Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist who rose to prominence on a campaign focused on tackling affordability in one of the most expensive cities in the United States (US), was sworn in early Thursday as New York City's 112th mayor, news agency ANI reported. At 34, Mamdani made history as the city’s first Muslim mayor, its first South Asian mayor, and the youngest person to hold the office in more than a century. “This is truly the honour and the privilege of a lifetime,” Mamdani said moments after taking the oath, ANI reported, quoting CNN. The former Queens-based state assemblyman stunned the political establishment with his victory in the Democratic primary last summer, running on a platform aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden. His campaign pledged universal childcare, a rent freeze for nearly two million rent-stabilised tenants, and making city buses “fast and free,” according to CNN. Mamdani was sworn in shortly after midnight during a private ceremony attended by his wife, artist Rama Duwaji. His parents, filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani, were also present, ANI reported. New York State Attorney General Letitia James, whom Mamdani has previously described as a “political inspiration”, administered the oath of office. Mamdani sworn in at historic City Hall subway station The ceremony was held at the disused City Hall subway station beneath City Hall Park in Manhattan, a historic site closed to the public since 1945. The station, one of the city’s original subway stops opened in 1904, features ornate tiled arches, stained glass skylights and chandeliers, CNN reported. Speaking after the ceremony, Mamdani highlighted the symbolism of the venue, describing it as “a testament to the importance of public transit to the vitality, the health and the legacy of our city.” He also announced the appointment of veteran city planner Michael Flynn as the next commissioner of the city’s Department of Transportation. Public transport has been a cornerstone of Mamdani’s agenda. Along with proposals to make buses free, he has said his administration would expand bicycle lanes and redesign streets to better serve pedestrians. A public inauguration ceremony is scheduled for Thursday afternoon at City Hall Plaza, where thousands are expected to attend. Progressive leaders, including Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and independent Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, are set to take part, with Sanders administering the public oath of office, CNN reported. Mamdani’s transition team has also planned a block party along Broadway, billed as the “Inauguration of a New Era,” with supporters gathering outside City Hall. While his agenda has energised progressive circles, it has also attracted scepticism. His proposals to tax the wealthy would require approval from the state legislature and the governor. He assumes office at a time when New York’s economy shows resilience, even as high living costs continue to strain working-class residents. Mamdani’s ascent comes as the national Democratic Party debates its future direction, with his victory intensifying discussions over whether the party should shift further left and make affordability a central issue ahead of upcoming midterm elections. (With ANI inputs)
01 January,2026 03:49 PM IST | New York | mid-day online correspondentA powerful explosion triggered a major fire at a bar in Switzerland overnight, leaving “several injured and dead” and putting severe pressure on hospitals treating burn victims, news agency ANI reported, quoting Swiss broadcaster Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF). The incident comes just weeks ahead of the World Economic Forum’s 2026 Annual Meeting, scheduled to be held from January 19 to 23 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The blast occurred at around 1.30 am, Valais Police Spokesperson Gaetan Lathion told the Keystone-SDA news agency. He said the cause of the explosion is still “unknown”. According to Lathion, more than 100 people were present inside the restaurant at the time, highlighting the scale of the emergency that unfolded in the early hours of the morning. Emergency services rushed to the site soon after the explosion, as authorities worked to evacuate people trapped inside the building. Given the high number of casualties, officials have set up a helpline for families and relatives of those affected. The helpline can be reached at the telephone number “084 811 21 17”. The impact of the incident was felt well beyond Crans-Montana. A doctor from the Rega air rescue service told French-language broadcaster RTS that hospitals across French-speaking Switzerland were struggling to cope with a sudden influx of patients suffering from severe burns. The doctor appealed to the public to show solidarity and avoid risky activities on January 1, in order to ease the burden on emergency medical services. As rescue operations continued, visuals circulating on social media—reportedly filmed from outside the Constellation Bar—showed flames raging inside the building as firefighters and other emergency responders converged on the scene. The footage also captured numerous emergency vehicles arriving one after another. Swiss explosion: Mass evacuation in Crans-Montana as police investigate bar blast A witness told the broadcaster that “countless” ambulances, along with several helicopters, were deployed to evacuate and transport the injured, underlining the seriousness of the injuries sustained in the blast and fire. While Swiss news outlet Blick reported that the fire may have been triggered by fireworks during a New Year’s Eve concert, Swiss police have reiterated that the cause of the explosion remains “unknown”. SRF reported that the Valais Cantonal Police have scheduled a press conference at 10 am to share further details on the incident and the ongoing investigation. The incident occurred in Crans-Montana, an upscale ski resort town located around two hours from Switzerland’s capital, Bern. (With ANI inputs)
01 January,2026 02:58 PM IST | Geneva | mid-day online correspondentExternal Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday handed over to Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leader Tarique Rahman a letter from Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi as thousands of people bid farewell to former premier Khaleda Zia at her funeral. Shortly after landing in Dhaka, Jaishankar met Rahman, the acting chairman of BNP and Zia’s eldest son, and conveyed India’s deepest condolences over the death of the iconic leader who dominated Bangladesh’s politics for over three decades. The external affairs minister is representing India at Zia’s funeral. "Handed over to him a personal letter from Prime Minister @narendramodi. Conveyed deepest condolences on behalf of the Government and people of India," Jaishankar said on social media. "Expressed confidence that Begum Khaleda Zia's vision and values will guide the development of our partnership," he added. On Tuesday, PM Modi condoled Zia’s death and recalled his meeting with her during his visit to Dhaka in 2015. "Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia in Dhaka. Our sincerest condolences to her family and all the people of Bangladesh. May the Almighty grant her family the fortitude to bear this tragic loss," Modi said on social media. PM Modi recalls 2015 Dhaka meeting with Khaleda Zia "I recall my warm meeting with her in Dhaka in 2015. We hope that her vision and legacy will continue to guide our partnership. May her soul rest in peace," he added. Jaishankar’s visit comes amid frosty ties between India and Bangladesh, which came under strain after the interim government headed by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus came to power. India has been expressing concerns over attacks on minorities, especially Hindus, in Bangladesh. Bangladesh held the Namaz-e-Janaza of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Wednesday at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban, as thousands gathered to pay their final respects. The funeral prayer was led by the khatib of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque, while BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan oversaw the proceedings, according to The Daily Star. Following the funeral prayer, Zia will be laid to rest with state honours beside her husband, slain President and BNP founder Ziaur Rahman. (With inputs from PTI and ANI)
31 December,2025 03:53 PM IST | Dhaka | mid-day online correspondentThe United States carried out a covert drone strike on a port facility along Venezuela's coastline earlier this month, in what is believed to be the first known American attack on a target inside Venezuelan territory, CNN reported. According to CNN, the strike was executed by the CIA and targeted a remote dock that US agencies believe was being used by the criminal gang Tren de Aragua to store drugs and transfer them onto boats for onward trafficking. No casualties were reported, as the site was reportedly empty at the time of the strike. The operation was not publicly disclosed earlier and marks a significant escalation in Washington's actions against Venezuela. CNN cited two sources that US Special Operations Forces had provided intelligence inputs for the strike, though this claim was rejected by the US Special Operations Command. Colonel Allie Weiskopf, spokesperson for US Special Operations Command, said, "Special Operations did not support this operation to include intel support, " CNN quoted. Last week on Friday, US President Donald Trump indirectly confirmed the strike during a media interview, although he did not provide details at the time. Earlier on Monday, while hosting Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at his Mar-a-lago club in Florida, Trump said the US had struck a dock area used for loading boats involved in drug trafficking but declined to clarify whether the military or the CIA carried out the operation. He said there was "a major explosion in the dock area where they load the boats up with drugs." "So we hit all the boats, and now we hit the area, it's an implementation area, that's where they implement, and that is no longer around," Trump added. When asked if the US military carried out the Venezuela operation, Trump declined to clarify. "I don't want to say that," he said, CNN reported. "I know exactly who it was, but I don't want to say who it was. But you know, it was along the shore." Trump first disclosed the operation during a recent interview, where he said the US struck "a big plant, or a big facility," adding, We knocked that out," CNN quoted. The drone strike comes amid growing pressure by the US on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Washington has stepped up actions aimed at weakening Maduro's government, including repeated threats of direct strikes inside the country. In recent months, the US has destroyed more than 30 boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean as part of what it calls a counter-narcotics campaign. These operations were conducted in international waters. The latest strike marks a shift, as it was carried out on Venezuelan soil, CNN reported. Trump has also ordered a blockade on oil tankers linked to Venezuela, particularly those under US sanctions, further tightening economic pressure on Caracas. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
31 December,2025 08:56 AM IST | Washington | ANITaiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Wednesday said it detected 77 Chinese military aircraft and 17 naval vessels operating around the island as of 6 am local time, amid ongoing military drills by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). In a post on X, the MND said that 35 of the 77 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). "77 PLA aircraft, 17 PLAN vessels and 8 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 35 out of 77 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the ministry said. The latest activity comes after the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command conducted military drills in waters east of Taiwan, which it described as an all-dimensional force projection. Taiwan's Minister of National Defence Wellington Koo on Tuesday said that the PLA's actions pose a risk to regional stability. According to Taiwan's MND, Koo said the drills also threaten civilian maritime and air traffic. "Minister of National Defence Wellington Koo said today that the PLA's provocative actions threaten regional stability and civilian traffic. Following the President's guidance, the ROC Armed Forces will respond calmly and safeguard our nation's security and democracy," the MND said in a separate post. The ongoing drills, codenamed 'Justice Mission 2025', involve the PLA Eastern Theatre Command deploying its Army, Navy, Air Force and Rocket Force units to conduct joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, southwest, southeast and east of Taiwan, according to Taiwan's defence ministry. On Tuesday, the MND said it had recorded a higher level of activity, detecting 130 PLA aircraft, 14 PLAN vessels and eight official ships operating around Taiwan until 6 am. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
31 December,2025 08:53 AM IST | Taipei | ANIFossilised remains of a giant dinosaur that lived 125 million years ago have been identified. It belongs to a 25-foot-long dinosaur nicknamed ‘Sam Ran spinosaurid’. This fish-eating dinosaur stalked the Khorat Group’s waterways in Cretaceous Thailand. Interestingly, the discovery is being hailed as one of the most complete spinosaurid specimens ever recovered in Asia. These predatory theropod dinosaurs are best known for being the “crocodiles of the dinosaur world,” evolving unique features for hunting around water. Analysis suggests this dinosaur may be more closely related to the famous spinosaurus of North Africa than to other known Asian species, despite being geographically closer to the Laotian Ichthyovenator. It hints at complex patterns of migration and evolution. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
31 December,2025 07:04 AM IST | Bangkok | AgenciesTaiwan said it detected a sharp rise in Chinese military activity around the island. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said, “130 PLA aircraft, 14 PLAN vessels and 8 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 am today." "90 out of 130 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We monitored the situation and responded.” The detection comes a day after China launched large-scale joint military drills around Taiwan, deploying its army, navy, air force and rocket forces. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
31 December,2025 06:59 AM IST | Taipei | AgenciesExposure to artificial light at night causes increased stress activity in the brain, inflammation in the arteries, and a greater risk of heart disease. The participants, who had no history of heart disease and no active cancer, underwent the same Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) scan. The study included 450 adults. The results showed that people exposed to higher levels of artificial light at night had increased stress-related activity in the brain, more inflammation in blood vessels, and a higher likelihood of major cardiovascular events. Researchers gathered this information from medical records, which were independently reviewed by cardiologists. The risk rose steadily with increasing light exposure. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
31 December,2025 06:55 AM IST | Texas | AgenciesPresident Donald Trump has indicated that the US has “hit” a facility in South America as he wages a pressure campaign on Venezuela, but the US offered no other details. Trump made the comments in what seemed to be an impromptu radio interview Friday. The president, who called radio host John Catsimatidis during a program on WABC radio, was discussing US strikes on alleged drug-carrying boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean, which have killed at least 105 people in 29 known strikes since early September. “I don't know if you read or saw, they have a big plant or a big facility where they send the, you know, where the ships come from," Trump said. "Two nights ago, we knocked that out. So, we hit them very hard.” Trump did not offer any additional details in the interview, including what kind of attack may have occurred. The Pentagon on Monday referred questions to the White House, which did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth or one of the US military's social media accounts has in the past typically announced every boat strike in a post on X, but they have not posted any notice of any strike on a facility. The press office of Venezuela's government did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment on Trump's statement. Trump for months has suggested he may conduct land strikes in South America, in Venezuela or possibly another country, and in recent weeks has been saying the US would move beyond striking boats and would strike on land “soon.” In October, Trump confirmed he had authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. The agency did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Monday. Along with the strikes, the US has sent warships, built up military forces in the region, seized two oil tankers and pursued a third. The Trump administration has said it is in “armed conflict” with drug cartels and seeking to stop the flow of narcotics into the United States. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has insisted the real purpose of the US military operations is to force him from power. White House chief of staff Susie Wiles said in an interview with Vanity Fair published this month that Trump “wants to keep on blowing boats up until Maduro cries uncle.'” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 December,2025 12:06 PM IST | Washington | APSaudi Arabia on Tuesday said it bombed the port city of Mukalla in Yemen over a shipment of weapons for a separatist force there that arrived from the United Arab Emirates. The attack signals a new escalation in tensions between the kingdom and the Southern Transitional Council, which is backed by the Emirates. It also further strains ties between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which had been backing competing sides in Yemen's decadelong war against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels. A military statement carried by the state-run Saudi Press Agency announced the strikes, which it said came after ships arrived there from Fujairah, a port city on the UAE's eastern coast. "Given the danger and escalation posed by these weapons, which threaten security and stability, the Coalition Air Forces conducted a limited military operation this morning targeting weapons and combat vehicles unloaded from the two ships at the port of al-Mukalla" it said. There was no immediate comment from the UAE. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 December,2025 12:06 PM IST | Dubai, United Arab Emirates | APBangladesh's interim government Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday described former prime minister Khaleda Zia as a "great guardian" whose role in the country's democratic journey would be remembered forever, as he expressed profound sorrow at her death. In a condolence message posted on his X handle, Yunus said he was "deeply saddened and grief-stricken" by the passing of Zia, noting that the nation had lost not just a political leader but a towering stateswoman who represented an important chapter in Bangladesh's history. With the passing of Zia, "the nation has lost a great guardian", he said. Zia, the longtime chief of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a three-time prime minister, died at around 6 am local time after a prolonged illness at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. She was 80. Yunus said Zia's role in establishing democracy, nurturing a multi-party political culture and safeguarding the rights of the people will be remembered forever. "Through her uncompromising leadership, the nation was repeatedly freed from undemocratic conditions and inspired to regain liberty. The nation will remember her contributions to the country and its people with respect," he said. Despite political differences, Yunus said, her long political journey, dedicated to national welfare, people-oriented leadership, and firm resolve, consistently showed the way forward. "With her death, Bangladesh has lost an experienced and proven stateswoman," he said. Recalling her political life, Yunus said Zia was Bangladesh's first woman prime minister and "led the struggle to restore democracy against autocracy". Her "strong leadership played a decisive role in bringing down the nine-year-long autocratic rule of HM Ershad", Yunus said. He said after becoming prime minister in 1991, Zia laid a strong foundation for the economy through liberalisation. During what he described as Sheikh Hasina's "fascist rule", Yunus said, Zia emerged as a "unique symbol of struggle and resistance", inspiring the nation through her steadfast stance. The Chief Adviser alleged that due to her political success, Zia became a victim of "extreme political vengeance", and was sentenced to 17 years in prison in what he called "false and fabricated cases", and endured long periods of incarceration. Yunus expressed deep condolences to Zia's bereaved family and to the leaders and activists of BNP. Calling her death an irreparable loss for the nation, he urged people to remain calm and patient and requested citizens to pray for the departed leader. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
30 December,2025 11:13 AM IST | Dhaka [Bangladesh] | PTIADVERTISEMENT
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