National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID

The National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID is an integrated intelligence master database structure for counter-terrorism purposes which connects 21 databases of various core security agencies under the Government of India. NATGRID aims to mitigate a vital deficiency — lack of real time information, which was considered to be one of the major hurdles in detecting US terror suspect David Headley's movement across the country during his multiple visits between 2006 and 2009.

NATGRID was conceptualised in 2009 in the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, revived in 2016 and became operational at the end of 2020. It is based in Bengaluru and is accessible only to security agencies. It is a platform to facilitate secure intelligence-sharing between the National Investigative Agency (NIA) and State Anti-Terror Squads and enables the police and investigating agencies to securely access government and private databases in real time. It is being developed as a measure to help security agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Research & Analysis Wing (RAW) etc. in tackling crime and terror threats in the country.

NATGRID is a state-backed surveillance database that gives security agencies access to all kinds of data about a citizen, including details of driving licence, vehicle registration, bank records, Aadhaar registration, FASTag, hospital data, airline data, tax records, bank records, and also details of social media accounts which share posts on a particular issue, telecom and internet usage.

Additionally, NATGRID’s advanced analytics tool “Gandiva” can reportedly be used for facial recognition of criminals and potential suspects. Gandiva, NATGRID’s AI-driven intelligence query tool, adds a single point search and can match the image of a suspect with photo identity documents such as telecom KYC, vehicle registration or driving licence etc.

The Home Ministry has been advocating the use of NATGRID by State police and Central agencies to collect intelligence and speed up investigation of criminal cases. The platform gathered pace after investigating agencies and the state police were recently asked to scale up the use of NATGRID in all investigations.

Access to NATGRID is now available to Superintendent of Police (SP) rank officers. NATGRID is linked to the CCTNS ( Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems database covering around 14,000 police stations. Presently NATGRID is receiving 45,000 requests per month.


The NATGRID leverages Information Technology to connect approved User Agencies (security/law enforcement) with designated Data providers (Airlines, Banks, SEBI, Railway, Telecom etc.) with a view to enhance the country’s counter- terrorism capability. As per recent information, Govt. has linked the intel grid to National Population Register, agencies can access details of 119 crore residents

https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/govt-links-intel-grid-to-national-population-register-agencies-can-access-details-of-119-crore-residents/article70437004.ece

Previous : Direct to Mobile (D2M)

Direct to Mobile (D2M)

Social media has been an important tool of communication but requires internet. Also facebook, X, youtube etc. are governed by rules and laws of miscellaneous companies and countries.

 

In the past we have watched broadcasts in India without internet using Over-the-Air (OTA) TV antennas for traditional TVs. For several years now, the Government has been working on a broader push for digital self-reliance using Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology. This is being developed to stream live TV directly to compatible smartphones and other mobile devices and will allow content on a mobile phone without a data connection. By minimising dependence on internet infrastructure, the D2M model could also reduce content delivery costs and relieve pressure on telecom networks.

 

The D2M technology enables users to receive live TV, video, audio, and text content directly on mobile phones without internet or Wi-Fi access. This approach leverages terrestrial TV broadcast signals to deliver content, positioning it as a potential disruptor to traditional data-driven streaming services. In a paper titled 'D2M Broadcast 5G Broadband Convergence Roadmap for India', published by IIT Kanpur in 2022, it was noted that currently available mobile devices do not support D2M technology. To make these devices compatible, a separate baseband processing unit is needed, along with an antenna, low-noise amplifiers, baseband filters and a receiver. Traditionally, it has been employed for issuing emergency alerts and assisting in disaster management. The government said that using D2M, information can be directly delivered on the mobile phone of users without straining network bandwidth.

The D2M platform is not entirely new to India and has undergone multi-year testing on live networks through a collaboration between public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, IIT Kanpur, and Tata group. GOI, in collaboration with several partners, has also required private players to prepare to roll out Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) phones in India, ahead of upcoming nationwide field trials,

 

The D2M technology functions in the manner similar to FM radio, where a receiver gets the transmitted signal. It is also similar to direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting in which a dish antenna receives broadcast signals directly from satellites and transmits them to a receiver, also known as a set-top box.

Last year, pilot projects to test the D2M technology were carried out in Bengaluru, Kartavya Path and Noida. After successful pilot trials, the technology is moving toward a phased commercial rollout in mid/late 2026. The phones to be launched will include chipsets that support features like emergency alerts, targeted advertising, and educational content without relying on mobile data. Mobile phones have been launched by Lava and HMD (who manufactured Nokia phones).

Once implemented, it is likely to be as revolutionary and successful as India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface), more especially in rural and smaller cities where internet penetration is low.

 

https://www.communicationstoday.co.in/direct-to-mobile-unlocking-indias-next-digital-wave/ 

Next : National Intelligence Grid or NATGRID

Previous : Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

Technology helped us take the enemy head on and win the Kargil by the laser guided precision bombs and heavy artillery. Data about enemy troop was required and Indian military sought GPS data. The space-based navigation system would have provided vital information but USA denied it to India. Our fighter Pilots flew real-time missions with hand-held GPS and use of airpower was one of the excellent features of the Kargil operations.

To avoid heavy reliance on GPS technology, ISRO established a regional navigation satellite system called Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) earlier known as Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS). The project was approved in 2006 by the Indian government, the launch of the first NavIC satellite was in 2013 and completion of the NavIC constellation was in 2016.  NavIC became operational in 2017, offering Standard Positioning Service (SPS) for civilian users and Restricted Service (RS) for authorized / strategic users, with position accuracy better than 20 meters in its primary service area. And a year later NavIC was integrated in mobile devices to promote widespread adoption and usage. Continuous improvements and the addition of new satellites ensure NavIC remains a robust and reliable regional navigation system, supporting diverse applications in India and neighboring areas.

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system developed and maintained by the United States Department of Defense since 1973. It consists of a constellation of at least 24 satellites orbiting Earth. GPS is widely used worldwide in civilian, commercial, and military operations, providing position accuracy within a few meters. GPS has been a Global pioneer for decades whereas NavIC has been an emerging Indigenous technology in recent times. NavIC is designed with a constellation of 7 satellites and a network of ground stations operating 24 x 7. The coverage area includes India and a region up to 1500 km beyond Indian boundary. NavIC signals are designed to provide user position accuracy better than 20m and timing accuracy better than 50ns.

GPS offers a global solution, whereas NavIC is specially designed for regional applications within India, focusing on domestic needs, such as public safety and disaster management, which aligns with India’s strategic objectives.
 
https://www.isro.gov.in/SatelliteNavigationServices.html

NavIC, India’s regional navigation satellite system, focuses on applications particularly relevant to India and its neighboring regions. It is used for public vehicle tracking, improving safety standards in commercial transportation, and ensuring real-time alerts for emergencies, such as alerts for fishermen in distress at sea.. The technology is also used in disaster management efforts as it provides precise location data, which is crucial for assessing damage, coordinating rescue operations, and streamlining disaster response initiatives.

When India unleashed Operation Sindoor in May 2025, the world watched its advanced missiles, drones, and stealth assets. But one of the most decisive factors in the success of this coordinated military operation was invisible - orbiting silently above the subcontinent - NavIC, India’s indigenous satellite navigation system. India's use of NavIC during Operation Sindoor demonstrated several critical advantages:

- Independence from U.S. GPS: India could strike deep without relying on any foreign-owned navigation signals.

- Encrypted Military Channel prevented Pakistani jamming or spoofing during missile and drone missions

India’s vision for Navic includes hypersonic weapon integration for guiding future hypersonic glide vehicles. And Space command network for India’s Defence, Space, Intelligence and surveillance.

https://www.earlytimes.in/m/newsdet.aspx?q=175100

(NavIC maps are available, the free version helps location and directions but unlike say Google Maps, does not show vehicular traffic. I have not tried the paid version).

Next: Direct to Mobile (D2M)

Previous : Chenab Rail Bridge. World's highest railway arch bridge

Chenab Rail Bridge. World's highest railway arch bridge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi  inaugurated the Chenab Rail Bridge in Jammu and Kashmir on 6th June 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s railway infrastructure. It is the tallest railway arch bridge in the world. This event is also a significant development in enhancing rail connectivity in the region, especially between Jammu and Srinagar. It is:

The world’s highest railway arch bridge standing 359 metres above the Chenab River, it is designed as a steel arch bridge. Chenab Bridge with an overall length of 1315 m, an arch span of 467 m, and towering 359 m above the riverbed—making it taller than the Eiffel Tower and acclaimed as the world's highest arch railway bridge.

 

An engineering feat, built to endure extreme seismic activity and high wind speeds, the bridge represents a triumph of modern engineering in one of India’s most challenging terrains.

 

On connectivity, the bridge is a key component of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project. It will significantly reduce travel time between Katra and Srinagar to about three hours, via the Vande Bharat trains – as against the 67 hours by road.

After an extensive inspection of the newly constructed Chenab Bridge by senior officers from Railway Board, Northern Railway and Konkan Railway, a trial run of the eight-coach Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train was conducted on 5th June. This was on a 46-km-long electrified line section between Sangaldan in Ramban district and Reasi at a speed of 40 kmph. The world’s highest railway bridge, in Jammu and Kashmir, marks a significant step towards commencing rail operations on the Reasi-Baramulla route in Kashmir. 

According to Afcons Infrastructure Limited, the top infrastructure company that constructed the bridge, one of the main and earliest challenges was access to the bridge location, to transport equipment and construction materials. Eventually, on the North side of the river bank, an 11-km road was constructed and a 12-km road on the South side. Further comments on the challenges faced can be read here:

https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/chenab-bridge-construction-horses-mules-worlds-highest-railway-bridge/article69667650.ece

 

Other articles can be read here:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/jk-pm-narendra-modi-inaugurates-worlds-highest-railway-arch-today-chenab-bridge-in-8-points/articleshow/121667318.cms

https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/pm-modi-inaugurate-worlds-highest-chenab-rail-bridge-june-6-top-points-125060500273_1.html

 

Next : Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)

 Previous: Muslims marry/remarry under the Special Marriage Act

Muslims marry/remarry under the Special Marriage Act

Many who talk of Women’s lib and their empowerment have preferred to ignore the glaring inequality of women’s rights under Muslim Personal Law in India. One important aspect relates to unequal inheritance rights of daughters wherein a daughter is only entitled to a share in property which is half of that of the son. If there is no son only 2/3rd of the property goes to the daughter and the remaining to the man’s brothers or other relatives. Also, the estate of a Muslim can only pass to a Muslim, which prejudices the wife or children following another religion.

After 29 years, advocate and actor C Shukkur, (known for his role as a lawyer in the Kunchacko Boban starrer ‘Nna Thaan Case Kodu’), remarried his wife Sheena — former Pro-Vice Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University — under the Special Marriage Act (SMA) in 2023 on Women’s Day with all three of their daughters in attendance as witnesses. The remarriage was done to save the property rights of his three daughters.

When a Muslim couple marries under the Special Marriage Act of 1954, they cease to be Muslims for the purpose of inheritance. Thereafter, their property is no longer governed by the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act of 1937. The cascading effect of Shukkur’s initiative is now being witnessed on the ground. In the two districts where data was collected by them under RTI, Thrissur witnessed 144 registrations under the act, 133 such registrations were held in Kasaragod.

This trend, if it is indeed so, indicates one reason for the Uniform Civil Code proposed to be implemented by the BJP

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2024/Jul/10/muslim-community-turns-to-special-marriage-act-for-fair-inheritance-in-kerala  

Next: Chenab Rail Bridge. World's highest railway arch bridge

Previous : Aarogya Maitri