Simple English News Daily Friday 2nd January 2026. Switzerland fire. Finland ship. Bulgaria Euro. Iran protests. China, Taiwan rival speeches. US Mamdani...
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Jan 1, 2026 A tragic nightclub fire in Switzerland claims about 40 lives, prompting national mourning. Finland seizes a cargo ship linked to undersea cable damage. Bulgaria joins the euro zone, impacting its currency exchange policies. Major protests erupt in Iran over economic issues, while China and Taiwan leaders deliver rival speeches on reunification and defense. In the U.S., Zohran Mamdani is sworn in as NYC's mayor, making history. Additionally, a train crash in Peru and protest tensions in Bolivia highlight ongoing regional challenges.
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Bulgaria Joins The Eurozone
- Bulgaria adopted the euro and is the 21st eurozone member, keeping the lev in parallel during January.
- The Bulgarian National Bank will exchange lev notes and coins indefinitely.
Ukraine’s Firm New-Year Position
- Zelensky said Ukraine wants peace but not at any price and refused a weak peace deal.
- Ukraine reported Russia launched 205 drones on New Year's night while Russia blamed a Ukrainian drone for a deadly Kherson fire.
Historic New York Mayoral Inauguration
- Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City's mayor, the first Indian-American and first Muslim in the role, aged 34.
- Mamdani said New York will set an example for the world and asked if the left can govern.