A devastating explosion and blaze ripped through the “Le Constellation” bar in the luxury Swiss ski resort of Crans-Montana around 1:30 a.m. on New Year’s Day, killing dozens of people and injuring about 100 more, Swiss authorities said. The venue was crowded with revelers, many from abroad, when the incident occurred. Emergency services, including helicopters and ambulances, responded as hospitals filled with severe burn victims. Officials have ruled out terrorism and launched an investigation into the cause, which remains unclear. A no-fly zone has been imposed and support centers established for affected families. �

Even as China conducted large-scale military drills — including live-fire exercises and simulated blockades dubbed “Justice Mission 2025” — around Taiwan’s coast, everyday life largely went on as usual for residents, Al Jazeera reports. Many locals carried on routines like socialising and working without disruption, reflecting an enduring normalization of cross-strait tensions. While the exercises underscored Beijing’s growing assertiveness over Taiwan, they did not visibly alter civilian activities. The drills, widely covered in media and discussed online, highlight persistent geopolitical friction as China asserts claims over Taiwan, which it views as part of its territory. (PC: Al Jazeera)

At least 40 people were killed and around 100 others injured after an explosion caused a major fire at a luxury bar in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve, officials said. The blast occurred in the basement of Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana. More than 150 people were inside at the time. Swiss police said the incident is being treated as a fire and not a terror attack, adding the toll could only be described as “tens”. The cause remains unknown, though local media cited possible fireworks during a concert. Hospitals in the area were overwhelmed with burn victims. An investigation is underway. (PC: X)

Most of the world has now welcomed 2026 after fireworks and public events across major cities. New York marked the new year with the Times Square ball drop, while Dubai lit up the Burj Khalifa. London, Paris, Sydney and Beijing also held large shows. However, a few Pacific islands were still in 2025 for several hours. Niue Island was due to reach midnight at 11:00 GMT. By 12:00 GMT, the uninhabited Baker Island in the central Pacific would become the last place to enter 2026. At the same time, parts of Kiribati were already into January 2 due to wide time gaps. (PC: BBC)

A 50-year-old Hindu man was badly injured after he was attacked by a mob and set on fire in Bangladesh, police said. The incident took place on December 31 in Shariatpur district. The victim, Khokon Das, was on his way home when a group of people stopped him. He was beaten with sharp weapons and later set ablaze, officials said. Local residents rushed him to a hospital, where he is being treated for serious burn injuries. Police have started an investigation to identify those involved. No arrests were reported at the time of writing. Authorities said security has been stepped up in the area. (PC: NDTV)

New York City entered 2026 after the famous ball dropped at Times Square just before midnight. Large crowds gathered despite cold weather to watch the countdown. Cities across the US east coast, the Midwest and parts of Central America also marked the new year. Around the world, people in London, Edinburgh, Paris, Rio, Dubai and Sydney had already welcomed 2026. London held a major fireworks show along the River Thames, while Dubai lit up the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Other countries used drumming, bell ringing and light displays to celebrate. Cleanup crews began clearing confetti from Times Square soon after the event ended. (PC: BBC)

Several people were killed and many others were injured after a blast hit a luxury bar in Switzerland during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The explosion happened at Le Constellation Bar and Lounge in the ski resort town of Crans-Montana, where large crowds had gathered. Police said the cause of the blast is still unknown. Some local media reports suggested fireworks at a concert may have triggered it, but officials have not confirmed this. Videos on social media showed heavy smoke rising from the building after the incident. A police spokesman said a helpline has been set up for families of those affected. Crans-Montana is a popular tourist destination in the Swiss Alps. (PC: IndiaToday)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a peace deal with Russia is “90% ready” in a New Year address to the nation. He said the final part of the agreement would decide the future of Ukraine and Europe. Zelensky said Ukraine wants an end to the war, but not “at any cost”. He warned that giving up the eastern Donbas region would end the country’s independence. Russia controls large parts of Donetsk and Luhansk, known as Donbas. Moscow said it may review talks after claiming Ukraine used drones to target a residence of President Vladimir Putin, a charge Kyiv has denied. Talks with US and European officials are ongoing. (PC: BBC)

Zohran Mamdani took oath as New York City mayor just after midnight on Thursday at the closed City Hall subway station in Manhattan. He placed his hand on the Quran during the ceremony, becoming the first Muslim and Indian-origin person to lead America’s largest city. Mamdani is a Democrat and was sworn in by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The station, now decommissioned, is among the city’s oldest subway stops and is known for its arched ceilings. In a short address, Mamdani said it was “the honour and the privilege of a lifetime” to serve the people of New York City. (PC: India Today)

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.