Editor,
‘In God We Trust, All Others We Track.’- Combat Direction Center at the USS Harry S. Truman
The Meghalaya government has unleashed the Integrated Command and Control System (ICCC) at Umsawli in New Shillong Township, calibrating state-of-the-art data analytics to application programming interface to have a better understanding and for leveraging Shillong city into a transformative one. The question is – are we heading towards a digital panopticon? The United Nations predicts that by 2050, 55% of the world’s population will reside in urban areas, with an increase to 68%. Going by data with land space getting more expensive and restrictive, we are clearing the roadmap for the rise of the machines. Recently, experts from various fields, from academia to industry specialists, gathered at the National Law University Meghalaya for a two-day conference titled ‘Era of Disruption.’ The conference focused on how Artificial Intelligence will shape the future of the next generation of leaders. The event was held at the University’s location in Mayurbhanj, and it certainly signals a significant evolutionary shift in legal studies. Furthermore, the importance of checks and balances is evident. The Frontline magazine, in its January 18, 2019, cover story titled “Snooping State,” highlighted how ten central agencies were empowered to monitor, intercept, and decode communications under the direction of the Union Home Ministry.
Biometrics and facial recognition were once fantasy story lines in Hollywood movies like Eagle Eye or Enemy of the State, but today they are reality tools which, left unchecked, can turn rogue in the wrong hands. A major blow was on June 6, 2013 when The Guardian and The Washington Post brought to light the PRISM program which left the US National Security Agency at the centre of the storm and Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) becoming a subject of extensive oversight.
Agencies like Research and Analysis Wing, National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO), Directorate of Signals Intelligence in the Army are of utmost importance with the growing digital influence of China and Russia but turning them into lethal engines for public monitoring will be nerve-wracking especially with the skirmishes in Bangladesh and Manipur.
Edward Snowden’s memoir, ‘Permanent Record’, on how one man was engaged in building a system for mass surveillance, eventually leading him to bring it down for the greater good is a must read.
Yours etc.,
Christopher Gatphoh,
Shillong-10
Fire safety and use of drones
Editor,
As winter sets in, many people turn to electric heaters, blowers, or traditional methods like burning wood and charcoal to stay warm. While these methods provide relief from the cold, and prevent one from getting sick, they also pose significant fire hazards. In Meghalaya, numerous fires have been caused by short circuits, unattended charcoal fires, or improper use of blowers in the past. Additionally, smoke and fumes in poorly ventilated rooms can lead to suffocation.
The concern goes beyond winter—it’s about the overall safety of our localities throughout the year. How prepared are we to handle emergencies? Are our localities equipped to receive timely assistance? Unfortunately, narrow roads in many areas remain a recurring issue, hindering access for fire trucks and emergency responders.
While the fire services have taken steps to address these challenges, more needs to be done. One innovative solution to enhance fire safety is the use of drones. Drones equipped to carry and dispense water could be deployed to extinguish fires in areas inaccessible to fire trucks, such as densely packed or remote localities. They could also be invaluable during large-scale fires, where additional support is critical to control the situation.
To ensure such measures are effective, proper training and awareness programs should be conducted annually in every locality with initiatives that include educating residents about fire prevention and safety, familiarizing communities with emergency protocols, and demonstrating the use of innovative tools like water-carrying drones.
By taking these proactive steps, we can minimize the risks of fire-related tragedies and ensure a safer environment for all.
Yours etc.,
B.Laitphlang,
Via email
Torn national flag at Secretariat: A matter of national shame
Editor,
I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of national pride and importance. The national flag hoisted in the Secretariat is gradually tearing out, which is not only a visual eyesore but also a disrespect to the national symbol. According to the Flag Code of India, a dishevelled or damaged flag should not be hoisted. It is imperative that the authorities take immediate action to replace the torn flag with a new one, ensuring that our national symbol is treated with the respect and dignity it deserves. As North-East India’s oldest English-language daily newspaper, I believe The Shillong Times has a significant influence on public opinion and can help bring this issue to the attention of the state administration. I urge the authorities to take prompt action to rectify this situation and maintain the dignity of our national flag.
Yours etc.,
Sudarshan Dasgupta,
Via email