In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Israel and the United States launched a joint military operation targeting Iran, citing an existential threat to Israel and global security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the move as both defensive and strategic, condemning Iran’s long-standing hostility and labeling its leadership a “terrorist regime” that must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. In a national address, Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump for his “historic” support and appealed to the Iranian people to rise against their government.

The operation, named Operation Roaring Lion, aims to degrade Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities over time, addressing threats posed by the regime and its proxies along Israel’s borders. The Israeli Defense Forces emphasized that the Iranian leadership continues to finance, train, and arm forces positioned against Israel, representing an ongoing danger to the Middle East and the wider world.

Meanwhile, President Trump issued a stark warning to Iranian forces, offering full immunity to those who surrender but threatening “certain death” for noncompliance. He also urged Iranian civilians to remain sheltered during the operation, framing it as a historic opportunity for them to reclaim control of their government.

The strikes follow weeks of tense nuclear negotiations and heightened military posturing, signaling a decisive retaliatory move by Israel and the United States. Both leaders highlighted the broader goal of empowering the Iranian people while neutralizing threats to Israel and global stability, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing confrontation with Tehran.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @netanyahu.

Pushkar Singh Dhami on Saturday attended a programme at Sushila Tiwari Government Medical College in Haldwani, where he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 40 development projects worth Rs 147.28 crore. According to an official release, 23 projects valued at Rs 72.38 crore were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for 17 projects costing Rs 74.90 crore. The Chief Minister said these initiatives would speed up development in Nainital district.

He stated that the government is moving rapidly toward the vision of a "Developed Uttarakhand," with steady progress being made across sectors. He added that several landmark decisions taken by the state have become examples for others to follow. Alongside development, he stressed the government's commitment to safeguarding the state’s cultural heritage.

Reaffirming that the administration’s priority is the overall advancement of Uttarakhand, he highlighted key decisions such as the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code, a stringent anti-copying law, and an anti-conversion law. He also asserted that the state’s culture, traditions, and sanctity would be firmly protected.

Among the 23 completed projects were a 30-metre motor bridge over the Shipra River; a technology laboratory at the Government ITI in Haldwani; tube wells in Kotabagh, Mahadevpuram, Jhaluwajhala, Belpokhra, and Bailpadav; a laboratory at the Women’s College; stabilizer installations at tube wells in Lalkuan; and 14 drinking water schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission covering multiple villages. A new building at the Veterinary Hospital in Ramgarh was also inaugurated, among other works. On the occasion, under the Chief Minister’s announcement and the Special Plan Assistance programme, he also performed the Bhoomi Pujan for the Haldwani-Kathgodam source and treatment augmentation drinking water scheme, which has been approved at a cost of Rs 154.43 crore.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from CMO.

A fresh surge in phishing scams is targeting citizens through fraudulent “e-challan” SMS messages, prompting new warnings from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to officials, victims receive text messages claiming a traffic e-challan has been issued against their vehicle. The SMS typically includes a link urging immediate payment to avoid penalties. Trusting the message to be genuine, recipients click on the link and are redirected to a fake website that closely mimics the official M-Parivahan portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

Cyber experts explain that this is where the phishing process begins. The counterfeit site asks users to enter sensitive details such as vehicle number, mobile number, OTPs, and even banking or card information under the guise of settling the challan. Once submitted, the data is captured by cybercriminals, who then siphon funds from bank accounts or misuse the information for further fraud.

The I4C has reported a noticeable rise in such SMS-based phishing campaigns, especially in urban areas where digital traffic enforcement systems are common. Scammers exploit public familiarity with legitimate e-challan systems to create panic, often threatening heavy fines or legal consequences for non-payment.

Authorities have clarified that genuine e-challans are issued only through authorised government platforms. Citizens are advised to verify any notice directly via official state traffic police websites or the Parivahan portal rather than clicking on SMS links. The latest advisory urges people not to click on suspicious links, share OTPs, or disclose financial information on unverified websites. The I4C has asked victims to immediately report incidents to the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or through the official cybercrime reporting portal to limit financial damage. As phishing tactics grow more sophisticated, the agency has warned that even a single click on a fake e-challan link can trigger a chain of digital fraud, highlighting the importance of vigilance.

The Ministry of Home Affairs recently geo-blocked command-and-control servers linked to the ‘Wingo’ app network, describing it as a “telecom mule as a service” platform that offers earnings for SMS-based tasks. Authorities also blocked four Telegram channels with around 1.53 lakh subscribers and more than 53 related YouTube videos promoting the app as part of the crackdown. The I4C subsequently issued a public warning against the Wingo app, cautioning citizens against downloading or using it. The agency noted that several similar apps are involved in spreading malicious SMS links and advised Android users to stay particularly alert.

Established by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre serves as the central nodal agency for addressing cybercrime in India. It works closely with state and Union Territory law enforcement agencies to identify emerging threats, analyse cybercrime trends, and coordinate large-scale actions against fraud networks operating through fake websites, malicious apps, mule accounts, and social media platforms. It also collaborates with telecom providers and technology companies to block phishing domains, fraudulent applications, and command-and-control servers used by cybercriminals.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has successfully facilitated the return of Red Notice fugitive Anil Kumar Reddy Yeddula from the UAE through INTERPOL channels. Yeddula is wanted by the Andhra Pradesh police in multiple cases involving cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal intimidation.

The CBI’s International Police Cooperation Unit (IPCU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) in Abu Dhabi, brought Yeddula back to India on Thursday. He was escorted by Dubai Police and arrived at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, where he was handed over to the Andhra Pradesh police.

The Red Notice for Yeddula was issued by INTERPOL on September 5, 2022, following a request from the Andhra Pradesh police. After his arrest by UAE authorities, a decision was made to extradite him to India. Over the past few years, more than 130 wanted criminals have been repatriated to India through INTERPOL coordination. Red Notices issued by INTERPOL are circulated globally to help track fugitives. As India’s National Central Bureau for INTERPOL, the CBI coordinates with law enforcement agencies across the country via BHARATPOL, providing assistance through INTERPOL channels.

Earlier, on February 11, the CBI, in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and MHA, successfully coordinated the return of wanted fugitive Sombir Motta from the United States. Motta, wanted by Haryana Police for murder and firearms-related offences, was deported on February 10, 2026, and taken into custody by Haryana police.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from CBI.

Under President Lee Jae Myung’s guidance, investor confidence in South Korea has surged, fueled by ambitious reforms—from proposed corporate governance improvements and regulatory adjustments to efforts aimed at revitalizing the stock market. His pro-market policies have shifted sentiment positively, attracting both domestic and international investors and pushing the Kospi to new highs. But is this surge sustainable, or merely a short-term spike? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji explore the outlook with Betty Wang, Head of Northeast Asia Research at Oxford Economics.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The Barries have returned, and Angus Taylor has emerged victorious in the Liberal leadership contest, defeating Sussan Ley. Speaking on Friday afternoon, the newly elected leader stressed that he had no intention of becoming “One Nation lite,” but vowed to “close the door” to those who do not share “Australian values.” However, the leadership spill was not the only major development in Australian politics this week. Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry also examine the challenges facing Taylor, the growing momentum of One Nation, and the recent visit by Israeli president Isaac Herzog.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

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.