Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel reserves the right to resume fighting Hamas if the ceasefire-for-hostages deal collapses, with US support assured from both President Biden and President-elect Trump. Netanyahu praised the deal, attributing it to the courage of Israeli fighters and steadfastness on Israel’s interests. He warned Hamas to adhere to the agreement’s terms. The Israeli government approved the deal, which involves exchanging dozens of Israeli hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, despite opposition from two far-right ministers. The ceasefire is set to begin Sunday morning. Penelope Kingsley 18/01/2025 7:30 pm
A police volunteer, Sanjay Roy, was found guilty of raping and murdering a trainee doctor in India, sparking nationwide protests and hospital strikes. The crime occurred in Kolkata’s R. G. Kar Medical College, where the victim was found with multiple injuries. An autopsy confirmed rape and assault. Roy, arrested a day after the crime, maintained his innocence. The trial was fast-tracked, highlighting violence against women. Protests demanded justice and better security, with some calling for the death penalty. Roy’s sentencing will be announced on Monday. Noah Prescott 18/01/2025 7:30 pm
The Railway Protection Force arrested Aakash Kailash Kannojia at Durg railway station in connection with the stabbing of Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai. Kannojia was traveling on the Jnaneshwari Express. Mumbai Police alerted RPF with his location and photo. His identity was confirmed, and a Mumbai Police team will take custody. CCTV footage previously captured him in Khan’s building and buying earphones. Ava Sinclair 18/01/2025 7:30 pm
A ski lift collapse at Astun ski resort in Spain injured around 30 people, with ten hospitalized, including two in critical condition. The incident occurred when a pulley malfunctioned, destabilizing the lift chairs. No fatalities were reported. Emergency services evacuated all stranded individuals by 3 p.m. Spain’s President expressed shock and offered government support. Ava Sinclair 18/01/2025 7:30 pm
In Tehran, a gunman fatally shot two hard-line judges, Mohammad Mogheiseh and Ali Razini, involved in the 1988 dissident executions. The attacker, who later killed himself, wounded a bodyguard during the rare judiciary-targeted attack. No group claimed responsibility, but Razini had faced past assassination attempts. The incident occurred amid Iran’s economic struggles and geopolitical tensions. Investigations are ongoing, with officials suggesting the shooter was an “infiltrator” at the courthouse. Both judges served on Iran’s Supreme Court, which handles appeals nationwide. Noah Prescott 18/01/2025 4:00 pm
The Maha Kumbh festival, held every 12 years in Prayagraj, India, is the world’s largest religious gathering, expecting over 400 million attendees. It began with 15 million pilgrims bathing at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Hindus believe this ritual cleanses sins and breaks the rebirth cycle. The festival’s timing is based on cosmic alignments. Authorities have invested $765 million in infrastructure, including a tent city with 3,000 kitchens and 150,000 toilets, and deployed 50,000 security personnel to manage the event. Penelope Kingsley 18/01/2025 4:00 pm
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, impeached over a martial law decree, was arrested after a standoff, claiming the legal system is compromised by leftist forces. Despite his detention and ongoing impeachment trial, Yoon believes his support is growing, citing street protests in his favor. His conservative People Power Party’s support has rebounded, surpassing the opposition Democratic Party in recent polls. Yoon’s assertions about compromised institutions remain unsubstantiated, and his lawyers have not commented. Noah Prescott 18/01/2025 12:30 pm
Manuel Chang, former Mozambique finance minister, was sentenced to 8.5 years in prison and ordered to pay $7 million for his role in a $2 billion fraud scheme. The U.S. District Court in Brooklyn found Chang guilty of wire fraud and money laundering, involving unauthorized loans for maritime projects. He accepted $7 million in bribes, betraying Mozambique and defrauding international investors. The sentence reflects accountability for violating U.S. law, according to the Justice Department. Ava Sinclair 18/01/2025 9:00 am
The Bandra police initially detained a suspect resembling a CCTV-captured accused but released him after finding no connection to the case. Further investigation revealed the suspect changed clothes after leaving the scene, suggesting criminal intent. Police intensified their search, checking CCTVs and sharing the suspect’s photo widely, but identification remains elusive. Penelope Kingsley 18/01/2025 9:00 am
CIA analyst Asif William Rahman pleaded guilty to leaking top-secret documents about Israel’s planned strike on Iran. The leaks, appearing on a pro-Iranian social media account, caused Israel to delay its October strike. Rahman admitted to two Espionage Act violations, with sentencing by Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles scheduled for May 15. The plea deal removes decisions from incoming Trump appointees, including the next federal prosecutor in Virginia. Trump criticized the leaks, claiming they compromised Israel’s security. Noah Prescott 18/01/2025 5:30 am
