Countries around the world ushered in 2025 with grand fireworks displays and festivities. In Syria, crowds gathered for DJ sets and fireworks in Damascus, marking the new year despite recent political upheaval. Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates held spectacular light shows and fireworks at midnight. However, celebrations in South Korea were scaled back or canceled following the tragic Muan air crash, which claimed 179 lives. Weather warnings in the UK curtailed some festivities, but the major fireworks show on the River Thames in London proceeded as planned.

In his New Year address, Russian President Vladimir Putin reassured citizens that their wellbeing remains his top priority, despite economic challenges such as rising prices and the central bank’s high interest rates. Offering no specific promises on the economy or the war in Ukraine, Putin evoked Russia's historic triumphs and emphasized the country's resilience. He praised Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine as heroes and reaffirmed the importance of Russia's sovereignty. The message was broadcast across Russia’s 11 time zones as Putin celebrated 25 years since he first addressed the nation as acting president.

Zimbabwe has officially abolished the death penalty with the signing of the Death Penalty Abolition Act by President Emmerson Mnangagwa. This historic move ensures that courts can no longer issue death sentences, and existing death sentences, affecting around 60 prisoners, will be commuted to jail terms. A moratorium on executions had been in place since 2005. Amnesty International hailed the decision, calling it a significant step, though it urged the removal of provisions allowing the death penalty during states of emergency. Zimbabwe joins 24 other sub-Saharan African countries in abolishing the death penalty for all crimes.

Israeli forces escalated their offensive in northern Gaza, displacing residents from Beit Hanoun and surrounding towns. Reports suggest Israel may retain a buffer zone after razing much of the area near Beit Hanoun, Jabalia, and Beit Lahiya. Strikes on hospitals, including Kamal Adwan and Al-Ahly, worsened the humanitarian crisis, with Kamal Adwan now non-operational. Palestinian officials report over 45,300 deaths and massive displacement among Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. The offensive follows Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel, which killed 1,200 people. Israeli forces claim the buffer zone is crucial to preventing Hamas regrouping and protecting Israeli territory.

Palestinians released from Israeli detention report severe psychological trauma and alleged torture, including beatings, food deprivation, and stress positions. Former detainees, such as Moazaz Obaiyat, describe long-term physical and emotional scars. Human rights groups, including the UN, have documented widespread mistreatment. Israel’s High Court has ordered investigations into prisoner conditions, while rights groups warn of lasting societal impacts. The Israeli government denies systemic abuse, stating prisoners receive lawful treatment. Meanwhile, detainees and their families demand justice, calling international attention to these allegations as efforts to secure a ceasefire continue.

India’s senior cricketers Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to miss the home white-ball series against England to manage their workload following the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The series, starting with T20Is on January 22, will be followed by ODIs in February. Rohit and Kohli, retired from T20Is, will skip the ODIs, while Bumrah takes a break from both formats. The ODIs mark India’s last bilateral series before the 2025 Champions Trophy. Rohit emphasized the importance of carefully managing Bumrah’s workload, citing his extensive 141.2 overs bowled in the ongoing Australia series.

Puerto Rico faced a massive power outage on New Year’s Eve, leaving 90% of the island in darkness. LUMA Energy, the distribution company, reported the grid failure at 9:30 a.m. local time, attributing it to an underground line failure. Restoration is expected within 24-48 hours. Genera’s spokesperson called it a "major incident," with private and public plants impacted. Governor Pedro Pierluisi demanded urgent solutions and updates. Puerto Rico’s fragile grid has faced repeated outages, exacerbated by 2017’s Hurricane Maria. Efforts are underway to restore power as residents await normalcy.

Ukraine will halt Russian gas transit to Europe as its five-year deal with Gazprom ends Wednesday. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated the decision prevents Russia from profiting amid its aggression. EU imports of Russian gas have dropped to under 10% since 2023 but remain vital for nations like Slovakia and Austria. Slovakia's PM Fico threatened to cut Ukraine's electricity supply, prompting Zelensky to accuse him of aiding Russia. Moldova faces potential energy shortages and has declared a 60-day energy emergency. The European Commission assured resilience but urged further diversification to avoid disruptions.

Russia firmly opposed the idea of deploying Western peacekeepers to Ukraine, as Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized proposals from US President-elect Donald Trump. Lavrov emphasized Moscow’s dissatisfaction with the suggestion of British and European troops enforcing peace, adding that it was too early to discuss peacekeepers. Trump, who will take office in three weeks, has claimed he can broker a peace deal within 24 hours using Washington’s military aid as leverage. Both Ukraine and Russia's presidents have ruled out direct talks, with conflicting positions on territory and NATO membership.

As 2024 ended, people across the world celebrated the arrival of New Year 2025, with fireworks lighting up skies in cities like Auckland, Sydney, and Melbourne. Kiritimati in Kiribati welcomed the new year first, followed by New Zealand's Chatham Islands. The festivities provided a stark contrast to the political turmoil and economic challenges of the past year. As countries face ongoing conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, citizens hope for peace and stability in 2025. Global events such as Kumbh Mela, the ICC Champions Trophy, and the return of BTS are highly anticipated.