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.”

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.