Monday, 29 December 2025, presented a world of stark contrasts, captured through the lenses of photojournalists from every continent. From citizens seeking relief in blistering Australian heat to frostbitten agricultural protests in Europe, the day's events painted a vivid picture of a planet grappling with political tensions, climate extremes, and human resilience.
Scorching Summers and Icy Winters
In the southern hemisphere, summer reached a sweltering peak. Residents in Adelaide, Australia, sought refuge from a 39C heatwave by leaping off the jetty at Henley Beach, a coastal suburb. The image captured the quintessential search for relief as temperatures soared.
Meanwhile, in the northern hemisphere, winter's grip was firm. In Chattogram, Bangladesh, and Jammu, India, dense fog and cold weather enveloped street vendors and markets. The scene was even more extreme in Europe, where Spanish farmers from the Unió de Pagesos union staged a dramatic protest. They blocked the AP-7 highway near Vilobí d'Onyar, Girona, with tractors in temperatures as low as -25C, demonstrating against wildlife management policies and demanding better prevention of livestock diseases.
High-Stakes Politics and Global Conflicts
The day was also marked by significant political developments. In Florida, USA, a notable meeting took place at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach. Former US President Donald Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for discussions aimed at ending the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
In Seoul, South Korea, Special Prosecutor Min Joong-ki announced the final results of a six-month corruption investigation. The probe centred on allegations against former first lady Kim Keon Hee, wife of ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol. She was accused of accepting bribes valued at over $200,000, including fine art and jewellery, and of meddling in state affairs.
Tensions remained high in other regions. China conducted major military exercises near Taiwan, involving live-fire drills described as a 'stern warning'. In Gaza City, the humanitarian crisis continued unabated, with a poignant image showing a woman holding a child in a makeshift camp for displaced Palestinians.
Culture, Commemoration, and Daily Life
Amidst the turmoil, glimpses of culture and routine persisted. Beijing welcomed the upcoming Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac with a shopping mall exhibition representing the Summer Palace. In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, over 2,500 people, including monks, gathered at the Win-Win memorial for a Buddhist ceremony mourning victims of a recent border conflict.
Life carried on in myriad ways: from the Sydney to Hobart yacht race passing Tasman Island, to vendors sorting vegetables a day after elections in Naypyidaw, Myanmar, and workers in Indonesia's Aceh Besar region preparing triple the needed rice reserves for flood and landslide victims.
This global snapshot, curated by picture editors, underscores the interconnected yet disparate realities of our world at the close of 2025—a tapestry of extreme weather, diplomatic manoeuvres, enduring conflict, and the quiet persistence of daily life.
