INCREASED SURVEILLANCE
As North Korean and Chinese threats rise, US looks to lock in defense partnerships with Asian allies
The United States concluded its inaugural multidomain exercise with Japan and South Korea in the East China Sea, marking a milestone in strengthening regional security alliances. Dubbed Freedom Edge, the exercise focused on enhancing joint capabilities in missile defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surveillance amid escalating threats from North Korea and China. Despite geopolitical tensions, the drills aimed to foster interoperability among allied forces, crucial for coordinated responses to regional challenges. The exercises underscore efforts by the Biden administration to solidify partnerships amidst growing military dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region.
Narendra Modi's oath taking ceremony to take place on June 9; Here's all you need to know
President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 9 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking his historic third consecutive term. The ceremony, set for 7:15 PM, will see attendance from thousands of dignitaries, including foreign leaders and Indian luminaries. Extensive security measures, including a three-tier security system, prohibitory orders on drones, and enhanced checks, are in place to ensure safety.
Taiwan detects 10 Chinese ships, six military aircraft around nation
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence detected Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels. Grey zone tactics used by China around Taiwan have increased tensions since Lai Ching Te became the new President of Taiwan. Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft, navy ships, and coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity. Tensions between China and Taiwan remain high.
Sebi issues financial disincentives guidelines for bourses, other MIIs for surveillance lapses
Sebi on Thursday came out with a framework on "financial disincentives" for stock exchanges and other market infrastructure institutions for their lapses in detecting abnormal or suspicious trading activities to safeguard the interest of retail investors.
China's 'One Person, One File': Road to digital totalitarianism
The Shanghai authorities have proposed the "One Person, One File" (OPOF) mass surveillance program, which aims to triple the deployment of facial recognition cameras and compile exhaustive personal data files on every resident. This escalation of China's efforts to create ruthless digital censorship is more than just another Benthamite panopticon, it is an attempt to construct an omniscient digital surrogate for every Chinese citizen, encoding each person's relationships, activities, behaviors, and existence into ones and zeroes for the Party's domineering oversight.
Xi Jinping's recipe for total control: An army of eyes and ears
A police officer in a Beijing apartment complex uses a color-coded system to identify high-risk residents. Xi Jinping aims for pervasive surveillance in China, expanding control and embedding the party in daily life.
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China accused of targeting overseas citizens participating in political activism
Amnesty International reported that China is targeting its citizens studying abroad for their political activism. Students' family members are facing harassment in China if they participate in events critical of the government, leading to self-censorship and mental health issues. The Chinese government has used sophisticated technology and intimidation tactics to suppress dissent, extending its control beyond its borders in a form of "transnational repression".
Why contaminated foods can easily enter your kitchen
Though India has a food regulator, the actions regulators abroad take on exported foods seem to get wider attention. There is a danger of trust deficit that needs urgent attention through better testing, penalties, and transparency.
Indian Army to get first Hermes-900 drone on June 18, to boost surveillance on Pakistan border
The Hermes-900 known as the Drishti-10 drone is being supplied to Indian forces including Indian Army and Navy by AdDefence Systems. The first Hermes-900 was delivered to the Indian Navy in January this year. The second drone is being taken by the Army.
China trying to undermine Tibet's identity, want to make world aware about it: Tibetan girl who was jailed for protesting
In June last year, the girl, Namkyi, arrived in India weeks after entering Nepal following a 10-day arduous journey on foot with a "firm" resolve to make people across the world aware about 'Chinese repression' in Tibet, according to her account. Namkyi, now 24, says she is currently studying at 'Sherab Gatsel Ling', an educational institution run by the Tibetan government-in-exile in Himachal Pradesh's Dharamshala.
Amid Iran drone strike in Israel, IAF increases security at air bases: Here is how five-layered system will protect 30 high security spots
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has initiated a plan to upgrade ground perimeter security at 30 of its air bases across the country, following the installation of a similar integrated perimeter security system (IPSS) at 23 air bases. The new security measures include a multi-layered, hi-tech surveillance and intrusion detection system, with features such as smart power fences, CCTV cameras, radars, and underground vibration detection systems. The move aims to bolster security in the wake of persistent threats of terror attacks on military establishments.
South Korea launches its 2nd military spy satellite amid animosities with North Korea
South Korea launches its second military spy satellite following North Korea's reaffirmed plans for multiple reconnaissance satellite launches this year. The satellite, launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aims to enhance monitoring capabilities. South Korea plans to launch five spy satellites by 2025 under a contract with SpaceX. Meanwhile, North Korea, which launched its first spy satellite in November, seeks its own space-based surveillance network to counter perceived military threats. The U.N. prohibits North Korea's satellite launches, viewing them as disguised tests of long-range missile technology, escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Liquor outlets, distilleries to be under CCTV surveillance during Lok Sabha polls in Telangana
Telangana has brought all 24 liquor production points under CCTV surveillance to prevent illegal alcohol distribution in the run-up to the May 13 Lok Sabha elections. The state Excise Department is monitoring the sale of alcohol and will inform the Election Commission if there is a spike of more than 20% in production. The state has also vigilanced on all godowns, including those belonging to e-commerce platforms, and seized cash, gold, liquor, and freebies worth over Rs 38.12 crore during
Drones likely to be pressed into maritime surveillance, say officials
Security agencies plan to implement drone surveillance systems along the coastal regions of Mumbai and Goa to enhance maritime security. The deployment of long-range drones with night vision and thermal imaging capabilities is crucial in fortifying coastal defences against potential threats.
IIT researchers develop marine robot for real-time underwater surveillance, reducing human life risk
The research which was partially funded by the Naval Research Board (NRB) of Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has been published in two journals-- Journal of Intelligent and Robotic Systems, and Ocean Engineering. The state-of-the-art robot has been developed for meticulous underwater monitoring and inspections, promising heightened efficiency, minimised risks, and potential cost savings.
Hezbollah says it fired 'large volley' of rockets at Israeli surveillance base
Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran, stated it fired a barrage of rockets at an Israeli air control base on Tuesday in response to Israeli strikes in eastern Lebanon that resulted in casualties. Additionally, Hezbollah, known to be aligned with Hamas, has engaged in frequent exchanges of fire with the Israeli army since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October.
France says Russian forces threatened to shoot down surveillance aircraft patrolling the Black Sea
Russian forces threatened to shoot down a French surveillance aircraft over the Black Sea, highlighting Moscow's aggressive stance amid its Ukraine invasion. The incident, unprecedented for French pilots in the region, occurred in mid-November in international airspace. French defense minister Sebastien Lecornu described it as a return to Soviet-era aggressiveness, contrasting with Russia's behavior before the Ukraine invasion. French AWACS flights in the area aim to defuse tensions if intercepted by Russian planes, but encounters are rare.
Not a surveillance satellite: ISRO on collaborative effort with NASA
ISRO chief S Somanath clarified that the joint satellite mission with NASA, called NISAR, is not for surveillance but for studying Earth's sustainability amidst climate change. The mission aims to develop a Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite to monitor Earth's surface, focusing on various aspects like water, agriculture, and environmental changes. NISAR's data will be shared between the US and India and will be in the public domain.
'Intrusive' drones? US surveillance case tests privacy law
After bouncing between courts in recent years, the Michigan Supreme Court heard oral arguments in October, and a ruling in coming months could set a precedent nationally. "It's very intrusive," Maxon, 51, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Google calls out spyware firms and advocates for tighter regulation
Spyware firms often say their products are meant for the use of governments for national security, but the technology has been repeatedly found to have been used to hack into the phones of civil society, political opposition and journalists in the last decade.
India to increase warship deployment to counter piracy in Arabian Sea
India is set to significantly boost its anti-piracy efforts in the Arabian Sea, increasing warships fivefold to counter rising threats. Following recent incidents, a dozen warships, each equipped with marine commandos, helicopters, and US-made drones, will patrol the region.
Face-off in Britain over controversial surveillance tech
The use of live facial recognition (LFR) technology -- which creates biometric facial signatures before instantaneously running them through a watchlist of suspects -- led to 10 arrests for crimes including threats to kill, bank fraud, theft and possession of a crossbow.
Navy men rescue crew of ship under pirate attack in Arabian Sea
The Indian Navy has also issued an alert that six incidents of hijacking of dhows by an unknown number of perpetrators has taken place off Somalia in the last two months. "The perpetrators may likely use the hijacked dhow as a mother ship in attacking/ hijacking other vessels. Further, the analysis of past incidents has revealed that the mother ship (dhow) remains in the proximity of MV after boarding till the pirates establish control over the vessel as a possible means for a quick exit in case of intervention by naval forces," the alert reads, cautioning vessels to exercise extreme caution, remain vigilant and maintain strict anti-piracy watch and measures.
MV Lila Norfolk Hijack: Indian Navy safely rescues 21 crew members from hijacked merchant vessel
MV Lila Norfolk Hijack: "All 21 crew including 15 Indians onboard the vessel were safely evacuated from the citadel," Indian Navy's spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. "Sanitisation by MARCOs commandos has confirmed the absence of the hijackers. The attempt of hijacking by the pirates was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by Indian Navy's maritime patrol aircraft of interception by naval warship," he said.
DGCA increases surveillance, imposes Rs 2 crore fine in 2023
In 2023, the Civil Aviation Commission (DGCA) conducted 5,745 surveillances, a 39% increase from 2022. The regulator imposed a Rs 2.75 crore fine for violations by regulated aviation entities, a 39% increase from 2022. The Aircraft Act 1934- was amended in 2021 to give more powers to regulators. Surveillance activities by DGCA reached an all-time high, with 542 enforcement actions taken in 2023.
Aviation watchdog DGCA carried out 5,745 surveillance activities in 2023
The number of surveillance activities rose 26 per cent last year compared to 2022. Also, the number of enforcement actions increased 77 per cent last year compared to 305 enforcement actions taken against non-compliant personnel, airlines, and other operators in 2022.
Odisha asks medical colleges, CDMOs to increase surveillance, testing for potential COVID-19 surge
Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra in a letter to all medical colleges and CDMOs said: "The recent rise in COVID-19 cases across India necessitates immediate and proactive measures to combat any surge in COVID-19 cases in the state. In continuation of the earlier communication, you are requested to implement the action points given therein and to remain alert to meet any exigency".
Covid-19: Health ministry asks states to be prepared for mock drills, increase surveillance
The health ministry suggested conducting mock drill in all hospitals once every three months. Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a high-level Covid review meeting on Wednesday amid upsurge in cases.
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