More than a quarter of Israeli families, including every third child, struggle to access enough food as the country’s two-year war against the Hamas terror group and a rising cost of living deepen economic hardship, according to a survey released Monday, on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year.

Israel's Battle Against Food Insecurity

#GRAVITAS | In Tehran, Iranians celebrate 21st March as Nowruz. People gather over food, frolic and festivities. They enjoy festival of fire ahead of the new year by lighting fireworks and dancing around fire.  Watch this video to find out more.

People light bonfires, float lanterns to usher in the Persian New Year

China celebrates Lantern Festival, also known as the Yuanxiao Festival. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar and signifies the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Beijing glows: A phoenix rises for lantern fest

China celebrates lantern festival

China’s start to the Lunar New Year is marked by a tourism boom, defying the country’s broader economic slowdown. China has recorded a 203% surge in inbound travel bookings for the 2025 Lunar New Year, compared to 2024. This spike is largely attributed to China’s expanded visa-waiver scheme, offering 30-day visa-free entry to citizens of 38 countries.

China sees 203% surge in Lunar New Year travel

While China leads the celebrations, several other countries also join in the festivities of the Chinese New Year, embracing the traditions and cultural significance of the Spring Festival.

Chinese New Year 2025: Celebrating the spring festival beyond China

China begins vibrant celebrations for the Lunar New Year, marking the start of a festive season filled with traditions, parades, and family reunions. This year, the country embraces cultural events and joyful festivities to welcome the new year.

Celebrations kick off in China for Lunar New Year

The lantern festival lights up the Chinese New Year celebration.

Chinese new year celebrations kick off

China is gearing up for its Spring Festival, which will take place from January 28th to February 4th. As preparations are in full swing, this year's festivities will introduce the first intangible cultural heritage version of the Spring Festival, highlighting the practices and customs in China.

Shanxi Walls Dazzle Ahead Of Chinese Chinese New Year

In a celebratory moment, French President Emmanuel Macron is seen cutting a giant cake at the Elysee Palace, marking a special occasion.

French President Emmanuel Macron cuts a giant cake in Elysee Palace

Jennifer Lopez kicked off the new year in an ultra-glam avatar as she posed in a bikini and boots with fur. The crooner bought in the new year from holidays in Aspen, Colorado. 

Wait, Is that 55-year-old Jennifer Lopez in bikini and boots with fur?

World, Trending: The victims included a renowned American college football player, a young aspiring nurse, and a mother of a four-year-old. 

Who were the victims of New Orleans attack?

World: New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said the driver was "hellbent" on "creating the carnage and the damage that he did". 

New Orleans attack live updates:  US citizen Shamsud Din Jabbar identified as suspect who rammed truck on crowd

In his traditional New Year's Eve address, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged that his June decision to call snap elections had unintended consequences. He admitted the move deepened divisions in the National Assembly instead of offering solutions for the French people. Macron reflected on the months of political deadlock that followed, highlighting the challenges the decision posed for governance and national unity.

Macron's New Year's Eve Address On France's Political Turmoil

World | Trending: 2025 has arrived as the 'Year of the Snake' in the Chinese Zodiac, a 12-year cycle based on animals from Chinese mythology. In 2025, it falls on January 29.

Year of the Snake: History, significance and date of Chinese New Year 2025

The fireworks displays started at 6 pm, happening every hour until the festival’s grand finale in the Emirati capital, setting a world record.

Abu Dhabi creates Guinness world records with largest fireworks and drone show on New Year

The transition to 2025 unfurled in a striking wave of celebrations from Asia to Americas as each region marks the occasion. This is how the world celebrated.

As it happened | New Year 2025 Celebrations: New York City welcomes 2025 with Ball Drop moment

Auckland has officially welcomed 2025, becoming the first major city in the world to celebrate the new year. Thousands of revelers gathered to enjoy vibrant fireworks launched from the iconic Sky Tower, New Zealand's tallest structure, alongside a dazzling downtown light show that illuminated the city’s skyline. Cheers erupted as the countdown ended, marking the start of the new year in spectacular fashion..

Auckland Sky Tower Dazzles With 5-Minute Firework Display

As the holiday season wraps up, it seems consumers are cutting back on the sip and splurging more on sweets. While bars and restaurants are still buzzing with holiday traffic, the indulgence game has shifted in a big way—desserts are being scooped up at home, and drinks are being poured down in volume. According to a report by Technomic, dessert prices have risen by 3.2% this year, but instead of flocking to restaurants, Americans are opting for easier, sweeter alternatives. A growing 39% of dessert lovers are picking up pre-packaged treats, while 38% are embracing the do-it-yourself route.

What Are Holiday Diners Calling For?

As part of the New Year's celebration, China welcomed 2025 with a vibrant lantern show. The stunning display of lights created a magical atmosphere for both locals and tourists. This celebration is part of a long-standing tradition in China, where lantern festivals are held to mark important occasions and strengthen community bonds. Watch to know more.

Festive Lantern Illuminate China's Night Sky

Paris transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas, offering a mix of culinary delights, age-old traditions, and streets adorned with glittering lights. Watch this report for more details!

Paris: Crowds Gather At Paris' Champs-Elysees For Christmas Lights Display  | World News | WION

Seven years behind, a country will celebrate new year in September and usher in 2017

China's popular tourist destinations are filled with tourists immersing themselves the festive spirit of spring festival holiday to celebrate the 2024 Chinese New Year.

Chinese cities going all out to celebrate 2024 Chinese New Year

new-year

New Year, News on New Year, stories on New Year, articles on New Year, New Year stories at Wion, New Year news, New Year latest news