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.

Former India cricketer Atul Wassan has called for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to prepare an exit plan for Virat Kohli, citing his ongoing struggles in Test cricket. Kohli's form has been a concern, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he has failed to score consistently. Since 2020, his Test average has dropped significantly to 31.32. Wassan emphasized the need for a clear succession plan, noting that uncertainty about Kohli’s future could affect the team’s structure and management. Despite his current form, Kohli’s legacy in cricket remains unmatched.

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.

As the clock struck midnight at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), local trains parked at platforms joined in a unique tradition to welcome 2025. Their synchronized horns echoed across the station, marking the New Year in a grand style. The celebration saw commuters, railway staff, and bystanders gathering to witness the spectacle, creating a festive atmosphere. Passengers aboard stationary trains cheered and clapped as the horns sounded, adding to the excitement. This annual tradition has become a significant part of Mumbai’s New Year celebrations, symbolizing unity within the Indian Railways community.

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.

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli celebrated New Year’s Eve in Sydney as the cricketer tours Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A video shared online shows the couple twinning in black while strolling down a Sydney street, accompanied by teammate Devdutt Padikkal. Anushka wore a little black dress, while Virat opted for a black co-ord set with white sneakers. Fans appreciated their understated celebrations. Kohli's form has been under scrutiny this tour, but the duo maintains their focus on family, fiercely guarding their children's privacy. Anushka, last seen in Zero, awaits the release of her Jhulan Goswami biopic, Chakda Xpress.

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.

Grandmasters Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi made chess history on December 31, 2024, by sharing the FIDE World Blitz Chess Championship title. After seven rounds and three sudden-death draws in New York, Carlsen proposed splitting the title, a first in chess history. The decision gave Carlsen his eighth Blitz title and Nepomniachtchi his first. Earlier, Carlsen withdrew from the tournament following a dress code controversy but rejoined after FIDE relaxed its rules. "This unprecedented decision reflects sportsmanship and mutual respect," noted FIDE officials. The event highlighted resilience, strategy, and the evolving spirit of competitive chess.