New York City entered 2026 after the famous ball dropped at Times Square just before midnight. Large crowds gathered despite cold weather to watch the countdown. Cities across the US east coast, the Midwest and parts of Central America also marked the new year. Around the world, people in London, Edinburgh, Paris, Rio, Dubai and Sydney had already welcomed 2026. London held a major fireworks show along the River Thames, while Dubai lit up the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Other countries used drumming, bell ringing and light displays to celebrate. Cleanup crews began clearing confetti from Times Square soon after the event ended. (PC: BBC)

Several people were killed and many others were injured after a blast hit a luxury bar in Switzerland during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The explosion happened at Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, where large crowds had gathered. Police said the cause of the blast is still unknown. Some local media reports suggested fireworks at a concert may have triggered it, but officials have not confirmed this. Videos on social media showed heavy smoke rising from the building after the incident. A police spokesman said a helpline has been set up for families of those affected. Crans-Montana is a popular tourist destination in the Swiss Alps. (PC: IndiaToday)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a peace deal with Russia is “90% ready” in a New Year address to the nation. He said the final part of the agreement would decide the future of Ukraine and Europe. Zelensky said Ukraine wants an end to the war, but not “at any cost”. He warned that giving up the eastern Donbas region would end the country’s independence. Russia controls large parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, known as Donbas. Moscow said it may review talks after claiming Ukraine used drones to target a residence of President Vladimir Putin, a charge Kyiv has denied. Talks with US and European officials are ongoing. (PC: BBC)

Zohran Mamdani took oath as New York City mayor just after midnight on Thursday at the closed City Hall subway station in Manhattan. He placed his hand on the Quran during the ceremony, becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin person to lead America’s largest city. Mamdani is a Democrat and was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The station, now decommissioned, is among the city’s oldest subway stops and is known for its arched ceilings. In a short address, Mamdani said it was “the honour and the privilege of a lifetime” to serve the people of New York City. (PC: India Today)

Several countries across the Asia-Pacific region welcomed 2026 with fireworks and public gatherings. India marked the New Year in dense fog and cold, with crowds at Marine Drive in Mumbai and Connaught Place in Delhi. Hill towns such as Shimla and Manali were packed with tourists. New Zealand was among the first major nations to celebrate, with about 3,500 fireworks launched from Auckland’s Sky Tower. The Chatham Islands entered the year before the mainland. Australia followed with a large show in Sydney Harbour, where a minute’s silence was held for victims of the Bondi Beach attack. Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong also rang in the New Year with traditional events.

Several Asian nations welcomed 2026 with large public celebrations marked by lights, music and fireworks. In China, crowds gathered in Beijing as drums and light displays were held near major landmarks. Thailand staged a major drone and fireworks show over Bangkok’s skyline before midnight. The Philippines and Malaysia also marked the new year with street events and bright displays. Vietnam’s capital Hanoi lit up with colourful fireworks, while parts of Indonesia, including Jakarta, entered the new year with public shows. Earlier, Kiribati was the first country to reach 2026. The celebrations moved west through Asia as clocks struck midnight in each time zone. (PC: BBC)

Sydney marked the New Year with a public message of peace weeks after a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach. The words “peace” and “unity” were projected on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A white light and a Jewish menorah were also displayed. Police said more than 2,500 officers were on duty across the city, with some allowed to carry high-grade weapons. Official events paused at 11 pm for a minute’s silence to honour the 15 people killed on December 14. Crowds then watched the midnight fireworks as boats gathered on the harbour and mobile phone lights filled the air. (PC: BBC)

Russia’s defence ministry released night-time footage of a downed drone it claims was launched by Ukraine toward President Vladimir Putin’s Novgorod residence, calling the incident a “terrorist” and “personal attack” amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Moscow alleges Ukraine sent as many as 91 long-range drones, all of which were shot down with no casualties or damage reported. Kyiv has firmly denied involvement, calling the claim a fabrication aimed at undermining peace talks and diplomatic efforts. Independent analysts and Western officials note no verifiable evidence proves the alleged strike occurred, heightening tensions and complicating ongoing negotiations. 

New Zealand has become the second country to welcome 2026 after Kiribati’s Kiritimati atoll. Large crowds gathered in Auckland as fireworks lit up the Sky Tower, the city’s tallest building. About 3,500 fireworks were launched in a five minute show from several levels of the 240 metre tower. The Sky Tower again served as the main site for the national countdown. In New Zealand, the Chatham Islands are the first within the country to enter the new year. Weather forecasts and a risk of thunderstorms led to the cancellation of some small community events across parts of the North Island.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was laid to rest in Dhaka on Wednesday with full state honours. The 80 year old BNP leader was buried beside her husband, former President Ziaur Rahman, at Manik Mia Avenue near parliament. Thousands of supporters and foreign guests attended the funeral. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar represented India and met Zia’s son and acting BNP chief Tarique Rahman before the ceremony. He handed over a condolence letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Jaishankar also met Pakistan National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Leaders from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives were also present. (PC: India Today)