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A violent crackdown on Iran protests has killed at least 648 people, including 9 minors, with thousands injured and 10,000 arrested, rights group Iran Human Rights said. An ongoing internet blackout hampers verification. The protests, sparked by economic grievances, have grown into a major challenge to the regime, prompting government-backed nationwide rallies.
India and Germany, under PM Modi and Chancellor Merz, agreed to deepen ties in defence, trade, critical minerals, semiconductors, education, and telecom. They signed 19 pacts, backed the Indo-Pacific, IMEC, and green hydrogen projects, promoted talent mobility, condemned terrorism, and pushed for resilient supply chains and global institution reforms.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the US will not send troops into Mexico to fight drug cartels. After a good call with President Trump, she said both sides agreed to work together while respecting Mexico’s sovereignty. She stressed cooperation on security, drug trafficking, trade, and investment, but without US military involvement on Mexican soil.
Apple and Google announced a multi-year partnership under which Apple’s next-generation AI features, including Siri, will be powered by Google’s Gemini technology. The deal marks a shift for Apple’s in-house approach. The companies said Gemini offers the strongest foundation for Apple Foundation Models, enabling new AI-driven user experiences across Apple platforms.
Greenland’s government said it cannot accept a US takeover of the Arctic island under any circumstance, responding to repeated remarks by President Donald Trump. The autonomous Danish territory said the governing coalition firmly rejects such moves, while stressing it will continue efforts to strengthen Greenland’s defence in cooperation with NATO allies.
US President Trump will meet Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina on Jan 15. The meeting comes as Washington pressures Venezuela’s interim govt to free political prisoners. Some detainees have been released, but families and rights groups say progress is slow. Trump is also negotiating with acting leader Delcy over oil access and future relations.
US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on any country trading with Iran, escalating pressure over Tehran’s violent crackdown on protests. Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the order was “final.” China, Turkey, the UAE and Iraq are key partners. The move comes amid military options, though diplomatic talks continue through special envoy channels.
Health and education experts warned that glamorising tobacco through surrogate ads and selling it alongside candies risks pushing children towards addiction. Speaking on National Youth Day, they cautioned this could trigger a future epidemic of cancer and lung diseases, urging stricter controls, higher legal age, curbs on single-stick sales, and protection around schools.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s wife told the Supreme Court that his NSA detention relied on irrelevant material and denied him effective representation. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal argued key videos were not supplied and the order was copy-pasted. The government maintains Wangchuk incited violence. The court will continue hearing the case on January 13.
Ahead of Maharashtra’s civic polls, the State Election Commission has barred advance payments under the Ladli Behna scheme, citing the model code of conduct. While regular installments may continue, advance disbursal and addition of new beneficiaries are prohibited. The move follows opposition complaints alleging the timing could influence voters before polling.
Yash-starrer Toxic has landed in controversy after the AAP Women’s Wing complained to the Karnataka Women’s Commission over allegedly obscene visuals. The Commission has written to the CBFC, seeking action and a report. The teaser, released on Yash’s birthday, has sparked debate over objectification, artistic freedom and cultural sensitivity.
MTV Splitsvilla X6 introduces a bold Pyaar vs Paisa Villa twist, dividing 32 contestants between love-driven and money-focused gameplay. Episode 2 revealed full contestant lists and two Mischief Makers, Uorfi Javed and Nia Sharma. The show airs Friday to Sunday at 7 pm on MTV India and JioHotstar.
The ICC is set to respond to Bangladesh’s request to shift its T20 World Cup 2026 matches from India over security concerns. Instead of Sri Lanka, the ICC is likely to suggest Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram as alternative venues. With the tournament weeks away, officials are keen to resolve the issue swiftly.
Salt isn’t universally harmful, says cardiologist Dr Dmitry Yaranov, warning against blanket dietary advice. Sodium is essential for healthy people but dangerous for those with heart failure, resistant hypertension, kidney disease, cirrhosis, or older arteries. The key, he explains, is individual health context—salt becomes harmful only in the wrong physiolog.
The Madras High Court granted Kamal Haasan interim protection against misuse of his image, likeness, and name for false depictions or unauthorised merchandise. However, the court clarified that its order will not restrict permissible creative expression such as satire and caricature. The ruling balances celebrity rights with artistic freedom, pending further hearing.