29-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

PEGASUS SPYWARE FOUND ON JOURNALISTS’ PHONES AFTER APPLE ALERT, SAYS AMNESTY

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Pegasus spyware, developed by the NSO Group, has once again sparked controversy as it was found on the phones of Indian journalists, including Siddharth Varadarajan, founder editor of The Wire. Amnesty International’s Security Lab detected the spyware after the journalists received alerts from Apple about being targeted by “state-sponsored hacking.” This revelation raises concerns about privacy violations and the potential misuse of surveillance technology.

Spyware Detection:

• The Pegasus spyware, known for its sophisticated capabilities, was discovered on the phones of Indian journalists after security alerts from Apple.
• Amnesty International’s Security Lab conducted testing on the devices provided by the journalists, confirming the presence of Pegasus spyware.

Government Pressures and Unsubstantiated Statements:

• Following Apple’s security alerts, The Washington Post reported government officials pressuring the tech giant for alternative explanations.
• Union Ministers and Apple made unsubstantiated statements, including claims that alerts went out in 150 countries, raising questions about the transparency of information.

Zero Day Exploits and Constitutional Concerns:

• Pegasus exploits “zero day vulnerabilities,” allowing attackers access to fully updated smartphones, extracting data, and accessing camera and microphone functions.
• Privacy activists argue that such surveillance technology is unconstitutional, violating the right to privacy and freedom of expression.

Previous Pegasus Targets and Lack of Cooperation:

• Forbidden Stories collective reported Pegasus targeting dozens of Opposition leaders, journalists, and activists until 2021.
• The Union government, despite Supreme Court orders, refused cooperation in investigating the 2021 Pegasus revelations.

Recent Infections and Investigation:

• Anand Mangnale, South Asia Editor at OCCRP, had Pegasus spyware infect his phone, indicating ongoing surveillance.
• Siddharth Varadarajan’s phone was infected in October, leading to alerts from Apple and an ongoing investigation by the Union government.

Conclusion:

The detection of Pegasus spyware on journalists’ phones renews concerns about privacy infringement and the need for stringent regulations on surveillance technologies. The Union government’s response and unsubstantiated statements add complexity to the unfolding narrative, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding individuals’ rights in the digital age.

WATER CRISIS: ATISHI WRITES TO CHIEF SECY. OVER DELAY IN AMMONIA TREATMENT PLANT

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Water Minister Atishi has expressed concern over the delay in setting up an ammonia treatment plant for the Yamuna, impacting Delhi’s drinking water supply. The delay has led to decreased water production at existing treatment plants, prompting the Minister to direct Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to expedite the project.

Water Crisis and Treatment Plant Delay:

• Atishi highlights the adverse impact of delayed ammonia treatment on Yamuna water.
• Existing treatment plants in Wazirabad and Chandrawal face a 35-40% decline in clean water production.
• The announced ammonia treatment plant aims to enhance water purification processes.

<h4Minister’s Directive to Chief Secretary:

• Atishi directs Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to submit a report on the delay’s reasons by January 1.
• The Chief Secretary is instructed to ensure bids for the ammonia treatment plant project are invited by January 15.
• Atishi emphasizes the Chief Secretary’s personal monitoring of the project’s implementation.

CM’s Directive and Lack of Progress:

• Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s directive in March aimed at setting up the ammonia plant within six months.
• Atishi expresses disappointment over the Delhi Jal Board’s (DJB) failure to make progress in line with high-level directives.
• Current crisis affects densely populated areas, raising concerns about the government’s effectiveness.

BJP’s Criticism and Government Accountability:

• Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva accuses the AAP government of attempting to shift blame onto officers.
• Questions raised about the government’s actions to clean and preserve the Yamuna.
• Accountability emphasized, questioning the government’s machinery and decision implementation.

Conclusion:

The delay in the ammonia treatment plant project poses a significant threat to Delhi’s water supply, impacting densely populated areas. Atishi’s directives to the Chief Secretary underscore the urgency of addressing the issue and ensuring timely project implementation. The situation highlights the need for accountability and effective governance to tackle water crises and uphold environmental commitments.

AFTER 2 YEARS, DELHI TO NOTIFY AMENDMENTS TO ABORTION ACT

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

After a delay of over two years, Lieutenant-Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the Health Department’s proposal to notify amendments to the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 2021. The amendments aim to enhance comprehensive abortion care for women and were sent to the Delhi government by the Centre in December 2021.

L-G’s Displeasure and Direction:

• L-G Saxena expresses “grave displeasure” over the prolonged delay in presenting the proposal.
• Directs the Health Department to investigate and determine the reasons for the inordinate delay.
• Emphasizes fixing responsibility for the delayed processing of the proposed amendments.

Health Minister’s Response:

• Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj acknowledges the L-G’s displeasure positively.
• Highlights the proposal’s significance in positioning Delhi ahead of other states in issuing notifications for statutory forms.
• Reiterates the Delhi government’s commitment to providing affordable healthcare with a focus on women’s reproductive rights.

Amendments to MTP Act:

• The amendments aim at comprehensive universal access to improved abortion care for women.
• Changes include an increased upper gestation limit for termination of pregnancies under specific conditions.
• Requirement of only one Registered Medical Practitioner’s opinion for abortions up to 20 weeks.

Conclusion:

The approval of amendments to the MTP Act is a significant step towards strengthening women’s reproductive rights and expanding access to safe and legal abortion services in Delhi. The L-G’s directive for an investigation underscores the importance of timely governance and accountability in healthcare reforms.

DESPAIR IN DISTRESS

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The distress within India’s farming communities is compelling a surge in illegal migration, as highlighted by the recent forced return of 303 Indians detained at a French airport. This trend echoes a larger issue, with a significant rise in Indians attempting to enter the U.S. through perilous routes, indicating a potential escalation in human trafficking.

Rising Migration Attempts:

• Nearly 1,00,000 Indians attempted to enter the U.S. between October 2022 and September this year.
• More than half attempted through the heavily guarded Mexican border, and the rest through the sparsely manned Canadian border.
• Previous incidents, such as the tragic death of a six-year-old girl from Punjab in the Arizona desert in 2019, highlighted the risks.

Causes and Indicators:

• Immediate reasons cited include alleged religious persecution and distress in farming.
• Majority of air passengers in recent incidents were men from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, with some being unaccompanied minors.
• The farming crisis with plummeting incomes and overexploited farmlands exacerbates the vulnerability of individuals to trafficking.

Government Response:

• Urgent attention required to address the widespread trafficking racket, especially in rural Punjab and Haryana.
• A crackdown on exploitative middlemen in the labour market should be the initial step.
• The government needs to recognize and respond to the desperation or misinformation that drives individuals towards illegal migration.

Conclusion:

The distress-driven illegal migration highlights the pressing need for the Indian government to address the root causes, focusing on the farming crisis and the trafficking network. Initiatives to safeguard vulnerable populations and curtail exploitative practices are crucial in mitigating this concerning trend.

HOUTHI ATTACKS: A THREAT TO GLOBAL SHIPPING?

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Recent drone attacks in the Red Sea by Yemen-based Houthi rebels have raised concerns about the potential threat to global shipping. This situation prompts a closer look at the incidents, their impact on India and the world, and the measures being taken to address the escalating maritime threats.

Recent Drone Attacks:

Incidents in December 2023:

• The Chem Pluto, a Liberian-flagged vessel, was hit by a projectile near the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Similar attacks were reported on the m.v. Sai Baba and m.v. BLAAMANEN, marking the 14th and 15th attacks by Houthi militants since October 17.

Impact on India and Global Shipping:

Disruption of Supply Chains:

• Threats to shipping in the Red Sea escalate and can potentially disrupt global supply chains.
• The Red Sea is a crucial shipping artery, and the Bab el-Mandeb serves as a critical choke point.

Economic Implications:

• About 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea, making any disturbance economically significant.
• Several shipping majors have opted to avoid the route, leading to longer voyages and increased costs.

International Response and Initiatives:

U.S. Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPS):

• Launched on December 18 to safeguard commerce in the Red Sea.
• A multinational security initiative under the Combined Maritime Forces.

Indian Naval and Coast Guard Measures:

• Increased naval and Coast Guard presence and surveillance in the region.
• Deployment of destroyers, patrol aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, helicopters, and Coast Guard ships to counter threats.

Challenges and Unanswered Questions:

Potential for Major Attacks:

• Concerns about the reaction of India and other nations in the event of a significant attack resulting in loss of life or cargo.
• Uncertainty about the response to potential future challenges in the region.

Conclusion:

The recent drone attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea pose a considerable threat to global shipping, with implications for India and the world. International initiatives and enhanced naval and Coast Guard measures are attempts to counteract the escalating maritime threats. However, challenges remain, and uncertainties persist regarding the potential economic impact and responses to future crises in the region.

MIGRATION AND MOBILITY AGREEMENT

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

India and Italy have approved the Migration and Mobility Agreement, aiming to boost people-to-people contacts and facilitate mobility for students, skilled workers, business professionals, and young talents.

• The agreement emphasizes strengthening cooperation on irregular migration. Notable provisions include granting Indian students temporary residence of up to 12 months in Italy after completing academic or vocational training.
• Additionally, Italy has allocated a quota for non-seasonal and seasonal Indian workers for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025, demonstrating a commitment to collaborative migration policies between the two nations.

AMMONIA (NH3)

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Ammonia gas leakage occurred from an underwater supply pipeline in Chennai’s Ennore, Tamil Nadu, causing elevated levels in both air (400 micrograms) and sea (5 mg/l), breaching acceptable limits.

• Ammonia, a colorless and pungent gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen, is naturally occurring in the human body for protein synthesis and is commonly found in soil.
• Widely used in agriculture as fertilizer, and in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, fabrics, pesticides, dyes, and other chemicals, ammonia is highly corrosive and can inflict damage to human cells.
• The incident raises environmental and health concerns due to the gas’s hazardous nature.