World Welcomes New Year | Global Traditions Mark Midnight With Prayers For Peace | 12 AM Headlines

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World Welcomes New Year | Global Traditions Mark Midnight With Prayers For Peace | 12 AM Headlines

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As the clock struck midnight across different time zones, the world came together to welcome the New Year, marking the beginning of 2026 with celebrations, reflection, and prayers for peace. From Asia to Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, millions of people gathered at iconic landmarks, city squares, and places of worship to bid farewell to the outgoing year and embrace the new one with renewed hope and optimism.

Spectacular fireworks lit up the skies in major cities, while cultural traditions, music, and public festivities highlighted the diversity of New Year celebrations around the globe. In many countries, religious gatherings and special prayers were held, with communities offering collective hopes for peace, stability, and prosperity in the year ahead. The celebrations reflected a shared global desire for unity and calm amid ongoing regional and international challenges.

Thailand has released 18 Cambodian soldiers following a renewed ceasefire agreement reached between the two Southeast Asian neighbors, easing tensions after weeks of deadly border clashes. According to the Cambodian Defence Ministry, the soldiers were handed over at a border checkpoint after spending 155 days in Thai custody. The ceasefire came into effect at noon on Saturday and brought an end to nearly 20 days of intense fighting along the disputed border areas. The clashes resulted in at least 101 deaths and forced more than half a million civilians on both sides to flee their homes, raising serious humanitarian concerns before diplomatic efforts led to a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed confidence in China’s economic outlook, stating that the country is on track to meet its annual growth target of around 5 percent. Addressing senior Chinese Communist Party officials at a New Year’s tea gathering, Xi said China’s gross domestic product is expected to reach approximately 140 trillion yuan after what he described as an extraordinary year. Although he did not outline specific policy measures, Xi pledged more proactive macroeconomic policies in 2026, reinforcing the government’s recent commitments to fiscal support, income growth, and stronger domestic consumption and investment.

In the United States, major pharmaceutical companies are planning price increases on at least 350 branded medicines, despite pressure from the Trump administration to rein in healthcare costs. The planned hikes include vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, and shingles, as well as the widely used cancer drug Ibrance. Data from a healthcare research firm shows that the number of planned price increases for 2026 is significantly higher than the same period last year, when increases were announced for over 250 drugs. The median price hike stands at around 4 percent, matching the pace seen in 2025.

In Britain, Queen Camilla has spoken publicly for the first time about being assaulted as a teenager, revealing that she fought back during the incident. In an interview with the BBC, the Queen recalled being attacked by a man while she was reading a book on a train. She said the experience left her furious and shaken, adding that she did not know the attacker. Her comments have drawn attention to the issue of personal safety and violence against women, as she shared the incident to highlight the importance of speaking out and resilience.

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