Yangon: Voting commenced in Myanmar's first general elections since the 2021 military coup, marking a significant political event in the Southeast Asian nation. The election process began early Sunday, with balloting taking place in 102 townships. This marks the first phase of the electoral process, with subsequent phases scheduled for January 11 and January 25.

According to Anadolu Agency, the elections follow more than four years of emergency rule imposed after the ousting of Aung San Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), which had secured a victory in the November 2020 general elections. The military's takeover in 2021 had resulted in significant political and social unrest within the country.

The European Union has reiterated its support for Somalia's unity and called for dialogue following Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. In a statement, the EU emphasized the importance of Somalia's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity for regional stability, urging meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to address longstanding issues.

In Taiwan, a 6.6 magnitude earthquake struck, impacting Taipei, New Taipei, and Yilan County. The US Geological Survey reported the quake's depth at approximately 67-72.8 kilometers, causing significant tremors in northern and eastern areas. Taiwan's Central Weather Administration noted varying intensities, with the most substantial shaking occurring in Yilan County.