Taiwan to warn 'external forces' The drills came after Beijing expressed anger at U.S. arms sales, and a statement by Japan's prime minister saying its military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan. The Associated Press
Myanmar is set to hold phased elections. Here's why they're being called a 'sham' Myanmar's military rulers are holding a general election in phases starting Dec. 28 amid the country's civil war. The head of the U.N. says the vote will be anything but free and fair. Michael Sullivan
Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire agreement to end border fighting In addition to ending fighting, the agreement calls for no further military movements by either side and no violations of either side's airspace for military purposes. The Associated Press
As elections approach, Myanmar's economy is in shambles Nearly five years after the coup, Myanmar is poorer, hungrier, and plagued by blackouts. Few believe the upcoming election will change anything. Patrick Winn
Nuclear submarine arms race heats up between North and South Korea North Korea's state media released photos Thursday of what it said was the hull of a nuclear submarine. Its leader denounced South Korea's plans to build its own subs as "an offensive act." Se Eun Gong
