1. Tensions Erupt in Manipur Over Arrest of Radical Group Leader
2. PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge and World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge in J&K
3. Amarnath Yatra 2025: Enhanced Security Measures in Place for 38-Day Pilgrimage
4. Indian YouTuber Arrested for Spying for Pakistan’s ISI
5. All-party parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor wraps up U.S. visit

What Else

1. India-Canada Relations ‘Thaw’: PM Modi to Attend G7 Summit
2. India, UK Reiterate “Zero Tolerance” for Terrorism
3. Assam to Fast-Track Deportation of Illegal Immigrants Using 1950 Law
4. Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu on Lok Sabha Seat Delimitation
5. Rahul Gandhi and ECI Clash Over Election Rigging Allegations
6. India Lifts Millions Out of Poverty, Contrasting Pakistan’s Struggles
7. Meghalaya Honeymoon Tragedy: Missing Woman Arrested, Suspected Of Hiring Hitmen To Kill Husband
8. Pakistan Warns of War Over Water Dispute with India
9. Karachi Factory Fire Rages On, Injures Five Firefighters
10. Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus to Visit UK, 11th trip in 10 months
11. Opposition Parties Dismiss Election Timeline, Seek Credible Polls
12. Balochistan’s Controversial Counter-Terrorism Law Sparks Outcry

Tensions Erupt in Manipur Over Arrest of Radical Group Leader

• Tensions flared in Manipur’s Imphal valley after the arrest of Kannan Singh, a prominent leader of the radical group Arambai Tenggol, by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Singh, a former head constable in the Manipur Police, was dismissed from service earlier this year due to his involvement in multiple cases of violence and extortion.
• Protests broke out demanding his release, with demonstrators torching tires and clashing with security forces.
• Internet services were suspended for five days in several districts to prevent the spread of misinformation.
• The Arambai Tenggol, a Meitei group, has been accused of violence, looting, and arson attacks.
• The group’s leader is alleged to have been involved in the abduction of a senior police officer last year.
• The arrest has sparked concerns about the government’s intentions, with some viewing it as a “balancing act” ahead of potential peace talks.
• Critics argue that the government has been lenient toward Kuki militants while cracking down on Meitei groups, fueling further unrest.
• The situation remains volatile, with calls for the governor’s apology and the resignation of top officials. (more)

PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Cable-Stayed Rail Bridge and World’s Highest Railway Arch Bridge in J&K

• PM Modi inaugurated two groundbreaking railway bridges in J&K: the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s 1^st cable-stayed rail bridge, and the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge.
• These structures are part of the 272-km Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, designed to connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of India through an all-weather railway corridor.
• The Anji Khad Bridge features an inverted Y-shaped pylon and 96 cables, spanning 725 m across the Anji River valley.
• It’s built to withstand seismic activity and high wind speeds.
• The Chenab Bridge stands 359 meters above the riverbed and is 1,315 meters long.
• Both bridges are engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions and will significantly improve transit in the region.
• The USBRL project, built for Rs 43,780 crore, includes 36 tunnels and 943 bridges.
• The project aims to enhance connectivity, mobility, and socio-economic integration between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of India.
• With the inauguration, PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express train from Katra to Srinagar, reducing travel time between the two cities. (more, more)

Amarnath Yatra 2025: Enhanced Security Measures in Place for 38-Day Pilgrimage

• The Amarnath Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir, will take place from Jul 3 to Aug 9, lasting 38 days, a reduction from the usual 52 days due to security concerns.
• To ensure the safe passage of devotees, security measures have been significantly beefed up.
• Nearly 50,000 CRPF personnel, alongside Jammu and Kashmir Police, will be deployed, marking the largest-ever deployment for this yatra.
• Additional measures include jammers, drones, bomb squads, sniffer dog teams, and RFID tags for real-time tracking of pilgrims.
• Security agencies have been instructed to maintain high alertness and vigilance.
• Over 3.5 lakh people have registered for the yatra, which will have a strong security presence to prevent any potential threats and ensure a peaceful pilgrimage. (more)
• [Notably, Pahalgam is one of the two starting points for the yatra.]

Indian YouTuber Arrested for Spying for Pakistan’s ISI

• Indian intelligence agencies have uncovered a cross-border espionage network allegedly masterminded by a former Pakistani police officer, Nasir Dhillon.
• An Indian YouTuber, Jasbir Singh, was arrested for leaking sensitive information related to military installations and troop movements.
• During interrogation, Jasbir revealed that Nasir had introduced him to ISI officials in Lahore and arranged meetings with ISI operative Danish.
• Nasir and his accomplice, Naushaba Shehzad, were tasked by ISI to nurture Indian influencers and provide them with visas, amenities, and tasks to create pro-Pakistan content.
• Jasbir had visited Pakistan three times and attended the Pakistan National Day event in Delhi, where he met Pakistani officials and bloggers.
• Security agencies suspect that hundreds of former Pakistani police personnel may be part of the espionage racket targeting Indian YouTubers. (more)

All-party parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor wraps up U.S. visit

• A multi-party parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor concluded its visit to the US, meeting with key officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.
• The delegation aimed to brief American leaders on Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
• Tharoor described the meeting with Vance as “excellent,” with Vance expressing support for India’s stance against terrorism.
• Landau reaffirmed the US’s strong support for India in fighting terrorism and strengthening strategic partnerships.
• The delegation’s meetings emphasized India’s resolve to combat cross-border terrorism and highlighted Pakistan’s links to terrorism.
• Before arriving in the US, the delegation visited Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil as part of a broader tour to 33 global capitals. (more)

India-Canada Relations ‘Thaw’: PM Modi to Attend G7 Summit

• Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has extended an invitation to PM Modi to attend the G7 Summit in Canada, marking a significant shift in relations between the two countries.
• The invitation comes after a year of strained ties, particularly following former PM Trudeau’s accusations of Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
• Carney’s approach differs from Trudeau’s, emphasizing mutual respect and dialogue.
• India remains cautiously optimistic, awaiting concrete actions from Canada against anti-India groups operating on its soil.
• A potential bilateral meeting between Modi and Carney on the sidelines of the G7 Summit could set the stage for improved relations.
• The visit will be Modi’s 1^st to Canada in a decade and may signal a new chapter in India-Canada ties, with both nations seeking to leverage their economic and strategic partnership. (more)
• [Previously, we have reported that PM is unlikely to attend the summit, based on media reports]

India, UK Reiterate “Zero Tolerance” for Terrorism

• PM Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, reaffirming India’s “zero tolerance” policy towards terrorism.
• Modi emphasized the need for decisive international action against terrorism and those who support it, an apparent reference to Pakistan.
• Jaishankar added that India’s partners should understand this policy and not equate perpetrators with victims.
• The UK strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed support for India’s fight against cross-border terrorism.
• The meeting also discussed the recently finalized Free Trade Agreement (FTA), expected to increase bilateral trade by $34 billion annually.
• Modi invited British PM Keir Starmer to visit India for the FTA’s formal signing.
• The FTA aims to boost trade, investment, and strategic ties between the two nations, with 85% of British products becoming tariff-free in India within a decade.
• The talks highlighted the deepening Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and the UK. (more)

Assam to Fast-Track Deportation of Illegal Immigrants Using 1950 Law

• The Assam govt plans to use the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Order, 1950, to expedite the deportation of illegal immigrants, bypassing the lengthy Foreigners Tribunals process.
• Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stated that the state will act under this law, empowered by a recent Supreme Court observation that Assam doesn’t always need to go through the judiciary to identify and deport foreigners.
• The law allows district commissioners to issue immediate expulsion orders.
• This move aims to address the increasing number of illegal immigrants and will apply to fresh cases not already in court.
• The state has 100 foreign tribunals currently operating, but the new mechanism will intensify the crackdown on undocumented migrants. The NRC exercise had previously slowed down efforts to identify and deport these individuals. (more)

Andhra Pradesh CM Naidu on Lok Sabha Seat Delimitation

• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has suggested that any delimitation exercise for Lok Sabha seats should not alter the number of seats allocated to each state.
• Naidu’s stance would limit the scope of census-based reallocation of seats, a concern for southern states that fear losing representation due to population control.
• He proposes delimitation within states, maintaining the current seat distribution between states.
• Naidu also suggests that if the total number of Lok Sabha seats is increased, it should be done proportionately to maintain the current representation ratio.
• This stance may influence the govt’s approach to delimitation, with concerns about potential heartburn and distortion of the federal structure.
• Naidu’s TDP is crucial to the ruling NDA alliance, making his views significant in the current political landscape. (more)

Rahul Gandhi and ECI Clash Over Election Rigging Allegations

• Lok Sabha Leader of Oppn Rahul Gandhi has reignited his criticism of the Election Commission of India, accusing it of “industrial-scale rigging” in the Maharashtra assembly elections.
• The ECI has responded, calling his allegations “absurd” and defending its processes.
• Gandhi has demanded the release of voter rolls and CCTV footage from polling booths, which the ECI is not required to provide under current law.
• The ECI has explained that the increase in voter turnout and electoral rolls is not abnormal and that few appeals were filed against the electoral rolls before the Maharashtra assembly elections.
• The back-and-forth comes ahead of assembly elections in Bihar, with Gandhi warning of potential rigging in future polls.
• The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between Gandhi and the ECI over election transparency and credibility. (more)

India Lifts Millions Out of Poverty, Contrasting Pakistan’s Struggles

• India has made significant strides in reducing poverty, lifting 171 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011-12 and 2022-23, according to the World Bank.
• India’s extreme poverty rate declined sharply to 5.3% during this period, down from 27.1%.
• In contrast, nearly 45% of Pakistan’s population lives in poverty, with 16.5% in extreme poverty.
• [Pak’s govt seems to be overshadowed by its powerful military, which has significant influence over the country’s politics and decision-making processes.]
• Pakistan’s economic growth of 2.6% remains insufficient to reduce poverty, with 1.9 million more people falling into poverty in 2024-25.
• The country’s agriculture sector faces significant challenges, including a 40% reduction in rainfall and declining crop yields.
• India’s progress may highlight Pakistan’s struggles in utilizing global aid effectively, particularly given India’s allegations that Pakistan misuses aid for terrorism.
• The disparity in poverty rates between the two nations raises questions about governance and resource allocation. (more)

Meghalaya Honeymoon Tragedy: Missing Woman Arrested, Suspected Of Hiring Hitmen To Kill Husband

• Sonam Raghuvanshi, wife of Raja Raghuvanshi, was arrested in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur for allegedly hiring hitmen to kill her husband during their honeymoon in Meghalaya.
• Raja’s body was found in a gorge with injuries, and a bloodstained machete was discovered nearby.
• Sonam surrendered at a police station in Ghazipur and was arrested, while three other suspects were apprehended in overnight raids.
• The investigation revealed that Sonam had hired the men to kill Raja.
• The case has sparked widespread interest, with Sonam’s family demanding a CBI probe, claiming her innocence. (more) [Media is giving disproportionate space to a crime]

[Neighborhood]

Pakistan Warns of War Over Water Dispute with India

• Pakistan’s ex-foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari warns that cutting off Pakistan’s water supply would be considered an act of war, potentially leading to nuclear conflict.
• Speaking in Washington, Bhutto-Zardari emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and diplomacy with India but criticized India’s refusal to engage.
• He emphasized India’s alleged violations of the Indus Waters Treaty and urged the international community to hold India accountable.
• Bhutto-Zardari stressed that allowing such actions would set a dangerous precedent, potentially leading to widespread conflicts over shared water resources.
• Pakistan seeks peace and cooperation but is prepared to defend its rights, particularly regarding water resources essential for its survival.
• The dispute remains a major point of contention between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. (more)

Karachi Factory Fire Rages On, Injures Five Firefighters

• A massive fire at a factory in Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone remains uncontrolled, despite over 24 hours passing since its outbreak.
• The fire spread rapidly, engulfing three nearby factories due to combustible materials. Five firefighters were injured when a portion of the building collapsed, with one in critical condition.
• Over 20 fire tenders are battling the blaze, but rescue efforts are hindered by dense smoke and water shortages.
• The cause of the fire is still unknown.
• This incident follows another factory fire last month, which destroyed inventory worth millions. (more)

Bangladesh’s Interim Leader Muhammad Yunus to Visit UK, 11^th trip in 10 months

• Bangladesh’s Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus will visit the UK from June 9-13, his 11^th official trip abroad since taking charge.
• During the visit, he will meet with King Charles III, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and other officials.
• Yunus may also hold a confidential meeting with BNP’s Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to discuss the country’s political future.
• The BNP has been demanding elections by Dec this year.
• Additionally, British MP Tulip Siddiq has requested a meeting with Yunus to clear up corruption allegations made by his administration, which led to her resignation from the UK govt.
• Yunus will also receive the prestigious “Harmony Award 2025” from King Charles III for promoting peace, sustainability, and harmony.
• King Charles III will confer the “Harmony Award 2025” on Muhammad Yunus for promoting peace, sustainability, and harmony.
• He will also meet with the Commonwealth Secretary-General and the International Maritime Organization to promote Bangladesh’s international engagements. (more)

Opposition Parties Dismiss Election Timeline, Seek Credible Polls

• Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami have expressed dissatisfaction with the election timeline announced by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, citing concerns over holding elections during Ramadan and potential external influence.
• BNP leaders believe the April 2025 timeline may not meet the nation’s expectations and reiterate their demand for elections by December.
• The party will decide its next course of action after Eid holidays in consultation with allies.
• Jamaat-e-Islami’s Shafiqur Rahman stressed the need for a credible election with a level playing field, justice, and reforms.
• Both parties are seeking a fair and transparent electoral process, with Jamaat emphasizing unity against injustice and corruption.
• The parties’ reactions reflect widespread mixed reactions within the country’s political arena following the chief adviser’s announcement. (more, more)

Balochistan’s Controversial Counter-Terrorism Law Sparks Outcry

• The Balochistan Assembly has passed the Counter-Terrorism (Balochistan Amendment) Act 2025, granting sweeping powers to security forces in the province.
• Critics argue that the law blurs the line between civil policing and military operations, enabling mass surveillance and state repression, particularly targeting the ethnic Baloch population.
• Key Provisions: Detention without charge or judicial oversight for up to 90 days based on suspicion
• Expanded authority for Joint Investigation Teams (JITs) to issue detention orders, conduct ideological profiling, and carry out searches and seizures
• Military personnel will have a formal role in civilian oversight panels
• Concerns and Criticism: Human rights groups, including HRCP, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, condemn the law as a violation of constitutional protections and international law
• Activists warn that the law legitimizes enforced disappearances, which are already very high in the region, and turns Balochistan into a “legalised detention zone”
• Critics compare the law’s provisions to Nazi concentration camps and the internment of Uyghur Muslims in China: The govt defends the law as necessary for counter-terrorism operations, but critics argue it will fuel unrest and repression. (more)
• [Thousands abducted in Balochistan, yet Western media remains eerily silent. State forces have allegedly disappeared over 7,000 individuals since 2004, with many believed to be held without charge or judicial oversight. Human rights groups condemn the practice, but Western media’s limited coverage raises questions about geopolitical priorities.]