CBI Cracks SIM Scam
The CBI has arrested Airtel Territory Sales Manager Debashish Doley and two middlemen from Silchar, Assam, for their role in selling unauthorised SIM cards used in cybercrimes, including digital arrest scams. The scam involved generating a second SIM card (termed a “ghost SIM”) in a customer’s name without their knowledge, which was then sold to cybercriminals. These SIMs facilitated fraud and creation of mule bank accounts. The arrests follow a larger CBI crackdown in May where 39 PoS operators were booked for selling 1,100 such SIMs. Seized items include electronic devices and forged KYC documents, highlighting India's focus on combating cybercrime.
Centre pushed Delhi HC judge
Former Supreme Court judge Justice Madan B Lokur revealed that the Central Government repeatedly pressured the Collegium to transfer Justice S Muralidhar from the Delhi High Court over a controversial judgment. Lokur, in a chapter of the book “[In]Complete Justice? Supreme Court at 75”, said he and Justice AK Sikri resisted the move during their tenures. After both judges retired, the transfer was approved in February 2020, shortly after Muralidhar criticised Delhi Police over inaction during the 2020 riots.
Australia Cuts Iran Ties
Iran's ambassador to Australia, Ahmad Sadeghi, was seen leaving Sydney on Thursday following an expulsion order by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The move comes after Australian intelligence accused Iran of directing two antisemitic arson attacks: one on a kosher food business in Sydney (October 2024) and another on Melbourne’s Adass Israel Synagogue (December 2024). While no Iranian diplomats were directly linked to the operations, authorities suspect Tehran used hired local criminals. Diplomatic ties have been severed amid rising antisemitic incidents since the 2023 Israel-Hamas war. The expulsion follows prior warnings over Sadeghi’s controversial conduct and social media activity.
Chinese test for Indian hockey
India begins its Asia Cup hockey campaign on Friday in Rajgir against lower-ranked China, aiming to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup after a poor Pro League run. India, the continent’s top-ranked side and three-time champions, face pressure to deliver after a record seven-match losing streak.