50 Supporters of MP Chandrashekhar Azad Arrested for Vandalism in Prayagraj
Police in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, have arrested approximately 50 supporters of Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad for vandalism. The incident occurred after Azad was prevented by police from visiting the family of a man who died from burn injuries. His angered supporters allegedly damaged two police vehicles and pelted stones. Authorities have stated that the accused will be charged under stringent sections, including potentially the National Security Act, and that the cost of the damages will be recovered from them.
Shuttler Ayush Shetty Clinches Maiden BWF World Tour Title at US Open
Rising Indian badminton star Ayush Shetty won his first BWF World Tour title, defeating Canada's Brian Yang in straight games in the US Open Super 300 men's singles final. The 20-year-old, a junior world championships bronze medalist, secured a 21-18, 21-13 victory, capping an impressive tournament run. In the women's singles, 16-year-old Tanvi Sharma finished as a commendable runner-up after a hard-fought final, concluding a strong week for Indian shuttlers at the international event.
Iran Accuses Israel of Deadly Strike on Tehran Prison, Killing 71
Iran’s judiciary reported that an alleged Israeli airstrike on Tehran’s Evin prison killed at least 71 people, including prisoners, staff, and visiting family members. The attack on the notorious prison, which holds many political activists, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The incident, confirmed by Iran's official Mizan news agency, raises fears of a wider regional war and has drawn immediate international attention, further destabilizing the Middle East.
India Rejects Pakistan's Accusation of Involvement in Waziristan Attack
India has strongly rejected Pakistan's claim that it was behind a suicide bomb attack that killed at least 13 soldiers in North Waziristan. The Ministry of External Affairs dismissed the statement "with the contempt it deserves." A faction of the Pakistani Taliban, the Hafiz Gul Bahadur group, has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, which involved an explosive-laden car ramming a military convoy. The incident sharply increases diplomatic tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Monsoon Covers Entire Country Nine Days Ahead of Schedule
The southwest monsoon has advanced across the entire country, reaching Delhi and covering all remaining areas nine days earlier than the normal date of July 8, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This is the earliest nationwide coverage since 2020. The early arrival, which first made landfall in Kerala on May 24, is crucial for India's vast agricultural sector and for replenishing reservoirs, promising significant economic and social benefits across the nation.
Social Security Schemes Now Cover 95 Crore Indians, Says Government
Citing a recent International Labour Organisation (ILO) report, the Indian government announced that over 95 crore people in the country now receive benefits from at least one social security scheme. This represents more than 64% of the population, a significant increase from fewer than 25 crore beneficiaries in 2015. The expansion of social protection, covering areas from health to financial security, marks a major milestone in the country's social welfare framework and national development.
Stampede at Puri's Rath Yatra Kills Three, Injures Dozens
A stampede during the Jagannath Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Odisha, has resulted in at least three deaths and around 50 injuries. The incident occurred early Sunday morning near the Shree Gundicha Temple as a large crowd of devotees gathered. Odisha’s government has ordered a high-level inquiry into the security and crowd management lapses that led to the tragedy. The Chief Minister has apologized for the incident and promised stringent action against those found responsible for negligence.
Cloudburst in Uttarakhand Triggers Landslide, Nine Labourers Missing
A cloudburst in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district has caused a major landslide, sweeping away a labourers' campsite and leaving eight to nine people missing. The incident occurred along the Barkot-Yamunotri road, disrupting traffic and forcing a temporary suspension of the Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage. The IMD has issued a red alert for the state, warning of more extremely heavy rainfall. Rescue operations by NDRF and SDRF teams are underway amid widespread weather-related disruptions across the region.
India's Ban on Pakistan-Linked Ships Raises Freight Costs, Delays Imports
An Indian ban on ships carrying Pakistani cargo, imposed after a recent terror attack, is reportedly causing significant trade disruptions for Pakistan. Importers there claim the measure has increased shipping times by 30-50 days and raised freight charges by forcing reliance on smaller feeder vessels. While the immediate impact on Pakistan's exports is said to be minimal, the disruption to supply chains for imported raw materials could have broader economic consequences for its value-added export industries.
Sri Lankan Navy Arrests Eight Indian Fishermen Near Rameswaram
The Sri Lankan Navy arrested eight fishermen from Tamil Nadu and seized their boat near Delft Island, accusing them of crossing the International Maritime Boundary Line to fish illegally. This latest incident highlights the recurring and contentious issue faced by Indian fishermen in the Palk Strait, who cite depleted fish stocks and historic fishing rights. Fishermen’s associations have again called for immediate diplomatic intervention from New Delhi to secure the crew's release and find a permanent solution.
Seven Engineers Suspended Over Bhopal Bridge with 90-Degree Turn
The Madhya Pradesh government has suspended seven engineers and blacklisted a design firm over the construction of a new rail over-bridge in Bhopal with a hazardous 90-degree turn. The Rs 18 crore project faced widespread public ridicule and safety concerns. Following an inquiry, the Chief Minister ordered the suspensions and a probe into a retired engineer, stating the bridge will not open until safety improvements are made to rectify the widely criticized and dangerous design flaw.
Mumbai Mosques Adopt Mobile App for 'Azan' Amid Loudspeaker Curbs
In an innovative response to restrictions on loudspeaker use, several mosques in Mumbai have started using a mobile app to broadcast the 'azan' (call to prayer) directly to worshippers' phones. The "Online Azan" app live-streams the call in real-time, allowing the faithful to stay connected to their local mosque without violating noise regulations. The move is being hailed as a creative and peaceful solution, with organisers promoting "innovation over confrontation" to navigate the sensitive social issue.
Iran Holds Mass Funeral for Officials Killed in Israeli Strikes
Tehran held a massive state funeral for 60 people, including top military commanders and nuclear scientists, killed during a recent 12-day conflict with Israel. Thousands mourned Gen. Hossein Salami, head of the Revolutionary Guard, and others targeted in what Israel called a campaign to dismantle Iran's nuclear program. The conflict, which ended with a ceasefire on June 24, reportedly saw over 1,000 killed in Iran. The funeral procession underscores the heavy losses and heightened tensions in the region.
Railways Caps Waiting Lists at 25%, Sparking Debate
Indian Railways has implemented a new policy capping passenger waiting lists at 25% of a train's class capacity, a move experts and some officials criticize as impractical and potentially loss-making. The Ministry of Railways says the decision is based on data showing less than a quarter of waitlisted passengers typically get confirmed seats. However, critics argue the cap will obscure true travel demand, hinder the planning of special trains, and might not reduce crowding as intended.
Government Proposes Mandatory Inclusion of Two Helmets with New Two-Wheelers
The Indian government is considering a new rule that would make it mandatory for manufacturers to provide two helmets with every new two-wheeler sold. The proposal aims to enhance road safety by ensuring both the rider and the pillion passenger have access to protective headgear from the point of purchase. This potential policy change, if enacted, would have a significant impact on vehicle manufacturers and buyers across the country, directly addressing India's high rate of road-accident fatalities.