Business

India has expelled a second Pakistani High Commission official within a week on charges of espionage, escalating diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the official was involved in activities inconsistent with his diplomatic role and was given 24 hours to leave. This comes amid an ongoing investigation into a suspected espionage network linked to Pakistan, with multiple arrests made in Punjab and Haryana.

“There is a presumption of constitutionality for statutes. Courts can’t interfere unless a glaring case is made out. That’s what we have been taught since law school,” remarked Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud as the Supreme Court began hearing petitions against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal countered, warning that the amendments could cause “irreparable damage” by enabling state authorities to take over waqf properties without due process. “This law is not protecting waqf, it is designed to capture it,” he argued, urging the court to consider the broader constitutional implications of the amendments.

As pollinators like bees face steep declines across India due to pesticides, habitat loss, and climate change, nature-based farming is emerging as a powerful solution. By embracing agroecological practices such as intercropping, agroforestry, and chemical-free cultivation farmers are creating safe havens for pollinators while boosting crop yields and resilience. With growing support for beekeeping and sustainable agriculture, India has a unique opportunity to align food security with ecological restoration.

South India is grappling with intense rainfall and severe weather conditions, leading to multiple fatalities and widespread disruptions. Karnataka has reported five rain-related deaths, including three in Bengaluru due to electrocution and a wall collapse. Tamil Nadu saw three lives lost in Madurai following a wall collapse amid heavy rain. Kerala is under a red alert with the IMD warning of extremely heavy rainfall and possible landslides as the monsoon approaches. A developing cyclonic circulation over the Arabian Sea is expected to intensify, bringing more rain to the region. Authorities urge caution and preparedness across all affected states.

Punjab Police have busted a Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) terror module allegedly backed by Pakistan’s ISI, arresting six operatives in Batala. The group was involved in a recent failed grenade attack and was receiving instructions from handlers based in Portugal. A firearm was recovered, and an FIR has been registered under BNS and UAPA.

Social media influencer Jyoti Malhotra, known for her YouTube channel Travel with JO, has been arrested on charges of spying for Pakistan. According to police, she was allegedly groomed by expelled Pakistani diplomat Ehsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish, and gradually drawn into a network of espionage. Investigators claim Malhotra made multiple visits to Pakistan, where she met intelligence operatives and later transmitted sensitive information via encrypted platforms. Her travel expenses and ties to foreign entities are now under scrutiny as authorities probe a broader espionage plot.