After much anticipation, the first three Israeli hostages being released were finally handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas on Sunday hours after the ceasefire came into effect, Reuters reported, citing local media.

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Meanwhile, on the eve of his term's conclusion, President Joe Biden visited South Carolina, a state central to his political journey. He was joined by First Lady Jill Biden as the couple attended several Sunday events in the state.

In other news, a massive fire broke out at Maha Kumbh Mela in India's Prayagraj on Sunday (Jan 19). Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath arrived at the Mela site to inspect the area. The CM took an assessment of the situation and reviewed the emergency response measures. As per officials, around 70-80 huts and 8-10 tents were burnt in the fire.

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First three Israeli hostages released by Hamas after Gaza ceasefire: Where do they go next?

 First three Israeli hostages freed after Gaza ceasefire Photograph: (IDF, Family Handouts)

After much anticipation, the first three Israeli hostages being released were finally handed over to the Red Cross by Hamas on Sunday hours after the ceasefire came into effect, Reuters reported, citing local media.

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'Handing off America': Biden wraps up presidency in South Carolina, shares farewell video on X

 US President Joe Biden wraps up his presidency in South Carolina and shares farewell video on X Photograph: (Reuters)

On the eve of his term's conclusion, President Joe Biden visited South Carolina, a state central to his political journey. He was joined by First Lady Jill Biden as the couple attended several Sunday events in the state.

Maha Kumbh mela fire: Tents, huts gutted in India's Prayagraj; UP CM Adityanath visits site

 Fire breaks out at Mahakumbh in Prayagraj Photograph: (Reuters, Screengrab from video posted by @ReddyVardhaan on X) A massive fire broke out at Maha Kumbh Mela in India's Prayagraj on Sunday (Jan 19). Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath arrived at the Mela site to inspect the area. The CM took an assessment of the situation and reviewed the emergency response measures. As per officials, around 70-80 huts and 8-10 tents were burnt in the fire.

 Donald Trump's meme coin could add $24 billion to his net worth: Report

 Photograph: (GrokAI) Donald Trump’s official social media accounts on Saturday announced details of a new digital asset, called the $TRUMP meme coin. Initially dismissed as a possible hack due to the lack of accompanying statements, the posts quickly gained traction as linked websites traced back to Trump’s known businesses.

FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi in Guwahati over remarks on 'Indian state'

  FIR filed against Rahul Gandhi in Guwahati over remarks on 'Indian state' Photograph: (ANI)

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is now facing legal trouble over his controversial statement made during the inauguration of the Congress Party's new headquarters in Delhi on Wednesday (Jan 15).

PM Modi praises Election Commission, Maha Kumbh on first ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of 2025

 File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photograph: (AFP) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday (Jan 19) urged citizens to vote and also lauded the Election Commission of India, during the first episode of Mann Ki Baat of 2025.

Donald Trump likely to visit China, India after he assumes office: Report

  As Trump prepares for his inaugural ceremony, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will represent India at the event. Photograph: (AFP)

Donald Trump has expressed his wish to travel to China after he takes office in an effort to deepen his relations with Beijing. The president-elect has also talked about a possible visit to India with his advisors, according to a report on Saturday (Jan 18).

'Guns in Gaza have gone silent': Joe Biden delivers final remark on Gaza ceasefire as US president

 Photograph: (Reuters) Joe Biden said on Sunday that the Gaza ceasefire is currently in full effect with three Israeli women who had been held hostage for 470 days back in Israel after being released. As part of the agreement, three additional hostages will be freed each day moving forward, including two US citizens in the first phase.


Champions Trophy 2025: 'He will be missed,' Ex-India batter on not having X-factor in squad

 Suresh Raina says India will miss X-Factor Photograph: (BCCI)

Former India all-rounder Suresh Raina says that India's T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav will be missed in the Champions Trophy 2025. The Board on Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) didn't name Surya in the 15-man India squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy squad.

All That Breathes director Shaunak Sen reveals cancer diagnosis: 'The tumour is out of me'

 Shaunak Sen Photograph: (X) Director Shaunak Sen has revealed his secret battle with cancer. The director, best known for the Academy-nominated documentary All That Breathes, has revealed his cancer diagnosis, which was caught very early at a low-grade stage. However, now the deadly disease is out of his body.