Emphasizing the growing need for coordinated global action against terrorism, Major General Kulvir Singh, Commander of the Counter Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School, highlighted on Wednesday that the ADMM-Plus framework has become a key pillar of multilateral cooperation in the Asia-Pacific. Speaking at the 16th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts Working Group on counter-terrorism, co-chaired by India and Malaysia, he noted that the forum demonstrates the seriousness with which member nations address terrorism.

Addressing delegates, he said, “Counter-terrorism is not merely a technical or military issue. It affects every citizen, the stability of our societies, and the future of our region. We are here to strengthen our collective ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from terrorist acts.” He added that terrorism remains one of the most persistent and adaptive threats to international peace and security. Over the past two decades, terrorism has evolved in multiple dimensions, claiming over 400,000 lives worldwide, with only 64 countries remaining unaffected.

Speaking to reporters, Major General Singh mentioned that this was the second Experts Working Group meeting in Delhi, following last year’s session. He explained that a final planning conference for a Table Top Exercise (TTX) would take place later this year in Malaysia, where participating delegations would study counter-terrorism procedures and operational practices of ASEAN member nations. “The outcomes of the TTX will inform the Field Training Exercise (FTX), likely to be conducted next year in Mizoram at the Counter-Insurgency and Jungle Warfare School. Lessons from the TTX will be applied during the FTX exercise on the ground,” he said.

He also noted that a comprehensive document compiling best practices from all participating countries would be released at the end of the ADMM-Plus meeting. This guide will help nations learn from each other and work towards a unified ASEAN Counter-Terrorism framework (ACTT), creating a common protocol to guide future counter-terrorism exercises.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accompanied by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, visited the historic Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad on Monday, reflecting on the lasting global impact of Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals. In a message shared on X, the Prime Minister highlighted that the Ashram continues to serve as a powerful symbol of Gandhiji’s principles, which have inspired and empowered people worldwide. He noted that the visit with Chancellor Merz took place earlier that morning in Ahmedabad.

During their visit to the Ashram, situated along the banks of the Sabarmati River, both leaders offered floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi and paid sincere homage, according to a statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office. They also toured Hriday Kunj, Gandhiji’s residence within the Ashram, and observed the spinning of the charkha. Both dignitaries expressed deep admiration for Gandhi’s simple lifestyle, his philosophy of self-reliance, and his commitment to truth and non-violence.

The visit was attended by several distinguished officials and guests, including Governor Acharya Devvratji, Chief Secretary M. K. Das, Sabarmati Ashram Chairperson Kartikeya Sarabhai, Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment Committee Chairman I. P. Gautam, Ahmedabad Collector Sujeet Kumar, members of the German delegation, and prominent figures associated with the Ashram.

Chancellor Merz is currently in India on a two-day official visit, his first since assuming office. The visit is expected to strengthen the momentum of high-level political engagement between the two nations and reaffirm their shared commitment to building a future-oriented partnership for mutual and global benefit. On January 13, Merz is scheduled to visit Bosch and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE) before departing for Germany.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@narendramodi.

The IFSO Unit of the Delhi Police has uncovered a major SIM box racket operating nationwide, arresting seven cybercriminals, including a Taiwanese national. According to an official statement, the group ran a large-scale SIM box operation, exploiting telecom loopholes to commit cyber fraud targeting citizens across India. Investigators seized thousands of illegally obtained SIM cards during the operation.

A SIM box is a device that can hold hundreds of SIM cards simultaneously and reroutes international calls as local calls, bypassing telecom charges and regulations. Police said the devices were also used to send bulk SMS messages containing phishing links, fake loan offers, and fraudulent investment schemes. By disguising the origin of calls and messages, the suspects made tracing the scams difficult for authorities. Investigations are ongoing.

The Delhi Police IFSO Unit had cracked a sophisticated fake government recruitment scam. The scheme targeted hundreds of job seekers by impersonating the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and Ministry of Culture. The accused allegedly created a fake ASI recruitment portal, posting nonexistent government vacancies to exploit unemployed youth nationwide.

Police registered the case under FIR No. 268/25 at PS Special Cell, citing Sections 318(4), 319(2), 336(3), 340(2), and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The suspects reportedly advertised seven Curator positions and 84 Junior Assistant posts, sharing links to the counterfeit website via college groups, online forums, and messaging platforms. The portal closely mimicked the official ASI site, using authentic logos, colors, and layouts, making it almost indistinguishable from the genuine government website.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@DelhiPolice.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday directed the State Election Commission to conduct elections to the Panchayati Raj Institutions at the earliest and in any case before April 30, ruling that elected local bodies cannot continue beyond their five-year constitutional term due to administrative delays or disaster-related orders. A Division Bench of Justice Vivek Singh Thakur and Justice Romesh Verma passed the order while hearing a public interest litigation filed by Dikken Kumar Thakur and another petitioner, who argued that extending the tenure of PRIs beyond January 31 would violate Article 243-E of the Constitution. The petitioners also sought immediate notification of the election schedule and timely completion of the electoral process.

The state government defended the delay by citing an October 8, 2025 order of the State Disaster Management Authority following severe monsoon damage, including cloudbursts, floods and landslides that resulted in 270 deaths and losses exceeding Rs 5,400 crore. The government contended that elections should be held only after full restoration of road connectivity.

Rejecting this reasoning, the Court held that the Disaster Management Act, though a special law, cannot override constitutional provisions or the authority of the State Election Commission. It noted that normal conditions had largely returned, public events were being conducted, and there was no justification for a blanket postponement of elections.

The Bench also dismissed the government’s reliance on pending delimitation, litigation over reorganisation of local bodies and amendments to election rules, observing that delimitation is an ongoing process and cannot be used to delay constitutionally mandated elections. It further pointed out that previous elections were conducted based on the 2011 Census and the same could continue if required. Citing Supreme Court rulings in Kishansing Tomar, Suresh Mahajan and Rahul Ramesh Wagh, the Court reaffirmed that elections to local bodies must be completed before the expiry of their term and cannot be stalled by administrative or legislative delays.

Emphasising that the State Election Commission is an independent constitutional authority, the Court directed the state government to provide full cooperation, staff and logistical support. It also took note of reports that some district officials were instructed not to collect election material despite Commission orders, describing such conduct as harmful to the constitutional process.

While acknowledging practical challenges such as examinations and Assembly sessions, the Court made it clear that elections cannot be postponed indefinitely. It directed the Election Commission, Panchayati Raj Department and the state government to coordinate and finalise a concrete plan to hold the elections expeditiously, preferably by April 2026 and in any case before April 30, 2026. Disposing of the petition, the Court reaffirmed that grassroots democracy cannot be suspended except in the rarest circumstances and that constitutional timelines must be strictly followed.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

In Destination Anywhere, Melanie Oliveiro speaks with dentist and author Vrushali Junnarkar, who shares her experiences of discovering the many attractions and natural retreats in Khandala, a charming hill station located in Maharashtra in central-western India. Frequently referenced in her novel The Campbell Gardens Ladies' Swimming Class, Khandala holds special significance for Junnarkar as she describes visits to the town’s historic fort, waterfalls, and caves. She also discusses traditional Maharashtrian street food and regional dishes that are rarely found in Singapore.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Karate standout Marissa Hafezan clinched Singapore's first gold in the sport at the SEA Games in 32 years. She defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly 5-3 in the women's kumite under-55kg final to secure the historic victory. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman sit down with Marissa to learn more about her remarkable achievement. They also get an update on Team Singapore’s overall performance at the midpoint of the Games, featuring insights from Marissa Hafezan, SEA Games gold medallist and Singapore karate exponent, and Phil Goh, independent sports journalist.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Australia is introducing a first-of-its-kind law that blocks minors from using social media without a parent’s approval. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss the debate with Professor Tama Leaver from Curtin University’s Internet Studies program: is this a vital measure to safeguard young people’s mental health, or an impractical policy that limits digital freedom?

Disclaimer: This Podcast is taken from CNA.

In December 2019, a fishing boat set out from an Alaskan port with an experienced crew, unaware that an icy storm was gathering. The events that followed underscore why deep-sea fishing is considered one of the most dangerous professions in the world. This account is by Rose George, read by Rosalie Craig, and is adapted from Every Last Fish: What Fish Do for Us, and What We Do to Them, published by Granta.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.