Fireworks lit up the skies over major cities like Paris, Rio, and Sydney to mark the arrival of 2024. In contrast, regions like Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine experienced the start of the new year with rocket launches and strikes.
In Sydney, over a million people gathered around the harbor to witness a spectacular eight-tonne fireworks display, setting the tone for global celebrations. However, in Gaza, at the stroke of midnight, rockets were fired towards Israel, presenting a stark contrast to the festivities seen in other parts of the world.
New York City hosted its traditional dropping of a giant illuminated ball in Times Square, drawing thousands of spectators. Meanwhile, in various cities such as Auckland, Hong Kong, Manila, and Jakarta, pyrotechnics filled the night sky.
Noteworthy events from the past year, including Queen Margrethe II’s announcement of abdication in Denmark and global achievements like India landing an unmanned craft on the Moon’s south pole, were also highlighted.
However, the past year was not without its challenges, with conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the war in Gaza and southern Israel, dominating headlines. The United Nations estimated that almost two million Gazans were displaced during the conflict.
As people around the world bid farewell to 2023, thoughts of the year ahead are mixed. Pivotal elections are scheduled in 2024, shaping the political fate of over four billion people in countries like Russia, Britain, the European Union, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, Venezuela, and more.
In the United States, the possibility of a November rerun of the 2020 presidential contest between Joe Biden and Donald Trump looms, with both candidates in their 80s. Biden expressed optimism for the U.S. economy and emphasized the country’s resilience after the pandemic. The year ahead holds significant global consequences, with various nations facing political, economic, and social challenges.
