- Tragedy at Swiss Ski Resort: Approximately 40 people were killed and over 115 injured in a massive fire at Le Constellation bar in the Crans-Montana ski resort during New Year’s celebrations.
- First Muslim Mayor of New York City: Zohran Mamdani has been inaugurated as the first Muslim mayor of New York City, taking his oath of office over a Quran in a historic ceremony.
- Deadly Unrest in Iran: Protests over rising living costs have entered a fifth day in Iran, with at least seven people killed during clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
- Zelensky Claims Peace Deal Progress: In his New Year address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that a peace deal is 90% ready, even as Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his commitment to victory in Russia’s address.
- Bulgaria Adopts the Euro: Bulgaria has officially joined the euro currency, a move intended to bring economic stability despite domestic concerns regarding potential inflation.
- Historic Amsterdam Church Ravaged by Fire: The 19th-century Vondelkerk church in Amsterdam was severely damaged by a fire that broke out shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve.
- China Implements “Condom Tax”: In an effort to boost birth rates, China has introduced a 13% sales tax on contraceptives while making childcare services tax-exempt as of January 1.
- Suspected Sabotage of Undersea Cable: Finnish police have seized a cargo ship traveling from Russia to Israel following the cutting of an undersea cable in the Gulf of Finland.
- Guinea Coup Leader Wins Election: General Mamady Doumbouya has claimed victory in Guinea’s election with over 80% of the vote after barring prominent opposition candidates from participating.
- “Stranger Things” Series Finale: The long-running hit series “Stranger Things” concluded with emotional finale screenings held for fans in major cities across the United States and Canada.