Israeli forces on Wednesday demolished at least 25 buildings in the Nur Shams refugee camp in the northern occupied West Bank. The buildings had housed around 100 families. The Israeli military said the operation was part of an effort to eliminate armed groups operating in the area. Nur Shams camp has long been a flashpoint for clashes between Palestinian fighters and Israeli forces. According to reports, bulldozers and cranes were used in the early morning to destroy the structures, filling the air with thick dust as residents watched from a distance. Resident Mutaz Mahr described the destruction as deeply painful, saying the occupying forces were trying to exhaust and pressure them. Nihaya al-Jundi, a member of the camp’s popular committee, said hundreds of families had already been displaced earlier in the year before the latest military operations began. She added that more than 1,500 families still cannot return to their homes, calling the situation a major disaster and a severe humanitarian crisis for Palestinian refugees.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara is taking transformative steps in the defense sector to ensure regional and global stability. He made the remarks during a phone call with soldiers gathered at the Artillery and Missile School Command in Polatlı, Ankara, on New Year’s Eve. Erdogan stated that Turkey is engaged in a strong struggle to establish stability in the world. He emphasized that Turkey’s actions align with the foreign policy principle of the Republic’s founder, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, of “peace at home, peace in the world.” Highlighting efforts to strengthen internal unity, Erdogan said the country is striving to ensure stability both within its region and beyond. He detailed Turkey’s growing military capabilities, including tanks, howitzers, helicopters, drones, missiles, air defense systems, warships, submarines, and unmanned sea vehicles. Erdogan added that despite serious challenges, Turkey has seized a “historic opportunity” to turn recent achievements into lasting success. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to building a stronger and greater Turkey for future generations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a New Year’s Eve address, declared his belief that Russia will win the war in Ukraine. He urged support for the soldiers fighting in Ukraine, calling them heroes, and stated that the outcome of the conflict remains undecided amid ongoing peace talks and intense fighting. Putin’s remarks came as Europe voiced concern that the war could expand beyond Ukraine’s borders if it continues. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv seeks peace but will not sign any “weak” agreement. He emphasized that Ukraine wants the war to end but not at the cost of its sovereignty. Zelensky acknowledged the exhaustion of his nation but affirmed that surrender is not an option. Zelensky also revealed that a peace agreement mediated by the United States was about 90 percent complete, though unresolved issues remain. He said the remaining 10 percent would determine the fate of peace and significantly affect the future of Ukraine, Europe, and people’s daily lives.

Chinese President Xi Jinping declared in his New Year’s Eve address that China remains unwaveringly committed to reunifying Taiwan with the mainland. His remarks came shortly after China concluded an unprecedented military exercise around Taiwan. Speaking from Beijing, Xi described national reunification as both essential and inevitable, reaffirming that integrating Taiwan as part of China remains a central goal for Beijing. The large-scale exercise, named “Justice Mission 2025,” involved at least 89 warplanes and simulated blockades of Taiwan’s major ports, marking the most extensive drill in a year. Meanwhile, the United States recently approved a record $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan, prompting concerns among U.S. intelligence officials that Xi could consider military action if deemed necessary. In his speech, Xi also referenced the Shanghai Cooperation Summit attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and highlighted China’s economic progress toward a 5% growth target and advances in technology and space exploration. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te rejected China’s claims, comparing Taiwan’s current situation to Europe under threat from Nazi Germany in the 1930s.

Zohraan Mamdani was sworn in as the mayor of New York City, becoming the first in the city’s history to take the oath of office on the Holy Quran. The ceremony took place in an abandoned subway station, where Mamdani used a 200-year-old copy of the Quran borrowed from the New York Public Library. The event was conducted by New York Attorney General and political ally Letitia James. Mamdani’s swearing-in marks several firsts for the city: he is the first Muslim, the first of South Asian descent, and one of the youngest mayors in generations. He described the moment as the greatest honor and privilege of his life. Later, he is scheduled to take a more formal oath at City Hall, administered by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. The subway station, built during America’s “Golden Age,” was chosen to symbolize the beginning of a new era. Mamdani previously stated that the location reflects the city’s legacy of ambition and transformation for working people. He won the mayoral election on November 4, defeating former governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa by a wide margin.

Protests have spread across Iran as citizens demonstrate against the worsening economic crisis, currency collapse, and rising cost of living. In response, President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on the public to remain united in the face of sanctions and external threats. Speaking at a business forum in Tehran, he blamed foreign interference for the economic instability and said the country was engaged in a 'full-scale war' driven by economic pressure rather than military force. Pezeshkian emphasized that Iran’s adversaries were attempting to bring the nation down through economic means, but insisted that unity and determination would prevent the country from being subdued. Iran’s economy has faced severe challenges since the reimposition of U.S. sanctions in 2018, following Washington’s withdrawal from the nuclear deal. In September, European nations also moved to restore UN sanctions, accusing Tehran of violating the 2015 agreement, a move that came months after Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. By the end of 2025, Iran’s currency, the rial, had lost about half its value against the dollar, with inflation reaching nearly 50 percent in December.

The French government has announced plans to prohibit social media access for children under the age of 15. According to a new draft law, the measure aims to protect minors from excessive screen time and improve online safety. The proposal could take effect by September if approved. President Emmanuel Macron has endorsed the initiative and called for parliamentary debate on the issue in January. The draft law also includes a ban on mobile phone use in schools, citing risks of cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content. The government argues that unrestricted online access can lead to harassment, exposure to harmful material, and sleep problems among children. The report notes that Australia became the first country to impose a similar restriction, banning social media use for children under 16, providing a comparative context for France’s proposed policy.

Widespread protests have erupted across Iran since Sunday in response to the country’s worsening economic crisis and surging cost of living. Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets after a sharp fall in the national currency, with unrest spreading from Tehran to several provinces. In Fars province, protesters attempted to enter a local government building, while clashes were reported in multiple cities. Authorities in Tehran declared a bank holiday on Wednesday to control the situation, but tensions persisted. In Lorestan province, one paramilitary officer was reported killed, and in Fasa city, three police officers were injured and four people arrested. Verified videos shared on social media showed protesters breaking the gate of the governor’s office in Fasa and security forces firing shots. The government announced the closure of schools, universities, and public offices nationwide, officially citing energy-saving measures during winter, though many Iranians viewed it as a tactic to suppress protests. The demonstrations began after a sharp depreciation of the Iranian currency against the dollar in Tehran’s market, initially led by shopkeepers and later joined by university students, spreading to several cities against the country’s religious leadership.

Authorities have reopened the Lake Road adjacent to Zia Udyan to the public after a 24-hour closure. The road, which provides access to the graves of former President Ziaur Rahman and late BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, had been closed for security measures surrounding Khaleda Zia’s resting place. The reopening took place on January 1, 2026, following the temporary restriction. Although the main road is now open, entry into Zia Udyan itself remains restricted. Security personnel, including police and army members, continue to be stationed at the entrance to the park. The closure and subsequent reopening were part of efforts to ensure the safety of the area surrounding the gravesites. The continued presence of security forces indicates that access to the park may remain limited until further notice, while normal traffic along Lake Road resumes.

The year 2025 witnessed widespread armed conflicts across multiple regions, with major wars breaking out between India and Pakistan, and Israel and Iran. The report highlights that Israeli attacks on Gaza continued throughout the year, while the Russia-Ukraine conflict remained unresolved. In South Asia, India launched air and missile strikes on Pakistan on May 6 following a deadly shooting in Kashmir, prompting a four-day war that ended on May 10 after U.S. President Donald Trump mediated a ceasefire. In the Middle East, Israel launched a surprise assault on Iran on June 13 under “Operation Rising Sun,” killing top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists. Iran retaliated with “Operation Wadae Sadeq-3,” before both sides agreed to a ceasefire announced by Trump on June 23, which took effect on October 24. Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine war entered its third year without resolution despite U.S. mediation efforts. Elsewhere, Thailand and Cambodia clashed twice over border disputes, Sudan’s civil war persisted, and Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon and Syria. The report warns that new conflicts may emerge in various regions in the coming year.

Bangladesh Bank announced that customers of five recently merged Islamic banks will begin receiving refunds of their deposits starting Thursday, January 1. In the first phase, depositors will be able to withdraw up to two lakh taka. The banks involved in the merger are First Security Islami Bank, Social Islami Bank, Union Bank, Global Islami Bank, and EXIM Bank. These institutions have been consolidated under a newly formed entity named Sammilit Islami Bank. According to Bangladesh Bank, all current, savings, and fixed deposits from the five banks have been transferred to the new bank. Depositors are assured that up to two lakh taka of their funds are protected and can be withdrawn initially. To facilitate this process, necessary funds have been allocated from the Deposit Protection Fund to the banks under resolution. Customers who choose not to withdraw their money immediately will continue to earn market-based profit on their existing balances, as stated by Bangladesh Bank.

BNP’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman has pledged to carry forward the legacy of his late mother, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. In a Facebook post published on Thursday morning, he expressed his commitment to continue from where his mother’s journey ended. He wrote that he had laid her to rest beside his father, late President Ziaur Rahman, and described the nation’s overwhelming presence during this difficult time as a source of strength and solace. Rahman said he was deeply moved by the love and respect shown by countless supporters, well-wishers, and citizens. He noted that the massive turnout reminded him that Khaleda Zia was not only his mother but also a mother figure to the nation. He also expressed gratitude to South Asian leaders, global diplomats, and development partners who paid their respects in person, as well as to countries that sent condolences. He concluded by praying for his mother’s peace and urged the nation to draw inspiration from her lifelong dedication, sacrifice, and compassion, which he described as guiding examples for unity and patriotism.

The United States has carried out another strike on a vessel accused of drug trafficking, resulting in at least five deaths. The attack was announced in a statement by the US military’s Southern Command on Wednesday, though the location of the operation was not specified. Previous similar strikes had taken place in the Caribbean Sea and the eastern Pacific Ocean, according to Al Jazeera. The US Coast Guard has been directed to conduct search and rescue operations at the site, but no evidence supporting the attack has been presented. The statement detailed that three alleged traffickers were killed in the first operation, while others from two additional boats jumped into the water to escape. Those boats were later sunk in a subsequent strike, which killed two more people. The military said the Coast Guard was instructed to activate its search and rescue system. A similar incident in September had drawn heavy criticism after reports that survivors were targeted, with some Democratic lawmakers and legal experts calling it a crime, while the Trump administration and some Republican lawmakers defended it as lawful.

Zohraan Mamdani will be sworn in as the mayor of New York City at midnight on December 31, 2025, in an abandoned subway station built during America’s ‘Golden Age’. The location was chosen to symbolize the beginning of a ‘new era’. The station currently serves as a turnaround point for the local No. 5 train. Thousands of New Yorkers will be gathered in Times Square for the New Year countdown as the ceremony takes place underground. In a statement, Mamdani described the site as a monument to a city that once dared to build beautifully and transform the lives of working people. He said the ambition represented by the station should not remain confined to the past or the tunnels beneath City Hall. He expressed honor at the opportunity to lead millions of New Yorkers. Progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will introduce Mamdani at the ceremony, which will also feature Senator Bernie Sanders. New York Attorney General Letitia James will administer the oath. Mamdani, 34, won the November 4 election by defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian–descended mayor in U.S. history.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman has strongly rejected media reports citing Reuters that claimed he held a secret meeting with Indian diplomats. In a post on his verified Facebook account on Thursday, he clarified the circumstances and urged journalists to avoid publishing misleading information without verifying facts. Dr. Rahman explained that during a recent interview with Reuters, he was asked whether his party maintained any communication with India. He said that after returning home from medical treatment last year, many visitors, including diplomats from various countries, came to see him. Among them were two Indian diplomats who visited his residence. He stated that the meeting was not secret and that his team had offered to make it public, but the diplomats requested otherwise. Expressing surprise at local media reports describing the meeting as secret, Dr. Rahman condemned such reporting and called on the media to act responsibly in the future.