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.

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, serving as ISS Commander, will welcome 2025 uniquely by celebrating New Year 16 times in space. The Expedition 72 crew will witness 16 sunrises and sunsets as they orbit Earth at 400 km altitude every 90 minutes. Initially planned for 8 days, Williams’ mission aboard Boeing's Starliner has extended until March 2025 due to technical challenges. The crew will enjoy special meals, connect with loved ones via video calls, and continue vital scientific research. Williams, describing space as her "happy place," embraces this rare experience, showcasing the resilience and joy of human space exploration.

New Year's Eve celebrations across the UK face widespread cancellations as severe weather grips the nation. Edinburgh's Hogmanay outdoor events, including fireworks, have been called off due to safety concerns from high winds and heavy rain. Similar cancellations affect Blackpool, Ripon, and events on the Isle of Wight. The Met Office has issued weather warnings, with parts of Scotland seeing amber alerts for rain and wind speeds up to 75mph predicted in coastal areas on January 1. Disruptions to travel are expected nationwide, with rail and road services impacted. London's celebrations remain under review as the UK braces for a stormy start to 2025.

ISRO will mark its 100th mission in January 2025 with the launch of GSLV-F15, carrying the IRNSS-1K satellite. Announced by Chairman S Somanath, this milestone mission will contribute to NavIC, India’s regional navigation system, enhancing precision military, strategic, and civilian applications. The payload includes advanced navigation and ranging technologies, such as a Rubidium atomic clock for accuracy. NavIC aims to rival global systems like GPS and supports diverse services, including IoT, agriculture, and emergency operations. Following the success of PSLV-C60 in December 2024, this mission continues ISRO's streak of innovations in satellite navigation and space exploration.

Cricket Australia announced its Test Team of the Year for 2024, naming India’s Jasprit Bumrah as captain. Bumrah, who led India to a historic win in Perth last month, was praised for his leadership and outstanding five-wicket haul. The team featured two players each from India, New Zealand, and Australia, with three from England and one each from Sri Lanka and South Africa. Yashasvi Jaiswal, another Indian star, was recognised for scoring 1,478 runs, including three centuries. Other notable players included England’s Joe Root, New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, and Sri Lanka’s Kamindu Mendis. Pat Cummins and Rohit Sharma were excluded.