Vivid and terrifying memories were recalled at ceremonies marking the 10th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami that left nearly a quarter-million people dead in one of modern history's worst natural disasters. Weeping survivors and others took part in beachside memorials and religious services across Asia, while some European countries also marked the anniversary, remembering the thousands of Christmastime tourists who died in the disaster.
Separatist rebels in India's remote northeast state of Assam killed 72 members of a tribal group in the worst attack in months in the ethnically mixed region. The attacks were carried out by a faction of an indigenous Bodo tribe, which has been fighting for a separate homeland for decades. Many women and children were among the victims, according to police.
Japan's Emperor Akihito said he "ardently" hopes Japan will strive hard as a peaceful country, as he celebrated his 81th birthday ahead of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II next year. Akihito said he hopes Japan will move forward to play a friendship role with its Asian neighbors as well as the rest of the world.
