Top news of the day: 42 hospitalised after ammonia gas leak in Ennore; Centre declares Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) an unlawful association, and more

Top news updates from The Hindu on December 27, 2023

42 hospitalised after ammonia gas leak in Ennore, industrial unit shut down temporarily

Ammonia gas leaked from an underwater supply pipeline to an industrial unit, near Periyakuppam in Ennore, leading to hundreds of residents rushing out on to the roads complaining of difficulties in breathing, and burning of eyes and faces, late on December 26. Several residents were hospitalised. Teams from the police and fire services rushed to the spot to evacuate people willing to move out. Health Minister Ma. Subramanian, who visited Government Stanley Hospital and a private hospital, said 42 people have been admitted following ammonia gas leak and they are likely to be discharged soon. Tamil Nadu government has ordered to temporarily shut down Coromandel International Limited in Ennore after a gas leak from the fertiliser manufacturing facility, officials said. Tamil Nadu Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Siva V. Meyyanathan said the State government has ordered for temporary shutdown of the facility till further orders. The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal has taken suo motu cognisance of ammonia gas leak from Coromandel International Limited, a fertiliser manufacturing unit in Ennore.

MHA declares Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) an unlawful association

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-MA as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under the UAPA. In a post on X, Home Minister Amit Shah stated, “This organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K. The PM @narendramodi government’s message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law.”

India, Russia hold bilateral talks in Moscow

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov signed and exchanged diplomatic consultation documents for the upcoming four years during their bilateral talks in Moscow on December 27. Mr. Lavrov said India and Russia ties are historic and has been moving consistently forward. “Our ties are also strengthened by our stands at UN, SCO and BRICS. Both Russia and India want an open and fair international system,” he said. He added that Russia and India ties are based on mutual respect, not affected by political fluctuations.

Over 220 crore COVID vaccine doses administered across India, but less than 23 crore booster doses: Health Ministry data