CV dazzle, crypto-anarchism: Play scrabble with new data security terms
The changing nature of surveillance has spawned a host of new phrases that help capture the flux, and nearcast what we might expect to see next. Take a look. Key Points
Hindustan TimesU.S. adds two European surveillance firms to export control list
The U.S. Commerce Department on Tuesday added two European-based surveillance firms to its economic trade blacklist as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to counter the misuse of commercial spyware. Key Points
ReutersIndia to expand radar stations for the coastal security
Coastal monitoring and surveillance are being carried out on a real-time basis by Indian Coast Guard around India’s coastline through a Chain of Static Sensors (CSS) consisting of 46 radar stations. The government is also planning to expand the radar stations to boost coastal security. Key Points
FinancialexpressAviation regulator DGCA removes SpiceJet from its enhanced surveillance regime
The DGCA has taken off SpiceJet from its enhanced surveillance regime, the aviation regulator said on Tuesday. The airline, which has been facing multiple headwinds, was placed under enhanced surveillance recently. Key Points
FirstpostUK to start Gaza surveillance flights to help find hostages
UK military to conduct surveillance flights over Gaza to help locate hostages held by Hamas, confirms the British defence ministry. According to Israeli authorities, around 240 Israelis and foreign hostages were seized by Hamas fighters in their attack on Israel on October 7. While approximately 110 hostages have been freed during a recent week-long truce, the resumption of combat by Israel's military on Friday has hindered the release of the remaining 130 captives believed to be held in Gaza. Key Points
Economic Times
Chinese surveillance firm selling cameras with ‘skin colour analytics’ feature raise concerns
US-based IPVM report says China's Dahua is marketing cameras equipped to identify skin colour types, like 'yellow, black & white', in 3 EU nations. This has raised human rights concerns. Key Points
ThePrintBMC to enhance safety at Juhu, Versova beaches
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to increase surveillance and security at Juhu and Versova beaches in Mumbai following a series of drownings. The BMC will invite tenders for watchtowers, surveillance motorboats, remote-controlled water rescue stretchers beds, jet skis, water drones, and contractual lifeguards at an estimated cost of ₹8.16 crore ($1.2 million). The aim is to improve safety and security at the beaches and prevent drownings using technology. The proposal includes an increase in the number of watchtowers, lifeguards, and rescue equipment at both beaches. | Mumbai news Key Points
Hindustan TimesGovt invites over 1,000 farmers to special prog on I-Day, to launch AI-powered pest mgmt system
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare has invited over 1,000 farmers and their spouses to the National Capital for a two-day event coinciding with the 78th Independence Day celebrations. The beneficiaries of schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and PM Fasal Bima Yojana will meet Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on August 15. During the event, Chouhan will launch the National Pest surveillance System (NPSS), a digital tool using AI and machine learning to provide pest management advisories. The NPSS aims to minimize crop losses and enhance productivity with real-time data and advanced analytics. Key Points
Economic TimesSpiceJet taken off DGCA's enhanced surveillance regime
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has discontinued enhanced surveillance of SpiceJet. The move comes after DGCA inspectors made 95 observations during inspections of 23 SpiceJet aircraft and carried out 51 spot checks across 11 locations. The airline was put under enhanced surveillance earlier this month due to multiple financial issues, including some lessors seeking repossession of leased planes. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia ramps up border drone defense after Hamas attack on Israel
India is bolstering its border security by establishing a comprehensive surveillance system using drones to deter surprise attacks, similar to those experienced in Israel by Hamas. Defense officials in India recently met with six domestic drone surveillance vendors, and an official announcement is expected next month, with implementation in some border areas as early as May. This initiative is a response to ongoing tensions with neighboring China and Pakistan, particularly in the Himalayan region. Key Points
Economic Times
US approves sale of 31 MQ-9B armed drones to India for nearly $4 billion
The proposed mega drone deal was announced during the historic US visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi here in June 2023. The acquisition will bolster India’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling unmanned surveillance and reconnaissance patrols in sea lanes of operation. Key Points
India TodayIn temple town Ayodhya, artificial intelligence is keeping an eye on security
Ayodhya is implementing AI surveillance systems for the upcoming Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram temple. Staqu Technologies' AI-powered security system will utilize CCTV cameras installed throughout the city to identify suspicious activities and track down criminals. Key Points
mintBlinken reschedules postponed Beijing visit for June 18
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to China next week, rescheduling a visit that was cancelled in February after a saga over a suspected surveillance balloon, U.S. officials said on Friday. Key Points
The HinduCovid unlikely to overwhelm hospitals: Experts
In fact, waste water surveillance in Bengaluru has shown that we went through a silent outbreak. Infections happened, but hospitals didn't fill up, said Virologist Shahid Jameel of the University of Oxford. This shows vaccines and prior infections protect and the virus is pretty much endemic. Key Points
Economic TimesRussia’s war on Ukraine latest: IMF approves $15.6 bln Ukraine loan
A $2.6 billion U.S. military aid package that could include air surveillance radars, anti-tank rockets and fuel trucks for Ukraine's fight against Russia is expected to be announced as soon as Monday, three U.S. officials said on Friday. Key Points
Financialexpress
Intensified Israeli surveillance Has Put the West Bank on Lockdown
The West Bank was Israel’s surveillance laboratory. Since the Israel-Hamas war began, Palestinian residents have been locked in for days at a time. Key Points
WIREDA quiet revolution in the skies: India's air traffic control is undergoing a massive change
Indian air traffic control is undergoing a significant transformation, with the Airport Authority of India (AAI) enhancing surveillance capabilities. Effective January 1, air traffic controllers can reduce lateral separation between two aircraft from 10 to 5 nautical miles, optimizing airspace usage by over 40%. Key Points
Economic TimesMore playtime outside, limiting online gaming help China fight kids’ sedentary behaviour
Findings are based on surveillance data gathered from more than 7,000 primary and secondary school students. In a world-first, China’s recent laws... Key Points
The Tribune IndiaLakshadweep tourism: India to build a new airport at Minicoy Island for military, civilian aircraft
Lakshadweep tourism: The Minicoy airport, once operational, will enhance the defence forces' surveillance capabilities in the Arabian Sea. Additionally, it will stimulate regional tourism, as outlined in the government's plans. Key Points
Business TodayHighly mutated COVID variant found in new countries but pandemic in 'a different phase’
It was first spotted in Denmark on July 24 after the virus infecting a patient at risk of becoming severely ill was sequenced. It has since been detected in other symptomatic patients, in routine airport screening, and in wastewater samples in a handful of countries. Key Points
Business Today
Golden Retriever's playful meeting with burglar caught on camera | WATCH
Bike thief surprised by friendly golden retriever during burglary. Police seek public's help in identifying thief. Key Points
mintCOVID-19 | Has India let its guard down?
India appears to have slowed down on sequencing genomes of COVID-19 variants. The India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a multi-laboratory, multi-agency, pan-India network tasked with sequencing, and keeping an eye out for new, threatening SARS-CoV-2 variants, has not published a single bulletin since March 27. Key Points
The HinduManipur calm, curfew relaxed in 11 districts
The Army, meanwhile, continued surveillance of the hinterland and the Indo-Myanmar border. Unmanned aerial vehicles and MI17 and Cheetah helicopters have been deployed for aerial monitoring of activities. Key Points
Economic TimesSenator calls for investigation after Reuters facial recognition report
U.S. Senator Ron Wyden called for an investigation after a Reuters report showed how Russian authorities are using U.S. technology to curb dissent. Key Points
The Hindu