Jan 12 News Live: Nipah scare in West Bengal: Two nurses on ventillator suppot

Thackeray cousins reunite, target BJP over Marathi identity ahead of BMC polls

Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray have joined hands ahead of the January 15 BMC elections, pitching the civic polls as a fight to protect Mumbai’s Marathi identity. Raj warned against Hindi imposition and alleged BJP plans to economically link Mumbai with Gujarat, while Uddhav accused the BJP of fake Hindutva and divisive politics.

Read full story here.

83rd Golden Globe Awards: Key winners and highlights

The 83rd Golden Globe Awards opened with host Nikki Glaser’s sharp monologue and a show of solidarity over the fatal shooting of Renee Good in the US. One Battle After Another, Sinners and Adolescence emerged as major winners, while Good Hang with Amy Poehler won the inaugural Best Podcast award.

Read our full story here.

SC seeks Centre’s reply on PIL for RMP status to AYUSH doctors

The Supreme Court has sought responses from the Union ministries of Law, Health and AYUSH on a PIL seeking recognition of AYUSH doctors as registered medical practitioners. The plea also seeks revision of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, 1954, arguing that its blanket ban on advertisements is outdated and violates the public’s right to medical information.
Read our full story here

Vijay-starrer Jana Nayagan's maker moves SC against lower court order

The producer of the Tamil film Jana Nayagan, starring actor Vijay, approached the Supreme Court on Monday, challenging an interim order of the Madras High Court that stayed a single-judge direction to grant the CBFC clearance to the movie.

Read our full story here.

SC collegium recommends Justice Sujoy Paul as next Chief Justice of Calcutta HC

The Supreme Court collegium has recommended appointment of Justice Sujoy Paul as Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.

The collegium headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, in a meeting held on January 9, recommended appointment of Justice Paul.

Justice Paul is currently posted as a judge in the Calcutta High Court. His parent high court in Madhya Pradesh

Iran's foreign minister says situation after nationwide protests is 'under total control'

Iran's foreign minister said on Monday (January 12) that “the situation has come under total control” after a bloody crackdown on nationwide protests in the country.

Abbas Araghchi also said that the protests “turned violent and bloody to give an excuse” for US President Donald Trump to intervene.

Araghchi offered no evidence for his statements, which came after activists reported more than 500 people in Iran have been killed during the past two weeks of protests — the vast majority of them demonstrators.

Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks.

No country more essential than India: US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor

No country is as essential than India for Washington and both sides are actively engaged in firming up a trade deal, US ambassador-designate Sergio Gor said on Monday.

"I have travelled all over the world with President Trump, and I can attest that his friendship with Prime Minister Modi is real," he added.

Read our full story here.

Iran alleges protests turned violent to give Trump 'excuse' to intervene

Iran's foreign minister alleged on Monday that nationwide protests in his nation “turned violent and bloody to give an excuse” for US President Donald Trump to intervene.

Abbas Araghchi offered no evidence for his claim, which comes after activists reported more than 500 have been killed — the vast majority of them demonstrators.

Araghchi spoke to foreign diplomats in Tehran. The Qatar-funded Al Jazeera satellite news network, which has been allowed to work despite the internet being cut off in the country, carried his remarks. AP

Congress leaders hail Priyanka Gandhi on her birthday

Birthday wishes poured in for Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra as she turned 54 on Monday, with party chief Mallikarjun Kharge saying her fighting for the people's rights continues to inspire every party worker.

Several Congress leaders hailed the Wayanad MP for taking up people's issues as they wished her on her birthday.

"Warm birthday wishes to AICC General Secretary and MP, @priyankagandhi ji. I wish her good health, happiness and a bright future ahead," Kharge said in a post on X.

"Her compassion and courage, steadfast commitment to the Constitution, and strong voice, both inside and outside the Parliament, fighting for people's rights continue to inspire and energise every Congress worker," he said.

Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said, "Wishing the dynamic and charismatic leader, AICC GS & Wayanad MP Smt. @priyankagandhi ji a very happy birthday! Your infectious energy and dedication to people's issues is a motivation for us all, may you go from strength to strength in the years to come!" The party's media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, likened her to a lioness.

"To a daughter forged in courage, a sister who stands firm in adversity, a mother with fierce love, a colleague who guides with humility and grace, a leader anchored in unshakeable resolve...To the quintessential 'Sherni' of the Congress party...Happy Birthday @priyankagandhi ji," he said on X.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar lauded Priyanka Gandhi for her fearlessness in speaking for the people.

"May you be blessed with good health and strength as you continue to speak fearlessly in Parliament. May you keep inspiring millions and carry forward the proud legacy of the Congress Party with conviction and courage," the party leader said on X.

Congress whip in Lok Sabha, Manickam Tagore, said her courage, compassion, and commitment to democratic values continue to inspire millions.

"Along with our leader Thiru #RahulGandhi ji, you give strength and hope to the idea of India. Wishing you and your family good health, happiness, and strength in the service of the people," Tagore wrote on X.

Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also greeted Priyanka Gandhi on her birthday.

"She's a fighter. She's feisty. She's fierce. She's fabulous. She's fun. Happy birthday to the one and only @priyankagandhi ji. Wish you laughter, love and light on your birthday and beyond!" she said.

The Congress, from its official X handle, wished the party leader good health.

"Your empathy, simplicity and unwavering dedication to the people make you truly special. May this year bring you joy, good health, and renewed strength as you continue your tireless quest to empower the people of India and build a brighter future for all," it said.

DMK MP K Kanhimozhi extended birthday wishes to Priyanka Gandhi.

"Warm birthday wishes to the dynamic leader of the INC, Thirumigu. @priyankagandhi. Her commitment to stand against fascist forces, especially during these challenging times for democracy and the Constitution, are truly commendable. Wishing her good health, happiness, and continued success in public life," the DMK leader said.

Sensex, Nifty tumble nearly 1 pc on foreign fund outflows, trade-related concerns

Stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty tanked nearly 1 per cent in late morning trade on Monday as persistent foreign fund outflows, concerns over further US tariffs on Indian exports and geopolitical developments dampened investors' sentiment.

The 30-share BSE Sensex tumbled 715.17 points or 0.85 per cent to 82,861.07 in late morning trade. The 50-share NSE Nifty tanked 209.9 points or 0.81 per cent to 25,473.40.

From the 30-Sensex firms, Eternal, Adani Ports, Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finance, Bharat Electronics, Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Industries and Power Grid were among the biggest laggards.

However, Trent, NTPC, Asian Paints and Tata Steel were among the gainers.

Foreign institutional investors offloaded equities worth Rs 3,769.31 crore on Friday, while Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) bought stocks worth Rs 5,595.84 crore, according to exchange data.