Several countries across the Asia-Pacific region welcomed 2026 with fireworks and public gatherings. India marked the New Year in dense fog and cold, with crowds at Marine Drive in Mumbai and Connaught Place in Delhi. Hill towns such as Shimla and Manali were packed with tourists. New Zealand was among the first major nations to celebrate, with about 3,500 fireworks launched from Auckland’s Sky Tower. The Chatham Islands entered the year before the mainland. Australia followed with a large show in Sydney Harbour, where a minute’s silence was held for victims of the Bondi Beach attack. Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong also rang in the New Year with traditional events.

India rang in 2026 with large crowds at public spots and high security across major cities. In Delhi and Mumbai, people gathered at India Gate, Connaught Place, and Marine Drive despite cold weather. Police deployed extra staff and issued traffic advisories to manage the rush. Checkpoints were set up and action was promised against drunk driving. Gurugram and Noida also saw heavy footfall. In Rajasthan, teams inspected vehicles and enforced safety rules. Maharashtra allowed hotels and restaurants to stay open till 5 am. Hyderabad police warned drivers to take cabs after drinking. Bengaluru planned to deploy about 20,000 police personnel. (PC: HT)

Several Asian nations welcomed 2026 with large public celebrations marked by lights, music and fireworks. In China, crowds gathered in Beijing as drums and light displays were held near major landmarks. Thailand staged a major drone and fireworks show over Bangkok’s skyline before midnight. The Philippines and Malaysia also marked the new year with street events and bright displays. Vietnam’s capital Hanoi lit up with colourful fireworks, while parts of Indonesia, including Jakarta, entered the new year with public shows. Earlier, Kiribati was the first country to reach 2026. The celebrations moved west through Asia as clocks struck midnight in each time zone. (PC: BBC)

Delhi recorded its coldest December day since 2020 as cold day conditions and dense fog covered the city on Wednesday. The maximum temperature fell to 14.2 degrees Celsius, over six degrees below normal, while the minimum settled at 6.4 degrees. Palam, Lodhi Road and Ridge stations also logged day highs near 13 degrees. Morning fog cut visibility to 50 metres at Safdarjung and Palam. The IMD said a cloudy sky with very light rain is likely on January 1 due to a system over Punjab and Haryana. Air quality stayed poor, with the AQI close to the severe range. (PC: India Today)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a condolence letter to Tarique Rahman after the death of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia. The letter was delivered by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who attended Zia’s funeral in Dhaka. In the message, Modi recalled meeting Zia in 2015 and said she made key contributions to Bangladesh and to ties with India. He added that her legacy would guide future cooperation. Zia, a three-time prime minister and leader of the BNP, died after a long illness and was buried with state honours. Rahman is a leading figure ahead of Bangladesh’s February election. (PC: X)

A strong earthquake struck off the coast near Japan’s Noda city on New Year’s Eve, the US Geological Survey said. The quake measured magnitude 6 and hit about 91 km east of Noda at a depth of 19.3 km. The epicentre was located at 40.112 degrees north and 142.889 degrees east. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. The tremor came weeks after a magnitude 6.7 quake on December 12 near Iwate prefecture, when a tsunami advisory was issued. Earlier on Wednesday, a separate magnitude 3.4 quake was recorded in Tibet, Indian agencies said. (PC: HT)

Sydney marked the New Year with a public message of peace weeks after a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach. The words “peace” and “unity” were projected on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. A white light and a Jewish menorah were also displayed. Police said more than 2,500 officers were on duty across the city, with some allowed to carry high-grade weapons. Official events paused at 11 pm for a minute’s silence to honour the 15 people killed on December 14. Crowds then watched the midnight fireworks as boats gathered on the harbour and mobile phone lights filled the air. (PC: BBC)

Major Indian cities have announced traffic advisories and security plans for New Year’s Eve on December 31. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad will enforce road closures, diversions and vehicle restrictions at busy areas. Delhi Traffic Police has issued special rules for Connaught Place and Saket from evening till celebrations end. Mumbai will deploy over 17,000 police staff at tourist spots, with Metro Line 3 running longer hours. Bengaluru will shut parts of MG Road, Brigade Road and Church Street at night. Chennai expects crowds at Marina and Elliot Beach. Hyderabad will restrict traffic around Tank Bund and Necklace Road after 11 pm. (PC: India Today)

Russia’s defence ministry released night-time footage of a downed drone it claims was launched by Ukraine toward President Vladimir Putin’s Novgorod residence, calling the incident a “terrorist” and “personal attack” amid the Russia-Ukraine war. Moscow alleges Ukraine sent as many as 91 long-range drones, all of which were shot down with no casualties or damage reported. Kyiv has firmly denied involvement, calling the claim a fabrication aimed at undermining peace talks and diplomatic efforts. Independent analysts and Western officials note no verifiable evidence proves the alleged strike occurred, heightening tensions and complicating ongoing negotiations. 

At least seven people have died and over 100 hospitalised in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area after consuming contaminated drinking water, city officials confirmed. The outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting was traced to a leak in the main water pipeline, allowing drainage water to mix with the municipal supply. Residents reported foul-smelling water before falling sick. Authorities are treating patients and investigating the cause, while suspensions and disciplinary actions have been ordered against municipal officials. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced compensation for victims’ families and free treatment. The incident has raised concerns about basic civic services in the cleanliness-acclaimed city. (PC: Instagram)