A team of National Disaster Response Force (<keyword id="58585" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="ndrf" source="Orion">NDRF</keyword>) personnel along with a specially trained dog squad and necessary equipment has departed from Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad to carry out search and rescue operations in <keyword id="6372909" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="turkey" source="Orion">Turkey</keyword>. India has sent the NDRF team to Turkey after earthquakes jolted Turkey and <keyword id="6354913" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="syria" source="Orion">Syria</keyword> on Monday. Speaking to ANI, Deepak Talwar, Deputy Commandant, NDRF, who is leading the first NDRF team from India to Turkey, said, "This team is consisting of 47 NDRF personnel and three senior officers to perform recovery and response work as per the United Nations guidelines." He further said, "We have received the orders for two teams. First team is about to move very soon and second team will be leaving in the morning. We're going for disaster response &amp; after that, humanitarian aid will be provided as per Government of India guidelines." Speaking to ANI, Talwar said, "The team is going as per the composition prescribed by NDRF and accordingly, we are moving. Medical components are also there. Paramedic staff is also there." Mohsen Shahedi, DIG, Operation and Training NDRF said, "As you know, a massive earthquake took place in Turkey and Syria. The Government of India as a measure of HADR (<keyword id="673140" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="humanitarian-assistance" source="Orion">Humanitarian Assistance</keyword> &amp; Disaster Relief) operations, has taken a decision to send two teams of NDRF to Turkey." He further said, "The teams are sent to help in conducting the rescue and relief operations. About 101 NDRF personnel from two teams, one of the team Eight battalion of NDRF from Ghaziabad and the other from second battalion of NDRF from Kolkata will be going for this mission." Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in a tweet said, "India's Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities in action. The first batch of earthquake relief material leaves for Turkiye, along with NDRF Search and Rescue Teams, specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines and other necessary equipment." The prime minister's office (PMO) in a statement on Monday said that a meeting was held and it was decided that the search and rescue teams of NDRF and medical teams along with relief materials would be dispatched immediately in coordination with the Turkish government. "Medical teams are also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. Relief material will be dispatched in coordination with the Turkish government and the Indian Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul," the PMO said. P K Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister held a meeting in South Block to discuss immediate relief measures. The death toll in Turkey and Syria has reached more than 3,800 after earthquakes jolted the two nations on Monday. The total number of injured in Syria and Turkey has reached 15,914 following earthquakes.At least 2,379 people were killed and 14,483 others injured in Turkey after earthquakes jolted the southern part of the country on Monday, Anadolu Agency reported. Syrian Ministry of Health said that the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 711 and 1431 others have been injured in Syria, including in Lattakia, Aleppo, Hama and Tartus, SANA reported.Meanwhile, Syrian Civil Defense, known as the "White Helmets," said there were 740 deaths in regions controlled by the opposition, CNN reported. On Monday, an earthquake of magnitude 7.7 centered in the Pazarcik district jolted Kahramanmaras and hit several provinces, including Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Adana, Adiyaman, Malatya, Osmaniye, Hatay, and Kilis, as per the Anadolu Agency report. Later in the day, an earthquake of 7.6 magnitude centered in Kahramanmaras's Elbistan district jolted the region. The earthquake was also felt in several neighboring countries, including Lebanon and Syria. The third earthquake of magnitude 6.0 on the Richter scale hit Goksun, Turkey on Monday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said.

NDRF personnel with specially equipped trained dog squad departs for earthquake-hit Turkey

Nearly 4,900 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck <keyword id="6372909" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="turkey" source="Orion">Turkey</keyword> and <keyword id="6354913" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="syria" source="Orion">Syria</keyword> on Monday, according to officials, reported <keyword id="82130" type="General" weightage="80" keywordseo="cnn" source="Orion">CNN</keyword>. Turkey's death toll rose to at least 3,381 as of around 9:45 a.m. local time on Tuesday, <keyword id="16397100" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="orhan-tatar" source="Orion">Orhan Tatar</keyword>, an official with the country's disaster management agency, said in a televised briefing. At least 20,426 injuries have also been reported, according to Tatar. Meanwhile in Syria, the death toll has risen to 1,509 across areas controlled by the government and by the opposition, officials said, reported CNN. At least 3,548 people have also been reported injured in Syria, according to officials. So far, 11,000 buildings have been reported damaged in Turkey, said Tatar. Nearly 25,000 emergency responders are working at scenes impacted, he added, reported CNN. Rescuers are using at least 10 ships and 54 aircraft to transport the wounded and help with search operations, he said. The international community has been quick to offer assistance to Turkey and Syria as the full scale of the disaster becomes clear, reported CNN. On Tuesday morning, planes carrying aid from Iraq and Iran, including food, medicines and blankets, arrived at Damascus International Airport in Syria, Syrian state media SANA reported. Japan announced it would send the country's Disaster Relief Rescue team to Turkey, and on Monday night, the first of two disaster relief teams left India for Turkey with dog squads and medical supplies. Pakistan has also dispatched two search and rescue teams to the ravaged country, while Australia and New Zealand committed funds for humanitarian assistance. The European Union activated its crisis response mechanism, while the United States said it would send two search and rescue units to Turkey. Palestinian civil defence and medical teams will also be sent to Turkey and Syria to help in rescue operations, reported CNN. Meanwhile, 10 units of the Russian army with more than 300 soldiers are clearing debris and helping in search and rescue operations in Syria, Russia's Defense Ministry said. Russia is the strongest foreign power operating in Syria, and Russian President <keyword id="43440" type="General" weightage="50" keywordseo="vladimir-putin" source="Orion">Vladimir Putin</keyword> has long allied with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said emergency response teams from the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) and WHO's Emergency Medical Teams (EMT) are being mobilized to Turkey to assist in the humanitarian response. However, the UN's humanitarian coordinator in Syria, El-Mostafa Benlamlih, told CNN the search and rescue mission was being hampered by a lack of heavy equipment and machinery. He said the UN's supply of stock has been distributed and more medicine and medical equipment are needed, and especially freshwater or tools to repair damaged water tanks. "Around 4 million people in northern Syria were already displaced and relying on humanitarian support as a result of war. Everyone is overstretched in that part of the world ... there is an enormous amount do. People have fled their homes often standing around in bitterly cold conditions really without access to safe water. So water is key. Blankets, food, psychological support," according to James Elder, spokesman for UNICEF. Hospitals in the country are overwhelmed as victims seek help, with some facilities damaged by the quake. And there is particular concern about the spread of illness, especially among children, who were already living in extreme hardship, reported CNN. "This winter had been particularly tough due to the freezing conditions and a cholera outbreak, Elder said. The United Nations said the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck southern Turkey early Monday was the county's most powerful quake in more than 80 years. "This is Turkiye's most powerful earthquake recorded since 1939," a situational report released Monday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) said. At least 100 aftershocks measuring 4.0 or greater have occurred since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey on Monday morning local time, according to the United States Geological Survey. On Monday, an earthquake of magnitude 7.8 centered in the Pazarcik district jolted Kahramanmaras and hit several provinces, including Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Adana, Adiyaman, Malatya, Osmaniye, Hatay, and Kilis, as per the Anadolu Agency report. Later in the day, an earthquake of 7.6 magnitude centred in Kahramanmaras's Elbistan district jolted the region. The earthquake was also felt in several neighbouring countries, including Lebanon and Syria. The third earthquake of magnitude 6.0 on the Richter scale hit Goksun, Turkey on Monday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/apps/news/after-chinese-apps-the-indian-government-cracks-down-on-indian-betting-and-quick-loan-appsheres-why/articleshow/97690062.cms">After Chinese apps, the Indian government cracks down on Indian betting and quick loan apps—here’s why</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/declining-core-inflation-limits-need-for-further-interest-rate-hikes-by-rbi-sp/articleshow/97686891.cms">Declining core inflation limits need for further interest rate hikes by RBI: S&amp;P</a>

Earthquake death toll rises to nearly 4,900 in Turkey and Syria

The death toll due to the devastating <keyword id="6362774" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="earthquake" source="Orion">earthquake</keyword> that struck Turkey and Syria has increased to more than 4,300 as rescuers are racing against time to find more survivors amid heavy rain and snow in the two neighbouring nations, according to media reports. As of Tuesday morning, the toll in Turkey stood at 2,921, while in Syria it increased to 1,451, the BBC reported. According to Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), there were at least 15,834 injured persons, while 7,840 people were pulled alive. The AFAD also noted that at least 5,606 buildings destroyed, adding that a total of 14,720 people are currently providing assistance in the disaster zone, including military personnel, reports Xinhua news agency. The devastating 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey's southern province of Kahramanmaras at 4.17 a.m. on Monday morning, which was followed by a 6.4-magnitude temblor a few minutes later in Gaziantep province. The epicentre of the 7.8-magnitude quake was 23 km east of Nurdagi in Gaziantep, at a depth of 24.1 km, according to the US Geological Survey (USGS) said. At around 1.30 p.m, athird 7.5-magnitude tremor hit Kahramanmaras, which officials said was "not an aftershock". There were more than 60 aftershocks recorded throughout the day. Meanwhile in Syria, of the overall toll, 711 deaths were recorded across government-controlled areas, mostly in the regions of Aleppo, Hama, Latakia, and Tartus, CNN quoted state news agency SANA as saying. The "White Helmets" group, officially known as the Syria Civil Defence, reported 740 deaths in opposition-controlled areas. Much of northwestern Syria, which borders Turkey, is controlled by anti-government forces amid the ongoing bloody civil war that began in 2011. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned the toll may rise dramatically as search and rescue operations are still continuing in both the countries, the BBC reported. In the Turkish city of Osmaniye, near the epicentre, heavy rain hampered rescuers as they searched through the rubble looking for survivors. The city was left without power in the aftermath of the devastation. The earthquake has also caused significant damage to three airports across Turkey, creating additional challenges for aid deliveries. A host of countries have sent rescue workers to help the stricken region and have offered support. US President Joe Biden spoke earlier to his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reaffirming "the readiness of the United States to provide any and all needed assistance". In a statement, the White House said Biden "noted that US teams are deploying quickly to support Turkish search and rescue efforts and co-ordinate other assistance that may be required by people affected by the earthquakes, including health services or basic relief items". India on Monday announced that two teams of NDRF comprising 100 personnel with specially trained dog squads and necessary equipment were ready to be flown to the affected regions. Medical teams were also being readied with trained doctors and paramedics with essential medicines. Relief material would be dispatched in coordination with the Government of Republic of Turkey and Indian Embassy in Ankara and Consulate General office in Istanbul. On Tuesday, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would provide an "initial" $10 million in aid, to go to humanitarian groups, while his New Zealand counterpart Chris Hipkins also announced $1.5 million in aid. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol issued an order to send rescuers and emergency medical items to Turkey. The European Union is sending search and rescue teams to Turkey, while rescuers from the Netherlands and Romania are already on their way. The UK has said it will send 76 specialists, equipment and rescue dogs. France, Germany, and Israel have also pledged to help. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered help to both Turkey and Syria, as has Iran. Monday's quake is believed to be the strongest to hit Turkey since 1939, when a tremor of the same magnitude killed 30,000 people in Erzincan province, according to the USGS. Earthquakes of this magnitude are rare, with fewer than five occurring each year on average, anywhere in the world, says the USGS. Seven quakes with magnitude 7.0 or greater have struck Turkey in the past 25 years, but Monday's is the most powerful. Monday's earthquake was powerful enough to be felt as far away as Cyprus, Lebanon and Israel. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/100-airports-to-be-developed-by-2024-under-udan-infra-scheme-centre/articleshow/97674969.cms">100 airports to be developed by 2024 under UDAN infra scheme: Centre</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/drinking-water-in-israel-becomes-turbid-after-turkey-syria-quake/articleshow/97675030.cms">Drinking water in Israel becomes turbid after Turkey-Syria quake</a>

Turkey-Syria quake toll reaches over 4,300

<ul><li>India extends temporary suspension of flights from the UK till January 7, amid concerns over the new mutant strain of COVID-19.</li><li>Fourteen new UK COVID-19 strain cases have been detected in India over the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-detects-14-new-cases-of-uk-covid-19-strain-putting-the-tally-at-20/articleshow/80020163.cms">last 24 hours, bringing the total tally to 20</a>. </li><li>From November 25 to December 23 midnight, about 33,000 passengers disembarked at various Indian airports from the UK.</li></ul>India extends temporary suspension of flights from the UK till January 7, amid concerns over the new mutant strain of COVID-19. Indian civil aviation minister Hardeep Singh Puri in a tweet announced the further extension and said that “thereafter strictly regulated resumption will take place for which details will be announced shortly.” <div type="twitter" handle="HardeepSPuri" handlename="Hardeep Singh Puri" image="http://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1176854328184692737/P6qL9CFp_normal.jpg" favoritecount="619" retweetcount="141" status="Decision has been taken to extend the temporary suspension of flights to &amp; from the UK till 7 January 2021.Therea… https://t.co/odEEdFoIlx" createdat="1609306094000" id="1344153300040441856"></div> This comes a day after Puri in a press conference <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-may-extend-the-temporary-suspension-of-flights-from-uk-said-aviation-minister-hardeep-singh/articleshow/80008595.cms">hinted </a>at the further extension and said “We are applying our minds to (on the issue of) temporary suspension of UK flights as today is December 31. A decision will be taken shortly. But I personally foresee a short extension on this temporary suspension. I don’t see the extension to be long or indefinite.” Fourteen new UK COVID-19 strain cases have been detected in India over the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-detects-14-new-cases-of-uk-covid-19-strain-putting-the-tally-at-20/articleshow/80020163.cms">last 24 hours, bringing the total tally to 20</a>. Of the 20 cases, eight have been registered at National Centre for Disease Control in Delhi, 7 at National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences in Bangalore, two at Cellular and Molecular Biology in Hyderabad. From November 25 to December 23 midnight, about 33,000 passengers disembarked at various Indian airports from the UK. All these passengers are being tracked and subjected by states and Union Territories to RT-PCR tests. Indian suspended all flights from the United Kingdom on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/india-suspends-all-flights-from-uk-until-december-31-as-a-new-covid-19-strain-emerges/articleshow/79838835.cms">December 21 after reports </a>surfaced that the country has seen a new strain of COVID-19, which has been termed as a “super spreader”. The earlier suspension was in effect till December 31. Within a day, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Austria and Italy had all suspended flights from the UK. They were followed by France, Bulgaria, Belgium, the Irish Republic, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Switzerland and Canada, who have now all suspended their flights from the UK. It is important to note that the new UK Variant's presence has already been reported by Denmark, Netherlands, Australia, Italy, Sweden, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Canada, Japan, Lebanon and Singapore. The Aviation Minister Puri added that no decision on flight bans to these countries had been taken yet, but the government is monitoring the situation. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/mitch-mcconnell-says-the-senate-will-consider-trumps-demand-for-2000-stimulus-checks-but-rejects-initial-vote/articleshow/80017236.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mitch McConnell says the Senate will consider Trump's demand for $2,000 stimulus checks but rejects initial vote</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/thelife/news/american-airlines-just-completed-the-boeing-737-maxs-first-passenger-flight-in-the-us-since-march-2019/articleshow/80016117.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">American Airlines just completed the Boeing 737 Max's first passenger flight in the US since March 2019</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/new-strain-of-uk-covid-19-virus-is-a-lot-more-contagious-warns-indias-health-ministry/articleshow/80011618.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">The new strain of COVID-19 is a lot more contagious, warns India's Health Ministry</a>

New COVID-19 strain in India: Ban on flights from the UK extended till January 7

<ul><li>DRDO developed a counter-drone technology system in 2020, however it did not get any order from the Indian armed forces. </li><li>Experts believe that the drone as well as counter-drone technology are fairly young and still need improvements. </li><li>Indian government rolled out guidelines against rogue <keyword id="94769" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="drones">drones</keyword> in 2013, yet the country doesn’t have enough anti-drone devices.</li></ul>As the government of India has just started recognising the potential use cases of drones in the Indian healthcare system, it was hit with a harsh reality that the enemies of the state have taken leaps to incorporate this technology to harm the South Asian nation. Two bombs were<a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/jammu-iaf-base-drone-attack-jawans-saw-heard-bombs-drop-1821316-2021-06-30"> dropped</a> at the Indian Air Force station in Jammu, in the early hours of June 27 this year. <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">June 27, 2021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Two bombs dropped on IAF base in Jammu between 1:43 a.m.-1:50 a.m. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">June 27, 2021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Two more drones were spotted over IAF military stations at 11:45 p.m. and 2:40 a.m. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">June 28, 2021 </td><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Two similar devices were noticed in Ratnuchak-Kaluchak military area in Jammu. This prompted soldiers to open fire. </td></tr><tr><td colspan="2" style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.9375pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">Source: Media reports </td></tr></tbody></table> This compelled the Indian government and security forces to go on a shopping spree to buy expensive counter-drone systems. While there are not many counter-drone technology makers in India, few of these players include state-owned Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), ideaForge and Big Bang Boom Solutions. According to media <a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/india/bsf-it-ministry-companies-border-security-drone-attack-7386310/">reports</a>, there are over 500 companies that can help the country find a solution to its drone problem. All these companies may not make devices to harm or kill drones, but can certainly help in tracking them. There are also several military tech private companies in the country, including Adani Defence &amp; Aerospace and Kadet Defence Systems that make drones for surveillance and technology for other combat purposes; Atindriya Systems provides electronic systems and software solutions for defense, and Trijatta that develops radars and encryption devices for the military. The government of India has been aware of the potential threat that rogue drones could pose in the security of the nation and issued a <a href="https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/sites/default/files/Counter_rogue_drone_guidelnes_NSCS.pdf">National Counter Rogue Drone Guidelines </a>two years ago. The policy highlights that the drone factor should be taken seriously as unmanned aircrafts, consumer drones and do-it-yourself (DIY) drones are readily available over the internet. The policy, referring to the Israel-Lebanon war of 2006, highlights "In certain incidents, the small drones were also armed with explosive ordnance, to convert them into potentially lethal guided missiles, thus demonstrating the growing sophistication with which these potent warriors have found relevance in combat zones." Yet it has found itself short of any large scale counter-drone system. The Jammu attack in itself did not cost much, but it did highlight the urgency to invest in a counter-drone system that could prevent bigger attacks in the long run. In the coming months, the government of India wants to sign multi-million dollar [who’s saying this?] contracts with both domestic and foreign firms to procure these technologies. <div type="image" title="India has limited options for weapons that can take down enemy drones" msid="84836842" hostid="261"></div> The anti-drone technology has a massive headroom to cover Kruthi Aramanamada, head of marketing at ideaForge, explained to Business Insider that counter-drone technology is expensive and fairly new as it came into existence only a decade ago. The technology is not fully matured and there is still a lot of scope of research and development (R&amp;D) in this segment, she added. Meanwhile, Anshuman Tripathi, a drone technology expert who is also a member of the National Security Advisory Board, <a href="https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/combating-the-drone-menace-india-needs-to-pick-up-pace-with-anti-drone-measures-1823517-2021-07-03">said</a>, "Drones are still evolving and solutions to handle them are incomplete. It's a matter of a few years when the technology matures and you can standardise equipment as you go forward." Even developed countries like the US, Russia and Israel are <a href="https://theprint.in/opinion/brahmastra/india-needs-to-shop-for-anti-drone-systems-we-are-already-late/688517/">pumping billions</a> of dollars into research and development of both drones and counter-drone systems. However, they have not found a foolproof system for both hard and soft kill as yet. Indian armed forces on a look out for counter-drone systems In June 2020, IAF floated a Request for Information (RFI) for Indian vendors for Counter Unarmed Aircraft System (CUAS), which can be used to bring down the rogue drone. Apart from that, other ministries and departments are also looking to sign such contracts. However, there have not been many insights on who may end up getting such contracts. One of the possible beneficiaries of this spree is likely to be Israel-based company Smart Shooter, a company that has been developing systems to help militaries track and engage moving targets. Indian Navy had placed an order to <a href="https://theprint.in/defence/navy-orders-israeli-smash-2000-plus-systems-to-tackle-drones-more-contracts-in-offing/562955/">procure </a>an unspecified number of Smart Shooter’s SMASH 2000 Rifle Sights in December 2020. However, the Indian Army wasn’t quite impressed with it after their trials in January 2021. They found that the system may work well for the Navy as they work in open terrain, but it is not feasible for other terrains. This highlighted another major challenge among the counter-drone technology — use cases. The counter-drone system is not a ‘one size fits all’ type of solution and has to be customised based on the criticality of the situation, Aramanamada added. The debate between indigenous or foreign technology remains Prof. P B Sujit, adjunct faculty at School of Engineering and Technology at BML Munjal University, said that the current counter-drone tech is limited and mostly sourced or licensed from other countries. He also noted that there are few Indian startups in the segment as well, but the quality of those solutions is undetermined at the moment. “The trust in Indian developed tech is low. With the history of India importing from Israel, it's natural to import this. Moreover Israel has good tech which has been field tested with Palestine stuff... So the confidence levels are right with the Israel tech,” he added. Apart from the Israeli plan, the government is also on a look out for the technology developed by domestic players and foreign public as well as private sector units, drone original equipment manufacturers, defence tech firms and Defence Research &amp; Development Organisation (DRDO). Indian stand on the counter-drone infrastructure includes only a few players at the moment: <table style="border-width: initial; border-style: none;"><colgroup></colgroup><col /><tbody><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">DRDO anti-drone system was<a href="https://www.drdo.gov.in/sites/default/files/drdo-news-documents/NPC_15-16_Aug_2020.pdf"> first </a>deployed in India in 2020, during various national events including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day speech. However, it is not being used. The device had the capability to detect, intercept and destroy small drones. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">DRDO also carried out an urgent demonstration of its anti-drone system to armed forces at Kolar, a city in Karnataka, earlier in July 2021. The system has a detection capability of up to four kilometres with ‘soft kill’ option by radio frequency jamming. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">National Security Guards had <a href="https://www.firstpost.com/india/why-india-needs-israel-as-drone-attacks-become-real-and-threatens-to-be-cataclysmic-9763551.html">awarded </a>a contract worth ₹1.49 crore to Bengaluru-based Accord Software &amp; System for procurement of indigenous Counter Drone Technology System. </td></tr><tr><td style="border-left:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-right:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-bottom:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;border-top:solid #cccccc 0.8333325pt;vertical-align:bottom;padding:2pt 2pt 2pt 2pt;overflow:hidden;overflow-wrap:break-word;">ideaForge has partnered with German tech firm Aaronia AG to develop anti-drone tech devices. However, the solutions have not been deployed on the ground yet. </td></tr></tbody></table> Even though the army and security forces are yet to deploy DRDO’s anti-drone system, Bharat Electronics Limited and three<a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bsf-to-test-drdo-anti-drone-system-on-border-ied-laden-uav-shot-down-in-jammu-101627010670994.html"> undisclosed </a>private companies have signed a technology transfer agreement with the government. The agreement would enable these players to mass-produce the system. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/political-media/news/there-are-at-least-four-hot-issues-in-india-that-the-government-has-no-data-for/articleshow/84820788.cms">There are at least four hot issues in India that the government has no data for</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/maharashtra-karnataka-and-telangana-plan-to-use-ethereum-in-their-fight-against-fake-degrees/articleshow/84823688.cms">This Indian startup is using Ethereum to help Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana fight against fake degrees</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-expands-esop-pool-to-3000-crore-issues-stock-worth-400-crore-to-employees/articleshow/84820171.cms">Ola expands ESOP pool to ₹3,000 crore, issues stock worth ₹400 crore to employees</a>

India has limited options for weapons that can take down enemy drones

Mumbai, Mar 9 () Budget carrier IndiGo on Monday said it is cancelling flights to Doha till March 17, following travel ban imposed by Qatar on Indian nationals due to coronavirus scare.Qatar has temporarily banned entry of people coming from India and 13 other countries in the wake of coronavirus outbreak, which has infected thousands of people.In a statement, the airline said it would be cancelling flights to Doha till March 17."We will be monitoring the situation closely and will share further updates once the ban is lifted," it said.Apart from India, the temporary ban by Qatar will also be applicable on people coming from Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Syria and Thailand. IAS BALBAL

IndiGo cancels flights to Doha till March 17

<ul><li><keyword id="2947589" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Droom">Droom</keyword> is currently raising $200 million, at a unicorn valuation of $1.2 billion.</li><li>Droom’s expansion plans are a mix of organic as well as inorganic strategies.</li><li>It was founded in 2014 by Shopclues cofounder <keyword id="195858" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sandeep-Aggarwal">Sandeep Aggarwal</keyword>.</li></ul>Online automobile marketplace Droom is all set to go public in the next two years. The company recently announced that it is in talks to raise<a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/startups/news/droom-automobile-marketplace-raises-200-million-in-a-pre-ipo-round-at-unicorn-valuation/articleshow/84818567.cms"> $200 million </a>from both new and old investors, at a valuation of $1.2 billion. The company is exploring listing opportunities in both India and the US. However, it is reluctant for a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) option. SPAC is a company with no commercial operations that is formed strictly to raise capital through an initial public offering (IPO) for buying out an existing firm. Interestingly, the company has no presence in the US as of now and no plans to expand into the territory in the next year or so. Yet, it is pursuing a dual-track plan for the IPO. The company previously noted that it plans to be listed either on US-based NASDAQ or in India in 2022. <div type="ExtQuote" text="“We started Droom seven years back, and it is clearly a new age company, a high growth company. We went to use a decent amount of capital to build a formidable scale. These [new age] companies were not rewarded in Indian stock exchanges. So from the day I founded the company, we have been a Singapore holding company. We are operating as a subsidiary in India.”" auname="— Founder and chief executive (CEO) Sandeep Aggarwal on why he is considering a US IPO."></div> “I never thought, and I was a Wall Street analyst, that new age companies with no near-term visibility to profitability can be listed on BSE and NSE [National Stock Exchange], and can create a decent enough valuation. And there is a stock appetite among the investors and that has changed over the last couple of years,” he added, explaining why India is an option too. Droom wants a global footprint CEO Aggarwal, in an interaction with Business Insider, highlighted that the company will be using these funds to aid its growth and expand into international markets. The company has shortlisted 10 countries in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia and Laos. It also looks at six countries in the Middle East such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Oman, Turkey and Lebanon. <div type="javascript" title="Custom" contenttype="Video"><cdata><![CDATA[<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HangoutwithBI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HangoutwithBI</a>: All you need to know about the first Indian startup from the auto space getting ready to hit the capital markets. <a href="https://twitter.com/iyer_sriram?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iyer_sriram</a> in conversation with <a href="https://twitter.com/letsdroom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@letsdroom</a>&#39;s Sandeep Aggarwal (<a href="https://twitter.com/SandeepAgg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SandeepAgg</a>). <a href="https://t.co/4dN4lzjbiQ">https://t.co/4dN4lzjbiQ</a>&mdash; Business Insider India🇮🇳 (@BiIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/BiIndia/status/1421014841565712386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>]]></cdata></div> Droom had already set up three offices in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia before the pandemic hit.. However, it decided to hold off the international expansion plan beyond that due to travel restriction and capital conservatism during COVID-19. It has decided to take up this plan once again. Droom’s India expansion plans A bulk of the capital Droom raises would be invested into the Indian market, Aggarwal said. The company is looking to strengthen its presence in the top 100 Indian markets over the next couple of years. Aggarwal noted that Droom has 0.56% share in India’s automobile market and even a three-fold increase to 1.3% share could generate $7-$10 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) for the company in the next two and a half years. The company claims that its current annual run-rate is $1.7 billion in gross merchandise value (GMV) and $54 million for net revenue. In order to expand its presence in the Indian market, Droom is currently running a pilot programme in New Delhi to test out a new product called Droom velocity. It is a last mile delivery service that will deliver the bought cars to the end customers. Besides this, it is also investing heavily on artificial intelligence (AI) to refresh its technology. <div type="ExtQuote" text="“India is the third-largest automobile market in the world, after the US and China. Less than 1% of this market is online and bulk of that goes through us.The international expansion is because we are a technology company and we can replicate our playbook in other countries. Theoretically, in order to create the next 25-50 times more value for this company, we don’t need any geography to unleash this value.”" auname="— Sandeep Aggarwal, CEO and founder of Droom."></div> Acquisitions, investments in pipeline too Droom’s expansion plans are a mix of organic as well as inorganic strategies. The company is also looking to acquire companies that will accelerate its international expansion and cut short the timeline. Aggarwal highlighted that even though they are going big on the international market, India will continue to be its biggest market. Droom was founded in 2014 by Aggarwal, who had cofounded e-commerce portal Shopclues. Droom is a tech and data science-driven online automobile marketplace, which offers an e-commerce platform as well as technology solutions for buying and selling automobiles in India. The company claims that it will turn operationally profitable by later this year or by June next year.. “We became contribution margin positive in September of last year and in our parlance it’s called contribution margin-3… As a two-time founder of an e-commerce company, trust me, reaching there in the seventh year of operations is [difficult],” he added. Contribution margin positive is when the company’s net revenue is able to cover operational expense, marketing cost and other variable expenses. SEE ALSO <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/tech/news/india-has-limited-options-for-weapons-that-can-take-down-enemy-drones/articleshow/84836724.cms">India has limited options for weapons that can take down enemy drones</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/political-media/news/there-are-at-least-four-hot-issues-in-india-that-the-government-has-no-data-for/articleshow/84820788.cms">There are at least four hot issues in India that the government has no data for</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/news/ola-expands-esop-pool-to-3000-crore-issues-stock-worth-400-crore-to-employees/articleshow/84820171.cms">Ola expands ESOP pool to ₹3,000 crore, issues stock worth ₹400 crore to employees</a>

Droom founder explains why he is considering a US IPO and where he intends to spend the money

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="http://static1.businessinsider.com/image/527cbc38ecad041c2a0cd406-620-465/benghazi-libya-1.jpg" border="0" alt="benghazi libya" /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brqnetwork/5510688612/">Flickr/ ???? ??? | B.R.Q</a>A Libyan rebel in Benghazi in 2011</div></div></div>LONDON (Reuters) - The chaotic fallout of the "Arab Spring" is fuelling a surge in the smuggling of drugs, weapons and people across the Mediterranean, and cash-strapped regional powers are struggling to respond.
Last month, European leaders in Brussels turned down calls from southern European states already hard hit by the euro-zone crisis for additional support to tackle record numbers of migrants attempting to cross to the continent in frequently perilous journeys arranged by people smugglers.
More than 32,000 migrants from Africa and the Middle East have arrived in Italy and Malta so far this year, the United Nations says. More than 550 died in October alone, as autumn storms made a difficult crossing in small, poorly maintained boats even more dangerous.
At the same time, <keyword id="6354913" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Syria">Syria</keyword>'s civil war and chaos in <keyword id="6354786" type="COUNTRY" weightage="60" keywordseo="Libya">Libya</keyword> are producing massive arms smuggling, while drug runners use similar routes to ship North African hashish and Latin American cocaine.
"You have a perfect storm of money, conflict, instability and illicit supply and demand," says Masood Karimipour,United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) representative for North Africa and the Middle East. "The migrant issue is the one that is grabbing the headlines, but it's only a symptom of a much wider regional problem."
Foreign powers are facing increasing calls to step in, just as the international community was forced to send warships to the Indian Ocean for counter-piracy patrols.
Italy and Malta, the two European countries closest to Libya, have borne the brunt of the migrant crisis and say other European countries should provide much more assistance, perhaps through the European border agency Frontex. The need, they say, is urgent.
After more than 400 migrants died in two separate sinkings south of the island of Lampedusa last month, Italy said it was deploying additional patrol craft, aircraft and drones to track and if necessary rescue approaching migrants.
U.S. forces have responded to several calls for help. In October the U.S. Navy said its assault ship USS San Antonio rescued 121 migrants near Malta after a request from the Maltese government, while the destroyer USS Gravely assisted another migrant vessel in trouble between Greek and Italian waters.
Such arrangements, however, remain almost entirely ad hoc. International cooperation remains limited, and even within countries, the issues of drugs, migrants, arms and counter-terrorism are often handled separately.
"In theory, everyone is in favour of information sharing, but in reality it is not always that easy," said one Western official on condition of anonymity, contrasting it with the more tightly co-ordinate U.S.-led efforts to stem smuggling in the Caribbean. "The Mediterranean is a lot more complicated."
<h3>SMALL BOATS, SECLUDED INLETS</h3>
While the migrant crisis is relatively well documented, reliable data on other smuggling and crime is patchy.
Those who watch the Syrian conflict closely, however - including the growing number of online videos showing weaponry - say smuggling from Libya to Syria has become perhaps the most significant source of rebel arms in the last year. While the Syrian coast remains largely in government hands, weaponry is believed to be slipping in through coastal regions of Lebanon and Turkey.
Using small merchant ships, avoiding major ports and loading and unloading at secluded landing sites sometimes used by smugglers for centuries, such shipments are believed to have been often funded by wealthy Arab individuals.
Heavy machine guns and Russian-built anti-tank aircraft rockets are seen particularly in demand.
"Libya is a largely open market; no arms export licensing, no real customs, coastline effectively out of what passes for government control," says Hugh Griffiths, illicit trafficking researcher at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. "There are plenty of places along the coastline between Turkey and Lebanon where ships can be unloaded."
SIPRI's marine trafficking database also shows five major seizures of small Tanzania, Sierra Leone and Comoros-registered cargo ships by France, Spain and Italy in the last six months. Each carried an estimated 20-40 million euros worth of Moroccan hashish.
Such seizures, Griffiths said, were probably the tip of the iceberg.
With Bashar al-Assad's government preoccupied with its battle for survival, UN coordinator Karimipour said Syriaitself had become a major corridor of drugs into the rest of the Middle East. Cocaine shipments, he said, often originated in Latin America before passing through West Africa.
Egyptian authorities have also increased seizures of smuggled weaponry believed to be heading to militants in the Sinai Peninsula, the UNODC says.
"The problems are obviously overlapping," said UN official Karimipour. "There has been a complete collapse of the security sector in Libya and Syria, and we are seeing both emerging as a major supply routes for drugs and arms to the rest of the Middle East."
So far, European law enforcement authorities say there is little sign such instability is increasing drug shipments into Europe itself - indeed, Spain has recorded a fall, most likely because of international success against West African smugglers.
But that could change. And some security experts warn that a rise of Somali-type piracy is not impossible.
<h3>ONSHORE SOLUTIONS, OFFSHORE COORDINATION</h3>
Ultimately, officials say tackling onshore lawlessness will require a concerted effort from both European and North African states, particularly in the most seriously affected countries.
In Libya, the UNODC says it is already working with local authorities to crack down on the criminal networks running smuggling boats, helping build international contacts and tighten local laws.
Western governments are also training local Libyan security forces. In the short term, however, most experts say the prospects for a significant change on the ground in Libya or Syria in particular remain distant.
That may make offshore action more important than ever.
Considerable naval forces already exist in the area. France, Spain and Italy all have large and sophisticated navies with aircraft carriers, submarines, multiple small patrol craft as well as long-range aircraft. The U.S. Sixth Fleet also maintains a constant presence of small and medium-sized warships - as well as the carrier USS Nimitz for much of the last month.
NATO already has its own operation monitoring shipping in the Mediterranean, "Active Endeavour", formed after the September 11, 2001, attacks to prevent militants from using the sea to mount attacks on Europe. It has boarded 155 ships in 12 years.
The alliance asks all Mediterranean commercial shipping to register with NATO Maritime HQ at Northwood, England, though it says only a fraction do.
Earlier this year, UNODC says a tip-off from Western forces helped Egypt intercept two major drugs shipments. Formally, however, NATO says its mandate does not include liaising with local powers on anything other than terrorism.
That means any NATO unit that wishes to report anything else must do so through its own government rather than NATO channels.
"With Somali piracy, it took several years for the international community to get its act together," says Eric Thompson, head of strategic studies at The Centre for Naval Analyses, a U.S.-funded body that advises the military. "The same may well turn out to be the case here."
(Editing by Will Waterman)

Arab Spring Fallout Is Fueling A Mediterranean Smuggling Economy

<div class="KonaFilter image-container"><div class="image"><a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=32"><img src="http://static3.businessinsider.com/image/5307dd606bb3f7130ec21ba6-1016-579/screen%20shot%202014-02-21%20at%206.10.55%20pm.png?maxX=800" border="0" alt="global conflict tracker" width="800" /></a><a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/">Council on Foreign Relations</a>Click map to see interactive version.</div></div>Several of the <a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=32">2014 geopolitical risks that could affect the U.S.</a> that the Council on Foreign Relations warned about in December are already happening.
Political unrest in Ukraine, rated moderate likelihood, moderate impact, has erupted into "<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=32" target="_blank">civil violence and protracted political instability</a>." A political crisis in Venezuela, rated low likelihood, low impact, is starting to look a lot more likely, with protesters warning they have <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/venezuela-protest-2014-2">reached the point of no return</a>.
The <a href="http://www.cfr.org/peace-conflict-and-human-rights/preventive-priorities-survey-2014/p32072">CFR report</a> and <a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=32">accompanying map (click for interactive version)</a> is based on the assessment of approximately 1,200 government officials, foreign policy experts, and academics. Risk events are rated for likelihood and impact, with high impact events directly threatening the U.S. homeland, likely to trigger U.S. military involvement, or threatening the supply of critical U.S. strategic resources.
Below are the top ten threats threats, starting with the worst, with links to CFR's analysis for more information:
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=9">Strengthening of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula </a>High likelihood; moderate impact. The Arabian Peninsula is considered the "most dangerous al-Qaeda affiliate" to U.S. national security with more than two dozen U.S. diplomatic facilities in the area have shut down because of terrorist threats. In response, the United States will continue to escalate its drone counterterrorism campaign.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=10" target="_blank">Political Instability in Jordan </a>High likelihood; moderate impact. Jordan's political stability and economy is severely threatened by the influx of Syrian and Palestinian refugees. The United Nations has estimated that Jordan will need $5.3 billion by the end of 2014 for its refugee crisis. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=8" target="_blank">Sectarian Violence in Iraq </a>High likelihood; moderate impact. According to the CFR, if sectarian violence continues, Iraq may plunge into a "deeper state of chaos" and potentially into civil war. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=7" target="_blank">Rising Security Threats in Pakistan</a> High likelihood; moderate impact. The withdrawal of U.S. and allied forces from Afghanistan after 2014 could increase instability by allowing anti-state militants from Pakistan to establish a terrorist safe haven in Afghanistan. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=3" target="_blank">Increased Violence and Instability in Afghanistan</a> High likelihood; moderate impact. Failure to sign a security pact could undermine U.S. and allied forces efforts to improve the security environment of Afghanistan. The reestablishment of al-Qaeda groups throughout Afghanistan is one possibility if agreements are not met.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=1">Terrorist Attack on the U.S. Homeland </a>Moderate likelihood; high impact. Another attack on the scale of 9/11 is "plausible," according to CFR, with the White House warning that al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula "poses the greatest potential threat."
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=4">Iranian Nuclear Crisis </a>Moderate likelihood; high impact. The prospects for a breakthrough in the nuclear standoff with Iran have recently improved. A lasting settlement of the dispute is still uncertain and even "the possibility of military strikes cannot be discounted," according to the CFR.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=5" target="_blank">North Korean Crisis</a> Moderate likelihood; high impact. The risk of conflict on the Korean peninsula remains high since there are continuous efforts by North Korea to develop nuclear weapons and long range missiles against UN Security Council resolutions. The execution of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's uncle following charges of treason has increased the potential for political instability and unrest in the country.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=6" target="_blank">Civil War in Syria</a> Moderate likelihood; high impact. According to the CFR, ongoing civil strife threatens the stability of U.S. allies, particularly Turkey and Jordan. Increased regional instability could create another safe haven for extremist groups active in Syria, like al-Qaeda affiliates, Islamic State of Iraq, and Hezbollah.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=2" target="_blank">Cyberattack on U.S. Infrastructure</a> Moderate likelihood; high impact. Due to the increasingly sophisticated nature of cyberattacks, such an attack on critical infrastructure could be significantly disruptive or potentially devastating. Energy is the most vulnerable industry, and therefore a large-scale attack could temporarily halt the supply of water, electricity, gas, transportation, communication, and financial institutions.
And 23 more threats:
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=26">Violence in the Central African Republic</a> High likelihood; low impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=33">Internal Violence in South Sudan</a> High likelihood; low impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=16" target="_blank">Escalation of Drug-Related Violence in Mexico</a> Moderate likelihood; moderate impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=14" target="_blank">Political Instability in Libya</a> Moderate likelihood; moderate impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=12" target="_blank">Increased Violence in Egypt</a> Moderate likelihood; moderate impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=18" target="_blank">Indo-Pakistani Military Confrontation</a> Moderate likelihood; moderate impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=20">Continuing Conflict in Somalia with Al-Shabab</a> Moderate likelihood; moderate impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=15">Sectarian Violence in Lebanon</a> Moderate likelihood; moderate impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=32">Political Unrest in Ukraine</a> Moderate likelihood; moderate impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=13">South China Sea Armed Confrontation</a> Low likelihood; high impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=17">Increasing Sectarian Violence in Nigeria</a> Low likelihood; high impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=11">East China Sea Armed Confrontation</a> Low likelihood; high impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=29">Political Crisis in Venezuela</a> Low likelihood; low impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=25">Violence in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo</a> Moderate likelihood; low impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=28">Sectarian Violence in Myanmar</a> Moderate likelihood; low impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=19">Internal Instability in Sudan</a> Moderate likelihood; low impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=27">Sino-Indian Clash</a> Low likelihood; moderate impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=24">Sudan-South Sudan Military Conflict</a> Moderate likelihood; low impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=23">Conflict Between Armenia and Azerbaijan</a> Low likelihood; low impact.
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=30">Violence in Bangladesh</a> Moderate likelihood; low impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=31">Growing Instability in Thailand</a> Moderate likelihood; low impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=22">Conflict in Kurdish-Dominated Regions</a> Moderate likelihood; low impact. 
<a href="http://www.cfr.org/global/global-conflict-tracker/p32137#!/?marker=21">Destabilization of Mali</a> Low likelihood; moderate impact.

The 33 Biggest Geopolitical Risks For America In 2014

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4890-1094-547/the_world_-_north_america_-_jan_07.jpg" alt="Dubai the world" data-mce-source="Nakheel Properties" />Nakheel Properties</div></div></div>Nearly a decade since Dubai's man-made archipelago "The World" - a 300-island chain laid out in the shape of the Earth's continents - stalled in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, a six-island cluster could bring the project back to life."The Heart of Europe" is an ambitious development that will be home to dozens of luxury resorts and lavish restaurants, surrounded by <a href="http://www.techinsider.io/dubai-floating-seahorse-coming-to-the-world-2016-1">half-submerged, half-skylit floating homes</a> called "floating seahorses." Although the project was slow to get started when first announced in 2009, it appears to have speeded up recently."We have invested millions of dollars in The Heart of Europe and we have made a commitment to our investors and clients," Josef Kleindienst, CEO of the development firm Kleindienst Group, tells Tech Insider.Notably, more than 60 floating seahorses were sold in 2015, even before the first structure has touched down in the Persian Gulf, according to Kleindienst Group.Impressive in its own right, The Heart of Europe is something of a miracle given the history of The World - which by all accounts should have flatlined years ago.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4891-1164-472/screen shot 2016-03-03 at 5.06.15 pm.png" alt="the heart of europe" data-mce-source="Kleindienst Group" />Kleindienst GroupThe Heart of Europe -&#xa0;some day.</div></div></div>In 2003, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum unveiled his plans to build a sprawling archipelago that recreated the world map in the Persian Gulf. His idea: entice the planet's wealthiest investors and real estate moguls into scooping up an island or two and build up Dubai's status in the process.At first the island properties were expected to sell for <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1263987/How-Dubais-14-billion-dream-build-The-World-falling-apart.html">upward of $20 million</a> apiece. And <a href="http://www.independent.ie/world-news/middle-east/extravagant-dubai-island-project-sinks-under-weight-of-the-credit-crunch-26565663.html">some people</a> did buy - mostly investors and real estate tycoons. Within several years of the islands' completion, master developer Nakheel Properties claimed 70% of the 300 islands had already been purchased. Richard Branson, for example, <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2529539/Building-work-restart-Dubais-artificial-World-islands-emirate-finally-starts-recover-effects-economic-meltdown.html">quickly nabbed</a> the islands representing Great Britain in 2006.For people who just wanted a taste of luxury, <a href="http://www.nakheel.com/en/media/news/nakheel-sets-sail-with-palm-jumeirah-and-world-islands-cruises">Nakheel announced</a> it would begin offering boat tours around The World islands and the nearby Palm Jumeirah.But following the global financial crisis, The World ran into trouble.Nakheel, once a part of the state-run investment group Dubai World, broke off in the years after construction began. Dubai World <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/dubai/8271643/The-World-is-sinking-Dubai-islands-falling-into-the-sea.html">had racked up $25 billion in debts</a> prior to 2009, and when the economy tanked, Dubai needed a way to restructure.The World would have to wait.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4892-1881-1128/the_world_-_rendering_night_view_-_dec_06.jpg" alt="dubai the world rendering" data-mce-source="Nakheel Properties" />Nakheel PropertiesNakheel's 2006 rendering of The World.</div></div></div>Many investors <a href="http://www.arabianbusiness.com/-world-island-for-sale-in-dubai-with-28-6m-price-tag-439680.html">have opted not to finance future developments</a> on their islands, fearing Dubai's struggling real estate market won't net them a return on the investment. In 2012, for instance, the owner of an Asian atoll put his island back on the market <a href="http://www.arabianbusiness.com/-world-island-for-sale-in-dubai-with-28-6m-price-tag-439680.html">for $29 million</a>, which included debts to Nakheel from the original purchase. And unlike the 2012 call for cruises, <a href="http://www.nakheel.com/en/corporate/our_divisions/hospitality-leisure/cruise-with-nakheel">the current advertisement on Nakheel's site</a> no longer mentions a tour around The World, just Palm Jumeirah.Past the model homes built on Greenland to entice initial buyers, the only property that has seen much development is the island representing Lebanon, where Nakheel opened a luxury resort called <a href="http://theisland.ae/couchcms-1.4/theIslandCMS/index.php">The Island</a> in 2012. It boasts a beach club, bars, lounges, and restaurants, and offers day visits or corporate events.But even this project has run into problems, as the original owner of the property, Indian entrepreneur Wakil Ahmed Azmi, sold the island in 2013 <a href="http://www.arabianbusiness.com/lebanon-island-on-dubai-s-world-sold-for-9-5m--489898.html#.VrO5JDYrLuQ">at a reported loss of $6.8 million</a>.On top of these economic challenges, The World poses a logistical problem for buyers.For one, The World is constantly losing its beaches. Each year, <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/business/property/world-islands-off-dubai-coast-show-signs-of-progress-as-seaplane-deal-is-struck">between 4 and 16 inches of sand</a> recede into the Persian Gulf due to normal erosion, Kleindienst reported in 2014. So far, the only way to combat this erosion is to replace the sand outright.Each island is also a different size. Some are tiny, just 6 acres in total, while some cover more than 20 acres of space. The only way to reach your own private island or any of the others is by boat or seaplane from the shore, more than two miles away. For wealthy investors, this may not pose a problem. But for the portion of residents simply intended to make up a community on the islands, the limited transportation options could be a deal breaker."The major obstacle I feel is the traveling back and forth," says Irene Ahmed, a travel consultant who has lived in Dubai for the last three years.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4893-1458-816/screen shot 2016-03-03 at 5.47.03 pm.png" alt="dubai the world" data-mce-source="Google Earth" />Google EarthThe World, present day.</div></div></div>Thirteen years and <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1263987/How-Dubais-14-billion-dream-build-The-World-falling-apart.html">$14 billion</a> later, 300 artificial islands sit shoulder-to-shoulder, most of them bare and undeveloped.Ever since the initial announcement, the Dutch firm <a href="http://www.royalhaskoningdhv.com/en-gb/projects/the-world-islands-dubai-uae/109">Royal HaskoningDHV</a> has led the chain's construction. It built the 26 kilometers of artificial reef below the chain, which helps keep it intact, and continues working with individual investors who want to develop their islands.Ronald Stive, the company's director of maritime and coastal projects, says he felt mild disappointment when the project stalled in 2008 due to the global financial crisis. Even if the completed reef was an engineering success, the hiatus meant no one would be building on top of that success."I think the concept is perfect," Stive tells Tech Insider. "But it needs time."Stive says his company has done business with six investors since 2007. In 2015, it dealt with just one, "where we are now of assistance on an ad hoc basis."Only in recent years has Dubai managed to escape from the rubble of the economic collapse, which stalled Sheikh Mohammed's master plan and left The World in purgatory. "People don't think or talk about it, because, well, there's nothing there," Ahmed says. "It's just empty land."Maybe for now. But not for long.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4894-1200-678/the-mont-royal-hotel-beach-view.jpg" alt="heart of europe mont royal beach view" data-mce-source="Kleindienst" />KleindienstA mock-up of The Heart of Europe.</div></div></div>With his sights set on a 2020 grand opening, Kleindienst envisions high-end shopping and dining options across multiple countries.Just like Epcot in Disneyworld, visitors will only be a short boat ride from the country of their choosing. "Our goal is to have from at least each European country one food and beverage outlet," Kleindienst <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/business/property/world-islands-off-dubai-coast-show-signs-of-progress-as-seaplane-deal-is-struck">told The National</a> in 2014. "This will allow you to have dinner in Germany, breakfast in France, and lunch in Italy."For Kleindienst, those are obstacles better suited to addressing further down the line. The Heart of Europe is happening. That much is certain. Smaller details, like how people will get to their islands and whether the general population wants them at all, are of less concern."There's dreams and hopes for the islands," Ahmed says.Less-ambitious firms might need more than that. But the ever-opulent Dubai lives and dies by a different creed. Hopes and dreams are what turn billions into beaches.<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4895-1484-839/the-cote-d-azur-hotel-swimming-pool-view.jpg" alt="the cote d azur hotel swimming pool view" data-mce-source="Kleindienst Group" />Kleindienst GroupA swimming pool tucked between the luxury Cote d'Azur hotels.</div></div></div><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4896-1484-839/sweden-villa-furnished-by-bentley-home-view-from-beach.jpg" alt="sweden villa furnished by bentley home view from beach" data-mce-source="Kleindienst Group" />Kleindienst GroupThe regalest of villas in "Sweden," furnished by Bentley.</div></div></div><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4897-1484-839/sweden-villa-furnished-by-bentley-home-lounge-area.jpg" alt="sweden villa furnished by bentley home lounge area" data-mce-source="Kleindienst Group" />Kleindienst GroupBentley's sponsorship in The Heart of Europe is far from subtle.</div></div></div><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4898-1484-839/sweden-villa-furnished-by-bentley-home-pool-area.jpg" alt="sweden villa furnished by bentley home pool area" data-mce-source="Kleindienst Group" />Kleindienst GroupWhat could be better than a Swedish villa that's actually tropical?</div></div></div><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b4899-1484-839/germany-beach-villa-pool-area.jpg" alt="germany beach villa pool area" data-mce-source="Kleindienst Group" />Kleindienst GroupGerman villas in Dubai may be fancier than actual German villas.</div></div></div><div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"><img src="https://static-ssl.businessinsider.com/image/56d9bbbadd08953f0a8b489a-1484-839/germany-lagoon-villa-exterior-photo-2.jpg" alt="germany lagoon villa exterior photo 2" data-mce-source="Kleindienst Group" />Kleindienst GroupYou probably won't see a lagoon like this in actual Germany, but in Dubai's version, it's the norm.</div></div></div> <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/dubai-funds-jetpacks-firefighters-2015-11">Dubai is giving their firefighters $200,000 jetpacks to fight skyscraper fires - that's right, jetpacks</a></h3> <div> <div> <script src="http://player.ooyala.com/v3/6e12e8b3387a44daacfb73afba25a76e"></script> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="V5bjB0eDp1EaPRm_NDtWXchtAM2oXogP" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> <script> if (typeof RunFunctions === 'undefined') { var RunFunctions = []; } RunFunctions.push(function() { var ooyalapopvideo = OO.Player.create('ooyalaplayer_popvideo', 'V5bjB0eDp1EaPRm_NDtWXchtAM2oXogP',{ autoplay: 'false' }); }); </script> <noscript><div>Please enable Javascript to watch this video</div></noscript></div> </div> <script>(function() { function createPlayer() { OO.ready(function() { RunFunctions.forEach(function(ooyalaFunction) { ooyalaFunction(); }); RunFunctions = [];}); } createPlayer(); }()); </script> </div>

You Searched For "Indian nationals in Lebanon" and got 10 results

NDRF personnel with specially equipped trained dog squad departs for earthquake-hit Turkey

ANI

Earthquake death toll rises to nearly 4,900 in Turkey and Syria

ANI

Turkey-Syria quake toll reaches over 4,300

IANS

New COVID-19 strain in India: Ban on flights from the UK extended till January 7

Navdeep Yadav

India has limited options for weapons that can take down enemy drones

Kritti Bhalla

IndiGo cancels flights to Doha till March 17

PTI

Droom founder explains why he is considering a US IPO and where he intends to spend the money

Kritti Bhalla

Arab Spring Fallout Is Fueling A Mediterranean Smuggling Economy

Peter Apps, Reuters

The 33 Biggest Geopolitical Risks For America In 2014

Amanda Macias

Dubai's wildly ambitious 'The World' islands could finally be coming to life

Chris Weller