World ushers in 2023; bids farewell to turbulent 12 months
The Hindu
Many will be looking to cut loose this New Year’s Eve after a few pandemic-dampened years
The world’s eight billion people began ushering in 2023 on December 31, 2022 and bidding farewell to a turbulent 12 months marked by war in Europe, stinging price rises, Lionel Messi’s World Cup glory and the deaths of Queen Elizabeth, Pele and former pope Benedict.
Many will be looking to cut loose this New Year’s Eve after a few pandemic-dampened years, setting aside pinched budgets and a virus that is increasingly forgotten but not gone.
Also see: New Year Live Updates | December 31, 2022
Sydney was the first major cities to ring in 2023, restaking its claim to be the “New Year’s Eve capital of the world” after two years of lockdown and coronavirus-muted festivities.
Australia’s borders have reopened and the crowds gathering at Sydney’s sparkling harbour to watch 100,000 pyrotechnics illuminate the southern sky were expected to number more than one million.
“It’s been a fairly good year for us; getting past Covid of course is great,” David Hugh-Paterson told AFP as he waited near the Sydney Opera House in a growing crowd.
“Looking forward to the future as well,” the 52-year-old said.
Bangladesh’s interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has called for the “meticulous preservation” of records documenting alleged “atrocities” committed under the administration of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
U.S. aircraft carrier arrives in South Korea as a show of force amid North Korean missile tests.
Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham criticizes US government's handling of Israel-Palestine conflict while accepting Oscar for "No Other Land."
Glenmark Pharmaceuticals recalls 14.76 lakh bottles of Atomoxetine Capsules in the US due to impurity concerns.
Criticism of King Charles III in Canada for silence on Trump's threats to annex Canada sparks debate.
France and Britain propose one-month truce in Ukraine, focusing on air, sea, and energy infrastructure, with no ground fighting initially.
Pope Francis remains stable, improving from double pneumonia, receiving prayers and support from well-wishers worldwide.
Four killed, six wounded in Israeli attacks in Gaza City after fragile truce ends, says health ministry.
Badra Gunba wins Abkhazia's presidential election, sparking tensions over Russian influence in the breakaway Georgian region.
Russian Foreign Minister praises Trump's aim to end Ukraine war, criticizes Europe for prolonging conflict, advocates for pragmatic U.S.-Russia relationship.
UK, France, and other countries collaborate on Ukraine-Russia peace deal, bridging gap between Zelenskyy and Trump.
Marzieh Hamidi faces death threats for boycotting Afghan cricket team, calls for ICC action against Taliban regime.
Israel said on Sunday (March 2. 2025) it is stopping the entry of all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip.