Macron vows to work until 'last second' of mandatePARIS, France, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - France's President Emmanuel Macron said Wednesday he would stay until the "last second" of his second term after a year of domestic political turmoil that included calls for him to resign. "I will be at work until the very last second, striving each day to live up to the mandate you entrusted to me," he said in a televised New Year's Eve address. Macron kept a high international profile in 2025, including as part of efforts to stem the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Macron's third new prime minister since the snap polls, Sebastien Lecornu, has struggled to push a much-needed austerity budget through the hung parliament. Within the president's centrist ranks, his former prime minister Edouard Philippe -- a 2027 candidate -- in October urged early presidential elections.

KYIV, Ukraine, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday his country was "10 percent" away from a deal to end the war with Russia, but cautioned that the most important issues were unresolved and warned against rewarding Moscow. US-led efforts to end Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II have gained pace in recent weeks, but both sides remain at odds over the key issue of territory in a post-war settlement. In his New Year's Eve address, Zelensky said his country wanted an end to the war but not at "any cost", and that any agreement needed strong security guarantees to deter Russia from invading again. And that is far more than just numbers," Zelensky said in the address, posted on his Telegram account. Russia has called it a "personal" and "terrorist attack" and against Putin, saying it will toughen its negotiation stance in the Ukraine war talks.

BRUSSELS, Belgium, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - A total of 128 journalists were killed around the world in 2025, more than half of them in the Middle East, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) said Thursday. The press group voiced particular alarm over the situation in the Palestinian territories, where it recorded 56 media professionals killed in 2025 as Israel's war with Hamas ground on in Gaza. The IFJ's count for the number of journalists killed is typically far higher than that of Reporters Without Borders, due to different counting methods. This year's IFJ toll also included nine accidental deaths. Reporters Without Borders said 67 journalists were killed in the course of their work this year, while UNESCO puts the figure at 93.

Gasperini was hand-picked to lead Roma at 67 by his predecessor Claudio Ranieri, who is still at the club as an advisor to the American owners. After the phenomenal job he did in nine years at Atalanta, Gasperini will undoubtedly be hailed as a returning hero by Atalanta's fervent home support at the Gewiss Stadium, until kick-off. Roma sit fourth, three points behind league leaders Inter Milan, who host Bologna on Sunday night in the first round of fixtures in a packed January. Roma have lost six times in Serie A this season, with four of those defeats coming against Inter, Milan, Napoli and fifth-placed Juventus who host lowly Lecce on Saturday. Fixtures (all times GMT)FridayCagliari v AC Milan (1945)SaturdayComo v Udinese (1130), Genoa v Pisa, Sassuolo v Parma (1400), Juventus v Lecce (1700), Atalanta v Roma (1945)SundayLazio v Napoli (1230), Fiorentina v Cremonese (1400), Verona v Torino (1700), Inter Milan v Bologna (1945)

MELBOURNE, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were Thursday named in a spin-heavy provisional Australian squad for this year's Twenty20 World Cup after their Ashes campaign was ruined by injury. Hazlewood and big-hitter Tim David (hamstring) are also on the comeback trail, but are expected to be ready. "Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David are tracking well and we are confident they will be available for the World Cup," chief selector George Bailey said. They will name a separate squad for a T20 series against Pakistan that precedes the World Cup. Squad: Mitchell Marsh (capt), Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins, Tim David, Cameron Green, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

In Venezuela, price of US dollar up 479 percent in a yearCARACAS, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Venezuela, currently in the throes of an escalating crisis with the United States, closed the books Wednesday on a complicated year for its economy, with the official cost of buying a US dollar up 479 percent in the last 12 months. The gap between the official and black market rate is mounting as well, nearing 100 percent in an economy that has become increasingly dollarized as a way to tackle hyperinflation. Venezuela's central bank on Wednesday set the official rate at 301.37 bolivars to the US dollar, a rate in effect until January 2. That marks a 479.25 percent increase from the rate of 52.02 bolivars to the dollar posted in early 2025. Venezuela has been under a US oil embargo since 2019 and exports the vast majority of its output on the black market at a sharp discount.

SEOUL, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised his troops fighting abroad as forging an "invincible alliance" with Russia in a new year's message, state media said Thursday. Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to support Russia's nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine, according to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies. At least 600 have died and thousands more have sustained injuries, according to South Korean estimates. The North Korean leader praised soldiers for strengthening the "invincible alliance" with Russia, calling on them to fight "for the fraternal Russian people". On-the-ground accounts, however, paint a grim picture for North Korean troops embedded in Europe's bloodiest war in decades.

World welcomes 2026 with fireworks after year of Trump and turmoilPARIS, France, Jan 1, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Revellers around the world toasted the start of 2026, bidding farewell on Wednesday to a volatile year when temperatures soared, US President Donald Trump upended global trade, and the brutal conflict in Ukraine raged on. A new American pope was installed at the Vatican, the world lost pioneering zoologist Jane Goodall, and Labubu dolls sparked a worldwide frenzy. Russia's Vladimir Putin meanwhile used his traditional New Year address to urge his compatriots to believe that Moscow would deliver a victory in Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II. Trump returned as US president in January, launching a tariff blitz that sent global trade and world stock markets into meltdown. And in New York, thousands gathered in freezing temperatures amid tight security for the traditional ball drop in Times Square.

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus. File PhotoDHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today called upon all participating countries and institutions at the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) to work together in a spirit of mutual cooperation and partnership. The head of the government extended his sincere greetings and felicitations to all participants, including domestic and foreign entrepreneurs, investors, traders and buyers. Noting that the DITF plays a vital role in promoting domestic products and expanding Bangladesh’s export, Prof Dr Yunus said through this fair, local entrepreneurs and consumers get valuable idea regarding the quality, design and global trends of foreign products as well. Wishing for the DITF 2026 ‘every success’, the chief adviser expected that the fair to emerge as a vibrant, buyer-friendly and festive occasion through the meaningful engagement of all stakeholders.

DHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman today expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of July warrior Shafiqul Islam. In a condolence message, Jamaat Ameer conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved family members of Shafiqul Islam and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul. He said many July warriors are still receiving treatment in hospitals and their sacrifices have not yet ended. Shafiqul Islam was one of them," he said, adding that the nation would remember them with due respect. Shafiqul Islam, one of the brave fighters of the July movement, passed away on Tuesday while undergoing treatment.

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Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury. File PhotoDHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) – Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury today joined the namaj-e-janaza of three-time Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia. Chief Prosecutor of the International Crime Tribunal (ICT) Muhammad Tajul Islam, leaders of Supreme Court Bar Association too joined the janaza of the former premier. From Tuesday night, all major roads leading to Manik Mia Avenue were crowded as people travelled from every corner of the country by buses, trains, launches, and metro and other services. Scenes of deep sorrow were visible with thousands of mourners seen weeping openly.

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Photo : CollectedDHAKA, Dec 31, 2025 (BSS) - Bhutan today conveyed formal condolences to Bangladesh as a high-level delegation paid respects at the state funeral of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. On behalf of the people and the government of Bhutan, Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel offered condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh. During the visit, condolence messages from the King of Bhutan, the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, and the Prime Minister of Bhutan were formally handed over to BNP Acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman, son of the late Begum Khaleda Zia. The Bhutanese delegation, comprising senior government officials and led by Lyonpo D. N. Dhungyel, attended the state funeral following a royal command from the King. The delegation also participated in prayers and other ceremonial proceedings, reflecting Bhutan's deep respect and solidarity on the passing of the veteran Bangladeshi leader.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman has said he held a meeting with an Indian diplomat that was kept confidential at the diplomat’s request, according to an interview he gave to British news agency Reuters. Rahman said the Indian diplomat asked him to keep the meeting secret, which is why it was not disclosed earlier. He said that while diplomats from other countries meet political leaders openly, the Indian representative requested that the meeting be kept confidential. There is no alternative to improving mutual relations,” Rahman said. However, a source in the Indian government told Reuters that New Delhi is maintaining contacts with various political parties in Bangladesh.