Israel's government has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, starting January 19, 2025. The agreement ensures the release of 33 Israeli hostages held in Gaza, exchanged for 95 Palestinian prisoners. The six-week truce allows displaced Palestinians to return, facilitates aid delivery, and mandates Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza’s densely populated areas. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the deal aligns with war objectives. Despite internal political opposition, the agreement aims to ensure "sustainable calm" and Gaza reconstruction. Mediators include Qatar, Egypt, and the US. Egypt confirmed 600 daily aid trucks entering Gaza. The conflict has caused over 46,870 deaths in Gaza.

The Israeli security cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal for Gaza and the release of hostages, recommending that the full government give its final approval. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that after reviewing political, security, and humanitarian factors, the security cabinet believes the proposed deal supports the war’s objectives. The full cabinet is set to meet later to make the final decision. The deal could be a significant step towards easing tensions in Gaza and ensuring the safety of hostages caught in the ongoing conflict. Further updates are expected after the full cabinet meeting.

SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft broke apart mid-flight during its test launch, forcing airlines to reroute flights to avoid falling debris. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) briefly restricted airspace, with at least 20 flights altering their routes. Elon Musk attributed the failure to an oxygen or fuel leak near the ship engine firewall and announced plans for fire suppression upgrades. Despite the setback, Musk assured the next launch remains on schedule for next month. The incident marks the seventh test of the Starship, which aims to carry humans and cargo to Mars. Musk quipped, “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed.”

Israel's security cabinet has recommended approving a Gaza ceasefire deal, with a government vote pending. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated hostages held since the October 7 Hamas attacks could begin returning on Sunday. Israeli airstrikes on Gaza continue, with 113 Palestinians killed since the deal's announcement, per Gaza's civil defense agency. Over 46,000 Palestinians have died in Israel's Gaza offensive, according to Hamas-run health authorities. Israel's health ministry is preparing for released hostages' immediate care, emphasizing psychological and social support. The ceasefire remains uncertain, as challenges persist, per reports from Jerusalem.

The father of the RG Kar Medical College victim, who was raped and murdered in Kolkata on August 9, 2024, declared he would "snatch justice if needed" as the Sealdah court prepares to deliver its verdict on Saturday. Accused Sanjoy Roy faces demands for capital punishment amid criticism of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for alleged lapses. Junior doctors and political leaders have raised concerns over tampered evidence and unanswered questions about the case. Protests continue across India, with demonstrators seeking justice and accountability from both state and central authorities. The trial concluded in 59 days.

Los Angeles investigators are examining potential causes of two devastating wildfires, the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which together claimed 27 lives and destroyed over 12,000 structures on January 7. The Palisades Fire, originating in Temescal Canyon, is under scrutiny for arson and re-ignition from an earlier blaze. Videos of hikers fleeing the area are part of the probe. In Altadena, the Eaton Fire began near a utility tower, prompting lawsuits against Southern California Edison. Fire Chief Anthony Marrone noted possible intentional ignitions, while officials caution against premature blame. Investigators continue analyzing debris, surveillance footage, and burn patterns for answers.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, of Indian origin, conducted her first spacewalk in 12 years alongside Nick Hague at the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, US Spacewalk 91, focused on repairs to the NICER X-ray telescope, replacing a gyro assembly, and installing light filter patches. The duo also prepared tools for future maintenance. Scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025, Williams’ mission has extended to 10 months due to delays in SpaceX Crew 10’s launch. Williams shared, “We miss home, but our work here is vital.” Another spacewalk is planned for January 23 to continue ISS upgrades.

Since the announcement of a Gaza ceasefire deal set to begin Sunday, 113 Palestinians, including 28 children and 31 women, have been killed in Israeli attacks, Gaza’s civil defence reports. Israel's cabinet is set to deliberate on the deal today, while two far-right ministers threaten to resign if it is approved. The conflict has left 46,788 Palestinians dead and 110,453 injured since October 7, 2023. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees reports that 15 children daily in Gaza face life-altering injuries. Meanwhile, 1,139 Israelis were killed during the Hamas-led attack, with over 200 captives still held.

Mumbai Police are investigating an attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra home, occurring at 2:30 am. Police suspect the attacker may have been inside the actor's residence, as CCTV footage from two hours prior shows no one entering the society. In addition to Khan, a female staff member was also stabbed but is in stable condition. Police have formed eight teams to investigate, and five staff members are being questioned. A forensic team collected evidence from the crime scene, but authorities have yet to confirm whether the incident was a robbery attempt.

President Joe Biden announced a three-phase ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, marking the end of 15 months of conflict. Speaking at the White House, Biden emphasized his administration's intensive diplomacy and outlined the agreement’s phases, including a full ceasefire starting January 19, the release of hostages, and Gaza reconstruction. Former President Donald Trump, set to assume office on January 20, credited his election win for the breakthrough. Both administrations worked together during negotiations in Doha. Biden sees the deal as a capstone to his foreign policy legacy, while Trump prepares to inherit its implementation challenges and potential domestic benefits.