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.

Rohit Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja have confirmed their participation in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. Rohit will represent Mumbai against Jammu and Kashmir from January 23 in Mumbai, while Jadeja will play for Saurashtra against Delhi in Rajkot. Jadeja attended training on January 19, confirming his availability. The move aligns with the BCCI's directive mandating domestic cricket participation for national selection. Both players continue to prioritize domestic commitments, with Jadeja recently named in India's Champions Trophy squad. Rohit emphasized the importance of domestic cricket, stating, “Star players are not taking it for granted.” Their involvement highlights a renewed focus on grassroots tournaments.

Abhay Singh, known as "IIT Baba," an IIT Bombay graduate and aerospace engineer turned saint, has been expelled from the Juna Akhara for violating its disciplinary code. The Akhara accused Singh of disrespecting his guru, Mahant Someshwar Puri, and using offensive language. Singh, a viral figure at Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, gained attention for his transition from a high-paying career to spirituality. Juna Akhara’s chief patron, Mahant Hari Giri, stated Singh’s actions violated the sacred guru-shishya tradition. Singh remains banned from the Akhara camp until he demonstrates remorse and discipline. His family hopes for reconciliation amid limited communication.

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.

Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan was attacked at his Mumbai residence on January 16 by an intruder, Mohd Shariful Islam Shehzad. The accused allegedly stabbed the actor multiple times after demanding ₹1 crore. Police claimed Shehzad is a Bangladeshi immigrant, but his lawyer refuted this, stating he has lived in Mumbai for over 7 years. The court granted 5-day police custody, seeking further investigation. Deputy CM Ajit Pawar confirmed the accused confessed but was unaware of whose house he entered. Saif, hospitalized with knife injuries, is now stable and recovering.

A massive fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela's Sector 19 campsite in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, after 2-3 cylinders exploded Sunday evening. Flames engulfed 18 tents, but prompt action by fire tenders and authorities ensured no casualties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to review the situation. Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak confirmed emergency teams, including NDRF, are assisting. Over 7.72 crore devotees have attended the festival since January 13. The administration posted, "We pray Maa Ganga for everyone's safety." Devotees were evacuated safely, and the fire is now under control.

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.