News Dabba for 29 June 2026: Five stories for a balanced news diet

Indie Journal brings you the daily updates that the internet is talking about through various news websites. Here's a glance through some of the National and International news updates, from the Ram temple donation case, flash floods in Arunchal Pradesh, to Pakistani strikes in Afghanistan.

Mallikarjun Kharge reappointed Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha after oath, NDTV reports

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was on Monday recognised as the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha, following his re-election to the Upper House, NDTV reports. Kharge was a member of the Rajya Sabha till June 25 and following his re-election, the Chairman of the Upper House, C P Radhakrishnan, recognised him as the Leader of Opposition with effect from June 26. Kharge took oath in the Rajya Sabha chairman's chamber on Monday, the report says. Read the full report here.

Ayodhya lawyers' body declares Rs 5 lakh fine if Ram temple donation case accused represented: Hindustan Times

The Faizabad Bar Association in Uttar Pradesh has decided not to represent those accused in the alleged embezzlement of funds linked to the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Hindustan Times reports. In a general body meeting on Monday, the Bar warned that any member who takes up the case for the accused will face a fine of Rs 5 lakh. During the meeting, lawyers also demanded that Champat Rai, Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao - figures linked to the controversy - should not be allowed tleave Ayodhya within three days, threatening to blockade the city if they did not comply. Read the full report here.

Rescuers saved in dramatic flash flood operation in Arunachal Pradesh, Indian Express

With monsoon rain causing flash floods and landslides in Arunchal Pradesh, seven local residents who set out to rescue four fishermen stranded in the swollen Sisiri river in Lower Dibang Valley found themselves stranded after their raft overturned in the strong current. Arunachal Pradesh reports that following a multi-agency rescue operation, during which people even attempted to use elephants to reach those trapped, the four fishermen and the seven locals were rescued. At least three people have died as a result of the torrential rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh over the past week, the report says, and the state’s infrastructure, particularly roads and highways, has sustained significant damage. Read the full report here.

Al Jazeera: US-Iran negotiations reportedly set for Qatar after days of fighting

The US and Iran agreed to halt reciprocal attacks and meet in Qatar on Tuesday to resolve their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, US media reports say. Al Jazeera reports that Tehran has not commented. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said $6bn of the $12bn of its frozen funds held by Qatar will be released and returned to the country. Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri – with ties to Hezbollah – said Beirut’s framework agreement with Israel “will not pass” and “will not be implemented” as it does not guarantee Lebanon’s rights. Read the full report here.

Pakistani strikes kill dozens in Afghanistan, BBC reports

BBC reports that Pakistan launched airstrikes and sent ground troops into Afghan provinces along its border on Sunday, killing dozens. At least 36 civilians, including women and children, have been killed and more than 160 others wounded, says Afghanistan's Taliban government, and has condemned it as a "cowardly act" and "a crime and atrocity". As per the report, Pakistan's information minister Attaullah Tarar said 29 militants were killed in strikes targeted at their hideouts, adding that the strikes were a response to "recent terrorist attacks against innocent people". Read the full report here.