Digest for 20 June, 2025
US President to Decide Within Two Weeks on Military Intervention in Iran-Israel Conflict
US President Donald Trump announced he will decide within two weeks whether the US military will directly intervene in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The decision hinges on the potential for renewed negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program. This comes as hostilities enter their seventh day, with diplomatic efforts, including talks involving US, UK, and EU officials, underway to find a peaceful resolution and prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Iran-Israel Hostilities Intensify: Hospital Hit, Civilian Casualties Rise
The conflict between Iran and Israel has escalated, with ongoing attacks for the seventh consecutive day. Iranian missiles reportedly struck Soroka Medical Center in Beersheba, Israel, wounding at least 80 people. Israeli airstrikes continued to target Iran's nuclear facilities. Casualty figures are rising, with reports indicating over 650 killed in Iran and at least 24 in Israel, prompting growing international concern over the widening conflict and its humanitarian impact.
Election Commission Mandates Destruction of Poll-Related Audiovisual Records After 45 Days
The Election Commission of India has directed state poll officers to destroy CCTV, webcasting, and video footage of election processes after 45 days if no election petition challenges the verdict within that period. This measure aims to prevent the misuse of such content for spreading "malicious narratives" on social media, citing recent instances of selective, out-of-context use of footage. This follows a December rule change restricting public inspection of certain electronic poll documents.
Maharashtra Reconstitutes High-Powered Committee on Border Dispute with Karnataka
The Maharashtra government has reconstituted its high-powered committee to address the long-standing border dispute with Karnataka. Headed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the 18-member committee includes deputy CMs and former CMs. The move aims to facilitate consensus-based decisions on the issue, which dates back to the 1957 linguistic reorganization of states, concerning Belagavi and over 800 Marathi-speaking villages currently part of Karnataka.
Israeli PM Netanyahu Criticized for 'Personal Cost' Remarks Amid Iran War
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing public and political criticism for comments regarding the "personal price" his family is paying due to the Iran war, citing the second postponement of his son's wedding. Critics, including families of hostages and opposition figures, termed his remarks self-centered and out of touch with the nation's suffering, accusing him of narcissism during a time of national crisis and widespread hardship.