3 Israeli hostages were released by Hamas in a prisoner swap. Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy appeared thin and weak. Sharabi’s family said he looked “skinny” and “pale.” The hostages were paraded before armed fighters before being handed to the Red Cross. In exchange, Israel released 183 Palestinian prisoners. Sharabi's wife and children were killed in the 7 October attack, and his family fears he may not know. Talks continue for more releases. The war in Gaza has caused heavy casualties, with thousands killed on both sides.

A US federal judge has stopped Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) from accessing Treasury Department records. Judge Paul A. Engelmayer issued an order blocking access and ordered Musk’s team to destroy any copies. Nineteen state attorneys general sued, arguing the move violated federal law. They said Doge, which is not an official government agency, should not have access to personal financial data. The judge warned of risks to privacy and hacking. The order stays in place until a court hearing on 14 February. There was no comment from Musk, President Trump, or the White House.

Hamas has released three more Israeli hostages—Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy—under the ongoing Gaza ceasefire deal. The hostages were handed to the Red Cross and later transferred to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). They have crossed into Israeli territory and are undergoing medical assessments. Family members say the hostages appear in poor condition. As part of the agreement, Israel is releasing 180 Palestinian prisoners. This marks the latest exchange in a deal that began on January 19, with 33 Israeli hostages set to be freed in the first phase.

AAP chief and former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal conceded his party’s defeat in the Delhi elections, congratulating the BJP on its victory. In a video message, he stated, “We accept the people’s verdict. I hope BJP fulfills its promises.” Kejriwal highlighted AAP’s governance efforts and pledged to serve as a constructive Opposition. The BJP led in 48 of 70 seats, while AAP secured 22. Congress failed to win any seats for the third consecutive election. Kejriwal also praised AAP workers, saying, “We will always stand with the people.”

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal lost his New Delhi seat to BJP’s Parvesh Verma by 3,182 votes, marking a major political setback. Kejriwal, who won the seat in 2013 after defeating Sheila Dikshit, faced corruption allegations and the ‘Sheesh Mahal’ controversy. Verma, a two-time West Delhi MP, accused him of neglecting civic issues. With BJP leading in 48 seats, AAP faces a crushing defeat after ruling Delhi for a decade. Celebrations erupted at BJP headquarters as Verma declared, “The darkness has gone, the lotus bloomed.” Kejriwal’s defeat underscores AAP’s sharp decline in Delhi politics.

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi secured victory in Kalkaji, defeating BJP’s Ramesh Bidhuri by over 900 votes. Her win offers a silver lining for AAP, as top leaders like Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia faced losses. Atishi, who first won in 2020 with a margin of 11,393 votes, faced a tough three-way contest against Bidhuri and Congress’s Alka Lamba. The campaign saw heated exchanges, with Bidhuri questioning Atishi's name change. Atishi, known for education reforms, remains a key AAP figure amid the party’s electoral setbacks.

The US Coast Guard located the wreckage of a missing single-engine plane southeast of Nome, Alaska. All 10 aboard, including the pilot, were confirmed dead. Rescuers found three bodies, while seven remain inside the wreckage. The Bering Air flight, en route from Unalakleet to Nome, vanished Thursday after a rapid loss of speed and altitude. Search teams, including the Coast Guard and FBI, worked tirelessly. Authorities cited poor weather conditions but have yet to determine the exact cause. The victims' families have been notified, but names remain undisclosed.

Hamas has named Eli Sharabi, 52, Ohad Ben Ami, 56, and Or Levy, 34, as the next hostages to be released on Saturday. Israel will free Palestinian prisoners in exchange. Since the ceasefire began on January 19, 18 hostages have been freed, while Israel has released 383 prisoners. More releases are expected, with 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners to be freed in the first stage. Hamas accuses Israel of obstructing humanitarian aid, while Israel denies it. Meanwhile, Hamas held a funeral for senior commander Marwan Issa, confirming his death in an Israeli airstrike last March.

Washington, United States – President Donald Trump has called for the shutdown of USAID, claiming “corruption at levels rarely seen.” His administration has frozen foreign aid and ordered most of the agency’s 10,000 employees to leave. Elon Musk, backing Trump’s move, has shared photos of USAID signage being removed. Critics, including former USAID chief Samantha Power, warn this weakens U.S. global influence. A federal judge has paused plans to furlough 2,200 employees. Meanwhile, Trump also froze U.S. aid to South Africa over disputed land policies. Democrats vow legal action, while Musk faces scrutiny over Treasury data access.

The UK government confirmed plans to demolish London’s Grenfell Tower, where 72 people died in a 2017 fire. The process, expected to take two years, will begin after the disaster’s eighth anniversary on June 14. Authorities cited safety concerns, saying the building’s condition is deteriorating. Victims' families remain divided—some call the decision “disgraceful,” while others acknowledge safety risks. A public inquiry blamed the tragedy on “systematic dishonesty” by building firms and regulatory failures. Survivors also criticize delays in fire safety reforms and prosecutions. The site remains a painful yet sacred space for many.