Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)

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•The UAPA is India's primary anti-terrorism law, enacted in 1967 and significantly strengthened through amendments in 2004, 2008, and 2019. It gives extensive powers to the state to detain individuals who are suspected of being involved in terrorist activities or organizations deemed unlawful. Under this act, the investigation period can be extended up to 180 days, and bail provisions are stringent.

•A distinctive feature of UAPA is that it allows the government to designate individuals as terrorists without trial, which was introduced in the 2019 amendment. The government can also declare any organization as unlawful by simply providing notification in the Official Gazette. Once designated, these organizations' properties can be seized, and their members can face arrest.

• The act has been subject to significant controversy and criticism from civil rights groups who argue that it violates fundamental rights and due process. Critics point out that the law allows for extended pre-trial detention, places the burden of proof on the accused rather than the prosecution, and has been used against political dissenters, activists, and journalists, not just terrorists.

Gaza Strip ceasefire

•The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to multiple calls for ceasefire from the international community, with negotiations primarily mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Various temporary humanitarian pauses have been implemented, including a notable one in November 2023 that allowed for hostage releases and humanitarian aid delivery.

•The UN Security Council has passed resolutions calling for immediate humanitarian pauses and sustainable ceasefire, but achieving a lasting agreement has proven challenging. Hamas and Israel have different conditions for ceasefire - Hamas typically demands complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and release of Palestinian prisoners, while Israel maintains its objective of dismantling Hamas's military capabilities.

•Humanitarian organizations continue to stress the urgent need for a ceasefire due to the severe civilian crisis in Gaza, including widespread displacement, limited access to basic necessities, and damaged infrastructure. However, as of my last update in April 2024, a permanent ceasefire agreement remained elusive.

Red sea

•The Red Sea crisis intensified in late 2023 when Yemen's Houthi rebels began targeting commercial vessels, claiming they were attacking ships connected to Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza. This led to significant disruptions in global maritime trade, as approximately 12% of global trade typically passes through this vital waterway connecting Europe and Asia via the Suez Canal.

•In response to these attacks, several nations, led by the United States and United Kingdom, launched military operations to protect commercial shipping in the region. Operation Prosperity Guardian was established to safeguard vessels, and multiple strikes have been conducted against Houthi positions in Yemen. Despite these efforts, many major shipping companies rerouted their vessels around Africa's Cape of Good Hope.

• The crisis has had substantial economic impacts, causing increased shipping costs, longer delivery times, and contributing to inflationary pressures globally. The rerouting of ships around Africa adds approximately 10-14 days to journey times and significantly increases fuel costs, affecting global supply chains and international trade.