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Turkey

Turkey detains 357 suspects in widening crackdown on Islamic State

The raids came a day after three police officers and six suspected Islamic State (IS) members were killed in a gunfight in northwest Turkey.

World News

New Year's fireworks in Germany: When tradition turns to trauma

Many Germans still love setting off their home-made fireworks on New Year's Eve but opposition to the practice is growing. Experts are now calling for a cultural shift as the fireworks debate reaches explosion point.

Culture news

The best things to do, hear, see or watch in Europe this week

Sydney Sweeney's new psychological thriller, the final ever episode of Stranger Things and a look back at the best movies, music and art exhibitions of 2025.

Turkey

Turkey detains 115 suspects over IS New Year's Eve attack plot

Istanbul police raided 124 locations on Thursday, seizing weapons and documents as authorities warn of planned attacks during the festive period.

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Economy

Santa Claus rally or year-end wobble? Markets wrap up 2025 mixed

World shares were mixed despite fresh record highs on Wall Street, as investors remained wary of inflation, slowing demand and uncertainty over how markets will start the new year.

Travel News

Portugal airport strikes threaten to disrupt New Year travel

A court order mandates that minimum services must be maintained.

Travel News

Spend New Year’s Eve partying onboard Europe's luxury trains

La Dolce Vita's three-day experience comes with a price tag to match its exclusivity, starting at €11,280 per passenger.

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Top Christmas toys revealed: from Stitch to a parent-controlling robot

The UK’s most-wanted toys for Christmas 2025 have been revealed — from a parent-controlling helmet to interactive Stitch dolls and creative craft kits.

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Thai Buddhist splashed with water as new year festival starts

Locals, tourists and others visited the Wat Arun temple in the capital Bangkok to pour water on Buddha images in an act that symbolises cleansing, reverence and good fortune.

Culture news

Nowruz: The essential guide to all about the ancient celebration

Celebrated by more than 300 million people worldwide, Nowruz is a 3,000-year-old tradition cherished in Iran, Afghanistan, throughout Central Asia and beyond. But what makes it special?

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Sumo champion kicks off season with traditional ritual

Japan's sumo grand champion, Terunofuji, took part in an annual sumo ritual on Tuesday to officially kick off the wrestling season.

Europe News

German officials call for illegal fireworks ban after five deaths

Germany's boisterous New Year's Eve celebrations saw five people killed across Germany and 400 arrested in Berlin alone, with officials questioning how they can reign in the chaos.

Europe News

Weather warnings as freezing temperatures hit United Kingdom

The UK's Meteorological Office said a snap of cold weather will grip the country, with large areas facing snowfall.

Europe News

Hardy swimmers brave chilly waters with traditional New Year's dip

In Germany and Italy, people took part in unique traditions to welcome 2025, including daring swimming and diving events.

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Trio leaps from Rome's 18m Cavour Bridge in New Year's Day tradition

On New Year's Day, three men dived into the Tiber River in Rome, continuing a 1946 tradition, while in Berlin, swimmers celebrated with their annual ice bath.

World News

Five killed by fireworks across Germany after New Year's Eve chaos

The country's raucous New Year's Eve celebrations were marred by tragic accidents and riots in several cities.

World News

Asia-Pacific countries begin welcoming 2025 with celebrations

Australia and New Zealand were among the first countries to ring in the New Year.

World News

New Year's Eve: Watch live as Hong Kong welcomes 2025

Sydney and Tokyo have launched spectacular firework displays to bring in the new year.

World News

The 33 best new year greetings for 2025 on WhatsApp

As 2024 comes to an end, many of you will want to wish your loved ones, colleagues and family a happy new year. Here are the best ways to do it.

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Waiting for hours to get the best seats for Sydney's fireworks display

On Tuesday, 31 December, thousands of people gathered in Sydney, Australia, to watch the city's famous fireworks as it welcomes the New Year.