The investigation into the November 2025 Red Fort blast has brought renewed attention to the activities of Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) alleged that the attack was connected to a network affiliated with the Al-Qaeda-linked Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH). The explosion near Delhi's historic Red Fort on November 10, 2025, killed 11 people and left several others injured. The case was subsequently taken over by the NIA, which launched an extensive investigation into the suspected conspiracy and the individuals allegedly associated with the network.

In its chargesheet, the agency alleged that the accused were connected to AGuH, which investigators have described as an offshoot associated with AQIS. The NIA has alleged that the network involved individuals operating across different locations and that the conspiracy extended beyond the immediate site of the blast.

The investigation has attracted particular attention because some of those arrested or named in the case had professional backgrounds that did not immediately fit the conventional image of members of an extremist network. Among those investigated was Dr Umer Un Nabi, whom the NIA identified as a key accused in the case. Nabi, according to investigators, was associated with Al-Falah University in Faridabad and died in the explosion.

The NIA's chargesheet, running into thousands of pages, details evidence gathered during the investigation, including witness statements, documents and material evidence. The agency has alleged that the accused were influenced by the ideology associated with AQIS and AGuH and were involved in a wider conspiracy. The case has also highlighted the changing nature of extremist networks in South Asia. Rather than relying solely on large, centrally controlled organisations, militant groups can attempt to maintain influence through smaller affiliated networks and individuals. Such structures can make investigations more complicated because connections may be spread across different locations and individuals may not have direct contact with senior leaders.

AQIS was established in 2014 by former Al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri with the stated objective of expanding the organisation's presence across the Indian subcontinent. The group has sought to build influence in countries including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Indian security agencies have previously investigated alleged AQIS-linked networks and their connections with militant organisations operating in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Red Fort case has now placed renewed focus on those alleged connections. Investigators have examined activities and relationships extending across Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and other locations as part of the probe. The NIA has also filed additional charges against other individuals as the investigation progressed. The agency has said that its findings are based on a combination of forensic material, documentary evidence, witness accounts and other investigative leads.

The allegations have yet to be conclusively established in court. A chargesheet represents the investigating agency's case against the accused, while the final determination of guilt rests with the judiciary. The investigation nevertheless offers an important insight into the security challenge posed by decentralised extremist networks. For counter-terrorism agencies, identifying links between individuals, extremist organisations and their wider support structures can be as important as investigating an individual attack.

The Red Fort blast case is therefore being closely watched not only because of the scale of the attack but also because of what investigators say it reveals about the continued attempts of AQIS-linked networks to establish or maintain a presence in the region. As the judicial proceedings continue, further evidence and court findings are expected to shed more light on the alleged network and the events leading up to the blast.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

The Andhra Pradesh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has arrested Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Deputy Executive Officer Mendu Lokanatham in a disproportionate assets case following searches at several locations linked to him and his family members. The ACB conducted searches at Lokanatham’s residence, office and other properties in Tirupati and surrounding areas as part of its investigation. During the searches, officials reportedly recovered around 2 kg of gold, 6.5 kg of silver and ₹12.5 lakh in cash, besides documents relating to properties and fixed deposits.

According to the investigating agency, the assets identified during the operation have been provisionally valued at around ₹5 crore. The ACB is examining whether these assets can be explained through Lokanatham’s known sources of income. Property documents and financial records recovered during the searches are also being scrutinised as part of the investigation.

The case is reportedly linked to information that emerged during the Central Bureau of Investigation’s probe into alleged irregularities involving the supply of ghee used in the preparation of Tirumala Laddu prasadam. Information concerning the assets of certain TTD officials was reportedly shared with the state ACB for further investigation.

The ACB registered a disproportionate assets case against Lokanatham under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. Following the searches, he was taken into custody and subsequently produced before the court for further proceedings. Lokanatham has had a long association with the TTD. He joined the temple administration as a junior assistant in 1989 and subsequently served in several positions before being promoted to Deputy Executive Officer.

The ACB investigation is continuing, with officials examining property records, bank transactions, income details and other documents to determine the source of the assets under scrutiny. The allegations remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings, and guilt has not been established by a court.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from The Hindu.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In another significant development, Dr Nirmala Yadav has been inducted into the Trust as its first woman trustee. The decisions were taken during a meeting of the Trust as it moves to strengthen the administrative structure overseeing the Ram Mandir and its growing operations in Ayodhya.

Jeetendra Mishra, a former senior Indian Air Force officer, brings extensive experience in military leadership and administration to the new position. He served in the IAF for several decades and held important operational responsibilities before retiring from service. His appointment as CEO is being seen as an effort to introduce a more structured and professional management system within the Trust.

Mishra's military career included senior command responsibilities, including his tenure with the Western Air Command. He was also associated with India's military planning and operations during Operation Sindoor in 2025. His experience in managing large organisations and coordinating complex operations is expected to be useful as the Ram Mandir Trust deals with increasing administrative responsibilities.

The appointment follows a formal selection process for the newly created CEO position. Reports said that thousands of applications were received from candidates across the country before the search committee shortlisted a smaller group for further consideration. Mishra was eventually selected for the post. The Trust has also made history with the appointment of Dr Nirmala Yadav as its first woman trustee. Yadav, a former college principal from Shikohabad, has a long background in education and administration. Her induction marks a notable change in the composition of the Trust's governing body.

Yadav has indicated that the convenience and safety of devotees would be among the areas receiving attention under the new administrative setup. With millions of pilgrims expected to visit Ayodhya, managing crowds, security, sanitation, accommodation and other visitor-related facilities has become an increasingly important responsibility.

The Trust has simultaneously made changes to several other key positions. Mahesh Bhagchandka has been appointed treasurer, while Swami Govind Dev Giri, who previously held the treasurer's position, has taken over as general secretary. Madan Mohan Pandey, an Ayodhya-based lawyer and former Additional Advocate General of Uttar Pradesh, has also been inducted as a trustee.

The restructuring comes at a time when the Trust is managing the expanding responsibilities associated with the Ram Mandir. Apart from religious activities, the organisation has to oversee financial management, infrastructure, security arrangements, visitor services and coordination with government agencies.

The creation of a dedicated CEO position could provide the Trust with a clearer administrative chain of responsibility. The appointment of a retired Air Marshal with experience in large-scale operations also signals an emphasis on professional management as the temple complex and pilgrimage activity around it continue to grow.

Nirmala Yadav's appointment is equally significant because she becomes the first woman to serve on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Together, the new appointments represent a broader administrative restructuring of the organisation responsible for the management of the Ram Mandir. The changes are expected to shape the Trust's functioning in the coming years as Ayodhya continues to emerge as one of India's major pilgrimage destinations and the number of visitors to the Ram Mandir increases.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from awaz the voice.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders and workers staged a protest outside the Himachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, accusing the Congress government of failing to fulfil its promises related to employment and government jobs. The demonstration took place during the ongoing Monsoon Session of the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, with BJP members raising slogans against the Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu-led government. The Opposition alleged that despite making major commitments to create jobs, the Congress government had failed to provide adequate employment opportunities to the state's youth.

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said the Congress had promised to provide one lakh government jobs during its first Cabinet meeting after coming to power. He said the party had subsequently promised to create five lakh jobs during its five-year term. Thakur claimed that almost four years had passed since the Congress government assumed office, but the employment promises had not been delivered. He also alleged that the number of government employees in the state had declined rather than increased.

According to Thakur, the government workforce during the previous BJP administration had reached around 1.9 lakh, while the figure had now dropped to approximately 1.71 lakh. He argued that the decline raised questions over the government's claims of generating employment and said the BJP would continue to raise the issue in the Assembly under Rule 120.

The former Chief Minister said the Opposition's primary objective was to ensure that unemployed people in Himachal Pradesh received meaningful employment opportunities. He maintained that job creation should remain a priority for the state government, particularly for young people looking for stable careers. The BJP protest also targeted the government's decision to restart lottery operations in Himachal Pradesh. Thakur demanded that the move be withdrawn, arguing that the state should not promote another potentially addictive activity at a time when it is already dealing with concerns surrounding drug abuse.

He said the government should instead concentrate on strengthening the economy and generating sustainable employment. According to Thakur, while a lottery may provide financial gains to a limited number of people, it cannot serve as a reliable foundation for the state's economic development. Thakur also criticised the government's approach towards cannabis cultivation. He questioned the financial benefits of the policy and asked the government to explain how much revenue had actually been generated from the move.

He recalled that a committee had previously been formed to study cannabis cultivation and assess its possible implications. Thakur claimed that the committee had not recommended legalising cultivation in the manner subsequently pursued by the government. He said the government had yet to provide sufficient clarity on the expected economic gains or actual revenue generated. The BJP leader further attacked the Sukhu government over alleged delays in salaries and other dues owed to government employees and pensioners. He claimed that employees and retired workers had repeatedly staged protests across the state over pending payments.

Thakur questioned the government's handling of its finances, saying that while the administration had cited financial difficulties, employees continued to raise concerns over their outstanding dues. He alleged that the Chief Minister had not provided satisfactory answers on the issue. The Opposition leader also claimed that there was growing dissatisfaction among people over the functioning of the state government. He said unemployment, financial difficulties, employee payments and other issues would continue to be raised by the BJP during the Assembly session.

The employment issue is expected to remain a key point of debate during the ongoing Monsoon Session. The BJP has indicated that it will continue questioning the Congress government over its job promises while demanding measures aimed at creating stable employment opportunities for Himachal Pradesh's youth. With the Assembly session underway, the political confrontation between the BJP and Congress is likely to intensify over employment, the state's financial position, government employees' dues, lottery operations and the proposed cannabis cultivation policy.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has announced a broad set of initiatives covering family support, housing, technology and Singapore’s national resilience. Hairianto Diman and Justine Moss speak to SMU School of Law Associate Professor Eugene Tan about the major measures, their significance for Singaporeans and what they reveal about the Government’s priorities for the country’s next stage of growth.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Myanmar's military government has released rare images of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi meeting a Red Cross official, marking her first known contact with the outside world since the 2021 coup. The photos were released just ahead of junta chief Min Aung Hlaing's first official visit to Thailand, prompting speculation about their political significance.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In a conversation with political editor Tom McIlroy and chief political correspondent Dan Jervis-Bardy during the 50th Labor conference in Adelaide, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas discussed his state’s political battle with One Nation. He said progressive groups should avoid dismissing or talking down to Pauline Hanson’s supporters, arguing that their concerns need to be understood rather than ignored. Addressing the ongoing debate over the AUKUS submarine deal, Malinauskas acknowledged concerns after the US revealed that Virginia-class submarine production rates had not improved. However, he maintained that walking away from the agreement would create greater strategic risks than the challenges surrounding the controversial defence partnership.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

On Made in SG, Melanie Oliveiro chats with Singaporean singer-songwriter Frances Tan, who recently competed in the Commonwealth Song Contest — an international music competition featuring participants from all 56 Commonwealth countries. Tan shares her experience of being chosen as a Grand Finalist, representing Singapore alongside six other finalist nations. She also discusses her original track, Just Me, which she submitted as her contest entry.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.