Sanjay Roy, convicted of raping and murdering a postgraduate doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College, will be sentenced today by the Sealdah court. Found guilty under Sections 64, 66, and 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Roy faces either life imprisonment or the death penalty. The victim, a 31-year-old doctor, was found dead on August 9, 2024, sparking nationwide outrage. Judge Anirban Das criticized lapses by police and hospital authorities in the 160-page judgment. Roy’s final statement will be heard before sentencing at 12:30 PM. The case investigation had been transferred to the CBI.

Three Israeli hostages, Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were reunited with their families in Tel Aviv on Sunday, marking the first phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. Hamas released the hostages in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners, with celebrations witnessed on both sides. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the hostages, emphasizing national solidarity. The ceasefire, beginning after 15 months of war claiming over 47,000 lives, is set to last six weeks, with negotiations underway for further exchanges, including the release of 94 remaining hostages. Final phases aim to repatriate the deceased from both sides.

In a dramatic scene at Mumbai's Bandra court, two lawyers jostled to represent Mohammad Shariful Islam Shehzad, the alleged attacker of Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Shehzad, suspected to be a Bangladeshi national, was arrested in Thane after being identified as the intruder who stabbed Khan in his Bandra apartment on January 16. The accused was produced before a magistrate and remanded in police custody for five days. The magistrate allowed both lawyers to represent Shehzad after the scuffle. Khan, 54, is recovering after emergency surgery following the attack and is expected to be discharged soon.

US President-elect Donald Trump, addressing a rally in Washington DC, pledged to prevent World War III, secure US borders, and roll back executive actions by Joe Biden. Trump announced plans for mass deportations, classifying drug cartels as terrorist organizations, and reinstating the "Remain in Mexico" policy. He credited his administration for the Gaza ceasefire deal and vowed to end the Ukraine war. Trump also revealed a plan for the US to own 50% of TikTok in a joint venture. His administration promises bold actions, including releasing documents on historical assassinations after taking office on Monday.

Israel has released 90 Palestinian prisoners from Ofer Prison in the West Bank following the Gaza ceasefire deal. The exchange occurred as Hamas handed over three Israeli women hostages to the International Committee of the Red Cross. This marks the first step in a truce mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt after 15 months of conflict. Israel announced that four additional women hostages would be released within a week. The ceasefire aims to halt hostilities, release hostages, and free hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Initial delays occurred due to technical issues on Hamas’ side.

After 15 months in captivity, three hostages held by Hamas in Gaza—Doron Steinbrecher (31), Emily Damari (28), and Romi Gonen (24)—have returned to Israel. Released following a ceasefire agreement, the hostages were handed to the Red Cross in Gaza City before being transferred to Israeli authorities. Emily Damari, a dual British-Israeli citizen, was seen emotionally reconnecting with her mother. Celebrations erupted at Tel Aviv's Sheba Hospital, where the hostages arrived for medical care. Prime Minister Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel's commitment to bring all captives home. For every hostage released, Hamas has stated that 30 Palestinian prisoners will be freed.

TikTok has resumed services in the US following President-elect Donald Trump's intervention. The platform was restored after Trump announced plans to ensure 50% American ownership through an executive order upon assuming office. Previously banned under a federal law citing national security risks, TikTok faced removal from Google and Apple stores. Trump’s move provides clarity to service providers and protects over 170M users and 7M small businesses. ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, had unsuccessfully contested the law in the Supreme Court. TikTok expressed gratitude and pledged to work with the US government on long-term solutions.

In Turkey, a mother dog showcased extraordinary maternal instinct by carrying her unconscious puppy to a veterinary clinic in Beylikduzu on January 13. The CCTV footage captured her entering the clinic with the pup in her mouth, seeking immediate help. The puppy, in a hypodermic state, was revived by veterinarians who discovered a faint heartbeat. The mother’s quick actions and awareness likely saved her pup’s life. Both the rescued puppy and its sibling are now under the care of the clinic. Netizens hailed the mother dog’s heroic act, calling her the “best mom in the animal kingdom.”

Javed Akhtar’s 80th birthday on January 17, 2025, saw an unforgettable celebration with Bollywood's biggest stars. A viral video from the event captured Aamir Khan, Farhan Akhtar, and Shankar Mahadevan performing the iconic title track from Dil Chahta Hai, which Mahadevan originally sang. The trio’s musical tribute added to the joy of the event, attended by Amitabh Bachchan, Urmila Matondkar, and others. Actress Urmila shared moments from the day on Instagram, showcasing her interactions with Javed Akhtar, Amitabh Bachchan, and others. The celebration highlighted the deep admiration and camaraderie between the industry’s finest talents.

On January 19, 2025, three Israeli hostages, including Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari, were released by Hamas as part of a ceasefire agreement. The hostages, handed over to the Red Cross, were later transferred to Israel. The ceasefire, delayed for over three hours due to Israel's demand for hostages' identities, marks a critical phase in a broader agreement. Under the deal, 33 Israeli hostages will be freed, while 90 Palestinian prisoners, including 69 women and 21 teenage boys, will be released. The ceasefire is expected to last six weeks, with more exchanges planned.