The Hindu Morning Digest: June 29, 2025
India slams Pakistan for seeking to blame it for attack in Waziristan
India blasted Pakistan on Saturday night for attempting to blame it for a suicide attack in the Waziristan area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. At least 14 security personnel were killed and 25 injured in the attack. 'We have seen an official statement by the Pakistan Army seeking to blame India for the attack in Waziristan on June 28,' the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
TMC condemns Kalyan Banerjee's comments on Kolkata law college rape
The Trinamool Congress on Saturday disassociated itself and condemned the statements made by senior party leader and MP Kalyan Banerjee on the rape of a student at South Calcutta Law College. 'The remarks made by MP Kalyan Banerjee and MLA Madan Mitra concerning the heinous crime at South Calcutta Law College were made in their personal capacities. The party unequivocally disassociates itself from their statements and strongly condemns the same. These views do not reflect the position of the party in any manner whatsoever,' the Trinamool Congress said in a social media posts.
Seven PWD officials suspended, enquiry against one retired official over Bhopal's near 90-degree turn bridge
Seven officials, including six engineers of the Public Works Department of the Madhya Pradesh Government were suspended on Saturday, and an enquiry was ordered against a retired engineer in connection with the 'faulty design' of a newly-built rail over bridge in State capital Bhopal. A construction agency and the design consultant, hired for the job, have also been blacklisted for giving a 'faulty design' for the project, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said in an X post.
Brain behind Operation Sindoor, IPS Parag Jain is new RAW Chief
The Union Government on Saturday appointed senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Parag Jain as the new chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), India's external intelligence agency. A 1989-batch IPS officer from the Punjab cadre, Mr. Jain, will succeed incumbent R&AW chief Ravi Sinha, who is due to retire on June 30. Mr. Jain will assume office on July 1 for a fixed two-year term.
First-ever artificial rain in Delhi likely from July 4 to 11: Environment Minister
The national capital is all set for its first date with artificial rain as a trial of the cloud seeding process has been scheduled between July 4 and 11, Delhi Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday. 'The initiative marks a historic step in controlling urban air pollution. Our aim is to provide Delhiites with clean air. That's why we're taking this bold step of inducing artificial rain. We are hopeful that it will bring about a meaningful change,' Mr. Sirsa told mediapersons.
What are the issues around deportation? | Explained
At least seven West Bengal residents who were pushed to Bangladesh by the Border Security Force (BSF) on suspicion of being Bangladeshis were brought back to India after the intervention of the State government. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on June 25 that residents speaking in their native Bengali language are being branded as Bangladeshis in some Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled States. Several people who were pushed from Assam to Bangladesh also returned as they were found to be Indians or that their citizenship cases were sub-judice.
Bihar begins Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls; 2.93 crore voters asked to produce proof of birth date and place
Almost 2.93 crore voters in Bihar must produce documents establishing the date and place of their own birth as well as of their parents in the case of those born after 1987, as a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the State's electoral rolls began on Saturday. The Election Commission of India (ECI) said that it has decided to start the SIR exercise across the whole country, starting with Bihar, with schedules for this to be issued separately.
Chennai-bound Air India flight returns to Mumbai due to 'burning smell' in cabin
A Chennai-bound Air India flight was forced to return to Mumbai on Saturday due to a 'burning smell' in the cabin. The aircraft, however, landed back safely, Air India said in a statement. 'Air India flight AI 639, operating from Mumbai to Chennai, on Friday, June 27, made a precautionary air-return to Mumbai due to a burning smell in the cabin,' the airline said in a statement.
G7 agrees to exempt U.S. multinationals from global minimum tax
The Group of Seven nations said on Saturday they have agreed to exempt U.S. multinational companies from a global minimum tax imposed by other countries — a win for President Donald Trump's government, which pushed hard for the compromise. The deal will see U.S. companies benefit from a 'side-by-side' solution under which they will only be taxed at home, on both domestic and foreign profits, the G7 said in a statement released by Canada, which holds the group's rotating presidency.
Suicide car bombing in Pakistan kills 14 soldiers and wounds 25 people
A suicide car bombing in northwest Pakistan on Saturday killed at least 14 soldiers and wounded 25 people, including civilians, officials said. The attack targeted a military vehicle in North Waziristan around lunchtime despite a curfew across the tribal district to facilitate the movement of security forces, the intelligence officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the issue with the media.
Iran could again enrich uranium 'in matter of months': IAEA chief
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi says Iran likely will be able to begin to produce enriched uranium 'in a matter of months,' despite damage to several nuclear facilities from U.S. and Israeli attacks, CBS News said Saturday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the extent of the damage to the nuclear sites is 'serious,' but the details are unknown. U.S. President Donald Trump insisted Iran's nuclear program had been set back 'decades.'
Rwanda, DR Congo sign peace deal in U.S. after rebel sweep
Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed a peace agreement on Friday in Washington to end fighting that has killed thousands, with the two countries pledging to pull back support for guerrillas — and U.S. President Donald Trump boasting of securing mineral wealth 'Today, the violence and destruction comes to an end, and the entire region begins a new chapter of hope and opportunity,' Mr. Trump said as he welcomed the two nations' Foreign Ministers to the White House. 'This is a wonderful day.'
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The Wire
34 minutes ago
- The Wire
Delhi's First Trial Run of Artificial Rain to be Conducted From July 4-11: Environment minister
Environment AAP, Delhi's former ruling party, which had earlier suggested cloud seeding to reduce air pollution, has raised questions about conducting the trial run in monsoon. Vehicles ply on a road near the India Gate on a cloudy afternoon, in New Delhi. Photo: PTI New Delhi: While it may bear good news to Delhiites hoping for better air quality, the timing may prove to be the spoiler. Delhi environment minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa has announced that his government would go ahead with a trial run of artificial rain in the national capital to lower air pollution, a first of its kind and a much-awaited welcome move, but he also said that the trial would run between this July 14 and 11 which would be after the onset of the monsoons in the area. Speaking to media persons on June 28, Sirsa said, 'The initiative marks a historic step in controlling urban air pollution. Our aim is to provide Delhiites with clean air. That's why we are taking this bold step of inducing artificial rain. We are hopeful that it will bring about a meaningful change.' As per media reports, the trial would be carried out by the Indian Meteorological Institute as per a plan for cloud seeding submitted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. 'The premier engineering institute has been tasked with implementing the project by overseeing deployment of aircraft, chemical disposal, scientific modelling, planning, and operational logistics,' stated The Hindu. The report does quote the minister of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) admitting that the weather conditions for the project 'were found to be unsuitable until July 3' but added that 'a widow has been identified between July 4 and 11.' What is of concern, though, is whether the heavy waterlogging that usually happens after the rains across the city would get adequate time to clear up before the artificial rains drop on the city. The report added that the Delhi government has sent a proposal to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which would be providing the aircraft, requesting an 'alternative window' in case the weather conditions remain unfavourable after July 3 so that the trial could be carried out at a later date. It must be noted that though the BJP government in Delhi has pushed for the trial, the Union government run by its party, did not move when the former Aam Aadmi Party's government had written letters to the Narendra Modi government to fast-track the clearances needed for cloud seeding even though it had called it an emergency measure to bring down air pollution in the city. Then Delhi environment minister Gopal Rai, on November 19, 2024, had written to the Union government, seeking PM Modi's intervention for artificial rain in the national capital to combat the worsening air pollution levels. Addressing a press meet that day, Rai had then said that his immediate intervention was required as it 'is his moral responsibility' as it 'is a medical emergency'. However, there was no response from the prime minister's office or his government then. He had also cited a letter addressed to Union environment minister Bhupendra Yadav seeking the approvals for artificial rain. He said, 'He (Yadav) has not called a single meeting on artificial rain despite my four letters sent in August, September, October and today.' 'PM Modi should ask his environment minister to convene a meeting on artificial rain. Either give a solution or clear the path for artificial rains. If central government cannot act, their minister should resign,' Rai had told reporters. The Wire tried reaching out to Gopal Rai on the matter but failed to get a response. Following the BJP's announcement, AAP spokesperson Saurabh Bharadwaj, however, questioned the idea for a trial during the monsoons. Who conducts an artificial rain trial during the rainy season, he asked. Sirsa's response gave away his party's attempt at taking credit for it. 'We were the ones who signed the memorandum of understanding first, made the payment to IIT, Kanpur, and applied for the necessary approvals because we want to bring about actual change… AAP did not do anything except talk about inducing artificial rain. Our government (BJP's Rekha Gupta-led government), on the other hand, has worked sincerely. That is why, within just four months of forming the government, we are at the stage of finalising the date for Delhi's first artificial rain,' he claimed. The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
News18 Afternoon Digest: Kalyan Banerjee Takes ‘Honeymoon' Jibe At Mahua Moitra, Three Dead In Stampede At Jagannath Rath Yatra & Other Top Stories
Last Updated: We are also covering: India Rejects Pakistan Army's Accusations On Suicide Attack In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Anti-Ageing Pills Could Be A Reason Behind Shefali Jariwala's Death In today's afternoon digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on Kalyan Banerjee attacking Mahua Moitra over her 'misogyny" remark on his controversial statement in connection with the Kolkata alleged rape case, three devotees were killed after a stampede broke out during the Rath Yatra in Puri and other top stories. 'She Broke A Family': Kalyan Banerjee's 'Honeymoon' Jibe At Mahua Moitra Amid Kolkata Rape Row In a tragic incident, at least three devotees were killed and over 50 were injured after a stampede broke out near Shri Gundicha Temple during the annual Rath Yatra in Odisha's Puri on Sunday. Read More The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday rejected Pakistan Army's accusations over India's involvement in a suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday. Read More First Published: June 29, 2025, 14:25 IST
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
TMC must be thrown out, only then peace can return to Bengal: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday condemned the gang-rape incident at South Calcutta Law College and launched a scathing attack at the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing the Mamata Banerjee-led government of shielding the perpetrators, with alleged links to the ruling party. Speaking at a 'Mann Ki Baat' event in Panihati, North 24 Parganas, Pradhan declared, 'This is not a matter for a CBI inquiry. The culprits will be tried in the people's court of Bengal. They must be thrown out — only then will peace return to Bengal.' His statements assume significance as it comes ahead of the high-stakes 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. In the last few months, incidents like gang-rape incident at South Calcutta Law College, RG Kar Medical college rape case, series of sexual assault at Sandeshkhali has already put TMC at the backfoot and has given an opportunity to the BJP, which is eyeing to make inroads into West Bengal, once a bastion of CPM. The minister, accompanied by MoS Education and state BJP president Sukanta Majumdar and BJP's Kolkata North Suburban District President Chandi Charan Roy, launched a fierce attack on the TMC over recent incidents of lawlessness and alleged sexual violence in the state. 'What is going on in Bengal? The RG Kar incident has already shaken the conscience of the state. And now, another heinous crime has taken place at South Calcutta Law College in Kasba — both linked to TMC elements,' he said. Pradhan lamented the decline of Bengal's legacy in education and culture, invoking icons such as Rabindranath Tagore, Swami Vivekananda, and Rishi Aurobindo. 'This is the same Bengal that once led the world in knowledge, science, and spirituality. Today, it is in the news for gang-rape and anarchy under Trinamool's rule.' The minister also reacted sharply to controversial remarks made by TMC MLA Madan Mitra. 'It is their job to rub salt into the wounds. This arrogance comes from holding on to power for too long. Ravana and Duryodhana also fell because of such arrogance. History and time will answer them.' Calling TMC a mere extension of the 'old Congress culture,' Pradhan said, 'What else can one expect? They remain indifferent to the people's suffering while shamelessly protecting their own.' The BJP has demanded swift justice in the law college case and has intensified its campaign to corner TMC over worsening law and order in Bengal.
