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Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed confidence in Russia’s victory in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. In a New Year’s address to his nation, Putin praised Russian soldiers fighting in Ukraine as “heroes” and appealed for public support. Addressing the soldiers, Putin said, “We have faith in you and your victory.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, stated that they seek to end the war but not at the cost of Ukraine’s existence. In his New Year’s address, Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine wants peace without any concessions or compromises. He acknowledged that Ukraine is exhausted but unwilling to surrender, adding that the remaining 10% of issues in the peace talks facilitated by the United States will decide the future of Ukraine, Europe, and the region.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns in Europe about the potential spillover effects if the war is not resolved soon. Meanwhile, the Indian government has announced a hike in the prices of cigarettes, beedi (hand-rolled cigarettes), paan masala, and other tobacco products, effective February 1.
Zahran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor of New York, took the oath of office in a ceremony held in New York. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently completed a successful visit to the United States, which has strengthened his political position. Ukrainian President Zelensky reiterated that they want to end the war but not at the expense of Ukraine’s existence.
US President Donald Trump has decided to recall the National Guard from Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland. Italian police have seized 220 kilograms of high-explosive material from a passenger van in the province of Sicily. New York’s newly elected mayor, Zahran Mamdani, will take the oath of office on January 1, 2026.
The foreign ministries of both countries have issued separate statements, stating that the move is in line with the principle of “mutual countermeasures.” Ali Reza Syed, the chairman of the European Union’s Kashmir Council, expressed hope that the new year will bring relief to the people of Kashmir and that the international community will support their struggle for rights.
A suspect in a rape case in the Indian state of Rajasthan was arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura district. A large crowd gathered to welcome the New Year. The Saudi cabinet has approved a draft agreement on cooperation in the energy sector with Pakistan.
A viral trend is attributed to a mathematical model proposed by German scientist Heinz von Foerster in the 1960s. Pakistani actress Sanam Javed has become a controversial figure on social media following her second marriage.
The year 2025 is expected to be a historic year for innovation globally.
