Security Governance Research Articles

THE INVESTMENT BLUEPRINT OF LIC OF INDIA: A STUDY IN FINANCIAL PRUDENCE

This research paper investigates the investment pattern of India's Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), focusing on the tactics and outcomes of its investment decisions. The study dives into LIC's diverse portfolio, which includes government securities, equities, corporate bonds, and real estate, demonstrating how diversity reduces risk and assures consistent returns. LIC's conservative investment strategy, which prioritizes safety and long-term growth, places a strong emphasis on government securities and highly rated corporate bonds. The report emphasizes the significant impact of LIC's investments on the Indian economy, notably its backing for government bonds and infrastructure projects that promote national development and financial stability. Regulatory compliance with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) criteria promotes transparency and trust in the LIC's investment operations. The study also highlights LIC's constant record in providing sufficient returns to policyholders, highlighting its good portfolio management and the balance it strikes between high-yield and stable investments. Looking ahead, the report predicts that LIC will maintain its cautious investment strategy while looking for new opportunities in emerging areas, with a focus on adjusting to changing market conditions and regulatory environments. Overall, the research paper believes that LIC's investment strategy is well-balanced and risk-averse, with the goal of long-term financial security and significant contributions to India's economic development, strengthening its reputation as a stable and dependable financial organization.

Mykonos: A pulsed power driver for science and innovation

Sandia National Laboratories has been operating the Mykonos linear transformer driver (LTD) in a five-cavity configuration since 2014. The machine operates at 1MA output current, 500kV output voltage, with a 10–90% current rise time of 85ns, which enables small scale physics and engineering pulsed power experiments. Mykonos provides hands-on pulsed power experimental training for students and staff alongside senior Sandia scientists in an environment that is more accessible than the Z Facility. Over the years, we have fielded and accumulated a wide variety of optical, x-ray and electrical diagnostics and we are preparing to open this facility to outside users. Here, we are presenting the pulsed power and diagnostic capability of Mykonos as well as some recent experiments that have been performed on the facility. The goal of this publication is to attract researchers across the pulsed power and high energy density (HED) community to collaborate with Sandia on exciting, innovative science and to train the next generation of researchers for the National Nuclear Security Agency (NNSA) and the nation. As such, we have established a Mykonos Academic Access Program (MAAP) as part of ZNetUS to enable academic utilization of the Mykonos Pulsed Power Facility.

Study on the Mechanism of Multi-Scalar Transboundary Water Security Governance in the Shenzhen River

This paper examines the evolution and mechanism of multi-scalar transboundary water governance in the Shenzhen River, flowing through Shenzhen and Hong Kong since the 1980s. The research identifies three phases of governance: negotiation, consultation, and cooperation. It highlights the roles of the Shenzhen government as initiator, the Hong Kong government as collaborator, and the central government of China as participant and coordinator. The analysis indicates that severe flooding events, economic growth, and central government support are key consensus drivers. The research fills a gap in the understanding of transboundary governance, providing insights for improved cooperation and regional development between Shenzhen and Hong Kong.

Civil-Military Participation in Hostility Model: Theorizing attack of security personnel by civilians and vice versa

Theorizing civilian attacks on military and police officers in Ghana, the author adopted the Direct Participation in Hostilities concept applied in International Humanitarian Law during war time to protect civilians in the “Civil-Military Participation in Hostility Model”. It seeks to theorize the factors coalescing into incidence of hostilities during peace time by civilians against agents of State Security and vice versa. The Direct Participation in Hostilities refers to the cancellation of security protection of civilians during war, when they opt to participate in hostilities caused by the enemy, military or police intervention or operations. That conduct evaporates the expectation of protection from the military or police personnel, which makes the civilians targets in war times. In peace time, when civilians attack security personnel for cause or without cause, the withdrawal of protective performative services by State Security services should be the same as if it is war time situation justified by the concepts of self-defence and State Security. The “Civil-Military Participation in Hostilities Model” is a constructivist and realist approach to the resulting harm either perpetrated by civilians on the security personnel or the security personnel attacks due to civilian infractions or breach of public order. The eruption of hostilities from either angle may be due to the absence of a capable guardian or legal framework; and the absence of culpability, probity and accountability in security services delivery post-facto.

Governance of family food security and sustainable planning. The case of the municipality of Santiago de Cuba

Governance is a process that enables communication and cooperation between the government, other public institutions, social organizations, and families. In Cuba, the recent approval in 2020 of the Food Sovereignty and Nutrition Education Plan implies strengthening governance as a catalyst for family food security (SAF). However, incorporating sustainable planning to promote food security from dimensions that describe eating practices in Cuban homes still needs to be improved. This research aims to assess the links between governance and sustainable planning, to strengthen the dimensions of access, use, social capital, and cultural food capital, among others (SAF) in the Santiago de Cuba municipality. For this, the interview and survey methods are used. The first, to 20 families in a situation of social food vulnerability, and the second, to a sample of 300 households whose coexistence is not marked exclusively by the exposure mentioned earlier. The results point to poor communication among the social actors, generating food-destructuring practices. It is also visible the scarce insertion of these dimensions in planning to achieve greater family food sustainability. It is concluded that to achieve SAF, it is necessary to strengthen the interconnection of governance and sustainable planning from a relational perspective of the food field.

Research on platform data security governance strategy based on three-party evolutionary game

With the implementation of the overall national security concept, data security governance rises to a new strategic height. In this paper, for the incomplete status quo of digital service platforms, third-party testing organizations and government regulators in the construction of digital security, an evolutionary game model based on the above three parties is constructed. The model examines the strategic decision-making process, behavioral influences, and evolutionary stability of the three players, and is simulated and analyzed using MATLAB. The results show that the evolutionary system will reach the ideal stable state E(1,1,1), which corresponds to the combination of strategies: providing high-quality products, refusing to rent-seeking, and strict regulation. In order to guide the evolving system to reach the ideal stable state, this study puts forward some policy recommendations in terms of establishing a data security assessment mechanism, collaborative technology governance, and optimizing the governance architecture.

Potential impact of replacing the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine with 15-valent or 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the 1 + 1 infant schedule in England: a modelling study

Paediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) programmes in England using seven-valent PCV (PCV7) in 2006 and 13-valent PCV (PCV13) in 2010 have reduced vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease, but the overall effect has been reduced by an increase in invasive pneumococcal disease due to non-vaccine serotypes and serotype 3. We developed pneumococcal transmission models to investigate the potential effect on invasive pneumococcal disease of higher valency PCVs covering an additional two (ie, 15-valent PCV [PCV15]) or seven serotypes (ie, 20-valent PCV [PCV20]) in England. We conducted a modelling study using realistic, age-structured, and compartmental deterministic models fitted to carriage data from before the introduction of PCVs and invasive pneumococcal disease data from before and after the introduction of PCV7 and PCV13 in England from the UK Heath Security Agency invasive pneumococcal disease surveillance system. We estimated key parameters, including PCV7 and PCV13 efficacy against vaccine-type carriage and invasiveness of PCV7 serotypes; the additional serotypes in PCV13, PCV15 and PCV20; and non-vaccine serotypes. We simulated the effect of transitioning from PCV13 to PCV15 or PCV20 in infants under the current 1 + 1 vaccination schedule and investigated the effect of reduced carriage protection against PCV13 serotypes due to attenuation of immunogenicity in higher valency vaccines. Our results suggest that PCV15 might increase overall invasive pneumococcal disease as the reduction in vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease would be counterbalanced by an increase in non-PCV15 invasive pneumococcal disease. By contrast, PCV20 is projected to have a substantial impact on overall invasive pneumococcal disease due to higher invasiveness of the additional serotypes covered by PCV20 than the replacing non-vaccine serotypes. Reduced carriage protection against PCV13 serotypes with higher valency vaccines would amplify these effects. Replacing PCV13 with PCV20 is likely to have a substantial public health benefit, but PCV15 could potentially increase the overall burden of disease. UK Health Security Agency and National Institute of Health Research.

The Influence Of Employee Performance Competence On The Indonesian Coast Guard Ships

This research aims to determine (1) the influence of intellectual competence, emotional competence and social competence of employees on employee performance and, (2) the most dominant factors influencing employee performance on the State Ships of the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency or Indonesian Coast Guard (KN Bakamla RI) in 2023. There are the diverse competencies possessed by Bakamla employees who serve on the Republic of Indonesia's KN Bakamla cause less than optimal organizational performance so that an effort is needed to fill this gap. This research is mix method research, namely a combination of quantitative methods and qualitative methods. Data was collected using the methods (1) interviews, (2) documentation, and (3) questionnaires. Next, the data was processed and analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis, SPSS version 22 program and descriptive analysis. The results of the research show that employee competency influences employee performance at KN Bakamla RI, both partially and simultaneously. Partially, intellectual competence has a partial influence of 76.6% on performance, then emotional competence has a partial influence of 58.3% on performance, and social competence has a partial influence of 62.8% on performance. Simultaneously, intellectual competence, emotional competence, and social competence have a large influence on 62.3% of employee performance. There needs to be regular competency development so that employees can develop their competencies to further improve performance. This research was conducted in April-May 2024.

Analysis of Ambon City Community Interest in Investment in Government Securities (SBN) Perspective of Theory of Planned Behaviour

Analysis of Ambon City Community Interest in Investment in Government Securities (SBN) Perspective of Theory of Planned Behaviour

Molecular characterization of Streptococcus pyogenes (StrepA) non-invasive isolates during the 2022-2023 UK upsurge.

At the end of 2022 into early 2023, the UK Health Security Agency reported unusually high levels of scarlet fever and invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pyogenes (StrepA or group A Streptococcus). During this time, we collected and genome-sequenced 341 non-invasive throat and skin S. pyogenes isolates identified during routine clinical diagnostic testing in Sheffield, a large UK city. We compared the data with that obtained from a similar collection of 165 isolates from 2016 to 2017. Numbers of throat-associated isolates collected peaked in early December 2022, reflecting the national scarlet fever upsurge, while skin infections peaked later in December. The most common emm-types in 2022-2023 were emm1 (28.7 %), emm12 (24.9 %) and emm22 (7.7 %) in throat and emm1 (22 %), emm12 (10 %), emm76 (18 %) and emm49 (7 %) in skin. While all emm1 isolates were the M1UK lineage, the comparison with 2016-2017 revealed diverse lineages in other emm-types, including emm12, and emergent lineages within other types including a new acapsular emm75 lineage, demonstrating that the upsurge was not completely driven by a single genotype. The analysis of the capsule locus predicted that only 51 % of throat isolates would produce capsule compared with 78% of skin isolates. Ninety per cent of throat isolates were also predicted to have high NADase and streptolysin O (SLO) expression, based on the promoter sequence, compared with only 56% of skin isolates. Our study has highlighted the value in analysis of non-invasive isolates to characterize tissue tropisms, as well as changing strain diversity and emerging genomic features which may have implications for spillover into invasive disease and future S. pyogenes upsurges.

Trends in invasive Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) disease in England: 2012/13 to 2022/23

Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) conjugate vaccines have been highly successful in reducing the Hib disease worldwide. Recently, several European countries have reported an increase in invasive Hib disease. We aimed to describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, genomic trends, and outcomes of invasive Hib disease over the past 11 years in England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) conducts national surveillance of invasive H influenzae disease and hosts a national reference laboratory for confirmation and serotyping. General practitioners are contacted to complete a surveillance questionnaire for confirmed Hib cases. Invasive Hib isolates routinely undergo whole genome sequencing. During 2012/13-2022/23, there were 6,881 invasive H. influenzae infections, of which 5,852 (85%) were serotyped; most isolates (4,881, 83%) were non-typeable H. influenzae, followed by Hif (591, 10%), Hie (189, 3%), Hib (118, 2%) and Hia (54, 1.0%). The median age for invasive Hib disease was 51 years and most cases (84%, 99/118) were in adults. Children accounted for 19 cases (16%), including 13 (11%) in <1 year-olds and 6 (5%) in 1-5-year-olds. Bacteraemic pneumonia was the most common diagnosis (66/118, 56%). Hib case-fatality rate was 5.9% (7/118), with the last fatality reported in 2016. Among 64 sequenced strains during 2016/17-2022/2023, most (56/64, 88%) belonged to the CC6 lineage (representing ST6 and single locus variants of ST6). In England, invasive Hib disease remains rare with no evidence of any increase in incidence and is rarely fatal, affecting mainly adults with underlying conditions, who typically develop pneumonia.

Facility design and management. Strategies for high level biocontainment.

UK Health Security Agency is required to investigate the pathogenesis of emerging or re-emerging infections and to test novel interventions, such as vaccines and therapeutics against these and other diseases, such as tuberculosis and Ebola, that have a significant impact on human health world-wide. Research into the causative agents (mainly BSL 3 and 4) using a wide range of animal species as pre-clinical models brings a number of challenges in terms of effective biocontainment to address human safety whilst optimising delivery of scientific objectives and the welfare of the animals. Here we describe the strategies used for high containment of species that include mice, ferrets, hamsters, rabbits and macaques that have been infected with high consequence pathogens. To ensure relevance of these models we frequently challenge by the aerosol route and monitor the development of disease and protective or therapeutic efficacy by methodologies similar to those used in the clinic. We have devised methods of sampling that can inform on pathogenesis and immune function that include lung lavage and medical imaging such as computed tomography and positron emission tomography-computed tomography. Imaging assists our assessment of progression to disease whilst providing refinement in application of early humane endpoints. We have developed directional flow containment systems that provide quantifiable operator protection whilst allowing group housing and a wide range of enrichment strategies appropriate for each species. Furthermore, we have demonstrated our improvements in animal welfare through use of a software-based Animal Welfare Assessment Grid that was developed with help of NC3Rs funding and enables us to quantify the lifetime experience of animals.

Perbandingan Algoritma SIMON dan SPECK Dalam Pengamanan Citra Digital

Cryptography is a data security technique by encoding data that is to be kept secret so that the original meaning of the data can no longer be understood. SIMON and SPECK are modern cryptographic algorithms issued by the National Security Agency (NSA). SIMON and SPECK are said to be algorithms that are known for their efficiency and strong security. This research will compare the performance of the SIMON and SPECK algorithms in securing digital images. Comparisons were made by testing time performance, changes in file size, and the level of randomness of image files using the Unified Average Changing Intensity (UACI) and Number of Pixels Change Rate (NPCR) metrics. The research results show that the average encryption and decryption time required by the SIMON algorithm is greater when compared to the SPECK algorithm. The image file size resulting from encryption using the SIMON and SPECK algorithms both increased by 24% from the original image. The level of randomness of the resulting image based on the UACI value obtained using the SIMON algorithm was found to be an average of 19.65%, while the UACI value obtained using the SPECK algorithm was an average of 20.94%. This shows that there is a significant change in intensity between the original image and the encrypted image. However, not all pixels in the encrypted image change when compared to the original image, this is shown by the NPCR value obtained from the SIMON and SPECK algorithm encrypted image, with average results of 49.98% and 50.17%.

Artificial intelligence in state and municipal management: challenges and prospects

Relevance. In the modern world, artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the fastest growing areas of information technology, which is increasingly penetrating into various spheres of human activity. In the context of public and municipal management, AI is a technology that is able to automate and optimize work processes, improve the quality of services provided to citizens, and increase the level of security and transparency of government work.The purpose is to analyze the possibilities and risks of using artificial intelligence in state and municipal management, as well as to determine the prospects for its development in this area.Objectives: to analyze the advantages of using artificial intelligence in state and municipal management; to study the risks and challenges associated with its implementation; to analyze trends in the development of artificial intelligence in this area, as well as to determine the prospects for its use.Methodology. Empirical, theoretical, statistical and graphical representation methods were used in the course of scientific research.Results. The study revealed the advantages of AI in public administration (improving efficiency, improving the quality of services, transparency, security); risks and challenges were studied (lack of infrastructure, risk of privacy violations, problems of transparency of algorithms, risk of discrimination); trends in the development of AI were analyzed (e-government, optimization of workflows, personalization of services, monitoring of social media, security); the prospects of using AI (smart cities, virtual assistants, hybrid systems, decision support, cooperation with business, international cooperation) have been identified.Conclusions. Artificial intelligence can significantly improve the efficiency and quality of public and municipal administration. However, for the successful implementation of AI, it is necessary to solve problems such as the lack of infrastructure and qualified specialists, ensuring data security, transparency of algorithms and compliance with the regulatory framework. To do this, it is necessary to conduct further research, develop integrated approaches and take into account world experience. The prospects for using AI include the creation of smart cities, the use of virtual assistants, hybrid systems, decision support systems, business cooperation and international cooperation.

A smart-contract-based adaptive security governance architecture for smart city service interoperations

Smart cities represent a promising paradigm aimed at enhancing citizens’ quality of life through cutting-edge infrastructure and technological advancements. Collaborative services serve as a cornerstone for any smart city, fostering seamless cooperation among diverse entities, including government agencies, businesses, and individuals, thereby enhancing community outcomes. These services are pivotal, promoting seamless communication and collaboration among various smart applications, and facilitating data exchange, resource sharing, and functional interactions within smart city environments to optimize efficiency, effectiveness, and user experiences. However, the development and deployment of secure, interoperable services in smart cities present significant challenges. These issues encompass, ensuring data security compliance during interoperation, effective management of interconnected services, securely handling sensitive data across services, and addressing issues related to confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) traits. To tackle these challenges, this research proposes an innovative adaptive security governance framework tailored for smart cities. This framework relies on dynamic security policies implemented through smart contracts to guarantee data security and privacy during smart service interoperation. Real-world use cases in collaborative smart city environments validate the framework, integrating multi-chain blockchain technology, smart services APIs, and Software-Defined Networking (SDN), showcasing its ability to enhance security and efficiency in collaborative services. This study contributes to the development of safe and efficient collaborative services inside smart cities, tackling administrative issues while emphasizing data security and privacy. Smart cities may improve citizens’ living conditions while successfully addressing crucial security problems in an ever-changing environment by using this architecture.

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORM: AN IMPETUS FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND POLITICAL SECURITY IN NIGERIA

Over the last decade, the Nigerian government has undertaken a wide ranging policy, institutional, and legal initiatives to enhance the country’s public service delivery. Despite these efforts, the nation has grappled with a myriad of issues that still undermine good governance and political security. These challenges include weak institutional capacity, corruption, poor leadership, inadequate public service delivery, political instability, limited resources, poor infrastructure, and a shortage of skilled human resources. This paper examines the strategies and mechanisms employed by public administrators in Nigeria to enhance good governance and political security, analyses the impact of effective public administration on political stability and security and identifies the challenges affecting the implementation of good governance principles through public administration in Nigeria. The study has adopted the New Public Management Theory proposed by Hood in 1991 and relied on secondary data. Findings from the study show that Nigerian public administration has undergone a series of reforms to enhance good governance and political security through various strategies and mechanisms such as capacity building, international cooperation, and ethical conduct. The study also reveals that corruption and lack of accountability, bureaucratic bottlenecks and insufficient capacity among others have been identified as challenges of the implementation of good governance principles in Nigeria. The paper recommends that the encouragement and promotion of transparency and accountability be given top priority; citizen participation should also be encouraged in the planning and decision-making process; empowering local governments through the allocation of adequate resources to foster political security. The paper also recommends the establishment of a proper recruitment base to promote professionalism and meritocracy in the public service.

Obesidade abdominal está associado com níveis de estresse em militares

Introduction: The modern lifestyle, marked by an intense routine and inadequate diet, contributes to the increase in Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), especially obesity, which can be influenced by stress. The relationship between stress, nutritional status and NCDs lacks comprehensive studies, especially when it concerns public security professionals. Objective: To evaluate the abdominal obesity and its association with stress symptoms in military personnel in the metropolitan region of a Brazilian capital. Methods: The study is part of the "SOMA-SI" program, which investigated the health of public security agents in Espírito Santo between April and December 2022. The sample included police officers, firefighters and municipal guards (n=213). Healthy adult military personnel were included and those on leave or under psychiatric treatment were excluded. Among the variables measured were blood pressure measurements, anthropometric assessment and Lipp Stress Symptom Inventory. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) v. 25 for Windows® was used for statistical analyses. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney tests were performed at 5% significance, exploring associations between categorical variables and differences in median stress scores. Results: The sample consisted of 216 participants, predominantly men (75.5%) and non-white (63.7%), revealing 61.6% with more than 15 years of work, 81.1% with income above six salaries minimum and 77.3% with completed higher education. Military police officers represented the majority (67.6%), with 72.2% being parents, 57.9% alcohol consumers and 9.3% smokers. The majority had excess body fat (70.8%) and weight (77.3%). Statistical associations were observed between waist perimeter and stress symptoms (p = 0.004). Conclusion: The study revealed an association between abdominal adiposity and stress in military personnel, highlighting the high incidence of stress symptoms and excess weight in the sample. Associations were also identified between blood glucose, blood pressure and demographic factors. However, it highlights the importance of more comprehensive studies to understand the impact of stress on the health of security agents.

From Battlefield to Border: The Evolving Use of Drones in Surveillance Operations

In recent decades, drone technology has undergone rapid advancements, making it a vital tool in various surveillance operations. Initially limited to the battlefield, the use of drones has now expanded to various civilian applications, including border monitoring, law enforcement, and environmental surveillance. This shift is driven by enhancements in drone capabilities, including extended range, endurance, and sensor technology. This study employs a qualitative approach using case studies to analyze the evolution of drone usage in surveillance operations. Data were collected through literature reviews, interviews with industry experts, and analysis of reports from security and defense agencies. The study also compares the effectiveness of drone-based surveillance operations with traditional methods through statistical analysis and field operational evaluations. The findings indicate that drone usage significantly enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of surveillance operations. Drones enable wider area coverage at lower costs and reduced risks compared to conventional methods. Additionally, drones equipped with advanced sensors facilitate more accurate and real-time data collection, which is crucial in critical security situations. The study also identifies major challenges in drone usage, including regulatory issues, privacy concerns, and the integration of technology with existing systems. The evolving use of drones in surveillance operations shows great potential in enhancing security and efficiency across various sectors. However, a balanced approach between technological innovation and regulatory frameworks is necessary to address existing challenges and maximize the benefits of this technology.

Untargeted LC-HRMS applied to microcystin-producing cyanobacterial cultures for the evaluation of the efficiency of chlorine-based treatments commonly used for water potabilization

Cyanobacteria in water supplies are considered an emerging threat, as some species produce toxic metabolites, cyanotoxins, of which the most widespread and well-studied are microcystins. Consumption of contaminated water is a common exposure route to cyanotoxins, making the study of cyanobacteria in drinking waters a priority to protect public health. In drinking water treatment plants, pre-oxidation with chlorinated compounds is widely employed to inhibit cyanobacterial growth, although concerns on its efficacy in reducing cyanotoxin content exists. Additionally, the effects of chlorination on abundant but less-studied cyanometabolites (e.g. cyanopeptolins whose toxicity is still unclear) remain poorly investigated. Here, two chlorinated oxidants, sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) and chlorine dioxide (ClO2), were tested on the toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa, evaluating their effect on cell viability, toxin profile and content. Intra- and extracellular microcystins and other cyanometabolites, including their degradation products, were identified using an untargeted LC-HRMS approach. Both oxidants were able to inactivate M. aeruginosa cells at a low dose (0.5 mg L−1), and greatly reduced intracellular toxins content (>90%), regardless of the treatment time (1–3 h). Conversely, a two-fold increase of extracellular toxins after NaClO treatment emerged, suggesting a cellular damage. A novel metabolite named cyanopeptolin-type peptide-1029, was identified based on LC-HRMSn (n = 2, 3) evidence, and it was differently affected by the two oxidants. NaClO led to increase its extracellular concentration from 2 to 80–100 μg L−1, and ClO2 induced the formation of its oxidized derivative, cyanopeptolin-type peptide-1045. In conclusion, pre-oxidation treatments of raw water contaminated by toxic cyanobacteria may lead to increased cyanotoxin concentrations in drinking water and, depending on the chemical agent, its dose and treatment duration, also of oxidized metabolites. Since the effects of such metabolites on human health remain unknown, this issue should be handled with extreme caution by water security agencies involved in drinking water management.

Nuclear and Radiological Material Smuggling in the Indian Ocean: Implications for India’s Coastal Security

Incidents of nuclear and radiological smuggling in the Indian Ocean are a matter of concern. Attempts to smuggle nuclear material within India have also been reported as recently as 2021. Indian security agencies previously have also seized natural uranium in coastal states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra and Bengal indicating how vulnerable the Indian coast is to radiological and nuclear smuggling. The Nuclear Security Index has also consistently ranked India below China and Pakistan despite their poor record on nuclear non-proliferation. These facts highlight concerns regarding the possible misuse of nuclear and radiological material by criminal and terrorist networks. Since India is targeted by terrorist groups and lies in the vicinity of countries and routes that see frequent nuclear and radiological trafficking, there are inevitable implications for the Indian coastal security system. This article identifies and analyses these security implications and argues for a beefing up of India’s coastal security.