ISTANBUL 

Here is a rundown of all the news you need to start your Friday, including a fire at a bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland killing at least 47 people, Zohran Mamdani being inaugurated as New York City mayor at a grand public ceremony, and the US urging China to exercise restraint after military drills near Taiwan.

TOP STORIES

• At least 47 killed, 112 injured in Crans-Montana bar fire in Switzerland: Italian foreign minister

At least 47 people were killed and 112 injured after a fire broke out at a crowded bar during New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told Italian media.

Swiss authorities, however, have so far confirmed lower provisional figures. Valais cantonal police said around 40 people were killed and about 115 injured, most of them severely, stressing that the identification of victims is ongoing and that the numbers could still change.

A criminal investigation into the incident is ongoing. Valais prosecutors said several hypotheses are being examined, with the currently favored theory being that of a generalized conflagration that caused a deflagration.

Meanwhile, witness accounts, photos and video footage posted on social media suggest the fire was triggered by a sparkler in a champagne bottle, while authorities declined to speculate on the exact cause.

• Zohran Mamdani inaugurated as New York City mayor at grand public ceremony

Zohran Mamdani was publicly sworn in as the 112th mayor of New York City during a public ceremony at City Hall, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian to lead the largest US city, taking the oath of office on the Quran.

The oath was administered for a second time by US Senator Bernie Sanders, a self-proclaimed democratic socialist lawmaker from Vermont, who supported Mamdani’s progressive campaign promises.

“I promise you this: If you are a New Yorker, I am your mayor. Regardless of whether we agree, I will protect you, celebrate with you, mourn alongside you, and never, not for a second, hide from you,” Mamdani told the crowd, which included supporters, city officials and his family.

• US urges China to exercise restraint after military drills near Taiwan

The US urged China to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and engage in meaningful dialogue following Beijing’s latest military exercises near the island.

“China’s military activities and rhetoric toward Taiwan and others in the region increase tensions unnecessarily,” State Department Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a statement. “We urge Beijing to exercise restraint, cease its military pressure against Taiwan, and instead engage in meaningful dialogue,” he added.

Beijing launched the Justice Mission 2025 joint military drills Monday, days after the US approved a one-time record sale of arms worth over $11 billion to Taipei.

​​​NEWS IN BRIEF

• Belgium will take in seven patients injured in the deadly bar fire in the Swiss ski resort town of Crans-Montana and deploy a specialized medical team to support Swiss authorities, the country's foreign minister said.
• Yemen’s internationally recognized government accused a militia affiliated with the Southern Transitional Council (STC) of storming Al Rayyan Airport in eastern Hadhramaut province and looting its contents.
• Yemen’s STC said that operations at Aden International Airport in the country’s south have been suspended, with the STC-affiliated AIC channel claiming that Saudi Arabia halted domestic and international flights to and from the airport, leading to a complete suspension of operations at the facility.
• Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani spoke with the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia amid tensions between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh over the situation in Yemen.
• Russia said it handed to the US side evidence that Ukraine's alleged drone attack carried out this week targeted President Vladimir Putin's residence in the Novgorod region.
• Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) chief Ibrahim Kalin met with Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, Turkish security sources said.
• Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Rustem Umerov, the secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
• Two people were killed in protests in southwestern Iran, local media reported.

BUSINESS & ECONOMY

• Bulgaria adopts euro amid protests, political uncertainty

Bulgaria adopted the euro on Jan. 1, becoming the 21st member of the eurozone despite widespread public protests, deep political instability and growing concerns over rising prices.

The Balkan country joined the EU in 2007 and entered the eurozone's "waiting room" in 2020 alongside Croatia, which adopted the euro in 2023.

It has met all four Maastricht criteria required for euro adoption, including price stability, sound public finances, exchange rate stability and long-term interest rate convergence.

SPORTS

• English club Chelsea part ways with head coach Enzo Maresca

English football club Chelsea said it parted ways with head coach Enzo Maresca, wishing the Italian well in his future career.

In a statement, Chelsea said Maresca, 45, enjoyed notable success during his time in charge, leading the team to victories in the UEFA Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

• Turkish basketball player Alperen Sengun shortlisted for Balkan Athlete of the Year award

Turkish national basketball player Alperen Sengun, a star center for the Houston Rockets, is among the final 10 candidates for the Balkan Athlete of the Year award, organized for the 52nd time by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

The traditional annual poll is decided by national news agencies from across the Balkans, with Anadolu among the participating organizations.

Sengun earned his place on the shortlist after playing a key role in Türkiye’s run to the silver medal at the 2025 European Championship, further strengthening his profile as one of the region’s leading athletes.