Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release deal after 15 months of conflict, brokered by Qatar and the US. The agreement, pending Israeli cabinet approval, will exchange 33 hostages, including women and children, for Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated Gaza areas, allowing displaced Palestinians to return. US President Biden emphasized the deal's humanitarian impact, while Israeli and Hamas leaders highlighted resilience and commitment. However, Israeli airstrikes killed 20 people in Gaza following the announcement. The deal marks a critical step toward reconstruction and peace negotiations. Implementation begins after finalizing details.

In his farewell address, outgoing US President Joe Biden cautioned against the rise of oligarchy and concentrated power threatening democracy. Speaking from the Oval Office, Biden stressed the need for constitutional amendments to ensure presidents aren’t immune to crimes committed in office. He also highlighted the dangers of unchecked Artificial Intelligence (AI), advocating for safeguards to protect privacy and rights. Reflecting on his administration's achievements, he celebrated advancements in healthcare, gun safety laws, and foreign policy. Biden urged Americans to protect the nation's democratic values, expressing hope for the future. He exits the White House on January 20, 2025.

The UN rights chief Volker Turk has welcomed the Gaza ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, expressing "huge relief" over the potential end to immense suffering. Announced on Wednesday, the ceasefire brings hope for stability after prolonged conflict and human misery. Turk emphasized the importance of ensuring the truce holds. The agreement marks a critical step towards peace in the region, with the international community closely monitoring its implementation. The UN reiterated its commitment to supporting efforts that alleviate suffering and restore normalcy in Gaza.

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the 15-month-long Gaza war, which began with a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The ceasefire, still awaiting formal announcement, will see a six-week preliminary truce with Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Additionally, the deal includes a plan for the exchange of hostages held by both sides. The conflict, which has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, has kept the Middle East in a tense standoff throughout the year.

Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20 will witness global leaders and influential figures in attendance. India will be represented by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, signifying India's strengthened ties with the US. Other notable attendees include Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, Argentine President Javier Milei, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. Billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg will also join. While China’s Xi Jinping and Hungary’s Viktor Orban have sent envoys, US leaders like Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and George W. Bush will be present.

Delhi's air quality has plunged into the ‘Severe’ category, with the AQI reaching 396, prompting the implementation of the strictest anti-pollution measures under Stage-4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). The dip is attributed to dense fog, low temperatures, and poor atmospheric conditions. Restrictions include a ban on non-essential trucks, construction activities, and BS III petrol/BS IV diesel vehicles in Delhi-NCR. State governments may opt for online classes for schools and implement work-from-home policies. Forecasts predict AQI could exceed 400 soon, intensifying the crisis. Agencies are urged to enforce curbs strictly to mitigate pollution.

Nearly 1,000 inmates are battling Los Angeles wildfires as part of California's Conservation (Fire) Camp Program, earning $10.24/day for life-threatening work like cutting fire lines and removing fuel. Critics decry exploitation, as professional firefighters earn $85,000-$124,000/year. Proponents argue it offers sentence reductions, career skills, and improved conditions. Inmates comprise 30% of California's wildfire-fighting force. At least 24 deaths and 12,300 destroyed structures highlight the devastation. Ethical debates persist over prison labor, with calls for better investment in firefighting resources and equitable treatment of incarcerated workers.

India's foreign secretary Vikram Misri recently met Afghanistan's acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, marking a significant diplomatic shift. This is the highest-level engagement since Kabul's fall to the Taliban in 2021. Talks focused on expanding trade, leveraging Iran's Chabahar port for regional connectivity, and countering Pakistan's influence. India, which has invested $3 billion in Afghanistan, aims to retain public goodwill and prevent terrorism threats. Experts highlight the risks of engaging with the Taliban, citing its ties to terror groups and human rights concerns. However, India's outreach aligns with its strategic goals in the region.

UK inflation dropped to 2.5% in December, below November's 2.6%, with core inflation slowing to 3.2% from 3.5%. The decline reflects easing price pressures on services and goods, according to the Office for National Statistics. Chancellor Rachel Reeves welcomed the data but emphasized the need for further measures to address living costs. Economists predict the Bank of England will cut interest rates from 4.75% to 4.5% in February. Reeves faces fiscal challenges, including balancing tax hikes and spending cuts, as economic growth remains sluggish. The British pound rose 0.1% after the report.

Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif has launched an investigation into a controversial Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) ad criticized for resembling 9/11 attacks. The social media post, celebrating resumed Paris flights after 4 years, showed an aircraft near the Eiffel Tower, sparking backlash for its similarity to the 2001 World Trade Center tragedy. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar labeled the ad “stupidity” during a parliamentary session. While PIA’s Paris flight landed successfully, the airline remains banned in the US and UK. PIA's history of controversies, including a 2020 fraud scandal and operational bans, continues to plague its reputation globally.