Asia News Wrap: Myanmar completes first phase of election, and more

Here are a few stories from around Asia you may have missed this week.

Myanmar goes to polls, first phase completed 

Myanmar reported that slightly more than half of eligible voters cast their ballots in the first phase of a three-stage national election on Sunday. Government spokesman Zaw Min Tun told state media that more than six million people, or 52.13 percent of enrolled voters, had voted on Sunday across 102 townships.

The general election involves the election of 664 seats, excluding the 25 percent of military seats appointed by the army. Further rounds of voting will be held on January 11 and January 25, covering 265 of Myanmar's 330 townships.

China launches satellites to verify space technology

China successfully launched two satellites from Wenchang Space Launch Site on the southern island province of Hainan on Wednesday. 

A modified Long March-7 rocket carrying the Shijian-29A and Shijian-29B satellites lifted off at 6:40 a.m., placing them in their intended orbit. The satellites will primarily be used to verify new technology for space target detection. In 2025, CASC-developed rockets completed 73 space launch missions, up from 51 in 2024, setting a new record.

Thousands gather for funeral of Bangladesh's first female PM

Hundreds of thousands of people traveled from across Bangladesh to the capital, Dhaka, on Wednesday to pay their final respects to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, who died on Tuesday after a prolonged illness. She was 80. She was the country's first female prime minister. 

The government announced three days of mourning. Huge crowds streamed to the national parliament building, where her coffin, draped in the national flag, was brought in a convoy on Wednesday. Funeral prayers were held there before she was buried next to her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman. Flags were flown at half-mast.

India imposes excise duty on cigarettes 

India has imposed an excise duty on cigarettes ranging from 2,050 to 8,500 rupees ($22.8-$94.5) per thousand sticks, based on the product's length, effective February 1, the Finance Ministry said in an order on Wednesday. 

The move could raise cigarette prices for an estimated 100 million smokers in the country. The excise duty would be imposed on cigarettes in addition to a 40-percent goods and services tax. Total taxes on cigarettes in India currently account for about 53 percent of retail prices, well below the World Health Organization's 75 percent benchmark aimed at discouraging consumption.

3 million in Japan may have alcohol use disorder

According to recent health data, an estimated three million people in Japan may be affected by alcohol use disorder, with figures remaining roughly the same as in 2018. The findings have raised concerns among public health experts, who say the numbers highlight a persistent issue despite increased awareness and policy efforts. 

A study released on Tuesday found that around 3.04 million people in Japan are believed to have alcohol use disorder. Alcohol use disorder is defined as an inability to control drinking that may harm the body or cause problems in social relationships. Approximately 2.61 million men and around 430,000 women were suspected of having alcohol use disorder in the past year, compared with about 2.63 million men and around 400,000 women in 2018.

(Cover: People line up to vote at a polling station in Yangon, Myanmar, December 28, 2025. /CFP)