White House orders military to focus on 'quarantine' of Venezuela oil
The White House has instructed U.S. military forces to concentrate largely on enforcing a “quarantine” on Venezuelan oil exports for at least the ...
Countries worldwide ushered in 2025 with a blend of vibrant displays and heartfelt traditions, reflecting cultural pride and shared hopes for the future. From eco-friendly fireworks in Thailand to quiet prayers in Kenya, each celebration offered a unique glimpse into the spirit of optimism.
As the clock struck midnight on December 31, 2024, countries worldwide rang in 2025 with festivities showcasing their unique traditions and aspirations for the year ahead. From dazzling fireworks to heartfelt gatherings, these celebrations highlighted cultural pride and collective hope for a brighter future.
In Bangkok, Thailand marked the New Year with an eco-friendly fireworks display crafted from sticky rice, spanning 1,400 meters along the Chao Phraya River. The six-act spectacle, adorned with pastel and gold hues, celebrated Thai heritage under the theme “Celebrating the Everlasting Legacy of Siam,” drawing crowds to riverside spots and malls to marvel at the breathtaking show.
New Zealand lit up Auckland with a dynamic five-minute fireworks and laser light display. The Sky Tower hosted a dramatic 10-second countdown, followed by over 500 kilograms of pyrotechnics launched across various iconic sites, including the illuminated Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Sydney, Australia, boasted its largest-ever New Year’s fireworks display, featuring a stunning golden waterfall cascading from the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The 12-minute extravaganza, with more than 23,000 pyrotechnic shots, illuminated the Opera House, rooftops, and the harbor, captivating over a million spectators.
In Qatar, Lusail Boulevard hosted a drone and fireworks display spelling out "2025." The celebration drew large crowds, with drones lighting up the night sky alongside traditional fireworks, symbolizing the nation's optimism for the year ahead.
Kenya embraced cultural traditions with celebrations in Ruiru centered around "nyama choma," a roasted goat meat dish bringing communities together. Meanwhile, in Nairobi, New Year’s prayers and songs filled churches, fostering a sense of peace and unity.
Damascus, Syria, saw poignant festivities at a Christmas market amid a backdrop of historic change. With the departure of Bashar al-Assad in late 2024 and the end of a prolonged civil war, Syrians celebrated the start of a new chapter, with fireworks symbolizing hope and renewal.
Moscow, Russia, experienced subdued celebrations without fireworks, but crowds remained hopeful for peace and prosperity. Many expressed cautious optimism, despite uncertainty over whether political talks could end the ongoing conflict.
In Ukraine, a curfew left Maidan Square empty as the country continued to endure the challenges of war. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s New Year address emphasized resilience, urging Ukrainians to stay strong in their pursuit of peace and independence.
As 2025 begins, the world reflects its diversity and resilience through celebrations that, despite differences, carry a shared desire for peace, unity, and prosperity in the coming year.
Vince Zampella, co-creator of the Call of Duty gaming franchise, has died in a car crash involving a Ferrari crash on Monday in Los Angeles, United States.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is monitoring recent Iranian military exercises and will raise the issue with U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington next week.
U.S. President Donald Trump has approved plans to construct a new class of battleships, which he described as larger, faster and significantly more powerful than any previous U.S. warship.
Thailand and Cambodia both reported fresh clashes on Wednesday, as the two sides prepared to hold military talks aimed at easing tensions along their shared border.
Libya’s chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, has died in a plane crash shortly after departing Türkiye’s capital, Ankara, the prime minister of Libya’s UN-recognised government has said.
A majority of Russians expect the war in Ukraine to end in 2026, state pollster VTsIOM said on Wednesday, in a sign that the Kremlin could be testing public reaction to a possible peace settlement as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict intensify.
The White House has instructed U.S. military forces to concentrate largely on enforcing a “quarantine” on Venezuelan oil exports for at least the next two months, a U.S. official told Reuters, signalling that Washington is prioritising economic pressure over direct military action against Caracas.
Military representatives from Cambodia and Thailand met in Chanthaburi province on Wednesday ahead of formal ceasefire talks at the 3rd special GBC meeting scheduled for 27th December.
France’s government is moving to pass emergency legislation to keep the state operating into January after lawmakers failed to agree on a 2026 budget, as pressure grows from investors and credit ratings agencies.
Australia’s most populous state has passed sweeping new gun control and anti-terror laws following a mass shooting at Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership rules, banning the public display of terrorist symbols and expanding police powers to restrict protests.
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