Sun Jan 19 13:06:26 UTC 2025: **News Article: Maha Kumbh Fire, Gaza Truce, and Other Top News**

**Prayagraj, India/Gaza City, Palestine/Washington D.C. – January 19, 2025** – A massive fire erupted at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, India, on Friday, reportedly caused by a cylinder explosion. While firefighters are on the scene, no casualties have been reported. Simultaneously, a tense situation in Gaza concluded with a truce between Israel and Hamas, beginning at 09:15 GMT, after a last-minute delay. Eight Palestinians were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes during the delay. The agreement includes the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners by Israel.

Other significant developments include:

* **Indian Politics:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the Election Commission of India for its use of technology in elections, while the Congress party criticized the government’s economic policies, blaming them for investor uncertainty. Assam Police chief Gyanendra Pratap Singh was appointed as the new Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).
* **Technology:** TikTok was removed from major app stores in the US following the enactment of a federal law that would have banned the platform unless its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sold it.
* **Crime:** The mother of Sanjay Roy, convicted of rape and murder, stated she will accept the consequences of his actions. Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan is recovering well after a home invasion and stabbing.
* **Maharashtra Politics:** Ajit Pawar replaced Dhananjay Munde as the guardian minister of Beed district in Maharashtra.
* **Farmer Protests:** A group of 121 farmers in India ended their hunger strike after farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal accepted medical treatment and the government agreed to talks.
* **US Politics:** President-elect Donald Trump plans post-inauguration visits to China and India. Thousands protested against his policies in Washington D.C. ahead of his inauguration.
* **Cricket:** Pakistan won the first test against the West Indies decisively, with off-spinner Sajid Khan taking nine wickets.

These are just a few of the significant events that unfolded on this eventful day. The situation in Gaza and the potential for further political tension in India and the US will continue to be monitored.

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