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Iran-Linked Hackers Have Trump Aides’ Emails, What Are They Planning to Leak?

July 1, 2025, 2:15 pm

Iran-linked hackers have threatened to release more stolen emails linked to Donald Trump’s aides, prompting the FBI to open a national security investigation. The group, known online as “Robert,” told Reuters they have 100 gigabytes of data from figures including Susie Wiles, Lindsey Halligan, Roger Stone, and Stormy Daniels. They suggested a possible sale of the emails but did not share specific details or content.

The same group leaked messages during the 2024 election. That material revealed communications about campaign strategy, legal settlements, and financial ties between Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., now his health secretary. Though widely reported, the leaks did not significantly change the outcome of the race, which Trump won.

FBI Targets Iran-Linked Hackers

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called the hack “an unconscionable cyber-attack.” FBI Director Kash Patel said, “Anyone associated with any kind of breach of national security will be fully investigated and prosecuted.” In 2024, federal prosecutors connected the hackers to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in an official indictment.

Security analysts believe the recent conflict between Iran and Israel may have triggered the hackers’ return. Despite claiming to have “retired,” Robert resumed activity after U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Experts say Iran may now rely on cyber tactics to respond without escalating military conflict.

American Enterprise Institute’s Frederick Kagan explained, “Leaking a bunch more emails is not likely to trigger a resumption of major Israeli/U.S. military activity.”

Hackers Plan Email Sale

The hackers recently told Reuters they plan to sell the stolen emails and want media outlets to report on it. They have not said when or where the emails will appear. Meanwhile, U.S. cyber officials warn private companies to stay alert, noting Iran may still target infrastructure and businesses.

Tehran denies involvement in hacking, but U.S. authorities continue to link the attacks to Iran’s cyber units. The FBI and CISA are closely monitoring the situation.

‘Never Said She Went to Pakistan’: Jyoti Malhotra’s Father Recalls Daughter’s Claims of Delhi Visits

May 20, 2025, 2:21 pm

In a shocking case that has startled the internet community as well as national intelligence bodies, influencer and YouTuber Jyoti Malhotra has been detained by Haryana Police under the Official Secrets Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions. The detention comes in the wake of serious charges of espionage, foreign intelligence connections, and suspicious foreign travel.

As per the authorities, Jyoti Malhotra was discovered with “suspicious” material on her laptop and mobile phone. The authorities also asserted that she had direct contact with individuals associated with Pakistani intelligence outfits.

A Father’s Contradictory Narrative

But a shocking twist came when her father, Harish Malhotra, spoke out in shock and bewilderment over his daughter’s activities. “I didn’t know she had told me that she was going to Delhi.”. She never informed me about anything,” he informed ANI. Harish had initially admitted her visits to Pakistan, referring to her YouTube videos, but he has now recanted and said he knew nothing. “I have no comment. I am myself upset and ill for the past 3 days,” he further added.

This contradictory stance has raised many an eyebrow. His original claims that she was producing videos in Pakistan and had the necessary permissions contradict his recent suggestion that he does not even possess a gadget with which to watch her videos.

Allegations of Contact with Pakistani Intelligence

Agencies claim that Jyoti initially approached the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi in 2023, when she had a meeting with a man named Ahsan-ur-Rahim, alias Danish. Officials say this was the starting point for her contacts with Pakistani intelligence operatives (PIOs). SP Shashank Kumar Sawan disclosed that Jyoti had gone to Pakistan several times, including shortly before the Pahalgam terror attack, and had also gone to China.

“Haryana Police is interrogating her along with central agencies. We are checking her financial dealings and movement records to identify her sources of income,” SP Sawan said. Her declared sources of income do not support her foreign travel. We suspect foreign funding. On the face of it, she was a travel blogger,” he said.

Espionage in the Digital Age

The case highlights growing concerns that authorities hold about how potential soft propaganda and intelligence operations can exploit social media influencers. SP Sawan said central agencies had already raised an alert that Pakistani agents were attempting to recruit Indian influencers. The utilization of online platforms for indirect surveillance or influence operations is now a contemporary spy tactic, with soft influence being equally important as hard data theft.

Officials further noted that Jyoti’s interactions with individuals declared persona non grata by the Indian government amid heightened Indo-Pak tensions raise “alarming” concerns, even though she did not have direct access to sensitive military files.

Looking Forward

As the inquiry progresses, questions arise about loopholes in monitoring foreign activities of digital influencers, particularly from countries reported as having hostile intelligence operations. The decision in this case could provide the impetus for policy-level deliberations regarding increased monitoring of foreign travel and funding sources of digital content creators.

At the same time, Jyoti Malhotra is in police custody for five days while authorities scan her conversations, bank activity, and content history. The country is watching closely, not only out of curiosity, but with real concern about how deep and digital spying can now penetrate — even in the name of a vlog.

Pak Govt Panel Reviews Deportation Plan for Illegal Immigrants

March 26, 2025, 5:32 am

Islamabad [Pakistan]: A high-level Pakistani government panel, known as the Harden the State Committee, convened on Monday under the leadership of Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi to discuss key national security issues. The primary focus was on the deportation of illegal immigrants, human smuggling prevention, stricter penalties for organised begging, and the digitisation of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Dawn reported.

Panel Formed to Strengthen National Security

The Harden the State Committee was formed on January 28 following directives issued at the Apex Committee meeting on January 3. This was the panel’s second session, held just a week before the government’s deadline for undocumented foreigners to voluntarily leave Pakistan.

Deportation and Human Smuggling Countermeasures

Officials confirmed that the expulsion of illegal immigrants will be carried out in accordance with national security policies. Discussions also revolved around effective enforcement mechanisms for removing undocumented foreigners and dismantling human trafficking networks.

Stricter Penalties for Organised Begging

The panel reviewed harsher punishments for professional beggars exploiting the system. Authorities emphasized the need to tackle organised begging through strict legal frameworks.

Digitisation of the FBR

A significant part of the meeting focused on digitising the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) to enhance transparency, efficiency, and financial regulation. Modern technological solutions will be used to streamline operations and improve revenue collection.

High-Level Participation for Comprehensive Security

Senior officials from key divisions, including the Interior and Petroleum Divisions, the FBR chairman, and various intelligence agencies such as the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Military Intelligence (MI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Military Operations Directorate, and Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) participated in the meeting. Provincial counterterrorism departments were also represented, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling national security concerns.

Deadline for Voluntary Departure Approaches

With the government’s deadline for voluntary departure approaching, authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure smooth enforcement of expulsion policies while addressing broader security challenges linked to illegal migration and organised crime.

Trump Admin’s Yemen War Plans Accidentally Sent to Journalist

March 25, 2025, 1:30 am

In a significant blunder, The Atlantic’s Editor-in-Chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently included in an unsecure group chat used by senior US national security officials. This chat, hosted on the Signal app, discussed classified airstrike plans against Houthi targets in Yemen. Goldberg detailed the incident in an article titled “The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans.”

How Was Goldberg Added?

Goldberg was added to the chat by someone posing as Michael Waltz, President Donald Trump’s national security adviser. According to Goldberg, the discussion contained sensitive information, including:

Operational details about upcoming strikes
Target locations in Yemen
Weapons to be deployed
Attack sequences

Goldberg Knew About Yemen Strikes in Advance

Goldberg revealed that he had knowledge of the strikes more than two hours before the public was informed. He warned that if this information had been accessed by adversaries, it could have jeopardized American military and intelligence personnel, especially in the Middle East.

National Security Council Responds

National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Brian Hughes acknowledged the authenticity of the message thread and confirmed that an investigation is underway. Hughes assured that no harm was caused to US service members or national security during the Yemen operation.

Violation of Security Protocols

The inclusion of Goldberg in the chat may have violated multiple federal regulations, including:

Sharing sensitive operational data
Disclosing classified military information
Improper record maintenance

Who is Jeffrey Goldberg?

Jeffrey Goldberg is an award-winning journalist and Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic. He has previously worked as a Middle East correspondent for The New Yorker and contributed numerous articles to The New York Times Magazine. His acclaimed book Prisoners: A Story of Friendship and Terror explores international conflicts and diplomatic challenges.

FBI Deports Pakistani National Over Security Concerns

March 7, 2025, 4:16 am

Dallas, US: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in coordination with US immigration agencies, has deported Syed Rizvi, a 56-year-old Pakistani national, after identifying him as a national security priority. Rizvi was removed from the United States on February 25, according to a statement from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

FBI Identifies Rizvi as Security Threat

The FBI shared details of Rizvi’s deportation on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating:

“The FBI is partnering with agencies nationwide to support immigration enforcement operations. Learn how @FBIDallas, @ICEgov, and @ERODallas worked together to remove a Pakistani national identified as a national security priority.”

Arrest and Deportation Timeline

ICE Dallas provided further details about Rizvi’s case:

Rizvi initially entered the US legally on September 20, 2017, through the New York port of entry.
He violated the terms of his admission and resided in Dallas, Texas, without authorization.
He was arrested on January 31, 2024, following a routine traffic stop.
An immigration judge had already ordered his removal on January 24.
He was officially deported to Pakistan on February 25.

US Officials Emphasize National Security

Josh Johnson, acting director of the Enforcement and Removals Operations (ERO) Dallas Field Office, emphasized the US government’s strict stance on illegal immigration linked to security concerns.

“Illegal aliens suspected or known to have ties to organizations that threaten public safety will not find refuge in the US,” Johnson stated.

He further added:
“Our most important priority is to arrest and remove those who pose an imminent danger to the citizens of the US.”

FBI Director’s Warning to Terrorists

Rizvi’s deportation follows a strong statement from FBI Director Kash Patel, reaffirming the US commitment to tracking down terrorists worldwide. His remarks came after a successful operation at Dulles airfield, where US agencies apprehended a suspect linked to the 2021 Afghanistan Abbey Gate attacks.

Patel warned:
“To terrorists around the world responsible for harming Americans: We will hunt the ends of the earth and find you.”

The US continues to strengthen its immigration enforcement policies, prioritizing the removal of individuals identified as security threats.

To protect societal harmony and national security, conversions must be curbed

December 14, 2024, 4:01 am

What Swami Vivekananda said 125 years ago still holds true today. He said that the conversion of a Hindu doesn’t just mean one less Hindu, but an increase in enemies.
On April 1, 1899, in a conversation with a correspondent of Prabuddha Bharat magazine, Vivekananda spoke about conversion, Hindutva, and the challenges faced by those who have converted to Hinduism and later returned to their original faith. He said that conversion should not be accepted in any civilized society.
The issue of conversion has been a longstanding problem in our country. Mahatma Gandhi also opposed conversion. He believed that no one should try to convert another person. He felt that religious conversion under the guise of humanitarian work was a sign of a diseased mind. Gandhi condemned conversions that involved deceit, greed, or coercion, especially when they targeted the poor and deprived.
In our country, conversions have often been carried out under various pretexts, such as claims of humanitarian work, exploitation of poverty, or deceitful tactics like love jihad, leading to the conversion of many people.
During the Mughal and British rule in India, systematic efforts were made to forcibly convert Hindus, which led to the creation of Pakistan and Bangladesh. The consequences of these conversions are still visible today in the strained relations with our neighboring countries.
In the current context, Swami Vivekananda’s statement from 125 years ago about the dangers of conversion becomes increasingly relevant. He had warned that converting Hindus doesn’t just reduce their number, but also increases the number of enemies. This view resonates today as the ongoing issue of religious conversion continues to impact Indian society.
Interestingly, while conversion is being encouraged in India in the name of secularism and democracy, it is considered illegal in many Islamic countries. In nations like Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Jordan, and Egypt, conversion is prohibited by law, with severe punishments for those who attempt it. In the Maldives, a person who converts from Islam can even lose their citizenship. This contrast highlights the hypocrisy of allowing conversions in India while such practices are banned in other parts of the world.
To counter conversions, several states in India, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Odisha, have passed laws to prevent it. However, the effectiveness of these laws in curbing conversions remains uncertain.
The growing trend of conversions in many parts of India poses a serious threat to social harmony and national security. As a result, numerous organizations across the country are working to raise awareness among the youth to stop the practice of conversion and protect the integrity of the nation.
Many incidents of conversion come to light in many parts of Rajasthan. You will remember how a conspiracy was hatched a few years ago for a big incident of mass conversion near the capital Jaipur. Such conspiracies have also come to the fore in the Mewat and Braj regions of the state.
Many attempts were made for an anti-conversion bill in Rajasthan, but the Congress governments suffering from prejudice and appeasement policy never tried to consider this important issue. It is good that the BJP government of the state has taken a decision and approved the bill to stop illegal conversion in the state and provide for strict punishment. The government has decided to bring “The Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill-2024”.
After this bill becomes a law, no person or institution will be able to convert a person by using misrepresentation, fraud, force, undue influence etc. If any person or institution does such an act, they will be given severe punishment. If a person marries with the intention of converting a person against the law, then the family court can declare such marriage invalid. In this law, the crimes will be non-bailable and cognizable. Certainly this is a progressive bill.
There was a demand for such a law in the state for the last two decades. In the last session of the fifteenth assembly, a private bill with a similar draft, ‘Rajasthan Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Bill 2023’, was brought by me. But the then Speaker of the Assembly rejected it saying that it is against Article 25 of the Constitution. The then Congress government, plagued by prejudice, did not consider this bill worthy, while the BJP, playing a strong role of opposition, raised a strong voice in support of this bill from the streets to the House and demanded a ban on conversion, which is very important in the state and national interest, for which the BJP governments of states like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh etc. and now the BJP government of Rajasthan have also taken important steps.
The ban on conversion is not tied to any specific religion or sect; rather, it is about preserving the social fabric. A law prohibiting religious conversion is justified because it does not infringe on an individual’s right to religious freedom or personal choice.

Religious conversion should not pose a social, political, or legal challenge to the country or its democracy. Therefore, there should be a law in place to prevent forced conversions. The Bharatiya Janata Party has consistently maintained that everyone has the right to follow their religion of choice, but no one should be forced to convert.
An important question arises regarding those who have converted for various reasons but now wish to return to their original faith. Swami Vivekananda, in his response to a correspondent of Prabuddha Bharat magazine, said that such individuals should indeed be welcomed back, emphasizing that they can and should be accepted back into their original faith.

The author is bjp haryana in-charge and former bjp rajasthan president.

Hong Kong Jails 45 Pro-Democracy Activists In Landmark National Security Case

November 19, 2024, 12:59 pm

Hong Kong’s High Court sentenced 45 pro-democracy activists to prison terms of up to 10 years on Tuesday, following a high-profile national security trial that has drawn international criticism and dealt a severe blow to the city’s democracy movement.

The activists were charged in 2021 with conspiracy to commit subversion under a Beijing-imposed national security law. The charges stemmed from their organization of an unofficial 2020 primary election to select candidates for a legislative election. Prosecutors alleged the activists intended to paralyze the government if elected.

Benny Tai, a former legal scholar and a key figure in the case, received the harshest sentence of 10 years. Other prominent activists, including Joshua Wong, Owen Chow, and Gwyneth Ho, received sentences ranging from four to nearly eight years. In total, 14 activists were convicted after a 118-day trial, while 31 pleaded guilty.

The national security law, introduced in 2020, has been criticized by Western nations as a tool to suppress dissent. The U.S. condemned the trial as “politically motivated,” while Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep concern, urging China to respect freedoms of expression and assembly in Hong Kong. Taiwan’s presidential office also denounced the sentences, reaffirming its solidarity with Hong Kong.

The Chinese and Hong Kong governments defended the law, asserting it was essential to restore stability after the mass pro-democracy protests of 2019. However, critics argue the crackdown has tarnished Hong Kong’s reputation as a global financial hub.

As hundreds gathered outside the court under tight security, activists and supporters voiced their dismay. Gwyneth Ho, sentenced to seven years, reflected on their actions in a social media post, writing, “We dared to confront the regime with the question: Will democracy ever be possible? The answer was a complete crackdown.”

The sentencing comes as Hong Kong hosts an international financial summit aimed at attracting global investors, spotlighting the tension between the city’s aspirations as a business hub and its increasingly restricted political freedoms.

Sonia Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government on Census, Economic Policies, and National Security

July 31, 2024, 2:05 pm

New Delhi: At a Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) meeting on Wednesday, Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched a scathing critique of the Modi government, accusing it of deliberately avoiding the overdue Census, which was scheduled for 2021. She argued that this delay will obstruct an accurate population count, particularly affecting scheduled castes and tribes, and deny over 12 crore citizens access to benefits under the National Food Security Act.

During her speech, Gandhi remarked, “It is evident that the Government has no intention of conducting the Census, which was due in 2021. This delay will prevent us from having an updated population estimate, especially for scheduled castes and tribes. Consequently, it will deny at least 12 crore citizens their rightful benefits under the National Food Security Act of 2013, now rebranded as PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana,” according to a statement from the All India Congress Committee.

Gandhi also expressed her condolences for the victims of the recent Wayanad landslide and other natural disasters. “First, let me extend our deepest sympathies to the families affected by the devastating landslide in Wayanad. The scale of destruction has been immense. Our colleagues in the state are actively assisting, and we also extend our condolences to those affected by floods in other parts of the country. Additionally, the ongoing railway accidents, attributed to mismanagement, continue to claim lives. Our thoughts are with these victims as well,” she said.

Criticizing the 2024-25 budget, Sonia Gandhi took issue with the Modi government’s approach to economic and social challenges, particularly concerning farmers and youth. She asserted, “The government remains detached from reality as millions of families grapple with rising unemployment and inflation. The needs of farmers and youth have been disregarded. Allocations in crucial sectors fall short, and despite official claims of success, the public remains disillusioned. The government’s top leaders are out of touch with the harsh realities faced by millions.”

Sonia Gandhi further condemned the state of the education system under Modi’s administration, citing failures in competitive exams and damage to key institutions like NCERT, UGC, and UPSC. “Education has suffered significantly in recent years. Instead of advancing, our educational system is increasingly flawed and manipulated. Issues with competitive exams have shattered the hopes of many young people and undermined the credibility of institutions like NCERT, UGC, and even Constitutional bodies like UPSC,” she said.

She also criticized the government’s handling of national security and terror attacks, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. “Recent weeks have seen at least eleven terror attacks in the Jammu region alone, with similar incidents in the Valley. The loss of security personnel and civilians undermines the government’s claims that all is well in J&K. The situation in Manipur remains dire, and despite the Prime Minister’s international travels, he has failed to address the situation in the state,” Gandhi remarked.

Looking ahead to upcoming state elections, Gandhi emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum from the Lok Sabha elections. “With elections approaching in four states, we must continue to build on the goodwill generated in the Lok Sabha elections. It is crucial to avoid complacency and work together with a clear sense of purpose. If we perform well, we could see significant changes in national politics,” she concluded.

Kharge Accuses PM Modi Of Doing Petty Politics

July 26, 2024, 11:32 pm

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his comments on the grand old party on the ‘25 year of Kargil Vijay Diwas’ accusing him of doing petty politics and said no Prime Minister has ever done this before.
Hitting back at the Prime Minister, he also urged the government to scrap the Agnipath scheme as it has been opposed by sever quarters.

In a post on X, while slamming the Prime Minister, Kharge, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said, “It is very unfortunate and deplorable that Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji is doing petty politics even on occasions like paying tribute to martyrs on Kargil Vijay Diwas.”

“No Prime Minister has ever done this before,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister, the Congress chief said, “Modi ji is saying that his government implemented the Agnipath scheme at the behest of the Army, this is a blatant lie and an unforgivable insult to our valiant Armed Forces.”

Training his guns, he said, “Modi ji, it is you who are spreading lies!” He said that former Army Chief (Retd.) General MM Naravane has said on record that 75 per cent of recruits were to be taken for permanency in the ‘Agnipath Scheme’ and 25 per cent of people were to be let go after four years. “But the Modi government did the opposite, and forcibly implemented this scheme for all three Armed Forces,” he said.He claimed that according to news reports, former Army Chief (Retd) General MM Naravane in his book which the Modi government, has stalled from being published, has also said, that the ‘Agnipath Scheme’ was shocking for the Army, and for the Navy and Air Force, it came like a “bolt out of the blue”.“Are we creating professional soldiers, only by 6 months of training? Soldiers join the Army out of patriotism, not to earn a living,” he said. Kharge also said that many retired officers have strongly criticised Agnipath and said that it is endangering National Security and the aspirations of the rural youth, demanding that this scheme should be completely scrapped.

Taiwan’s Digital Minister Flags TikTok as National Security Concern

March 23, 2024, 1:23 pm

Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s Minister of Digital Affairs, has labeled TikTok, the social media platform owned by a Chinese company, as a significant concern for national security according to Central News Agency Taiwan.

Tang stressed that TikTok’s affiliation with foreign adversaries is in line with the viewpoint of the United States, which regards TikTok as a potential risk to national security.

In a recent legislative hearing, Tang stated, “Taiwan has classified TikTok as a dangerous product.” Tang clarified that any product vulnerable to manipulation by foreign adversaries, whether directly or indirectly, is considered a risk to national information and communication security in accordance with Taiwan’s standards, as per CNA Taiwan.

Taiwan’s action mirrors a comparable trend in the United States. Recently, the US House of Representatives approved a bill aimed at ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, setting a deadline for it to sell off its US assets or risk a nationwide prohibition. This legislative move reflects Taiwan’s apprehensions regarding foreign control of digital platforms.

Tang revealed that Taiwan’s Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) has suggested an amendment to the Cyber Security Management Act, echoing concerns expressed in the U.S. House bill regarding indirect foreign influence. This amendment underscores Taiwan’s dedication to protecting its digital infrastructure from external interference.

TikTok’s usage is presently limited within Taiwanese government agencies and their premises. Nonetheless, Tang suggested the potential extension of this restriction to schools, non-governmental organizations, and public spaces, pending a Cabinet decision. She stressed that such a determination would require a thorough evaluation, taking into account legal procedures and practical feasibility.

“The final decision will be made by the Cabinet after extensive consideration of opinions in the various sectors,” the ministry asserted.

It underscored the ongoing inter-ministerial discussions convened by the Cabinet aimed at effectively addressing this issue.

Furthermore, the digital ministry revealed its close monitoring of the TikTok bill’s progress in the US Congress, showcasing a keen interest in international developments influencing digital security policies.

In accordance with regulations established in 2019 and amended in 2022, any information and communication system or service capable of disrupting government operations or societal stability is classified as a product posing a threat to national information and communication security, according to CNA Taiwan.

White House condemns online harassment of WSJ reporter over PM Modi question

June 27, 2023, 1:40 pm

The White House has expressed strong condemnation for the online harassment targeting a Wall Street Journal journalist who raised questions about the rights of religious minorities during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden on 22 June in Washington. John Kirby, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, stated that the reported harassment is entirely unacceptable and goes against the fundamental principles of democracy demonstrated during PM Modi’s recent state visit.

“It’s completely unacceptable and it’s antithetical to the very principles of democracy that … were on display last week during the state visit,” Kirby said on Monday in a press briefing.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural state visit to the United States, a noteworthy event took place as he engaged in a joint press conference with President Joe Biden at the White House. In an uncommon turn of events, PM Modi fielded questions from journalists, one of whom was Siddiqui, who raised concerns about the rights of religious minorities in India.

“There are many human rights groups who say your government has discriminated against religious minorities and sought to silence its critics. What steps are you and your government willing to take to improve the rights of Muslims and other minorities in your country and uphold free speech?” asked The White House correspondent . 5tIn response, the PM expressed his surprise at the question and said in Hindi, “In India’s democratic values, there is absolutely no discrimination, neither based on caste, creed, age, nor any kind of geographic location.”

He further added, “Indeed, India is a democracy. And as President Biden also mentioned, India and America, both countries, democracy is in our DNA. Democracy is our spirit. Democracy runs in our veins. We live democracy.”

Shifting of PSA detainees from J&K jails involves national security: Centre tells SC

March 14, 2023, 2:41 pm

The Central government told the Supreme Court on Monday that the matter of the shifting of more than 20 prisoners to jails outside the Union Territory, where they were detained under the Public Safety Act in Jammu and Kashmir, was related to national security.

The apex court has fixed the next hearing of the case on 5 April.

The Supreme Court heard the petition of Srinagar resident Raja Begum and three others. The petitioners, through their lawyer, Satya Mitra, challenged the shifting of prisoners to jails outside the UT.

They said that transferring these detainees to different jails in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana is a violation of Jammu and Kashmir law.

As per the plea, people detained under the local law can’t be shifted outside the Union Territory, as the statute is applicable to the Union Territory only.

The lawyer appearing for petitioners said during the hearing that the family members are not able to communicate with the arrested prisoners. They belong to a poor background, and some sort of communication should be made.

Arif Ahmad Sheikh, the son of Raja Begum, a resident of Parimpora in Srinagar, has been shifted to the Central Jail in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. He was booked under the PSA on 7 April 2022.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta made it clear in court that we will follow the instructions but these arrested prisoners are in fact a serious matter of national security. It is not as simple as communication between two people.