Security

The wings of Pegasus, the epoch of cyberweapons

Context: A raging controversy across the world on the misuse of Pegasus spyware has reignited a debate on the role of cyber weapons. Cyberattacks on institutions such as banks and on critical infrastructure have proliferated to an alarming extent, signalling the emergence of the cyber weapon epoch. While Moore’s Law democratised access to... .Read more

Updated on 31 July, 2021 GS3 Security

SC to hear plea against snooping next week

Context: The Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a petition for an independent investigation, headed by a former or a sitting judge, of mass surveillance of more than 142 potential “targets”. Background: The target list includes an extensive host of public figures in India. In the past, similar claims were made regarding the u... .Read more

Updated on 31 July, 2021 GS3 Security

DRDO successfully flight-tests surface-to-air missile Akash-NG

Context: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the New Generation Akash Missile (Akash-NG). More in the news: It was tested from an integrated test range off the Odisha coast in a boost to air defence capabilities. Separately, the DRDO also successfully flight-tested the Akash-NG weapon system, paving th... .Read more

Updated on 24 July, 2021 GS2 Security

Bill in Lok Sabha to prohibit strikes by those engaged in essential defence services

Context: The government recently introduced a bill in Lok Sabha which seeks to prohibit any agitation and strike by anyone engaged in the essential defence services. Background: Indian Ordnance Factories is the oldest and largest industrial set up which functions under the Department of Defence Production of the Ministry of Defence. Recently, the ... .Read more

Updated on 24 July, 2021 GS3 Security

Need for Surveillance reform in India

Context: Phones of two serving union ministers, three opposition leaders, one constitutional authority, current and former heads of security organisations, administrators and 40 senior journalists and activists from India were allegedly bugged using an Israeli spy software called Pegasus and put on surveillance, according to an expose by a global consortium ... .Read more

Updated on 22 July, 2021 GS2 GS3 Security Governance

Lightweight anti-tank missile tested by DRDO

Context: A new generation of Akash surface-to-air missile was successfully flight-tested recently by the DRDO. More in the news: It was tested from an integrated test range off the Odisha coast in a boost to air defence capabilities. Separately, the DRDO also successfully flight-tested the Akash-NG weapon system, paving the way for its production ... .Read more

Updated on 22 July, 2021 GS3 Security