Latest news today (December 27): Presenting FE’s Breaking News today. We will keep you updated on all major news, views and much more throughout the day.

Delhi reports first case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1: Ministry

Delhi has reported its first case of COVID-19 sub-variant JN.1, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said on Wednesday, while urging people not to panic. According to an official, three samples were sent for genome sequencing, and one of them tested positive for the JN.1 variant while the remaining two were Omicron. (READ MORE)

Rajeev Kumar new West Bengal DGP

The West Bengal government on Wednesday appointed former Kolkata Police commissioner Rajeev Kumar as the state’s new Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG and IGP), an official said. He will replace Manoj Malviya, who retired during the day, an official said. Kumar, who is currently the secretary of the Information and Technology Department, will assume charge immediately, he said, quoting an order. (PTI)

Blast at IOC’s Chennai Plant

A person died after a blast at the Indian Oil’s Chennai plant on Wednesday. Latest reports say that another man was grievously injured at the Indian Oil Corporation’s Tondiarpet plant, local official confirmed.

Markets at new all-time high

Metal stocks lifted India’s benchmark Nifty 50 index to hit a fresh record high on Wednesday amid a broader rally in global markets. The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 was up 0.4% at 21,520, while the S&P BSE Sensex gained 0.3% to 71,568 as of 1:36 p.m. IST. The index earlier rose as much as 0.76%. The more domestically-focussed mid-caps rose 0.83%, while small-caps gained 0.74%. (Live Updates)

Pro-Kannada groups run riot in Bengaluru over order to use ‘60% Kannada’ signages

As the language row in Karnataka saw another twist with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) directing all businesses to have 60 per cent Kannada signages, pro-Kannada groups held violent protests at various parts in the state capital on Wednesday demanding immediate implementation. (Read More)

Have full faith army will wipe out terrorism from J&K: Rajnath Singh

Lauding the troops for their bravery, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said he had full faith that the army will wipe out terrorism from the soil of Jammu and Kashmir. “I believe in your bravery and steadfastness … Terrorism should be finished from Jammu and Kashmir and you need to move forward with this commitment. I have full faith that you will achieve victory,” Singh said, addressing troops in the border district of Rajouri. (PTI)

Ammonia gas leaks from subsea pipeline of TN fertiliser plant, several people hospitalised

Ammonia gas leaked from a subsea pipeline linked to a fertiliser manufacturing unit situated on the shoreline in north Chennai, affecting people by causing shortness of breath, nausea and faintness and approximately 25 of them have been hospitalised, official sources said on Wednesday. (PTI)

Telangana reports eight new COVID cases

Eight new COVID cases were reported on Tuesday by the Government of Telangana, Office of the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare. A total of 59 cases are under treatment.

Several vehicles collide on Agra-Lucknow expressway due to dense fog

A dense layer of fog on the Agra-Lucknow expressway and low visibility led to a massive collision of vehicles causing injuries to several commuters. At least seven to eight vehicles collided near the Jharna Nala flyover.

Telangana: Fire breaks out at scrap godown in Rangareddy; no casualties

A fire broke out at a scrap godown in Attar, Rangareddy, in the early hours of Wednesday morning. As soon as information was received, the fire brigade reached the spot and brought the fire under control. There have been no casualties reported

Delhi Police found two suspects in connection to Israel Embassy incident

According to sources, Delhi Police found two suspects in the Israel Embassy incident yesterday after examining the CCTV footage. Police are now scanning CCTV visuals and trying to find out how the two suspects reached there and which route they took. Police also received a threatening letter written to the Israel Embassy

Gas leak detected in Ennore, DIG says ‘no need to panic

After ammonia gas leak was detected in a sub-sea pipe in Ennore, five people felt uneasy and were taken to a health facility. The DIG, Joint Commissioner Avadi, Vijayakumar tweets, “No need to panic. Stabilised. No more gas (ammonia) leaks at Ennore. People reassured and are back home. medical and police teams present.”

Trains and flights delayed in the National capital due to fog

As a thick layer of fog covered the capital city, multiple trains and flights have been delayed. The temperature has dipped further. (READ MORE)

Covid: 34 cases of JN.1 variant in Karnataka; government well prepared, says Health Minister 

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has said that there are 34 cases of JN.1 variant of COVID-19 in the state but the government is well prepared and nothing is “alarming.”