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Subject: Internal Security

  • Realism, not machismo, to counter terror

    How 26/11 Mumbai attack happened in 2008: From first eyewitness to Kasab - India Today

    Central idea

    The article explores India’s strategic decision-making in response to terrorism, highlighting the delicate nature of counter-terrorism efforts, the economic consequences of potential military actions, and the significance of thoughtful strategies in shaping international relations. It emphasizes the importance of strategic wisdom over impulsive actions, showcasing India’s nuanced approach to navigating complex geopolitical challenges.

    Thomas Friedman’s Praise:

    • Columnist’s Perspective: Thomas Friedman commends former PM Manmohan Singh for exercising notable restraint in a recent column.
    • Outrage on Social Media: The article triggers heated debates on social platforms, with users expressing strong opinions on India’s past actions.
    • Criticizing Past Inaction: Some perceive India’s historical restraint, post-Mumbai attacks, as an act of cowardice, sparking passionate discussions.

    Understanding the Context:

    • Social Media Dynamics: Vibrant discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict unfold on social media platforms, reflecting global interest.
    • Traumatic Memory: India’s emotional connection to the conflict emerges from the haunting memories of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
    • Opinion Amplification: Thomas Friedman’s praise triggers intense reactions, amplifying opinions on India’s historical decisions.
    • National Pride: The ongoing discourse is influenced by national pride, especially in the context of India’s military actions, like the Balakot airstrikes.

    Navigating Counter-Terrorism Challenges:

    • Delicate Counter-Terrorism: The article underscores the need for nuanced counter-terrorism strategies, cautioning against impulsive actions.
    • Hypothetical Scenario: Imagining India’s response post-26/11 prompts consideration of potential nuclear risks and their implications.
    • Global Economic Impact: The hypothetical bombing scenario in Pakistan during a global financial crisis raises concerns about broader economic consequences.
    • War Consequences: Evaluating the economic aftermath if Pakistan faced aggressive military action underscores the potential disastrous outcomes.

    Strategic Thinking and Framing Issues:

    • Strategic Counter-Terrorism: Emphasizing the importance of well-thought-out counter-terrorism strategies for effective outcomes.
    • International Response: Crafting responses to terrorism globally requires strategic thinking aligned with prevailing economic conditions.
    • Alignment with ‘War on Terror’: The consequences of aligning with the global ‘war on terror’ shape international relations and diplomatic considerations.
    • Responses Based on Global Conditions: Shaping actions based on economic circumstances highlights the strategic importance of thoughtful decision-making.

    Data, Facts, and Economic Consequences:

    • Market Crash: The impact of the global financial crisis on India’s stock market and the potential economic fallout from a war.
    • Increased U.S. Aid: Rise in U.S. military aid to Pakistan during the ‘war on terror’ and its effects on geopolitical dynamics.
    • Pakistan’s Economic Fallout: Examining Pakistan’s economic decline post-2008-09, indicating repercussions of global narratives.
    • Investment Decline: The substantial drop in Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan and its significant implications for the nation’s economy.

    Emphasizing Key Phrases:

    • Delicate Counter-Terrorism Actions: Stressing the importance of sensitive responses in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing caution and precision.
    • Strategic International Response: Highlighting the significance of thoughtful and planned approaches on the global stage for impactful outcomes.
    • Strength in Deliberation: Recognizing the power and effectiveness in well-thought-out actions and decisions for lasting impacts.

    Analysis and International Relations:

    • Narrative Shift: Changing perceptions of Pakistan as America’s most dangerous ally and the consequential shifts in global narratives.
    • Praise for Responsibility: Recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power with global consequences, influencing diplomatic relations.
    • Operationalizing Agreements: Timing of the India-U.S. Civil Nuclear agreement and its significance in shaping geopolitical dynamics.
    • Economic Consequences: Analyzing the impact on Pakistan’s economic fortunes and India’s sustained growth in the long term.

    The Way Forward:

    • Importance of Strategy: Emphasizing the critical role of a thoughtful counter-terrorism strategy for effectively addressing future challenges.
    • Diplomacy in Action: Acknowledging the instrumental role of diplomatic responses in shaping international outcomes and fostering stability.
    • Air Strikes Significance: Recognizing the strategic significance of well-executed airstrikes as a crucial element in diplomatic and military strategies.
    • Avoiding ‘Boots on the Ground’: Underlining the strategic approach of avoiding ground invasions, emphasizing the importance of wit and strategic maneuvering in conflict resolution.

  • India to bring in a National Security Strategy (NSS): What is it, why is it important?

    Central Idea

    • India is embarking on a historic journey as it initiates the development of its inaugural National Security Strategy (NSS).
    • The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) is actively collecting insights and inputs from diverse Central ministries and departments, laying the foundation for a comprehensive strategy that will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s interests.

    Explained: National Security Strategy

    • Crucial Milestone: India’s NSS represents its first-ever comprehensive document that outlines security objectives and strategies.
    • Periodically Updated: The NSS evolves over time, addressing both traditional and non-traditional threats while fostering accountability among agencies tasked with implementation.
    • Guiding Holistic Security: The NSS will serve as a guiding framework for military, defense, and security reforms, offering a holistic perspective on national security, threats, and strategies to counter them.

    Scope and Content of India’s NSS

    • Modern Challenges: The NSS is poised to encompass a broad spectrum of contemporary challenges, including financial and economic security, food and energy security, information warfare, critical information infrastructure vulnerabilities, supply chain concerns, and environmental issues.
    • Comprehensive Approach: It will adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling emerging threats, aligning with India’s evolving security landscape.

    Global Precedents

    • Established Nations with NSS: Developed nations with robust military and security infrastructures maintain National Security Strategies, updated periodically. The United States, the United Kingdom, and Russia have published their NSS.
    • China’s Comprehensive National Security: China has a closely integrated Comprehensive National Security strategy, tightly linked to its governance structure.
    • Pakistan’s National Security Policy: Pakistan recently unveiled a National Security Policy for 2022-2026, outlining its national security objectives and priorities.

    India’s Imperative for a National Security Strategy

    • Long-Debated Need: The idea of a National Security Strategy for India has long been debated within military circles and the strategic community.
    • Urgency in Uncertain Times: Rising geopolitical tensions and the uncertain global environment have heightened the urgency for India to formulate a comprehensive strategy.
    • Relevance Highlighted: Experts and former officials emphasize that a national security strategy is vital to provide clear political direction to the Armed Forces, guide military reforms, and address modern security challenges effectively.

    Past Attempts and Hurdles

    • Failed Attempts: India has previously made three attempts to develop a national security strategy, all without fruition.
    • Political Hesitation: Some speculate that hesitation at the political level, driven by concerns about accountability in defense management, may have impeded the strategy’s release.
    • Varied Views: There have been differing views within the strategic community regarding the absence of a national security strategy, ranging from a lack of cohesive government efforts to intentional non-disclosure of national security objectives.

    Conclusion

    • India’s journey towards formulating its National Security Strategy marks a significant milestone in its quest for a well-defined and coordinated approach to security.
    • As India forges ahead, this inaugural strategy promises to provide a roadmap for addressing complex security challenges, ensuring national interests are protected, and fostering a secure future in an ever-evolving world.

  • Pegasus Spyware Saga: Unveiling the Expert Committee’s Findings

    Pegasus

    Central Idea

    • Several prominent opposition leaders recently reported receiving “threat notifications” from Apple regarding a potential state-sponsored spyware attack on their iPhones.
    • This incident has drawn parallels with the Pegasus Spyware Case, which targeted individuals globally, including in India.

    About Pegasus Spyware

    • Functionality: Pegasus, like its name suggests, is a spyware designed to surveil individuals through their smartphones.
    • Covert Installation: It infiltrates a target’s device by enticing them to click on an exploit link, installing the malware without their knowledge or consent.
    • Comprehensive Access: Once installed, Pegasus grants the attacker complete control over the victim’s phone, enabling eavesdropping, data retrieval, and even activation of the camera and microphone.

    What is the Pegasus Spyware Case?

    • Global Revelation: In July 2021, a collaborative global investigative project uncovered the use of Pegasus spyware, developed by NSO Group, an Israeli cybersecurity company, to target mobile phones worldwide, including India.
    • Government Denials: The Indian government denied the allegations and accused the opposition of undermining national security but did not explicitly deny using Pegasus.
    • Supreme Court’s Involvement: On October 27, 2021, the Supreme Court appointed an Expert Committee headed by Justice R V Raveendran to investigate the allegations, considering their public importance and potential violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
    • Cyber Terrorism: This intrusion constitutes a cyber-terrorism attempt and calls for the application of Section 66(F) of the Information Technology Act 2008 (IT Act) to deal with the perpetrators.

    Expert Committee’s Mandate

    • Terms of Reference: The committee had seven terms of reference, including determining the entity that procured Pegasus, verifying if petitioners were targeted, and assessing the legal basis for using spyware like Pegasus on Indian citizens.
    • Policy Recommendations: It was also tasked with making recommendations on a legal and policy framework for cybersecurity to protect citizens’ privacy.
    • Technical Expertise: The committee comprised technical experts from various fields, including cybersecurity and forensic sciences.

    Key Findings

    • Lack of Conclusive Evidence: On August 25, 2022, the Supreme Court revealed that the expert committee did not find conclusive evidence of Pegasus use in the 29 phones it examined.
    • Government Non-Cooperation: The Centre did not cooperate with the committee, as observed by the panel itself.
    • Malware Discovery: While malware was found in five phones, it could not be definitively linked to Pegasus.
    • Inconclusive Determination: The committee concluded that the limited data available made it inconclusive to determine Pegasus use.
    • National Security Concerns: The committee’s report contained information about malware that could pose threats to national security and private confidential information.

    Implications and Urgent Action

    • Fundamental Right to Privacy: Protecting citizens’ smartphones through technologies like encryption is crucial for national security.
    • Need for Inquiry: Establishing an independent high-level inquiry with credible members and experts can restore confidence and ensure transparency.
    • Global Cooperation: Given the multinational impact of such attacks, coordinated global cooperation is essential for a thorough investigation.
    • Data Sovereignty and Privacy: Citizens’ data sovereignty should encompass their right to privacy, with stringent punishments for privacy violations.

    Conclusion

    • The Pegasus spyware case, which raised significant concerns about citizen privacy and national security, prompted a comprehensive investigation by the Supreme Court-appointed Expert Committee.
    • While the committee did not find conclusive evidence of Pegasus use, it emphasized the potential risks associated with malware and cybersecurity.
    • The case remains open, and further developments may shed light on the extent of surveillance and privacy infringements.

  • Understanding the ‘Prisoner’s Dilemma’: A Lesson in Cooperation

    Prisoner's Dilemma

    Central Idea

    • Defence Minister invoked the concept of the “Prisoner’s Dilemma” to emphasize the importance of international collaboration over competing interests.
    • He highlighted the need for countries to find solutions that promote cooperation, trust-building, and risk mitigation in international relations.

    What is the Prisoner’s Dilemma?

    • Game Theory Basis: The Prisoner’s Dilemma is a renowned concept in Game Theory, a scientific branch that studies decision-making in various scenarios.
    • Complex Decision-Making: It illustrates that real-life decisions involve complexity and uncertainty, and outcomes depend on the actions of others.
    • Paradox of Conflict: When applied to international relations, it reveals situations where countries engage in actions, such as arms races, driven by mutual fear and mistrust.

    Prisoner’s Dilemma Scenario

    • Crime Investigation: Imagine two individuals, A and B, facing questioning for a crime without strong evidence.
    • Police Offer: The police offer them a choice:
      1. If one implicates the other, the informant goes free, while the implicated receives a 15-year jail term.
      2. If both stay silent, both serve one year in prison.
      3. If both confess, they each get 10 years.

    Prisoner’s Dilemma Matrix:

    A Stays Silent A Confesses
    B Stays Silent A: 1 year, B: 1 year A: 15 years, B: 0 years
    B Confesses A: 0 years, B: 15 years A: 10 years, B: 10 years

    Dilemma and Decision

    • Optimal Outcome: On the surface, staying silent seems best, resulting in both serving just one year in prison.
    • Uncertainty: However, if one stays silent, they risk a 15-year sentence if the other implicates them.
    • Paradox: To avoid the maximum penalty, confessing becomes the rational choice if trust in the other’s silence is uncertain.
    • Cooperation Ideal: The best outcome lies in cooperation, where both prisoners stay silent, serving only one year.

    Real-Life Applications

    • Business Strategy: Similar dilemmas occur in business, such as price wars between companies selling identical products. Cooperation to maintain sustainable pricing can lead to healthier profits.
    • Geopolitical Agreements: Countries can avoid ruinous arms races and protect their economies by establishing ground rules in geopolitics, fostering cooperation over competition.

  • What is the ‘SIM Swap Scam’ — and how can you protect yourself?

    sim swap scam

    Central Idea

    • In recent years, the SIM swap scam has emerged as a significant threat to individuals’ financial security.
    • This fraudulent scheme exploits the link between physical SIM cards and banking applications, allowing scammers to gain access to victim’s bank accounts and personal information.

    SIM Swap Scam: An Overview

    • Exploiting Technological Advances: The SIM swap scam capitalizes on the integration of banking applications with phone numbers, enabling the generation of OTPs (One-Time Passwords) and the receipt of critical bank-related messages.
    • Acquiring Personal Data: Scammers begin by collecting victims’ personal details, including phone numbers, bank account information, and addresses, often through phishing or vishing (voice phishing) techniques. Phishing involves sending malware-laden links through emails or messages to steal personal data.
    • Forging Victim Identity: Armed with the stolen data, fraudsters visit a mobile operator’s retail outlet, impersonating the victim with forged ID proof. They falsely report the theft of the victim’s SIM card and/or mobile phone. As a result, they obtain a duplicate SIM card. Notably, fraudsters can secure a duplicate SIM even if the original is still functional. All activation messages and information are directed to the scammer rather than the victim.

    Why do victims receive Missed Calls?

    • Strategic Communication: In contrast to typical scams that involve tricking individuals into divulging OTPs and private data during phone calls, the SIM swap scam operates differently.
    • Distraction Tactic: Fraudsters initiate missed calls to their targets, prompting victims to check their phones and potentially ignore network connectivity issues.
    • SIM Exchange Execution: Perpetrators use these missed calls as a diversion while they execute the SIM swap. Once the SIM is swapped, fraudsters gain control over all calls and messages through the victim’s SIM, allowing them to initiate transactions unnoticed.

    How do scammers withdraw money?

    • Phishing Information: After acquiring personal data through phishing attacks, scammers use this information to access bank portals and generate OTPs required for fund withdrawal.
    • OTP Access: Having control over the victim’s SIM card, fraudsters receive all OTPs, enabling them to authenticate transactions and steal money.
    • Data Sources: Accused individuals purchase data from hackers involved in data breaches or from online portals. Data breaches often involve private companies losing vast amounts of customer data.
    • Example: In April, Rentomojo, an electronics and furniture rental company, reported a data breach, acknowledging unauthorized access to customer data due to a cloud misconfiguration.

    Arrests and Challenges

    • Absence of Arrests: Delhi Police has not made any arrests related to the SIM swap scam. The accused effectively evaded capture by discarding duplicate SIMs and operating from multiple locations.
    • Cryptocurrency Conversion: Stolen funds are often converted into cryptocurrency, making tracking Bitcoin or other cryptocurrency transactions impossible due to encryption.

    Protecting Yourself from SIM Swap Fraud

    • Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of vishing or phishing attacks and avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing sensitive information.
    • Don’t Ignore Missed Calls: Don’t ignore missed calls or switch off your phone, especially if you receive multiple missed calls. Contact your mobile operator immediately if such activity occurs.
    • Regularly Update Passwords: Change bank account passwords regularly for added security.
    • Set Up Alerts: Register for regular SMS and email alerts for banking transactions to stay informed.
    • Report Fraud: In case of fraud, promptly contact your bank authorities to block your account and prevent further fraud.

  • The Controversy Surrounding White Phosphorus Munitions

    What’s the news?

    • Global human rights organizations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of using white phosphorus munitions in densely populated areas in Gaza and Lebanon.

    Central idea

    • Global human rights organizations, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have accused the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of using white phosphorus munitions in Gaza and Lebanon, allegedly in violation of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). The use of such munitions in densely populated areas raises serious concerns about civilian safety, though the IDF has vehemently denied these allegations.

    White Phosphorus: A Pyrophoric Substance

    • White phosphorus is categorized as a pyrophoric substance, meaning it spontaneously ignites when exposed to oxygen, emitting intense heat and thick smoke. I
    • It is classified under Pyrophoric solids, category 1 in the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals, indicating its high level of instability.
    • White phosphorus is also distinguishable by its garlic-like odor.

    What are the military uses of white phosphorus?

    • Smokescreen: White phosphorus is dispersed in artillery shells, bombs, and rockets to create a smokescreen. This smokescreen serves as a visual obscurant, making it difficult for enemy forces to see and target troops or vehicles. It provides cover for troop movements and other tactical operations.
    • Visual Obscurant: In addition to obscuring visibility, the smoke generated by white phosphorus can disrupt the enemy’s ability to use infrared optics and sensors, which are commonly used in guided missile systems.
    • Incendiary Weapon: White phosphorus can also be used as an incendiary weapon, as demonstrated during the second battle of Fallujah in Iraq in 2004.

    How harmful is white phosphorus?

    • Severe Burns: Upon exposure to white phosphorus, it can cause severe burns, often reaching down to the bone. Even burns covering as little as 10 percent of the body can be fatal, according to Human Rights Watch.
    • Respiratory Damage: Inhaling white phosphorus particles or smoke can lead to respiratory damage and harm to internal organs. This inhalation can have long-term health consequences for those exposed.
    • Impaired Mobility: Survivors of white phosphorus burns often experience a lifetime of suffering, including impaired mobility and painful, disfiguring scars.
    • Environmental Damage: Beyond its effects on individuals, white phosphorus can cause extensive environmental damage. It can ignite fires that devastate infrastructure, property, and crops, potentially leading to significant economic and ecological consequences.

    Historical Use of White Phosphorus Munitions

    • White phosphorus munitions have a long history of use, dating back to late 19th-century Irish nationalists.
    • They were extensively used in World War I and have since appeared in various conflicts worldwide, including the Normandy invasion in World War II, the US invasion of Iraq in 2004, and the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
    • Most recently, accusations arose regarding Russia’s use of white phosphorus bombs during the invasion of Ukraine.

    Legal status of white phosphorus munitions

    • White phosphorus munitions are not globally banned but are subject to regulation under international humanitarian law (IHL).
    • They are not categorized as chemical weapons because their primary function is based on heat and smoke production rather than inherent toxicity.
    • The legal framework governing their use is the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), specifically Protocol III, which addresses incendiary weapons.
    • While some countries like Palestine and Lebanon have ratified Protocol III and are bound by its regulations, Israel has not ratified it.
    • Protocol III has certain limitations and loopholes. It restricts the use of airdropped incendiary weapons in areas with concentrations of civilians but does not entirely ban ground-launched incendiary weapons in such areas.
    • The protocol’s definition of incendiary weapons includes those primarily designed to set fire to and burn people, potentially excluding multipurpose munitions containing white phosphorus, as they are considered primarily smoking agents.

    Conclusion

    • The controversy surrounding white phosphorus munitions highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive reevaluation of the regulations governing their use in armed conflicts. International Humanitarian Law must evolve to address the potential harm these munitions can inflict on civilians and the environment, ensuring a safer and more just world for all.

  • Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): Russia to pull Out

    Central Idea

    • Russia has indicated that it may revoke the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).
    • The CTBT, a landmark multilateral agreement, stands at the crossroads of global nuclear security, aiming to curtail nuclear weapons testing and the dangers associated with it.

    Genesis of CTBT:

    • Nuclear Arms Race: The nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union in the mid-20th century led to over 2,000 nuclear tests between 1945 and 1996.
    • Growing Concern: The international community expressed mounting concerns about the radioactive fallout from these tests and their detrimental effects on health and the environment.

    (A) Early Attempts to Curb Nuclear Testing

    • Limited Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (LTBT): In 1963, the LTBT prohibited nuclear testing in the atmosphere, outer space, and underwater while permitting underground tests.
    • Threshold Test Ban Treaty (TTBT): In 1974, the TTBT limited nuclear tests that produced yields exceeding 150 kilotons, aiming to reduce the explosive power of new nuclear warheads.

    (B) CTBT Takes Shape

    • Post-Cold War Opportunity: Following the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the United Nations seized the opportunity to negotiate the CTBT.
    • Comprehensive Ban: The CTBT, adopted on September 10, 1996, ushered in a comprehensive ban on all explosive nuclear testing, marking a pivotal moment in nuclear disarmament efforts.
    • China, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, North Korea, Pakistan, and US: They remain the eight Annex II States whose ratifications are essential for the CTBT’s entry into force, as per the United Nations.

    Impact of CTBT

    • Reducing Nuclear Tests: Since the CTBT’s adoption, there have been only 10 nuclear tests, with notable tests conducted by India, Pakistan, and North Korea, whereas major nuclear powers like the United States, China, France, and Russia refrained from further testing.
    • Outstanding Ratifications: For the CTBT to enter into force, it requires ratification by 44 specific nuclear technology holder countries. Eight crucial nations, including the United States, China, India, and Pakistan, are yet to ratify the treaty, hindering its full implementation.

  • UAPA invoked against Media agency

    Central Idea

    • Allegations against NewsClick: The FIR against NewsClick alleges illegal funding from China, routed through the United States.
    • UAPA Provisions: The FIR invokes various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with a primary focus on Section 16, which deals with punishment for terrorist acts.

    Understanding UAPA Provisions

    *Section 15 – Definition of “Terrorist Act”

    • Section 15 of the UAPA defines “terrorist act” and prescribes imprisonment for at least five years to life. In cases where the act results in death, the punishment is either death or imprisonment for life.
    • This section encompasses serious and violent acts with the potential to threaten India’s unity, integrity, security, economic security, or sovereignty.
    • It includes actions such as the use of explosives, causing death or damage to property, disruption of essential services, and damaging monetary stability through counterfeiting.

    Other UAPA Provisions Invoked

    • Section 13 – Unlawful Activities: This section deals with unlawful activities and their consequences.
    • Section 17 – Raising Funds for Terrorist Acts: It addresses raising funds for terrorist activities.
    • Section 18 – Conspiracy: This section covers conspiracy related to terrorist acts.
    • Section 22 (C) – Offences by Companies, Trusts: This provision pertains to offenses committed by companies and trusts.
    • IPC Sections Invoked: Additionally, the FIR includes IPC sections 153 A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

    Understanding the UAPA Framework

    • Unique Criminal Law Framework: The UAPA provides an alternative criminal law framework that differs from the general principles of criminal law.
    • Enhanced State Powers: Compared to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the UAPA grants the state greater powers.
    • Bail Provisions: The UAPA has stringent conditions for bail and relaxes timelines for the state to file chargesheets.
    • Denying Bail: To deny bail under the UAPA, the court must establish a “prima facie” case against the accused.
    • Prima Facie Definition: In 2019, the Supreme Court defined “prima facie” narrowly, meaning that the court must not analyze evidence or circumstances but must consider the “totality of the case” presented by the state.
    • Section 43D(5): This section specifies that a person accused of an offense under Chapters IV and VI of the UAPA shall not be released on bail or their own bond if the Public Prosecutor hasn’t been heard on the application for release.
    • Court’s Opinion: The court may deny bail if it finds reasonable grounds to believe that the accusation against the accused is prima facie true.

    Conclusion

    • The FIR against NewsClick under the UAPA underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the complex legal framework surrounding such cases.

  • Project Udbhav: Rediscovering India’s Strategic Heritage for Modern Defense

    udbhav

    Central Idea

    • The Indian Army has launched Project Udbhav, an initiative aimed at rediscovering the profound heritage of statecraft and strategic thinking from ancient Indian texts.

    Project Udbhav

    • Project Udbhav is conducted in collaboration by Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India, a defense think-tank.
    • The primary goal is to comprehend the depths of indigenous military systems, their evolution, enduring strategies, and the strategic thought processes that have shaped the Indian subcontinent for millennia.
    • It delves into India’s rich historical narratives in the domains of statecraft and strategic thinking.
    • It encompasses indigenous military systems, historical texts, regional texts, kingdoms, thematic studies, and Kautilya Studies.

    Why such move?

    • The initiative underscores the Indian Army’s recognition of India’s ancient wisdom in statecraft, strategy, diplomacy, and warfare.
    • It seeks to establish a connection between historical wisdom and contemporary needs.

    Scholarly Outcomes and Ongoing Research

    • A study to compile Indian stratagems based on ancient texts has been ongoing since 2021.
    • A book listing 75 aphorisms selected from ancient texts has already been published under the initiative.
    • The first scholarly outcome is the 2022 publication titled “Paramparik Bhartiya Darshan…Ranniti aur Netriyta ke Shashwat Niyam,” which is meant to be read by all ranks of the Indian Army.
    • A recent panel discussion included a dialogue on the study of ancient texts ranging from the 4th century BCE to the 8th century CE, with a specific focus on Kautilya, Kamandaka, and the Kural.

  • Dawn of Passkeys: A Password-Free Future

    passkey

    Central Idea

    • In 1961, MIT computer science professor Fernando Corbato introduced the world to digital passwords, an innovation designed for research purposes. Little did he know the profound societal impact his creation would eventually wield.

    Why discuss this?

    • Passwords have become nearly synonymous with cybersecurity in the 21st century, albeit with an unsavory connotation.
    • Despite efforts to promote robust password practices, “password” and “123456” continue to dominate the list of common passwords, underscoring the pervasive vulnerability of most accounts.

    Passkeys: Need for Change

    • Ineffectiveness of Passwords: The prevailing authentication method, based on passwords, falls short in ensuring adequate security.
    • Big Tech Solution: In response to this predicament, major tech companies propose a solution – passkeys.

    Understanding Passkeys

    • Web Authentication Standard: Passkeys are a security feature built on the WebAuthentication (WebAuthn) standard.
    • Public-Key Cryptography: Passkeys employ public-key cryptography, a potent technique employing a public key (server-side) and a private key (user-side).
    • Authentication Process: When users log in, a challenge is sent to their device, which utilizes the private key to solve it and respond. The server then validates the response with the public key, all without storing any secrets, enhancing security.

    Getting Started with Passkeys

    • Wide Compatibility: Leading tech companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Apple, have collaborated to make passkeys accessible to most recent phones and PCs.
    • Operating Systems: Passkeys are available on iOS 16+, iPadOS 16+, macOS Ventura, Android 9+, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
    • Web Browsers: Passkeys are supported on popular browsers like Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox.

    Creating and Using Passkeys

    • Account Requirement: Users need an account with a provider supporting passkeys, such as Microsoft, Google, or Apple.
    • Activation Process: To enable passkeys, sign in to a compatible app or website, activate the passkey option, and obtain a unique passkey linked to your account and device.
    • Usage: Passkeys can be used with biometrics (e.g., Touch ID, Face ID), QR codes, or device verification.

    Future of Passwords

    • Inevitable Evolution: While passkeys offer notable advantages over traditional passwords in terms of security and user-friendliness, they still face challenges related to compatibility and user adoption.
    • Industry Push: Notably, Google, Apple, and Microsoft are driving the passkey agenda strongly, suggesting that passwords may eventually become obsolete.

    Conclusion

    • A Security Evolution: The emergence of passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords marks a significant shift in the realm of cybersecurity.
    • Ongoing Transition: As passkeys gain momentum and garner support from tech giants, they may gradually pave the way for a password-free future, promising enhanced security and user convenience in the digital realm.