Happy New Year 2025 Highlights: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis greets school kids in Gadchiroli on 1st day of the year

Happy New Year 2025 LIVE: The first Union Cabinet meeting of 2025 took place on January 1 where Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini welcomed the decisions taken for farmers. Nayab Singh Saini called the Union Cabinet's announcements as a "New Year gift" for farmers from PM Modi. He further noted that these decisions will ensure the availability of key fertiliser DAP to farmers at affordable and subsidised rates.

Happy New Year 2025 LIVE: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren with his wife Kalpana (JMM MLA from Gandey) paid tribute to the martyrs of the Kharsawan firing incident on Wednesday. Commemorating the day, ministers Ramdas Soren and Deepak Birua, MLA Sabita Mahato, among others were present at Sahid Sthal in Seraikela-Kharswan district on 77th anniversary of Kharsawan firing incident.

The incident dates back to January 1, 1948, the town of Kharsawan witnessed a massacre after police opened fire at a crowd gathered for a protest. Hundreds were killed in the incident.

Happy New Year 2025 LIVE: Chairperson of the RPG Group Harsh Goenka shared a ‘creative and cute message’ he received on New Year, The caption to the post reads, “A very creative and cute ‘happy new year’ message- the best I’ve received!”

Happy New Year 2025 LIVE: Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of RP Sanjiv Goenka Group, in a post on X extended New year greetings and said, “As we step into #2025, let's embrace new opportunities, create impact, and work together towards collective growth. May this year be one of purpose, progress, and meaningful achievements.”

Happy New Year 2025 LIVE: Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra shared a heartwarming post on the occasion. He shared a video clip showing a baby taking first steps. The caption states, “That’s one way of starting a New Year. Baby steps. The first steps towards fulfilling our new resolutions.”

Happy New Year 2025 LIVE: Delhi Police levied charges on 35 motorcycle riders for violating various sections of the Motor Vehicles Act. In the wake of “Operation Bullet Raja”, bikers in the Jamia Nagar area of southeast Delhi, creating a nuisance with modified silencers and stunt performances were booked on Wednesday.

"The operation started on the evening of December 31 and ended in the early hours of January 1,"PTI quoted  Deputy Commissioner of Police (Southeast) Ravi Kumar Singh as saying.

Happy New Year 2025 LIVE: From Indonesia, France, Dubai, Turkey, China, Germany, Australia to Soth Korea - catch a glimpse of how the world welcomed the year 2025.

Happy New Year 2025 LIVE: Mumbai traffic police fined17,800 motorists during the New Year celebrations in the city. Officials informed PTI that a total of ₹89.19 lakh fine was collected as fine via e-challan from the traffic norm violators. 

The video shared by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishanav showed CST station where train horns sounded as clock struck midnight.

Russia launched a drone strike on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv early on Wednesday, wounding at least six people and damaging buildings in two districts, city officials said as reported by Reuters

Speaking to ANI, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, "I wish everyone a very happy new year... We all have to make this decade the decade of Uttarakhand with the inspiration of the Prime Minister. Every resident of Uttarakhand will contribute to ensure that Uttarakhand leads in every field...The new year will be for new achievements and our resolution will be fulfilled and we will achieve many achievements in the silver jubilee year of the state."

At the New Year's Eve gala hosted by US President-elect Donald Trump and incoming First Lady Melania Trump at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, Tesla CEO Elon Musk shared an optimistic outlook for the coming year.

Taking to X, Musk posted a photo from the event, accompanied by the caption, "I have a good feeling about 2025."

As we enter 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has released a comprehensive list of bank holidays for the year. In 2025, India will observe a set of bank holidays Key holidays include Republic Day on January 26th, Holi on March 14th, Independence Day on August 15th, and Gandhi Jayanti on October 2nd. Other notable holidays include Good Friday, Baisakhi, Muharram, Dussehra, Durga Puja, and Diwali. The festival of light falls on October 20.

In preparation for the grand Mahakumbh 2025, North Central Railway has introduced special arrangements to ensure the convenience of pilgrims arriving in Prayagraj.

Taking a digital leap, the Prayagraj division of North Central Railway has launched an innovative initiative to simplify the ticketing process through modern technology.

India can enhance its economic potential and become a keystone in the global supply chain system by seizing the opportunity from the shift in global alliances, Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra said and asserted that "India is well positioned to more than fend for itself".

"Globally, the last few years have been full of shocks, changes and uncertainties, and the year that is drawing to a close has been no exception. We are seeing a shifting world where interdependencies and a flat world may well be things of the past," he wrote.

Cold conditions have tightened their grip on Kashmir, with the valley bracing for fresh spells of snowfall as two back-to-back western disturbances are likely to affect the region starting Wednesday, officials said.

According to the Meteorological Department, a feeble western disturbance is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir from January 1-2, with light snow at scattered places from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak on Wednesday extended his wishes to the people of the state on the occasion of the New Year 2025. "Best wishes to the people of Uttar Pradesh for the New Year 2025. May the new year bring happiness and prosperity in your life. May Uttar Pradesh move ahead on the path of progress," he said.

People from all over the country gathered in large numbers in temples and churches to mark the new year.

In his New Year's speech on Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared that no one can stop China's "reunification" with Taiwan, delivering a stern warning to what Beijing sees as pro-independence forces both on the island and internationally.

The Ukrainian leader's address caps a difficult year for the war-battered country, which has been fending off a better-resourced Russian army for nearly three years. “May 2025 be our year,” Zelensky said in an address to the nation just before the clock struck midnight in Kyiv

Meme captured how nothing changes at New Year, and for sad adults, it is just an obligatory happy one minute

Taking to X, he wrote, “I extend my best wishes on the occasion of the New Year. Together, let us pray for peace and progress in the region and around the world as we work united to foster a better future for all.”

Ruchit Patel, who came from India told AFP, "A lot of people told me 'don't go, it's crowded'. I grew up watching it on TV. I wanted to experience it in person."

Tens of thousands of partygoers from around the world braved freezing temperatures and driving rain overnight Tuesday to ring in the new year in New York's famed Times Square. Every December 31 the colourful event attracts New Yorkers, Americans, and foreigners in the tens of thousands. The highlight of the evening was the descent of the Times Square ball, a 60-second countdown as a geodesic sphere -- illuminated and covered in crystal -- descended a 20-metre pylon.

Rio de Janeiro threw Brazil’s main New Year’s Eve bash on Copacabana beach, with barges shooting off 12 straight minutes of fireworks. Thousands of tourists on cruise ships and charter boats witnessed the show up close, while many more streamed onto the sand to find their spot.

The Prince and Princess of Wales extended New Year wishes and said, “Happy New Year! Wishing you all a wonderful 2025”

Lakhs of tourists and local residents flocked Goa's beaches after midnight on Wednesday to ring in the New Year. There was heavy traffic at night on several roads leading to the beaches even as the state police had regulated vehicular movement on busy routes anticipating huge crowd at the seashore.

While speaking on this, Central Range DIG Charan Singh Meena said, "... Thousands of devotees started visiting Lord Jagannath at Puri from 2 AM on New Year's first day and with smooth arrangements, they are able to get darshan peacefully... Comprehensive measures including barricades, medical assistance, CCTV surveillance have been implemented to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees and tourists..."

Salesforce Chairman and CEO Marc Benioff tweets New Year Wishes: 'Hauʻoli Makahiki Hou! Wishing Health, Happiness, and Holiness in 2025, Let’s Celebrate with the Beauty of Hawaii’s Fireworks!'"

Anand Mahindra shared an inspiring message as we step into 2025, acknowledging the challenges faced in 2024. He compared the daunting task of moving forward to a pilot's journey, reminding everyone that pilots make safe landings every day, no matter how turbulent the journey. Mahindra extended his heartfelt wishes for a peaceful and rewarding New Year, encouraging everyone to embrace the belief that "WE are the pilots of our destiny." 

India's stock market began 2025 on a cautious note, with benchmark indices showing little movement in the first trading session. Analysts anticipate a sideways trend persisting until quarterly earnings release next week. At 9:35 a.m. IST, the Nifty 50 had dipped 0.11% to 23,617.75 points, while the BSE Sensex was down 0.09% at 78,057.81. 

The UAE ushered in 2025 with a dazzling display of fireworks and drone shows. 1 Over 60 locations across all seven Emirates hosted celebrations, featuring more than 10,000 drones and multiple world records. From Abu Dhabi's extended 53-minute fireworks display to Dubai's 45 aerial pyrotechnic shows and Ras Al Khaimah's record-breaking laser drone show, the UAE spectacularly celebrated the new year.

India welcomed 2025 with stunning sunrises nationwide, from the eastern states to the southern coast, inspiring hope for the new year. Breathtaking views were captured from locations like Mumbai's Gateway of India and Raj Bhavan, Kerala's Kochi, West Bengal's Birbhum, Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, Odisha's Mayurbhanj, Madurai, and Chennai's Marina Beach.

President Droupadi Murmu has extended New Year greetings to citizens and urged them to renew their commitment to working together to create a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for India and the world.

In a post on X, President Droupadi Murmu said, "Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year! May the year 2025 bring joy, harmony and prosperity to all! On this occasion, let us renew our commitment to work together for creating a brighter, more inclusive and sustainable future for India and the world."

Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, I’m excited to share that Perplexity will continue to serve your information needs and much more. From providing insightful answers to solving your queries and offering personalized support, we’re here to make your year smoother and more informed. Get ready for more improvements, new features, and a journey of discovery ahead. Here's to an even better experience in 2025!" tweeted Aravind Srinivas.

Hundreds of devotees throng the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine on the first day of 2025, seeking blessings and offering prayers to mark the beginning of the New Year at this revered religious site in Jammu and Kashmir. The shrine, known for its spiritual significance, sees a surge of pilgrims as they embark on the journey to seek divine blessings for a prosperous year ahead.

Across India, devotees mark the first day of 2025 with spiritual fervour: In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, pilgrims take a sacred dip in the Ganga at Har Ki Paudi; in Delhi, crowds gather at Kalkaji and Hanuman Temples to offer prayers; and in Assam, devotees visit the Kamakhya Temple, welcoming the New Year with devotion and blessings.

A large number of devotees flock to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple on the first day of 2025 to offer prayers, marking the beginning of the New Year with spiritual fervour and devotion at this sacred site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extends greetings on the occasion of New Year 2025

"May this year bring everyone new opportunities, success and endless joy. May everybody be blessed with wonderful health and prosperity" tweets PM Modi

Stunning visuals capture the first sunrise of 2025 from Shimla, marking the beginning of the New Year with breathtaking beauty over the scenic hill station

The Indian stock market will remain open for trading today, January 1, New Year's Day. The stock exchanges, BSE and NSE, are open today, and no trading holiday has beendeclared for the first day of the new year 2025.

Rather than celebrating New Year's Eve with typical revelry, tens of thousands of protesters, primarily university students, took to the streets of Belgrade and other Serbian cities, demanding political reforms and justice. These demonstrations follow the tragic collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad's central train station on November 1st, which claimed 15 lives.

As we celebrate the first day of the year today, an air of hope and renewal fills the atmosphere, signalling a fresh start for everyone

-May 2025 be filled with bright moments and boundless joy for you and your loved ones.

-Wishing you and your family a year filled with prosperity, love, and success. Happy New Year 2025!

-Here’s to a year of creating, growing, and thriving in every way possible.

-As we step into 2025, may your days be as bright as your smiles and as sweet as your laughter.'

-The future is yours—make it magical. Happy New Year!

As per the bank holiday calendar 2025 released by the Reserve Bank of India ( RBI), January 1 is not universally a national holiday. Banks will be closed in Aizawl, Chennai, Gangtok, Imphal, Itanagar, Kohima, Kolkata, Shillong, and most of India on this date.

From Sydney's harbor fireworks to ice plunges in Switzerland, the world welcomed 2025 with diverse celebrations, ranging from light shows in Auckland and drone displays in Jakarta to Robbie Williams' singalong in Sydney and temple visits in Sri Lanka; while conflict muted festivities in some regions like the Middle East and Ukraine, other cities embraced the new year with unique traditions, including the start of Pope Francis' Holy Year in Rome, Paris' celebration of its Olympic spirit, and New York City's iconic Times Square ball drop, with Rio de Janeiro expecting over two million revelers on Copacabana Beach.

The world welcomed 2025 on Tuesday, as massive crowds bid farewell to 2024, a year marked by Olympic triumphs, Donald Trump's dramatic return, and ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and Ukraine.

2024 is poised to be remembered as the hottest year on record, with climate-driven disasters causing devastation from Europe’s plains to the Kathmandu Valley.

The UK ushered in 2025 with a stunning fireworks display amid heavy winds and rain warning. As per reports, the Met Office has issued weather warnings for parts of England, Wales, and Scotland as the New Year begins.

As 2025 kicked in, devotees thronged to attend the first arti of the New Year at Birla Mandir in Delhi

New Year celebrations in Mumbai were filled with parties and cultural events featuring live music performances, themed decorations.