latest news in global
Explosion at Swiss Resort Crans-Montana Leaves Dozens Dead During New Year Celebrations
Crans-Montana, Thursday, 1 January 2026.
New Year’s festivities in the luxury Swiss resort of Crans-Montana turned tragic on January 1, 2026, after an explosion and fire engulfed the Le Constellation bar. The disaster, occurring at 1:30 AM, has left several dozen people presumed dead and approximately 100 injured, severely straining medical facilities across the French-speaking region. While the precise cause remains undetermined, Valais prosecutor Beatrice Pilloud has formally ruled out terrorism, directing the investigation toward accidental factors. Authorities have secured the area with a no-fly zone, underscoring the severity of the incident in this hub for international tourism.
India Assumes 2026 BRICS Presidency: Pivoting to Inclusive Growth Amid Trade Tensions
New Delhi, Thursday, 1 January 2026.
Assuming leadership today, India prioritizes the Global South and digital infrastructure, strategically pivoting the expanded bloc away from anti-Western de-dollarization narratives amidst rising global trade volatility.
Hong Kong Cancels New Year's Fireworks Following Historic Fire, Testing Tourism Recovery
Hong Kong, Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
As Hong Kong prepares to welcome 2026, the city has made the somber decision to cancel its world-renowned Victoria Harbour fireworks display. This strategic pivot follows a devastating fire in Tai Po earlier in November, which claimed at least 161 lives—marking the financial hub’s deadliest blaze since 1948. While Secretary Rosanna Law acknowledges this move will inevitably impact holiday revenue for the hospitality and retail sectors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board is shifting focus to a “New Hopes, New Beginnings” light show and a concert featuring Air Supply. This decision highlights the delicate balance the city must maintain between public mourning and the economic urgency of revitalizing its tourism industry. The cancellation joins a list of recent disruptions, including the 2019 protests and the pandemic, signaling a subdued yet resilient transition into the new year.
Israel Suspends Major Gaza Aid Operations Over Regulatory Compliance Disputes
Jerusalem, Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
Effective January 1, Israel suspends 37 aid organizations for regulatory non-compliance, jeopardizing critical infrastructure including the 20% of Gaza’s hospital capacity currently supported by Doctors Without Borders.
Mali and Burkina Faso Retaliate With Immediate Ban on US Travelers
Bamako, Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
Escalating diplomatic tensions, Mali and Burkina Faso immediately barred US nationals today, invoking “reciprocity” against Washington’s upcoming security-based travel restrictions in a move signaling a widening geopolitical rift.
Kremlin Toughens Stance After Zelensky Rejects Alleged Drone Strike on Putin
Novgorod, Tuesday, 30 December 2025.
Moscow threatens to revise negotiating positions after accusing Ukraine of targeting Putin’s residence with 91 drones, a claim Zelensky dismisses as a pretext to derail recent peace efforts.
