Digest for 19 June, 2025
Israel Strikes Iran's Arak Nuclear Reactor; India Evacuates 110 Students
Amid escalating conflict, Israel reportedly struck Iran's Arak heavy water nuclear reactor on June 19, 2025, after warning of the attack. Iranian state TV claimed no radiation danger. Concurrently, India successfully evacuated 110 of its students from Iran via Armenia under 'Operation Sindhu'. The first flight landed in Delhi, bringing relief to students, primarily from Urmia University, who faced critical situations. Further evacuations are planned from the region.
US Resumes Student Visa Interviews, Mandates Public Social Media Profiles for Vetting
The United States announced the resumption of student visa interviews, paused since May 27. A new policy requires applicants to set their social media profiles to "public" for comprehensive vetting. The State Department emphasized national security, aiming to identify applicants with hostile attitudes or violent activism history. This change significantly impacts prospective international students, including many from India, by adding a new layer of scrutiny to the visa process.
ED Raids Multiple States in Bihar Constable Recruitment Scam; Links to NEET Paper Leak Masterminds Alleged
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted multi-state raids on June 19, 2025, in Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, investigating a money laundering case linked to the 2023 Bihar constable recruitment scam. Official sources indicated that the masterminds behind this alleged scam are purportedly the same individuals involved in the 2024 NEET UG paper leak. The raids target corruption in public recruitment processes.
Supreme Court Questions Tamil Nadu ADGP's Suspension, Considers Probe Transfer in Kidnapping Case
The Supreme Court on June 19, 2025, questioned the suspension of Tamil Nadu ADGP H.M. Jayaram, linked to an alleged kidnapping case. The court asked the state government about transferring the investigation to the Special Branch or CID, terming the officer's treatment "shocking" and "demoralising." The case involves allegations that the ADGP's official car was used in an abduction related to a love marriage.
Actor Dino Morea Questioned by ED in Mumbai's Mithi River Desilting Scam Probe
Actor Dino Morea appeared before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Mumbai on June 19, 2025, for questioning in a money laundering probe connected to an alleged Rs 65 crore Mithi river desilting scam. The ED is investigating financial transactions linked to Morea and other accused in the BMC contract irregularities spanning 2017-2023. This follows earlier searches and questioning of the actor and his brother.