Security Forces and Agencies in India (GS 3)

Material IAS
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Index
Central Armed Police Force.............3 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Border Security Force (BSF) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Railway Protection Force (RPF) National Security Guards (NSG) Special Protection Group (SPG) Paramilitary Forces.......................11 The Assam Rifles The Special Frontier Force The Indian Coast Guard Intelligence Agencies..15 Research and Analysis Wing Intelligence Bureau National Investigation Agency. Central Bureau of Investigation. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence. Indian Armed Forces...21 Army Navy Airforce Special Forces Important Issues and Recent Develpoments....27

Central Armed Police Force

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) are the following eight police forces of the central government of India:
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Border Security Force (BSF) Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) Railway Protection Force (RPF) National Security Guards (NSG) Special Protection Group (SPG)

Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)

One of the largest Central Police organisations in the world. It functions under the aegis of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) of the Government of India. Its main objective is to assist and help state and union territories' law enforcement agencies in maintaining law and order and to contain insurgency.

Major Duties:
Crowd control Riot control Counter Militancy / Insurgency operations Dealing with Left Wing Extremism Overall co-ordination of large scale security arrangement especially with regard to elections in disturbed areas Protection of VIPs and vital installations Checking environmental de-gradation and protection of local Flora and Fauna Fighting aggression during War time Participating in UN Peace Keeping Mission Rescue and Relief operations at the time of Natural Calamities

Border Security Force (BSF)

It is a central police force operating under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Formed due to inadequacies shown in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 with the specific mandate of guarding India's international boundaries. Was used in Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 against the Pakistani Armed Forces in areas where the Indian Armed Forces was thinly spread. Also took part in the Battle of Longewala. BSF has own Tear Smoke Unit situated at BSF Academy, Takenpur, Gwalior (M P), which supplies to all state police forces for riot prevention. Have its own Air Wing, Water Wing and also provides Choppers, Dogs and others useful service to all State Police. Recently been given the task of aiding the Indian Army in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

Peace time
Promote a sense of security among the people living in the border areas. Prevent trans border crimes, unauthorized entry into or exit from the territory of India. Prevent smuggling and any other illegal activity.

War Time

Holding ground in less threatened sectors. Protection of vital installations. Assistance in control of refugees. Anti-infiltration duties in specified areas.

Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBPF)

Responsible for security along the Indo-Tibetan Border, covering 2115 km. ITBPF is a specialized mountain Force and most of the officers & men are professionally trained mountaineers and skiers. Being the first responder for natural disaster in the Himalayas, ITBPF has been carrying out numerous rescue and relief operations. ITBP has also very small Force with strength of 90,000 personals. Being the first responder for natural disaster in the Himalayas, ITBPF has been carrying out numerous rescue and relief operations.

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)

Formed in 1963 to be deployed on the borders along with Nepal and Bhutan. SSB is very small central Armed Police force has 82,000 personnel. SSB doesn't have its own proper vehicle and arms. SSB operates on mountainous terrains. Role: To promote sense of security among the people living in the border area. To prevent trans border crimes and unauthorized entries into or exit from the territory of India. To prevent smuggling and other illegal activities.

Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)

CISF is the largest industrial security force in the world. Its current strength is 165,000. The strength will be raised to 200,000 over the next 23 years. It is directly under the federal Ministry of Home Affairs and its headquarters are at New Delhi. Provides security cover to 300 industrial units and other establishments located all over India. Industrial sectors like atomic power plants, space installations, mints, oil fields and refineries, major ports, heavy engineering, steel plants, barrages, fertilliser units, airports and hydroelectric/thermal power plants owned and controlled by Central PSUs, and currency note presses producing Indian currency are protected by CISF. CISF also provides security to certain NGOs, like Infosys. Also provides consultancy services to private industries as well as other organisation within the Indian government. There are some reserved battalions which works with the state police to protect law and orders. Another unique thing which CISF is having i.e., Fire Wing which helps during fire accidents in Industries where CISF is guarding.
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Railway Protection Force (RPF)

Charged with protecting the Indian Railways. The strength of RPF is about 65,000. The duties of the Railway Protection Force include: To do all conducive means for the free movement of the railways. Protection and safeguarding of railway property. Protection and safeguarding of passenger, their belongings and passenger areas. The origin of this force was 'Watch & Ward' and functioned under the administrative control of railway administration. Later on this force was renamed as Railway Protection Force and its members were provided with the power of arrest without warrant for the unlawful possession of railway property. The offenders are booked under the Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act 1966 which is shortly known as RP(UP) Act 1966.

National Security Guards (NSG)

A commando unit originally created for counter-terrorism and hostage rescue missions. Raised in 1986, it is popularly known as the "Black Cats" for the uniform worn by its operators. It is media-shy and the general Indian public is largely unaware of its capabilities and operational details. Draws its members from the Indian Army and various central police units. It is India's premier counter-terror outfit and is typically deployed in situations that would be beyond the capabilities of regular police units. An NSG team with a dedicated transport aircraft is always stationed at Palam airport in New Delhi, ready to deploy in 30 minutes. The NSG has also been increasingly tasked with protection of VIPs. This role has expanded in recent years, as several politicians have come to view NSG protection as a status symbol. This has caused some concern among senior NSG officers and Home Ministry officials.

Tasks Neutralising specific terrorist threat in any given area, building, vital installation etc. Engaging terrorists or suspected terrorists in specific situations in order to neutralize them. Handling hijacks situations involving piracy in the air and / or land. Rescue of hostages in kidnapping incidents. Additional Tasks The following were the additional tasks entrusted in 1986-87: Security of high risk VIPs. Anti sabotage checks of venues of visits / public meetings of VVIPs. Anti hijack duties in domestic and international flights. Immediate back up security operations. Data collection on bomb explosions. Training of State Police personnel in anti-terrorism, VIP security. PSO duties and Bomb Detection and Disposal.
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Special Protection Group (SPG)

The Special Protection Group (SPG) is the executive protection agency of the Government of India. The force was established in 1985 after the assassination of Indira Gandhi. It is responsible for the protection of the Prime Minister of India, other top officials, and their immediate families. After retirement, the protection & security is provided for the next 10 years. Afterwards, it is the responsibility of the respective State Government in which the Prime Minister is residing.

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Paramilitary Forces
According to the official definition adopted in 2011, "Paramilitary Forces" refers to three organisations which assist the Indian Armed Forces particularly closely and are led by officers of the Indian Army or Indian Navy. They are:

The Assam Rifles (AR) The Special Frontier Force (SFF) The Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

The term "paramilitary forces" was previously used to refer to a variety of armed services that aid the operations of the law enforcement agencies of India and the Indian Armed Forces. No single official definition existed, so the term normally included central armed police and often included state armed police.

In March 2011, at the request of the Indian Army, the Indian government authorized the Indian Army to provide definitive terminology. An extremely narrow definition of "paramilitary" was adopted which excluded services now known as the "Central Armed Police Forces" and services now known as the "State Armed Police Forces".
The Indian government's new terminology does not necessarily coincide with the existing terminology of the states of India; for example, the state of Bihar calls its state armed police force "Military Police".

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The Assam Rifles (AR)

Started as a paramilitary police force formed under the British in 1835 called Cachar Levy. The name Assam Rifles was finally adopted in 1917 after undergoing number of name changes. Has served in a number of roles, conflicts and theatres including World War I where they served in Europe and the Middle East, and World War II where they served mainly in Burma. In the post World War II period the Assam Rifles has expanded greatly as has its role. There are currently 46 battalions of Assam Rifles under the control of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Roles:

Provision of internal security under the control of the army through the conduct of counter insurgency and border security operations, Provision of aid to the civil power in times of emergency, Provision of communications, medical assistance and education in remote areas. In times of war they can also be used as a combat force to secure rear areas if needed.
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The Special Frontier Force (SFF)

It was conceived in the post SinoIndian war period as a guerrilla force composed mainly of Tibetan refugees whose main goal was to conduct covert operations behind Chinese lines in case of another war between the People's Republic of China and India. Based in Chakrata, Uttarakhand, SFF is also known as the Establishment 22. The force was put under the direct supervision of the Intelligence Bureau, and later, the Research and Analysis Wing, India's external intelligence agency.

Radug Ngawang (far left), former brigadier of Establishment 22, escorted the Dalai Lama (right) on his way to India in 1959. Seen here with Sujan Singh Uban (2nd from right), the first inspectorgeneral of the regiment, in Chakrata, 1972

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The Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

ICG was formally established on 18 August 1978 as an armed force of the Union by the Coast Guard Act, 1978. It operates under the Department of Defence of the Union Ministry of Defence. Works in close cooperation with the Indian Navy, Department of Fisheries, Department of Revenue(Customs) and the Central and State police forces.

The Indian Coast Guard is primarily responsible for the safety, security, pollution control and law enforcement in the EEZ of India. Ensuring safety and protection of the artificial islands, offshore installations and other structure in our maritime zones. Providing protection to fishermen and assistance to them at sea while in distress. Preservation and protection of our maritime environment including prevention and control of maritime pollution. Assistance to the Department of Custom and other authorities in anti-smuggling operations. Enforcement of MZI Acts. Initiating measures for the safety of life and property at sea.
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Indian Intelligence Agencies

India has a number of intelligence agencies of which the best known are :
The Research and Analysis Wing, Indias external intelligence agency and The Intelligence Bureau, the domestic intelligence agency.

There are many other intelligence agencies, few of the important ones are: National Investigation Agency. Central Bureau of Investigation. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

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Research and Analysis Wing (RAW)

It is the primary external intelligence agency of the Republic of India. It was formed in September 1968 under the helmsman-ship of its first Director, Rameshwar Nath Kao. Its creation was necessitated post the Sino-Indian War 1962 and IndoPakistani War of 1965 which posed various gaps in intelligence gathering undertaken by Intelligence Bureau (which then handled both internal and external intelligence).

Major Objectives
Monitoring the political, military, economic and scientific developments in countries which have direct bearing on India's national security and the formulation of its foreign policy. Moulding international public opinion with the help of the strong and vibrant Indian diaspora. Covert Operations to safe guard India's National interests. Anti Terror Operations and neutralising terror elements posing a threat to India. In the past, following the Sino-Indian war of 1962 and due to India's volatile relations with Pakistan, R&AW's objectives had also consisted the following: To watch the development of international communism and the schism between the two big communist nations, the Soviet Union and China. As with other countries, both these powers had direct access to the communist parties in India. To control and limit the supply of military hardware to Pakistan, from mostly European countries, America and more importantly from China.
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Intelligence Bureau (IB)

It is reputedly the world's oldest intelligence agency. Formed in 1885 to monitor Russian troop deployments in Afghanistan, fearing a Russian invasion of British India through the North-West. In 1909, the Indian Political Intelligence Office was established in England in response to the development of Indian revolutionary activities, which came to be called the Indian Political Intelligence (IPI) from 1921. It was recast as the Central Intelligence Bureau in 1947 under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Understanding of the shadowy workings of the IB is largely speculative. Many a times even their own family members are unaware of their whereabouts.
It garners intelligence from within India and also execute counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism tasks. Tasked with intelligence collection in border areas, following the 1951 recommendations of the Himmatsinhji Committee. Was also tasked with other external intelligence responsibilities as of 1951 until 1968, when the Research and Analysis Wing was formed. One known task of the IB is to clear licences to amateur radio enthusiasts. Passes on intelligence between other Indian intelligence agencies and the police. Grants the necessary security clearances to Indian diplomats and judges before they take the oath. On rare occasions, IB officers interact with the media during a crisis situation. Rumoured to intercept and open around 6,000 letters daily. Has an email spying system similar to FBI's Carnivore system. Authorised to conduct wiretapping without a warrant.
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National Investigation Agency

A federal agency established by the Indian Government to combat terror in India. It acts as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency. The agency is empowered to deal with terror related crimes across states without special permission from the states. The Agency came into existence with the enactment of the National Investigation Agency Act 2008 by the Parliament of India on 31 December 2008. Created after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks as need for a central agency to combat terrorism was realised. Various Special Courts have been notified by the Central Government of India for trial of the cases registered at various police stations of NIA under Section 11 and 22 of the NIA Act 2008. Any question as to the jurisdiction of these courts is decided by the Central Government.
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Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

The foremost investigating police agency in India. It is under the jurisdiction of the Government of India. Involved in major criminal probes, and is the Interpol agency in India. Established in 1941 as the Special Police Establishment, tasked with domestic security. It was renamed the Central Bureau of Investigation on 1 April 1963. Its motto is "Industry, Impartiality, Integrity". Overseen by the Department of Personnel and Training of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of the Union Government, headed by a Union Minister who reports directly to the Prime Minister. While analogous in structure to the FBI, the CBI's powers and functions are limited to specific crimes by Acts (primarily the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.

The CBI being a Union subject may investigate:

Offenses against central-government employees, or concerning affairs of the central government and employees of central public-sector undertakings and public-sector banks Cases involving the financial interests of the central government Breaches of central laws enforceable by the Government of India Major fraud or embezzlement; multi-state organised crime Mulit-agency or international cases
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Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

Functions under the Central Board of Excise and customs(CBEC), in the Ministry of Finance, Department of Revenue.
Its charter includes the following functions:
Collection of intelligence about smuggling of contraband goods, narcotics, under-invoicing etc. through sources of India and abroad, including secret sources. Analysis and dissemination of such intelligence to the field formations for action. Working out of intelligence by the Directorate officers themselves to a successful conclusion, where necessary. Keeping watch over important seizures and investigation cases. Associating or taking over the investigations which warrant specialised handling by the Directorate. Guiding important investigation/prosecution cases. Functioning as the liaison authority for exchange or information among ESCAP countries for combating international smuggling and customs frauds in terms of the recommendation of the ESCAP conference. Keeping liaison with foreign countries, Indian Missions and Enforcement agencies abroad on anti-smuggling matters. To keep liaison with Central Bureau of Investigation and through them with the INTERPOL. To co-ordinate, direct and control anti-smuggling operations on the Indo-Nepal border. To refer cases registered under the Customs Act to the Income Tax Department for action under the Income Tax Act. To keep statistics of seizures and prices/rates etc. for watching trends of smuggling and supply required material to the ministry of Finance and other Ministries. To study and suggest remedies for loopholes in law and procedures to combat smuggling.
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Indian Armed Forces

The Government of India is responsible for ensuring the defence of India and every part thereof. The Supreme Command of the Indian Armed Forces vests in the President. The responsibility for national defence rests with the Cabinet. This is discharged through the Ministry of Defence, which provides the policy framework and wherewithal to the Armed Forces to discharge their responsibilities in the context of the defence of the country. The Indian Armed Forces comprise of three divisions :

Indian Army

Indian Navy

Indian Airforce

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Indian Army

The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. It has 1,129,900 active troops and 960,000 reserve troops. Its the world's second-largest standing army. Its primary mission is to ensure the national security and defence of the Republic of India from external aggression and threats, and maintaining peace and security within its borders. It also conducts humanitarian rescue operations during natural calamities and other disturbances. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a General, is a four star commander and commands the Army. There is never more than one serving general at any given time in the Army. Two officers have been conferred the rank of Field Marshal, a 5-star rank and the officer serves as the ceremonial chief.

Indigenously developed main battle tank Arjun MBT

Indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher Pinaka

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Indian Army

The Indian Army came into being when India gained independence in 1947, and inherited most of the infrastructure of the British Indian Army that were located in post-partition India. Since independence, the Army has been involved in four wars with neighboring Pakistan and one with the People's Republic of China. Other major operations undertaken by the Army include Operation Vijay, Operation Meghdoot and Operation Cactus. Primary Objectives: Preserve national interests and safeguard sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of India against any external threats by deterrence or by waging war Secondary Objectives: Assist Government agencies to cope with proxy war and other internal threats and provide aid to civil authority when requisitioned for the purpose

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Indian Navy
It is the naval branch of the armed forces of India. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), usually a four-star officer in the rank of admiral, commands the navy. The Indian Navy can trace its lineage back to the Royal Indian Navy; however, the modern navy was not officially created until 1947. The 17th century Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhosle is considered as the 'Father Of The Indian Navy.

Roles:
In conjunction with other armed forces of the union, act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace. Project influence in India's maritime area of interest, to further the nation's political, economic and security objectives. In cooperation with the Indian Coast Guard, ensure good order and stability in India's maritime zones of responsibility Provide maritime assistance (including disaster relief) in India's maritime neighborhood. To play a key role as part of a pluralistic security order for a better world.

Recently inducted aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya

INS Vikrant the first indigenous aircraft carrier of the Indian Navy

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Indian Airforce
Indian Air Force established on 8th October 1932 under the British Rule. Earlier it was known as the Royal Indian Air Force. The aircraft RIAF first operated was Wapiti Planes with one squadron. After independence air force served the nation with the prefix Royal it was dropped when India became republic in 1950. IAF has been involved in three wars all with neighboring country pakistan. The major role of IAF was in first kashmir war 1947,congo cricis 1961,sino indian 1962,second kashmir war 1965,bangladesh liberation war 1971. Major operations undertaken by iaf include operation vijay, operation meghdoot1984 and operation cactus,kargil1999. Apart from conflicts, the iaf has been an active participant in united nation peacekeeping missions. It celebrate its golden jubilee in 1982.
Indigenous attack helicopter HAL LCH in digital camoflage

Indigenous multi utility helicopter HAL Dhruv

Dassault Rafale Multirole fighter soon to be inducted in IAF

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Special Forces
The Special Forces of India are Indian military units with specialized training in the field of special operations such as Direct action, Hostage rescue, Counter-terrorism, Unconventional warfare, Special reconnaissance, Foreign Internal Defense, Personnel recovery, Asymmetric warfare, Counterproliferation.
Para Commandos Formed in 1966, its the largest and most important part of the Special Forces of India. A part of the highly trained Parachute Regiment of the Indian Army helping the main army to get in the enemy lines without much damage. Ghatak Force Special operations capable infantry platoon. There is one platoon in every infantry battalion in the Indian Army. Ghatak is a Hindi word meaning "killer" or "lethal". They act as shock troops and spearhead assaults ahead of the battalion. Usually are 20-men strong. Marine Commandos (MARCOS) Elite special operations unit of the Indian Navy. Specially organized, trained and equipped for the conduct of special operations in a maritime environment. One of the finest Special Forces units in the world and among the few units qualified to jump in the water with a full combat load. Specialized in maritime operations in Jammu and Kashmir through the Jhelum River and Wular Lake.
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Garud Commando Force Special Forces unit of the Indian Air Force. Formed in September 2004 and has strength of approximately 2000 personnel. derives its name from Garuda, a divine bird-like creature of Hindu Mythology. Ttasked with the protection of critical Air Force bases and installations; search and rescue during peace and hostilities and disaster relief during calamities. Presently, Garud's are deployed in Congo as part of the UN peace keeping operations.

Important Issues and Recent Develpoments

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Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958

Parliament passed the AFSPA in 1958. It gives draconian powers to the armed forces to deal with insurgencies. The Supreme Court upheld the Act in 1997. In November 2004, a 5 member committee under the chairmanship of Justice B.P.Jeevan Reddy suggested that the AFSPA should be repealed.

The Contentios Sections Section 4: Empowers the Army to search premises, make arrests without warrants and use extreme force. Section 6: Stipulates that arrested persons and seized property are to be made over to the police with little delay. Section 7: Offers protection for army men acting in good faith in their official capacity. Prosecution is permitted only after sanction of the Central Government.

Irom Chanu Sharmila is arguably waging the longestrunning hunger strike in history. This year will mark the fourteenth year of her protest launched on November 5, 2000 demanding that the government repeal a draconian law that grants absolute power to armed forces in troubled areas. She survives only because she is being force-fed through a tube attached to her nose.

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Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958

Santosh Hedge Commission:
Appointed by the Supreme Court to investigate encounter killings in Manipur, has methodically exposed the legislations failure to tackle insurgency in the State It examined six cases and pointed out: That the encounters were not genuine and maximum force was used to kill people. The Act provided sweeping powers to the security forces even to the extent of killing the suspected person with protection against prosecution but the Act failed to provide protection to the citizens against the possible misuse. The commission also noted that in general cases, the greater the power, the greater the restraint and stricter the mechanism to prevent its misuse or abuse. But in case of the AFSPA in Manipur this principle appears to have been reversed.

Objections by Army: Proactive operations will be severely affected under extant laws for Aid to Civil Authority since it has major limitations in this kind of environment and will result in the initiative being passed to the militant. The Army will not have the powers to arrest or search any individual or premise suspected to be indulging in/being used for anti-national activities. The Armed forces will not be able to use any force to diffuse any situation other than in self defence. Powers to destroy ammunition dumps, IEDs (improvised explosive devices) will be nonexistent. Troops will not be able to perform their duties in the prevailing environment without proper legal cover. Besides the question of morale the orders of the commanders on ground themselves would be questionable by his command as 'unlawful'. It would bolster the will of anti-nationals and provide a definitive surge to militancy.
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CBI is unconstitutional- Guwahati High Court

While we decline to hold and declare that the DSPE (Delhi Special Police Establishment) Act, 1946, is not a valid piece of legislation, we do hold that the CBI is neither an organ nor a part of the DSPE and the CBI cannot be treated as a police force constituted under the DSPE Act, 1946, said Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari and Justice Indira Shah of Guwahati High Court in their judgment.

The court also dismissed a home ministry order under which the CBI was set up in 1963. It said that the 50-year-old resolution was not produced before the President and never received his assent, as is the norm for legislation. Hence, CBI cannot be called a "constitutional investigative agency. CBIs Arguments
CBI argued that it had been exercising its functions and powers to investigate like a police force under the DSPE Act 1946 for 50 years and that the SC had upheld the validity of DSPE Act in several cases. It contented that the HC had erred in interferring that the DSPE Act didnt support CBIs existence.
The Supreme Court has stayed the Gauhati high court's verdict that declared the CBI 'unconstitutional'. Earlier the Centre had challenged before the Supreme Court the Gauhati high court order and sought a stay on it contending that the verdict will adversely impact thousands of criminal cases pending across the country.
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Recent news articles

NATGRID begins operations; high security protocols deployed
Source: DNA NATGRID, the ambitious counter- terror mechanism envisaged post 26/11, has discretely begun churning out vital information for Indian security agencies. High-level security arrangements have been put in place to aggressively guard the system against any breach in its platform. 21 data sources of various intelligence and enforcement agencies have been brought on board to put together a better picture of an incident which could be used not only to counter an impending threat but also trail suspects. NATGRID is a tool in background.It is assisting agencies. It is only a pointer, like a compass.It is like Google. When you search for anything on Google it points you to go here and go there..likewise it (NATGRID) enables an officer to very quickly get a 360-degree view of a situation.

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Recent news articles

Border Security Force to guard Myanmar border from 2014 itself: Director General
Source: DNA From this year itself, BSF will start guarding the 1,624-km-long India-Myanmar border thar passes through the states of Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The BSF now patrols the country's borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan while Assam Rifles have been maintaining vigil at the India-Myanmar border since 2002.

Government to Launch Internet Spy System 'Netra' Soon

Source: The Indian Express Use of words like 'attack', 'bomb', 'blast' or 'kill' in tweets, status updates, emails or blogs may bring people under surveillance of security agencies as the government will soon launch 'Netra', an internet spy system capable of detecting malafide messages. The Home Ministry is giving finishing touches to 'Netra', which will be deployed by all security agencies to capture any dubious voice traffic passing through software like Skype or Google Talk, besides write-ups in tweets, status updates, emails, instant messaging transcripts, internet calls, blogs and forums. It is developed by Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR), a lab under Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The specifications of the 'Netra' system can be taken as frozen following tests by the Intelligence Bureau and Cabinet Secretariat, and can be considered for providing multiple user access to security agencies. The inter-ministerial group favoured allocation of 300 GB of storage space to a maximum of three security agencies, including the Intelligence Bureau and Cabinet Secretariat, for intercepted internet traffic and an extra 100 GB would be assigned to the remaining law enforcement agencies.
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Recent news articles

Govt clears Rs 11,000 cr modernisation plan for central forces
Source: Economic Times Government today approved a Rs 11,000-crore project for modernisation of central paramilitary forces, including ITBP which guards the now tense Sino-Indian border. CRPF, BSF, ITBP, CISF, SSB, NSG and Assam Rifles will benefit under the plan which was awaiting approval from CCS. Sources said the standoff along the Sino-Indian border in Ladakh, which is being guarded by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, is believed to have prompted the CCS to clear the project which is already delayed by a year. Chinese troops had pitched tents 19 km inside Indian territory in Daulat Beg Oldie area in Ladakh last month, leading to tension on the frontier. The modernisation will ensure that the forces have better arms, ammunition, night vision devices, patrolling equipment, vehicles and other infrastructural upgradation.

CBI sought part RTI exemption, Govt gave it full

Source: Indian Express Almost three years after the controversial decision to exempt the CBI from the purview of the Right To Information Act, it has come to light that the Solicitor-General and the investigating agency itself wanted only partial immunity from the transparency law, but got total exemption from the UPA government. The government felt that exempting the premier investigating agency only partially would lead to other bodies asking for the same, and this push for full exemption was strongly backed by the Prime Ministers Office, according to file notings and official records accessed by The Indian Express.

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