Fireworks, drums and light shows: How the world is welcoming 2026

Crowds around the world have gathered to welcome the new year. New Zealand and Australia were among the first places to bring in 2026, with bright fireworks displays with iconic backdrops. Bangkok kicked off entered the new year with huge fireworks display around the Great Buddha of Thailand. Meanwhile in Beijing, crowds enjoyed a drums and light show. ShareSaveRos Atkins on… The alleged links between the UAE and Sudan's civil warBBC Analysis Editor Ros Atkins examines allegations of links between the UAE and Sudan’s RSF in the civil war, as international efforts continue to seek an end to the fighting. Watch: Trump attends dignified transfer for Americans killed in SyriaThe two US soldiers and a US civilian interpreter were killed in Syria in an ambush by an Islamic State (IS) gunman. BBC captures celebrations as Belarus frees political prisonersSouthern & Eastern Europe correspondent Sarah Rainsford reports from Lithuania, where some of the released prisoners were taken. Watch: Canadians and Americans on a social media ban for everyone under 16The BBC asked people in Toronto and DC if they think an Australian-style, under-16 social media ban would work in Canada and the US. Three things to know after US seizes Venezuelan oil tankerThe BBC's Ione Wells looks at how the incident marks a sharp escalation in an increasingly tense relationship between both countries. Watch: Video shows US military seizing oil tanker off Venezuela coastAccording to US Attorney General Pam Bondi, who shared the footage, the tanker was used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran. Nasa astronaut and cosmonauts return to Earth after 245 days in spaceNasa's Jonny Kim and cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky have touched down in Earth after 245 days on the ISS. A baby seal walks into a bar...A bar in Richmond, New Zealand had a surprise visitor when the marine mammal popped in. Watch: Newly released video shows Jeffrey Epstein's private island homeDemocrats released a new tranche of materials obtained through a subpoena to the US Virgin Islands, where the residence is located. Watch: Pope struggles to remove cloth covering plaqueIt took several attemps for Pope Leo and church clergy to unveil a plaque covered by a white sheet at an Istanbul cathedral. Trump says Saudi crown prince 'knew nothing' about Jamal Khashoggi's murderThe claim contradicts a 2021 US intelligence report, which said the de facto leader "approved an operation" to "capture or kill" the journalist. The Egyptian green tech firm looking to cut energy billsSaving System has developed a device that it says can help firms save electricity. Miss Universe contestants stage walkout after organiser berates Miss MexicoMiss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, said Nawat Itsaragrisil was 'not respectful' at a pre-pageant ceremony on Tuesday 'No inch here was spared': Hurricane Melissa destroys Jamaica townThe BBC’s Nada Tawfik reports from Black River, where the strongest storm to hit the country in modern history has left scenes of desperation. Watch: US and China's different reports of their trade meetingThe BBC's Laura Bicker explains how the two nation's have reported on the trade negotiations. Handshakes and whispers: Trump and Xi's meeting…in 73 secondsTrump says the meeting with President Xi, which was their first face-to-face interaction since 2019, was a "great success". Watch: Moment Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meet The US and Chinese leaders shook hands when they met face-to-face for the first time since 2019. Hurricane Melissa floods and destroys towns across CaribbeanAt least four people in Jamaica are confirmed dead and at least 20 people have died in Haiti flooding. Three things you need to know about the Trump-Xi meetingThe two world leaders are set to hold talks in South Korea, after months of escalating trade tension between the US and China. Slow-motion footage reveals secrets of snake bitesScientists working out of a venom laboratory in Paris studied which snakes strike their prey fastest.