Evening news wrap: Turkey-based handler ‘Ukasa’ directed Delhi blast module; Bangladesh to hold referendum & more
NEW DELHI: A Turkiye-based handler, codenamed Ukasa, allegedly directed a terror module led by Al-Falah University professor Umar Un Nabi in a plot hatched in 2022.Bangladesh’s interim chief adviser Muhammad Yunus announced that Dhaka will hold a national referendum on implementing the landmark “July Charter” for state reform on the same day as its parliamentary elections in February 2026.Meanwhile, India has concluded Exercise Trishul, a major tri-service drill involving 30,000 Army personnel, multiple fighter aircraft and 25 naval ships and submarines.Here are top 5 news stories:Delhi blast probe: Turkey-based handler ‘Ukasa’ directed terror module linked to bomber Umar Un NabiInvestigations into the Red Fort car blast have uncovered a terror module in Delhi directed by a Turkey-based handler codenamed “Ukasa,” who coordinated with Umar Un Nabi, a professor linked to the group.Prosecutors say Umar’s trip abroad in 2022 was not academic but part of strike planning. The group is now believed to have prepared for a multi-city vehicle-borne IED attack, expanding the probe into international networks and detailed conspiracy. Read full storyBangladesh to hold referendum and general elections in February 2026 under July CharterBangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus announced that a referendum and general elections will be held in February 2026 under the “July Charter.” The charter aims to restore democracy and ensure electoral reforms following months of political turmoil and violence.The referendum will decide on key constitutional changes, including limits on executive powers. Yunus said the move reflects the people’s demand for a transparent political process and a stable transition to elected governance. Read full storyIndia displays massive military strength in Exercise Trishul: 30,000 troops, 25 ships, fighter jetsIndia’s armed forces staged a large-scale tri-service exercise, Exercise Trishul, mobilising around 30,000 personnel, some 25 naval ships and submarines, and numerous fighter aircraft to showcase integrated operations across land, sea and air.The drill underscores New Delhi’s commitment to enhancing combat readiness, joint service coordination and strategic defence capabilities amid a challenging regional security environment. Read full story‘Not every Kashmiri is a terrorist’: J&K CM responds to Delhi car-blast probeOmar Abdullah, chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday condemned the explosion near Delhi’s Red Fort and stressed that “not every resident of Jammu and Kashmir is a terrorist or associated with terrorists.”He called for innocent residents to not be unfairly stereotyped amid the ongoing investigation, even as authorities probe possible links between the blast and suspects from the region. Read full story Pakistan moves entire T20 tri-series to Rawalpindi after Islamabad blastIn the wake of a suicide bombing in Islamabad, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that the upcoming T20 tri-nation series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe will be played entirely in Rawalpindi.The decision aims to enhance security and minimize logistical risks, shifting all matches to Rawalpindi under tightened measures. Read full story
