Hamas released all 20 Israeli hostages on Monday under a new Gaza ceasefire deal. Seven hostages were handed to the Red Cross in the morning, followed by 13 more later. The hostages had been held in Gaza for over two years. US President Donald Trump, who helped mediate the ceasefire, said, “The war is over. This is a great day.” Crowds in Israel cheered as families reunited through video calls and live broadcasts. Prime Minister Netanyahu prepared personal welcome kits for each returning hostage. The release is part of a swap for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. (PC: India Today)

Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was seen kissing pop star Katy Perry on her yacht near Santa Barbara, California. The photo, taken in September by a tourist on a nearby boat, shows Trudeau shirtless with Perry on the 24-metre yacht Caravelle. Trudeau resigned earlier this year and split from his wife Sophie in 2023. Perry, 40, has a five-year-old daughter with Orlando Bloom. The image went viral on social media, with users criticizing and defending Trudeau. Some mocked his political past, while others said he should be allowed to live freely after leaving office. (PC: HT)

Hamas has handed over the first seven Israeli hostages as part of a ceasefire deal after more than two years in captivity. The hostages were transferred to the Red Cross and then to Israeli security forces, to be reunited with their families and taken to hospitals. The release is part of an exchange for over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Tens of thousands of Israelis watched the handover on public screens. US President Donald Trump arrived in Israel, calling the ceasefire a step toward normalisation. The war began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas attacks killed 1,200 people. (PC: Sky News)

At least 27 people have died in Gaza City after clashes erupted between Hamas forces and armed Dughmush clan members. The fighting began in the Tel al-Hawa area near the Jordanian Hospital. Masked gunmen exchanged heavy fire, causing panic and forcing many families to flee. Hamas said it acted after Dughmush fighters killed two of its members. The Dughmush family claimed Hamas wanted to take over a building they were using as shelter. Both sides blamed each other for starting the violence. Thousands of Hamas security forces have been deployed to restore order. (PC: BBC)

The Supreme Court has ordered the CBI to investigate the Karur stampede on September 27, which killed 41 people at a Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam rally. A three-member panel, led by former SC judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, will monitor the probe. The Court criticized the Madras High Court for procedural lapses, saying a single judge acted without proper authority, creating multiple proceedings. The CBI must submit monthly progress reports. The Supreme Court stressed the need for a fair and independent investigation to ensure justice. The case will now be heard by a two-judge bench at the High Court. (PC: HT)

Seven Israeli hostages were handed over to the Red Cross on Monday morning, marking the first release under a Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. The hostages—Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrist, Omri Miran, Guy Gilboa Dalal, and Alon Ahel—will return home after two years. In exchange, Israel will free over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. Crowds gathered in Tel Aviv and across the country, cheering the news. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife prepared welcome notes and kits for the hostages. Authorities also plan to return the bodies of slain captives. (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said he used tariff threats to stop the conflict between India and Pakistan. Speaking before his Middle East visit, Trump claimed he “settled” the issue by warning both countries of tariffs up to 200 per cent if they went to war. He said tariffs gave the US “diplomatic and negotiating strength.” India, however, has rejected Trump’s claim, saying the ceasefire was reached through direct talks between the two militaries. Trump also said he plans to look into the Pakistan-Afghanistan conflict, calling himself “good at solving wars,” after losing the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. (PC: HT)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided seven locations in Chennai linked to Sreesan Pharma and Tamil Nadu drug control officials. The action is part of a probe into the Coldrif cough syrup deaths that killed 22 children in Madhya Pradesh. The raids targeted company offices and officials accused of allowing the sale of substandard medicines. Sreesan Pharma manufactured the Coldrif syrup found to contain toxic chemicals. Officials said evidence related to money laundering and illegal approvals was seized. The ED is working with state authorities to track the supply chain and identify those responsible for the tragedy. (PC: India Today)

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Monday to await the release of hostages held in Gaza. US President Donald Trump said “the war is over” as he traveled to Israel for the handover. According to Israeli media, the exchange is expected to start around 08:00 local time. Hamas must return 48 hostages, including 20 believed to be alive, by noon. In return, Israel will free 250 Palestinian prisoners and over 1,700 detainees. Trump will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before flying to Egypt for a peace summit with global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (PC: BBC)

Israel has prepared special hospital rooms to receive 20 hostages being freed from Gaza under Donald Trump’s peace plan. Each room is bright and clean, with a bed, small fridge, bottled water, and even a teddy bear, creating a calm space for recovery. Medical teams at Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva are ready to provide immediate care if needed. The rooms aim to offer comfort after long captivity in dark tunnels. Families will reunite with the hostages once they are stable, marking a crucial step in the ongoing peace process and hostage exchange. (PC: Israeli Government)