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.

India rings in 2025 with heightened security and celebrations across major cities. In New Delhi, nearly 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed, with traffic restrictions around Connaught Place and India Gate. Similar measures are in place in Mumbai, where over 14,000 police officers are monitoring hotspots like Gateway of India and Juhu Beach. Bengaluru has installed over 7,500 CCTV cameras and increased police presence to ensure safety. Authorities have also launched anti-drug drives and drunk driving checks to maintain order during New Year’s Eve festivities in India’s bustling cities.

The world has started welcoming 2025, with New Zealand's Auckland leading the celebrations. The iconic Sky Tower lit up the skyline, followed by Sydney's renowned fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Japan embraced the New Year with its traditional Joya no Kane bell ritual, while Hong Kong dazzled with a fireworks spectacle over Victoria Harbour. Dubai’s Burj Khalifa is set for its annual extravaganza, drawing thousands. In India, preparations are underway for city-wide festivities. Rome’s New Year coincides with Pope Francis’ Holy Year, and London will host a parade with 10,000 performers. Global revelry continues across time zones.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has concluded 2024 with a stark warning about Taiwan, stating, "No one can stop the reunification" of the island with China. Speaking on New Year's Eve, Xi reiterated China's claim over Taiwan, calling the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait one family. Tensions have escalated in recent months, with Beijing conducting military drills near Taiwan and intensifying diplomatic pressure. Xi's remarks come just weeks before Donald Trump's inauguration and amid growing tensions between China and the US, which strongly supports Taiwan's democracy and supplies its defense.

The UN Human Rights Office has condemned Israeli attacks on hospitals in Gaza, stating they have pushed the region’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse. A report highlighted 136 strikes on 27 hospitals between October 2023 and June 2024, causing significant casualties among medical staff and destroying vital infrastructure. The UN stressed that attacks on healthcare facilities may constitute war crimes, especially if hospitals are being used to shield military operations. The situation has worsened maternal and child health, with many women and newborns unable to access essential care. The UN called for independent investigations into these incidents.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal emphasized that the 'One Nation, One Election' policy is practical and won’t harm India’s federal structure or voter rights. Speaking ahead of the Joint Parliamentary Committee meeting on January 8, Meghwal stated that the initiative aligns with Article 368 of the Constitution. He also highlighted the government's commitment to implementing a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), referencing its inclusion in BJP’s manifesto. "UCC has already been implemented in Goa and legislated in Uttarakhand," Meghwal said. Prime Minister Modi has stressed its importance for secular governance, citing support from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar during constitutional debates.

The world began welcoming 2025, with Kiribati being the first country to celebrate. New Zealand followed, with Auckland lighting up its skyline with fireworks. In Sydney, Australia, the iconic Harbour Bridge and Opera House provided a dazzling backdrop for revelers. Tokyo celebrated with vibrant projections on buildings, while Hong Kong hosted a grand fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. In Seoul, South Koreans honored plane crash victims during New Year events. As time zones shift, more regions will join the celebrations, including Alaska and Hawaii, among the last to ring in 2025.

Jeju Air CEO Kim Yi-bae stated that no safety issues were found during pre-flight checks before the Boeing 737-800 crash at Muan International Airport, South Korea. The crash, which occurred on Sunday, killed 179 people. Kim pledged to "repair trust" by enhancing safety measures and reducing winter air traffic by 10-15% for maintenance. The airline will provide emergency compensation and cover funeral costs for victims' families. Investigators are examining the plane’s black boxes, but data extraction from the flight recorder is delayed due to a missing connector. Families of victims await identification of loved ones, with some facing heartbreaking delays.