Diary

ISTANBUL (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Thursday, Jan 1, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):

Yemen’s developments

Updates in Yemen following the lapse of a 24-hour deadline set by the head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council for UAE forces to fully withdraw from multiple areas. He declared a 90-day nationwide state of emergency amid tensions with the Southern Transitional Council in eastern Yemen, following a Saudi airstrike on weapons and combat vehicles at Mukalla port, reportedly arriving from the UAE’s Fujairah port.

Gaza ceasefire

Developments in the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas after US President Donald Trump agreed to move forward with the second step of the agreement during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Conflict in Sudan

Field developments in Sudan after the Sudanese army seized key towns in North and South Kordofan states following intense fighting with the paramilitary Rapid Support Force (RSF).

Zohran Mamdani to attend public ceremony as New York City mayor

New York City’s new Mayor Zohran Mamdani will take part in a public ceremony at City Hall, marking his assumption of office. During the event, which will follow a private formal swearing-in just after midnight, Mamdani will take a ceremonial oath of office, led by Sen. Bernie Sanders. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is expected to deliver opening remarks.

Developments after Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers

Following developments as Thailand released 18 Cambodian soldiers after 155 days of captivity. Release comes as a confidence-building measure amid the ongoing ceasefire since the weekend, after days of clashes which left 99 people dead. 18 Cambodian soldiers have been in Thai custody since earlier border clashes in July.

Japan braces for New Year snow

Japan’s coastal areas are expecting heavy snow on the first day of the New Year. Western areas could see rare snow, and residents have been cautioned against possible transport disruption, snow accretion and avalanches.

Pro-Palestine march in Istanbul

A march for solidarity with Gaza will be held on the Galata Bridge in Istanbul with the slogan “We won't cower, we won't keep quiet, we won't forget Palestine,” with the participation of nearly 400 civil society organizations that have come together under the umbrella of the Humanity Alliance and the National Will Platform.

SPECIAL REPORT

Rising rents, shrinking access: How investment reshaped global housing

Report on how the growing treatment of housing as a financial asset has deepened affordability crises worldwide, pushing millions out of stable homes as rents and prices surge faster than incomes.

The story examines rising homelessness and housing insecurity across Europe, North America and major global cities, highlighting data on rent burdens, soaring property values and widening gaps between wages and housing costs.

It includes insights from Julieta Perucca of housing rights group The Shift and UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Housing Balakrishnan Rajagopal, who point to financialization, reduced social housing and weak regulation.​​​​​​​