January 29, 2005 (Saturday)
- A low-key and tightly controlled funeral is held for purged Chinese Communist leader Zhao Ziyang.(AP)(BBC)
- Procter & Gamble plan to purchase competitor Gillette in a deal worth $52.4 billion. Industry experts, including Gillette CEO Jim Kilts, expect further industry consolidation this year, spurred in part by a 40% rise in oil prices last year and the need to gain clout against economic giant Wal-Mart. (Bloomberg)
- The first direct flights between mainland China and Taiwan since 1949 will take place in time for the Chinese New Year.(Reuters) (BBC)
- A series of moderate-intensity aftershocks rattle the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Sumatra in Indonesia over a month after the region was devastated by a quake-generated tsunami. No casualties or damage is reported. (Times of India)
- The West Loop on the Sengkang LRT line in Singapore began operations for uni-directional operation with 5 stations: Thanggam, Fernvale, Layar, Tongkang and Renjong while the East Loop on the Punggol LRT line began operations for uni-directional operation with 5 stations: Cove, Meridian, Coral Edge, Riviera and Kadaloor, operated by SBS Transit Ltd using Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Crystal Mover C810s.