India

NEW DELHI—In the shadow of the devastating car blast that rocked the national capital near the historic Red Fort Metro Station, a powerful and increasingly popular sentiment is gripping the nation’s discourse: the demand for “Operation Sindhoor 2.0.” The blast, which occurred late Monday evening and is now being investigated as a possible fidayeen (suicide) attack with links to a terror module, has abruptly shattered the capital’s sense of security. With initial probes pointing toward the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and a sophisticated, ‘white-collar’ network spanning Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, the calls for a calibrated, yet decisive, response from the government are escalating.   What Was Operation Sindhoor? To understand the clamour for a “2.0,” one must recall the original Operation Sindhoor launched earlier this year (May 2025). Following a major terrorist attack in Pahalgam, the operation marked a significant shift in India’s counter-terrorism strategy. It was a pre-emptive, punitive, and strategically coordinated military campaign, demonstrating a “zero-tolerance” policy. Key elements of Operation Sindhoor included: Precision Strikes: High-impact air and missile operations targeting terror infrastructure and launchpads deep across the Line of Control and inside Pakistan’s territory. Tri-Service Synergy: A seamless display of coordination among the Army, Air Force, and Navy, asserting dominance across land, air, and sea. Non-Kinetic Measures: Utilizing diplomatic, information, and economic pressure, including the strong diplomatic posturing and strategic messaging that “blood and water cannot flow together.” In essence, Operation Sindhoor was a strategic statement: cross-border terrorism would no longer be met solely with border defense, but with targeted destruction of its source infrastructure.   The Red Fort Blast: A Direct Challenge The horrific Red Fort blast, which resulted in significant casualties and exposed a terror network stocked with nearly 2,900 kg of bomb-making material in the Delhi-NCR region (Faridabad), is being widely interpreted as an act of retaliation and a direct challenge to the post-Sindhoor security posture. The investigation has revealed crucial links: The Faridabad-Kashmir Nexus: The car used in the blast was traced to a Kashmir-based doctor, Umar Mohammad, who is an associate of other medical professionals recently arrested for their involvement in a multi-state JeM module. Panic-Driven Attack: Sources suggest the blast was a hurried, panic-driven response by the alleged bomber after his associates were arrested and the massive explosive cache was seized, indicating the entire module was on the verge of being dismantled. VBIED Threat: The use of a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) near a landmark like the Red Fort is a clear tactical escalation, reminiscent of JeM’s past attack methods. Is Sindhoor 2.0 Possible? The possibility of a second, larger military-strategic operation like Sindhoor hinges on two factors: the need for a deterrent response and the operational feasibility. The Case for “Sindhoor 2.0”: Government sources, speaking to the media, have already underscored a resolute stance: “Any act of terror would be considered an act of war against India. Operation Sindhoor is on.” This suggests that the zero-tolerance policy established by the first operation remains the active doctrine. A “Sindhoor 2.0” may not necessarily mean an immediate, carbon-copy of the 2025 air strikes, but a sustained, multi-pronged campaign focusing on: Targeted Elimination: Using intelligence and precision operations to dismantle terror command structures and launchpads abroad suspected of coordinating this specific attack. Information Warfare: Actively countering the narrative of retaliatory terror being pushed by Pakistan-based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Enhanced Domestic Cleanup: Intensifying the crackdown on the “white-collar terror ecosystem” in the hinterland, neutralizing sleeper cells, radicalised professionals, and financial networks that aid these plots. The Internal Focus For now, the most visible response is a massive, coordinated internal security sweep. Agencies across nine states (including Delhi, J&K, Haryana, UP, and Gujarat) are working in synergy—a kind of domestic “Sindhoor” operation focused on intelligence and law enforcement. The arrests and the seizure of the huge explosive cache are a testament to the success of this intensified internal intelligence gathering. Conclusion: While the original Operation Sindhoor was a trans-border strategic military thrust, the post-Red Fort response, dubbed “Sindhoor 2.0” by the public, may unfold as a two-front strategy: a massive, coordinated security sweep within India to neutralize the exposed modules, backed by the implicit threat of punitive trans-border action. The Delhi blast was an attempt to provoke and retaliate. The government’s challenge now is to deliver a response that is both immediate and overwhelming, reinforcing the message that the price for cross-border terrorism will continue to be strategically crippling. The full extent of “Operation Sindhoor 2.0” remains to be seen, but the national mood demands that the response be nothing short of decisive.

NEW DELHI, November 11, 2025 – The death toll from the high-intensity explosion that rocked the vicinity of the Red Fort Metro Station on Monday evening has tragically risen to at least 10 people, with over 20 others injured. As Delhi remains on high alert, a multi-agency probe is underway, with the Union Home Minister confirming that police are “exploring all possibilities” into the nature and motive of the blast. The Attack: Slow-Moving Car Explodes The explosion occurred around 6:52 PM (IST) in a slow-moving Hyundai i20 car that had stopped at a traffic signal near Gate No. 1 of the Red Fort Metro Station. The powerful blast immediately destroyed the car and engulfed three to four nearby vehicles and auto-rickshaws in a massive fire. Latest Updates on Casualties and Investigation: Death Toll: The official death toll has reached 10, with several injured being treated at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan (LNJP) Hospital. FIR Registered: Delhi Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under serious charges, including sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Explosives Act, confirming the gravity of the ongoing probe. Official Stance: Home Minister Amit Shah stated that a thorough investigation is being conducted, taking all possibilities into account. Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), National Security Guard (NSG), and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) are meticulously examining the blast site. Terror Link Under Scrutiny The timing and nature of the explosion have brought the investigation into close alignment with recent counter-terror operations. Key Investigation Angles: Faridabad Terror Module Connection: The blast took place hours after security agencies in Haryana busted a major “white-collar” terror module linked to the Pakistan-based terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind (AGuH). Authorities recovered a large cache of explosives, including over 350 kg of suspected Ammonium Nitrate—a key component in IEDs—and assault rifles from a flat in Faridabad. Suspected Fidayeen Attack: Top intelligence sources suggest the explosion may have been a fidayeen (suicide) attack. Preliminary reports point to a Kashmiri doctor named Dr. Umar Mohammed from Pulwama, a suspected member of the busted terror network, as the likely occupant and perpetrator inside the Hyundai i20 car, who detonated the explosives in a panic following the Faridabad arrests. Police are conducting DNA tests to confirm the identity of the charred body found inside the vehicle. CCTV Evidence: Police are examining over 100 CCTV clips, including footage of the suspect’s vehicle, to trace its movements leading up to the attack. Security and Public Advisory Security remains heightened across Delhi and major public hubs, including the Delhi Metro, airports, and railway stations. Authorities have appealed to the public to remain vigilant, avoid spreading rumors, and rely only on information issued by official police and government sources. The Chandni Chowk market area near the blast site is observing a voluntary shutdown today as a mark of respect and caution.

Faridabad,  A major terror conspiracy targeting the National Capital Region (NCR) has been averted following a joint operation by the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police and local forces in Haryana’s Faridabad. The operation led to the discovery of a massive cache of bomb-making material and sophisticated weaponry, and the arrest of a second doctor from J&K suspected of terror links.   The Massive Haul: 350 kg of Explosives   The seizure was made from a rented accommodation in Dhauj village, Faridabad, which is located in close proximity to Delhi. The recovered cache included: 350 kg of explosive substance, confirmed by the Faridabad Police Commissioner to be ammonium nitrate, a chemical compound often used to create powerful Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). An AK-47 assault rifle with multiple magazines. A pistol. 20 timers and four batteries, components vital for triggering IEDs. A walkie-talkie set and a large quantity of ammunition. Police officials indicated that the quantity of explosives recovered was sufficient for a series of large-scale terror attacks, underscoring the severity of the foiled plot.   The Arrests: Doctors Linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)   The breakthrough was achieved following the interrogation of an individual arrested a fortnight ago: Dr. Adil Ahmad Rather: A Kashmiri doctor from Pulwama, who worked as a senior resident at a Government Medical College in Anantnag until last year. Rather was initially arrested by J&K Police from Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, for allegedly putting up posters supporting the banned terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in Srinagar on October 27. An AK-47 and ammunition were previously recovered from his locker at the college. Dr. Mujammil Shakeel: The interrogation of Dr. Rather led investigators to a second doctor, Dr. Mujammil Shakeel, also from Pulwama, who was working as an assistant professor at a university in Faridabad. Shakeel had reportedly rented the accommodation in Dhauj village about three months ago, and another room specifically to store the explosives. He was arrested in the coordinated raid that led to the recovery of the arms cache on Sunday. Both doctors have been booked under the Arms Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Sources suggest the arrests point to a troubling trend of terror networks recruiting highly educated professionals to facilitate their operations.   Ongoing Investigation   Authorities are currently investigating the intended targets of the plot and how such a substantial quantity of explosive material was transported undetected to a location so close to the National Capital. The role of other associates and a potential woman doctor, whose car was used to store an assault rifle, remains under the scanner as the joint security teams work to dismantle the entire terror module.  

New Delhi, Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) received a marginal reprieve from the suffocating pollution that has gripped the region, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) showing a slight improvement. However, the relief is nominal, as the city’s air quality remains firmly rooted in the hazardous ‘Very Poor’ category, recording an AQI of 345 this morning, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The latest reading marks a downtick from the preceding day, when the AQI had climbed closer to the ‘Severe’ mark, touching 391. Despite the marginal drop, the pervasive smog continues to blanket the city, prompting urgent health advisories.   The Data: Still a Public Health Emergency   An AQI between 301 and 400 is classified as ‘Very Poor,’ indicating that prolonged exposure to this air quality can cause respiratory illness. While the overall average improved, several monitoring stations in the capital continued to report alarming levels, with some zones bordering on ‘Severe’ (401-500): Bawana briefly registered a ‘Severe’ AQI, with readings above 400. Other hotspots like Anand Vihar (379), Alipur (360), and Rohini (390) all remained deep within the ‘Very Poor’ zone. The human cost of the pollution is evident on the ground. As one resident, Rahul, shared with news agencies, the air quality is causing severe health discomfort. “Pollution is really high. This is not fog, this is pollution. We are facing breathing difficulties and eye irritation. Government must take steps,” he said, citing the combined effects of stubble burning and firecracker residue.   Government Response: GRAP Stage II Measures Continue   The marginal improvement has played a decisive role in the authorities’ decision regarding further anti-pollution measures. The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) sub-committee on the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has chosen not to invoke Stage III restrictions at this time. Under the revised guidelines, Stage III is typically activated when the AQI is consistently expected to remain above 400 (Severe). Currently, GRAP Stage II measures remain in force across Delhi-NCR. These restrictions include: Intensified use of water sprinklers and anti-smog guns to suppress road dust. Strict enforcement of dust control norms at construction and demolition sites. A ban on diesel generator (DG) sets for non-essential use. Proactive steps by the Delhi government, such as changing government office timings to stagger traffic flow and reduce vehicular emissions during peak hours. While authorities state that the coordinated, early action has prevented the situation from escalating, environmental experts stress that the city remains one adverse weather event away from slipping back into the ‘Severe’ category.   Health Advisory   Citizens are strongly advised to take necessary precautions as the ‘Very Poor’ air quality continues to impact public health: Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid strenuous outdoor physical activities, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. Wear Masks: Use N95 or P95 masks when stepping outside. Keep Windows Closed: Minimise outdoor air entry, particularly in homes with children, the elderly, or those with existing respiratory conditions.