Khaleda Zia, a three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh and leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), passed away. Her death marks a significant change for the BNP, as her son Tarique Rahman steps into leadership just before national elections in February. The BNP now faces the challenge of moving forward without Zia's unifying presence.
Key Facts
Khaleda Zia was a three-time Prime Minister of Bangladesh and led the BNP for many years.
She passed away at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Her death has created a major challenge for the BNP, which she symbolized as a unifying leader.
Tarique Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s son, is now the acting chairperson of the BNP.
The BNP is preparing for national elections scheduled for February 12.
Tarique Rahman will need to prove his leadership within the party and to BNP supporters.
The BNP aims to restore democracy and governance lost during the Awami League’s rule.
Khaleda's passing ends an era, marking a post-Khaleda phase for the BNP.
China is expected to expand its naval power by adding new ships and technologies as it seeks to become a leading military force at sea. This development aligns with China's goal of having a world-class military while maintaining its sovereignty and security. The Chinese navy has been rapidly modernizing and aims to challenge U.S. naval dominance.
Key Facts
China has over 370 ships and submarines, including three aircraft carriers.
The CNS Fujian is China's most advanced aircraft carrier and is catapult-equipped to launch heavier jets.
China commissioned the Type 054B stealth frigate and started sea trials for the Type 076 amphibious assault ship in 2025.
The U.S. aims to deploy its first new frigate by 2028 as part of President Trump's "Golden Fleet."
China claims Taiwan and the Senkaku Islands (Diaoyu Islands) as its own.
China's naval development is portrayed as peaceful and aimed at protecting its interests.
The Pentagon reports that China wants to rival the U.S. as the most powerful country.
A fire at a bar during New Year's celebrations in a Swiss ski resort resulted in several deaths and injuries. The incident happened in the Crans-Montana municipality, and authorities are still investigating the cause.
Key Facts
The fire occurred in a bar named "Le Constellation" at a ski resort in the Swiss Alps.
It started around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday.
There were over 100 people inside the bar at the time.
The police confirmed multiple deaths and many injuries.
Crans-Montana is a ski resort popular with tourists, located 40 kilometers north of the Matterhorn.
Authorities have set up a reception center and helpline for affected families.
The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.
A news conference is scheduled in Crans-Montana at 10 a.m. local time.
China conducted military drills near Taiwan, but many people in Taiwan continued with normal life. While China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, Taiwan operates as a self-governing democracy. The drills are seen as a response to U.S. support for Taiwan.
Key Facts
China conducted live-fire military drills near Taiwan.
Many people in Taiwan, like 70-year-old Liao, continued their everyday activities.
China considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has threatened to unify it by force if necessary.
The military exercises were partly a response to an $11 billion U.S. arms package to Taiwan.
Taiwan is a self-governing democracy but is not officially recognized by the U.S. as a separate country.
The U.S. supports Taiwan's defense under the Taiwan Relations Act.
An important term in Taiwan's defense strategy is the "silicon shield," referring to its semiconductor industry.
Public sentiment in Taiwan remains calm despite the drills, with stock markets operating normally.
President Putin and President Zelenskyy both made New Year's speeches about the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Russia reported shooting down several Ukrainian drones, while Ukraine accused Russia of attacking Odesa with drones. Diplomatic talks involving countries like the U.S., UK, France, and Germany discussed steps to move forward with peace efforts.
Key Facts
Russian forces reportedly downed five Ukrainian drones near Moscow.
Ukrainian officials said Russian drones attacked Odesa, injuring six people.
President Putin authorized the call-up of reserve soldiers for protecting infrastructure.
President Zelenskyy stated he wouldn’t agree to a weak peace treaty, with a deal 90% ready.
Russia claimed an attempted drone attack on a presidential residence, but the CIA doubted the occurrence.
The U.S. and European officials held talks on supporting Ukraine and preventing the war's resumption.
Ukraine's PURL initiative has received contributions from 24 countries, totaling $4.3 billion.
Several UK newspapers report on the Prime Minister's plans to improve living costs and the controversy over Shamima Begum's citizenship. The reports mention Sir Keir Starmer's goals for 2026, Queen Camilla's personal story, and potential digital IDs for babies. Additionally, the situation with Shamima Begum involves a legal battle with European courts over her British citizenship.
Key Facts
The UK Prime Minister will focus on reducing living costs and building relations with voters in 2026.
Shamima Begum's loss of British citizenship due to joining Islamic State is under challenge by European courts.
The UK government is discussing digital IDs for newborns as part of a digital ID expansion.
Queen Camilla shared a personal experience related to an indecent assault inspired by meeting the Hunt family.
UK weather is experiencing a "big freeze," triggering health and travel warnings.
Assisted dying legislation was narrowly supported last year in a UK parliamentary vote.
Sydney's fireworks paid tribute to Bondi Beach attack victims with a menorah projection on the Harbour Bridge.
The U.S. military conducted an operation against boats it claims were involved in drug smuggling, resulting in at least three deaths. The boats were reportedly part of a convoy using known drug routes, and after the attack, the U.S. Coast Guard was called to search for survivors. This action is part of a broader campaign by President Trump against drug trafficking, particularly targeting Venezuela.
Key Facts
The U.S. military attacked boats suspected of drug smuggling, killing at least three people.
The attacks' location was not specified, but similar ones have occurred in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
A video showed the boats moving in a group through drug trafficking routes.
Survivors of the attack are being sought by the U.S. Coast Guard, which deployed an aircraft for the search.
This operation adds to a series of strikes, resulting in at least 110 deaths since September.
The Trump administration claims these actions are part of an armed conflict with drug cartels.
U.S. military presence has increased in the area, with over 15,000 troops deployed.
Venezuela's government denies involvement in drug smuggling and accuses the U.S. of wanting to overthrow its President, Nicolas Maduro.
A 19-year-old named Marcus Alexander Muench Casanova died after falling 500 feet from Mt Baldy, a hazardous mountain in Southern California. This mountain has seen several fatalities and rescue missions due to its dangerous conditions. Authorities have temporarily closed trails on the mountain following recent deaths.
Key Facts
A teenager died after a 500-foot fall on Mt Baldy in California.
Two other deceased hikers were found on the mountain but were not with the teenager.
The teenager's friend, who called for help, was unharmed and provided GPS coordinates.
Helicopter recovery was delayed due to high winds; bodies were recovered the next day.
Mt Baldy, known as Mt San Antonio, is one of the deadliest peaks in the U.S.
Since 2020, over 14 people have died on the mountain, and more than 100 people have been rescued.
Authorities advise against hiking during unpredictable weather, emphasizing Mt Baldy's dangers.
Trails are temporarily closed following the incidents.
Archaeologists in Wales have discovered intriguing finds in a medieval cemetery, which might explain why many women were buried there. They uncovered 58 skeletons, mainly women, alongside luxury items and a potential small building. The findings suggest the site could have been an early religious community.
Key Facts
Archaeologists found 58 skeletons from the 6th or 7th century at a site in Wales.
Most of the skeletons belonged to women.
The team discovered items like colored glass beads, a copper brooch, and a bone pin.
A small building outline was found, possibly a shrine or chapel.
Graves clustered around the building indicate it was a desired burial spot.
Domestic items like a quern stone, pottery, and glass suggest a living community near the cemetery.
The site is believed to have been a part of an early female religious community.
Excavations have taken place in the grounds of Fonmon Castle near Cardiff Airport.
A new series of "The Traitors" will start on New Year's Day with 22 contestants. This season includes diverse professionals like a retired police detective, a crime novelist, and a cyber security consultant. Claudia Winkleman will return as the show's host.
Key Facts
The new series of "The Traitors" will launch on January 1st.
There will be 22 contestants from various professions, including a retired detective, a crime novelist, and a psychologist.
Claudia Winkleman is returning as the host of the series.
A new promotional trailer hinted at a major twist involving a red cloak.
The series will air on BBC One and be available on iPlayer.
The celebrity version of "The Traitors" attracted 15 million viewers earlier in the year.
Contestants like Harriet Tyce and Amanda will use their professional skills during the game.
Steve Rosenberg from the BBC asked people in Moscow about their hopes for 2026. Many are concerned about the war on Ukraine and the economic situation in Russia. People are thinking about the future and how these issues might affect their lives.
Key Facts
BBC's Russia editor Steve Rosenberg conducted interviews in Moscow about hopes for 2026.
People in Russia are worried about the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The Russian economy is facing increasing pressure, affecting people's views of the future.
The New Year holiday was a time of reflection for many in Moscow.
Rosenberg's questions focused on personal and national futures amidst current challenges.
The cast of the BBC Radio 4 drama, The Archers, recreated the opening scene of the first episode to celebrate the show's 75th anniversary. The show, which began on January 1, 1951, is known as the world's longest-running radio soap opera and has a significant young audience. Special programming, including a 45-minute drama and a podcast, will air to mark the milestone.
Key Facts
The Archers' cast recreated the first episode's opening scene for its 75th anniversary.
The Archers first aired on January 1, 1951.
The original recording of the first episode did not survive.
The show is the world's longest-running radio soap opera.
The Archers still has a large following among young listeners.
Special programming, including "The Archers: Truth and Lies," will air on New Year's Day.
The Archers Podcast will air on Radio 4 for the first time.
The show tackles issues like domestic abuse, climate change, and modern farming life.
Some children in England from struggling families will receive vaccines at home to help protect them from diseases. The government's plan aims to improve vaccine rates by having health visitors provide the service to families facing challenges in accessing healthcare. Twelve areas in different regions of England will try this new approach over the next year.
Key Facts
The program is for children from families who have trouble accessing healthcare.
The goal is to improve vaccination rates which have declined in the past 10 years.
Health visitors, who are trained nurses or midwives, will conduct the home visits.
The pilot scheme will be implemented in 12 areas across different regions in England.
Families that can regularly visit local surgeries will continue to receive vaccines there.
The government is addressing issues like language barriers and travel costs that prevent access to health services.
No childhood vaccines have met the 95% target rate for children aged five and under recently.
There is an ongoing development of a workforce plan to tackle the decline in health visitors and community nursing.
Joe and Kate Duffy campaigned for over 30 years to abolish the "not proven" verdict in Scotland after their daughter Amanda's murder. In Scotland, a jury can find a person "not proven," which means acquittal similar to "not guilty." As of January 1, the "not proven" verdict is no longer used in Scottish courts.
Key Facts
Amanda Duffy was murdered in Hamilton, Scotland, in 1992 at age 19.
The man accused, Francis Auld, was acquitted with a "not proven" verdict.
"Not proven" is an acquittal verdict used in Scottish criminal trials, similar to "not guilty."
Joe and Kate Duffy spent over 30 years campaigning to remove this verdict.
As of January 1, Scottish trials will only use "guilty" or "not guilty" verdicts.
The change means future trials will not have the "not proven" option.
The Duffy family gathered thousands of petition signatures to support abolition.
The "not proven" verdict had no written legal definition, causing confusion.
The article discusses how varying parental leave policies and access to childcare in the UK affect young families. These differences, often termed a "postcode lottery," can impact a child's early development and the family's financial situation. BBC Radio 4's Today programme will follow six parents over five years to explore these challenges.
Key Facts
Six parents from across the UK are participating in a study by BBC Radio 4's Today programme to understand the challenges of raising a child.
The study will follow these parents for five years to document their experiences.
Access to childcare and parental leave pay can vary significantly based on where families live.
Employers offer different levels of parental leave pay, which can affect how much time parents can spend with their newborns.
Statutory pay for employed mothers in the UK covers six weeks at 90% of their earnings, then a lower minimum amount for 33 weeks.
Employed fathers receive statutory pay for two weeks, which is considered low compared to other European countries.
Some companies provide more generous parental leave benefits, allowing parents longer paid time off.
The disparities in leave policies can result in some parents returning to work sooner, impacting family time.
Around the globe, people are celebrating New Year's Eve to welcome 2026. Countries in the South Pacific were the first to enter the new year, well before New York City, where preparations for the Times Square ball drop are underway.
Key Facts
South Pacific countries entered 2026 eighteen hours before New York City.
Celebrations included fireworks in various locations such as the pyramids in Egypt and the Parthenon in Greece.
Countries like Iraq, Germany, the Philippines, and Vietnam held large gatherings with fireworks and light displays.
Auckland, New Zealand, was the first major city to greet January 1, 2026.
Celebrations continued with fireworks and festivities in places like Qatar, Zimbabwe, and Pakistan.
Different countries are experiencing New Year's festivities at different times due to time zone differences.
China will charge a 13% sales tax on contraceptives like condoms starting January 1, while childcare services will become exempt from taxes. The government aims to boost birth rates by encouraging people to have more children, as the country's population has been shrinking. However, some people worry that making contraception more expensive could lead to more unwanted pregnancies and health issues.
Key Facts
China will impose a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from January 1.
Childcare services, marriage-related services, and elderly care will not be taxed.
The change is part of China's plan to increase birth rates and support families.
China's population has been shrinking for three years, with fewer babies born in recent years.
In 2024, China's birth count was about half of what it was a decade ago.
There are concerns that more expensive contraceptives could lead to more unwanted pregnancies and HIV cases.
The YuWa Population Research Institute reported that China is one of the costliest countries to raise a child.
Observers are divided on whether taxing contraceptives will effectively increase birth rates.
People around the world are celebrating New Year’s Eve as they enter the year 2026. Major cities are hosting events like fireworks displays and large public gatherings.
Key Facts
New Year’s Eve is being celebrated globally as time zones reach midnight.
Cities are hosting fireworks and public gatherings to mark the occasion.
Major cities are the first to celebrate with events on their waterfronts.
America will be among the last to celebrate due to its time zone.
Events are planned in places like Rio de Janeiro and New York City.
Celebrations mark the global transition into the year 2026.
Kenner Elias Jones, known for leading Prince Charles's 1969 investiture procession, later pursued a life of fraud. He committed various cons across three continents, as documented in a new film. Despite early signs of deception, Jones's charm helped him continue his fraudulent activities for decades.
Key Facts
Kenner Elias Jones led Prince Charles's investiture procession in 1969.
Jones began his deception as a choirboy by convincing a bishop he should lead the procession.
He was convicted for fraud in 1973 and 1975 in the UK, and received psychiatric treatment.
Jones married Lee McKenzie in Canada in 1980 and later committed fraud there.
Jones's fraudulent activities spanned multiple continents, including North America and Europe.
He was warned by psychiatrists of having a personality disorder, suggesting potential danger to others.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, in a new year message, pledged to address economic and social issues in Britain by 2026, promising positive changes like improved public services and lower living costs. Other political leaders, such as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, also shared their plans for economic growth. Additionally, other parties like the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK are preparing for the upcoming local elections.
Key Facts
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to tackle decline and promote unity in Britain by 2026.
Starmer mentioned plans for lower bills, more police presence, and new health centers.
2025 was a challenging year with economic slowdown and high unemployment in Britain.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, outlined plans to support businesses and improve the economy.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey anticipates election success and aims to bring change.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized other parties for not embracing new technologies.
SNP leader John Swinney highlighted the impact of global events and celebrated Scotland's sports achievements.
