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Punjab Police withdrawn from Arvind Kejriwal’s security in Delhi on election commission’s Orders

January 23, 2025, 10:54 pm

The Punjab Police personnel deployed for the security of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal in Delhi have been withdrawn following instructions from the Election Commission. Punjab DGP Gaurav Yadav confirmed the development, stating that the decision was taken in compliance with the poll panel’s guidelines. He further added that Punjab regularly receives reports about potential threats to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal. “We share such inputs with security agencies periodically. Moving forward, this information will now be shared with the Delhi Police,” said Yadav.

The decision comes amid recent concerns raised by BJP leader Parvesh Verma over the presence of Punjab-registered vehicles in Delhi. Verma questioned the identity and activities of individuals using these vehicles and alleged that their presence could pose a threat to security, especially with Republic Day celebrations approaching. Verma’s remarks sparked a strong response from the Aam Aadmi Party, which labeled the allegations as an insult to Punjabis.

Earlier, the Delhi Police had written to the Punjab Police, seeking details of VIPs from Punjab currently present in the capital and their security arrangements. The Delhi Police stated that such information was crucial to ensuring proper security during the ongoing election period.

RSSB Implements Stringent Security Measures For Upcoming Recruitment Exams

January 6, 2025, 1:32 am

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board (RSSB) is implementing stringent security measures to prevent cheating and rigging in upcoming recruitment exams. These measures, including biometric attendance, face scanning, eye-rise scanning, and metal detector checks, will begin with the Junior Engineer Recruitment Examination scheduled for February and will be adopted for all future exams conducted by the board.

Enhanced Security At Exam Centres

Alok Raj, Chairman of the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board, announced that the entry process for candidates will undergo significant changes, aimed at eliminating cheating. A special security agency, hired by the Staff Selection Board, will now conduct metal detector checks at examination centres, replacing the state police and home guards. This step is designed to prevent metal devices or objects from entering the exam venues.

In addition to metal detectors, candidates will undergo biometric attendance, face scanning, and eye-rise scanning before entering the examination centres. These measures are intended to ensure that only the registered candidates take the exam, preventing impersonation or the entry of dummy candidates. Any issues detected during document verification will result in immediate flagging of the responsible individuals.

Video Surveillance And Continuous Monitoring

The entire examination process will be closely monitored through video surveillance. CCTV cameras will be installed in every exam room to provide a real-time online record of the proceedings. This measure will ensure transparency and help prevent cheating or misconduct during the exam. The footage will serve as an online record, allowing authorities to identify any irregularities if they arise.

Updated Dress Code For Winter Exams

To accommodate the cold weather, the Rajasthan Staff Selection Board has revised the dress code for candidates appearing in exams from November to February. Candidates are now allowed to wear coats, jackets, full-sleeve shirts, warm jerseys (without pockets), and sweaters to the examination centres. However, these garments must not contain metal buttons, chains, or large buttons, and shirts must not have any badges. The board has made it clear that candidates must not wear clothing that could potentially hide prohibited items.

Female candidates are permitted to wear rubber bands or simple hairpins. If a candidate’s attire raises doubt, they may be asked to remove their coat, jacket, or scarf for further security checks.

The Rajasthan Staff Selection Board has imposed new restrictions on attire for recruitment exams. Items like ties, mufflers, jerkins, and shawls are prohibited. Male candidates can wear half or full-sleeve shirts or T-shirts, while female candidates can wear salwar suits, dupattas, or sarees, avoiding metal buttons, badges, or large decorations. Disputes over dress code will be settled by the exam centre officer. Slippers, sandals, or small-length shoes are allowed, but shoes with metal chains are banned. These measures, including biometric scanning and video surveillance, aim to ensure a fair, transparent, and secure recruitment process.

Internal Security Challenges

September 4, 2024, 2:12 am

The NDA government has arrived at the scene once again. India has an influential power internationally, which it probably has never wielded since Independence. Our economy is on an upswing. That it can no longer bulldoze India and, beyond a point, and India would not hesitate from a bloody retaliation has been realised for the first time by China. The government must have a well-orchestrated strategy for the next five years. The following nine points should merit grave contemplation on internal security.

One, Internal Security Ministry.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has become over bloated and cumbersome. Internal security issues calling for prompt actions, quite often do not get the swift and meticulous attention they deserve. It is imperative that a young, junior minister working in the MHA is assigned an independent charge of internal security. What an impact such an arrangement can make was shown by Rajesh Pilot.

Two, a doctrine on internal security.
There is too much adhocism in dealing with internal security challenges, especially with a change in government. Ideally, the nation must adopt a national security doctrine (NSD). From time to time the National Security Advisory Board has dealt with it and formulated drafts which were never approved. All recognized powers possess an NSD through which they depict the internal and external threats confronting the country and implement strategies for neutralising them. If there are any hindrances in adopting the NSD, its internal security component at least, which is simpler, could be implemented.

Three, the Northeast.
Manipur has been a debacle. Ethnic conflicts persist to simmer with occasional explosions of violence. The Home Ministry’s formation of a multi-ethnic peace committee has been a debacle. It is high time the PM took up the baton. The incubus of illegal migration, drug trafficking and arms smuggling necessitates a meticulous approach.
The Prime Minister has termed the Northeast “a piece of our heart”. A Framework Agreement concurred with the rebel Nagas in 2015 had raised great hopes, but these remain unfulfilled because of the NSCN (IM)’s obduration on a separate flag and constitution. The government must meanwhile demand a rigorous execution of the suspension of operations agreement and ensure that the rebels do not indulge in extortion and forcible recruitments.

Four, Jammu and Kashmir.
We must not be complacent about the designs of the Pakistani deep state. The government must take initiatives to revamp the security grid, restore statehood to J&K and hold elections for the Assembly. Despite the Home Minister’s claim that terror incidents are down by 66 percent since the abrogation of Article 370, the state is far from normal. Terrorists recently struck at four places in the Jammu region. Obviously, they are desperate to puncture the narrative of “Naya Kashmir”.

Five, the Naxal problem.
Nityanand Rai, The Minister of State for Home Affairs, stated in the Rajya Sabha on February 7, that the execution of the “national policy and action plan” brought about a consistent decline in violence and depletion of the geographical spread of left-wing extremism’s (LWE) sway. Violence and the resultant casualties had diminished by 73 per cent from a high in 2010. Rai further revealed that the number of police stations reporting LWE-related violence had declined from 465 police stations across 96 districts in 2010 to 171 police stations across 42 districts in 2023. It is now time for the healing touch with Naxals on the backfoot.
The government should extend them the olive branch, announce an unilateral ceasefire for a month, convince them to come to the negotiating table, address their genuine grievances, and mainstream them.

Six, Intelligence Bureau/CBI.
The IB was established through an administrative order on December 23, 1887. The CBI was established through a resolution passed on April Fools’ Day in 1963, and it extracts the power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. The two premier central police organisations, the Intelligence Bureau and the CBI, require restructuring. It is imperative that it is endowed with a statutory basis, with safeguards to preclude the abuse of intelligence to bolster the party in power. The need of the hour is to strengthen the CBI in terms of legal mandate, infrastructure and resources as recommended in the 24th report of the parliamentary committee.

Seven, state police.
The Prime Minister wants the PMO to function as the People’s PMO. Robert Peel, the former British prime minister, is credited to this day for having transformed the ruling parties’ police into the peoples’ police.

Eight, Central Armed Police Forces.
The CAPFs with more than a million persons are infested with serious internal issues of falling standards of discipline, vague criteria for the selection of top officers, unplanned expansion, haphazard deployment, inadequate training, friction between cadre and All India Service officers, etc. The government must appoint a high-powered commission to look into these problems for their long-term solutions.

Nine, technology.
There is a need to set up a high-powered technology mission to recommend the adoption of the latest tech for the new challenges which the police are facing or are likely to face in the future, as suggested by the PM at the DGPs’ conference held in Lucknow in 2021. A country displays its vigour internationally in direct proportion to its internal cohesion, its dexterity to resolve problems within and not have any marshes where terrorists or extremists can have safe havens.

The role of AI & technology in enhancing security in banking & finance

August 28, 2024, 10:26 pm

In the world of banking and finance, security isn’t just a priority—it’s a necessity. With increasing threats and sophisticated cyber-attacks, financial institutions are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and technology to stay ahead. Let’s explore how AI is transforming security operations and enhancing protection in this critical sector.

First off, let’s talk about automation and efficiency in security operations. Traditional security measures often involve time-consuming processes and manual oversight. This is where AI steps in to make a difference. By automating routine security tasks, AI helps banks and financial institutions manage security with greater precision and speed. For instance, AI-powered systems can handle tasks like monitoring transactions for suspicious activities or flagging potential security breaches. This automation not only reduces the workload for security teams but also ensures that potential threats are identified and addressed more quickly.

A great example of this technology in action is the use of AI-driven Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) platforms. These platforms are designed to streamline security operations by integrating various security tools and processes. Instead of dealing with disparate systems, a SOAR platform uses AI to unify and automate responses to security incidents. This means that when a potential threat is detected, the platform can automatically take actions such as isolating affected systems or deploying countermeasures, often without requiring human intervention. This kind of automation enhances the efficiency of security operations and ensures a more coordinated response to threats.

Next, let’s delve into cyber threat intelligence and response. In today’s landscape, reactive measures are often too slow to be effective. That’s why proactive threat hunting has become essential. AI plays a significant role here by integrating threat intelligence and helping to anticipate and prepare for potential attacks before they occur. AI systems analyse vast amounts of data from various sources—such as network traffic, user behaviour, and global threat reports—to identify patterns and anomalies that might indicate an impending threat.

For example, AI can provide predictive insights by recognising patterns in historical data that suggest a new type of attack might be on the horizon. These insights allow security teams to adjust their strategies and defenses in advance, potentially stopping attacks before they even start. Additionally, AI can automate response solutions, meaning that when a threat is detected, the system can initiate predefined responses—like blocking malicious IP addresses or deploying updates—without needing manual input. This not only speeds up the response time but also reduces the risk of human error.

While the benefits of AI in banking and finance security are clear, it’s also important to address challenges such as algorithmic biases or integration issues with existing systems. Financial institutions must navigate these challenges to fully leverage AI’s potential. Additionally, the future of AI in security looks promising with emerging technologies like quantum computing, which could further revolutionise threat detection and response.

Overall, the combination of AI and technology in banking and finance is like having a high-tech security guard who never sleeps!

Mr. Sachhin Gajjaer is the CEO & Founder of Sattrix.

Delhi Fortified Ahead Of 78th Independence Day Celebrations

August 14, 2024, 3:31 pm

In anticipation of the 78th Independence Day celebrations, New Delhi and its surrounding areas have been fortified. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will raise the national flag and give his address to the nation.

Security measures have been significantly ramped up, with intelligence agencies on high alert due to reports suggesting that anti-India groups are planning to target prominent events. Here’s an overview of the extensive security preparations being implemented across the national capital.

Police Deploy Over 13,000 Personnel, Including Snipers And SWAT Teams

Delhi Police have significantly strengthened security measures for Independence Day, deploying over 3,000 traffic officers and more than 10,000 police personnel, according to PTI. Snipers, elite SWAT commandos, kite catchers, and sharpshooters will be stationed at key locations to ensure the safety of the Prime Minister and other high-profile guests.

Additional police teams and paramilitary forces have been assigned to critical spots such as IGI Airport, railway stations, bus stands, malls, and markets. The Central Industrial Security Force, responsible for Delhi Metro’s security, has introduced a two-step frisking procedure for commuters to prevent any security breaches.

The areas around the Red Fort will be designated as a “no kite flying zone” during the event, with personnel equipped to intercept kites. Deputy Commissioner of Police (North) Manoj Kumar Meena mentioned that extensive security arrangements are in place for the more than 20,000 to 22,000 guests expected to attend the event.

“We are requesting people and even guests to come to the venue by metro. All the gates of the metro will be open. Besides, multi-layered security arrangements will be made. We are holding meetings of all the area SHOs to ensure a law and order situation. Police are fully prepared according to the inputs we have received so far,” DCP Meena said, according to the news agency.

AI-Powered Surveillance Systems To Be Deployed At Red Fort

For the Independence Day celebrations, security agencies are deploying advanced technology systems at and around the Red Fort. According to ANI sources, sophisticated AI-powered security systems with enhanced surveillance features will be set up at the historic site.

Documents obtained by ANI reveal that around 700 CCTV cameras with video analytics capabilities will be strategically placed throughout the Red Fort. These cameras will include features such as facial recognition, people movement tracking, tripwire detection, audio monitoring, intrusion alerts, defocus detection, and the ability to identify missing or abandoned items, along with vehicle number plate recognition.

A control centre has been established on the Red Fort grounds where authorities will monitor live feeds from the cameras. The upgraded facial recognition system will allow real-time analysis of both live and recorded video, automatically alerting the control room if it identifies individuals on the “Watch List.” This system can detect similar faces across multiple cameras and recognise different faces in group photos.

In addition to facial recognition, this year’s security setup will also feature Number Plate Recognition (NPR) technology to enhance monitoring capabilities.

The new technology will automatically detect and record vehicle license plates, with instant alerts generated for any violations, as detailed by Business Today.

Additionally, PTI reports that police will use a smartphone app to verify the identities of attendees at the event, according to an officer.

The cameras will also detect abandoned luggage in public areas, a crucial safety measure for high-risk zones.

Zone-specific alarms will be customisable based on the significance and sensitivity of each location, as reported by Business Today.

Traffic Restrictions And Diversions

Traffic restrictions and diversions will be implemented at Delhi borders for both Tuesday’s full-dress rehearsal and Independence Day.

According to Hindustan Times, heavy transport vehicles will be barred from entering Delhi from 10 pm on August 14 until noon on August 15.

The public is also advised to avoid bringing items such as cameras, binoculars, remote car keys, umbrellas, handbags, briefcases, transistors, cigarette lighters, tiffin boxes, water bottles, and lunch boxes.

Heightened Security Amid Cross-Border Threats

The increase in cross-border infiltrations and terror attacks in Jammu, along with the recent assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump, has led Indian security officials to heighten their security measures in Delhi ahead of Independence Day.

Security agencies have received intelligence suggesting that anti-India groups may be planning to target prominent dignitaries, key institutions, and major public gatherings.

Delhi has previously been identified as a potential target in the plans of LeT and JeM, according to a report by The Times of India on Wednesday.

Last week, the Delhi Police arrested Rizwan Abdul Haji Ali, linked to the ISIS Pune module, according to The Hindu. Ali was detained by a Special Cell squad near Ganga Baksh Marg at the Delhi-Faridabad border following a tip-off. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had previously offered a reward of Rs 3 lakh for information leading to Ali’s arrest. Authorities suspect Ali was involved in reconnaissance for a potential attack on VIPs in the Delhi-NCR region. A senior intelligence officer noted that the presence of the Prime Minister and other dignitaries at the Red Fort could make the event a target for hostile groups.

Indian-Origin Man Claims to Be Fired from CrowdStrike Amid IT Outage, Sparks Meme Frenzy

July 22, 2024, 4:22 am

On Friday, a major IT outage affected banks, airlines, and other sectors globally. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm based in Austin, Texas, was linked to the issue, which was later attributed to a defect in a Windows content update.

I got fired from CrowdStrike today 🙁
I am not really sure what the reason was! Anyway, I’ll be around in Vienna for #ICML2024 since I’m free now.

Let me know if anyone interested in Security and Privacy in AI or any other topic broadly in deep learning would like to catch up.

— Vinu Sankar Sadasivan @ ICML (@imVinusankars) July 20, 2024

Memes Erupt Online
Following the announcement, social media exploded with memes and jokes about “former CrowdStrike employees” being blamed for the crisis. The online humor intensified as people started making light of the situation.

Indian-Origin Man’s Claim
Amid the meme frenzy, Vinu Sankar Sadasivan, an Indian-origin man and PhD student, claimed on Twitter that he had been fired from CrowdStrike. He expressed confusion over the reason for his termination and invited people to connect with him at an upcoming conference.

Verification and Public Reaction
Sadasivan’s claim has been met with skepticism. His online profiles and CV do not mention CrowdStrike, leading some to question the truth behind his statement. Despite this, some netizens offered support, while others saw parallels with the “Boy Who Cried Wolf.”

The Ongoing Meme
The situation has fueled further memes and jokes online, blurring the line between sarcasm and reality. Social media users continue to debate whether Sadasivan’s claim is genuine or just another addition to the viral meme series.

Shanaya Kapoor’s Argument With Security At Anant Ambani And Radhika Merchant’s Wedding: Watch

July 15, 2024, 12:27 pm

Amid the lavish festivities of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s high-profile wedding, a video of Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor from “Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives,” has gone viral. The footage captures Shanaya engaged in a heated exchange with a security guard at the wedding venue over bag inspection protocols, which reportedly irked the aspiring actress.

Shared initially on TikTok and subsequently circulated on Reddit, the video shows Shanaya Kapoor, dressed in an ivory kurta set, visibly upset while arguing with the security personnel. The incident has sparked online commentary, with some criticizing her perceived attitude and others suggesting she relax, considering her yet-to-debut status in Bollywood.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Shanaya going off
byu/Jealous_Summer_4867 inBollyBlindsNGossip

Shanaya Kapoor has been actively involved in all pre and post-wedding celebrations, including the pre-wedding festivities in Jamnagar, a luxury cruise event in Europe, and the main wedding rituals in July. She is known in the industry as the niece of Bollywood icons Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor, and cousin to Janhvi, Khushi, Sonam, and Arjun Kapoor.

Scheduled to debut in Karan Johar’s production “Bedhadak” alongside Lakshya and Gurfateh Pirzada, the film was announced in 2022, but there have been no recent updates on its progress.

Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant exchanged vows, followed by an Aashirwad ceremony and a grand reception. The star-studded event drew celebrities from entertainment, sports, business, and politics, including international figures like Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, and John Cena.

Kainchi Dham Breaks Ground with Helicopter Service for Medical Emergencies in Nainital

June 12, 2024, 1:15 pm

In anticipation of a bustling congregation on June 15, Kainchi Dham in Nainital gears up with a helicopter service on standby for medical emergencies. Embracing modernity, the event will be closely monitored by drones and CCTV cameras, while stringent regulations ensure orderly conduct. Designated parking zones further streamline the proceedings, enhancing safety and convenience for all attendees during this annual festival.

Under the vigilant eye of drone and CCTV surveillance, the temple grounds at Kainchi Dham will see unprecedented monitoring. Furthermore, a decree has been issued, forbidding photography, videography, and reel-making within the temple premises for the duration of the festival. Spearheading these decisions, Commissioner Deepak Rawat led a meeting on Monday, delving into topics ranging from parking arrangements to healthcare facilities, electricity, water transport, and shuttle services, ensuring a seamless experience for all attendees during this annual celebration.

Adding more information, a senior official mentioned: “The use of horns, plastic, smoking, tobacco, social media, and distribution of free food and beverages by organisations or individuals along the roadside between Kainchi Dham and Bhowali has also been strictly prohibited.”

Approximately 14 parking spots have been assigned in Bhowali and Garampani. Vehicles from Bhowali, Bhimtal, and Haldwani will use Nainiband bypass, Bhowali ground, and Ranikhet road for parking, while those from Nainital, Jeolikot, and nearby regions will park at Masjid Tiraha and Sanatorium bypass.

Travellers’ Airport Confiscation Stories Go Viral: Cream Cheese, Candles, And Dante’s Inferno Among Bizarre Items Seized

June 9, 2024, 3:49 pm

Traversing airport security can often lead to surprising encounters, particularly regarding the items passengers bring along. Recently, a Reddit user sparked a discussion, urging fellow travellers to recount their most intriguing, amusing, or peculiar tales of items confiscated at airport security checkpoints.

One user recounted their experience of having a pot of honey confiscated, while another shared the unfortunate loss of expensive cheese spreads acquired from Iceland. Despite finding more after security, the cheese met the same fate at their connecting airport in Dallas, resulting in a distraught spouse.

The stories only grew more peculiar from there. A passenger had Dante Alighieri’s Inferno, a classic literary work, held for inspection in 2001, triggering suspicion due to its title. Others lost items ranging from a grenade-shaped cologne named Spicebomb to a bundle of paper labeled “POOP,” mistaken for an animal product posing environmental hazards.

Airport security’s vigilance extended to seemingly harmless items like candles, with one traveller lamenting the loss of their favourite scented candle. Similarly, a passenger bound for New Zealand had their supply of “poop-paper” confiscated as it was deemed a potential threat to the country’s environment.

In another instance, travellers were detained for hours at LA airport over a dry tangerine forgotten in their suitcase, mistaken for imported food. Despite the inconvenience, the stories shared on Reddit shed light on the often-unexpected encounters travellers face when navigating airport security.

The Rising Importance of Data Centers in India’s Digital Journey

May 4, 2024, 12:34 pm

Have you ever wondered what makes the digital world work? What powers all the websites, apps, and online videos we use daily? The answer lies in huge buildings full of computers and internet machines called data centers. As India becomes a digital superpower, its growing data center industry has become the backbone supporting this technological growth. These massive facilities are full of servers, routers, and networking equipment that allow online services to work smoothly. More and more Indians are going online – over 881 million internet users as of March 2023! Businesses big and small are also going digital, using smart technologies like data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing. But supporting all these online activities needs strong data centers. Think of data centers as the foundation of the internet itself. They are like giant warehouses packed with rows and rows of computers, servers, routers, and digital machines. Their main job is to store and process huge amounts of data so online services like cloud computing, video streaming, social media, and e-commerce can work properly for everyone.

India’s data center journey began in 2008, with the first one opening in Hyderabad. After that, more of these huge digital buildings came up in cities like Pune, Delhi, Bhubaneswar, and most recently in Guwahati, Assam. As of November 2023, India has an impressive 151 data centers, ranking number 14 in the world! Experts predict that by 2024, the total power of data centers in India’s top seven cities could triple to over one gigawatt! This massive growth is driven by more Indians using the internet, especially on their smartphones. The spread of super-fast 5G internet across India is also increasing the need for bigger, better data centers. Data centers do more than just store data though. They power India’s booming digital economy, which could be worth $1 trillion by 2025! From e-commerce websites to mobile banking apps, online learning platforms to cloud services – they all rely on the strong data infrastructure provided by these massive digital buildings.

The Indian government understands how crucial data centers are for the nation’s future. That’s why it has started big projects like Digital India and Startup India to build a digital-first economy. The government is also making special parks just for data centers, offering incentives to attract more investment. Moreover, data centers are vital for India’s data security and independence. With laws like the Data Protection Bill, India aims to keep its citizens’ sensitive information safely inside the country’s borders instead of foreign data centers. This reduces dependence on other countries while creating more jobs.

Of course, India still faces some challenges with data centers. Ensuring a stable and eco-friendly power supply, upgrading old infrastructure, and addressing environmental concerns will be important for sustainable growth. As new technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), AI, and edge computing become more common, India’s need for efficient, high-tech, and green data centers will rapidly increase. By embracing innovations, encouraging collaboration, and focusing on sustainability, India can become a global digital powerhouse.

So the next time you stream a video, shop online, use a cloud service, or do anything digital, remember – it’s all made possible by India’s massive data buildings and the hardworking people who keep them running. These are the engines driving our digital present and future!

Security concerns threaten coal supply in Pakistan as transporters at risk

June 8, 2023, 6:21 pm

According to a media report, the Pakistan Coal Suppliers Association and Good Transport Association have announced their intention to halt coal supply throughout the country from Balochistan if they do not receive adequate protection.

During a joint press conference, Noor Ahmed Kakar, the President of Balochistan Goods Transport Association, and Muhammad Din Sanzarkhail, the General Secretary of Coal Suppliers Association, revealed that 42 trucks carrying coal from Harnai and Duki coal fields to Punjab and other regions in the country had their tires punctured by unidentified armed individuals.

At gunpoint, the armed men stopped all 42 trucks in the Charat area on Harnai Road and started shooting. They damaged the trucks and punctured their tyres.

Moreover, the transporters also lamented the fact that they have to pay PKR 230 per tonne to the Frontier Corps to provide protection for the trucks transporting coal to other cities.
They said, “The firing incidents took place on 1 June on Harnai Road, not far from a security checkpoint,” adding that the government had neglected to provide security for the trucks and coal suppliers.

Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll: Security beefed up for counting day.

May 13, 2023, 3:14 am

Security has been tightened and all other arrangements put in place for Saturday’s counting of votes for the high-stakes Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll that witnessed a four-corner battle among the BJP, Congress, SAD and the ruling AAP.
Counting will begin at 8 am, officials said on Friday, adding that security has been beefed up in and around the counting centres set up at the office of the Director Land Records and Sports College Complex in Kapurthala Road. Prominent among the nineteen candidates in the fray are the AAP’s Sushil Rinku, Congress’ Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary, BJP’s Inder Iqbal Singh Atwal and the Shiromani Akali Dal’s (SAD) Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi. The bypoll, held on May 10, recorded a voter turnout of 54.70 per cent, the officials said. The turnout was well below the 63.04 per cent recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Of the 16,21,800 (16.21 lakh) eligible voters, 8,87,154 (8.87 lakh) exercised their franchise. The Jalandhar seat fell vacant following the death of Congress MP Santokh Singh Chaudhary in January. The AAP fielded former MLA Rinku, who joined the party after quitting the Congress, while Atwal moved to the BJP from the SAD. Backed by the Bahujan Samaj Party, the SAD fielded Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi, its two-time MLA from Banga.
The Congress nominated Chaudhary’s wife Karamjit Kaur Chaudhary. The ruling AAP is hoping to mark its presence in the Lok Sabha by registering a victory in the bypoll.

5 Army personnel killed in encounter with militants in J&K in Rajouri

May 5, 2023, 10:39 am

A total of five soldiers lost their lives in the ongoing anti-terror operation in the Kandi area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri, officials said.

“Three more soldiers who were injured earlier have unfortunately succumbed to their injuries. A total of five soldiers have lost their lives in the joint operation in Rajouri, J&K,” said the officials.

Security personnel and militants engaged in gunfire early on Friday in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir’s Kandi neighbourhood.Jammu Mukesh Singh, the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), informed the sources that an encounter had begun in the Kandi neighbourhood of Rajouri. More information is awaited.

In an encounter between militants and security personnel on Thursday in Baramulla, Jammu & Kashmir, two terrorists were neutralised. The encounter broke out earlier in the day in the Wanigam Payeen Kreeri area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla.

The police recovered incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including one AK 47 rifle and one pistol. “Two terrorists neutralised in Baramulla encounter. Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition including 01 AK 47 rifle and one pistol recovered,” informed Kashmir Zone Police.

As per initial reports, a group of terrorists are trapped in the area. There is a likelihood of casualties in a terrorist group.

Tripura Assembly Elections 2023: Voting begins amid tight security

February 16, 2023, 1:28 pm

The polling for the Tripura Assembly elections began amid tight security on Thursday.
The voting started at 7 am and will continue till 4 pm. According to Election Commission, over 28.14 lakh electorates of which 14,15,233 are male voters, 13,99,289 are woman voters and 62 are of the third gender, are eligible to cast their franchise. The voting is underway at 3,337 polling stations.
Adequate security arrangements have been made for the polls. The state has 97 all-women-managed police stations. It has 94,815 voters in the 18-19 age group and 6,21,505 in the 22-29 age group. The highest number of voters are in the 40-59 age group at 9,81,089.
The fate of the 259 candidates will be sealed on 60 Assembly seats today.
A triangular contest is on the cards as Congress and CPIM, which have been arch rivals for years, stitched a pre-poll alliance to defeat the ruling BJP while the BJP which is looking to retain its power is contesting in alliance with Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) and the Tipra Motha which is being seen as a kingmaker in case of a hung assembly scenario, emerged as an influential regional party floated by the royal scion Pradyot Kishore Debbarma in 2021. Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress has also put up candidates on several seats.
The BJP is contesting on 55 seats and its ally, IPFT, on six seats. But both allies have fielded candidates in the Ampinagar constituency in Gomati district.
The Left will contest on 47 and Congress on 13 seats, respectively.Of the total 47 seats, the CPM will contest 43 seats while the Forward Bloc, Communist Party of India ( CPI) and Revolutionary Socialist Party ( RSP) will contest one seat each.
Over 28 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in the election for the 60-member assembly in the border state.
Tripura is the first state to go to the polls this year. While polling for Nagaland and Meghalaya assemblies will be held on 27 February, five more states face elections this year in the run-up to the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
A total of 259 candidates, including 20 women, are in the fray in Tripura. The counting of votes will be done on 2 March.

Pak planning major military offensive to counter TTP

January 25, 2023, 6:54 am

Pakistan is currently facing threats from Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region and raising separatist voices in Balochistan. The nation is trapped in a quagmire built by its deep state. The Pakistan forces are planning a military offensive to counter these rebel groups after two rounds of discussions at the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

TTP has been hammering the Pakistani security forces severely, especially after the takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021 by Taliban. The rebel group has conducted 367 attacks in 2022 across different parts of the country. The falling of Afghanistan in the hands of the Taliban regime has proven contrary to the assumed belief that it would bring strategic depth to Pakistan. The famous statement, “You can’t keep snakes in your backyard and expect them to only bite your neighbors” by Hillary Clinton for Pakistan never seemed more accurate.

It is not just about the Bordering regions but Pakistan has started losing control of its regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his two rounds of the recent National Security Committee (NSC) meeting with senior civilian and military leaders stated “Pakistan’s security is uncompromisable, and the full writ of the state will be maintained on every inch of Pakistan’s territory.”

The threat of TTP looms large as it is just not using Pakistani soil but also operates from Afghanistan’s soil. This makes it difficult for the Pakistani armed forces to counter them. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah told a news channel that TTP militants will be targeted by Pakistan if they are not eliminated by Afghanistan Taliban on December 30.

In response, the Afghan national Defence Ministry made a statement on January 1 Stating that it “views Pakistan Interior Minister Sanaullah’s statement about the presence of TTP in Afghanistan and possible attack as provocative and baseless.” The statement further added that Afghanistan is “ready to defend its territorial integrity and independence”.

There have been several rounds of peace talks between the TTP and Pakistan’s security establishment that have failed to achieve any success. A military operation to deal with around reportedly 10,000 TTP fighters along the PakistanAfghanistan border would take a huge toll on the already fractured economy of the state.

A military intervention might have major effects on Pakistan’s economy, which is already struggling as its foreign exchange reserves have fallen to an eight-year low. However, after experiencing unprecedented public outrage following the hotly disputed ouster of Imran Khan from office in April 2022, it could aid the military establishment in repairing its damaged reputation. Pakistan may also be hoping to use the pretext of its fight against terrorism to win international support, notably from the West, and financial assistance.

Jammu and Kashmir police tighten security in Poonch

January 20, 2023, 1:18 pm

Ahead of Republic Day celebrations on 26 January, security has been tightened in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch on Friday. Meanwhile, to maintain the safety and security of the area, security officials have deployed forces in every corner.

Speaking to the media Ahjaz, a police officer said, “Since January 26 is ahead, we have tightened the security in the area. We have deployed forces so that no corner is left untouched.”

“After what happened in Rajouri, the security and safety of the citizens have become important. Therefore, we are on our toes for the protection of our people and those coming here,” the official stated.

Moreover, the security forces further said that to ensure the security of the citizens, they conduct a yearly drill in the area.

“We often undertake surprise visits to some areas we find suspicious, we check cars and other vehicles. On a personal level as well, we undertake checkings so that we are assured that there is nothing to be concerned about,” Ahjaz stated.

However, for the protection of the people, the Indian Army and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed in the area.

“We have a lot of help to ensure safety and security. We want to avoid any lapse in security,” stated the official.

Japan-UK sign ‘the most significant defence agreement’ amid China worries

January 12, 2023, 12:24 pm

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in his Visit to London was able to sign a new defence deal with United Kingdom. This comes after his recent move of initiating country’s biggest military buildup since World War 2. This defence deal is seen as a way to bolster ties with G7 partners and to tackle China’s growing aggression.

A shared outlook on the world.

A shared understanding of the challenges we face.

A shared ambition to use our place in the world for good.

Thank you, @Kishida230. It’s great to see UK and Japan working as close as ever ???? pic.twitter.com/raLM65qtuH
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) January 11, 2023

UK’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Japanese PM Kishida signed the deal at the tower of London on Wednesday, paving the way for two countries to deploy forces on each other’s soil for training and other operations. Japan holds the G7 presidency and this trip to London comes as a part of Japanese PM’s tour of these seven-member countries.

“This Reciprocal Access Agreement is hugely significant for both our nations – it cements our commitment to the Indo-Pacific and underlines our joint efforts to bolster economic security,” Sunak said in a statement. Sunak’s office called the deal with Japan as “the most significant defence agreement between the two countries in more than a century”.

“In this increasingly competitive world, it is more important than ever that democratic societies continue to stand shoulder to shoulder as we navigate the unprecedented global challenges of our time.”

China’s Aggression in South China Sea in 2020

Japan and UK both share a common view of China. Tokyo has described China as the “greatest strategic challenge ever” for its security and UK views Beijing as a “systematic challenge” to its values and interests as warned by Rishi Sunak in November.

China is now seen as a revisionist power with its recent aggressive maneuvers in South China sea. It has turned very vocal about its expansionist plans in South-China sea with its rapid buildup of naval forces that is about to match USA’s naval power in terms of number of warfare ships. Japan-UK deal is Tokyo’s latest effort to strengthen its alliances in an attempt to maintain the balance power in the region.

Nityanand Rai’s security upgraded to ‘Z’ category

January 3, 2023, 4:48 pm

The security of Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai has been upgraded by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to the ‘Z’ category on Tuesday. At the minister’s residence, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will be providing round-the-clock security cover during his travel to other states. Meanwhile, ‘Z’ category security was provided to Rai during his stay and travel in West Bengal.

Centre provides ‘X’ category security to 4 BJP leaders in Punjab

November 19, 2022, 2:29 pm

According to top government sources, the Central government has provided ‘X’ category armed security cover of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to four Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders in Punjab. The move has come after the intelligence bureau (IB) report indicated a threat.

MHA has ordered CRPF to provide ‘X’ category security to the leaders following the IB report. Former Punjab cabinet ministers Balbir Singh Sidhu and Gurpreet Singh Kanga along with former MLA Jagdip Singh Nakai, as well as Amarjit Singh Tikka are among the BJP leaders who provided the security cover. All four leaders recently joined the BJP after dumping Congress.
The Centre in October had also provided ‘Y’ category’ security cover to five BJP leaders in Punjab based on a similar IB report.

The MHA used to provide ‘X’, ‘Y’, ‘Y+’, ‘Z’, and ‘Z+’ category security through Central Armed Police Forces CAPFs) like CRPF and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) following threat assessment based on IB reports.

Dera Sachha Sauda leader’s security increased, heavy police presence outside Baghpat ashram

November 13, 2022, 3:44 pm

Uttar Pradesh Police has deployed heavy force outside the Baghpat Ashram of Dera Sachha Sauda leader Ram Rahim under the Binauli police station area to avoid any untoward incident.

Given that Dera founder Ram Rahim would be staying at the Barnawa Ashram in the Baghpat region of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, security has been stepped up there. The leader of Barnawa Dera Sacha Sauda Ashram, Gurmeet Ram Rahim, is currently incarcerated at Rohtak’s Sunaria Jail for the crimes of rape and murder. He has been given 40 days of parole, and he will stay at Barnawa’s ashram during that time.

The Uttar Pradesh Police has increased Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s security in light of his stay at the Ashram.

A camp employee commented on the significant police presence outside the ashram and said that “searches are also being conducted on suspicious folks.” “The audience is also not allowed to congregate around the ashram,” in addition to this. The police’s top priority is to stop any undesirable incidents.

A female attendant at the Dera Sacha Barnawa ashram gave an update on the situation and stated that the serviceman is being checked continuously. Regular visitors’ and sevadars’ IDs are being scrutinized. Sevadars are switched based on shifts, and a shift limit of three hours is observed. Additionally, full-body scanner detectors have been installed, and cell phones are not permitted within the ashram.

Speaking about the security procedures, Sevadar Lakhveer Singh, deployed at the main gate of the Ashram, said that Sevadars are needed for the facilities inside the Ashram. The sevadars who work for the Ashram are having their IDs checked, and they are only being permitted inside after determining their expertise and the blocks from which they are coming.

The administration has made sufficient preparations to prevent any unwanted incident.

Ram Rahim, the leader of Dera Sacha, was recently given a 40-day parole and released from the Sunaria prison. He entered Baghpat while protected by security.

The family of the Dera chief had applied for his month-long parole through the jail authorities. On June 17, Rahim received a month’s worth of parole.

Since 2017, he has been detained in Haryana’s Sunaria jail, where he is completing a 20-year sentence for the rape of two female devotees in the Sirsa headquarters of his ashram. The Dera chief received a three-week leave of absence earlier in February.

A furlough is a brief temporary release of prisoners from jail, whereas parole refers to the release of a prisoner either temporarily for a specified purpose or totally before the expiration of a sentence, on the promise of good behaviour. In August 2017, a special CBI court in Panchkula found him guilty of raping two of his devotees.

The family of the Dera chief had applied for his month-long parole through the jail authorities. On June 17, Rahim received a month’s worth of parole.

Imran Khan’s PTI to resume march, Punjab deploys over 1500 security personnel

November 10, 2022, 12:09 pm

As Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) is bound to resume its “Haqeeqi Azadi march” the provincial Punjab government has deployed 1,542 security personnel along with officers in four districts of provinces to ensure that security arrangements are in place, as reported by the Dawn. PTI will be resuming the march which stalled during an assassination attempt on former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The march will resume from Wazirabad in Punjab province to Islamabad in pretext of their demand to hold fresh elections.

Before the march, PTI tweeted, “Pakistan get ready!!! God willing, on Thursday, November 10, at 1:00 p.m., the Haqeeqi Azadi Long March will resume its journey from Wazirabad Allahwale Chowk,”

According to the directive issued by the additional inspector general of police (PHP) to divisional police chiefs, among the 1,542 PHP personnel, 500 shall be kept at Gujrat Police Lines as IGP Reserve as long as the long march is in the jurisdiction of Gujrat Region to tackle any emergency situation. Afterward, the force shall shift to Jhelum and Rawalpindi to assist the local police for the same. According to Dawn, out of 1,542 PHP personnel, 242 have been deployed in Gujarat, 500 in Jhelum, and 300 in Attock.

“PTI vice-chairman and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will lead the march from Wazirabad on Thursday at 2 pm (local time). The long march will resume with prayers for those killed and injured in the shooting. A sea of people will reach Islamabad to push the coalition government of 13 parties led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to announce the date for early elections” PTI Punjab leader and health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid said.

Supreme Court has told the Centre that it cannot deny citizens grounds for refusing security clearance

November 3, 2022, 11:44 am

The Supreme Court has ruled that the Centre cannot deny citizens the grounds for refusing security clearance, no matter how serious those grounds are.

“Even offenders who face criminal charges of national implications are supplied the charge sheet, however serious the national security concern may be. Here, they are not offenders. You cannot merely say that security clearance is denied to you and tell them we won’t disclose anything about it,” a bench of justices Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud and Hima Kohli said on Wednesday over the Centre’s refusal to disclose grounds for denying security clearance to Kerala’s Media One channel.

The court heard Madhyamam Broadcasting Limited’s (MBL) request for the grounds to be disclosed. MBL operates the Malayalam current affairs channel Media One. While denying the channel security clearance, the Union Home Ministry cited a breach of national security. Following the denial, the company withdrew its uplinking and downlinking licences.

On March 2, the Kerala High Court upheld the Centre’s denial of clearance. However, on March 15, the Supreme Court stayed the revocation of security clearance and lifted the channel ban until further orders.

The Centre, represented by Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that it was willing to disclose the reasons to the court in a sealed cover but not to the channel owners.

But the bench said the essence of court proceedings is that what is shown by one party is disclosed to the other party. “Question is whether we can do it without them [petitioner] seeing it.”

The channel’s lawyer, senior advocate Dushyant Dave, argued the moment the judges see a sealed cover and national security written on it, they are put on guard because national security is a catchphrase. “There is a serious fundamental problem…a sealed cover… does it not create a bias in the mind of a judge.”

The bench gave the Centre a day to prepare its response. “Here you are denying security clearance by saying your directors have nefarious links or that the ownership of the channel is in the hands of a hostile country. You may redact the source of your information but can you decline the information on which you have arrived at this conclusion? What is the remedy available to citizens in such cases as MHA [ministry of home affairs] that denies security clearance is a third party?”

It added that even while issuing orders detaining persons under the National Security Act, the grounds of detention are indicated. “Here they are seeking renewal of their uplinking license after 10 years.”

The bench said in 10 years, the channel has put a certain amount of investment. “It has employees and there is a certain degree of the reputation of the channel. The threshold to deny them clearance has to be higher.”

The court noted that Media One received a show cause notice in 2016, but it was dropped and the channel’s downlinking permission was renewed.

The Media One channel received security clearance in February 2011, and it was granted a licence to operate the channel in September 2011. After ten years, this permission was renewed.

The channel was served with a show cause notice for revoking the permission on the grounds of “national security and public order” on January 5, this year. Following its coverage of the Delhi riots in February 2020, the channel’s licence was briefly suspended.

Centre has upgraded the security of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Sarma

October 14, 2022, 12:32 pm

According to officials, the security has been upgraded from Z category CRPF (northeast) to Z+ category (all India).According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s security arrangements were reviewed “in consultation with the Central Security Agency.”

“It has been decided to upgrade his current CRPF security cover in the North East region to Z+ category on an all-India basis,” the statement continued.

The union home ministry has asked the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the country’s largest Central Armed Police Force, to assist.

VIP security covers are divided into several categories: X, Y, Y+, Z, Z+. The Special Protection Group (SPG) is the prime minister’s highest level of security.

Female pilgrims can do Hajj without male guardians

October 13, 2022, 1:21 pm

Male pilgrims don’t need to accompany female pilgrims to do Hajj in Saudi Arabia. A male guardian or a “mahram” was necessary to accompany the female pilgrims if they wanted to do Hajj. The Hajj and Umrah Services Adviser Ahmed Saleh Halabi was quoted saying, “It is now acceptable for a woman to perform Hajj or Umrah without a mahram, accompanied by “trustworthy women or secure company to perform Hajj or Umrah.”

“It makes women’s lives easier to be able to conduct Umrah without a male relative’s assistance. They already experience several difficulties and endure difficult socioeconomic conditions. While they are eager to undertake Umrah, this may make it more difficult to obtain a mahram or increase the cost of Umrah, according to Ibrahim Hussein, a former advisor to the minister of Hajj.

An ongoing debate came to an end, on whether or not a mahram or a male guardian is necessary to accompany a woman after the minister’s remarks during a news conference held at the Kingdom’s embassy in Cairo.

Safety measures have been extended across the Kingdom, as well as in all modes of transportation and at ports, to ensure women’s safety. According to the report, a strong infrastructure, including an anti-harassment framework, has been implemented in legislation.

“There are sanctions that serve as a deterrent to anyone considering breaking the law. Additionally, crucial locations including airports, border crossing points, the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, and others must have security cameras. As a result, a woman is safeguarded, particularly when she is around other women, according to the former adviser Hussein.

Meghalaya CM launches online portal of MRSSA

September 10, 2022, 12:36 pm

Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K Sangma launched the online portal of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA) on Thursday in Shillong, in the presence of home minister Lahkmen Rymbui and other officials.

According to the chief minister, the digitised system will not only ensure the safety and security of residents, but it will also serve as a powerful intelligence gathering system for authorities. It will be useful for monitoring and improving the implementation of other government services and programmes, particularly in critical areas such as health care.

The digitisation process will connect the state’s more than 6,000 villages to the online system.

The web-based system will first be implemented in seven Shillong neighbourhoods: Nongrim Hills, Lapalang, Nongmynsong, Nongrah, Pohkseh, Riat Laban, and Wahdienglieng.

Furthermore, Sangma praised the efforts of the heads of various localities in collaborating with the administration and urged them to work with the government to ensure the program’s success.

Shrikant Tyagi’s wife, Anu Tyagi, asks for security cover for her husband

September 7, 2022, 5:44 pm

Self-styled politician Shrikant Tyagi’s wife, Anu Tyagi, submits an application at Surajpur district court to provide her husband with security cover whenever he leaves jail for court hearings.

Shrikant Tyagi, who has been arrested on charges of molestation, rioting, cheating, and relevant sections of the Gangster Act, has been in judicial custody since 9 August and is lodged at Luksar jail.

Anu Tyagi said in her plea, “Previously an attempt has been made to kill Shrikant Tyagi by gangster Vinay Tyagi, after which he was fatally injured. At the time, Y-level security was given to Shrikant, but it was withdrawn later.”

“Vinay Tyagi and his accomplices can attack Shrikant Tyagi while he is commuting from jail to Surajpur court for his court hearings. Hence, I request the judicial magistrate to provide security cover for Shrikant Tyagi.”

She further requested that her husband be given protection like a bulletproof jacket, two special guards, 19 constables with automatic weapons and an anti-riot vehicle while being brought from jail to the court.

Members of the Tyagi community submitted an application on Tuesday at the collectorate in Surajpur seeking action against police personnel “who mentally tortured Anu Tyagi”, besides the withdrawal of charges levied under the Gangster Act.

Senior officers of the Gautam Budh Nagar police refuted the allegations of misbehaving with Anu Tyagi.