Skip next section India holds muted celebrations after ex-prime minister’s death
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
India holds muted celebrations after ex-prime minister’s death
major cities rang in 2025 with fireworks and music shows, but the mood was somewhat subdued as the country remained in mourning following the death of former .
The capital, New Delhi, deployed 20,000 police officers to maintain security during the festivities at Connaught Place, a major shopping and cultural center, along with the historic Hauz Khas Complex, among others.
The country’s commercial hub, Mumbai, also boosted police presence around Marine Drive, Juhu Beach and Worli Sea Face — all great vantage points for the city’s many fireworks displays.
But officials said there would be no fireworks at the Gateway of India, which normally sees large crowds, the Times of India reported.
Mumbai’s beaches are well known for hosting impromptu parties to celebrate the New Year.
Singh, who was credited with transforming India’s economy, died last Thursday, aged 92.
A seven-day period of mourning was announced, with flags at public buildings flown at half mast and many cultural events postponed.
https://p.dw.com/p/4oiGr
Skip next section Puerto Rico suffers massive power outage on New Year’s Eve
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
Puerto Rico suffers massive power outage on New Year’s Eve
The territory of Puerto Rico was hit by a major power cut on Tuesday.
The outage happened just hours before New Year’s Eve celebrations and as the island enters its high season for tourists visiting from the US mainland.
The Caribbean island has a notoriously unstable power grid.
Puerto Rico’s infrastructure is still suffering from the devastating effects of a 2017 hurricane that killed almost 3,000 people.
Another major storm in August also left the island with widespread power outages.
The country’s electric company said it could take up to two days to restore the electricity supply.
https://p.dw.com/p/4oiFM
Skip next section New Year light shows dazzle crowds in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
New Year light shows dazzle crowds in Taiwan, China, Hong Kong
In , thousands of people turned out at the landmark Taipei 101 building for a major firework show to ring in the New Year.
Organizers said the display also included a light show for the first time, as well as colorful pyrotechnics, launched from the sides of the 509-meter (1669-foot) skyscraper.
The Chinese city of hosted a grand fireworks display over Victoria Harbour.
And while New Year’s Eve is not as widely celebrated in as elsewhere, large celebrations were also held in Beijing and Shanghai, where the light display took place along the city’s world-renowned river promenade.
Chinese New Year, which is based on the lunar calendar, is a far more significant occasion and will fall on January 29.
https://p.dw.com/p/4oiGq
Skip next section What were DW’s most popular health and science-related stories in 2024?
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
What were DW’s most popular health and science-related stories in 2024?
What do ADHD, sex, cocaine, nova explosions, spiders and seismology have in common? There are all topics we wrote about and and which were popular with DW readers in 2024.
Take a look at
https://p.dw.com/p/4oi8b
Skip next section Man arrested after knife attack in Berlin
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
Man arrested after knife attack in Berlin
Several people were wounded in a suspected knife attack in western Berlin, German police said Tuesday.
https://p.dw.com/p/4oi8u
Skip next section Taiwan and China belong together, says Xi
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
Taiwan and China belong together, says Xi
’s President said in his New Year’s speech that “no one can stop” unification with .
“Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our blood ties, and no one can stop the historical trend of the reunification of the motherland,” Xi said in a speech broadcast on state media.
Taiwan is a key point of contention between China and the US, which does not recognize Taiwan diplomatically but is its strategic ally and largest supplier of weapons.
The relationship between the US and China could sour further due to President-elect ’s plan vowing more tariffs to punish what he calls
https://p.dw.com/p/4oi7J
Skip next section Ambulance worker injured of fireworks in Berlin
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
Ambulance worker injured of fireworks in Berlin
An ambulance worker was shot with fireworks in central ahead of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in the city.
According to police, the ambulance was on a medical emergency in a shopping car park on Monday evening when unknown persons shot fireworks at it.
More than 50 people were arrested across Berlin during the night over violations of laws related to fireworks’ use, according to local police.
The New Year’s Eve celebrations in the German capital are known for causing many fireworks-related injuries.
https://p.dw.com/p/4oi6m
Skip next section New Year’s celebrations in New Zealand and Australia
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
New Year’s celebrations in New Zealand and Australia
Thousands have gathered in Auckland, New Zealand to celebrate New Year’s Eve as it becomes the first major city to welcome 2025, with Sydney, Australia following shortly afterward, where more than a million people gathered to celebrate the new year.
The celebration in Sydney also featured Indigenous ceremonies and performances that acknowledged the land’s first people.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ohil
Skip next section NATO’s challenging 2025
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
NATO’s challenging 2025
As ushers in the new year, it faces an array of challenges. The alliance needs to decide how to strengthen its defenses against Russia, support Ukraine and deal with an unpredictable US President .
https://p.dw.com/p/4ohzt
Skip next section Russia’s Putin summarises 25 years in power in New Year’s address
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
Russia’s Putin summarises 25 years in power in New Year’s address
In his annual address aired on state television, Russian President praised the country’s achievements made during his 25-year tenure as its leader.
“We still have a lot to decide but we can be rightfully proud of what has already been done,” he said, adding the past 25 years had paved the way for “further development.”
Putin also mentioned Russia’s soldiers, just as he did last year, in the wake of
“The thoughts, hopes of relatives and friends, millions of people across Russia are together with our fighters and commander,” Putin said.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ohqI
Skip next section 2025 to bring economic challenges
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
2025 to bring economic challenges
What economic challenges does the world have to look forward to or fear next year?
There are several, most of which are connected to US President-elect Donald Trump and his protectionist instincts, while armed conflicts will continue to play a role.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ohau
Skip next section Heavy snow causes flight cancelations in Japan
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
Heavy snow causes flight cancelations in Japan
Heavy snow in ’s northern region canceled dozens of flights as millions of families were returning home to spend New Year’s Eve with their loved ones.
More than 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of snow has fallen in some areas of the northernmost island of Hokkaido since Monday.
Japan Airlines said it scrapped 42 flights, affecting 6,398 passengers, by early afternoon, with all of the flights being to or from Hokkaido.
Japan’s other airline, ANA, also canceled 14 flights due to the rough weather in the north.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ohaV
Skip next section Busy night expected for Germany’s firefighters
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
Busy night expected for Germany’s firefighters
Fire brigades in are preparing for a busy New Year’s Eve due to the private use of fireworks.
Karl-Heinz Banse, president of the German Fire Brigade Association, told the dpa news agency that the use of fireworks would contribute to the heightened workload, but he rejected calls for a nationwide ban on private fireworks.
“I am in favor of those who say that fireworks should only be set off where it is not dangerous,” Banse said.
Banse highlighted the dangers posed by the improper use of fireworks, including people shooting rockets from their hands or using fireworks imported from countries with less stringent safety standards, which could result in serious injuries.
In Berlin, it is only permitted to set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve from 18:00 until the following morning at 07:00 local time.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ohXz
Skip next section Chancellor Scholz calls for Germans to vote, responds to Musk in NYE speech
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
Chancellor Scholz calls for Germans to vote, responds to Musk in NYE speech
German Chancellor called for Germans to vote in as immigration and the rise of the far-right continue to be on the country’s agenda.
“I appeal to you today: Please go vote,” Scholz said
Scholz also called for cohesion and solidarity in society following
“How can one insane criminal cause so much suffering?” Scholz said.
The German chancellor also spoke about foreign influence on the elections after billionaire , the owner of social media network X, and called for Scholz to resign following the Magdeburg attack.
The future of Germany “will not be decided by the owners of social media channels,” Scholz said.
https://p.dw.com/p/4ohXi
Skip next section World getting ready for 2025
12/31/2024December 31, 2024
World getting ready for 2025
Cities around the world are getting ready for New Year’s Eve with celebrations highlighting local cultures and traditions.
New Zealand is set to welcome 2025 in about two hours, 18 hours before New York City. In Auckland, the country’s largest city, thousands are expected to attend the celebrations downtown or climb the city’s ring of volcanic peaks to watch the fireworks.
Two hours later, Australia will see the start of 2025. More than a million people are expected at Sydney Harbor for the traditional fireworks, with pop star Robbie Williams leading a singalong.
In South Korea, celebrations were cut back or canceled due to the country’s national mourning period following
London, Rio de Janeiro and New York will all mark the beginning of 2025 with celebrations across town, but Scotland’s capital Edinburgh canceled its Hogmanay street party due to bad weather.
ftm/sms (AP, AFP, Reuters, DPA)
https://p.dw.com/p/4ohWy
The post UPDATES — From Auckland to Lahore, cities around the globe are welcoming 2025. Follow DW for the latest on the New Year celebrations appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
