Meta’s WhatsApp secured a significant legal win as a US federal court found the Israeli firm NSO Group liable under federal and California laws for spyware attacks targeting around 1,400 devices.
WhatsApp had sued NSO in 2019, accusing it of using Pegasus spyware to hack and surveil the phones of nearly 1,400 individuals during a two-week period in May 2019. The court will now determine the damages.
Mains Articles of December 25, 2024
National Quantum Mission
Recently, the chairman of the Mission Governing Board of the National Quantum Mission, announced that India plans to launch a quantum satellite within the next 2-3 years to enable quantum communications.
This initiative is part of the country’s efforts to advance in quantum technology.
India-Kuwait Elevate Ties to Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kuwait marked a historic milestone in bilateral relations, as the two nations elevated their partnership to a “strategic” level.
This significant development underscores enhanced cooperation in trade, defence, etc., and India’s growing role in the Gulf region amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.
Strengthening Fourth Branch Institutions in India: Challenges and Way Forward
While delivering a speech, Supreme Court judge Justice P S Narasimha said that fourth branch institutions should not be retirement homes for civil servants and judges.
Justice Narasimha was delivering the second edition of the Justice ES Venkataramiah Centennial Memorial Lecture organised by National Law School of India University in Bengaluru.
New Interception Rules and Safeguards
The Union Government notified the Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024 which empower certain enforcement and security agencies to intercept phone messages under certain conditions.
Strengthening Fourth Branch Institutions in India: Challenges and Way Forward
While delivering a speech, Supreme Court judge Justice P S Narasimha said that fourth branch institutions should not be retirement homes for civil servants and judges.
Justice Narasimha was delivering the second edition of the Justice ES Venkataramiah Centennial Memorial Lecture organised by National Law School of India University in Bengaluru.
Why the Indian Rupee Is Falling Against the US Dollar: Causes and Impacts
The Indian rupee has weakened against the US dollar, crossing the 85 mark, meaning Rs 85 is needed to buy $1.
In April, the exchange rate was around 83, and a decade ago, it was approximately 61. This reflects a steady decline in the rupee’s value relative to the dollar.
Why Growth of India’s Green Cover Raises Environmental Concerns
The 18th biennial State of Forest Report (ISFR-2023) highlights a marginal gain of 156 sq km in forest cover and a significant increase of 1,289 sq km in tree cover since 2021.
For the first time, India’s green cover has surpassed the 25% threshold, with 8,27,357 sq km (25.17%) of the country under forest (21.76%) and tree (3.41%) cover. Dense forests constitute 4,10,175 sq km of the total.
Supreme Court Restrains ED from Accessing Seized Digital Devices
In a landmark decision, the SC has prohibited the Enforcement Directorate (ED) from accessing and copying data from electronic devices seized during a raid on Santiago Martin, known as the “lottery king,” his relatives, and employees.
The decision emphasises the protection of fundamental rights, including the right to privacy, and could influence future guidelines on digital device seizures.
Centenary of 1924 Belgaum Congress Session: Gandhi’s Vision of Non-Violence, Swaraj, and Unity
The Congress is organizing a two-day event in Belagavi (previously Belgaum), Karnataka, on December 26-27 to mark the centenary of Mahatma Gandhi presiding over its historic Belgaum session in 1924.
The event includes an extended session of the Congress Working Committee (CWC) and a rally.