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300 WhatsApp numbers of Indians were targeted: Congress after US court verdict on Pegasus

In this case, a U.S. judge favored Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp, concluding that NSO Group had exploited a vulnerability in the messaging service to deploy spyware for unauthorized surveillance.

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A recent ruling by a U.S. court has deemed Israel’s NSO Group accountable for its Pegasus spyware, inciting strong criticism from Congress leader Randeep Surjewala. Surjewala emphasised that the court’s decision bolsters allegations that 300 WhatsApp numbers in India were compromised.

In this case, a U.S. judge favored Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp, concluding that NSO Group had exploited a vulnerability in the messaging service to deploy spyware for unauthorized surveillance.

Surjewala took to social media platform X to assert, “The Pegasus Spyware case verdict proves how 300 WhatsApp numbers of Indians were targeted in the illegal spyware racket.”

He raised several questions directed at the Indian government, including inquiries about the identities of the 300 targeted individuals, specifically asking, “Who are the two Union Ministers? Who are the three Opposition leaders? Who is the Constitutional Authority? Who are the journalists? Who are the business persons?” He probed further, questioning, “What information was retrieved by the BJP government and agencies? How was it used – misused and to what consequence? Will appropriate criminal cases be now lodged against political executives/officers in the present government and the company owning NSO?”

Surjewala also posed whether the Supreme Court would take into account the U.S. court’s judgment in the Meta v. NSO case. He queried if the Supreme Court would make public the report from the Committee of Technical Experts on Pegasus Spyware, submitted in 2021-22, and whether it would investigate further given the ruling affirming that 1,400 WhatsApp numbers, including 300 from India, were targeted.

He suggested that Meta should be responsible for releasing the names of the 300 individuals, citing their significant subscriber base in India and a corresponding ‘duty of care & disclosure’ to its clients.

U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton in Oakland ruled in favor of WhatsApp’s motion, finding NSO Group liable for hacking and breach of contract. The case will now advance solely to determine the damages owed. Will Cathcart, Head of WhatsApp, described the ruling as a “victory for privacy,” highlighting that they invested five years in their case because they believe spyware companies cannot evade accountability for their wrongful actions.

WhatsApp originally filed the lawsuit against NSO in 2019, seeking both an injunction and damages for unauthorized access to its servers to install Pegasus spyware on victims’ devices six months prior to the lawsuit. The lawsuit asserted that 1,400 individuals, including dissidents, journalists, and human rights advocates, were monitored due to the breach. NSO maintained that Pegasus was utilized by law enforcement and intelligence agencies for crime prevention and national security, specifically targeting terrorists, paedophiles, and criminals.

NSO had previously appealed a 2020 ruling that denied it “conduct-based immunity,” a legal provision designed to protect foreign officials acting in their official capacity. In 2021, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the initial ruling, determining that NSO’s involvement in licensing and providing technical support for Pegasus did not grant it immunity under the U.S. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. The U.S. Supreme Court subsequently declined to hear NSO’s appeal, allowing the lawsuit to proceed.

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Ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar denied pre-arrest bail amid charges of fraud

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In a high-profile case, former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar has been denied pre-arrest bail by the Delhi High Court in connection with allegations of forgery and cheating. Ms. Khedkar, who was dismissed from service by the Union government on September 7, has claimed she is being targeted due to her filing of a sexual harassment complaint against a senior officer.

The court’s ruling, delivered by Justice Chandra Dhari Singh, stated that Ms. Khedkar’s actions appeared to be part of a “larger conspiracy” aimed at defrauding authorities. The court noted, “The conduct of the petitioner was purely driven with a motive to dupe the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), and all documents allegedly forged by her were intended to exploit benefits meant for disadvantaged groups.”

The charges against Ms. Khedkar, which the court described as “a classic example of fraud,” also led to her being deemed “unfit for appointment.” It was further observed that her actions not only betrayed the UPSC but also the public trust, constituting an offence against the nation at large.

The court indicated the possibility of collusion between Ms. Khedkar’s family members and powerful individuals in fabricating documents to secure undue advantages. This raises the likelihood of the investigation expanding to include other government officials and departments allegedly involved in the conspiracy.

Temporary protection from arrest, which had been earlier granted to Ms. Khedkar, is likely to be revoked following the court’s decision. Both the Delhi Police and the UPSC opposed her bail plea, emphasizing the need for her custody to facilitate a thorough investigation.

The Delhi Police argued that Ms. Khedkar’s custody was critical to interrogate her and identify others involved in what they described as a “deep-rooted conspiracy.” The UPSC, on its part, stressed that the alleged fraud could not have been carried out without external assistance and urged the court to deny bail to ensure an unhindered investigation.

In her defense, Ms. Khedkar maintained her innocence, asserting that the allegations were retaliatory and stemmed from her complaint of sexual harassment. She has denied all charges, including the accusation that she forged documents to gain benefits reserved for disadvantaged groups.

This case highlights significant issues surrounding alleged misuse of administrative systems and raises questions about accountability and integrity within public institutions. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities under pressure to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.

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3 Khalistani terrorists killed in encounter with UP STF in Pilibhit

The Punjab DGP also clarified that the investigations are in progress to unveil the entire terror module

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3 Khalistani terrorists killed in encounter with UP STF in Pilibhit

The Police officials on Monday said that three suspected Khalistani terrorists allegedly involved in grenade attack in Gurudaspur were killed in an encounter with a joint team of Uttar Pradesh and Punjab police.

The police added that the accused were identified as Gurvinder Singh (25), Virender Singh alias Ravi (23), and Jaspreet Singh alias Pratap Singh (18). All the accused are residents of Gurdaspur. The encounter occurred in the Puranpur area of the Pilibhit district.

Director General (Law and Order) of the Uttar Pradesh Police, Amitabh Yash said the trio was involved in a grenade attack on a police checkpoint in Gurdaspur, Punjab. He added that the three sustained serious injuries in the encounter and were immediately rushed to CHC Puranpur for treatment.

Additionally, DGP UP Police Prashant Kumar confirmed that the three suspects had succumbed to their injuries. He said that the injured operatives were swiftly transported for medical care, where they later succumbed to their injuries. He added that the operation also resulted in the recovery of two AK rifles and two Glock pistols, signaling a significant disruption of the module’s capacity to cause further harm. 

Meanwhile, investigations are in progress to identify and dismantle the remaining elements of this terror network, he continued. Prashant Kumar further mentioned that two AK-47 rifles, two Glock pistols, and a huge cache of ammunition were seized from them. Speaking about the aftermath of the encounter, Amitab Yash said that the situation on the ground is under control and legal proceedings are underway.

In addition, Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav also took to X and gave the details of the encounter. Describing it a major breakthrough against a Pakistan sponsored Khalistan Zindabad Force(KZF) terror module, Yadav said that a joint operation of UP Police and Punjab Police led to an encounter with three module members who fired at the police party.

He added that this terror module is involved in grenade attacks at police establishments in border areas of Punjab. The encounter has taken place in the jurisdiction of PS Puranpur, Pilibhit, between the joint police teams of Pilibhit & Punjab and the three module members are involved in the grenade attack on a police post in Gurdaspur, he mentioned.

The Punjab DGP also clarified that the investigations are in progress to unveil the entire terror module. He further confirmed the recovery of two AK rifles and two Glock pistols from the suspects killed in the encounter.

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India, Kuwait boost ties to strategic partnership following PM Modi’s talks with top Kuwaiti leadership

Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the Bayan Palace, as noted by Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on social media.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday engaged in extensive discussions with Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, aiming to revitalize India-Kuwait relations, particularly in the fields of trade, investment, and energy.

PM Modi’s visit to Kuwait marks a significant occasion as it is the first by an Indian prime minister in 43 years, having arrived for a two-day trip on Saturday. Additionally, he is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah.

The discussions are expected to strengthen cooperation across various key sectors, including defence and trade, as indicated by officials prior to the meetings. During his stay, PM Modi addressed an event for the Indian community and visited a local labour camp, acknowledging the significance of the Indian diaspora, which constitutes the largest expatriate group in Kuwait.

Kuwait stands as one of India’s principal trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching an impressive $10.47 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24. Upon his arrival, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at the Bayan Palace, as noted by Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on social media.

This trip to Kuwait, at the invitation of Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, marks the first time in 43 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited this Gulf nation.

“It takes just four hours to fly from India to Kuwait, but it has taken four decades for an Indian Prime Minister to come here,” PM Modi remarked during his address to the Indian community.

Welcoming attendees ahead of a series of upcoming festivals, he noted, “You have all gathered here from various parts of India, and it truly feels like a mini India has come together.”

He praised the contributions of the Indian community, saying, “Every year, hundreds of Indians arrive in Kuwait; you have added an Indian essence to Kuwaiti society, filling its canvas with the colors of Indian skills, complemented by our rich traditions, technology, and talent.” He reiterated India’s readiness to support the development of ‘New Kuwait’ with its skilled workforce and advanced technology.

During an interview, PM Modi expressed India’s commitment to assisting in the restoration of peace in Gaza and Ukraine, emphasizing that solutions must be reached through dialogue rather than conflict.

He highlighted the necessity for sincere and constructive engagement among stakeholders to bridge differences and achieve negotiated resolutions. He also reaffirmed India’s backing for a two-state solution to create a sovereign and independent Palestine with recognized borders.

Modi emphasized the profound and historic ties between India and Kuwait, noting that the two countries are on the cusp of transforming their traditional buyer-seller relationship into a strategic partnership by exploring new opportunities throughout the oil and gas value chain. As Kuwait serves as India’s sixth-largest crude supplier and fourth-largest LPG supplier, he mentioned, “The potential for further collaboration is vast, especially as India becomes the third-largest global consumer of energy, oil, and LPG.” He highlighted that Kuwait holds about 6.5% of global oil reserves.

He identified the petrochemical sector as another area ripe for collaboration, projecting that India’s rapidly expanding petrochemical industry will reach $300 billion by 2025. Modi remarked that the energy partnership is not just a cornerstone of economic relations but also a catalyst for diversified and sustainable growth, paving the way for mutual prosperity.

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