MEA condemns Iran’s attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers; SC orders separate namaz space near MP’s Bhojshala

Here are top 5 news of the day:

MEA condemns Iran’s attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) lodged a strong protest against Iran over the continued attacks on vessels carrying Indian seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz. In a statement, the ministry said it was deeply concerned by the attacks on the MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while they were transiting through the strategic waterway, and expressed serious concern over the safety of Indian crew members aboard the vessels.“India is deeply concerned by the attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz today. Both the vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46. Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life and another has been injured,” the ministry said. Read full story

SC orders separate space near MP’s Bhojshala for Friday namaz between 1pm and 3pm

The Supreme Court said the current arrangement at the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar will continue on an ad hoc basis until the pending petitions are decided. Assuring both the Hindu and Muslim parties of an expeditious hearing, the bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, said it was willing to hear the matter on a day-to-day basis.The court was hearing a batch of appeals against the Madhya Pradesh high court’s May 15 ruling that declared the disputed Bhojshala complex a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. Read full story

SC raps ‘self-styled youth icons’ Samay Raina, Ranveer Allahbadia for non-compliance of its order

The Supreme Court pulled up comedian Samay Raina and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia over their alleged failure to comply with its earlier directions in the India’s Got Latent controversy case.Observing that Samay had “taken the court for a ride”, the bench also described both him and Ranveer as “self-styled youth icons” while expressing concern over their non-compliance. The apex court imposed a fine of Rs 3 lakh each on Samay and the other respondents and directed them to file compliance affidavits within two weeks. Read full story

CJP invites leaders across party lines to back NEET protesters

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) reached out to leaders across party lines, inviting them to join its protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in support of students protesting the alleged NEET UG paper leak.The demonstration, led by climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, who is on an indefinite hunger strike, has drawn nationwide attention. In its appeal, the CJP called on leaders, including former BJP president Jagat Prakash Nadda and Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi, to back students’ demands for accountability and justice over the alleged exam irregularities. Read full story

IMD warns of extremely heavy rain in Northeast, East; South to stay hot and humid

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast contrasting weather conditions across the country over the next week, with extremely heavy rainfall likely in parts of Northeast and East India, while hot and humid conditions are expected to continue across several southern and coastal states.According to the IMD, rainfall activity will remain concentrated over eastern and northeastern India, with Meghalaya and parts of West Bengal under an “extremely heavy rainfall” warning. Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh are also expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next seven days. Read full story