PM Narendra Modi says, "I have been urging for your (Opposition) cooperation in the House. Today, I also speak politically - it is beneficial for you too if you give a message of positivity to the country. It is not right for democracy if your image becomes that of hatred and negativity. Opposition is equally important for democracy, it should be equally capable."

Parliament Winter Session 2023: PM Modi urges opposition for constructive debate on 21 bills

<p>The Indian government has expressed concerns over&nbsp;'hacking' alerts sent by Apple to several Indian lawmakers and initiated an investigation into the case. India's&nbsp;Union Minister for Communications, Electronics &amp; Information Technology&nbsp;Ashwini Vaishnaw said Tuesday, "The government is concerned about this issue and it will get to the bottom of it. We have already ordered an investigation into it."</p>

<p>The minister further added that the warning message was not unique to India but was observed in over 150 nations.</p>

<p>"Apple has issued this advisory in 150 countries. It is clear from their mail that they don't have specific information. They have sent this alert based on an estimate," he added.</p>

<p>"In light of such information and widespread speculation, we have also asked Apple to join the investigation with real, accurate information on the alleged state sponsored attacks," the minister said.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Indian opposition parties slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on Tuesday (Oct 31) after some of their leaders received alerts regarding alleged hacking attempts into their iPhones&nbsp;by “state-backed” actors.</p>

<p>Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, said in a press conference that the government was trying to distract the attention of the youth.</p>

<p>“A number of people in my office have got this message ... In Congress, KC Venugopal ji, Supriya Sule, Pawan Khera have received it too ... They (BJP) are trying to distract the attention of the youth,” Gandhi said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">VIDEO | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shows a 'warning message' from Apple, claims party leaders like K C Venugopal, Pawan Khera, several other opposition leaders received it. <a href="https://t.co/6MduB2O0g5">pic.twitter.com/6MduB2O0g5</a></p>
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/1719261850301317560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Do as much phone tapping as you want, I don't care,” he declared.</p>

<p>However, Apple in a response later said it&nbsp;"does not attribute the threat notifications to any specific state-sponsored attacker."</p>

<h2><strong>Indian MPs receive alerts from Apple</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, several Indian MPs hailing from different opposition parties received an alert from Apple claiming that “state-sponsored hackers may be targeting” their iPhones.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kerala-serial-blasts-delhi-mumbai-up-on-alert-centre-sends-nsg-team-to-kerala-652672"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Kerala serial blasts: Delhi, Mumbai &amp; UP on alert; Centre sends NSG team to Kerala</strong></a></p>

<p>Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, who also received this message, claimed Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Raghav Chadha, as well as CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and the Congress' Pawan Khera were also warned of hacking attempts.</p>

<p>"Wonder who? Shame on you..." @HMOIndia for your kind attention,” wrote Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Kalamassery bomb blast: Alert sounded in New Delhi, many Indian states</strong></p>

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<p>"Glad to keep underemployed officials busy at the expenses of taxpayers like me! Nothing more important to do?," wrote Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.</p>

<p>"...Every Indian needs to be worried. Because today it is me, tomorrow it could be YOU," wrote AAP’s Raghav Chadha.</p>

<h2><strong>Apple’s notification</strong></h2>

<p>The message sent by Apple says: "Apple believes you are being targeted by state-sponsored attackers who are trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID."</p>

<p>"These attackers are likely targeting you individually because of who you are or what you do. If your device is compromised state-sponsored attacker, they may be able to remotely access your sensitive data, communications, or even the camera and microphone.&nbsp;While it's possible this is a false alarm, please take this warning seriously," the alert added.</p>

<h2><strong>Apple's response</strong></h2>

<p>Apple later commented that&nbsp;it "does not attribute the threat notifications to any specific state-sponsored attacker", while denying claims being made by the opposition MPs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"State-sponsored attackers tend to be very well-funded and sophisticated, and their attacks evolve over time. Detecting such attacks relies on threat intelligence signals that are often imperfect and incomplete. It's possible that some Apple threat notifications may be false alarms, or that some attacks are not detected. We are unable to provide information about what causes us to issue threat notifications, as that may help state-sponsored attackers adapt their behaviour to evade detection in the future," a statement from Apple read.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Indian government has expressed concerns over 'hacking' alerts sent by Apple to several Indian lawmakers and initiated an investigation into the case. India's Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said Tuesday, "The government is concerned about this issue and it will get to the bottom of it.

The Indian government has expressed concerns over 'hacking' alerts sent by Apple to several Indian lawmakers and initiated an investigation into the case. India's Union Minister for Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said Tuesday, "The government is concerned about this issue and it will get to the bottom of it. We have already ordered an investigation into it." The minister further added that the warning message was not unique to India but was observed in over 150 nations. "Apple has issued this advisory in 150 countries. It is clear from their mail that they don't have specific information. They have sent this alert based on an estimate," he added. "In light of such information and widespread speculation, we have also asked Apple to join the investigation with real, accurate information on the alleged state sponsored attacks," the minister said. Earlier in the day, Indian opposition parties slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government on Tuesday (Oct 31) after some of their leaders received alerts regarding alleged hacking attempts into their iPhones by “state-backed” actors. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the main opposition Congress party, said in a press conference that the government was trying to distract the attention of the youth. “A number of people in my office have got this message ... In Congress, KC Venugopal ji, Supriya Sule, Pawan Khera have received it too ... They (BJP) are trying to distract the attention of the youth,” Gandhi said. VIDEO | Congress leader Rahul Gandhi shows a 'warning message' from Apple, claims party leaders like K C Venugopal, Pawan Khera, several other opposition leaders received it. pic.twitter.com/6MduB2O0g5 — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 31, 2023 × "Do as much phone tapping as you want, I don't care,” he declared. However, Apple in a response later said it "does not attribute the threat notifications to any specific state-sponsored attacker." Indian MPs receive alerts from Apple Earlier, several Indian MPs hailing from different opposition parties received an alert from Apple claiming that “state-sponsored hackers may be targeting” their iPhones. Also read: Kerala serial blasts: Delhi, Mumbai & UP on alert; Centre sends NSG team to Kerala Trinamool MP Mahua Moitra, who also received this message, claimed Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Raghav Chadha, as well as CPM General Secretary Sitaram Yechury and the Congress' Pawan Khera were also warned of hacking attempts. "Wonder who? Shame on you..." @HMOIndia for your kind attention,” wrote Shiv Sena’s Priyanka Chaturvedi. Watch: Kalamassery bomb blast: Alert sounded in New Delhi, many Indian states × "Glad to keep underemployed officials busy at the expenses of taxpayers like me! Nothing more important to do?," wrote Congress leader Shashi Tharoor. "...Every Indian needs to be worried. Because today it is me, tomorrow it could be YOU," wrote AAP’s Raghav Chadha. Apple’s notification The message sent by Apple says: "Apple believes you are being targeted by state-sponsored attackers who are trying to remotely compromise the iPhone associated with your Apple ID." "These attackers are likely targeting you individually because of who you are or what you do. If your device is compromised state-sponsored attacker, they may be able to remotely access your sensitive data, communications, or even the camera and microphone. While it's possible this is a false alarm, please take this warning seriously," the alert added. Apple's response Apple later commented that it "does not attribute the threat notifications to any specific state-sponsored attacker", while denying claims being made by the opposition MPs. "State-sponsored attackers tend to be very well-funded and sophisticated, and their attacks evolve over time. Detecting such attacks relies on threat intelligence signals that are often imperfect and incomplete. It's possible that some Apple threat notifications may be false alarms, or that some attacks are not detected. We are unable to provide information about what causes us to issue threat notifications, as that may help state-sponsored attackers adapt their behaviour to evade detection in the future," a statement from Apple read. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India asks Apple to join probe over hacking alert amid allegations by oppn MPs

PM Modi addresses in the 250th session of the upper house of Parliament. Let's listen in...

PM Modi addresses the 250th session of the upper house of Parliament

Winter session begins today, will have 20 sittings between 18th Nov to 13th Dec. Today is the first day of the session. This time the government is preparing to introduce 27 new bills in the winter session of Parliament. Will the Opposition support the Citizenship Amendment Bill? Will the issue of the economy, unemployment bother the government?

Winter session begins today, will have 20 sittings between 18th Nov to 13th Dec

Today is the first day of Parliament's Winter session, PM Modi speaks ahead of the session. Let's listen in...

First day of Parliament's Winter session, PM Modi speaks ahead of the session

Winter session begins today, will have 20 sittings between 18th Nov to 13th Dec. Today is the first day of the session. This time the government is preparing to introduce 27 new bills in the winter session of Parliament. Govt to push for Citizenship bill in the winter session of the Parliament.

Govt's focus in winter session of the Parliament: 'Citizenship Amendment Bill'

<p>Whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decides to engage the Opposition or not for the next Parliament session, it is clear that battle between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Gandhi family will be even more up close and personal.</p>

<p>Modi&#39;s decision to attack former prime minister Indira Gandhi on the issue of demonetisation and the campaign against corruption was unexpected. During his speech at the BJP parliamentary party meeting, Modi said that Indira Gandhi rejected the demonetisation proposal made by YB Chavan. PM Modi went on to say that Indira Gandhi even snubbed Chavan by asking if he did not want to contest elections. So in one stroke the PM not only challenged Indira&rsquo;s commitment to drive out corruption, but also the perception of her being strong leader&nbsp;who always took bold decisions.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Despite her flaws and imposition of the Emergency in 1975, Indira Gandhi&rsquo;s personal integrity towards the nation and her commitment to the poor remains intact. Even on the issue of national security, Indira&rsquo;s reputation still exceeds that of any prime minister in the country. She is not only credited for the victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, but also acknowledged for her ability to rise up to any challenge. Even RSS in its long campaign against the Congress rarely attacked Indira Gandhi as it felt comfortable with the soft Hindutva which she projected during the early 80s. Modi has decided to change it once and for all. This has to be understood in current discourse on strong leadership.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Of&nbsp;late a tendency to compare Modi&rsquo;s style of governance with that of Indira Gandhi has emerged in the context of a strong leadership model. This talk becomes even more important with India&#39;s Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi&rsquo;s statement that Indira Gandhi cannot be compared with Narendra Modi. It tells us two things.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
One, Congress is uncomfortable with the idea of Modi being compared with Indira as a strong leader, as it makes Rahul&rsquo;s standing in front of him very weak. Two, Narendra Modi himself doesn&rsquo;t want any comparison of his tenure with any prime minister, including that with BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is an attempt to carve out a distinct narrative for himself which remains untouched by any political legacy. Modi not only seems to be challenging the wisdom and beliefs of contemporary leaders, but trying to change the political narrative around them. Congress would off course argue that it is an attempt to re-cast the past in present political lexicon, which to a large extent is true, but it also stands as an intellectual challenge to the Congress that has been comfortable with its accepted heritage.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
This was not the case during Atal Bihari Vajpayee&rsquo;s tenure who accommodated the Congress&#39;s heritage with minor tinkering. This will not be the case now. It will not be tinkering. It will be a makeover and Congress should be ready to rise up the challenge it if it needs to save its legacy in popular perception as relevant and living.</p>

<p>(WION)</p>


This was not the case during Atal Bihari Vajpayee?s tenure who accommodated the Congress's heritage with minor tinkering

Whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decides to engage the Opposition or not for the next Parliament session, it is clear that battle between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Gandhi family will be even more up close and personal. Modi's decision to attack former prime minister Indira Gandhi on the issue of demonetisation and the campaign against corruption was unexpected. During his speech at the BJP parliamentary party meeting, Modi said that Indira Gandhi rejected the demonetisation proposal made by YB Chavan. PM Modi went on to say that Indira Gandhi even snubbed Chavan by asking if he did not want to contest elections. So in one stroke the PM not only challenged Indira’s commitment to drive out corruption, but also the perception of her being strong leader who always took bold decisions. Despite her flaws and imposition of the Emergency in 1975, Indira Gandhi’s personal integrity towards the nation and her commitment to the poor remains intact. Even on the issue of national security, Indira’s reputation still exceeds that of any prime minister in the country. She is not only credited for the victory in the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, but also acknowledged for her ability to rise up to any challenge. Even RSS in its long campaign against the Congress rarely attacked Indira Gandhi as it felt comfortable with the soft Hindutva which she projected during the early 80s. Modi has decided to change it once and for all. This has to be understood in current discourse on strong leadership. Of late a tendency to compare Modi’s style of governance with that of Indira Gandhi has emerged in the context of a strong leadership model. This talk becomes even more important with India's Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi’s statement that Indira Gandhi cannot be compared with Narendra Modi. It tells us two things. One, Congress is uncomfortable with the idea of Modi being compared with Indira as a strong leader, as it makes Rahul’s standing in front of him very weak. Two, Narendra Modi himself doesn’t want any comparison of his tenure with any prime minister, including that with BJP leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It is an attempt to carve out a distinct narrative for himself which remains untouched by any political legacy. Modi not only seems to be challenging the wisdom and beliefs of contemporary leaders, but trying to change the political narrative around them. Congress would off course argue that it is an attempt to re-cast the past in present political lexicon, which to a large extent is true, but it also stands as an intellectual challenge to the Congress that has been comfortable with its accepted heritage. This was not the case during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure who accommodated the Congress's heritage with minor tinkering. This will not be the case now. It will not be tinkering. It will be a makeover and Congress should be ready to rise up the challenge it if it needs to save its legacy in popular perception as relevant and living. (WION)

PM Modi's attack on Indira on '71 war anniversary points to a new strategy