MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Sunday morning launched a massive search operation across nearly 21 locations following specific intelligence inputs about extremist activities. The searches were carried out in Yavatmal and Ahilyanagar districts. Acting on intelligence regarding extremist elements, ATS teams began raids early Sunday at around 21 sites. Of these, 14 locations were in the Pusad and Umarkhed areas of Yavatmal, while seven others were in Ahilyanagar, as part of an ongoing investigative sweep. In January, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) arrested Idhu Islam, a close aide of Chhangur Baba, from Nagpur in connection with a probe into an alleged religious conversion racket operating in the state. The arrest was made by a joint team of local police, Maharashtra ATS and UP ATS. According to a statement, Idhu Islam played a crucial role in handling funds and logistics for the alleged conversion network. In October last year, in a significant development in the Pune ISIS module case, the Maharashtra ATS, along with Pune police, conducted widespread searches in various parts of the city. A press statement issued by Maharashtra ATS said, “In connection with the investigation of the accused arrested in C.R. no. 7/2023 of ATS, the anti-terrorism squad (ATS), Maharashtra state, Mumbai, on 09/10/2025, conducted searches and inquiries at the houses and offices of 19 suspected individuals in the areas of Kondhwa, Khadak, Khadki, Wanwadi, and Bhosari.” The case is linked to the arrest of several individuals allegedly associated with a sleeper ISIS module operating in Maharashtra. The accused were reportedly involved in radicalisation, recruitment and fabrication of explosive devices as part of a larger terror conspiracy. During the operation, teams from ATS Mumbai and Pune police carried out simultaneous searches to seize digital evidence, documents and communication devices suspected to be connected to the network. A few suspects were detained for questioning, though there has been no official confirmation so far regarding any fresh arrests or seizures.

Philippine Missions in UAE Cut Hours During Ramadan: Are Services Being Hindered?

As the holy month of Ramadan 2026 approaches, with the crescent moon sighting expected around 19 February, embassies and government offices across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have begun updating service schedules and working hours to accommodate shorter days and fasting practices. Among them, the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and the Northern Emirates recently announced revised operational timings for consular services, passport renewals, civil registry transactions and other public-facing services during the month of Ramadan.

New Philippine embassy and UAE consulate hours in Ramadan 2026

According to official advisories, the Philippine diplomatic missions in the UAE will operate on shortened hours throughout Ramadan, aligning with the spirit and practical needs of the month:

The embassy also stressed that most services require prior appointments, particularly for notarial and civil registry transactions, which are typically scheduled in the early morning to help manage demand and avoid long waits during midday. In addition, the mission urged the large Filipino community in the UAE to rely only on verified information from official sources, including embassy and consulate bulletins, amid a rise in unconfirmed and conflicting reports circulating online about service hours and procedures.The UAE, like many Muslim-majority countries during Ramadan, officially reduces working hours for both public and private sector employees to allow workers to observe fasting and religious practices comfortably. Federal government offices typically operate on reduced hours during the holy month (such as 9:00 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Thursday and 9:00 am to 12:00 pm on Fridays), with flexible or remote work arrangements permitted within those frameworks.

UAE Ramadan 2026: Philippine Embassy and Consulate Revised Hours for Filipinos

While embassies are technically exempt from federal work regulations (as they are sovereign missions), many align with the spirit of the reduction to serve visitors efficiently and respectfully during Ramadan. For essential services like visas, passport renewals and notarial acts, timing changes help both staff and visitors manage consular interactions earlier in the day, avoiding mid-day crowds and heat.

Impact on Filipino residents and travellers in the UAE

The UAE is home to one of the largest Filipino expatriate communities in the world, with hundreds of thousands of workers and families living in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. These residents frequently rely on embassy and consulate services for:

With adjusted Ramadan hours, Filipinos planning to visit the embassy are advised to schedule appointments early in the week and early in the day, when offices are open longest and to verify appointment slots through official embassy channels to avoid confusion.

How this fits into broader Ramadan 2026 preparations in the UAE

The adjustment at the Philippine Embassy is part of a larger pattern across the UAE during Ramadan. Federal entities, private sector workplaces and community services all reduce hours, often by two hours per day for private sector employees, with options for flexible or remote work, to help balance productivity with religious observance.

Filipino Embassy Cuts Hours During Ramadan: What Does This Mean for UAE Residents?

These changes are designed to support both Muslim and non-Muslim workers by reducing midday workloads, making commutes easier, and enabling people to attend prayers, spend time with family and maintain health while fasting.

Planning ahead: Tips for Filipino residents in the UAE

To make the most out of embassy services during Ramadan:

The Philippine Embassy’s Ramadan schedule update reflects a harmonised approach to service delivery that respects both the UAE’s cultural norms and the needs of its diverse expatriate communities. With shorter hours, appointment-based systems and clear communication from official sources, Filipino residents in the UAE can navigate their consular affairs during Ramadan smoothly and with confidence.

GURGAON: One among many LED lights malfunctioned, angering a groom and his associates so much that one of them shot dead 23-year-old Barkat, the electrician responsible for arrangements at the wedding venue in Pataudi, on Thursday night.Police said the groom, Amandeep, had a heated argument with Barkat when he noticed the lighting imperfection. As the row escalated quickly, Amandeep took out a gun and fired at Barkat but missed, according to the FIR. An alarmed Barkat began running, along with his co-workers, but another bullet — purportedly fired by an aide of Amandeep — hit Barkat from behind.

Harsh (21), who is accused of firing the fatal shot, was taken into custody by police. Harsh claimed during questioning that he had “accidentally fired” a bullet from his uncle’s licensed weapon, which was kept on a table. Father to three children, Barkat was a Mathura resident who would visit Gurgaon twice a year during the wedding season. Police said they received information about the firing at Ransika village late Thursday night, and a team from Pataudi police station reached the spot. Bloodstains were found at the scene, and the crime team was called to collect evidence.A case was registered under sections 103(1) (murder), 351(3) (criminal intimidation), 3(5) (act done by multiple persons) of BNS and under sections of the Arms Act. The FIR names Amandeep and an associate Sahil as accused, but not Harsh, the one arrested.It was filed following a complaint by Hashim Khan, Barkat’s wife’s uncle. According to the FIR, Barkat went to install lights at the event along with Mustafa and Yusuf. The tent arrangement for the ceremony was managed by a local operator, who assigned the lighting work to them. The complaint alleged that the LED light malfunctioned at 9.27 pm, triggering an argument. Amandeep, Sahil — a resident of Basai village — and another unidentified associate allegedly abused and assaulted the three electricians before leaving the venue. According to the complaint, the three then returned shortly after with a weapon.Amandeep, the complaint says, fired at Barkat with an intent to kill him. As the electricians attempted to flee the tent area, another shot was fired, hitting Barkat in the waist. He collapsed at the spot. Barkat was taken to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. His body was shifted to the mortuary for autopsy and later handed over to the family. “Harsh told investigators that his uncle handed him his licensed weapon while getting photographed on the stage during the ceremony. He said he placed the weapon on the table. While picking it up, he claimed to have mistakenly pulled the trigger. The investigation is on,” a police officer said.Barkat’s brother-in-law Arshad told TOI that the family is in shock. “Barkat got married in 2019 and had three kids. Every year, he used to come to Gurgaon during the wedding season. He already lost his parents. The family is ruined,” Arshad said. “We want justice for Barkat. There can be an electrical glitch anytime, anywhere, but they killed him mercilessly without thinking of his family,” his cousin Tahir said.

The stage is set for the most electric fixture in world cricket. Tomorrow, the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo will transform into a pressure cooker as defending champions India take on a resurgent Pakistan in a Group A clash that could decide the top spot of the table. With both teams currently unbeaten in the tournament, the stakes couldn’t be higher: the winner effectively punches their ticket to the Super 8s.

Under the clinical leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian side has operated like a well-oiled machine throughout the tournament. The major talking point heading into this clash is the highly anticipated return of the world’s No. 1 ranked T20 batter, Abhishek Sharma, who is expected to bolster the top order after recovering from the illness that sidelined him against Namibia. India’s middle-order X-Factor remains their greatest strength, with Ishan Kishan and Hardik Pandya both in blistering form, providing the explosive finishing power necessary to post a daunting total. Perhaps most crucial for this Colombo fixture is India’s spin surge on a R. Premadasa track notorious for its grip and turn, the duo of Varun Chakravarthy and Axar Patel, who have already combined for eight wickets in the competition will serve as India’s primary weapons to dismantle the opposition’s scoring rate.

Pakistan enter this high-stakes encounter under the composed guidance of Salman Ali Agha, showing a level of middle-order temperament that has often eluded them in previous editions. The batting unit has found a reliable anchor in Sahibzada Farhan, who has been the tournament’s standout performer for them, amassing 120 runs in just two outings. While the bowling fire of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf will be looking to exploit any early moisture under the Colombo lights, Pakistan’s tactical edge may lie in their variety. Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin is expected to be particularly lethal on this surface, creating a fascinating tactical battle against India’s aggressive batters in the middle overs.

R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the R. Premadasa Stadium for this marquee clash is expected to be a traditional black soil surface that is typically sluggish and two-paced. While openers may find decent bounce and carry early in the evening, the track historically wears down quickly, making stroke-making difficult as the match progresses. With an average first-innings score of 143, this used surface will heavily favour spinners who can grip and turn the ball, while pacers must rely on cutters and variations rather than raw speed. Expect a tactical middle-overs grind where strike rotation is as vital as power-hitting.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2026: Is Abhishek Sharma fit for the high-voltage clash against Pakistan? Star Indian opener gives massive update

R. Premadasa Stadium Stats and Records

• Total matches: 62
• Matches won batting first: 26
• Matches won bowling first: 35
• Average 1st innings scores: 143
• Average 2nd innings scores: 128
• Highest total recorded: 215/5 (19.4 Ovs) By Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest total recorded: 80/10 (17.2 Ovs) By Afghanistan vs England
• Highest score chased: 215/5 (19.4 Ovs) By Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
• Lowest score defended: 115/6 (20 Ovs) By South Africa vs Sri Lanka

Also READ: The ‘Zimbabwe Prophecy’: Why history says Suryakumar Yadav’s India will lift the T20 World Cup 2026?

Harbhajan Singh blasts Mohammad Amir

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has come out in support of young Indian batter Abhishek Sharma after former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir called him a “slogger” ahead of the big India vs Pakistan match in the T20 World Cup 2026. Harbhajan strongly disagreed with Amir’s comment and said Abhishek is a proper and skilled batsman, not someone who just blindly hits the ball.

Amir had earlier made the remark while speaking on a Pakistani TV show, which sparked debate ahead of the high-voltage clash. Reacting to it, Harbhajan praised Abhishek’s batting ability and consistency. He said, “Abhishek Sharma is a quality player, and he is a player who is determined to win matches on his own. And not once, but he can do it again and again. I have played cricket, and I know that he is a proper batter who has all the shots; a lot of batsmen don’t have all the shots. A slogger is someone who only sees the ball and slogs; if it connects, great, and if it doesn’t, that’s fine too. He is not like that. He hits the first ball. And as long as he is on the crease, he keeps hitting. So, he is a proper batsman.”Harbhajan also said it is unfair for critics who have never bowled to Abhishek to judge him. He added, “People may say whatever they want. Because, in my opinion, I don’t think they have ever bowled in front of such a batter, and hence, it is wrong to comment that Abhishek is a slogger.”He urged Abhishek to prove his talent on the field, saying, “If I tell you the definition of a slogger, then a lot of people will get angry. So, I don’t want to say that. Because we don’t operate on that level, that they say something and we react again and again. I don’t want to do that. Because maybe he wants us to react. “But, anyway, I’ll say, Abhishek, show us tomorrow what you showed us before. And show us, what Abhishek can do. And I have a lot of hope from Abhishek. And if he plays for a long time, then Team India will set a very long score.”

The United States has ordered one of its most advanced naval assets, the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Middle East in a move widely seen as a significant escalation of military signalling toward Iran, as tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme intensify.The deployment comes as President Donald Trump increases pressure on Iran to reach an agreement on its nuclear activities, warning of “very traumatic” consequences if negotiations fail to produce results in the coming weeks.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78), currently transiting from the Caribbean, is expected to join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group already operating in the region. The presence of two US aircraft carriers in or near the Middle East is relatively rare and is typically interpreted as a show of force aimed at deterrence during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.

What is USS Gerald R Ford?

Commissioned as the lead ship of a new class of US Navy carriers, the Gerald R Ford represents the most technologically advanced aircraft carrier ever deployed by the United States. It is the first new carrier design introduced in more than four decades and incorporates several major technological upgrades over the older Nimitz-class vessels it is intended to replace.

Critical Technologies on the Ford-Class Aircraft Carrier

Among its most notable features is the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), which replaces traditional steam catapults and enables faster and more efficient aircraft launches. The system allows the carrier to generate a higher sortie rate, improving its operational tempo during sustained combat operations.

Rapid redeployment

The current mission marks a swift change in operational plans for the carrier.The Gerald R Ford has been deployed at sea since June 2025, initially operating in European waters before being redirected to the Caribbean later in the year. US officials said the carrier played a role in operations connected to the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro.

Instead of returning to its homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, for scheduled maintenance, the carrier has now been ordered to proceed toward West Asia, underscoring the urgency Washington appears to attach to the evolving situation with Iran.Speaking to reporters, President Trump indicated that the deployment was intended to ensure military readiness should diplomatic efforts falter. “In case we don’t make a deal, we’ll need it… If we need it, we’ll have it ready,” he said, while expressing hope that negotiations would ultimately succeed.

US-Iran tensions

The anticipated arrival of the carrier strike group in the Persian Gulf or Arabian Sea has drawn mixed reactions across the region. US officials describe the buildup as a stabilising deterrent meant to discourage escalation, the Gulf states have privately expressed concern that an increased American military presence could heighten tensions and risk miscalculation.

Trump and Netanyahu (File photo)

US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House on Wednesday to reportedly discuss plans for reducing Iran’s oil sales to China, which currently handles over 80 per cent of Iran’s oil exports. The agreement comes amid ongoing nuclear talks between US and Iranian officials through Omani mediators.A senior US official told Axios, “We agreed that we will go full force with maximum pressure against Iran, for example, regarding Iranian oil sales to China,” as reported by Reuters. This move could significantly impact Iran’s oil revenue.The diplomatic efforts coincide with the US positioning a naval fleet in the region. The American military is said to be preparing for potential extended operations against Iran that could last several weeks, according to various media reports.China’s response to these developments remains unknown, as no official statement has been given amid the Lunar New Year holiday.In a separate development around US-Iran relations, exiled son of Iran’s last shah Reza Pahlavi, on Saturday called on US President Donald Trump to help the Iranian people, saying it was “time to end the Islamic republic.”Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Pahlavi said, “It is time to end the Islamic republic.”“This is the demand echoing from the bloodshed of my compatriots who are not asking us to fix the regime but to help them bury it,” he added, as quoted by AFP.Reza Pahlavi directly appealed to Donald Trump, telling reporters, “The Iranian people heard you say help is on the way, and they have faith in you. Help them.”Earlier, Trump had said on Friday that a change of government in Iran would be “the best thing that could happen,” as a second aircraft carrier was deployed to the Middle East to intensify military pressure on the Islamic republic. He had earlier warned of possible military action in support of nationwide protests that peaked in January and were followed by a harsh crackdown that rights groups say left thousands dead.

NEW DELHI: The “white-collar” terror module recently uncovered by J&K Police, in which several doctors were arrested, revealed that after being radicalised in 2016 they formed a new terror outfit called “Ansar Interim” to carry out subversive activities in the Union Territory and beyond, officials said on Sunday. The case is now being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).The inter-state terror network first came to light after JeM posters appeared on walls in Bunpora, Nowgam, on the outskirts of Srinagar, on October 19. Srinagar police registered a case and analysed CCTV footage, leading to the arrest of three locals — Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid — all of whom had prior stone-pelting cases, reported PTI.Their interrogation led to the arrest of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic turned Imam from Shopian, who allegedly supplied the posters and used his access to radicalise the doctors.Investigators later found that the accused doctors — Muzamil Gannie, Umer-un-Nabi (now dead), and Adeel Rather — along with his brother Muzzafar Rather (absconding), Maulvi Irfan, Qari Aamir, and Tufail Gazi had met at Eidgah in downtown Srinagar in April 2022. During this meeting, they decided to form the terror organisation “Ansar Interim,” naming Adeel as the ‘Ameer’ (chief), Maulvi Irfan as ‘Deputy Ameer,’ and Gannie as treasurer.Officials noted that among militant groups, “Ansar” is commonly associated with the globally banned terror outfit Al-Qaeda.The arrested doctors and preachers told interrogators that they formed a new group after losing contact with active terrorists. Roles and operational codes were assigned, with Umer taking charge as coordinator and, along with Gannie, handling finances and procurement.In 2023, the group began acquiring materials, including fertiliser from Sohna and Nuh in Haryana. On Umer’s instructions, NPK — commonly known as Potassium Nitrate in this context — was also purchased from a chemical shop in Faridabad. During interrogation, the arrested doctors said Umer watched online videos to learn rudimentary Improvised Explosive Device (IED) construction and managed to prepare Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP), a peroxide explosive used in several terrorist attacks as the filling for IEDs, as reported by PTI.Officials said Adeel began recruiting members and brought in an individual named Danish, alias Jasir, from South Kashmir. Adeel took him to a rented accommodation within Al-Falah University in Faridabad, where both saw Umer and Gannie preparing TATP explosive materials. Umer later tried to persuade Danish to carry out a ‘fidayeen’ (suicide) attack, but he backed out at the last minute, citing his poor economic condition and the belief that suicide was forbidden in Islam.Umer, a 28-year-old doctor from Pulwama, is believed to have been the most radicalised member and key operative in a network spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Officials suspect he had been planning a powerful Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) blast, intending to place it in a crowded location in the national capital or at a site of religious importance and then flee.However, the plot collapsed after Srinagar police arrested Gannie and seized explosives, prompting Umer to panic and leading to the premature blast outside the Red Fort on November 10, which killed over a dozen people. Investigators also found that Umer had earlier tried unsuccessfully to join terror groups in 2016 and 2018.

You don’t have permission to access “http://www.ndtv.com/world-news/scientists-identify-3-000-surging-glaciers-list-out-risks-study-11005934” on this server.

Reference #18.adf5d217.1771144185.73b6587e

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.adf5d217.1771144185.73b6587e