Srinagar/New Delhi, Jan 4: Investigations into the terror module involving doctors linked to the blast near Delhi’s Red Fort on November 10 last year show that the highly educated doctors used a sophisticated web of “ghost” SIM cards and encrypted apps to coordinate with Pakistani handlers, officials said on Sunday.

The outcome of the investigations essentially formed the basis for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to issue a sweeping directive on November 28 last year, mandating that app-based communication services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal must be continuously linked to an active, physical SIM card within the device.

The officials said the probe into the terror module and the blast led to a web of “ghost” SIM cards being used by the arrested doctors, including Muzammil Ganaie, Adeel Rather, and others, as part of a tactical “dual-phone” protocol to evade security agencies.

Each accused, including Dr Umar-un-Nabi, who was killed while driving the explosives-laden vehicle near the Red Fort, carried two to three mobile handsets, they said.

The accused carried one “clean” phone registered in their own names for routine personal and professional use to avoid suspicion, and one was the “terror phone” used exclusively for WhatsApp and Telegram communication with their handlers in Pakistan (identified by codenames ‘Ukasa’, ‘Faizan’, and ‘Hashmi’).

The SIM cards for these secondary devices were issued in the names of unsuspecting civilians whose Aadhaar details were misused, the officials said.

Jammu and Kashmir Police further unearthed a separate racket where SIMs were issued using fake Aadhaar cards, they said.

According to the officials, the security agencies noted a disturbing trend where these compromised SIMs remained active on messaging platforms across the border in PoK or Pakistan.

By exploiting features that allow messaging apps to run without a physical SIM in the device, the handlers were able to direct the module to learn IED assembly via YouTube and plot “hinterland” attacks, despite the recruits initially wanting to join conflict zones in Syria or Afghanistan.

To plug these security gaps, the Centre has invoked the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and Telecom Cyber Security Rules to “safeguard the integrity of the telecom ecosystem”, which includes a rule that, within 90 days, all Telecommunication Identifier User Entities (TIUEs) must ensure their apps function only if an active SIM is installed in the device.

The order further directs the telecom operators to automatically log out users from apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal in case of the absence of an active SIM, the officials said, adding that all service providers, including Snapchat, Sharechat, and Jiochat must submit compliance reports to the DoT.

This feature of using apps without a SIM is posing a challenge to telecom cyber security as it is being misused from outside the country to commit cyber frauds and terror activities, the DoT statement had said while explaining the reasoning behind the move.

The directive is being fast-tracked in the J&K telecom circle.

While officials admit it will take time to deactivate all expired or fraudulent SIMs, the move is seen as a critical blow to the digital infrastructure used by terror networks to radicalise and manage operatives.

Failure to comply with these norms will attract stringent action under the Telecom Cyber Security Rules and other applicable laws, the officials said.

The terror module involving doctors began to unravel on the intervening night of October 18-19, 2025, when posters of the banned Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) surfaced on walls just outside Srinagar city.

The posters warned of attacks on the Police and security forces in the Valley.

Treating it as a serious matter, Senior Superintendent of Police, Srinagar, G V Sundeep Chakravarthy formed several teams to conduct an in-depth investigation into the case.

After piecing together the statements of the arrested accused, the probe led the Srinagar police to Al Falah University in Haryana’s Faridabad, where two doctors – Ganaie, a resident of Koil in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shaheen Sayeed from Lucknow – were arrested.

A huge quantity of arms and ammunition, including 2900 kg of ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur, was also seized.

The car explosion case near the Red Fort claimed 15 lives and is being investigated by the National Investigation Agency.

New Delhi, Jan 4: Drawing on personal tragedy and professional expertise, health coach Karan Sarin tackles India’s metabolic health crisis head-on in his debut book, “Sick Nation: Inside India’s lifestyle disease epidemic and how to fix it”, offering a science-backed blueprint for prevention and lasting wellness.

The book, published by Wyzr, exposes the silent crisis of metabolic health – especially insulin resistance – and offers a roadmap to prevent the diseases quietly affecting millions.

“It is a part memoir of a family tragedy, part scientific investigation, and part practical playbook for reclaiming your health. In these pages, we will dismantle the myths that have made us sick and replace them with a clear, evidence-based framework for metabolic health that is specifically tailored to Indian reality,” the publisher said.

New Delhi, Jan 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that India’s sports ecosystem has become “athlete-centric”, driven by reforms focused on talent identification, scientific training, and transparent selection, as he inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi via video conferencing, being held from January 4 to 11, features over 1,000 players competing in 58 teams representing states and institutions from across the country.

Addressing players, officials and spectators, the Prime Minister said the shift in approach over the past decade reflects a broader change in both government and societal attitudes towards sports.

He noted that earlier uncertainty over careers had discouraged many young people from taking up sports professionally, but sustained reforms and increased investment have helped rebuild confidence among athletes.

Welcoming teams from 28 states, PM Modi said the national championship presented a vivid example of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, with players who had reached the tournament after years of hard work now set to compete on the courts of Varanasi.

Extending his best wishes, he said the city’s sports-loving public would ensure an enthusiastic atmosphere throughout the event.

Describing Varanasi as a city with a deep sporting tradition, the Prime Minister said disciplines such as wrestling, boxing, kabaddi and boat racing have long flourished here.

He noted that institutions including Banaras Hindu University, UP College and Kashi Vidyapeeth have produced several state and national-level players, adding that the city has historically welcomed those pursuing knowledge, art, and excellence.

Highlighting the nature of volleyball, PM Modi said the sport symbolises balance, cooperation and the spirit of “Team First.”

Drawing a parallel with India’s development journey, he said no victory, on the court or in nation-building, is achieved alone, but depends on coordination, trust and every individual fulfilling their responsibility.

Referring to India’s improving performance across multiple sporting disciplines, the Prime Minister said the country’s rising global confidence is visible not only in its economy but also on the sports field.

He expressed pride in seeing young and Gen-Z athletes hoisting the tricolour at international events.

PM Modi said Varanasi has benefited from improved sports infrastructure, with modern facilities and upgraded venues such as the Sigra Stadium, which is hosting the tournament.

Hosting national and international events, he said, is helping position the city as a major destination for large platforms, alongside cultural and diplomatic gatherings held here in recent years.

Encouraging players to make the most of both the competition and the city’s heritage, PM Modi wished all participants success, expressing hope that every spike and block from Varanasi would contribute to India’s sporting aspirations.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries were present at the inauguration.

New Delhi, Jan 04: India on Sunday voiced “deep concern” over the US’ capture of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro and his wife in a military operation and called for a peaceful resolution of the issues to ensure stability in the region.

In its first reaction to the unprecedented American action in Venezuelan capital Caracas early on Saturday, New Delhi also reaffirmed its support for the well-being of the people of the oil-rich South American country and said it is closely monitoring the unfolding developments.

The United States brought Maduro and his wife, Lady Cilia Flores, to New York to face drug trafficking-related charges. Venezuela, denouncing the US action, has announced a state of national emergency.

“Recent developments in Venezuela are a matter of deep concern. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

“India reaffirms its support to the well-being and safety of the people of Venezuela,” it added.

New Delhi also called upon “all concerned to address issues peacefully through dialogue, ensuring peace and stability of the region”.

The US carried out the military assault on Caracas after consistently accusing Maduro of being involved in drug trafficking.

The Venezuelan leader had stridently denied the charges.

Most of the Latin American countries as well as several leading powers, including Russia, Brazil and China, criticised the US for the military operation in Caracas.

In its brief statement, the MEA said the Indian embassy in Caracas has been in touch with members of the Indian community and will continue to provide all possible assistance to them.

On Saturday night, India advised its nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela and urged all those who are in that country to exercise extreme caution.

“In view of recent developments in Venezuela, Indian nationals are strongly advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Venezuela,” the MEA said.

“All Indians who are in Venezuela for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements, and remain in contact with the Embassy of India in Caracas,” it said.

There are around 50 NRIs (non-resident Indians) and 30 PIOs (persons of Indian origin) in Venezuela, according to the embassy in Caracas.

After Maduro and his wife were flown out of Caracas, US President Donald Trump told a news conference that his country will run Venezuela until a transition of power can take place.

“We are going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,” Trump said.

The US president also said the “extremely successful” operation should serve as a warning to anyone who would threaten American sovereignty or endanger American lives.

The US captured Maduro after carrying out a months-long military campaign targeting Venezuela’s oil tankers and attacks on boats that Washington alleged were part of a drug cartel.

In his reaction, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the US attacks on Venezuela and the capture of Maduro amounted to a “flagrant violation of international law”.

“Attacking countries, in flagrant violation of international law, is the first step toward a world of violence, chaos, and instability, where the law of the strongest prevails over multilateralism,” he said.

China asked the US to release Maduro and his wife, and underlined the need to resolve issues through dialogue.

“Such hegemonic acts of the US seriously violate international law and Venezuela’s sovereignty, and threaten peace and security in Latin America and the Caribbean region,” the Chinese foreign ministry said.

Russia “strongly” urged the US to release the Venezuelan president.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has asked Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez to take charge of the country as the interim president.

Rodriguez visited New Delhi in February last year to participate in the India Energy Week.

India and Venezuela share a history of warm relations. A major thrust to the bilateral relationship was imparted by former president Hugo Chavez’s State Visit to India in March 2005.

The two countries have robust cooperation in the energy sector.

India’s ONGC Videsh Limited (OVL) has a joint venture with Corporacion Venezolana del Petroleo (CVP). The joint venture is known as “PetroleraIndovenezolana SA” for the production and exploration of oil in the San Cristobal field, in which the OVL has a 40-per cent stake.

The OVL’s investment in the project is approximately USD 200 million, according to the Indian embassy.