Sputnik 28m

US Military Strikes Sink 3 Drug Trafficking Vessels - Command

The US military carried out new strikes against three vessels allegedly carrying drugs, as a result of which three "narco-terrorists" were killed, the US Southern Command said. "On Dec. 30, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted kinetic strikes »»»

sputniknews.com
Gulf News 2h

The Year of the Family: Rediscovering the art of connection

2026 has been designated as the UAE’s Year of the Family — a clear invitation to pause in our busy lives and rediscover what it means to truly see, listen, and connect with those closest to us. In a world overflowing with distractions — where devices constantly compete for our attention — we are of»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 2h

Ras Al Khaimah shatters world record with massive 2,300-Drone New Year’s spectacle

Dubai: Ras Al Khaimah ushered in 2026 with a 15-minute New Year’s Eve spectacle featuring drones and fireworks that set a new Guinness World Records title for the largest aerial display of a phoenix formed by multirotor drones. 2,300 drones form phoenixThe centrepiece of the celebration was a large»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 2h

Gold soared 60% in 2025. What could drive prices higher or lower in 2026

Dubai: Gold heads into 2026 carrying the weight of an exceptional year. Gold remained on track for its strongest annual gain in over four decades, while other precious metals fell sharply as investors booked profits after a strong, record-setting rally. Gold has gained around 70% this year and silv»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 2h

Happy New Year from Gulf News and the end of the year of Labubus, Dubai chocolate and 6-7

Happy New Year to all of our readers, viewers, customers and followers. We're full of excitement as we move into 2026 on the back of an epic evening across the UAE. No-one does it better than our seven Emirates, right? Spectacular fireworks, complex drone shows, incredible crowds, stunning lights..»»»

gulfnews.com
BBC 2h

Disney worker hurt stopping 400-lb fake boulder from hitting audience

A worker at Walt Disney World is "recovering" after being injured by a 400-lb (180kg) runaway fake boulder prop in an incident that was caught on video, the Florida theme park confirmed. The incident took place at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! during a live recreation of a famous scene »»»

bbc.com
Gulf News 2h

World welcomes 2026 with fireworks after year of tariffs tit-for-tat and conflict, amid hope for peace, stability

Revellers around the world toasted the start of 2026, bidding farewell on Wednesday to a volatile year when temperatures soared, US President Donald Trump upended global trade, and the brutal conflict in Ukraine raged on. While a fragile truce took hold in devastated Gaza, violence in Sudan continu»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 3h

French government defends granting citizenship to George, Amal Clooney and their twins Ella and Alexander

PARIS: Actor George Clooney and his wife Amal Clooney were granted French citizenship because “they contribute, through their distinguished actions, to France’s international influence and cultural outreach,” the French government said Wednesday, defending their naturalisation that was questioned b»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 3h

Buying, renting or investing? What 2026 looks like for Dubai homes

Dubai: Dubai is ending 2025 with record numbers on the board and a noticeably different mood among buyers. After a year of momentum-led decisions, the property market is heading into 2026 with a sharper focus on long-term usability. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Sale»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 4h

Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria: 2026 Can Be the Year of Real Turnaround for Bulgaria

Continue the Change - Democratic Bulgaria ranking members Ivaylo Mirchev hopes for 2026 to be the year when full euro integration and civic awakening change the country for the better. "Let 2026 be the year in which our full euro integration and civic awakening will change our country for the bette»»»

bta.bg
France24 4h

Trump drops National Guard deployment plans in Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland

US President Donald Trump has stepped back from plans to deploy National Guard troops in several large, Democrat-led US cities, he announced on Wednesday. The decision underscores the legal and political limits he has faced in using the military to support his tough-on-crime agenda during his secon»»»

france24.com
RT 5h

Germany broadens definition of military conflict – Politico

The German military has characterized hybrid measures such as cyberattacks and so-called disinformation campaigns as preparatory stages leading up to a military conflict, Politico has claimed, citing a classified document. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Berlin has pu»»»

rt.com
Qatar Tribune 5h

Old Doha Port receives over 7 million visitors in 2025

Tribune News Network Doha Old Doha Port unveiled its key milestones in 2025, concluding an exceptional year across tourism performance and maritime operations, with record figures of more than seven million visitors across key indicators. During the year, the Port expanded its international presenc»»»

qatar-tribune.com
Qatar Tribune 5h

Qatar Museums honours patrons who helped shape the nation’s collections

Tribune News Network Doha Qatar Museums (QM) has honoured the patrons whose generosity has enriched its collections and played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s cultural landscape. From families sharing treasured heirlooms and artists donating unparalleled works, to corporations and diplomatic»»»

qatar-tribune.com
UPI 5h

House Judiciary Chair releases Jack Smith hearing transcript, video - UPI.com

The House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday released the transcript and video of former special counsel Jack Smith's 8-plus hour closed-door testimony about his efforts to prosecute President Donald Trump. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Former special counsel Jack Smith de»»»

upi.com
BBC 5h

Condom tax and cheaper childcare: China's plan to boost birth rates

Chinese people will pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt, as the world's second-largest economy tries to boost birth rates. An overhaul of the tax system announced late last year removes many exemptions that were in place since 1994, when Chi»»»

bbc.com
BBC 5h

Sydney sends message of peace for New Year's after Bondi attack

Sydney has welcomed the New Year with a message of peace following the Bondi Beach mass shooting, as huge crowds gathered to watch the city's annual fireworks display. The words peace and unity were projected onto the Sydney Harbour Bridge, as thousands of heavily armed police officers patrolled th»»»

bbc.com
Bulgarian News Agency 6h

Outgoing PM Hails New Year with Bulgaria as Eurozone Member, Says It Brings Security, Financial Stability and More Opportunities

In a New Year address, published on the Council of Ministers’ Facebook page, Bulgaria's outgoing Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov said: "We are welcoming the New Year 2026 as a member of the euro area – a strategic step that brings greater security, financial stability and more opportunities for bot»»»

bta.bg
Bulgarian News Agency 6h

GERB Leader Borissov: Eurozone Is Civilizational Choice

“I am convinced that the Eurozone is not just a change of currency, but a civilizational choice. This key decision required from the political class a clear choice - narrow party populism or statesmanship,” wrote GERB leader Boyko Borissov on Facebook. “For GERB, the choice was clear. This choice a»»»

bta.bg
France24 6h

What we know about the Saudi-led air strikes on ships in Yemen

Open-source imagery and data confirm that the vessels targeted by the Saudi-led coalition air strike on Mukalla, Yemen, on December 30, originated from the United Arab Emirates. The ships were carrying Emirati military vehicles used by a separatist group. Images of the air strike on Yemen’s port of»»»

france24.com
France24 6h

Aid to Gaza under threat: Dozens of NGOs to be barred under new Israeli rules

Dozens of NGOs expect to see their licenses to operate in Gaza revoked on January 1 for failing to comply with Israel’s new rules for the Palestinian territory. Their expulsion comes as Gazans face harsh winter conditions and a deepening humanitarian crisis.  Medical charity Doctors Without Bo»»»

france24.com
France24 6h

‘Unity, strength, hope’: Macron calls for a fruitful 2026 in New Year’s address

French President Emmanuel Macron said in his New Year's address that 2026 "can be and must be a fruitful year" as he attempts to regain some momentum and launch the final projects of his second five-year term. Macron outlined his three wishes for the French people in his New Year's speech: unity, s»»»

france24.com
BBC 6h

Bulgaria joins the euro after rocky path to new currency

Bulgaria - the poorest country in the European Union - has become the 21st member of the eurozone - leapfrogging more obvious and prosperous candidates like Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary. For mostly urban, young and entrepreneurial Bulgarians, it's an optimistic and potentially lucrative l»»»

bbc.com
Bulgarian News Agency 6h

President Radev in New Year's Address: We Must Not Waste Opportunity to Change Bulgaria

“To regain our democracy, we must not waste the energy and hope that were born in the squares, nor the opportunity to change Bulgaria,” said President Rumen Radev in a televised New Year’s address to the nation. “We are counting down the last minutes of the passing year. In the comfort of our homes»»»

bta.bg
BBC 6h

Trump says he is withdrawing National Guard troops from some US cities

US President Donald Trump has said he is withdrawing National Guard troops from several US cities, including Chicago and Los Angeles, after a Supreme Court ruling last week undermined his authority to use troops for policing. "We will come back, perhaps in a much different and stronger form, when c»»»

bbc.com
UPI 7h

Australia welcomes new year with extra security, tribute to victims - UPI.com

1 of 2 | A menorah is projected onto the pylon of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia, during a New Years Eve tribute to the victims of the Bondi Beach mass shooting on Dec. 14. Photo by Dan Himbrechts/EPA Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Australia rang in 2026 with fireworks, solidarity, words of encou»»»

upi.com
Gulf News 7h

Sheikh Hamdan welcomes 2026, shares message of hope and ambition

Dubai: As the New Year rang in, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, marked the start of 2026 by sharing New Year wishes with the nation. Sheikh Hamdan poste»»»

gulfnews.com
Sputnik 7h

Putin's 2026 New Year Address: Russia's Future is Determined by the Strength of Its People!

“In these moments, just before the New Year, we all feel the passage of time. Before us is the future. And how it will unfold largely depends on us,” President Vladimir Putin said as he addressed his fellow Russians in the final minutes of 2025. The president also said that:As Russians are always r»»»

sputniknews.com
BBC 7h

Congress releases Jack Smith's testimony about Trump prosecutions

The US Congress has released the transcript of testimony by former Special Counsel Jack Smith, in which he defended his decision to lead two defunct criminal investigations into Donald Trump. The transcript, released on New Year's Eve by the House Judiciary Committee, is 255 pages. It features ques»»»

bbc.com
BBC 8h

Trump media firm to issue new cryptocurrency to shareholders

The firm behind US President Donald Trump's Truth Social platform said it will issue a new cryptocurrency to its shareholders, marking the Trump family's latest foray into digital assets. The digital token from Trump Media and Technology Group will add to the Trumps' crypto ventures, which have gen»»»

bbc.com
RT 8h

Russian ambassador sends New Year’s message to ‘friendly’ Americans

The year has shown that there are still opportunities for restoring relations between Moscow and Washington, Russian Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev has said in a holiday message. ”The past year has been challenging, but it has also opened up opportunities for restoring Russian-American rel»»»

rt.com
UPI 8h

SNAP food restrictions go live in five states Thursday - UPI.com

SNAP users in 18 states will have new restrictions this year on what they can buy with their benefits. Some take effect Thursday. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Dec. 31 (UPI) -- SNAP users in some states face additional limits on what they can buy that take effect Thursday. At least 1»»»

upi.com
Bulgarian News Agency 8h

Socialist Leader Zafirov: Bulgarian Euro is Part of Our Civilizational and Conscious Choice

“Today, Bulgaria takes the final step on its long path of full European integration, a path laid out decades ago by numerous visionary politicians, many of whom were socialists. The Bulgarian euro is not just a currency. It is part of our civilizational and conscious choice, which we make every day»»»

bta.bg
BBC 8h

Iran protesters try to break into government building as unrest continues

Protesters in Iran have tried to break into a local government building in the southern province of Fars, on a fourth day of demonstrations sparked by a currency collapse. Officials said three police officers were injured and four people arrested in the city of Fasa. Confrontations were also been r»»»

bbc.com
Dailynews Hungary 9h

As a final "gift" of 2025 huge locusts have settled in Hungary

Follow our Facebook page to get the latest news about Hungary! Follow our X (Twitter) page to get the latest news about Hungary! Subscribe to our Telegram channel to get the latest news about Hungary! whatsapp Subscribe to our WhatsApp channel to get the latest news about Hungary! ENHRNLFRJARORUEST»»»

dailynewshungary.com
BBC 9h

Snap bans on candy, soda to start in five US states

Several US states are set to ban items like soda and candy for Americans who rely on government benefits to buy food. The bans will start New Years Day in five states - West Virginia, Utah, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska - and will impact lower-income families enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Ass»»»

bbc.com
Tanjug 9h

Djedovic Handanovic: NIS has received OFAC operating licence until January 23

BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic announced on Wednesday the Serbian oil company NIS had received a licence from the US Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) that would enable it to continue operations until January 23. NIS is under US sanctions due to »»»

tanjug.rs
24 News Agency 10h

24.kg news agency wishes Kyrgyzstanis a Happy New Year! - | 24.KG

When festive lights shine outside the window and the peaks of our Ala-Too mountains glow under the winter moon, we feel especially keenly how important home comfort and the warmth of loved ones are. The year 2025 has given us many moments that have brought us closer together. And today, we just wan»»»

24.kg
Al Awsat 10h

World Begins to Bid Goodbye to 2025 with Fireworks and Icy Plunges

10...nine...eight... As Wednesday turned to Thursday, people around the world said goodbye to a sometimes challenging 2025 and expressed hopes for the new year to come. Midnight arrived first on the islands closest to the International Date Line in the Pacific Ocean, including Kiritimati (Christmas»»»

english.aawsat.com
Bulgarian News Agency 10h

MECh Leader Vasilev: New Year Requires Character and Courage

“The New Year requires not words, but character and courage,” wrote MECh leader Radostin Vasilev on Facebook. “Bulgaria needs order, justice, and governance that serves the people, not the mafia. The people need the truth,” Vasilev added. “Our duty is to defend our sovereignty, protect the national»»»

bta.bg
BBC 10h

Trump vetoes first bills of his second term

President Donald Trump has made the first vetoes of legislation since retaking the White House nearly a year ago, setting up a potential showdown with US lawmakers. The two bills he vetoed passed Congress with bipartisan support, meaning lawmakers could muster enough votes to override him in the ne»»»

bbc.com
Al Awsat 10h

Expo 2030 Riyadh Awards the Main Utilities and Infrastructure Works Package

In a step aimed at advancing construction activities, Expo 2030 Riyadh awarded its Main Utilities and Civil Works package to Nesma and Partners - marking a significant moment in the journey to bring to life one of the most ambitious global mega-events ever developed. The milestone demonstrates the »»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 11h

Iran Government Building Attacked as Top Prosecutor Responds to Protests

A government building in southern Iran was attacked on Wednesday, authorities said, as the country's top prosecutor warned of a "decisive response" to any attempt to create instability after days of economic protests. Spontaneous protests, driven by dissatisfaction at Iran's economic stagnation, be»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 11h

Sharjah Police enforce safety measures against negative behaviour at public celebrations

Sharjah: Sharjah Police have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining safety and public order during celebrations and large gatherings, stressing that any negative behaviour will be addressed in accordance with clear legal procedures. Lieutenant Colonel Yousuf Al Mahmoud, Director of the Special »»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 11h

UAE leaders share heartfelt New Year wishes for 2026

Abu Dhabi: With just hours remaining before the world welcomes 2026, UAE leaders have extended heartfelt New Year wishes, emphasizing hope, unity, and a shared commitment to continued progress. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan took to social media to express his best wishes»»»

gulfnews.com
UPI 11h

Former Sen. John Kyl of Arizona announces dementia diagnosis - UPI.com

Former U.S. Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona, shown here in 2018, announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with dementia. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Former Sen. John Kyl, R-Ariz., announced Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with dementia and will step away from publ»»»

upi.com
Al Awsat 11h

UN Makes First Visit to Sudan’s El-Fasher Since Its Fall, Finding Dire Conditions

A UN humanitarian team visited el-Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region for the first time since a paramilitary force overran the city in October, carrying out a rampage that is believed to have killed hundreds of people and sent most of the population fleeing. The hours-long visit gave the UN its first »»»

english.aawsat.com
BBC 11h

Finnish police seize ship suspected of sabotaging undersea cable

Finnish police have detained a vessel suspected of damaging an undersea telecoms cable running from Helsinki to Estonia across the Gulf of Finland. The cargo vessel, the Fitburg, was sailing from St Petersburg to the port of Haifa in Israel, under the flag of St Vincent and Grenadines. All 14 crew »»»

bbc.com
Qatar Tribune 11h

High turnout at 3rd Souq Waqif Truffle Exhibition and Auction

DOHA: The 3rd Souq Waqif Truffle Exhibition and Auction, held in the eastern square of the market, is witnessing a large turnout of visitors and truffle lovers, following the outstanding success achieved by the exhibition over the past two editions, establishing a culture of buying this product in »»»

qatar-tribune.com
Al Awsat 11h

Israel to Ban 37 Aid Groups Operating in Gaza

Israel plans to ban 37 aid organizations from operating in Gaza from Thursday unless they hand over detailed information on their Palestinian staff, despite mounting criticism from the United Nations and the European Union. Several NGOs have told AFP the new rules will have a major impact on food a»»»

english.aawsat.com