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.
India and the United States have strengthened their already strong ties by signing a 10-year framework for their major defense partnership. The agreement, signed during a bilateral meeting between the two countries' defense ministers, emphasizes the importance of this partnership in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. This marks a significant step in solidifying the bond between India and the US in the defense sector.
In preparation for a major tri-service military drill, India has issued Notices to Airmen (NOTAM) for the entire northeastern region that borders China, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. The first set of exercises will commence in November and continue through January, signaling enhanced operational readiness for the Indian Air Force (IAF). This move is significant as the Northeast remains a sensitive theater, making up the boundary with four countries, including China. The upcoming IAF exercises aim to strengthen India's air dominance, effectively preparing for any potential challenges along the western frontier with Pakistan.
India will conduct a 10-day military exercise in Rajasthan and Gujarat involving the Army, Air Force, and Navy to showcase its operational readiness following Operation Sindoor earlier this year. The exercise, announced through a NOTAM, features advanced military technologies and emphasises the integration of speed, firepower, and precision in desert warfare conditions. It comes amidst heightened tensions with Pakistan and a renewed focus on maintaining military readiness along the border.
Jammu and Kashmir police have filed an FIR against a group of Christian missionaries in Kathua district for allegedly attempting religious conversions through financial incentives. This comes after a video surfaced online showing the missionaries being attacked and their vehicle vandalized by villagers. The incident has sparked outrage and protests from local Hindu groups, demanding action against the accused missionaries. One accused, Ravindra Singh Thela, has been arrested while the main accused, Vivek Soni, is still at large. The police have also suspended eight personnel for failing to stop the attack.
US Vice President JD Vance, who converted to Catholicism in 2019, has revealed that he hopes his Hindu-raised wife, Usha Vance, will eventually embrace Christianity. However, he clarifies that their interfaith marriage is built on mutual respect and understanding, and that Usha has complete freedom of choice in matters of faith. The couple has found a balanced way to manage their interfaith household, with their children attending a Christian school and given the choice to be baptized.
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal with China "pretty soon" after a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. In addition to announcing lower tariffs on Chinese imports, Trump also stated that the issue over US access to rare earths has been resolved. However, there has been no official response from Beijing and the final decision on the sale of Chinese-owned TikTok's US operations is still pending. Analysts see these developments as a breakthrough in the ongoing trade tensions between the two countries. Our correspondents provide insight on the discussions between the two leaders and speculate on why Xi may have felt confident walking into the meeting.
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in South Korea, Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump met for their first in-person talks in several years. Despite past frictions, Xi called for closer cooperation between the two largest economies in the world, emphasizing the importance of being "partners and friends." Acknowledging Trump's peace efforts in the Middle East, Xi commended his contributions and praised him as a "tough negotiator." Trump also expressed optimism for a productive discussion on trade and global security.
In a historic event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi addressed the Global Maritime Leaders Conclave and chaired the Global Maritime CEO Forum at India Maritime Week 2025 in Mumbai, welcoming participants from over 85 countries. With major shipping giants, startups, policymakers, and innovators in attendance, the summit showcased India's advancements in the maritime sector, such as the replacement of outdated colonial laws with modern ones and the recognition of large ships as infrastructure assets. Amidst global tensions, India stands as a symbol of strategic autonomy and inclusive growth, ready to take on a leading role in the world's rough seas.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has declared that the next generation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms will begin on the first day of the Navratri festival. This major economic overhaul aims to streamline the current GST system and support businesses, especially small and medium enterprises. In other news, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) are collaborating to organize a six-day program in New Delhi to strengthen executive capacity for International Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). Lastly, the upcoming BIRC 2025 conference will take place at the Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to address the Global Maritime CEO Forum and Maritime Leaders Conclave at India Maritime Week (IMW) 2025 in Mumbai on Wednesday. The event will bring together global maritime leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to discuss sustainable growth and inclusive blue economy strategies, showcasing India's efforts towards becoming a leading maritime power. With the theme 'Uniting Oceans, One Maritime Vision' and participation from over 85 countries, the event will highlight India's commitment towards maritime sustainability and climate responsibility.