Delhi bakery owner Puneet Khurana, 40, died by suicide at his Model Town home. His family accused his estranged wife, Manika Pahwa, and her family of mental torture and persistent demands over their bakery business. Married in 2016, the couple had separated two years ago, with divorce proceedings ongoing. A 59-minute video recorded by Puneet before his death reportedly detailed the harassment. His sister alleged Manika’s family instigated him, demanding a business share. Puneet’s mother, devastated by his death, demanded justice. Police are investigating, with a post-mortem report expected. This tragedy highlights marital discord and mental health issues.

In a horrifying incident in New Orleans, an SUV rammed into a crowd on Bourbon Street during New Year's Day celebrations, killing 10 people and injuring 30. The crash occurred at 3:15 a.m. near Iberville Street. Witnesses reported that after striking pedestrians, the driver exited the vehicle and opened fire, prompting police to respond. Emergency services quickly cordoned off the area. The French Quarter, a popular tourist destination, was crowded for the festivities. Authorities are investigating the motive, and social media erupted with grief and outrage. Calls for stricter safety measures at public events have intensified.

As India rang in 2025, quick-commerce platforms like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart saw a surge in demand. Popular items included grapes, chips, and soda, with Blinkit co-founder Albinder Dhindsa revealing that grapes were delivered seven times more than usual. Swiggy Instamart saw a 300% spike in sales of chips and nachos, while non-alcoholic beverages, including beers, experienced a 1500% increase. Unusual orders such as handcuffs and men’s underwear also made headlines. The evening saw a surge in game orders, with Uno emerging as the most popular choice.

Investigators have successfully extracted data from the cockpit voice recorder of the Jeju Air plane that crashed on Sunday, killing 179 people in South Korea. The second black box, the flight data recorder, is missing a crucial component, delaying further analysis. Authorities are considering factors like weather conditions and a possible bird strike in the investigation. The plane, a Boeing 737-800, crashed at Muan International Airport, causing a deadly explosion. All victims, aged between 3 and 78, have been identified. South Korea has declared a seven-day national mourning period, and Jeju Air is preparing compensation for victims’ families.

A man named Arshad, 24, allegedly murdered his mother and four sisters at a hotel in Lucknow on New Year's Eve after serving them food laced with intoxicants and alcohol. The victims, including a 9-year-old, were found with slash wounds on their wrists and their clothes soaked in blood. The police suspect Arshad's father, Badar, may be involved, and he remains on the run. Authorities are investigating a family dispute as the motive behind the killings. Forensic teams are collecting evidence to establish further details. The victims were from Agra, and the case has shocked locals.

As the world rang in 2025, celebrations spanned from Mumbai’s vibrant shoreline to Sydney’s iconic Opera House. In Mumbai, thousands gathered at the Arabian Sea promenade, while Delhi saw crowded celebrations across Hauz Khas and Connaught Place. Sydney lit up with fireworks from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, while London’s spectacular fireworks celebrated diverse British culture. Other notable celebrations included Auckland’s fireworks, Bangkok's music-filled streets, and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa display. Rome marked the beginning of Pope Francis’ Holy Year, highlighting peace efforts in Ukraine and the Middle East. The world greeted 2025 with unity and hope.

Generation Alpha, born between 2010 and 2024, is nearing its end as the last babies of the cohort are born on December 31, 2024. As the largest generation ever, with over 2 billion expected, Alpha has shaped society with its seamless integration of technology. Experts describe them as "mini-millennials," influenced by the digital world, with many viewing learning and gaming as intertwined. Strong family bonds and creative, kind attitudes define them, with humor playing a key role. In 2025, Generation Beta will take over, marking the next evolution in generational change.

The world population will reach 8.09 billion on January 1, 2025, after growing by 71 million in 2024, per U.S. Census Bureau estimates. This marks a 0.9% growth rate, slightly lower than 2023. Globally, 4.2 births and 2.0 deaths occur every second. The U.S. population grew by 2.6 million in 2024, totaling 341 million. Projections for January 2025 indicate a birth every 9 seconds, a death every 9.4 seconds, and a net migration gain every 23.2 seconds, adding one person to the population every 21.2 seconds. The 2020s have seen a 2.9% U.S. growth rate, surpassing the 7.4% growth of the 2010s.

New York City celebrated 2025 with the iconic Times Square ball drop, despite rain soaking the enthusiastic crowds. The Waterford crystal ball, adorned with 30,000 LEDs, descended a flagpole at midnight, marking the New Year’s arrival. Festivities included performances by Rozonda Thomas of TLC and appearances by stars like Rita Ora, adding glamour to the night. Confetti filled the air as fireworks erupted, creating a dazzling spectacle. The tradition, dating back to 1904, continues to draw millions both in-person and virtually. Across the U.S., cities celebrated with unique traditions, while Times Square remained the heart of the New Year celebrations.

Paris ushered in 2025 with a poignant performance of "Silent Night" by the Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris choir in the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral. The hymn, resonating through the historic structure, marked a milestone in the cathedral's recovery from the devastating 2019 fire. The performance was among the first held in the restored space, symbolizing resilience and cultural preservation. As the grand halls filled with harmonious echoes, the moment captivated audiences both within the cathedral and worldwide through live broadcasts. Paris embraced the new year with a blend of tradition and renewal in this serene celebration.