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India welcomes Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal, demands continued humanitarian support for Gaza

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani announced during a press conference that “the two parties involved in the Gaza Strip have reached a deal,” adding that the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday.

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India has expressed its support for the ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday, January 16, 2025. The MEA voiced its hope that this agreement would facilitate a safe and ongoing supply of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

In a statement, the MEA remarked, “We welcome the announcement regarding the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this will lead to a safe and sustained supply of humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza. We have consistently advocated for the release of all hostages, a ceasefire, and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.”

On Wednesday, Qatar and the United States disclosed a ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas, expressing optimism that the deal could pave the way for a permanent resolution to the conflict in Gaza.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani announced during a press conference that “the two parties involved in the Gaza Strip have reached a deal,” adding that the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday.

Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden expressed satisfaction with the progress, describing the negotiations as among the “toughest” of his presidency.

Hamas characterized the ceasefire as a result of the “legendary steadfastness of our great Palestinian people and our valiant resistance in the Gaza Strip.”

Under the current draft, hostilities in Gaza are set to cease for 42 days, during which numerous Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are expected to be released. In this initial phase, Israeli troops will withdraw to the outskirts of Gaza, allowing many Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes as humanitarian aid increases.

The key question remains whether the ceasefire can endure beyond this first phase, which will hinge on further negotiations anticipated to commence in the coming weeks. In these discussions, Israel, Hamas, and mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar will need to address the critical issue of Gaza’s governance, with Israel insisting on the dismantling of Hamas.

Failure to reach an agreement for the second phase within the 42-day timeframe could lead Israel to resume its military operations in Gaza aimed at neutralizing Hamas, despite the ongoing captivity of numerous hostages.

Hamas has reportedly agreed to the draft of the ceasefire deal, although Israeli officials have indicated that details are still being finalized, leaving open the possibility of changes to the terms or a complete breakdown of the agreement.

According to the plan outlined in the Associated Press report, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinians detained by Israel. By the end of this phase, all living women, children, and elderly individuals held by Hamas should be freed.

Approximately 100 hostages remain in Gaza, comprising both civilians and soldiers, with military assessments suggesting that at least a third of them may no longer be alive.

On the first official day of the ceasefire, Hamas is expected to release three hostages, followed by an additional four on the seventh day, after which weekly releases will continue.

Determining which hostages and how many Palestinians will be exchanged is complex. The 33 hostages to be released will include women, children, and those over 50—primarily civilians—but the agreement also stipulates that all living female soldiers will be freed. Hamas will prioritize the release of living hostages, but if the total does not reach 33, the group may turn over deceased hostages. Additionally, not all captives are held by Hamas, which could complicate efforts to secure their release from other militant groups.

India News

Abhishek Banerjee says will not bow to BJP after nearly 11 hours of ED questioning

After spending nearly 11 hours before the Enforcement Directorate, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee said he would not bow to the BJP and accused the ruling party of using investigative agencies for political purposes.

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Abhishek Banerjee

Trinamool Congress leader and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday said he would not bow to the BJP after spending nearly 11 hours being questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an ongoing investigation.

Speaking after the questioning, Banerjee alleged that central agencies were being used to target opposition leaders and asserted that he would continue his political fight despite what he described as sustained pressure.

The TMC leader has repeatedly maintained that investigations involving him are politically motivated, a charge he has made on several previous occasions while appearing before central agencies.

His appearance before the ED comes amid a period of heightened political activity and multiple investigations involving leaders in West Bengal. Recent days have also seen Banerjee face summons and questioning in separate matters by state investigative agencies.

After leaving the ED office, Banerjee reiterated that he would not be intimidated and said he remained committed to his political responsibilities. He also accused the BJP of attempting to weaken opposition parties through investigative action, an allegation that the BJP has rejected in the past.

The Enforcement Directorate has not publicly commented on Banerjee’s remarks. The investigation related to the questioning remains ongoing.

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India News

DMK attacks Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening opposition unity

DMK has intensified its criticism of Rahul Gandhi, alleging that the Congress leader’s actions have weakened opposition unity and strained relations within the INDIA bloc.

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Rahul-Gandhi

The war of words between the DMK and Congress has intensified, with the DMK launching a strong attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and accusing him of contributing to divisions within the opposition alliance. The criticism comes amid strained ties between the two parties following their political split in Tamil Nadu.

According to the DMK, Rahul Gandhi’s political approach has weakened unity among opposition parties. The party’s IT wing mocked the Congress leader on social media, while an editorial published in the DMK’s official mouthpiece Murasoli questioned his recent remarks on opposition solidarity.

DMK questions Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on opposition unity

In its editorial, Murasoli argued that Rahul Gandhi was speaking about opposition unity despite, according to the DMK, contributing to disagreements among alliance partners in several states. The publication cited criticism directed at Congress by various opposition parties and suggested that the party’s actions had often created tensions within the INDIA bloc.

The editorial also referred to past political disputes involving Congress and Left parties, particularly in Kerala, claiming such episodes had raised concerns among opposition allies about Congress’s approach toward its partners.

Tamil Nadu political fallout adds to tensions

The attack comes after a major political realignment in Tamil Nadu. Following the 2026 Assembly elections, Congress ended its alliance with the DMK and joined the government led by Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK). The move left the DMK in the opposition and significantly altered the political equation between the two former allies.

The DMK has alleged that Congress benefited from the alliance during the election and later abandoned its partner. The party’s editorial questioned whether assurances from Congress leadership would be trusted by alliance partners after the developments in Tamil Nadu.

Congress rejects allegations

Congress has not issued a detailed official response to the editorial, but party sources have rejected the allegations. According to the party, its decisions in Tamil Nadu were made in line with the mandate delivered by voters and were not intended to undermine either the DMK or the broader opposition alliance.

The latest exchange highlights growing strains between two key opposition parties even as leaders continue to stress cooperation on national issues. Just days earlier, Rahul Gandhi had said that the DMK remained aligned with the opposition on defending the “idea of India” despite political differences.

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Entertainment

Kumkum Bhagya actor Sanchita Ugale dies by suicide near Mumbai at 22

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, died by suicide at her residence near Mumbai. Police have launched an investigation.

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Sanchita Ugale

Television actor Sanchita Ugale, known for her appearances in Kumkum Bhagya, Wagle Ki Duniya and Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi, died by suicide at her residence in Nalasopara East near Mumbai on June 14. She was 22.

According to police officials, the incident took place at her home in Achole village, Nalasopara East. Authorities said Ugale had locked herself inside her bedroom and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. Family members and local residents rushed her to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

Police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. Officials said inquiries are underway and the exact reason behind the incident has not yet been established.

Career across television, OTT and films

Ugale had built a growing presence in the entertainment industry through television, streaming projects and films. Apart from Kumkum Bhagya and Wagle Ki Duniya, she played a lead role in Dilwali Dulha Le Jayegi. She also appeared in OTT projects such as Crime Aaj Kal and Silence 2.

The actor was also associated with the film Chhaava, which contributed to her growing recognition among audiences.

Last social media post draws attention

Following news of her death, social media users shared and commented on Ugale’s final Instagram post, which had been uploaded hours before the incident. The post showed the actor in traditional attire lip-syncing to a classic Bollywood song. Fans expressed shock and grief after learning of her death.

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