NEW DELHI: Investigations into the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10 last year have revealed how a “white-collar” terror module relied on a sophisticated network of “ghost” SIM cards and encrypted messaging apps to stay in touch with Pakistani handlers.The accused, many of them highly educated doctors, used illegally obtained or fraudulently issued SIM cards and multiple mobile devices to evade surveillance.

The findings of this probe subsequently became the basis for a sweeping directive issued by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on November 28, mandating that app-based communication services such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal must remain continuously linked to an active physical SIM card installed in the device.A “ghost” SIM card is a mobile connection that is illegally issued or fraudulently activated without being linked to the actual user, security officials said. Such SIMs are typically obtained using forged or misused identity documents, including Aadhaar details of unsuspecting civilians, or through bulk activations that bypass verification norms. Investigators say these numbers allow criminals and terror operatives to communicate and use encrypted messaging applications while remaining largely untraceable, posing a significant challenge to telecom surveillance and law enforcement agencies.The ‘dual-phone’ playbookOfficials said the probe uncovered a tactical “dual-phone” protocol followed by the module. Each accused carried two to three mobile phones. One “clean” handset, registered in their own name, was used for routine personal and professional communication to avoid suspicion. The second, described as a “terror phone”, was used exclusively for encrypted communication with handlers in Pakistan through WhatsApp and Telegram, officials said.The SIM cards used in these secondary devices were issued in the names of unsuspecting civilians whose Aadhaar details had been misused, the officials told news agency PTI. In a parallel development, Jammu and Kashmir Police also uncovered a separate racket in which SIM cards were issued using fake Aadhaar cards.Among those arrested were Muzammil Ganaie and Adeel Rather, while Dr Umar-un-Nabi, another key accused, was killed while driving an explosives-laden vehicle near the Red Fort, officials said. The Pakistani handlers were identified by the codenames ‘Ukasa’, ‘Faizan’ and ‘Hashmi’.A disturbing trendInvestigators said security agencies noted a disturbing trend in which these compromised SIMs remained active on messaging platforms even when the devices were being operated from Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) or Pakistan. By exploiting app features that allow continued access without a physical SIM inside the device, handlers were able to remotely guide the module.Officials said the operatives were directed to learn improvised explosive device (IED) assembly through online videos and plan “hinterland” attacks, even though some of the recruits initially wanted to join conflict zones in Syria or Afghanistan.How does the government plan to tackle this?To plug these vulnerabilities, the Centre invoked the Telecommunications Act, 2023, along with the Telecom Cyber Security Rules, to “safeguard the integrity of the telecom ecosystem”. Under the new framework, all Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs) have been given 90 days to ensure their applications function only when an active SIM card is present in the device.The order also directs telecom operators to automatically log users out of platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal if no active SIM is detected. Messaging and social media platforms, including Snapchat, Sharechat and Jiochat, have been asked to submit compliance reports to the DoT.“This feature of using apps without a SIM is posing a challenge to telecom cyber security as it is being misused from outside the country to commit cyber frauds and terror activities,” the DoT had said while explaining the rationale behind the move.The directive is being fast-tracked in the Jammu and Kashmir telecom circle. While officials acknowledge that deactivating all expired or fraudulent SIMs will take time, the move is being viewed as a significant blow to the digital infrastructure used by terror networks to radicalise and manage “white-collar” operatives.Failure to comply with the new norms will attract stringent action under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules and other applicable laws, officials said.The white-collar terror moduleThe “white-collar” terror module began to unravel on the intervening night of October 18-19, 2025, when posters of the banned Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) appeared on walls outside Srinagar city, warning of attacks on police and security forces in the Valley.Treating the development as a serious threat, Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, GV Sundeep Chakravarthy constituted multiple teams to carry out an in-depth investigation. Based on the statements of the arrested accused, the probe led police to Al Falah University in Haryana’s Faridabad, where two doctors, Ganaie, a resident of Koil in south Kashmir’s Pulwama, and Shaheen Sayeed from Lucknow, were arrested.A large cache of arms and ammunition, including 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and sulphur, was seized during the operation, officials said.The car explosion near the Red Fort, which claimed 15 lives, is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

US vice president JD Vance thanked the Secret Service and the Cincinnati police for the swift action after his house was attacked. Earlier, Vance’s home in Cincinnati was attacked at night, with several windows smashed. Secret service agents rushed to the East Walnut Hills residence in the early hours of Monday, and a suspect has been taken into custodyIn a post on X, Vance said, “I appreciate everyone’s well wishes about the attack at our home. As far as I can tell, a crazy person tried to break in by hammering the windows. I’m grateful to the secret service and the Cincinnati police for responding quickly. “He made a request to media houses and said, “We try to protect our kids as much as possible from the realities of this life of public service. In that light, I am skeptical of the news value of plastering images of our home with holes in the windows.”

Where was Vance when his house attacked?

Vance, in his tweet, informed that at the time of attack, he was not present at the home. He was in the Washington DC. In a post on X, Vance said, “We weren’t even home as we had returned already to DC.”Last week, Vice President Vance did not join Trump and other senior administration officials at Mar-a-Lago to watch the America’s operation in Venezuela unfold, amid concerns that his presence could compromise operational security.Instead, the vice president monitored the operation via a secure video conference before flying back to Cincinnati once it concluded. His office said he was “deeply integrated in the process and planning”.In a statement, Vance’s office said that due “to increased security concerns, the administration has aimed to limit the frequency and duration of the vice president and president being co-located away from the White House”.Police and secret service personnel were seen inside the property after the incident, though it is believed that neither Vance nor his family were at home at the time of the attack.The incident came after heightened security in the area over the New Year holidays. Roads surrounding Vance’s residence had been closed for several days until Sunday, with checkpoints set up and residents asked to expect law enforcement presence, according to city officials.

In a gripping low-scoring encounter at the International Sports Stadium in Coffs Harbour, Joel Davies emerged as the all-round hero, steering the Sydney Sixers to a thrilling three-wicket victory over the Brisbane Heat in the 24th match of BBL|15 on January 5, 2026. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Sixers restricted the Heat to a meagre 114/9, setting up a tense chase that Davies anchored with an unbeaten 35. His figures of 2/19 complemented a sharp bowling display, earning him Player of the Match honours.​

Sydney Sixers’ bowling stranglehold fold Brisbane heat for a low score

The Sixers came out firing with the ball and made immediate inroads during the powerplay, giving away only 33 runs while picking up two crucial wickets. Jack Wildermuth tried to counterattack with a brisk 31 from 17 balls, striking two boundaries and clearing the ropes twice, but his stay ended when Sean Abbott struck, leaving the Heat 33 for 2. Jack Edwards trapped Lachlan Hearne lbw for a single, and the pressure kept mounting as Ben Dwarshuis and Abbott struck again. Nathan McSweeney departed for 11, Matt Renshaw managed only 2, and by the drinks break in the 10th over the Heat were reeling at 58 for 5.

Joel Davies then ripped through the tail, first removing Xavier Bartlett and then bowling Matthew Kuhnemann in quick time to make it 74 for 8. Hugh Weibgen showed some fight with a determined 24 before a run-out ended his resistance at 91 for 9. Hayden Kerr’s miserly spell of 1 for 12 and a disciplined all-round effort restricted the Heat to a sluggish 114 for 9, with Oli Patterson and Thomas Balkin unbeaten, in what turned out to be the lowest total of the tournament on a testing Coffs Harbour surface.

Also WATCH: Sean Abbott rattles Jack Wildermuth’s stumps with a peach of a delivery in BBL|15

Joel Davies’ resilient rescue act takes Sixers home against Heat in BBL|15

In pursuit of 115, the Sixers stumbled early as wickets fell in the powerplay. Babar Azam made two, Josh Philippe departed for a duck, and Daniel Hughes scored 15, reducing them to 32 for three inside six overs. The situation worsened when Moises Henriques holed out for 26, and drinks arrived with a tense 53/6.

Rescue came through Davies at number seven. Calm and assured, he rebuilt with Hayden Kerr, the pair adding an unbeaten 62 for the eighth wicket from 46 balls. Davies struck three fours and a six in a brisk 26-ball knock, while Kerr’s 27 not out held firm. Matthew Kuhnemann threatened, but the pair crossed 100 in the 17th over and finished with eight balls to spare comfortably.

Hayden Kerr and Joel Davies lead an incredible recovery for the Sydney Sixers to take them over the line 🙌#SydneySixers #BBL2025 pic.twitter.com/WT3aJaZiiT

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) January 5, 2026

Also READ: David Warner’s century in vain as Hobart Hurricanes pull off a record run chase at ENGIE Stadium

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope)

Every Lakers’ game with LeBron James feels like a brush with history, but Sunday night against Memphis Grizzlies, the air in the Crypto.com Arena just felt different. The 41-year-old hasn’t just been defying the stereotypes but also put up a veteran performance that took over the record books. In the second half with a clinical pass, LeBron James officially moved into 2nd place all-time in total assists (combining regular season and playoffs), passing Chris Paul.Combined with his existing throne as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron is now the first and only player in the history of the sport to be 1st in points and 2nd in assists. For those who have followed him since the Chosen One cover in 2002, this isn’t just a stat, it’s a reflection of greatness unfolding in real time.

LeBron James is the ultimate dual-threat

LeBron James is not filling space on the court. From rebounding, scoring, and assisting his teammates on the court to cheering from the courtside, James makes sure he’s there through and through. Scoring points requires a single focus on the rim, but assisting requires the opposite: an unselfish and eagle-eyed vision to know who’s where.During the Lakers’ 120–114 victory, LeBron ran back and forth on the hardwood for 37 minutes and scored 26 points and 10 assists along with 7 rebounds, 2 three-pointers, and 6 field goals. With 10 assists, he brought his career total to 13,793 assists, Chris Paul. The only target who’s left on the list is now the legendary John Stockton at #1.This is LeBron’s 23rd NBA season, the first player to record such a long career on the rectangle, yet he doesn’t seem to be stopping. Guiding a roster filled with superstars like Luka Doncic and Austin Reeves, James is doing much more than player responsibilities.

LeBron James’ 50,000-point longevity

LeBron James officially surpassed the 50,000 total career points mark (regular season plus playoffs) in March 2025. He told Spectrum SportsNet in the on-court interview, “It’s a hell of a lot of points, and I’m super blessed to be able to put that many points up in the best league in the world with the best players in the world over my career. It’s pretty special.”Every accolade and achievement makes sense when the King continues to show why he is the 21-time All-Star. For Lakers fans, each match brings another thrill while witnessing LeBron James rewrite the very definition of basketball greatness. Also read: How one jump turned Michael Jordan into a cultural phenomenon and built a billion-dollar legacy

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, the VP pick of Kamala Harris for the 2024 presidential election, Monday announced that he is dropping out of the governor’s race in the wake of the massive scam that allegedly took place under his watch. The announcement was expected but he did not mention anything about the alleged scam and called YouTuber Nick Shirley who apparently blew the lid off the alleged scam a ‘conspiracy theorist’. While the Trump administration long accused Somalis in Minnesota of fraud, the recent Nick Shirley video of a day care center with no children left the Minnesota administration with no defense though they denied any wrongdoing. After Shirley’s viral video, federal authorities have since launched an operation in the Land of 10,000 Lakes aimed at “identifying, arresting, and removing criminals who are defrauding the American people.”

Read Tim Walz’s statement

I won’t mince words here. Donald Trump and his allies – in Washington, in St. Paul, and online – want to make our state a colder, meaner place…We’ve got Republicans here in the legislature playing hide-and-seek with whistleblowers… We’ve got conspiracy theorist right-wing YouTubers breaking into daycare centers and demanding access to our children..We’ve got the President of the United States demonizing our Somali neighbors and wrongly confiscating childcare funding that Minnesotans rely on...I cannot abide the actions of the political leadership in Washington – these opportunists who are willing to hurt our people to score a few cheap points. They and their allies have no intention of helping us solve the problem – and every intention of profiting off of it…Which brings me to this: 2026 is an election year. And election years have a way of ramping up the politics at a time when we simply can’t afford more politics.”“In September, I announced that I would run for a historic third term as Minnesota’s Governor. And I have every confidence that, if I gave it my all, I would succeed in that effort. But as I reflected on this moment with my family and my team over the holidays, I came to the conclusion that I can’t give a political campaign my all. Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences. So I’ve decided to step out of the race and let others worry about the election while I focus on the work.”“I know this news may come as a surprise. But I’m passing on the race with zero sadness and zero regret. After all, I didn’t run for this job so I could have this job. I ran for this job so I could do this job. Minnesota faces an enormous challenge this year. And I refuse to spend even one minute of 2026 doing anything other than rising to meet the moment. Minnesota has to come first – always.”

Donald Trump (File photo)

US President Donald Trump, once again boasted about collections from tariffs he has imposed since last year on various countries after his return to White House.“We have taken in, and will soon be receiving, more than 600 Billion Dollars in Tariffs,” he said in a post on Truth Social, while taking a jab at media whom he called “fake” for not covering it. “The Fake News Media refuses to talk about it because they hate and disrespect our Country, and want to interfere with the upcoming Tariff decision, one of the most important ever, of the United States Supreme Court,” he added.

Further voicing his support behind tariffs, he added, “Because of Tariffs, our Country is financially, AND FROM A NATIONAL SECURITY STANDPOINT, FAR STRONGER AND MORE RESPECTED THAN EVER BEFORE. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”

Trump has criticised the ongoing proceedings in the past as well multiple times. “The biggest threat in history to United States National Security would be a negative decision on Tariffs by the US Supreme Court,” cautioning that such a ruling would leave the country “financially defenseless,” he had said in the past. Trump’s tariffs have been challenged the US Supreme Court on the grounds whether the president overstepped his authority, with last hearing in November, but the final decision pushed to 2026, without much clarity on specific timing.Tariffs on IndiaIndia also faces high tariffs from US, with Donald Trump citing India’s trade with Russia for oil. Even, just a day before this tariff collection mention, Trump warned India of higher tariffs if it doesn’t cooperate on the issue of Russian crude oil imports. Currently, Indian shipments face a 50 per cent tariff, half of which is linked to India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil.Also read: Will stopping Russian oil imports ease US pressure on India? Time for a clear call“They wanted to make me happy, basically. Modi is a very good man; he is a good guy. He knew I was not happy, and it was important to make me happy. They do trade and we can raise tariffs on them very quickly. It would be very bad for them,” he said. Trump made the remarks on Sunday while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One during his flight from Florida to Washington, DC.

Prithviraj Chavan (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader and former Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan on Monday came out in support of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani for writing a letter to 2020 Delhi riots co-accused Umar Khalid.Chavan said that, as a person of Indian origin, Mamdani had “every right to intervene.”Also Read: Who is he to question? BJP on New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s Umar Khalid note“He (Mamdani) has faith in Indian politics. He spoke in Hindi during his campaign, appealing to Indians there. Indian blood flows in him, so if injustice is happening to an Indian, he has every right to intervene, whether he is an American citizen or not. But more importantly, human rights are supreme. So I think there’s no need to panic if he wrote a letter,” Chavan told news agency PTI.

The socialist Democrat, New York City’s first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor, is the son of filmmaker Mira Nair and academic Mahmood Mamdani. The 34-year-old was sworn in on New Year’s Day after winning the mayoral election in November last year.In his handwritten note to Khalid, who has been in jail since his arrest in September 2020, months after communal riots rocked the national capital in February that year, Mamdani wrote: “Dear Umar, I think of your words on bitterness often, and the importance of not letting it consume oneself. It was a pleasure to meet your parents. We are all thinking of you.”The Supreme Court on Monday rejected the bail pleas of two Delhi riots accused—Khalid and Sharjeel Imam—and granted bail, subject to conditions, to five others. They had challenged the Delhi high court’s rejection of their pleas.Meanwhile, Chavan’s remarks come days after he drew flak for claiming that India was “defeated” on the first day of its four-day conflict with Pakistan in May 2025. He later refused to apologise despite widespread outrage.In July last year, he had also sparked controversy by questioning why anti-terror operations were being given “Hindu names.”