Digest for 29 June, 2025

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.