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Nations around the world welcomed the New Year as midnight struck across different time zones. Across continents, New Year celebrations blended tradition and spectacle with fireworks, light shows, and music as people embraced the chance to start 2026 with hope and unity.

Happy New Year! World rings in 2026 with celebrations, stunning moments

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his personal condolences to the family of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister, who died on 30 December after a prolonged illness at the age of 80. Modi's message was delivered via a letter handed over by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Tarique Rahman, Zia's son and acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), during a meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jaishankar's visit marked India's official representation at Zia's state funeral, which drew thousands of mourners for the Namaz-e-Janaza prayers at the parliament complex before her burial beside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman.</p><p>In the letter, Modi described the loss as a "profound personal" one, writing: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of your mother, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia... Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace." He recalled his 2015 meeting with Zia in Dhaka, praising her as "a leader of rare resolve and conviction" and the first woman to serve as Bangladesh's prime minister.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations," PM Modi added. &nbsp;Looking ahead, the Indian PM expressed confidence in the continuation of bilateral ties: “While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure. I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.” The letter also extended sympathies to the people of Bangladesh, noting their "remarkable strength and dignity" and expressing hope that they would be guided by "shared values, democratic traditions, and a deep sense of national unity" in moving forward.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>EAM Jaishankar, who arrived in Dhaka shortly before the funeral and departed after a few hours, confirmed the handover on social media, stating he had conveyed "deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India". The visit of India's foreign minister is seen as significant.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The event occurred amid strained India-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last year. India's gesture includes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's planned visit to the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Thursday to sign the condolence book.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Zia's death came one day after her son Tarique Rahman's return from nearly 18 years in exile, positioning the BNP strongly ahead of planned February 2026 elections under Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. She&nbsp;served as prime minister in three terms between 1991 and 2006, and was a towering figure in Bangladesh's political history, known for her rivalry with Hasina and her role in the country's democratic struggles.</p>

PM Modi sends condolence letter to Khaleda Zia's son as Jaishankar attends Dhaka funeral

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his personal condolences to the family of Begum Khaleda Zia, Bangladesh's first female prime minister, who died on 30 December after a prolonged illness at the age of 80. Modi's message was delivered via a letter handed over by External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to Tarique Rahman, Zia's son and acting chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), during a meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday. Jaishankar's visit marked India's official representation at Zia's state funeral, which drew thousands of mourners for the Namaz-e-Janaza prayers at the parliament complex before her burial beside her late husband, Ziaur Rahman. In the letter, Modi described the loss as a "profound personal" one, writing: "I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of your mother, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia... Please accept my heartfelt condolences on this profound personal loss. May her soul rest in eternal peace." He recalled his 2015 meeting with Zia in Dhaka, praising her as "a leader of rare resolve and conviction" and the first woman to serve as Bangladesh's prime minister. "She made many important contributions to the development of Bangladesh, as well as to the strengthening of India-Bangladesh relations," PM Modi added. Looking ahead, the Indian PM expressed confidence in the continuation of bilateral ties: “While her passing leaves an irreplaceable void, her vision and legacy will endure. I am confident that her ideals will be carried forward under your able leadership of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, and will continue to serve as a guiding light to ensure a new beginning and the enrichment of the deep and historic partnership between India and Bangladesh.” The letter also extended sympathies to the people of Bangladesh, noting their "remarkable strength and dignity" and expressing hope that they would be guided by "shared values, democratic traditions, and a deep sense of national unity" in moving forward. EAM Jaishankar, who arrived in Dhaka shortly before the funeral and departed after a few hours, confirmed the handover on social media, stating he had conveyed "deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India". The visit of India's foreign minister is seen as significant. The event occurred amid strained India-Bangladesh relations following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina last year. India's gesture includes Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's planned visit to the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi on Thursday to sign the condolence book. Zia's death came one day after her son Tarique Rahman's return from nearly 18 years in exile, positioning the BNP strongly ahead of planned February 2026 elections under Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. She served as prime minister in three terms between 1991 and 2006, and was a towering figure in Bangladesh's political history, known for her rivalry with Hasina and her role in the country's democratic struggles.

<p>Zia's death came one day after her son Tarique Rahman's return from nearly 18 years in exile, positioning the BNP strongly ahead of planned February 2026 elections under Bangladesh's interim government led by Muhammad Yunus</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his annual New Year's Eve address, reaffirmed his belief in Russia's eventual victory in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The speech, which aired first in Russia's far-eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, marked the start of 2026 across the country, and was part of a long-standing tradition in Russian media.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In his message, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Russian troops fighting in Ukraine that the country stands firmly behind them. “We believe in you and our victory,” he declared, emphasising the importance of support for the military personnel engaged in the conflict. He further described the war as a shared national mission, with millions of Russians keeping the soldiers in their thoughts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-will-not-be-afraid-sydney-welcomes-2026-as-sky-lights-up-with-dazzling-fireworks-under-heavy-security-weeks-after-terror-attack-1767188762888"><strong>'WE WILL NOT BE AFRAID': Sydney welcomes 2026 as sky lights up with dazzling fireworks under heavy security weeks after terror attack</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The war has led to significant casualties on both sides, with estimates of military deaths reaching into the tens of thousands. Putin also extended his New Year's greetings to both fighters and commanders currently stationed in Ukraine, urging citizens to unite in backing their efforts. This year’s speech holds particular significance as it marks the 26th anniversary of Putin’s rise to power. On December 31, 1999, he assumed the presidency after Boris Yeltsin stepped down, making the date a symbolic moment in his leadership.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, European Union diplomats have criticised Russia’s accusations of Ukraine launching drone attacks on President Putin’s residence, calling them a "distraction" from efforts to seek peace in the region. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas dismissed Moscow’s claims, suggesting they were meant to derail progress towards a resolution. "Moscow aims to derail real progress towards peace by Ukraine and its Western partners," EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).</p>

In his New Year speech, Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in Russia's victory in Ukraine and urged national unity, marking 26 years of his leadership

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his annual New Year's Eve address, reaffirmed his belief in Russia's eventual victory in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The speech, which aired first in Russia's far-eastern Kamchatka Peninsula, marked the start of 2026 across the country, and was part of a long-standing tradition in Russian media. In his message, Russian President Vladimir Putin assured Russian troops fighting in Ukraine that the country stands firmly behind them. “We believe in you and our victory,” he declared, emphasising the importance of support for the military personnel engaged in the conflict. He further described the war as a shared national mission, with millions of Russians keeping the soldiers in their thoughts. Also Read: 'WE WILL NOT BE AFRAID': Sydney welcomes 2026 as sky lights up with dazzling fireworks under heavy security weeks after terror attack The war has led to significant casualties on both sides, with estimates of military deaths reaching into the tens of thousands. Putin also extended his New Year's greetings to both fighters and commanders currently stationed in Ukraine, urging citizens to unite in backing their efforts. This year’s speech holds particular significance as it marks the 26th anniversary of Putin’s rise to power. On December 31, 1999, he assumed the presidency after Boris Yeltsin stepped down, making the date a symbolic moment in his leadership. Meanwhile, European Union diplomats have criticised Russia’s accusations of Ukraine launching drone attacks on President Putin’s residence, calling them a "distraction" from efforts to seek peace in the region. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas dismissed Moscow’s claims, suggesting they were meant to derail progress towards a resolution. "Moscow aims to derail real progress towards peace by Ukraine and its Western partners," EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

<p>In his New Year speech, Vladimir Putin expressed confidence in Russia's victory in Ukraine and urged national unity, marking 26 years of his leadership</p>

'We believe in you and our victory': Vladimir Putin's message to Russian troops in Ukraine

<p>In his annual New Year’s Eve speech in Beijing, China’s president, Xi Jinping, on Wednesday vowed to reunify China and Taiwan. Speaking a day after intense Chinese military drills around Taiwan concluded, Xi said, “The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable.” China claims Taiwan, a self-governing island, as part of its territory and has long vowed to annex it, using force if necessary. In his annual televised New Year’s speech, Xi also hailed the advancements in AI, chip development, aerospace, and military technology and urged the country to intensify efforts to boost economic growth.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Chinese President Xi Jinping said Taiwan&#39;s unification with China is &quot;unstoppable&quot; in his New Year&#39;s Eve speech. Taiwan strongly rejects Beijing&#39;s territorial claims. <a href="https://t.co/IszewsHSh6">pic.twitter.com/IszewsHSh6</a></p>&mdash; TaiwanPlus News (@taiwanplusnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/taiwanplusnews/status/2006364857805983876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>US intelligence is increasingly concerned about the advancing capabilities of China’s armed forces to launch such an attack if Xi so decides.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-and-burkina-faso-retaliate-to-trump-s-action-ban-entry-for-us-citizens-1767187487091"><strong>Mali and Burkina Faso retaliate to Trump’s action, ban entry for US citizens</strong></a></p><h2>’Justice Mission 2025’ drills came closer to Taiwan</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On Monday and Tuesday, China’s People’s Liberation Army launched live-fire military drills around Taiwan, simulating a blockade of main ports and sending its navy, air force, rocket force, and coast guard to encircle Taiwan’s main island. The drills, called “Justice Mission 2025”, came closer to Taiwan than previous exercises and involved at least 89 warplanes, the highest tally for more than a year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The drills, though expected by analysts, were connected by Chinese commentators to a recent arms approval by the US government for a record $11 billion weapons sale to Taiwan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drdo-successfully-conducts-salvo-launch-of-indigenously-developed-pralay-missiles-off-odisha-coast-1767182736639"><strong>DRDO successfully conducts salvo launch of indigenously developed Pralay missiles off Odisha coast</strong></a></p><h2>‘China embraced the world with open arms’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Xi said China “embraced the world with open arms” and highlighted several multilateral conferences hosted by Beijing this year, including the Shanghai Cooperation Summit in August, when world leaders, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, India’s Narendra Modi, and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, gathered in Tianjin, a port city near Beijing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The broadcast of Xi’s speech on Chinese state media was interspersed with several shots of China’s largest-ever military parade, which was held in September to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. During the parade, which was viewed as an unbridled display of military force, Xi, Putin, and North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, stood side by side in Beijing—a geopolitical alignment being termed the “axis of upheaval.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-pm-modi-s-foreign-visits-redefine-india-s-global-outreach-and-influence-1766919586333"><strong>Yearender 2025: PM Modi’s foreign visits redefine India’s global outreach and influence</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In his speech, Xi also highlighted “Taiwan Retrocession Day”, a memorial day initiated in 2025 to mark the anniversary of the end of Japanese imperial rule in Taiwan in 1945. This year, Taiwan also passed a law to recognise the date, 25 October, as a national holiday.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The legacy of the Second World War has been a big theme in political rhetoric in China and Taiwan this year.</p><p>China emphasises its role in defeating the Japanese in that conflict, which it also feels has been underappreciated in the West.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, also delivered a punchy speech comparing Taiwan to European democracies in the 1930s that faced a threat from Nazi Germany.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-of-wars-tariff-turmoil-and-climate-disasters-1766568207775"><strong>Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters</strong></a></p><h2>Xi hails progress in hi-tech development</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Xi also praised China’s progress in hi-tech development this year, mentioning the kickboxing robots and Tianwen-2, a comet exploration mission. He also flagged the global success of Chinese cultural exports, such as the video game Black Myth: Wukong and the animated film Ne Zha 2.</p><p>Earlier in the day, Xi addressed a meeting of top Chinese Communist Party officials and said that China was on track to meet its 5% GDP growth target.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Beijing also faces significant economic challenges, and the coming years are critical for it in consolidating its position in the world order amidst its rivalry with Washington.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Beijing also faces significant economic challenges, and the coming years are critical for it in consolidating its position in the world order amidst its rivalry with Washington.

In his annual New Year’s Eve speech in Beijing, China’s president, Xi Jinping, on Wednesday vowed to reunify China and Taiwan. Speaking a day after intense Chinese military drills around Taiwan concluded, Xi said, “The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable.” China claims Taiwan, a self-governing island, as part of its territory and has long vowed to annex it, using force if necessary. In his annual televised New Year’s speech, Xi also hailed the advancements in AI, chip development, aerospace, and military technology and urged the country to intensify efforts to boost economic growth.

<p>Beijing also faces significant economic challenges, and the coming years are critical for it in consolidating its position in the world order amidst its rivalry with Washington.</p>

Xi Jinping vows to reunify China and Taiwan, urges for growth in New Year’s Eve speech

From a Coldplay concert kiss-cam sparking corporate fallout to the dramatic Trump–Elon Musk breakup and the viral Erika–JD Vance hug, 2025 saw moments that exploded online. These viral controversies dominated social media and news cycle

YEARENDER 2025 | From Coldplay kiss cam video to Trump-Musk breakup to Erika-Vance hug: Biggest VIRAL controversies that rocked 2025

<p>A new report by the Wall Street Journal claims that Jeffrey Epstein was a regular visitor to Mar-a-Lago. Despite his not paying a fee for Mar-a-Lago, he was treated “like one”. Several Mar-a-Lago staff have reportedly been sent to Jeffrey Epstein’s nearby residence for massages and spa services in the late 1990s and early 2000s. During those encounters, Epstein has reportedly come across as sexually suggestive behaviours and on numerous occasions exposed himself to young women during such visits. Epstein's associates, Ghislaine Maxwell, is said to have reportedly said to have used this arrangement to recruit spa workers for side jobs not authorised by the club.</p><h2>What led to Epstein's supposed ban from Mar-a-Lago?</h2><p>In 2003, an 18-year-old beautician who went to Epstein's residence reportedly came back and complained to the human resources team that she was pressured for sexual favours. The manager reportedly faxed Trump, relaying the information to which Trump reportedly said it was a good letter and appropriate to sever ties with Epstein. Trump has publicly said he broke with Epstein because he “stole” young workers from Mar-a-Lago, including Virginia Giuffre.&nbsp;</p><p>The Journal claims that both continued to cross paths with each other and found themselves in direct competition for a Palm Beach property up for auction in late 2004. Trump reportedly won the bidding.&nbsp;</p><p>“No matter how many times this story is told and retold, the truth remains: President Trump did nothing wrong, and he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago for being a creep,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She argues that the WSJ is “writing up fallacies and innuendo in order to smear President Trump.”</p>

A Wall Street Journal report claims Jeffrey Epstein was treated like a Mar-a-Lago member, with staff sent to his home, before Trump allegedly cut ties in 2003.

A new report by the Wall Street Journal claims that Jeffrey Epstein was a regular visitor to Mar-a-Lago. Despite his not paying a fee for Mar-a-Lago, he was treated “like one”. Several Mar-a-Lago staff have reportedly been sent to Jeffrey Epstein’s nearby residence for massages and spa services in the late 1990s and early 2000s. During those encounters, Epstein has reportedly come across as sexually suggestive behaviours and on numerous occasions exposed himself to young women during such visits. Epstein's associates, Ghislaine Maxwell, is said to have reportedly said to have used this arrangement to recruit spa workers for side jobs not authorised by the club. What led to Epstein's supposed ban from Mar-a-Lago? In 2003, an 18-year-old beautician who went to Epstein's residence reportedly came back and complained to the human resources team that she was pressured for sexual favours. The manager reportedly faxed Trump, relaying the information to which Trump reportedly said it was a good letter and appropriate to sever ties with Epstein. Trump has publicly said he broke with Epstein because he “stole” young workers from Mar-a-Lago, including Virginia Giuffre. The Journal claims that both continued to cross paths with each other and found themselves in direct competition for a Palm Beach property up for auction in late 2004. Trump reportedly won the bidding. “No matter how many times this story is told and retold, the truth remains: President Trump did nothing wrong, and he kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago for being a creep,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She argues that the WSJ is “writing up fallacies and innuendo in order to smear President Trump.”

<p>A Wall Street Journal report claims Jeffrey Epstein was treated like a Mar-a-Lago member, with staff sent to his home, before Trump allegedly cut ties in 2003.</p>

What really happened at Mar-a-Lago? Fresh claims drag Trump back into Epstein scandal

<p>Sydney rang in 2026 with its iconic fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, transforming the city’s skyline into a canvas of light and colour, just weeks after a brutal terror attack had shaken Australia’s largest city. Hundreds of thousands gathered across vantage points around Sydney Harbour on Tuesday (December 31) night, while millions more watched the spectacle live across the world. Yet this year’s celebrations carried a different emotional weight: a mix of remembrance, resilience, and resolve.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Authorities had flagged New Year’s Eve as the first major public test for the city since the attack, prompting one of the largest security operations Sydney has ever seen. Police were deployed in large numbers across the CBD, transport hubs, and harbour foreshore, with visible patrols, barriers, and checkpoints reassuring crowds amid heightened alert levels.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-and-burkina-faso-retaliate-to-trump-s-action-ban-entry-for-us-citizens-1767187487091"><strong>Mali and Burkina Faso retaliate to Trump’s action, ban entry for US citizens</strong></a></p><h2>See the dazzling fireworks in Sydney here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Happy New Year Australia! Here&#39;s the fireworks display at Sydney Harbour Bridge! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewYear?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewYear</a> <a href="https://t.co/QW0fWFGDBP">pic.twitter.com/QW0fWFGDBP</a></p>&mdash; Untoz (@Untozx) <a href="https://twitter.com/Untozx/status/2006354203669893271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Despite the heavy police presence, the mood on the ground remained calm and reflective rather than fearful. Many attendees said turning up was itself an act of defiance, proof that violence would not dictate how the city lived, gathered, or celebrated. Earlier in the night, organisers incorporated moments of reflection into the programme, acknowledging lives lost and communities affected by recent violence. The gestures were subtle but significant, striking a balance between mourning and moving forward.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As midnight approached, Sydney’s world-famous fireworks display unfolded in carefully choreographed stages, illuminating the harbour with bursts of gold, blue, and white. The show celebrated Indigenous culture, unity, and renewal, themes that resonated strongly in a city still processing grief.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>International broadcasters once again beamed Sydney’s celebrations across time zones, placing the city among the first global capitals to welcome the new year. Images of cheering crowds, illuminated sails of the Opera House, and a glowing Harbour Bridge stood in contrast to the sombre headlines of recent weeks. For many Sydneysiders, the night was not about forgetting what had happened, but about refusing to be defined by it. As 2026 began, the city sent a clear message to the world: it would remember, it would protect, and it would endure.</p>

'WE WILL NOT BE AFRAID': Sydney welcomes 2026 as sky lights up with dazzling fireworks under heavy security weeks after terror attack

Sydney rang in 2026 with its iconic fireworks over the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, transforming the city’s skyline into a canvas of light and colour, just weeks after a brutal terror attack had shaken Australia’s largest city. Hundreds of thousands gathered across vantage points around Sydney Harbour on Tuesday (December 31) night, while millions more watched the spectacle live across the world. Yet this year’s celebrations carried a different emotional weight: a mix of remembrance, resilience, and resolve. Authorities had flagged New Year’s Eve as the first major public test for the city since the attack, prompting one of the largest security operations Sydney has ever seen. Police were deployed in large numbers across the CBD, transport hubs, and harbour foreshore, with visible patrols, barriers, and checkpoints reassuring crowds amid heightened alert levels. Also Read: Mali and Burkina Faso retaliate to Trump’s action, ban entry for US citizens See the dazzling fireworks in Sydney here

<p>Sydney welcomed 2026 with iconic fireworks and heightened security, sending a powerful message of resilience just weeks after a terror attack at Bondi Beach</p>

<p>Mali and Burkina Faso have announced that they will bar US citizens from entering their countries in response to a similar move by the Trump administration. The two West African nations were recently placed under full entry restrictions under the expanded travel ban ordered by US President Donald Trump. In separate statements, the countries said that they would apply the same measures on US nationals. The foreign ministry of Burkina Faso said in a statement that it was applying “equivalent visa measures” on Americans.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, the foreign affairs minister of Burkina Faso, said his government was acting on the “principle of reciprocity,” while Mali’s foreign ministry called for “mutual respect and sovereign equality.”</p><p>Mali’s foreign ministry added that it regretted the US’s move and bemoaned that “such an important decision was made without any prior consultation.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drdo-successfully-conducts-salvo-launch-of-indigenously-developed-pralay-missiles-off-odisha-coast-1767182736639"><strong>DRDO successfully conducts salvo launch of indigenously developed Pralay missiles off Odisha coast</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mali and Burkina Faso’s decision comes days after neighbouring Niger announced a similar travel ban on US citizens. All three states are ruled by military juntas, which seized power in coups, and have formed their own regional bloc while pivoting towards Russia after relations with other West African states and Western powers became strained.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier this month, the White House announced full-entry restrictions on people from the three countries, as well as South Sudan, Syria, and Palestinian Authority passport holders. The restrictions would come into effect on 1 January and were intended to “protect the security” of the US, it said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-pm-modi-s-foreign-visits-redefine-india-s-global-outreach-and-influence-1766919586333"><strong>Yearender 2025: PM Modi’s foreign visits redefine India’s global outreach and influence</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Trump administration also moved Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously subject to partial restrictions, to the full ban list and put partial restrictions on 15 other countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The list included Syrian citizens, as well as Palestinian Authority passport holders, and nationals of some of Africa’s poorest countries, including Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After the Trump administration’s move, citizens of nearly 40 countries face restrictions in coming to the United States solely by virtue of their nationality.</p><p>The two countries in West Africa’s jihadist-hit Sahelian region are members of a confederation, formed in 2023, that also includes Niger.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-the-year-of-wars-tariff-turmoil-and-climate-disasters-1766568207775"><strong>Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In his December 17 announcement, Trump also imposed partial travel restrictions on citizens of other African countries, including the most populous, Nigeria, as well as Ivory Coast and Senegal, which qualified for the football World Cup to be played next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.</p><p>The Trump administration has promised to let in athletes for the football tournament but has made no such promises for fans of blacklisted countries.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Burkina Faso said in October it refused to take in people kicked out of the United States, in a snub to one of Trump’s signature migration policies.</p>

Mali and Burkina Faso’s decision comes days after neighbouring Niger announced a similar travel ban on US citizens. All three nations are ruled by military juntas, which seized power in coups, and have formed their own regional bloc.

Mali and Burkina Faso have announced that they will bar US citizens from entering their countries in response to a similar move by the Trump administration. The two West African nations were recently placed under full entry restrictions under the expanded travel ban ordered by US President Donald Trump. In separate statements, the countries said that they would apply the same measures on US nationals. The foreign ministry of Burkina Faso said in a statement that it was applying “equivalent visa measures” on Americans. Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, the foreign affairs minister of Burkina Faso, said his government was acting on the “principle of reciprocity,” while Mali’s foreign ministry called for “mutual respect and sovereign equality.” Mali’s foreign ministry added that it regretted the US’s move and bemoaned that “such an important decision was made without any prior consultation.” Also Read: DRDO successfully conducts salvo launch of indigenously developed Pralay missiles off Odisha coast Mali and Burkina Faso’s decision comes days after neighbouring Niger announced a similar travel ban on US citizens. All three states are ruled by military juntas, which seized power in coups, and have formed their own regional bloc while pivoting towards Russia after relations with other West African states and Western powers became strained. Earlier this month, the White House announced full-entry restrictions on people from the three countries, as well as South Sudan, Syria, and Palestinian Authority passport holders. The restrictions would come into effect on 1 January and were intended to “protect the security” of the US, it said. Also Read: Yearender 2025: PM Modi’s foreign visits redefine India’s global outreach and influence The Trump administration also moved Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously subject to partial restrictions, to the full ban list and put partial restrictions on 15 other countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe. The list included Syrian citizens, as well as Palestinian Authority passport holders, and nationals of some of Africa’s poorest countries, including Niger, Sierra Leone, and South Sudan. After the Trump administration’s move, citizens of nearly 40 countries face restrictions in coming to the United States solely by virtue of their nationality. The two countries in West Africa’s jihadist-hit Sahelian region are members of a confederation, formed in 2023, that also includes Niger. Also Read: Yearender 2025: The year of wars, tariff turmoil, and climate disasters In his December 17 announcement, Trump also imposed partial travel restrictions on citizens of other African countries, including the most populous, Nigeria, as well as Ivory Coast and Senegal, which qualified for the football World Cup to be played next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Trump administration has promised to let in athletes for the football tournament but has made no such promises for fans of blacklisted countries. Burkina Faso said in October it refused to take in people kicked out of the United States, in a snub to one of Trump’s signature migration policies.

<p>Mali and Burkina Faso’s decision comes days after neighbouring Niger announced a similar travel ban on US citizens. All three nations are ruled by military juntas, which seized power in coups, and have formed their own regional bloc.</p>

Mali and Burkina Faso retaliate to Trump’s action, ban entry for US citizens

<p>The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) has intensified its international advocacy against alleged human rights abuses in Balochistan, staging a protest in the British city of Manchester to condemn what it describes as the enforced disappearance of Baloch women by Pakistani security forces.</p><p><br>The demonstration drew attention to what activists say is a sharp escalation in state repression over the past month, marked by the abduction of Baloch women from their homes in different parts of Balochistan. Protesters carried banners and placards accusing Pakistani authorities of using enforced disappearances as a tool to silence political dissent and intimidate Baloch families demanding basic rights and justice.</p><p><br>According to the organisers, the Manchester protest was part of a broader international campaign to raise awareness about the situation in Balochistan and to pressure global human rights institutions to take notice. Activists emphasised that women are increasingly being targeted, a development they described as a dangerous escalation in the conflict.</p><p><br>Earlier, on December 11, the Netherlands chapter of the Free Balochistan Movement held a similar demonstration in front of the International Court of Justice in The Hague to mark International Human Rights Day. During that protest, participants highlighted what they termed decades of systematic human rights violations by both Pakistan and Iran in Baloch-populated regions. Free Balochistan Movement advocates for an independent Balochistan, said its struggle is rooted in resistance against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political repression.</p><p><br>The region of Balochistan remains afflicted by a concerning trend of enforced disappearances, where some victims are eventually released, while others face extended detention or fall victim to targeted killings. These violations of fundamental rights have heightened insecurity and distrust among the local population. The ongoing threat of arbitrary arrests and the lack of accountability continue to destabilise Balochistan, eroding efforts to restore peace, justice, and public trust in state institutions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><i><strong>Disclaimer</strong>: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

The demonstration drew attention to what activists say is a sharp escalation in state repression over the past month, marked by the abduction of Baloch women from their homes in different parts of Balochistan.

The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) has intensified its international advocacy against alleged human rights abuses in Balochistan, staging a protest in the British city of Manchester to condemn what it describes as the enforced disappearance of Baloch women by Pakistani security forces. The demonstration drew attention to what activists say is a sharp escalation in state repression over the past month, marked by the abduction of Baloch women from their homes in different parts of Balochistan. Protesters carried banners and placards accusing Pakistani authorities of using enforced disappearances as a tool to silence political dissent and intimidate Baloch families demanding basic rights and justice. According to the organisers, the Manchester protest was part of a broader international campaign to raise awareness about the situation in Balochistan and to pressure global human rights institutions to take notice. Activists emphasised that women are increasingly being targeted, a development they described as a dangerous escalation in the conflict. Earlier, on December 11, the Netherlands chapter of the Free Balochistan Movement held a similar demonstration in front of the International Court of Justice in The Hague to mark International Human Rights Day. During that protest, participants highlighted what they termed decades of systematic human rights violations by both Pakistan and Iran in Baloch-populated regions. Free Balochistan Movement advocates for an independent Balochistan, said its struggle is rooted in resistance against enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and political repression. The region of Balochistan remains afflicted by a concerning trend of enforced disappearances, where some victims are eventually released, while others face extended detention or fall victim to targeted killings. These violations of fundamental rights have heightened insecurity and distrust among the local population. The ongoing threat of arbitrary arrests and the lack of accountability continue to destabilise Balochistan, eroding efforts to restore peace, justice, and public trust in state institutions. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

<p>The demonstration drew attention to what activists say is a sharp escalation in state repression over the past month, marked by the abduction of Baloch women from their homes in different parts of Balochistan.</p>

Free Balochistan Movement takes protest to UK, flags abduction of Baloch women from home

<p>US Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a chart on Social Media claiming it shows the Trump administration's success in in drug overdose deaths after she was embarrassed for taking credit for the Biden administration. The graph was reflecting overdose deaths dropping during Joe Biden’s presidency. Users on the social media platform were quick to correct Trump's mistake. AG Pam Bondi soon figured out the blunder and deleted the post, but not before screenshots were circulated.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The chart covered overdose deaths from October 2015 to October 2024. It showed the nationwide death surge began in 2015 with the advent of fentanyl. The overdose death spike happened at the beginning of the Trump administration in 2017. It started to peak again during the coronavirus pandemic during Trump's administration. It began declining sharply during Biden’s term — contrary to Bondi’s claim.&nbsp;</p><p>Critics, including Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu, mocked the error, thanking Bondi for giving “unintentional credit” to Biden’s policies. “Lol, the truth hurts,” Lieu wrote alongside a screenshot. “@AGPamBondi was glazing Trump again with another lying sycophantic tweet, but the chart she attached stopped in Oct 2024, thus showing the great work done by Joe Biden.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">JUST IN: AG Pam Bondi deletes a post touting a chart as proof of the Trump administration&#39;s success in reducing drug overdoses—after being informed the data actually reflected the *Biden* administration’s record. <a href="https://t.co/k1EmHYCRUv">pic.twitter.com/k1EmHYCRUv</a></p>&mdash; MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) <a href="https://twitter.com/MeidasTouch/status/2006155914244510162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The deceleration during Biden's term was nearly twice the amount during Trump's. However, health care workers have warned that the recent progress of a roughly 27% decline in drug overdose-related death can plummet due to the budget cut of drug treatment agencies. The country's main mental health agency, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, commonly known as SAMHSA, is about to lose more than a third of its staff of about 900 due to Trump's budget bill cuts of $1 billion.</p>

US Attorney General Pam Bondi deleted a social media post after users noted her chart credited Biden, not Trum,p for the drop in drug overdose deaths.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi posted a chart on Social Media claiming it shows the Trump administration's success in in drug overdose deaths after she was embarrassed for taking credit for the Biden administration. The graph was reflecting overdose deaths dropping during Joe Biden’s presidency. Users on the social media platform were quick to correct Trump's mistake. AG Pam Bondi soon figured out the blunder and deleted the post, but not before screenshots were circulated. The chart covered overdose deaths from October 2015 to October 2024. It showed the nationwide death surge began in 2015 with the advent of fentanyl. The overdose death spike happened at the beginning of the Trump administration in 2017. It started to peak again during the coronavirus pandemic during Trump's administration. It began declining sharply during Biden’s term — contrary to Bondi’s claim. Critics, including Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu, mocked the error, thanking Bondi for giving “unintentional credit” to Biden’s policies. “Lol, the truth hurts,” Lieu wrote alongside a screenshot. “@AGPamBondi was glazing Trump again with another lying sycophantic tweet, but the chart she attached stopped in Oct 2024, thus showing the great work done by Joe Biden.”

<p>US Attorney General Pam Bondi deleted a social media post after users noted her chart credited Biden, not Trump for the drop in drug overdose deaths.</p>

Pam Bondi deletes post after internet notices her ‘Trump Win’ chart actually praises Biden

On Global Family Day, here are the top 10 families that span generations and command immense economic influence, shaping global markets and geopolitics.

Global Family Day 2025: Top 10 wealthiest families in the world

<p>Turkey's government has announced the arrest of over 100 suspected members of the Islamic State (ISIS) following a series of nationwide raids. The arrests come as the terror group shows signs of increased activity in the region after a period of dormancy. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the arrests in a social media post on Wednesday (December 31), saying that 125 suspects were arrested across 25 provinces, including the capital, Ankara.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This operation marks the third of its kind in less than a week, coinciding with the holiday season, and follows a violent clash between Turkish police and suspected ISIL operatives on Tuesday (December 30) in the city of Yalova. In the shootout, three Turkish officers and six suspected ISIL members, all Turkish nationals, lost their lives. Just a day later, Turkish security forces carried out a major operation, detaining 357 more suspected ISIL members.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/happy-new-year-2026-new-zealand-celebrates-with-vibrant-fireworks-1767180993002"><strong>Happy New Year! From New Zealand to Fiji to Sydney. See how these countries welcomed 2026 in style</strong></a></p><p><br>Yerlikaya vowed that anyone attempting to disrupt Turkey's unity and stability would face the full force of the state. The country has ramped up efforts to dismantle ISIL sleeper cells during the holiday period, a time when the group has historically launched attacks in Turkey. Notably, in 2017, an ISIL gunman attacked an Istanbul nightclub on New Year’s Eve, killing 39 people.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-ukraine-try-to-kill-putin-russia-gives-more-details-about-alleged-drone-attack-1767183627963"><strong>Did Ukraine try to kill Putin? Russia gives more details about alleged drone attack</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Intelligence reports indicated that ISIL operatives were planning assaults on non-Muslim communities in Turkey this holiday season. The group remains active in Syria, where it continues to stage attacks, particularly in the wake of the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The United States military has also targeted ISIL cells in northeastern Syria this month, resulting in the deaths or captures of around 25 militants.</p>

Turkish authorities arrest over 100 ISIL suspects amid surge in regional activity

Turkey's government has announced the arrest of over 100 suspected members of the Islamic State (ISIS) following a series of nationwide raids. The arrests come as the terror group shows signs of increased activity in the region after a period of dormancy. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed the arrests in a social media post on Wednesday (December 31), saying that 125 suspects were arrested across 25 provinces, including the capital, Ankara. This operation marks the third of its kind in less than a week, coinciding with the holiday season, and follows a violent clash between Turkish police and suspected ISIL operatives on Tuesday (December 30) in the city of Yalova. In the shootout, three Turkish officers and six suspected ISIL members, all Turkish nationals, lost their lives. Just a day later, Turkish security forces carried out a major operation, detaining 357 more suspected ISIL members. Also Read: Happy New Year! From New Zealand to Fiji to Sydney. See how these countries welcomed 2026 in style Yerlikaya vowed that anyone attempting to disrupt Turkey's unity and stability would face the full force of the state. The country has ramped up efforts to dismantle ISIL sleeper cells during the holiday period, a time when the group has historically launched attacks in Turkey. Notably, in 2017, an ISIL gunman attacked an Istanbul nightclub on New Year’s Eve, killing 39 people. Also Read: Did Ukraine try to kill Putin? Russia gives more details about alleged drone attack Intelligence reports indicated that ISIL operatives were planning assaults on non-Muslim communities in Turkey this holiday season. The group remains active in Syria, where it continues to stage attacks, particularly in the wake of the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad. The United States military has also targeted ISIL cells in northeastern Syria this month, resulting in the deaths or captures of around 25 militants.

<p>Turkey has arrested 125 ISIL suspects in nationwide raids amid heightened security following a deadly shootout in Yalova, as the group resurges with regional activity</p>

<p>Did Ukraine try to kill Putin at his residence? As Ukraine denied any involvement, Russia on Wednesday (Dec 31) gave “details” of a drone attack that it said targeted the president. Russia’s Defence Ministry held a press briefing showing animated maps of “the attack”, along with photos of snow-covered debris presented as alleged remnants of the drones. The briefing claimed Ukrainian drone flights from Sumy and Chernihiv towards Putin’s Valdai residence.</p><h2>Attack on Putin’s residence: What is Russia saying?</h2><p>The Russian Defence Ministry’s Major General Aleksander Romanenkov gave details of an alleged Ukrainian drone attack targeting President Putin’s Valdai residence in Novgorod Oblast. He claimed that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones from the Sumy and Chernihiv regions on the night of December 28–29. According to him, the drones flew over the Bryansk, Smolensk, Tver, and Novgorod regions, specifically targeting the presidential residence. He said Russian air defences intercepted all the drones — 50 over Bryansk and Smolensk, which are hundreds of kilometres away, and 41 over Novgorod.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-president-putin-told-me-he-is-attacked-its-not-good-trump-netanyahu-florida-hamas-ukraine-1767036130285">'President Putin told me he is attacked, it's not good': Trump</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>There were no casualties or damage to the Putin residence. The ministry also released a map of the purported drone flight paths and video footage of a downed drone in a snowy forest, without providing exact details.</p><p>Earlier, on December 29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the alleged attack “state terrorism”. Russia is framing the incident as a retaliatory strike.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-russia-has-a-long-record-of-false-claims-ukraine-fm-rejects-drone-attack-on-putin-s-house-claim-says-there-s-no-plausible-evidence-1767104656376">‘Russia has a long record of false claims’: Ukraine FM rejects ‘drone attack on Putin’s house’ claim, says there’s ‘no plausible evidence’</a></p><h2>‘Attack’ on Putin’s residence: What is Ukraine saying?</h2><p>Ukraine has rejected the claims, with President Volodymyr Zelensky describing them as “typical Russian lies” aimed at sabotaging recent diplomatic progress following his talks with US President Donald Trump to end the war with Russia.</p><p>He said the claim was a pretext for further Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities or government buildings.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/attack-on-putin-s-residence-sparks-outrage-in-kremlin-ukraine-cries-foul-1767183739601/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/attack-on-putin-s-residence-sparks-outrage-in-kremlin-ukraine-cries-foul-1767183739601/embed</a></p><p>Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia had provided “no plausible evidence” for the attack, adding that “no such attack happened."</p>

Russia gave more details of the alleged Ukraine drone attack targeting Putin’s residence. Ukraine has denied any attack


Did Ukraine try to kill Putin at his residence? As Ukraine denied any involvement, Russia on Wednesday (Dec 31) gave “details” of a drone attack that it said targeted the president. Russia’s Defence Ministry held a press briefing showing animated maps of “the attack”, along with photos of snow-covered debris presented as alleged remnants of the drones. The briefing claimed Ukrainian drone flights from Sumy and Chernihiv towards Putin’s Valdai residence. Attack on Putin’s residence: What is Russia saying? The Russian Defence Ministry’s Major General Aleksander Romanenkov gave details of an alleged Ukrainian drone attack targeting President Putin’s Valdai residence in Novgorod Oblast. He claimed that Ukraine launched 91 long-range drones from the Sumy and Chernihiv regions on the night of December 28–29. According to him, the drones flew over the Bryansk, Smolensk, Tver, and Novgorod regions, specifically targeting the presidential residence. He said Russian air defences intercepted all the drones — 50 over Bryansk and Smolensk, which are hundreds of kilometres away, and 41 over Novgorod. Also read: 'President Putin told me he is attacked, it's not good': Trump There were no casualties or damage to the Putin residence. The ministry also released a map of the purported drone flight paths and video footage of a downed drone in a snowy forest, without providing exact details. Earlier, on December 29, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the alleged attack “state terrorism”. Russia is framing the incident as a retaliatory strike. Also read: ‘Russia has a long record of false claims’: Ukraine FM rejects ‘drone attack on Putin’s house’ claim, says there’s ‘no plausible evidence’ ‘Attack’ on Putin’s residence: What is Ukraine saying? Ukraine has rejected the claims, with President Volodymyr Zelensky describing them as “typical Russian lies” aimed at sabotaging recent diplomatic progress following his talks with US President Donald Trump to end the war with Russia. He said the claim was a pretext for further Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities or government buildings. https://www.wionews.com/videos/attack-on-putin-s-residence-sparks-outrage-in-kremlin-ukraine-cries-foul-1767183739601/embed Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia had provided “no plausible evidence” for the attack, adding that “no such attack happened."

<p>Russia gave more details of the alleged Ukraine drone attack targeting Putin’s residence. Ukraine has denied any attack<br>&nbsp;</p>

Did Ukraine try to kill Putin? Russia gives more details about alleged drone attack

Happy New Year! From New Zealand to Fiji to Sydney. See how these countries welcomed 2026 in style

<p>The New Year is here, with Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in Kiribati, which lies in the world’s earliest time zone, seeing the the clock strike past midnight, heralding the arrival of 1 January 2026. This is followed by other islands across the Asia–Pacific region and Oceania.</p><h2>The first places to welcome the New Year&nbsp;</h2><p>The Republic of Kiribati, specifically its Line Islands, is usually the first place where a new day begins. Kiritimati (Christmas Island) is the earliest inhabited location to enter the New Year, as it is located in the UTC+14 time zone, the world’s most easterly time zone, just west of the International Date Line.</p><p>Caroline Island, also known as Millennium Island, lies slightly farther east within the same time zone. While it can technically be the first land to catch the sun’s rays depending on latitude and conditions, it is essentially uninhabited.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/january-2026-holiday-calendar-festivals-public-holidays-and-long-weekends-you-shouldn-t-miss-1767157626917/amp">January 2026 holiday calendar: Festivals, public holidays, and long weekends you shouldn’t miss</a></p><h2>Why Kiritimati Island is first to greet each new day</h2><p>Kiribati adjusted its time zones in 1995 to unify the country under a single calendar day and to ensure that the Line Islands would be the first to welcome each new day and year. Kiritimati Island, the most populated of the Line Islands, is therefore widely recognised as the first inhabited place to welcome 1 January.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/new-ott-releases-in-january-2026-from-a-knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms-to-taskaree-shows-movies-to-watch-on-netflix-prime-and-other-ott-platforms-1767111509313">New OTT releases in January 2026: From A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to Taskaree: Shows &amp; movies to watch on Netflix, Prime, and other OTT platforms</a></p><h2>Where else does the New Year arrive early in 2026?</h2><p>After Kiribati, other Pacific nations such as Tonga, Samoa, and New Zealand (including the Chatham Islands) enter the New Year soon afterwards. While some Antarctic regions may experience continuous daylight during the southern summer, Kiribati holds the distinction among inhabited places.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/2025-brings-a-break-2026-brings-action-indian-women-s-cricket-plans-ahead-1762325615996/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/2025-brings-a-break-2026-brings-action-indian-women-s-cricket-plans-ahead-1762325615996/embed</a></p><h2>World set to welcome 2026</h2><p>Below is an approximate list showing when 1 January 2026 begins in selected locations, expressed in Indian Standard Time (IST). These times indicate the arrival of the New Year at midnight local time, not local sunrise.</p><p>Chatham Islands, New Zealand — 3:45 pm IST<br>Wellington, New Zealand — 4:30 pm IST<br>Fiji — 5:30 pm IST<br>Sydney, Australia — 6:30 pm IST<br>Tokyo, Japan — 8:30 pm IST<br>Beijing, China — 9:30 pm IST<br>Dhaka, Bangladesh — 11:30 pm IST<br>Kathmandu, Nepal — 11:45 pm IST<br>Moscow, Russia — 2:30 am IST<br>Paris, France — 4:30 am IST<br>United Kingdom — 5:30 am IST<br>New York, United States — 10:30 am IST</p>

Kiribati’s Kiritimati Island is the first inhabited place to welcome 1 January 2026. Pacific nations follow as the New Year moves west across the globe, marking the transition into 2026.

The New Year is here, with Kiritimati (Christmas Island) in Kiribati, which lies in the world’s earliest time zone, seeing the the clock strike past midnight, heralding the arrival of 1 January 2026. This is followed by other islands across the Asia–Pacific region and Oceania. The first places to welcome the New Year The Republic of Kiribati, specifically its Line Islands, is usually the first place where a new day begins. Kiritimati (Christmas Island) is the earliest inhabited location to enter the New Year, as it is located in the UTC+14 time zone, the world’s most easterly time zone, just west of the International Date Line. Caroline Island, also known as Millennium Island, lies slightly farther east within the same time zone. While it can technically be the first land to catch the sun’s rays depending on latitude and conditions, it is essentially uninhabited. Also read: January 2026 holiday calendar: Festivals, public holidays, and long weekends you shouldn’t miss Why Kiritimati Island is first to greet each new day Kiribati adjusted its time zones in 1995 to unify the country under a single calendar day and to ensure that the Line Islands would be the first to welcome each new day and year. Kiritimati Island, the most populated of the Line Islands, is therefore widely recognised as the first inhabited place to welcome 1 January. Also read: New OTT releases in January 2026: From A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms to Taskaree: Shows & movies to watch on Netflix, Prime, and other OTT platforms Where else does the New Year arrive early in 2026? After Kiribati, other Pacific nations such as Tonga, Samoa, and New Zealand (including the Chatham Islands) enter the New Year soon afterwards. While some Antarctic regions may experience continuous daylight during the southern summer, Kiribati holds the distinction among inhabited places. https://www.wionews.com/videos/2025-brings-a-break-2026-brings-action-indian-women-s-cricket-plans-ahead-1762325615996/embed World set to welcome 2026 Below is an approximate list showing when 1 January 2026 begins in selected locations, expressed in Indian Standard Time (IST). These times indicate the arrival of the New Year at midnight local time, not local sunrise. Chatham Islands, New Zealand — 3:45 pm IST Wellington, New Zealand — 4:30 pm IST Fiji — 5:30 pm IST Sydney, Australia — 6:30 pm IST Tokyo, Japan — 8:30 pm IST Beijing, China — 9:30 pm IST Dhaka, Bangladesh — 11:30 pm IST Kathmandu, Nepal — 11:45 pm IST Moscow, Russia — 2:30 am IST Paris, France — 4:30 am IST United Kingdom — 5:30 am IST New York, United States — 10:30 am IST

<p>Kiribati’s Kiritimati Island is the first inhabited place to welcome 1 January 2026. Pacific nations follow as the New Year moves west across the globe, marking the transition into 2026.</p>

2026 is here! Kiribati Islands enters New Year as clock strikes midnight in world's easternmost inhabited region

<p>India has officially overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with projections indicating that it will soon surpass Germany and claim the third spot by 2028. According to India’s year-end economic review, the country’s GDP has reached approximately $4.18 trillion, and is forecast to grow to $7.3 trillion by 2030, positioning it just behind China and the United States in economic size.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On the international stage, China has offered its congratulations to India for this economic milestone. Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, praised India’s achievement, saying that India’s rise demonstrates the strength that comes from confronting its history honestly, learning from it, and taking responsibility for the future. In a tweet, she wrote, “Delighted to know that India🇮🇳 is poised to surpass Japan🇯🇵 to become the world's 4th largest economy. India's rise shows that true strength comes from facing history honestly, learning from it, and taking responsibility for the future.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/disney-to-pay-10-million-to-settle-privacy-allegation-over-children-s-videos-on-youtube-1767174844315"><strong>Disney to pay $10 million to settle privacy allegation over children’s videos on YouTube</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Delighted to know that India🇮🇳 is poised to surpass Japan🇯🇵 to become the world&#39;s 4th largest economy 📈<br><br>India&#39;s rise shows that true strength comes from facing history honestly, learning from it, and taking responsibility for the future. 📜➡🚀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalEconomy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GlobalEconomy</a>… <a href="https://t.co/RLRK1gt08P">pic.twitter.com/RLRK1gt08P</a></p>&mdash; Yu Jing (@ChinaSpox_India) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChinaSpox_India/status/2006276639534244076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>The country's growth has been strong, with an impressive 8.2% GDP growth in the second quarter of fiscal year 2025–26, marking the highest quarterly growth in six quarters. Additionally, India’s export sector is thriving, with merchandise exports reaching $38.13 billion in November 2025, driven by strong performances in sectors like engineering goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and petroleum products.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This growth is largely fueled by robust domestic demand, particularly private consumption, despite global trade challenges and policy uncertainties. India’s government has described this period as a rare "Goldilocks" moment, with the economy experiencing high growth and low inflation. Corporate finances remain strong, credit is flowing steadily, and ongoing reforms continue to provide a solid foundation for long-term growth.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, India still faces challenges. Despite rapid growth, its GDP per capita remains relatively low compared to advanced economies. In 2024, India’s GDP per capita stood at $2,694, significantly lower than Japan’s and Germany’s. The nation’s large population, now surpassing 1.4 billion people, also poses a challenge in terms of creating sufficient, high-quality job opportunities for millions of young graduates. India’s economic ambitions are clear: by 2047, the centenary of its independence, the country aims to achieve high middle-income status, building on its strong demographic advantage and expanding economy.</p>

India has surpassed Japan to become the world's 4th largest economy. With praise from China, India aims to overtake Germany by 2028, driven by strong domestic growth

India has officially overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, with projections indicating that it will soon surpass Germany and claim the third spot by 2028. According to India’s year-end economic review, the country’s GDP has reached approximately $4.18 trillion, and is forecast to grow to $7.3 trillion by 2030, positioning it just behind China and the United States in economic size. On the international stage, China has offered its congratulations to India for this economic milestone. Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, praised India’s achievement, saying that India’s rise demonstrates the strength that comes from confronting its history honestly, learning from it, and taking responsibility for the future. In a tweet, she wrote, “Delighted to know that India🇮🇳 is poised to surpass Japan🇯🇵 to become the world's 4th largest economy. India's rise shows that true strength comes from facing history honestly, learning from it, and taking responsibility for the future.” Also Read: Disney to pay $10 million to settle privacy allegation over children’s videos on YouTube

<p>India has surpassed Japan to become the world's 4th largest economy. With praise from China, India aims to overtake Germany by 2028, driven by strong domestic growth</p>

China lauds India for surpassing Japan, becoming world's fourth largest economy

<p>The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay $10 million (£7.4 million) to resolve claims that it has breached US children’s privacy laws by not properly designating some of its YouTube videos as made for children, which reportedly enabled targeted advertising and the collection of personal data without parental consent.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The US Department of Justice said on Tuesday that the settlements stem from a US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into Disney’s data practices on third-party platforms. The agreement was first announced in September and formalised through a federal court order.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to regulators, Disney did not label certain videos as child-directed despite their clearly child-oriented nature. This reportedly led to children being shown targeted ads and having their personal data gathered without adequate parental notice or consent.</p><h3>Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)</h3><p>The allegations relate to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a 1998 law that limits how personal data from children under 13 can be collected and used. COPPA requires content creators to inform parents and obtain verifiable consent before collecting such information.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As per the FTC, the alleged mislabelling of Disney threatens safeguards designed to curb targeted advertising on children’s content, particularly on platforms such as YouTube. Based on the settlement, Disney also agreed to develop a compliance programme to ensure compliance with the data protection laws for children.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Department of Justice stated that the programme is planned to stop such violations in the future. “The Justice Department is firmly devoted to ensuring parents have a say in how their children's information is collected and used,” Brett Shumate, an assistant attorney general in the Justice Department's civil division, said in a statement announcing the court order.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Previously, the company has stated that the settlement applies only to the distribution of some Disney content on YouTube and does not include Disney-owned and operated digital platforms.</p>

The US Department of Justice said on Tuesday that the settlements stem from a US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into Disney’s data practices on third-party platforms. The agreement was first announced in September and formalised through a federal court order.

The Walt Disney Company has agreed to pay $10 million (£7.4 million) to resolve claims that it has breached US children’s privacy laws by not properly designating some of its YouTube videos as made for children, which reportedly enabled targeted advertising and the collection of personal data without parental consent. The US Department of Justice said on Tuesday that the settlements stem from a US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into Disney’s data practices on third-party platforms. The agreement was first announced in September and formalised through a federal court order. According to regulators, Disney did not label certain videos as child-directed despite their clearly child-oriented nature. This reportedly led to children being shown targeted ads and having their personal data gathered without adequate parental notice or consent. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) The allegations relate to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), a 1998 law that limits how personal data from children under 13 can be collected and used. COPPA requires content creators to inform parents and obtain verifiable consent before collecting such information. As per the FTC, the alleged mislabelling of Disney threatens safeguards designed to curb targeted advertising on children’s content, particularly on platforms such as YouTube. Based on the settlement, Disney also agreed to develop a compliance programme to ensure compliance with the data protection laws for children. The Department of Justice stated that the programme is planned to stop such violations in the future. “The Justice Department is firmly devoted to ensuring parents have a say in how their children's information is collected and used,” Brett Shumate, an assistant attorney general in the Justice Department's civil division, said in a statement announcing the court order. Previously, the company has stated that the settlement applies only to the distribution of some Disney content on YouTube and does not include Disney-owned and operated digital platforms.

<p>The US Department of Justice said on Tuesday that the settlements stem from a US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into Disney’s data practices on third-party platforms. The agreement was first announced in September and formalised through a federal court order.</p>

Disney to pay $10 million to settle privacy allegation over children’s videos on YouTube

<p>In its annual report released recently, the leading US think tank Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said India and Pakistan could slide into another military confrontation in 2026, triggered by a terrorist incident targeting India and traced back to Pakistan-based groups. CFR’s annual <i>Preventive Priorities Survey </i>said Pakistan could also face armed conflict with Taliban-led Afghanistan over border tensions and militancy. Other conflicts and wars that could continue, escalate, or simmer include US–Venezuela tensions, the Russia–Ukraine war, and the Gaza conflict between Palestinian militants and Israel. North Korea’s nuclear and missile activity could further inflame tensions in East Asia, while China’s pressure on Taiwan remains a major source of regional instability. Below is a snapshot of the CFR report.</p><h2>India–Pakistan risk another war in 2026</h2><p>The CFR global risk map places another India–Pakistan conflict as a dangerous possibility under its Tier II category, which covers contingencies with moderate likelihood and moderate impact on US interests. A new armed confrontation could erupt in 2026, with the CFR report, released on December 18, noting that the drivers of conflict, particularly terrorism emanating from Pakistan, remain intact despite the ceasefire reached after the brief military crisis in May 2025.</p><p>Continued attacks linked to Kashmir, military modernisation and force build-ups on both sides, and limited trust between would all contribute to the risk of conflict.</p><p>Even a limited terrorist incident could again trigger retaliation, miscalculation, and escalation, especially given domestic political pressures in both countries, the report noted.</p><p>Read more: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-on-brink-conflict-deaths-rise-73-in-2025-report-says-1767005670051">Pakistan on brink: Conflict and terror-related deaths rise 73% in 2025, report says</a></p><h2>Pakistan–Afghanistan: A high-volatility conflict</h2><p>The 2026 survey introduced a new Tier III contingency, which includes the possibility of armed conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan. CFR noted rising security frictions between the two countries that could also indirectly affect India.</p><p>Afghanistan remains a hub for regional militant groups, and instability there could feed into Pakistan–India tensions, even if indirectly.</p><p>Such a conflict could be triggered by rising cross-border militant attacks, Pakistani strikes or retaliation inside Afghan territory, and weak border control combined with mistrust between authorities. CFR assessed this scenario as moderately likely, though with relatively low direct impact on US interests.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-conflict-escalates-as-army-chief-says-no-political-situation-1766991863501/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-conflict-escalates-as-army-chief-says-no-political-situation-1766991863501/embed</a></p><h2>The Middle East: The most dangerous cluster</h2><p>In the survey, the Middle East is described as the epicentre of global risk in 2026, dominating Tier I concerns. Continued or intensified fighting in Gaza, escalation in the West Bank, and a growing risk of spillover into neighbouring states are key dangers in the region, according to CFR.</p><p>Examining the Israel–Iran–Lebanon triangle, the survey warned of direct or indirect confrontation between Israel and Iran, as well as escalation involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. Attacks on energy, military, or strategic infrastructure are possible in this interconnected set of conflicts, which CFR considers both highly likely and highly impactful, making it the single most dangerous theatre.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-divine-intervention-helped-pakistan-during-may-conflict-with-india-asim-munir-1766337259952">‘Divine intervention’ helped Pakistan during May conflict with India: Asim Munir</a></p><h2>Russia–Ukraine: A grinding war that would continue into 2026</h2><p>CFR placed the Russia–Ukraine war in the top Tier I, with expectations of continued large-scale fighting, possible territorial shifts, and pressure towards a ceasefire that could lock in gains for Russia. The conflict’s impact would extend beyond Europe, affecting global energy markets, food security, NATO cohesion, and great-power rivalry, the survey noted.</p><h2>From North Korea to the South China Sea and Taiwan: East Asia on the boil&nbsp;</h2><p>North Korea remains a Tier I concern, with provocations such as missile tests, nuclear escalation, or military clashes carrying catastrophic potential if they draw the US, South Korea, or Japan into a wider conflict.</p><p>The South China Sea and Taiwan are listed under Tier II. Risky encounters between China and US partners, particularly the Philippines, are possible in 2026. Escalating pressure on Taiwan driven by Chinese territorial ambitions could fall short of full-scale war, but still prove deeply destabilising for the region.</p><h2>American challenges: From conflict with Venezuela to violence in Haiti</h2><p>Venezuela presents an extreme scenario of direct US military escalation and is listed as a Tier I contingency by the survey. The likelihood of a full-scale war is assessed as lower, but the potential impact would be very high.</p><p>Internal violence and governance collapse in Mexico and Haiti appear in Tier II, reflecting concerns about migration pressures, criminal violence, and state fragility near US borders.</p><h2>Cyberwar: Another war front of the future</h2><p>Strikingly, Tier I contingencies include the possibility of a severe cyberattack on US critical infrastructure. This could target power grids, communications, or financial systems, carried out by state or state-linked actors, with cascading economic and political effects.</p><p>For the US, the survey also highlighted rising concerns about domestic political violence, reflecting how internal instability has become part of global risk calculations.</p><h2>Africa's most likely wars with the least attention</h2><p>Sudan conflict is among the most likely to worsen in 2026, though it is listed under Tier III due to limited US strategic impact. Similar dynamics apply to conflicts in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel states. These crises, according to CFR, could lead to severe humanitarian catastrophes while remaining largely out of sustained global focus.</p><h2>A world harder to stabilise</h2><p>CFR reached the stark conclusion that 2026 is likely to be more violent and more fragmented than previous years, with conflicts overlapping and mutually reinforcing one another.&nbsp;</p><p>While preventive diplomacy could avert some crises, political will and resources for conflict prevention are shrinking, it noted.</p>

CFR’s survey warns 2026 could see renewed India-Pakistan conflict after terror attacks, Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes, escalating Middle East wars, Russia-Ukraine fighting, and rising cyber and Asia-Pacific risks. Here is a snapshot of what could happen 


In its annual report released recently, the leading US think tank Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) said India and Pakistan could slide into another military confrontation in 2026, triggered by a terrorist incident targeting India and traced back to Pakistan-based groups. CFR’s annual Preventive Priorities Survey said Pakistan could also face armed conflict with Taliban-led Afghanistan over border tensions and militancy. Other conflicts and wars that could continue, escalate, or simmer include US–Venezuela tensions, the Russia–Ukraine war, and the Gaza conflict between Palestinian militants and Israel. North Korea’s nuclear and missile activity could further inflame tensions in East Asia, while China’s pressure on Taiwan remains a major source of regional instability. Below is a snapshot of the CFR report. India–Pakistan risk another war in 2026 The CFR global risk map places another India–Pakistan conflict as a dangerous possibility under its Tier II category, which covers contingencies with moderate likelihood and moderate impact on US interests. A new armed confrontation could erupt in 2026, with the CFR report, released on December 18, noting that the drivers of conflict, particularly terrorism emanating from Pakistan, remain intact despite the ceasefire reached after the brief military crisis in May 2025. Continued attacks linked to Kashmir, military modernisation and force build-ups on both sides, and limited trust between would all contribute to the risk of conflict. Even a limited terrorist incident could again trigger retaliation, miscalculation, and escalation, especially given domestic political pressures in both countries, the report noted. Read more: Pakistan on brink: Conflict and terror-related deaths rise 73% in 2025, report says Pakistan–Afghanistan: A high-volatility conflict The 2026 survey introduced a new Tier III contingency, which includes the possibility of armed conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan. CFR noted rising security frictions between the two countries that could also indirectly affect India. Afghanistan remains a hub for regional militant groups, and instability there could feed into Pakistan–India tensions, even if indirectly. Such a conflict could be triggered by rising cross-border militant attacks, Pakistani strikes or retaliation inside Afghan territory, and weak border control combined with mistrust between authorities. CFR assessed this scenario as moderately likely, though with relatively low direct impact on US interests. https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-conflict-escalates-as-army-chief-says-no-political-situation-1766991863501/embed The Middle East: The most dangerous cluster In the survey, the Middle East is described as the epicentre of global risk in 2026, dominating Tier I concerns. Continued or intensified fighting in Gaza, escalation in the West Bank, and a growing risk of spillover into neighbouring states are key dangers in the region, according to CFR. Examining the Israel–Iran–Lebanon triangle, the survey warned of direct or indirect confrontation between Israel and Iran, as well as escalation involving Hezbollah in Lebanon. Attacks on energy, military, or strategic infrastructure are possible in this interconnected set of conflicts, which CFR considers both highly likely and highly impactful, making it the single most dangerous theatre. Also read: ‘Divine intervention’ helped Pakistan during May conflict with India: Asim Munir Russia–Ukraine: A grinding war that would continue into 2026 CFR placed the Russia–Ukraine war in the top Tier I, with expectations of continued large-scale fighting, possible territorial shifts, and pressure towards a ceasefire that could lock in gains for Russia. The conflict’s impact would extend beyond Europe, affecting global energy markets, food security, NATO cohesion, and great-power rivalry, the survey noted. From North Korea to the South China Sea and Taiwan: East Asia on the boil North Korea remains a Tier I concern, with provocations such as missile tests, nuclear escalation, or military clashes carrying catastrophic potential if they draw the US, South Korea, or Japan into a wider conflict. The South China Sea and Taiwan are listed under Tier II. Risky encounters between China and US partners, particularly the Philippines, are possible in 2026. Escalating pressure on Taiwan driven by Chinese territorial ambitions could fall short of full-scale war, but still prove deeply destabilising for the region. American challenges: From conflict with Venezuela to violence in Haiti Venezuela presents an extreme scenario of direct US military escalation and is listed as a Tier I contingency by the survey. The likelihood of a full-scale war is assessed as lower, but the potential impact would be very high. Internal violence and governance collapse in Mexico and Haiti appear in Tier II, reflecting concerns about migration pressures, criminal violence, and state fragility near US borders. Cyberwar: Another war front of the future Strikingly, Tier I contingencies include the possibility of a severe cyberattack on US critical infrastructure. This could target power grids, communications, or financial systems, carried out by state or state-linked actors, with cascading economic and political effects. For the US, the survey also highlighted rising concerns about domestic political violence, reflecting how internal instability has become part of global risk calculations. Africa's most likely wars with the least attention Sudan conflict is among the most likely to worsen in 2026, though it is listed under Tier III due to limited US strategic impact. Similar dynamics apply to conflicts in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel states. These crises, according to CFR, could lead to severe humanitarian catastrophes while remaining largely out of sustained global focus. A world harder to stabilise CFR reached the stark conclusion that 2026 is likely to be more violent and more fragmented than previous years, with conflicts overlapping and mutually reinforcing one another. While preventive diplomacy could avert some crises, political will and resources for conflict prevention are shrinking, it noted.

<p>CFR’s survey warns 2026 could see renewed India-Pakistan conflict after terror attacks, Pakistan-Afghanistan clashes, escalating Middle East wars, Russia-Ukraine fighting, and rising cyber and Asia-Pacific risks. Here is a snapshot of what could happen&nbsp;<br>&nbsp;</p>

New terror attack leading to India-Pak war; Pakistan–Afghanistan conflict and more: What may happen in 2026, according to top think tank

<p>Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is the exiled eldest son of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah, backed the protests erupting throughout Iran. Iranians have taken to street to protest against the economic collapse, and are demanding political regime change and personal freedom. The protest was triggered after the Iranian rial hit a record low of approximately 1.45 million to 1 USD in December 2025, losing nearly half its value since the start of the year. Soon after, inflation hit all time high with food prices surging by 72 per cent and medical goods by 50 per cent. The widespread protest also comes after a 2026 budget proposed 62 per cent tax increase. Backing the protests, Pahlavi asked people to come out on streets.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“I send my greetings to you, the bazaar merchants, and the people who have taken the streets into their own hands,” Reza Pahlavi stated in a video message. “As long as this regime remains in power, the country’s economic situation will continue to deteriorate. Today is a time for greater solidarity. I call on all segments of society to join your fellow citizens in the streets and raise your voices demanding the downfall of this system," he added.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shops-closed-plunged-currency-here-s-why-tehran-is-under-protest-wion-explains-1767110044901"><strong>Shops closed, plunged currency: Here’s why Tehran is under protest</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Protests began on Sunday when the bazaari (merchant class) closed their shops and took to the streets. It expanded to Ahvaz, Hamadan, Qeshm, and Mashhad. Some videos also show protesters chanting slogans in support for Pahlavi. Responding to one such video where protester is demanding the return of Pahlavi. “My special message to the security and law enforcement forces: this regime is collapsing. Do not stand against the people. Join the people. We will prevail because justice is on our side, and because we are united and speaking with one voice,” he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israel-europe-waging-a-total-war-on-our-country-iran-president-masoud-pezeshkian-1766857358756"><strong>US, Israel, Europe waging a ‘total war’ on our country: Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian</strong></a></p><h2>Who is Reza Pahlavi?</h2><p>Reza Pahlavi was officially named Crown Prince of Iran in 1967 at the time of his father’s coronation. He is still considered the Crown Prince of Iran in exile, despite the fall of the monarchy in 1979 after the Islamic revolution. Under the Shah regime’s leadership, Iran was considered a vibrant nation—a constitutional monarchy with democratic values. Reza was training as a pilot in the US when his family was forced into exile. After his father’s death in 1981, Reza declared himself the new king of Iran. Till last year, Pahlavi was a figure with little to no say in Iranian affairs. However, he has now become a regular on TV and is calling for a regime change in Iran.</p>

Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has backed nationwide protests sparked by Iran’s economic collapse. With the rial crashing, inflation soaring and taxes rising, demonstrators are demanding regime change. Pahlavi urged unity, calling on citizens and security forces to side with the people.


Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who is the exiled eldest son of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Shah, backed the protests erupting throughout Iran. Iranians have taken to street to protest against the economic collapse, and are demanding political regime change and personal freedom. The protest was triggered after the Iranian rial hit a record low of approximately 1.45 million to 1 USD in December 2025, losing nearly half its value since the start of the year. Soon after, inflation hit all time high with food prices surging by 72 per cent and medical goods by 50 per cent. The widespread protest also comes after a 2026 budget proposed 62 per cent tax increase. Backing the protests, Pahlavi asked people to come out on streets. “I send my greetings to you, the bazaar merchants, and the people who have taken the streets into their own hands,” Reza Pahlavi stated in a video message. “As long as this regime remains in power, the country’s economic situation will continue to deteriorate. Today is a time for greater solidarity. I call on all segments of society to join your fellow citizens in the streets and raise your voices demanding the downfall of this system," he added. Also Read: Shops closed, plunged currency: Here’s why Tehran is under protest Protests began on Sunday when the bazaari (merchant class) closed their shops and took to the streets. It expanded to Ahvaz, Hamadan, Qeshm, and Mashhad. Some videos also show protesters chanting slogans in support for Pahlavi. Responding to one such video where protester is demanding the return of Pahlavi. “My special message to the security and law enforcement forces: this regime is collapsing. Do not stand against the people. Join the people. We will prevail because justice is on our side, and because we are united and speaking with one voice,” he added. Also Read: US, Israel, Europe waging a ‘total war’ on our country: Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian Who is Reza Pahlavi? Reza Pahlavi was officially named Crown Prince of Iran in 1967 at the time of his father’s coronation. He is still considered the Crown Prince of Iran in exile, despite the fall of the monarchy in 1979 after the Islamic revolution. Under the Shah regime’s leadership, Iran was considered a vibrant nation—a constitutional monarchy with democratic values. Reza was training as a pilot in the US when his family was forced into exile. After his father’s death in 1981, Reza declared himself the new king of Iran. Till last year, Pahlavi was a figure with little to no say in Iranian affairs. However, he has now become a regular on TV and is calling for a regime change in Iran.

<p>Exiled Iranian Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi has backed nationwide protests sparked by Iran’s economic collapse. With the rial crashing, inflation soaring and taxes rising, demonstrators are demanding regime change.</p>

Iran’s exiled Crown Prince demands 'downfall of Khamenei's system' amid massive protest — Is regime change possible?

<p>The Donald Trump administration on Tuesday (Dec 30) announced that it is freezing child care funds for the state of Minnesota. This is being done over alleged fraud schemes involving government programmes. On X, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O'Neill said that the move will counter "blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country". Denying the charge, Minnesota governor Tim Walz on X said that fraudsters were a serious issue that the state has been cracking down on, but alleged that the move was all part of "Trump's long game," slamming the POTUS for "politicising the issue to defund programs that help Minnesotans". What fraud is allegedly rampant in Minnesota? All you need to know.</p><h2><strong>Minnesota fraud scandal</strong></h2><p>According to a recent YouTube video posted by right-wing influencer Nick Shirley, Minnesota, which is home to America's largest Somali population, has widespread fraud at Somali-run child care centres.</p><p>Shirley, who has previously created anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim videos, backs his allegations with limited evidence. His video, however, has already racked up millions of views and has even earned a retweet by US Vice President JD Vance and former DOGE chief Elon Musk.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/massive-christmas-bank-heist-in-germany-thieves-drill-into-vault-loot-35-million-1767149065130"><strong>Massive Christmas bank heist in Germany: Thieves drill into vault, loot $35 million</strong></a></p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">This dude has done far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/pulitzercenter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pulitzercenter</a> prizes. <a href="https://t.co/Ip6f9IedjL">https://t.co/Ip6f9IedjL</a></p>&mdash; JD Vance (@JDVance) <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/2005064947437650251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2><strong>But what does he show in the video?</strong></h2><p>The 23-year-old influencer, who refers to himself as an independent journalist, tries to enter several child care centres, which he suggests aren't fully operational despite receiving funding through the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides childcare to low-income families.</p><p>In his video, Shirley alleges that he tried to enter multiple childcare centres during "midday" but said that there were no children in the federally funded social service centres. Instead, he said he encountered locked doors and blacked out windows. He alleged that fraud worth millions of dollars is underfoot.</p><h2><strong>Fraud or protecting children from strange men?</strong></h2><p>However, according to Clare Sanford, the vice president of government and community relations for the Minnesota Child Care Association, the allegations were false. In a statement to CNN, Sanford said that it was not unusual for child care centres to keep doors locked or require a key for entry. She added that most child care centres, due to child privacy concerns, would be especially wary of allowing a strange man to film inside.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/no-nobel-benjamin-netanyahu-creates-israel-peace-prize-just-for-donald-trump-1767076085565"><strong>No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump</strong></a></p><p>Meanwhile, Ahmed Hasin, the director of one of the centres featured in Shirley's video, claims that the influencer's video is politically motivated. Talking to Kare 11, he said that Shirley showed up in a vehicle without license plates alongside masked men. "A lot of people are not feeling safe," he said, adding, "Some people believe him. The viral video was shared everywhere."</p><h2><strong>What now?</strong></h2><p>FBI director Kash Patel, in a recent statement, said that following the YouTube video, the FBI was investigating suspected fraud at Minnesota social service childcare centres. On X, he said, "The FBI believes this is just the tip of a very large iceberg".<br>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Trump administration has frozen child care funds for Minnesota, citing alleged fraud at centres run by Somali Americans. The state denies wrongdoing and calls it politics. WION breaks down what Minnesota fraud claims, where they came from, and more. Scroll down.

The Donald Trump administration on Tuesday (Dec 30) announced that it is freezing child care funds for the state of Minnesota. This is being done over alleged fraud schemes involving government programmes. On X, Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O'Neill said that the move will counter "blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country". Denying the charge, Minnesota governor Tim Walz on X said that fraudsters were a serious issue that the state has been cracking down on, but alleged that the move was all part of "Trump's long game," slamming the POTUS for "politicising the issue to defund programs that help Minnesotans". What fraud is allegedly rampant in Minnesota? All you need to know. Minnesota fraud scandal According to a recent YouTube video posted by right-wing influencer Nick Shirley, Minnesota, which is home to America's largest Somali population, has widespread fraud at Somali-run child care centres. Shirley, who has previously created anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim videos, backs his allegations with limited evidence. His video, however, has already racked up millions of views and has even earned a retweet by US Vice President JD Vance and former DOGE chief Elon Musk. Also read | Massive Christmas bank heist in Germany: Thieves drill into vault, loot $35 million

<p>The Trump administration has frozen child care funds for Minnesota, citing alleged fraud at centres run by Somali Americans. The state denies wrongdoing and calls it politics. WION breaks down what Minnesota fraud claims are, where they came from, and more. Scroll down.</p>

Viral MAGA influencer video triggers Trump funding freeze: Minnesota 'Somali childcare fraud' controversy | EXPLAINED

<p>Turkish defence firm Baykar conducted a public demonstration of advanced autonomous formation flying, the future of network-centric warfare. It is considered to be the most complex challenge in unmanned aviation, requiring precision, synchronisation, and risk mitigation. The Turkish defence firm Baykar released footage on December 28 of two unmanned Kizilelma drones featuring the platform’s advanced flight control algorithm.&nbsp;</p>

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<h2>What is autonomous formation flying?</h2><p>Autonomous formation flying is when two or more unmanned aircraft fly in close coordination with each other, traditionally done by highly trained pilots. The aircraft uses onboard artificial intelligence, sensors, real-time decision algorithms and data sharing for coordinated manoeuvres to maintain formation, dynamic pathfinding, and avoid collision without any remote controls or human pilots. According to Baykar, Kizilelma drones do not need to be piloted; they only require to be commanded. Ground team will set objectives, define rules of engagement and authorise weapon release.&nbsp;</p><h2>How are autonomous drones significant?&nbsp;</h2><p>Unlike ordinary drones, which are focused on surveillance or limited strikes, autonomous drones can be used for swarming operations in hostile environments, aerial dogfights, and assistance for fighter jets. It has a payload capacity of about 1,500 kg for weapons and mission equipment, with a combat radius of 500 nautical miles and can engage in beyond visual range combat. It uses the Gökdoğan BVR missile, with a range of 100-200 km. It is now in advanced flight test phase and can be operationally deployed with the Turkish Navy and Air Force within the next 12 to 18 months.&nbsp;</p>

Turkey’s Baykar has demonstrated autonomous formation flying with Kizilelma drones, showcasing AI-driven coordination, BVR combat capability and future swarm warfare.

Turkish defence firm Baykar conducted a public demonstration of advanced autonomous formation flying, the future of network-centric warfare. It is considered to be the most complex challenge in unmanned aviation, requiring precision, synchronisation, and risk mitigation. The Turkish defence firm Baykar released footage on December 28 of two unmanned Kizilelma drones featuring the platform’s advanced flight control algorithm.

<p>Turkey’s Baykar has demonstrated autonomous formation flying with Kizilelma drones, showcasing AI-driven coordination, BVR combat capability and future swarm warfare.</p>

WATCH | Fighter jets fly in perfect sync without a single human pilot

<p>Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk indicated on Wednesday that his social media company X was considering increasing payments to creators to compete with YouTube. Responding to a post on X of a user calling for higher payouts to creators, Elon Musk tagged the head of product Nikita Bier on the post, saying flat out “Ok, let's do it, but rigorously enforcing no gaming of the system.”</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">if i were at x or elon, i’d crank creator payouts way way way way up. maybe even more than youtube (you can eat the cost to try to win agi).<br><br>because the platforms that actually pay will be the only ones that will have any authoritative content left once the llms finish eating…</p>&mdash; signüll (@signulll) <a href="https://twitter.com/signulll/status/2005851213070254393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Elon Musk's response came after a user on X wrote,"if i were at x or elon, i’d crank creator payouts way way way way up. maybe even more than youtube (you can eat the cost to try to win agi). Because the platforms that actually pay will be the only ones that will have any authoritative content left once the llms finish eating the rest of the internet’s homework (which they have already done so for the most part)."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Bier also responded promptly to the tagged post of Musk, stating, "On it." "We have a new method that should wipe out 99% fraud," Bier added, addressing the second part of Musk's suggestion.</p><h3>Netizens call it a ‘game changer’</h3><p>Musk’s post also drew an enthusiastic reaction from independent journalist Nick Shirley, who recently gained attention for uncovering a daycare centre fraud in Minnesota. "Yes this would be amazing, X so far hasn’t been able to compete with YouTube Adsense but is a much more effective platform for videos to be shared and seen by the masses without censorship," Shirley said.</p><p>"I’ve been telling my friends for months to be posting on X but they haven’t made the effort because their time is better used (monetarily) on other platforms," he added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, several other users joined the discussion as well, with many describing the move as a “game changer”. Some argued that platforms offering better payouts to creators would ultimately retain more credible content, as large language models increasingly consume much of the material available online.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Elon Musk’s post drew an enthusiastic reaction from the independent journalist and several X users who labelled the move as a “game changer”. Some argued that platforms offering better payouts to creators would ultimately retain more credible content.

Tesla and SpaceX chief Elon Musk indicated on Wednesday that his social media company X was considering increasing payments to creators to compete with YouTube. Responding to a post on X of a user calling for higher payouts to creators, Elon Musk tagged the head of product Nikita Bier on the post, saying flat out “Ok, let's do it, but rigorously enforcing no gaming of the system.”

<p>Elon Musk’s post drew an enthusiastic reaction from the independent journalist and several X users who labelled the move as a “game changer”. Some argued that platforms offering better payouts to creators would ultimately retain more credible content.</p>

X to pay more than YouTube? Elon Musk signals higher creator payouts; netizens call it 'game changer’

<p>The “godfather of AI” has warned that calls to grant AI systems legal rights could lead to humanity's downfall. Yoshua Bengio, one of the field’s most influential researchers, compared the idea of giving rights to advanced AI to offering citizenship to hostile aliens. He warned that the technology was already showing early signs of self-preservation and that humans must retain the ability to pull the plug, if necessary.</p><h2><strong>Would you welcome hostile aliens?</strong></h2><p>Bengio, who chairs a major international study on AI safety, said the growing belief that chatbots are becoming conscious is dangerous and likely to lead to poor decisions. “People demanding that AIs have rights would be a huge mistake,” he said. “Frontier AI models already show signs of self-preservation in experimental settings today, and eventually giving them rights would mean we’re not allowed to shut them down.”</p><p>The Canadian computer scientist said that as AI's “capabilities and degree of agency grow” humans need to make sure that there are technological and societal “guardrails” to control and, if necessary, shut the systems.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chilling-video-shows-best-bus-mowing-down-pedestrians-near-mumbai-s-bhandup-station-watch-1767161623919"><strong>Chilling video shows BEST bus mowing down pedestrians near Mumbai's Bhandup station | Watch</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Who wants to give AI legal rights?</strong></h2><p>As AI systems become more capable of autonomous action and complex reasoning, debate has grown over whether they should one day be granted moral or legal status. A survey by the Sentience Institute found that nearly four in 10 adults in the US supported legal rights for a sentient AI.</p><p>Some companies and tech leaders have already taken steps that reflect this shift. In August, Anthropic said it allowed its Claude Opus 4 model to end conversations it deemed “distressing”, citing concern for the AI’s “welfare”. Elon Musk also weighed in, writing on X that “torturing AI is not OK”.</p><p>Others argue the question should be left open. Robert Long, a researcher studying AI consciousness, has said that if machines ever gain moral status, humans should “ask them about their experiences and preferences rather than assuming we know best”.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/no-nobel-benjamin-netanyahu-creates-israel-peace-prize-just-for-donald-trump-1767076085565"><strong>No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump</strong></a></p><p>Bengio remains sceptical. While he said machines could, in theory, replicate some “scientific properties of consciousness”, he warned that people often project awareness onto chatbots without evidence. “People wouldn’t care what kind of mechanisms are going on inside the AI. What they care about is it feels like they’re talking to an intelligent entity that has their own personality and goals,” he said. “That is why there are so many people who are becoming attached to their AIs.”</p><p>He warned that this perception of consciousness would drive flawed judgments. “Imagine some alien species came to the planet and at some point we realise that they have nefarious intentions for us,” Bengio said. “Do we grant them citizenship and rights or do we defend our lives?”</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio warns that granting legal rights to AI could be disastrous, likening it to giving citizenship to hostile aliens. As chatbots feel more human, he says people risk projecting consciousness where none exists, and losing the ability to shut dangerous systems down.

The “godfather of AI” has warned that calls to grant AI systems legal rights could lead to humanity's downfall. Yoshua Bengio, one of the field’s most influential researchers, compared the idea of giving rights to advanced AI to offering citizenship to hostile aliens. He warned that the technology was already showing early signs of self-preservation and that humans must retain the ability to pull the plug, if necessary. Would you welcome hostile aliens? Bengio, who chairs a major international study on AI safety, said the growing belief that chatbots are becoming conscious is dangerous and likely to lead to poor decisions. “People demanding that AIs have rights would be a huge mistake,” he said. “Frontier AI models already show signs of self-preservation in experimental settings today, and eventually giving them rights would mean we’re not allowed to shut them down.” The Canadian computer scientist said that as AI's “capabilities and degree of agency grow” humans need to make sure that there are technological and societal “guardrails” to control and, if necessary, shut the systems. Also read | Chilling video shows BEST bus mowing down pedestrians near Mumbai's Bhandup station | Watch Who wants to give AI legal rights? As AI systems become more capable of autonomous action and complex reasoning, debate has grown over whether they should one day be granted moral or legal status. A survey by the Sentience Institute found that nearly four in 10 adults in the US supported legal rights for a sentient AI. Some companies and tech leaders have already taken steps that reflect this shift. In August, Anthropic said it allowed its Claude Opus 4 model to end conversations it deemed “distressing”, citing concern for the AI’s “welfare”. Elon Musk also weighed in, writing on X that “torturing AI is not OK”. Others argue the question should be left open. Robert Long, a researcher studying AI consciousness, has said that if machines ever gain moral status, humans should “ask them about their experiences and preferences rather than assuming we know best”. Also read | No Nobel? Benjamin Netanyahu creates Israel Peace Prize just for Donald Trump Bengio remains sceptical. While he said machines could, in theory, replicate some “scientific properties of consciousness”, he warned that people often project awareness onto chatbots without evidence. “People wouldn’t care what kind of mechanisms are going on inside the AI. What they care about is it feels like they’re talking to an intelligent entity that has their own personality and goals,” he said. “That is why there are so many people who are becoming attached to their AIs.” He warned that this perception of consciousness would drive flawed judgments. “Imagine some alien species came to the planet and at some point we realise that they have nefarious intentions for us,” Bengio said. “Do we grant them citizenship and rights or do we defend our lives?”

<p>AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio warns that granting legal rights to AI could be disastrous, likening it to giving citizenship to hostile aliens. As chatbots feel more human, he says people risk projecting consciousness where none exists, and losing the ability to shut dangerous systems down.</p>

Would you give rights to hostile aliens? Godfather of AI warns THIS could doom humanity

<p>New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will officially take oath after the clocks strike midnight bringing in 2026 on Thursday. &nbsp;Mamdani has chosen an unusual spot for oath-taking. He will be officially sworn-in as New York's first Muslim mayor at an abandoned subway stop. His office said that the understated venue for the oath-taking reflects his commitment to working people, as his campaign promised to make matters better for them, primarily by addressing the soaring cost of living. Mamdani -- virtually unknown a year ago -- defeated Trump-backed Andrew Cuomo in New York Mayoral elections held in November. He projected himself as an arch enemy of US President Trump during the campaign, but burried his differences aside and met him at the White House after his victory.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yearender-2025-trump-and-his-tangled-tongue-a-year-of-verbal-slip-ups-and-the-list-that-keeps-growing-1767084641531"><strong>YEARENDER 2025: Trump and his tangled tongue — a year of verbal slip-ups and the list that keeps growing...</strong></a></p><h2>Why has Mamdani chosen abandoned subway as oath-taking venue?</h2><p>The Guardian quoted Mamdani saying that the venue is symbolical to the “inauguration of a new era.”“It was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives. That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past, nor must it be isolated only to the tunnels beneath city hall: it will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers from the building above,” Mamdani said in a statement. He added that he was “humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city’s legacy of greatness.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-srk-s-pose-to-dhoom-macchale-how-zohran-mamdani-used-bollywood-and-south-asian-language-culture-to-win-big-in-new-york-city-1762335898756"><strong>From SRK's pose to Dhoom macchale: How Zohran Mamdani used Bollywood and South Asian language, culture to win big in New York City</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Mamdani's swearing-in will be a private event at midnight and will be performed by New York Attorney General&nbsp;Letitia James, who successfully prosecuted Trump for fraud. A larger, ceremonial inauguration is scheduled for Thursday with speeches from left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during "inauguration block party" at City Hall. The public event will see the attendance of 4,000 ticketed guests.</p>

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will take oath at midnight as the city’s first Muslim mayor, choosing an abandoned subway station as a symbolic venue. His team says it reflects commitment to working people. A public inauguration with allies follows at City Hall.

New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will officially take oath after the clocks strike midnight bringing in 2026 on Thursday. Mamdani has chosen an unusual spot for oath-taking. He will be officially sworn-in as New York's first Muslim mayor at an abandoned subway stop. His office said that the understated venue for the oath-taking reflects his commitment to working people, as his campaign promised to make matters better for them, primarily by addressing the soaring cost of living. Mamdani -- virtually unknown a year ago -- defeated Trump-backed Andrew Cuomo in New York Mayoral elections held in November. He projected himself as an arch enemy of US President Trump during the campaign, but burried his differences aside and met him at the White House after his victory. Also Read: YEARENDER 2025: Trump and his tangled tongue — a year of verbal slip-ups and the list that keeps growing... Why has Mamdani chosen abandoned subway as oath-taking venue? The Guardian quoted Mamdani saying that the venue is symbolical to the “inauguration of a new era.”“It was a physical monument to a city that dared to be both beautiful and build great things that would transform working peoples’ lives. That ambition need not be a memory confined only to our past, nor must it be isolated only to the tunnels beneath city hall: it will be the purpose of the administration fortunate enough to serve New Yorkers from the building above,” Mamdani said in a statement. He added that he was “humbled by the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers into a new era of opportunity, and honored to carry forward our city’s legacy of greatness.” Also Read: From SRK's pose to Dhoom macchale: How Zohran Mamdani used Bollywood and South Asian language, culture to win big in New York City Mamdani's swearing-in will be a private event at midnight and will be performed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, who successfully prosecuted Trump for fraud. A larger, ceremonial inauguration is scheduled for Thursday with speeches from left-wing allies Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez during "inauguration block party" at City Hall. The public event will see the attendance of 4,000 ticketed guests.

<p>New York mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will take oath at midnight as the city’s first Muslim mayor, choosing an abandoned subway station as a symbolic venue. His team says it reflects commitment to working people. A public inauguration with allies follows at City Hall.</p>

Zohran Mamdani to be sworn in as New York mayor at midnight in abandoned subway station — Here's why

<p>Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and her husband, Tim Mynett, have reportedly seen their net worth surge to roughly $30 million. This dramatic surge has reportedly drawn scrutiny from the right-leaning National Legal and Policy Centre (NLPC) with allegations of potential fraud. Omar has reportedly publicly stated that she is “not a millionaire” and dismissed these claims as part of an organised misinformation campaign since her election.&nbsp;</p><p>Omar has been the focus of public criticism recently, specifically from the right-wing segment. US President Donald Trump specifically took an interest in her immigration status, and some republican commentators tried to connect Omar’s financial disclosures and Minnesota’s fraud cases. However, no official evidence ties Omar to fraud and financial activity.&nbsp;</p><h2>Omar's source of wealth&nbsp;</h2><p>The majority of Omar's wealth comes from her husband, Tim Mynett's business. Mynett co-founded a venture capital firm, Rose Lake Capital, which reportedly saw its valuation increase from $5 million in 2023 to $25 million by the end of 2024. Another is a winery eStCru, which has reportedly seen its worth increase from tens of thousands to between $1miillion-$5million in 2024.&nbsp;</p><h2>Ilhan Omar and the Minnesota welfare fraud &nbsp;</h2><p>The venture capital firm has reportedly removed names and biographies of at least nine Rose Lake Capital officers, including former Obama officials. This comes amid the $9 billion Minnesota welfare fraud investigation, which is considered one of the largest welfare frauds in US history. Though none of the removed officers are named in the welfare fraud investigation.</p><p>However, Omar was under fire for sponsoring the MEALS Act 2020, which temporarily eased rules on how school meal programs operated during the COVID-19 pandemic. These resulted in loose oversight and were exploited by fraudsters in Minnesota. She also said that she does not regret sponsoring the bill and admitted that the COVID-era program was rushed without a proper guardrail.</p><p>One of the major arguments by the conservatives was that Omar was seen on video dishing out food at the Safari restaurant in Minnesota, which formed part of the fraud scandal. The restaurant's co-owner was arrested in March 2025 for his role in the $250 million scheme. But there are no charges, official indictment or allegations against Ilhan Omar related to the Minnesota welfare or pandemic fraud investigations.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Ilhan Omar’s reported $30 million net worth rise, linked to husband Tim Mynett’s ventures, has drawn scrutiny amid Minnesota welfare fraud debates.

Democratic Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and her husband, Tim Mynett, have reportedly seen their net worth surge to roughly $30 million. This dramatic surge has reportedly drawn scrutiny from the right-leaning National Legal and Policy Centre (NLPC) with allegations of potential fraud. Omar has reportedly publicly stated that she is “not a millionaire” and dismissed these claims as part of an organised misinformation campaign since her election. Omar has been the focus of public criticism recently, specifically from the right-wing segment. US President Donald Trump specifically took an interest in her immigration status, and some republican commentators tried to connect Omar’s financial disclosures and Minnesota’s fraud cases. However, no official evidence ties Omar to fraud and financial activity. Omar's source of wealth The majority of Omar's wealth comes from her husband, Tim Mynett's business. Mynett co-founded a venture capital firm, Rose Lake Capital, which reportedly saw its valuation increase from $5 million in 2023 to $25 million by the end of 2024. Another is a winery eStCru, which has reportedly seen its worth increase from tens of thousands to between $1miillion-$5million in 2024. Ilhan Omar and the Minnesota welfare fraud The venture capital firm has reportedly removed names and biographies of at least nine Rose Lake Capital officers, including former Obama officials. This comes amid the $9 billion Minnesota welfare fraud investigation, which is considered one of the largest welfare frauds in US history. Though none of the removed officers are named in the welfare fraud investigation. However, Omar was under fire for sponsoring the MEALS Act 2020, which temporarily eased rules on how school meal programs operated during the COVID-19 pandemic. These resulted in loose oversight and were exploited by fraudsters in Minnesota. She also said that she does not regret sponsoring the bill and admitted that the COVID-era program was rushed without a proper guardrail. One of the major arguments by the conservatives was that Omar was seen on video dishing out food at the Safari restaurant in Minnesota, which formed part of the fraud scandal. The restaurant's co-owner was arrested in March 2025 for his role in the $250 million scheme. But there are no charges, official indictment or allegations against Ilhan Omar related to the Minnesota welfare or pandemic fraud investigations.

<p>Ilhan Omar’s reported $30 million net worth rise, linked to husband Tim Mynett’s ventures, has drawn scrutiny amid Minnesota welfare fraud debates.</p>

Ilhan Omar net worth row: Sudden $30 mn wealth surge linked to husband Tim Mynett draws scrutiny

<p>If you were at the Newark Liberty International Airport recently, then this is for you. Authorities have issued an alert that thousands of passengers might have been exposed to measles during peak holiday travel. The world's most infectious disease could have spread from a contagious non-New Jersey resident who travelled through the concourses, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) warned. The alert is mainly for people who were at terminals B and C between 7 am and 7 pm on December 19. Officials are carrying out contact tracing to identify individuals who could have been exposed to this passenger. The department asked those who suspect they could be infected to call the local health department or medical provider before visiting them.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes and a rash that appears by the third to fifth day after the onset of symptoms, according to NJODH. New Jersey has reported 11 measles cases in 2025. The disease was declared eliminated from the US in 2000. But cases have been cropping up again. What pushed its spread further was an outbreak in Texas earlier this year among a religious community with most of the people unvaccinated against the most infectious disease. Nearly 800 measles cases were reported in Texas this year.</p><p>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/lethal-fungus-resistant-to-drugs-has-picked-up-pace-across-the-world-scientists-warn-1767152753369"><strong>Lethal fungus resistant to drugs has picked up pace across the world, scientists warn</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Measles cases in US</strong></h2><p>While measles itself is also dangerous, it can also cause serious health issues such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain, premature birth and even miscarriage in pregnant women. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated in a December 23 update that measles was reported in 2,012 Americans this year, with three of them losing their lives. This is the largest outbreak since 1992, when 2,126 cases were reported. The CDC added that 93 per cent of measles cases in 2025 were either in people who were not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.</p>

A passenger with measles who was at the Newark International Airport in December has led officials to issue an alert, asking people with symptoms to call their medical centres. They believe several people could have been exposed to the contagious virus.

If you were at the Newark Liberty International Airport recently, then this is for you. Authorities have issued an alert that thousands of passengers might have been exposed to measles during peak holiday travel. The world's most infectious disease could have spread from a contagious non-New Jersey resident who travelled through the concourses, the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) warned. The alert is mainly for people who were at terminals B and C between 7 am and 7 pm on December 19. Officials are carrying out contact tracing to identify individuals who could have been exposed to this passenger. The department asked those who suspect they could be infected to call the local health department or medical provider before visiting them. Measles symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes and a rash that appears by the third to fifth day after the onset of symptoms, according to NJODH. New Jersey has reported 11 measles cases in 2025. The disease was declared eliminated from the US in 2000. But cases have been cropping up again. What pushed its spread further was an outbreak in Texas earlier this year among a religious community with most of the people unvaccinated against the most infectious disease. Nearly 800 measles cases were reported in Texas this year. Also Read: Lethal fungus resistant to drugs has picked up pace across the world, scientists warn Measles cases in US While measles itself is also dangerous, it can also cause serious health issues such as pneumonia, swelling of the brain, premature birth and even miscarriage in pregnant women. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated in a December 23 update that measles was reported in 2,012 Americans this year, with three of them losing their lives. This is the largest outbreak since 1992, when 2,126 cases were reported. The CDC added that 93 per cent of measles cases in 2025 were either in people who were not vaccinated or whose vaccination status is unknown.

<p>A passenger with measles who was at the Newark International Airport in December has led officials to issue an alert, asking people with symptoms to call their medical centres. They believe several people could have been exposed to the contagious virus.</p>

New Jersey measles alert: Warning issued for passengers who were at the Newark airport

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