Countries around the world begin to ring in 2024 after turbulent year

News Snapshot:

COUNTRIES AROUND THE world have begun ushering in 2024 and bidding farewell to a turbulent 12 months marked by conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, climate crises and clever chatbots. The world’s population – now over eight billion – will see out the old and usher in the new, with many hoping to shake the weight of high living costs and global tumult. This year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations are being overshadowed by the ongoing wars in Ukraine and Gaza, which have cast a pall over festivities and heightened tensions across parts of the world. Many cities are deploying extra security...