LIVE: Three Israeli hostages are with Israeli forces in Gaza as ceasefire passes first hurdle

Catch all the latest news updates from around the world here

10:51 PM

CM Atishi closes crowdfunding campaign after achieving target of Rs 40 lakh in 1 week

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party candidate Atishi has raised more than Rs 40 lakhs through crowdfunding for her election campaign.

Delhi Chief Minister launched a crowdfunding campaign on January 12 to support her assembly election campaign, setting a target of Rs 40 lakh.

10:03 PM

India crowned inaugural Kho Kho World Cup champions following men's team win against Nepal

In a spectacular display of speed, strategy, and skill, Team India etched their names in sporting history by clinching the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup 2025 title at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium on Sunday.

The Men in Blue dominated the final against Nepal with a commanding 54-36 victory, led by outstanding performances from captain Pratik Waikar and tournament standout Ramji Kashyap. They joined the women's team, who dominated Nepal in another excellent final, sealing their victory with an emphatic score of 78-40, as per a press release from the Kho Kho World Cup.

9:56 PM

Would like to thank New Delhi for 'supporting' our 'right' to self-defence, says Israeli envoy

Would like to thank New Delhi for 'supporting' our 'right' to self-defence, says Israeli envoy

9:56 PM

Biden says guns in Gaza have gone silent

Outgoing US President Biden says guns in Gaza have gone silent

9:42 PM

India must keep doing what it must to deal with its vulnerabilities to climate change: Ramesh

India has to keep doing what it must to deal effectively with its multiple vulnerabilities to climate change, irrespective of the approach of the United States on the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement, former environment minister Jairam Ramesh said on Sunday.

The Congress general secretary shared on X a screenshot of the cover of a book written by former US envoy for climate change Todd Stern, titled "Landing the Paris Climate Agreement".

9:25 PM

Three Israeli hostages are with Israeli forces in Gaza as ceasefire passes first hurdle

Three Israeli hostages are with Israeli forces in Gaza as ceasefire passes first hurdle, reports AP

9:23 PM

Goa Congress leader Olencio Simoes booked for 'stalking', 'threatening' woman

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary Olencio Simoes has been booked for allegedly stalking and threatening a woman, a police official said on Sunday.

The woman has accused Simoes of trying to befriend her despite her clear indications of disinterest, the official said.

9:04 PM

First images of three hostages to be released from Gaza being broadcast during handover

Israeli media, carrying live footage from Qatar-based Al Jazeera, is showing the first images of the first three hostages to be released. They are seen walking between vehicles as their convoy moves through Gaza City. There is a huge crowd, with many people holding up phones and filming. There is a large number of armed men with green Hamas headbands nearby, apparently to secure the vehicles.

8:45 PM

Over 5 million pilgrims take dip in Sangam on day 7 of Maha Kumbh

More than 5 million pilgrims visited the Mahakumbh Mela on the seventh day, according to official data released by the Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday as of 6 PM.

Among a congregation of over 5.182 million devotees gathered at the Sangam Triveni, 1 million Kalpvasis and 4.182 million pilgrims took a holy dip by 6 PM.

8:31 PM

Gaza ceasefire takes hold, first handover of hostages underway

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took hold in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, ushering in an initial six-week period of calm and raising hopes for the release of dozens of militant-held hostages and an end to the devastating 15-month war.

A last-minute delay by Hamas put off the truce's start by nearly three hours and highlighted its fragility.

7:53 PM

UP govt prioritising VIP guests at Maha Kumbh, closing roads meant for devotees: Akhilesh

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav continued his criticism of the Maha Kumbh's handling and said on Sunday that the Uttar Pradesh government was prioritising "VIP guests" and making average devotees "walk miles" to reach the 'mela' area.

"Roads should not be closed" for devotees so that "special guests" have a convenient time accessing the event, the former chief minister said.

7:40 PM

Centre to hold meeting with farmer leaders on Feb 14

"It is not a big victory for us, but we were successful in getting a shut door open," said Punjab farmer leaders on an invitation extended by the Centre for holding a meeting to discuss their demands on February 14 at Chandigarh.

They further said fasting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal had refused to take medical aid till the end, but when farmer leaders kept requesting him, he told them with a feeling of sadness, "Do whatever you feel is right."

7:08 PM

PM Modi speaks to UP CM Yogi Adityanath, inquires about Prayagraj fire situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday after the fire incident in a tent at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj.

PM Modi inquired about the situation following the incident.

The Chief Minister told the Prime Minister that the skilled brigades of NDRF and SDRF had controlled the fire in time.

6:44 PM

India, Italy decide to expand counter-terror cooperation

India and Italy have vowed to enhance their cooperation in combating terrorism including by effectively countering the "misuse" of technology for terrorist activities.

Extensive deliberations were held on ways to expand bilateral cooperation in dealing with terrorism at a meeting of the India-Italy Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime held in Rome on January 16 and 17, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a readout on Sunday.

5:56 PM

Kashmiri migrant pandits observe 35th exodus anniversary in Jammu

Hundreds of Kashmiri migrant pandits gathered on Sunday at a sprawling ground near their Jagti settlement here to mark the 35 years of their exodus from the valley, demanding justice and a roadmap for their return and rehabilitation.

The Kashmiri Pandit community observes January 19 as the holocaust day to mark their migration from the Valley in 1990 following the eruption of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

5:32 PM

Delhi-NCR sees highest 30 pc increase in housing prices during 2024 among top 7 cities: Anarock

Housing prices in Delhi-NCR appreciated the most among seven major cities with rates rising by an average 30 per cent during the last year on rise in input cost, according to Anarock.

Real estate consultant Anarock noted that Delhi-NCR recorded the "highest yearly jump of 30 per cent in average residential price --"from Rs 5,800 per sq ft in 2023 to nearly Rs 7,550 per sq ft in 2024."

4:44 PM

Many Bangladeshis living illegally at labour camp from where Saif attacker held: BJP leader Somaiya

BJP senior leader Kirit Somaiya on Sunday claimed Bangladeshi nationals without valid documents are living at a labour camp in Thane from where alleged attacker of actor Saif Ali Khan was arrested.

The former MP requested the Thane police commissioner to conduct a combing operation at the Kavesar labour camp.

4:25 PM

Train to Kashmir: 22-bogie train's trial run successful on Katra-Srinagar line

A 22-bogie train chugged between Katra and Srinagar railway stations on Sunday, officials said, marking the first successful trial run on the newly completed line to connect Kashmir with the rest of the country via rail.

The train, comprising 18 AC coaches, two luggage carriers and two engines, left the Katra railway station at around 8 am, successfully reaching its destination within four hours under the watchful eyes of the railway authorities, the officials said.

4:02 PM

Prez Murmu to attend Srimanta Sankardeva award conferment ceremony

President Droupadi Murmu will attend a special ceremony in Guwahati in April to confer this year's Srimanta Sankardeva award, which is given to eminent personalities in the fields of literature, art, culture and journalism among others.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended the invitation to the President on Saturday and she has accepted it.

3:28 PM

Dark web drug cartel busted in Delhi, hydroponic weed worth Rs 2.1 cr seized

The Delhi Crime Branch dismantled an international dark web drug cartel, seizing 6 kilograms of hydroponic weed worth over Rs 2 crore, police said on Sunday.

The seizure was made under Operation Kawach, carried out ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, targeting illicit liquor, drugs, and illegal arms.

3:10 PM

PM Modi highlights 'Haathi Bandhu' initiative to resolve human-elephant conflict in Assam

In his recent Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the innovative 'Haathi Bandhu' initiative in Assam's Naugaon, which has successfully mitigated human-elephant conflicts in the region. The initiative, led by a team of villagers, involved planting Napier grass on barren land, providing an alternative food source for elephants and reducing crop damage.

2:59 PM

Saif attack case accused in police custody till Jan 24; cops cite international conspiracy angle

A Mumbai court on Sunday remanded a man arrested in the Saif Ali Khan attack case in police custody till January 24 after observing that the police's contention of an international conspiracy cannot be ruled out. Police told court that the alleged attacker was a Bangladeshi national and there was need to find the motive behind his act. Police also told court they needed to find out if there was an international conspiracy linked to the case.

2:46 PM

Centre must hold talks with farmers at earliest, not on Feb 14: Punjab minister

If the Centre's intentions are right, it should hold a meeting with the protesting farmers at the earliest rather than on February 14 which has been fixed now, Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian said on Sunday. His statement came a day after the Centre invited the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) for talks on February 14 at Chandigarh.

2:25 PM

Delhi never seen poll campaign when 'murderous attack' attempted: Arvind Kejriwal

A day after an alleged attack on his vehicle during election canvassing, AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said his life was dedicated to the country, but asserted Delhi has never witnessed such campaigning when a "murderous attack" was attempted on a former chief minister. The AAP has alleged that New Delhi BJP candidate Parvesh Verma's "goons" attacked Kejriwal during campaigning in the constituency on Saturday.

1:27 PM

EC used power of technology to strengthen people's power, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the Election Commission on Sunday, saying it has used the power of technology to strengthen people's power and also shown commitment to a fair polling process. Modi's praise for the poll body in his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast came ahead of its foundation day on January 25, observed as the National Voters' Day, and amid frequent criticism from the opposition for its alleged pro-BJP bias.

12:54 PM

'Unforgettable crowd, unimaginable scene': PM Modi on Maha Kumbh 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted different aspects of the Maha Kumbh 2025 and said that this mega event is an "extraordinary" confluence of equality and harmony packed with "unforgettable crowd" and "unimaginable scenes. As the Maha Kumbh 2025 goes global, the Prime Minister said that the festival of Kumbh celebrates "unity in diversity" as there is no discrimination or casteism anywhere in this tradition and people from all over India and the world gather together at Sangam.

12:38 PM

RG Kar rape-murder convict's mother says he deserves rightful punishment

The mother of Sanjoy Roy, who was convicted for the rape and murder of the medic of R G Kar Medical College and Hospital, on Sunday said if her son is guilty then he should get the punishment he deserves, even if it means hanging.

12:16 PM

Parties get creative with merchandise to woo Delhi voters ahead of Assembly polls

Delhi is in the midst of an intense election season and political workers are flaunting their allegiances, sporting creatively designed merchandise with quirky catchphrases and one-liners to attract voters's imagination. The Aam Aadmi Party, the BJP, the Congress and other smaller players, all are trying to outdo each other as merchandise messaging gets sharper, wittier and personal in appeal.

11:56 AM

Govt converted ease of doing business to unease in doing business: Congress

The Congress on Sunday claimed that the Modi government's retrograde policies have broken the confidence of investors in India and converted the ease of doing business to unease in doing business. Ahead of the Union Budget, the opposition party said that to fix this, the upcoming budget must eliminate raid raj and tax terrorism.

11:18 AM

Manipur govt declares half-holiday on Monday as a mark of respect for N Kayisii who passed away

The Manipur government declared a half-holiday on Monday as a mark of respect for legislator N Kayisii who passed away after a prolonged illness, a statement said. Kayisii, the MLA of Tadubi in Senapati district, died on Saturday at 58.