On January 10, 2026, Indonesia temporarily restricted access to the Grok chatbot due to the risk of disseminating pornographic content. The Indonesian Ministry of Communication and Digital Technologies considers the creation of sexualized deepfakes a threat to the safety of citizens.
New research reveals that the first humans settled Sahul (Australia and New Guinea) about 60,000 years ago via two main migration routes from Southeast Asia. This confirms the "long chronology" of settlement and refutes assumptions about the displacement of the first settlers by later waves of migration.
The militaries of Thailand and Cambodia have begun three-day talks to end a 16-day armed standoff that has killed at least 86 people. The goal of the meeting is to restore the truce previously brokered by Malaysia and the United States.
Donald Trump stated that the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to cease all hostilities and return to the peace agreement concluded in Malaysia. This followed Trump's conversation with the prime ministers of both countries, who are ready for peace and trade with the United States.
A Russian LNG plant on the Baltic Sea coast has delivered gas to China for the first time since the introduction of US sanctions. The vessel Valera arrived at the Beihai import terminal, indicating strengthening energy cooperation between the countries.
Over 900 people have died in Indonesia due to a massive flood caused by a cyclone, with hundreds missing. The natural disaster destroyed over 100,000 homes, and prisoners were released from a flooded prison.
Catastrophic floods and landslides in Asia last week claimed the lives of over 1,500 people, with almost 900 more considered missing. Indonesia and Sri Lanka were the most affected, where rescue services are unable to cope with the scale of the destruction.
In January-October 2025, Ukraine increased its imports of tomatoes to 81. 8 thousand tons and cucumbers to 109.6 thousand tons. Turkey traditionally remains the largest supplier of both crops.
This year, 17 people have been executed in Singapore for drug and murder offenses, the highest number since 2003. This comes amid renewed debate over the use of capital punishment.
Massive floods and landslides caused by a tropical storm in Southeast Asia have killed over 600 people and affected more than 4 million. The highest number of casualties was recorded in Indonesia (435), Thailand (170), and Malaysia (3), as well as 153 deaths in Sri Lanka.
China has sharply increased its oil imports from Indonesia, which traders link to the possible masking of sanctioned Iranian oil supplies. This comes amid a reduction in imports from Malaysia, which was previously a major transshipment hub for Iranian crude.
Heavy rains and floods have affected seven Malaysian states, with over 11,000 people impacted. Kelantan was the hardest hit, with 60 temporary evacuation centers opened.
Trump stated that the situation between Thailand and Cambodia has stabilized after phone calls with the leaders of the countries. However, Thailand continues to demand an apology from Cambodia for the border mining incident.
On November 12, the world celebrates International Pathology Day and World Pneumonia Day. In 2024, World Ballet Day was not celebrated, but a resumption of celebrations is planned for 2025.
The Thai military is suspending agreements with Cambodia after a soldier was wounded by a mine near the border. Cambodia expressed concern about the possible suspension of the agreement, which provided for the withdrawal of heavy weapons and the release of prisoners of war.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegset called on defense companies to accelerate the development and production of weapons, threatening their disappearance. He also announced the creation of a "deal-making team" to support Pentagon procurement.
Russia's Black Sea port of Tuapse has suspended fuel exports, and the local refinery has stopped oil processing after drone attacks on November 2. Three tankers that were in the port during the attack were moved away from the berths.
The United States and Cambodia are resuming military exercises for the first time in eight years after a peace deal between Cambodia and Thailand, brokered by US President Donald Trump. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the resumption of the "Angkor Sentinel" exercises after meeting with his Cambodian counterpart in Malaysia.
Russia is experiencing a significant shortage of doctors and teachers, but instead of developing qualified personnel, the authorities are relying on cheap labor. The country is increasing quotas for labor migrants and simplifying requirements for medical personnel, allowing paramedics to perform the functions of doctors.
US President Donald Trump has enshrined provisions protecting digital trade from taxes in trade agreements with Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand. This initiative aims to support American technology companies and maintain global influence in the field of electronic services.
Following the truce between the Chinese and American leaders, the heads of the defense ministries, Pete Hagset and Dong Jun, held a meeting.
China and the US have reached a consensus on important economic issues after the meeting between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. The parties discussed TikTok, tariffs, and rare earth elements, agreeing on further steps.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the finalization of negotiations on a trade agreement with the United States, which is expected to ease high tariffs imposed by the Donald Trump administration. The agreement could be concluded in the near future, affecting thousands of jobs in the automotive and citrus industries.
The deadliest police operation in Brazil's history has claimed the lives of at least 132 people. The raids targeted the large drug trafficking group Comando Vermelho.
US President Donald Trump hopes to conclude a trade deal with China during his meeting with Xi Jinping in South Korea. He believes it will be a beneficial deal for both sides.
The Donald Trump administration will sign an agreement with South Korea on cooperation in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 6G. This will strengthen export controls, reduce regulatory burdens, and improve biotechnology supply chains.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced his readiness to resume trade talks with the United States. This comes amid Donald Trump's tariff hike on Canadian goods.
The US and Vietnam have agreed on a "mutual, fair and balanced" trade deal that includes a 20% tariff. Vietnamese airline Vietnam Airlines will purchase 50 Boeing aircraft worth over $8 billion.
US President Donald Trump on Sunday participated in the signing of a peace agreement between Cambodia and Thailand during the Southeast Asian summit in Malaysia. He credited himself with resolving the conflict, which previously led to the deaths of dozens of civilians and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons.
US President Donald Trump arrived in Malaysia to participate in the ASEAN summit, where he was met by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. The American leader joined the dance of local residents, which drew applause.
