New Year celebrations begin as India welcomes 2025 

Over one million people were expected at the harbour to count down the new year and see the colourful fireworks

The 9pm fireworks are seen during New Year's Eve celebrations in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Bianca De Marchi/AAP Image via AP

From Sydney to Vladivostok to Mumbai, communities around the world have begun welcoming 2025 with spectacular light shows, embraces and exciting live performances.

Countries in the South Pacific Ocean are the first to ring in the New Year, with midnight in New Zealand striking a full 18 hours before the ball drop in Times Square in New York.