Singapore, December 31 (ANI): People in Singapore heralded the New Year amid gaiety and cheers with fireworks lighting up the sky over the Marina Bay Sands.
Bagpipers played tunes at the Singapore Cricket Club. 
People took photos of the sky lit in varied colours due to the dazzle of fireworks. As Singapore is ahead of India in time zones, the New Year arrived there first.
Earlier, New Zealand erupted into celebrations as the New Year ushered.
The Auckland Sky Tower went into countdown and crowds thronged New Year celebrations. Thousands of people were seen celebrating and wishing each other.
Christopher Luxon, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, said his target for 2024 was to reduce inflation, and claimed to have achieved it.
“One of my New Year’s resolutions this year was to reduce inflation so you weren’t smashed by crushing price increases. Right now inflation is at 2.2% – down from 7.2% where it was in 2023. Glad we got that one sorted,” he said in a post on X.
https://x.com/chrisluxonmp/status/1873849857196384616
The New Zealand Prime Minister celebrated New Year with his wife, Amanda Luxon.
https://x.com/chrisluxonmp/status/1873999821813768528
Kiribati, an island in the Pacific Ocean, was the first country to celebrate the New Year, followed by other nations including Australia, Japan, Samoa, and Indonesia.
American Samoa, which is a little farther from Samoa, will celebrate New Year nearly a day later due to the International Date Line.
Earlier, as Australia ushered in the New Year, thousands of citizens gathered at the iconic Sydney Opera House to witness the spectacular fireworks and celebrations.
People from across the globe converged at the Sydney Opera House to enjoy the festivities.
Kunal Verma, an Indian visitor, expressed his excitement for the fireworks. He also shared that the New Year coincided with his wife’s birthday, making the occasion even more special.
“It’s a very amazing feeling, this is the first time for us here. Earlier, we used to see this event on television. But seeing the event live is an amazing experience. Today is my wife’s birthday also, so it’s more special for me. Happy New Year to all the people. Stay fit and healthy. Best wishes for all,” he said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also wished everyone a Happy New Year on social media.
https://x.com/AlboMP/status/1873874874189611393
“Here’s to a great 2025,” he said. (ANI)
Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed of ANI; only the image & headline may have been reworked by News Services Division of World News Network Inc Ltd and Palghar News and Pune News and World News
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