TikTok ceased operations across the US after a law banning the app came into effect on January 19. The ban, linked to security concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership, required ByteDance to sell the platform to a US-approved buyer by the deadline. President-elect Donald Trump suggested a possible 90-day reprieve but has yet to confirm the decision. TikTok users expressed frustration as the app vanished from app stores and ceased video services. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew appealed to Trump, seeking a resolution. Meanwhile, UK authorities dismissed similar restrictions, citing no immediate threat to national interests.

Three Israeli women, Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28), and Doron Steinbrecher (31), were freed by Hamas on January 19, 2025, after 471 days in captivity. The release followed a ceasefire agreement and a hostage-prisoner swap deal mediated by international entities. The hostages were handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Gaza City and transported to Israeli territory for medical assessments. Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv to witness the emotional moment. Meanwhile, Israel is set to release 69 Palestinian women and 21 teenage boys as part of the agreement, marking the first phase of the truce.

A delayed Gaza ceasefire began on January 19, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home. Hamas released three Israeli hostages, including dual nationals, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel struck Gaza before the truce due to the delay in receiving hostage details, killing 19 people. The ceasefire allows aid to flow into Gaza and Israeli forces to withdraw from populated areas. Negotiations for a second phase, involving more hostage releases and troop withdrawals, will start soon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the truce is temporary and war could resume. Gaza has seen over 46,910 deaths since the conflict began.

Thousands of demonstrators, mostly women, gathered in Washington DC for the People's March, protesting against President-elect Donald Trump two days before his inauguration. Previously known as the Women's March, the movement began in 2017 to oppose Trump's policies. Protesters rallied at the Lincoln Memorial, advocating for causes like abortion access, climate change, and women's rights. Organizers expected 50,000 attendees, but approximately 5,000 participated. Smaller protests occurred in New York and Seattle. Protesters criticized Trump's agenda, with one stating, "This time the stakes are higher." Meanwhile, Trump held a private event in Virginia as part of his inaugural festivities.

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.