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.

With the arrival of severe cold conditions in Rajasthan, the authorities at Nahargarh Biological Park in Jaipur have introduced extensive measures to protect wildlife from the winter chill. Modifications have been made to the daily diet of animals, and heaters have been installed in cages and enclosures to ensure warmth.

Senior Veterinary Officer Dr. Arvind Mathur stated that special winter diets are being provided. Big cats such as tigers, lions, and panthers are receiving chicken in addition to their regular meals. Extra attention is being given to young tiger and lion cubs, who are also being fed chicken and chicken soup for additional nourishment. Dr. Mathur explained that following the intense cold, the local administration implemented several relief measures, including installing heaters in animal shelters and providing special mineral and vitamin supplements alongside a customised diet plan.

Animals are also being given essential protein and calcium supplements. Bears are receiving dates, honey, milk, and eggs along with their usual food. A recently relocated Himalayan black bear is being fed bread, apples, and honey as part of its specialised diet. Wolves, hyenas, and jackals are now being served chicken and eggs daily. Dietary changes have also been introduced for otters and hippos, who are being provided with carrots, apples, and bananas, while the quantity of fish given to crocodiles and gharials has been increased.

In addition, salt blocks have been placed inside deer enclosures. Various deer species are being fed green fodder, gram lentils, and carrots. Dr. Mathur further stated that all animals have been dewormed and are receiving vitamins, minerals, calcium, amino acids, and other required supplements. He added that heaters have been installed in night shelters, tarpaulin coverings have been placed over enclosures, and all animals are being monitored continuously to ensure their safety during the cold spell.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Kerala CPI(M) MP John Brittas has written to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, requesting urgent diplomatic intervention during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s upcoming visit to facilitate the repatriation of Baby Ariha Shah. Ariha, an Indian citizen, has been in foster care in Germany for over four and a half years despite all criminal allegations against her parents being cleared.

Brittas noted that the five-year-old remains under German Child Services’ custody even after the hospital involved found no evidence of abuse and a court-appointed psychologist recommended returning her to her parents. Despite this, German authorities continue to pursue termination of parental rights and adoption within Germany.

Brittas stressed that Ariha’s rights to family life, cultural identity, language, and religion, as guaranteed under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, are being violated. He expressed concern that she is being denied contact with her extended family in India and prevented from participating in Indian cultural practices.

Highlighting the child’s emotional vulnerability, Brittas pointed out that Ariha has been shifted between foster placements five times, depriving her of a stable caregiving environment. Currently, she only receives bi-monthly parental visits, which are now uncertain due to visa restrictions. Several Members of Parliament have also raised the issue, reflecting widespread national concern over its humanitarian aspects. Brittas emphasized that Chancellor Merz’s visit on 12–13 January offers a crucial diplomatic opportunity to address the matter at the highest political level and urged decisive action to ensure a humane and lawful resolution in the best interests of the child.
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.