As the clock strikes midnight in beautiful Niue Island, located between Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands, the world's second-to-last New Year's Eve celebration is underway. The tiny island nation is finally ringing in the new year after countries across Australasia, Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas have already started their celebrations. Despite some events being cancelled for bad weather, the UK and the United Arab Emirates both put on dazzling fireworks displays to welcome 2025. Meanwhile, Syria celebrates its first new year since President Bashar al-Assad's removal with fireworks and DJ sets in the capital city of Damascus. Watch a compilation of the world's top new year celebrations here.
New Year's Eve 2025: Niue Island Welcomes the New Year Last
As the world bids farewell to 2024, Niue Island, a tiny island nation nestled between Tonga, Samoa, and the Cook Islands, becomes the second-to-last country to ring in the new year. Located in the South Pacific Ocean, Niue boasts a population of just over 1,600 people.
Despite its small size, Niue has a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant community. The island's New Year's Eve celebrations, while smaller in scale than those in larger cities, are filled with joy and festivities.
Celebrations Around the World
Before Niue welcomes 2025, countries across the globe have already ushered in the new year. From the dazzling fireworks displays in Sydney, Australia, to the traditional lantern festivals in China, each nation has its own unique way of marking this special occasion.
In the United Kingdom, despite some weather-related cancellations, London's iconic fireworks display over the River Thames still dazzled spectators. Similarly, the United Arab Emirates put on a spectacular fireworks show over the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building.
Meanwhile, in Damascus, Syria, the capital city celebrated its first New Year's Eve since the removal of President Bashar al-Assad. The festivities included fireworks and DJ sets, bringing a sense of hope and renewal to a city that has endured conflict for many years.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: Why is Niue the second-to-last country to celebrate New Year's Eve? A: Niue is located on the western side of the International Date Line, which means it is one of the last places on Earth to experience the end of the day.
Q: What are some of the unique traditions associated with New Year's Eve on Niue Island? A: Niue Islanders often gather on the beach to watch the sunset and welcome the new year with a bonfire. They also enjoy traditional feasts and dancing to celebrate this special occasion.
Q: How does Niue's New Year's Eve celebration compare to those in larger cities? A: While Niue's celebrations may be smaller in scale, they are equally vibrant and joyful. The island's community spirit and close-knit relationships create a warm and unique atmosphere.
Q: What was the significance of the New Year's Eve celebrations in Damascus this year? A: The celebrations in Damascus marked a new chapter for the city after years of conflict. They symbolized hope, renewal, and the beginning of a new era for the people of Syria.
Q: What are some tips for celebrating New Year's Eve in a meaningful and memorable way? A: Consider spending time with loved ones, reflecting on the past year, setting intentions for the future, and embracing the joy and excitement of the occasion.
A Pakistani man, whose two children suffer from a congenital heart condition, has appealed to the Indian and Pakistani governments for permission to complete their medical treatment in India. This comes after the recent cancellation of SAARC visa privileges following the Pahalgam terror attack. As tensions rise between the two nations, the father is pleading for his children's lives as their treatment is only possible in India. Meanwhile, tensions remain high as over 100 Indian nationals in Pakistan returned to India on Thursday, while more followed on Friday.
The Palghar district of Maharashtra, known for its vulnerability to natural calamities, has taken a step towards better disaster management by equipping 259 gram panchayats with specialized Disaster Response Kits. These kits, containing essential rescue and safety equipment, will ensure that villages are able to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies. In addition, the district plans to recruit 500 trained disaster response volunteers, called "Apda Mitras", to assist during disasters. With natural disasters becoming more frequent and severe, this proactive step by Palghar district is a crucial move towards strengthening disaster preparedness at the grassroots level.
Indian security forces successfully eliminated top Lashkar-e-Taiba commander Altaf Lalli during an encounter in Bandipora, Jammu and Kashmir on Friday. The encounter occurred amidst a joint search operation launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police to track down those responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has arrived in Jammu and Kashmir to conduct a comprehensive security review and track the progress of the operation.
In a statement that has sent shockwaves through the international community, Pakistan's Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has admitted on an interview with Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim that his country has been aiding terrorist organizations for the past three decades. This confession serves as a vindication of India's longstanding claims about Pakistan's involvement in terrorism, particularly in the recent Pahalgam terror attacks where 26 people were killed. Asif also made contradictory claims, denying knowledge of the presence of Lashkar-e-Taiba's offshoot, The Resistance Front, while proclaiming that Lashkar "does not exist" anymore.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered a covert operation by Mossad, codenamed Operation Zeppelin, to shield Indian billionaire Gautam Adani from a negative campaign linked to the Hindenburg Research report. The operation involved two elite units and spanned several countries, targeting individuals allegedly behind the campaign, including American and British hedge fund managers, investigative journalists, and political operatives possibly tied to the Biden administration and billionaire George Soros. Among the shocking claims in the report, Mossad is said to have surveilled prominent Indian opposition leaders and tracked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, with evidence allegedly found of coordination between opposition figures and the Hindenburg team.
Debasish Bhattacharya, a professor at Assam University, was on a family trip to Kashmir when terrorists attacked Pahalgam. Bhattacharya, who grew up in a Muslim neighbourhood, was able to save his family's lives by reciting the Kalma, a declaration of faith in Allah. The terrorists asked him if he was reciting the Kalma or calling upon Lord Ram, but Bhattacharya's knowledge of the verses helped keep them at bay.
On April 25, the world will come together to observe World Malaria Day, which was established by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the deadly disease and the need for continued investment and commitment. This year's theme, "Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite," highlights the importance of collective action and innovation in eliminating malaria. The campaign, led by the WHO and global partners, aims to accelerate progress towards a malaria-free world through a range of initiatives at all levels.
Bangladeshi far-right group Khelafat Majlish plans to stage a mass march to the Indian Embassy in Dhaka to protest against the recently passed Waqf (Amendment) Act by the Indian Parliament. The outfit's leader, Maulana Mamunul Haque, claims that the Act aims to illegally acquire Muslim-owned lands for the construction of religious structures by giving them legal backing. This move has sparked outrage among Muslims in India, who see it as an interference in their religious rights. Meanwhile, the Indian government has condemned the recent spate of violent attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, with the Ministry of External Affairs describing it as part of a disturbing pattern of persecution under the country's interim administration.
In the midst of the peak tourist season, a young pony ride operator became a hero when he tried to save the life of a tourist during a terrorist attack at Pahalgam's Baisaran meadow in Kashmir. Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a local Kashmiri Muslim, was shot dead while attempting to shield the tourist and even trying to snatch the attackers' guns. The heartbroken father of Shah demands justice for those responsible, while the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised his bravery and promised to support the family. This shocking and tragic story highlights the ongoing violence and turmoil in the region.
The peaceful Easter vacation turned into a nightmare for Sushil Nathaniel's family when terrorists targeted tourists in Pahalgam. The assailants asked the Christian LIC manager to recite the Kalma, and when he refused, they shot him dead. His daughter, who tried to save her father, was also shot in the leg. The family demands strict punishment for the attacker to set an example for the world.