Germany confirmed its first cases of foot-and-mouth disease in over three decades on Friday, following an outbreak on a farm near Berlin. The disease, which affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals like sheep and pigs, was found in three water buffalo on a farm in the eastern state of Brandenburg, surrounding Berlin.

Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause fever and blisters in the mouth and around the hooves of affected animals, though it is not dangerous to humans.

According to the Institute for Animal Health, the outbreak involved a group of 14 animals, three of which had died. In response, Brandenburg's environment ministry has ordered the culling of the remaining water buffalo in the herd to prevent the virus from spreading further.

The outbreak marks Germany's first reported cases of foot-and-mouth disease since 1988. In response, the country has set up exclusion zones within a three-kilometer radius and surveillance zones extending 10 kilometers.

Federal Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir has convened a crisis meeting for Tuesday with state officials to discuss measures and track the source of the virus. The virus's route to Germany remains unknown at this point, and it is uncertain whether other livestock have been infected.

To control the outbreak, Brandenburg has imposed a 72-hour ban on the movement of livestock, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and camelids, as well as animal carcasses and manure. The ban will come into effect on Saturday.

Water buffalo have been farmed in Germany since the 1990s for their milk, meat, and use in grassland management. The outbreak in Brandenburg has raised concerns, as previous European outbreaks have resulted in significant culling to control the disease.

Traffic police in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) have collected a staggering VND42.5 billion ($1.67 million) in fines during the first week of January, following the enforcement of stricter penalties for traffic violations.

According to Le Van Hai, deputy head of the city's traffic police department, this figure marks a 35% increase compared to the same period last year, with fines rising by VND11 billion due to the new decree that came into effect on January 1.

From January 1 to 7, HCMC traffic police recorded 11,830 violations and confiscated over 4,300 vehicles, including 11 cars and 4,220 motorbikes. In addition, around 2,100 driving licenses were revoked, and an average of VND6 billion ($236,400) in fines was issued daily.

Common violations included driving under the influence, speeding, traveling in the wrong lane, and ignoring traffic signals.

Under the new decree, penalties for traffic offenses have been significantly increased:

Car drivers now face fines of up to VND20 million for certain violations, nearly three times the previous maximum fine.
Motorbike riders can be fined up to VND6 million for running red lights and up to VND10 million for reckless driving.
In addition to HCMC, Hanoi also ramped up enforcement, collecting over VND14 billion ($550,000) in fines and addressing over 5,600 cases of traffic violations in the same period, reflecting a nationwide crackdown.

HCMC, with its population of more than 10 million residents, managed over 9.5 million vehicles as of late 2024, including over 1 million cars and 8.5 million motorbikes. The city’s stricter measures aim to improve road safety and curb the rising number of traffic infractions.

A commune chairman in central Nghe An Province was arrested on Thursday for allegedly transporting over 35 kilograms of drugs.

Mua Ba Vu, the chairman of Na Ngoi Commune, was detained alongside an accomplice by Nghe An police on charges of illegal narcotics transportation. Vu had been serving as the chairman of the Na Ngoi People’s Committee for two years prior to his arrest.



The arrest occurred during an ambush operation where police stopped a pickup truck that Vu was traveling in, suspecting it of carrying illegal goods. When approached, Vu and his accomplice attempted to flee but were quickly apprehended by officers.

A search of the vehicle revealed over 35 kilograms of synthetic drugs and four packages of heroin, hidden in various compartments. Authorities are now processing Vu’s suspension from his official duties as part of the ongoing investigation.

A VinFast VF 3 in Ho Chi Minh City caught fire after being fitted with non-standard headlights, reportedly with double the capacity of the original ones.

The car’s owner, Hoai An, said she received the vehicle in late November last year. While waiting for its license plate, she upgraded it with several accessories, including new headlights.

The incident happened one night in January while An was driving in District 1. She noticed a burning plastic smell but hesitated to stop due to heavy traffic. After about 15 minutes, smoke began to rise from the car’s hood, quickly followed by flames.

An managed to exit the vehicle safely, and bystanders attempted to put out the fire. Unfortunately, the blaze consumed the car, leaving only its metal frame behind.

An investigation is underway to identify the exact cause of the fire. However, An suspects the issue was caused by the aftermarket headlights. Technicians have suggested that the increased power capacity of the new headlights might have overloaded the vehicle’s wiring.

An explained that the original headlights had a power capacity of 55 watts, whereas the replacements were 90 watts, nearly double. She noted that she rarely used the new headlights since she mostly drove during the day, but they were in use the night of the incident.

The fire reportedly began in the car’s hood, ruling out the possibility of a battery-related issue, An added.

China's top anti-corruption agency, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), reported on Friday that it filed more than 4,000 disciplinary cases against officials in 2024 as part of its intensified efforts to combat corruption.

President Xi Jinping emphasized during the opening of a three-day CCDI congress on Monday that corruption remains the biggest threat to China's Communist Party and has been on the rise.

Last year, several high-profile corruption investigations shook the nation, including probes into a deputy central bank governor and a former chairman of China's largest oil and gas company.

In 2024, the CCDI initiated cases against 73 provincial- and ministerial-level officials and 4,348 department- and bureau-level officials, according to its statement.

Overall, 889,000 individuals faced punishment, with 680,000 penalized for violating Communist Party discipline and 270,000 subjected to administrative sanctions, the CCDI revealed.

This ongoing anti-corruption campaign highlights the Party's commitment to addressing governance challenges and maintaining control amid growing concerns about corruption within its ranks.

The world has just experienced its first full year with global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, scientists confirmed on Friday. The milestone, reported by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), underscores how climate change is driving temperatures to unprecedented levels.

“The trajectory is just incredible,” said Carlo Buontempo, director of C3S, highlighting that every month in 2024 was either the warmest or second-warmest for that respective month since records began. According to C3S, the planet’s average temperature for the year was 1.6°C higher than during the pre-industrial period (1850–1900), a time before widespread fossil fuel use.

This confirmation cements 2024 as the hottest year since records began. Notably, each of the past ten years ranks among the ten warmest ever recorded. The UK’s Met Office corroborated this finding, estimating the average global temperature in 2024 at 1.53°C above pre-industrial levels. U.S. scientists are also expected to release their climate data shortly.

Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, governments pledged to limit global temperature increases to below 1.5°C to avoid catastrophic climate disasters. However, while breaching this threshold for a single year does not yet violate the Paris target—which measures long-term averages—the trend is alarming. Rising greenhouse gas emissions suggest the world is on track to exceed the 1.5°C threshold permanently in the near future.

"It's not a done deal. We have the power to change the trajectory from now on," Buontempo emphasized, urging countries to take urgent action to cut emissions. Without intervention, temperatures will continue rising to dangerous levels.

Global Climate Impacts in 2024
The devastating effects of climate change were evident across continents in 2024. In the U.S., wildfires in California claimed at least five lives and destroyed hundreds of homes. Elsewhere, Bolivia and Venezuela faced massive wildfires, while torrential floods caused havoc in Nepal, Sudan, and Spain. Heatwaves in Mexico and Saudi Arabia led to the deaths of thousands.

Experts attribute worsening storms and torrential rain to a hotter atmosphere, which can hold more water vapor. Indeed, the amount of water vapor in the planet’s atmosphere reached a record high in 2024.

Despite the spiraling costs of such disasters, political will to curb emissions has waned in some nations. In the U.S., President-elect Donald Trump has called climate change a hoax, contradicting the global scientific consensus that urgent action is needed to mitigate its severe consequences. In 2024 alone, the U.S. experienced 24 climate-related disasters costing over $1 billion each, including Hurricanes Milton and Helene, according to NOAA.

A Call to Action
Chukwumerije Okereke, a professor of global climate governance at the University of Bristol, described the 1.5°C milestone as a "rude awakening" for policymakers. "Despite all the warnings that scientists have given, nations… are continuing to fail to live up to their responsibilities," he said.

Atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide—the primary driver of global warming—reached a record 422 parts per million in 2024, C3S reported. Zeke Hausfather, a research scientist at Berkeley Earth, predicted that 2025 will remain among the hottest years on record, though it may not surpass 2024. While human-caused emissions remain the primary factor, early 2024 temperatures were exacerbated by El Niño, a warming weather pattern now transitioning toward its cooler counterpart, La Niña.

The 1.5°C milestone is a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action to address climate change. While challenges abound, scientists and policymakers emphasize that it is not too late to alter the planet’s trajectory and prevent further catastrophic warming.

The wildfires raging across Los Angeles continue to wreak havoc, with a new blaze, the Kenneth Fire, prompting fresh evacuations on Thursday. This fire erupted in the San Fernando Valley near the West Hills neighborhood and close to Ventura County. It adds to the devastation caused by earlier fires, including the Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires, which have collectively destroyed over 10,000 structures and claimed at least seven lives.

The Eaton Fire, which started near Pasadena, has burned more than 5,000 structures, including homes and businesses. Meanwhile, the Pacific Palisades Fire has destroyed over 5,300 structures, leaving behind entire blocks of smoldering rubble. Iconic landmarks such as the Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House and Topanga Ranch Motel, along with schools, churches, and libraries, have been lost to the flames. In Malibu, once-scenic neighborhoods have been reduced to ash, with blackened palm strands standing as grim reminders of what was lost.

Among the fatalities are Anthony Mitchell (67) and his son, Justin, who were unable to evacuate in time as they waited for medical assistance. Another victim, Victor Shaw (66), was found clutching a garden hose, having stayed behind in a futile attempt to protect his home. Thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, seeking shelter in temporary facilities like the El Camino Real Charter High School.

Despite the scale of destruction, firefighters have made some progress in containing smaller fires, such as the blaze in the Hollywood Hills. This fire had threatened landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl but was brought under control with the help of aerial water drops. Crews from neighboring states and Canada have joined the battle, taking advantage of calmer winds to push back against the flames. However, officials warn that stronger winds expected later this week could worsen the situation and reignite dormant embers.

The economic toll of these wildfires is staggering. AccuWeather estimates the total damage and economic loss at $135-$150 billion, far surpassing previous wildfire disasters. This includes the destruction of thousands of homes, businesses, and community landmarks. Local officials describe the extent of the devastation as "total," with some areas reduced to little more than dirt and ash.

Emergency responders continue to search through the rubble with cadaver dogs, as the death toll is expected to rise. Fire officials are still investigating the cause of the blazes, which were fueled earlier in the week by hurricane-force winds with gusts up to 80 mph. These winds carried embers that ignited Southern California’s dry hillsides, spreading destruction rapidly.

While Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger expressed hope that the tide might be turning, the situation remains dire. With another round of strong winds predicted, both residents and firefighters face an uphill battle in one of the most destructive fire seasons in Southern California's history.

Authorities in Manila arrested around 400 foreign nationals during a large-scale raid on a suspected online scam operation on Wednesday, according to the Philippine Bureau of Immigration. The raid targeted a building where workers were allegedly involved in online scams aimed at defrauding victims abroad.

Such scam operations, often linked to human trafficking, have drawn growing international concern in recent years. Victims are typically lured or coerced into working for these syndicates, promoting fraudulent cryptocurrency investments and other scams.

Fortunato Manahan, the Bureau of Immigration's intelligence chief, described the operation as violating immigration laws and posing significant risks to the public. He emphasized the importance of cracking down on these illicit activities, which are increasingly associated with organized crime.

The raid comes amid President Ferdinand Marcos’ announcement of a ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) by the end of 2024. Authorities have found that these establishments are often exploited as fronts for human trafficking, money laundering, online fraud, and other serious crimes.

The foreign nationals arrested in the raid, many of whom are reportedly Chinese, are undergoing booking procedures and will be temporarily detained while awaiting deportation, said immigration bureau spokeswoman Dana Sandoval.

A report from the United States Institute of Peace in May 2024 highlighted the scale of online scams globally, estimating annual revenues of $64 billion for these operations. It noted that the industry employs around half a million workers, including 15,000 in the Philippines, many of whom are trafficked and forced into scams under the threat of violence or torture if they fail to meet quotas.

The Philippines' efforts to combat these criminal operations underscore a growing regional push to address the human and economic toll of online scam syndicates.

Hundreds of thousands of Catholic pilgrims filled the streets of Manila on Thursday in search of miracles, hoping to touch or glimpse a centuries-old statue of Jesus Christ known as the Black Nazarene. The annual procession, one of the most fervent religious events in the predominantly Catholic Philippines, began before dawn with an open-air mass and was expected to draw over two million participants.

Devotees, barefoot and dressed in maroon to match the robe of the wooden statue, pushed through the crowd to grasp the rope pulling the icon’s float. Many believed touching the statue or the rope would bring healing and blessings. Among them was Dong Lapira, 54, who recounted praying for his mother’s recovery from a heart attack in a previous procession. This year, he prayed for his wife’s recovery from gallstones, saying, "The Nazarene is very sacred. It has granted many prayers."

Other worshippers threw towels toward those guarding the float, hoping they would be wiped on the statue and returned as blessed items. Alvin Olicia, 38, one of the guardians, expressed the spiritual significance of his role, saying, “I feel like I am connecting them to their faith and to the Nazarene.”

Despite authorities banning the climbing of the carriage for safety reasons, some devotees still risked injury to be near the icon. Ester Espiritu, 76, traveled 35 kilometers to attend the procession. A devotee for 40 years, she said, "Even if I'm struggling to come here because of my age... I feel happy and well whenever I see the Nazarene," as she prayed for healing from a shoulder injury.

The Black Nazarene, a life-sized wooden statue brought to the Philippines in the early 1600s during Spanish colonial rule, is believed to have turned black after surviving a fire on the ship that carried it. Its history and perceived miraculous powers have inspired deep devotion among Filipinos.

The six-kilometer procession route was secured by approximately 14,500 police officers, with mobile phone signals blocked to prevent potential bomb threats. Emergency response teams, including the Red Cross, were on standby, treating over 100 participants in the early hours for cuts, dizziness, and other minor injuries.

The event, while chaotic and physically demanding, remains a testament to the unwavering faith of millions of Filipinos who find hope and strength in the Nazarene’s symbolic presence.

Sookmyung Women's University has issued a preliminary conclusion that South Korea's First Lady, Kim Keon Hee, plagiarized her master's thesis. According to the Korea Times, an internal review by the university's research ethics committee found that Kim engaged in plagiarism in her 1999 thesis for a master's degree in art education. The findings were reportedly sent to Kim in late December, giving her until the end of January to appeal the decision. If she denies the allegations, the committee will review her appeal before making a final determination.

This is not the first time Kim's academic qualifications have faced scrutiny. In 2022, after a lengthy investigation, Kookmin University in Seoul cleared her of plagiarism allegations regarding her doctoral dissertation, for which she earned a PhD in design in 2008.

The new allegations against Kim emerge as her husband, President Yoon Suk Yeol, faces increasing political challenges and controversies surrounding his administration. Yoon has been suspended following accusations of masterminding an insurrection with his Dec. 3 martial law declaration, which led to the first arrest warrant issued for a sitting president in South Korea. Despite repeated summons, Yoon has refused to cooperate with a separate criminal investigation and ignored requests to submit legal briefs to the Constitutional Court, which is hearing the impeachment case against him.

Yoon's lawyer, Yoon Kab-keun, stated that the suspended president would accept the court's decision, even if it results in his removal from office. The Constitutional Court, whose rulings are final and cannot be appealed, is expected to rule on the case soon. Meanwhile, public criticism of Yoon's administration continues to grow amid controversies involving his allies and the First Lady.

AccuWeather has reported that the damage and economic losses from the ongoing California wildfire are preliminarily estimated to exceed $50 billion, potentially making it one of the most devastating wildfires in history. The fires, which began on Tuesday in Los Angeles, have already claimed at least two lives, destroyed hundreds of buildings, and stretched firefighting resources amid fierce winds that continue to fan the flames.

AccuWeather estimates the total loss to range between $52 billion and $57 billion. The forecaster cautioned that these figures might need to be revised upward if the fires spread to densely populated neighborhoods. Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter noted that, should more structures be destroyed in the coming days, this wildfire could surpass previous records for destruction and economic impact in modern California history.

For comparison, the total damage and economic loss from the 2023 Maui wildfires were estimated by AccuWeather at $13 billion to $16 billion.

J.P. Morgan has estimated that insured losses from the California wildfire could amount to approximately $10 billion, with most losses stemming from homeowners’ insurance policies, while commercial losses are expected to account for a smaller proportion.

According to property consultant CoreLogic, more than 456,000 homes in the Los Angeles and Riverside metropolitan areas are at moderate or greater risk from the wildfire. The reconstruction value of these homes is estimated at nearly $300 billion, underscoring the potential scale of destruction if the fires continue to spread.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), "Age Tech" innovations are gaining attention, offering solutions to the challenges of aging. From robotic pets that provide comfort to high-tech gadgets that monitor health, these technologies aim to support seniors in maintaining their independence and improving their quality of life.

Patty David, vice president of consumer insights at AARP, highlighted the growing interest among older Americans in using technology to age comfortably in their homes. The U.S. market for senior-oriented tech is expected to reach $120 billion by 2030. AARP's presence at CES included showcasing entrepreneurs focused on senior care innovations.

Globally, the proportion of people over 65 is increasing faster than younger populations. This demographic shift has spurred the development of tools like the in-toilet device from Starling Medical, which detects urinary tract infections (UTIs). CEO Hannah McKenney noted that early detection of UTIs can prevent emergency care visits and help seniors stay at home longer.

Research from AARP and CES organizers shows that nearly 90% of older adults in the U.S. want to age at home, although many worry about their ability to do so. Technologies like fall detectors, medical alert devices, and medication reminders can empower seniors to live independently while ensuring their safety.

One standout innovation is the Tombot robotic dog, designed to provide companionship to seniors, particularly those with dementia. Inspired by his own experience with his mother, Tom Stevens created the lifelike robotic pup, which wags its tail, barks, and even falls asleep. Plans for a robotic cat are also in the works.

Brazilian beauty company Grupo Boticario introduced a prototype "Smart Lipstick" system, which uses artificial intelligence to help seniors apply lipstick precisely, addressing challenges like fading vision and unsteady hands. The system aims to enhance self-esteem, as users have expressed emotional responses to its effectiveness.

While these technologies hold great promise, adoption barriers remain. According to AARP research, seniors are often hesitant due to concerns about cost, ease of use, and data security. Efforts to address these issues are essential to ensuring that senior tech reaches and benefits the intended audience.

Attachment 2475423

The president-elect sought to blame the climate-change-exacerbated crisis in Southern California on the state’s water management. Experts disputed his claims.

By Hannah Knowles, Brianna Tuckerand and Marianne LeVine

President-elect Donald Trump and California Gov. Gavin Newsom clashed Wednesday over fires burning out of control in the Los Angeles area, injecting national politics into a growing crisis in the city that Vice President Kamala Harris calls home and that President Joe Biden was visiting for the birth of his great-grandson.

During a news conference Tuesday, Newsom had urged Trump not to “play any politics” during the “precious moments that we have to evacuate.”

But as the fires forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes and left at least five dead Wednesday, Trump sought to pin the catastrophe on Democratic governance, blaming Newsom’s water management decisions for the fires — an idea that water experts strongly disputed — and noting that some fire hydrants had run dry amid huge demand.

“A true disaster!” Trump wrote in a post on his social network, Truth Social.

The president-elect’s attacks on Newsom echoed the feuds over disaster response that marked his first term and signaled that he will continue to eagerly criticize Democratic officials during natural disasters in their jurisdictions. Trump also blamed Newsom for wildfires during his first term, suggesting that California should have “raked” its forests better. At the time, Newsom criticized Trump’s skepticism of climate change, which has exacerbated the frequency and severity of many natural disasters, including wildfires.

On the campaign trail this year, Trump spread misinformation about the government response to Hurricane Helene and threatened to withhold federal aid from California unless the state changed how it manages water.

Trump’s comments Wednesday took a similar tone. He wrote on Truth Social that Newsom had refused to sign a “water restoration declaration” that would have diverted more water to the region. A Newsom spokesperson responded that no such document existed and said that the governor is “focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need.”

Asked to elaborate on Trump’s charges, Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt pointed to a 2020 memorandum he signed meant to direct more water to Southern and Central California. California sued to block that effort, arguing that it could harm endangered species and was not scientifically justified.

Trump’s contention that Newsom’s water management decisions were to blame for the severity of the fires is not supported by the facts, multiple water experts told The Washington Post.

“There is no relationship between federal and state water management and the intensity of these fires or the ability of people to fight these fires,” said Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California, a nonpartisan think tank. Instead, he said, lack of rain and severe winds created dangerous conditions.

“Right now Southern California has ample water supplies, their reservoirs are full — they’re well above historical averages. They do a very good job of managing water. There is no shortage of water in Southern California, that’s just not true,” Mount added.

He said some hydrants are running dry not because the region ran out of water, but because pressure drops with high demand, making it harder to move water around.

Los Angeles’ vegetation, which is highly flammable, exacerbates the problems caused by dry conditions and high winds, said Matthew Hurteau, a forestry vegetation expert and professor at the University of New Mexico.

“It’s really unfortunate when these sorts of events get politicized because this isn’t politics,” Hurteau added.

Los Angeles officials have acknowledged that the four active blazes — two of which have grown to more than 10,000 acres — are overwhelming their resources.

The White House said in a statement Wednesday that the Biden administration “has been in constant communication” with Newsom and local officials about the fires and that the federal government was sending resources, including large air tankers that can carry up to 4,000 gallons of water. Biden also directed the Defense Department to help.

“We’re doing anything and everything and as long as it takes to contain these fires,” Biden said during an appearance in the Los Angeles area, where he and his family visited Cedars-Sinai Medical Center for the birth of granddaughter Naomi Biden’s child. He added later, “It’s going to be a hell of a long way.”

Harris, whose home in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles was under evacuation orders, was in Washington on Wednesday but released a statement saying she had been briefed on the fires and the efforts to contain them.

Trump wasn’t the only politician with harsh criticism of incumbent Democrats. Rick Caruso, the billionaire businessman and losing candidate in the November 2022 Los Angeles mayoral election, also denounced the lack of water in fire hydrants.

“This is an absolute mismanagement by the city. Not the firefighters’ fault, but the city,” Caruso told Fox 11 Los Angeles.

Trump’s allies also zeroed in on Democratic Mayor Karen Bass’s absence from the city when the fires broke out. Bass, who was part of a presidential delegation to Ghana but has since returned to California, said Wednesday that she spoke with Biden and “discussed an urgent path forward towards recovery for the thousands of families impacted.”

Many politicians stuck to expressing their concern for the people affected by the fires. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — a Republican who has sparred in the past with Newsom and criticized his blue-state policies — wrote on X that Florida had offered help and that “when disaster strikes, we must come together to help our fellow Americans in any way we can.”

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Indonesian Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin confirmed on Tuesday the detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country but reassured the public that the virus is not dangerous.



In a statement on the ministry's official website, Sadikin reported that several children have been infected, and the situation is under close observation.

HMPV, which has been present in Indonesia since 2001, has not caused any significant impacts, according to the minister. He explained that the virus produces symptoms similar to the common flu and encouraged the public to maintain healthy and hygienic living conditions.

A new cold wave will hit northern Vietnam starting Thursday, bringing sharp drops in temperature. The plains will see temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius, while mountainous areas could fall to under 2 degrees.

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting stated that the cold front would first affect eastern northern regions before spreading further. Plains temperatures are forecasted to range between 10-13 degrees Celsius, and mountainous areas could dip as low as 5-9 degrees.

AccuWeather predicts that Hanoi’s daytime temperatures will drop by about 4 degrees leading into the weekend, with nighttime lows plunging by 7 degrees. Sa Pa, a high-altitude location in Lao Cai Province, is expected to experience temperatures between 2-7 degrees Celsius on Saturday, marking one of the coldest days.

Central Vietnam will also feel the effects of the cold wave, with temperatures forecasted between 10-18 degrees Celsius.

In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has urged northern mountainous authorities to prepare measures to minimize the cold's impact and guide residents on protecting their health.

This is the fourth cold wave affecting northern and central Vietnam since December. Previous cold spells saw temperatures in Lang Son Province's Mau Son drop to 3 degrees Celsius. Meteorologists warn that such cold waves may become more frequent and severe this month.

Two men were discovered dead in the wheel well of a JetBlue aircraft at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, the airline confirmed on Tuesday. The bodies were found during a post-flight maintenance check on Monday, according to a statement from JetBlue reported by CNN. The identities of the individuals have not yet been established.

Carey Codd, a spokesperson for the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, announced that autopsies will be conducted to determine the cause of death. A law enforcement official cited by The New York Times noted that the bodies were severely decomposed, indicating that the men may have been in the aircraft's wheel well for a considerable time.

The JetBlue flight had departed from New York City and landed in Fort Lauderdale at approximately 11:10 p.m. local time, as tracked by the flight-monitoring service FlightAware. The airline emphasized that it is fully cooperating with authorities as investigations continue into the tragic discovery.

South Korea’s rival political parties agreed on Tuesday to form a joint task force to investigate the recent Jeju Air plane crash, which claimed the lives of 179 people. The crash occurred on December 29, when a Boeing 737-800, en route from Thailand to Muan, South Korea, belly-landed at a South Korean airport and collided with a concrete barrier, resulting in a fiery explosion. With the cause of the crash still undetermined, the decision to create a joint parliamentary task force coincided with Transport Minister Park Sang-woo offering his resignation.

The crash has led to intense political turmoil in South Korea, following an already tumultuous period marked by President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief declaration of martial law last month. The ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the opposition Democratic Party issued a joint statement confirming the establishment of a 15-member special committee. The committee, comprising representatives from both parties and one independent member, will investigate the crash and support the families of the victims.

Minister Park expressed his deep sense of responsibility for the disaster, stating that he was "discussing the proper methods and timing" for his resignation. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport later clarified that his remarks constituted an official offer to resign.

Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, with both South Korean and U.S. aviation experts involved. Possible factors being considered include a bird strike, malfunctioning landing gear, and issues with the runway barrier. According to lead investigator Lee Seung-yeol, feathers were found in one of the aircraft’s engines, suggesting a bird strike. However, he noted that such incidents do not typically result in immediate engine failure, and further analysis is needed to determine if both engines were affected.

The pilot had reportedly warned of a bird strike after aborting the first landing attempt. The crash occurred during a second attempt when the landing gear failed to deploy. Authorities have conducted raids on the offices of Muan airport, a regional aviation office, and Jeju Air’s headquarters in Seoul. The CEO of Jeju Air has also been barred from leaving the country as part of the investigation.

In response to the tragedy, Jeju Air announced plans to reduce its international flights departing from Busan by 188 in the first quarter of the year. This follows a previous decision to cut overall flight operations by 10 to 15 percent by March to enhance safety measures. The crash has prompted a national outpouring of grief, with memorials set up across the country to honor the victims.

A 25-year-old man from northern Vietnam has achieved a perfect IELTS 9.0 after seven years of self-study, highlighting the importance of daily vocabulary practice, reflex-building techniques, and consistent speaking and writing exercises.

Phung Tien Thanh, from Vinh Phuc Province, attributes his success to his habit of self-talking in English and learning one to two new words daily since his 12th grade. This consistent effort helped him build a solid foundation in English, which ultimately enabled him to achieve the remarkable IELTS score.

Thành emphasized that expanding vocabulary was key to improving all skills, especially Reading. He adopted a habit of learning new words upon encountering them for the second time. "Learning just one more word might seem insignificant, but when you've mastered 100–200 words, you'll notice your reading skills improve, and the texts become easier. That motivated me to keep learning," he said. This consistent practice ensured no Reading test overwhelmed him with unfamiliar words.

For Listening, Thành focused on improving his reflexes—processing spoken English quickly. Years of consuming diverse English content across fields like science, history, and daily life strengthened his foundation. This preparation allowed him to refine test strategies instead of learning new content. To overcome challenges like True/False/Not Given questions, Thành documented tricky scenarios in Excel, noting strategies to identify the correct answer.

Thành began practicing English speaking by talking to himself during his 12th-grade walks to school. Later, in university, he befriended a foreign student, which helped him develop conversational skills. For IELTS, he focused on improving pronunciation, verb conjugation, and fluency. He also prepared for examiners’ follow-up questions, designed to test responsiveness.

Writing required the most effort during Thành’s 10-month preparation period. He prioritized brainstorming to avoid weak ideas or running out of time. Instead of practicing isolated topics, he explored broader themes. For instance, while preparing for transportation-related essays, he researched global traffic congestion issues and successful policies, enriching his arguments with real-world examples. This method not only prepared him for the test but also expanded his knowledge. Thành, who once had a vague understanding of climate change, gained deeper insights into its causes and solutions through his studies. "Learning and discovering new things make me happy," he said, adding that environmental topics remain his favorite.

Thành’s journey reflects the importance of consistent practice, strategic planning, and curiosity. From vocabulary-building to reflex mastery, his systematic approach turned years of self-study into a perfect IELTS score, placing him among Vietnam’s top achievers.

Malaysia, recently named Asia's most-loved country, has officially launched the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, aiming to attract 35.6 million visitors and generate RM147.1 billion (approximately US$32.5 billion) in revenue. This ambitious initiative was unveiled on Monday by the Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Tiong King Sing.

The campaign is built on two core pillars: high-yield tourism and sustainable tourism. According to Minister Tiong, these pillars underscore Malaysia’s dedication to providing enriching experiences while preserving the nation's unique cultural and ecological treasures.

To meet these goals, Malaysia has outlined three main strategies. First, efforts will focus on increasing tourist arrivals by encouraging visitors to extend their short stays. Second, the country plans to enhance infrastructure, cultural, and ecotourism experiences to lengthen tourist stays and empower local communities. Lastly, niche tourism experiences will be promoted to encourage higher spending, further boosting revenue.

Minister Tiong expressed optimism that VM2026 would spur economic growth, generate employment, and improve living standards for local communities. He encouraged Malaysians—particula rly tour guides, business owners, and artists—to actively share Malaysia’s culture, stories, and renowned hospitality with the world.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim also voiced his support for the campaign, emphasizing the unique strengths of every Malaysian state and district in attracting visitors. He highlighted Malaysia’s ability to host major events, such as the ASEAN conferences in 2025, which could significantly enhance the country's profile as a tourist destination in 2025 and 2026.

The Prime Minister called on Cabinet members to prioritize advancements in tourism, investment, and economic growth, ensuring that all states actively participate in the VM2026 campaign.

As of November, Malaysia welcomed 22.5 million foreign arrivals. The campaign builds on the nation’s reputation, which was bolstered last year when it was named Asia's most-loved country in a survey conducted by American finance site Insider Monkey.

Vietnam has shown remarkable potential to become a regional manufacturing hub, particularly in technology sectors, as global companies have expressed growing interest in expanding their operations in the country. Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam reached nearly $31.4 billion in the first 11 months of 2024, with disbursed FDI estimated at about $21.7 billion, reflecting a 7.1% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This marks the third consecutive year that Vietnam has disbursed over $20 billion in FDI, solidifying its position among the top 15 developing countries globally for attracting FDI.

Among provinces, Bac Ninh led the nation in registered investment capital, with nearly $5.04 billion, accounting for 16% of the total, which is more than three times higher than the same period in 2023. Quang Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City followed, with $2.29 billion and $2.28 billion, respectively, while other key provinces like Hai Phong, Hanoi, and Binh Duong also made significant contributions. Singapore topped the list of 110 countries and territories investing in Vietnam, contributing nearly $9.14 billion, which accounts for over 29% of total investments—a 53.7% increase year-on-year.

FDI Trends in 2025
High-value sectors such as electronics, semiconductors, and green technology dominated FDI inflows in 2024, a trend likely to continue into 2025. A notable development includes the recent agreement between the Vietnamese government and NVIDIA, a leading American chipmaker, to establish the Vietnam Research and Development Centre and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Centre. This positions Vietnam as a potential leader in AI research and development, second only to the U.S. and Taiwan globally.

Other major milestones include Google Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.’s transfer of advertising partner rights to its newly established entity, Google Vietnam Company Limited, set to operate officially from April 1, 2025. In addition, SpaceX plans to invest $1.5 billion in Vietnam, as revealed during a meeting with Party General Secretary To Lam in New York. Foxconn also announced an $80 million investment in chip manufacturing in Bac Giang, while Meta plans to expand virtual reality equipment production in the same province. These developments underscore Vietnam’s growing significance in global technology supply chains.

The shift from assembly-focused operations to becoming an integral part of high-tech production networks highlights Vietnam’s rising importance in the global technology sector. This trend may gain further momentum under the anticipated policy changes in Donald Trump’s upcoming presidency, potentially accelerating production shifts to Vietnam. Consequently, the country could experience faster and more sustainable economic growth, reducing its dependence on the real estate sector.

Risks of 'Origin Evasion' Investments
While Vietnam has benefited greatly from increased FDI, experts caution about potential risks associated with investments aimed at evading origin rules, particularly amidst the ongoing U.S.-China trade war. China, which ranks third in registered capital in Vietnam, accounts for the highest number of newly licensed projects, representing 28.3% of all projects. Many of these are capital-intensive yet smaller-scale, leveraging Vietnam’s geographical proximity, affordable labor, and integration into global supply chains.

Vo Tri Thanh, director of the Institute for Brand and Competitiveness Strategy, emphasized the need for vigilance against origin fraud. He warned that some Chinese businesses might exploit Vietnam as a transit point for goods to avoid U.S. tariffs, especially as the U.S.-China trade war intensifies. Thanh stressed the importance of addressing this issue proactively, as it has been a concern since 2018–19.

Two critical measures were recommended to mitigate these risks. First, local authorities should reject projects posing environmental pollution risks or failing to meet safety and environmental standards. Second, smaller projects focused on importation and final-stage manufacturing for export, which are often used to evade origin rules, require thorough vetting.

Professor Nguyen Thuong Lang from the National Economics University also highlighted the need for ongoing monitoring and supervision of FDI projects, particularly in sectors prone to origin rule evasion. He called for strict action against projects found engaging in origin fraud, emphasizing that maintaining a transparent investment environment is crucial for sustaining Vietnam’s FDI-driven growth.

As Vietnam continues to attract high-quality FDI, establishing clear criteria for project selection and implementing robust monitoring mechanisms will be essential to ensure sustainable development while safeguarding against exploitation.