Celebrations have begun in different parts of the world to welcome a hopeful and fresh beginning after a year roiled by an ongoing genocide, multiple conflicts and political instability.New Zealand’s Auckland was the first major city to start off the New Year celebrations with colorful fireworks launched from the country’s tallest structure, Sky Tower, and a spectacular downtown light show.Countries in the South Pacific Ocean are the first to ring in the New Year, with midnight in New Zealand striking 18 hours before the ball drop in Times Square in New York.In her New Year greetings to the country, President of India Droupadi Murmu urged everyone to take “our society and nation” further on the path of unity and excellence.The coming of the new year marks the beginning of new hopes, dreams and aspirations, she said in a message.The occasion provides an opportunity to march forward with renewed vigour to fulfil “our wishes”, Murmu said.”Let us welcome the new year with joy and enthusiasm and take our society and nation further on the path of unity and excellence,” she said.The president extended her “heartiest greetings and best wishes to all Indians, living in India and abroad.”Thousands of police personnel and CCTV cameras were deployed and traffic was regulated across states to ensure public safety and prevent any untoward incident as the country geared up to welcome 2025.Traffic police personnel armed with alcometers were deployed at prominent places in major cities to check drunk driving.Nearly 20,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in Delhi to check hooliganism and traffic violations on New Year’s Eve, a senior police official said.In Maharashtra, more than 14,000 police personnel have been deployed in Mumbai as part of elaborate security arrangements to maintain law and order on New Year’s Eve.These include more than 12,000 police constables, 2,184 officers, 53 assistant commissioners, 29 deputy commissioners and eight additional commissioner-rank officers, an official said.Large gatherings are expected at prominent places in the city, including Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Girgaon Chowpatty, Bandra Bandstand, Juhu and Versova beaches.Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said more than 7,500 CCTV cameras have been installed across Bengaluru and special picket arrangements and enhanced police deployment have been made to ensure public safety.The government has permitted New Year celebrations in the city only till 1 am.In Gujarat too, security has been beefed up. A senior officer said 6,000 police personnel have been deployed in Ahmedabad and security has been enhanced at popular spots.Gaza genocide, Ukraine war and multiple conflicts cast shadow on celebrations New Year’s celebrations are likely to be subdued in Israel as its “genocide” on Gaza continues through the 15th month and hostages remain in captivity. Meanwhile, the death toll in Gaza crossed 45,500 on Monday as Israeli airtsrikes killed 27 people, mostly women and children.As many as five babies froze to death in recent days amid Israel’s continuous blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza.Lebanon is in the grip of a severe economic crisis, and many areas were heavily damaged during the war between Israel and Hezbollah, which ended with a shaky ceasefire. Syrians are meanwhile expressing hope and uncertainty for the coming year after the overthrow of President Bashar Assad.
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