New Year's Eve revellers toasted the end of 2025 on Wednesday, waving goodbye to 12 months packed with Trump tariffs, a Gaza truce and vain hopes for peace in Ukraine. It was one of the warmest years on record, the stifling heat stoking wildfires in Europe, droughts in Africa and deadly rains across Southeast Asia. There was a sombre tinge to party preparations in Australia's harbour city Sydney, the self-proclaimed "New Year's capital of the world". Barely two weeks have passed since a father and son allegedly opened fire on a Jewish festival at Bondi Beach, killing 15 people in the nation's deadliest mass shooting for almost 30 years. Parties will pause for a minute of silence at 11 pm (1200 GMT) as the famed Sydney Harbour Bridge is bathed in white light to symbolise peace. "It has been a difficult year for so many people," said Steph Grant, a 32-year-old Sydney resident. "Here's hoping the world looks like a brighter place in 2026," said Grant, who works in advertising. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to line Sydney's foreshore as nine tonnes of fireworks explode on the stroke of midnight. Security will be tighter than usual, with squads of heavily armed police patrolling the crowds. Sydney kick offs a chain of celebrations stretching from glitzy New York to the Hogmanay festival on the chilly streets of Scotland. More than two million people are expected to pack Brazil's lively Copacabana Beach for what authorities have billed as the world's biggest New Year's Eve party. Truce and tariffs Labubu dolls became a worldwide craze in 2025, thieves plundered the Louvre in a daring heist, and K-pop heartthrobs BTS made their long-awaited return. The world lost pioneering zoologist Jane Goodall, the Vatican chose a new pope, and the assassination of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk laid bare America's deep political divisions. US President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January, launching a tariff blitz that sent global markets into meltdown. From palm-fringed islands in the South Pacific to the sprawling factories of Shanghai, few escaped the trade assault unscathed. Many expect the tough times to continue in 2026. "The economic situation is also very dire, and I'm afraid I'll be left without income," said Ines Rodriguez, 50, a merchant in Mexico City. "All our colleagues are in the same situation: very little work and not very profitable," said Buenos Aires business owner Fernando Selvaggi, 61. After two years of war that left much of the Gaza Strip in ruins, US pressure helped land a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in October. But with each side already accusing the other of flagrant violations, no one is sure how long the break in hostilities will hold. Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,200 people, most of them civilians. Israel's retaliatory assault on Gaza has killed more than 70,000, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, a figure the UN deems is credible. The war in Ukraine -- sparked by Russia's invasion in 2022 -- meanwhile grinds towards its four-year anniversary in February. There were hopes a renewed burst of diplomacy might produce a breakthrough this year. But Russia shot down any notion of a temporary ceasefire in the final days of 2025. As envoys shuttle between Moscow, Washington and Kyiv, one major obstacle remains: Ukraine is reluctant to give up land, and Russia is unwilling to give it back. Sports, space and AI The coming 12 months promise to be full of sports, space travel and serious questions over artificial intelligence. More than 50 years since the last Apollo lunar mission, 2026 looks to be the year that mankind once again sets its sights towards the moon. NASA's Artemis II mission, backed by Elon Musk, plans to launch a crewed spacecraft that will circle that moon during a 10-day test flight. After years of unbridled enthusiasm, artificial intelligence is starting to face mounting scrutiny. Nervous investors are already questioning whether the years-long AI boom might be starting to resemble something more like a market bubble. Athletes will gather on Italy's famed Dolomites to hit the slopes for the Winter Olympics. And for a brief few weeks between June and July, nations will come together for the biggest football World Cup in history. For the first time, 48 teams will compete in the world's most-watched sports event, playing in venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada. From the beaches of Brazil to the far-flung reaches of New Zealand, the tournament is expected to draw millions of fans.

Kim Jong Un personally oversaw the launching drill for new long‑range cruise missiles, according to state media. The test marks the latest flashpoint in tensions over Pyongyang's expanding nuclear ambitions. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill, state media KCNA reported on Monday. During Sunday's drill, Kim urged "unlimited and sustained" development of the country's nuclear weapons forces, according to KCNA. He expressed satisfaction as the cruise missiles flew along their preset orbit above the sea west of the Korean Peninsula and accurately hit their targets, KCNA added. Kim: Missile Test a 'Responsible Exercise' Kim described regular checks on the reliability and rapid response capabilities of the components of the North's nuclear deterrent as "just a responsible exercise," given that the country "is facing various security threats." He affirmed that Pyongyang would continue devoting all its efforts to developing its nuclear combat force, KCNA reported. The test follows last week's release of new images by North Korea showing significant progress on its first nuclear-powered submarine. Read More Alcohol Claims 800,000 Lives Annually in Europe: WHO Report State media photos depicted Kim inspecting a nearly completed 8,700-ton hull at a shipyard. South Korean President to Seek China's Help These military advancements have further heightened tensions in the region, coinciding with preparations for South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's planned visit to China in early January Lee is expected to seek Beijing's cooperation on addressing Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions and related security issues. Meanwhile, Japan, South Korea and the United States have conducted expanded joint air drills in recent weeks, including US B-52 bombers flying with Japanese fighter jets over the Sea of Japan earlier this month. Pyongyang has accused such activities of undermining regional stability. The developments occur amid a longstanding standoff over North Korea's nuclear program, encompassing warheads, ballistic missiles, and submarine-launched systems. US President Donald Trump has expressed willingness for fresh engagement, urging Pyongyang to re-engage with Washington and regional partners.

The number of alcohol consumers across Europe continues to rise, leading to a significant surge in related fatalities. According to a new report by the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol is responsible for approximately 800,000 deaths in Europe every year. The report highlights that one in every 11 deaths in the region is directly or indirectly linked to alcohol consumption. WHO data indicates that Europe has the highest rate of alcohol intake globally, making it a leading cause of premature death. Key Findings from the Report: Accidental Deaths: In 2019 alone, alcohol was a factor in roughly 145,000 deaths caused by injuries, including suicides, road accidents, and falls. Link to Violence: Alcohol consumption is closely tied to violence, including physical assaults and domestic abuse, contributing significantly to violent injury-related deaths across the continent. Regional Disparities: Nearly half of injury-related deaths due to alcohol occur in Eastern European countries, while the rate stands at approximately 20% in Western and Southern Europe. Risks to Youth and Long-term Health Adolescents and young adults are particularly at risk. The WHO warns that alcohol consumption during these formative years can impair brain development and decision-making abilities, leading to reduced memory and learning capacity. It also increases the long-term risk of mental health issues. Carina Ferreira-Borges, WHO Regional Advisor for Alcohol in Europe, emphasized that alcohol is a toxic substance linked to at least seven types of cancer and various non-communicable diseases. She noted that it impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and encourages risky behavior, leading to many preventable accidents. Changing Trends in Russia The report also noted a shift in consumption patterns in Russia over the last two decades. The number of teetotalers (people who do not drink) has nearly doubled; however, beer has now overtaken vodka as the most consumed alcoholic beverage in the country. Experts conclude that without stricter alcohol control policies and increased public awareness, the risk of death across Europe will continue to escalate.

Civil war-torn Myanmar went to the polls on Sunday in a three-phased election. Critics say the political exercise is a ploy to keep the military's grip on power. Myanmar on Sunday saw early voters queuing up outside polling stations to cast their ballot in the military-ruled nation's first general election in five years. The heavily restricted polls are being conducted under the supervision of Myanmar's military junta which has touted the exercise as a path to reconciliation and a return to democracy. However, western governments and human rights groups see the elections as a sham designed to keep the military secretly in power through affiliated parties. In 2021, The Tatmadaw — Myanmar's powerful army —  seized power by removing the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. The coup triggered a deadly civil war, which has killed thousands of people and displaced millions. The civil war continues to rage through much of the Southeast Asian nation even as the elections take place. Opposition groups have called for a voter boycott. What Do You Need to Know about the Elections in Myanmar? The month-long election is divided into three phases. In Sunday's first round —  which began at 6 am local time (2330 GMT) —  the vote is being held in 102 of Myanmar's 330 townships, including in the capital Naypyidaw and the cities of Yangon and Mandalay. Read More EU Backs Somalia after Israel Recognizes Somaliland The next two phases are slated for January 11 and January 25. There will be no voting in rebel-held areas. Over 4,800 candidates from 57 parties are contesting in the elections. Only six parties —  including the pro-military Union Solidarity and Development Party —  have candidates competing nationwide. The Union Solidarity and Development Party is widely projected to win. The other 51 parties and independents will contest only for regional legislatures.  Former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi remains imprisoned. Her hugely popular party, the National League for Democracy, was dissolved in 2023 and is not taking part. UN Decries 'Repression' The junta has passed legislation that it says forbid "disruption" of the election, including protest and criticism. It is pursuing prosecution against more than 200 people for violating the laws. "These elections are clearly taking place in an environment of violence and repression," UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement last week. Meanwhile on Sunday, Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing cast his ballot in Naypyidaw alongside other military personnel, the French AFP news agency reported. "We guarantee it to be a free and fair election," he told reporters. "It's organised by the military, we can't let our name be tarnished."

Israel’s support for Somaliland has triggered sharp pushback across Africa, the Middle East and beyond, with the EU urging calm and Somalia vowing to defend its sovereignty. The European Union on Saturday called for Somalia’s territorial integrity to be upheld after Israel became the first country to formally recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state. Israel's move, a day earlier, has been denounced internationally, with many African and Middle East nations insisting that Somalia's borders can't be changed unilaterally. What Did the EU Say? EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni said the bloc "reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia." "This is key for the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa region," the spokesman said in a statement. "The EU encourages meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve long-standing differences," El Anouni added. Somalia Denounces Israel's 'Illegal Aggression' Somalia’s government reacted with fury at Israel's announcement, labeling it a direct assault on its sovereignty. Officials in Mogadishu said they would pursue diplomatic and legal measures to counter what they called an "unlawful" and "deliberate" attempt to legitimize secession. Read More Thailand and Cambodia Declare Truce After Weeks of Clashes President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Israel of violating international norms, insisting Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia. Wave of International Rejection Several governments and regional bodies also swiftly rejected Israel’s move. Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the recognition, warning it risked destabilizing the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor. The African Union and East African bloc IGAD reiterated their longstanding position that Somalia’s borders are internationally recognized and cannot be altered unilaterally. Nigeria and several Middle Eastern states also issued statements urging countries to refrain from recognizing breakaway regions. A joint declaration from more than 20 nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation warned of "serious repercussions" for regional and global security. The United States said it continued to recognize Somalia’s territorial integrity, including the territory of Somaliland. Why has Israel Acted Now? Israel framed the step as part of the expanding network of partnerships inspired by the Abraham Accords, which have opened diplomatic and economic channels between Israel and several Arab and Muslim‑majority states since 2020. The Abraham Accords were mostly signed during US President Donald Trump's first term in office and with mediation from Washington. But despite Trump's return to the White House at the start of this year, no new Arab countries have joined the accords, with the war in Gaza complicating any potential agreements. Somaliland, which has operated as a de facto state since 1991 with its own institutions, currency and security forces, hopes Israel’s recognition will break decades of diplomatic isolation and encourage other countries to follow suit.