Donald Trump will take office as the 47th US President today, with a list of ambitious Day 1 promises. Key plans include launching the largest deportation in US history, ending birthright citizenship, and imposing tariffs on imports from Mexico, Canada, and China. Trump also vows to cut federal funding for schools promoting "critical race theory" or enforcing vaccine mandates. Additionally, he aims to declare a national energy emergency, revive pipelines, and loosen EV regulations. Trump’s controversial agenda includes targeting the “deep state” through Schedule F reforms and potentially jeopardizing Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. Global anticipation surrounds these moves.

Three Israeli hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were reunited with their families in Tel Aviv on Sunday, marking the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Hamas released the hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners, with celebrations witnessed on both sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the hostages, emphasizing national solidarity. The ceasefire, beginning after 15 months of war claiming over 47,000 lives, is set to last six weeks, with negotiations underway for further exchanges, including the release of 94 remaining hostages. Final phases aim to repatriate the deceased from both sides.

In a dramatic scene at Mumbai's Bandra court, two lawyers jostled to represent Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, the alleged attacker of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Shehzad, suspected to be a Bangladeshi national, was arrested in Thane after being identified as the intruder who stabbed Khan in his Bandra apartment on January 16. The accused was produced before a magistrate and remanded in police custody for five days. The magistrate allowed both lawyers to represent Shehzad after the scuffle. Khan, 54, is recovering after emergency surgery following the attack and is expected to be discharged soon.

US President-elect Donald Trump, addressing a rally in Washington DC, pledged to prevent World War III, secure US borders, and roll back executive actions by Joe Biden. Trump announced plans for mass deportations, classifying drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy. He credited his administration for the Gaza ceasefire deal and vowed to end the Ukraine war. Trump also revealed a plan for the US to own 50% of TikTok in a joint venture. His administration promises bold actions, including releasing documents on historical assassinations after taking office on Monday.

Israel has released 90 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison in the West Bank following the Gaza ceasefire deal. The exchange occurred as Hamas handed over three Israeli women hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross. This marks the first step in a truce mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt after 15 months of conflict. Israel announced that four additional women hostages would be released within a week. The ceasefire aims to halt hostilities, release hostages, and free hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Initial delays occurred due to technical issues on Hamas’ side.

After 15 months in captivity, three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza—Doron Steinbrecher (31), Emily Damari (28), and Romi Gonen (24)—have returned to Israel. Released following a ceasefire agreement, the hostages were handed to the Red Cross in Gaza City before being transferred to Israeli authorities. Emily Damari, a dual British-Israeli citizen, was seen emotionally reconnecting with her mother. Celebrations erupted at Tel Aviv's Sheba Hospital, where the hostages arrived for medical care. Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to bring all captives home. For every hostage released, Hamas has stated that 30 Palestinian prisoners will be freed.

TikTok has resumed services in the US following President-elect Donald Trump's intervention. The platform was restored after Trump announced plans to ensure 50% American ownership through an executive order upon assuming office. Previously banned under a federal law citing national security risks, TikTok faced removal from Google and Apple stores. Trump’s move provides clarity to service providers and protects over 170M users and 7M small businesses. ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, had unsuccessfully contested the law in the Supreme Court. TikTok expressed gratitude and pledged to work with the US government on long-term solutions.

In Turkey, a mother dog showcased extraordinary maternal instinct by carrying her unconscious puppy to a veterinary clinic in Beylikduzu on January 13. The CCTV footage captured her entering the clinic with the pup in her mouth, seeking immediate help. The puppy, in a hypodermic state, was revived by veterinarians who discovered a faint heartbeat. The mother’s quick actions and awareness likely saved her pup’s life. Both the rescued puppy and its sibling are now under the care of the clinic. Netizens hailed the mother dog’s heroic act, calling her the “best mom in the animal kingdom.”

TikTok ceased operations across the US after a law banning the app came into effect on January 19. The ban, linked to security concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership, required ByteDance to sell the platform to a US-approved buyer by the deadline. President-elect Donald Trump suggested a possible 90-day reprieve but has yet to confirm the decision. TikTok users expressed frustration as the app vanished from app stores and ceased video services. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew appealed to Trump, seeking a resolution. Meanwhile, UK authorities dismissed similar restrictions, citing no immediate threat to national interests.

Three Israeli women, Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28), and Doron Steinbrecher (31), were freed by Hamas on January 19, 2025, after 471 days in captivity. The release followed a ceasefire agreement and a hostage-prisoner swap deal mediated by international entities. The hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza City and transported to Israeli territory for medical assessments. Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to witness the emotional moment. Meanwhile, Israel is set to release 69 Palestinian women and 21 teenage boys as part of the agreement, marking the first phase of the truce.