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📅January 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Global news on January 2, 2026, features Bulgaria's euro adoption, deadly disasters in Switzerland and Afghanistan, escalating Ukraine-Russia conflict, Iran protests, and US-brokered Caucasus peace.
1

Bulgaria Adopts Euro as 21st Eurozone Member

Bulgaria officially replaced the lev with the euro on January 1, becoming the 21st member state of the eurozone amid mixed citizen reactions.Source 2Source 4Source 8 Cyprus simultaneously began its presidency of the Council of the European Union.Source 2 This marks a significant expansion of the eurozone.Source 4

2

Deadly Bar Fire in Crans-Montana, Switzerland Kills 46

At least 46 people died and around 100 were injured in an explosion and fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Valais, suspected due to pyrotechnics.Source 2Source 4Source 8 The incident occurred following New Year's events.Source 2 Emergency services responded swiftly to the tragedy.Source 4

3

Russia Launches Over 200 Drones at Ukraine on New Year's

Russia launched more than 200 drones targeting energy facilities in seven Ukrainian regions during New Year's attacks, as stated by President Zelenskyy.Source 5Source 8 Fighting continued into the holiday period amid ongoing war.Source 5 One person was killed in Russian drone strikes on Kherson Oblast.Source 4

4

Flash Floods in Afghanistan Kill 17 Amid Heavy Rains

Heavy rains and snowfall triggered flash floods across Afghanistan, killing at least 17 people and injuring 11 others, ending a dry spell.Source 3Source 4 The disaster management agency reported widespread impacts.Source 3 Rescue efforts are ongoing in affected areas.Source 4

5

Protests in Iran Escalate Over Economy, At Least 7 Killed

Demonstrations sparked by Iran's ailing economy have spread to rural areas, resulting in at least seven deaths amid security crackdowns.Source 1Source 3Source 5 The government claims openness to dialogue while operations continue nationwide.Source 5 Protests persist despite government responses.Source 1

6

Ukrainian Drone Strike Kills 24 in Russian-Occupied Kherson

A Ukrainian drone attack killed 24 in a Russian-occupied village in Ukraine’s Kherson region, heightening tensions despite peace talks.Source 3 Russian officials reported the casualties as diplomats note productive negotiations.Source 3 This occurs amid broader Russo-Ukrainian conflict.Source 4

7

Trump-Brokered Washington Accords Reshape South Caucasus

The Washington Accords, mediated by US President Donald Trump, promote stability between Armenia and Azerbaijan, including commercial ventures like a Trump route and AI data center.Source 1 The agreement alters the geopolitical map of the region.Source 1 It envisions transport links and cessation of hostilities.Source 1

8

Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City Mayor

Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City mayor, emphasizing affordable housing initiatives.Source 1 The ceremony marks a new focus on urban housing challenges.Source 1 Local leaders attended the event.Source 1

9

Pope Leo XIV Pleads for Peace in War-Torn Nations

Pope Leo XIV opened 2026 with a New Year's plea for peace in countries ravaged by war and families affected by violence.Source 3 The message highlights global conflicts including Ukraine and Gaza.Source 3 It calls for reconciliation worldwide.Source 3

10

Pakistan Records Deadliest Year in Decade with 74% Surge in Deaths

Pakistan saw combat-related deaths rise 74% in 2025, marking its deadliest year in over a decade per an independent think tank report.Source 3 The surge underscores escalating security challenges.Source 3 Data covers nationwide incidents.Source 3

11

Turkmenistan Legalizes Crypto Mining and Exchanges

Turkmenistan, one of the world's most closed nations, has legalized cryptocurrency mining and exchanges, signaling economic reforms.Source 3 This shifts its tightly-controlled economy toward digital assets.Source 3 Implementation details are emerging.Source 3

12

Brazil's Bolsonaro Returns to Jail After Hospital Stay

Former President Jair Bolsonaro left a Brasilia hospital after double hernia surgery and returned to jail in the capital.Source 3 He had been hospitalized for a week post-operation.Source 3 Legal proceedings continue.Source 3