A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in Gaza on January 19, 2025, after a nearly three-hour delay. The truce follows a deal for the release of 33 Israeli hostages, starting with three women, including Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari. The delay was caused by Israel's demand for a list of hostages to be freed, with Hamas attributing the delay to technical reasons. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes killed 13 Palestinians just before the truce. The deal, negotiated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, could help end the ongoing conflict.

A major fire broke out at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on January 19, 2025, when a cooking cylinder exploded in Sector 19 of the Tent City. The fire engulfed 18 tents, but no casualties were reported. Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath visited the site and assured that the situation was under control. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes, thanks to 15 fire tenders and efforts by local police and NDRF. The Samajwadi Party expressed concern, urging the government to improve safety and relief operations. The 2025 Mahakumbh continues until February 26.

Humanitarian aid trucks began entering Gaza on Sunday as the truce between Israel and Hamas took effect, the United Nations confirmed. Jonathan Whittall, interim chief of the UN's OCHA for Palestinian territories, stated that "a massive effort" was made to prepare aid distribution across Gaza. According to an Egyptian source, 197 trucks carrying supplies and 5 fuel trucks crossed via Kerem Shalom between Israel and Gaza and al-Oga-Nitzana between Egypt and Israel. The shipments mark a critical step in delivering relief to the region amid the ongoing crisis. Details on the exact distribution remain undisclosed.

British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari, 28, is among the first to be released under a Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal. Emily, captured on October 7, 2023, endured 471 days in Gaza tunnels after being shot in the hand and witnessing her dog’s death. Her mother, Mandy, expressed cautious relief, stating, “It’s not done until it’s done.” Emily’s family confirmed she was alive in March 2024 but had no updates since. A Tottenham Hotspur fan with UK ties, Emily missed milestones, including her grandfather’s death. Her family, longing to reunite, urged for the release of all hostages and humanitarian aid access.

TikTok has been shut down for US users after a law enacted by outgoing President Joe Biden required its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell the app or face a national security ban. The law, upheld by the Supreme Court, took effect on January 19, 2025. While the app is no longer available in app stores, President-elect Donald Trump has indicated that he may offer a 90-day reprieve once he takes office, allowing time for a potential buyer to emerge. TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, is attending Trump's inauguration today.

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, set to begin on January 19, was delayed after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu demanded a list of hostages to be released by Hamas. An hour before the deadline, Netanyahu warned the ceasefire would not proceed without this list. While Hamas committed to the deal, they cited "technical and field reasons" for the delay. Israeli military forces continued strikes in Gaza, killing three people. The ceasefire, brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, includes prisoner exchanges and a partial Israeli withdrawal from northern Gaza.

Sanjoy Roy, accused in the R G Kar Hospital rape-murder case, was convicted by the Sealdah court on Saturday. His mother, Malati Roy, expressed sorrow, stating, "I have three daughters, I understand the victim’s parents’ pain. Let him face the punishment he deserves, even if it’s the death penalty." His sister Sabita supported the verdict, calling his actions "horrific." Arrested on August 10, 2024, Roy, a civic volunteer, faced severe backlash from his family and community. Sabita added, “Life has changed since his arrest; we’ve faced societal shame.” The victim, a junior doctor, was brutally assaulted and murdered.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a delay in the Gaza ceasefire, originally scheduled for 8:30 AM local time. The truce hinges on Hamas providing names of the first hostages to be released, which the agreement mandates 24 hours before the exchange. Hamas cited "technical field reasons" for the delay. Israeli forces had begun pulling back from Gaza positions in anticipation of the truce, which includes a prisoner exchange over six weeks. Netanyahu emphasized the ceasefire’s temporary nature, reserving the right to resume military action. The international community closely monitors developments in this fragile agreement.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, begins today at 6:30 AM (UK time). As part of the three-phase deal, 33 hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, will be freed over six weeks. Israel will release 990-1,650 Palestinian prisoners in return. The Israeli army will withdraw from parts of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return. Negotiations for the second phase, involving more hostages and troop withdrawals, will follow. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the ceasefire is temporary and warned against Hamas's non-compliance.

US President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Washington with his family ahead of his January 20 swearing-in as the 47th President. On January 19, Trump hosted a reception for about 500 guests at his resort in Virginia, accompanied by Melania, Ivanka, and Jared Kushner. A fireworks display marked the occasion. Trump will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery and hold a rally at Capital One Arena on January 19. His inauguration ceremony will be indoors due to cold weather, with a reduced parade and a traditional prayer service at St John's Episcopal Church.